INSIDE ROCHESTER Epiphany Events To Host Male-Only Reading Workshop Rochester, New York-- Epiphany Events and Monroe Community College will kick-off the Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 12 with a male-only reading discussion of Rhodes Scholar and author Wes Moore's book, The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, from noon to 2 p.m., at Monroe Community College's R. Thomas Flynn Center Forum Room. Lunch will be provided by In-Control Director LaMarr Powell for participants. The event is free to the public, but is geared specifically toward young males, ages 13 and older. Organizer Sabrina Wilkerson was delighted to announce that Mirus MARSHA Media owner and former Channel 13 meterologist Richard McCullough and Kirk Scott will serve as program moderators. However, she envisions this as a community dialogue among men to share their feelings about growing up and living in the Rochester community as men of color and what they can do in their lives to make a difference in their communities. She also has male students and adults from Monroe Community College's Doors To Success to Doors program; Hillside Children's Center's New Generation of Young Men program, and UPREP, an all male charter Sabrina Wilkerson school, taking part in the discussion. "I work with a lot of senior citizens and young ladies," continues Wilkerson, a community volunteer with several local agencies. "I read his book and loved it; I think I finished it in two hours. It's the story of two men with the same name. One becomes highly educated and the other ended up in prison. A lot of my friends have sons. I thought, we as a community, need to do more for them. We need to encourage them. A lot of our community's events are not always inclusive of them. Moore's story is so universal because one decision in his life made a big difference."
JONES
Gospel Artist Smokie Norful At RIT Friday, February 4
Grammy-award winning artist Smokie Norful will be at Rochester Institute of Technology's Gospelfest Clark Gymnasium on Friday, February 4, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 for the general public and adults and $11 for RIT alumni, staff and adminnstrators.. There is a limit of four tickets per person. If you have not purchased your tickets yet. Please come to the RIT Field Office Box Office or go to Ticketmaster.com.
Engaging Community Leaders: 5:307:30 p.m.; Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Ave.; Rochester , NY; call 242-6575.
African American Film Festival Starts in February at WXXI
The African American Awareness Educational Film Series will sponsor two films, Flight To Freedom and Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968, on Saturday February 19 and 26, at 1 p.m.,at WXXI Studios, 280 State Street. The event is free and open to the public. Flight to Freedom stars award-winning actress Cicely Tyson and traces the history of the Underground Railroad. The Orangeburg Massacre 1968 basically highlights the tragic event which has been dubbed the Southern Kent State. After the screening of each film, a special guest from the Rochester community will be on hand to lead a discussion about the film. For more information, call 258-0278 or e-mail sfigueroa@wxxi.com.
*No Boundaries: New Expressions in Black Art, Opens Friday, February 4, 6-9 p.m. Featured artists are Hiram Cray (painter/sculptor), Edreys Wajed (graphic and hip-hop artist), Michelle Harris (new media and digital art), and Shawn Dunwoody (mixed media).
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Celebrate “OUR STORY”
AROUND TOWN *Bob Marley 66th Birthday Celebration, Saturday, Feb. 5, at 5:30 p.m. View the documentary "Caribbean Nights, The Bob Marley Story" Explore and discuss the meaning of his lyrics. Sample tastings from the PeppaPot $5 Donation suggested. The Baobab Cultural Center | 728 University Ave | Rochester | NY | 14607
February 12 at 8:00pm The original drummer on “Kind of Blue” leads an all-star band performing music from the album plus other classics by Davis, John Coltrane, “Cannonball” Adderley, and more!
February 16 at 7:30pm Returning by popular demand! A high energy show featuring 40 percussionists, instrumentalists and dancers in the show-style marching band tradition of America’s top Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Tickets: Center Box Office (M-F, 10-6) and Ticketmaster.com Charge: 1-800-745-3000 Info: 716-645-2787 Groups: 716-645-6771 www.ubcfa.org
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011
A rea Bri efs
EXHIBIT: Former Council President and photographer George K. Arthur has an exhibit currently on display at El Museo Gallery, 912 Allen Street. The exhibition, which features 22 color images of Buffalo graffiti, began January 28 and ends February 25 Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Arthur said that for many years he observed R.I.P. images on buildings in the neighborhood and merely considered it “graffiti.” But one day it came to him that aside from the messages in the “art” there was talent behind it. At that point he said, he began to photograph as many images as he could. And in some cases he did it just in time before the building was gone. Congratulations Mr. President! For more information call 884-1912.
Jesse Clipper Post Seeking Nominations The Jesse Clipper Post No. 430 American Legion is seeking nominations of Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians to be awarded during Black History Month. Deadline for nominations are Wednesday February 16, 2011. For more information please call (716) 563-2536.
2011 JUNETEENTH OF BUFFALO Any organization or group which participated in the 2010 Juneteenth Parade, that have moved or changed phone numbers and wish to participate in the 2011 parade, please notify the Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade Committee with your updated information. You may call (716) 891-8801 or (716) 553-3376. Juneteenth of Buffalo Parade Committee Nathelia Land, Parade Chairperson Cammie Carr-Torrence, Co-Chairperson/Secretary FEBRUARY 2, 2011
We Need Blacks on the Erie County Reapportionment Commission! As of January 27, 2011, there were only thirteen Erie County residents who had applied for a position on the Erie County Reapportionment Commission and none of them included a person of color. The Erie County Legislature will be downsized from 15 to 11 legislators in the November General Election. There is a high probability that Buffalo will lose up to two urban based legislators and if there are no city of Buffalo residents or minorities on the commission, who will guarantee that the lines are drawn fairly to represent the interests of African Americans and BETTY JEAN other urban residents? GRANT For those residents who wish to be considered for the reapportionment commission, one only has to submit a Letter of Intent and a cover sheet to Mr. Robert Graber, Erie County Clerk, 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York 14202. The resume and cover letter must be received by Friday, February 4, 2011. The Erie County Commission on Reapportionment will consist of 13 members. Six members will be selected by the Majority Leader of the Erie County Legislature; six members will be selected by the Minority Leader of the Legislature and Barbara Miller-Williams, the Chairperson of the Legislature will have one selection. For more information, please call Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant @ (716) 536-7323.
African American Read-In Celebrate African American History Month with an African American Read-In to promote literacy and the literature of African American Authors on Sunday, February 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library1324 Jefferson Avenue. All are welcome. Bring something to read that was written by an African American Author. Maximum reading time is 3 minutes. The Read In is being hosted by Kenneth and Sharon Holley in cooperation with Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of WNY Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library The African American Read-In is a national event sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and by NCTE.
Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest The Carter G. Woodson Essay contest is open to all young people in grades 4 – 12. Essays must be written (printed or typed) in 500 WORDS OR LESS (200 WORDS MINIMUM) on the topic: A SALUTE TO AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN WESTERN NEW YORK. Interviews are acceptable and photos are welcome, but not required. Essays must be received by WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2011. Send to – Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest, P.O. Box 63, Buffalo, New York 14207 or leave at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue @ E. Utica St. Your name, address, telephone number, school and grade must be written on your essay. Essays will be judged on content, quality and depth of research, clarity and neatness. Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: Grades 4-6; Grades 7-9; Grades 10-12.; First prize - $50; Second prize - $35 ;Third prize - $25 Additional prizes may also be given to winners of the essay contest. Winning essays will be read by the participants at the African American History Program at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Essays will also be printed in Historically Speaking, April 2011.
Due Date for Filing Taxes is April 18 Even though April 15 falls on a Friday this year, the deadline for your 2010 Form 1040 is Monday April 18. Reason: Emancipation Day is a District of Columbia holiday, and it falls on April 15. So the tax filing deadline for the whole nation is deferred to April 18 . If your return won't be ready by then, you can extend the deadline all the way out to October 17 by filing Form 4868 on or before April 18. “There shall be no solution to this race problem until you, yourselves, strike the blow for liberty.” Marcus Garvey
Sis Letava to Host Black Woman’s Agenda HERstory Program Here Sis. Letava Mabilijengo, author of “The Black Woman’s Agenda,” will present “Take It Back! A HerStory Program” for Black women only on Saturday, February 19 at the Merriweather Library. The Black Woman’s Agenda is a text accompaniment to the healing and empowerment training tour presented by the Indianapolis-based Sis. LeTava. Described as the revolutionary-minded Black woman’s compact, this book arms the reader with five key things a Black woman can do to instantly change the condition of her own life and the lives of her family, neighborhood, community and nation with the resources she already controls. It has been called “a must have/read Sis. Letava Mabilijengo for today’s conscious Black woman.” Sis. LeTava hosts a free weekly Sistah-hood Webinar every Sunday morning 11:00am (EST). “A well developed woman is the pride of her people.” For more information call Queen Yama at (716) 603-8769.
Our Sunday’s Best, Returns to Buffalo : A Gospel Affair with “Hattitude” Our Sunday’s Best was adapted by Regena Taylor from the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. In addition to celebrating the heritage of African American women and the hats they wear to church, this year’s event will also honor members and organizations that have made a significant difference to our community and contribution to history. Among those that will be honored during this celebration are: Rev. Michael Chapman St. John Baptist Church, Rev. Darius G. Pridgen of The Bethel Baptist Church, Both Beth Anzalone and WNY United, the Nash House Museum, the Afro-American Historical Association, resident Vanessa Lillard, Detra Trueheart of Trueheart Speaks (and Young Miss Buffalo Pageant) Colored Musicians Club and the Challenger Community News. The event will include a social hour, an award presentation, performances, a Sunday dinner buffet, giveaways, vendors and prizes. Partial proceeds for this event will benefit the Bishop Willie J. and Julia M. Looney Memorial Scholarship (the parents of owner and founder of Above & Beyond Event Planners, LLC, Mattie Stevenson) which will be awarded to first time students entering college. Additional information about this event can he found at ABEventPlanners.om or by calling 716-898-0959.
Buffalo State College presents 2nd Annual Black History Program: “Faces of America: “Old Challenges in A New Millennium” The Buffalo State College Association of Faculty and Staff of African Descent, invites all to celebrate Black History Month, Sunday February 13 in the Performing Art Center at Rockwell Hall at 6 p.m. on the Buffalo State College Campus. The 2nd annual event is an evening of unique talent to honor and commemorate the achievements of African Americans throughout our Nation’s History. It is an exciting evening of song, dance, music and historical presentations representing our many accomplishments. Featured among the talent is Lyric Soprano Tediyra Barton Harris, The African American Center Dancers and Drummers, The Jesus Band, Miss Barbara’s School of Dance, The New Beginnings Ensemble, Mezzo Soprano Theresa Jordan, The City Honor High School Choir, The Buffalo Select Chorus, Dancer James Huggins and soloist Tieisha Thomas.This multi-cultural program is free to the public on a first come first served basis. Join the students, and staff and the Greater Buffalo Community in a celebration of a people who have overcome great odds to make substantial contributions to every facet of American Life. For more information contact Clifford Bell, program chairman at 878-4030 or 884-4333, Stan Coleman, program director at 833-7585.
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NEWS UPDATE
Johnson Says He’s in Rochester Mayoral Race to Win
ATTENTION FORMER COKE OVEN EMPLOYEES
Talk about change...the City of Rochester has had thee mayors in little more than three weeks, and the City Council most recently voted to set a controversial March 29 special election rather than appoint a mayor for one year and wait for primary and general elections in the fall. Although he opposes the idea of a special election, former three-term Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. formally announced his candidacy in the special election saying that he was taking his campaign back to the people. He has to get 1,5000 signatures to get on the March ballot. Johnson said he was not only in the race to stay, but to win. The Green Party of Monroe County, which also publicly denounced the decision of Rochester City Council to hold a Special Election, is also running a candidate. -JohnsonWilliam A. Johnson, Jr. was elected the 64th Mayor of the City of Rochester, New York State’s third largest city, in November 1993, receiving over 72 per cent of the votes. It was his first run for any political office, and he succeeded a 20-year incumbent. Prior to his election, he served for 21 years as the President and Chief Execitve Officer of the Urban League of Rochester, where he was responsible for developing and overseeing a number of programmes, in education and youth development, family services, employment training and housing development. Among the more innovative programmes were:
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Johnson...I’m back.
The Salute To Black Scholars, The Black Scholars Endowment Fund, The Urban League Economic Development Corporation And The Education Initiative/Call To Action. Many of these programs received national recognition for their innovation and substance. In addition, Mr. Johnson increased the League’s programs from five to 29, and the annual budget from $550,000 to $4.5 million during his tenure. The Rochester league was only one of three of the 114 affiliates that got United Way allocations in excess of $1 million annually. As Mayor, Mr Johnson has continued his tradition of innovative programs Under his leadership, the city embarked on an ambitious programme to reduce housing blight and increase the number of new and renovated houses in the city. Johnson is a political scientist by training, earning B.A. and M.A. degrees from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1965 and 1967 respectively. AAchievement.
Mandela Home from South African Hospital JOHANNESBURG — Former South African President Nelson Mandela went home from the hospital Friday after suffering an acute respiratory infection. Officials said the 92-year-old was joking with his wife and nurses, and handling the difficulties of old age “with the greatest of grace.” Surgeon-General Vejaynand Ramlakan told reporters that the anti-apartheid icon would now receive care at home after about 48 hours in Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital. FEBRUARY 2, 2011
63182 fuel HEAP ad / b&w / 6”w x 12”h Bee Group / Buffalo Challenger
HEALTH MATTERS The Year of the Rabbit: Secret Ways We Are Being Where is the Good Energy Poisoned... The synthetic chemicals we This Year? encounter on a daily basis in our According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. T h e Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs. The Rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space. According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don’t try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise. A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year. - Feng ShuiThe Chinese Feng Shui 2011 New Year (Lunar New Year) starts on February 3 2011. It is the Feng Shui year of the Metal Rabbit. With the New Year also comes a shift in the annual energy. According to Feng Shui, one of the luckiest sectors in 2011 in your home or office is the Northwest. It is especially good for father figures, relationship luck, success and wealth. Another good direction/area this year is the Northeast – good for career, reputation, new beginnings and ventures. In the Southeast there is a powerful alliance between “heaven” and “earth” luck and very good relationship luck between father and eldest daughter in the family. This sector also signifies power and control over money. It is said that money of the household should be handled by the women this year. In the Southwest the romance and scholastic energy are strong; love, marriage and social opportunities, especially singles. The negative energy this year lies in the East, where weakened health energy and inauspicious luck is highlighted. It is suggested that you do not FEBRUARY 2, 2011
food, water, and environmenta a r e increasingly shown to be disastrous to our physical and mental well-being. The categories below are worth deeper investigation as prime examples of what we might face as a species if this chemical bombardment continues. *GMO foods -- Monsanto started as a chemical company that brought the world poisons like Agent Orange and Roundup. Now they are more well known for their domination of Genetically Modified agriculture, owning nearly 90% of staple GMO crops such as corn, soy, and cotton. In independent studies GMO "frankenfood" has been linked to organ failure, and a recent Russian study has concluded near-total sterility in GMO-soy-fed hamsters by the third generation. Despite these and many other legitimate health concerns, it is unlikely that the Monsanto-controlled FDA will curb the growth of GMO foods, while the USDA's biotechnology risk assessment research arm has a paltry $3 million at its disposal. Of course the industry-funded studies show that the effects GMO on human health are "negligible." *Food additives -- When most of us think of harmful food additives we think of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) which is still in many processed foods, but unfortunately MSG appears to be the least of the poisons now found in our food. In 2008 Melamine was found in infant formula and some food products from China; the FDA went on record to say it was OK, despite sickening tens of thousands. Dangerous food additives appear in nearly all processed foods with even the most common food dyes Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 being linked to cancer. Most recently 92,000 pounds of frozen chicken was recalled because it contained "blue plastic pieces," while McDonald's Chicken McNuggets have been found to have "silly putty" chemicals in them. TO BE CONTINUED
face or sleep or sit toward this direction and no renovating or remodeling should take place this year if at all possible. The area should be kept quiet, i.e. no loud music, etc. There is also negative energy in the West, so do not sit with your back to the West facing due East. And don’t sleep with your feet pointing West. There exists illness energy in the South and the potential for conflict and stress. Argumentative energy, the potential for quarrels, legal challenges and disharmony, exists in the North. But that area is also very good for self motivation and moving forward. Best to you and your family in 2011!
We earn $49,128 a year and got help with our heating bill. ait! Don’t w ing nd HEAP fu ed! is limit
Visit HEAPhelps.com or call 1-877-443-2743 for income guidelines to see if you qualify. Even if you didn’t qualify for help with your heating bill before, you might qualify now. That’s because there are new, higher income guidelines for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). If you need help with your heating bill, or if you know someone who does, HEAP can help. Regular HEAP grants up to $500 are available to reduce the amount of your heating bill.* A family of four earning $49,128 or less may qualify for assistance this winter. Applying for HEAP is quick, easy and convenient. Depending on your circumstances, you do not have to visit a county HEAP office to apply this year. For more information, visit HEAPhelps.com or call 1-877-443-2743.
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For income limits of larger households, please call us or visit our website. HEAP eligibility is usually determined using the last four weeks of your household income. Customers who are unemployed or seasonally employed may also be eligible for HEAP to reduce the amount of their heating bills.
* Grant amounts vary and will be provided only while HEAP funding remains available. Additional assistance may be available for those with a heating emergency. The maximum Regular HEAP grant for customers that use natural gas to heat their home is $500. HEAP grants are immediately posted to customer accounts when they are received from New York State.
HEAPhelps.com or 1-877-443-2743
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Mt. Olive to Present Ministry Play for Black History Month In celebration of Black History Month, the Mount Olive Baptist Church, located at 701 E. Delavan Avenue, will present the play ‘Bittersweet…The Broken Promise’ sequel to ‘Sit Down Servant’ which was performed last year. The play starts at 4:00 pm and admission is free. The Playwright/Director is Ms. Marie Mullen. Rev. Dr. William Gillison, Pastor. Call 895-7494 for more information. recording gospel artist, Evangelist Gloria Gill is a 2-time nominee for National Best Talent from California and Toronto and the Apollo in New York. She is currently auditioning backup singers for her upcoming gospel CD. Please contact via Jenia Productions or e-mail: (716) 602-1310 gloria_theprayerworrior@ yahoo.com
Smokie Norful to Perform at RIT RIT Gospel Fest presents Smokie Norful in the Clark Gymnasium at RIT on Friday, February 4. Doors open at 7 p.m. the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets: $16.00 - Adults; $11.00 - Faculty/ Staff/Alum (4 ticket limit - valid RIT ID required) $11.00 - RIT Students(4 ticket limit - valid RIT ID required) $15.00 group tickets are available! To receive the group discount of a dollar off of the Adult price, a minimum of 10 tickets must be purchased prior to the day of the event. Group pricing is not available at the RIT Discounted rates. Tickets can be purchased:at the Gordon Field House Box Office; or only general public tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster (outlet, online, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000). RIT discounted tickets must be purchased via the Gordon Field House Box Office with valid RIT ID.
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Enough is Enough Citywide Prayer Continues This week at Shining Light Apostolic Ministries 179 Ontario Street – Buffalo N.Y.Pastor, Roshelle Deas Roberson Asst. Pastor, Kervin Roberson Monday January 31, - Friday Febuary 4, 2011 Beginning nightly from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
“Men In White” CD Celebration
Congratulations! “Spiritual Woman”
Tuesdays
Enough is Enough CityWide Prayer
Recording artists, Men in White Choir, voted the “Best, New Artist in WNY,” invites the community to their upcoming “Victory in Jesus” CD Celebration on Sunday, February 13 at 4pm at True Bethel Baptist Church, 472 Swan Street, where Pastor Darius G. Pridgen is Senior Servant. Included on the program will be Marsha McWilson, ChoSon, Pastor Alan Core & more. Master of Ceremony is Rev. Dr. Wayne Williams, Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Visit us on the web at http://meninwhite907.web.officelive. com & facebook.com or Email us at: meninwhite907@hotmail.com
Free Tax Preparation Temple Community Development Corporation has partnered with Daemen College on behalf of sponsor Pentecostal Temple to bring additional professional tax preparation services to the Ellicott District. ANYONE in need of free Tax Preparation can call 211 or 1-888-696-9211 for an appointment. Services are offered Thursday, February 10 OR Tuesday, February 15 both days from 5 – 8 p.m. at Pentecostal Temple,618 Jefferson Avenue.
NOON
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A Celebration of Life Held for Lawrence Edward Childers Jr. A Celebration of Life was held on January 29 for Lawrence Edward Childers Jr. at St. Philips Episcopal Church on Sussex Street in Buffalo. Affectionately known as Larry, Daddy, Big Daddy and Granddaddy, he was born on April 4, 1923 in Alliance, Ohio. He died on January 25 in Buffalo. He was married to Pauline D. Jones in 1947. They had four lovely daughters. Among his many accomplishments: he graduated from Masten Park High School and later attended UB; he served in the U.S. Army; worked for the Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Post Office from which he retired in 1987. He was an active member of the Williamn-Emslie YMCA Senior Citizens Exercise Program. The treasurer of the Blaine Avenue Block Club #1, he also took part in several Senior Games, earning numerous gold medals. Mr. Childers leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, Pauline; four daughters, Lawrine Adele (James), Lenora Alexis (Cecil), Lynette Anita, and Laurita Alane (Kasib); five grandchildren, two great grandchildren a sister and a host of relatives and friends. May his soul rest forever in the Eternal Fields of Peace.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! FEBRUARY 2, 2011
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entertaiment
We Remember
B
BOB MARLEY
ob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in the village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica as Nesta Robert Marley. A Jamaican passport official would later swap his first and middle names. His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, was a white Jamaican of English descent whose family came from Essex, England. Norval was a captain in the Royal Marines, as well as a plantation overseer, when he married Cedella Booker, an Afro-Jamaican then 18 years old.[9] Norval provided financial support for his wife and child, but seldom saw them, as he was often away on trips. In 1955, when Marley was 10 years old, his father died of a heart attack at age 60. Marley faced questions about his own racial identity throughout his life. He once reflected: I don’t have prejudice against meself. My father was a white and my mother was black. Them call me half-caste or whatever. Me don’t dip on nobody’s side. Me don’t dip on the black man’s side nor the white man’s side. Me dip on God’s side, the one who create me and cause me to come from black and white. Although Marley recognised his mixed ancestry, throughout his life and because of his beliefs, he self-identified as a black African, following the ideas of Pan-African leaders. Marley stated that his two biggest influences were the African-centered Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie. A central theme in Bob Marley’s message was the repatriation of black people to Zion, which in his view was Ethiopia, or more generally, Africa. Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. Marley’s music was heavily influenced by the social issues of his homeland, and he is considered to have given voice to the specific political and cultural nexus of Jamaica. His best-known hits include “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Could You Be Loved”, “Stir It Up”, “Jamming”, “Redemption Song”, “One Love” and, together with The Wailers, “Three Little Birds”, as well as the posthumous releases “Buffalo Soldier” and “Iron Lion Zion”. The compilation album Legend (1984), released three years after his death, is reggae’s best-selling album, going ten times Platinum (Diamond) in the U.S., and selling 20 million copies worldwide. Bob Marley was 31 years old when he died of cancer in a Miami Hospital May 11, 1981. A month before the end Bob was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the nations’ third highest honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country’s culture.
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Tiffan:A Rising Valentine’s Day Speed Star in Buffalo Dating Event Tiffani Wofford a/k/a “Tifani” has a unique sound and love for music, making her the “Rhythm and Soul Diva” of her hometown of Buffalo. She began her music career at the early age of 8 when she led her first solo song titled “Help me lift Jesus” with the Unity Baptist Church Choir. By the time she was a teenager, she had written her first hit single, “You Got Me” and was performing at local venues such as Daemon College, Uptown Theatre, and Juneteenth. In recent years, Tifani’s style has matured, weaving her intimate experiences into soulful music. Tifani write all her own lyrics and performs her original music to live audiences with bands at the at the Hyatt Regency (opening for Slick Rick), Golden Nugget, The 2nd Cup, Buffalo State College's Apollo, hosted by comedian Lil' Duval (where she achieved 3rd place), and Gateway-Longview Memorial and Chapel services. As she perfects her craft, she is strives to obtain her lifelong goal of becoming a legendary musician, humbled by her supporters and focused on peace and positivity. CatchTifani at her next show at The 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway, Buffalo, New York on Saturday, February 5. She will be rocking the house with her band and debuting her new tracks from her upcoming album. Come support our rising star!
No date for Valentine’s Day? Get one just in time at the first annual Valentine’s Day Speed Dating Event at the 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway St. downtown on Thursday, February 10 from 6-9 p.m. Age range 25 and up. The cost is $25 online and $30 at the door. To pre-register go to www. kindredevents.com or call 464-0750 for more information.
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011
ON STAGE *Feb. 5, 2011, Salt N Pepa, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, 7 P.M., Tickets $39.50 & 49.50, At Shea’s Box Office, Doris Records, Ticketmaster.Com Or Charge By Phone 800-745-3000. *Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band, “Kind of Blue” Feb. 12 @ 8 p.m. UB Center for the Arts; tickets at Ticketmaster and Center Box Office, 645-2878 for info.
We Remember Buffalo’s Own Rick James... Buffalo’s own Rick James, a musical icon of the 1980s who define the "punk funk" style of that decade, was born on February 1, 1948. He died at age 56 on August 6, 2004. A Rick James Funk Fest is held annually in Buffalo in his memory. James became an instant icon in 1981 with his album "Street Songs," a funk masterpiece that featured such hits as "Super Freak," "Give it To Me Baby," and "Fire and Desire." "I'm trying to change the root of funk, trying to make it more progressive, more melodic and more lyrically structured," James once said. "Street Songs" went triple-platinum and catapulted James into the forefront of the funk movement. Born James Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, New York, James was the third of eight children of an autoworker and a former dancer. James enjoyed a meteoric rise and huge recording success. He won a Grammy for co-writing M.C. Hammer's monster hit "U Can't Touch," a song sampled from James' "Super Freak."
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011
*Drumline, Feb. 16 @ 7:30 p.m. UB Center for the Arts, tickets Ticketmaserr & Center Box Office; 6452787 info. *AVERY SUNSHINE, Saturday, Feb. 26 @ 8 p.m. at the Tralf; Tickets $25 presale, $27 day of show; 2010 Soul Tracks Reader’s Choice Awards; Tickets at the Tralf Box Office, All Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone #1-800-745-3000. *On Stage @The Paul Robeson Theatre “ Crumbs from the Table ofJoy” by Lynn Nottage, opening Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets on sale now at the PRT Box Office 350 Masten Avenue. PAPPY MARTIN LOVE SUPREME JAZZ BLUES: Wegman’s, 601 Amherst St, Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m., “Jazz, soul & Food”; 326-9613 *Live Piano Jazz: Free every Friday from 6-9 p.m. Diana M. Reeves on vocals Mr. Larry Henderson on drums. Hot Stuff Southern Cafe’, 829 Main St., NF,282.7883.
*AT THE TRALF: Blues legend Buffalo’s own Lucky Peterson, Feb. 12; Avery Sunshine, Feb. 26; Shemekia Copeland, March 3.
*On Stage, “I Am A Man”: A play by Oyamo about the power of the people presented by Subversive Theatre, directed by Annette Daniels Taylor, now thru Feb. 5 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8 p.m. @ The Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Ave.; tickets $15 or $10 students, seniors and members; 408-0499; “great community theatre” -Ernest Buzzy Griffin
On The Scene With MARNETTA MALCOLM Hello and blessings to all…Now that the holidays are over and we’re in the midst of winter…here are a few events that I’m sure will heat things up! *Saturday, February 12th A Pre-Valentine’s Day Affair- “A Night of Jazz & Romance” at Seasons Restaurant & Wine Bar..1581 E.Delavan $20 per couple $15 per person *Saturday, February 12th 8pm at The Tralf….Unity Productions presents Buffalo’s own “Lucky Peterson”...The Unity Band and other local artist… tickets at Doris and The Tralf Box office….You will LOVE this show…Lucky is one of the best around… *Thursday, February 17th 8pm…”Third Thursdays” at Scarlet great networking…sponsored by Urban Professionals of WNY and AM1400. *Friday, February 18th 6pm…join AM1400 for “Wine Down Fridays” at Seasons Restaurant and Wine Bar…this month’s featured wine – Muscato..… enjoy wine and food specials….music from DJ Papa Trini…hosted by yours truly… Friday, February 18th, 8pm…The Royal Comedy Tour with Sommore, Bruce Bruce and other great comedians…tickets at Doris Records. *Friday, February 25th 7pm – 10pm AM1400 “A Black Tie for Black History Extravaganza” ~ Blush Nightclub ~1389 Delaware Ave….This Juneteenth fundraiser is a Black History celebration that honors the difference makers in the community… tickets - $20(Doris records).
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SPEAK OUT!
Targeted by Police? An Open Letter...
F
irst, I’d to say “Thank You” to all of you who have come forward with your support and donations to our organization. We have a long way to go but we have made significant progress. As of today we have raised a large amount of money to get our project going to help our youth as well as our community. Approximately 90% of our donations have come from outside the city and we are grateful for to anyone who feels the need to help us keep our youths off the street especially with the high murder and incarDarnell ceration rate. WithJACKSON out you it would not have happened. Our children deserve the support of this entire community. -Targeted by Police?- Over the last 3 months since the City Grill shootings, our board of directors as well as this writer, founder/executive director Darnell Jackson, have become a target of the Buffalo Police Dept., the Mayor and Police Commissioner. Sadly, the mayor’s agenda has allowed this type of harassment to continue and has not answered any calls from the board or Mr. Jackson as to why this is being allowed to happen. I have been arrested twice over false accusations; charges which I have been fighting for three months. You may remember the first incident occurred on television where it was recorded when I was pushed by a Buffalo Homicide Cop on camera. Since then there has been steady harassment from the Buffalo Police Dept. We have been operating the center for over one year, doing all kinds of fundraisers. No problems, no violence with over 200 people coming in and out on a weekly basics. We call the Buffalo Police to assist us with Teen Night only on Friday nights with kids between the ages of 14-18. Old. After the 4th weekend party, which was Christmas night, the police came by and saw kids leaving and came on our property to see what was going on. The kids had already been dismissed and there was no problem when they arrived. I was called to the door by one of our hired certified security guards (6 had been hired that night and over 10 men to help with security). As I was summoned to the door, I was approached by a White police officer who got very rude and physical with me, which caused an altercation and back up was called. After they arrived he and I were discussing what we were doing. The same police officer kept getting out of order, creating a scene that the Lt. either couldn’t control, or refused to control, which almost Page 10
led to an even bigger altercation after the officer started hitting me with his stick. The Lt. refused to interfere. I told the Lt. that if the police poked me one more time it would cost a big problem, the poking stopped and the Lt. and I got back to business at hand after I was told to make sure I had all my paperwork in order by the next week or we couldn’t have any more teenage parties. I agreed and as they were leaving the officer, apparently still angry, told the Lt. he wanted to get me. The Lt. told him no let’s leave, which they did. The following Monday I called the Police Commissioner’s office and told them what happen and was told to come down right to file a complaint which I did. A week and a half later I was called and told that the police was down at City court trying to get a warrant against me for assault and obstructing plus operating a business without a license. Two Judges refused to sign the warrant. I contacted my lawyer, we went down to City court the following day and walked down to the clerk’s office. The warrnant was dropped and I received a summons to appear before one of the Black City Court judges to answer the Complaint. But it was later taken from in front of the Black Judge and put in front of Judge Kane a White male Judge. I will be appearing in front of him on Thursday Feb.3 at 2p.m. in Part II in City Court. Our organization has proven itself to be a very successful program, providing over 70 youths with employment thanks to the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, which stepped to the plate to fund our summer program last year after funds were cut by the Mayor’s administration. We received a $100,000.00 grant to hire the youths and helped our program be a big success. We have since raised over $50,000 dollars ourselves to help with bills, equipment, to get our teenage program going, only to be targeted by the Buffalo Police. We have been closed over five weeks; a move which subsequently put over 150 youths back out in the mean, cold streets of Buffalo. Our after school program has also been cancelled after three weeks of operating. Hopefully we will be back open in the next few weeks after so-called codes have been brought up to satisfaction to meet city and state requirements. We have lost money, which we feel is the purpose of their action, since we are a nonprofit organization already surviving on a shoestring budget. During our last meeting with officials we were given what we need to get up to speed to accomplish our goals. We are in need of contractors and architectures to help us to do the repairs needed. Hopefully and prayerfully someone will step to the plate to assist us to get where we need to be.
BlackAgendaReport /Jared A. Ball
Samuel Yette and The Choice: Black Survival in the United States “Yette said that he could have kept his nice job had, ‘I been a nigger instead of Black, a spy instead of a reporter, a tool instead of a man, I could have stayed at Newsweek indefinitely.’” Samuel Yette died last week and the choice he wrote of, a choice long ago reached by this country, is a choice we’ve still not caught up to. It is a choice of this nation to more or less discard an increasingly unnecessary Black population and a choice poised to that Black population as to how to respond. Our range of acceptable responses seems to have dwindled
Unfortunately when it comes to the police and politicians you can’t find anyone that’s willing to take them to task, but we will not allow their actions stop us from doing what we know is a God driven organization, whose purpose is providing an alternative to violence and teaching our community and youths how to do for self and not keep going down the path of self-destruction. Since 1990 we have lost over 2,000 lives to the streets of Buffalo, not even counting the lives lost to the jail system. A lot of that has to do with false or in most cases lack of real legal representation due to lack of money to get a real lawyer or being just plain railroad. On one hand they say they want to work with us and on the other hand they want to arrest me and shut down one of the most successful teen programs in the City. It makes you wonder if the Powers-that-be really want the killings and violence to stop... Think about it...If we are able to stop some of this crime, would it or would it probably cost some of the so called leaders, police, DA’s, lawyers and Judges, etc. to be cut back because there’s no need for all of them because crime is going down. There would be no need to have more cops, DA’s, Judges I believe that even Stevie Wonder can see the picture - Do you? This is where you can be part of the solution by helping with a small donation of money or in-kind gifts to help our organization to become Community dependent instead of Government dependent We’re asking that if you read this article that you donate a minimum of $5 monthly and tell a friend to donate also to help us help ourselves. The summer is coming and we need to raise money to put our children to work and provide their needs to help give them alternatives to guns, drugs, jail, and death... Go to our website or more information : Eastsideredevelopment.org Facebook Darnell Jackson
since Yette wrote the book and much of the bases upon which he developed his concerns seem to have only worsened. Having suffered heavy losses in the fight against the national will to discard its Black population, we have accepted the choices often imposed on the defeated, the colonized. Yette was the first Black Washington correspondent at Newsweek magazine and author, in 1971, of The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America, the book that got him fired from that position. He said he was compelled to write his book after witnessing an absence of change over the decade of struggle in the 1960s. He said that he could have kept his nice job had, “I been a nigger instead of Black, a spy instead of a reporter, a tool instead of a man, I could have stayed at Newsweek indefinitely.” Instead Yette wrote in The Choice that at the dawn of the 1970s the United States was simultaneously at war with the “colonized colored people of Indochina” and “the colonized colored people of the United States.” He referenced the then exploding numbers of Black un- and under-employment and the statement made by the labor secretary that the nation was “piling up a human scrap heap” of surplus laborers. Yette concluded that “Black Americans are obsolete people.” And since then these rates of un- and under-employment have risen while so many more of the Black surplus are siphoned off into the prison-industrial-complex, the post-1970s big boom business which scholar Lawrence Bobo also says is creating “Black internal colonies.” It is no wonder then that the Economic Policy Institute report from 2008 concluded then that Black America is in a “permanent recession.” “Black elected leadership means nothing in the face of a system whose choice has been made regarding Black people.” And there are more painful similarities. Yette wrote in 1971 of the many preferred distractions liberals maintain
to avoid an inward look at the treatment of the domestically colonized. He said that while it may have become more in vogue to focus on the “environment… that it is Blackness that is unsightly in America.” He said that while others feel the war is a more “pressing” issue that it remains “racism” whose “arrogance of superiority” demands “economic and military exploitation” as much here as abroad. And especially given the popularity over the last two decades of the television show and all its spin-offs, it is important that Yette pointed out for those who thought that “Law and Order” was of prime importance that the phrase is but a Nixonian “euphemism… for the total repression and possible extermination of those in the society who cry for justice where little justice can be found.” Yette also pointed out the fact that Black elected leadership means nothing in the face of a system whose choice has been made regarding Black people. He said these officials are “powerless” but that the “fault” was not with them but “the system” itself. Even they knew, he said, that their elections were false hope that inspired an equally false “confidence” in the political system. But ultimately Yette was clear, the nation had made a choice and it was one that threatens the long-term survival of Black people. And before we are too quick to run off to find solace in the heavily promulgated images of Black success, let us remember what legal scholar and professor Derrick Bell said not too long ago. He equated the nation’s public policies as having the equivalent impact of weekly, random selections of Black people who would be taken to a “secluded place and shot.” Black suffering and the permanent, worsening conditions we face are not an accident of fate or the result of uncorrectable patterns of Black behavior. No, they are intentional. They are national policy. The nation has made its choice. We, however, seem to have also made ours. Continued Page 11
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
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011
Creating a Culture of Literacy at Home By Deborah Ann Porter Part II of a 2-Part Series Last week we talked about the concept of creating a “culture of literacy” in the home. The following tips may be useful in that effort. 1.Start by making sure that your children know that you value and support their reading books, magazines and newspaper articles of all kinds. It does not matter if the book is about cooking, animals, make-up, arts & crafts, fashion, sports, romance or about learning a lesson on how to behave in school, treating people with respect, how to share, etc. You can show support by asking your child what they are reading about and allow them to share with you. 2. Encourage your child to read books or select topics of interest to them. What you will find is that if your child selects a topic they like, they will be more interested in reading or learning about that topic. They will enjoy the reading exercise, and have fun reading. 3. Create a space at home where the child can go and read rather than watch TV, play video or computer games. This space should be a quiet place where they can focus and start to enjoy the time they have to read. 4. If you do not have a bookshelf, create an area in the home where your child can find books. Keep a group of books for reading in one place or corner of the house. 5. Teach children how to value books and to treat books and reading material with respect. They should know that while reading they cannot eat, write in the book, or destroy the book. By doing so, you will help your child understand the value of books and their importance. 6. Make time for your child to read aloud where there is an audience and other family members around to listen to the child read. If they are the only child in the home, make yourself available to allow your child time to read to you. 7. Spend time talking about the book your child is reading. Ask questions of the child about the people in the book, what they like or did not like about the book, and find out what lesson, if any, the child got out of the reading. Look at the checklist and ask yourself if you are already doing these things. Look to see which of the seven steps you are not doing today or you would like to be better at and start practicing. This is your starting point. Remember change does not happen overnight. Take one-step at a time until you have completed all the steps. Read to Succeed Buffalo, Inc. is a literacy organization working to give children a fighting chance in our community. Part of our effort is to create an environment where children can participate in creative activities that include reading, writing and comprehension and where families can help their children become more successful in school. Please visit www.ReadtoSucceedBuffalo.org for more tips and resources for parents. If you would like to comment on this article, please send comments to porterd@rtsb.org (Please visit www.ReadtoSucceedBuffalo.org for more tips and Tips for “Creating a Culture of Literacy”Checklist for Parents resources for parents. If you would like to comment on this article, please send comments to porterd@rtsb.org Ms. Porter is Community Outreach/Marketing Coordinator for Read to Succeed Buffalo. (716) 843-8895.)
SAAMUEL YETTE continued Our willingness to not break with convention, to not assume our own agenda and to advocate and implement our own alternatives theoretically, practically and with some degree of unison has resulted in our choice being to go along and hope for a brighter day. Let us heed the warning in his death that we did not during his life. The Choice Samuel Yette wrote of was theirs, but now must become ours. For Black Agenda Radio, I’m Jared Ball. Online go to www.BlackAgendaReport.com. Dr. Jared A. Ball can be reached via email at: freemixradio@gmail.com. FEBRUARY 2, 2011
Celebrating Our Story: 2011 Black History Month Events Black Tie for Black History
On Friday, February 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. AM1400 will host “A Black Tie for Black History Extravaganza” at Blush Nightclub, 1389 Delaware Ave. This Juneteenth fundraiser is a Black History celebration that honors the difference makers in the community. Tickets are $20(Doris Records). Get out your gowns & tuxedos and step on the red carpet
Black Woman’s Agenda HERstory
Sis. Letava Mabilijengo, author of “The Black Woman’s Agenda,” will present “Take It Back! A HerStory Program” for Black women only on Saturday, February 19 at the Merriweather Library. (See Page 3)
Our Sunday’s Best
Above & Beyond Event Planners, LLC brings to the City of Buffalo, “OUR SUNDAY’S BEST, Pt. 2” on Sunday, February 20 at Five Fifty Enterprises, 550 Genesee Street, Buffalo. NY. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. (See Page 3)
McKinley High to Host 9th Annual African and African-American History and Diversity Conference
On February 18-19, McKinley High School will hold its Ninth Annual African and African-American History and Diversity Conference. The conference opens on Friday, February 18 at 6 p.m. with a community reception and the opening of exhibits. The Keynote Address will be delivered Friday evening By Kennneth B. Morris Jr., the Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation. On Saturday, February 19, conference workshops begin at 8:15 a.m.
Mt. Olive to Present Ministry Play for Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, the Mount Olive Baptist Church, located at 701 E. Delavan Avenue, will present the play ‘Bittersweet…The Broken Promise’ sequel to ‘Sit Down Servant’ which was performed last year. Time 4 p.m. admission is free. Call 895-7494 for more information. See Page 6.
WNY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL, hosted by
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Buffalo Alumnae Chapter and Masten District Councilmember Demone Smith, Saturday February 19 @ 6 p.m. and Sunday February 27 @ 3 p.m. , Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre, 639 Main Street; 851-5145
Free Tours of Nash House Museum
In Celebration of Black History Month, the Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street will offer FREE TOURS of the Museum on Thursday, February 10 and Thursday, February 24 at 12 noon and 2:00 p.m For group tours, call 716-856-4490 to reserve a date and time.
Storytelling in The African Tradition
Along This Way: Storytelling In The African Tradition ( 21st Year Celebration) Featuring We All Storytellers – Karima Amin & Sharon Holley, Percussionist – Eddie Sowande Nicholson Vocalist – Joyce Carolyn will be held on Saturday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather Librar 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Free Admission. Co-sponsored by the Frank E. Merriweather Branch Buffalo & Erie County Public Library and just buffalo literary center, Inc.
Buffalo State College Black History Program
“Faces of America: “Old Challenges in A New Millennium” The Buffalo State College Association of Faculty and Staff of African Descent, invites all to celebrate Black History Month, Sunday February 13 in the Performing Art Center at Rockwell Hall at 6 p.m. on the Buffalo State College Campus. (See Page 3)
PAPPY MARTIN LOVE SUPREME JAZZ BLUES: Wegman’s, 601 Amherst St,
Feb. 25, 6-8 p.m., “Jazz, soul & Food”; 326-9613
African American Read-In
Celebrate African American History Month with an African American Read-In to promote literacy and the literature of African American Authors on Sunday, February 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library1324 Jefferson Avenue. Bring something to read that was written by an African American Author. Maximum reading time is 3 minutes. (See Page 3)
Image & Identity II: Acknowledging Our Ethnic Roots” Friday February 4 5 pm Exhibit Opening Artspace Buffalo Gallery 1219 Main Street An Evening of Visual and Performance Art Exploring Image & Identity as it relates to Africans and African-Americans featuring Community Artist James C. Clemons, Doug Ruffin, James “Seku” Harwell, Ann Goldsmith, ricardo Thomas, Michaell Biondo, Jessica Thorpe, Paul Dabrowski, Erika Aminata Mitchell, Kamau R.E. Fields, Maimouna Fields Featured Artist: Betty Foster 6 p.m. Performance Daughters of Creative Sound 6:30 Screening: “Black Is, Black Ain’t” Audience Panel Discussion w/ Panelists Taharka Odinga, David Blackburn, vonetta t. rhodes, James “Seku” Harwell & special guest Panelist Dr. Kush Bhardwaj Department of African-American Studies, University at Buffalo. Free Event. Refreshments Served. For additional information, contact Erika Aminata Mitchell, Event organizer by phone (716) 948-3583 or email (createbyami@gmail.com)
Canisius Presents The Three Doctors
In honor of Black History Month, Canisius College will present the nationally-known motivational speaking trio, the Three doctors, on Friday, February 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zion dominion Global Ministries, 895 North Forest Road. The event, sponsored by the college’s Academic Talent Search Program, is free and open to the public. For more information call 888-3280.
Black History Month Youth Contest
Columnist Eva Doyle would like to invite students in grades 4 - 12 to enter the latest contest in the Eye On History series. It is called "Dressing Up For Black History." Students must select someone from Black History, dress up as that person and do a 3 minute presentation highlighting the achievements of the individual. Judging will take place on Saturday, February 26, at the Frank E. Merriweather library located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 3 to 5 p.m. The prizes are $50 first place, $25 second place and $20 for third place. Each student will also receive a certificate for participation. For more information call (716) 847-6010 or send an email to ewriter52@aol.com.
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Page 11
the same thing and more.
BID S
B I DS
COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION: SUPPLEMENTAL HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS (HQS) INSPECTION SERVICES
COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The BMHA is interested in contracting with a qualified firm/individual to conduct Supplemental Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections. Inspections must comply with local law and the HUD Housing Quality Standards regulations 24 CFR 982.401, lead based paint regulations 24 CFR Part 35, Subparts A, B, M and R, the Housing Choice Voucher Program Guidebook 7420.10G (HQS Chapter 10), Housing Inspection Manual: Section 8 Existing Housing Program HUD 605-H Inspections Checklist HUD 52580 and HUD 52580A forms and the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Section 8 Administrative Plan. Parties interested in submitting a competitive proposal should contact Susan Trillizio, Administrator of Section 8, 245 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222, or at (716) 855-6779, or at strillizio@bmha.ci.buffalo.ny.us to receive a copy of the bid requirements. Final proposals are due to BMHA Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program office at 245 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222 to the attention of Susan Trillizio by 2:00PM EST on February 15, 2011. The BMHA reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any or all of the bids that are submitted. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively solicits the same conduct from all firms interested in this opportunity.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 881-1051 FAX 881-1053
CLEANING & WASHING OF VARIOUS COUNTY BRIDGES PROJECT NO. FA-WASHING-11 LOCALLY ADMINISTERED FEDERAL AID PROJECT 5758.10 The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for this bridge cleaning and washing project. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Main Conference Room 1404, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., February 24, 2011. Bid deposit of $20,000.00 required. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set from February 3, 2011 through bid date. Pre-let meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2011 10:00 a.m. at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room 1419, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY. Bid submittal details are on the Erie County website at: www.erie.gov/bidproposals.asp
Dear Eve: I have married twice...divorced one and buried the other one that I had two sons by. About five years ago, I met a man at the bowling alley, who wanted someone to cook for him. So, for him, I cooked a fabulous meal. I also spent the night. Here I am, five years later, still doing
This man (I’ll call him Mark) keeps his granddaughter who is both mentally and physically challenged. The grand-daughter is 16 years old. Mark and I take turns changing the granddaughter’s diapers. Mark is a widower, who can’t marry me because he’ll lose his wifes dowery (money). My only problem is Mark’s only daughter, who doesn’t like me and I am not too fond of her either. There have been times when we ask his daughter (Marva) to babysit for us. She’ll say yes, but when the time comes, she doesn’t show up. I have low tolerance for this. She and I only put up with each other because of Mark. Marva wants me to move out. I won’t because I’m in too deep now. I really like Mark. One day I
may convince him to marry me. And I hope his daughter gets married and moves far far away. She doesn’t live with us but there have been times when she’s made my life miserable. Can you help me? What do you suggest? I am helping, yet hurting. Signed Miserable Jessie Dear Jessie: I don’t know what you mean when you say that you are in too deep. Since marriage isn’t forth coming in the near future, why not take a vacation temporarily? This is a remedy that could lead to a permanent status-and-consequently rid you of the misery.
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1
re quest for proposals REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is requesting sealed proposals to provide all professional Architectural/Engineering services necessary or incidental to Perform Architectural Improvements at Kenfield Homes, Holling Homes & Ferry Grider Apartments A/E #11-02. Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the BMHA’s Capital Improvements & Development Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204 between the hours of 8:30 AM through 4:30 PM. A Presubmittal Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM, local time, on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at the Capital Improvements Office. The requirements of the Request for Proposals will be discussed at this meeting and questions about services to be provided and the work to be done will be addressed. Sealed proposals must be received by 2:00 PM, local time, on Thursday. February 24, 2011 at the Capital Improvements & Development Office. Proposals received after the set time will not be accepted. The contract for professional services will be awarded to a single professional firm; no joint ventures. The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and/or all proposals submitted. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively solicits the same requirement from all firms interested in this opportunity. William J. Quinn, R.A. Associate Architect Date: February 2, 2011 Page 12
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011
BIDS
EM P LOY M EN T
Board of Education Buffalo, New York Division of Purchase 716-816-3585 **Sealed proposals will be received in Room 816 City Hall On: Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM for BID #10-11-046 PRINTING: Z-FOLD CHECKS On: Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM for RFP #10-11-047 FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEXTBOOK ADOPTION Specifications and bid forms are available at On: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM for RFP #10-11048 ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM www.buffaloschools.org/PurchaseDept.com Craig A. Koeppel Purchasing Agent
discover allenhurst bid S
Affordable monthly rent based On 30%of your gross annual Wages and utility allowance Deduction. Updated 2 bedroom Townhomes. Attached garages. Private entrances. Appliances Included. Laundry hookups. Amherst School District. Metro & Bus lines. Convenient location.Sec. 8 affordable housing. 42A Oxford Avenue Amherst, NY 14226 838-5850 or 853-1548 realabrese@mjpeterson.com www.mjpeterson.com
A.C. Ware Manor Apartments
advertising@thechallengernews.com
Eligibility: • Maximum Annual Income: 1 person = $26,760, 2 persons = $30,600, 3 persons = $34,440, 4 persons = $38,220, 5 persons = $41,280, 6 persons = $44,340, 7 persons = $47,400, 8 persons = $50,460 • Applications Available Now • Additional Information: Norstar Property Management (716) 278-9678
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
REQUEST FOR QUOTES
For Seniors 62 Yrs. And Older One Bedroom Apartments Include Appliances Wall-to-Wall Carpet Off Street Parking Laundry Facilities Community Room Electronic Door Entry System 24-Hour Surveillance Cameras Located on Major Bus Lines
The Board of Commissioners of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests quotes to provide PLUMBING SUPPLIES needed to maintain BMHA properties. Specifications may be obtained from the BMHA Central Office, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 or by calling Susan Faulise at 855-6711 ext 230. Sealed quotes will be received until 11:00 AM, local time, on Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at the above address. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted.
REQUEST FOR QUOTES FOR PLUMBING SUPPLIES
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY
(716) 854-0636
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 881-1051 FAX 881-1053 FEBRUARY 2, 2011
881-1051 FAX 881-1053
advertising@thechallengernews.com
Submission Information: Date Due:
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 11:00 A.M.
Location:
300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 All sealed bids must be mailed or delivered. No faxed bids will be accepted.
Period of Contract: Contacts:
1 year. Multiple contracts may be awarded. For questions about the bidding procedure: Susan Faulise (716) 855-6711 ext. 230 For questions about individual items: Ronald Wagner (716) 855-0081 ext. 15
BI D S NFTA Procurement
Invitation to Bid Carpet Cleaning at BNIA Download Bid Documents from www. nfta.com
Comfort and Convenience At Rents You Can Live With
A Great Place to Call Home 134 Spring Street Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 854-0636 Fax 854-0631
Give Us A Call For More Apartment Information
ADVERTISING PAYS!
1710 Calumet, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 716-278-9678 | centercourt@ymail.com Financials: • Rental Assistance Available (Resident Pays 30% of Income) • Utility Allowance: $119 to $197 Monthly, Depending on Unit Size • What’s Included in Rent = Public Lighting, Apartment Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal
TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR Global Concepts Charter School has an immediate opening for a Technology Coordinator. This individual will direct the ongoing electronic communications technology networks of the school, hardware and software acquisitions for the best use of the various systems for the instructional and administrative functions. The position calls for 25 to 30 hours per week. Qualified applicants should submittheir cover letter, resume and credentials packet to: Faith Thompson, Global Concepts Charter School, 1001 Ridge Rd, Lackawanna, NY 14218 or send to FThompson@GlobalCCS.org
PROPERTY MANAGER: If you desire a professional career in a fastpaced setting with a variety of activities and responsibilities, we would like to hear from you. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in residential property management and will oversee a portfolio of affordable housing properties. Belmont Housing Resources provides a flexible work environment, great benefit package and professional development opportunities for talented individuals seeking a career in the affordable housing industry. BA, plus 2 years relevant experience. Submit resumes by 2/11/11 to www.belmonthousingwny. org/jobs. EOE/AA.
Request for
Proposals
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Inc. requests proposals from companies (profit or nonprofit) or individuals to provide professional services for preparation of a Management Plan for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor pursuant to Article 41 of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law. For copies of the Request For Proposals, please contact: Laurence K. Rubin, Esq. Kavinoky Cook LLP 726 Exchange Street, Suite 800 Buffalo, New York 14210 716-845-6000 or lrubin@kavinokycook.com Proposals are due by 4:00 o’clock p.m., February 11, 2011. Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation formed pursuant to Article 41 of the Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Opening: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 11:00 AM BMHA Board Room, 300 Perry Street, Buf - falo, NY 14204 Because BMHA will have to calculate exten sions and totals, no apparent winner will be ADVERTISING PAYS: advertising@thechallengernews.com announced at the opening. CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
Page 13
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CHALLENGER HITS MIDDAY
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EVENING
243 -Lucky Duckie (bx) 712-ZR (bx) 418-Quick $$ (bx) 418-Quick (Straight)* 830-ZR (bx)
134-431-143
648*123*104
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 and Thursday 6-7:30 pm; $2 *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. *Urban Ballroom Stepping, Swing, Beginners Salsa (all classes $3, 633-7813); Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Urban Line Dancing; 7-8 p.m. Ballroom Stepping; Saturdays 1-3 p.m. Ballroom Stepping, West Coast Swing, Beginners Salsa. *Urban Line Dance: Learn some of the latest hot line dances,Mondays Old 600 Club, Mondays 7-9 p.m.; Wednesdays 6:15-8 p.m., ,St. Philips 15 Fernhill.
POETRY
*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.
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 Page 14
980-422-809
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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
ZAKIYYAH’S RUNDOWN
grandma’s pics 134-605-132240-999-356010 -790-111
619-650-759-918-956-709-301-965-605-700941-359-615-036-770-983-490-118-109-147685-958-936-407-714-127-799-038-759-159
MA RUTH Xmas Specials!
IF YOU WERE BORN IN...
514-648-333966-123-373011-217
BUFFALO BETTY
January - 571 * February - 103 * March - 155 April - 267 * May - 931 * June - 817 * July - 720 Augus - 315 * September - 521 * October - 600 November - 729 * December - 508
CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
FEBRUARY 2, 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday February 2
Thursday February 3
Wednesday February 16
Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition Holding Center Demonstration: 5-6 p.m.; Delaware at Church, Strategy Meeting, 14 Allen Street 6-7.
Georgia Prison Strike Rally & March: 4:30 p.m., Eerie County Holding Center, Delaware & Church.
Mayor Brown’s 2011 State of the City Address; 12:30 p.m.; Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
Friday February 4
Spirituality and Healing “Stories of Healing from Cancer Coaches:” 6:308:30 p.m.; Daemen College Business Bldg. Rm. 107-109; call 694-1395.
A Celebration of Diversity: International Day at The Belle Center: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 104 Maryland St.; call 845-0485.
SEE YOU AT THE
EVENTS!
KING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9-10 a.m., 938 Genesee St; 891-7912. See ad this page. Saturday February 5 Buffalo Public Schools College, Career and Scholarship Fair: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., East High School, 820 Northampton St.; www.buffaloschools.org Dr. Joy Degruy Leary Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: 5-7 p.m.; golden Cup, 883 Jefferson Ave.; discussion to follow with H.B. Cosby and Amon Ra P Hotep; free. Celebrate Resistance in Buffalo: Poetry, songs, photos, 6 p.m., Buffalo State College Student Union Assembly Hall. Tuesday February 8 Board of Education Community Meeting: 6-8 p.m., ECC #61, 453 Leroy Ave. Wednesday February 9
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1
Saturday February 19 9th Annual WNY Black Film Festival: 6 p.m.; Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre, 639 Main St.; tickets $5; call 851-5145.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
The road to College and Career Success Begins in Kindergarten. At King Center Charter School, we believe that all children must be college ready and college bound from an early age. Join us as we expand to the middle school years. We are a school community of experienced and expert educators, committed to providing the best academic, social, and emotional skill development to insure your child's future.
Free Senior Health Fair: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Delaware Family YMCA, 2564 Delaware Ave.; 875-1283.
Open House:
Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall.
Friday, February 4, 2011 – 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 10 Valentine’s Day Speed Dating: The 2nd Cup, 36 Broadway, 6-9 p.m.; $25 online, $30 @ door; 464-0750 for more information.
P.M.
Join us for a tour of our facilities and a brief presentation. Please contact the school for more information. King Center Charter School, 938 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14211 - 716-891-7912 – www.kccs.org
Board of Education Community Meeting: 6-8 p.m. Harvey Austin School #097. Free Tax Preparation: 5-8 pm, Pentecostal Temple, 618 Jefferson Ave.; call 21 or 1888-696-9211 for an appointment.
FEBRUARY 2, 2011
CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
Page 15
NEW HOPE! Pictured above are scenes from New Hope Baptist Church’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Scholarship Breakfast held Monday January 17 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. The guest speaker was Rev. Jacquelyn Ross Brown, Associate Pastor of New Covenant United Church of Christ. Among those receiving awards was columnist/activist/poet & storyteller Karima Amin. The pastor of New Hope Baptist, located on Richmond Avenue, is Rev. Herschel Chapman, Jr. Congratulations on another outstanding event! PHOTOS PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY
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FEBRUARY 2, 2011