INSIDE ROCHESTER
Rochester Releases Kwanzaa 2010 Schedule
K
wanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest,” The annual Kwanzaa celebration is a time to celebrate African American people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is the premier African American Holiday and is celebrated from December 26 -1 of January. On each day of Kwanzaa one of the Nguzo Saba /seven principles of Kwanzaa is illuminated and celebrated. The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition presents Kwanzaa for the entire Rochester community at various locations throughout the community. The annual Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to the public. Here is the schedule for Kwanzaa 2010. Umoja (Unity) December 26 Baobab Cultural Center 3-6pm 728 University Ave Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) December 27 Wheatley Library 2-5 pm 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) December 28 North Street Recreation Center 2-5pm 700 North Street Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) December 29: Rochester Museum & Science Center 5-9 pm 657 East Ave Nia (Purpose) December 30 Memorial Art Gallery 4-9pm 500 University Ave. Kuumba (Creativity) December 31:Frederick Douglass Resource Center 5-9pm 36 King Street
World AIDS DAY Event December 1st For 10 years the World AIDS Day Benefit Concerts were designed to extend our compassion to children in other lands – orphaned children afflicted with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Rochester will host a World AIDS Day Concert on Wednesday December 1, at 7 p.m., at the Hochstein School of Music, 50 North Plymouth Avenue. Tickets are $10. Our collective efforts have supported hundreds of children in Kenya, Romania, India, Brazil, China, Thailand and children here in Rochester. Our mission has been to entertain our audience along with inspiring broader thinking and engaging their hearts. Performers include: Students from School #58, RIT/ NTID Dance Company, singers Scott Ginett & Donna Accorso, Nazareh College vocal studnet Waiton Farrell, Futurpoint Dance Company, ASL poets Patrick Graybill & Eddie Swayze, and Bush Mango. Congesswoman Louise Slaughter receives a special PeaceArt Creative Spirit Award. University of Rochester Dr. Michael Keefer willreceive the International Visitor Leadership Award frm the US State Department. All Proceeds from this year’s event support the Countrywide Uncedo Lwabantu Projects MARSHA &Health Services in Alexandra Township, South Africa. PeaceArt International, Inc. is a not-for-profit local/ global outreach organization utilizing the arts and the creative process to build community, nurture greater human understanding and foster world peace.
JONES
Oh! So Close
BILLS UPDATE/George Radney
The Bills continue to play good football but can’t seem to finish the deal. Stevie Johnson also continues to put the Bills on the national landscape with unfortunately his worst game as an NFL player. He could have won the game for the Bills, but he defiGEORGE RADNEY nitely did not lose the game. The Bills had several opportunities to beat the Steelers with little success. (i.e. McKelvin’s kickoff return at start of overtime should have ended the game). The Bills safety George Wilson said, “I believe in the guys on the field because these guys care and they respect the game and play it the way it’s supposed to be played.”
Stevie Johnson #13 catches one...PHOTO JEROME DAVIS
He’s correct and the Bills may be closer to turning the corner and being a playoff contender next year by building off the chemistry of this year’s team and making the right draft picks in the Spring. The Bills-Steelers game had a playoff atmosphere at the Ralph especially in the second half, when Kyle Williams manhandled his opponent, Steelers lineman Chris Kemoeatu so badly that Pittsburgh media was waiting for him at his locker stall after he had taken a shower to get an explanation on how he had four penalties called against him. Responded Kemoeatu: “I have to take my hat off to Kyle Williams, who played a great game against me. He took his butt kicking like a man.” Byron Leftwich, Steelers backup quarterback(speaking on making NFL from a small school), stated: “a good thing now, there really isn’t a small school issues, if you can play scouts will come out to see you and an opportunity to play on a higher level will be possible; young people should never lose confidence in themselves, I seen it too many times when a person makes it and then lose confidence in there own abilities, so never lose confidence in yourself.” The Steelers LaMarr Woodley said, “we were in a football game, and you are going to be tested and you must know how to finish. We now can look forward to our survival game against the Baltimore Ravens.” The Bills must learn how to finish a game! Next is the Minnesota Vikings . I predict a tough road contest with Stevie Johnson catching the winning touchdown 38-31.
Nikki Giovanni Coming to RIT January 24th Save the Date. The princess of poetry Nikki Giovanni will be back in Rochester
when she brings her prowess and poetry to the campus of RIT on January 24th. World
*Community Conversations on Youth and HIV/AIDS in Rochester Part 2: Thursday, Dec. 2, 3-5 p.m., Action Front Center. 262-4330 ext. 3117 Page 2
Bills Fans enjoyingthe game. PHOTO JEROME DAVIS
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DECEMBER 1, 2010
Gun Violence Takes 3 Young Lives: Death Toll Now Stands at 54
A re a B r i e f s
Three more senseless shootings have taken the lives of three young men and brought Buffalo’s death toll to 54 so far for 2010. A violent shooting on Friday, Nov. 26, killed 21-year-old Justin Boykin who was was shot just after 4 a.m. while sitting in his car at a gas station on Niagara Street. Another victim injured at the same crime scene, Aaron Adams, 29, was taken to ECMC where he was listed in critical condition. The violence continued on Saturday, Nov. 27 when 16-year-old Dontay Armstead was shot to death as he walked alone on Wyoming Avenue near Scajaquada Street shortly after 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Then on Monday night, Nov. 29, another young man’s life was taken with a bullet as he was walking in front of a deli on Kensington Avenue near Olympic. If you have any information, you are urged to call the confidential tipline at 847-2255. JOB WELL DONE! Willie Earl House received a Donald Broecker Memorial Trust Award from Niagara Lutheran Health System during the agency’s 22nd annual Employee Recognition Dinner. The event was held on October 28 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Mr. House is a driver for the Niagara Lutheran Health System. Pictured with Mr. House is Jurgen A. Arndt, President/CEO of the agency, and Dorothy Schugardt, a Broecker Memorial Trust Trustee. Congratulations Willie!
Muhammad School of Music 7th Annual classical Recital Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) will host the 7th Annual Classical Stars Recital Sunday, December 12 at 2 p.m. The recital will take place at the Mason O. Damon Auditorium in the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library located at 1 Lafayette Square in Downtown Buffalo (on the corner of Clinton and Ellicott Streets). Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for children (children 5 and under get free admission). This year’s program will feature solo, duo, and small ensemble performances by the students and faculty of MSOM. The program will also feature a newly composed violin interpretation of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Maestro Henri L. Muhammad. Come join us as we celebrate the positive accomplishments of some of Buffalo’s finest youth!
Rotary Rink Skating Season to Open at Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting The Rotary Club of Buffalo kicks off the 2010-2011 season of free ice skating at Rotary Rink during the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 4. The festivities, produced by Buffalo Place and sponsored by First Niagara Bank, begin at 4 p.m. at Fountain Plaza (Main at Chippewa). · 4 p.m. – A ribbon-cutting for “Magical Memories on Main Street,” vintage Christmas window displays from AM&A’s that have been restored to their winter wonderment to delight holiday shoppers through January 11. 5 p.m. – The official start of the ice skating season at Rotary Rink, Buffalo’s only outdoor ice skating rink, established in 1991 with help from the Rotary Club of Buffalo. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $2.00 for children and $3.00 for adults. 6 p.m. – Officials count down the lighting of the 40’ Christmas tree, followed by a fireworks display over Fountain Plaza. Guest speakers will include Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Rotary Club of Buffalo President Charles Martorana. · Immediately following the tree lighting until 8 p.m., there will be continuous entertainment, including Santa visiting with children, horse and wagon rides, clowns, balloon art and face painting. Joining the festivities will be 25 foreign exchange students hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Western New York and Southern Ontario. For more information about the Rotary Club of Buffalo and its 100 Years of Service to the community, visit www. buffalorotary.org. For questions about this announcement, please contact Marian Hetherly at 716-308-9649 or mhetherly@yahoo.com.
Nash House Museum Tours The historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Mrs. Frances Jackson Nash is open for tours by appointment from November thru January. The Nash House Museum is located at 36 Nash Street in Buffalo. For appointment call 856-4490. DECEMBER 1, 2010
CAO Sports Plus Program Teams Advance To American Youth Football Superbowl 68 Youth Desperately Seeking Donations to Fund Trip to Orlando , Florida December 4th -11th BUFFALO, NY - Youth from the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) Sports PLUS program have advanced to the American Youth Football League Superbowl, December 4 through December 11, in Orlando, Florida and are frantically seeking donations to help fund travel and tournament expenses. The CAO Sports PLUS (Partners in Learning and Urban Sports) program originated last year to provide structured, recreational activities and academic support for underprivileged and/or at-risk youth in the areas of basketball, football and wresting at local community centers and parks throughout the City of Buffalo . In November, 2009, the CAO partnered with the American Youth Football (AYF) League, the nation’s largest football program that offers all-inclusive football divisions, enabling every child a place to play. The three CAO-AYF teams that will be advancing to the finals in Florida are God’s Children Cowboys ages 8-10, the Buffalo Wolverines ages 10-12, and the Buffalo Vets ages 13-15. A five-day fundraising drive was launched Monday evening at the CAO-Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue with a press conference featuring youth from the three teams, coaches and supporters. The CAO-Sports PLUS program will need to raise $45,000 to fund the AYF National Championships tournament fees, bus travel, hotel stay, food, etc. “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for inner-city youth to represent Buffalo , NY in their first appearance in the American Youth Football National Championships in Orlando , Florida . I’m urging the entire Western New York community to please support these kids who have worked so hard to get this far. Your contributions, large or small, will leave an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of our youth and hopefully, the CAO-AYF League will come home with a Championship trophy with your support and blessings,” stated Demeris Johnson, Director of the CAO Sports PLUS program. To make a contribution, please contact the CAO of Erie County, Inc. at 881-5150 ext. 4338.
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Sen. Thompson
Senator Thompson Concedes in “Selection” for 60th Senatorial District New York State Sen. Antoine Thompson has conceded in what many of his supporters refer to as a “selection” – rather than an election – for the 60th District State Senate seat. That race will help determine which political party will control the New York Senate. Mr. Thompson’s decision to bow out and move forward on Tuesday means Republican Mark J. Grisanti - who at press timne was still ahead by over 500 votes - will represent the 60th state Senate District in Buffalo beginning in January. Recounts in two other Nov. 2 races continue. Democrats won a 32-30 majority two years ago after decades of Republican rule. In a brief statement, Thompson thanked his supporters for helping accomplish what he called "monumental successes" in economic development, education and environmental goals. “I thank the residents of the 60th Senatorial District for allowing me to serve them for four years - a duty that I took very seriously and an experience for which I am extremely grateful. I thank the many community partners who I’ve had the pleasure of working with side-by-side for a better 60th District. Together, we accomplished monumental successes in the areas of economic development, education and the environment.” Sen. Thompson said he plans to stay involved with civic and community groups. He said that he will remain active politically as well, helping to get “good people” elected to office.
“Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” Marcus Garvey Page 3
NEWS ROUND-UP
South Carolina Man Threatens to Kill President Obama 'Because he is not doing enough to help African Americans' In South Carolina, a 78-year-old man with more than a dozen weapons in his home has been arrested after federal authorities say he told a nurse he was thinking about killing President Barack Obama. Michael Stephen Bowden was being held Friday at the Spartanburg County jail. Bowden was arrested recently after he told a nurse at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Spartanburg he was thinking of killing the president, according to a sworn statement by a U.S. Secret Service agent, reports the AP. During a checkup at the clinic Nov. 16, a nurse asked Bowden if he ever thought about killing himself. According to the affidavit, Bowden told the nurse, “Yes, I would like to shoot the president then myself.” Bowden repeated those words to another nurse, adding that he wanted to kill Obama “because he is not doing enough to help African Americans.” Bowden is White.
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Black holocaust conference update ATLANTA (FinalCall.com) - There is a saying that the ancestors of Blacks brought to the Western Hemisphere didn’t come here on the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria, the famous ships of explorer Christopher Columbus, but as cargo shackled and chained in the hulls of ships during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Historians have documented the abduction and subsequent devastation of Black life, noting that the past violations still have far reaching impact well into the 21st Century. On Nov. 19-21 an assortment of scholars and activists convened in Atlanta for the 19th Black African Holocaust Conference to discuss the Black condition and advance solutions to counter the legacy of abuse. In recent years, “the issues and the plight of Black people got marginalized and really camouflaged,” said Eric Ture Muhammad, the main conference organizer. He pointed to several significant events, including Hurricane Katrina and the shameful response from the U.S. government to provide emergency aid and help rebuild Black
lives as examples of the modern Black holocaust. “It became a need to bring the conference back because we needed to convene; we needed to set an agenda. We need some underpinning guidelines to move forward,” said Mr. Muhammad, who is also a Final Call contributing writer. Conference organizers explained that the purpose of the Black African Holocaust Conference was to bring healers, thinkers, scholars and community folks together in a forum where issues could be discussed and progressive solutions offered. In workshops and presentations a myriad of views were shared about current methods employed against Blacks and strategies to counter the attacks. Participants and presenters dealt with the prison industrial complex; education; physical, mental and spiritual health, economics, environmental racism and other issues. Over the course of several sessions presenters agreed that the Black experience in America has largely been about
genocide—the systematic attempt to destroy Blacks as a people. “We are in a period of mass extermination. We are no longer being oppressed, repressed, or suppressed—we are being exterminated,” said Dr. Umar Abdullah Johnson, nationally certified school psychologist. Dr. Johnson conducted a workshop on “Post Traumatic Slave Disorder” and outlined how public miseducation is used as a mental killing field and how some Black independent schools that need public funding have fallen under the influence of the oppressor. The session looked at the re-enslavement of Black people through felon disenfranchisement. National privileges such as the right to vote are revoked for
convicted felons, opening the door for widespread discrimination in housing, employment and public assistance, said Atty. Nkechi Taifa, of Legacy Empowerment in Washington, D.C. The Black African Holocaust conference plans to convene sessions in several cities to build on solutions and ideas coming out of the weekend conference. A tribute dinner honoring socially conscious comedians Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory and Elizabeth Omilami, the daughter of longtime civil rights activist Hosea Williams, who leads a program that feeds thousands of homeless people each week in Atlanta, was also held.
Maat E’s Mental Health Message: Taking care of our Self first provides us with better ability to care for everything else. Some of us have a hard time tending to our own personal and spiritual needs before taking care of the needs of others. We are often compelled to come to the aid of others while forgetting to tend to our basic needs. Like magic, if we take Maat E’s Mental Health Message care of ourselves first we become better equipped to support those around us. Put Self first and then give selflessly. Have a “peace full” day.
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DECEMBER 1, 2010
HEALTH MATTERS
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World AIDS Day 2010!
The first World AIDS Day was in 1988 and was started as a method of raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. Every December 1 since that first year, people around the world observe World AIDS Day not only to raise awareness but also to raise much needed funding for costly HIV care and prevention around the world. World AIDS Day 2010 will be held as it is every year on December 1; the theme "Universal Access and Human Rights." By race/ethnicity, African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At the end of 2007, Blacks accounted for almost half (46%) of people living with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the 37 states and 5 US dependent areas with long-term, confidential, name-based HIV reporting. In 2006, Blacks accounted for nearly half (45%) of new infections in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Even though new HIV infections among Backs overall have been roughly stable since the early 1990s, compared with members of other races and ethnicities they continue to account for a higher proportion of cases at all stages of HIV—from new infections to deaths. This is a shocking number in light of the fact that Blacks represent just 12 percent of the U.S. population. This increases the necessity for us to establish sufficient awareness within the African American community when it comes to HIV and AIDS. We must not settle for a culture that promotes unprotected and irresponsible sexual choices, where a collection of "baby's mamas" is the norm and large numbers of children only have one active parent. Also, we must push for regular HIV testing for everyone. If we don't attack this issue head-on, we're going to be paying the price for decades. The economic and social impact of AIDS is critical on both sides of the Atlantic and needs to be addressed with strong leadership. We can't let people of African decent be socially and economically destroyed by HIV. World AIDS Day reminds us that we all can play a part in the war against HIV. Fighting the prejudices and human rights violations that go with the disease will take an effort by all of us. Each one of us can help assure that human rights are protected and those without a voice will have one through us.
BLCA): Local Groups to Hold Joint World AIDS Day Program
In acknowledgement of World AIDS Day 2010, the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (BLCA) of Buffalo, G.R.O.U.P. Ministries, Inc., North Star Christian Fellowship, ECMC Department of Pastoral Care and the Buffalo Urban League, Inc., invite the community to attend a legislative briefing and Ecumenical Observation Service on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 5 p.m. at North Star Christian Fellowship, 175 Potomac Ave. where the pastor is Rev. Alberto DeLeon. This forum will target local elected officials and community-base organizations for participation. The goal of this program is to provide legislators and the community with an update on recent and pending HIV/AIDS-related legislative and public policy issues; provide points of entry for disenfranchised organizations to become engaged in the advocacy process, and to develop a unified public policy agenda. The technical portion of the problem will be followed by a Ecumenical Service observation of those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Both parts of the program are free and open to the public. Refreshments and a meal will be provided. For more information call Ronald Brown at (716) 898-3771. Let us come together to mobilize for an end to HIV/AIDS now!
Introducing $0 copay* for select generic prescription drugs with Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans. To find out if your drugs are included, attend a sales seminar.** One of our helpful RedShirts will meet with you one-on-one** to walk you through all of your options, including plans with $0 premiums. We offer Medicare Advantage plans with and without prescription drug coverage (HMO and PPO plans). SM
Attend a sales seminar** in your neighborhood. Delaware Family YMCA 2564 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY Sales Seminar Monday, December 6 10 a.m.
Enroll over the phone.*** Call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405. TDD users call 1-888-357-9167. Monday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www.redshirttreatment.com.
You Deserve the RedShirt Treatment. RedShirt Treatment. ®
®
Day of Health at the Broadway Market The Eastern Regional Office of the New York State Department of Health and the University at Buffalo Health Sciences Library in conjunction with the Broadway Market is sponsoring a “Day of Health. The event will be held at the Broadway Market on Friday, December 3 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., 999 Broadway in Buffalo. At this event residents will receive information to help them strive for a healthier lifestyle. This event is also designed to identify uninsured families with children for enrollment in health insurance programs. Facilitated enrollers will be available to help with insurance applications. Everyone applying for health insurance should bring proof of identity, age, home address and family income. For more information about what to bring or how to apply call (716) 847-4346. DECEMBER 1, 2010
A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. *Effective January 1, 2011. Benefits vary by plan. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments may change on January 1, 2012. **A sales representative will be present to assist with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405. TDD users call 1-888-357-9167, Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ***Restrictions may apply. Y0042_C1944 CMSApproved 10192010
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©2010 Independent Health Association, Inc.
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First Pastoral E n o u g h i s Enough CityAnniversary Wide Prayer The Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist church family invites the community to join them as they celebrate the First Pastoral Anniversary of Pastor TimoRev. Brown thy J. Brown and Lady Colleen Brown. The celebration will begin with morning Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1334 Calumet Avenue, Niagara Falls. Rev. Matthew Brown from Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ, B Buffalo, will be the guest speaker. The celebration will continue with an afternoon worship service at 4 p.m. Special guest speaker will be the dynamic Darius G. Pridgen, Senior Servant, from True Bethel Baptist Church, Buffalo along
Enough is Enough Citywide Prayer Continues This week at Edison Street Community Church 28 Edison Avenue. - Buffalo, NY Pastor, Ted Howard Monday November 29 Friday December 3 Beginning nightly from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
WORSHIP THIS WEEK!
with his choir and congregation.
WNY African-American Houses of Worship
COMMUNITY EID-U-ADHA CELEBRATION: A community celebration of the Eid-U-Adha, sponsored by Amanat Mumia, was held on Nov. 21 at the Delavan Grider Center on E. Delavan Avenue. PHOTOS ABUBACAR
An exciting publication, WNY African-American Houses of Worship is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2010. The editors, Sharon R. Amos and Sharon A. Savannah, are currently accepting information for inclusion in the first volume. This work will be the only comprehensive compilation of African-American houses of worship in the Western New York community. The enntire history should be no longer that two typed pages. The editors retain the right to edit longer submissions. There is no charge for inclusion Please send your submissions by E-mail: WNYAAHW@gmail. com
Return: Sunday December 11
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DECEMBER 1, 2010
AKA Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter Presents 2010 Debutante Pageant and Ball AKA Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter Presents the 2010 Debutante Pageant and Ball Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will present fifteen lovely young ladies to the community at their biennial Debutante Pageant and Ball to be held Saturday, December 4, 2010, 4:00p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Only A Rose”, embraces the idea that, just like the rose, a young lady’s transition into womanhood in both the African and Western tradition is a thing of beauty and worthy of celebration. Through the 2010 Debutante Leadership Development Program, the young ladies were involved in a number of educational, cultural, and community service projects beginning in the spring of the year. The program was filled with many wonderful activities, life changing experiences and fostered long lasting friendships. Activities which the young ladies participated in included a play at the African Cultural Center; the Sister to Sister Conference; an intensive Leadership Development program at Beaver Hollow Conference Center; Underground Railroad Tour; Father/ Daughter Cook-Off; Mother/Daughter Tea; specialized mentoring by legal, medical, and professional members of the community; and an event filled trip to Washington, D.C. which included a tour of the White House. A Rites of Passage African version of the traditional Debutante Pageant was chaired and directed by Ms. Janet Barnes. Escorts of the young ladies were included in their own mentoring program and Disaster Preparedness training through the American Red Cross. This year’s candidates are: Miracle Bailey (Bennett High School), daughter of Bobbie Oliver and William Bailey; Shade Douglas (Buffalo Seminary), daughter of Kristine and Dr. Winston Douglas; Jasmine Foster (Buffalo Seminary), daughter of Kesha Lanier and Hollis Foster, Jr.; Dorian Garrett (City Honors), daughter of Misty and Jarvis Garrettt; Keira Grant (Hutch Tech), daughter of Belinda L.M. Grant and Kevin F. Grant, Sr. ; Taylor Harris (Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart), daughter of Sanovia and Fredrick Harris; Jacquelynn Jones (Williamsville East), daughter of Rene Petties-Jones, stepdaughter of Kevin R. Jolly; Rayna Moncrieffe (City Honors), daughter of Dana Pryor- Moncrieffe and Roan Moncrieffe; Mondéa Moss (Mount St. Mary’s Academy), daughter of Constance and Roger Moss; Journée Robinson (Buffalo Seminary), daughter of Rita and Mark Robinson; Amber Wagstaff (Sweet Home), daughter of Yolanda and Wilfred Wagstaff; Ashley Wagstaff (Nichols), daughter of Shirley and Tommie Wagstaff; Brittani White (Math Science Technology DECEMBER 1, 2010
High School), daughter of Brigite L. White and Arnold E. White; Stephanie White (Hutch Tech), daughter of Janice White and Kevin White; and Kelly Wil-
liams (Williamsville South), daughter of Tonja and Charles Williams. In the grand tradition of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, the first Debutante
Ball was held December 10, 1949 at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. Seven young ladies were presented to society at that time. Through the years, the pro-
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gram has developed and evolved to meet the needs of an ever changing society and the development requests Continued Page 12
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entertaiment
EUR WEB/ Entertainment Update
Update: Fantasia, Paula Cook Fail to Reach Settlement in Lawsuit
Blitzer (right) and Doug E. Fresh.
Buffalo’s Blitzer Steals Soul Train Awards Show
Wolf Blitzer is CNN’s point man for politics in his “Situation Room”, Wolf was the last person we thought would’ve been giving his testimony before the world of how he grew up on Soul Train. Wolf, who was raised in Buffalo, New York graduated from Kenmore West Senior High School and received a B.A. in history from the University at Buffalo in 1970 appeared on the Soul Train Awards where he declared to the world that he wanted to “learn to do the Dougie ” - and did so from the man himself, Doug E. Fresh.
Usher Has ‘Incredible Relationship’ with Ex-Wife
After a tumultuous divorce from wife Tameka Foster in 2009 following two years of marriage, Usher says he and his ex remain good friends for the sake of their children, two-year-old Usher V, and 23-month-old Naviyd, and now get along better than ever.“We have an incredible relationship. We keep it very positive and we encourage each other,” he told Britain’s Cosmopolitan magazine. “The more each person is hurt, the more difficult it is to find the positive. But you have to remember why you got together in the first place,” he added. “You just have to understand and help each other. With my ex-wife there was a lot of pressure in our relationship because of my career.
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RadarOnline.com is reporting that Fantasia Barrino met for nearly 12 hours with her ex-boyfriend’s wife, Paula Cook, in an attempt to keep details of the singer’s alleged affair with Antwaun Cook private and out of the Mecklenburg County courthouse. A source close to the situation says the two women attempted to settle their dispute through private mediation but the ladies were unable to reach a settlement, propelling Cook to move forward with a civil lawsuit against the singer.“Fantasia and Paula were in mediation for nearly 12 hours on Nov. 1,” a source close to the situation told RadarOnline.com. “They didn’t settle because Fantasia refuses to acknowledge that she was aware of Paula’s marriage to Antwaun when she started dating him, and Paula is adamant that she knew.” “Fantasia was prepared to pay Paula as much as $100,000 to settle during their mediation, but it fell through,” another source told RadarOnline.com. Paula has filed for divorce from her philandering husband, who is reportedly still dating Fantasia.
Faith Evans Gets Probation in DUI Case
TMZ is reporting that Faith Evans has been sentenced to 36 months of probation after copping a plea in her DUI case.The singer was arrested in Los Angeles back in August and faced two counts of driving under the influence. She reportedly reached a deal with prosecutors in which she agreed to plead “no contest” to the lesser charge of reckless driving instead.In addition to the probation, Evans must also pay $300 in fines, complete a 3-month alcohol program and must not drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in her
ON STAGE
KINFOLK: Papa Emile Latimer and the Latimer Experience will present the debut of Kinfolk on Saturday, December 4 at 8 p.m. at the Gateway Gallery, 141 Elmwood Avenue at Allen St. There is a $10 cover. This “Experience” features Emile on drums, Shenole (his cousin) on sax, Ishalm (another cousin) on percussion; Andre Latimer (Emile’s son) also on percussion; Gaga on keyboard, Jose Arroyo on bass and Yvette on vocals.
*GARTH FAGAN DANCE, Now thru Dec. 5, Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester; Tickets $35$55.
*Saturday Night Comedy Jam2 Kings, 2 Shows, 1 Night Starring NY’S KINGS OF COMEDY... TALENT CAPONE & FRIENDSSAT, DEC 4TH 8pm show 10pm show tickets $15 advance and $20 at door Doris records 883-2410, @ eleven “take out @ its best” 833-2111; Buffalo Live’s “ The Pryor Room” 3053 Main St 200-1045 more info *Kenny G Holiday Show: Dec. 4 @ 8 p.m., Shea’s Center, tickets Shea’s Box Office, ticketmaster *Buffalo East, 1412 Main St., 5:30 p.m. Sundays, “Take Flight Open Mic,” hosted by Verneice Turner w/music by Take Flight. 713-9340.
*Wu-Tang: RZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, GZA, U-God, Masta Killa, Gappadonna, Boy Jones (son of the late Old Didrty Bastard),Monday, December 20 Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street, Buffalo; tickets available through all tops Locations, Town Ballroom box Office, online at www.tickets.com; or call 888-223-6000. *Buffalo City Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Dec. 16-19, Buffalo Academy for Visual & Performing Arts, 450 Masten Avenue, Dec. 16-17 @ 10 a.m. school performances; Sat. Dec. 18 @ 7 p.m.; and Sun. Dec. 19 @ 3 p.m.; for tickets and information 833-1243 or 8641832.
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DECEMBER 1, 2010
entertaiment ON THE SCENE WITH MARNETTA MALCOLM
ON STAGE
Michigan Avenue on the St. John Baptist Church campus. Among those featured was Janks Morton, Greg O’Quin, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, and Half Mile Home. There were a host of vendors, a fashion show, 3 of 3 basketball and drill team competition. The event was sponsored by WUFO and co-sponsored by Great Lakes Health, Mad Dads of Greater Buffalo, Brown Chiari, Shanachie Records, Pendulum Records, God Made Millionarize Records, and The Challenger Community News. Hats off to the Sheila & staff at WUFO for another great community event!
*Murder Squared, By Gary Earl Ross November 27 – December 19 Directed byRobert Ball & Gary Earl Ross. Starring: Donald Capers, Hugh Davis, Darryl Hart, Tilke Hill, Alexis Koetting, Rich Kraemer, Aaron Krygier, Mary Moebius, Samantha Sherwood, Gary Earl Ross.TheaterLoft • 545 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY, 14222 Thurs., Fri., Sat. @ 8pm • Sun. @ 6pm • $25 general • $20 seniors • $15 students Reservations call Box Office 883-0380 • Group rates call Administration 883-4232 ujimacoinc@mac.com • www.ujimatheatre.org Tickets Available online at ujimatheatre.org orhttp://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/137442
*Friday, December 11th 7 – 10 pm Colored Musicians Club 7th Annual Holiday Fundraiser…AM 1400 presents this annual event… filled with live jazz. Delicious lite raffle and Marnetta fare, giveaways…It’s Malcolm their 75th Anniversary…and we want to make this a BIG event….we need your support
*Wednesday, December 29 @ 8 pm Tralf Music Hall, IN CONCERT, Joseph Wooten, with Buffalo’s own, THE UNION. Zuri Appleby on bass, Wade Hawkins on keyboard, Daniel Powell on drums, and Nashville native, Paul Allen on guitar, with Buffalo Select Chorus opening. Tickets: Tralf Box Office 622 Main Street Buffalo 716-852-2860.
WUFO 1080 AM radio held a successful day-long 2010 Expo & Health Fair Oct. 16 (photos left) at the Family Life Center, 833
*George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, the Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main Street,m Niagara Falls (Formerly The dome); Wednesday, Dec. 8; 716205.8925. *Snoop Dogg With Special Guests, Jan. 27, 1011, The Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls; 716.205.8925, Tickets Ticketmaster 1-800-895-3000.
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*Christmas at the Rapids, featuring Melissa Kate and John Sevens and the George Scott Big Band, Dec. 17, Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls. On Stage Listings are Free. Write: The Challenger, On Stage, PO Box 474,, Bflo., NY 14208; or email:
editor@thechallengernews.com
*Kenny Woo Entertainment’s Last Fall Stepper’s Ball: Friday, Dec. 3, Banquets & More, 1210 Broadway St; 7 p.m.; Featuring Bilal, Chauncey Northington, Nookie Moore, GLVT; tickets $25 advance/$30 day of show, Doris Records or www.myspace.com/ kennywooent THE GROUP MINISTRIES, INC. AIDS LEADERSHIP COALITION
J U S T
J A Z Z ─
PRESENTS
AN EVENING OF AWARENESS
WORLD AIDS DAY 2010
2nd Cup Café
36 Broadway (at Ellicott St.) Buffalo, NY 14203
Come out & Join the
AIDS Leadership Coalition Member Agencies & Service Providers
For an Evening of Arts & Awareness, Featuring Some of Buffalo’s Own Local Talent
Ticket Price: $10.00
Friday, December 3, 2010 5-7 pm
Proceeds from this event will be used to assist the AIDS Leadership Coalition with providing programming to the WNY Community relative to HIV/AIDS Awareness.
For Ticket Information please call Andreá at 716.539.1841
DECEMBER 1, 2010
CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
Page 9
Insult to Injury Former Central Park business owner wants justice for himself, as well as one of the city’s worse kept landscapes…
R
obert “Pee Wee” Brown is the last of a dying breed in the City of Buffalo. The owner of Pee Wee’s Variety store, he is one of only a few African American deli store owners left. For
several years his business was located in Central Park Plaza – a virtual wasteland of a business area. But Brown was on a personal crusade to turn a negative into a positive. That dream was interrupted when, at
one point last fall, a so-called “cleaning up” of Central Park resulted in him having to move out after he said he had invested several thousands of dollars in upgrades and repairs to his storefront.
A HolidAy filled witH
fun, leArning And love. This year, make sure children’s books are on
He said that he was later told by Michael Macluso, the court appointed overseer for the plaza, that he could return. Brown said he paid a total of $1,600 in rent and security last November. Eager to get back to his “ project,” he said he was more than disappointed when he was told he could not return. And to add insult to injury, “they wouldn’t give me back my money…” he lamented. He said he’s going to court soon to resolve the issue. “I’m trying to get my money back with interest…I lost a lot of money after they wouldn’t let me back in…” And, he said, he still has a strong desire to return to Central Park if the owners and managers would allow him to do so. But why would he want to return to a poorly maintained eyesore like Central Park? His current location at 2319 Main at the corner of Oakwood is bright, well lit, and in a high traffic area. Brown said he has a vision for Central Park and has been on a personal crusade to save it with his store, but that the battle has been uphill due to lack of support. He believes that his presence there can help turn it around – despite foot dragging and outright neglect from local elected leaders and the plaza’s owners and overseers. “A lot of people consider it one of the worse areas in Buffalo, but I took a negative and tried to make it a positive. Many times in neighborhoods like that people are crying out…” Pee Wee said he went into that particular business because he loves working with “my people.” Pee Wee’s Variety often sponsored parties for the neighborhood kids and even hosted a Central Park Jazz Fest one summer – an event that drew a sizable crowd on Sunday afternoons. “I brought more people to ‘The Park’ than all the other businesses combined,” he pointed out. And despite the fact that many of the politicians saw what he was trying to do, he
said few, if any offered to help. (He did however acknowledge that Sen. Antoine Thompson donated funds to the area). “If the opportunity comes and Central Park wants to work with me I would work with them,” he continued. “I truly believe I can help take Central Park to another level if I had help…in fact I know I can,” said the Buffalo born and raised entrepreneur. “I just can’t understand how they could allow it to go down like that. There’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a major supermarket in that Plaza (and other anchor stores). The problem starts at the top…I’ve never been able to get any help from the city…and that’s a shame.” He said he’d like to see more Black owned delis open up in the community; something, he said, that would serve as a positive example and an inspiration to young people to follow. “We don’t have anyone to blame for our condition but ourselves,” he said. “The Lord blesses us to wake up every day, so we’ve got a shot at making something positive happen.” He said he’s hopeful that things can be worked out in court one way or another, repeating that his real desire is to open his business back up in “The Park.”
Central Park
The Meaning of The above image/logo, part of the Challenger flag, corresponds to one of the 81 chapters in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. This particular tetragram corresponds to number 27, defined as “The Skillful Exchange of Information.” (From R.L Wing’s book, The Tao of Power.) “The truth, always the truth--at all costs”
your HolidaY SHoPPiNg liST! Visit a bookstore or go online...and read To Your kidS! Happy Holidays from read to Succeed Buffalo
“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.” I CHING
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“We wish to plead our own cause. too long have others spoken for us.” -John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal, 1827 America’s First Black Newspaper
We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
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DECEMBER 1, 2010
speak out!
Buffalo Hosts Freedom Party Statewide Conference Members of the Buffalo Freedom Party will play host to a Statewide Conference of the Freedom Party on Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, at the Five-Fifty Banquet Hall, 550 Genesee Street. Attorney Alton Maddox, one of the founders of the newly created Party, will lead a contingent of Freedom Party delegates from New York City, Rochester and Syracuse, to Buffalo. An informal “Meet and Greet” reception at the hall will take place on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. On Sunday a workshop and seminar will be held from 9 am. To 1 p.m. The purpose of the conference is to begin the hard work of developing a statewide agenda that will identify and address the needs of New York State’s African American and Latino communities. This conference will provide a base for the 2011 Freedom party’s statewide conference in New York City on February 12 and 13.
Why We Need the Freedom Party By Alton Maddox
A
lthough political parties are not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution and they played no role in the election of George Washington as the first president under the U.S. constitution, political parties have now become fixtures in American politics. “To the victor goes the spoils.” Even third parties have played key roles in fashioning public policy. The election of Christine Quinn as the Council Speaker of the New York City Council on January 6, 2010 was telling. The city council is composed of 31 members. This city council is composed of 27 Black, Latino and Asian members. When the vote was counted 26 of these so-called minority members voted against Councilman Charles Barron and for “white minority rule.” All White members voted for “White minority rule.” What happened? In every legislative chamber, the Democratic Party has either a “majority whip” or a “minority whip.” There is a majority whip in the New York City Council. As the name implies, the chief purpose is to keep the Democratic, members of the City Council in check. Thus, these members are beholden to white supremacy and not to their constituents. This means that Black, Latino and Asian voters are voiceless politically. Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar Evers and Rev. George Lee, among so many others, gave us the statutory right to vote. These votes are like shares. They are meaningless without an association. A political party is necessary to give votes juice. When a special interest group or an ethnic group has no depository for its own votes, it must create a bailor-bailee relationship with a foreign depository. This gives the depository the right to enjoy unlimited earnings from the deposited votes. Of course, there is a “right of return” of the deposited votes upon demand. The Democratic Party is a creation of Thomas Jefferson arid Andrew Jackson. Jefferson had to be confronted by Benjamin Banneker over his “Notes on
“Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” Marcus Garvey
DECEMBER 1, 2010
Freedom Party! In The Spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer: Fannie Lou Hamer formed the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party in 1964 to fight the state’s Ku Klux Klan-dominated Democratic Party. She received constant death threats and was nearly killed for demanding the right to vote.Hamer protested the seating of an all-white Mississippi delegation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. The delegates included sheriffs who had tortured civil rights activists. That great White liberal Hubert Humphrey insultingly offered the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party two nonvoting seats. Hamer turned him down. Humphrey then became Lyndon Johnson’s vice president and top salesperson for the Vietnam War. Forty-six years later, New York’s Democratic Party ran an all-White slate of candidates. Yet the state has 3 million African-American residents, as well as 3 million Latinos/ as, 1 million Asian Americans, and more than 50,000 Native people whose land was stolen. Our response? The birth of the Feedom Party movement!
Virginia” which devalued the worth of people of African ancestry. After Jackson rode to fame on the heroics of Blacks in the Battle of New Orleans, he gave Blacks Chief Justice Roger Taney who penned Dred Scott. Blacks in the South would stay away from the Democratic Party until 1960. Even then, many Blacks in the South would remain loyal to the Republican Party until 1968. Blacks in the North would join the Democratic Party en masse under the watch of FDR. Blacks made their statutory gains from
the “New Deal” aka “Raw Deal” to the Open Housing Act of 1968. During this period, Blacks were split geographically and politically. Both political parties set out to create a Black voting bloc. The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party would put LBJ on the spot. LBJ reasoned, correctly, that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 might do the trick. Just like the Mississippi Freedom Democratic party was impetus for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Freedom Party will be the return of nineteenth century Reconstruction, absent terrorism, when Blacks controlled or influenced many state governments. In 2010, Backs had an opportunity to not only establish a political party with ballot status, but they also had the opportunity to exercise leverage over the New York State Senate. No intelligent driver would take a long distant trip without a spare tire. A political campaign is a long distance trip. This is why Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in 2009, sought the political backing of not only the Republican Party but also the Independence Party. In 2010, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has not only waged gubernatorial campaign with thebacking of the Democratic Party but he also sought the endorsement of the Independence Party. The ultimate goal of the Freedom Party is to make Blacks independent voters in the political process. This includes the exercise of political leveraging. After Andrew Cuomo slapped Blacks, with an all-White slate in May 2010, leading Blacks vowed to go to him immediately, with hat-in-hand begging for jobs instead of supporting a Black political party. When the Freedom Party is established, Cuomo would be happy to give Blacks only jobs or “Black faces in high places.” A political party has earned a position at the political table. Political parties give ethnic groups or special interest groups a voice. An individual elected official acting alone is unable to influence public policy.
SPEAK OUT!
editor@thechallengernews. com
On Egos and Hidden Agendas: An Open Letter to Mayor Brown, Grassroots, Len Lenihan, and Champ Eve…
T
his open letter is addressed to Mayor Byron Brown, the Grassroots organization, “Champ” Eve of the Unity organization and Erie County Democratic leader Len Lenihan. As leaders of our city, I’m asking you to think of the people of Buffalo and not your own egos. Together we can make what’s wrong right. We can’t continue to divide our city and the Democratic Party because we see what the effect has gotten us. We need to put all of our differences aside and do the job we are required to do. We are losing our youth, jobs, and our city faster than ever before in the history of Buffalo. I don’t believe under any leadership before have we become so divided in the political, spiritual and community arena and it has taken a toll on all levels. As democrats, with all the numbers that we have we should be able to have all seats on all levels of government. But as long as we are divided we allow the Republicans to take over seats that they should never ever be able to have or ever come close to winning. Look at what just happen to Darnell Senator Antoine Thompson’s seat, Judge James McLeod. Our JACKSON egos are so big that we can’t see the forest for the trees. How could you, Mayor Brown, and you, Chairman Lenihan, allow this to happen ? Both of you should either resign or come to common ground about our city at large. How many more seats do we have to lose before you two see that what you are doing isn’t working, but only hurting our city? I would love to put all my energy into working with our youths in the streets rather than turning my efforts to the political arena. But I feel I have to do what’s best for our community as a whole. If I offended any one of you I apologize from the bottom of my heart. The truth is I would love to have the opportunity to sit down once again with you guys to see how we can work together to make Buffalo a city of unity and justice for all. We have lost to many lives here in the city , many people have left for a better life elsewhere. A lot of people would come back home if they saw a chance of getting a job or not being killed by a stray bullet. Mr. Mayor, you see how this division has torn apart a lot of your supporters as well as friends. Some kind of bell should be going off in your head or spirit. I truly believe that if you look at where you are today, and decide to make a change, you can rebound like the Buffalo Bills did in the last two weeks. We have enough power between us and the churches to make this city great again. We can take back all of ours seats in the next four years and put you where your dreams and aspirations would like to send you all the way to the governor office, congress or where ever, but I believe if you don’t bring us all together it will cause more division and only God knows where we will end up. Right now we are at rock bottom .There’s nowhere else we can go but up. You can start by giving Karla Thomas her job back and help her correct what the problem which existed before she got the job! That will show the community where your heart is. I believe that Steve Casey or who ever is advising you , is only trying to take you out. Don’t let it happen. And remember that together we stand, divided we fall. Again, just look at the last election. Don’t we as Black people deserve more respect from our so called White friends? Or does that apply only when winning their seats matter. Where can you go from here without the support of the Black community? Look in the mirror and ask yourself- have you come this far to lose it all or will you come back to where you came from and do the right thing - and that is what is right for the friends and family that helped you make history by being elected the first Black mayor in the City of Buffalo. When it comes to most White folks, they come together no matter what party they’re from and get their candidates elected no matter what it takes. I’m willing to let the past be just that no matter what and unite to make it better for all people of the City of Buffalo, especially the youths and seniors- are you? We are strong people who have endured a lot of pain and suffering to get where we are today, don’t let another two years go by while you’re at the head of our city and allow others to take us back 30 years or more under your leadership. Let’s take back the county and state seats that belong to us. We fought hard to get them, only lose them because of you all’s egos and hidden agendas. We have to reunite the Democratic party before we lose out completely. Do you remember how long it took us to get a Black mayor and Black senator in the 60th district? How can we just roll over and give them back because we aren’t united? From the out house to the White House - that’s what togetherness can do!!!! -Wisdom of the EldersMy Dad, Clarence Jackson, Sr., offers these words of wisdom: “Stay cool, be calm but strong. Strive to be God like. If God is on your side, who can stand against you?” Just keeping it real! (Darnell Jackson Sr.can be reached at716-570-9165.)
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Page 11
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT….
Chess Workshop For Girls
ECMC Pastoral Care Awards Event
In recognition of Pastoral Care Week the Pastoral Care Department at ECMC held its 18th annual event and awards ceremony on October 30. At the Grider Street facility. Awardees included Mary Gangl of ECMC and Rita V. Ware of Sheehan Health Network. William Hochul Jr. U.S. Attorney WNY District of New York, was the keynote speaker. Dr. James A. Lewis III is Director of Pastoral Care at ECMC.
Awesome Mom
Esthlia Hunt, a local mother, passed out free school supplies to children on the corner of East Utica and Jefferson at the beginning of the school year. Time Warner donated some pens and pencils but she bought backpacks and other supplies with her own money. She was featured on WIVB TV. Center of Hope Open House The Eastside Redevelopment Task Force Inc. held a successful open house for the Center of Hope inside the Wonder Bread Building. The visionary program is the brainchild of community activist Darnell Jackson.
The Archangel 8 Chess Academy, an affiliate of the United States Chess Federation will present a chess workshop for girls on Saturday, December 11, at the George K Arthur Community Center, 2056 Genesee Street from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is less than eight percent of females who play chess but there is always a Queen on the chess board .The Archangel 8 Chess Academy would like to introduce, teach and train girls how to play chess. This is a FREE workshop. Chess Sets and chess boards provided. The program is directed by Michael A. Mc Duffie, a Certified Chess Coach with the United States Chess Federation.
Giving Thanks For Another Year To Serve: Buffalo AmeriCorps Takes A New Oath Of Service Buffalo AmeriCorps members represented Buffalo well as they attended the annual AmeriCorps kickoff held in Albany, NY by The New York State Commission on National and Community Service. The event held on November 19th, 2010 united thousands of AmeriCorps members from New York State to take the AmeriCorps pledge of service, enjoy keynote speakers and partake in educational trainings such as: CPR/Disaster Preparedness and conflict resolution. A mass service project also took place were 3000 Christmas cards were signed and filled with inspirational messages by AmeriCorps members to send to American troops overseas. Buffalo AmeriCorps member-Jacqueline P. Ornsby received the honor of delivering the musical inspiration- a rendition of America the Beautiful with the piano recording by Krista Seddon. Thousands of AmeriCorps members, NYS Commission on National Service staff and others sang along while viewing a patriotic PowerPoint of community service being performed in Buffalo, New York by Buffalo AmeriCorps members.
AKA DEBUTANTES continued
of young ladies in the community. Each participant is selected for her character, scholarship, personal accomplishments, community service, and extracurricular activities. Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered June 25, 1944 in Buffalo, New York. Chapter members have made outstanding contributions to the Buffalo and Western New York community. The sorority’s history and the history of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter reflects the changing patterns of human relations throughout the centuries. As the world increases in complexity, women of this illustrious organization continually implement new programs that enhance the life of the community and the world, steadfastly committed to the sorority’s objective, “Service To All Mankind”. The Debutante program is the chapter’s largest fundraiser with all proceeds used for scholarships. The sorority is proud to have awarded over twenty thousand dollars each Debutante season. Chapter President and chairman of the 2010 Debutante Leadership Development Program is Geraldine Horton. Dinner and Ball tickets may be purchased from chapter members, debutantes, or by calling 716-578-5782. Page 12
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Erie County Legislature Restores Millions in Funding The Erie County Legislature passed a budget plan 9 to 6 during Monday evening, which includes restoring funding to cultural arts organizations and $4 million to the library system. All this funding would be cut under Erie County Executive Chris Collins’ proposed budget. Collins said Monday night after the legislative vote, that he plans on vetoing at leastspart of the legislature’s budget plan to make sure it’s feasible for the county and not lead to a tax increase. Among the legislative vote, no republican voted to pass the legislature’s budget plan saying it’s an irresponsible proposal. Executive Collins has 10 days to choose to veto the proposed legislative budget. If so the budget plan would go back to the legislature. But if there are 10 votes for the plan, then that could be a way for the legislature to override that veto.
EAST SIDE APARMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
A.C. Ware Manor Apartments A Great Place to Call Home 134 Spring Street Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 854-0636 Fax 854-0631
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY For Seniors 62 Yrs. And Older One Bedroom Apartments Include Appliances Wall-to-Wall Carpet Off Street Parking Laundry Facilities Community Room Electronic Door Entry System 24-Hour Surveillance Cameras Located on Major Bus Lines
Give Us A Call For More Apartment Information
(716) 854-0636
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. DECEMBER 1, 2010
Jesse Clipper Post No 430 American Legion In Search Of Artifacts The Jesse Clipper Post No. 430 is in search of its artifacts. Established since 1927 we are asking any/ everyone (especially former members of Jesse Clipper post or auxiliary) that have any artifacts or information related to the Jesse Clipper Post 430 and its auxiliary, boyscout troop 145, etc., such as photos, letters, videos, uniforms, word of mouth information, etc. we would love to connect with you. Our history is very important and we want to be able to preserve all of our valuable information. Please help us to gather all of the history of our community post that we can. We are depending on our community to help in this endeavor. Please call (716) 579-9257 with any artifacts or information.
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BUFFALO CHALLENGER (Wed) PUBLIC REVIEW/COMMENT Issue: Dec 1st Size: 1 col. (2) x 3”
Notice
Public Review And Comment B.M.H.A. Agency Plan What is the BMHA Plan (Agency Plan) The BMHA Plan is a comprehensive guide to public housing agency (BMHA) policies, programs, operations, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. There are two parts to the PHA Plan: the 5-Year Plan, which each PHA submits to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) once every 5th PHA fiscal year, and the Annual Plan, which is submitted to HUD every year.
The path to your first home. The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers first-time homebuyers: • 30- or 40- year fixed interest rates that are typically below market; • Financing up to 97%; • Flexible underwriting guidelines; • Down payment assistance (higher of $3,000 or 3% of the loan amount or up to $10,000); • No points; • No financing add ons.
In accordance with HUD (24CFR Part 903), the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is encouraging the community to review and comment on it’s Agency Plan. The document contains both the Annual and Five-Year B.M.H.A. Draft Agency Plan. Where can I see the Plan? The Plan will be available at the BMHA Resident Services Division at 476 Louisiana Street between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. starting November 22, 2010. How long do I have to review and comment? Comments will be received until 3:00 p.m., January 24, 2011. Please send comments to: Dawn E. Sanders, Executive Director, B.M.H.A., 300 Perry St., Buffalo, N.Y. 14204. When and where is the Public Hearing? The Public Hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m., on January 24, 2011 at 300 Perry St. (Board Room), Buffalo, NY 14204. Thank you for your interest in our program.
For more information, call
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1-800-382-HOME (4663) or visit www.housing.ny.gov
DECEMBER 1, 2010
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MID- 6281 MID- 1663 EVE- 1846 EVE-7135
DANCE
Dance Lessons with Smooth Steppers: Urban Line Dance, smooth style Ballroom, Steppin’ and Swing; CRUCIAL Center, 230 Moselle St., Saturdays at noon; Tuesdays at 6 p.m. $3; 633-7813. *Line Dancing With Pearl Harris: 6-7 p.m. Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt St. donation $2. Wednesdays *Community Dance and African Drumming Classes: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $15 monthly; visit www.africancultural.org more information *Line Dancing Lessons, First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine St., 6:30 p.m. Fridays. 847-6555. Free. *Line Dance Lessons: 10 a.m.-Noon; Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont St.; 444-2046 or 833-1038, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday 6-7:30 pm; $2 *Line Dance by George Patterson: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 896-7021, Mondays & Thursdays. *June-Teenth Afrikan Family Time Drum Dance and Song: 6-8:30 p.m.; GatewayLongview Family Resource Center, 347 Ferry Street. Fridays * Argentine Tango Every Monday with Travis Widrick 7 - 10 p.m. 1st hour beginners lesson,The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat, 731 Main St. *Salsa Night Every Wednesday with Calvin and Fanny 7 - 10 p.m .1st hour beginners lesson The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat 731 Main St. *Latin Night 1st/3rd Friday with Chun Poh, Salsa, Merengue, ChaCha, Bachata 8 p.m.- midnight, Chow Chocolat 731 Main St. *Urban Ballroom Stepping, Swing, Beginners Salsa (all classes $3, 633-7813); Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Urban Line Dancing; 7-8 p.m. Ballroom Stepping; Saturdays 1-3 p.m. Ballroom Stepping, West Coast Swing, Beginners Salsa. *Urban Line Dance: Learn some of the latest hot line dances,Mondays Old 600 Club, Mondays 7-9 p.m.; Wednesdays 6:15-8 p.m., ,St. Philips 15 Fernhill.
POETRY
*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.
EXERCISE
*Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:45 a.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021; Wednesdays DECEMBER 1, 2010 CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday December 1 Moot Senior Citizens “Best Breakfast in Town”: 9 a.m..; , 292 High St. Niagara County AIDS Task Force Celebrates World AIDS Day:5:15-7:15 p.m.;1201 Pine Ave., NF; 285-8224. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition Holding Center Demonstration: 5-6 p.m.; Delaware at Church; Strategy Meeting, 14 Allen Street 6-7 p.m.
Thursday December 2
Friday December 3
Saturday December 4
Wednesday December 10
Islamic Women’s Rights Expert Activist to Speak at Hilbert College: “7:30 p.m.; Hilbert’s William E. Swan Auditorium call 926-8856 or Hughes@hilbert.edu.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Christmas Tree Lighting: 4-6:30 p.m.
Free Quarterly Community Drum Circle: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue.
Community School No. 53 Holiday Reunion: 6 p.m.; Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Rd.; tickets $35 (can be purchased at School No. 53); call 816-3330.
Friday December 3 World Aids Day 2010: The Group Ministries Inc. AIDS Leadership Coalition Presents Just Jazz: 5-7 p.m.; 2nd Cup Café, 36 Broadway (at Ellicott); tickets $10; call 539-1841.
Saturday December 4 11th Annual African Praise Party: 5:30 p.m.; Young Tabernacle Holiness Church, 623, Best St.; dinners $7; call 541-8707. AKA Sorority, Gamma Phi Omega Chapter 2010 Debutant Pageant and Ball: 4 p.m. Buffalo Convention Center.
On-Going Events WEEKLY MEETINGS
Day of Health: Broadway Market: Noon-4 p.m.; 999 Broadway; 847-4346.
*Stop The Violence Coalition Meeting: 5:30 p.m. 742 Delaware Ave. 882-7882. Fridays. *Buffalo Local Action Committee Meeting (BLAC): 6:30 p.m. Pratt Willert Center, 422 Pratt St. Thursdays *TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m.; Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Ave.; 834-6095. Mondays *African Consciousness Workshop: 6-8 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Mondays *The Israel of God Bible Study Class: 6 p.m.; 372 Feugeron Ave.; 897-2270. Wednesdays *Health and Healing Circles: 3:30-5 p.m.; CAO, 70 Harvard Pl.; 903-3290, Wednesdays *Moot Senior Center “Best Breakfast in Town”: 9-10:30 a.m. 292 High St., Wednesdays *Men and Women Support Groups: 5:30-7 p.m.; 1333 Jefferson Avenue; hosted by Group Ministries, Inc. Thursdays *Alcoholics Anonymous First Step Group: 8-9 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10th St. Niagara Falls. Fridays *Narcotics Anonymous: 5-7 p.m.; Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10t St. Sundays *Senior Bridge Club/Poker Club: 1-4 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021.
WNY Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop & Concert: True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry St., 6 p.m. nightly, admission free. Freedom Party Statewide Conference in Buffalo: 7-9 p.m.; 550 Genesee St; meet and greet reception; Nash House tour $5; call 563-7323, 847-6010 or 578-3571. Annual Asarese Youth Center Clothing Giveaway: 12 noon-3 p.m.; Asarese Matters Youth Center, Rees Street at Bradley; call 878-6000 or 878 5811. Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 p.m.., Roterary Rink; free iceskating, fireworks.
Cypress Presents: “I Am Deborah”: 7-9 p.m.; Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt tickets Doris Records.
Sunday December 5 Freedom Party Statewide Conference in Buffalo: 9 a.m. -1 p.m.; 550 Genesee St.; beginning at 1 p.m.; call 563-7323, 847-6010 or 578-3571. Forest Lawn Sunday in The Cemetery Concert and Lecture Series: Featuring Mary Craig portraying Mary Talbert, 2 p.m.; $15 tickets; 885-1600. Hilbert College 13th Annual Christmas at Hilbert Celebration: Live Nativity and Children’s Christmas Party: 2-4 p.m.; call 926-8932 or jmacdonald@ hilbert.edu.
Holiday Shopping Showcase: CAO, 70 Harvard Place, noon – 7:30 p.m. 9033290 Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus: 8 p.m.; The Rivera theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, tickets $20; $18 seniors, students and disabled; call 883-1277.
Thursday December 11 Pre-Kwanzaa Family concert: 3-5 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather Library, Jefferson @ Utica; 883-4418; bring drum or instrument; 883-4418.
Kwanzaa Celebration Workshop: 3-4:30 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.; call 886-1399 or 834-8438. In The Cemetery Concert & Lectures Series “It Was A Wonderful Life”: 2 p.m. Forest Lawn Cemetery; tickets $15; call 885-1600.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
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