August 21, 2013 by Challenger News

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Commentary

AUGUST 21, 2013

Around town..

Lovely Warren: More 6th Annual Than Capable To Lead Sankofa Evening of Theatre & Jazz the City of Rochester

By RUTH SCOTT

or years I have advanced the idea that the power of our citizenship is tied up in active participation in the political processes of our communities. The whole raft of voter suppression laws proves that certain party and special interests know that is true and are acting on it to keep so called ethnic voters and the poor ( I might add) from exercising their power. But the interruption of such power is not just encased in the laws. It is encased in the psychology and very spirit called suppression of voters. That is evidenced by threatening, often in veiled ways to withdraw political favor from those who do not toe the line of the party in power. In actuality , when power is rationed in that way, there is no power. And power in the hands of a few becomes a cancer in the body politic which prevents our representative democracy from being real, representative and healthy. Often there is a declaration that one man (and it is usually a man) as in the case of Rochester NY mayor’s race, is the nominee of the party before a convention is held and all districts have held their votes. The chairperson was so sure of his own power that he short cut the power of persuasion and refused to leave room for changes of heart or mind. There is a bright capable woman running for mayor of Rochester ,the current president of the city council, Lovely Warren(who was told by party leaders she must wait her turn.) She has every right to present her case before the public and the Democratic party and to call attention to the fact that until recently whole sections of Rochester are ignored except for photo opt opportunities. Her platform supports the growth of the city from the neighborhoods into the core of the city and not the other way around. Over my years as a political figure and chair of the National League of Cities Economic and Commu-

Lovely Warren

nity Development Standing committee I witnessed the truth of Council President Warrens statements and plan to grow the city from the neighborhoods in and the core of the city out.

The 6th Annual “Sankofa Evening of Theatre & Jazz will be held August 22, 23, & 24 at The MuCCC, Multi-use Community Cultural Center, 142 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester. Featuring a cross section of theatrical artists from the Rochester Community it is being produced by MMB Theatre 1 Project.Established in 2006 as an on going community outreach program developed and sponsored by Mood Makers Books, MMB Theatre 1 Project is designed to provide a venue for theatrical artists to network, create, enhance their skills and learn from each other. This year the Project will showcase seven plays over the three night event. The plays are totally different providing a keen perception on Rochester’s playwrights, actors and theater artists.

A second tactic of the power hungry is to threaten other members of the party especially elected officials and the rich that their dollars and efforts to help the underdog candidate will be wasted and may be punished by withholding future favor. Each voter can donate up to $100 to any candidate without having their names listed publicly. Even $1-$5 helps. Each person may donate up to $3200+ in the primary and another $5000 in the general election. I know that money is important to broadly share the campaign message. I have been there and done that from all sides of the spectrum.

focused on the ribbon cutting activities and news opportunities of the sitting official so that primary voters will forget they still have the right and responsibility to vote on September 16 in the primary. (That is where the race will be decided in Rochester). Registering and voting is a declaration of independence from spoon fed politics and power in the hands of the few. I urge all citizens to exercise that right in the Democratic primary. You must be registered as a democrat to vote in the mayors primary in Rochester.

A third tactic is to keep the race as quiet as possible and

Remember, every vote counts !

Kicking off the first evening, Thursday, August 22, is a full length gospel drama “The Devoted Disciples” written by playwright, Robert Djed Snead and directed by Curtis K. Rivers, artistic director and founder of MMB Theatre 1 Project. An opening night reception will follow the performance. The second evening, Friday, August 23the audience will be treated to three one act plays and a special jazz set featuring “Paradigm Shift.” *“Shades of Color” by Liberia author & poet, Aken V. Wariebi *“The Tiny Coqui Wins the Race”, a Puerto Rican Folktale, adapted by Annette Ramos and written & directed by Delores Jackson-Radney *“Mi Casa Es Su Casa” staged by The Rochester Latino Theatre Company, written by Jose Casado and directed by Annette Ramos

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The third evening, August 24, will feature plays by three African American Women, dealing with history, friendship, truth, deception and intrigue. Plus, a special jazz set with “Paradigm Shift” *“Reflections on Hagins Place” by family historian & storyteller, Robin Nowell *“Win Win the Play” by novelist, Marsha Jones *“The Overnight” by playwright & director, Laura Thomas Tickets can be purchased at

Mood Makers Books, 274 N. Goodman St.Admission for Thursday, August 22, Opening Night is $14 in advance or $18 at the door. Tickets for Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24 are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Three Night Theatre Package is $30. For additional information contact Curtis K. Rivers, artistic director & producer. 585-271-7010, moodckr@ frontiernet.net or go to www. moodmakersbooks.com

AUGUST 21, 2013

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WNY AREA BRIEFS Annual Back To School Rally

Jovanna Jacobs

“The Check Cashing Lady” Retires Farewell to Jovanna Jacobs aka The Check-Cashing Lady! A celebration with co-workers and family took place on August 17th. JJ will be retiring from Buffalo Check effective mid-August. With 30 years of service between Buffalo Check and McKenzie’s Check Cashing, she is on her 3rd generation of customers! And, no doubt - - with a helpfulness and sincerity that is always much appreciated by the community. Miss J has agreed to fill in at the office as needed on a part-time basis. However, for the most part, she will spend her time traveling and enjoying her family. Good Luck & Best Wishes!

Eva M. Noles Scholarship Book Fair The Third Annual Eva M. Noles Scholarship Book Fair will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Roswell Park Kaminski Park on Carlton Street. All local authors including William Cooper, Eva Doyle, Marilyn Foote and Ted Kirkland will be featured. For more information call 994-3614 or 8454557.

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Columnist and retired teacher Eva M. Doyle will host the 4th Annual Back To School Rally on Saturday, August 24, at the Frank E. Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 3 to- 5 p.m. The program will include a school supply giveaway, educational videos, storytelling, science and math fun and much more. The Buffalo Metro Alliance of Black School Educators will assist in providing free school supplies. The program is free and open to the public. Mrs. Doyle stated that, “ We must do everything possible to help our students return to school on a positive note.” Parents and guardians are invited to accompany their children to this event. For more information you can call 847-6010 or 507-5280.

Buffalo Bills Running Back Tashard Choice Partners With CAO to Host Kick Off Dinner The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) has partnered with Tashard Choice, running back for the Buffalo Bills, to present “ Buffalo ’s Kick-Off Dinner,” a fundraiser to benefit the CAO Sports P.L.U.S. program. The event will be held on Sunday, August 25th, 2013, from 6:30 – 10pm, located at Templeton Landing Restaurant, 2 Templeton Place, on Buffalo ’s waterfront. Current players, Tashard Choice, C.J. Spiller and Brad Smith along with Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer and former NFL MVP running back Thurman Thomas will also attend. Net proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit The Choice is Yours Foundation and its partnership with the CAO Sports P.L.U.S. initiative, a recreational and sports training program for athletically-talented, disadvantaged youth in the City of Buffalo . Individual tickets are $100 each and a Corporate Table is $1,000. To make a reservation call 881-5150 ext. 4402.

Good Citizenship?

Customers express disappointment about plans to close the only remaining Citizens Bank location in the inner city.

hen Vicki Baxter learned of the planned closing of Citizens Bank in Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue, she sprang into action and started a petition drive to keep the bank open. The petition cites Citizens’ as a “necessary entity in our community. It’s location in the Tops supermarket on Jefferson is perfect for servicing the seniors, elderly, disabled, teens, single parents and families... It provides a necessary service that would make banking difficult at the alternative sites in South Buffalo or on Main street.” Vicki said she started the drive for those who need it most and have no other recourse. “My anger is that they would never do that in other neighborhoods, “ she said, “it’s just not right. I’m not doing this for me...this is for the people who live in the neighborhood who don’t have transportation and are dependent on that branch. She said that when she spoke with a higher-up at the bank she was told that there was nothing she could do about it. Her petitions are still circulating. Last Sunday business was brisk at the Citizens Bank in the Tops Market on Jefferson. We surveyed several customers and all, like Ms. Baxter, found the decision to close the operation insensitive and unfair, especially to those without transportation and with special needs. “I think it’s terrible and very disappointing,” said Pastor Reginald Daymon of New Hope Church of God By Faith on Woodlawn Avenue. “So many people use this branch because it’s just so convenient. The hours are good, the tellers are friendly and professional... It’s an injustice to the African American community.” “It’s really unfortunate,” another customer lamented, “especially in our community...I just wish they would provide more details.” Banking anywhere else, Susanne S. said, will be inconvenient, suggesting that the options they are giving customers are not really good options. Stacey Carl, who works in the Tops Market where the branch is located, said he didn’t think the decision to close “is the best idea...having the bank here is so convenient. Its open 7 days a week. We have great customer service...I know the people. It’s like ‘Wow!’ – why?” “I’m so disappointed,” said Becky Carlisle. “I don’t want them to close. I want them to stay open. Why is it that everything that’s made convenient for us in our neighborhood is eventually taken away?” And still another customer, who said he signed the petition (but preferred not to give his name), wondered where our political leadership was on the issue . He said he used to do his banking in the Broadway/Fillmore area, but that Citizens, he said, closed last year. “This is the last Citizens in the Hood,” he said. “There will be no Citizens left in the inner city...I really like the bank and I like the people who work here. And what’s going to happen to them? It’s sad,” he said shaking his head. “What happened to ‘Good Banking is Good Citizenship?’ he said noting the bank’s slogan. “This is not good citizenship!” We spoke with a bank representative briefly on Monday, and Citizen’s corporate office issued us the following statement in reference to the reason why they were closing the branch. “We continually review customer traffic patterns and preferences to help us refine our approach to meeting customers’ needs. Given the increasing popularity of mobile and online

FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN AIMS TO ATTRACT MINORITIES AND WOMEN:

Mayor Byron Brown and Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield recently announced a new outreach recruitment campaign aimed at encouraging veterans, minorities and women to join the ranks of the Buffalo Fire Department. The next Firefighter Civil Service Exam will be administered on November 19, 2013. Potential candidates must fill out an initial application by October 19, 2013. The theme of the recruitment campaign is “Ordinary People trained to do Extraordinary Things” and features active Buffalo Firefighters in print ads and public service announcements.“As we continue to invest in the Fire Department, we are committed to filling its ranks with qualified men and women who represent our city’s different communities,” Mayor Brown said. “The BFD offers challenging and fulfilling career opportunities, and we encourage all eligible Buffalo residents to apply to take the test and become one of the ordinary people trained to do extraordinary things as a Buffalo Firefighter.” Commissioner Whitfield stated: “This recruitment campaign is critical to ensuring that the Fire Department’s ranks reflect the communities they serve. We are confident that this outreach campaign will spur great interest and encourage the many diverse groups that make up our City to apply for the upcoming firefighter exam.” Potential candidates can file for the written exam from now until October 19, 2013. The firefighter exam in Buffalo will be administered on November 19, 2013. Potential applicants can go to fireexam.city-buffalo. com for more information.

New Covenant UCC Vacation Bible School and Neighborhood Fest The Christian Education Ministry of New Covenant UCC presents Vacation Bible School 2013 beginning Monday, August 19 through Friday, August 23, from 5 until 8 p.m. Children ages 3/up and Adults of all ages are invited to participate. The 2013 theme is “Jesus is our Hip Hop Hope,” “Be Glad and Rejoice Forever,” Isaiah 65:18a CEB. Dinner will be served promptly at 5 PM daily. The children’s curriculum includes Bible classes, Arts/Crafts and Christian Hip Hop. The Adult curriculum features Bible classes and Liturgical Dance. The VBS series will culminate Friday, August 23 with Bible class reviews, Craft presentations/performances and Dinner. The Annual Neighborhood Fest chaired by Barbara Davis will be held Saturday, August 24, 12 noon until 4PM. The activities will include Food, Games, A Health Fair featuring Health Care Service Agencies of Buffalo and Erie Co. Entertainment by the Robert Diaz Caribbean Band and Dance Troop. Pastor Jacquelyn Ross Brown and the congregation look forward to seeing you there!

banking, we significantly expanded those services last year and are continuing to invest in this area as we also make improvements to our ATM network. We continue to serve customers at other local branches including our Liberty Main Street branch, which is located approximately two miles away.” The bank is due to permanently close at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 6. And a lot of people in this community, even after reading this official statement, will still be asking Why...

National/International NEWS

Finally: 75 Cleveland Cops to be Disciplined for Shooting 137 Times at Unarmed Couple By John “Hennry” Harris

75 police officers in Cleveland, OH are finally going to be disciplined for firing more than 137 shots killing an unarmed African American couple November 29 of last year. An August 2nd report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer reveals that 19 of the 75 officers will reportedly face charges including engaging in a chase without permission and providing false information on duty. More than 100 officers in 60 police cars engaged in a highspeed chase of 43 year-old Timothy Russell and 30 year-old Malissa Williams. According to the Business Insider, none of the officers have thus far lost their jobs even months after the incident. The 25 minute chase that involved three districts ended in the school parking lot of Heritage Middle School, where the couple died in a hail of bullets ripping through their car. Described as a gunfight, it turns out it wasn’t much of a fight at all as police found Williams shot 24 times and Russell shot 23 times, both unarmed and dead. Not one police officer was injured in the chase. Timothy Russell reportedly fled after hitting a police car. Russell was driving on a suspended license and he and his companion, Malissa Williams, had cocaine and marijuana in their system. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine summed up this stunning overkill as being abnormal and a tragedy. “There was nothing normal about this case,” he said. What apparently does appear to be normal is the Cleveland police department’s history of using excessive force and Chief Michael McGrath looking the other way. Widespread protests have not produced any firings or indictments. Many people of color face similar issues across this country as those who are supposed to protect the public act with more lawlessness than the criminals they are supposed to protect us from. Acts such as this one, naturally breed mistrust, fear, animosity, and tension between the police and public.

AUGUST 21, 2013

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National Action to Realize the Dream

This weekend Buffalo residents will be among the more than 100,000 expected to join Rev. Martin Luther King III and the Rev. Al Sharpton for the 50th Anniversary March on Washington. By Rev. Al Sharpton

hen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the historic ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom’ at the nation’s capital in 1963, I was only eight years old. His son, Martin Luther King III, was going on six. Even though we were just children at the time, both of us understood the significance of that moment and have dedicated our lives since to advancing the fight for civil rights. This Saturday, August 24th, we will lead the ‘National Action to Realize the Dream’ rally back where it all began in Washington, D.C. As a new generation that grew up in the aftermath of the ‘60s movement, we’ve worked diligently to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. But when jobs and justice are still key issues plaguing society today, we have no choice but to call on everyone to gather once again.

Fifty years after Dr. King’s march, we must continue the push for equality until his dream, that glorious vision is actualized. The Economic Policy Institute recently released a report highlighting the fact that from the 1960s to today, the Black unemployment rate has been about 2 to 2.5 times the White unemployment rate. According to their findings: “In 2012, the Black unemployment rate was 14.0 percent, 2.1 times the White unemployment rate (6.6 percent), and higher than the average national unemployment rate of 13.1 percent during the Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939.” When such blatant inequality exists, how can we ever believe that our work is finished? Dr. King and the over 250,000 gathered with him on that historic day marched for jobs, and today we will continue marching for jobs as inequity persists. Millions of Americans are still desperately seeking work, and yet Congress will not support a jobs bill. So we march. In 1963, the people demanded and pushed for greater voter

Get On The Bus! Join the Buffalo Urban League for the 50TH Anniversary Of The March On Washington . When: The bus will depart at 9 p.m. SHARP on Friday, August 23. Boarding will begin at 8:45pm. Where: The bus is departing Buffalo from the University Station, NFTA Park & Ride Lot at the University at Buffalo, South Campus. Cost: The round trip cost for each individual is $60. The bus has CD/DVD players, lavatories, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, reclining seats, among other amenities. Seats are on a first come/first served basis. Light snacks will be provided. Return: 6:00PM Bus departs DC returning to Buffalo. Expected arrival in Buffalo 2:00AM, Sunday, August 25 RSVP or for more information, contact Lewanda Alston at 716-250-2446 or lalston@BuffaloUrbanLeague.org

Dr. King at the 1963 March on Washington

equality. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation that was designed to protect the votes of every American citizen regardless of his/her color or creed. Just this summer, the Supreme Court struck down a key section of the Voting Rights Act which maps the areas that must have pre-clearance from the federal gov. before making any changes to their voting laws. As a result, several states quickly enacted new voter ID legislation, eliminated early voting days, ended same-day registration and other strategic measures designed to block people’s vote. To have the Voting Rights Act gutted in such a clever and outrageous manner is an insult to all those that gave their lives for our right to vote. So we march. Parents of minority children used to worry when their kids went outside for fear of police, KKK members and mobs who simply hated them because of

the color of their skin. Unfortunately today, many parents hold similar fears because of shameful policies like the NYPD’s practice of ‘stop & frisk’, and because of laws like ‘Stand Your Ground,’ now in place in dozens of states. When hundreds of thousands of Blacks and Latinos can be stopped, questioned and frisked with the overwhelming majority found innocent, it’s time to demand change. And when a law like ‘Stand Your Ground’ permits someone to shoot first and ask questions later, we must push for its repeal. Until all people can walk freely without fear of persecution by others, our work remains and the dream has not come to fruition. So we march. As the country continues to diversify, many would like to bring us back to an era when women did not have the right to choose, and the LGBTcomContinued Page 12

AUGUST 21, 2013

HEALTH MATTERS

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Message to Rank and File Buffalo School District Teachers by Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes

ooking at the recent media headlines, the numbers of low- performing schools, mandates from the NYSED Commissioner, cuts in program and extracurricular activities, and NYS Regents and Federal reform efforts; one would think that Crystal Peoples the quality of teachSTOKES ers in the district is as poor as the results. This constant barrage of negativity kills hope and must be demoralizing for students, teachers and the community as a whole. Furthermore, it’s in direct conflict with the many attempts to grow the local economy. Everyone knows investors and businesses need communities with an educated and skilled workforce. Recent surveys of existing employers speak loudly of the need for skilled and trained employees to fulfill both current and future employment needs. The population is aging, and with baby boomers retiring, positions are either being eliminated or left unfilled due to an inability to find quality help. As Western New Yorkers, I am

sure you are fully aware of the plethora of State dollars coming to our area for the purpose of creating jobs; not to mention the ‘Billion for Buffalo’ commitment from Governor Cuomo. Jobs providing living wages that will allow families to get out of poverty and live independent of government services require knowledge and comprehensive skills. The future of the entire Buffalo community is contingent on the successful education of all children. According to a recent study by UB’s Regional Institute Mobile Safety Net project; of the 23,100 higher paying jobs created in East Buffalo, only 2,150 are being held by Eastside residents. This cannot be tolerated. The only option is for all children, young adults and adults to get educated and prepared for college and career and technical training. To be honest, after years of dealing with these issues, my confidence in the NYS Regents, the Buffalo Board of Education and/your organized leadership has diminished. I do however, have strong faith in you, the front line: rank and file teachers. I believe that you know what we need to fix the problem. As a former teacher and the daughter of a retired school teacher, I believe that teachers are compassionate

people who both value their jobs and the responsibility that they have to their students. Teachers don’t choose this profession because of pay alone; they choose to teach because they believe in their innate and learned abilities to make a difference in their students’ lives. Of all the various reform efforts previously introduced, I think the Common Core Standards offer the best opportunity to prepare the future workforce in the great city of Buffalo. Common Core Standards teach critical thinking which allow high school graduates smoother transitions into college and/or the career technical training of their choice. In the past, we have moved the finish life for our students mid-race. The only true way to advance a new curriculum is to start with Pre-K and Kindergarten; they deserve a firm foundation that is properly aligned for success. We also need to set a high level of excellence and expectation for our children- if we don’t think that they will succeed nor support their efforts, why would they believe in themselves? New York State nor any other level of government can afford to provide duplicative systems to educate the same population. We have got to get it right the FIRST time.

2013

The Year to Remember!

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I believe in you. I don’t think that you have been appropriately engaged in this discourse. So please accept my request to share with me; What do you need to successfully educate the students in your class? With all due respect, I am fully aware that many children enter your classroom with all sorts of social ills and low self-esteem; these may hinder but are not barriers to educating them. You know what they need to be successful. So again, the question is: What do you need? What will it take to get the job done? I look forward to your candid response. Please forward your responses to my district office at peoplec@assembly.state. ny.us.

Memorial Medical Center Sets New Date for Gospel Festival and Health Fair Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has announced that the Seventh Annual Good News Gospel Festival and Health Fair will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Oasis Shelter in Hyde Park. This year’s event will be hosted by Queen of Gospel Pat Ragin and feature performances by The New Gospel Times of Rochester, Buffalo’s Men in White and DayStar, Fresh Start Ministry, Sanctified Flow, the Shekinah Dancers of Potter’s House and Tamea Chaney. Special guests will be the Niagara Falls OG Cruisers Car Show. Medical center staff members will conduct health screenings from noon to 3 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand all day and prize giveaways will be conducted hourly. The event is free. Sponsors for this year’s festival are the City of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Niagara Falls Redevelopment, Main Street Business & Professional Association, Niagara Falls OG Cruisers, City Council members Sam Fruscione, Kristen Grandinetti and Charles Walker, and Niagara County Legislator Owen Steed. For information, call (716) 285-2382

Jes Breathe 4th Annual “Walking 4 Hope” Brings Cancer Awareness to the Community n Saturday, August 24, O from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in MLK Park, Jes Breathe

will present its fourth annual “Walking 4 Hope.” This year the walk promises to be bigger, better and more inclusive to reflect the rich diversity of the city of Buffalo. “Walking 4 Hope” will kick off with prayer in Dr. Martin Luther King Park followed by a 2.9 mile parade (which will begin at 10 a.m.) Each vehicle will represent a specific type of cancer, with Buffalo’s own DJ Hassan. There will also be a “Swinging 4 Hope” Tennis game at 9 a.m. in the Tennis court inside MLK Park (East Parade side), with the Legendary Pappy Martin/General Bass Tennis Program. Ending the event will be our “Hooping 4 Hope” Basketball game at 3p.m. Throughout the day there Gina Davis will be plenty of entertainment, booths providing information about various cancers, testimonies from survivors and much, much more! This will be a day of celebrating life and keeping hope alive! The event will be held from 9am until 4pm. Jes Breathe is a cancer awareness organization founded by Gina Davis. Gina, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed in September 2008. Because of her tenacious spirit to live she sought treatment at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear, Arizona. One day after completing a deep breathing therapy session she returned to her room and began to doodle on a pad writing Jesus, Jesus, breathe, breathing, breathe, then she wrote Jes Breathe. It was at that moment she said “I’m going to do something with this.” Hence, Jes Breathe was born. There are several ways that you can show your support. Supplying a case(s) of water for our volunteers, sponsor and/ or decorate a float reflecting a particular cancer. Jes Breathe would greatly appreciate financial donations to help defray cost for a Survivors Tent which will provide a day of pampering (Spa Treatments) for survivors. For further information please feel free to contact, Gina Davis at 716-533-1985 or send an email to Jesbreathe@yahoo.com. Registration for our Walk and or the Parade is FREE, this year. “Heart-felt Donations” are what we are accepting in place of a “fee” for registration.

Revival Bethel A.M.E. Church Revival will be held for three nights at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 21 Steelawanna Avenue, Lackawanna NY at 7 p.m. nightly August 28, 29 and 30th. The guest Pastor will be Rev. Gregory P. Nelson from Delaine Waring A.M.E. Church, Buffalo. The Theme is “Stand for God” Exodus 14:15-22. Host Pastor is Rev. Horace Cromer. For more information call 882-4616 or 881-2006.

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FAITH BASED

AUGUST 21, 2013 Challenger Community News •

Grace Ministries Vacation Bible School

Prayer Conference

Grace Community Ministries located at 1562 Willow Avenue in Niagara Falls will have their Vacation Bible School beginning Wednesday, August 29 through Friday, August 31 beginning at 6:30 pm. The theme is “Pursuing God through Prayer.” Rev. James C. Blackburn, Jr. of the Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Buffalo, NY will be the presenter for Vacation Bible School. Everyone is welcome Call 282-8434 for additional information.

The Watchman Intercessory Prayer Ministry is hosting their bi-annual Prayer Conference August 22nd-24th. The theme for the conference is: “Cultivating a Heart for Prayer” Speakers include: Bishop T. Anthony Bronner, Elim Buffalo and Rochester; Bishop Stephan Booze - Potters House Christian Community Church, Niagara Falls; Apostle Loretta Pernice - Elim Worship Center, Warren, Ohio; and Pastor Ted J Howard - Edison Street Community Church, Buffalo. Service begins at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings and there will be workshops from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Friday and a Saturday 7 a.m. special morning prayer service.

I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because he bends down and listens. I will pray as long as I breathe! Psalms 116:1-2 TLB

AUGUST 21, 2013

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Bishop Sanders Elected International Presiding Prelate of COOLJC

ishop Robert L. Sanders, Sr., business leader, philanthropist, and Senior Pastor of Greater Refuge Temple of Christ in Buffalo was installed as the 7th International Presiding Prelate of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of The Apostolic Faith, Inc. The installation of this well-respected pillar of the Buffalo and Western New York community, took place in Detroit, MI at the COBO Conference Center during the 94th International Convocation of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc., on Sunday, July 31, where the Board of Apostles, Board of Bishops, Board of Presbyters, and delegates from far and wide elected him as their leader. Bishop Sanders, B.R.E, M.TH., D.H.L., and D. Min., is a native from South Carolina, and has served in the Buffalo and Western New York region for over 40 years. He has been el-

evated throughout the ranks of the organization starting out as a Deacon, local minister, ordained Elder, Pastor, District Elder, and rising to the ranks of Bishop, Vice Presiding Apostle and now Presiding Apostle.

His motto is “Pursuing Excellence Until Excellence is Achieved.” The Organization is made up of twelve region. In addition to Presiding Prelate of C.O.O.L.J.C., Bishop Sanders also serves as Senior Pastor of the Greater Refuge Temple of Christ church in Buffalo and as Regional Apostle to Region #2, which incompass all of NY State and Canada. 2013 marks his 40th Pastoral Anniversary and his first year as Presider. Bishop Sanders has been teaching, preaching, praying and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 45 years – not only from the corner of Jefferson and High, but all around the globe. As Presider of the Church of our Lord

Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc.,his leadership span church throughout Germany, India, Japan, Africa, the Caribbean Islands, and the continental US. He recently returned from Africa for the dedication of a brand new school there, the Robert L. Sanders Christian Academy in Monrovia, Liberia. He works tirelessly in the community, and often says, “I don’t feel no ways tired.” He and his lovely wife Janice are the proud parents of 3 sons, all of whom are in the ministry; Pastor Robert L. Sanders Jr. , Pastor Mark K. Sanders and Minister Timothy Sanders. The community is invited to join the Greater Refuge Temple of Christ, as we present an “Inaugural Celebration” to take place on Friday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Hyatt. Tickets are $40 per person. For further information, please contact the church office at (716) 816-2199. To God Be the Glory!

Bishop Sanders has been elected Presiding Prelate of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of The Apostolic Faith, Inc. Congratulations!

Are You Registered to VOTE?

ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 21, 2013

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It’s a Funk Fest, Jefferson Arts Festival Weekend!

Buffalo Funk Fest Kicks off Saturday at 2 p.m. in Front Park. On Sunday it’s the Return of the Jeffeson Arts Festival between E. Utica and Ferry

Scene from last year’s annual Funk Fest.

-Funk FestThe annual Buffalo Funk Fest will rock LaSalle Park this Saturday, August 24 from 2-10 p.m. Presented by NICYO, the day long event will feature The All Star Band, Unity Band, Evolution, Old School B-Boys, The Lyte, Delivered, Beautiful Music, Trinity, Funk It, Party Squad, 4.0, DJ Papa Trini and national recording artist Mario Brown. Tracy Cardwell will host the Fest. Sponsors include Mayor Byron Brown, Councilmembers Demone Smith, Bonnie Russell and Darius Pridgen. No tents or grills will be allowed in or around the concert viewing area near the Pavilion.

-Jefferson Arts FestivalOn Sunday, August 25, Masten District Councilmember Demone Smith, Masten Block Club Coalition & 50

Women With A Vision will present the Annual Jefferson Avenue Arts Festival on Jefferson Avenue between East Ferry and East Utica. from 1 to 5 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Njozi Poets, Muhammad’s School of Music, African American Cultural Center, local bands and acts, raffles & giveaways. The festival will feature the “Taste of Soul,” showcasing African American food. This event is free and open to the public!

AUGUST 21, 2013

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

AROUND TOWN Marnetta Malcolm

ENTERTAINMENT

*Buffalo Funk Fest 2013-- Saturday, August 24th ….2pm at LaSalle Park….gust…Tee Cup Summer Concert Series….Delaware Park 5:30 – 8pm…free ...beer and wine available 8/23 Evolution

*Friday, August 23rd …6:30pm….Women in the Spotlight Goinglobal…Official Meet & Greet at George Urban Mansion…kicking off 3rd Annual Brunch…performance by Drea D’Nur…adm $15…see attached *Saturday, August 24th….11am – 2pm…Acqua Restaurant & Banquest…2192 Niagara…Women In The Spotlight Goinglobal…3rd Annual Brunch…featuring national author and speaker Sophia A. Nelson, Esq….tickets $65… Mother& Daugher- $110…more info call 716-247-5570. *Sunday, August 25th at The Tralf….Lucky’s Blues Explosion..featuring Lucky Peterson, Jony James and Jessie Buttler…tickets $25 in adv/$27 day of show at ticketmaster. com/walmart/tralf box ofc/ Mike’s Lounge….more info at tralfmusichall.com *Friday, August 30th … The Tralf …8pm ..Anthony Hamilton w special guests….tickets $69adv/$74 day of show at ticketmaster.com/Walmart/The Tralf box ofc/Doris Records….more info at tralfmusichall.com

on stage

9 Funnyman Don “D.C. “ Curry Brings Serious Comedy to The Helium

*’Dias (the Mix) August 26, Erie Canal Side(inner harbor) in ”the Ruin”. N’Dias (the Mix) Traditional AfricanWorld Beat Band featuring Alassane Sarr from Senegal W.Africa performing at 7pm Free. *The Njozi Ensemble presents the premier of the stage play, Ain’t She Brave,” August 9-25, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., Buffalo East, 1412 Main Street; call (716) 5539491 for more information. Tickets at Record Theatre, Doris Records and on line at www.njoiziensemble.com *Saturday Live @ The Historic Colored Musicians Club, 8:30-10:30 p.m., “Rockag” August 24; followed by open mic; host Larry Salter. *Don “D.C.” Curry, Aug. 22-24, Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St., Bflo. 8531211; www.heliumcomedy. com *Charlie Murphy, Sept. 2628, Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St., Bflo. 8531211;www.heliumcomedy. com

on “D.C.” Curry has been around for a minute. He’s an accomplished veteran comic who knows how to get folks laughing. In his versatile career, he’s been heard on voiceovers for shows like “The Boondocks,” been the frontman for his own R&B band and has done stage, screen and theater including “Def Comedy Jam,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” The Tracey Morgan Show,” and his own “Comedy Central” special. Widely known as the star of numerous stand-up comedy tours (including the highly lauded “Royal Comedy Tour,” of winter/spring 2010 and 2011) playing huge theatres at home and abroad and headlining special engagements at the nation’s hottest comedy clubs, Don “D.C.” Curry’s talents are far more than meets the eye at a single glance. At second glance you’ll see him co-starring in major studio pictures or taking on the duties of leading man in indie feature films. Besides his stand-up, Curry is probably best known for his role as the lascivious Uncle Leroy in Ice Cube’s “Friday” films. Look again and you’ll see him touring the country as the lead in a hit stage play. Take yet another glimpse (or listen) and you’ll hear him shining as a skilled voice-over artist on hit TV shows like Boondocks. The milestones of his colorful career reads like a Hollywood highlight reel: In 1995, after prevailing against the top up and coming urban comedians in the country, DC won the coveted title of “Comedian Of The Year” by winning the BAY AREA BLACK COMEDY COMPETITION (of which he is now the perennial host), joining the ranks of famous alumni Jamie Foxx, D.L. Hughley, Chris Tucker, Mike Epps, Nick Cannon and Mark Curry. He went on that same year to be named “Comedian Of The Year” by the BET network. Bottom line, DC Curry, who sees comedy as “very serious business,” is a very versatile, and extremely funny man. Catach him this weekend Thursday, Friday and Saturaday at the Helium Comedy Club downtown, 30 Mississippi Street. (next to the Arena). Showtimes are Thursday, August 22 @ 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday August 23 and 24 for two show each night at 8 and 10:30 p.m. For information log on to www.heliumcomedy.com or call (716) 853-1211.

GENERATIONS

AUGUST 21, 2013

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Awarded $90,000 in Funding

Happy campers from the 2012 summer program.

Jumpin’ Jambalaya Unity Day!

The African American Cultural Center’s Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program closes Saturday, August 24 with the traditional showcase of what the day campers did over their summer. The Unity Day program begins at noon at the Center, 350 Masten Avenue. Donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Seating is limited. All proceeds support the 2014 Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program.Funded this year entirely by enrollment, the 2013 AACC “Cultural Fun in the Sun” curriculum covered a spectrum of enriching, entertaining and hands-on classes in Visual Arts, Chess, Cooking, Poetry, African History, Vocal Expression, among others. Tammy Gaines co-coordinates the Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program with Earmie Beason.In addition to Gaines and Beason, 2013 Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program instructors included : Mackenzie Hughes, Barry Davis, Alforna Evans, Terry Wideman, Steven McMillion Jr., Chalma Warmley, Youssou Lo, Lynnette Simmons, Lori Fayson, Arthur Clark, Tirzah Hall and Ericka Lee. Agnes M. Bain is the Cultural Center’s Executive Director. The AACC free After School Program for schoolchildren in kindergarten through high school begins Monday, September 9. For more information call 716-884-2013.

Buffalo Promise Neighborhood has announced that the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the HealthNow Healthy Living Fund will be providing funding totaling $90,000 for the Children’s Academy which is scheduled to open for the upcoming school year. A portion of the funding will be used towards the construction costs while $65,000 of the funding will be provided through the HealthNow Healthy Living Fund. The HealthNow Healthy Living Fund, which is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, was established to address the needs of those living in low-income communities, particularly children of color. The 10,000-square-foot BPN Children’s Academy will serve approximately 150 children from infancy to age 5. The center will be located across the street from the Westminster Community Charter School and will be operated by Buffalo Promise Continued Page 13

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

AUGUST 21, 2013

OPINIONS

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Debating the Legislature Debate....

Black August: Remembering In Defense of the Summit on Violence Jonathan Jackson

Legislator Grant Supporters Respond to Attacks

very “political flu season” various organizations and news agencies host political debates. But obviously not all organizations that present such political forums are created equal. When Legislator Betty Jean Grant’s We Are Women Warriors Community Empowerment Group announced via press releases and flyers that it had invited, and was hosting, a debate of all the candidates running for the County Legislature, The Challenger run the information. In order to highlight the African American candidates, and to try to encourage our community to come out to hear what each candidate had to say, we singled out the four African Americans and ran their photos on last week’s cover, tagging it the “next” Great debate (as it followed on the heels of last weeks first mayoral debate). We were unaware at the time, that one of the candidates, Joyce Wilson-Nixon, had graciously declined due to a prior engagement. That certainly was her right. And that should have been the end of it. But instead what followed was an all out political attack on Legislator Betty Jean Grant and others. In the following letters, two of Chairwoman Grant’s supporters, respond.

Rumors, Myths and Misunderstandings Debates are Part of the Dear Editor, I am the Coordinator of We Are Women Warriors Community Empowerment Group founded by Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant. Our mission is to share information with the community that will improve or support the quality of life in Erie County. Our meetings are free and open to the public and held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Merriweather Library Auditorium, 1327 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, New York. We host a wide range of guests and topics from social services to Trayvon Martin from poetry to political debates. Recent Facebook posts, likes and conversations by Joyce Wilson Nixon have prompted me to write this article dispelling any rumors, myths or misunderstandings about the purpose of our political debate. As Coordinator, I organize ALL We Are Women Warriors community forums. On Wednesday, August 21st, We Are Women Warriors sponsored a political debate for candidates running for Erie County Legislative seats with borders within the City of Buffalo. I scheduled the date, sent written invitations to the candidates, promoted the event and received the RSVP’s without regard for political party or club affiliation. All invitee’s regrets are duly noted and will be shared at the forum. I told all of this information to Mrs. Wilson Nixon when she called me to say she would be unable to attend because it was she and her husband’s wedding anni-

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

versary. I am very disappointed that Mrs. Wilson Nixon and her husband sought to impugn my integrity by implying that I advertised this political debate with her name on the flyer, AFTER she told me she would not be there. Nothing could be further from the truth. The flyer was circulated the same day the invitations went into the mail. Its scheduling was not around the availability of any one candidate because that would be unfair to others who may have to rearrange their schedules to attend. She was one of nine (9) candidates invited. Everyone else who called to RSVP or decline did so without fanfare. I called to try to clear this up before writing anything publicly and she did not return my call nor answer the one I placed. Political debates allow candidates to share their platform with the public , answer general questions relative to the seat they are running for, supply the public with first-hand information about their qualifications and lastly are a free meet and greet where they can shake hands, distribute literature and solicit support a for their respective campaigns. I am disappointed Mrs. Wilson Nixon felt a need to inject negativity into a great opportunity to share her platform with the people she is asking to vote for her. Once again the words of my grandmother ring true in my ears – “people conceal who they are by what they say and reveal who they are by what they do.” I don’t know why I keep forgetting that also applies to friends.

-Karla Thomas

Political Process...

Dear Editor: Mr. Jeff Nixon works for Mayor Brown. His recent letter in a local community newspaper parrots the Mayor’s propaganda unquestioningly. As the former Deputy commissioner for Erie County Youth Service’s department, Mr. Nixon is well aware of the millions of dollars, $6,029,635 in the 2013 Erie County Adopted Budget for Youth Service, which includes $1,086,317 in funds to over 55 agencies for Youth Development and Delinquency Prevention Programs. Mr. Nixon is well aware of Betty Jean Grant’s support for and funding of his wife’s NICYO program. Betty Jean Grant as the 2nd District Legislator and Chairwoman of the Erie County Legislature funded NICYO to the tune of $10,000 in this year’s 2013 Erie County Adopted Budget. Mr. Nixon is erroneous in his recent letter. It was the “Women for Bernie Tolbert” headed by Mrs. Malinda Tolbert who had a press conference of support for Mayoral candidate Bernie Tolbert, not the “We Are Women Warriors” group founded by Betty Jean Grant. Many women were insulted when pawns of the Mayor attempted to slander Mr. Tolbert’s reputation, with a five year old lawsuit in which Mr. Tolbert was exonerated of any wrong doing. Innuendo and slander, rather than debating the issues is a disrespect to the Democratic Continued Page 14

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P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

Dear Editor, As you know,1st District Erie County Legislator Tim Hogues and I convened a Summit on violent crime and homicides immediately following the alarming incidence of five homicides in a 7-day period, a few months ago. We invited the law enforcement officers from several towns and cities including Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Kenmore and Amherst. most of the officials invited,with the exception of the Buffalo Police Department, attended the meeting. When this initial meeting was rudely interrupted, Legislator Hogues and I decided to convened a second meeting to finish up the portion that had not been resolved. We invited the same individuals to this meeting that were invited to the first one. At this meeting, I am proud to say, the Buffalo Police Department was in attendance. I am writing this letter to clarify things because Legislator Hogues and I have been ‘accused’ by an individual, (with a vested interest in one the legislative races), of using the Summit on violent crime and homicides for political reasons. I am deeply offended because of the serious nature of the meeting that was convened to deal with the death of young persons in our community. Those who know me knows where my heart is, regarding the untimely death of young men and women. They are equally offended that someone would accuse me of using the death of our youth for political reasons. One has to only revisit the Challenger and Buffalo Criterion Newspapers, over the past twenty years, to find articles and letters written by me on the issues of our youth murdering one another, the proliferation of guns in our community and the selling of illegal drugs. This is not a new subject that,all of a sudden, became dear to me. I

very year at our August meeting, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. takes time to acknowledge Black August, remembering those who have exhibited a “spirit of resistance,” defying those social, civil, and political barriers that have been designed to repress our conscious efforts to be self-determining and free. Past programs have referred to “Freedom Fighters,” some currently incarcerated for decades and others who joined the Ancestors long ago, whose names remind us that all is not well in Amerikkka. In the past, we have looked at COINTELPRO, an acronym for COunter INTELligence PROgram . This was a series of KARIMA undercover and sometimes illegal acts conducted by the FBI (Federal Bureau of AMIN Investigation), aimed at discrediting and disrupting domestic political organizations. Just to name a few, the FBI infiltrated the following in an attempt to end their influence: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), MOVE, the Black Panther Party (BPP) and the Black Liberation Army (BLA). Working in collaboration with the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and the NSA (National Security Agency), COINTELPRO’s reach was far and wide but was especially directed at Black leadership. It’s interesting to note that the leaders were young, in many cases, in their 20’s and 30’s, and that their following was often comprised of youth, some in their teens, ready to fight for justice. Some lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. Past programs have highlighted activist Fred Hampton, deputy chair of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party who was assassinated at the age of 21; Bobby Hutton, the Black Panther Party’s first recruit at the age of 16 who was murdered by police just a few days before his 18th birthday; and George Jackson, author of Soledad Brother and Blood in My Eye, murdered by prison guards at the age of 29. This month, we’ll take some time to remember George’s brother, Jonathan who lost his life at age 17 in a fatal and futile attempt to negotiate freedom for George on August 7, 1970. George was assassinated just a few days later. Jonathan, like so many of today’s youth, had a rebellious spirit. He was inspired by George’s spirit of resistance and revolutionary fervor but he lacked the kind of instruction that could have channeled the “warrior” in him. Jonathan was a victim of circumstance, without the kind of guidance that could have saved his life. Many of our young ones today, unfortunately, are misguided and misdirected victims of circumstance. They often lack the kind of nurturing and discipline that could save them and add value to their lives. Too many of our youth are criminalized at birth and throughout their lives by the systemic racism that leads to poverty, mis-education, poor nutrition, substandard housing, and stop-and-frisk policies that have been applied to first graders. What is the state of juvenile justice today? What measures have been put in place to insure that our children will have full and productive lives? Does the school to prison pipeline really exist? Our guest speaker, Brother Mujahid Farid, a Soros Justice Fellow, is a staff member of the Correctional Association of NY. While Brother Farid is quite familiar with the plight of aging prisoners, he is also quite knowledgeable about issues related

Continued Page 14

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. 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.

Continued Page 13

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Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Niagara Falls East Side Old School Reunion

he East Side Old School Reunion will host a 3 day old school reunion and celebration. The kick off will begin Friday August 23, 2013 with a formal banquet, live music featuring the Next Level Band, Guess Who I Am, basket auction, 50/50 drawing, line dancing and much more, in the grand ballroom of the Four Points Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Avenue Niagara Falls, New York, from 6pm until. Tickets are $40 per person. The Honorees will be Clifford Bell, Ronald E. Cunningham and Joseph Costanzo. Mrs. Inez Caver will receive her award posthumously. Mr. Daniel Harris is the Master of Ceremony. On Saturday August 24, from 12 noon until 9 p.m. a picnic at Hyde Park will be held in the centennial picnic area, free

BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4336 – TRANSMISSION PARTS Download Bids from www.nfta.com

ATTORNEYS Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612

AUTOMOTIVE Honorees: (left to right) Clifford Bell, Ronald E. Cunningham, Joseph Costanzo and Mrs. Inez Caver will receive her award posthumously.

refreshments will be provided along with games, DJ playing music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s along with the Next Level live band. Special added attractions will be the Niagara Falls OG Cruiser Car Show and an old time barbecue. Sunday Worship will be held at New Hope Baptist Church 1122 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following church service, light refreshments will be served. To purchase tickets and for more information please contact one of the following committee members; Cozell Ferrell 716-579-5860, Candy Pickett 716-282-3445, Cheryl Bass 716-531-6200, Melvin Cunningham 716-940-6104, Yvonne (Auston) Taylor 716-

B ID “LEGAL NOTICE” 8/21/2013 TOWN OF HAMBURG DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT “ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDERS” Sealed Bids Are Hereby Requested For Project 2013 - 01: “Waterline Reconstruction” all in accordance with specifications on file with the Hamburg Town Clerk’s Office, Hamburg Town Hall, 6100 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York 14075. Said specifications may be obtained from the Town Clerk during regular business hours, Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Through to September 2, 2013) and then during regular business hours, Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (September 3, 2013 - September 13, 2013). One (1) “Bid Package” may be collected at no charge. Additional “Bid Packages” can be purchased for $50.00 each. Funds paid for additional Bid Packages will NOT be returned. Checks for additional Bid Packages should be made payable to the: “Hamburg Town Clerk”. Said bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Hamburg Town Hall conference room at 11:00 a.m. local time (according to the clock within Hamburg Town Clerk’s Office) on Friday, September 13, 2013 and thereafter considered by the Town of Hamburg. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond in the minimum amount equal to the contract award. Attention is called to the fact that Community Development Funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are being used to reconstruct approximately 650 linear feet of waterlines within the Village of Hamburg. Due to the use of federal CDBG funds, compliance with Title VI and other applicable provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Executive Order 11246 (Buffalo Plan); Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 as amended; Section 109 of Order 11625 (Utilization of Minority Business Enterprises); Davis-Bacon and Related Acts is required. “The Town reserves the right to reject all bids and to waive any informalities” Sealed Bids Must Be Marked: “2013 WATERLINE RECONSTRUCTION” Dated: August 21, 2013; Catherine Rybczynski; Town Clerk - Town of Hamburg, New York.

251-3307, Alfonso (Ella) Perry 716-574-6926, Barbara Lane 716-285-6944, or Ronald E. Cunningham 716-8041858. For those who wish to make hotel reservations please call the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at 716- 299-8344.

MARCH ON WASHINGTON continued

munity had to live in the shadows. In several states, we have seen egregious attacks on women’s reproductive rights -- the same rights so many pushed for decades ago. The war on women, and the vitriol against gays and lesbians has been so vicious that anyone on the side of justice cannot ignore it. So we march. Immigrants, who have always been the backbone of this country, are being vilified by some who refuse to accept the fact that we are a nation of inclusion. Continuously fighting against legislation like the DREAM Act, which would allow the best and brightest to remain in the country, these folks would rather spend enormous amounts of money in a futile attempt at deportation. And so we march. I have always stated that we have made great progress in this country. But to blindly believe that our work is over is foolish and naïve at best. Those that want to celebrate Dr. King’s march can go ahead and do so, we are not admonishing them. But those that want to make his dream a reality should join us in Washington this Saturday. Justice delayed is justice denied. And a dream deferred is a dream unfulfilled. Please visit nationalactionnetwork.net for more info. on the ‘National Action to Realize the Dream’ march.

VOTE!!

AUGUST 21, 2013 Challenger Community News •

DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358

DOG TRAINING

Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910

Dogman Jo Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163

BAIL BONDS

EATERIES

Ken Thomas-716-867-0073 Judy Bunk-716-830-1512 Southtowns-716-570-0849 Rochester-585-749-7879

The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009

A Bail Company Inc.

BARBER SHOPS

ELECTRICAL

Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan 901-5909

EMPIRE ELECTRIC 716-634-0330

CAR WASH Fast Eddie Hand Car Wash

CHILD CARE Cookieland Group Day Care 24 Barthel Miss Cookie*893-0590 Dean’s Day Care 61 Montana Ave. 716.896-1751 Debbie’s Little Scholars 484 Hickory St. (716)304-6820 First Impressions Day Care 847 Walden Ave. 716-533-8075 Kim’s Building Blocks Day Care 1479 E. Delavan Ave. 895-8693

DELI / VARIETY STORES Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704

Mandella Market & Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson 716-882-0288

Tomatoes 1393 Kensington*835-3663

Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington 836-3260

SOLO Unisex Salon 3081 Main St. 833-2553

ONE STOP

DJ’S

PHONE SERVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan * 551-0304 360 Eggert Rd * 939-3900 Town Gardens Plaza 768-3887

PHOTOGRAPHY Princess Photography (716) 563-0994 ICU Photography 716-578-3462

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Althea’s Hair To Go Natural PRODUCTION

HAIR SALONS 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000 www.hairtogo.com

Anointed Hands African Hair Braiding 369 Trenton Ave. 939-5077 (Macy) Karen’s Salon & Spa 413 Jefferson Ave. 812-9666 Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321 Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663

HAIR SUPPLY Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

INSURANCE Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212 Joseph Burch Insurance 2317 Main St. 551-0006 / 510-4729

LIQUORS & WINES

Garland Studios LLC2829 716-471-2476 www.fgarlandstudios.com

PROPERTY INSPECTION Majadi Enterprises, Inc. Willie A. Price CSI 716-316-7776

TAILORS F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742 F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TAX SERVICE L. Sessum Income Tax Service

1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904

WINDOWS

Priced Right Windows USA 710 Kensington Ave. Bellamy’s Liquor Store (716)833-2500 * 578-7873 405 E. Ferry * 884-4066

AUGUST 21, 2013

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

CLASSIFIEDS

EM Plo y ment Contracted Consultants

ROOMS FOR RENT Bailey Delavan and Delavan Blaine, $325 - $450 everything included monthly. Call 716-8183410.

Wanted The Buffalo Public Schools is seeking qualified Construction Consultants in the Mechanical, Electrical and General Construction fields to work on District capitol projects and future in-house projects. The successful applicants will be knowledgeable in all areas of their respective construction trades including HVAC Systems and Controls, Electrical Systems Distribution or General Construction Inspection. Quality control protocols including knowledge of applicable codes and industry standards necessary. Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications required. Please submit qualifications including references and years of experience to: Consultant, Department of Plant Services, Room 406 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, N.Y. 14202 by Friday September 6, 2013.

EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.

public hearing STATE OF NEW YORK LEGISLATURE OF ERIE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE BUFFALO. N.Y. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I HEREBY CERTIFY That at the 14th Session of the Legislature of Erie County, held in the Legislative Chambers, in the City of Buffalo, on the 18th day of July, 2013 A.D., a Resolution was adopted, of which the following is a true copy:

ECIDA (Erie County Industrial Development Agency) is currently seeking a quality CEO/Executive Director. For information, please visit our website www.straussgroup. com. StraussGroup is representing ECIDA on this executive search

Part Time Position: Local church seeking a part-time janitor/custodian. Position involves evening and weekends. Interested persons should mail a resume to: the Trustee Board, St. Luke’s AMEZ Church, 314 E. Ferry St., Buffalo, NY 14208

A RESOLUTION TO BE SUBMITTED BY LEGISLATORS HARDWICK & MARINELLI WHEREAS, Sheridan Park, Inc. has applied to this Honorable Body to build and operate a crematory; and WHEREAS, approval of the application by this Honorable body is a condition precedent to construction; and WHEREAS, this Honorable body will hear public comment prior to voting on the application. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a Public Hearing shall be held by this legislature on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 3:00 PM in the Legislative Chambers, 4th floor of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street in the City Of Buffalo; and be it further RESOLVED, that the subject of the hearing will be the application of Sheridan Park, Inc. to construct and operate a crematory; and be it further RESOLVED, that notice of the public hearing be published once a week for six weeks in a newspaper designated to publish the session laws; and be it further RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Erie County Attorney and Sheridan Park, Inc. c/o The Knoer Group, PLLC, 424 Main Street, Suite 1820, Buffalo, New York 14202. REFERENCE: INTRO 14-1 (2013) AS AMENDED. ROBERT M. GRABER Clerk of the Erie County Legislature

BUFFALO PROMISE Neighborhood and Bethel Head Start. “The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo leads by example and its commitment to improving the lives of those in our community is beyond reproach,” said Dr. Yvonne MinorRagan, President of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood. “Our new school will provide the critical pathway from pre-school to kindergarten, which is so important to our goal of transforming the Promise Neighborhood.”

KARIMA AMIN continued

to juvenile justice. He will address these and other questions. Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 26, 2013, at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street in Buffalo, 6:30-8:30pm. The Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng are the sponsors of this program. For more information: Karima Amin, 716-834-8438 or karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org; or BaBa Eng, g.babaeng@ yahoo.com.

advertising pays advertising@thechallengernews.com

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AUGUST 21, 2013 Challenger Community News •

VIOLENCE SUMMIT continued

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

have always cared about the plight and well being of our youth. From articles titled, ‘The Lost Boys of Buffalo’, to ‘We are all responsible for the killings’; my voice and my pen have been a constant refrain, on educating and informing our people on what we need to do as a community. For the uninformed-or the misinformed-to characterize my SUN 8/11 MON 8/12 TUES 8/13 WED 8/14 THURS 8/15 FRI 8/16 SAT 8/17 passion and devotion to save our youth as political gimmicks and side-shows, developed to increase my electability, is morMID-519 MID913 MID-510 MID871 MID-375 MID-319 MID-080 ally wrong and highly offensive to me and also to those who know my dedication to saving our youth and our communities EVE-939 EVE-212 EVE- 761 EVE-524 EVE-742 EVE-884 EVE-611 in Erie County. Elections are won and lost on the merits and deeds of the respective candidates. Please,Let’s stop the false allegations, mudslinging and innuendos and may the candidate who garners MID-1221 MID-3879 MID -2260 MID-4458 MID-6583 MID-0897 MID-9990 the most votes win. EVE-7966 EVE-7912 EVE- 7521 EVE-2029 EVE-3327 EVE-7765 EVE-5516 Betty Jean Grant, Candidate, Erie County Legislature, 2nd District.

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772-544-001-488-333-4658-01757910 SUMMER BREEZE

140-202-333-853-200-595-183-222700-345-204-942-729-896-221

1-10-16-30-36

10-17-18-49-58-59 #57

111

698

820

CHALLENGER HITS MIDDAY

*522-Quick $$ (Straight)* *080-Lucky Duckie (Straight)* *319-Lucky Duckie (Straight)* 375-Number book (bx) 817-Number Book (bx) *510-ZR (Straight)* EVENING

212-Summer Breeze (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143

648*123*104 980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126

189-444-886

322-522-412-432-421-423

3-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year 08/30/2012 Evening 08/30/2012 Midday 08/29/2012 Evening 08/29/2012 Midday 08/28/2012 Evening 08/28/2012 Midday 08/27/2012 Evening 08/27/2012 Midday 08/26/2012 Evening 08/26/2012 Midday 08/25/2012 Evening 08/25/2012 Midday 08/24/2012 Evening 08/24/2012 Midday 08/23/2012 Evening 08/23/2012 Midday 08/22/2012 Evening 08/22/2012 Midday 08/21/2012 Evening 08/21/2012 Midday

6-0-0 4-5-7 0-0-3 1-6-6 4-3-7 2-9-3 8-6-5 2-2-8 2-3-9 8-3-8 8-2-8 2-4-9 1-2-3 6-3-6 7-2-3 5-1-8 3-2-0 1-1-7 8-4-2 2-8-8

DEBATES ARE PART OF THE PROCESS continued

process. People died for the right to vote and to debate real issues facing this community! As for the “We are Women Warriors” group, they have sponsored educational forums, to find solutions to the problems that face this community, including the 2nd Legislative District. If Mrs. Nixon is afraid to debate, why is she running for political office? Public forums are necessary to allow the voters to hear her platform, if she has any! Mr. Nixon says his wife has served on boards, and volunteers unpaid at NICYO. Many citizens volunteer their time on many organizations and Boards of Directors; it does not qualify them to be a County Legislator. Mrs. Nixon should attend the debate to tell why she is running for the 2nd Legislative seat, and what would she do in that position? Lastly the “Summit on Crime” was put together around the recent homicides in our community. Legislators Hogues and Grant called the summit to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate people and resources around solutions to crime in the community. Over 200 people attended! The current Mayor did not to attend the first session based on the politics of “ who sponsored the debate”! That was a disservice to himself and the community! I would meet with the devil himself to save our children! Of course as a minister, I would bring God with me to guarantee the victory! If you are running for public office, debates are part of the process. Mrs. Nixon has no problem singing on stage! Now it is time to speak! Attend the debate! -Paulette Woods

AUGUST 21, 2013

EVENTS CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Wednesday August 21

Thursday August 22

Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall.

Buffalo Public Schools Community Meetings Code of Conduct: 6-7:30 p.m. East High School, 820 Northampton; www.buffaloschools.org

Family Fun Bowling Day: Every Wed. Kerns Bowling, 163 Kerns, 5-8 p.m. Hosted by Buffalo United Front. Durham’s Central City Baby Café: Every Wednesday & Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., free supper; experienced moms and certified counselors available; bring the kids; for info call Doris @ 885-6348. “Home of the Brave”: 7 p.m., burning Books, 420 Connecticut St.; the story of Viola Liuzzo, Civil Rights freedom fighter killed by the Klan; Presented by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee. Debate Among Candidates for the Erie County Legislature: Merriweather Library, 5:30 – 7:45 p.m.; 400-1817 for info. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Family support Group Meeting: 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Church, 3007 Main St; 226-6264.

Friday August 23 FULL MOON DRUMMING: Featuring the Somali-Bantu Community Organization; 8 p.m., Canalside Boardwalk; www.somalibantubuffalo.org Niagara Falls East Side Old School Reunion Formal Banquet: 6 p.m. until, Four Points Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Avenue; tickets $40; 299-8344. Saturday August 24 Jes Breathe Cancer Awareness Walking 4 Hope: 10 a.m., MLK Park; registration 9 am; 533-1985 for info (See also page 5). Annual Back to School Rally: 3-5 p.m., Merriweather Library, Jefferson at Utica; school supply giveaway, videos, storytelling and more; hosted by Eva Doyle; 847-6010 or 507-5280.

Buffalo Funk Fest: 2 p.m., LaSalle Park. Elmwood Festival of the Arts: 10am – 6 p.m, Elmwood Ave. between Lafayette & West Ferry St.; free Niagara Falls East Side Old School Reunion Picnic: noon – 9 p.m., Hyde Park. Niagara Falls Good News Gospel Festival & Health Fair: noon – 6 p.m., Oasis Shelter in Hyde Park, N.F., Sunday August 25 Jefferson Arts Festival: 1-5 p.m., Jefferson Ave. between E. Utica & E. Ferry Street, Elmwood Festival of the Arts: 10am – 5 p.m., Elmwood Ave. between Lafayette & West Ferry St.; free Niagara Falls East Side Old School Reunion Worship: New Hope Baptist 1122 Buffalo Ave. 10:30 a.m. Monday August 26 N’Dias (the Mix) Traditional African-World Beat Band f: Erie Canal Side(inner harbor) in ‘the Ruin” at 7pm Free.

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AUGUST 21, 2013 Challenger Community News â&#x20AC;˘