April 23, 2014 by Challenger News

INSIDE ROCHESTER AROUND TOWN

Clarissa Street Reunion Committee Taking Applications The Clarissa Street Reunion Committee is currently taking applications for vendors for their upcoming 19th Reunion in Rochester,NY. If interested in becoming a vendor call our voicemail# 585-234-4177 or email us: festival@clarissastreetreunion.org . Include your name ,address ,phone# , email address and the type of vendor you are, example Food ,Craft , Business Solicitation or a Non-Profit organization. We will get back to you with the info. Apply early for the best placement. *Operating Rental Property Workshop, Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10 AM-5PM. The Housing Council, 75 College Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607.Please call 585-546-3700 or visit www. thehousingcouncil.org to reserve your spot today. There is a $45.00 materials fee. See you at the events!

Pastor Announces New Outreach Ministry By Pastor Britt M. Pledger The Lord is doing a great work through the ministry of Jesus The Christ Church Rochester. The women we win conference weekend May 2-4 I am hosting will be my last service as Pastor of Jesus The Christ Church on Sunday May . God has commission me to do some other things as an outreach ministry. I am asking that every family I have supported would support me in the last service as I am making history in the ministry. The Lord has shown me that there is too much work in the vineyard and that the harvest is plentious but the labors are few. The ministry will now be Jesus The Christ Church Outreach Ministry and a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of our new location will be announced soon. For questions, comments and/or concerns please call 570-540-9309. Although the transition may seem sudden I do know that this is the will of God pray my strength in the Lord.

APRIL 23, 2014

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“From the Rough” : An Interview with Coach Catana Starks

First African American Woman to coach an all men’s team at the collegiate level is Subject of New Film By Ivory Kimberly Simmons Playing golf wasn’t an option for Coach Starks growing up. However, she would swim, and her swimming abilities put her in a position where she could grow. “I was a sickly child who had asthma,” recalls Starks, “but my grandmother and mother encouraged me. The doctor said ‘I couldn’t,’ and they said ‘Yes you can!’And I did.” There is a noticeable undeniable positive energy that Coach Catana Starks possesses, and Michael Critelli , the producer of sCoach Starks amazing story, From The Rough, was interested in knowing what that was. Coach Starks said there were many times and many things in her life that would have caused her to give up, but her mother and grandmother would not allow it and neither would she. Coach Starks is tough, giving and dedicated to helping others. That reflects in some of her notable former students.

day when Michael Critelli, the man from Sweeten, approached her for an interview regarding her motivational techniques. Coach Starks now says it’s a joy to be recognized and that she is deeply moved. Coach Catana Starks said, in her life, she was asked to do a lot of things that she didn’t initially know how to do, such as Safety instructor. “There’s no quit in me, ” she declares, and shares that philosophy with her students and others along the way. Coach Catana Starks shared some key ingredients from her motivational techniques such as explaining things, being a good listener, caring, and applying a creative technique.

Starks highly recommended that our readers go and see the movie. “FROM THE ROUGH”, presented by The High Falls Film Festival, will premiere on Friday, April 25 at The Little Theatre at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50

Coach Starks

“I want them to believe in themselves and go out there and try new things and never give up!” she said. It was a privilege indeed to encounter such greatness. Before ending Coach Catana

An encounter with Coach Catana Starks will help anyone understand why Critelli has been so committed to bringing her story to the screen. “I was immediately impressed…,” he said, “and was convinced.” According to him, he proved it by investing the majority of his own money into the film’s $5 million budget. Coach Starks said that she hadn’t considered putting her story on the screen prior to the

738 UNIVERSITY AVE. 585-563-2145

*LIVE JAZZ WITH CULTURE CLASH April 25, 7 pm Hosted by Dr. Carl Atkins, Professor of Music at RIT, the Last Friday Jazz Heritage Series will present fine performances of Jazz followed by a question and answer session. Admission: $10 per person. Refreshments served.

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Volunteers will receive:

• T-shirt, Coffee, Muffins & Danish • Red Wings Ticket* vs Louisville, 1:05 pm & Voucher for Hot Dog & Drink • FREE Parking in Oak Street Lot

SAT, MAY

8 am 12 pm Meet at

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Or at www.cityofrochester.gov/cleansweep * Limited to the first 4,000 participants

APRIL 23, 2014

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WNY AREA BRIEFS

3 “Today Was Not Political...It Was POWERFUL!” ChallengerCN.com

The major focus in the Tuesday, May 6 School Board Race says Rev. Pridgen, is our children!

R Community Event In Support Of The Frank E. Merriweather Jr Library On Wednesday, April 30 from 3 to 4 PM , members of the community and community leaders will meet in the Auditorium at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library in a show of support and appreciation for the invaluable services it provides to our entire Community .A limited addition print entitled “Images of Black History” will be presented to the Library by Mrs. Florence Johnson for its’ dedication to the preservation of Black History and service to the Community.” Our public libraries are in trouble and need our ongoing support. The Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library is no exception, but it is exceptional in the invaluable services it provides. We do not want to lose any of those services. It is a vital Community resource and all efforts must be made by the entire Community to make sure that it maintains that status. This event is free and open to the public. -Joan Simmons

Tell Me A Story Features “Gran’daddy Junebug” Mitch Capel “Gran’daddy Junebug” will be the featured guest at “Tell Me A Story - 6” on Saturday, April 26, at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 10 am to 2 pm. Capel will present a workshop at 10:30 and will be in concert at 1 pm. Other parts of the program include three workshops: (1) I Can Tell, Too: Youth Storytelling, (2) Help Me Tell: Participation Stories and (3) Telling Their Story: Developing a Character. The event is free and open to youth and adults. Co-sponsored by Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York, Zawadi Books and Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library. Fore more information, call 883-4418 or Sharon Holley at 886-1399.

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ev. Darius Pridgen crossed a few of political lines on Sunday to get to what he declared is the most important issue in the upcoming May 6th School Board Election: THE CHILDREN. Addressing an overflow crowd of worshippers on Easter Sunday Morning at Kleinhans Music Hall, he declared that “someone must do right by our children,” and dedicated the first part of his message to address one of the most critical school board elections to face this city. He then delivered an electrifying spiritual message centered on the Resurrection of Christ and how it relates to our own personal resurrection as individuals and as a people in the 21st century. “The most basic, fundamental thing” for voters to be concerned about he declared, is our children getting the best quality education possible. He also emphasized the role of parents , making it clear that they had a primary responsibility to stand for, and support the youth. In a dramatic move, he read off a list of schools in ”the green” – or successful Buffalo schools that were doing very well – which was short in comparison to the list that followed those schools in “the red.” That list represented low performing “priority“ and “focus” schools that are not meeting state standards in English and Math. He quipped that if he read that list in its entirety “it would be longer than the sermon.” He urged parents and children from those schools to come to the stage in an attempt to put “a human face” on the crisis. The numbers filled the entire stage. Wearing a “Parent Power” T-shirt, he said the shirts would be on sale to raise funds to further educate and encourage the community to stand for the children. And although he chastised parents who’s priorities were slightly mixed up (“If you

Parents and students join Rev. Pridgen on Kleinhans’ stage as he puts a face on the crisis facing city schools.

ev. Darius Pridgen crossed a few Tell Me A Story Features “Gran’daddy Junebug”

Mitch Capel “Gran’daddy Junebug” will be the featured guest at “Tell Me A

Story - 6” on Saturday, April 26, at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Continued Page 12

Barbara Johnson Lee Announces Candidacy For City Court Judge

arbara Johnson-Lee, an attorney who has practiced law in Buffalo for more than 20 years, has announced her candidacy for the office of Buffalo City Court Judge.

Johnson-Lee currently serves as a lawyer with the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo / Public Defenders Unit (Criminal Defense), a role she has capably fulfilled since 2007. She also worked as a hearing officer in the Small/Commercial Claims division of Buffalo’s City Court, a position she held until 2010. Prior to joining Legal Aid, Johnson-Lee spent 16 years in private practice, working diligently to ensure that all people would have access to quality legal service. During this time she was also actively involved with the Volunteer Lawyers Project where she provided free legal representation for many throughout the community. In 2002, Attorney Johnson-Lee was recognized for her volunteer efforts by the Erie County Bar Association as they presented her with the Volunteer Lawyers Project Bro Bono Award. Attorney Barbara Johnson-Lee attended Canisius College and received a B.A. in Philosophy from SUNY at Buffalo in 1981 and her Attorney Johnson-Lee Juris Doctorate from State University of New York at Buffalo Law School in 1986. While in law school, she served on the law school admissions committee and was elected vice-president of the Black Law Students Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1991. Ms. Johnson-Lee’s professional associations include the New York State Bar Association, New York State Defenders Association, Inc., the Erie County Bar Association, the Minority Bar Association of Western New York and the Women Lawyers of Western New York. A resident of Buffalo, Johnson-Lee is devoted to volunteering for just causes whenever needed. She also is fully committed to her family, following the example set by her mother in raising Johnson-Lee and her eight siblings. She counts as a blessing the years in which she cared for her mother, who was diagnosed with a number of medical issues in 2001 and passed in 2011 “Beyond my experience, and firm grasp of today’s legal issues, I have the dedication required for the important position of city court judge,” said Attorney Johnson-Lee. “It has been my life goal to serve in a judicial capacity and my career has well-prepared me for all that is required in serving on the bench. I have always endeavored to be fair, impartial and honest in my legal career and I will continue to employ all of those qualities as a judge. As I advance my campaign, I look forward to meeting and talking with the citizens of Buffalo and earning their support.” For more information, or to volunteer to work on Attorney Johnson-Lee’s campaign, call 716. 828.6582.

National/International NEWS Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter Dead Dies At 76

Rubin “Hurricane” Carter never surrendered hope of regaining his freedom, not even after he was convicted of a triple murder, then convicted again and abandoned by many prominent supportCatalina Clouser (left) and Shanesha Taylor ers. For 19 long years, the prizefighter was locked in a prison cell far away from the spotlight and the adulation of the boxing ring. But when Catalina Clouser, a pot-smoking Arizona mom who got high he at last won his biggest before driving off with her baby on the car roof avoided fight — for exoneration — being sent to jail. Clouser, 21, was astonishingly only sen- he betrayed little bitterness. tenced to 16 years of probation after pleading guilty to child Instead, Carter dedicated abuse and DUI. Clouser drove for 12 miles with her 2 month much of his remaining life to old baby on the roof of her car. By the time she realized her helping other prisoners and baby wasn’t in the car, it was too late. The baby fell off and exposing other injustices. The middleweight title was found still in his car seat in the middle of busy freeway. fortunately unharmed. Clouser was just sentenced and got contender, whose murder convictions became an inprobation. ternational symbol of racial Meanwhile, Shanesha Taylor was homeless and trying to get injustice and inspired a Bob her life on better footing. She had a job interview and could Dylan song and a Hollynot get anyone to watch her kids ages 2 years and 6 months wood film, died Sunday. He , so she left them in the car, with window open and went was 76. The New Jersey native, inside to do her job interview.. Someone heard the children crying and called the police. Ms. Taylor was arrested and who had suffered from prosjailed on two counts of felony child abuse and her children tate cancer, died in his sleep taken away and placed in Child Protective Services. She did at his home in Toronto, said not get the job, of course, and is now looking at prison time, John Artis, his former co-dewith her children most likely taken away for a significant fendant and longtime friend and caregiver. period of time. Carter “didn’t have any Both women live in Arizona.. bitterness or anger — he kind of got above it all. That re q uest for proposals was his great strength,” said Thom Kidrin, who became friends with Carter after visCOUNTY OF ERIE iting him several times in DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES prison. 95 FRANKLIN STREET The boxer became an underBUFFALO, NEW YORK sized 160-pound contender County of Erie, New York and earned his nickname largely on his ferocity and RFP RELEASE punching power. The Erie County Department of Social Services is seekAlthough never a world ing proposals from qualified not-for-profit agencies to champion, Carter went 27provide Domestic Violence Advocacy Services. The fol12-1 with 19 knockouts, lowing RFP can be found at http://www.erie.gov: memorably stopping two-diRFP # 1416VF: Provision of Educational Services vision champ Emile Griffith to Youth Ages 11-17 at the Erie County Secure Youth in the first round in 1963. Detention Facility

A Tale of Two Mothers in Post Racial America…

A complete copy of the RFP package can also be obtained by contacting Judith Kolmetz, ECDSS, at 716-858-7932, or via Judith.Kolmetz@erie.gov. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 856, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on May 16, 2014. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Carol Dankert-Maurer, Commissioner of Social Services

Harvard University accepts a record number of Black students Amid recent encouraging reports of African-American students getting accepted to most or all of the Ivy League schools, comes new data suggesting that Harvard University may be leading the way on diversity. According to Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, the highly ranked institution’s class of 2018 will be 12 percent black, the largest representation of that group in the university’s history.

APRIL 23, 2014

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BlackAgendaReport

Supreme Court Decision Renders U.S. a “Zombie Democracy” The U.S. electoral system has entered the realm of the living dead, said Ajamu Baraka, an editor and columnist for Black Agenda Report. The recent McCutcheon ruling, which allows the rich to spend virtually unlimited funds on political campaigns, confirms that the “system doesn’t really function, it has no internal life – but that’s been the case from the very beginnings of the Republic,” said Baraka. “The only elements in society that were allowed to participate were white men with property. What we have now is a full circle back to that reality.” Fusion Spy Centers Target Activists Human rights activists in 7 cities recently protested against U.S. intelligence Fusion Centers that allow local law enforcement and contractors to share information on political dissent. “There is this guise that they’re trying to keep us safe from terrorists,” said Jamie Garcia, of Stop LAPD Spying,

“but we’re finding out that they’re actively targeting social justice organizers” through these “mega spy centers.” Black Lives Endangered in Detroit, Chicago, Congo The crowds that come to hear about the slaughter of six million Congolese since 1996 – the biggest genocide since World War Two – “don’t make a distinction between what’s taking place on the South Side of Chicago, or in Detroit, and what’s happening in the Congo,” said Maurice Carney, executive director of Friends of Congo. “They immediately recognize that getting involved” in defending the

lives and rights of Congolese “is an indication of the value they hold for Black life,” said Carney. Blacks and “Bio-Sexual Politics” David Austin, the Montrealbased activist, educator and author of Fear of a Black Nation, said “bio-sexual politics” is “a primeval fear of Black folks that is rooted in the recurring need to control Black bodies…a phenomenon that is intimately connected to fear of Black rebellion and the spread of Blackness as a political contagion.” Austin took part in “Black Folk in Dark Times: A Workshop on Sovereignty, Citizenship and Freedom,” at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville.

5 HEALTH MATTERS Spring Cleansing For Your Body, Mind & Spirit

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APRIL 23, 2014

Free Vegetable Gardening Class The Master Gardeners of Erie County Co-operative Extension will be presenting a free vegetable gardening class on Saturday, May 3, from 10am to 12:30PM, at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway, Buffalo, NY. The class will be held in the community room. This class will cover all aspects of beginning urban gardening, including soil contamination, container gardening, and pest management. Please come out and learn the basics of gardening taught by very knowledgeable Master Gardeners. This class is free and open to all. visit us at

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SAVE

By Isma’el Jamal

Spring is the period of joyful beginnings. It is where the cycle of life ends and begins. It is Mother Nature’s New Year. Spring is the time when we should do an internal spring cleansing to purify and lighten the blood, which is still heavy and sluggish from the winter season. To avoid catching the spring flu bug, drink sassafras and sarsaparilla herb tea. Keep your colon clean with dandelion/chicory or white oak bark distilled water enemas during a spring cleansing herb fast. Spring is the time to learn how to control your anger. It is healthier to cry during this time: releasing your emotional toxins that would otherwise be released as anger. The tears has the same chemical constituency as

DATES …. MAY 2-3, 2014 PARENT ASSEMBLY

THE

MAXIMIZING PARENT ENGAGEMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BE MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR SCHOOL Learn how to empower yourself and other parents by building on your individual and family strengths

GUEST KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRENDA THOMAS,

Senior Program Facilitator (National Network of Partnership Schools)

Workshops for Parents School Showcases Children’s Performances Free Health Screenings

BUFFALO ACADEMY FOR VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS 450 MASTEN AVE. MAY 2ND: 5-8P.M. MAY 3RD: 9A.M.– 2P.M. SPONSORED BY: THE BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE

DISTRICT PARENT COORDINATING COUNCIL

VISIT BUFFALOSCHOOLS.ORG FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CHILD CARE, FOOD, INTERPRETATION, & TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED

your urine. So crying is as necessary as urinating, even for big “macho men.” Crying is not a chauvinistic reaction. Crying is a purifying reaction, assisting in the healing of the liver which functions more efficiently during the spring. To further purify your blood and your emotions this season, take long walks (especially when you’re angry). Eat lots of whole-wheat couscous/bulgur wheat/ buckwheat noodles and other whole-wheat products . Also good for this season are leeks, onions, scallions, garlic, dandelion greens, plums, dark grapes, and start each morning off with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm distilled water with one half teaspoon of buckwheat honey. Spring is the time to keep your nails well manicured and strong with horsetail and comfrey herbs which enhances the calcium level of your blood. Your blood is the vehicle for your spirit. So this is the season to keep your spirits high thru constantly purifying your blood with herbal blood purifiers such as burdock and yellowdock. The whites of your eyes will indicate the condi-

The Witness Project: One Stop Women’s Health Services The Witness Project is a health education program for women. There is a rising concern about women’s health in the Black community. This innovative program invites you to become proactive about your health. For more information or to sign up for services contact Beverly Johnson or Cassandre Dauphin at 845-3383.

eat to live

tion of your blood. If they are bright and clear, you are in harmony with the spirit of spring. If they are yellowish or darkish, your spirit is melancholy and grieving. Spring is the time to speak out without anger on unresolved conflicts and issues that are standing in your way. This is the best time of the year to plant your seeds of purposeful intention within your inner garden…which will mature and bring you a spiritual harvest this coming summer and fall’ providing you with the necessary inner nourishment to flow through next winter. Enjoy this initiating season and allow yourself to flow with the spring breezes that bring with them , that “coming alive” feeling…gently embracing your whole being with soft, tender caresses

that make bees buzz…birds fly…and humans joyfully cry. Happy New Year!

Free HIV Testing Event A Free HIV/STI Testing Event will be held on Wednesday, April 30 from 3-7 p.m. at the MOCHA Center, 1092 Main Street as part of a “#Stop HIV Stigma” campaign. “HIV-related stigma and discrimination create a roadblock to fighting HIV effectively,” a flyer released by MOCHA ads . “Few people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) escape the stigma and discrimination that often comes with a positive status.”

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APRIL 23, 2014

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Friendship BapDelaware Avenue Baptist Church Spring tist Youth to Host Concert “Fresh Fire Friday” The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church will present its 3rd annual Spring concert on Sunday, April 27 at 3 p.m. at the church located at 965 Delaware Avenue (between Bryant & Utica). Rev. Michael J. Robinson is pastor. There will be a divers selection of soloists, praise dancers, vocal groups and musicians. For more information phone 884-0070 or go the web site at Web:dabc. org

Recipes Wanted The Fruits of the Spirit Women’s Ministry of the Calvary Baptist Church is soliciting recipes for their cookbook, “Food for the Soul.” Send your recipes to the Calvary Baptist Church, 1184 Genesee St., Buffalo NY 14211 by May 30, 2014.

GOD IS GOOD...

The Youth Department of Friendship Baptist Church will host Fresh Fire Friday on April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Church, located at 402 Clinton Street. The April theme is “Can You Stand the Rain” and the guest speaker is Pastor Craig Damone Pridgen of True Bethel Baptist Church in Niagara Falls. For more information call 847-1020. April Moore is the Youth Director. Rev. Edward Jackson Jr. is Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church.

Annual Clothing Giveaway The Outreach Ministries of Hopewell Baptist Church will sponsor their annual clothing giveaway on Saturday, April 26 at the church annex, 1307 Fillmore Ave. (corner of Urban side door) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free clothing for men, women and children of all ages and sizes. All are welcome. “I needed clothes and you clothed me…” Matthew 25:36 NIV

“Spring Garden Luncheon” The Women's Fellowship of New Hope Baptist Church, 1122 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY are sponsoring a Pre-Women's Day fundraiser. A "Spring Garden Luncheon" on Saturday, April 26 from 12 noon - 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under age 12. Deadline for purchase of tickets by Sunday, April 20th. For additional information, contact the church at 282-8118.

Saint John AME Church News *St. John AME Church, located at 917 Garden Avenue, Niagara Falls, announces the following upcoming events: *Sunday School Collection of Migrant Kits Due May 1 *Women’s Day Fish Fry April 25 from noon - 5 p.m. *Shut-In at the church April 25 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. *Women’s Day Program April 27 11 a.m. *Pastor’s Chili Cook-Off May 3 *Annual Conference May 6-10 For more Information call 285-6432. Rev. Bruce David Points, Sr. is Senior Pastor.

Rev. DuBois

Evangelistic Temple and Community Church Center, Inc. 92nd Anniversary The community is invited to attend the 92nd Church Anniversary of the Evangelistic Temple and Community Church Center on April 27. This year’s theme is “Love Conquers All” St. John 13:34-35. We will kick off this milestone in our history by taking a journey to our original homestead; currently know as the Jefferson Avenue Community Church at 451 Jefferson Avenue. We will fellowship with their congregation on Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m. with a nostalgic walk down memory lane. On Sunday, April 27 we will continue to celebrate at our present home, 92 Headley Place, between Jefferson and Meech, starting with R.I.S.E. at 9:30 a.m. religious instruction on Sunday for everyone, followed by our morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. Our guest speaker for the day will be Reverend James L. Spencer, Jr. Associate Minister of Jordan Grove Baptist Church. We will end this fantastic weekend with a light reception to be held in the Lewis W. Holley Hall immediately following morning worship. If you are a former or present member, please join us at these events to get re-acquainted. If you need additional information please call the church at 882-1432. George W. DuBois is the Pastor.

Elim Gospel Choir Presents a Symphony Gospel Explosion Elim Christian Fellowship Gospel Choir presents a “Symphony Gospoel Explosion” on Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m., 70 Chalmers Avenue. Bishop T. Anthony Bronner is Senior Pastor.

Musical Stage Play at New Beginnings C.O.G.I.C. A musical stage play by Harmonious Productionz titled “The Pain In This Building,” will be presented at New Beginnings C.O.G.I.C., 828 Genesee Street at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information call (716) 390-6943 or go to Facebook.com/Harm oniousProductionz#ThePainInThisBuilding

“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! Psalm 116:1-2 TLB

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 23, 2014

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

ON STAGE *Charlie Wilson, Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m., Rochester Auditorium Theatre, tickets @ Auditorium box office and ticketmaster.com 500745-3000.

*Ziggy Marley, Fly Rasta & Steel Pulse, Wednesday, June 25, Artpark; tickets $7; 1-888-223-6000; tickets. com or artpark.net

*Donnell Rawlings ibetter known as “Ashy Larry,” the 70’s jheri curled ‘Beautiful’, and numerous other characters he’s played on Comedy Central’s award winning and critically celebrated Chappelle’s Show will perform on stage at the Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi Street April 24-26; Thursday @ 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday for 2 shows @ 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. He was the host of the “Chappelle’s Show” Lost Episodes, and can be seen regularly on E!’s hit for more info 853-1211 or go to Heliumcomedy.com *The Beautiful Music Band Fridays at the Groove Lounge, 1210 Broadway 8pm-12am. *The Jazz Café with singer/songwriter Fragrance of YAH, April 26, 8:30 p.m. to 12 midnight, Utica Business Center, 11 East Utica; for tickets and more info: (517) 282-9519; tickets @ Doris Records. *Young Audiences’ annual fundraiserWednesday, April 16, 6:30-9:30pm, Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street, TICKETS: Patron Couple $200; Patron $150; General Entry $50. Featuring erformances by Young Audiences artists: Led by Van Taylor, Kevin Doyle, Miché Fambro, Robin Hibbert, Joyce Nixon, Mary Ramsey, Alassane Saar, and Rey Scott and more.

*Comedian Sinbad @ Kleinhans, Thursday May 8 2 8 p.m.; for tickets call 885-5000 or kleinhansbuffalo.org

Orchestra Rehearsal Rehearsal for The Larry Salter Soul Orchestra every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway. The pubic is invited. Call first. 855-9383.

See You At The Events!

*Road Less Traveled Productions presents the play “RACE” at the Road at the Road Less Traveled Theater in the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre Friday, April 25 (opening night) through Sunday, May 18. Tickets are $35 general admission and $17 for students. Groups of 10 or more may still apply for group discounts. You may order tickets online (www. roadlesstraveledproductions.org), by calling (716) 629-3069 or by visiting the RLTP box office during the 30 minutes prior to any performance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.RoadLessTraveledProductions.org or call (716) 629-3069.

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A MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

THE PER F MOTHER ECT ’S DAY GIFT

CharlieWilson SUNDAY MAY 11th - 7pm

ROCHESTER AUDITORIUM THEATRE BOX OFFICE 800.745.3000

APRIL 23, 2014

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

39th Annual Juneteenth Festival Accepting Applications From Vendors Juneteenth Festival Inc. is now accepting applications for Juneteenth 2014 ( June 14 -15). Please register by mail before May 1. The Juneteenth Festival Committee will not be responsible for applications mailed or left any place other than our P.O. Box. Please do not mail applications to our headquarters! Vendors formerly known as “Information” will now be knows as Community Resources to avoid confusion.

Exhibitors and Community Resources vendors meet with Concessions Committee on Wednesday , June 11 at Juneteenth Headquarters, located at 1517 Genesee, corner of Moselle at 7p.m. to verify assigned locations and review Festival Rules and Regulations. Food vendors must provide their own canopy or tent. Food vendors are required to meet with the County Health Department to receive information concerning the

health laws on the preparation, storage and serving of food sold to the public. This meeting is mandatory and all food conessionaries must be represented. The meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. also at Juneteenth Headquarters . Please note the following dates which will be strictly adhered to” *Late fee charged after April 30. *No refunds will be issued

Remembering Bill West By Renata Toney

A VOTE

in the School Board Elections Tuesday May 6

friend, mentor, painter, dedicated family man, citizen and champion for the public good nobly bid farewell to this world. William E. West passed away April 14, 2014 leaving an inedible mark on the heart of this community that lives on. Born in 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, West was the only child of Prince Albert and Mary June West. He was introduced to art in his home through an informal art lesson. “It started casually as the pen placed in my hands at age 6 by my mother,” he remembered. “This went on to inspire my childhood reproductions of comic strips in the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.” As a World War II veteran, West creatively invested the GI Bill in arts education, enrolling at the former legendary Art Institute of Buffalo in 1948, then located at Elmwood Avenue and West Utica Street. Two of his key mentors were legendary watercolorists Robert Blair and Charles Burchfield. “Blair was an exceptional teacher, coach and personal friend. Burchfield inspired my technique and attitude,” said West. ”I saw things in his work that philosophically coincided with ideas my mom planted in my head about life. I remember visits to Burchfield’s home to critique my work.” Catherine Koenig, Oliver Lomax, David Pratt, Joseph Fisher and Walter Prochownik were also his very talented mentors. He also credits Wilhemina Godfrey, James Pappas, Oliver Lomax, Joe Orffeo, Bill Copper, John Baker, Bruce Blair and Pamela Lomax Stokes for their ongoing support. West’s paintings have been exhibited at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Wilcox Mansion, Kenan Center, Erie Community College, and the Chautauqua Center for Visual Arts, among others. He has work in the permanent collections of Bethel AME Church, M&T Bank, the Buffalo Urban League, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center. West loved the Burchfield Penney, several of his works are in the collection. He was interviewed on July 25, 2012 as part of the Center’s Living Legacy Project. “Bill West was a great artist and one that Western New York should stop and consider. He took lessons from the artists he respected and used that knowledge to capture and present his world,” said Scott Propeack, Burchfield Penney associate director of collections and exhibitions. “Unique from his colleagues he presented an image of the community no one was representing. In sharing his work with us he enriched our lives. He extended his generosity to the organizations he cared about. Just at the Burchfield Penney he was a lifelong member and donated his work to the collection and to fundraisers.” The family will have a private interment. A memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m. May 3 in the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave. In lieu flowers the family has requested donations to the Burchfield Penney. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the joy!,” West he once said. “To be granted a lifetime gift of artistic drawing that spans over 50 years for which I am eternally so grateful. Portray what you see, hear, feel, and think for your own authenticity.” On behalf of the Burchfield Penney, my sincerest condolences to the West family. Each happiness of yesterday is a memory for tomorrow. To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.

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Voyager- Navigating The Black “No Child Left Feminine Space: Solo Exhibit by Behind” Board of Education Lauren Ashley Howard “Voyager: Navigating The Black Feminine Space” a solo Candidates exhibit by Lauren Ashley Howard featuring Nekita Thomas, Forum will be featured at the Rev. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 8z33 Michigan Avenue on Saturday, April 26 from 6-9 p.m. The exhibit is being presented by St. John Baptist Church Board of Christian Education, Minister Michael Chapman, Pastor. Ms. Howard is a local artist and practicing attorney for the City of Buf- Lauren Ashley Howard falo. Drawing from her studies of discrimination, American popular culture and the African diaspora as well as her journey to reclaim and embrace her natural hair, the artist’s work is an indictment of the prevailing norms of beauty in Western culture. Howard’s gold and earth toned paintings explore the unique texture and beauty of kinky, curly , afroed hair. Created on wooden boards, the works are punctured with staples and nails, with which she affixes synthetic braiding hair, harkening to the trauma of slavery and the lasting impact it has had on the Black female’s self-image. In contrast, the intricacy of the twisted and braided hair calls to the hours of care and painstaking attention to detail necessary when styling it. Her installation work is equally complex and thought provoking; she “remixes’ the classic Black Barbie doll by manipulating the hair until it resembles the natural, African texture, dressing the dolls in contemporary fashions befitting Black businesswomen, college students, and young adults, and the preparing a biography for each doll. These fictional accounts provide a glimpse into the varied ways that Black woman carry themselves and are in turn perceived by mainstream society. Performance enters her work when it is exhibited: the artist and a small group of Black women take on the role of “the Black Barbie Corps. Of Astronauts” voicing the concerns of their plastic counterparts and bringing spectators into the “Black Feminine Space”. They do so dressed in garments designed and constructed by the artist from West African prints and American silhouettes. These women inhabit the Black Feminine Space, an installation of colorful fabrics, cushions, and relics of Black female identity. This play on the voyeurism of the white gaze, the objectification of the Black female body and the identity crisis facing many across the African diaspora creates a stirring dialogue where all those who are present are called to consider how the intersection of sex and race have caused the Black female to become devalu

Hua Hu Ching -Ten-

The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle; Totally fascinated by the realm of the senses, it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next, one self-centered idea to the next. If you threaten it,

The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network will present “No Child Left Behind”: A Buffalo Board of Education Candidates Forum on Monday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at Delaine Waring AME Church Fellowship Hall, 680 Swan Street. The community is urged to come out and hear candidates discuss their platforms and strategies to reclaim and revamp our schools for today’s youth. The event will be facilitated by rev. Gregory P. Nelson, president of the buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network, and Janique S. Curry, Vice President. For more information call (716) 2998299 or bflonan@gmail. com

OUR STORY * On April 22, 1739, A major slave revolt occured in South Carolina lead by an enslsaveda African named Cato, resulting in the deaths of twenty to thirty Whites who attempted to stop their trek to Florida and the eventual deaths of dozens of escaped enslaved Africans. * On April 22, 1970 Students protest at Yale University protested in support of the Black Panther Party on April l22, 1970. ‘ * On April 3, 1930 Ras Tafari is proclaimed Emperor of Ethiopia—one of the only African nations to successfully resist European colonization. He was renamed Haile Selassie. He is revered by Blacks in many parts of the world. Jamaicans formed a religion in his honor. They call themselves Rastafarians. Selassie could trace his ancestry as far back as the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of the Bible. *On April 3, 1950—Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, died at age 74 in Washington, D.C.

VOTE TUESDAY MAY 6!

APRIL 23, 2014

School Board Candidates Forums Thursday April 24th - Frank Merriweather Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue) - 6:00 pm - 8pm Candidates Night hosted by The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Western New York and the Buffalo NAACP Thursday, May 1st, 2014. – Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue) – 5:00 pm – 7:45pm Candidates Night hosted by AMVETS Post No. 24 Thursday May 1st - Polish Cadets Hall (927 Grant Street) - 6:30 pm - 8:30pm Candidates Night hosted by the Forest District Civic Association and Polish Cadets of Buffalo

WNY Fraternities/ Sororities Host School Board Candidates Night The National Pan-Hellenic Council of WNY in conjunction with the buffalo NAACP will host a School board Candidates Night on Thursday, April 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather Library. This event is free and open to the public. Concerned citizens are invited to come out an d hear the views and ideas of the candidates, as well as to make it to the polls on May 6.

Town Hall School Board Meeting Bernie Tolbert, a candidate for the Buffalo School Board, is sponsoring a series of Town Hall Meetings to encourage communitywide dialogue on the Buffalo Public School System. In announcing the meetings, Tolbert outlined the program and its purpose. Buffalo School Board Members, Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg and James Sampson, will join Tolbert at the town hall meetings. The town hall meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on: *April 28 Timon St. Jude High School 601 McKinley Pkwy.

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

The Willie Lynch Mentality is Alive and Well...

his speech was said to have been delivered by Willie Lynch on the bank of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712. Lynch was a British slave owner in the West Indies. He was invited to the colony of Virginia in 1712 to teach his methods to slave owners there. Greetings, Gentlemen, I greet you here on the bank of the James River in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twelve. First, I shall thank you, the gentlemen of the Colony of Virginia, for bringing me here. I am here to help you solve some of your problems with slaves. Your invitation reached me on my modest plantation in the West Indies, where I have experimented with some of the newest, and still the oldest, methods for control of slaves. Ancient Rome would envy us if my program is implemented. As our boat sailed south on the James River, named for our illustrious King, whose version of the Bible we cherish, I saw enough to know that your problem is not unique. While Rome used cords of wood as crosses for standing human bodies along its highways in great numbers, you are here using the tree and the rope on occasions. I caught the whiff of a dead slave hanging from a tree, a couple miles back. You are not only losing valuable stock by hangings, you are having uprisings, slaves are running away, your crops are sometimes left in the fields too long for maximum profit, you suffer occasional fires, your animals are killed. Gentlemen, you know what your problems are; I do not need to elaborate. I am not here to enumerate your problems, I am here to introduce you to a method of solving them. In my bag here, I HAVE A FULL PROOF METHOD FOR CONTROLLING YOUR BLACK SLAVES. I guarantee every one of you that, if installed correctly, IT WILL CONTROL THE SLAVES FOR AT LEAST 300 HUNDREDS YEARS. My method is simple. Any member of your family or your overseer can use it. I HAVE OUTLINED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES AMONG THE SLAVES; AND I TAKE THESE DIFFERENCES AND MAKE THEM BIGGER. I USE FEAR, DISTRUST AND ENVY FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On top of my list is “AGE,” but it’s there only because it starts with an “a.” The second is “COLOR” or shade. There is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SEX, SIZES OF PLANTATIONS, STATUS on plantations, ATTITUDE of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine hair, course hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action, but before that, I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST AND ENVY STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS. Don’t forget, you must pitch theOLD black male vs. the YOUNG black male, and the YOUNG black male against the OLD black male. You must use the DARK skin slaves vs. the LIGHT skin slaves, and the LIGHT skin slaves vs. the DARK skin slaves. You must use the FEMALE vs. the MALE, and the MALE vs. the FEMALE. You must also have white servants and overseers [who] distrust all Blacks. But it is NECESSARY THAT YOUR SLAVES TRUST AND DEPEND ON US. THEY MUST LOVE, RESPECT AND TRUST ONLY US. Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control. Use them. Have your wives and children use them, never miss an opportunity. IF USED INTENSELY FOR ONE YEAR, THE SLAVES THEMSELVES WILL REMAIN PERPETUALLY DISTRUSTFUL. Thank you gentlemen.”

APRIL 23, 2014

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

SPEAK OUT/KAT MASSEY

Be Watchful! Be at the Polls on Tuesday, May 6 for the Children! Fifteen candidates, for the Buffalo School Board’s atlarge positions, have filed petitions according to Business First. Only eight competitors ran in 2009 for the five-year term. (Florence Johnson, who has the most years on the Board, is not running.) Their names are: Stephen Bucillo, Samuel P. Davis, Adrian Harris, Ralph Hernandez, John Licata, Bryon J. McIntyre, Wendy Mistretta, Barbara Seals Nevergold, Patricia A. Pierce, Larry Quinn, Daniel R. Reynolds, Sergio Rodríguez, Gizelle Stokes, Bernie Tolbert and Stephon Wright. Recently, the news media reported Larry Quinn has received the most donations – approximately $34,000. Among his wealthy donors are: B. Thomas Golisano (billionaire, former Sabres owner, Florida resident), Robert Rich, Jr. (Rich Products), Robert Gioia (John R. Oishei Foundation) and Carl Montante (Uniland Development Co.). He’s on-track to set a record for contributions. The Buffalo News online article – with subtitle “Buffalo business leaders aren’t sitting this race out” – reported Park District school board member, Carl Paladino, said – “This [school board election] is the most important thing that’s going to happen for years to come.” “If it’s going to take money, it’s going to take money. We’ll do whatever it takes.” Those statements certainly are in-sync with the audacious $500,000 offer, by “prominent” business leadership, as payoff for Superintendent Pamela Brown’s resignation, a few months ago. Her refusal showed her commitment, student-centric focus and that she was not in the position just for the money as some had accused. (She has given a personal account that her motivation to help more children was propelled by her young son’s death. He was killed in a bus accident, in France, during a school trip. Dr. Brown received zero complimentary remarks, in The News, for her honorable stand. Instead, a highly condescending editorial of criticism insisted she should have taken the money.) Paladino has concentrated heavily on sending scornful e-mails – publicly, verbally attacking the superintendent and some female board members – questioning essentially small expenditures – and seeking audits without specifics. Also, he has proposed pie-in-the-sky cost-savings which the District’s chief financial officer explained would not be so. Improving English Language Arts and Math test scores – which would immediately reduce the number of “failing” schools – hasn’t been demonstrated to be a priority. This School Board race has an untraditional diameter of upfront business leadership involvement. The question is: what is the circumference of their intentions? Is it in the realm of the privatization and charter schools movement that is occurring across the U.S. for replacement of public schools? (A big issue with charter schools is they are not funded separately by the State. The money is taken from the public schools’ resources. Also, the recent State-mandated closing of Pinnacle Charter School and previous threatened shut-down of the Enterprise Charter School, for low test scores, provide examples that charter schools also are struggling with student achievement.) Be watchful! Be at the polls on Tuesday, May 6 for the children! Every vote matters!

“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

It’s Time to Rally!

OPINIONS OPINIONS

hat are you doing today? We’re asking you to join us this evening, Wednesday, April 23rd at 5pm, where parents will rally once again on the steps of City Hall. Join us for a rousing, unrelenting demand for a quality education for all of our

children! The plan is to say more about that rally and invitation, in the most heartfelt, captivating appeal that we can muster. But this offering begins with a prayer, and then the spirit takes it where it will. In this moment, echoes of a recent broadcasted dialogue are troubling the water. When last we met, we discussed our community radio programs, and their ability to pinpoint our collective thinking and inclinations on the subject of the moment. On the subject of education, we were rejoicing at the offering of author, community activist, former police officer Ted SABIRAH Kirkland and his admonishing to us to take the education of our children MUHAMMAD into our own hands. Bro. Ted made the same offering again the next week, as hosts and guests were engaged in a continuing discussion on the need for our participation in the upcoming school board election. His offering was pitch perfect, made in the way of a suggestion, with a gentle reminder that other communities have made such an autonomous stand. Here is some of what he said: “We have been trying to equalize the educational system ever since African people came in contact with Europeans. We’re still doing that. …At what point will we get smart, and say we will create our own educational system? Or are we cowards? Or are we cheap? One of the problems I see is that too many Blacks have it made under this system, so they don’t want to change it. But see, if Black people want to save their children, then we’re gonna have to change, and let’s create our own educational system. You don’t have the Chinese, or the Koreans, or the Japanese, or any other groups in this country begging White people to love them, like we do. …Our kids are being trained to hate each other, and to hate us.” A curious thing happened with the following response; something we might call “Battered People Syndrome.” There was obvious consensus and voiced agreement with Bro. Ted’s comments, but then one of the guests, a school board candidate, announced definitively that one needed solution is to “Take over the curriculum. If you can properly train teachers, teachers of all hues can teach our children. It’s happened in the past, and it will continue to happen.” He referred to the effort to transfer our children from failing schools to schools in good standing as “musical chairs.” The other guest, the current school board president, said of the transfers: “When we move children into those schools, and we are stretching the limits of the schools in good standing, don’t forget that there are children in those schools too who have rights. It makes the class size larger, and we’re concerned whether or not those schools will become failing schools at some point.” Firstly, if you are not mortified and regurgitating, check your “one love” pulse. Sister did offer that the solution was to raise the quality of the failing schools, and it sounded great. PR usually does. The fact is that the schools have been failing for at least 150 years, and if parents were not now taking to the streets, they’d be failing for another 150 years. Until parents raised our voices, the exploding class sizes and the rights of children in the majority of failing schools was not an issue. It’s our activation and relentless demand that has formulated the need for an empty, yet great sounding response. When there was no clamor from the parents of the “throw-away” children, there was no clamor from our so-called representatives on their behalf. There was never any will or intention on the part of administrators to improve these schools, and the proof is that they never have! So why insult us now with the statement that improving all of the schools is the solution? It may be, but they have no intention to do it. Now that parents are fighting, the vote seekers can suddenly speak to the need for rights and standing – for the special ones. What are they saying? You may not contaminate the precious ones with your riff-raff. Keep them where they are. No? Our sister knows that the research is clear. If a child is not on track by the third grade, making up the achievement gap is nearly impossible. We need action for our children today, right now…yesterday. As for the notion that teachers of all hues can teach our children, and that they have done so in the past, what can we say but dude, seriously? Actually and factually, they haven’t. The mind that can’t broach the reality of widespread and systemic, planned and organized, conscious and deliberate sabotage can’t possibly combat it. This is a mind – without the stomach – for the rage of war. This combination of repulsive elitism and shocking naivete can only serve as an asset to those who have maneuvered to kill our babies in the crib. Know why we don’t spend any time on the word Paladino? ‘Cause Paladino ain’t our problem…we are. Like the toothless woman who keeps telling you… “But I loves him though,” … we watch the blows raining down on our children and keep right on trying to tweak this system. No matter how many tens of thousands of them are shredded in its jaws, we will not leave. The push for transfers is not a game of “musical chairs.” We do have a choice. On Wednesday, choose to throw down your bucket and quit bailin’ water. Let’s do ‘dis.

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dear editor...

Senator StewartCousins needs to stay out of Senate's 63rd District Race! Dear Editor: Parishioners at True Bethel Baptist Church were probably surprised to see 35th District, NYS Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins @ the church last Sunday. The church seemed happy and supportive when she was invited up to the pulpit to address the congregation; however, I believed more than a few were scratching their heads when she stood up and advised the churchgoers to support NYS State Senator Tim Kennedy. Most people in WNY, especially Buffalo know that Senator Kennedy's opponent in the race two years ago was Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant. Many of these same individuals know that Mrs. Grant has thrown her hat into the ring as a rematch of the Senate race in the September, 2014. The fact that Senator Stewart-Cousins was joined by Senator Kennedy and African American females Buffalo legislators, Crystal People-Stokes and Barbara Miller-Williams made the whole scenario more ironic. At a time in the African American community, when the numbers of elected officials who are persons of color are dwindling, we have prominent female legislators campaigning and supporting someone of another ethnic group. The fact that Legislator Grant is a loyal member of True Baptist Church, where they took this 'travelling political show' on the road was insulting, disrespectful and hypocritical. Mrs. Betty Jean Grant, who was in service at the time, had to sit through, what I am sure was a heartbreaking situation for her, having her church family be told by a political outsider, to support Continued Page 13 ADVERTISING /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com or alnisa33@yahoo.com

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

BIDS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for furnishing and delivery of materials to be incorporated into the project and to furnish all labor, equipment and tools for the Gowanda Zoar Valley Gateway Park TREE REMOVAL project in the Village of Gowanda, New York will be received by the Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation, the Owner, until May 12, 2014 at the office of KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC (KHEOPS), 300 Pearl Street - Suite 100, Buffalo, New York, 14202 until 10:00 AM local time and then at said office publicly read aloud. Copies of the proposed Contract Documents, Plans, Specifications and Instructions to Bidders may be examined at KHEOPS, as well as the Gowanda Village Hall Clerk’s Office, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York 14070. Copies may be secured from KHEOPS at no cost to the bidder. The envelopes containing the bids must be sealed and addressed to Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation, c/o KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC, 300 Pearl Street - Suite 100, Buffalo, New York, 14202 and must be designated as “Bid for Zoar Valley Gateway Park – Tree Removal”. Any bids not delivered in person shall be mailed to KHEOPS. The Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation is an exempt organization under the Tax Law and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes on materials which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractor to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the Contract. These taxes are not to be included in the bid. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. Each bid must be accompanied by a non-collusive certification and a certified check of the bidder in the amount of 5% of the Bid (made payable to the Owner) or a bid bond prepared on the form of bid bond acceptable to the Owner, duly executed by the bidder as principal and having as surety thereon a surety company approved by the Owner in the amount of 5% of the bid. Such checks or bid bonds will be returned to all except the three lowest bidders promptly after the opening of bids, and the remaining checks or bid bonds will be returned promptly after the Owner and the accepted bidder have executed the Contract, or if no award has been made within 45 days of the bid opening, upon demand of the bidder at any time thereafter, so long as he has not been notified of the acceptance of his bid. This project is in part funded by a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 (EPA). It is the policy of NYS to encourage the greatest possible participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in State-funded projects. The Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity organization. All qualified Minority and WomenOwned Business Enterprises (MWBE) suppliers, contractors and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual preference or Vietnam Era Veterans status. Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to the conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract. Any questions on this project should be referred to: Michelle L. Bodewes, PE, Project Manager KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC 300 Pearl Street, Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 849-8739 Michael E. Hutchinson, President Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation

NOT POLITICAL POWERFUL

continued can stand in line to buy them

Nikes as soon as they come out, you can make sure they get their homework done”), he was also clear about the disparity in priorities on a larger scale i.e.: *Cranes everywhere and a lot of building going on but not everybody is included. Will our children be able to fill those jobs? *The powers that be who are more concerned about the future of the Buffalo Bills than the future of our school children He offered a several “commandments” for parents to consider which included: *Home is the first classroom (before a child gets to school needs to know their colors, numbers and able to use whole words) *As parents, be an Example and don’t ever stop learning *Keep constant contact with your child’s school *Advocate for your child *Get involved with their school *NEVER GIVE UP *Ask questions until you understand the answer *Go to a higher authority if you can’t get it from a lower level “everybody ahs a boss – stop letting people declare your child’s destiny) *Hold your child accountable Rev. Pridgen apologized to all the children who were present and asked all the adults present to apologize as well. He called School Board President Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold and Samuel L. Radford III, the outspoken present of the district Parent Coordinating Council, to come to the stage, which created an interestingly historic moment given the opposing politics between the two . The image of them standing together sent a kind of “agree to disagree” message, as they both focused on the children as the greatest priority. “I do believe in parent power and that parents are the first teachers,” said Dr. Nevergold. May 6th she reminded the audience, “is the most important day of all,” and with parents and community working together we can do what s best for our students. Mr. Radford said his organization was trying to get 10,000 parents to demand that every school goes to a school in good standing.“We have to make sure that everybody knows we love all our children…” Concluded Rev. Pridgen in reference to Sunday’s program: “This is not political…it’s powerful.”

APRIL 23, 2014 Challenger Community News •

ATTORNEYS

DJ’S

Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612

DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358

AUTOMOTIVE

DOG TRAINING

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

Dogman Jo Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163

BAIL BONDS

EATERIES

A Bail Company Inc. 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

BARBER SHOPS Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington 836-3260 SOLO Unisex Salon 3081 Main St. 833-2553

BOOK STORES

Zawadi Books 2460 Main St.* 903-6740 holleykenneth@yahoo.com

CAR WASH Fast Eddie Hand Car Wash 1736 Fillmore* 891-5575

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 Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704

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Tomatoes 1393 Kensington*835-3663

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC 716-634-0330

FLORISTS MAUREEN’S FLOWER MARKET 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

HAIR SALONS Althea’s Hair To Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000 www.hairtogo.com Anointed Hands African Hair Braiding 369 Trenton Ave. 939-5077 (Macy) Chanel’s 2462 Main Street * 563.9575 Woody & Manuel’s AFRO STYLES 862 E Delavan * 896-9386 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. (716) 883-5212

INSURANCE Joseph Burch Insurance 4180 Bailey Avenue (716) 830-3417

LIQUORS & WINES Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * 884-4066

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

PHONE SERVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan (716) 551-0304 360 Eggert Rd. (716) 939-3900 Town Gardens Plaza (716) 768-3887

PHOTOGRAPHY ICU Photography 716-578-3462

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

PRINTING Totem8 Design + Print (716) 404-9258

SHOES

Shoe Heaven 1455 Broadway St. Cor. of Swinburne St.) 716-818-6639

TAILORS Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

WINDOWS Priced Right Windows USA 710 Kensington Ave. (716) 833-2500 578-7873TAILOR

VOTE

May 6

APRIL 23, 2014

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

BETTY GRANT continued

her opponent in the September Primary. APTS FOR RENT: 2 Bedroom (Section 8 ok). Call 574-5066.

L awn C utting T rash R emoval LAWN CUTTING & TRASH REMOVAL: Pkg. Deals Available for Landlords. 574-5066 Call For Free Estimates. ADVERTISING PAYS

legal FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE In the Matter of a Proceeding under Article 6 of the Family Court Act Docket No. V-09269-13 SUMMONS (Publication) Precious Tillman Regina M. Maddox, Respondent IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENT: Regina M. Maddox, WHO RESIDES OR IS FOUND AT UNKNOWN ADDRESS, the Mother of the minor child, Starr Maddox (dob 07/08/97), (A) (P) petition(s) under Article 6 of the Family court Act having been filed with this Court requesting custody. YOU AND EACH OF YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this court at One Niagara Plaza, Part 10, 5th Floor Buffalo, New York 14202, on May 12, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., of that day to answer the petition and to be dealt with in accordance with Article 6 of the Family Court Act. On your failure to appear as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. You are hereby notified that pursuant to CPLR Section 3215, your failure to appear may result in a default action against you for the relief requested in the petition. Dated: March 28, 2014 Frank J. Bocchio, Clerk of Court TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT(S): The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Honorable Deanne M. Tripi, Judge of Erie County Family Court, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the clerk of the Family Court in Erie County.

My advice to the Honorable Andrea Stewart-Cousins is: go back to your own home turf, campaign for your seat among your supporters, many of which are from your ethnic group and let the people of the 63rd district decide for themselves whom they wish to support. Also, a reminder to the Honorable Assemblywoman PeoplesStokes: Check out your website. A couple years ago, you taped a video interview bemoaning the fact that so few women, especially Women of Color, serve in the NYS Senate and Assembly. You stated that each legislative branch needed to expand their female representation by 20%. Your support of Legislator Betty Jean Grant for the 63rd District,NYS Senate will help make your wish a reality. -A loyal True Bethel Supporter of Betty Jean Grant (Name witheld upon request)

VOTE

in the School Board Elections Tuesday May 6

legal SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF ERIE M&T BANK, Plaintiff against GEORGE R. FELDER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 19, 2014. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the foreclosure alcove of the Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. on the 15th day of May, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. Said premises known as 685 Riley Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14211. Tax account number: SBL # : 100.60-1-16. Approximate amount of lien $ 25,817.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. I2011602098. Michael H. Ranzenhofer, Esq., Referee. McCabe, Weisberg, & ConwayAttorney(s) for Plaintiff145 Huguenot Street - Suite 210New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900

BIDS

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for furnishing and delivery of materials to be incorporated into the project and to furnish all labor, equipment and tools for the Gowanda Zoar Valley Gateway Park FENCE INSTALLATION project in the Village of Gowanda, New York will be received by the Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation, the Owner, until May 12, 2014 at the office of KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC (KHEOPS), 300 Pearl Street - Suite 100, Buffalo, New York, 14202 until 10:00 AM local time and then at said office publicly read aloud. Copies of the proposed Contract Documents, Plans, Specifications and Instructions to Bidders may be examined at KHEOPS, as well as the Gowanda Village Hall Clerk’s Office, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York 14070. Copies may be secured from KHEOPS at no cost to the bidder. The envelopes containing the bids must be sealed and addressed to Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation, c/o KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC, 300 Pearl Street - Suite 100, Buffalo, New York, 14202 and must be designated as “Bid for Zoar Valley Gateway Park – Fence Installation”. Any bids not delivered in person shall be mailed to KHEOPS. The Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation is an exempt organization under the Tax Law and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes on materials which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractor to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the Contract. These taxes are not to be included in the bid. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. Each bid must be accompanied by a non-collusive certification and a certified check of the bidder in the amount of 5% of the Bid (made payable to the Owner) or a bid bond prepared on the form of bid bond acceptable to the Owner, duly executed by the bidder as principal and having as surety thereon a surety company approved by the Owner in the amount of 5% of the bid. Such checks or bid bonds will be returned to all except the three lowest bidders promptly after the opening of bids, and the remaining checks or bid bonds will be returned promptly after the Owner and the accepted bidder have executed the Contract, or if no award has been made within 45 days of the bid opening, upon demand of the bidder at any time thereafter, so long as he has not been notified of the acceptance of his bid. This project is in part funded by a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 (EPA). It is the policy of NYS to encourage the greatest possible participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in State-funded projects. The Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity organization. All qualified Minority and WomenOwned Business Enterprises (MWBE) suppliers, contractors and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual preference or Vietnam Era Veterans status. Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to the conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract. Any questions on this project should be referred to: Michelle L. Bodewes, PE, Project Manager KHEOPS Architecture, Engineering & Survey, DPC 300 Pearl Street, Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14202 Phone: (716) 849-8739 Michael E. Hutchinson, President Gowanda Area Redevelopment Corporation

EM P loyment Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following: P/T Employment Counselor II Part-time Employment Counselor to work with at-risk youth aged 14-21. For a description visit our website: www.ccwny.org Refer to Job #201428 when applying. Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following: Social Worker Full-time Social worker, LMSW, JD/LMSW for the Court Related Services Unit, providing a continuum of services to families involved in the Child Welfare & Family/ Supreme Court Systems. For a full description, visit our website: www.ccwny.org Or forward resume with Job #201429 to: Catholic Charities, 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F

Church Custodians - A full-time and a part-time position available. Successful candidates must be energetic, flexible, good communicators with basic electrical, plumbing and carpentry skills and ability to be on-call 24 hours for security and emergencies. Must have own transportation. Apply Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Clinton Street, 847-1020 or via e-mail at friendshipmbc@ roadrunner.com. Church Van Driver – Sundays and some evenings. Successful candidate must have clean license and flexible schedule. Apply Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 402 Clinton Street, 847-1020 or via e-mail at Friendshipmbc@roadrunner.com.

VOTE

in the School Board Elections Tuesday May 6

Marketing Communication Manager

The Marketing Communication Manager is responsible for all types of creative marketing copy that is used in collateral, web sites, presentations, print materials, etc. The Marketing Communications Manager will interface with colleagues and customers alike to develop effective copy and materials. Also, this position is responsible for external public relations and proactive communications with Erie County municipal constituency (county government, city, town, villages and school districts), business community, our economic development partners and the general public. Principal Functional Responsibilities: •Develop sales tools and marketing collateral •Develop a PR & Marketing Strategy / Plan for the organization •Work with subject matter experts to write, edit and publish interesting materials •Work with customers to create case studies and testimonials •Write white papers and articles describing key technical capabilities •Create PowerPoint presentations to be used by sales team •Coordinate and create materials for newsletters •Create marketing messages for use on corporate web sites •Lead direct mail campaigns Qualifications: •BS or BA degree in marketing, journalism, communications or related field •5+ years business to business marketing and public relations experience •Prior economic development experience a plus Key Skills and Characteristics: •Excellent written and verbal communication skills •Strong attention to detail and accuracy •Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint) •Ability to function independently with little or no supervision •Strong interpersonal skills, in a working team environment To Apply: Please send your resume, a cover letter and a writing sample to HR@ecidany.com . The closing date for this posting is 5 PM on Friday, April 25th. To learn more about the ECIDA, go to: www.ecidany.com

ChallengerCN.com

APRIL 23, 2014 Challenger Community News •

Standing Up! Speaking Out!

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY WIN 4 TAKE 5

PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. has always upheld the idea that fighting against unjust laws is a moral responsibility as we work to erase unjust laws through SUN 4/13 MON 4/14 TUES 4/15 WED 4/16 THURS 4/17 FRI 4/18 SAT4/19 actions that will promote justice and equal ity for all. Next month, on May 5, when we MID-844 MID-558 MID- 734 MID-416 MID-636 MID-765 travel to Albany to face-off with our State MID-856 legislators, we will continue standing up EVE-975 EVE-485 EVE-072 EVE-365 EVE-056 EVE-110 EVE-667 and speaking out for those who have been KARIMA incarcerated unjustly and for those who AMIN have positively transformed their lives behind bars and are now worthy of release. We will continue to give voice to the voiceless who have MID-4834 MID-2495 MID -6054 MID- 6697 MID- 0762 MID-7076 MID-4301 been abused in dungeons where man’s inhumanity to man EVE-5647 EVE-1069 EVE- 4699 EVE- 8116 EVE-2861 EVE-3913 EVE-5764 has been rampant as prisoners have endured the kind of mental and physical torture that seeks to destroy the soul.

LOTTO

HOT TIP

Believing in the humanity of all people, PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. (PRP2) has always spoken out for men, women, and children confined to our State and local correctional facilities. PRP2 was at the forefront of bringing the 11-12-19-49-55-59#24 7-10-34-38-57-59#31 Department of Justice to Western NY when our Erie County Holding Center was becoming well known, across the State and the Nation for an ugly spate of alleged suicides, which led to millions of your tax dollars being spent to settle related lawsuits. Strengthening its profile, PRP2’s activism led to the creation of the Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition and to PRP2’s joining the New York State Prisoner Justice Network. Standing up and speaking out is what we have done to keep the community informed about criminal justice and prisoner justice issues. The work has not been easy CHALLENGER HITS and frustrations abound but we continue to work, believing that everyone is deserving of professional, fair, and humane MIDDAY treatment. 734-Billie Bye Bye & Number Book (bx) 765-Quick $$ & Number Book (bx) At the next monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE 243-ZR Rundown (bx) TOO, INC., we are honored to have, as our guest speaker, Mr. George K. Arthur, a political legend, active on the politiEVENING cal scene in Buffalo for fifty years. This is a man who knows 072-ZR (bx) a little something about hard work, frustration, and determi056-ZR (bx) nation. He served on the Erie County Board of Supervisors 110-Billie Bye Bye (bx) from 1964-1967, as Ellicott District Councilman from 1970429-Quick $$ & Year of Horse (bx) 1978, and then as Councilman-at-Large in 1978, eventually serving as Common Council President from 1984 until his retirement in 1996. Along the way, he ran for mayor in 1985 LUCKIE DUCKIE as the unendorsed Democratic candidate, narrowly losing to 134-431-143 incumbent Jimmy Griffin. He is a man who understands the meaning of dogged tenacity. Giving up is not an option even 648*123*104 when naysayers laugh in the face of justice.

6-7-12-22-38

123

9-25-28-35-36

514

8-10-29-30-32

1-9-16-19-39

648

000

2-5-12-23-39

996

13-14-18-31-38

1-10-22-27-35

803

Zakiyyah’s Run Down

986-568-853-578-312-468-014-065-768-991852-679-154-756-801-645-580-234-532-791065-990-456-435-468-015-076-270

Billy Bye Bye Sez: Play 333 & 974!!!

326-437-298 - 648 - 101- 133-527-348-029 Lucky Springtime: 874-254-123 MARCH VIBES:874-254-594-890-347-

quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 grandma’ picks

662-788-919-322-302-176-743-435-165 “Year of the Horse”:342-319-493-942-

754

MONEY: 256-567-476

980-422-809

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

189-444-886-202

322-522-412-432-421-423

3-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year 05/02/2013 Evening 05/02/2013 Midday 05/01/2013 Evening 05/01/2013 Midday 04/30/2013 Evening 04/30/2013 Midday 04/29/2013 Evening 04/29/2013 Midday 04/28/2013 Evening 04/28/2013 Midday 04/27/2013 Evening 04/27/2013 Midday 04/26/2013 Evening 04/26/2013 Midday 04/25/2013 Evening 04/25/2013 Midday 04/24/2013 Evening 04/24/2013 Midday 04/23/2013 Evening 04/23/2013 Midday

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

For a good dose of inspiration, come out to the next monthly meeting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. on Monday, April 28, 2014, at 7:00 – 9:00pm, at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street in Buffalo. The Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng sponsor all monthly programs. For more information: 716-834-8438; Karima Amin (karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org); BaBa Eng (g.babaeng@yahoo.com).

Absentee Voting Extended Hours The Erie County Board of elections announced that their office will be opened for absentee voting for the May 6 Buffalo School Board Election from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each working day up until and including May 5th. In addition the office will be open for absentee voting: *Tuesday, April 22 until 7 p.m. *Thursday, April 24 until 7 p.m. *Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. *Tuesday, April 29 until 7 p.m. *Thursday, May 1 until 7 p.m. *Saturday, May 3 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot is Monday, May 5. The Buffalo School Board Election pertains only to those registered voters enrolled in the City of Buffalo. Any resident in the suburban school districts, who wish to vote by absentee ballot for the School Board Elections on May 20, should contact the Clerk of their appropriate School Board Any questions, please 858-7819.

APRIL 23, 2014

EVENTS CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Thursday April 24

Saturday April 2

Board of Education Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall; prior to meeting, 4 p.m. public hearing on new proposed charter school.

Erma D. Robinson Universal Center Open House: 5-7 p.m., Rev. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Ave.; 856-0027.

Canisius College Open House: 10am at the college’s Science Hall Commons. 716-888-2200.

Erma D. Robinson Universal Center Open House: 5-7 p.m., Rev. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Ave.; 856-0027.

VOICE Buffalo Annual Celebration Banquet: 6-9 p.m., Pearl Street Grill, 76 Pearl St.; 842-6571 for info.

Wednesday April 23

Learn More About Babies, Birth And Breastfeeding At The Central City Baby Café : free drop in center at the Durham Outreach Center, 200 E. Eagle Street every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free Dinner. Call Doris 885-6348. RALLY ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL @ 5 P.M. TO DEMAND A QUALITY EDUCATIOM FOR OUR CHLDREN. See You at the Events!

Thursday April 24 School Board Candidates Night: hosted by Pan-Hellenic Council of WNY & NAACP, 6-8 p.m., Merriweather Library.

Friday April 25 Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club Annual Awards Banquet: Salvatore’s, 6461 Transit Rd.; 435-0347 or 903-1861. HOME’s 51st Anniversary Celebration: 5:30 p.m. Buffalo Niagara Convention Center; tickets & info jharavey@homeny.org or 8541400x17. “Book Signing & Discussion” with From Vic-Tim to Vick-Tory author Kenneth N. Robinson, M.S.: 7pm at the Pine Hill Halal Market 2286 Genesee St., free admission, refreshments. Saturday April 26th Voyager – Solo Exhibition by Lauren Ashley Howard featuring Nekita Thomas: Rev. Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 833Michigan Ave., 6-9 p.m. Annual Free Clothing Giveaway: 9am – 3pm Hopewell Baptist Church Annex 1307 Fillmore Ave. NACA Homeownership Workshop: Mount Olive Baptist Church 701 E. Delavan Ave . 9am-1pm; 1-888302-6222. see you at the events

Malcolm X/ Marcus Garvey Organizing Committee meetings. Edward Saunders Community Center 3777 Bailey Ave 3pm (716) 3811676 or (716) 335-8962 Urban League Young Professionals to Host Green Stem Forum: 10am 15 Genesee St. Downtown. Free and open to the public. The Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network Board of Education Candidates Forum: Delaine Waring AME Church Fellowship Hall, 680 Swan Street 6PM For info (716) 299-8299 or bflonan@gmail.com Monday April 28 School Board Candidates Town Hall Meeting: 6-8 p.m., Hosted by Bernie

Tolbert along with Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg and James Sampson, Timon St. Jude High School, 601 McKinley Pkwy.; free and open to the public. Tuesday April 29 BPS Pathways to Success Listening Tour with School Superintendent Dr. Pamela Brown: 6 – 7:30pm at Merriweather Library, corner of Jefferson and Utica. Wednesday April 30 Community Event In Support Of The Frank E. Merriweather Library: 3 – 4pm in the Auditorium at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, corner of Jefferson and Utica . FREE HIV/ STI Testing Event 3pm -7pm at 1092 Main Street (716) 852-1142 see you at the events

Community Builders Essay Contest Retired teacher Eva M. Doyle would like to encourage students in grades 4 - 12 to enter the Community Builders Essay Contest. Students must answer the following question: What business or institution would you like to see built that would improve our community ? The deadline for the contest is May 16, 2014. All completed essays should be taken to the Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue prior to closing time. The prizes are: $50 first place, $25 second place and $20 third place. Mrs. Doyle stated that she came up with the idea for this contest because of all of the vacant lots in our community. Perhaps our youth can give some ideas for them. For more information and the rules of the contest you can call 847-6010 or 507-5280.

Thursday May 1 School Board Candidates Night hosted by The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Western New York and the Buffalo NAACP: 5pm7:45pm at the Frank E. Merriwether Jr. Library, corner of Jefferson and Utica. Saturday May 3 Hustle For Health “Spring Into Action” Fundraiser : 12 noon -5pm, George Urban Mansion, 280 Pine Ridge Rd.

ChallengerCN.com

APRIL 23, 2014 Challenger Community News â&#x20AC;˘