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INSIDE ROCHESTER
Rochester Kwanzaa Schedule Announced! Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest,” is a time to celebrate African American people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa 2012 For more information: call the Kwanzaa Hotline at 436 6453 Locations Umoja (Unity) December 26 Dr. Freddie Thomas School 2-5pm 625 Scio Street Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) December 27 Wheatley Library 2-5 pm 33 Dr Samuel McCree Way Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) December 28 Memorial Art Gallery 12 -5pm 500 University Ave. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) December 29 Rochester Museum and Science
Center 3-6pm 657 East Ave Nia (Purpose) December 30 Baobab Cultural Center 3 -6pm 728 University Ave Kuumba (Creativity) December 31 Memorial AME Zion Church 6-9pm 549 Clarissa
*African World History Class Tuesdays,7:30-9:00 pm.Introducing a new program at the center, hosted by Kiah Nyame! Stay tuned and check the Baobab website for further details. $5 donation requested per session.
Around Town
“LAST CALL AFTER FALL” FAMILY DAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR: Sunday December 16, 11am-5pm, Dancencounters, 215 Tremont St. In the Kee Lox Bldg., Dr.#8, 1st floor Admission: $3.00 Featuring “Make It and Take It” [Creative arts supplies to create your own masterpiece!] Soul line dancing, Artististic vendors (jewelry, pictures, etc…), baked goods sale & a musical atmosphere to help you enjoy your visit. For more information contact: franceshare@yahoo.com
DECEMBER 12, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
MOCHA’S Masquerade Extravaganza Set MOCHA Center is pleased to announce the launch of online ticket sales for the Pre-New Year’s Masquerade Extravaganza! We are very excited to host a major event to raise funds for the MOCHA Center. Join the MOCHA Center in an evening of entertainment to close out 2012 and bring in 2013. The Masquerade Extravaganza is an opportunity to dress up, network, celebrate, dance and enjoy the holidays. The VIBE Lounge, located in the Village Gate, is our venue. Activities begin at 8pm and lasts until 2am. It is a 21+ Affair with a cash bar. The Pre-Event entertainment will include performances, music, free hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and a few other surprises. You must try the MOCHA Signature Drink. The dancing begins at 10pm with DJ Reign. Come Early!!! QUICK DETAILS: Saturday, December 29, 2012 8:00pm – 2:00am The VIBE Lounge 302 N. Goodman Street, Rochester NY (Village Gate) Tickets Online $30 plus 2.64 transaction fee = $32.64 – On Sale NOW until Friday, December 28 @ 5pm Eastern (see link below). We are using EventBrite to handle the
1713 Clifford Ave. Rochester, NY 14609
(585) 991 6248
computers@majoridea.com
online transactions, so there is a transaction fee but it guarantees that you will be celebrating at the Masquerade Extravaganza. *Tickets At the Door $40 *Bring ID – It is a 21 & Older Affair *Wear a Mask — It is a Masquerade Party — The MOCHA Center is selling 150 Hand Decorated Masks for $5.00 which can be purchased with online tickets. The purchased masks will be available as guest check in on December 29th. We may have a few additional ones at the door. We will have a Best Mask Contest — Let your creativity flow! For more information contact the MOCHA Center at (585) 420-1400 x32 (Sheila) or x17 (Bruce) SUPPORT THE The Baobab Cultural Center 728 University Ave. www.thebaobab.org
DECEMBER 12, 2012
ChallengerCN.com
Challenger Community News •
WNY AREA BRIEFS Peoples-Stokes to Host Tree Lighting Ceremony in MLK Park Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes is hosting the 2nd Annual “’Tis the Season to be Jolly” Tree Lighting Ceremony in MLK Park on Saturday, December 15 from 4-6 p.m. Assemblywoman PeoplesStokes invites the community, especially the children to enjoy the sounds of a local choir singing holiday songs Crystal Peoples-Stokes and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, adding a glow of love and warmth to MLKPark. In addition, she is requesting that people bring an unwrapped toy that will be donated as part of our “A Mission for the City” toy drive. We hope that we can donate many toys to deserving children and families at the Cornerstone Manor and the City Mission. “An event like this is special in so many ways. The holidays are a time to spend with your family, whether near or far, but this is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the holidays, in the spirit of peace of love. There is so much negativity going on everyday; so young people need to see that you can celebrate the holidays peacefully with others in a beautiful park on the eastside of Buffalo. It will be a joy to see their faces light up just like the Christmas tree,” stated Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes. We would like to thank the Buffalo Olmsted Parks and the Men in White choir for their participation in this event.
Freak BI?
Buffalo FBI special agent John A. Yervelli, 48, faces up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted of public lewdness after found driving with no pants on and making lewd gestures to a truck driver. He was arrested at the Hamburg interchange on the public lewdness charge.
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Put Children First!
“Education Sunday” Kicks off Campaign to Get Our Children Out of Failing Schools. Petition Drive Seeks 5,000 Signatures to Present to Board of Education Thompson to Head Jobs Agency: Former State
Sen. Antoine M. Thompson has been appointed by Mayor Byron W. Brown as executive director of the Buffalo Employment and Training Center located at 77 Goodell St. The job pays $79,757 and employs approximately 30 people. Thompson most recently worked as a real estate agent and is also president of Black WNY, a monthly publication.
Tree of Life Ceremony The Annual Tree of Life Ceremony to acknowledge and support the families of those who are victims of Homicides in the city of Buffalo and the surrounding areas, will be held @ the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1327 Jefferson Ave on Wednesday, December 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.. The organizers of this solemn, respectful and annual ceremony are requesting the attendees to participate by bringing a picture, a remembrance or a small article of clothing that once belonged to the transitioned family member. In addition, there will be ornaments and ribbons available that loved ones can place on a live Christmas Tree to pay tribute to their departed one. If you have lost a loved one due to the violence that continues to plague our community, this invitation to join us is extended to you, your neighbors, family members and friends. There will be a short program where poems, reflections and tributes will be read and special prayers and songs will be offered. In respect to the family members, the media-at-large, will not be extended an invitation to participate in this ceremony. For more information, please contact Karla Thomas @ (716) 400-1817. This event is sponsored by Black Pearle @76 and We Are Women Warriors Community and Family Empowerment group.
On Sunday, December 9 The Pastors of the Churches of the Jeremiah Partnership joined with the District Parent Coordinating Council to support Superintendent Brown’s CALL TO ACTION. With the Buffalo Public Schools facing the loss of over $58 million dollars because of a stalemate in negotiations with the Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF); Parent, Clergy, Elected officials and Community Leaders stand united in their call for the BTF to PUT CHILDREN FIRST and stop putting MILLIONS of dollars needed to ensure children get a quality education, at risk. “Parents are asking the Community to join them in an effort to SOLVE this problem.,” states District Parent Coordinating Council President Sam Radford. “ Year after Year the Buffalo Teachers Federation has threatened or caused Buffalo Schools to lose millions of dollars without regard to its effect on the education of children.” According to Radford, 45 of 57 Buffalo Public Schools have been determined to be Failing SABIRAH MUHAMMAD: (Priority or Focus schools) and The Plan to End among the lowest performing Failure in Our Schools 5% of schools in the United States. There are as many as Page 11 26,000 of the 33,000 students in the Buffalo Public school System who are trapped in failing schools. There are NO failing schools in the Suburban communities of Western New York. “The BTF has rendered the Buffalo Board of Education, BPS Superintendent, NYS Education Commissioner powerless in there efforts to SOLVE our Districts problems and is now openly defying Governor Cuomo’s efforts to SOLVE them through his demand that a Teacher Evaluation be signed or risk losing $33 million dollars in State Aid., “ he continued. In an Effort to SOLVE problems, and SOLVE them NOW, Parents have utilized No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 Section 1116 Public School Choice law that requires the Buffalo Public Schools to Provide ALL PARENTS with the opportunity to TRANSFER Students in Failing schools to SCHOOLS IN GOOD STANDING. The BPS district, notes Radford, has failed to comply with this law. Some Parents who have requested a transfer for their child have not been given that opportunity, because of the lack of capacity. There are more seats being requested than are currently available. NCLB Non Regulatory Guidance on Public School Choice states “A school district may not use lack of capacity to deny students the option to transfer” There are 26,300 of 33,000 BPS students in failing schools who are eligible to TRANSFER to schools in Good Standing. The federal government offers ten ways to create capacity, to ENSURE that all Parents who want to transfer their child are given that opportunity. At last Sunday’s “Education Sunday” press event at Bethesda World Harvest International Church, parents, clergy, elected officials, business and community leaders announced that they had organized a movement to encourage parents to exercise their rights under NCLB Sec. 1116. The Weeks Organizing Efforts will also include: Buffalo Common Council Declares December 9-16, 2012 FIX Education Week December 13 – Superintendents Community Roundtable – School 79, 225 Lawn Ave. Leadership meetings will be held every Monday 6pm at 1423 Fillmore until organizers collect 5000 signatures. At which point a meeting will be scheduled with the Board of Education, requesting as a SOLUTION to their current inability to deal with the BTF: The Closing of all FAILING Buffalo Public schools at the end of this school year and Reopening them as District Sponsored Charter Schools.
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PRAYER FOR JUSTICE: John Walker (left), his son John Walker III (middle) and Jeffrey Watkins, pray for justice at a recent Saturday Rally ion Fillmore Ave.
Stand With Us Support Rally! SAM RADFORD
“This will immediately SOLVE the problem of the violation of Parents rights to transfer their children to Schools in Good Standing,” Radford concluded. “It will also assure parents that we will not perpetually have to deal with failing schools. Under the Charter School law, if a school is FAILING after five years the school will lose its charter and be required to close. Teachers will have much more of stake in the success of all students and more of a reason to hold other teachers accountable because if they fail everyone will lose their job.”
LOCAL BLACK HISTORY SITES
The Nash House Museum Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street 716-856-4490 or 716-8966188 Club Museum Historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Frances Jackson Nash. Winter schedule (Dec. - Mar.) Tours by appointment: $10. Group rate available. The Colored Musicians Jazz Museum The Colored Musicians Jazz Museum ,145 Broadway Open 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday thru Saturday For further information regarding admission and group tours, call (716) 842-0696. Danny Williams is the Museum Curator.
A Rally to support John Walker, Darryl Boyd and Darryn Gibson (deceased) to overturn Motion 41-413 will be held at 2041 Fillmore Ave (site of 1977 homicide) every Saturday morning 9-10 a.m. The purpose of the rally is to show community support for these young men who were falsely accused and convicted of a crime none of them committed. Their case has been directed to the Erie County District for a possible trial date to exonerate them. Please come out and stand with them every Saturday until justice has prevailed. For more information, please call John Walker at (716) 578-5128.
Poetry Reading, Book Signing A poetry reading and book
signing by Seku Ba Jehudi Ameni a.k.a. James Seku Harwell, author of "Leaders are Lying, Children are Dying and Mothers are Crying" will take place Saturday, December 15, 3 - 5 p.m. at Zawadi Books, 2460 Main Street. Call 716-903-6740 for more information.
HEAP OUTREACH The office of 2nd District Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant will host a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach on Monday, December 17, 2012 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Lafayette Prysbyterian Church located at 875 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York.Persons experiencing difficulty or facing loss of heating service in their homes are urged to come out. Income guidelines apply. For more information
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National/International NEWS
Minister Farrakhan Seeks Medical Care
The AP is reporting that Minister Louis Farrakhan, has sought medical care during his stay in the US Virgin Islands. According to Farrakhan representative, Akbar Muhammed, the Nation of Islam leader went to a hospital on Tuesday with a “lowgrade fever.” He says Farrakhan has left the St. Thomas hospital and is describing his condition as “fine.” Farrakhan, 79, had been scheduled to give a speech on St. Croix but it was canceled. He is expected to visit a St. Croix prison on Wednesday. Farrakhan is on a Caribbean tour to islands including Barbados, Dominica, and the Bahamas. He has had a number of health problems over the years, including prostate cancer surgery in 2000 and a five-week hospital stay in 2007. The Chicago-based Nation of Islam has espoused Black nationalism and self-reliance since it was founded in the 1930s.
DECEMBER 12, 2012
Black Agenda Report
U.S. military behind Africa news websites NAIROBI, Kenya - The website’s headlines trumpet Al-Shabaab imminent demise and describe an American jihadist fretting over insurgent infighting. At first glance it appears to be a sleek, Horn of Africa news site. But the site—sabahionline.com—is run by the U.S. military. The site, and another one like it that centers on northwest Africa, is part of a propaganda effort by the U.S. military’s Africa Command aimed at countering extremists in two of Africa’s most dangerous region —Somalia and the Maghreb. Omar Faruk Osman, the secretary general of the National Union of Somali Journalists, said Sabahi is the first website he’s seen devoted to countering the militants’ message. “We have seen portal services by Al-Shabaab for hate and for propaganda, for spreading violence. We are used to seeing that. In contrast we have not seen such news sites before. So it is something completely unique,” Mr. Osman said.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Multinationals Super-Exploit Third World Workers
Nelson Mandela
Officials: Nelson Mandela has Lung Infection JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela is suffering from a recurring lung infection and is responding to medical treatments, the nation’s presidency said Tuesday.The ailing Mandela, 94, has been hospitalized since Saturday for medical tests at a Military Hospital near South Africa’s capital, Pretoria.
Conservative Wants Voting Rights Revoked for Welfare Recipients Ted Nugent wants voting rights revoked for welfare recipients Rocker Ted Nugent wants the voting rights of all people on welfare revoked until they become self-sufficent. This is just one of the bizarre and radical statements he made in his op-ed column at the Washington Times. He also said federal lawmakers should obliterate Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Nugent claims the debt and spending problem is so dire that the only way to even begin to address it is to simply engage in the ritual “slaughter” of entitlement programs altogether. Nugent also offered that, instead of raising tax rates on the wealthiest Americans, as many Democrats including President Obama have supported, Congress should hike taxes on everybody, including the poorest 50 percent of Americans. Nugent has tired of welfare recipients enjoying “insane free ride.”
ATTENTION FORMER COKE OVEN EMPLOYEES
Coke oven emissions from Bethlehem Steel, Donner Hanna and other Western New York coke oven facilities are a potent cause of lung cancer and other cancers. If you or a family member is suffering from or died as a result of a cancer from work on coke oven batteries, you may be able to file a legal claim against the manufacturers of coke ovens and collect significant financial compensation.
ONE WESTERN NEW YORK LAW FIRM HAS EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA
LIPSITZ & PONTERIO, LLC
We are Located in Downtown, Buffalo, NY
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Labor unions, elected officials and grassroots activists in New York demanded that multinational corporations be made accountable for working conditions at factories in the developing world. “We must push them to sign the international Fire Safety Act and follow international labor laws,” said Fazi Foezia, a member of DRUM – Desis Rising Up and Moving – and a Bengladesh national. “They exploit our workers and don’t pay taxes to our governments.” Garment factory fires in Bengladesh and Pakistan have killed hundreds in recent months.
Raising Retail Wages Would Boost Economy
A study by Demos finds that “raising wages in the retails sector at the largest employers to a threshold of $25,000 a year for full-time, year-round workers would bring a million and a half people out of poverty, generate between $11 and $15 billion in GDP, and create between 100,000 and 132,000 new jobs.” Corporations would benefit, too, from a more loyal work force and greater consumer spending power.
Disaster Officials Offer Loans, Not Aid
Federal officials are more concerned with generating loans to fatten the $1 billion a year disaster loan service industry, than in providing direct aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy, according to a study by Strike Debt, an offshoot of the Occupy Movement. Credit-worthiness, rather than need, becomes the watchword, said Strike Debt spokesperson Pamela Brown. “By using the lens of debt, they are exacerbating any kinds of inequalities that are already existing” in disaster-struck areas, “putting renters and minority communities” in additional jeopardy. No Charge, No Trial, No Justice Civil and human rights activists gathered at Central Connecticut State University, at New Britain, for a conference on preventive detention, last weekend. President Obama’s preventive detention law, part of the National Defense Authorization Act, was designed to target “those who are engage in dissent,” said conference organizer Daniel Adams. Activists should also oppose more recent legislation that might exempt U.S. citizens from detention without charge or trial. “It’s got to be all of us or none of us,” said Adams.
DECEMBER 12,
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
HEALTH MATTERS
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The Harmful Effects of Inflammation
68056_Fuel_CIPYr5AdBW / 8”w x 10”h / b&w / PUBS: Buffalo Challenger
By Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD
If you're middle-aged and overweight, your insides may be a "towering inferno" of harmful inflammation that can set a four-alarm fire to your health: *Inflammation causes cancer. *Inflammation causes heart attacks. *Inflammation causes diabetes. *Inflammation causes erectile dysfunction in men, and lack of sexual arousal or orgasm in women. What's inflammation? It's an immune system reaction designed to protect your body and kill invading microbes and cancer cells. Sometimes this response goes over the top. Excess fat, for example, makes C-reactive protein and leukocytes (i.e., white blood cells) crank up inflammation and create "the perfect storm" -- with nothing as good lookin' as George Clooney sloshing around inside you. More than 70% of Americans and 50% of Canadians are overweight or obese. That's a lot of smoke and fire! The good news is you can put out the flames and slash your risk for premature disability or death. Here's how: *Quit smoking. Where there's smoke, there's inflammation. Follow this 10-step plan to quit smoking for good. *Walk 10,000 steps a day. Sitting down is a real heartstopper. *Take inflammation-taming supplements. That includes a daily dose of 1,000 IUs of vitamin D3 (1,200 IUs for age 60 or older), 600 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids (900 mg for age 50 or older), and -- based on incoming data -- maybe 200 mg of omega-7 daily, too. *Set a doable weight-loss goal. Post-menopausal, overweight women can slash their cancer, heart attack, and diabetes risk by losing 10% of their body weight. *Eat inflammation-reducing foods. That includes oranges (for flavonoids), walnuts, salmon and trout (for healthy fats), apples, carrots, leafy greens, chia (for fiber), and no-sugar-added yogurt (for calcium and probiotics). These foods also help you lose weight.
It’s called the Conservation Incentive Program.
Save up to $350 when you replace equipment in your home with qualifying, energy-efficient natural gas models. Minimum Required Efficiency
Your Rebate
Hot Air Furnace
90% AFUE*
$250
Hot Air Furnace w/ ECM†
90% AFUE
$350
Hot Water Boiler
85% AFUE
$350
Steam Boiler
81% AFUE
$200
Programmable Thermostat**
Energy Star®-rated
$25
N/A
$250
Equipment Space Heating
Water Heating Indirect Water Heater
* AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is the most widely used measure of a furnace’s heating efficiency. It measures the amount of heat actually delivered to a house compared to the amount of fuel that must supply the furnace. †
Rebates for residential customers in National Fuel’s Western New York service area are available through National Fuel’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP).
Residential Customer Rebate Our residential program offers rebates to customers who replace space and water heating equipment with qualifying, energy-efficient models. Plus, the savings are even greater when you replace your home’s electric appliances with natural gas models. When switching to this clean, efficient, secure, abundant resource, a household can save money year after year. Terms and conditions apply. You can download a rebate application from our website. Please call 1-800-365-3234 or visit NationalFuelForThought.com to learn more.
ECM – Electronically Commutated Motors.
** All qualifying thermostats must be installed by a licensed contractor as part of a heating system replacement.
eat to live 71917_Fuel_CIPYr5WinterPrint.indd 3
12/7/12 1:21 PM
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FAITH BASED
Apostles Gathering, Fellowship & Get Acquainted Luncheon
“The Apostles Gathering, Fellowship & Get Acquainted Luncheon” for all apostles in the Buffalo, and Western New York area will be held Saturday December 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Templeton Landing Restaurant , 2 Templeton Terrace in Buffalo. Call (716) 603-5436 for reservations.
The Joy Of Giving Mission Project
DECEMBER 12, 2012 Challenger Community News •
On Sunday, December 15, members of the Joy of Giving Mission Project will host a free Christmas gift giveaway at the Mount Oliver Baptist Church, 66 Wasson Street in Lackawanna, under the pastorate of Rev. Dion Watkins. This giveaway will be held in the fellowship hall after the morning service. The hosts for the children will be Bonnie Conerly, Anita Ingram and Nellie B. King. Gifts will include new children coats, mittens, gloves, hats for ages 5-12. Join us in worship and bring your children for the joy of giving miracles.
Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt on the door at night.
“I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my song.” (Isaiah 12:2 TLB)
DECEMBER 12, 2012
ChallengerCN.com
Challenger Community News •
Christmas Bazaar The SBC Seniors on the Move are presenting a Christmas Bazaar to be held on Thursday, December 13 in the Second Baptist Church Hall, 18 Church Street, Lackawanna from 5 to 8 p.m.
Holiday Fellowship Sunday Calvary C.M.E. Church, 1007 Ellicott Street extends an invitation to former members, family, and friends to worship with us on Sunday, December 16 at 10:30 p.m. Rev. John A. Dullard, III who grew up at Calvary and is now serving as Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has been invited to bring the preached word. Spread the word and plan to come home for this Holiday Fellowship Sunday! See you in the house! Rev. Shirley Billups-Bell is the pastor.
Pre Christmas Musical On Sunday, December 16, at 4 p.m. the Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, 475 Berkshire Avenue, corner Suffolk Avenue will hold it’s Annual Pre - Christmas Musical. Featured on this very special program will be the Tine Vine Singers, the Bible Tones, the Brothers, the Hunley Singers and the Nazareth Church Choir. The entire community is invited to attend and share in this holiday celebration. Dr. Gentre L. Garmon is the pastor of the Nazareth M.B. Church.
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church 3rd Kirkland is Guest at Men’s Fellowship New Covenant United Church Pastoral Anniversary of Christ’s Men’s Fellowship You are cordially invited to join the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church family in celebrating in our 3rd Pastoral Anniversary; Reverend Timothy J. Brown Sr. Our theme is “Walking On By Faith” 1 Corinthians 2: 1 – 5. There will be a Gospel Concert Explosion on Saturday, December 15 at 5 p.m. at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1334 Calumet Avenue, Niagara Falls, New York 14305. We will conclude on Sunday December 16 with 11 a.m. worship. Our guest speaker will be Reverend Frank Bostic, Senior Pastor of the Pilgrim Baptist Church of Buffalo New York. Let’s come and praise the lord together.
Kennedy, Peoples-Stokes Urge State Education to Keep Community Charter School Open Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes recently called on the New York State Education Department to keep Community Charter School open, specifically urging them to grant a two-year provisional charter so that the can fully implement their improvement plans. The school is up for charter renewal in June 2013. After a period of declining test scores, Community Charter School is starting to turn things around and improve student academic performance now that they’ve set in motion their School Improvement Plan. In a letter, State Education Commissioner John King, Kennedy and People-Stokes urged him to support Community and grant the provisional charter. The school has experienced some challenges, but the local lawmakers feel the immediate progress following the initial implementation of improvement plans makes it clear the school is coming back and growing stronger. Approximately 97 percent of the school’s student population is economically disadvantaged and the school maintains an impressive attendance rate of 95 percent. At a recent rally over 100 people, parents, elected officials and
community leader’s came out to support the school. The letters from Kennedy and Peoples-Stokes echo the pleas made at the rally: provide the school and their children with the chance to follow trough on the School Improvement Plan and show improved academic performance. HOLY HUMOR
Good Samaritan...
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?” A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up.”
Ted Kirkland
Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. guest will be Mr. Ted Kirkland, author of “Spirit and Soul, Odyssey of a Black Man.” Come and enjoy our delicious $5 - breakfast and exciting conversation with Ted Kirkland at 459 Clinton, corner of Spring Street. Jacquelyn Ross Brown is pastor.
Christmas Bazaar at Bethel Tabernacle A Christmas Bazaar will be held at Bethel UHCA, 668 Clinton Street on Saturday, December 15. For more information call Sheila Carter at 571-238-9244. The Elder Jeremiah E. Carter is pastor.
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ENTERTAINMENT
DECEMBER 12, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Muhammed School of Music to Present 9th Annual
CLASSICAL STARS RECITAL Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) will host the 9th Annual Classical Stars Recital Sunday, December 16 at 2 p.m. at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, New York (on the Buffalo State College Campus). Advance purchase tickets are $10 General Admission, and 12 years old and under free; at the door purchase tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased by phone, online, or by visiting Muhammad School of Music, 617 Main Street, Suite 105, Buffalo, New York 14203; (716)881-5088 or (716)570-5064; Email: info@ muhammadschoolofmusic. net or visit www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net. This year's recital will feature solo, duo, and small ensemble performances by the students and faculty of MSOM. MSOM will also be enrolling students for its
New 2013 Session, which begins on January 7. MSOM’s unique curriculum features individual lessons, small class sizes, orchestra classes, and performances. Instrumental music instruction for the Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, Piano and Guitar is available for students age 4 through adult. All playing abilities are welcome. MSOM is pleased to announce its’ newest program: KINDERMUSIK! KINDERMUSIK is the worldwide leader in music and movement classes for babies and children. MSOM believes all children are musical, and that an early introduction to music is vital for developing a well rounded individual. Studies also show that music helps children succeed in school and beyond. With KINDERMUSIK a young child’s life and love of music is nurtured through fun
MSOM Chamber Players. Photo by Karen Davis
and exciting songs, role playing, instrument exploration, and movement. Available for ages 2 through 4 years old. Don’t miss the opportunity to enrich your child’s education with music! Register early as classes fill up. Call today to reserve your FREE Preview Lesson. For more information on the Classical Stars Recital, tickets, or to register for the New 2013 Session please contact Muhammad School of Music, 617 Main Street, Suite 105, Buffalo, New York 14203; (716)881-5088 or (716)570-5064; Email: info@ muhammadschoolofmusic. net or visit www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net.
MSOM has been enriching the community with music since 1999! For over 13 years, the school has been serving students from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, the surrounding suburbs, Toronto, Ontario (Canada), in addition to students who travel into Buffalo from all over the country. MSOM also provides violin classes at numerous schools throughout the city of Buffalo and community outreach programs. The MSOM Chamber Players and Maestro Henri L. Muhammad have performed nationwide and have appeared in several television, radio, newspaper, and magazine features, as well as, CD and Video recording projects. MSOM and Henri L. Muhammad have been the recipients of numerous awards and recognition, and have entertained the company of artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jadakiss, Beverly Johnson, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Herbie Hancock, Stephanie Mills, Bill Cosby, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Stradivari Society.
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Christmas is Comin’ Uptown cast members (l. to r.): Hattie Kirk-Moore, Tamiya Walker, Layla Spring and Zeruiah Shadwick. On stage Dec. 14,15,16, Paul Robeson Theatre, African American Cultural Center, featuring the students of the Center’s Theatre Arts; directed by Paulette D. Harris; 884-2013.
DECEMBER 12,
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Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
on stage
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA: DJ David Allen will be spinning the latest music at the St. Martin De Porres Holy Name Society New Year’s Eve Gala on Monday, December 31, 2012 7 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. at The Fairdale Banquet Center - 672 Wehrle Drive. The Old School B-Boys will be the featured entertainment .Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance by Friday, Dec. 28 at the following locations. Brooks Central Park Cleaner-located at the corner of Wade & Holden,St. Martin De Porres Church Office-555 Northampton Street, or call God Father Promotions Promotions at 716-6028150. *Literary Reading with Lorna C. Hill, Annette Daniels Taylor on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Hallwalls Cinema, Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave. at Tupper St., Buffalo. Admission is a $5 donation. *EVERY Sunday…Café at Masten & Eaton presents Live Jazz …..6 – 9pm 230 Masten Ave *Earth, Wind & Fire, 8 pm., Seneca Niagara Casino Events Center, 310 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, 278-4944; tickets start at $75; available at box office, Ticketmaster; www. senecaniagaracasino.com *The Jazz Example; featuring Lester Robinson on drums; Greg Piontek on bass; Doug (Trigger) Gaston on Piano, Band Leader Bilal Abdullah on Tenor Sax; and vocalist Lady Lita, will be performing on stage @ the Anchor Bar, each Friday night @ 9PM . *Christmas is Comin’ Uptown: Dec. 7,8,9 & 14,15,16, Paul Robeson Theatre, African American Cultural Center, featuring the students of the Center’s Theatre Arts; directed by Paulette D. Harris; 884-2013.
*Kenny Byrd and Friends, 'Humor For The Holidays' 7:30pm Show; 6:30 - Musical Stylings of Ken Kaufman@ TRALF MUSIC HALL. Sunday December 23. $25 Advance $40 VIP Tickets Sale At Ticketmaster.com / Walmart / Tralf Box Office. *Odyssey featuring Pamela Reese Smith presents a benefit concert for Ahmad Pleasant. The show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Club, 145 Broadway/ For more information call Arlene (716) 860-7481, Andrew (716) 2385701 or call (585) 254-5329 or Email: Psmith21@rochester. com *Holiday Bash, Dec. 22, 9 p.m. Until Buffalo East, 1412 Main St. near E. Utica; tickets $10 @ Pee Wee and Doris Records, 768-3245; For the 35 & older crowd.
Underground Supper Club The TOPPER Social Club located at 19th and Ferry is hosting the first exclusive UNDERGROUND SUPPER CLUB, December 15 at 6 p.m.featuring an amazing 5 course menu from a 4 star chef including wine and beer pairings. Members receive a free bottle of champagne. For reservations call Sara at 716.534.9976
Tony Hearst
Solo Gears Up for Giveback to The Community Day!
On Friday, December 21 Solo Production's and Solo Unisex Salon are sponsoring its annual Giveback to the Community Day. Community members of all ages will receive haircuts and hair specials along with free Christmas cookies. Salon and barbershop specials and festivities will begin at l0am and run through 7pm. Haircuts will be discounted to $5 and girls ages 10 and under will receive a free nail polish service! Haircuts and discounted specials will be performed on a first come first serve basis. Walk in's are always welcomed. Partial proceeds of this event will benefit the 2013 Solo Productions Care for the Community Campaign. If you have questions, please feel free to call Solo Unisex Salon at 833-2553 or Solo Productions at 507-1232.
10 Gov. Cuomo’s “Man Of From Buffalo to Jacksonville, Cleveland and the People” Beyond: Connecting the Deadly Dots...... DECEMBER 12, 2012
By James C. Clemons After a barrage of political advertisement during the Senatorial elections that the Honorable Senator Mark Grisanti, a Republican, was a “man of the people”, spoken by a Democratic governor, the Honorable Governor Andrew Cuomo himself over national television for weeks, a citizen wonders, particularly a Black male like myself. Masten District Committeewoman and Masten Block Club Coalition (MBCC)Public Relations officer, Laura Williams invited Senator Grisanti for the Delavan Grider Block Cub Council Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, and the Senator joined us. Soon Ada Hopson-Clemons and I (MBCC) were sitting in front of the Senator at his Buffalo office. Though there were some real perceived communication problems, the Senator told us that it was his desire to meet us and in the process of the discussion that followed, he revealed that he had lent his financial support for the local “Musician’s Club”. A member of his family had played jazz for years so this response was not unexpected. Even more interesting was the desire to restore “plea bargaining” back in Buffalo, and if the Honorable Senator Tim Kennedy, Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes and the Senator himself, along with Governor Cuomo’s cooperation, substantial sums of funding could be found that can benefit the communities of Buffalo, Buffalo already regarded as one of the poorest in the nation. Because of the source of these potential funding, its would not impact from those who suffered from Storm Sandy’s effects on the coast of New York. Any efforts that can be made to improve our communities, especially Central Park Plaza, not to mention the “blighted corners” of historically famous Jefferson Avenue, should be welcomed by everyone who remembers Jefferson Avenue. The business section of this area should not be left stigmatized by barren, blighted corners. I admittedly was perhaps too “enthused” about restoring the business sector of Jefferson, and its waste land “corners”, but the Senator immediately understood the long term capital benefits if very modern, well built, highly attractive, long term buildings were erected to restore the self respect and esteem of a community and its history. This even more so, since throughout the city, on the Waterfront, down Main Street and throughout the Medical corridor, Roswell in particular, vast improvements are being carried on. The black community should not be a neglected area, particularly if effective strategies are done to build the whole city, and not just the sum of “some” of its parts. I have been a staunch Democrat for years, not always seeing the Republican Party oriented to the needs of the poorer communities, but if anything was learned from the Presidential elections, the Republican party cannot go on ignoring the “less” rich, and non-white populations, and Senator Grisanti may very well represent a new mentality that is more aware of what people go through, and helps to do something about it. This is a government supposedly, “of the people, by the people, and for the people” which the great Republican himself, Abraham Lincoln said, a nation “that shall not perish from the earth.” This government, “of the people” government officials have sworn to serve, and taxes pay for that commitment…a commitment not to private interest and secret societies but the American people. Save this nation! It belongs to a free people, and not private agendas. I believe Senator Grisanti knows this, and there is a fresh wind coming from a party that generally seems to care little. I agree with the Democratic governor. Grisanti is not only thus far a “man of the people” but perhaps, “the future of a new Republican party.” We will soon see, and hope to God, not be disappointed. Yes, there are God fearing Democrats. The Republican party does not have a monopoly on God. No one does. We will suffer as a people in this city if we don’t continue to take a stand not only about Central Park but about our historic Jefferson community and the “war zones” of vacant lots we suffer and tolerate every day. Our environment as much to do with our self image as a people.
Tragedy on Fillmore: Residents Fear Cover Up The tragic accident that claimed two lives last Thursday on Fillmore Avenue remains under investigation. And while there are many unanswered questions, one thing to most in this community is clear, it was a tragedy that didn’t have to happen. On Sunday evening over 100 friends, family and community residents, joined by political leaders Darius Pridgen and Legislators Tim Hogues and Betty Jean Grant, stood in the cold rain during a prayer vigil for Ida Murphy, the woman who lost her life . What the media and authorities initially described as the “routine stop” for a “minor’ traffic violation of a motorist at Jefferson and Best on the evening of Dec.6 – and what most in this community refer to as “driving while Black” and “routine harassment” – escalated with the driver, 48year old Isaac Parker, allegedly taking off after officers from the Police department Housing Unit, reached in and tried to shut off his vehicle. A chase ensued, and according to police, a shot was fired by one of the officers. Parker reportedly sped north o n Fillmore then went out of control, crashing into several polls including a traffic light. Initial reports say one of the polls crashed down on Miss Ida and killed her near Pike’s Peak Market at 1318 Fillmore, across the street from Antioch Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. Both died at the scene. In one published report Commissioner Daniel Derenda said the officers did not pursue Parker as he sped away from them. But several people who attended the vigil Sunday, and who were on the scene when it happened, claimed otherwise , saying that the police were chasing the driver and as one noted must shot him not far from where the accident took place. What the media and the police continue to subtly suggest, even though autopsy results are incomplete and Parker’s blood alcohol level is not known at this point, is that alcohol may have played a part in the accident. In every news
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
In Cleveland 13 Officers Fired 137 Bullets at a Black Man and Woman After a High Speed Car Chase Killing Them both In Jacksonville Florida a White Man who Didn’t like Black Teens Playling Loud Music killed a 17-year-old Unarmed Jordan Davis By Glen Ford
Memorial to Miss Ida...
report, words like “suspected drunk driver” and reference to Mr. Parker’s prior DWI convictions is mentioned. But why would police chase and shoot at a drunk driver in the first place? Initial report also say one of the polls killed Ida, but one resident was adamant about that not being the case. “It’s a cover up,” he declared. “the poll didn’t kill Ida, the car did...there was a lot of confusion and people even kept saying there were three bodies. “Ida helped e everybody in the neighborhood...she’s going to be missed terribly and it didn’t have to be . If it wasn’t for them (the police) Ida would still be here.” The resident said because there is such a fear and basic distrust of police in the area, a lot of people who saw what happened are afraid to come forward. “There were lots of people out that evening and there are lots of witnesses, but people around here are scared of the cops,” He said. One person who was on the scene right after the crash said that Ida’s body lay in the street for at least an hour and a half or more before it was removed as her two daughters stood by helplessly. “There was no grief counseling...nobody showed any concern” Legislator Betty Jean Grant, was able to get in touch with Rev. Pridgen who came over immediately to help after she was told by an officer that the best thing the family could do was to go home. Investigators are reportedly awaiting autopsy results to Continued Page 14
In the year 1900, the great Black activist and journalist Ida B. Wells wrote an article called “Lynch Law in America.” It began with these words: “Our country’s national crime is lynching. It is not the creature of an hour, the sudden outburst of uncontrolled fury, or the unspeakable brutality of an insane mob. It represents the cool, calculating deliberation of intelligent people who openly avow that there is an ‘unwritten law’ that justifies them in putting human beings to death without complaint under oath, without trial by jury, without opportunity to make defense, and without right of appeal.” In Cleveland, last week, 13 police officers, 12 whites and one Hispanic, fired 137 bullets at a Black man and woman after a high-speed car chase. No weapon was found on their bulletriddled bodies. Community members charged the victims were lynched. Less than two weeks before, in Jacksonville, Florida, a White man who didn’t like Black teenagers playing loud music at a gas station fired eight or nine shots at 17-year-old, unarmed, Jordan Davis, killing him. The middle-aged shooter claimed he was justified by Florida’s “stand your ground” law that allows white people to act out their fears, hatreds, or mood swings with impunity – the same claim made by another Florida gunman when he executed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin without trial or “right of appeal.” Young Trayvon drew his last breath in time to be listed among the 120 Black people known to have been extra-judicially executed in the first six months of this year – one killing every 36 hours. The report, compiled by a handful of people for the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, had to be pieced together from news clippings and other sources. That’s because there is no data base on the extrajudicial killing of African Americans, a practice that is not considered a crime, based on America’s “unwritten law.” In fact, it’s treated even more casually than a sport – at least in Ida B. Wells kept statistics. She and a few colleagues tallied 3,436 lynchings of Blacks in the 33 years between 1889 and 1922. Eighty-three of the victims were women. Lynching reached its high-water mark in 1892, when 160 African Americans were slaughtered because of their race. That number will be far exceeded this year, at the rate the blood is flowing. The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement had hoped to follow in Ida B. Wells’ footsteps with their report; they reasoned that, armed with the facts, Black folks would get fired up enough to launch a modern day movement against lynching – just as Ms. Wells work propelled lynching to the center of the movement of her day. But the 2012 report failed to reach many people, because it was largely ignored – not just by the corporate media, but by much of so-called progressive media outlets and “traditional” Black leadership. That’s because, in the early 21st century, only certain types and classes of Black folks are likely to be extrajudicially put to death, or consigned to the social death of America’s Black Prison Gulag: poor people, like Malissa Williams and Timothy Russell, snuffed out like vermin in the Black-run City of Cleveland. For them, lynching remains the “national crime” and the “unwritten law.” On the web, go to BlackAgendaReport.com. BAR executive editor Glen Ford can be contacted at Glen. Ford@BlackAgendaReport.com.
“...all we are saying, is give peace a chance...”
DECEMBER 12,
OPINIONS
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
The Plan to End Failure in our Schools: 2013 Erie County Budget Passed by Republicans is Radical – and Responsible Devastating to City of Buffalo! Have you heard? The strugthe nation to set up an orga- does not negotiate for these
gle to secure a quality education for all of our children has reached a crescendo. If you’ve b e e n tuned in to the radio, Cable channel 20, watching the Sabirah papers Muhammad or just c o n nected in the community, you know that a fierce battle has been underway on behalf of our children. In recent months, a recalcitrant, belligerent, unreasonable and unyielding teachers union has forced concerned parents to the brink. In sum, their position is this: we will not teach your children. We will not be evaluated, which will expose the fact that we will not teach your children. Should resources be offered for your children, we will block them – to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Should you send your children to school from home or Head Start already possessing basic skills, as they progress through our system they’ll lose what they had and join the majority of students who cannot read, write, or compute. From there, they can join the ranks of unemployed, incarcerated, or dead, and we’re OK with that. On Wednesday, December 5th, the Rev. Michael Badger (Bethesda World Harvest International Church) joined the District Parent Coordinating Council at a Common Council meeting, hosted by Common Council Education Chairman Demone Smith. He called the education debacle “the Civil Rights Issue of the 21st Century,” and clarified that what has been established in Buffalo Public Schools is “an employment system, not an education system.” The Rev. Kinzer Pointer, historian and pastor of the Agape Fellowship Baptist Church followed his comments with some surprising facts: that in 1838, our city was the first in
“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
nized school district, and the first to install a superintendent of schools. Add those gems to the long list of ways in which Buffalo has been progressive and experimental. Then muse on the plan that is now underway, that will undoubtedly secure our place in history again. Buffalo is about to become the first city in the nation to end the obscene exploitation of inner city schools by outside occupying forces. We will be the first to reclaim our authority as parents, as tax payers, and as a self respecting community to control our education systems just as every suburb in the nation does. Do you know how many schools are failing in the city of Buffalo? 45 out of 57. Guess how many are failing in the suburbs? None. But for school year 2013/2014, we will have put an end to the system of persistent failure, and set off a domino effect in the country that will sound the death knell for the cannibalization of our schools by wealthy suburbs and yes, teachers unions. This effort is not to be confused with the power struggle taking place throughout the country as Republican governors and legislators are attacking unions in order to break the back of a strong source of democratic support. That’s their business. Ours is our children, and no obstacle to their right to a quality education is off limits – not unions, not traitorous board members who cut political deals and sell out our babies, and not the treacherous negroes who protect the real power, as long as they can get a pay check. The Plan The plan is to get enough signatures from the parents of children at failing schools to close them down in June 2013, and enough votes on the Board of Education to reopen them the next day as District Sponsored Charter Schools. What happens then, is that a board of directors is formed at each school from folks who live in that community. Now, the Buffalo Teachers Federation
charter schools, and the state run NYSUT (New York State United Teachers) becomes their union. But - teachers can now choose if they want to be in a union. If a charter school is not successful after 5 years, it gets shut down, so everyone from the janitor to the principal has a vested interest in making it a success. Now we open the doors for our children to have safe haven in the evenings…to give them access to the gyms and libraries and computer rooms. Now we offer programs that enrich them culturally, allowing them to see themselves in what they’re studying, and to excel in an environment where they are loved. This is the plan. You can go to change.org to sign the petition, as a parent or supporter. (www.change.org/ petitions/close-all-failingbuffalo-public-schools-at-theend-of-this-year-and-reopenthem-as-district-sponsoredcharter-schools). Go now, right now, and join the most comprehensive, competent coalition to be assembled in Buffalo in over 40 years. Not since the BUILD organization organized, unified, and among other things, established the legendary BUILD Academy have we seen this kind of advocacy. We’re talking about a broad coalition of our most studied intellectuals, our most well established churches and their pastors, and perhaps the most active parent body of any in the nation. On Sunday, December 9th, at least 30 churches throughout the city began the “Education Sunday” series, where time is set aside each Sunday during morning services to educate our congregations on the problem and the plan. More are joining them every day. Weekly meetings are also taking place where you can come to sign a petition and get more information on how you can help. One meets on Mondays at 6pm in the old HSBC bank on Fillmore, across the street from Mattie’s. Others will soon be announced. Keep up with current information with
Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com
P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053
Most times, things are not always as they seem. That is why it is wise for all of us to get the correct information before we speak or denigrate those who work in our best interests. Last week, a balanced budget put forth by our Erie County Executive that called for a modest 3.4% county Betty Jean tax increase, was soundly GRANT defeated by the Republican Caucus by a vote of 6-5. The Republican legislators were joined by former Republican, but now Democrat legislator, Tom Loughran of Amherst. The budget as proposed by the county executive was sanctioned by the fiscally conservative Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority as well as by every county department commissioner or director. They all testified that the Republicans' 'cuts' to balance the budget would put the county at risk of not having enough money to settle its lawsuits, deplete the Risk Retention Fund; not have enough money to cover fringe benefits for county employees, drive massive layoffs and also have the Sheriff Dept's budget line for overtime pay severely underfunded. Guess what people? All of these providers and services are mandated by state and/ or federal government. So, when money runs out because a budget generated by cuts to these programs is the order of the day, guess where money will be redirected from to cover these and other services? You guessed right! From the cultural organizations line; from the Daycare Subsidies line that the county execu-
DPCC president Samuel Radford on Facebook, or call the Millions More Movement and leave a message at 253-1019. Indeed, this is a radical undertaking, but a responsible one. In short order, 26,000 of our children will thank us.
tive and this leislator worked hard to restore to give working moms another chance to be self reliant; from the line to restore an Eastside clinic at 1500 Broadway Ave; from the line to fund the Safety Net Program that feeds individuals who do not qualify for food stamps, helps to pay the rent of those residents whose unemployment has run out, or are homeless! All of the $420,000.00 earmarked for the Primetime Afterschool Program in neighborhood community centers will be depleted as well. All of the above programs and services were restored by County Executive Mark Poloncarz this year, after four years of the Collins' Administration gutted this community of all its non mandated county services and funding. In addition to losing everything, this community gained most of these services back, over the past year, due to a compassionate Democratic county executive and a Democratic, majority-led legislature. The 2013 Erie County Budget, because of ill thought out cuts, has an 8.5 million dollars shortfall or hole this year. We are speedily hurtling toward our own local, Republican-driven Fiscal Cliff! That number of 8.5 million dollars shortfall in 2013, will balloon to over 34 million dollars over the Poloncarz's Administration's 4-Year Plan. There is nothing proud in what the Republicans have done to our community and to the fiscal stability of the county, as a whole. For those who take pleasure in this, I will only say that either those individuals do not know what they are talking about, or they have no compassionate for those who will be hurt by this anti-poor people, and anti-culturals and anti-city of Buffalo budget. The 3.4% property tax increase in the county budget would have caused a house assessed at $50,000.00 (average for houses on the Eastside) to have a county property tax increase of just $9.00. That's right, $9.00! Let's be
• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
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honest with ourselves. That is simply the price of a good meal for one person at McDonald's, Mattie's or GiGi's Restaurant; the price of a movie ticket at the Market Arcade Theater or a few lottery tickets or Scratch-offs at your favorite Corner Deli. Now, if Democratic County Executive Mark Poloncarz's 2013 Budget had been supported by the Republicans and Legislator Tom Loughran, the African American Cultural Center will be 'good to go' to get their allocated funding; Merriweather Library could have been slated to be opened longer hours and low-income, single moms could, once again, put their children into county funded daycare programs! Delavan/ Grider Community Center, FLARE, Pratt/Willert and other community centers will have had an Afterschool program in 2013, funded by the Primtime money that is now at risk of being moved to pay for the county mandated services such as jail overtime, lawsuits and the settlement of many pending unions contracts.
To the Naysayers, I will say that over a period of almost two decades in service to my community, I have learned to ignore negative and hurtful things spewed about me or my record in government. However, I take exception when wrong or misguided information is put forth as the truth, and as a result, that information is harmful to my community. On a final note, I wish to thank the over 10,000 voters who took the extra steps to write my name in as a candidate for the New York State Senate in the November 6th General Election. We made history in getting the most Write-In Votes in the history of Erie County! This fact alone, is confirmation from you that you know I am representing my constituents well as an Erie County Legislature Chairwoman and 2nd District Legislator. As I get ready to gear up for my county relection bid in 2013, please feel free to call me at any time if you need assistance or want the truth about budgets or county government issues known or clarified. My Cell Phone number is (716) 602-5877.
ADVERTISING /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com or alnisa33@yahoo.com
Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053
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ATTORNEYS James P. Davis 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 855-7611 Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612 Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905
AUTOMOTIVE
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
COFFEE SHOPS
HAIR SALONS
Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770
Akole Style Unisex Salon 2560 Main St. (716) 332-9078
DELI / VARIETY STORES
Althea/Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000
Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704
Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. 716 995-3450
DJ’S DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358
DOG TRAINING
Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910
Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163
BARBER SHOPS
EATERIES
Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington 836-3260 Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan 901-5909
Everything Beauty Salon/ Spa 156 Elmwood*939-3355
Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592
Hersha / Hair to Go Natural
727 Main St. (716) 563-1734 Karen’s Salon & Spa 413 Jefferson Ave. 812-9666
The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009
Lacy’s/ Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880 Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321
BEAUTY/IMAGE
West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey (716) 833-1971
Hazel Harris (716) 573-5420
Tomatoes 1393 Kensington*835-3663
SOLO Unisex Salon 3081 Main St. 833-2553
elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com
CAFE’S
EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048
CHILD CARE Cookieland Group Day Care 24 Barthel Miss Cookie*893-0590
ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC 716-634-0330
Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250 Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663 Salon Toss 2527 Delaware Ave. 894-8737
Native Buffalonian Main Hair & Beauty Supply Wins Big in Charlotte 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247 North Carolina HAIR SUPPLY
Trevor M. Fuller, who was born and raised in the City of Buffalo, has won a seat as a MeckJones Hardwood Flooring lenburg County Alton Jones Commis(716) 903-5320 sioner at Large in the INSURANCE recent general election Able Insurance in Charlotte. Trevor attended Jeff Moore/Broker Campus West College Learn1798 Main St. * 883-5212 ing Lab (Buffalo State College) for grammar school; he Joseph Burch Insurance is a 1985 graduate of Nichols School; a 1989 graduate of 2317 Main St. Hamilton College and a 1992 551-0006 / 510-4729 graduate of Georgetown Law School. He is an attorney by profession with his own firm, LIQUORS & Fuller & Barnes in Charlotte. WINES He is married and a father of two, a 13 year old son and a 10 Bellamy’s Liquor Store year old girl.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
405 E. Ferry * 884-4066
MEDICAL Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. (716) 837-0995 Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122
ONE STOP Mandella Market & Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson 716-882-0288
PHONE SERVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan * 551-0304 360 Eggert Rd * 939-3900
Debbie’s Little Scholars 484 Hickory St. (716)304-6820
PHOTOGRAPHY
First Impressions Day Care 847 Walden Ave. 716-533-8075
TAILORS
Kim’s Building Blocks Day Care 1479 E. Delavan Ave. 895-8693
Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716)238-1455
DECEMBER 12, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Princess Photography (716) 563-099
F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742 F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com
Marcel Walker
Walker Elected Tenant Council President at Kelly Gardens
Congratulations are in order for Mr. Marcel Walker, following his election as Tenant Council President at Kelly Gardens, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and for his appointment as a representative on the Board of Directors of the BMHA Citizen Corp. Disaster Preparedness. Kelly Gardens is a senior community of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. Marcel, a 60 year old Buffalonian, has been active in the Buffalo Community for many years. He retired from NFT Metro Bus in 1992 and since then, he’s worked for various DID YOU investigation agencies, he is also known for his activities KNOW... in the Juneteenth Festival, the Black America Pine Grill Reunion, the Puerto Represent a halfRican Festival, the Grease Trillion Dollar Pole Festival and the Drill-ORama Consumer MarMr. Walker intends to let ket. the residents of Kelly Gardens know that the Tenant’s Council will “Do the right thing” for the Seniors. Safety is number one. We’ll get more police presence in the complex. Whatever it will take to do right by our Seniors. With TAILORS my staff and budget, we will make it happen,” he said. Quoting Dr. Martin Luther Ann Rhod’s Tailoring King, Jr., Walker added “The 3185 Bailey Ave. time is always right, do what (716) 838-5633 is right.” Walker and his staff (Elizabeth McQuiller-Vice Pres., Bailey- Treasurer, TAX SERVICE Sonya Deborah Callahan- Secretary and Cheryl Harland, Sergeant L. Sessum Income Tax Service at Arms) will remain involved 1650 Fillmore in committees in many different BMHA communities, (716) 894-4904 for instance, the Perry Commodore Senior Complex and TOWING Lakeview Corridor Senior Ron’s Towing & Recovery Residence, Langfield and all of the BMHA Senior Resi(716) 892-2282 dences throughout the City of Buffalo. WINDOWS We Wish Mr. Walker All of Best!
Priced Right Windows USA 710 Kensington Ave. (716)833-2500 * 578-7873
advertising pays. advertising@thechallengernews.com
DECEMBER 12,
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project No. M3001-C, for Construction Work, Repair Exterior Masonry & Interior Finishes, Building 11, Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden (Erie County), NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Contract Administration, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $51,000 for C. All successful bidders on a multiple trade project or the successful bidder with a bid over $200,000 on a single trade project, will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 for C. The requirement for Labor and Material and Performance Bonds may be waived on a bid under $200,000 on a single trade project. Designated staff are Frank Peris and Carl Ruppert in the Bureau of Contract Awards, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Director of Contract Administration, telephone (518) 474-0201, fax (518) 486-1650. The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 10:00 a.m. on December 18, 2012 at OGS Field Office, 2990 Wende Road, Alden, NY. Phone the office of Allyson Youdsavage, (716) 937-4200 a minimum of 72 hours in advance. It is the policy of the State and the Office of General Services to encourage minority business enterprise participation in this project by contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, and all bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s on-line through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp. For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to D&C.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call toll free at 1-877-647-7526. For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.
CLASSIFIEDS
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bids
COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS For Erie County Correctional Facility Six Bay Security Upgrades
STAFF ASSISTANT
Sealed bids for: Security Barrier Work for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on December 27, 2012 at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/WBE requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw Dated: December 12, 2012
Screen and respond to inquiries from internal and external customers. Manage human resource and procurement transactions for the Finish in 4 program. Provide support to the University’s expansion of AdvisorTrac scheduling software, as well as other projects coordinated by Student Advising Services. Bachelor’s Degree is required. Administrative, budget and personnel experience (1 to 3 years minimum). Excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask. Salary: $37,873-40,873. Resume, cover letter, references and application must be submitted by 1/11/2013 at http://ubjobs.buffalo.edu, Posting #1200857.
STAFF ASSISTANT Political Science Screen and respond to Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the full-time inquiries from internal and position of Assistant Professor for the Political Science Department. external customers. ManRequired Qualifications: Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Administration, or a age policy human resource closely-related field such as public affairs or public (applicants from and other disciplines will not be considered). The successful applicanttransactions will need to procurement demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, research, for the Finishand in 4community proengagement. Department is seeking applicants with broad training in the field of gram. to Public Administration who can teach in one or more of theProvide following support areas: graduate thein University’s expansion research methods for public administrators and the undergraduate curricula, of AdvisorTrac scheduling American institutions, American political behavior, or international relations. Applicants must indicate in their application materialsasthewell graduate and software, as other undergraduate courses they are qualified to teach. Applicants must also indicate if projects coordinated by they have experience in teaching hybrid and/or online courses. Applicants must Student Advising Servicdemonstrate a strong potential for research and a commitment to seek outside es. Bachelor’s Degree is research funding. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience required. working in aAdministrative, government office or non-profit agency. budget and personnel experience (1 to 3 years Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu. minimum). Excellent communication skills and the ability to multi-task. Salary: $37,873-40,873. Resume, cover letter, Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer references and applicaand committed to respect for diversity and individual differences. tion must be submitted by 1/11/2013 at http://ubjobs.buffalo.edu, BIDS Buffalo Challenger Posting #1200857. EOE
Size: 2 (4”) x 3.5” REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL Issue: 12/5 ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES D/L: 11/30 The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests sealed proposals to provide Price: $133.00all professional Architectural/Engi-
neering Services necessary or incidental to site investigate, design services, preparation of plans and specifications and construction management services for the bidding and implementation of the following project: Architectural / Engineering Services for Improvements @ Schwab Terrace, BMHA Job #AE-12-24 The Request for Proposals may be obtained at the BMHA Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Sealed proposals must be received by 3:00 PM, local time, on January 10, 2013 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Perspective offerors are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-submittal meeting. The pre-submittal meeting will be held on December 20, 2012 @ 10:00 AM @ 320 Perry Street 14204. The contract for professional services will only be awarded to a single professional firm; no joint ventures. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and/or all proposals submitted. Date: December 11, 2012
Issue Dead Size Price
EOE
Assistant Professor
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
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DECEMBER 12, 2012 Challenger Community News •
We Remember:
December 4, 1969 Assassination of Fred Hampton
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 12/2
MON 12/3
TUES 12/4
WED 12/5 THURS 12/6
FRI 12/7 SAT 12/8
MID-284 MID- 387 MID-848 MID- 460 MID-865 MID-458 MID-122 EVE-804 EVE-788 EVE- 372 EVE-672 EVE-159 EVE-545 EVE-334
3-WAY
MID - 6570 MID- 0875 MID-6385 MID-5753 EVE- 7684 EVE-5005 EVE-1620 EVE-7252
WIN 4
3-4-18-30-32 5-21-22-31-39 12-24-37-38-39 3-23-25-28-31
TAKE 5
LOTTO
MID- 2521 MID-3216 MID-5207 EVE- 1184 EVE-4853 EVE-0984
6-7-21-26-38
333
910
220
298
Zakiyyah’s Run Down 986-568-853-578-853-168-470-065-768-981-253-679-350156-847-605-580-470-547-491-165-990-256-045-068-475176-970-370-198-513-522-809-507-647-350-760-919-513891-558-047-679-510-460-030-637-326
Billy Bye Bye Sez:
298- 527 -133-067-850 DECEMBER Monthly Vibrations 854-214-854-214-894-190-547-124-662 quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508
THE NUMBER BOOK
grandma’s DECEMBER pics
711-919-422-999-302-536-741394-164-870 - CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!-
508-586-230-453-896-874-415
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a machine gun, a semi automatic rifle, and several shotguns. A large pool of blood stained the floor at the doorway where Hampton’s body had been dragged after he was shot in the head, and there were fresh blood stains on all the beds in the apartment.An elderly African American lady best captured this reality when she said, while sadly shaking her head, that the raid was “nothing but a Northern lynching.” - G. Flint Taylor
TRAGEDY continued 2-7-14-15-38 1-2-6-16-37
6-10-16-24-33-39#30 15-23-24-31-36-41#30 Freak BI? Buffalo FBI special agent John A. Yervelli, 48, faces up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted of public lewdness after found driving with no pants on and
HOT TIPS
At 4:30 in the morning of December 4, 1969, 14 heavily armed Chicago police officers raided a tiny apartment on the west side of Chicago where local Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton and eight Party members were sleeping. Minutes later, Hampton and Peoria, Illinois Panther leader Mark Clark lay dead, several of the other Panthers were seriously wounded, and the survivors were hauled off to jail on attempted murder charges. The crime scene was shocking – - – the plasterboard walls looked like swiss cheese, ripped by scores of bullets from police weapons that included
400
648
CHALLENGER HITS MIDDAY
*460-ZR (Straight)* 865-ZR (bx) *128 Number Book (Straight)* 122-Number Book (bx)
LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143
648*123*104 980-422-809
981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126
189-444-886
322-522-412-432-421-423
3-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year 11/22/2011 Evening 11/22/2011 Midday 11/21/2011 Evening 11/21/2011 Midday 11/20/2011 Evening 11/20/2011 Midday 11/19/2011 Evening 11/19/2011 Midday 11/18/2011 Evening 11/18/2011 Midday 11/17/2011 Evening 11/17/2011 Midday 11/16/2011 Evening 11/16/2011 Midday 11/15/2011 Evening 11/15/2011 Midday 11/14/2011 Evening 11/14/2011 Midday
5-5-0 2-3-1 2-6-0 7-0-4 2-4-5 5-4-6 2-8-6 2-2-1 2-5-9 7-7-1 4-6-9 3-0-2 6-8-0 6-6-5 6-4-5 2-7-8 9-0-8 2-7-8
ON FILLMORE
was to go home. Investigators are reportedly awaiting autopsy results to determine whether Parker was struck by the officer’s bullet as well as his blood alcohol level. They are also said to be trying to determine whether Miss Ida was hit by Parkers car before the pole fell on her. The community is waiting. But most have their doubts and suspicions and don’t think there will be any real justice served. The bottom line they say, is that it all could have been avoided in the first place. -Latest UpdateIt has been confirmed that the officer who fired the gun was an African American and that the driver died from the gunshot wound. Fernando Parker said it was not fair that his brother, a former Marine, was getting the share of the blame for the deaths. “Actually the police killed the lady,” he told The News. “My heart goes out to the other family.” He said had his brother not been shot, he would not have crashed his vehicle, which led to both deaths. “He was not armed...why couldn’t they shoot the tires?”
Dance! Dance! Dance!
*2nd Cup 36 Broadway St. 840-0048 7p.m. Wed. “Salsa night with Calvin and Fanny.” Beginner Salsa lesson and social dance. salsacalvinfanny@hotmail. *African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Ave. 884-2013 3 p.m. Sat. 3 pm @5 p.m. Tues. Thurs. “Community Dance and Drumming.” Visit www.africanamericancultural.org. *Line Dance Classes Every Tuesday 7 Wednesday morning, Martha mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont St. 10:30-11:30; 4442046 or 833-1038. *First Shioh Baptist Church. 15 Pine St. 6:30 p.m. Fri. “Line dancing lessons.” 847-6555. Free. *Gateway Longview Family Resource Center. 347 E. Ferry St. 6 p.m. Tues. Dance lessons with the Smooth Steppers. Classes in Urban Ballroom, Chicago Steppin’ and Swing. 633-7813. *Kenan Center 433 Locust St.; Level Breakdancing class. Also 7:30 p.m. Mon. Wed. “B-Girl class.” Beginners welcome. $10; $15; Also 6 p.m. Tues; 4 p.m. Thurs. Open practice.” $5. *Urban Line dance lessons each Monday, 665 Michigan at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 6-7:30 p.m, Ernestine Wilson, instructor. *African Dance Classs w/Aminata, 6-8 p.m., Fridays, Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee St @ Moselle; Ethnic Dance @ Artspace Gallery, 1219 Main 6-9 p.m. Thurs-
*Line Dance Class $2 every Tuesday & Thursday Rev. Smith Family Life Center Michigan at Goodell. * *Urban Line Dance, Mondays 7-9 pm North & Fox, Tuesdays 6-8 pm, Golden Nuggett; Wednesdays 6-8 @15 Fernhill; Beginner Classes only Thursdays 6-7 p.m. St; John’s Famiy Center. 200-9702, Igotart@hotmail.com
DECEMBER 12,
EVENTS CALENDAR
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Wednesday December 12
Lorna C. Hill, Annette Daniels Taylor on Stage: 7:30pm at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Babeville, 341 Delaware Ave. at Tupper; $5 Donation. City of Buffalo- Board of Education Regular Board Meeting: 5:30pm, 801 City Hall. Healthy Hair Care Mixology Class 100: 5:30-7:30pm at 70 Harvard Place (CAO); $10. Sponsored by Health and Healing Circle. For more info health2healing@gmail.com
Saturday December 15
Saturday December 22
Poetry Reading and Book Signing by Seku Ba Jehudi; 3-5pm at Zawadi Books, 2460 Main Street; 716-903-6740.
The Buffalo City Ballet: 1pm & 7pm at the Buffalo Academy of Visual & performing Arts (450 Masten Ave.); $20 general, children under 5, $15. Call 716-833-1243.
Community Drum Circle: Sponsored by Daughters of Creative Sound, 11am-1pm at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., 716-8834418. Free and open to men, women and children. Pre- Kwanzaa Concert with Healing Hands: 3pm at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., 716-883-4418. Free Admission.
Saturday December 15
Wednesday December 19
Dorie Miller Rifle & Pistol Club One Year Anniversary Social: at Arthur’s Pub; 6-10pm. Donation $5.
Annual Tree of Life Ceremony for families of those who are victims of homicides, 5-7:30 p.m. Merriweather Library, Jefferson @ Utica; 400-1817 for info.
Joy to The World Shopping Mall & Charity Festival, McCoy Convention Center, 653 Clinton St., 6 pm-midnight; $5 adults, $2 kids; 390-6679. Tree Lighting & Toy Drive in MLK Park: Hosted by Assemblywoman Crystal PeoplesStokes; 4-6pm at MLK Park. Bring a toy for children.
Friday December 21 Book Signing for Buffalo’s Authors: 11am-3pm at The Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street. The authors are Marilyn Foote-Kragbe, Priscilla Hill, William Cooper, Cliff Bell and Ted Kirkland.
See You at the Events!
Kwanzaa 2012
Kwanzaa Meeting Fridays 6:30-8:00pm Ruby Butts Bldg. 19 E. Utica St. Join Us!
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Building Champions!
St. John International Boxing Program participants pictured with Lionell Thompson (kneeling) a young professional fighter who trains at the gym.
ALL NYS SILVER GLOVE CHAMPS: Pictured above, Buffalo PAL Boxers include Anthony Diaz, Joenel Rijos, Kevin Cruz and Lamarr Allen; St. John Silver Glove Camps are Tobias Smothers, Prince Slobert, Charles Slobert, Destyn Hopkins and Trevon
Young fighters with volunteer teacher in tutoring program.
The St. John International Boxing Program, located at 382 High Street, is doing a great job of building champions! A recent visit found Darryl Graham, director of the boxing program, busy with the Silver Glove Champs from St. John and the Buffalo PAL. “I give all the glory to God for allowing us to be able to work with these children, and I thank Pastor (Michael) Chapman and the church for their support,” said Graham. Darryl, who has over four decades of experience in boxing, has been training kids for over 30 years. The Program’s mission statement is “Restoring, Inspiring and Promoting Youth Development through Amateur Boxing.” Pictured above are some scenes from the program which accepts kids from age 8 to adult. Training takes place Monday thru Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. Tutoring is also offered.
DECEMBER 12, 2012 Challenger Community News •