Page 8
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 / Vol. 46 No. 38
“100 Years Young”: Leon Davis Celebrates a Century of Living!
Page 3
50c
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Against All Odds Gov. Paterson Launches Campaign for Election Despite the Polls and Vicious, Unfair, Media attacks Page 4 Rochester’s David Gantt For Paterson Page 7
Darnell Jackson Keepin’It Real:
In Defense of Gov. Paterson Pg.11
“Our Story”: Celebrating Black History T
Inside: Lil’ Wayne ‘Twitters’ His Way To Jail...PAGE 8
“Our history did not begin in chains, and it will not end in chains.” Historian J.A. Rogers Chronicles the Amazing Accomoplishments of African People
he Ganges sacred river of India was named after the most famous of Ethiopian Kings, King Ganges, who invaded and conquered Asia as far as this river. *Elam, a mighty civilization of Persia, flourished about 2900 B.C. and it is perhaps older than Egypt or Ethiopia. One of its later Black kings, Kudur Nakunta, conquered Chaldea and Babylon and brought back rich treasurers to his capital, Susa. Susa is the Shushan of the Bible where Esther sought the favor of King Ahaserus of Persia and Ethiopia. *Cheops, a Black man, built the Great Pyramid, One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It is 451 feet high, has 2,500,000 blocks of granite, each two and a half tons, and covers 13 acres. It took, 100,000 men 30 years to build and was completed in 3730 B.C. *There were at least 18 Ethiopian or unmixed Black rulers of ancient Egypt, the best known of which is Piankhi. Leaving his country in Central Africa, Piankhi conquered all Egypt to the mouth of the Nile in 750 B.C. *The most ancient lineage in the world is that of the Ethiopian royal family. The Emperor Haile Selassi I, ruler of Ethiopia, traced his ancestry to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and beyond that to Cush, 6280 B.C. *Blacks lived in America thousands of years before Columbus. Central American monuments show numerous carvings of them as gods. When Columbus came to the New World, Blacks had been crossing from Africa to South America a distance of 1,600 miles. *Imhotep of ancient Egypt was the real Father of Medicine. He lived about 2300 B.C. Greece and Rome learned their knowledge of medicine from him. In Rome he was worshiped as the Prince of Peace in the form of a Black man. His Ethiqpian portraits show him as African. The saying, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die,” has been traced to him. Hippocrates, the so-called “Father Medicine, lived 2,000 years after Imhotep! *The oldest and most noted statue in the world bears the face of an African. It is the Sphinx of Gizeh, which was worshipped as Horus, the Sun God of Light and Life. It was erected about 5,000 B.C. The devil, which is now depicted as Black, was once portrayed as White. When the Black man dominated the planet he painted the forces of evil, white. When the Whites came into power they shifted the colors. *On November 15, 218 B.C., Hannibal, a full-blooded Blackman, marching through conquered territory in Spain and France, performed the astounding feat of crossing the Alps. With only 2 6,000 of his original
Malcolm X’s Legacy Ignored 45 Years After His Murder Page 11
Continued Page 12
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164
Page 9
Gossip, Rumors and The New York Times: A Response Page 12
SPEAK OUT!
Let The Challenger and WNY know what is on your mind. Send your e-mails to: editor@thechallengernews.com Page 3
The Challenger
INSIDE ROCHESTER
Around Town:
Bishop McKenzie to Keynote Delta Founders Day Luncheon in Rochester Vashti M. McKenzie, the first woman ever elected bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest speaker at the Founders Day Luncheon of the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The luncheon is open to the public and will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main Street in Rochester. Tickets are $40 per person. Last year, Bishop McKenzie was appointed by President Barack Obama to the 25-member national advisory council to the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. MARSHA She is national chaplain of the Delta Sigma Theta, a JONES nonprofit, predominantly Black, public service organization of college-educated women. Bishop McKenzie was elected the first woman bishop in the more than 200-year history of the AME Church in 2000. Five years later, she became president of the church’s national Council of Bishops. She is currently bishop of the church’s 13 district which covers the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Other honors Bishop McKenzie has received include being named one of Ebony magazine’s 150 Most Influential and Powerful People in Black America, one of Ebony’s 15 Greatest African American Female Preachers and Gospel Today magazine’s Top 20 Most Influential Pastors and Christian Leaders in the Last 20 Years. To obtain luncheon tickets or more information, call (585) 234-2200.
Rochester Briefs Awards Luncheon
The 20th Annual Awards Luncheon, which recognizes individuals from our community who exemplify and promote peaceful conflict resolution. will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 11:45a.m. at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY. The speaker this year is Joel Seligman, President of the University of Rochester and the emcee is Norma Holland, 13 WHAM News.
Savior’s Chapel to Feature Showing of Movie “The Prodigal”
Please join The Savior’s Chapel in the showing of the Billy Graham’s “The Prodigal,” the dramatic, true-to-life story of one family’s struggle to put the pieces back together, a journey that would bring them all home back to their heavenly Father. The movie will be presented at The Savior’s Chapel, 595 English Rd. in Greece, on Saturday February 27, at 6 p.m. Desserts will be served after the movie. Please contact the church office 621 - 1899 with any questions. Come and bring friends and family! *FEB 27- RADISSON HOTEL “Go Red For Women” (heart survivors) Whitney Marchelle - guitar vocal with Bassis Quinn Lawrence. 12 noon $30.00 includes luncheon Louise Slaughter Speaker *FEB 28 - MEMORIAL ART GALLERY “Black History Month”Whitney Marchelle - Piano & Vocal with banD Tony Hiler - drums; Quinn Lawrence - Bass; Sunny Miles 1st - piano Mel Henderson - Guitar *March 22- EASTMAN KILBOURNE HALL -”Woman In Jazz” 12 noon Whitney Marchelle - piano vocal, with bassit *March 13 - THE SHRINE -ADAMA CLAYTON POWEL 133/135TH ST NYC LADY GOT CHOPS FESTIVAL WHITNEY MARCHELLE Vocalist Featuring Pianist Bertha Hope on Fender Rhodes.
Page 2
We’ll Never Turn Back - A Concert With Mavis Staples
The Cold Case Justice Initiative presents a concert with legendary artist and civil rights activist MAVIS STAPLES on Saturday, February 27 at 5 p.m., in Goldstein Auditorium, in the Schine Student Center, Syracuse University. Tickets are $20/students and $25/general public, and are available at the Schine Center Box Office. journalists, community activists and advocates who are working on these cases. It’s Never Too Late For Justice - A Conversation With Civil Rights Era Cold Case Activists is the topic of a panel discussion that takes place prior to the concert on Saturday, at the Schine Student Center, Rooms 304 A-C, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. The panel discussion is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required for the panel discussion *February 25: Haiti Relief Benefit Concert, German House, 6 p.m. to midnight *19th Ward Community Association Candlelight Potluck Dinner, Sat. Feb. 27, 216 Thurston Rd.; (585)328-6571 for info. Or email 19thward@19wca. org * Black Heritage Book Club will be held February 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. John Fisher College’s Haffey Hall, 690 East Avenue. *Black Heritage Gala on Saturday, February 27, at 6 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom, 125 East Main Street. Tickets are $40.For more information, call 428-9857.
Rochesterian Made ‘Taps’ a Bit More Bearable Can anyone think of a song that more closely matches its words as does “Taps.” This mournful piece owes its continuing “popularity” to the saddest of events-the death of young men and women as well as older veterans. The “Taps” scene these days continues to be repeated over and over at urban and rural gravesites as Americans honor their fallen from the Iraqi War. As unfortunate as these occurrences are, it use to be worse, until Albert Little changed things. In keeping with the theme of February as Black History Month it is interesting to note that this Rochester African American was instrumental in the tradition surrounding the playing of “Taps” at military ceremonies. Little, a former Army bugler and a Korean War veteran, was a member of the Quartermaster Crops, played an important role in the relieving some of the tension from military funerals. Back in the 50s it was the practice for bugler to stand at the graveside to perform this duty thus commanding a scene. It was Little who suggested tohis commanding officer at Fort Lee Grave Registration: Let the bugler stand a short distance away during “Taps.”Tthe scenario Little brought about has continued to the present day. Little who spent his younger years in North Carolina, moved to Rochester in 1984 to help take care of an ill aunt. Now, at 74 he has become something of a role model.
Scenes from SuperBowl XLIV and the Snoop Bowl - with plenty of celerbrities to go around...PHOTOS JEROME DAVIS
Snoop Bowl VIII a Big Success! BY GEORGE RADNEY
By now it’s old news that the New Orleans Saints were the big winners at SuperBowl XLIV beating the Colts 31-17 . (The Saints secondary jumped routes throughout the fourth quarter led by former Buffalo Bill Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter). Said Greer: “I would like to thank all the fans of Western New York for treating me with respect during my playing days with The Buffalo Bills, and hope Buffalo will be able to reach this pinnacle status soon.” But few have probably heard about the Snoop Bowl, which is played yearly at the Super Bowl. The Snoop Bowl, started by entertainment icon Snoop Dogg, has grown into a must attend event during Super Bowl weekend. The inaugural season of the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL) was in the fall of 2005, with over 1,300 kids in the Los Angeles area participating. The season began in September and included seven regular season games and a three week playoff, concluding with the Super Bowl at the end of November. SYFL all-star teams were chosen and participants traveled to Houston, TX. In fact each year an all-star team is selected to travel to another city to compete with children from the other football leagues. This has provided many opportunities for many children to ride on an airplane, travel to states that they never dreamed of going, and play in the most prestigious stadiums throughout United States. The SYFL has saved the lives of several of our youths by creating a place for them to go after school hours and weekends. Fathers have been brought back to their families and have taken on important roles, such as mentors to their sons and to other young males. To learn more about SYFL visit their website at www.snoopyfl.net. This year’s games were played at Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium in Miami, Florida. The SYFL all-stars played against a South Florida All Star team in a defensive battle, which was won in the last six minutes of the game by South Florida 14-12. This contest was a hard hitting affair with both teams turning the ball. The earlier game featured Naperville Patriots (Chicago, Ill.) defeating Deion Sanders Dallas Truth Select AllStars. The Revealing Truth Marching Lions Band performance along with its step team at Halftime was outstanding along with the Soul Food sold at the concession stands. Flo Rida, DJ Klaled, Ace Hood, Ball Greezy, JW were all good performances with a family like atmosphere In between the games on a sunny but cool Saturday afternoon. The state of the art astro-turf field allowed the 13-14 year olds to show off their skills in front of a very appreciative audience of over 5,000 people. This event is truly a labor of love that the community has invested their time, and fathers are at the forefront supporting their kids. Thanks to Snoop Dogg for being involved and getting others in his community to support the endeavor!
The 11th Annual NFL Gospel Fest was Outstanding
The NFL Players Association sponsored Gospel Fest was taken to the next level by Co-host BeBe & Cece Winans, and Philadelphia Eagles Star quarterback Donovan McNabb. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
The Challenger
Are a B r i e fs
Five Buffalo Public Schools Lt. Colonel Pier Murray Durst Removed From New York State Making Buffalo Proud Surr List The daughDr. James A.Williams has announced that the New York State Education Department has removed five Buffalo schools from its SURR (Schools Under Registration Review) list for meeting their State assigned academic achievement targets. The schools are: *BEST School #6 *Harvey Austin School (formerly Poplar Academy #11) *Futures Academy #37 *Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy #76 *West Hertel Elementary School #94 This brings the number of schools removed from this State watch list to 12 over the past three years. Dr. Williams credits the hard work of school staff, central office staff and students for the improvement demonstrated at these schools. He notes that the District has in place an Academic Achievement Plan that includes clear academic goals and a rigorous implementation of researched based programs in all Buffalo Schools. Teachers are trained in these programs and are provided with classroom coaching support. In addition, these 12 schools are all part of the plan developed by the district and the Buffalo Teachers Federation under the New York State Contract For Excellence that includes an extra hour of instruction each day, smaller class sizes, additional teacher professional development, and 20 extra full days for students each summer. These schools are all under the direct leadership of Community Superintendent Frances Wilson. Superintendent Williams cautions that while these schools should be applauded for the growth they have shown and the effort that went into meeting the State academic targets, he is not yet satisfied with achievement levels district wide. “Although we are moving in the right direction” he states, “we will not be satisfied until all of our students are prepared to graduate from high school in four years and move on to college or a post-secondary school career. That is our ultimate goal.” The District plans to continue implementation of the Academic Achievement Plan and structural changes similar to those in place under the Contract For Excellence, for the schools recently designated as “persistently low achieving”, a newly developed New York State accountability designation.
Black History Month Lecture Dr. and Mrs. Walter Williams will host a Black History lecture event on the topic, “Spirituality vs Religion: The Myths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism Exposed” on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 5-9 p.m. at the William Street Branch YMCA, 585 William Street. Dr. Williams is the author of the books, “The Historical Origin of Christianity” and “The Historical Origin of Islam.” Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information call (716) 465-0749. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
ter of local businessperson, Virginia Chapman Murray, Lt. Col. Pier Murray Durst was trained to be a productive citizen behind the counters of both of Ms. Murray’s former businesses - the former Community Mart on East Delavan and the former Gin’s Mini Mall on the corner of Bailey and East Delavan Avenues. All of that training paid off because on January 15 Major Durst was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Lt. Colonel Durst received her undergraduate degree from Canisius College and her graduate Degree (Masters in Computer Resources and Information Systems Management) from the University of Maryland. Most importantly, she is a mother of three and married to Jonathan W. Durst (Retired Army). Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service, Korean Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon with the numeral three. Congratulations Lt. Colonel Durst!
Thompson Celebrates Black History Month by Honoring Professional African American Firefighters NYS Senator Antoine M. Thompson is joining with the Buffalo African American Committee to honor our professional African American Firefighters. The event will take place on Saturday, February 27 at the Tri-Main Center at 2495 Main Street in Buffalo from 6 to 9 p.m.. Senator Thompson and the Buffalo African American Committee (BAAC) are teaming up to recognize and salute our professional African American firefighters for their commitment, dedication and sacrifices with a celebration of community love and support. For ticket information, call (716)563-7363 as there are only a limited number of tickets available. A portion of the proceeds will be deposited into a BAAC scholarship fund. Catering for this event will be provided by The 2nd Cup along with a jazz ensemble from Beautiful Music.
“100 Years Young”: Leon Davis Celebrates a Century of Living! By Jennifer Davis
I
t takes approximately nine months for a child to be born. The Empire State Building was built in one year and 45 days. An entire field of seeds and soil can grow into long, winding mazes of corn anywhere between fifty-eight to one hundred days. So, imagine what can be done in one hundred years. On February 17, 2010, Leon Davis celebrated his 100th birthday with family and well wishers who gathered at the Lutheran Church Home on E. Delavan for the event. NYS Senator Antoine M. Thompson was among those who attended the celebration for Mr. Leon Davis and presented him with a proclamation. “It’s an honor to recognize a centurian such as Mr. Davis, he is an inspiration to all and testimony to healthy living,” stated Senator Thompson. A native Mississippian, Mr. Davis, remarkably alert and healthy in apperarence, was born in Gloster to John and Louvenia, and is the only surviving sibling Leon Davis at 100. of seven sisters and one brother. The year that he was born, a seventeen year old earning twenty cents an hour was able to live a comfortable life. The average starting salary for a college graduate was $750 a year. A family of five could eat well for a week on $3.90. A loaf of bread cost three cents and milk was only thirty cents. Gas cost $ .07 which seems unimaginable with today’s preferred average of $3.89 per gallon. For football fans, a barrel of beer cost $7, and a case containing 36 pint bottles was priced at $1.75. Mr. Davis shares his birthday with many landmark events, such as, • 1801 Thomas Jefferson became the 2nd US President • 1817 First US city was lit by gas (Baltimore) • 1819 The United States House of Representatives passed the Missouri Compromise. • 1878 First telephone exchange in San Francisco opens with 18 phones • 1941 Joe Louis KO’ed Gus Dorazio in 2 for heavyweight boxing title • 1964 US House of Reps ratified Law on the civil rights As a centurion, this NY Yankees fan has made his own history. He wed the late Margaret (Stewart), also of Gloster, and had five children-- Leon Davis Jr., Marjorie (Davis) Johnson [Deceased] , Howard Davis, Louvenia Davis [Deceased] and Jeffrey Murray. He later wed the late Addie Turner from Memphis, Tennessee. From his union, he has 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. In 1928, Mr. Davis worked at a saw mill in Crosby, Mississippi, then moved to Gary Indiana in 1946 and worked at Republic Steel. He then moved to Buffalo, NY in 1948 and worked at Bethlehem Steel and retired from the steel plant in May, 1972. This early riser still wakes up every morning at 5am. When asked him how it feels to be turning 100 years old, he said, “[I’m] Glad to be here and
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M.
CELEBRATION! Leon Davis (6th from left) is surrounded by his grands and great grands on his 100th birthday last week. Pictured right, State Senator Antoine Thompson delivers a proclaimation to Mr. Davis.
don’t have any pain in my body”. Still enjoying his favorite foodsshrimp and lemon cake, he attests his longevity to plenty of rest and still cooking his own meals, and the attention and camaraderie he receives in his Assisted Living Home. He stated, “I was just tired of cooking for myself.”
McKinley H.S. Sponsors 8th Annual African & African-American History and American Diversity Conference Buffalo – McKinley High School is pleased to announce its Eighth Annual African and African-American History and American Diversity Conference to be held Friday and Saturday, February 26-27. Sponsored by McKinley High School, the National Consortium for The Preservation And Teaching of African And African American History, African-American Pioneers in Education, HSBC Diversity Committee, Buffalo State Talent Search and Liberty Partnership Programs, a part of this year’s focus will be on highlighting the people of Haiti and their struggle to rebuild their country,the first black republic in the free world. The theme of this year’s conference is: “The People In The Mirror: With our Eyes On Haiti, That She May Rise Again.” As a part of the celebration of Black History, McKinley will host a number of activities. The Annual Legacy Luncheon will be held on February 16th honoring WNY African American Musicians from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s;The Annual “African American History Quiz Bowl” will be held on February 23rd-24th; the Annual “African American Read In” will be held on the 25th; as well as the Annual “Black College Fair” and Essay and Poster contests. For the first time, the conference will establish the Annual Gospel Music and Hall of Fame Awards of WNY. The Conference opens on Friday, February 26 at 6 p.m. with a reception with Guest Speakers and workshop presenters. Speakers include: L. Nathan Hare, Local Historian and CEO of the Buffalo Community Action Organization who will present the History of Haiti followed by a message from the opening Keynote Speaker, Dr. Sheila Evans-Tranumn, retired Associate Commissioner of Education for the New York State Education Department. Among the conference activities are: performances by Clark Academy, Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Gospel Choir, City Honors African Dance Troupe, Westminster Community Charter School Band, Black Memorabilia Lessons and Exhibit by Gail Deculus Johnson, of Sable Images Inc., of Los Angeles, California, and other performances by WNY gospel music artists. On Saturday, February 27 conference workshops begin at 8:55a.m. with a multi media presentation in character education and diversity by Camfel Productions of Los Angeles, California. Called “Balance of Power” which challenges students to focus on their potential instead of their limitations. The morning sessions also include Cultural workshops for students in: Latin American, Italian American, Native American, Asian American, African American Studies and the French influence on Haiti, followed by a luncheon. Health Awareness Information will be shared by Wellness Interactive Inc., New Jersey. All activities will be held at McKinley High School 1500 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York. Please call 716-816-4480 for more information.
TISERS! Page 3
The Challenger
WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP
Rumor Confirmed: “I will run for Governor!”
Farrakhan To Speak At 80th Anniversary Of Saviours’ Day By Leroy Baylor
M
edia has used various strategies to destroy or marginalize the image of Black leaders since slavery as witnessed by attacks on New York’s governor, and on an activist council person in New York City. However, there are growing instances where the orchestrated attacks only serve to fuel the popularity of a black leader. An example is Minister Louis Farrakhan who has won many fans with his skillful debates in media. When the Nation of Islam leader was ailing in 2006, his organization was administered by a council structure. In December, 2009, the Electronic Frontier Foundation exposed a document authored by a division of Homeland Security titled, “Nation of Islam: Hon Min. Farrakhan Uncertain Leadership Succession Poses Risk”. The 2007 report points to the period prior to Minister Farrakhan’s 2007, Saviours’ Day speech at the Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan when media anticipated his ‘nonappearance’. However, when he arrived the packed stadium erupted in a chorus of “All Praise is due to Allah”, “Farrakhan, Farrakhan”, and “Allah-U- Akbar”. It was the kind of jubilant reception not reported by the white media but is expected to occur again this Sunday, February 28 as Minister Farrakhan mounts the stage at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Minister Abdul Haffeez, the New York representative of Minister Farrakhan, observed that this Saviours’ Day speech can be expected to cover significant events, including the wars, President Obama, growing poverty and joblessness among black people, the treatment of the Haitians and the inhabitants of New Orleans following Katrina. “Yet,” Minister Hafeez stated, “the message will focus on what we must do to save ourselves; and, the responsibility of Nation of Islam believers for the role as saviours within our communities, sharing the knowledge we have from the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.” Members of Mosque No. 7 in Harlem offered insights into the value of attending the Saviours’ Day address. “I was associated with the Nation since 1972 when I went to Black Family Day events, bazaars and dinners,” says Brother Ernest. “But it wasn’t until I came to Albany, New York where I came into contact with Captain Romel in the Muslim’s study group and got a valuable understanding of the teachings. I am a professional skater known as the ‘Ace from Out’a Space’ and I thought you couldn’t perform and be in the Nation. Captain Romel cleared that up for me. This will be my first Saviours’ Day, this is too powerful to miss.” Sister Fajar said that in going to Saviours’ Day things that might appear to be going wrong turn out to “place you right where you need to be. Just being there is so uplifting to one’s health of mind and body. The unity is incredible,” she added. Sister Mary stated that she had a long relationship with the Nation before joining in 1993. “That was the year I first went to Saviours’ Day, “ she reflected, “and when I came into the gathering I knew that this was for me”. Sharieff Shabazz Muhammad of joined the Muslims in 1985 and states emphatically that, “Elijah and Farrakhan took me off drugs. I had nothing going for me and that first Saviours’ Day turned me around. I go each year and I’ve been to Mecca four times. The Nation is true brotherhood.” This is the 80th anniversary of the appearance of Master Fard Muhammad in Detroit where he found and guided Elijah Poole into the leadership of the Nation of Islam. Friday thru Sunday features workshops with Susan Taylor, of Essence; Dr. Iyania Vanzant, Allen Hughes, film director of “The Book of Eli”. Frank Lucas and ‘Freeway’ Rick Ross join to deliver a message to youth on the genocidal effect of drugs on Blacks.
The CEO of Red Lobster and Olive Garden
Each week tens of thousands of diners eat at an Olive Garden or Red Lobster restaurant. Few of these diners know that the CEO heading these large restaurant chains is a black man. Clarence Otis Jr. Is the CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., the largest casual dining operator in the nation. The firm operates nearly 1,400 companyowned restaurants coast to coast serving 300 million meals annually. Darden employs 150,000 workers and has annual revenues of $6 billion. Born in Vicksburg , Mississippi , Otis moved to Los Angeles when he was 6 years old. His father was a high school dropout who worked as a janitor. The family lived in Watts at the time of the 1965 riots. In the post-Watts period, Otis recalls being stopped and questioned by police several times a year because of the color of his skin. A high school guidance counselor recommended him for a scholarship at Williams College , The highly selective liberal arts institution in Massachusetts . Otis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams and went on to earn a law degree at Stanford. Otis landed on Wall Street as a merger and acquisitions attorney for J.P.. Morgan Securities. He joined Darden Restaurants in 1995 as corporate treasurer. He became CEO in 2004. How many of us—or anyone else—knew this?! (But we heard all about Michael Vick, didn’t we?) Things have got to change. Page 4
Gov. Paterson launches election bid HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- David Paterson launched his campaign for a full four-year term as governor Saturday with a combative campaign speech that mocked recent reports about his job performance and personal life. “After all you have heard, there’s one rumor I will confirm: I am running for governor this year,” Paterson said to a crowd of about 400 at Hofstra University. “They haven’t knocked us down yet, and they never will.” For two weeks, aides have been wrestling unsubstantiated rumors about the governor’s personal life and, in the past week, publicly criticized a lengthy New York Times profile that portrayed Paterson as distracted and disengaged. Conceding he’s had a “difficult past few weeks,” Paterson said he intends to press ahead. “Innuendo and ridicule and false rumors, they leave a long and lasting effect. And it’s no surprise that it comes in the middle of a budget process where special interests have a lot to lose, and at the beginning of a campaign,” Paterson said to cheers. “This is not about me. This is about the people of the state of New York.” Paterson’s announcement makes him the first Democrat in the race. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is expected to challenge Paterson in a primary. Cuomo is more popular in polls, among Democrats and, perhaps most importantly, with well-heeled
NAACP Elects Youngest Ever Board Chair NEW YORK, NY – The NAACP named Roslyn M. Brock as Chair of the Board of Directors at its Annual Board Meeting on February 20 at the New York Hilton. Brock, 44, became the youngest ever and fourth woman to serve as Chair of the N A A C P ’s Board of Directors. A highly qualified candidate, her NAACP resumé boasts more than 25 years of service to the NAACP in many capacities, including as a youth board member, Youth and College State Conference President, board member, and Vice Chair to the Board of Directors. Brock also created the annual NAACP Leadership 500 Summit, and has served as Chair of the Board Convention Planning Committee. She officially announced her candidacy last August after her predecessor Julian Bond declared his retirement from the Chairman position. Bond endorsed Brock’s candidacy.
campaign donors. He’s sitting on a $16 million campaign account and hasn’t even said yet whether he’ll run; Paterson has about $3 million. Leaked reports last September said President Barack Obama was among those who have pressured Paterson to step aside in the name of party Paterson became governor in March 2008 after Eliot Spitzer resigned amid a prostitution scandal. Early on, the won warm reviews for his collegial relations with the Legislature, where he spent 20 years as a deal making senator. It was a sharp contrast to the surly Spitzer who tried unsuccessfully to bully his agenda through the partisan state Capitol.
African American Transexual in the White House Back in November, Helena Bushong, a Transgender Activist from Illinois Gender Advocates, became the first African American transgendered woman in the White House and the second Transexual ever. The Chicagobased transgender advocate, joined HIV experts in December as the first transgender representative to attend a White House National Strategy Meeting back. Bushong joined experts on HIV/ AIDS, including women with HIV, policy makers, community-based service providers, civil rights lawyers, and researchers. The participants examined approaches to HIV prevention and integrated care, disparities, and related issues to inform the national HIV/AIDS strategy.
Haiti Leader Says Quake Toll Could Reach 300,000
The president of Haiti said Sunday the death toll from his country’s earthquake could reach 300,000 once all the bodies are recovered from wrecked buildings.
legal SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Index No. 11966/09. STATE OF NEW YORK. SUPREME COURT. COUNTY OF ERIE. KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, -vs- THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED, and all persons who are wives, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; PRISCILLA SHARP, CONNELL SHARP, OLLIE F. SHARP AND TANYA D. HUNTER, AS HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED; NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY A/S/O HARRY O. FLOWERS JR. AND STELLA FLOWERS; CITIMORTGAGE INC.; THE CITY OF BUFFALO; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Mortgaged Premises: 232 FLORIDA STREET, BUFFALO, N.Y. 14208. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that there is a deficiency in the sale proceeds, a deficiency judgment may be entered against you. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. ERIE County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises. Dated: December 21, 2009. FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Office and P.O. Address, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, N.Y. 14614, Telephone No. (585) 325-6202. (DISTRICT: SECTION: 89.82, BLOCK: 5, LOT: 43). NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION. The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of ERIE, State of New York on September 21, 2001, in Liber 12948 of Mortgages, at page 6946. TO THE DEFENDANT, except CONNIE M. SHARP, DECEASED, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Russell P. Buscaglia, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of N.Y., dated February 2, 2010 and filed along with the supporting papers in the Erie County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage. The premises is described as follows: Beginning at a point in the northerly line of Florida Street One Hundred Fifty (150) feet westerly from the westerly line of Pleasant Place, being a plot Thirty-One (31) feet by One Hundred Six (106) feet by Thirty-One (31) feet by One Hundred Six (106) feet. Premises known as 232 Florida Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
The Challenger
HEALTH MATTERS
The Benefits Of Raw Honey B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are essential for a healthy body. They are both water soluble; which means they are continuously transported out of the body with each visit to the rest room. Since these vitamins are not stored in the body and the body does not manufacture them, it becomes vitally important to include them in the daily diet. B-complex vitamins have a direct effect on the perforBARBARA mance of the nervous and digestive systems. Vitamin ECHOLS C is involved in all the vital functions of the body. It strengthens the body and promotes healing in every condition of ill health. It is interesting to note that nature has provided a food that is rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C: HONEY. Honey, produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, has proven medicinal benefits to the wellbeing of the human body. This sweet yellowish or brownish liquid has the ability to absorb moisture. This moisture absorbing ability is fatal to germs. Laboratory tests have concluded that even the most serious germs are defenseless in the presence of honey. Germs literally shrivel up and die when they come in contact with honey. One teaspoonful a day is all that is required to protect yourself from an invasion of germs or bacteria of any kind. The pain associated with arthritis has been reduced by a daily dose of raw honey and cinnamon. A daily dosage of the following may be helpful in easing the pain: 1 cup of hot water, 2 teaspoonfuls of raw honey and ¾ teaspoonful of cinnamon. Put the cinnamon in a cup, pour hot water over the cinnamon; cover the cup, after the water has cooled add 2 teaspoonfuls of raw honey; stir and drink, once, daily. (Honey that has been heated has no nutritional value.) The daily ingestion of 2 teaspoonfuls of raw honey contributes to a healthy heart beat. Its moisture attracting ability eliminates excess fluid from the bloodstream which can be helpful to those suffering with hypertension. It is also useful in weight loss programs. Honey is much sweeter than sugar, therefore, very little has to be used to satisfy the sweet tooth. The sugar content of honey is helpful to the strength of the body. Because it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, it does not have the shock effect of white sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Use 2 cups hot water, 2 teaspoonfuls raw honey and 1 teaspoonful cinnamon. Pour the hot water over the cinnamon and cover; after the water has cooled, add the honey. Drink one cup in the morning; refrigerate the remaining cup and drink it cold before retiring for the night. Honey can be safely used by persons who have been diagnosed as diabetic in smaller amounts; rather than a full teaspoonful, use ½ -3/4 teaspoonful. The use of a small amount of raw honey in the daily diet promotes steady blood sugar levels. The darker the honey, the more effective it is. B Barbara Echols, Certified Traditional Naturopath, can be contacted at 716-390-2906. She is available for evening telephone and/or on-line consultations concerning the health of the body through the use of whole foods and herbs. Give her a call for more information.
Infections in US hospitals kill 48,000, cost billions
World of Girls Empowerment by Pastor Terrie Copeland
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Nearly 50,000 US medical patients die every year of blood poisoning or pneumonia they picked up in hospital, a study has shown. Hospital-acquired sepsis and pneumonia in 2006 claimed 48,000 lives, led to 2.3 million extra patient-days in hospital and cost 8.1 billion dollars, according to the study, led by researchers from the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy at Washington-based Resources for the Future. Together, the two hospitalacquired infections -- also called nosocomial infections -- account for about one-third of the 1.7 million infections US patients pick up every year while in hospital, the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday shows. They are also responsible for nearly half of the 99,000 deaths a year from hospital-acquired infections reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study found that patients who underwent invasive surgery during their initial hospitalization were more likely to pick up a secondary infection while in hospital, and elective surgery patients were at even higher risk of nosocomial infection. Using the largest database of hospital records in the United States, which covered hospital discharges in 40 states, the researchers estimated that 290,000 patients in US hospitals picked up sepsis, or blood poisoning, during their hospitalization in 2006, and 200,000 developed pneumonia.
Many of our young ladies are at a stand still with coping with life on many levels; but there is hope and healing through many vehicles, such as knowledge, understanding and having a support team. Understanding the value of walking someone’s’ journey is most powerful. Our young ladies need the support from those who have a sensitive ear to hear their heartbeat and cry for help and direction. When there is a lack of any of these three areas of empowerment, then some lose hope, and healing is not recovered in their lives. In turn, unfortunately their lack of hope affects other females, causing sometimes a spiral affect, which according to research causes many of them to engage in self affliction. Pastor Terri Self affliction, known as “self mutilation, ” is a broad COPELAND term for a complex group of behaviors which results in destruction of ones’ own body tissue and involves scratching, burning or cutting the skin, pulling ones’ hair out, and breaking ones’ bones. Young ladies who do bodily harm to themselves look at this as a means of getting relief from some psychological crisis and stress; and often the damage is inflicted in the absence of pain. It has been noted that many of our young ladies feel a relief and victorious after performing such acts on themselves. Interestingly enough, the intent is never for them to commit suicide, according to research. Rather they find self affliction soothing in their desperate attempt to cope with their feelings; a way of communicating what they cannot express in words and an attempt to get people to react to their needs. What triggers a young lady to self injure herself may include: Rejection from someone who is important to her; being blamed for something over which she had no control; feeling inadequate; being wronged in some way; parents divorce; physical, mental, and sexual abuse; intense feelings of fear; and feeling a loss of control. This is a serious challenge among our young ladies. It is important for them to gain knowledge of who they are, through their creator, who is GOD. If you know a young lady who is struggling with this challenge of life, and feeling that the way to ease the pain is thru self affliction, please contact our office. We can help her to recover her Dignity, and restore the glimmer of hope that she needs to put life back into perspective. Contact: World of Girls Empowerment Center 651 Delaware Avenue Plaza Suites Location Buffalo, NY 14202 716-362-1242 “Enhancing Dignity One Young Lady at a Time.”
Self Affliction: A Cry for Help
eat to live!
(Pastor Terri Ann Copeland, better known as Pastor TC, is founder and director of The World of Girls Empowerment Center, 651 Delaware Ave. (near North St.) Call 716-362-1242 for more information. She hosts a radio show on Saturdays at 1 p.m. on WHLD 1270AM.)
Earn Your
GED
Do it now for FREE!
And take the first step to a better future.
Your GED is the “Pathway” to a better career and life. To help you reach that goal, the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division has teamed up with Bryant & Stratton College to offer the “Pathways to Success” program, which provides all the educational tools and support you need to succeed. And it’s ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Pathways classes are forming now. Call today!
716-884-9120
To take advantage of this FREE program, you must be 21 years of age or older.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
� Start any time (enrollment is year round) � Learn at your own pace and take your GED exam only when you’re ready � Be part of a friendly, caring college community � Learn from dedicated Buffalo Public School teachers � Get one-to-one tutoring in the College’s Skills Assistance Center � Have full access to computer labs and the college library � Receive transportation assistance to and from campus � Use your GED to go to college, or work with our Career Advisors to find a better job Pathways classes are held at Bryant & Stratton College’s convenient downtown campus, 465 Main Street, 4th Floor.
Page 5
Son of Pastors James and Phyllis Foye to Attend Atlanta Institute of Music James (Jay) Foye III, son of Pastors James and Phyllis Foye of Kingdom Dimension Ministries has been accepted into The Atlanta Institute of Music in Duluth, Georgia. Jay is a James “Jay” Foye 2009 graduate of Sweet Home high school, where he was an honor roll student and a member of the 2009 State Champion varsity football team. He is a talented keyboard/organist and has served faithfully in his capacity as minister of music for KDM. Jay also has locally supported numerous ministries and gospel groups and choirs as a keyboardist. He will pursue a degree in modern recording engineering and production, his design is to become the CEO of his own production company, producing music that ministers to the needs of God’s people. “On behalf of Kingdom Dimension Ministries we celebrate you on your next level,” stated his parents Pastors James and Phyllis Foye. “Our love and prayers are with you. May God bless and keep you and may the exceptional gift that he has entrusted you with be the tool that is used to minister and bring God glory and change a generation.”
A
nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1967
Page 6
Enhance Your Black History Celebration! Pay a visit to the Trinity Baptist Church Historical Museum and learn about more local Buffalo residents and their contributions to the area’s history. Trinity Baptist Church is located at 2930 Bailey Avenue. The minister is Bennie Jemison, pastor. Call Bernice Wiggins, Museum Curator, for an appointment at (716) 691-6183 or at the church (716) 835-5955.
Toys for The Children of Haiti The Metropolitan UMC As part of a response to the crisis in Haiti, an outreach has been undertaken which we hope will bring smiles to the faces of the children of Haiti. Food, water and medical relief are paramount for the survival of those who are struggling to recover. Yet we wanted to help the children of Haiti in a way that would be personally uplifting for them. Our vision is to send toys to the children of Haiti. In the midst of such suffering, placing a new toy in the hand of a child gives them a means of comfort which they can personally take hold of and thereby find a smile in the midst of the ashes. Toy collection is underway at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 657 Best Street and we are asking for your help. Here’s what we need you to do: Please go to a retailer of your choice and purchase a new toy. Make sure the toys don’t need batteries or electricity to operate: Soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, toy trucks, cars, dolls, stuffed animals, crayons and coloring books, play and activity sets are examples of things you can bring. Let your creativity and your love for the children guide you. Bring your toys to Metropolitan Tuesdays through Fridays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to Noon. The last day for toy collection is March 7. Join us on Sunday, March 7 at 2 p.m. in a service of prayer and blessing over the toys before we pack them for shipping. The toys will be transported to the Port of New Jersey and shipped to Haiti toward the end of March. Please be as generous as you can. The shipper for our toys is the 911Fund (www.911fund.org). Thank you for your heart for the children of Haiti. Please call Pastor JT Blake for more information at 716-553-2439.
Old Fashion Soul Food Dinner
An Old Fashion Soul Food Dinner, sponsored by the Youth Ministry, will be served on Saturday February 27, at 3p.m. at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Clinton Street. There will be a free will offering. Rev. Daris Dixon Clark is the pastor.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Gantt For Paterson
Canisius College Women’s Business Center to Launch “Business Essentials: Marketing your Business in 2010” The Canisius College Women’s Business Center will launch “Business Essentials: Marketing your Business in 2010,” to be held on four consecutive Tuesdays beginning on March 2. The sessions will run from 8:30a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Women’s Business Center, 2365 Main Street at Leroy. For more information and to register, visit the Canisius College Women’s Business Center Website at www.canisius.edu/wbc The Women’s Business Center at Canisius College is Western New York’s premier resource for women-owned businesses. It provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with solutions for success through a range of programs and services.
Terrence Amir McKelvey, CRPS®, CRPC®, CSNA Financial Advisor (716) 849-2007 http://fa.ml.com/terrence.mckelvey
Who is Joel Augusts Rogers?
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value
MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. © 2010 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
BUS_CARD
POWERFUL: Ursula M. Burns of Rochester graces the cover of the February 2010 Black Enterprise Magazine which features the “75 Most Powerful Women in Businesses.” In July 2009 Ursula achieved a business milestone when she became the first African American woman to hold the position of CEO Xerox, an S&P 100 Corporation and a $17.8 billon giant with operations in more than 160 countries
4” x 2” January 2010
Joel Augustus Rogers, better know as J.A. Rogers was born on September 6, 1880 in Negril Jamaica, West Indies. He was one of the most important Black scholars to ever live. An anthropologist, linguist, sociologist, investigative reporter and historian, he spent some 50 years researching the history of African peoples. He did more than anyone else to tell the true story of “the Negro.” His most important works are: 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro, World’s Great Men of Color (volumes one and two), Sex and Race (three volumes), Africa’s Gift to America, From Man to Superman, Nature Knows No Color Line, Five Negro Presidents and The Ku Klux Klan Spirit. He died on March 26, 1966 in New York.
Support Our Advertisers This is the average savings through NYSERDA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program. We can show you exactly where your home is wasting energy and where you’re losing money AND how to save up to 40% on your energy bills. It starts with a Home Performance Assessment, conducted by a BPI Accredited Contractor who will explain what improvements can be made, how much they’ll cost, and how to apply for lowinterest loans or Homeowner Finance incentives. Typical improvements are: • Upgrading lighting and appliances • Sealing air leaks and adding insulation • Improving heating and cooling systems
1-877-NY-SMART or visit www.GetEnergySmart.org/ HomePerformance to find Call
a participating contractor and schedule your assessment.
As Gov. David Paterson’s campaign kick-off tour got underway on Saturday, he was assured that Rochester Assemblyman David Gantt, would be there. “I’m supporting David Paterson. He’s a friend of mine. He’s been a friend of mine for close to 30 years or so. Friends don’t abandon friends when they think they’re in trouble,” Gantt told Lo.Hud.com Gantt is the dean of the Rochester delegation and a longtime AfricanAmerican leader in the city who has served in the Assembly since 1983. Gantt said of Paterson that “I think he should have the opportunity” to get elected. Gantt wouldn’t knock Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for likely challenging Paterson, saying anyone has the right to run for election. Last Thursday night, Paterson’s campaign manager Richard Fife said the campaign is delaying its Harlem David Gantt endorsement event until Feb. 28 “at the request of a growing number of supporters who want to be part of our campaign kick off and can’t be here because of scheduling conflicts.” Last Saturday Paterson kicked off the tour at his alma mater Hofstra University in Long Island. He then went on to appear at Laborers Local 435 Hall in Rochester. On Sunday he visited the Buffalo area.
Petrucci Announces Bid for Re-Election to Buffalo School Board Park District Representative to the Buffalo Board of Education Lou Petrucci has announced his bid for re-election to the Buffalo School Board. Petrucci who represents residents and children in South Buffalo, the Valley, the Old First Ward, and the portions of the other neighborhoods that make up the Park District, said “there is still much work to be done.” Petrucci will have a formal campaign kick-off Thursday February 25 at 5:30 at Doc Sullivan’s located at 474 Abbott Road in South Buffalo. For more information regarding the Buffalo Public Schools, visit the district website at www.buffaloschools.org or call 816- 4000.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Save
up to
700
$
on your annual energy costs
Enter to win a FREE Home Performance Assessment and be
in our next TV commercial.* Go to
ShiningExampleNY.com for contest details and to upload your video.
Become a fan at facebook.com/ShiningExampleNY. Follow us on twitter.com/ShiningExample.
*Restrictions may apply.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Page 7
The Challenger
ON STAGE
*Thursday Night Comedy: The New Golden Nugget, 2046 Fillmore Ave. 8 p.m.; tickets $15. Open Mic & Jam Session every Friday and Saturday New Musician’s Big “6” Club, 600 East North @ Fox; 896-6660. *Buffalo Blues Festival 2010, Bobby Bland, Clarence Carter, Marvn Sease, Bobby Rush, Floyd Taylor, Blackfoot, Shirley Brown, Saturday, March 20, Shea’s; tickets at Shea’s Box Office, Doris Records, Ticketmaster outlets.
Lil’ Wayne “Twitters” His Way to Jail Lil Wayne, who is scheduled to begin his jail sentence for weapon charges next Tuesday, created a Twitter account on Monday to keep his fans up to date on his scheduled year-long incarceration. “im super new to this twitter sh*t but wudup tho !……….follow me biot¢h……….wudup mak……happy bday LO……8 days of freedom.. ym,” read the rapper’s first tweet via the Twitter name @liltunechi — a verified account. Within moments of the account being launched, artists like Trey Songz were among his thousands of new followers, reports Billboard.com. Songz even urged other Twitter users to follow Lil Wayne. “Aye… and get at da homie. Wayne @liltunechi He got twitter for 8days b4 he go innnnn!!!! FOLLOW,” Songz tweeted by way of his account, @SongzYuuup. Weezy also announced his Twitter account was live via a Ustream session on Young Money artist Lil Twist’s site, where the hip hop star also took the opportunity to show off his recent dental surgery — surgery which delayed his original sentencing court date earlier this month. “Yeah, I got the bottom grill out for right now” Wayne said via the stream, who removed his lower diamond-encrusted grill. “That’s why I’m not showing y’all too much.” Via the live stream Wayne also revealed that he and “Twist did a song last night, ladies, for ‘Tha Carter IV’ album. When I tell you it’s crazy – man! Man!” he said. Wayne then went on to reveal some of
Ujima Presents “BELLE ”
Belle , the extraordinary story of two recently freed slaves, husband and wife, journeying to the north in search of a new life, is on stage at Ujima Theatre’s TheatreLoft March 5-8. When the couple encounters a White woman fighting for the suffrage movement, they become entwined in the social upheaval that epitomizes post Civil War America. Belle is one woman’s story but it expresses the circumstances of a nation in the midst of social evolution. We see how Black women were overlooked in the suffrage movement, used as pawns in the social and political upheaval of the post Civil War era and generally vulnerable in the midst of well-intentioned and misguided individuals seeking social justice. Belle is in search and need of what was most illusive at the time: love, family and self-determination. Written by Florence Gibson and directed by Lorna C. Hill, Belle is on stage at TheaterLoft , 545 Elmwood Ave. March 5-28, Thurs., Fri., Sat. at 8p.m. , Sun. at 6p.m. Admission is $25 general, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. For reservations call the Box Office at 883-0380. For subscriptions and group rates call 883-4232. ujimacoinc@mac.com • www.ujimatheatre. org Purchase Tickets online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/96672
*Chi Lites, March 5, 8 p.m.; Tickets
start at $30; Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel; Tickets on sale at box office and all Ticketmaster locations; Ticketmaster.com *The Temptations, 8:30 p.m.April 15, Avalon Theatre, Niagara Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada), tickets $25 and up; box office, Ticketmaster 888-8368118. *Ashanti, Friday, Feb. 26, 9 p.m., Tickets $55 on line at www.ticketmaster.ca; Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Canada; www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com. *MADEA’S BIG HAPPY FAMILY, Starring Tyler Perry, HSBC Arena, Tuesday, April 27, 730 pm; Tickets on sale now at HSBC Arena Box office; all tickets.com locations including Tops Markets, Doris Records or charge by phone @ 1-888-223-6000.
*Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye on stage February 12- March 7, Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center at 350 Masten Avenue. Tickets on sale now at the PRT box office and online at www.africancultural. org. General admission is $23.50, $19.50 for seniors and students with I.D., and $13.50 for children ages 3 through 12. Group rates available. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations and more information call 716-884-2013 or email prtaacc@yahoo.com *Pattie LaBelle, Friday, March 5, 9 p.m., tickets $45 online at www. ticketmaster.ca; Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, Canada, www. fallsviewcasinoresort.com EXHIBIT *Permanent Exhibit at the Langston Hughes Institute, 35 High Street, includes “Black Woman as Warrior” exterior murals by renowned artist William Cooper and “The Whole Story.” For more information call 881-3266
Every Sunday @ 9 pm
WBFO 88.7 FM
*Readings at the Screening Room, Northtown Business Center, 1313 Sheridan (Bailey entrance); $2; 713-
*The Jazz Example with Larry Owens on drums; Greg Piontek on bass; Trigger Gaston on Piano, Bilal Abdullah on Sax; featuring vocalist Lady Lita;9PM,Each Friday at The Anchor Bar. *BELLE, on stage at Ujima Theatre’s TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Avenue, March 5-28, Thurs., Fri, Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 6 p.m.; tickets $25 general, $20 seniors, $15 students; Reservations call 883-0380; group rates 883-4232. ujimacoinc@mac.com • www. ujimatheatre.org Purchase tickets online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/96672
On Stage Listings are Free.
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Page 8
Write: The Challenger, On Stage, 1337 Jefferson Ave., Bflo., NY 14208; or email:
editor@thechallengernews.com
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
The Challenger
Make
The Year to Remember! You know you should do it, and this is the time. Prices will never be more affordable than right now to make burial arrangements for you and your family at Forest Lawn. Select from many burial options: • Estate • Mausoleum • Feature • Traditional • Cremation All it takes is about an hour to prevent inflation and gain peace of mind by preplanning your cemetery property needs.
Call Karen Davis Family Service Representative, at 885-1606 ext. 224 today!
kdavis@forest-lawn.com
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
THE FOREST LAWN GROUP OF CEMETERIES 1411 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14209 885-1606 ext. 224
www.forest-lawn.com
Highest Price Paid For Your Gold!
Bring this ad with you and receive an additional 10%! Gold Buyers of WNY
3211 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 716.836.5542 (between Stockbridge and Hewitt)
Page 9
The Challenger
Page 10
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
The Challenger
EDITORIAL
In Support of Gov. Paterson…
SPEAK OUT
Article on Chris Reynolds,Very Enlightening
Dear Editor: Now I can put a face to his very comforting voice. The article on Chris Reynolds was amazing, and I am glad that Chris is doing what so many of the other radio personalities, had or have an opportunity to do, but have not. The Black Pearls series on his show is very informative. So many parents, young and old, do not have a clue on how to respond to our children’s needs. Hopefully they get something from this each day,and adminster accordingly. When my children were young and in school,I was one of those moms that participated in every aspect of their education. I let the teachers know that just because I was young, single, and Black, that I held a vested interest in their learning and what they were being taught. I am a firm believer that when you are put in a position to do something positive, or to have a forum where so many people listen, then you should not take that position lightly. I applaud Chris Reynolds on his forum and hope that his fellow colleagues follow suit. Rhonda Robinson
Black, Gay and Christian: Alive and Well in Buffalo Dear Editor, In your February 10 issue, I was thrilled to see the article and full-color announcement of the fundraiser for the Unity Fellowship Church, a church in the African American tradition that accepts gays, lesbians, and transgendered congregants with full inclusion. You have performed a great public service by drawing attention to the existence of this community, worshipping right here in Buffalo. Up until now, some of your readers may not have realized that it is possible to be Black and gay and Christian! Perhaps this will be food for thought, and perhaps it will help people to see that justice requires legal equality for all, without discrimination on the basis of the gender of the person you love. Professor Stephanie Phillips
Holding Center, Alden, Guilty of Human Rights Violations
Dear Editor: The Erie County Holding Center and its Alden facility are classic cases of Human Rights Violations. The multiple suicides at these poorly ran institutions is grounds for federal indictments against Sheriff Howard and County Executive Chris Collins. No one who works with or monitors the inmates has been reprimand or fired. Basic suicide watch is non-existent in Sheriff Howard’s management of either facility. Families who have or had relatives held in the outdated, lackadaisical run holding center and Alden facility should seek legal counsel on the merits of filing a class-action suit on human rights violations, and pursue monetary reparations. County Executive Collins, his legal counsel, and Sheriff Howard are cut from the same cloth of Senator Strom Thurmon, Bull Connor and George Wallace. Their position with the federal justice department calls for an immediate injunction to save lives. Roy St.Clair
Everybody Loves Chris! -12Colors blind the eye. Sounds deafen the ear. Flavors numb the taste. Thoughts weaken the mind. Desires wither the heart. The Master observes the world But trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is open as the sky.
Dear Editor: I give a great blessing to Mr. Chris Reynolds for caring for the people and the community. It’s great that he talks about African Americans and all African people and the contributions they made for “everyone,” contributions that are rarely talked about. God Bless Mr. Reynolds for all his great work. -Gregg Charles Luongo
The Meaning of The above image/logo, part of the Challenger flag, corresponds to one of the 81 chapters in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. This particular tetragram corresponds to number 27, defined as “The Skillful Exchange of Information.” (From R.L Wing’s book, The Tao of Power.) “The truth, always the truth--at all costs”
“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.” I CHING
Published by Challenger Communityy News Corporation P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: 716.464.3738 Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com
Published Every Wednesday
Our news deadline is at 5 pm on the Friday prior to Wednesday publication. Deadline for ads that require in-house design is 5pm Wednesday.Elecronically transmitted ads, Friday @ 5 p.m. Deadline for classified ads is Thursday at 5 p.m. Deadline for cameraready/or electronically transmitted ads Friday at 5 pm.
PRINTED IN CANADA
“We wish to plead our own cause. too long have others spoken for us.” -John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal, 1827 America’s First Black Newspaper
We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
What would you do, if you were the governor? Let’s keep it real. There’s got to be some very hard decisions made in order to keep this state from going under. One must ask, why aren’t our elected officials trying to help Governor Paterson make these decisions? Why aren’t the candidates that want to run or running saying how they would fix our state? They must let the people know where they stand and not continue to duck the issues. We deserve to know, or are they going to do the same thing that our present governor is doing, but trying to keep the people of New York blind to the real facts? do they have a solution or just playing politicks? We need to know the truth. Remember when Cuomo ran against H. Carl Mccall? We divided the party and got Pataki. Are we going to do the some thing again? History does have a way of repeating itself. Where are our elected officials when the news media leaks false accusations against our governor? Where are they- Black or White. Where’s our Black clergy and civil rights leaders when our brother is being attacked unfairly? Have we sold our brother out again? And where is our Black president , since he came here to tell our first Black governor not to run for re-election. Look at his ratings and how the whole nation feels about him after a year in office. Haven’t we given him a chance to fix his problems? Aren’t we all human? Don’t we all get a chance to fix what’s wrong when we take over a terrible situation, or is it just ok for a chosen few? If the senate really cares about New York shouldn’t they be working together to make our state better, or are we going to keep allowing racism to keep us divided. Isn’t it the job of the Lt. Governor to take over the governor’s seat when that seat is vacated by the governor for what ever reason? Do we have to always play 2nd base? Don’t we deserve better? Don’t we deserve whatever position we work hard to get? Should certain people keep deciding how to change the game or keep moving the goal everytime we get ready to kick a field goal? I say that as Democrats we should be working with the governor, not against him, are we so blind to see what’s going on in this situation? Are we as Black people going to keep allowing our brothers and sisters to be attacked because of who we are? Together we stand, divided we fall. Remember how pataki got into office, and how we got to this point. Lets not go backwards we have enough power to over come these huge problems, and remember, fighting among each other will only keep us losing. No matter what decisions our governor makes seems to be the wrong decision from certain people. Lets hear from the other side and don’t believe the hype. This isn’t a movie. This is real. Support Gov. Paterson. Save New York now! (Darnell Jackson can be reached at 570-9165)
SUBSCRIBE!
Malcolm X’s Legacy Ignored 45 Years After His Murder
By Dr. Boyce Watkins Apparently, Malcolm X does not exist. At least that’s what you might think while visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. During our rally for the Heather Ellis case, the young woman who faced 15 years in prison after cutting line at a Wal-Mart, I took a tour of the museum. After completing the hour-long tour, I realized that they’d forgotten something. Even though the museum had hundreds of pictures of other events representing the civil rights struggle in America, I saw only one picture of Malcolm X. This incredibly disappointing display at the Civil Rights Museum is a reflection of how Malcolm’s legacy has been treated like the neglected step-child of the African-American struggle for freedom and equality. Malcolm fought for civil rights just as diligently as Dr. King. He was just as impactful as Dr. King. He gave his life like Dr. King. But for some reason, most of us don’t remember Malcolm’s birthday. We’ve never considered having a holiday to commemorate his contribution. He is rarely discussed in the same sentence with Dr. King. We just ignore him and this has got to change. It’s easy to understand why mainstream America has been conditioned not to appreciate the legacy of Malcolm X. They dislike Malcolm for the same reasons that the British dislike George Washington. Malcolm wasn’t an apologist and challenged black folks to respect themselves, which was in direct contrast to a strategy of constrained and oppressive integration. Our goal was to get a seat at the table, even if we were given the scraps, and some are wondering if we are better off because of it. Malcolm kept a crystal ball in his mind which told him that a distorted, imbalanced marriage between blacks and whites would lead to terrible inner city schools, huge imbalances of wealth and unemployment and a lack of willingness by politicians to acknowledge serious concerns within the African-American community. Hence, you have the year 2010. While the social, economic and political relationships of blacks and whites have presented quite a few gains for African-Americans, they don’t work when there is still a fundamental disrespect for black people themselves. Malcolm was not necessarily against these kinds of ties, but he might agree that this union should only take place when there is definitive proof of mutual respect. Rather than embracing concepts such as ownership and institution-building, African-Americans have positioned themselves as an occupied state which leaves itself vulnerable to distorted economic and political condition. Many of us understand that the dreams of neither Malcolm nor Martin have been fully realized. It’s time for us to evolve our thinking. If we continue to use the same models, we will continue to get the same results. Martin Luther King was an undeniably great man, but to some extent, mainstream media has chosen him as an African-American hero. In the same way Lil Wayne has been promoted extensively by non-black music executives, Martin Luther King is tossed at us like the latest Jay-Z song or those Democratic nominees that none of us have ever heard about. We’ve never been given the opportunity to choose our own iconic figures. Instead, we are taught that Dr. King fought the entire struggle for civil rights all by himself. We must make a collective effort to raise Malcolm from the dead to give him the appreciation he deserves. We can first start by learning Malcolm’s birthday, which is May 19, 1925 and the date of his assassination, Febuary 21, 1965. We can also study his life, and his contribution to the country in which we live today. Malcolm gave black people pride and courage, which are just as valuable as eating at the same lunch counter at whites. He encouraged an honest recollection on our experience as slaves, which is far better than being taught that slavery should be forgotten. He helped us understand that black history is a living, breathing phenomenon, determining how we name ourselves, what we eat and what we think. In many ways, Malcolm gave black America a new beginning. Malcolm, Martin and thousands of others fought to get us where we are today, and we know that. It’s time to talk differently about our history. So, as we go to one MLK dinner after another, we must make a point to stop and give respect to Malcolm. Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the initiator of the National Conversation on Race. For more information, please visit BoyceWatkins.com.
Thank You Carter G. Woodson...
C
arter G. Woodson is man who we thank every year for the inception of Black History Month. He had the immeasurable intellect to establish a holiday that would highlight the talent and strengths of African Americans during a time when we didn’t know if Jim Crow would ever lose its foothold in North America. The Civil Rights Movement was a lifetime away when Carter Grant Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. The week was established originally to coincide with Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays in the second week of February. The week was eventually extended to one full month. Page 11
The Challenger OUR STORY continued from Pafe 1 force of 82,000 men remaining, he defeated Rome, the mightiest military power of that age, who had a million men, in every baffle for the next 15 years. *Amen-Ophis III was the great¬est of the pharaohs, who conquered the then known world. Under him Egypt reached the heights of her glory in commerce, wealth, archi¬tecture and stable government. Two mighty
Our Story: Nubia, “God’s Land”
Did you know there are twice as many pyramids in Sudan as there are in Egypt? When recalling humanity’s eminent civilizations throughout history, one often things of Ancient Egypt, China, the Incas, Mayans, Greeks or the Romans. Never Nubia (Sudan), which, at its peak, presided over a mighty empire that covered great tracks of land through the Nile Valley, and which rivaled the power, influence and wealth of Ancient Egypt. Sudan’s past and present reveals a fascinating history and rise of Africa’s Black Pharaohs over 6,000 years ago. When one thinks of the Sudan, the images of the current suffering and chaos in the Dufur region supersede all others. But the country has a much more interesting and fascinating history than contemporary media reports would suggest. In the area which today straddles the region of southern Egypt and northern Sudan, there once existed a most powerful and wealthy kingdom, ruled by compelling and authoritative kings The Empire of Nubia stretched along the length of the might River Nile from the confluence of the Blue and White Niles where modern day Khartoum stands, to as far as the Aswan Dam in Egypt. It was, according to Western historians “the first known civilization of Black Africa,” but this can only be true if you consider Ancient Egypt as NOT a Black African civilization, which it indeed was, before Arab conquest of 641 AD.
statues now stand in tribute to him in Thebes, one of which was, the famous statue of Memnon, which “sang when the morning sun shone on it.” Amen-Opbis was an African. “The features of this monarch cannot fail to strike everyone as having more in common with the African than those of any other pharaoh.” He died in 1375 B.C. *Scottish African Ancestry. The Scotch people trace their ancestry to the ancient Egyptians who used to visit the British Isles long before the Christian era. These Picts and Scots as they were known, proved very troublesome to the Romans, two of whose emperors, Haorian and Antonine, built great walls to keep them out of England. As late as the 14th century large portions of the population of Scotland were Black and many Scotch people still show their distant African ancestry in their color and hair. (Excerpted from: 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Proof by J.A. Rogers)
The Chinese-Afrikan Connection *Chinese Africans. The mother of Lao-Tsze, Great Chinese seer, who lived in 667 B.C. Was described as described as “A virgin Black in color.” There is a considerable amount of African strain the Chinese. In the extreme South of China still lives an African people known as the Nakhis. J.A. Rogers
Fire! Millions More Movement Pursues Unfair Hiring in Buffalo Fire Department (Part III - Conclusion) . When asked to summarize his thoughts on the conversation, Millions More Movement Co-Chair Samuel Radford offered: “I was encouraged. It was a first conversation, and I’m hoping that it’s the first of many. I felt that the Mayor was forthright and accommodating where he could be, and where he couldn’t be, he was very honest. I think that’s the most that you can ask for in that kind of a situation. Most importantly, he stated an intention and desire to get better outcomes in the future. He didn’t defend things that are not working, and this was our ultimate concern. At the end of the process, we’re looking to address the underlying issues that caused the injustice in the first place. There has to be a remedy for the injustice that has gone on for at least the 40 years that have been documented. We don’t just want to go to a fair system without addressing the consequences of the lack of fairness up to this point.” What do those “better outcomes” look like? “What we’re ultimately looking for is a scientific method to be applied to get better outcomes. I believe that the reason we haven’t gotten fair outcomes to this point is because the people Sis. Sabirah Muhammad who were responsible for those outcomes were not looking for a just outcome, but for one that benefitted the people and communities that they were serving, and not for a process that was fair. Practically speaking, conservative estimates say that Buffalo is 40% Black. I would argue that it’s 60% Black. For us to have 20% of the Fire department is unacceptable. We’re looking for a scientific method that assures us proportional representation in all city services.” Millions More Movement Convener, Eric Muhammad had a similar summation: “This is the first time that I recall any community organization sitting down with the Mayor, City Attorney, and Human Resources Commissioner to discuss issues pertinent to our community. We are saying that the process isn’t fair, and we’re identifying where the process can be made better. We’ve begun an honest dialogue, and this is good. The Mayor has appointed a new Fire commissioner, and hopefully, this will be a turn in the right direction, in the mobilization of his staff to do the right thing. If we can work together, then maybe we can find solutions to what has been hindering us for the last 35 to 40 years.” Contact the Buffalo Local Action Committee for the Millions More Movement for information on how you can help in the process. (716) 948-5100 Ed. Note: Our sincere apologies to Sis. Sabirah for no properly continuing this article in last week’s edition. Page 12
EDITORIAL
U.S. Coming Apart at Gossip, Rumors and The New York Times: A Response (The following statement was released by Peter E. Kauffmann, Director Of the Seams? Communications for Gov. Paterson ,in response to the much anticipated By Cynthia McKinney Part II
Correspondingly, schools in lowincome areas are highly unequal with not even the slightest remediation of the root societal causes that strongly affect student performance. This of course feeds quite nicely into the prison-industrial complex that is a nice money-maker for those with the disposable income to invest in the private prisons of the U.S., or are lucky enough to have a business that contracts with the prisons to employ U.S. inmates for pennies an hour. Yes, the United States, imprisoning more people than any country on the planet, has become an incarceration nation, but only for certain people. Be suspected of being a Latino driving without a drivers license and you can get stopped and deported for having one tail light bulb that’s out; but Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama can order the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents all over the planet and they walk around free without the worry of even a citizen’s arrest, let alone a warrant from a real, legal Tribunal. “The U.S. has become an incarceration nation, but only for certain people.” Incredibly, Whites whose fortunes were sinking in the pile of unkept political promises and debilitating U.S. national debt were proselytized to by special interest media that hatred of the “other” was OK. There was little national outrage when Pat Robertson said that Hugo Chavez should be assassinated and then, more recently, when this man of the cloth opined that Haitians suffered so much because they made a deal with the devil to throw off French slavery. Incredibly, while a record number of Blacks are seeking emergency food assistance, and people of color are losing not only their homes, but their dreams too, FOX News and CNN propagandize that it is those “others,” those people of color who are responsible for the drowning of White America. And that includes President Obama who, one Southern Baptist preacher prayed to God should die. I wonder, who is his God? True to fashion, the news that is watched by most people in the United States refuses to tell the people the truth of the conditions facing too many in our country and why. However, according to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, certain Whites also constitute part of the problem: according to her they are environmentalists and White supremacists. Interestingly, hatred spewing from the likes of special interest television hosts seems OK as long as they buy into the Republican/ Democrat political paradigm and stay there. Napolitano’s enemies of the state, White supremacists and environmentalists, left that conformist paradigm over two generations ago. And I believe that any of us who leave that paradigm, and begin to think for ourselves and then act politically on our own independent, critical analysis can begin to put our country on the road to real independence from the special interests that have overtaken every aspect of our governmental, legal, and political apparatus, and like a parasite, has sapped the life from our body politic. Next:Conclusion
New York Times article last week profiling Gov. Paterson.) “After weeks of expectations, and a circus-like atmosphere fed by the worst of Planet Albany, the New York Times article finally published last week offerd no explosive revelations about Governor Paterson. Despite a nasty and seemingly coordinated effort to attack the Governor based on nothing but rumor and innuendo, what we are left with is a profile of a sitting governor tackling historic challenges in a time of crisis for our State. It should not be news to anyone who has followed Governor Paterson’s fight to reform Albany and bring fiscal discipline to State government that the special interests and chattering classes are opposed to his efforts. These attacks will not stop Governor Paterson from standing up to the special interests and fighting for the people of New York.” “Key Points on New York Times story titled As Campaign Nears, Paterson Is Seen as Increasingly Remote: • When presented with a line of reporting calling into question his work ethic and dedication to his job, Governor Paterson invited the New York Times to have a reporter shadow him for 10 days to see firsthand the work he does on a daily basis. The Times refused the Governor’s challenge. • To suggest that the Governor was unreachable on the night of the Buffalo plane crash is false and misleading. In fact, Governor Paterson was asleep and was not awoken until 1:30 a.m., and at that time he learned of the crash. Contrary to the article, the Governor never claimed any significant delay was due to staff calling the wrong telephone. As soon as he was alerted to the crash, he directed the State Police to prepare a State plane for travel to Buffalo. He was advised that any incoming flights wait until daybreak, and the Governor departed Albany early the next morning. • Governor Paterson fought tirelessly for the State to be well-positioned to win federal Race to the Top education funding. The sources for this article ignore the fact that the Governor held a public leader’s meeting the Friday prior to the Tuesday deadline. Senior staff for both legislative leaders refused to work with the Governor’s staff to produce compromise legislation. The anonymous sources claiming the Governor waited until the last minute to push for the funding are the same anonymous sources who refused to take action on the reforms needed to win the funding in the first place. • Clem Harris is a trusted aide to the Governor who has put his graduate studies for a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania on hold to serve the people of New York. He has two master’s degrees – one from UPenn and one from SUNY-Albany – and he graduated Summa Cum Laude from SUNY-Albany. • Gabrielle Turner’s hiring followed a standard protocol and she filled a needed role in the Washington office. She has valuable marketing and communications experience; strong contacts with the New York congressional delegation; and served in a similar capacity for then-New York City Comptroller Liz Holtzman. Her efforts have been invaluable to the Administration and she is doing great work for the people of New York. • Governor Paterson did not cancel an appearance at Columbia University on May 19, 2009. In fact, he asked to speak earlier in the program but his request was denied. This fact is ignored in the article. While the Governor did not cite the reason at the time of the event, he telephoned Columbia University President Lee Bollinger on May 21 to explain the circumstances. The Governor had to be back in Albany the evening of May 19 in time to receive a security briefing in relation to an anti-terrorism sting operation that led to high-profile arrests of four suspects on May 20. Had the school granted the request, the Governor would have spoken. As a matter of policy, the Administration does not disclose information on confidential security briefings. “The New York Times – in trying to deliver a spectacular expose about the Paterson Administration that would somehow meet the expectations of weeks of over-hyped media intrigue – has instead produced a gossip-laden, subjective, and poorly-sourced narrative. One would hope that equal time would be paid to the Governor’s substantive record – taking action early to address the economic crisis; eliminating over $30 billion in deficits; fighting to keep the State solvent; and achieving historic reforms to the Rockefeller Drug Laws, public authorities, and the pension system. It is unfortunate that a prominent publication would waste so much time chasing down rumors and innuendo while paying such little attention to the complex fiscal challenges confronting New York State in a time of historic economic crisis.”
2010 Black History Month Events
February 26 *8th Annual Conference on African and African American History and Diversity, McKinley High School (See Page 3) February 27 *8th Annual Conference on African and African American History and Diversity, McKinley High School February 28 *AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN: Kenneth and Sharon Holley with the cooperation of Tradition Keepers:Black Storytellers of Western New York and the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library will host a community African American
Read-In on Sunday, February 28 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. The community is invited to attend the Read-In at the MerriweatherLibrary and to bring a passage to read or share written by an African American author. Maximum reading/speaking time is 3 minutes. If you are interested in participating, contact Sharon or Kenneth Holley at 886-1399 or send e-mail to jordanholley@aol.com. Or contact Mrs. Bush at the Merriweather Library at 883-4418. The program is free and open to the all. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
The Challenger
CLASSIFIED
employment EMPLOYMENT
2 & 3 BEDROOMS
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686. 1 & 2 BEDROOMS
1490 ESTATES
SENIOR CITIZEN APARTMENTS
Accepting Applications for: Spacious 1 Bedroom Apartments for anyone 62 or Older Appliances, Carpeting includes Off-Street Parking, Free Heat & Hot Water. Rents based on Income. For Information Call 881-6654.
1, 2 &3 BEDROOMS
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Serving the Niagara Region
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Seeks to fill the following position: CAPITAL PROJECT ACCOUNTANT Job Number 020-10-N Duties: Under the supervision of the Manager of Accounting Services, is responsible for the accounting of a capital project lifecycle up to and including set up, payment processing, reimbursement requests related to capital project expenditures, capitalization and tagging and inventory. Assists with payroll processing and or accounts receivable and performs various other accounting tasks as assigned. Qualifications: Bachelor in Accounting with a minimum of 3 years diverse general accounting experience including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, billing and fixed asset accounting. Grant accounting and project accounting experience preferred. OR Associate’s degree in Accounting with a minimum of 5 years diverse general accounting experience including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, billing and fixed asset accounting and a minimum of 2 years of grant accounting experience. Interested persons should visit www.nfta.com to view complete job description. To apply: Send NFTA employment application with resume and cover letter specifying the job number 020-10-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Application Deadline: March 1, 2010 The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
BIDS
One of City’s Oldest Homes for Sale What may be one of the city’s oldest homes at 574 Michigan Avenue is on the market with an asking price of $69,000. That price includes two adjacent residences at 578 and 582 Michigan Avenue. The string of buildings are located on the east side of Michigan, south of Sycamore Street. The Hunt Real Estate listing says the combined properties have “over 8,000 sq.ft.and 104 feet frontage in the medical park area. Many uses.” For more information go to Buffalo Rising web site – www.buffalorising. com
bids
Landmark Construction
invites MBE & WBE to bid on Roycroft Elevator Project Due 3/2/10. Fax info to 694-1348.
Invitation to Bid - NFTA Procurement
Bid 3979 Window Washing at NFIA, 3/11/10 See www.nfta.com to download bid documents.
ADVERTISING PAYS! CALL (716) 897-0442 * FAX (716) 897-3307 EMAIL:
advertising@thechallengernews.com Credit Cards Accepted FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Board of Education Buffalo, New York Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Board of Education – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 @ 10:00 AM Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud: Project 05-01A Fuel Oil Tank Replacement P.S. 192 B.A.V.P.A. 450 Masten Avenue Buffalo, New York 14209 The instructions to bidders, bid forms, drawings and specifications may be examined and copies thereof may be obtained at the above listed office: The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. A $100 deposit will be required for each project. If the bidding documents are returned in good condition, and returned at least 30 calendar days from the date of bid opening, deposits will be returned by mail. If the documents are not returned in good condition or after such date, all deposits shall be forfeited. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to: Russell O. Critoph, P.E. (716) 833-4506 Edward J. Lindsay, Jr. A.I.A. Assistant Superintendent Advertising date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 REQUEST FOR BIDS Sealed bids will be received by the Village of Gowanda, New York at the office of the Village of Gowanda, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York, 14070 until 2:00 p.m., local time, on March 3, 2010 for document recovery and restoration. The work generally consists of cleaning, scanning, copying, labeling and re-jacketing flood-damaged documents for the Village of Gowanda. Specifications for said work are on file with the undersigned; and a copy of the same may be obtained by prospective bidders upon application to the Village Clerk The Village of Gowanda reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids submitted and waive any informality contained in said bid or bids. This contract will be funded wholly or partially with federal funds, and as such, is subject to all federal rules and regulations pertinent thereto including, but not limited to, federal policy of encouraging the participation of minority and women business enterprises as sources of suppliers equipment, construction and service. Any questions, please contact Public Works Superintendent Michael Hutchinson at (716) 532-3353 or 913-1455 or Kathleen Mohawk, Village Clerk at (716) 532-3353. Dated: February 11, 2010
Kids Capital Childcare Center Inc. 1657 Kensington Ave. Suit 400 HIRING FOR TEACHERS Associates Degree or 12 credit hours in early childhood required. Contact Miss Jones at: (Phone) 716-833-5215; (Fax) * 716-833-5218 * (Email) kidscapitalbuffalo@yahoo.com Positions Available Immediately.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
MST Therapist
Seeking individuals for Erie County to provide community based treatment to families with youth with delinquent behaviors. Service is delivered according to a specific model that is evidenced based. Ideal candidate will possess a MSW, MA/MS in related fields, or BA with equiv field related experience. Reliable transportation & willingness to work non-traditional hrs required. Bilingual (Spanish/ English) speaking are encouraged to apply. Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job # 201008 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: HR. EOE/M/F
ADVERTISING PAYS (716)
897-0442 advertising@ thechallengernews. com
State University of New York ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Announcement of Professional Vacancy #370-01-02-2010 February 16, 2010 TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (FFECC)
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PART-TIME/UP TO 19 HOURS PER WEEK SALARY $15.01/HOUR
DESCRIPTION: The work involves performing Para-professional tasks in the Mechanical Engineering Technology lab. Technical skills are required to help faculty, staff and students. Work is performed under the general supervision of a faculty member or supervisory personnel. Supervision may be exercised over students or clerical assistants; Does related work as required. REQUIREMENTS: Good knowledge of fundamentals of teaching; good knowledge of subjects in the academic area in which assigned; good technical skills; ability to work with and tutor students in academic area in which assigned; ability to work with students and faculty in effective manner; ability to understand and follow detailed oral and written reports; initiative; resourcefulness; reliability; integrity; must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of 60 semester credit hours of study at a registered or regionally accredited college or university in the Mechanical Engineering Technology field. Send cover letter referencing Job#370-01 CH, resume, ECC application and unofficial transcripts by: March 17, 2010 (Official transcripts required prior to employment)
Human Resources Representative
716-851-1840
Mail to: HUMAN RESOURCES ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4041 SOUTHWESTERN BOULEVARD ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127-2199
To access ECC Application go to: WWW.ECC.EDU, click on Jobs at ECC, Click on Job Postings, Click on Application
Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
KATHLEEN V. MOHAWK, Village Clerk
ADVERTISING PAYS advertising@thechallengernews.com Page 13
SUN 2/14
NUMBERS
WIN 4
MON 2/15
MID-394 EVE-697
TUES 2/16
MID-934 EVE-984
WED 2/17
TAKE 5 LOTTO HOT TIPS
MID-539 EVE-485
EVE-1485
EVE-3678
EVE-6246
MID-707 EVE-166
EVE-6206
2-15-17-20-31 8-20-23-28-35 3-16-21-28-39 1-8-20-23-39
SAT 2/20
FRI 2/19
MID-239 EVE-302
648-202
900-123
285-917-406-084-430-067-743-219-894-104269-101-704-242-715-964-683-165-728-178641-218-344-909-753-302-422-934-396-017914-042-706-868-253-983-832-242-436-817 BUFFALO BETTY Aquarius-236-438-943-318 * Pisces-404-107-105-429 Aries-469-418-165-538 *Taurus-566-206-359-528 Gemini-146-328-516-419 *Cancer-569-304-123-829 Leo-678-517-046-435 *Virgo-569-506-257-539 * Libra-139-719-059-427 * Scorpio-102-408-213-439 Sagittarius-428-324-859-839*Capricorn-105-607-327-549
THE NUMBER BOOK
202-000 615-514
MID- 922 EVE- 527
S lick W illie is B ack ! ! ! !
670- 298527- 133202- 769- 729- 000315- 220- 684- 519
648*123*104 980-422-809
THE VAULT WIN-4
1947 *1927 1928 *4973 3333* 3474
MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
300-000-666-648-711-910-816-123 grandma’s pics 235-409-776-123-509-776
4-7-12-27-34 9-16-21-27-30 10-15-22-26-32
189-666
782-333
MIDDAY
934-Quick Money (bx) *333-Hot Tips, Feb. Vibes (Straight)* 539-Bees Pics (bx) 922-Number Bk (bx)
629-038-570-416
322-522-412-432-421-423
Bee’s Best Pics! 731-395-307-870-475-782-701-594
EVE-0269
28-35-36-43-44-53#37 Extra#51
514-874
EVENING 485-Number Book (bx) 527-Slick Willie (Straight)* 982- Slick Willie (bx)
LUCKIE DUCKIE
189-444-886
891-145-549-096-326-437-228252-202-333
EVE-3598
CHALLENGER HITS
981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126
FEBRUARY VIBRATIONS
EVE- 2624
18-22-31-49-50-58#43 Extra #54
ZAKIYYAH’S RUNDOWN
Page 14
THURS 2/18
MID-9396 M ID- 5414 MID- 6793 MID-8976 MID- 2922 MID- 5934 MID-1457
MID-707 EVE-136
NEW YORK NUMBERS
quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508
On-Going Events WEEKLY MEETINGS
*Stop The Violence Coalition Meeting: 5:30 p.m. 742 Delaware Ave. 882-7882. Fridays. *Buffalo Local Action Committee Meeting (BLAC): 6:30 p.m. Pratt Willert Center, 422 Pratt St. Thursdays *TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m.; Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Ave.; 834-6095. Mondays *African Consciousness Workshop: 6-8 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Mondays *The Israel of God Bible Study Class: 6 p.m.; 372 Feugeron Ave.; 897-2270. Wednesdays *Health and Healing Circles: 3:30-5 p.m.; CAO, 70 Harvard Pl.; 903-3290, Wednesdays *Moot Senior Center “Best Breakfast in Town”: 9-10:30 a.m. 292 High St., Wednesdays *Men and Women Support Groups: 5:30-7 p.m.; 1333 Jefferson Avenue; hosted by Group Ministries, Inc. Thursdays *Alcoholics Anonymous First Step Group: 8-9 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10th St. Niagara Falls. Fridays *Narcotics Anonymous: 5-7 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10t St. Sundays *Senior Bridge Club/Poker Club: 1-4 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021.
ENTERTAINMENT
*The Café at Masten & Eaton Presents “Friday Evening Jazz”: 8 p.m.; 230 Masten Avenue; 883-2311. Fridays *Swinging Sundays: 8:00 p.m.-12 p.m.; Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway; 855-9383. *“Classic Soul Mixer”: 7-10 p.m.; Pandora’s Restaurant & Bar, 2261 Fillmore Ave. Fridays. *Dinner & Live Jazz at Hot Stuff Southern Cafe, 829 Main St., Niagara Falls; featuring Diana M. Reeves Fridays 6-9 p.m. and “Gumbo, Grits & Gospel on Sundays 2-6 p.m.; (716)282-7883.
DINNERS
*Muhammad Study Group Lunches & Dinners: 579 Jefferson Ave. (corner of Jefferson & Frost); $10; 436-1460. Saturdays. *St. John’s Lodge #16 Free and Accepted Masons Charity Fish Dinner Fundraiser: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 17 Kingsley Street; $7; 885-5009 or 200-9129. Fridays
FEBRUARY 24, 2010
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24 Buffalo Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., City Hall. AIDS Community Services Handbag Happy Hour: 6-9 p.m. Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Rd; Tickets $50; 380-8565. “Power to the People Week”: Hosted by United Socialist Movement of the Americas SUNY Buffalo, Amherst Campus, Worker’s
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Power Day 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 6-9p.m..; (716)381-2186; usmabuffalo@gmail. com THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25 “Power to the People Week”: Hosted by United Socialist Movement of the Americas SUNY Buffalo, Amherst Campus, Day of the “Man” 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 6-9p.m..; (716)381-2186; usmabuffalo@gmail.com FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26 “Power to the People Week”: Hosted by United Socialist Movement of the Americas SUNY Buffalo, Amherst Campus, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m (716)381-2186; usmabuffalo@gmail.com Sisterhood MLK Dream Alive Awards: 6 p.m., at Niagara Falls Housing Authority Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 Ninth Street, Niagara Falls, NY; Free and open to the public. BLACK TIE FOR BLACK HISTORY EXTRAVAGANZA: The Stillwater, 483 Delaware Avenue, 7-11 p.m.; Donation $20 to benefit The Juneteenth Inc. Tickets at Doris Records; 883-2410.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27 Salute to Professional African American Firefighters: 6-9 p.m., Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street; $10 firefighters, $15 public; donation $12 advance; Tickets at Tri-Mai Center, Engine 33, 1720 N. Fillmore; The 2nd Cup, Broadway & Ellicott; (716)563-7363 or 536-6176 for more information. City Wide Sports Ministry Meeting: 10 a.m., 907 E. Ferry St.; For more info. 335-4336 or 704-0244. Battle @ Buffalo: B-boy/B-girl battle and All Styles battle. 7-11pm. Verve Dance Studio, 910 Main St, 3rd floor. $6 to compete/$5 to watch. All ages. www. vervedancestudio.com Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Awards Banquet: 5 p.m., Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center, Donation $50; keynote speaker Pastor Darius Pridgen; 8300989. SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28 WNY Black Film Festival: Market Arcade Film And Arts Center, 3 p.m. Downtown Buffalo, Tickets $5. Black, White & Blue: Slave Narratives to Modern Gospel Music, Airing on 1080 A WUFO from 1-2 p.m; also on the internet at www.wufoam.com SATURDAY MARCH 6 HAITI RELIFE BENEFIT CONCERT & PARTY: Town Ballroom, 681 Main St. 10 p.m., tickets @ Doris Records, town Ballroom Box Office, www.tickets.com SUNDAY MARCH 7
On-Going Events DANCE
Dance Lessons with Smooth Steppers: Urban Line Dance, smooth style Ballroom, Steppin’ and Swing; CRUCIAL Center, 230 Moselle St., Saturdays at noon; Tuesdays at 6 p.m. $3; 633-7813. *Line Dancing With Pearl Harris: 6-7 p.m. Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt St. donation $2. Wednesdays *Community Dance and African Drumming Classes: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $15 monthly; visit www.africancultural.org more information *Line Dancing Lessons, First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine St., 6:30 p.m. Fridays. 847-6555. Free. *Line Dance Lessons: 10 a.m.-Noon; Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont St.; 444-2046 or 833-1038, Tuesdays Wednesdays *Line Dance by George Patterson: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 896-7021, Mondays & Thursdays. *June-Teenth Afrikan Family Time Drum Dance and Song: 6-8:30 p.m.; GatewayLongview Family Resource Center, 347 Ferry Street. Fridays * Argentine Tango Every Monday with Travis Widrick 7 - 10 p.m. 1st hour beginners lesson,The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat, 731 Main St. *Salsa Night Every Wednesday with Calvin and Fanny 7 - 10 p.m .1st hour beginners lesson The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat 731 Main St. *Latin Night 1st/3rd Friday with Chun Poh, Salsa, Merengue, ChaCha, Bachata 8 p.m.- midnight, Chow Chocolat 731 Main St.
POETRY
*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.
YOUTH
*Girl Scouts of America: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 8967021. Wednesdays
EXERCISE
*Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:45 a.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021; Wednesdays *Exercise for Health: 9:30-10:30; Edward A. Saunders Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue; 332-4381 Thursdays *Open Gym: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Fridays *Tae-Kwan-do: 6-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Mondays & Fridays *Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:30 a.m.: Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Mondays
RADIO/TV PROGRAMMING
*Sen. Antoine Thompson Radio Show, Thursdays 1-2 p.m.; WUFO Radio 1080AM. *Pro-Ject Access To A-Free-Ka Radio Show: 3-6 p.m. 1080 AM WUFO; hosted by Ras Jomo; call in 837-111,, Mondays. *Khametic Ascendants Buffalo: 9 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. (nite); Buffalo Channel 20 Video showings; live speakers. Wednesdays *My Time To Be Blessed! Channel 20, Cable TV, Evangelist Gloria Caver-Robinson Gill; Mondays and Fridays 2 to 2:28 p.m. Sundays. *Umoja Presents: 10:30 p.m.; Channel 20. *Jazz Favorites: 9-10 p.m. WBFO Radio 88.7 AM with host/producer Macy Favor and guest. *What’s Happening Buffalo and WNY: 8:30 a.m. MYTV Buffalo; host Esther Smothers.Sundays. *WHLD 1270 AM Real Distinguished Speakers Series: 3-4 p.m.; hosted by Marc L. Fuller, with guest speaker. Saturdays. *Affordable Homes Presents “Mo’ Money “Mo’ Money: 8-8:30 p.m.; WHLD 1270 AM Radio Ministry. Saturdays. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
“Breath Your Ancestor’s Air”: A Juneteenth Celebration of Community, Science Museum, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy., 10a.m. – 4 p.m. featuring Colored Musicians Club, Crusaders Drill Team, poets, children’s activities Locust Street Art, 50 Women With a Vision, Mary B. Talbert Club and more; 852-44562 or 896-5200.
Dear Eve: I am divorced. Together my exwife and I had one child, a beautiful little girl now five years old. My problem is the ex forbids me to entertain female company when my daughter comes to visit with me. I’d like for my friends to meet my daughter. I love her dearly. Please help me or suggest something, anything. Signed Danny from Pennsylvania Dear Danny from Pennsylvania: You may be divorced but you are still connected. The connection is the beautiful little girl. Spend more time with your daughter and pray. Prayer changes things. Also, teach the baby how to pray. She is not too young to learn from her daddy. Read the Bible to her as well. Hold on to the blessed connection that you have. I believe you will find comfort while reading Psalm 31. Need advice about your love life? Write: “Ask Eve,” c/o The Challenger Community News, P.O. Box 474, Buffalo, NY 14209.
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M. Page 15
Start Early! Start Strong! KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL Celebrating a decade of education excellence!
2000
2010
10 YEARS
KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
“Top 10 School”
- Business First Magazine, 2009
Students At or Above Grade Level
95% Math 79% ELA 90% Science
Accepting Applications Free and open to all Buffalo residents. Serving grades K – 5
Apply Online or Call Today!
www.kccs.org (716) 891-7912 938 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14211 FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Page 16