INSIDE ROCHESTER
Rochester Kwanzaa Festival 2011 Schedule
Join us for a unique celebration of traditional African values of Family, Community and Culture. What is Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest,” is a time to celebrate African American people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa 2011 For more information: call the Kwanzaa Hotline at 436 6453 Locations *Umoja (Unity) December 26 Baobab Cultural Center 3-6pm 728 University Ave. *Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) December 27 Memorial Art Gallery 12-5 pm 500 University Ave. *Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) December 28 North Street Recreation Center 2-5pm 700 North Street *Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) December 29: Wheatley Library 2-5 pm 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way *Nia (Purpose) December 30 RMSC 3-6pm 657 East Ave Kuumba (Creativity) December 31 Bush Mango 5-8pm 34 Elton Street
Kwanzaa Celebration GEts a Head start Held At Memorial AME Zion This past Sunday, Memorial AME Zion got a head start on the Kwanzaa Celebration. Memorial held its third annual celebration and reviewed the tradition and its seven principles to fellow memMARSHA bers. Parents JONES and children reviewed the seven principles - imani, kuumba, nia, umoja, ujima, ujamma, and kujichaagulia; lighted candles and explained why this holiday was started back in the 60s by founder Dr. MaulanaKarenga. `"We must cherish and maintain this statement of value and vision if we are to liberate ourselves and reshape reality according to our needs and interests," explained Marie Rivers, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. "We are trying to strive for discipline, dedication, and achievement in all we do. We need to learn and listen to the wisdom of our ancestors and build our legacy to ourselves and others." `Kwanzaa has served as an alternative to the Christmas holiday for years because the focus is taken off of materialize. The holiday is celebrated December 26 until January 1.
MMB Holds A Night Of Back Yard Storytelling Playwright Curtis Rivers, the owner of Mood Makers Books, stole his own show Saturday night with funny stories about growing up in Tennesee. His project called "Back Yard Stories... From 1018 15th Avenue South" talked about growing up black in the south antackled topics as the rules, his first crush and returning back to Nashville. His playwrights-in-residence didn't miss a beat. They (Annette Ramos, DJ Snead, and Marsha Jones) cleverly weaved their childhood stories) into the conversation as well. The stories addressed the topics of racism, a baseball game, first crush, and other topics. Several years ago, Rivers started collecting and writing down stories in his life. He plans on publishing these stories by the end of 2012 as a legacy for his children.
Greece Olympia's Josh Marx: Poetry In Motion Now that the push for Section V Class A sectionals is over, Greece Olympia's Josh Marx has another goal in mind: getting published. The running back Page 2
wants to publish some of 100 poems and four short stories he has written. His tales include that of him buying a dog, a police tale, and a young man's movement from poverty to that of youth sports and stardom. Congrats to Josh Marx and best of luck in your writing and playing careers. Kudos to... WDKX, the Rochester West Indian
Festival Organization, and Senator Joe Robach for bringing the Christmas of Spirit back to downtown Rochester. Children got their photos taken with Santa and those who needed winter coats, hats, socks, shoes, and boots got them. The lines were long, but it was nice seeing people giving back to each other. Thank you! Have a safe and happy holiday! Support Black businesses during the holidays.
Rochester City School District
School Choice
EXPO
Saturday, January 7, 2012 9am-3pm Rochester Riverside Convention Center 123 East Main Street
Explore. Interact. Decide. • Explore options available for learners of all ages, Pre-K to Adult. • Interact with students and staff at each school’s exhibit to learn more about what they have to offer. • Placement staff will be on hand to assist with the school selection process, and if you decide…early registration will be available!
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
Black Lawyers: White Judges
Are a B r i e f s
Gail Hunter Honored With Distinguished Alumni Award Sacred Heart Academy recently presented their Super Christus Omnia Distinguished Alumni Award to Gail Deneen Hunter. The award ceremony took place on November 11th at the Twentieth Century Club. Gail is a 1976 graduate of the school and is currently the Vice President for Special Events for the National Basketball Association. This award is presented to an alumnus who has distinguished herself in her career and/or civic and community activities, and who exemplifies the spirit and tradition of Sacred Heart Academy. Gail began her education at the former Public School Schools #16 and # 63 where she quickly demonstrated her scholarly ability and graduated with the highest average in her 8th grade class. During her years at the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, she continued to excel academically and was also active in sports. In 2000 Gail was inducted into the Sacred Heart Academy Sports Hall of Fame. After graduation from Sacred Heart, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York at Fredonia where she continued to excels an accomplished student athlete earning the Alice Michaels Award given to the most outstanding female senior athlete. After college, Gail went on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from which she earned her juris doctor degree in 1986. After graduation, she practiced law in Seattle, Washington. Gail joined the NBA in 1999 as Senior Director of Events and Attractions. Before joining the NBA, she was employed as Director of Corporate Marketing for the Seattle Mariners. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Promotional events for Major League Baseball from 1991 to 1998. In her current position, Gail is responsible for managing the NBA’s and WNBA’s domestic and international grassroots marketing programs. Events across the United States include NBA All-star, NBA All-star Jam session, NBA Jam Van, NBA Summer League and NBA Nation. She oversees the production, operations, sponsorship management, execution, public relations, marketing and advertising for these events. Gail currently resides in Rutherford, New Jersey. Gail is the daughter of Dr. Juanita Hunter and the late Archie L. Hunter
Dwayne Ferguson Elected V.P. of National MAD DADS Dwayne Ferguson, president of the local chapter of MAD DADS (which stands for Men Against Destruction Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder), has been elected vice president of the national organization. . Serving the community for the past 15 years, his dedication and commitment to the youth has not gone unnoticed. Ferguson also served on the National MAD DADS Board of Directors, prior to his election to vice president. Congratulations1
Youth Invited To Participate In Mlk Program `Columnist and retired teacher Eva M. Doyle would like to invite area youth to participate in a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. set for Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Frank E. Merriweather library located at 1324 Jefferson avenue. The program will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Praise dancers, singers, musicians, poets and speakers are needed. The theme of the program will be “Honoring Dr. King: His Life and Legacy.” The community is invited to come out and support our youth. Admission to the program is free. For more information you can call 847-6010 or 533-9547.
Michelle Hare Honored Buffalo native Michelle D. Hare was recently recognized by the National African American Insurance Association, New York Tri-State Chapter. She received the Distinguished Member Service Award on November 30 at the organization’s annual wards gala in New York City. The daughter of Marie E. Hare and L. Nathan Hare, Michelle currently resides in Forest Hills, NY where she is employed by State Farm Insurance Companies.
At least three qualified Black lawyers have reportedly put in their request to be considered for the vacant City Court Judge Seat, but sources say it will be “politricks” as usual when it comes to the selection process...and the Black hopefuls can forget it. Left to right: Ahmed Saleh, Mateen Salahuddin, larry Thompson and Mateen’s grandson, Willie Davis.
Beyond Mandella....
Mandella is more than just a gas station and market gracing the corner of E. Ferry and Jefferson Avenue. It stands as a source of pride and a beacon of hope in the heart of Buffalo’s inner city.
F
or 30 years the corner of E. Ferry and Jefferson Avenue stood as a stark reminder of neglect and stagnation in the inner city, until a visionary young entrepreneur made his dream of ownership a reality. In October of 2007, Ahmed Saleh, armed with a college degree, a business plan and support from the Buffalo State Small Business Development Center, a bank willing to help (First Niagara) and faith in God, opened Mandella Market/Citgo Gas. It was an incredible leap of faith for the native of Eritrea (a country located in the Horn of Africa) who came to the United States as a refugee in 1993. For almost four years he worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week to make his dream a reality. Mandella Market literally lights up the corner, both physically and symbolically. Ahmed’s “yes we can” attitude, faith and excitement about doing for self, is an immediate source of pride for everyone who patronizes his business. Mandella Market/Citgo Gas is the only Black gas station in city, and Ahmed said he would like to see more Blacks opening and owning businesses in the neighborhood in the near future. “We have to become more than just consumers,” he said recently from his clean, well lit facility. “We don’t own anything. Young people must become more involved in business. Street life is a short life,:” he cautioned. “We have to push young people to do for themselves and take ownership. Others can do it, why can’t we?” The business has expanded and acquired a new pump to better serve its growing customer base. And Ahmed recently purchased the building across the street from the gas station which he has renovated and rents out to some off his workers. Ahmed also resides there. The construction currently taking place at the building is for a new garage, and he is negotiating with the Obama camp to have them place the Obama 2012 campaign headquarters in the building’s storefront facing Jefferson Avenue. “It would make an excellent location for the campaign,” he said The thing that brings Ahmed the most pride, is that he uses minorities for all of the work he is doing, or has done. He had high praise for contractors John Greer (electrician), Larry Thompson (carpenter), Mateen Salahuddin (masonry) and others. “It feels good to use minority businesses. I’m happy when a Black man has a job.” Ahmed said he is thankful to everyone for their support over the years, especially the Black churches. “We could not have done it without the Black church, he said. “They have been tremendously supportive. This is a very good community over all. There there are people who will come from as far away as Lockport just to get their gas from Mandella.” “There are so many good people here,” he continued “they respect Mandella
DECEMBER 21, 2011
Continued Page 17
Why would City Hall put out a call for applicants to be considered for appointment to a Buffalo City Court vacancy when the decision has already been made? Was it just another bogus request coming from the administration to give the appearance of a fair Attorney Key process? That is the question being raised by some African American political observers. The recent election of City Judge Sharon LoVollo to the Family Court has resulted in a vacancy in the City Court that is expected to be filled by Mayor Byron Brown, probably before the end of the year. According to our sources, at least two or three “extremely qualified Black lawyers put in their request for consideration,” however, the word is out that once again the mayor will pass them up - even though African Americans make up the majority of the litigants in the building. We have seen this played out in the recent past where political connections – not merit alone – had a lot to do with the final decision. One of the African Americans, whose name was mentioned as having applied for the appointment, said that he decided not to waste his time, because of that very reality . However that did not deter Attorney Earl Key, a personal injury, federal and state criminal defense lawyer, who not only applied for consideration for the position, but says he is gearing up to run in the Primary if community candidates are passed over for the upcoming appointment. It is rumored that Brown will appoint Thomas Kubeniec as a favor to Council Member Golombek, ‘an insult at its worst, or a shame at its least,” said one source. “Does he (Brown) realize that there are indeed qualified Blacks in Buffalo worthy of his recognition?” Continued Page 14 Page 3
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Portugal Won’t Give Up 'Iran reserves right BlackAgendaReport.com Mumia Being Set Up Former Black Liberation to respond to US' A senior Iranian commander has Army Member to U.S. warned the United States over its for Assassination?
News Update
The First Family’s Official Holiday Portrait. Who would want to kill them?
California Politician, Tea Partier Calls for the Assassination of President Obama and His “Monkey” Children Jules Manson, a darling of the Tea Party, made a Facebook post that might lead some to think that he needs to be checked for drugs. On his wall, Manson said the following: “Assassinate the fucken nigger and his monkey children.” A ascreenshot of the post twas taken by some of his Facebook friends before he could have it removed.Manson is a libertarian Tea Party member and strong supporter of Ron Paul. An angry backlash followed on Facebook, and Manson apologized for his words but defended his right to speak freely. “Once you have taken the position that anyone should be imprisoned for careless emotionally driven remarks that had no real substance, you deserve what your government has become,” he wrote in the new Facebook post. This isn’t the first time Manson attacked Obama: He put up a picture of the president dressed as Hitler earlier in the year.
A Portuguese court last month denied a U.S. request for the extradition of former Black Liberation Army member George Wright who has spent the last 41 years escaping U.S. authorities. Wright, now 68, who has been living peacefully in Portugal for the last several decades, said he was “very happy morally and spiritually,” with the decision. He said that his extradition to serve the rest of a sentence for a fatal New Jersey gas station robbery in 1962 was not justified because his accomplices fired the shots that killed the owner. Wright admitted to the plane hijacking of a jet to Algeria in 1972 but said he committed it as a militant member of the Black Liberation Army “to fight for Black rights.” He says he is a changed man. A U.S. Justice Department spokeswoman said U.S. officials are ‘extremely disappointed” at the decision.
violation of Iran's airspace, stressing that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond to such aggressive measures. On December 4, the Iranian military's electronic warfare units brought down a spy drone flying over the eastern city of Kashmar, some 140 miles from the Afghan border. The radar-evading aircraft, designed and developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, had crossed into Iran's airspace over the border with neighboring Afghanistan. Deputy Commander of the Chiefs of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi p said that officials in Washington think they can hide and cover over such a disgraceful act. Today we are witnessing that despite a flagrant intrusion into the Iranian airspace and violation of international law, American officials including the US president are impudently raising such issues, he added, IRNA reported.
“Nothing In The World Is More Dangerous Than Sincere Ignorance and Conscientious Stupidity...” Martin Luther King
FACE OF EVIL: A man accused of spraying gasoline on a 73-year-old woman and setting her ablaze in an elevator was charged Monday with murder and arson, appearing in court with the left side of his face blistered and burned, his upper lip swollen. Jerome Isaac, 47, said nothing during the brief hearing in Brooklyn criminal court, where he was ordered held without bail in the death of Deloris Gillespie. His lawyer requested solitary confinement and medical attention but did not speak outside court. Isaac often did odd jobs at her apartment and told police he set her on fire because she owed him $2,000, authorities have said.
coal tar products are powerful causes of cancer. Workers who tended roofer’s kettles or carried buckets of hot coal tar pitch for application on roofing surfaces are also at risk for developing cancer due to their exposure to coal tar pitch.
Individuals suffering from cancer as a result of working in roofing construction, may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
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Congo Elections Rigged
Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila engineered his own reelection by pushing through constitutional changes that eliminated a runoff vote and by appointing his own supporters as judges and elections officials, said Kambale Musavuli, of Friends of the Congo. “Kabila is supported by the United States,” he said. Despite the election theft, “We Congolese can organize to make sure that we really achieve the independence that Patrice Lumumba dreamed of in 1960.”
Breaking News from Citizens for Legitimate Government
ATTENTION ROOFERS:
The chemicals found in coal tar and
Pennsylvania authorities intend to have Mumia Abu Jamal killed if he is transferred to the general inmate population, said Pam Africa, of International Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal. The Philadelphia District Attorney agreed last week to no longer pursue the death penalty in the killing of a police officer, 30 years ago. “This is a devious trick of theirs,” said Ms. Africa. “This is the same government that attempted to assassinate [American Indian Movement activist] Leonard Peltier, this is the same government that murdered [San Quentin inmate and Black Panther] George Jackson, and the list goes on.”
9-year Old Suspended for Calling Teacher “Cute” A 9-year-old African American boy in North Carolina was suspended from school for two days for sexual harassment. Emanyea Lockett’s crime was that he told his friend that he thought his teacher was cute. ‘I was talking to my friend and I said Miss Taylor was cute...That’s all I said,’ Emanyea said.”
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Last U.S. Troops Leave Iraq, Ending Bloodiest U.S. War Since Vietnam --Thousands of Blackwater mercenaries remain 17 Dec 2011 In the end, there was no decisive battle, no peace treaty. The United States’ bloodiest conflict since Vietnam ended with a border crossing. After nearly nine years, $800 billion, 4,500 American dead and an estimated 100,000 Iraqi dead, the war in Iraq is over -- at least for the U.S. military. The last U.S. combat troops crossed from Iraq into Kuwait along the same roads the United States used to invade the country in 2003. [Now it’s up to the Iraqi resistance to kick the thousands of Blackwater mercenaries *out.*] Military given go-ahead to detain US terrorist suspects without trial 14 Dec 2011 Barack Obama has abandoned a commitment to veto a new security law that allows the military to indefinitely detain without trial American terrorism suspects arrested on US soil who could then be shipped to Guantánamo Bay. Human rights groups accused the president of deserting his principles and disregarding the longestablished principle that the military is not used in domestic policing. The law, contained in the defence authorisation bill that funds the US military, effectively extends the battlefield in the “war on terror” to the US and applies the established. DECEMBER 21, 2011
HEALTH MATTERS
Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad: Chronic Illnesses Result of Poor Nutrition Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad is Minister of Health and Human Services of the Nation of Islam. He is a minister and surgeon who has held several teaching positions at various medical centers and universities. In 1986, he founded the Abundant Life Clinic in Washington, D.C., which enabled him to pursue community-based alternative medicine. He is known around the world for his clinical research in HIV/AIDS. He will be the keynote s p e a k e r Dr.Alim Muhammad at the 4th night of Kwanzaa, December 29 at Ujima theatre, 545 Elmwood Ave (See Page 8). The following is an excerpts from a Final Call Interview. Q: Can you talk about other health issues of particular concern to Black communities, such as cancer? Heart disease? A: turns out that these chronic: It illnesses generally are a result of the poor health that is borne of poor nutrition. Poor nutrition, I’m finding out every day, is more and more
DECEMBER 21, 2011
endemic to all of America. It’s hard to actually find good food anywhere in America that is capable of nourishing the body. And so, when you have this pervasive malnutrition, in association with toxicity—chemical as well as toxic metal toxicity—then you have the setting in which cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses can emerge. Usually, the trigger will become some infection that takes place in this setting. So, when you examine the heart patient, what you find is what actually caused the plaque to form in the artery, which resulted in the heart attack, was an infection there first, due to poor immunity, which is associated with poor nutrition. In the cancer patient, what you will find in the cancer cells are the genes of various viruses, which shows that, in many cases, the cancer is actually the result of viral infection in association with poor nutrition and toxicity. The same with diabetes. The diabetic pancreas is almost always infected with a virus. Toxic metals are present. Toxic chemicals are present. And then, in association with poor nutrition, especially an over-indulgence in sugar, then this person after many years becomes known as a diabetic and suffers the complications of diabetes. Q; Can you discuss obesity and the
except that they were first unhealthy and in an unbalanced state. A healthy body cannot be made obese. Even if a healthy person were to overeat, they would not become obese. Nutrition obviously plays a major role in it. One of the reasons that an unhealthy person becomes obese is because they are malnourished. They are not receiving good food, in the proper amount, the proper balance. This is what leads to the disease state, which produces the symptom of obesity.The best prescription for someone struggling with obesity is: Get yourself healthy. If you get yourself healthy, then the weight will take care of itself.
DID YOU KNOW...
that it is very easy for mutant viruses from pigs to be transmitted to humans and become resistant to antibiotics. Professors at the London Institute for Virus Research states that flu viruses studied remained alive and active in sausages, hot dogs, ham, bacon and pork chops. Viruses basically live in the lungs and tissues of pigs. These viruses include taenia solium tapeworm – (the pig is its primary source), equine morbillivirus, nipah virus and other retroviruses. Scientists have proved that pigs pick up viruses like the bird fluand pass it on to humans killing20,000 in the U.S.
ARE YOU EATING TO LIVE? OR LIVING TO EAT?
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Dr.Jawanza Kunjufu
National Education Consultant Cautions, ‘Keep Black Boys Out of Special Education!’ (Chicago, Illinois,) – From an African American boy’s first day in kindergarten (or pre-school), the quest to mold him into the “ideal” student begins. However, his short attention span, high energy, and slow maturation will frustrate his teacher as she fails to transform him into a quiet, compliant student. Unable to “fix” the child, the teacher refers him to special education. The teacher, a special education teacher, a psychologist, a social worker or counselor, and the principal will meet to discuss the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The parent may or may not know about this, the most important meeting of her son’s life. This meeting will determine whether the student… •Will stay in the regular classroom or whether he will receive special education services. •Will be diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), or any of the many psychological labels that students receive in
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special education. • May be prescribed Ritalin. African American children are only 17 percent of the total school population in America. Yet they represent more than 41 percent of students in special education, of which 80 percent are Black males. In contrast, Black students are only six percent of gifted classes. Special education was never designed to be a dumping ground for African American male students. Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, author of the bestselling Keeping Black Boys Out of Special Education, says, “Where special education once began as a noble attempt to ensure that all children received a fair and equal education, no matter their disability, today it is misused by teachers who don’t know how to teach to the learning styles and emotional state of Black boys. Instead of improving their pedagogy and classroom management skills, they punish the child with a special education placement.” As a result, a $60 billion special education industry has arisen and profited from the misfortune of Black boys and their families. Perhaps that is why… •20 percent of America’s teachers make 80 percent of the referrals into special education.
• ADD and ADHD represent 50 percent of the diagnoses of all children placed in special education. • 85 percent of all special education students receive drugs. • Only 27 percent of African American male special education students graduate from high school. Eighty percent of all students referred to special education are below grade level in reading and writing. In other words, illiteracy is the leading precursor of special education placement. Teaching boys how to read is critical to mainstreaming students back into the classroom and preventing special education placements from occurring in the first place. African American male students are in a state of emergency. Placement into special education will, in large measure, determine a student’s path in life. With that in mind, Kunjufu asks, is there a relationship between… • Special education and prison? • Illiteracy and incarceration? • Ritalin and cocaine? If as a nation we fail to address these issues and their root causes, the future will be bleak for yet another generation of Black boys.
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
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8th Annual Tree Of Life Ceremony On Wednesday, December 28, 2011, local Wordstress, Karla Thomas, aka Black Pearle76, will host Buffalo’s 8th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony for families of homicide victims. Joining Ms. Thomas in this community initiative is Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and Legislator-Elect Timothy Hogues, Rev. Matthew Brown, Pentacostal Temple COGIC, NYS, The Father’s, Charley H. Fisher III and B.U.I.L.D., Assemblywoman Crystal PeoplesStokes, Utopian Euphoria, Teresa Evans and the P.E.A.C.E. Organization, True Bethel Baptist Church, 3 Maidens and a Manchild, Common Councilmembers Bonnie Russell and Rev. Darius Pridgen, and the East Side Political Network (E.S.P.N.) The purpose and mission of the program continues to be to honor and highlight the love families have for those deceased members of their respective families whose untimely deaths occurred due to homicide. The Tree of Life is symbolic of the connection between all forms of life and spirits, both living and dead being eternally connected through love. From 2007 to 2011, this communityhas lost 240 lives to the crime of homicide. While the county so far for 2011 is only 33, that’s still 33 too many. The devastation on families, the impact on the psyche of people living in the neighborhoods where the homicides occur, as well as the impact on businesses, lives on for years to come. When a loved one is suddenly snatched away, it creates an unspeakable, indescribable pain that can only be known by someone who experiences it. You can’t verbally express the magnitude of it, nor can you begin to understand how this type of death affects the mind, body or spirit – until it happens to you. Join the families of homicide victims at the Delevan Grider Community Center on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 6:00 pm in remembering their loved ones. Bring a picture, ornament or momento to hang on the “Tree of Life” in honor of your loved one. This event is free and open to the public, however, it is closed to electronic media. No T.V. camera’s or electronic recording devices allowed inside during the program. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS!
DECEMBER 21, 2011
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Act now! HEAP is open. If you need help paying your heating bills, or know someone who does, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help. Applications are now being accepted. However, funds are very limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay, apply now. A little help can make a big difference. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit HEAPhelps.com or call 1-877-443-2743.
HEAPhelps.com // 1-877-443-2743 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 homes is $300. HEAP grants are immediately posted to customer accounts when they are received from New York State.
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National Headliners Highlight Kwanzaa 2011: Maulana Karenga, Queen Afua, Dr. Alim Muhammad to Speak The creator of the Kwanzaa celebration, the Nation of Islam’s top physician, and a renowned healer and author will highlight this year’s Kwanzaa celebration which kicks off on Monday, December 26 at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and performing arts at 7 p.m. A “keynote performance” by Buffalo’s own Q and Drea’ is sure to electrify. The Tradition Keepers Community Dancers and Drummers, the Jazzy Steppers, and Dr. Maat Lewis will also grace the stage. Later, throughout the week, the community will be treated to more awesome talent such as Le Ballet Tuba N’Dam Fall, the Njozi Poets, Daughters of Creative Sound and more. Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, will deliver the keynote address on Friday December 30 at the Museum of Science on Humboldt Parkway at 7 pm. Dr. Alim Muhammad, the Nation of Islam’s top doctor (see page 5) will be the keynoter on Thursday, December 29. And Queen Afua, described as ‘a living, breathing healer,” will present on Wednesday, December 28 at the frank Merriweather Library. This year’s theme is “Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics All Year Long!” Check out the schedule below and plan to make at least one night. You’ll be glad you did! Peace! And hats off to this years Kwanzaa Committee!
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
Holiday Greetings!
DECEMBER 21, 2011
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entertaiment
Oprah Targets Black Audiences To Save her Network, But does She deserve Our Support?
REMY WHITE! Buffalo’s own supermodel, the lovely Jessica White, recently attended the Remy Martin V official launch party with performance by Robin Thicke at Lavo in New York City this past July 12.
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Since Oprah Winfrey launched her new television network OWN on January 2011, she has had difficulty matching the success she had with her talk show. But OWN executives think they may have found the solution to the struggling network's problems: African American viewers. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the television network, just shy of a year old, plans to adjust to the tough times by capitalizing on the success it has had with black viewers. While its performance has been rather bleak since the launch, network president Erik Logan and Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav said it has performed particularly well with black audiences based on the success of the reality show "Sweetie Pies." The decision to target Black viewers comes as no surprise, since African Americans watch more television than any other segment of the population, according to Nielsen Media Research. Some entertainment analysts however, find it a rather “shocking choice “ noting that "Oprah is a brand that goes far beyond the African American market," And as one senior analyst said: "I don't know that it would be a good thing for OWN to so narrowly define its target." Not to worry, said network president Logan, insisting that OWN has no plans to carry out a large-scale refocusing, and is instead capitalizing on the obvious success it has seen with certain programming. "We're not going to sell out and just chase one demographic or segment," he said. Selling out to Black viewers? In short. Miss Thang’s network just wants enough of us to tune in so they can all keep making money....What do you think?
ON STAGE *Wu-Tang Clan, 8 p.m., Mon. Dec. 26, Town Ballroom, 681 Main St., 8523900, tickets $45, box office, Tickets. com *St. Martin De Porres New Year’s Eve Gala, Saturday, December 31, 7p.m. – 1:30 a.m., Fairdale Banquet Center, 672 Wehrle Drive; featuring Old School B-Boys; DJ David Allen; tickets $50 includes buffet dinner, free drinks; tickets available at Brooks Central Park Cleaners, St. Martin De Porres Church Office 555 Northampton St. or call Godfather Promotions at 602-8150.
“Living The Dream”: King Celebration Set
The “Concerned Citizens Following The Dream” Committee presents the Martin Luther King Celebration program on Sunday January 15, 2012, 5:45pm at Kleinhans Music Hall, Symphony Circle. The theme is “Fulfilling The Dream”. Bishop T. Anthony Bronnor of Elim Christian Fellowship Church will be the keynote speaker. Again this year pioneers and trailblazers in our community will be honored with an MLK Award. Several public school students will be recognized with a MLK Jr. certificate for volunteer services. Musical tributes will be rendered by the Philharmonic Chorus, the African Cultural Center dancers, Hutch-Tech High School Band, Jennifer Suerez, B.A.D. (Blessed Annointed Daughters) praise dance ministry, and many more. The admission is free, and is sponsored in part by Wegmans Foods, M&T Bank, Amigone Funeral Home, Seiu Education Project, the Challenger Community News and Lombardo Funeral Home. Bessie Patterson is the chairperson.
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
First Night Buffalo - Buffalo’s Biggest Drug and Alcohol-Free New Year’s Eve Celebration First Night Buffalo is back at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center! The annual holiday family tradition is celebrating its 23rd year and will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31st. There will be a Scavenger Hunt, Inflatable Fun, and Amusement Rides including the giant slide, climb the rock wall, or spin around in the Octopus. Thrill rides for kids of all ages on the Main exhibit Level. Plus a variety of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Winny the Drug-Free Buffalo will remind everyone about the importance of being drug-free, as part of the new "Fly Above the Influence" campaign from WNY United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Winny will be adorned with butterflies decorated by schoolchildren from all over Western New York as they pledge to "fly above" the influence of drugs and alcohol. Other attractions include comedy improvisation, contortionist Aidan Orange and hypnotist Jerry Valley. There also
will be an Elvis impersonator, laser tag and music. The grand finale will include a balloon drop with indoor fireworks. Advanced tickets are $8 per person and include all rides, attractions and activities. Tickets are available at all area Wegmans locations. Tickets are $10.00 at the door. Children age 2 and younger are free. Free parking will be available at the Fernbach and Main Place Mall parking ramps. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.firstnightbuffalo. org or call 716/635-4959.
WINTER famIly fuN caRNIval ELLICOTT-MASTEN FAMILy yMCA 585 William St. Buffalo, Ny 14206 716-845-5440 EllicottMastenFamilyyMCA.org
December 28, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
free to the public! The entire family will enjoy gym and carnival games, open swim, face painting, crafts, snacks, ® a free Zumba class for parents and so much more!
Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA Offers Winter Vacation Club Need a safe and convenient place for your kids to be active during winter break (12/26-12/30/11)? Consider sending your child to Vacation Club hosted by the Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA at their branch located at 585 William Street. Kids ages 3-12 years old will enjoy arts and crafts, ice skating, youth sports, creative writing, swimming, and much more! Vacation club is offered from 7:00 am- 6:00 pm and is only $21/day for Y Members and $27/day for non-members. Financial assistance is provided to income eligible families. DSS subsidy is accepted. Children will need to bring a lunch, but dinner is provided FREE of charge. Appropriate outdoor and swimming attire are also necessary. Register at the Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA today as space is limited. Call 845-5440 or stop by the branch.
JCC CenterStage announces auditions for new musical Auditions for PARADE, a musical by Jason Robert Brown will be held January 17 and 18 at 7pm. Roles for 20 adult and high school age musical theatre performers including some African American characters. Must be available for rehearsals starting March 11. Singers must come with 32 bars of two contrasting songs with sheet music in the correct key. Auditions held at JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. For information call 585-461-2000 x 235.
DECEMBER 21, 2011
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
Church Mother Turns 97 Greater Refuge Temple salutes our very own Mother Artie Brown. On Saturday, December 24, 2011, Mother Brown will turn 97 years old. Mother Brown’s f u l l name is Artie Belle Bryant Brown. She was Mother Artie Brown born on December 24, 1914 to Mamie Hamilton Bryant and William Henry Bryant in Fort Gaines, Georgia. Her husband’s name was Ernest Brown. She had a successful marriage to a wonderful man for 51 years. Her daughters names: Beverly Jones and Patricia Westbrook. Mother Brown has 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 great -great grandchild; 2
sisters; 2 brothers and 3 nieces. She moved to Buffalo, NY in 1942 from Cincinnati, OH. The reason she moved to Buffalo was to be with her mother. She went to high school in Cincinnati, OH. She was baptized in 1965 at Calvary Baptist Church on William Street. She became a member of Greater Refuge Temple in 1986. She received the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in 1987 at home. She is a current member of Greater Refuge Temple and attends worship service weekly. Her favorite scriptures are: Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ….. Her favorite song: “Just As I Am” Her favorite foods: Chicken, Greens, Macaroni and Cheese Her favorite color: Blue Mother Brown worked as a “live in” babysitter at the age of 15. She took care of a child with disabilities for 6 years. During Word War II, she did factory work. She sold “fashion frocks” door to door (in home sales). She worked in Sattler’s stock room because she was not allowed to work in sales at that time due to racial bias. She worked for the City of Buffalo as a School Crossing Guard for 36 years. She retired due to knee surgery. Mother Brown was asked a series of questions and gave very candid answers: Question:What are you most thankful for? Mother Brown:Being able to OWN property! Being able to go up and down the stairs. She said with a smile.
To advertise call Ms. Jones @ (716) 881-1051 or email:
Question:How have things changed over the years? Mother Brown:Sadly, even though great strides have been made in the area of civil rights, the underlying prejudices still prevail.
Worship This Week!
DECEMBER 21, 2011
Page 13
EDITORIALS White Unemployment Drops, While Black Unemployment at “Crazy” Message from the Ancestors Level: Rises in Every Category by Dr. Boyce Watkins – Your Black World
When it comes to the November unemployment numbers issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a tale of two ethnicities. White Americans saw their unemployment rate decline in every demographic (women, men and teens), while African Americans saw their rate rise in every single category. The overall national unemployment rate dropped from 9% to 8.6%, which has been hailed as a victory for the Obama Administration. But the differentials conceal a sharp and problematic racial undertone as it pertains to black unemployment. White men saw their unemployment rate decline the most, dropping from 7.9% to 7.3%, while black men endured a spike from 16.2% to an especially disturbing 16.5%. White women were the beneficiaries of racial inequality as well. The white female unemployment rate dropped from 7% to 6.9% (the lowest rate of any racial/gender group), while black female unemployment rose from 12.6% to 12.9%. The racial gap was also present among teenagers. White teen unemployment dropped from 21.8% to 21.3%, while black teen unemployment rose from 37.8% to 39.6%. Across the board, white unemployment dropped from 8% to 7.6%, while black unemployment rose from 15.1% to 15.5%. Part of the reason that I agreed to serve as the National Spokesperson for the Ujamaa Initiative to support black business is because of numbers like the ones I’ve mentioned in this article. Malcolm X reminded us long ago that if African Americans do not own their own businesses, we will always be subject to glaring disparities in unemployment rates, mainly because the jobs are being controlled and granted by the descendants of our historical oppressors. Having a black president hasn’t done much to change our circumstances. In fact, we are worse off than we were before 2008. This is not to say that the Obama Administration is to blame, but it is entirely clear that they don’t have the power to solve such a serious and persistent problem. New paradigms are in order to help us to obtain empowerment in a capitalist society. If we continue to attack the old issues in the same old ways, we will continue to get the same depressing results. What’s even more insulting is that after this recession is over, black unemployment will likely remain just as high as white unemployment is right now. In other words, we will be expected to celebrate the circumstances that white Americans now consider to be entirely unbearable. It’s time for a change. Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition. BLACK LAWYERS continued
Tuesdays 12 NOON Page 14
- 1 P.M.
Mr. Kubeniec has been sighted on at least two separate occasions, in public, commenting about the appointment. Most recently he attended the F.A.T.H.E.R.S. toy give away event where he was publicly introduced as “the next City Court Judge.” But how could that be said without knowing who else is running from our community? Who is the better qualified candidate? Interestingly enough, back in 2006, Kubeniec ran against Judge Craig Hannah – who has been Brown’s only African American appointment thus far - in the race for City Court Judge. Kubeniec’s pending judgeship is also said to be a favor to Council Member Golombek – the same Golombek who supported the less qualified Ken Case against Jim McLeod in the hotly contested race for Erie County Court in 2010. Kubeniec is the son of Julian Kubeniec However there is an upside, noted one observer. Regardless of who Brown hand picks, they will have to run in next year’s 2012 election to keep that seat, and an African American candidate stands a very good chance of a victory given it will be a presidential election year with President Obama running; guaranteeing a large Black voter turnout. The general sentiment in the community is that we need a city court that really reflects the community it serves. It is estimated that on any given day African Americans make up 80 to 90 percent of the city court population.a.b.
Peace, Be still and know…Peace and Love, to do the “Greatest Good”. The African ancestors of the Maafa knowing the past, suffered the present, and envisioned the future. We perceived in the future a fulfillment of our Love relationship with Life. Seeking understanding in the present Maafa, we have awareness of, and draw upon the past, its knowledge, wisdom and understanding of Life: its Ages and cycles. To make sense of the present, to survive moment to moment, we applied all, all our Being – body and mind girded, soul uplifted. Bound and gagged, day and night living nightmares, mad foreign ways, muted speechless until timelessness finds one in an unknown space, lonely, but not alone; terrorized and stressed to, and beyond the breaking point. Divided consciousness emerged, to escape mentally and physically; to find respite, the Soul became the refuge, the nurturer for survival of the greater Being, that part of us of Eternal Value – Eternal Life. We became two selves, the anguished African dreamer of heritage and the disoriented, oppressed, nameless enslaved. And thereby each sun rise, yet we rise. Even as smells, tastes, sounds of death reek. We rise and receive Life, clutching on once again to the light, closing our eyes to the days of torment before an unyielding, unrevealing horizon. Like fish hauled from the sea, frantically, we opened our mouths for breath, gasping for air, grappling for balance, jerked, yanked thrown to and fro, claimed to be a property with eyes ablaze, shockingly fearful or fearless and angry. The violent power of oppression, kidnapping, terrorism, and torture led the innocent, ignorant and noble to a landscape and mind state exploitation and degradation. Breeding a new order of social being, repressing the inner self to numbness, causing a thoughtful paralysis of personal will we took on a death defying cycle of daily survival. To preserve the true African self, we dreamed in spite of all. To protect our dreaming we birthed an otherness of impersonation and survival gamesmanship, negotiating Life and Death in large and small increments of suffering and hope. Beyond the ever present tragedy of the Maafa, with hope, our minds and hearts were open and our prayers invested with the will to see the future. Prayers spoken and unspoken, beyond thought, prayers, evoked our Love and faith in Life, our respect and honor of our heritage. From this, emerged a sense of Life, a consciousness of future Vision. Our prayers that we see another day; that we survive for the fruits of future generations; that justice prevail in our Maafa; that our Spirits would be free; and our children live unbound body, mind and spirit could not be in vain. Without doubt, we were diligent and rewarded with inner Peace as our visions of you our progeny took hold and we flew in our minds eye guided by the ancestors to a home of the heart. Freed in Spirit, where no harm could be done and healing and wholeness the aim, we could sense you; feel you, the future generations. We drew power from the vision of your Humanity of purpose, passion and power. We knew eternal values would prevail and would be the pathway for future generations self realization. We began to see and envision eternal value and purpose in our lives before we knew there was a shore to be reached. We, in the dark belly of the ship offered thanks for divine light illuminating our hearts allowing a sharing, a communion of unspoken purposeful Love among us seeking guidance to know the way; the way home, the way – away from the Maafa, to Freedom. We understood the overcoming of the Maafa, the ending of the old world and the transformation of the Ages as a legacy shared with you our children. We drew comfort from realizing the day would come when we as ancestors would hear you call our names and you would feel our Spirit drawing upon it to harvest the fruits of our Love, labors for the freedom and healing of the people and the healing of the land. Written By: Edison Michaels Special tothe Challenger Newspaper 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. 881-1051 Fax: 881-1053 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.
“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.
CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
DECEMBER 21, 2011
PROPERTY INSPECTOR Majadi Enterprises Inc. PO b/ox 603 * 316-7776 APPLIANCES
EATERIES
AJ Jamaican Kitchen 357 Vermont St. 240-2881 * 912-2966 209 Massachusetts Ave. * 886-9555
Future Cool Reconditioned Appliances
ATTORNEYS
James P. Davis 181 Franklin St.* (716) 847-2606 Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 * 855-7611 Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. * (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905
Full of Flavor 883 Jefferson * (716) 553-7050 Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 381-9308 Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore * (716) 597-0755
HAIR SUPPLY Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan * (716) 892-5821
HEATING & COOLING
F&S Tailors & Fashions 894-3742*wwwfandsfashions.com
Don “The Furnace Guy” (716) 465-2411
Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington * (716) 838-4612
Nadia’s Taste of Soul 69 Allen St. * (716) 884-0482
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Daria L. Pratcher 136 Broadway * (716) 541-8574
Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592
Franklins Interior /ExteriorCocepts 105 Commonwealth * (716) 235-8818
The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009
Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones* (716) 903-5320
First Klass Muffler & Brake Inc. 779 Genesee St. * (716) 362-0450
BANKS
Citizens Bank NA * 414 Main St. Chiquita Rodgers * 855-2532
Key Bank/South Campus Terrence A. McKelvey, CFP* 3586 Main St. * 871-4260 BARBER SHOPS
West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey * (716) 507-2329 Tomatoes 1393 Kensington * (716) 835-3663
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Albert C. Erni, CRPC Merrill Lynch * 716-849-2009
HAIR SALONS
Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington * (716) 836-3260
Althea / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. * (716) 883-2000
Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan*570-7234/846-5956
Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. * (715) 995-3450
Precision Cutz 87 Cleveland Dr. * (716) 603-1477
Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. * (716) 835-2036
The Barbershop 2516 Bailey * (716) 464-SHOP
Everything Beauty Salon & Spa 156 Elmwood Ave. * 939-3355
BRAIDING & EXTENSIONS
Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561
Queen of New York 2868 Bailey * (716) 602-8662
CLOTHING
Fashion Town 1339 E. Delavan* (716) 894-1111 Level’s Apparel & Footware 1455 Kensington * (716) 832-0284
CHILD CARE/DAY CARE
Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. * (716) 563-1734 Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880 Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. * 308-4873 Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. * (716) 833-2250
Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave.*(716) 238-1455
More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. * (716) 886-7960
My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800
Peaches & Keys Unisex Salon 883 Jefferson * 603-6506
COFFEE SHOPS
Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. * 835-0250
Golden Cup Coffee Co. Inc. 883 Jefferson * (716) 883-7770
Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. * (716) 812-0663 Studio U Hair Loft 1286 E. Delavan Ave. * 894-8737
DECEMBER 21, 2011
TAILORS F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St * (716) 894-3742
3067 Main St. * (716) 862-4247
Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 833-2463
Automotive Battery & Tire 3218 Bailey Ave. * (816) 838-0263
Modeste Real Estate
Josephine Latifa * (716) 704-0685
Main Hair & Beauty Supply
Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson * (716) 464-6794
AUTOMOTIVE
REAL ESTATE
INCOME TAX SERVICE
WE BUY GOLD We Buy Gold 3124 Bailey * (716) 832-3332
WIRELESS
Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan *(716) 551-0304
Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave.*(716) 838-5633
Free tutoring offered by Literacy Volunteers
M
By Jennifer Westerholt
any Buffalo Public School students are eligible for free tutoring and do not know
it. Under the guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act, area families may enroll their child in Supplemental INSURANCE Educational Services (SES) if their child attends a Title I school that has Able Insurance been designated by the state to be in Jeff Moore/Broker need of improvement for more than 1798 Main St. * 883-5212 one year. Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Geico 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd. Erie County is proud to be a provider (716) 832-3253 of these services and has recently initiated a number of programs Hopkins Insurance throughout the City of Buffalo, at 1193 Jefferson * (716)-886-8880 sites including Seneca Babcock Community Center, First Presbyterian JANITORIAL Church at Symphony Circle, and FLARE Community Center. LIQUORS & WINES “We are fortunate to have established a strong partnership with the Bellamy’s Liquor Store Buffalo Public Schools, as we have 405 E. Ferry * (716) 884-4066 been delivering quality services to students for over seven years,” said One Mo Shot Liquors Literacy Volunteers Executive Direc2612 Bailey * (716) 464-3299 tor Christopher G. Gibas. “Results show that over 95% of students who MEDICAL consistently attend our programs Main Pediatrics improve their grades as monitored 2800 Main St. * (716) 837-0995 by their repost cards.” Student recruitment efforts are Rapha Family Medicine under way for programs at the Niagara 2200 Main St. * (716) 200-4122 Branch Library, Grant Street NeighMAKE UP & BODY IMAGE borhood Center and the Frank E. Merriweather Library. The SES programs utilize NYS Hazel Harris *573-5240 elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com certified teachers to provide instruction in reading and ELA in a small group setting. Groups consist of no Robin Gibson, Consultant 444-6773*www.ardysslife.com/robin more than five (5) students per teacher and also have the added benefit of a peer tutor, a 16-20 year old who acts PHOTOGRAPHY as a mentor to the students, as well Princess Photography *563-0994 as an aid to the teacher. “Our staff makes it a priority to Love Well Lifestyle Imaging recruit competent, enthusiastic teachInfo@Love-Well.Com*430-8645 ers for our SES programs,” said Program Director Amy Lawrence. Students are immediately tested L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore * 716) 894-4904
TOWING
Ron’s Towing & Recovery (716) 892-2282
and an Individual Academic Plan is then developed. Teachers design engaging, hands-on lessons that are NYS standard-based and address the unique needs of each student. “Teachers will keep parents and school district personnel informed of each student’s progress on a quarterly basis,” Lawrence added. “At the end of the school year students are post tested and should see a boost in their final grades.” Literacy Volunteers is currently accepting applications from certified teachers and eligible students alike. Those who are interested are encouraged to visit www.literacybuffalo.org or contact the Literacy Volunteers office at 876-8991 for additional information. The staff at Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Erie County realizes that parents and guardians have a choice of service providers and is hopeful that its reputation, personal attention and proven results are reasons for selection. When you partner with Literacy Volunteers, you can help change lives, word by word.
8 The supreme good is like water, Which nourishes all things without trying to. It is content with the low places that people disdain. Thus it is like the Tao. In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. When you are content to be simply yourself And don’t compare or compete, Everybody will respect you. Page 15
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
bidS NFTA Procurement
Invitation to Bid 4160 - Commercial Space Rental Marine Supply Store Download Bids from www.nfta. com
ADVERTISING PAYS! 881-1051 FAX 881-1053
EMAIL advertising@ thechallengernews. com
NOTICE PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT B.M.H.A. AGENCY PLAN Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority What Is the BMHA Plan (Agency Plan)? The BMHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing agency (B.M.H.A.) policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. There are two parts to the PHA plan: the 5-year Plan, which each PHA submits to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) once every 5th PHA fiscal, and the Annual Plan, which is submitted to HUD every year. In accordance with HUD (24CFR Part 903), the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is encouraging the community review and comment on it’s Agency Plan. The document contains both the annual and FiveYear BMHA Draft Agency Plan. Where can I see the Plan? The Plan will be available at the BMHA Resident Services Division, 476 Louisiana Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 on December 14, 2011. How long do I have to review and comment? Comments will be received until 3 :00 p.m., January 27, 2012. Please send comments to: Dawn E. Sanders, Executive Director, B.M.H.A., 300 Perry St. (Board Room), Buffalo, NYT 14204. When and where is the public Hearing? The Public Hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m., February 3, 2012 at 300 Perry St. (Board Room), Buffalo, NY. 14204. Thank you for your interest in our program. (Requests for sight, hearing or other impaired individuals should be made to the Occupancy Department 855-6774; tty/tdd: use NYS Relay @ dial 711 to auto-connect.) Page 16
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
BEYOND MANDELLA continued
It’s Our Mission. Quality Health Coverage
Mandella Market hires quite a few students and the staff overall is like a mini “African United Nations” – representing six African countries. Pictured above, Tsega Gebresilasie from Eritrea and Allen Kimenhyi from Rwanda.
Market...and we respect the community. It’s good to know that people appreciate you.” Ahmed is constantly giving to community organizations – especially those working with children. And every July Mandella Market, named in honor of South African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela, celebrates the birthday of Mr. Mandela with a day-long gas sale, free food, drinks and jazz on the premises. The future for Mandella Market looks bright. And Ahmed clearly has a vested interest in the neighborhood where he works and lives. “Im not going anywhere...there is still a lot of hard work ahead, and if anything we are expanding,” he said. Wishing the community Happy Holidays, he concluded humbly, “I appreciate all my customers and I’m so thankful for everything...This is truly a blessing from God.”
Fidelis Care can be a blessing.
Fidelis Care offers you Fidelis Care can be an opportunity. health insurance at every stage of your life. Fidelis Care is faithful.
Fidelis Care can be the answer. Fidelis Care is The New York State Catholic Health Plan, partnering with more than 48,000 providers to serve members of diverse backgrounds and faiths with the highest levels of dignity and respect.
Quality health coverage. Itʼs always been our mission. To find out if you are eligible for one of our government-sponsored health insurance programs, contact Fidelis Care at:
1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) (TTY: 1-800-421-1220) •
DECEMBER 21, 2011
fideliscare.org
Page 17
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Watch Out For Black Ice! Buffalo Department of Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak wants motorists to be aware that just because they can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. He’s referring to Black Ice – a thin glaze of transparent ice that could cause trouble on area roadways tonight. He’s urging motorists to drive with caution. City streets crews will be on patrol, monitoring the weather situation for any Black Ice potential threat.
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DECEMBER 21, 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday December 21
Wednesday December 28:
Saturday December 31
Khametic Ascendants: 9 a.m. & 12:30 (after midnight), every Wednesday, Public Access Channel 20; itstheone999@gmail.com
KWANZAA: Frank E. Merriweather Library, Jefferson & Utica; Keynote speaker queen Afua;l 7-9 p.m. (See Page 8)
Tax Assessment Challenge and Home Foreclosure Workshop: 6-7:45 pm., Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.; free and open to the public; sponsored by We Are Women Warriors. For info call Legislator Grant at 894-0914 or 536-7323.
Tree of Life Ceremony, 6 p.m., Delevan Grider Community center; free and open to the pubic; a ceremony for families of homicide victims.
First Night Drug & Alcohol Free Family New Year’s Eve Celebration: Buffalo Convention Center, 5-10 p.m.; $8 advance (tickets at Wegmans); $10 @ door; includes all rides and activities; 635-4959.
“Drive Into Bethlehem”: True Bethel Baptist Church, 7-9 p.m.; Admission is free. Monday December 26 FIRST NIGHT OF KWANZAA: Opening Ceremony, Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts, 450 Masten Ave; 7 -9 p.m. (See page 8) Tuesday December 27 KWANZAA: African American Cultural Center 350 Masten; 6-7 p.m. (See Page 8) SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
Thursday December 29 KWANZAA: Ujima Theatre, 545 Elmwood, Keynote Speaker Dr. Alim Muhammad; 7-9 p.m. (See Page 8)
Saturday January 14 MLK Program for Youth: Frank E Merriweather Library, Jefferson and Utica; 3-5 p.m.; admission free; for more information call Mrs. Doyle at 847-6010 or 533-9547.
Friday December 30 KWANZAA: Museum of Science. 1020 Humboldt Pkwy.; keynote speaker Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of Kwanzaa; 7-9 p.m.; (see page 8) Saturday December 31 KWANZAA: Children & Youth Kwanzaa, ,African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Ave. 11 a.m. – 2 pm.; keynote speaker Chris Reynolds; 5-8 p.m. Gateway Longview Resource Center, 347 E. Ferry St., Karamu Feast; (See Page 8)
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 DECEMBER 21, 2011
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