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Catching Up With “Tha Gift” It’s been more than a year since I last saw the poet Tha Gift aka Nate Taylor. As far as his poetic license is concerned, he has completed his latest project, Shattered Dreams, that centers on Mahogany’s journey through life via prostitution and released a CD, Five Pieces which is laced with a modern a capella version of a Loose Ends group-vibe. He has performed his spoken word performances at Rochester City Hall and is completing an all-male calendar for the company, Booty Doo. These days, he is splitting his time between Rochester and other coasts. A fan of poets Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe, and Maya Angelou, the 35-year-old artist is now testing his acting chops in a new movie with actor Joshua MARSHA Jackson. “I like to call this my year of JONES recovery,” he says. The film follows the journey of a rich boy who is hot headed, funny but very aggressive and savvy. The film will start shooting next year on New York City beaches. “I was a little nervous at the auditions, “he explains. “This was unfamiliar territory for me. I play a guy named Dominic and had to do scenes with a lot of different people.” Currently, he is taking acting lessons to help him improve his skills. “I live by the three D’s: determination, discipline, and diligence,” he continues. When I’m on point completely, I’m focused. I’ve been doing Spoken Word for 2 1/2 years. And gained a fan base very fast. I know I have a destiny and I want it to go far.” When asked how he got the nickname, Tha Gift, Taylor replies, “The name Nathaniel is Hebrew for the gift that God has given.” “The last two years seemed to go slow for me, but now things are beginning to move.” Taylor, who describes himself as self-educated, attended Edison Tech. He can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube. His e-mail is knowthygift@gmail.com. His website will be up in a few weeks. Check this brother out!
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
A Season for Nonviolence Focuses on around town Youth Outreach in Rochester More than 100 Young People to Participate in Youth Activist Movement
James Mamba McCuller
“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.”
February 8: Bridging Gaps Between Community & Service. Keynote Speaker: Adrian SmallsMCC Brighton Campus 1000 E. Henrietta Rd, Info: 292-2269 February 17 Black History Month Dinner Sponsored by #29 School 9 a.m. 88 Kirkland Road.Free. Sunday, February 12 Black Film Festival at WXXI: The Story of Daisy Bates. Free. 1 p.m. Panel discussion follows film with panelist Dr. David Anderson, Nate Brown, and Marsha Jones. 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.
A Raisin In The Sun
Celebrate Black History
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Geva Theatre Center’s 20112012 Season continues with Lorraine Hansberry’s classic play, A Raisin in the Sun, which begins performances on February 21 and runs in the Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage through March 25.Geva first produced A Raisin in the Sun directed by Woodie King, Jr. during the 1977-78 Season, the cast included a young Samuel L. Jackson playing the role of Joseph Asagai.
From February to April, youth from the Greater Rochester area will have opportunities to attend lectures and events that share the nonviolent practices taught by Mohandas K. Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during A Season for Nonviolence. While many of the Season’s events are open to all community members, this year’s campaign has a special focus on empowering youth to adopt nonviolent tools and share what they’ve learned with their families and friends. Planned by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at the University of Rochester, along with a host of community partners, A Season for Nonviolence is the nationally celebrated 64-day period between the memorial anniversaries of the assassinations of Mohandas K. Gandhi on Jan. 30 and of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4. Launched in 1998 at the United Nations, the Season is a time to reflect upon the nonviolent practices of Gandhi and King. This year, Rochester will be one of almost 900 communities to participate. New this year is the Youth Activist Movement, which brings more than 100 students from the city of Rochester and its outlying suburbs together to train in nonviolence principles and practices. Throughout the season, the Youth Activists will have the opportunity to meet one-onone with invited guests the Rev. James Lawson, members of the Foundation Movement, and Paul Chappel. “We’re hoping to connect the youth to the spirited actions
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.
that are happening around the world and in our own community,” said Kit Miller, director of the Gandhi Institute. Also new this year, a partnership with the Ad Council of Rochester and Jay Advertising, which will launch a community impact campaign, helping to spread the message of peace and nonviolence throughout the Rochester community. Among the events planned for the 2012 Season is an address by the Rev. James Lawson, a colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. The lecture, which begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church (141 Adams St., Rochester), will open with a screening of a segment of A Force More Powerful, a film that looks at how nonviolence campaigns have been effective in creating change throughout history. The film will be followed by a lecture by Lawson, who was a leading theoretician and tactician of nonviolence during the
1960s, working with King to launch sit-ins, boycotts, and other nonviolence protests. A popular event during the 2011 Season, the traveling art exhibit “Americans Who Tell the Truth” will again be on display at the Central Library Link Gallery. The 2012 Season ends with a lecture by Paul Chappel, a nationally recognized peace activist, West Point graduate, and veteran of the Iraq war, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at the Interfaith Chapel on the University of Rochester’s River Campus. ideas on the impact of war on society. On Saturday, March 24, A Season for Nonviolence is sponsored by the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at the University of Rochester. A full list of events can be found at http://bethechangerochester.org/events-calendar/.
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• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
“Saving Black Boys”
WNY AREA BRIEFS
Black Fraternities and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America are in a Mentoring Partnership to change the odds for AfricanAmerican boys. Local Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County to utilize new website resource to recruit mentors.
JOB FAIR
“Unoccupied” Buffalo...
The 4 month old Occupy Buffalo camp that began on October 1st of 2011 has come to an abrupt end. Buffalo police showed up in force last night and gave the protesters the choice of leaving peacefully or be arrested. A majority of the occupy movement left as directed but a few stood their ground and were cuffed and taken to jail.
HEAP Access Site Erie County Legislator Timothy R. Hogues (D-Buffalo) is announcing that a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) community access site will be conducted from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, February 14, at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 179 East Ferry Street, Buffalo.
Young Miss Buffalo Pageant Seeks 2012 Contestants The Young Miss Buffalo Pageant Scholarship & Enrichment Program is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Young Miss Buffalo Pageant. The mission of the pageant is to empower young ladies to reach beyond their own comfort zones through a process of healthy nurturing from the inside out. The pageant is open to any young lady who is:13-17 years of age, a resident of the City of Buffalo and surrounding areas, a student in middle or high school and, a citizen of the U.S. or legal resident The deadline for applications is February 10, 2012. Applications should be submitted with a photocopy of birth certificate; most recent copy of report card; and proof of address. To download an application or more information about the pageant,go to www.ymbp. org. Ashley Whiteside, 15, is the reigning Young Miss Buffalo 2011. She is a student at the Frederick Olmsted School and is the daughter of O’cie and Cassandra WalkerWhiteside.
A-Plus Home Health Care Agency, LLC and the WNY Black Chamber of Commerce will conduct a Job Fair at Ephesus Ministries Fellowship Hall, 80 Durham Avenue from 10AM – 3PM on Saturday, February 11. Applications will be accepted for RN’s, LPN’s, HHA’s, and PCA’s. Home Health Care enables Senior Citizens to be able to stay in their homes instead of being forced to go to nursing homes! Please Call The Black Chamber at 995-0622 for more information.
Local Student Delivers Black History Oratory at City Hall The City of Buffalo Common Council celebrated Black History Month at its regular meeting tomorrow, February 7, with University District student, Randi Noble, as the guest speaker. Randi is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at St. John the Baptist School. She is an active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she is an usher and sings in several choirs. Randi also dances at the David D. Marie Studio.
Buffalo – Niagara Falls and Rochester Ranked Among Nation’s Worst in Racial and Ethnic Equality WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Urban Institute’s MetroTrends research team has created an interactive report card on racial and ethnic equity in the nation’s top 100 metropolitan areas. The report card scores metros on five factors: residential segregation, neighborhood affluence, public school quality, employment, and homeownership. Buffalo Niagara-Falls was graded “f” overall in all the above categories, raking at the very bottom of the list at #99 Rochester, faring a bit better, was rankied number#92 on the list, but also received an “f” in all categories.
Celebrate
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B Captain Dennis Muhammad
Captain Dennis Muhammad to Keynote Saviours Day Pioneer Tribute and Awards Event Muhammad’s Mosque #23 will host a Saviour’s Day Pioneer Tribute Awards Celebration on Saturday, February 18 at 6 p.m. at Elim Fellowship Hall, 70 Chalmers Ave in Central Park Plaza. Tickets are $25. The keynote address will be delivered by Captain Dennis Muhammad. A former leader in the local Nation of Islam here, and currently a captain in the Nation of Islam, Mr. Muhammad is the founder of the ENOTA (Educating Neighborhoods to Obey Those in Authority) Project, Inc., a company that specializes in improving relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Honorees include Ora-Lee Khalid Lewis-Delgado, Sandy Muhammad, Romeo Muhammad, Minister Robert J. X, Carol Hawkins, and Maryann Hawkins. A special Pioneer Award will go to Sis. Barbara Dennis of M.O.T.I.C. for her tireless work and consistent efforts on behalf of Mother of Those in Crisis. Musical entertainment will be provided by Will Holton, Oscar Alston, Henri Muhammad and the MSOM chamber orchestra. For tickets and information call 816-5167 or 830-2371 or 570-3885.
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.
BLACK
HISTORY
ig Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and its African American fraternity partners marked National Mentoring Month (January) and Martin Luther King Day of Service with the launch of Mentoring Brothers in Action, Phase II of their two-year collaborative partnership. The goal of the program is to engage more African American men in fraternal, social, faith-based and professional organizations to get involved in one-to-one mentoring to change the odds for African American boys. A unique website, www. MentoringBrothers.org, will enable African American men to help dramatically change the odds for African American boys across the nation. Initially developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) as an African American male mentor recruitment tool, the revamped MentoringBrothers.org will serve as the nation’s central source mentoring resources. Big Brothers Big Sisters
of America (BBBSA) expects Mentoring Brothers in Action to create new and broader pathways to provide mentors for African American boys who disproportionately represent children waiting to be matched with Big Brothers. Local BBBSA affiliate, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County (BBSEC), has provided services to children for over 40 years. The organization carefully screens volunteer mentors and then matches them in long-term, professionally supported mentoring relationships with children who are facing adversity. The established national partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will help BBBSA to find new mentors. As part of the 2012 action plan among the partners, the fraternity chapters are being asked to team with their local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency to host “friendraisers,” barbershop recruitment drives, participate in the
Attica Guards Assault Trial Date Set for Buffalo City Court The trial for four Attica Correctional Officers for a premeditated, brutal gang assault which left Black inmate George Williams, 29, severely wounded has been set for Feb.28 in Buffalo City Court. On August 9, four Attica CO’s conspired to attack Williams on CBlock. They approached Williams and beat him brutally, breaking two of his legs, his collarbone and inflicting other injuries. He was transported to Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw.The inmate was transferred to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, where he underwent surgery. He is still recovering from the injuries. The officers then fabricated false incident reports, in which they claimed that the inmate had himself prompted the attack, was in possession of a knife, and that the officers were trying to subdue and control him. Each of these facts later came out to be entirely false. Thus, the charges against the four- Keith Swack, 37, of Corfu; Sean Warner, 37, of Belfast; Matthew Rademacher, 29, of Wyoming and Erik Hibsch, 28, of Gainesville - include: First Degree Gang Assault ; Conspiracy to Commit Gang Assault ; two counts of Tampering with Evidence ; and Official Misconduct . Williams was convicted of larceny for stealing jewelry from two Manhattan stores in 2008 and 2009. He was serving a sentence of two to four years. Though this assault has made its way (though minimally) to the public eye, it is by no means particular. Assaults on inmates are frequent, and the racism embedded within Attica’s Prison Administration is pervasive. As noted by Soffiyah Elijah, Executive Director of Correctional Association of NY: “Attica today has alarmingly high levels of violence and abuse. Force and threats are still very much the norm. The environment of fear and intimidation inside the prison can be seen in the prisoners’ downwardcast eyes and tense body language, consistent with a person suffering from abuse. Widespread racism, one of the principal complaints of Attica prisoners in 1971, remains among the most serious concerns of Attica prisoners in 2011. From prisoner-staff relations to housing Continued Page 15
Big Brother: Volunteer Big Brother Edward Jackson and his Little Brother Demitrius at a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County match event. Edward is a member of the Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. located in Buffalo.
agency’s Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser, or to coordinate other efforts that have been successful throughout the mentoring network to engage more African American men from their local community in mentoring. In 2010, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County established the Big Mirror Initiative. The Big Mirror Initiative committee is dedicated to increasing the ethnic diversity of the program’s local Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Currently, 80% of the children on the waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister reside in the City of Buffalo and 84% identify themselves as either African American or Latino. To find mentors for these children, the initiative committee launched a media campaign in September that featured local African American Big Brothers and Big Sisters in outdoor and radio advertisements, as well as, monthly mentor highlights in The Challenger. “Our committee looks forward to increasing the number of African American mentors by working with the local chapters of these African American fraternities, as well as, African American sororities, social, faith-based and professional organizations,” said Christine Farrow, BBBSEC Board Member, Big Mirror Initiative Chair and Big Sister mentor. “As a former Little Sister and a current Big Sister volunteer mentor, I can personally attest to the power of mentoring. I enjoy being a role model to my Little Sister and providing her with same encouragement and support that I received as a Little Sister and that she needs to reach her full potential.” For more information about getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County and the Big Mirror Initiative visit,www.bigmirror.org or contact Edward Jackson or Alicia Bartsch at bigs@beafriend.org or 716/873-5833.
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NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL BlackAgendaReport
Protesters Say NO to War Against Iran! Anti-war organizations from across the United States and 6 other countries came together on Saturday, Feb. 4, to protest the rising crescendo of threats against Iran. In more than 30 states and 80 cities, large and small, groups joined forces to raise four key demands.The corporate media have been reporting for weeks that the Israeli regime is weighing an attack on Iran aimed at dismantling its nuclear program. Yet even former U.S. intelligence officers point out that Iran’s nuclear development is entirely peaceful; it is not building any nuclear weapons.
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Obama to Face Increased Black Criticism “I think we are going to hear more voices of opposition coming from all sectors of Black leadership, and certainly from the most hard pressed sections of the Black population,” said Dr. Tony Monteiro, professor of African American Studies at Temple University, in Philadelphia. “The decline and disappearance of the Black middle class is not going to go unnoticed.” Seventy-four percent of Blacks see the split between rich and poor as “a manifestation of a deep class conflict in society,” said Dr. Monteiro, citing recent studies by the Pew Center for Research. “You’ve got this residual radicalism, from the period of mass struggle, civil rights and anti-war activism that is manifested in Black identification with socialism. But then when it comes to Obama, everything gets irrational.” Fifty-five percent of African Americans have a positive attitude towards the word “socialism.” Black Unemployed In Worse Shape Than When Recession ‘Ended’ Black joblessness is higher today than it was in June 2009,
the month when the recession was officially declared over, said Dr. Steven Pitts, of the University of California at Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. Black unemployment was 15.8 percent in December, 2011, compared to 14.9 percent in June, 2009. The Center’s annual report on Black unemployment showed virtually “no movement” in 2011, standing at 15.7 percent at the beginning of the year and ending at 15.8. However, “the Black female rate rose and the Black male rate fell.” Rulers Will Use Race to Exploit Crisis Author and labor activist Jeffrey Perry, writing in Cultural Logic magazine, said “we are moving into a very deep and serious crisis” in which ruling circles in U.S. society can be expected to turn increasingly to white supremacist appeals. “Reliance on white supremacy has been the key to social control for the U.S. ruling class,” said Perry. “Newt Gingrich is the most outspoken.” Perry’s article focuses on the views of Hubert Harrison, a Harlem Black nationalist and socialist of the early 20th century, and Theodore W. Allen, famous
ATTENTION ROOFERS: The chemicals found in coal tar and coal tar products are powerful causes of cancer. Workers who tended roofer’s kettles or carried buckets of hot coal tar pitch for application on roofing surfaces are also at risk for developing cancer due to their exposure to coal tar pitch. Individuals suffering from cancer as a result of working in roofing construction, may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
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FEBRUARY 8, 2012
for his book The Invention of the White Race. Food Stamps Enjoy Wide Support “Until now,” said Timothy Casey, senior counsel of Legal Momentum, “food stamps have enjoyed strong, bipartisan support.” However, recent attacks by Newt Gingrich and “calls in the House by some Republican leaders to ‘reform’ food stamps” by turning them into block grants “could lead to a sharp reduction in the benefits people receive,” said Casey. Amnesty International: Blacks Killed, Tortured in Libya Sanjeev Bery, Amnesty International USA’s Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said Black people have been subjected to “abductions, torture, unfair detention” and extrajudicial killings by U.S.-backed militias in Libya. The abuses stem from “wildly exaggerated rumors” that former Libyan leader Gaddafi employed large numbers of Black mercenaries, said Bery. Those rumors “intersected with pre-existing racism and xenophobia to make many dark-skinned Libyans, as well as sub-Saharan African” into targets of local gunmen. Bery was interviewed by Robert Knight, of Pacifica radio station WBAI, in New York. Panther Baby, Dr. Jamal Joseph’s memoir on coming of age in the Black Panther Party, debuts in February. Dr. Joseph, an associate professor at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, was the youngest member of the New York 21, Panther Party members who were charged in 1969 – and later acquitted – of plotting to bomb public places.
Obama Speaks Out on First Lady’s Treatment
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama says one of the toughest parts about being president is that his wife has been dragged into the “political realm.”Obama was responding to a question in an ABC interview about how he felt when Michelle Obama said she has been inaccurately portrayed as an “angry Black woman.” While the president did not address that comment specifically, he says his wife is as good a first lady as anyone could imagine, and says he believes Americans have a
positive impression of her, and that she is ready for another four years in the White House.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
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 Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: Project: 0031-014 Window Reconstruction and RelatedWork P.S. #31 Harriet Ross Tubman Schoo 212 Stanton Street Buffalo, New York 14212 Beginning Tuesday, February 7, 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. 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 Jim Napora 716-816-3026. A mandatory pre-bid walk through and conference will be held at 10:00 A.M. at P.S. #31 on Thursday, February 16, 2012. The Plant Services Representative will be present. All bidders are to meet at the Stanton Street entrance near the boiler room. Paul McDonnell, AIA, Director of Facilities Advertising date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals will be received by the City Engineer or his designee of Niagara Falls, New York, at his office located at 745 Main Street, Room 303, in said City not later than 2:00 P.M., on March 6, 2012, at which time they will be publicly opened and read for the following project: Niagara Falls Signal Reconstruction Pine Avenue and 24th Street Niagara Street and 19th Street Centre Avenue and Highland Avenue P.I.N. 5755.42 in the City of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Each bidder must include with his bid, a certified check or bid bond, payable to the order of the City of Niagara Falls, in the amount of not less than FIVE (5) PERCENT of the price bid, subject to the conditions in the Instructions to Bidders. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and labor and material payment bond, in form and substance, and with sureties approved by the City Corporation Counsel, in the amount of not less than ONE HUNDRED (100) PERCENTUM of the total amount of the accepted proposal. All proposals must be made on blank forms, which together with other requirements, may be obtained in the Office of the City Engineer. Contractor is required to complete the Insurance Information Form, Performance and Payment Bond Information Form, and other documentation specified in the Instructions to Bidders, when submitting a proposal. The City Administrator reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities. Copies of the set of bid documents, drawings, and specifications may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer upon deposit of $50.00 (CHECK ONLY) for each set. The deposit is not refundable to non-bidders unless they are returned prior to the bid date and time. Bidders requesting a refund must return all plans and specifications, in good condition, within forty-five (45) days after the bid date. A pre-bid meeting will be held at the OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER, CITY HALL, ROOM 303 at 2:00 P.M. on February 28, 2012. Jeffrey Skurka, P.E City Engineer
Advertise: February 13, 14 and 15, 2012
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
HEALTH MATTERS Eastside Wholistic Health Collective & Center An eastside wholistic health collective and center is being organized. Community members who are selling products, running classes or workshops or events, or providing alternative and preventive health services are invited to join. It is hoped that a one stop center can be established where we can sell products, get services and find resources to carry out ore health and natural lifestyles. The collective seeks to put into practice the knowledge that we are learning from such experts as Queen Afua, Dr. Afrika and Dr. Alim. We are interested in all healthy activity related to exercise, diets, food, supplements, home environment and spirituality. For more information call Arzeymah Raqib at (716) 2397238.
Are Diabetes and Skin Disorders Connected? Keeping tabs on blood glucose levels isn’t the only way to tell that you may not be managing your diabetes well. According to the American Diabetes Association, the condition can affect every part of the body. Skin conditions including bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching - may all be signs that blood glucose levels need to be more closely monitored. At some point in their lives, as many as 33 percent of people who suffer from with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by the disorder, according to the association. In fact, such problems are sometimes the first sign that a person has diabetes. The culprit in fungal infec-
BUFFALO PUBLIC SCHOOLS COLLEGE, CAREER, AND SCHOLARSHIP FAIR
tions of people with diabetes is often Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus, which can trigger a number of infections including jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm (a ring-shaped itchy patch) and vaginal infection that causes itching. To prevent yeast infections, maintain good blood glucose control, skip scented soaps, avoid douches and keep your vaginal area dry by wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tightly fitted pants. The American Diabetes Association recommends taking a list of questions about diabetes and yeast infections the next time you see your doctor to determine if diabetes is causing your yeast infections, whether an over-the-counter topical cream or an oral prescription would be most effective and whether medication interacts with any over-thecounter or prescription medications you may be taking for diabetes.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Common symptoms of depression include: *Sadness most of the day *Low energy or fatigue *Loss of interest in favorite activities *Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism *Difficulty concentrating *Irritability, restlessness, or being slowed down *Feeling worthless or guilty *Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much *Significant weight change *Thoughts about suicide or dying
Saturday, February 11th * 10:00am – 2:00pm Bennett High School 2885 Main Street
ARE YOU EATING TO LIVE? Visit www.buffaloschools.org for further information
OR LIVING TO
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5 Voices in Victory to Celebrate National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 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.
Free SURGE Healing Circle Sessions at GROUP ! SURGE - which stands for Seniors Unite Resources to Get Empowered – is currently conducting Healing Circles from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays at GROUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson Ave. (downstairs) The remaining sessions are Feb.10, 17 and 24. The free sessions are designed to empower individuals to become stronger, informed mangers of self, family and community. Topics include Setting Weekly Goals, Tips for Eating Well, Improving Communication, Relaxation Techniques, Dealing with Negative Emotions, Personalizing a Fitness and Exercise Program. Health is Wealth! Join Us this Friday at 6 p.m. For more information call Prudence at 716.539.1839 to reserve a seat. Class size is limited.
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New Testament Revival Cathedral to Host Annual Sweetheart’s Banquet New Testament Revival Cathedral located at 987 Kensington Ave. Buffalo N.Y. 14215, Annual Sweethearts Banquet will be held on Saturday Febuary 25th, 2012 from 5p.m. till 8p.m. The cost for adults ages 16 and up is $20.00, ages 10 to 15 is $10.00 and ages 10 and under is $3.00.
Male Choir Musical Friendship Baptist Church will present its Male Chorus Annual Musical Saturday, February 25 at 6:30 P.M. Please join us.
Enrichment Week at Greater Refuge Temple Enrichment Week at Greater Refuge Temple Family Life Center, 943 Jefferson Ave., will be held February 20 thru 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch will be served for ages 4 to 12 years old along with arts and crafts, music, gym, computers. Call the office at 886-2199 for an application.
Rev. W.L. Jones: Celebration of A Trailblazer The legacy of the late Rev. W.L. Jones will be celebrated during a “Celebration of a Trailblazer, Saturday, February 18 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer, 971 Jefferson Avenue. The host pastor is Bishop Dwight E. Brown. Co-host pastors are Bishop Larry A. Boyd and Dr. Jeffery Bowens. For all clergy, please give advance notice of your attendance by contacting Open Praise Baptist Church, 8958755 or New Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer, (716) 885-7755 ext. 11. If you were a member of the Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, Youth & Young Adult Choir or the Jones Specials, please contact Barbara Fields at (716) 440-7229 or Marlene Knox at (716) 833-6610. 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 Monday, February 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: Elevator Rehabilitation P.S. # 95 Waterfront Elementary School 95 Fourth Street Buffalo, New York 14202
ENOUGH is ENOUGH City Wide Prayer Continues... February 13 thru 17 Hopewell Baptist Church 1301 Fillmore Ave. Pastor Dennis Lee, JR. February 20 thru 24
Temple of Christ Church, Inc.
1230 Genesee St. Pastor Reginald E. Kerr
February 27 thru March 2 Durham Memorial AME Zion Church 174 E. Eagle St. Pastor George Woodruff March 5 thru March 9 God’s Tabernacle of Praise 1787 Genesee St. Pastor Lee A. Collins
• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Beginning Monday, February 6, 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. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to DiDonato Associates – Jim Wowzynski , 716-656-1900 A mandatory pre-bid walk through will be held at P.S. #95 on Friday, February 17, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Paul McDonnell, AIA, Director of Facilities Advertising date: Monday, February 6, 2012
To advertise call Ms. Jones @ (716) 881-1051 or email:
ChallengerCN.com
• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
What would Jesus do? Tax the rich, Obama says
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Speaking at the traditionally nonpartisan National Prayer Breakfast, President Obama on Thursday cited his Christian faith in offering a vigorous defense of his political agenda of tax hikes for the wealthy, universal health care and greater regulation of Wall Street. The president told the audience that he is motivated by “the biblical call to care for the least of these — for the poor, for those at the margins of our society, to answer the responsibility we’re given in Proverbs to ‘speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.’ “
It’s Our Mission. Quality Health Coverage
Mr. and Mrs. Moody Pugh/Photo Princess Photography
Moody and Maryetta Pugh: A Valentines Day Love Story Moody and Maryetta Pugh renewed their wedding vows after 50 years of marriage last Saturday (January 28), in Calvary CME Church where Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Williams is pastor. And although they have lived in holy matrimony for half a century, their love story began the day they met. When Maryetta was just 11 years old, Moody and his family moved to Buffalo from Florida downstairs in the house where she and her family lived in the upper apartment. That was around 1955 Mrs. Pugh recalls, and Moody was 16. Moody’s dad, Rev. Moody Pugh Sr., was pastor of the New Mount Olive CME Church on Glenwood and Storz (it has since burned down) where Maryetta attended. Over the years their friendship blossomed into love, and when Maryetta turned 16 they were married by Moody’s dad in their church. That was on January 27, 1962. “I had to get a note from my mother so that I could go back to school after the ceremony,” Maryetta recalls. The Pugh’s have 2 sons (they lost a daughter 20 years ago). She is retired from the NFTA and he, from the county, The secret to 50 years of marriage? “It’s about give and take, patience, and trusting in the Lord,” said Maryetta. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Pugh! Happy Valentine’s Day!
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ENTERTAINMENT
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
on stage *Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb 14 & 15 DL Hughley at The Tralf, hosted by Talent, two shows each day. VIP available tickets & times info at tralfmusichall.com *“A Black Tie for Black History” Friday, February 24 from 7 -10 pm at The Tralf… honoring Buffalo’s difference makers in the community… entertainment by The Old School B-Boys…The All Star Band and DJ Papa Trini. Tickets for this Juneteenth fundraiser are only $25 and available at Doris Records, The Tralf box office and Ticketmaster. Afterparty at The Oakk Room. *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. 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.
*Rachelle Ferrell at the Tralf, 6:30pm Doors | 7:30pm Show & 9:30pm .Doors | 10pm Show $45.00 Tickets on sale at Walmart & The Tralf Box Office. Charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000 / 716852-2860 *The Soweto Gospel Choir, 4 p.m., Feb. 26, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, 692-2413. Tickets $40-$50. www.rivieratheatre.org *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
See you at the Events!
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• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Colored Musicians Installs New Board The Colored Musicias Club is Pleased to announce the installation of the board of directors for the colored musicians club 2012. Returning Board of Directors: George Scott - President; Danny Williams - Operations Manager; Clarence Rumph - Treasurer; Kimberly German - Secretary; George K. Arthur - Historian; Larry Salter - Building Manager The Club is also welcoming new board members *Van Taylor - Vice-President, Jennifer May and Yvonne Evans. The Club will soon open it Museum early 2012 with Danny Williams as Operation Manager.
Happy Birthday Bob! This past Monday (Feb. 6), Bob Marley would have been 67 years of age. In the 31 years since his untimely death, Marley still remains the most-popular figure in Reggae music. Succumbing to cancer at age 36 in 1981, Marley had become a global ambassador for the music he helped make famous. Marley’s passing shook the reggae and music community to its core; yet, his legacy remains intact through his timeless music catalog and talented children.
East Winds Spoken Word Open Mic East Winds Creative Spaces will host a Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic on Sunday, February 12 at 4 p.m. Sign up time is 3 p.m. East Winds is located at 1382 Jefferson Avenue. Come and learn about the upcoming classes and services in jewelry making, sewing, hair care, etiquette for young women, holistic family care and more. For more in formation call 882-7594
Remembering Don Cornelius,Creator and longtime Host of the Groundbreaking music show ‘Soul Train’ Don Cornelius, the creator and longtime host of the groundbreaking music show ‘Soul Train,’ has died. He was 75. According to the New York Times, the police responded to reports of gunshots at Cornelius’s Sherman Oaks home. They found Cornelius with a gunshot wound to the head that appeared to be self-inflicted, according to the Los Angeles County coroner. A radio news announcer by trade, Cornelius began moonlighting at WCIU-TV in the 1960s. While there, he toyed with the idea of creating an African-American version of “American Bandstand,” Dick Clark’s influential music show, with live dancing five days a week. On August 17, 1970, the first episode of Soul Train premiered on the station, and by the following year, it was being syndicated in other markets. “If I saw `American Bandstand’ and I saw dancing and I knew black kids can dance better; and I saw white artists and I knew black artists make better music; and if I saw a white host and I knew a black host could project a hipper line of speech – and I did know all these things [then it was reasonable to try],” he told the Associated Press in 1995. “Soul Train” would go on to become the longest-running nationally syndicated show in history, airing from 1971 through 2006. Cornelius held down the hosting duties for most of that run, before stepping away in 1993. He remained as the program’s executive producer and expanded the brand into an annual awards show.
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• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
BLACK HISTORY PROGRAMS “Along This Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition” with We All Storytellers – Karima Amin and Sharon Holley, Vocalist – Joyce Carolyn and Percussionist – Eddie Sowonde Nicholson. Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. FREE African American Read-In on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Contact Sharon or Kenneth Holley at 716-886-1399 to participate. FREE
Healing Hands Black History Month On February 13, 2012 at Kleinhans Music Hall. Ras Jomo Akono and Robin Rama Touleye will be presenting an encore performance of “The Journey” a Healing Hands Productio featuring: Rishon Odel Northington, Le Ballet Touba N’Dam Fal African drum and dance ensemble , Healing Hands Percussionist. This is a family event consisting of Spoken Words, African drum and dance, Black History, Jazz music, Hip-Hop dancers. This is the first annual Black History Month collaborative event with Kleinhans and Healing Hands Production. It is being performed for the Public School System, but is open to the public and especially our seniors. Info: Date: 2/13/12, Times: 1st show(9:30am-10:30am), 2nd show(11:30am-12:30pm). Prices: students/children/seniors- $5.50 and adults $10.50. Tickets can be purchased at Kleinhan”s box office. for info call Kleinhan’s box office or Ras Jomo 948-5738.
Visit The Nash Museum!
36 Nash Street.856-4490 for more information. Free days February 9 and 11 at 12 noon, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
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Celebrations & Events
Celebrate Black History Month with the Music of Beethoven
Experience the music of classical music’s greatest composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, in a brilliant artistic array featuring classical dance, chamber ensemble performances, vocal, and more. ‘Beethoven Resurrected’ Presented in Two Concerts Saturday, February 11 at 7 pm (VIP Reception & Live Chamber Music Performance, 6pm) and Sunday, February 12 at 3 pm. The feature performance will be Henri L. Muhammad and the MSOM Chamber Orchestra and Chorus performing the magnificent Beethoven Violin Concerto and Ode To Joy from
Actor Hill Harper is Black History Month Speaker Canisius College presents “We Can’t Wait” - Education, Economic and Health Empowerment Summit on Friday, February 17 from 8:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Zion Dominion Global Ministries, 895 North Forest Road in Williamsville. Hill Harper, actor, bestselling author and philanthropist, will speak at 9 a.m. The event, sponsored by the college’s Academic Talent Search Program, is free and open to the public. Hill Harper is the author of three New York Times bestsellers: Letters to a Young Brother, Letters to a Young Sister, and The Conversation. Letters to a Young Brother was named “Best Book for Young Adults” by the American Library Association in 2007. Harper currently stars on the hit television drama CSI:NY as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes. To date, Harper’s collective writing and acting work has been recognized with six NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Literary Work: Debut Author (2007); Outstanding Literary Work: Youth/Teens (2007, 2008); and Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (2007, 2008 and 2009). He has also appeared in numerous prime-time television shows and feature films including For Colored Girls, The Sopranos, ER, The Game, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Lackawanna Blues, He Got Game, The Skulls, In Too Deep, The Nephew and The Visit. Harper is the founder of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation which is dedicated to empowering, encouraging, and inspiring underserved youth to succeed through mentorship, scholarship and grant programs. He graduated magna cum laude with a BA from Brown University (and was valedictorian of his department) and cum laude with a JD from Harvard Law School. Harper also holds a master’s degree with honors from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and honorary doctoral degrees from Howard University, Winston-Salem State University, Cheyney University, Westfield State College, and Tougaloo College.
Black Wall Street
ASIA in collaboration with Brothers Buildin (Seattle, WA) presents the explosive documentary “Black Wall Street” as told through direct accounts from the last surviving members of the historical Black Wall Street community in Oklahoma, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6-8:45 p.m., Niagara Falls Public Library Auditorium. For more information contact Saladin at (716)990-9333 or quanaah@math.com
Dressing Up for Black History Contest 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 8476010 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
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
1/30/12 3:23:06 PM
11 A Student Voice on the School Board by Sabirah Muhammad
If you’ve been following the thrilling journey of parent empowerment in Buffalo’s Public Schools, then you won’t be surprised at the next logical development in the process: the emergence of the natural leadership ability of our children. You may have heard of Stephon M. Wright, a bright and energetic 18 year-old Senior at Emmerson High School, who interviewed this year to fill the board’s vacancy. If you have, you’ve heard his position that the many problems the district is facing is a result of the failure to interact as a family. In his view, this is the only environment that can achieve the district’s stated goal of academic achievement for all. While he has no desire to detract from the contribution of the current board members, Stephon does believe that their perspective is limited. He believes that someone who is Sabirah attending the schools, and is experiencing Muhammad what the current board members only hear about could add a valuable missing link to the process. During a recent interview with Stephon Wright, he expressed concern over the large numbers of suspensions and dropouts among his peers. At school board meetings, board members asked him how he could get more of them and their parents involved. He responded by bringing over 40 students to a subsequent meeting, and over 50 parents to another. “They were there to show their support for having a student representative on the board,” he said. Well, Stephon wasn’t selected to fill former member Chris Jacobs’s seat – it was filled by Dr. Barbara Nevergold. That means we’ll soon have two new gems on that board, because Stephon’s response is to run for an elected position! He will have graduated by then, but will still have his student experience, and one more thing – a vote. As a student representative, he would have been able to advise, but not to vote. Stephon will be holding a press conference to announce his intentions on Wednesday, February 8th, at 4:30 in room 1417, Buffalo City Hall. He’ll be joined by many supporters, including Sophie Gallivan, who is Rochester’s 10th grade student representative. Buffalo’s Inter High Council President, Michael J. Mortellaro will be present, as will Council Member Demone Smith, DPCC Vice President Samuel Radford, and many more. With hope, the community will come out in force, to encourage and support these bright and promising future leaders. What will the school district look like when Stephon Wright and his peers take a bigger responsibility in the crafting of their own educational system? He says he’d like to see less suspensions, fewer drop outs, and more graduates. “I want to see more students begin to speak up for themselves,” he says. Then, as if fully aware of the power of a positive example, he adds: “I want to see more students apply for the school board. I want them to say: if Stephon can do it, I can do it as well.”
Disappointed in Outcome of County Interview
Dear Editor: With regards to the County hiring issue I was one of the individuals who submitted my resume to the transition team for the Deputy Commissioner - Youth Services position. I was called in for an interview with the committee, but the only problem was that I was never notified of the outcome of the interview. I never received a call or a letter explaining otherwise. That position has traditionally been an African-American position with other African-Americans filling other leadership roles as well!! Kenneth A. Pryor, Sr.
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
The Afrikan Orgin of Egyptian Civilization By Ronald R. Draffin Part I
T
he implications of recent archeological finds in the SubSaharan desert shows unequivocal evidence of the Afrikan origin of Egyptian civilization. Since 1974 modern scholars have been visiting the Egyptian Sahara to study the stone circles and megaliths found at what has been named Nabta Playa. The so-called calendar circle found there is similar to Stonehenge in England but predates it by thousands of years. The megaliths have also been found to predate dynastic Egypt by thousands of years. The site borders the Sudan, Libya, and Chad deep in the Saharan desert west of Aswan. The megaliths radiate from a central stone complex termed “Complex Structure A” by archeologists and evidence shows they were constructed to track the Star Sirius (Egyptian Sothis) and the stars of the constellation Orion. Buried underneath the central stones of the complex and carved out of the bedrock is what archeologists have named the “cow stone” because of it’s strange cow-like appearance purposely carved into that shape by its creators. Archeo-astronomers (those who study archeological sites aligned to the stars) have been astonished to find that the socalled “cow stone” appears to be carved to exactly resemble what the center of the Milky Way galaxy actually looks like! Further studies of the other stones around the complex structure have determined that the stones were used to track the night sky for at least an entire precessional cycle! Precession refers to the time it takes, because of the Earth’s obliquity, for the Sun to rise in front of each sign of the Zodiac at the spring and autumnal equinox at least once before returning to the beginning and starting over again. We are currently in the Age of Pisces because the Sun rises in front of the constellation of Pisces at the spring and autumn equinox and will continue to do so until we reach the Age of Aquarius. Each Zodiacal Age lasts around 2500 years and it takes about 26,000 years for the cycle to complete and start over again. Our Ancestors from Sub-Saharan Afrika, as evidenced by the Nabta Playa megaliths, studied the entire Zodiacal cycle! Not only that, the evidence suggests our ancestors even measured the distance of the stars from Earth in light years and the number of planets around many of the stars they studied, information NASA has yet to discover! Sirius and the constellation of Orion were used as the anchor for their observations since they are easily visible in the constantly changing night sky. Conclusion Next Week
- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
EDITORIAL
Family Seeks Long Overdue Honor for Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
Dear Editor: On the day we honored the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we had the opportunity to celebrate – and perpetuate – the civil rights leader’s mission to bring equality, social justice and economic opportunity to all. His mission has very special meaning to our family and we take great pride in knowing that our own Dr. Benjamin E. Mays had great influence over what would become the great American civil rights movement. His vision, leadership, and determination live on and remain a part of all of us. Today we may be reflecting on all that we have overcome since Dr. King’s time and looking for ways to honor the mission he shared with our very own “Uncle Bennie” – Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. It is in this spirit that I want to make all aware of an effort that our family is undertaking to honor Dr. Mays. We have started a petition to seek a nomination for Dr. Mays for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Mays died in 1984, disappointed that he did not receive this prestigious recognition. The time seems right to make this happen, in his honor. I invite you to join with e in this effort. The petition is featured at this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/63/a-petition-to-honor-the-latedr-benjamin-e-mays-for-his-contribution-the-civil-rights-ofall-ameri/ It can also be found through Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maysfamily. It is also mentioned on Mays’ Wikipedia site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin Mays. Please visit one of these sites in support of Dr. Mays receiving this much deserved honor and share this information with others in order to make this dream a reality. As Uncle Bennie once said, “The tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.” This is our goal and we will reach it and bring the honor to Uncle Bennie that he so deserves. -Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp Great-Niece of Dr. Mays (Submitted by James Ruff Sr. of Buffalo, N.Y., the great nephew of Dr. Mays. Benjamin Elijah Mays was a minister, educator, scholar, social activist and the president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia from 1940 to 1967. Dr. Mays was also a significant mentor to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and was among the most articulate and outspoken critics of segregation before the rise of the modern civil rights movement in the United States.)
Student Discovers Lost Malcolm X Speech :“No one had listened to this in 50 years” PROVIDENCE, R.I. —The audiotape of Malcolm X’s 1961 address in Providence might never have surfaced at all if 22-year-old Brown University student Malcolm Burnley hadn’t stumbled across a reference to it in an old student newspaper. He found the recording of the little-remembered visit gathering dust in the university archives. “No one had listened to this in 50 years,” Burnley he said. “There aren’t many recordings of him before 1962. And this is a unique speech – it’s not like others he had given before.”
Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”
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In the May 11, 1961 speech delivered to a mostly white audience of students and some residents, Malcolm X combines blistering humor and reason to argue that Blacks should not look to integrate into White society but instead must forge their own identities and culture. At the time, Malcolm X, 35, was a loyal supporter of the Black separatist movement Nation of Islam, now based in Chicago. He would be assassinated four years later after leaving the group and crafting his own more global, spiritual ideology.
The legacy of slavery and racism, he told the crowd of 800, “has made the 20 million Black people in this country a dead people. Dead economically, dead mentally, dead spiritually. Dead morally and otherwise. Integration will not bring a man back from the grave.” Tickets sold for 50 cents for the Brown speech. In his speech, Malcolm X outlined Black Muslims’ beliefs and argued that Black Americans cannot wait for white Americans to offer them equality. “No, we are not anti-white,”
• 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.
he said. “But we don’t have time for the white man. The white man is on top already, the white man is the boss already… He has first-class citizenship already. So you are wasting your time talking to the white man. We are working on our own people.”
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FEBRUARY 8, 2012
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employment Assessment and Reference Librarian
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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Buffalo State College, E. H. Butler Library seeks a full-time assessment and reference librarian to develop, implement, and oversee the library's assessment structure and process. This position will also provide reference services, including nights and weekends, participate fully in the library instruction program, and serve as a liaison to one or more academic departments. Required Qualifications: M.L.S. degree from an ALA-accredited institution; professional academic library reference and instruction experience; demonstrated experience with the design and implementation of the assessment process including designing assessment instruments, defining questions, analyzing data, interpreting and presenting results; demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative statistical research methods; demonstrated experience with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, Excel; evidence of the knowledge of the ACRL standards for libraries in higher education; excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment. Preferred Qualifications: Experience developing and administering user studies; graduate level coursework in research design; ability to manage a complex workload in a timely, effective manner with minimum supervision; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; commitment to scholarly production. Deadline for applications is March 16, 2012. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for this job posting online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.
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881-1051 (phone) 881-1053 (fax) Legal Notice COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING 95 F RANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 1 4 202 County of Erie, New York COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
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The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning is requesting proposals from CHDO DESIGNATED ORGANIZTIONS FOR HOME Investment Partnership funds. The County will make available $354,235 for CHD’s designated organizations to use to develop, sponsor or own housing for low and very low-income households. The housing developed with the HOME funds must be located in the Erie County HOME Consortium which includes all municipalities in Erie County except the City of Buffalo and Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga, and Tonawanda and the Villages therein. The RFP can be found at: http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can be obtained by contacting Diane Cadle at 7816-858-6927 or www.diane.cadle@erie.gov All correspondence communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Diane Cadle. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Final proposals are due to the Department of Environment and Planning at 95 Franklin St., Room 1053, Buffalo, NY 14202 by 3:00 pm (ET) on March 9, 2012. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Maria R. Whyte Commissioner of Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.
Buffalo Challenger Size: 2 (4”) x 5”bidS Issue: 2/8 D/L: 2/3 COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Price: $190.00
COLVIN BLVD (CR 118) AT HIGHLAND PKWY (CR129) INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO. FA-118S-12 LOCALLY ADMINISTERED FEDERAL AID PROJECT 5756.86
The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for traffic signal replacement, mill & overlay asphalt pavement with full depth roadway widening and drainage improvements project. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Main Conference Room 1404, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., February 23, 2012. Bid deposit of $25,000.00 required. DBE 11% required. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set from February 2, 2012 through bid date. Pre-let meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 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 Bids will be received by R&P Oak Hill Development, LLC for the Medaille College – Sullivan Ctr Addition on February 15th, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Please fax bids (716-8224367) prior to 2:00 pm. The scope of work includes select demolition, carpentry, doors, specialties, M/E/P/FP, millwork, flooring, tile, painting, fireplaces, gym equipment. The contract documents may be examined at Construction Exchange or can be purchased at Avalon Printing, (P: 716995-7777). This project is tax-exempt and prevailing wage. ***W/M/DBE participation is encouraged.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Financial Analyst II
Full-time Financial Analyst II position to perform specific analytical and/or financial functions including financial reporting, analysis, and month-end activities. Responsible for conducting and documenting financial analysis on existing programs. Assists with the coordination of month-end close and the investigation of monthly general ledger activity. Prepares monthly work papers, reconciles inter-company accounts monthly and assist with year-end audit, including preparation of audit work papers. Assist with the coordination of the annual budget process and annual 1099 preparation. The ideal candidate must possess high level computer skills, knowledge of Sage MIP desired and knowledge of GAAP, BA in Accounting/Finance and minimum 5 years of experience. Strong multi-tasking, organizational skills, detail oriented and highly analytical a must. Must be flexible and possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills with Not-forProfit experience preferred Catholic Charities offers a compensation package. Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job #201205 to:
Catholic Charities
741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209. Attn: HR, EOE/M/F
fle A M A R KET
African Flea Market, 33 Linwood Ave. 1/18/12, 1pm, $25 per a slot. Info Call Dave 381-8722.
NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid
4158 - Def Tanks and Equipment 4161 - Traction Motor Overhaul 4168 - Diesel Exhaust Fluid 4171 - Restroom Paper Products Download Bids from www. nfta.com
FEBRUARY 8, 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
View the entire Business Directory online 24/7 at ChallengerCN.com
LISTING TODAY!
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• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
NUMBERS
SUN 1/29
MON 1/30
TUES 1/31
WED 2/1
EVE-844
EVE-970
EVE- 257
EVE-016
MID-4408 EVE-2353
MID-2698 EVE-6721
THURS 2/2
FRI 2/3
SAT 2/4
MID-516 MID- 261 MID-669 MID- 710 MID-113 MID-480 MID-845 EVE-854
EVE-059
EVE-725
WIN 4 TAKE 5
LOTTO
HOT TIPS
MID - 4353 MID- 3459 EVE3522 EVE- 5970
23-24-29 -30-36 16-22-27-30-37 16-21-33-35-37
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-
2-5-7-13-30
MID- 0233 MID-4130 MID-3406 EVE- 5331 EVE-6252 EVE-0858
7-19-20-28-33
3-13-17-26-34 3-9-11-25-35
4-6-20-31-39-54#43
202
588
MA RUTH Winter
998-012-213 443-514-910-102648-515-907
LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143
3-6-33-36-51-56#41
335
888
435
CHALLENGER HITS
Midday
261-Lucky Ducky (bx) 480-Lucky Ducky (bx) 126-Number Book (bx)
Evening
970-ZR (bx) 257-Lucky Ducky (bx) 016-ZR (bx) 059-Grandma’s Pix(bx)
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
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
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Events Calendar
Wednesday February 8
Saturday February 11
Buffalo Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Rm. 801 City Hall.
Annual Red & White Ball: 6 p.m. VCT Fellowship Hall, 179 Waverly St., sponsored by Zion Missionary Baptist Deaconess Ministry. 8861362/864-7491.
Coalition to Rally Against Verizon’s Unfair Policies: 4:30 p.m., 65 Franklin St. Thursday February 9 Friday February 10 Eye on History Multimedia Presentation by Eva Doyle: noon – 1 p.m., Central Library, Downtown Buffalo; “Teaching African American history in the Schools Part I. SURGE Healing Circle: 6-8 p.m., GR OUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson; free; 5391839 to reserve Saturday February 11 Job Fair: Ephesus ministries Fellowship Hall, 80 Durham Ave, 10am-3pm; for info WNY Black Chamber of Commerce 995-0622. Beethoven Resurrected Performance by Henri L. Muhammad and the Muhammad School of Music Chamber Orchestra and Chorus: 7 p.m. Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Ave.$20 general admission.
ATTICA continued assignments, facility movement and even program times, the atmosphere that existed prior to the rebellion lingers, pervading nearly every aspect of the facility. Unable to cast off its violent past, Attica Correctional Facility stands as a bold testament to inhumanity. The events at Attica in September of 1971 left irreparable wounds and inflicted lasting harm upon survivors. Many continue to suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The State of New York is long overdue in issuing an apology to the survivors of the massacre. For the incarcerated men who were brutalized and tortured in the days that followed the assault, the families of the 39 people killed by the troopers, and the prison workers taken as hostages in the uprising—an apology could represent one small but vital step towards healing these injuries.
see you at the EVENTS
The Chestnut Family Valentine’s Day Fashion Show Dinner & Dance: 550 Genesee St, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m., fashion show, music, vendors; for info 5974368 or 523-8962. Heart 2 Heart Valentines Day Brunch: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Executive Banquet Hall, 1254 E. Ferry, entertainment, 50/50 raffle; $25 per person in advance only; 838-2449. Buffalo Public Schools Scholarship Fair: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Bennett High School, 2885 Main St; www.buffaloschools. org for info Healthy Heart Fair: Niagara Falls Memorial Medical center, Walnut Ave. @ 10th St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free, 2784569.
see you at the EVENTS
Sunday February 1 2 Beethoven Resurrected Performance by Henri L. Muhammad and the Muhammad School of Music Chamber Orchestra and Chorus: 3 p.m. Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Ave.$20 general admission. Thursday February 16 Soledad O’Brian: UB Distinguished Speakers Series, MLK Commemoration Event; Kleinhans Music Hall, $22$28 @ Kleinhans, UB Center for the Arts & Alumni Arena.
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• FEBRUARY 8, 2012 Challenger Community News •
bob@transfermarketing.com
LICENSED CHECK CASHING Western New York Check Services LLC 675 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14212
Phone: 893-4193 (1 Block south of Broadway)
DON’T CASH YOUR CHECK ANYWHERE ELSE!!!
Maximum fee allowed by NYS Law is ONLY 1.86% — NO MORE! Examples: $100 check – our fee only $1.86 $500 check – our fee only $9.30
Never get ripped-off by an ILLEGAL Check Cashing Business AGAIN !!
Keep MORE money in your pocket~ Stop and See us TODAY!!
TAX RETURNS…Big or Small $$—We cash them ALL!!! Locally Owned & Operated
Monday ~ Saturday 9 AM to 4:30 PM
LICENSED by the Superintendent of Banks Pursuant to Article 9-A of the Banking Law