February 1, 2012 by Challenger News

INSIDE ROCHESTER

February 2, 2012:

AROUND TOWN

DRSN Bowling Tournament

An Evening Of Art and Jazz featuring local artists Hosted by David Haygood, Jr. City Hall Link Gallery and Atrium 30 Church Street, Free Info: call 428-9857

February 3, 10, 17, 24:

Gospel Fridays Hosted by Black Heritage Committee City Hall Atrium, 30 Church Street Info: 428-9857

February 8:

Bridging Gaps Between Community & ServiceKeynote Speaker: Adrian Smalls Instructor, MCC's Law and Criminal Justice Department at Damon City Campus, MCC Brighton Campus 1000 E. Henrietta Rd, Parking lots M & M1 Sponsored by the MCC Diversity Council 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 the film with panelist Dr. David Anderson, Nate Brown, and Marsha Jones.

MARSHA

JONES

A Raisin In The Sun

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.

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.

BILLS UPDATE/George Radney

Why The Bills NON-PLAYOFF Streak Continues... The Buffalo Bills continue to NOT make the playoffs for 12 consecutive years which is pretty much unheard of in today’s free agency NFL. The Bills are a cheap organization that seems to only want to pay mediocre White boys (Kyle Williams, Erik Pears, Chris Kelsay, and Ryan Fritzpatrick). Kelsay and Williams were not even in their final year of the original conGEORGE RADNEY tract before the Bills hit them up with ridiculous multi-million dollar deals. The Bills act like Stevie Johnson will have to take what they offer him instead of paying him elite receiver money. He deserves to get paid by the Bills but I can easily see Stevie getting his money somewhere else in the NFL. This is the key reason why the Bills are on a 12 year non-playoff streak due to the fact our best players are not getting paid by the Bills accountants. Non-football people, namely Mr. Littman and Mr. Overdorf, will not pay top dollars to our future stars like Jason Peters (who is now rated the best offensive lineman in the game). Nuff’ said...

SuperBowl XLVI

Yes its time for the SuperBowl and our Challenger crew featuring myself, Jerome Davis (Photographer), and Mighty Oba ( Pat Freeman WUFO radio) are currently in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prediction: The New York Giants will win 24-21 due to pass rushing of the NY front four.

The 5th Annual DRS Inn Bowling Tournament to benefit children awaiting parents will take place Saturday, January 28 at Clover Lanes, 2750 Monroe Avenue. Check in Noon to 1:30 p.m.; starts 2 p.m. $400, $200 and $300 prize giveaways!

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. *Wednesday, Feb. 1: 11am1pm, “Luncheon with the Law” catered by Unki Moe’s Bar-B-Que, live music by F.O.S. family of Soul. *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.

New Program to Encourage More Black Students to Pursue Medicine A new tuition-free, day-long program hopes to encourage more African-American students to consider and pursue medical school.   The event, called “Doctors On Board,” is organized by the Physicians Medical Forum and is open to high school seniors, university and college pre-med students and post-baccalaureate students.   Workshops include admissions and financial aid, medical school preparation, “Life as a Doctor,” and a “mock” clinic with real patients, as well as a seminar for parents of future doctors.  Programs like ‘Doctors on Board’ are essential in providing mentorship, linkages and networks for students interested in becoming physicians.”  The event takes place on Feb. 18 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oakland Marriott City Center in Oakland, Calif. While the event, meals, ceremony and reception are free, interested attendees must submit an application by Feb. 6. The student application is located at http://www.pmfmd. com/images/PMFDoctorsOnBoardApplication2012final. pdf.

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

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Baobab Center News *Friday, Feb. 3, 6 pm: The Subversive Spirituality of Reggae: “Resisting against the System” in the Music of Bob Marley & the Wailers GUEST SPEAKER EVENT: J. ROBERT MIDDLETON Cosponsors: The Rochester Jamaican Organization, The Program of Black Church Studies, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School This is one of a number of events throughout 2012 sponsored by the Rochester Jamaican Organization in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Jamaican Independence (1962). For more information, contact the Rochester Jamaican Organization 585234-2119; rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com. *Saturday, Feb. 4, 6 pm: Celebrating the birthday of Bob Marley. For more information, contact the Rochester Jamaican Organization 585-234-2119; rochesterjamaicanorg@yahoo.com He is survived by three children. A memorial service will be held at the Baobab Cultural Center. The date and time is to be announced, and is expected to be in March, 2012.

Celebrate

BLACK

HISTORY

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• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

POLITICAL POWER FAILURE?

WNY AREA BRIEFS Friends of Tamica Oaks Announce Fundraiser On February 7 The Friends of Tamica Oaks will host a fundraiser in her honor at Loretta’s Soulful Dining, located at 479 Genesee St. Tamica is a life long member of this community, working as an Academic Advisor for Damen College and the State University College at Buffalo. Most recently she worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Western New York as a Preventive Specialist. The “Friends” are asking from their hearts that the community come out to show our love to Tamica and her family by attending this fundraiser to help defray her personal and medical expenses. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance or at the door on the day of the event. For more information, please contact Dawna Brown at (716) 560-0541. Donations should be made payable to Tamica Oaks and can be mailed C/O Dawna Brown, P.O. Box 166, Buffalo, NY.14215

Student Lobbyist Association Launched Buffalo students, parents, faith leaders, and education advocates held a press conference January 30 to launch New York State’s first Student Lobbyist Association, an advocacy platform for mobilizing students and parents around the State in support of Governor Cuomo’s education reform agenda. This bold reform agenda puts students first. Students and New Yorkers can get involved by signing up at www.BuffaloReformED. org and www.NYStudentsFirst.com or participating in the growing conversation with @NYGovCuomo and @BuffaloReformED on Twitter by using the #NYStudentsFirst hashtag.

Free Lunches Offered for Children in the Ellicott District

Calvary CME Church, 1007 Ellicott Street, will provide free lunches for children who live in the Ellicott District during the February Recess (Feb. 20-24). If you are interested in participating, stop by the church or call 881-6947 by Feb. 5. Space is limited. This project is sponsored by Calvary’s Lay Ministry. Rev. Dr Wayne A Williams is pastor.

The full impact of Black voter apathy in the race for the 60th Senatorial District last year has hit home, and now the Black community stands to lose the entire district with the proposed new district lines, which makes sure that nobody Black is elected to that seat for years to come. Political experts weigh in.

Mayor Brown (5th from left) poses with supporters after announcing rennovation plans for Fillmore Avenue.

Brown Announces Major Revitalization Plan for Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Neighborhood

The beginning of a $1.35 million Fillmore Avenue Streetscape Project is underway. The redevelopment of a one mile stretch of Fillmore Avenue will be instrumental in the revitalization of the Martin Luther King Park, Jr. Park neighborhood. Mayor Byron W. Brown, along with Department of Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak, and Edward Watts, President of Watts Engineering, recently announced the beginning of a $1.35 million Fillmore Avenue streetscape improvement project, designed to turn Fillmore Avenue into a thriving commercial corridor. “A strong and stable streetscape is important to the image of any neighborhood,” said Mayor Brown, who also noted that city crews planned to demolish 9 vacant build-

ings as part of the redevelopment, five of them last Thursday. “By reinvigorating this community, we are setting the groundwork to attract new residents and new business owners, who want to live, work and invest in Buffalo.” Since 2006, the city has spent $1.5 million on 115 demolitions in the MLK Park neighborhood. Fillmore Avenue serves as the Gateway to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, a symbol of King’s dream, and a place that brings people together. The Fillmore Avenue infrastructure effort includes road repaving, new sidewalks, bike lanes, decorative lighting, new trees and benches. This Continued Page 12

Stop The Violence Coalition: New Year, New Chair, Same Noble Mission... Congratulations to Murray Holman Sr., known to many as “Brotha Six” the New Chairman of the STOP THE VIOLENCE COALITION INC., who was elected by the Stop The Violence board during an election held in December. Mr. Holman Sr. has been a part of the organization since it’s beginning and held the position of Sgt. At Arms since 2010. Holman has always shown his passion and love for the community and says as the new chair “Our focus will be mission-driven, it’s always been about helping the community and the needs of the community and reducing violence will be our priority.” Within the organization Holman has Murray Holman Sr. done peacekeeping, mentoring, conflict resolution, prayer vigils and is known for his community outreach, especially as the man behind the wheel of the “Stop The Violence Bus” that we often see at funerals and peacekeeping around the city or stationed at the Frank E. Merriweather library where he does security. He is also active on the Schiller Park Board, Juneteenth Committee and was recently honored for his outstanding community service by President Barack Obama. We look forward to the direction that he will be leading the STOP THE VIOLENCE COALITION INC. in and know that he is currently working on plans for their upcoming banquet being held on April 21, 2012. If you would like to help volunteer with the organization please call 716.882.7882. -Sista C

he full impact of Black voter apathy in the race for the 60th Senatorial District last year has hit home. Democrat Antoine Thompson may have lost the race to Republican Mark Grisanti, but the bigger, more damaging picture, is that due to reapportionment this year, the Black community stands to lose the entire district with the proposed new district lines, which makes sure that nobody Black is elected to that seat for years to come. That would be tragic, given this community’s long, difficult struggle to win a State Senate seat in this area. At one time the district was entirely in the city, but as African Americans got closer to winning the seat, they expanded it into Niagara County to make sure no African American would get it. Frank Mesiah, Roger Blackwell, Dave Collins, Ted Kirkland, Richard Clark and Eddie Herndon – all ran unsuccessfully for the seat. Finally in 2001 Byron Brown was sworn in as the first African American elected to the State Senate outside of New York City. He served five years prior to becoming the city’s first African American mayor. He was succeeded by Antoine Thompson in 2006. Thompson, a Democrat, lost the seat to Grisanti, a Republican, in a majority Democratic district in 2010. Fast Forward to 2012. Senator Grisanti currently represents a district with a 5-to-1 Democratic voter edge over Republicans. But with the new lines, his district would go from 54 percent White and 37 percent Black constituents to 85 percent White and 5 percent Black residents. The newly shaped district of Sen. Tim Kennedy, a South Buffalo Democrat who picks up the East Side of Buffalo and loses some suburbs, would go from 89 percent White and 4 percent Black to 56 percent White and 33 percent Black. Minority groups have condemned the splitting of AfricanFrank Mesiah A m e r i c a n voters now living in Niagara Falls and the East Side of Buffalo from Sen. Grisanti's district.

"That district is going to make sure there's nobody Black ever elected, because Republicans have things secured for Maziarz, and Grisanti doesn't have to worry about any AfricanAmericans," said Frank Mesiah, president of the Buffalo chapter of the NAACP. "The African-American community has been disenfranchised to the point that they can no longer have their own in a key political position." Mesiah, in a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo, is urging his office to intervene. Mesiah was one of the first Blacks to run for that seat in the mid to late seventies. “It appears the Republican Party in New York State has copied a similar racial strategy to disenfranchise AfricanAmerican voters in Ted Kirkland We s t e r n New York as is being employed in those states advocating picture identification for voters,” wrote Mesiah. “The natural and foreseeable consequence of those voter ID strategies and proposed laws in S. Carolina, Texas, etc. is predicted to reduce the voting impact of African-Americans.” In NYS, continued Mesiah, the method is different, but the strategy is the same. “To reduce the impact of the African-American vote in NYS, the current Republican strategy is to split the African American vote in such a manner that it would be almost impossible for an African American to be elected State Senator from WNY. Their current plan is to separate the African American vote in Buffalo from the African American Vote in Niagara Falls, NY,” he wrote. “...Both strategies of the Republicans in S. Carolina, Texas, etc., and in WNY are the same. Both would allow African-Americans to vote; but the strategies would be successful in ensuring the Black vote would be neutered and ineffective when it came to electing one of their own.” Mesiah noted that in S. Carolina, Texas, etc., it appears they do not want black people voting for a black President. “In WNY, the plan is to en-

sure African-Americans in WNY never have a chance to elect one of their own to State Senator.” -Not over YetFormer Council President and veteran political thinker G e o r g e George K. Arthur K. Arthur leaned more toward viewing the glass as half full. He recalled how when Mayor Brown and former State Senator Antoine Thompson held that senate seat, the district was about 38 percent Black. “Now (with reapportionment) it’s 5 percent Black. What we really have to take a look at is Tim Kennedy’s district because the lines they’ve drawn for him go from 3 to 5 percent Black to 32 to 34 percent Black. It appears to me that the Kennedy District should be our target district (to elect a representative of this community).” Arthur said that as a community we’ve got to look at the lines we’ve got for the next ten years, provided they stay in place. “But a couple of things have to happen. We have to do something we’ve not done in the last 10 to 15 years and that is to mount a serious campaign to register people to vote.” Republicans did what any political party would do given the opportunity to alter the district to benefit their candidate –draw the lines to protect him, said Arthur. “What would you expect the Republicans to ? Reapportionment comes every 10 years and is the lifeblood of any politician,’ he explained. However he said that what we’re seeing is not cut in stone just yet. Explained Arthur: “Gov. Como has said if the lines don’t meet his criteria he would veto them....if he vetoes and the legislature is unable to override the veto , the courts will appoint a Mapperand the Mapper will draw the lines and give those lines to the court and the court then will impose the lines for the Assembly and the Senate (that happened with the county Legislature last year).” But in the final analysis, we as a community should not be in this place politically, said Arthur. And the message beContinued Page 12

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL Newt Gingrich Called Spanish “Language Of Living In The Ghetto”

Cain (left) and Gingrich.

Cain Endorses Gingrich for President Former presidential candidate Herman Cain endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and fellow Georgian, for the Republican nomination for president on Saturday night in West Palm Beach, Fl., according to NBC News. “I hear by officially and enthusiastically endorse Newt Gingrich for president of the United States,” said Cain, who was at one time a leading candidate in the Republican race. However, his candidacy fell apart amid accusations of unwanted sexual advances. In the Florida primary Tuesday, Gingrich found himself in a tough fight with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.It’s not clear if Cain’s endorsement will be enough to help Gingrich win or at least have a respectable showing for future contests in other states.

In 2007, Former House speaker and current GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich described bilingual education as teaching “the language of living in a ghetto,” and he mocked requirements that ballots be printed in multiple languages. “The government should quit mandating that various documents be printed in any one of 700 languages depending on who randomly shows up” to vote, Gingrich said. The former Georgia congressman, who is considering seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, made the comments in a speech to the National Federation of Republican Women. “The American people believe English should be the official language of the government. . . . We should replace bilingual education with immersion in English so people learn the common language of the country and they learn the language of prosperity, not the language of living in a ghetto,” Gingrich said, drawing cheers from the crowd of more than 100. “Citizenship requires passing a test on American history in English. If that’s true, then we do not have to create ballots in any language except English,” he said. Peter Zamora, co-chair of the Washington-based Hispanic Education Coalition, which supports bilingual education, said: “The tone of his comments were very hateful. Spanish is spoken by many individuals who do not live in the ghetto.” Zamora said research has shown “that bilingual education is the best method of teaching English to non-English speakers.” Spanish speakers, he said, know they need to learn English. “There’s no resistance to learning English, really, among immigrants, among native-born citizens. Everyone wants to learn English because it’s what you need to thrive in this country.” In the past, Gingrich has supported making English the nation’s official language. He has also said that all U.S. children should learn English and that other languages should be secondary in schools. In 1995, he said that bilingualism poses “long-term dangers to the fabric of our nation” and that “allowing bilingualism to continue to grow is very dangerous.”

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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Construction Begins on Senegal's Muesum of Black Civilizations Known for its art-loving leaders, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade is intent on keeping the tradition alive with a slew of cultural buildings lined up for the coming months in what he has christened the 'Seven Wonders'. Construction work has already begun in Dakar of a $30 million 'Museum of Black Civilisations' following a grandiose ground breaking ceremony last month that was attended by local and foreign dignitaries. An earlier edifice, the $28 million African Renaissance monument, drew stinging criticism for being out of touch with economic reality as well as its poor aesthetics. But President Wade has said he will forge along with the construction of a 'Cultural Park' hosting the Seven Wonders and which will be dedicated to African youth and art lovers. The museum is being built on a 2.2 hectare piece of land adjacent to another multi-million dollar building, the Grand National Theatre, which was inaugurated in April. Culture ministry officials in Dakar told Africa Review that the museum, to be built in 28 months, would entirely be financed by the Chinese government.   President Wade last month said even though the designs of the structures were undertaken by Chinese architects, they were conceived with an African spirit and would allow the public to learn about African civilisations.

Republican ObamaHatin’ Congressman Owes $117,437 in Child Support Congressman Joe Walsh from Illinois, who once said that President Barack Obama was elected only because he’s Black, owes $117,437 in child support, MSNBC reports. Walsh was confronted by MSNBC host Martin Bashir over his child support situation, after he attacked President Obama’s budget plans on his show.

SIGN OF THE TIMES.... BLACKAGENDA REPORT

Hundreds Protest President Obama’s visit in Harlem

About 400 people gathered in Harlem to protest President Obama’s foreign and domestic policies. “We’re here to send a clear message to President Obama that he cannot come to Harlem without receiving a scathing message about his service to the 1%,” said Nellie Bailey, of Occupy Harlem, which called for the demonstration. Preventive detention was high on the list of grievances. “Without a doubt, it’s the rise of a police state,” said Bailey. Occupy Wall Street, MoveOn, and Stop Stop-and-Frisk sent delegations to the protest outside of the Apollo Theater, where the President held a fundraiser. “I never thought he would sell out like this,” said Jose LaSalle, of Stop Stop-and-Frisk,” to the point he would sign a bill like this and know how it affects minorities and people who are fighting for justice.”

Mothers Against Stop-and-Frisk

Mary Black’s teenage son was stopped five times in five months for no good reason by New York City police – all within a two-block radius of his family’s Harlem apartment. Ms. Black and other mothers have joined with Stop Stop-and-Frisk to protest a policy that saw 700,000 New Yorkers accosted by police, last year, most of them young Black and brown men. “People don’t deserve for their children to be treated this way,” said Ms. Black.

Preventive Detention Suit

Journalist and author Chris Hedges and other plaintiffs sued President Obama for his New Year’s Eve signing of a preventive detention bill. “The way this law is written is really terrifying,” said Hedges. “It’s the whim of the security and surveillance state, whoever they want to go after, they can pretty much do so under this legislation.” The former New York Times correspondent believes “there has been a clear effort on the part of the security state to try to tar the Occupy movement as an enemy of American democracy.”

Punish Police Torture

“It’s time to recognize torture under federal law as the crime against humanity it is,” said Taylor Flint, of Chicago’s People’s Law Office, at a Capital Hill briefing. Illinois Rep. Danny Davis has introduced legislation to punish police torture of suspects. Over a 20-year period, a police squad under detective John Burg tortured at least 200 suspects into giving false confessions. One of them, Darrell Cannon, spoke at the briefing. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Cannon, who served 26 years in prison. “I can never forgive, I can never forget.” Congressman Davis’ bill would also eliminate the statue of limitations on police torture. “Handwriting on the Wall” in Nigeria The gasoline price hike “was the straw that broke the camel’s back” and led to a general strike in Nigeria, earlier this month, said Aniedi Okure, of the Africa Faith and Justice Network, in Washington. The Nigerian government first doubled, then reluctantly reduced, prices for gasoline, causing instant inflation in a whole range of other prices. Although a major oil exporter, Nigeria imports most of its gasoline. Mr. Okure blames the Nigerian elite – “the .0001%,” as he called them – for vast economic disparities. “I’m praying that this awakening does not die out,” he said. “The politicians saw the writing on the wall. We might have had a French-style revolution on our hands

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Grant Opposes Addition of 63rd Senate Seat

Erie County Legislature Chairperson Betty Jean Grant (DBuffalo) is leading the County Legislature Democratic Majority and sponsoring a resolution strongly opposing the addition of a 63rd Senate seat to the New York State Senate. Chairperson Grant is joined by Majority Leader Thomas J. Mazur (D-Cheektowaga, Buffalo) and Legislators Timothy R. Hogues (D-Buffalo), Thomas A. Loughran (D-Amherst), Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) and Terrence D. McCracken (D-Depew, Lancaster, South Cheektowaga) cosponsoring the resolution opposing creating a new seat in the New York State Senate. “Recent media reports have drawn attention to a New York State Senate Republican proposal to add a 63rd Senate seat. Republicans defend this proposal due to a 500,000-person increase in the state’s population since district lines were redrawn in 2002,” Legislature Chair Grant said. “With New York State about to lose two Congressional seats, down to 27 from 29, because the state’s population has grown much less than other states, New York State’s somewhat anemic population growth should not serve as an excuse to increase the size of government, particularly at the policymaking level of the New York State Legislature.” “I am not aware of any outcry from the public demanding the addition of a New York State Senate seat. Indeed, the chorus supporting smaller government grows more vocal with each passing year,” Chairperson Grant continued. “The Erie County Legislature undertook not one, but two, downsizing efforts during the last decade, and successfully implemented both – a downsizing from 17 seats to 15 seats in 2002, and again a downsizing from 15 seats to 11 seats effective this year.” “It would be fitting for New York State to consider the downsizing efforts at both the county and federal levels as a lesson in 21st Century civics and the direction the taxpaying public wants government to head in,” Chairperson Grant concluded.

Legislature Approves Grant NFL Blackout Rule Resolution

The Erie County Legislature unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Erie County Legislature Chairperson Betty Jean Grant (D-Buffalo) requesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abolish its National Football League (NFL) Blackout Rule at its January 27 session.

“It was my good fortune to lend a helping hand to the weary traveler ying from the land of bondage.” William Still

Debuts Monday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. on Produced for PBS stations nationwide by: 90th Parallel Productions Ltd in association with Rogers Broadcasting Limited and WNED-TV Buﬀalo/Toronto

Funding provided by CN Railway, Rogers Cable Network, Canada Media Fund, and Rogers Documentary Fund. Additional support from David W. Pretty, Vernon Achber & Phil Lind, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. With participation of Rogers Broadcasting, Ltd., Ontario Media Development Corporation and The Government of Canada Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program.

HEALTH MATTERS

3 Shocking Reasons to Give up Soda

merica has a drinking problem. Soft drinks. According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, the average American guzzles 44.7 gallons of the sweet stuff every year. Not sure what 44.7 gallons looks like? It’s about what you’d need to fill a small kiddie pool. But the truth is, you don’t need me to tell you that soda isn’t healthy. We all know that America’s drink of choice contributes to our country’s everexpanding obesity problem. But, as Rodale.com writer Leah Zerbe discovered, love handles are just the beginning. Read on for her report on three shocking soda facts that will have you saying “Just water, please” from now on. Shocking Soda Fact #1: Soda fattens up your organs A recent Danish study revealed that drinking non-diet soda leads to dramatic increases in dangerous hard-todetect fats. Researchers asked participants to drink either regular soda, milk containing the same amount of calories as regular soda, diet cola, or water every day for six months. The results? Total fat mass remained the same across all beverage-consuming groups, but regular-soda drinkers experienced dramatic increases in harmful hidden fats, including liver fat and skeletal fat. The regular-soda group also experienced an 11 percent increase in cholesterol compared to the other groups! And don’t think switching to diet varieties will save you from harm: Artificial sweeteners and food dyes have been linked to brain cell damage and hyperactivity, and research has shown that people who drink diet soda have a higher risk of developing diabetes. FIX IT WITH FOOD: The average American drinks 450 calories a day. By switching to water as your go-to beverage, you’ll make room in your diet for these 40 Foods with Superpowers (Alaskan King Crab, Dried Plums, Bok Choy, Oysters, Bananas, Kiwis, Broccoli , Spinach, Chili Peppers, Ginger, Blueberries, Cinnamon, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Figs, Mushrooms, Pomegranates Quinoa.Grass-Fed Beef, Nonfat Ricotta,Tofu. Also: Lentils Eggs Greek-Style Yogurt Quorn Chocolate Milk Wild Salmon Pineapples Olive Oil Bing Cherries

Dark Chocolate Turmeric Wild Fatty Fish Flaxseed Almonds Apples Whole Grains —foods that, even in moderation, can strengthen your heart, fortify your bones, and boost your metabolism so you can lose weight more quickly. Shocking Soda Fact #2: Soda contains flame retardants Some popular soda brands, including Mountain Dew, use brominated vegetable oil— a toxic flame retardant—to keep the artificial flavoring

from separating from the rest of the liquid. This hazardous ingredient—sometimes listed as BVO on soda and sports drinks—can cause bromide poisoning symptoms like skin lesions and memory loss, as well as nerve disorders. If that’s not a good enough reason not to “Do the Dew,” I don’t know what is. DRINK DISASTERS: Soda isn’t the only dubious drink you have to watch out for. Many bottled beverages pack enough sugar and calories to foil your get-fit plans in one fell sip. Shocking Soda Fact #3: Drinking soda makes you a lab rat Many American soda brands are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, a heart-harming man-made compound derived mainly from genetically engineered corn. The problem? Genetically engineered ingredients have only been in our food chain since the 1990s, and we don’t know their long-term health impacts because the corporations that developed the crops never had to test them for long-term safety. Case in point: Some recent findings suggest that genetically engineered crops

are linked to digestive tract damage, accelerated aging, and even infertility! Ready to switch to water for good? Thought so.

Free SURGE Healing Circle Sessionsat 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) Feb.3,10,17 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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• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

Devotional Bible Study

Some Say They’re Saved, But It’s Not Always True Eph 5:5-6, "For you can be confident [lit., “be knowing”] of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let nobody deceive~| you with empty words, for because of these things God's wrath comes on the sons of disobedience." Some have the notion that God’s grace is so forgiving that they can treat sin lightly as though it doesn’t make any difference. They think nothing will happen if they dabble in “harmless sins.” They say to themselves, “God is love, so all I have to do is to confess it to Him and He has to forgive me,” or "God loves me, so He will never harm me even if I keep sinning." It was not any different in the first century. Paul wanted to be very clear that anyone practicing “sexual immorality, impure [or promiscuousness] and greed [lust or covetous] (such a person is an idolater)” has no part with Christ in heaven. This is a typical description of how the Gentiles lived. If the “fear of the Lord” means that God will do exactly as He says in His Word, then we must “flee youthful lusts” (2 Tim 2:22), and “flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor 6:18). Only a fool would not heed these warnings. Paul had made it clear that such practices “must not even be named among you” (3:3). Even flippantly joking about such sins in conversations can encourage participation (5:4). If we know God, our attitude toward sin has changed: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age" (Tit 2:11-12). We are commanded to “stop letting anybody deceive you with empty words” (5:6). Some were attempting to persuade the believers that there were no consequences to delving into sinful practices. After all, everything is forgiven. “Empty words” are without any truth to them. They are but a shell without reality, yet some people are so hungry for sensual experiences that they hide behind falsehood as excuses. Why should anyone who knows the attitude of God towards sin ever want to join in the sinful pornographic and lustful practices of the “sons of disobedience?” When God destroys them, you do not want to be around. These selfdestructive and filthy practices attract God’s displeasure, which has present and eternal consequences. The “sons of disobedience” are the “children of wrath” (Eph 2:2). In the next few verses Paul warns us not to become “partakers with them” (5:7), although previously they were habitually practicing such “darkness,” but now they “are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (5:8). The clearest evidence of God’s Spirit in a believer is that sin is not the same; it brings guilt and sense of shame, whereas before it was a desirable pleasure. The Spirit comes to “convict the world of sin” (Jn 16:8), thus the believer does not enjoy sin as before. Do not quench the Spirit's conviction, but repent and take steps to avoid any behavior that dishonors our Savior. Psa 103:8-10 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. (This is a study on all the New Testament commands we are suppose to be teaching. Go to www.branchespublications.com to purchase this devotional book.)

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, 895-8755 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.

ADD YOUR CHURCH TO THE SPIRITUAL LISTING TODAY!881-1051

To advertise call Ms. Jones @ (716) 881-1051 or email:

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SLR Contracting’s Sundra Ryce: Rising Star! When Black Enterprise Magazine hits the newsstands next week, the entire country will be made aware of what Western New Yorkers have known all along. Sundra Ryce, an awesome combination of beauty and brains, is a rising star. Ms. Ryce, President and CEO of SLR Contracting & Service Company Inc., is on the cover of this month’s Black Enterprise and is featured in

the cover story, “Rising Stars 40 & Under: the Next Generation of Women of Power.” It’s not the first time that the national magazine has cited Ms. Ryce’s company. In 2010 SLR earned revenues of $29.8 million to land at number 87 on the Black Enterprise 100s list of the nation’s largest Black-owned industrial/ service companies. The following year SLR was named by Black Enterprise among

the top companies to watch in 2011. And five years before making Black Enterprise, in 2006 SLR Contracting was named by Inc. Magazine another national publication, as one of America’s fastest growing privately held firms. Also in 2011, SLR was listed among the Top 10 construction companies in Western New York as reported by Buffalo Business First, ranking #7 in a field of 23 partici-

pating construction firms. Among her awards and citations, she has been honored with the Woman of Distinction Award by the New York State Executive Chamber. The company, which has been in business for 16 years and employs 30, most recently became the first minority and woman-owned firm to take a major project as general contractor with UB. The Buffalo-based firm is handling

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Buffalo’s own Sumdra Ryce, 2nd from left.

the $19.9 million renovation of the signature Hayes Hall, home of the UB School of Architecture and Planning. Prior to SLR taking on the Hayes Hall project, the university primarily used subcontractors on campus construction. “What we’ve tried to do at SLR over the years is build our company on the fact that we are good at what we do. We’re a woman-and minority-owned firm but at the end of the day, for our customers

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we’re (simply) a great general contractor,” she said in the January 27 edition of Buffalo Business First. A celebrated business leader and motivational speaker, Ms. Ryce is an ordained minister and attends both her family’s home church, Saints Home Church of God on Winspear and The Chapel in Getzville. She is the daughter of Rev. Willie and Dr. Norma Roberson.

ENTERTAINMENT

“THE HELP” Earns Actresses Top Honors at SAG Show!

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

on stage *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 *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.

“The Help,” a movie about the treatment of maids in a Mis-

sissippi town during the civil rights era, took top honors at the Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night, making it the movie to watch as the Oscar awards approach next month. Viola Davis (right) won the best actress trophy, while Octavia Spence (left) was given the best supporting actress honor. Both women portrayed maids. “The Help” also won the best cast ensemble SAG award. “The stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of color and women,” Davis said. “It’s all of our burden, all of us.” The wins boost the actors’ prospects for the same honors at the Feb 26 Academy Awards.

Bow Wow in Tax Trouble These young artists have no idea what to do with their money when they get it, especially three time tax offender, Bow Wow. He’s had a tax lien against him for unpaid taxes from 2006 for $91,105.61, 2008 for $15,279.62, and now 2010 for $19,70.91. None of them have been paid off. His total tax debt now totals a staggering $126,086.14.

*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. *The Soweto Gospel Choir, 4 p.m., Feb. 26, Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda, 692-2413. Tickets $40-$50. www.rivieratheatre.org

Book Signing: Time Served: My Days and Nights on Death Row Records

Simone Green, Chief Photographer for Death Row Records w i l l sign copies of her new memoir, Time Served: My Days and Nights on Death Row Records at Doris Records Saturday, February 4 at 286 E. Ferry from 2 to 6 p.m.

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*70’s Soul Jam, 8 p.m., March 10, Shea’s, $45-$50$55.50, Box Office, Ticketmaster.

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• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

Movie Review

Red Tails: A Story of Heroism and Triumph By Bart Williams

riday night I got a chance to check out the highly anticipated movie about the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen, ‘Red Tails.’ Although it lacked the life changing appeal of classics like “The Color Purple” and “Malcolm X” it’s still worth the ticket price. The events are based on the true stories of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II back in the 1940s when the United States fought the German Nazis. At the time, Black service members (US minority races including African American, Haitian American, and Hispanic Americans) were viewed as second-class citizens by the nation and were

still subject to Jim Crow laws even if they served overseas. They deemed ‘us’ unfit and mentally incapable of serving in any serious combat fighting. The Tuskegee experiment was intended to pacify civil rights advocates and more importantly the thousands of young men (women in the military was rare to nonexistent at the time) who WANTED to fight for their country and defend the liberties of their friends and families despite the segregation war happening stateside. The government didn’t think it would work and tried everything in its power to set it up to fail. The talk is that this is a Black history movie but in all fairness it is truly an American history tale of test, triumph and desegregated nationalism. Without giving away too much of the story, the Tuskegee Airmen went above and beyond the expectations of White America and proved they were willing and ready to serve their country by providing the ultimate sacrifice of putting their lives on the line for their country. Nationwide the movie debuted at number 2 in America and grossed $19 million in the opening weekend! It took a white Director (George Lucas, the billion dollar man behind movies like

Star Wars and E.T. put up $100 million of his own money) with a black girlfriend with a major finance background to get this movie made and into mainstream but thankfully it was. In true Lucas fashion the opening scene is packed with some high flying military action and great special effects that put you directly in the pilot seat of 1940s fighter planes. The casting was great and includes a diverse group of recognizable “Blackwood – Black Hollywood” faces including Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Ne-Yo, Tristan Wilds, Method Man, and David Oyelowo. Some of the acting and lines we’re simply mediocre and I feel like more could’ve been done to develop the. Red Tails starts off slow but picks up speed as if the writers figured out their “voice” half way through the writing process. This isn’t the first movie made about the notable Turskegee Airmen (Laurence Fishburne starred in :”The Tuskegee Airmen” released in 1995 but it wasn’t nearly as publicized as this movie) but it comes at a great time when many of our Black youth are misinformed and misguided. Finally they have an inspiration and people to look up to other than Lil Wayne, Lebron James, Nene Leaks (I’m not knocking them, ‘#imjussayin’), and the infectious fast money chasing dope boys found in every impoverished inner city in America. Even though the production value was a bit disappointing, the solid story creates a good foundation that keeps you entertained throughout the movie. The success of Red Tails is critical to the future of Hollywood green lighting future feature films about and starring Blacks the same way the success of the Tuskegee experiment was crucial to the future integration of the U.S. Air Force and military. Overall opinion: A must see (theaters) and must buy (on DVD, NOT BOOTLEG folks)

Go to ChallengerCN.com for the complete review

Miles Davis to be Honored on U.S. Postal Stamp:It’s been 20 years since legendary jazz artist Miles Davis passed away. Now the music icon is being honored with his very own U.S. postal stamp. No one played the trumpet like Davis, the kingpin of cool, who was in a league all his own. Davis took the jazz aesthetic to dizzying heights that many have endlessly tried to imitate. Now the trumpeter, musician, bandleader and composer who stood at the forefront of all that is jazz, from bebop to hard bop to jazz fusion, will be immortalized as part of the Forever Stamp collection. The stamp will become available for purchase in June of this year.

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• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

EDITORIAL

No War on Iran! by Margaret Kimberley

“The question is not whether when.” (Editor’s Note: On February 4 Buffalo and Rochester will be a among nearly 50 cities nationwide to join the International Action Center in holding mass demonstrations calling for “No War and No Sanctions” against Iran. The Buffalo march and rally will take place 3p.m. at City Hall Square. In Rochester, the rally and march will be held at 11a.m. at The Public Market, 280 North Union Street.) The United States has already declared a de facto war on Iran. The partners in crime in the European Union and the NATO alliance have joined in, and are ganging up on Iran as instructed by Washington. The EU voted to ban imports of Iranian oil and the Obama administration is attempting to extract similar promises from Asian nations. Obama has succeeded in doing what George Bush never could. For the second time in less than one year he has managed to get nearly all Western nations on board with his plans for conquest. Regime change in Libya has not been without complications for the west, but Gaddafi was not just

there will be an attack, but overthrown, he was killed, and as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pointed out, Washington could not have been happier with that outcome. The writing is on the wall, and Americans can expect to see a presidential address within the next few months, announcing bombings, drone attacks or an outright invasion with ground troops against Iran. The thought of this crime is enough to make any conscious individual sick with anger, but with no power in the world capable of stopping the United States, the die are cast. “Obama is loved by Democrats who hated Bush and was likewise welcomed by people around the world who shared that antipathy to his predecessor.” When George W. Bush invaded Iraq in 2003, millions of people around the world took to the streets. Bush was discredited because of his fraudulent election and his hamfisted treatment of even allied nations. Obama is hampered by none of these complications. He is loved by Democrats who hated Bush and was likewise welcomed by people around the world who shared

that antipathy to his predecessor. He was awarded a Nobel peace prize merely on the basis of having been elected president. Such accolades give him a protective Teflon coating that would have made Ronald Reagan jealous. After claiming that an Iranian used car salesman hatched a bizarre assassination plot, and lying about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and threatening that nation for pledging to defend itself, the question is not whether there will be an attack, but when. The other question is what the people of this country and this world will say and do when that occurs. Iran has been demonized so thoroughly that only the most ardent peace activists will come to its defense, but defend it they must. Iran has done nothing to warrant the enmity expressed by the west and its people have the right to live free from yet another American attack on their nation and on their lives. Thirty years ago another American president, Ronald Reagan, supported Saddam Hussein in his war against Iran. This sorry episode has been largely forgotten, but it should be pointed out that more than one million people died in the decade long conflict which would not have taken place without America’s arms and money. “Any short comings we may observe in that society don’t give Americans the right to commit war crimes and kill thousands of people.” Who in America will speak up for the Iranian people and their government? There should be no hesitancy and no wavering. America’s violence and wars of aggressions should be condemned, and individual opinions about the nation in question should not keep anyone who marched in the streets in 2003 from doing the same thing again in 2012. It doesn’t matter if president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that “there are no gay people in Iran” or that Islamic law restricts women’s legal rights. Any short comings we

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may observe in that society don’t give Americans the right to commit war crimes and kill thousands of people. Lest we forget, Iran had a secular and democratically elected government sixty years ago and that government was destroyed by the United States and Great Britain, who are once again working hand in had to deny other nations the right to self-determination. There should be no qualifications because of phony stories about “wiping Israel off the map.” That canard has long been discredited and in any case it is Israel that has a nuclear arsenal capable of wiping Iran off the map. It doesn’t matter who won the disputed election in 2009. The United States does not have the right to kill people based on another country’s internal disputes. We must also remember that undemocratic and even oppressive rule have never been obstacles to winning American support if the right interests want that to happen. Libya has been laid waste because of tall tales perpetrated by the West. Tales of civilian slaughter in Benghazi are Obama’s WMD, that is to say outright falsehoods. There will be more such story telling in the coming weeks and months, but it should not matter to anyone who claims to want peace. Peace makers must defend Iran and condemn the American government when it launches its violence. Such actions will be the true determination of who is civilized and who is not. Our government is definitely uncivilized and we shall see how many of its people also fit that description. Margaret Kimberley's Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well as at http://freedomrider.blogspot. com. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com.

Pop Warner Closes Out A Great Season!

Dear Editor: Here the Western NY Bills Pop Warner football team’s final update for the close of the season. We had a wonderful time in Disney World and our Midget team played the first of 2 games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. They lost the first game to The Lansdowne Ravens and this knocked us out of contention for the National Championship. We played another game against the N.C Bulldogs that we won so we came in 4th overall and we still view this as a success for our young men. They now see what is achievable through hard work and practice. We had a very successeful season and most of the kids will be returning next year and some will be moving on to play high school. Mid-America Pop Warner was very happy with our organization and hopes we will be returning to represent their conference next year. We at the Western NY Bills want to thank the children, parents and community for all their assistance in achieving our goals. -Steven King

MLK Committee Thanks Sponsors Dear Editor, We the “Concerned Citizens Following The Dream “ committee would like to thank our devoted sponsors of the Annual Martin Luther King Celebration Program that was held on January 15, 2012 at Kleinhans Music Hall. The program was truly a great success! There were over 1500 people in attendance. The performers were excellent! The sponsorship helped to make all of this possible. Again, our sincere thanks. Bessie Patterson C.C.F.T.D. Chairperson

ASAC continued from page 11

we are initiating an ASCAC Youth Study Group at the Frank E. Merriweather Library on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 pm on the following dates: February 5 and 19 and March 4 and 11. We are interested in working with youth ages 15 - 25 years old. If you are interested in participating, please contact Bro. Modell Gault at 896-1430 or modellgault@yahoo.com. I can also be reached at the adult study group every 2nd and 4th Saturday at the Frank E. Merriweather Library. The book we are studying is entitled SABA: The Reawakening of the African Mind, and authored by Asa Hilliard III. You are welcome and encouraged to join us.Shem Hotep Bro. Modell Gault

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11 Black History Month 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. Henri Muhammad 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 Symphony No. 9. The event will take place at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church 641 Masten Avenue in Buffalo. Tickets are $50 VIP(Concert, VIP Reception with Live Chamber Music Performance) and $20 General Admission Ludwig van Beethoven is regarded as the greatest and most influential composer of western classical music. His music spans all forms including symphonies, opera, chamber and small ensemble works, vocal, solo instrument compositions, and more. Some of the most popular and recognizable themes of classical music are that of Beethoven. The African ancestry of Beethoven is often a controversial topic, though numerous historical references site his black and African features, as well as, the verbal accounts of those friends and associates who knew Beethoven in his day. In addition to the many social obstacles Beethoven faced, he also suffered from hearing loss and became completely deaf by age 40. Miraculously, not only did Beethoven continue to write music after his deafness, but some of the greatest compositions in classical music literature were written by one who essentially never heard a note of his own music.

Visit The Nash House Museum! The Nash House Museum, located at 36 Nash Street, is the historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Mrs. Frances Jackson Nash.Winter Hours: Individual and Group Tours by appointment. Call 8564490 for more information. FREE DAYS: February 9 and 11 at 12 noon, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm

Black History: Now, Run and Tell That! In honor of Black History Month, the We Are Women Warriors Community and Family Empowerment Group will be showcasing some of Buffalo and Western New York’s most gifted storytellers, singers and spoken word artists on Wednesday, February 1 at the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. If you have a specific talent and you want to ‘show us what you can do,’ please call Erie County Legislature Chairwoman Betty Jean Grant @ 536-7323 and sign up to be a presenter. The performers will be signed up in the order that they call until the time has been allocated. Each presenter will be given up to 15 minutes and as long as your material is clean and respectful, we will not subject you to the ‘Apollo Theater Hook’. The Warriors are asking you, if possible, to tailor your poems, stories and other presentation around historical men and women of African descent, including but not limited to individuals, who lived and made a difference in the lives of African Americans in and around Buffalo and Western New York. Please call Legislator Grant (536-7323) as soon as possible to ensure that we will be able to hear what you have to say. Ms. Karla Thomas will serve as Mistress of Ceremony. Now, run and tell that!

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

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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 Guest Speakers Dewayne Ferguson (left) and Rudolphus Boans.

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

Image & Identity III “Acknowledging Our Ethnic Roots” Art & Hair Exhibition

Honorees Marsha McWilson and Patricia A. Ragin.

Two-Day Black History Month Celebration in Niagara Falls The Community Awareness Committee will host a two-day Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (NACC), 1201 Pine Avenue at 5:45 p.m. each evening. The theme is “Black History Month Matters-We Can Do It Better If We Do It Together.” The guest speakers will be Dewayne Ferguson and Rudolphus Boans. Ferguson is a couselor, community activist and President/CEO of the Buffalo Chapter of Mad Dads. He was recently elected as National Vice President. Boans, President/ CEO of Global Ministries, is also a community activist and Vice-President of Prayer in the Park . He is active in cancer awareness activities. Comedian Ernie Bivins, AKA “Black Ernie” will perform both days. The two-day event will consist of Black History presentations, dancing, singing, poetry and related activities. The Advantage After School participants are also performing. Black History Month skits will be performed by Samika Sullivan and LaRonda Mulkey. Reverend Richard D. Hague of Mt. Erie Baptist Church, and Reverend Timothy Brown, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, will do exhortations. Reverend Hague will speak on “The Role of the Church in the Community” and Reverend Brown will expound on “Why Go to Church.” Saturday’s program will also consist of performances by well known artists such as singer and song writer Kissena Frazier, Gospel rap Artist Shaddie Swagg, young Cameron McWilson and Tyrese Maye. Sunday’s program and concert will feature the “Men in White” choir which was voted the Best New Artists of 2010 in the Western New York area. The incomparable Living Water Male Chorus will also perform along with Gospel Rap Artist, Fonzo Carter and Moe Badger. The Honorees are Patricia A. Ragin, Gospel queen WBKL Radio, visionary and founder of the Men in White. The other honoree is singer, songwriter Marsha McWilson, a Gospel Stellar award winner and advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness. Both ladies are well known for their outstanding humanitarian efforts in the Western New York area and far beyond its borders. Contributors and sponsors of the event are the City of Niagara Falls, New York; the Niagara Falls City School District; Niagara Falls Housing Authority; the cooperating agencies are Prayer in the MAD DADS; The Advantage After-School Program; Niagara Falls Redevelopment, LLC. Ronald E. Cunningham is president of the Community Awareness Committee. Light refreshments will be provided free of charge. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 716-804-1858.

The Image & Identity III, Acknowledging Our Ethnic Roots” Art & Hair Exhibition at Artspace Gallery, 1219 main Street, kicks off on Friday Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. with an art opening featuring Dario Mohr, Oil Portraits “African Saints” and Artspace and Community artists. There will also be drumming and storytelling by Daughters of Creative Sound. A panel discussion with Baba Ramon Sylla, Queen Malice, Mustafa and David Blackburn will take place at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. and Hair and Fashion Show featuring Khadijah Jeader of Compositions Hair Salon and music by DJ Redliner will take place. Tickets are $10 in advance and 412 at the door. Call l948-3583 or 995-3450 for more in formation. There will also be live entertainment, vendors, Caribbean & Fish Dinners sold by Kafe InterNational & William Nate Smith. At 2 p.m. there will be a free screening of “Good Hair” by Chris Rock.

ASCAC: The Next Generation

or over 25 years the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC) has been committed to providing African people with knowledge about African civilizations from an African worldview. The organization continues to battle against the cultural genocide of our historical wisdom from western civilizations and against cultural suicide by our own miseducated negroes. The western colonial countries persist in raping and benefitting from the natural resources of the continent while the standard of living of the indigenous African population is so poor. Many of them flee to the land of the colonial country in an effort to try to escape their misery. The ancient knowledge of herbal medicine, the healing drum and so much more have been erased from our memories. European scholars study the knowledge of our ancestors and create copyright and publication laws for their own benefit, and then charge the African people to use their inventions. African Americans have become so highly miseducated in the ways of the European that we are no longer African in the true sense of the word. In fact we despise Africa and love the western world. ASCAC has taught us that it is our moral obligation and responsibility to resist the psychological and educational oppression of African people. We must rescue and restore the wisdom of our ancestors! Our conversation with the next generation must focus on how ASCAC plans to preserve and perpetuate African historical and cultural consciousness. We must tell our story to our children. Not just the African in America story, but the whole story; the story of how we came from the so-called Sub-Saharan Africa and the developed Kemet (Egyptian) civilization and the story of how we were repaid with the murder and kidnapping of our ancestors. Before we can enlighten our children of this story, we must first help them through the detoxification process from the behavior of greed and entitlement associated with the western culture. There are several organizations in the City of Buffalo which are attempting to rehabilitate African American youth. However, ASCAC is interested in the recovery of their African minds. The African born in America has been struggling with the problem of unity and identity for hundreds of years. Perhaps the next generation can be taught to develop a better plan to reawaken African minds in America. The 29th Annual ASCAC Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Studies Conference will be held March 22-25, 2012 at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. ASCAC Eastern Region plans to take a group of next-generation youth to the conference. In Buffalo Continued Page 10

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POLITICAL POWER FAILURE?

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

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continued

hind all of this is serious. “When we lost Antoine, re-gardless of what people thought of him – he was Black, he was ours and we should have supported him more... and if we didn’t like him, after we re-elected him we should have supported (and replaced him with) another Black. We gave that seat away and we have nobody to blame but us. In the Masten alone we had enough people to vote and win that primary,” said Arthur. “When we don’t turn out the bottom line is we hurt ourselves more than we hurt the individual. Whether we like someone or not, voting and being a political force is extremely important to the future of our children and our grandchildren – politics control everything in this city from the churches on down....” -A Good Lesson in PoliticsTed Kirkland, political commentator and rights activist, recalled his personal run for the State Senate seat (now the

60th) in 1984. The reason it took this community so long to win the seat he said, was “politricks.” “We’d been splitting votes for several years,” he said. “At one time we could have even had two Assembly seats, but we lost it to politricking.” He said that he also proposed during a reapportionment hearing years ago that we had enough people in the City of Buffalo to have a senate seat all our own. The insanity continues today he said, and the fact that nationally racism is prevalent, is nothing new. “In my opinion, in the final analysis, the fault of losing the current senatorial seat lies with the former candidate who held t hat position and who failed to keep it...The lesson is that you can’t take the Black community for granted and expect to be rewarded. That seat was extremely important.” Kirkland said that the whole idea of redrawing the lines

Upcoming Chess Tournaments

FILLMORE AVE

The public and those interested in learning more about the game of Chess are invited to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library at 1 Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo for any of the upcoming monthly U.S. Chess Federation-sanctioned tournaments sponsored by the Archangel 8 Chess Academy led by Certified USCF Chess Coach Michael A. McDuffie. All tournaments are on Sunday afternoons from 12 noon - 4:30 p.m. at the Library’s café, located on the main floor. Players of any age and all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this free program. The remaining tournament dates set so far for 2012 are: Sunday, February 26 Sunday, March 25 Sunday, April 29 Advance registrations are encouraged by the day before each date -- please provide player full name, phone number, grade, school, and USCF number (if applicable) to arcangel8chess@yahoo.com.

continued

project will also improve pedestrian and vehicular safety with the installation of a new street lighting system and enhanced cross walks. Mayor Brown stated, “Fillmore Avenue has the potential to become one of the most important commercial corridors. If the corridor is attractive and vibrant, people will believe the neighborhood is attractive and vibrant as well.” An additional $900,000 in roadway improvements will also begin along a stretch of Humboldt Parkway, once the city’s grandest street, an integral part of the Buffalo Park’s System. All of these improvements are designed to complement the ongoing construction of the $4.5 million Splash Pad and Surrounding Basin at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. When completed this summer, the newly renovated “splash pad” will switch between a splash pad, reflecting pool and ice rink, depending on the season. Since 2006, the city has invested over $10 million in this area.

was simply to save the Republican candidate. “Every 10 years the lines are redrawn. Had Antoine won the Democrats would have kept the majority in the NYS Senate...but instead the power went to the Republicans.” He predicted that it would all probably end up in court with the Democratic Party, NAACP and others suing under the 1965 Civil Rights Act. “This has been a good lesson in politics for the Black community,” he continued. “ If we are not careful we’ll lose a lot more faces in positions of power...because the problem is we’re not gaining anything from them. What is it that we can put our hands on to see if our elected officials are working for us?” –a.b.

fleA M ARKET

African Flea Market, 33 Linwood Ave. 1/18/12, 1pm, $25 per a slot. Info Call Dave 381-8722.

bidS NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

employment Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:

Part-time Secretary

Part-time Secretary for our Niagara Falls office to provide administrative support for a high volume community based office which provides emergency assistance and mental health counseling. Responsible for office management, customer service, typing correspondence, answering phones, data entry, fee collection and other duties. The ideal candidate must possess a High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 3 years prior experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, good communication, written and interpersonal skills. Interested and qualified candidates may forward resume and cover letter with Job # 201203 to:

Catholic Charities

4164 - Electronic Board Book Portal 4169 - Floor Cleaning Equipment Maintenance Download Bids from www.nfta.com

741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F

bidS COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS 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 ADVERTISING

Are you interested in a Free Training through Direct Support Professional Training and Placement? Please contact: 817-5609 Sponsored by the U.S Dept. of Health and Human Services. Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:

Billing Operations Specialist

Full-time Billing Operations Specialist to oversee and coordinate managed care, billing compliance and collection functions in the licensed clinics and other agency programs that bill third party insurance. Maintain working knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance policies, procedures and rules, OMH and OASAS billing rules and regulations. Trains, coaches and supervises clinic support staff in patient scheduling, managed care, point of service collections, billing and related procedures. Ensures that established procedures are followed in collecting fees/co-pays at point of service and that cash is deposited timely. Coordinates and conducts internal billing compliance audits. Associates degree in business administration, human services or other relevant field with a minimum of four (4) years experience in performing billing support functions in a medical or social work practice setting, including at least two (2) years supervisory experience. Strong knowledge of third party billing Interested & qualified candidates may forward resume & cover letter with Job # 201200 to:

Catholic Charities

741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F

ADVERTISING

PAYS!

EMAIL advertising@thechallengernews.com

FEBRUARY 1, 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

CLOTHING Level’s Apparel & Footwear 1455 Kensington (716) 832-0284

CHILD CARE Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716) 238-1455 My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800

COFFEE SHOPS

Daria L. Pratcher 136 Broadway (716) 541-8574

Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770

AUTOMOTIVE

DELI / VARIETY STORES

Automotive Battery And Tire 3218 Bailey Ave. (816) 838-0263 First Klass Muffler & Brake Inc. 779 Genesee St. (716) 362-0450

BANKS Citizens Bank NA 414 Main St. Chiquita Rodgers 855-2532 Key Bank/South Campus Terrence A. McKelvey, CFP 3586 Main St. * 871-4260

BARBER SHOPS KLASSIC KUTS 1471 Kensington 836-3260 MASTER TOUCH 1283 E. Delavan 570-7234 / 846-5956

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

DJ’S

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

AJ Jamaican Kitchen 209 Massachusetts Ave. 886-9555 Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 3819308

THE BARBERSHOP 2516 Bailey (716) 464-SHOP

Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson (716) 464-6794

BEAUTY/IMAGE

Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592

Studio U Hair Loft 894-8737

HAIR SUPPLY

Queen of New York 2868 Bailey (716) 602-8662 Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880 Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. 308-4873 Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. (716) 833-2250 More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. (716) 886-7960 Peaches & Keys Unisex 883 Jefferson * 603-6506

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

Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

PHOTOGRAPHY

HEATING & COOLING

Love Well Lifestyle Imaging Info@Love-Well.Com 430-8645

Don “The Furnace Guy” (716) 465-2411

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Everything Beauty Salon & Spa 156 Elmwood Ave. 939-3355

MEDICAL

Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan (716) 892-5821

Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. 835-2036

Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 563-1734

EATERIES

Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663

Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 8332463

DOG TRAINING Joseph Myree Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163

Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250

Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. (715) 995-3450

Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561

PRECISION CUTZ 87 Cleveland Dr. 603-1477

elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com

The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009

DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358

Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore (716) 597-0755

Hazel Harris (716) 573-5240

EATERIES

Franklins Interior / Exterior Concepts 105 Commonwealth (716) 235-8818 Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones* (716) 9035320

INSURANCE Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212 Geico 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd. (716) 832-3253 Hopkins Insurance 1193 Jefferson (716)-886-8880

LIQUORS & WINES Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * (716) 8844066 One Mo Shot Liquors 2612 Bailey * (716) 4643299

View the entire Business Directory online 24/7 at ChallengerCN.com

Princess Photography (716) 563-0994

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

TAX SERVICE L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904

TOWING Ron’s Towing & Recovery (716) 892-2282

ADD YOUR LISTING TODAY! E-mail ads@ChallengerCN.com or Call 716-881-1051

ChallengerCN.com

• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

NUMBERS

SUN 1/22

MON 1/23

TUES 1/24

WED 1/25

THURS 1/26

EVE-983

EVE-491

EVE- 530

EVE-390

EVE-947

MID-4356 EVE-1777

MID-8223 EVE-1848

1-6-16-21-37 5-6-10-18-34 20-21-23-35-38

13-25-27-37-38

FRI 1/27

SAT 12/28

MID-543 MID- 261 MID-328 MID- 489 MID-269 MID-642 MID-424 EVE-454

EVE-475

WIN 4 TAKE 5

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

MID - 6348 MID- 3394 EVE5493 EVE- 9968

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-

MID- 2789 MID-3133 MID-0379 EVE- 7528 EVE-8512 EVE-6683

9-21-28-29-37

2-8-20-31-39 18-20-21-34-39

1-6-11-13-23-24#22

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

335

4-15-22-41-50-55#17

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

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Events Calendar

Wednesday February 1

Tuesday February 7

Saturday February 11

Sunday February 1 2

411 Basketball Academy & 411 Action Plan Program Kickoff : 2:15 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 397 Northland Ave.; for info john Thomas @ w ww.the411brand.com

Fundraiser for Tamica Oaks: Loretta’s Soulful Dining, 479 Genesee St.; $15; 560-0541. (See page 3 for details)

Annual Red & White Ball: 6 p.m. VCT Fellowship Hall, 179 Waverly St., sponsored by Zion Missionary Baptist Deaconess Ministry. 8861362/864-7491.

Demonstration & March “No War On Iran”: 3 p.m. Niagara Square.

Occupy Buffalo Justice Dialogue: Niagara Square, 4 p.m.

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.

Occupy Buffalo Justice Dialogue: Niagara Square, 4 p.m. Black History Month Program: Merriweather Library, 5:30-7:30 pm, storytellers, singers, spoken word artists; hosted by We Are Women Warriors. Thursday February 2 Amherst Christian Academy Open House: 2625 Tonawanda Creek Rd, 7-8:30 p.m.; 689-9944, www.amherstchristian.org Saturday February 4

Wednesday February 8

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. Saturday February 11 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.

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 597-4368 or 523-8962. Occupy Buffalo Justice Dialogue: Niagara Square, 4 p.m.

see you at the EVENTS

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

Celebrate Black History month: featuring Storyteller Sharon Holley, 3 p.m., Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, 858-8900 for info. Occupy Buffalo Justice Dialogue: Niagara Square, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday February 7 Public Forum: Commission to Examine Buffalo Police Dept. Reorganization, 6-8 p.m. Merriweather Library, Jefferson 2 Utica.

To Advertise E-mail ads@ChallengerCN.com or Call 716-881-1051

ChallengerCN.com

• FEBRUARY 1, 2012 Challenger Community News •

bob@transfermarketing.com

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