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INSIDE ROCHESTER
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Reflections on The Death of Whitney Houston Stunned. The news caught most of Black America asleep. Superstar Whitney Houston. Singer. Actress. Icon. Dead at age 48. I don’t know what you were doing the night you heard. A small part of my heart was relieved. I felt sorry for her mother and daughter, Bobbi Christina. The Grammys went on. Adele won six and none for Lady Ga Ga. A small part of me likes to believe that she is finally at peace. For the last few years of her life, Whitney had been in a downward spiral nose spin. Her voice. That precious gift God gave her is gone. It was not what it used to be. Cancelled concerts. Money back and others making fun of the Whitney of old. MARSHA Yes, she had demons. Whitney had adJONES dictions. She didn’t always use her best judgement, but she made us proud for a while. Ms. Houston won Grammys, worldwide respect, graced a stage, and opened her mouth and LAWD, her talent showed. The talent came out in another ways: mostly singing. She sung like no one we heard before. Or since. Whitney’s interpretation of a song was like no one. Whitney graced the stage at a young age and possessed such class and style. It’s like these two things needed each other. People complained she wasn’t black enough: she was too stiff. I begged Black America to leave her alone because every black person doesn’t have rhythm. Nor does everyone like fried chicken. Whitney finally left her ex- Bobby Brown. She was putting her life back together. She seemed happy. She was battling her demons and wanted her old life back. She was working hard after years of drinking and drugs. usage of these things drugs had taken its toll on her. Whitney’s voice wasn’t the same but she kept on fighting. Don’t think of Whitney’s death as a loss. Consider it a homecoming. God is taking care of her now and we get to hear her music for a while. Most people have a favorite Whitney memory. The sad part about her death is she’s left us. That hurts. It hurts a lot. It gives me great comfort knowing that Whitney’s not in pain, she is in God’s House making music with and for him. She leaves her family and a whole bunch of fanWhitney went back home this weekend. I am glad her pain is gone.
around town
*Wednesday, February 22 Wearing the Mask at Work & The Effects It Has On Your Life, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Strong Memorial Hospital , Free and open to public.Sponsored by the African American Network at the University of Rochester.
*“Mamba Speaks” In honor of James Mamba McCuller,the Maafa Celebration Committee presents “Mamba Speaks!” a video program of his words, wisdom, and wit on Monday February 27 from 6 to 7:45 pm. at the Bausch and Lomb Library Building, Kate Gleason Auditorium 115 South Avenue in Rochester. A community dialogue will follow the presentation. Join us and hear Mamba speak for himself! For moe information contact us at : (585) 748-7727 or TheMaafa@yahoo.com or Facebook: “Maafa Rochester.”
Black Heritage Month In recognition of Black Heritage Month the Rochester Police Department in collaboration with the Rochester Area Minority Police, will host several events in February. All events will be held at the Public Safety Building, 185 Exchange Blvd. *Thursday, Feb. 16: 10amnoon, “Game On,” students from School #20 play the RPD in board games. *Saturday Feb. 25: 4-6 pm, concert performances by youth and adult choirs. *Monday Feb. 27: 10am- noon ROC City Talent Show.
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Labors Local Recruiting for Apprenticeship Program
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
BILLS UPDATE George Radney
ROCHESTER LABORER’S LOCAL 435 will be conducting recruitment for its apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship Program Applications will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to noon at offices, 2022 Fourth Street - Rochester, NY 14609 on the our following Thursdays of each month starting March 1st ending August 2nd, 2012: * March 1, 2012 * April 5, 2012 * May 3, 2012 * June 7, 2012 * July 5, 2012 * August 2, 2012 The minimum requirements for the Apprenticeship Program are as follows: * Must be at least 18 years of age * Must be in good health * Must be able to consistently lift 50 lbs * Must possess a high school diploma or GED * Must be able to legally work in the U.S. * Must submit to and pass a non-DOT drug test Please contact Carolyn Silas, Apprenticeship Program Coordinator - (585) 546-8460 ext. 308 with questions
February 17, 24 Gospel Fridays Hosted by Black Heritage Committee City Hall Atrium, 30 Church Street Info: 428-9857
SENIOR DISCOUNTS !!
Mighty Oba and Fantasia at Superbowl Gospel Celebration.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Review
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antasia turned out the 2012 Super Bowl Celebration with a stirring performance and testimonial. Fantasia, dressed in a white ruffled blouse, black sequin slacks and high heel shoes said, “This is my therapy, some people do yoga, some people go sit by the water. My thing is putting my feelings into my music and sharing that with people who are going through some of the same things.” She also said, “I feel like your life is your testimony, that’s what you’re supposed to speak about to help your next door neighbor or whoever maybe listening. You help them by speaking the truth. You have to follow your heart, and most of the time when you do that, you win.” Fantasia’s testimony to the sold out live audience (the event was taped for a later broadcast on BET) was for everyone to pray for her, because of the many things that are currently going on in her life. The hosts Rev. Run and Ce Ce Winans did an outstanding job except for the Rev. forgetting his lines (Rev. Run replaced Wayne Brady as co-host at the last minute). The NFL players’ choice performance by Wess Morgan gave a stirring rendition of his hit song “I choose to Worship”; he puts me in the mind of r&b crooner Robin Thick. He was followed by Christian singer/songwriter Natalie Grant with a nice mellow opera type gospel performance. Bishop Hezekiah Walker and legendary three-time Grammy winner Donnie McClurkin put on a very rich and powerful sounding performance to close out the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The Buffalo Bills own Bryan Scott had a lead segment during the NFL Players Gospel Choir performance along with former Bill Michael Gaines, who told us he is now officially retired from the NFL. I would like to give a special thanks to the founder of the event Melanie Few-Harrison of Results Marketing & Media Inc., for withstanding the test of time to continue to put on a very valuable event for the 13th year. It’s the only event of color sanctioned by the NFL and looks like it will finally get additional monies from the NFL and corporate sponsors! (SUPER BOWL PHOTOS/FOLL0WUP UP NEXT WEEK)
ChallengerCN.com
• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
WNY AREA BRIEFS
HONORED: Valeria Cray-Dihaan and Denye Wajed (Amon Ra Imhotep), two of the city’s most talented artists, received long overdue recognition recently when they were honored at the Collective Buffalo’s “Uplifting Artist” awards presentation at the Metropolitan Entertainment Complex on Main Street. Valeria, the only African American female modern artists with a sculpture in the permanent collection of the Albright Knox Art Gallery, is also the owner of East Wind Creative Effects Hair Salon on Jefferson Avenue. Wajed, a renowned jewelry, specializes in highly praised designs based on an African Nubian and African American motif. For more information about Collective Buffalo call 884-2013.PHOTO PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY
Eva Doyle is Erie County’s First “Citizen of the Month” On Thursday, February 16 at 2 p.m., the Erie County Legislature will bestow its first Citizen Of The Month award to Mrs. Eva M. Doyle, a local, retired Buffalo Public School teacher, newspaper columnist and historian. The Citizen of The Month awards will be given monthly by an Erie County Legislator and the brief ceremony will take place in the Legislature’s Chambers on the first Thursday session of the month. All 11 County Legislators will be able to honor an outstanding individual in their respective districts in the succeeding months.All friends of Mrs. Doyle and the general public are invited to attend the Legislature session to congratulate Mrs. Eva Doyle for this well deserved recognition and honor. The Citizen Of The Month award was created by 2nd District Legislator and Legislature Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant. The award ceremony will be incorporated into the formal legislative agenda.The Erie County legislature is located in Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, 4th. Floor
Holding Center is Topic of Community Forum A community forum on the topic, “What’s Going On At The Erie County Holding Center?” will be held Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30-7:30 P.M. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. at East Utica Street. Panelists will include representatives from the Department Of Justice, Erie County Jail Management, and County Government. Want more info? Call 716-834-8438 or email Karima@Prisonersarepeopletoo.Org The forum is being sponsored by Prisoners Are People Too, Inc, Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition, and We Are Women Warriors.
Mayor Brown’s 2012 State Of The City Address Mayor Byron W. Brown is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the City luncheon address on Wednesday, February 15, at 12:45 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The annual speech allows Mayor Brown to share the city’s current and future plans with Buffalo residents. This year’s speech will also highlight the need to improve Buffalo’s employment picture, as the city continues to reinvent and transform into the economic engine of the region.
Celebrate BLACK HISTORY
Chairwomen Grant Creates First Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise Committee in the History of Erie County
On Thursday, February, 16 in the Erie County Legislature Chambers, the Democratic Caucus will introduce-and approvethe first Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Committee in the history of Erie County. Erie County Legislature Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant, is the sponsor of the Resolution creating this historic committee. The Chairwoman’s Democratic legislative colleagues, who constitute the majority in the legislature, Chairwoman Grant have all signed on as co-sponsors. Community Activist Charley H. Fisher lll, a former Buffalo Councilmember-at-Large and the lead sponsor of the City of Buffalo’s Local Law on minority and women hiring goals, has been hired by Chairwoman Grant to ‘clerk’ this highly-needed and important committee. The public is invited to come out and support this historic event. Old County Hall is located 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor. The Legislaive session begins promptly at 2 p.m. -BackgroundErie County currently has three Local Laws on the books that deal with the disparity in minority and women owned businesses getting a fair share of county contracts in Purchasing, Professional Servicies and in General Construction Contracting. In 1987, a group of courageous Erie County lawmakers, led by Legislators Minnie Gillette, Mary Lou Rath and Joan Bozer, decided that they were going to do something about the lack of diversity, especially among minorities and women, when it came to the awarding of county contracts. They got together and drafted what is now known as Local Law #1. This local was passed by the Erie County Legislature in 1987. I do not know whether the law was passed with the full Mr. Fisher support of the entire legislative body; but even that is not important now because the legislation passed with enough votes to be approved and become a law. This law was followed by Local Law #2 that was mainly drafted to deal with Professional Services and other opportunities in the county’s Purchasing Department. While Local Law # 1 seems to address issues in the county’s awarding of contracts that reflected the ‘Lowest Responsible Bidder”; Local Law # 2 addressed the awarding of contract that could be utilized by what is called a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. In the RFP process, three proposals are considered and the proposal that is awarded the contract does not necessarily have to be the lowest quote or Request for Quote (RFQ). Local Law # 2 was followed by Local Law # 3 that was sponsored by then County Legislator Tim Kennedy. This law was passed by the Legislature in 2005. Local Law # 3 dealt with establishing an Apprenticeship Program, a program that was supported by most of the organized unions and was panned by more than a few independent general and subcontractors in the area. This law has a component in it that was supposed to provide opportunities for the training of underskilled workers. However, many individuals in the African American community believed that the law ‘had no teeth’ because few Black youths were members of organized unions or even had an opportunity to join one. Now, let’s fast forward to the previous four years under the Collins Administration. Due to the bad-or worse than bad-relationship between County Executive Chris Collins and the the Democratic Caucus that was in the majority in the Legislature, there was almost no opportunity to address whether minority and women contractors were being utilized in the numbers that the laws stipulated. The legislators were faced with a situation in which Erie County’s Equal Employment Opportunity officer and his department staff were not addressing the many requests for information and numbers that would verify that the county was, in fact, in compliance with the miniority hiring goals of the three local laws.
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Black Tie for Black History
“BLACK TIE FOR BLACK HISORY” OUTSTANDING HONOREES: Top L-R: Satoria Donovan, Terrence Amir McKelvey, Detra Trueheart, Kevin Donovan. Above L-R: Demone Smith, George Johnson, Pastor Darius Pridgen, Eva Doyle. PHOTOS XAVIER
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lack Tie for Black History, one of the premier Black History Month events in the City of Buffalo, will take place for the fourth consecutive year next Friday, February 24 at the Tralf, 622 Main Street from 7 to 10 p.m. This will be the largest venue to date, and founder/ organizer Marnetta Malcolm is urging the community to come out in support of one of the city’s most important cultural events – Juneteeth. This year’s honorees, as in year’s past, represent some our most outstanding citizens: Satoria and Kevin Donovan, founders of Urban Professionals; George Johnson, local businessman, Enough is Enough Prayer Facilitator and President of the Buffalo United Front; Pastor Darius Pridgen, Pastor of True Bethel Baptist Church and Ellicott District Councilmember; Terrence Amir McKelvey, Branch Manager, Key Bank University Plaza; Eva Doyle, historian, retired teacher, columnist and author; Demone Smith, Masten District Councilmember and Detra Trueheart, founder of the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant.Juneteenth of Buffalo will also be making several seperate presentations this year. “The fundraisers so far have been pretty successful,” said Ms. Malcolm. “We want to make this year the best ever. This is the largest venue we’ve ever had to raise funds for a more than deserving institution – Juneteenth of Buffalo. They struggle to make it happen every year. As a community we enjoy the celebration. It has received national recognition as being one the largest in the country and its free, but we should support it more....this is just our small part to try to help.”
Entertainment will be provided by the Old School B Boys, The All Star Band and DJ Papa Trini. Tickets are $25 and are available at Ticketmaster, the Tralf Box Office and Doris Records. There will be an after party at The Oakk Room, 1435 Main Street. This year’s sponsors include: LP Ciminelli, HSBC African Heritage Committee, Continental School of Beauty, OTB, Black WNY.Com, Yellow Tail, Doctor Birds, Camelia Foods, Ann Rhod’s Tailoring, Challenger Community News; WUFO, AM 1400, On The Rox Liquor, Mandella Market, LaRussa Fashion, and MND Accounting. See you there!
City Wide Prayer Continues... February 13th thru 17th Hopewell Baptist Church 1301 Fillmore Ave. Pastor Dennis Lee, JR. February 20th thru 24th Temple of Christ Church, INC. 1230 Genesee St. Pastor Reginald E. Kerr February 27th thru March 2nd Durham Memorial AME Zion Church 174 E. Eagle St. Pastor George Woodruff March 5th thru March 9th God's Tabernacle of Praise 1787 Genesee St. Pastor Lee A. Collins
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NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BlackAgendaReport
U.S. Pursues War, Chaos in Middle East and North Africa
Mandela’s Image Now on All South African Bank Notes *Nelson Mandela’s face will appear on all South Africa’s bank notes to honor the former president’s role in fighting apartheid, President Jacob Zuma said Saturday. The announcement, reports Reuters, coincides with the 22nd anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison after serving 27 years in jail for his opposition to white-only rule. “It is a befitting tribute to a man who became a symbol of this country’s struggle for freedom, human rights and democracy,” Zuma said. “With this humble gesture, we are expressing our deep gratitude as the South African people, to a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity worldwide.” The new notes featuring Mandela, who became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994, will be in circulation by the end of the year. The frail 93-year-old has not been seen in public since the closing ceremony of the Soccer World Cup in Johannesburg in July 2010.
“If there is a substantial military strike on Iran, it is going to create mayhem in the region,” said Dr. Vijay Preshad, director of International Studies at Trinity College, in Hartford, Connecticut. “And that is precisely what the Gulf Arabs and the United States would like to see. The last thing they want is a proper Arab Spring germinate into new, democratic regimes in North Africa and Est Asia.”
McKinney: America Guilty of “Sociocide”
The U.S. is engaged in “sociocide” - the “wholesale destruction of entire societies,” said Cynthia McKinney, the former Georgia congresswoman and Green Party presidential candidate. “One can honestly say that sociocide has ocNational Occupy Day in Support of Prisoners Monday, February 20 2012 (President’s Day) a demonstration curred in Iraq and Libya,” she will be held at San Quentin Prison to END MASS INCAR- said. “This is purposeful beCERATION *Abolish Inhumane Conditions and Torture *Abol- havior, to go into these counish Unjust Sentences including the Death Penalty, Life Without tries and destroy all aspects of Possibility of Parole, Three Strikes *Solidarity with Prisoner the infrastructure.” Movements for Human Rights *Free Political Prisoners *End Repression of Activists *Development of People Not Pris- Stop Stop-and-Frisk ons Join us in listening to the voices of people in prisons and “Spying on communities has those who have had first-hand experiences within the prison in- got to go, stop-and-frisk has got to go,” shouted Kalfani dustry.
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.
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Family Plans to Lay Singer to Rest
T
he funeral for pop superstar Whitney Houston will be held Saturday at her childhood New Jersey church where she learned how to sing according to the owner of the funeral home handling the arragements. There will be no public ceremony and a priavate burial is being planned. The service is set for noon at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, according to Carolyn Whigham of Whigham Funeral Home. A hearse escorted by police from Teterboro Airport to Whigham Funeral Home arrived in Newark from the West Coast late Monday carrying the body of pop Icon Whitney Houston as a large crowd gathered. Whitney’s body was transported to the East Coast
Nkrumah, leading the chants at a Bronx, New York, demonstration by Stop Stop-andFrisk. “If our elected officials refuse to stand up for us, then they have to go to, too.”
In the Spirit of Lmumba
The election of Patrice Lumumba as prime minister of newly independent Congo, in 1960, was that country’s first and last free election, said Luwezi Kinshasa, secretary general of the African Socialist International and a Congolese. In the spirit of Lumumba, Africans must “struggle to overturn all compromises made with imperialism,” and take ownership of the continent’s resources.
Lynn Stewart’s Appeal
On February 29, imprisoned movement lawyer Lynn Stewart appeals her 10 year sentence on charges of aiding “terrorists” in her defense of “blind sheik” Obama Abdel Rahman, convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
on Tyler Perry’s private jet, according to reports. Cissy Houston, the singer’s mother, was waiting inside the funeral home, police said. Cissy Houston is “overwhelmed but strong. Her faith is getting her through this,” a clse friend of the family who was also at the funeral home said Tuesday. The friend asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. Whitney Houston, 48, was found dead Saturday in her suite at the upscale Beverly Hilton, just hours before she was scheduled to attend a preGrammy bash at the hotel. And as Houston’s grieving family members prepared for her funeral, the exact cause of her death remained a mystery. Despite widespread media speculation, a Los Angeles County coroner official Monday downplayed the suspicion that drugs played a major role. Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said that “not many prescription bottles” were found in the singer’s room after her death. The amount of medications recovered by investigators was less than what is usually present in deaths attributed to overdoses, Winter said. “I know there are reports that she maybe was drowned or did she overdose, but we won’t make a final determination until all the tests are in,” he said. Winter ruled out foul play and said there were no injuries to Houston’s body. The singer’s soaring voice and impressive talent had taken a back seat in recent years to her struggles with drug addiction. However, said the close family friend, Houston was “no longer an addict,” meaning she was no longer using “hard drugs.” The friend said
Houston was taking medication for a throat infection and Xanax for anxiety, as well as medication to help her sleep. It wasn’t uncommon for her to have a drink when she went out, he said. He said he had seen Houston about two weeks ago in New Jersey, and she told him, “I’m at a comfortable place in my life.” The friend said Houston had been “clean” from hard drugs for three years and had not used cocaine or marijuana, and added that her family is upset by media coverage focusing on her history of drug problems. Whitney Houston: A mother, a daughter, a friend Houston’s body was released to her family Monday after an autopsy was conducted in Los Angeles Sunday. Authorities have not released a cause of death pending toxicology tests, which should be available in six to eight weeks. “ Bobbi Kristina Brown was treated for stress and anxiety twice following her mother’s death, a source close to the family said. She was taken to Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Saturday night and again on Sunday. Kim Burrell, a gospel singer and Houston’s friend, said she was with the teenager late Saturday and said the girl had felt “overwhelmed.” But Burrell expressed confidence that “she’ll pull through.”
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FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
HEALTH MATTERS
Tai Chi Classes for Beginners at the New Community Health Center
T
he Taoist Tai Chi Society Will Offer Classes For Beginners Starting Tuesday, February 14 from 6-7 p.m. at The new Commu-
nity Health Center of Buffalo, rate stretching and turning into and balance, and increase 34 Benwood Ave., off Main a sequence of movements that strength and flexibility. improve the health of body, Classes for beginners are Street. twice weekly on Tuesday and reduce The 68056_Fuel_CIPYr5AdBW Taoist Tai Chi Society® / mind, 8”w x and 10”hspirit. / b&wThey / PUBS: Buffalo Challenger internal arts of health incorpo- tension; improve circulation Thursday at the Center. There
will be a demonstration at 6:00 P.M. to see the Tai Chi set in its entirety. The charge for four months of classes is $125. Seniors
It’s called the Conservation Incentive Program.
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Voices In Victory, a Mini Concert for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 6 p.m. at the Frank Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Featured will be the New Beginnings Choral Ensemble, poet James Hall, the East High School Panthers Chorale Ensemble and author Jasmine Morgan. Sponsored by GROUP Ministries, Inc. and the MOCHA Center, this event is free and open to the public. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black Americans are 13% of the U.S. population, but make up 40% of the 944,306 AIDS cases diagnosed since the start of the epidemic and more than 50% of all new cases of HIV and AIDS. That represents an infection rate 10 times higher than the white population. Among women, the numbers are even more shocking: 70% of all new infections among American women are Black women, and a Black woman’s risk of dying of AIDS is 23 times greater than that of a White woman from the U.S.
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. Current CIP Year 5 rebates are available provided the qualifying equipment is installed by December 31, 2012. 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.
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** All equipment must be installed by a contractor.
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(60 and older) can attend at a discounted rate of $85. Call 876-7218 for further details. Discounts are available from some HMO’s. The Taoist Tai Chi Society® was founded by Master Moy Lin-Shin. As a Taoist monk in China, he studied Tai Chi and related Taoist Health Arts for over 30 years before immigrating to Canada in 1970.
Voices in Victory to Celebrate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Save up to $350 when you replace equipment in your home with qualifying, energy-efficient natural gas models. Rebates are available for the following items, provided they are installed by December 31, 2012.
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1/19/12 5:37 PM
ChallengerCN.com 6 Retreat on Praying with Scripture The public is invited to a spiritual retreat entitled, “Journey with Jesus through Prayer,” Sunday February 19 at noon at The Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Boulevard, one block north of Sheridan Drive in the Town of Tonawanda.
Book Signing and Guest Poetry
Pastor Rosetta Swain will host a book signing and guest poetry reading Wednesday Feb. 22 from 6-8 pm at the Code Blu Juice Bar, 23 Allen St. All are welcome.
worship this week
• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
2012 Black History Month Celebration of a Trailblazer During this Black History Season there will be a celebration and a commemoration of the life and legacy of the incomparable Rev. W. L. Jones. Affectionately known as “Rev W.L”, he was a pillar and a stalwart in this city and community. His achievements are too numerous to mention. However, he is the establishmentarian and visionary of the Mount Ararat Baptist Church, the God City senior Citizens Project and the Father to numerous of spiritual sons and daughters in the nation. The celebration will take place at the New Mount Ararat Temple of Prayer, 971 Jefferson Avenue, on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 @6pm, where Bishop Dwight Brown is the Pastor. This occasion will culminate a life that has impacted thousands from one end of this country to the other. Anyone who has encountered Rev Jones departed believing that life is worth living and all things were possible. He loved and embraced the least, the left out, and the disenfranchised. He gave them a sense of dignity and honor. The legacy of this man is too voluminous for words. However, the Mount Ararat family will gather, both past and present as a faith community to remember Our Father in the ministry, and to say thank you Rev. Jones for hearing and obeying the voice of our Heavenly Father. If there are any questions please contact the following. Dr. Jeffery Bowens, (716-541-4689) Bishop Larry Boyd (895-8755) Bishop Dwight Brown (716-885-7755) for further information.
Rev. Jones
ChallengerCN.com
• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Profile
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Dane Smith: Godfather Promotions
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hen Dane Smith decided to go into concert promotions in 1995 a lot of people said he wouldn’t last. That was 17 years ago. Today Dane and his Godfather Promotions is still going strong. “What made me decide to go into promotions was the fact that I enjoy entertainment, and I thought it would be nice to control the kind of entertainment I wanted to see,” he said during a recent interview. But even before that, he recalled he gave dances at the Plaidlocks Club on E. Ferry back in the mid seventies. “That’s really where it all started,” he continued. Godfather promotions originally consisted of Dane and his partner Jimmy Coble. Ricky Ricks was the productions manager. They eventually went their separate ways. And why the name Godfather? “I read the book and there was a statement the main character made to the effect that he would give someone a deal they could not refuse. That’s what I try to do with my show...I give people the maximum amount for their money.” One of the things that sets Godfather Promotions apart is the fact that he promotes local talent heavily along with his national acts. His upcoming production will feature the legendary Sugerfoot and his Ohio Players for what he calls an “Old School Musical Players Affair.” The show, which will take place on Saturday, April 7 for two shows at 7 and 10:30 p.m. at the Tralf, will also feature Western New York’s own Fabulous Old School B-Boys – always a crowd favorite,
and the glamorous singing sensation Mrs. Dee Paris. The show will be hosted by the new singing MC Miss Dorothy Wagstaff. Tickets are $37 in advance and $42 the day of the show. “A lot of people may love the Ohio Players, but they love the Old School B-Boys jus as much,” he noted. Dane also incorporates as many area businesses and institutions as he can in his productions. For example, for the upcoming April 7 show, Venris Brooks owner of Brooks Brothers Cleaners in the Central Park is a major sponsor and he is encouraging concert goers to go to Brooks Cleaners and get their reserved loft VIP tickets for the second show – at no service charge! The cleaners is conveniently open until 6 p. m daily. Born with a birth defect (Dane is legally deaf ), he has never let that stop him. Growing up on Brunswick Blvd., he attended Lafayette High School and ECC where he majored in business administration. He has been employed at Niagara LaSalle Field Corp. for the past 22 years. The son of Isaiah and Creola Smith of Buffalo, he is the father of two grown children. He holds a special excitement about the upcoming Ohio Players performance. This will be the first that Sugar Foot has played in Buffalo since 1995 (at the Tralf – and Smith was there), and, said Dane he has a lot of family and personal friends here. “I’m really happy to be the person who’s bringing him back...It’s going to be like a reunion of sorts.” Although it’s a lot harder to promote that it was years sago due to a sluggish economy and Inflation, Dane still loves
2012
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Dane (right) and Mr. Brooks. Stop in Brooks Cleaners today for your no-service-charge VIP second show Loft tickets!
fore the show and tickets are $37 in advance and $42 the day of the show.....I hope to see everybody there. It’s going to be a great performance!”
K-6 Openings Now! If you’re interested in enrolling your child now or for the 2012-2013 school year, contact us online or call COMMUNITY Charter School today!
404 Edison Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 716-833-5967 www.commcharter.org CCS815 challenger ad.indd 1
The Year to Remember!
Make
the business. “You just have to work a little harder and smarter,” he said. “I’m hoping that everyone will come out and be prepared for another major announcement at this show for a Mother’s Day production.” Acknowledging and thanking those who have helped him along the way, he had special thanks to the following people “who help make all this possible”: Lee Swindel, the chief of staff at Godfather Promotions; Joyce O’Riley, his marketing and sales director; Raymond Harper, technical assistant; and the owners of the Ink Spot, Tim and Darnell. He also acknowledged his sisters “Sugar” (Helen), a caterer and his treasurer and his youngest sister Jayme, who bakes all the deserts for his concerts. He has a sister Marva in California and his oldest sister lives in Knoxville, Tennessee. Remember there are two shows at 7 and 10:30 p.m.,” said Dane, ever the promoter. “Doors open 30 minutes be-
1/30/12 3:23:06 PM
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ENTERTAINMENT
WNY Black Film Festival Celebrates 10 Years Of Showcasing The African American Experience
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
on stage
Festival to Feature Award Winning Films and Highlight Buffalo Filmmakers
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n Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 26th, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Buffalo Alumnae Chapter and Masten District Councilmember Demone Smith will host the 10th Annual WNY Black Film Festival at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre. Tickets are $5 per show and can be purchased in advance at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre. Major support is provided by The African American Cultural Center. It all starts on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 5:30 pm with the thought provoking film, “The Tested”, followed by a post screening discussion and grand opening reception. “The Tested”, written and directed by Russell Costanzo, unfolds on the streets of New York City where three characters struggle to cope in the aftermath of a Aunjanue Ellis shooting that has taken the life of an African-American teenager. The teen’s mother is brilliantly played by Aunjanue Ellis, who recently starred in the hit movie “The Help.” Ms. Ellis will provide opening remarks and participate in the post Continuing their outreach to a younger audience, the festival committee has again sponsored the WNY Black Film Festival Essay Contest for students in grades 9-12,. Winners will be announced during the opening night on Saturday, February 18. The festival will conclude on Sunday, February 26th at 3 pm showcasing 10 short films. The featured films include: Bathroom Vanities – A “don’t judge a book by its cover” comedy about one woman’s unforgettable experience in a public restroom. Mission Mom-Possible – under the cover of night, one mom faces one of the riskiest tasks of all mankind. The Interview – When Ty Bedford meets Wallace Landry, he is in for a treat when the interview takes one wrong turn after another. The film juxtaposes innocence and ignorance and the prejudices that underlie both. Dandelion – a romantic drama written and produced by Dorchell Harris. Ms. Harris is a 1997 graduate of the University of Buffalo and 2010 graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. The Raw – Keith, a young man living in Hunters Point, a violent neighborhood in San Francisco, hopes to move and change his life, but is challenged to stay and protect his friend.
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*A Raisin In The Sun, The Manny Fried Playhouse, 255 Great Arrow Ave., 3rd Floor, now Thru Feb. 25, tickets $20 & $15, by Subversive Theatre, no Sunday performances; for info 408-0499 or www.subversivetheatre.org *Wednesday, Feb. 15 DL Hughley at The Tralf, hosted by Talent, two shows each day. VIP available tickets & times info at tralfmusichall. com
*Ujima Theatre Presents FOR COLORED GIRLS Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Was Enuf by Ntozake Shange, February 17 thru March 11at TheatreLoft, 545 Elmwood Ave. Box office 883-0380. Starring: Shanntina Moore, Kunjane Lyons-Latimer, Fredrica Germany, Dayatra Hassan, Aitina Fareed, Zoë Scruggs, Saron Ephraim, & India Moss.A breakthrough portrayal of Black women’s experiences in America, the story combines music, poetry and dance to celebrate their unique culture while painting a poignant portrait of their terrible struggles. *70’s Soul Jam, 8 p.m., March 10, Shea’s, $45-$50-$55.50, Box Office, Ticketmaster.
“EVERY TONGUE CONFESS” SPEAKS TRUTH TO EVERY GENERATION, on the PRT stage through Sunday, March 4. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $27.50; $25 for seniors and students with a valid I.D., and $20
for children ages five to 13. Group rates are available. For more information about the African American Cultural Center and its programs, call 716-884-2013.
*The Soweto Gospel Choir, 4 p.m., Feb. 26, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, 692-2413. Tickets $40-$50. www.rivieratheatre.org
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• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
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Game Time Experience & B.O.B.’s Groom Zone Barbershop
AREA’S NEWEST BUSINESS OFFERS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART!
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t is Black History Month, and what better way to celebrate than with the emergence of Black owned business on the East Side of Buffalo. The iconic corner of Broadway and Lathrop, once home to the Hank Nowak Post, or more commonly referred to as “the Bingo Hall,” has been totally transformed and captures the at- Amyla and Malachi Jackson tention of a brand new spotlight and Avery Parker. – the young at heart - thanks to the visionary efforts of Progression Unlimited. Located at 1210 Broadway, the ambitious project features the all new B.O.B.’s Groom Zone Barbershop on one side of the spacious building, and the Game Time Experience on the other – a unique combination of a much needed facility for youth and a business that provides both a service and opportunity for young people who want to work and a career. “Overall it our goal to help as many youth as possible find meaning in his/her daily activities” a statement from the organization reads. “There is a great need for change in our community. As the ‘Know Thyself’ campaign echoes on WBLK 93.7 radio, here is the opportunity to be that change we so often speak of.” -What Time is It? Game Time!The Game Time Experience offers a safe, fun filled alternative to the streets for kids of all ages. It’s also the perfect spot for private birthday parties , school field trips and tournaments. Described as a “Super Duper Play Station,” Game Time Experience has more than 20 stations for youth to challenge themselves and others to their favorite games. -Entertain to EducateBut beyond “fun time” at Game Time, is the reality that our youth face tremendous challenges, from a disproportionate school drop out epidemic to the lack of effective coping skills and the ability to manage ordinary responsibility that come with school, social life and family relationships. “Research shows that the average a child will seek ways to fit in with their peers and the outcome is disastrous,” the statement continues. “Friday and Saturday as usually a time when more violence or trouble occurs. It is our mission to bridge this gap.” Instilling the incentive to do better and to stay in school and improve grades is paramount. A pilot project encourages businesses as well as individuals to “Sponsor a Child” to take part in a Rewards Program to encourage them to achieve better grades in school, foster healthy lifestyle changes, and develop better behavior pa tterns overall in exchange for “Game Time Rewards.” The project is also designed to motivate youth to attend school regularly and be on time. There will be rewards for the Most Improved Grade for marking periods, etc. Noticeable transformations results in the child being rewarded, including but not limited to, free play time at Game Time Experience. The intent is to challenge not jut one child, but an entire class to realize their poAntwain Bradley, Percision tential for accountability. Hair Stylist, working his -Inside the Groom Zonemagic in the Groom Zone. B.O.B.’s Groom Zone Barbershop seeks to change the barbershop experience. “We encourage our youth and aid in their ability to build positive relationships through our adult mentoring program at Bob’s Groom Zone Barbershop,” the Progression Unlimited statement points out. The adult mentoring program basiContinued Page 10
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• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Black History Month Celebrations & Events
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McKinley High School to Host House Music and Dance Exhibition Tenth Annual African and A House Music and Dance Exhibition will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 8 p.m to midnight at Artspace, 1219 Main African-American History and Street. Admisison is $10l/ Schedule: Dressing Up for Black History American Diversity Celebration Pre-Event *4:30 - 5:45 Dance Workshop with Rasheed Jones McKinley High School University of New York at *6:00 - 7:15 Dance Workshop with Jarvis Garret Contest *8pm - Program start is pleased to announce its Columnist Eva M. Doyle would like to invite students in grades 4 - 12 to enter the Second Annual Dressing Up for Black History Contest. Students must select their favorite person in Black History and do an oral presentation describing their achievements. Students have a choice to select someone from the past or they can choose an individual who they feel currently is making a difference in our country or community. The contest will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at the Frank E. Merriweather library from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. Students should call Mrs. Doyle at 847-6010 or 533-9547 to register in advance for the contest. Winners will receive a cash prize, t-shirt and a book on African American History
Winning Essays From Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest To Be Read At Merriweather Library Winning essays from the annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest will be read by the participants at the African American History Program at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue on Saturday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: Grades 4-6; Grades 7-9; Grades 10-12. First prize - $50; Second prize - $3; and Third prize - $25. Additional prizes may also be given to winners of the essay contest. Essays will also be printed in Historically Speaking, April 2012. The event is sponsored by the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library ñ Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch, Buffalo Branch NAACP ñ ACT-SO, Buffalo Public Schools ñ Dept. of Social Studies and others.
presents
We Can’t Wait Education, Economic and Health Empowerment Summit
Hill Harper
Award winning actor, bestselling author and philanthropist
Thursday, February 16 8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Zion Dominion Global Ministries 895 North Forest Road Williamsville, New York 14221
Free and open to the public This event is presented by the Canisius College Academic Talent Search Program in honor of Black History Month. For more information, contact Elizabeth P. Caffee, Coordinator/Counselor for Talent Search, at 716-888-3280.
Tenth Annual African andAfrican-American History and American Diversity Celebration beginning the week of February 13, 2012. Sponsored by McKinley High School, the National Consortium For The Preservation And Teaching Of African And African American History and the Buffalo State Liberty Partnership Program, The theme is: "History Helps Us All." As a part of its celebration of Black History, McKinley will host a number of activities. The Annual "African American History Quiz Bowl" will be held on February 15-16, 2012. Eight teams will be competing from the following schools: Lafayette H.S., Olmsted, McKinley H.S. and School of Math & Science Technology. "A Teachable Moment in African American History" will be held on February 17, 2012 when prominent members of our community and school district will report to McKinley High School to join the school's faculty and teach a class in African or African American History or teach a lesson using the works of African or African American Authors. Some of the "conference teachers" include: Buffalo Board of Education President, Louis Petrucci; Chief of Oncology at Buffalo General Hospital and Professor of Surgery at State
Buffalo, Dr. John Gibbs; African American Educator/ Historian, Eva Doyle; Buffalo Board of Education Member and Educator Dr. Barbara Nevergold; Educator, Dr. Theresa Harris-Tigg; Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs @ Hilbert College, Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah; Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Ann Fitzgerald; Supervisor of Science Education, Kelly Baudo; Professor of Social Sciences at Erie County Community College, Dr. Bruce Cosby; Principal, Thomas Vitale; School Counselor, Harold Harden; Local Historian and retired Principal, Lum Smith; School Counselor, Marck Abraham; Canisius College student, Lacey Johnson; WNY Chapter NBMBAA President, Thomas Beauford; Managing Consultant, Key Success, Karen Stanley- Fleming; Director of Social Studies, W. C. Brandy; Buffalo African American Museum Committee Members: Menkaure A. Griffin, Peggy Heath, Debra M. Johnson; President, Promise Neighborhood, Dr. Yvonne Minor-Ragan; Chief Academic Officer BPS, Frances Wilson; Adjunct Professor (InformationTechnology and business), Bryant and Stratton, Sandra Talley; Director of Multicultural and International Student Affairs at Niagara University, David Blackburn; Anthony Williams, African American Studies Student at State University of New York at Buffalo and others. The "moment" is set from 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. A Health Fair will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., which will include a variety of healthcare vendors such as: UB Dental School, Catholic Health Systems, Sisters Hospital/ Bone Density Screening, Erie County Department of Health Immunization Education, Alcohol Anonymous, Buffalo Public Schools Adult Edu. and others. The school will also open its African American History Exhibit to the public February 27-29, 2012 from 4:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. All activities will be held at McKinley High School 1500 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York. Please call 716-816-4480 for more information.
*8:20pm - Lecture/Video Presentation '"Roots & Rhythms of House Music" * Food Vendors: Kafe' InterNational and...William Nate Smith (selling Fish Nuggets). Local vendors as well. Call 948-3583 for $10 Tickets. Pre-sale tickets get 1 free ticket into 50/50 split
Buffalo Filmmaker ‘s Work Accepted into Pan African Film Festival Addison Henderson of Buffalo and Knuckle City Productions is proud to announce that the company’s feature documentary, “The Experience,” was accepted into the 2012 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles! Shot in Ghana, West Africa, The Experience is a global story about understanding who we really are. This personal story follows five individuals in search of the buried history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Watch the trailer for The Experience at www.knowyouridentity.org Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/myidentitytourLike us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Know-YourIdentity/261105726554
Black Inventors Exhibit
The Buffalo African American Museum Committee is hosting an exhibit of inventions by African American inventors at The Lutheran Church of our Savior 26 Brunswick Ave. at 1 p.m. February 19. Everyone is invited to see this comprehensive collection compiled by Roberts Gainer and Charlene Atwood. For more information call Clifford Bell at 884-42333.
GROOM ZONE / GAME TIME continued
cally helps youth build positive relationships as well as master the art of barbering. Onsite experienced barbers will introduce New Age Barbering with Old Age Appeal. “Our team of experts is taking it beyond the clippers and scissors! We are taking it back to basics to improve the old barbershop practice. The Groom Zone is committed to reinforcing traditional standards of grooming and the mentoring Program will teach the methods that are necessary to cultivate personal client relationships. “All our services are based on respect and understanding your client; the young, the old and all those in between. Skills taught will include the art of listening, knowing your clientele and being able to communicate effectively. -The Zone to Experience Schools, foundations, businesses or individuals interested in more information about Game Time Experience Birthday Parties or School Field Trips, or the Adult Mentoring Program or if you would like to “Sponsor a Child,” please call 716.939-3149. “Our objective is simply to provide a new outlet for our youth to engage in the activity they like the most,” reads the statement from Progression Unlimited. “We will use that opportunity as a vehicle to implement the concept of “Entertain to Educate” in order to do our share, to save our children.
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FEBRUARY 15, 2012
“Beings of an Inferior Order…With No Rights a White Man is Bound to Respect.”
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hat was how Chief Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney clarified the historic status of Blacks in America as he and the other eight justices rendered the famous D r e d S c o t t Sabirah Decision Muhammad in 1857. The travesty of the Neal Mack civil trial is only the most recent local example of this firmly entrenched mindset, not just among judges and police, but among the general population that makes up America’s juries. In the Mack case, 5 white jurors out voted 1 black one to declare that police should not be held accountable for what a judge had already determined was a false arrest and prosecution. Many of us in the community witnessed the aftermath of the repeated violent beatings Mack received, as well as the suffering and persecution of his son, who is his namesake. We’ll never forget the helpless desperation in the painful testimony of Wesley Mack, 22 at the time: “Everyone was hitting my father. I asked my brother to call the police - but they were the police. There was no one else to call.” In 1995, side-by-side visuals of whites’ and blacks’ reactions to the OJ Simpson verdict underscored the two completely different Americas that we live in. This week, Dateline NBC aired a special on the conviction of JJ Velazquez, sentenced to 25 years to life for murder, without any physical evidence, just questionable eye-witness testimony. At the time of this writing, Howard Morgan, a Black man, is on trial in Chicago for attempted murder and aggravated battery. Morgan is a former Chicago policeman and was a senior railroad patrolman in 2005, licensed to carry a firearm. Reportedly,
police stopped Mr. Morgan on his way home from work because his headlights weren’t on. If you’re black, you already have chills up your spine, because you know how the notorious “traffic stop” for black men often ends up with them arrested, beaten mercilessly or in the morgue. You already know how often the proverbial “traffic stop” is a fabricated ruse for prosecuting the crime of “Driving While Black.” If you’re black, you know that a white motorist would have been admonished courteously that his lights were out, and all parties would have gone home to dinner. Not Howard Morgan, and not many more of our brothers before or since. Howard Morgan ended up being shot 28 times by 4 white policemen, who claimed he fired on them with his weapon, though none of them was shot. The officers charged him with attempted murder, despite the fact that 21 of their bullets hit him in the back. When Morgan survived the shooting, he was handcuffed to his hospital bed for six months while he suffered from his horrific injuries. How many more? How many more on the endless list with Neal Mack, Cariol Horne, Valentino Dixon, John Walker, Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, Abner Louima, Rodney King, Mumia Abu Jamal, and JJ Valezquez? What will it take for us as a family to realize that in 2012 in America, we are regarded as “beings of an inferior order…with no rights a white man is bound to respect?” What will it take for us to unite to stop the suffering? Let’s consider some cold, hard facts about the reality of being black in America. Police organizations began as slave patrols. They still are. White men who hunted blacks once delivered them to plantations, and now they deliver them to prisons, where the vast majority of incarcerated are black and brown. Af-
ter the 2009 shooting of a 73 year old black man in Homer Louisiana, the Vice President of the town’s NAACP stated: “People here are afraid of the police. They harass black people, they stop people for no reason and rough them up without charging them with anything.” The response of Russell Mills, the white police chief? “ That is how it should be. If I see three or four young black men walking down the street, I have to stop them and check their names. I want them to be afraid every time they see the police that they might get arrested.” (Will the real terrorists please stand up)? The conspiracy to feed the new plantations is vast, encompassing our first breaths to our last. From the mysterious “Vitamin K” shot in the newborn’s heel, to the poison we call “infant formula,” to the chemical lobotomies known as vaccines, to the occupied public schools (the killing fields), where 3rd grade reading scores are used to determine future prison space, our enemies have us from the cradle to the grave. There is no status, no financial standing, or intellectual positioning that spares us from the mind of white supremacy. Howard Morgan was a law enforcement official. “Skip” Gates is a renowned college professor, and Barack Obama is the president of the country. Do you know what racist whites call black people who are supremely skilled, educationally astute, markedly accomplished, eminently qualified, and beautifully refined and cultured? Niggas. Whether 1857 or 2012, to a substantial amount of Americans, Morgan was a nigger cop, Gates is a nigger professor, and Obama is a nigger president…something that was underscored when he produced his nigger papers. When advertising the Dateline special, commentators quoted the oft- repeated company line (in the usual mocking tone) that everybody in
Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “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
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prison claims to be innocent. Why do we regard that claim with such mocking disbelief? Why do we act as if the Neal Macks and the John Walkers and the Valentino Dixons are anomalies- rare cases where a miscarriage of justice has taken place? Statisticians say that at least 10,000 people are wrongfully convicted every year. That’s 100,000 people every 10 years! The next time an incarcerated soul tells you he or she is innocent, you should be just as likely to believe them as to disbelieve them. Once there, the innocent are subjected to the same loss of human dignity, and high incidences of repeated physical assaults, rapes and murders as the “guilty,” while most of us look the other way. What will it take to stop the mass incarcerations? Unity. What will it take to stop the killing? Unity. What will it take to stop the killers? Unity. In October of 1995, nearly two million black men joined hands on the Washington Mall, formally accepting their own responsibility for our families and broader community. In 2005, the Honorable Louis Farrakhan called for Millions More in order to keep the promise, understanding that our unity is more powerful than an atomic bomb. The Millions More Movement is here. We meet at the PrattWillert Community Center (422 Pratt Street) every Thursday evening at 7pm. You are invited to join us. The brothers of WBLK’s Griot Nation have got it right. Love of self begins with a knowledge of self. –But there are two more essential ingredients lacking in our collective consciousness: a knowledge of “other than self,” (our open enemy), and a knowledge of the time…our time…which has come. Up you mighty nation! You may contact the Millions More Movement at (716) 819-6732.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
EDITORIAL Reflecltion on the Status of Education... By Kat Massey
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ften in the limelight, low percentage graduation rates are concerning. But, thankfully, they are not quite as dismal when the additional students who are graduating outside the customary 4-year timeframe are accounted for. The delay is significantly due to the weight of escalating mandatory Regents subjects. Also, some students are receiving GED’s. There are State-mandated plans, in the works, to address the Buffalo public schools that are designated as consistently low performing. Remedy solutions include moving half of the teachers and having selected private entities (i.e., colleges, businesses) assume the superintendent’s role. Unfortunately, the Teflon-coated Board of Regents and its commissioner appear proficient in producing orders but they are deficient in providing clarity and guidance for the implementation. With all of the experts they consulted for raising test scores, it seems they should have a reference tool or go-to guru to assist struggling school districts in their turn-around efforts. (Of course, it’s understood the school districts, rightfully, have to make decisions individually tailored for their students.) Perhaps I missed the information. I haven’t heard anything in the uplift movements recommending reinstatement of the “local diploma,” as an alternative to the Regents diploma. Continued Page 12
The Afrikan Orgin of Egyptian Civilization By Ronald R. Draffin Part II Conclusion
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he “calendar circle” was constructed on the Tropic of Cancer with stones depicting the three stars of Orion’s belt (Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka) which would have been directly above the stones at spring and autumn equinox sunrise. Using sky mapping technology archeo-astronomers have determined the “calendar circle” must have been built prior to 11,000 B.C. and probably (going back another precessional cycle) as far back as 36,000 B.C. The megalithic structures at Nabta Playa (pictured) have yet to be fully excavated but for me the implications of what is now known are Earth shattering! The evidence points to Sub-Saharan Afrikans beginning the counting of time itself! Which leads to the Zodiac, calendars, maps, astronomy, mathematics, science, etc… And with the focal point (anchor) being Sirius and Orion which megalithic sites all over the world seem to have copied, then implies those same Sub-Saharan Afrikans are the direct source for all megalithic sites oriented to the stars. Scholars for centuries have been baffled by the fact that the further they go back in Egyptian history the more perfect the civilization as if it had no beginning. The discovery of Nabta Playa shows the long preparations made by our Sub-Saharan ancestors, when monsoon rains still filled the playa basin, to meticulously design their future Egypt to accurately reflect what they viewed of the heavens giving birth to the Hermetic axiom “As Above, So Below.”
• 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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FEBRUARY 15, 2012
bidS
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids
Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids
Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Plant Services and School Planning – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Thursday, MARCH 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM, proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROJECT 11045 Elevator Reconstruction P.S. 304 – Hutchinson Tech High School 256 South Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201
Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Plant Services and School Planning – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for:
Beginning Monday, FEBRUARY 13, 2012, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at http://www. avalonbuff-planroom.com , under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-9957777. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Trautman Associates, 716-883-4400. A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough and conference will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2012. The Architect will be present. All bidders will assemble at the rear entrance to P.S. 304 – Hutchinson Tech High School. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities ADVERTISING DATE: Monday, February 13, 2012
REFLECTION ON EDUCATION continued
In 2009, Dr. Williams (former superintendent) urged the public to lobby for the return of the long-time system in which students could earn either one. He said its termination is partly responsible for the depressed graduation rates. (conclusion next week)
advertising pays. advertising@thechallengernews.com
Project: 12-01 Vinyl Wall Covering and Related Work Buffalo Public School #12 Central Registration Center 33 Ash Street Buffalo, New York 14204 Beginning Tuesday, February 14, 2012, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at http://www.avalonbuffplanroom.com , under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-995-7777. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Deborah A. Dennis-Young, 716-816-3525. A mandatory pre-bid walk thru will be held at P.S. #12 on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 3:00 P.M.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
employment Dietetics and Nutrition Lecturer Buffalo State College, Lecturer, Dietetics and Nutrition Department, to begin fall 2012. Excellent professional environment and fringe benefits. Competitive salary. Responsibilities: Instruction of a variety of undergraduate courses in the didactic and coordinated programs in dietetics including clinical instruction; participation in department and college activities such as committee work and student advisement; participation in ongoing curriculum development and evaluation; participation in scholarly, creative, and community activities. Note: Appointment is contingent on budget availability. Required Qualifications: Master's degree in nutrition or related field, RD, three (3) years or more of experience in clinical dietetics practice including practice in acute care, intensive care, and nutrition support, ability to communicate effectively for the essential job functions of the position. CDN required upon appointment. Preferred Qualifications: Ability to work collaboratively with others, college teaching experience, and clinical preceptor experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for this job posting online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.
Paul McDonnell, AIA, Director of Facilities
Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Board of Education – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 10:30A.M., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROJECT 080-0041 P.S. 80 HIGHGATE HEIGHTS EXTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION AND RELATED WORK ROOF REPLACEMENT 600 HIGHGATE AVENUE BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14215 Also sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Board of Education – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 11:00A.M., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROJECT 080-0042 P.S. 80 HIGHGATE HEIGHTS EXTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION AND RELATED WORK WINDOWS, MASONRY, AND PLASTER REPAIR 600 HIGHGATE AVENUE BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14215 Beginning Monday, February 13, 2012, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at http:// www.avalonbuff-planroom.com , under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-995-7777. There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference walkthrough for both projects at the school on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Brian Swartz, 716-816-3659. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities ADVERTISING DATE: 2/13/12
Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.
Buffalo Challenger bidS Size: 2 (4”) x 4.5” COUNTY OF ERIE Issue: 2/16 NOTICE TO BIDDERS D/L: 2/9 OF SIX COUNTY BRIDGES Price: PAINTING $171.00 PROJECT NO. FA-PAINTING-12
LOCALLY ADMINISTERED FEDERAL AID PROJECT 5759.60
The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for painting six steel bridges. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room 1419, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., March 1, 2012. Bid deposit of $40,000.00 required. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set from February 9, 2012 through bid date. Prelet meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2012 10:00 a.m. at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room 1419, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY. Bid submittal details are on the Erie County website at: www. erie.gov/bidproposals.asp
medical
Thyroid Problems?
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FEBRUARY 15, 2012
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
APPLIANCES
BEAUTY/IMAGE
Future Cool Reconditioned Appliances 357 Vermont St. 240-2881 * 912-2966
Robin Gibson, Consultant (716) 444-6773 www.ardysslife.com/robin
ATTORNEYS James P. Davis 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 855-7611 Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905 Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612
CAFE’S
EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048
CLOTHING Level’s Apparel & Footwear 1455 Kensington (716) 832-0284
CHILD CARE Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716) 238-1455
Daria L. Pratcher 136 Broadway (716) 541-8574
My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800
AUTOMOTIVE
COFFEE SHOPS
Automotive Battery & Tire 3218 Bailey Ave. (816) 838-0263
Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770
Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910 First Klass Muffler & Brake 779 Genesee St. (716) 362-0450
BANKS Citizens Bank NA 414 Main St. Chiquita Rodgers 855-2532
DELI / VARIETY STORES Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704
DJ’S
Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson (716) 464-6794 Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592
EATERIES The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009 West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey (716) 507-2329 Tomatoes 1393 Kensington (716) 835-3663
FINANCIAL Albert C. Erni, CRPC Merrill Lynch * 716-849-2009
HAIR SALONS Althea / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000 Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. (715) 995-3450 Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. 835-2036 Everything Beauty Salon & Spa 156 Elmwood Ave. 939-3355
2250 Main St. (716) 833-2250 More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. (716) 886-7960 Peaches & Keys Unisex 883 Jefferson * 603-6506 Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250 Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663 Studio U Hair Loft 894-8737
HAIR SUPPLY Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan (716) 892-5821 Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247
HEATING & COOLING Don “The Furnace Guy” (716) 465-2411 Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 8332463
HOME IMPROVEMENT
DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358
Key Bank/South Campus Terrence A. McKelvey, CFP 3586 Main St. * 871-4260
Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561
Franklins Interior / Exterior Concepts 105 Commonwealth (716) 235-8818
DOG TRAINING
BARBER SHOPS
Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163
Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 563-1734
Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones* (716) 9035320
Queen of New York 2868 Bailey
INSURANCE
KLASSIC KUTS 1471 Kensington 836-3260 MASTER TOUCH 1283 E. Delavan 570-7234 / 846-5956 PRECISION CUTZ 87 Cleveland Dr. 603-1477 THE BARBERSHOP 2516 Bailey (716) 464-SHOP
BEAUTY/IMAGE Hazel Harris (716) 573-5240 elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com
EATERIES AJ Jamaican Kitchen 209 Massachusetts Ave. 886-9555 Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 3819308 Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore (716) 597-0755
(716) 602-8662 Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880 Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. 308-4873 Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321
LIQUORS & WINES Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * (716) 884-4066 One Mo Shot Liquors 2612 Bailey * (716) 464-3299
MEDICAL Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. (716) 837-0995 Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122
PHONE SERVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan (716) 551-0304
PHOTOGRAPHY Princess Photography (716) 563-0994 Love Well Lifestyle Imaging Info@Love-Well.Com 430-8645
REAL ESTATE Modeste Real Estate Josephine Latifa (716) 704-0685
TAILORS F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742 F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633
Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212
TAX SERVICE
Geico 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd. (716) 832-3253
L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904
Hopkins Insurance 1193 Jefferson (716)-886-8880
TOWING Ron’s Towing & Recovery (716) 892-2282
Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty
ADD YOUR
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• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
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NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
NUMBERS
SUN 2/5
MON 2/6
TUES 2/7
WED 2/8
THURS 2/9
FRI 2/10
SAT 2/11
MID-438 MID- 834 MID-193 MID- 474 MID-282 MID-443 MID-983 EVE-653 EVE-556 EVE- 857 EVE-137 EVE-580 EVE-641 EVE-936
MID - 1864 MID- 5003 MID-2362 MID-1922 MID- 5939 MID-1670 MID-5420
WIN 4 TAKE 5
LOTTO
HOT TIPS
EVE- 0241
EVE- 0608
EVE-1868
4-11-14-19-31 1-2-14-15-31 22-28-31-33-38
443
123
Zakiyyah’s Run Down 562-670-106-860-103-657-748-905-198-
657-648-920-907-546-986-676-198
Billy Bye Bye Sez:
If you dream of your MOTHER Your number should be 562. If you dream of MONEY PLAY 365; TRAMP 615; Rabbit 301; turkey 221 and preacher 330!
February Monthly Vibrations 333-891-145-549-096-326-437-228-252-202-
EVE-0539
10-16-21-32-34
EVE- 8647 EVE-4180
4-5-14-22-30
14-15-20-36-34 1-14-22-25-33
12-13-19-22-47-48#49
202
588
MA RUTH Winter
998-012-213 443-514-910-102648-515-907
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
THE NUMBER BOOK 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 grandma’s Febuary pixs
235-409509-776123-189
Grandma’s 4-Way MyWay
6789-1917-54689558-6657-5611
EVE-3648
2-18-29-38-46-59#49
335
888
435
BUFFALO BETTY IF YOU WERE BORN IN... January - 571 * February - 103 * March - 155 April - 267 * May - 931 * June 817 * July - 720 Augus - 315 * September - 521 * October - 600 November - 729 * December 508
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. @5 p.m. Tues. Thurs. “Community Dance and Drumming Classes.” Visit www.africanamericancultural.org. El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera 91 Allen St. 8849693.wwwfolkloric.org. Mon through Wed: “Dance Classes with Folkloric Productions Dance Co.” Includes meditation and yoga 912-8754. 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. Comedy 2nd Cup 36 Broadway 840-0048. 7p.m. Thurs. “A2nd Cup of Comedy Show. Every second and fourth
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
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Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Events Calendar Wednesday February 15 Mayor Brown’s 2012 State of the City Address: 12:45 p.m.; Buffalo Convention Center
Flowers & Plants of the Bible Their Meaning and Their Symbolism: 12 noon; First Presbyterian Church, One Symphony Circle; cost $7; for more info call 929-5759. What’s Going on at the Holding Center: 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson; call 834-8438 or email karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org.
see you at the EVENTS
Film Screening “A Good Day to Die:” 7 p.m.; Burning Books, 420 Connecticut St.; $5 suggested donation. Thursday February 16 Voices in Victory Mini Concert for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2012: 6 p.m.; Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson; free and open to the public.
Saturday February 18 House Music and Dance Exhibition: 8 p.m.-midnight; Artspace, 1219 Main St.; tickets $10; call 948-3583 for more info. Muhammad Mosque #23 Presents: Saviors’ Day Pioneer Tribute Celebration: 6 p.m.; Elim Fellowship Hall, 70 Chalmers, Central Park Plaza.
Friday February 17
Monday February 20
Celebrating Diversity Songs of African-American Composers: 7:30 p.m.; Westminster Presbyterian Church, 724 Delaware Ave.; tickets $10; for more info call 882-1692
Images of Belize: an AVP project: 7-9 p.m.; Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Ave.; for more info www.lascwyn.org or www. wnypeace.org
Thursday February 23 Just Buffalo Literary Center: Literary Legacy Awards Dinner Ausbury Hall: 6:30 p.m. hors d’oeuvers; 7 p.m.; dinner; 341 Delaware Ave.; for tickets or more info call 832-5400. Friday February 24 Black Tie for Black History: 7-10 p.m.; The Tralf; tickets $25 @ Ticketmaster, Tralf Box office, Doris Records.
Fosdick Masten Graduates Sought Attention Readers. Fosdick Masten graduates from 1962 to 1966 are being sought for a September 2012 class reunion. Please call 832-3517 if interested.
American Legion Post Looking for Youth to JoinMajorette Team Jesse Clipper Post 430 is looking for youth between the ages of 5-15yrs old to participate on our Majorette Team. The youth will be professionally trained to march with our Post in Parades and other events in the area. Registration will be held 6-7pm every Thursday at the Pratt-Willert Center, 422 Pratt Street between Genesee and Sycamore Streets. Please contact Commander Janet
Smith at (716)578-7933 if you need further information or have any questions.
Gospel Concert/ Chinese Auction
ALL THAT JAZZ: Residents of Trinity Towers on Linwood Avenue were treated to the annual Jazz Concert Feb. 4, featuring Pappy Martin and the Love Supreme. Don Williams a resident there, has been organizing the concert for the last five years. Among those pictured above, Judy Ales, secretary of Trinity Towers Assn., Don and his wife Rose and daughter Dalisha Williams, Dave Costner, president of the Trinity Towers Assn., Pappy Martin on bass, Greg Tredwell on keyboard, and the golden voice of Craig Brown of Niagara Falls on vocals. A good time was had by all.
A Gospel Concert and Chinese Auction to benefit for the late Zenobia Hamilton Williams will be held Feb. 17 at the Doris Jones Family Resource Center, 3001 9th St. Niagara Falls, NY. From 6-9 p.m. The donation is $10 and $12 @ door. There will be refreshments, 50/50 entertainment. Zenobia was killed in hit and run accident. Funds are to help increase the thousand dollar reward. Donations can be sent to key bank c/o Reward for Zenobia Williams.
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• FEBRUARY 15, 2012 Challenger Community News •
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