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INSIDE ROCHESTER
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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Super Bowl Soul! Left to right, Stevie Wonder, his daughter and her fiancee; Destiny’s Child Reunion, and Big Boi. PHOTOS BY JEROME DAVIS
Super Bowl Super Soul!
The Super Bowl is becoming as famous for its entertainment as it is for its awesome gridiron talent! This year was no exception. The best concert of the entire week was Stevie Wonder’s performance with his 15-member 10 piece band. Stevie opened the concert with a pulsating version of “How Sweet it is To be Loved by You,” and quickly moved into “Don’t You Worry GEORGE RADNEY About A Thing.” Stevie, dressed in a priestly type black suit with full length coat and high collar with encrusted jewelry gave him a royal
Around Town Poetry and Prose 738 UNIVERSITY AVE. ROCHESTER* 585-563-2145
African World History Class Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm. Hosted by Kiah Nyame Special Guest Dr. Babacar Fall at February 12th Session, , professor of history at the Faculty of Science and Technology Education and Training (FASTEF) School of Education of the Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Sénégal. Fall will present a formal lecture on Wednesday, February 13th, at Nazareth College.
FILM & DIALOGUE *Blacking Up: Hip Hop’s Remix of Race and Identity Friday, Feb. 15, 7 pm DIALOGUE *Last Friday Heritage Jazz Series. Friday, Feb. 22, 7 pm *PROFILED: RACE IN CIVIC CIRCLES Series - Race & Identity Thurs., Feb. 28, 7 pm In partnership with the Rochester Black Bar Association
Dr. Patricia Marino, Storyteller, Coach, Author and Trainer will present the Poetry & Prose ofPaul Laurence Dunbar and original works at StayBridge Hotel, 1000 Genesee St. in Rochester on Saturday, Feb. 16. There will be a special performance by The Unusual Suspects. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door .
Rochester Board of Ed Celebrates Black History The calendar of events for the Rochester Board of Education has been updated for February. The calendar is posted on the home page of the District website at: www.rcsdk12. org/calendar. Highlights are as follows : • February 14: Recognition of Outstanding African American Scholars and Community Leaders – 5 p.m.: Reception; 5:30 p.m.: Program – Conference Room 3A • February 26 from 6-8 p.m.: Budget Open House – Montessori Academy at Dr. Freddie Thomas High School campus (625 Scio St.)
look that fit the atmosphere. Stevie’s DJ played a tribute to Michael Jackson “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and Stevie mentioned how he misses Michael’s creativity. The band played a stirring version of George Clinton’s “We Want the Funk,” as Stevie jammed on keyboards, and then the DJ returned with Bob Marley “Jamming.” Stevie mentioned that Bob Marley was a world leader and icon who is truly missed. “Isn’t She Lovely” was next up with his five background singers including his daughter lighting up the stage. The DJ returned one last time with Luther Vandross’ “Searching,” and Stevie said that Luther was one of his favorite singers who had such a rich and full voice that will never be duplicated. During
Black Heritage Events Continue! The City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee will offer the following events throughout the month: -Friday, Feb 15, School of the Arts Choir -Friday, Feb 22, Charlie Wells & the Original VoiClouds -Heritage Gospel Concert: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at Immaculate Conception Church,45 Frederick Douglass Circle, Rochester. Free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. •Black Heritage Story Telling: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Ryan Community Center, 500 Webster Ave. Cost: Free and open to the public •11th Annual Black Heritage Gala: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, Rochester Plaza Hotel, 70 State Street. Cost: Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased from City Youth Services Dept., 2nd floor of Sibley Building, 25 Franklin St. or at City Hall, Rm. 202A. •Youth Video Premiere: “150 Video” How Does the Emancipation Proclamation affect YOU today, 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, Manhattan Square Lodge, 353 Court Street. Free and open to the public For more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/bhm
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A panel discussion featuring Nancy Sung Shelton, William Clark and Dr. Leonard Brock will follow.
Monday FEBRuaRy 25 7pm By challenging America’s business and political communities directly, Whitney Young was able to make in-roads where other civil rights leader could not. The Powerbroker chronicles the public and private trials of a man navigating a divided society in an explosive time. This event is free and open to the public. This film is part of WXXI’s African American Educational Awareness Film Series. The series is made possible with support from sponsors: Pothos Productions, Freedom Trail Commission, WHTK-1280AM What’s Goin on with Brown & Allen, The Community Place of Greater Rochester and Threshold CAPP.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2013
WNY AREA BRIEFS Thinking About Running Hearings on Plan for Michigan Street for the Board of Heritage Corridor Set Education?
REV. LEWIS: To keynote installation service.
National Action Network to Install Officers for 2013 The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network will induct the first set of officers for the newly chartered chapter on Sunday, February 24 at 3:30 p.m. at Delaine Waring AME Church, 680 Swan Street. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis, Pastor of Miracle Mission full Gospel Church. For more information about the National Action Network or the installation service, please call (716) 299-8299 or email bflonan@gmail.com
Mayor Brown to Host Community Meeting to Discuss City’s Green Code Mayor Byron W. Brown will host a community meeting at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue) on Wednesday, February 13 to discuss the Buffalo Green Code with city residents. The event begins at 5:45 PM with a registration and open house period. The formal presentation and Q&A session will be from 6 – 7:15 p.m. The Buffalo Green Code is an historic economic and community development initiative spearheaded by Mayor Brown that will revamp Buffalo’s 60 year old zoning code. The new code will facilitate development, preserve neighborhood character, and protect the community from the impacts of problem uses. Mayor Brown is encouraging all city residents to attend and share ideas, concerns and questions about future development in your neighborhood and throughout the City of Buffalo.
Have you considered running for Buffalo Board of Education? Or do you want to help to support voter education and turnout for School Board Elections? If so, please attend an informational session on Saturday, February 16 from noon to 2 p.m. at Gateway/ Longview, 347 East Ferry St. *Join parent leaders in reflecting on the state of our schools and the role of the Board of Education to make positive change *Get information on the basics of running for School Board *Find out how you can get involved to help with voter education and turnout The Buffalo Board of Education is responsible for the oversight of 32,000 students and a budget of nearly $800 million dollars. Less than 5% of the voters have decided the fate of these children and this funding in previous elections!
Game Time Experience to Host Black History Month Awards Dinner Game Time Experience is celebrating Black History Month by hosting its first Black History Month Recognition Dinner on Thursday, 6 p.m., February 21 at 1210 Broadway at Lathrop. The event’s theme is “D.R.E.A.M.” which stands for “Dare To Reach, Empower And Accomplish More.” The dress is business casual. Some of Buffalo’s distinguished Black achievers will be honored including, the Honorable Judge James A.W. McLeod, Attorney J. Glenn Davis, Pastor Charles Walker of Mt. Hope Community Church, Alnisa Banks, President/Publisher of The Challenger Community News, Mack Luchey owner of Doris Records and more. Limited seating is available. Tickets may be purchased at Doris Records and Game Time Experience. For more information call (716) 939-3149.
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Challenger Community News •
On Tuesday, February 19 at noon and 6 p.m., the Common Council will hold hearings in City Hall to give the community the opportunity to comment on a draft management plan for the Michigan Street Heritage Corridor as proposed by the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. The proposed corridor starts at East Ferry Street and Masten Avenue and continues South to Woodlawn Ave., then to Michigan Ave. and ends at Swan Street. Pine, Sycamore Elm, William, Hickory and south Division streets are also included. The community is urged to attend. Karen Stanley Fleming is chair of the Commission
Celebrate Local Black History! Visit The Nash House Museum Visit the historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Frances Jackson Nash.Hours: Thursday and Saturday 11:30 - 4. $10 Group tours and additional hours by appt. 36 Nash Street 856-4490
Services to be Held for Clemon Wilkes Clemon Wilkes was called home by the Lord on Friday, February 8 after a short illness. Bro. Honeycutt (as he was affectionately known) was a long time resident of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He will be missed by a host relatives and friends. Home Going services will be held Friday, February 15 at Delaine-Waring AME Church, 680 Swan St. Visitation:11:00-12:00 Services: 12:00.
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Who is Sergio?
Sergio Rodriguez Announces Candidacy for Mayor of the City of Buffalo
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t may be an uphill battle, but for Sergio Rodriguez, uphill is no problem. “I’m a fighter,” he said. And becoming the Mayor of the City of Buffalo is a dream that he believes is well within reach. Rodriguez, a Republican, announced that he would run for the City’s highest office last Wednesday during a press conference in Niagara Square. The issues plaguing Buffalo, the nation’s third poorest city, can no longer be ignored, and will not be ignored under his administration, he pledged. “I envision a Buffalo where graduating High School is the norm, not the exception. Where residents can feel safe walking the streets in their own neighborhoods where mothers and fathers can put food on the table and their children feel secure having a roof over their head. Where hardworking residents of Buffalo have the opportunity to seek and gain employment in their own city. And where small businesses can thrive while working together with city government.” He’s the first Republican to run for mayor since 2005, and Buffalo hasn’t had a Republican mayor since the 1960s. But political affiliation he reasoned, will not matter to voters seeking real change and a positive alternative to the current administration. “... Do you think a mother out there, a single mother worried about putting food at their table and their kid being involved in gang activities, you think she’s worried about whether there’s a Republican or Democrat at city hall? They’re not. They’re concerned about the issues that matter,” said Rodriguez. Rodriquez, 32, was born in Dominican Republic and his fami immigrated to the U.S. when he was 10 years old. For the past decade Rodriguez has lived in south Buffalo. He joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school and was promoted to Sergeant. He holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College where he’s been the Director of Veterans Affairs for the past two years. He said that he is running on a platform of “change” and would be a mayor who would lead by partnering with the people he was elected to serve. “I am running because I believe that if given the proper foundation every resident in the city will have the ability to choose, commit, and fulfill their own American dream right here in Buffalo. “The time has come for a more involved administration.” Who is Sergio? Right now he’s the one to watch...
Summer Youth Job Applications Available! Applications for the Buffalo Summer Youth Employment Program are now available for City of Buffalo, income eligible youth, ages 14-19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Buffalo Employment & Training Center located at 77 Goodell Street (located at the intersection of Ellicott and Goodell streets).
Hatton
Scott.
Niagara Falls Memorial Appoints Kenneth Hatton and Alicia Scott Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has appointed Kenneth Hatton as Director of Environmental Services effective Feb. 25. The Center also appointed Alicia Scott, RN, MSN, ANP-C, clinical coordinator of its state-designated Stroke Center. Hatton holds an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Business Administration Management from Bryant & Stratton College. He has more than 20 years of healthcare facility-based environmental services experience and most recently served as Senior Environmental Services Supervisor at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo. His community involvement includes service on the Board of Directors of Palliative Home Care of Niagara, Inc. Ms. Scott completed her licensed practical nurse training and a subsequent associate’s degree in registered nursing at Niagara County Community College. She later earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science/Adult Nurse Practitioner degrees at Daemen College. Ms. Scott, who holds board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, joined the medical center’s staff in 2006 as a registered nurse on the telemetry unit. As a nurse practitioner, she has worked on the hospitalist service and, for the past two years, with Stroke Center Medical Director Dr. Nyathappa Anand, the head of Memorial’s Division of Neurology.
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National/International NEWS Trayvon’s life celebrated Protest Drone Attacks! and Rally at the White House Saturday, a year after his death March April 13 to demand a halt to the killing of thou4
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he Trayvon Martin Foundation held a star-studded dinner in Miami Sunday night to honor the teenager’s life. The inaugural dinner, held at the DoubleTree Miami Airport Hotel, wrapped a week of ceremonies to remember Martin, who would have turned 18 on February 5th. February also marks the one year anniversary of his death. Jamie Foxx, one of several actors and activists at the event, serenaded the crowed with a bittersweet rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Authorities said Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer, on February 26, 2012. Martin’s family won their fight to see Zimmerman charged with second degree murder. His trial is expected to begin in June. The dinner benefited the Trayvon Martin Foundation, an organization formed in Martin’s honor. According to its website, the foundation seeks to amend Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which Zimmerman claimed as his defense. Cedric the Entertainer spoke about the law at the event Sunday. “I don’t understand the stand your ground law,” he said. “He was profiled, he was pursued and then he was prosecuted.” Martin’s death also represents a bigger battle against racial profiling and gun violence, a topic Jamie Foxx explored in his speech Sunday night. “Don’t ever feel like that you are wrong for asking for something that is right,” said Foxx. After the dinner, the media poke with Foxx about how Martin’s death has come to symbolize a broader message. “You know, as a country, we are failing. We are failing miserably when it comes to children and our lack of compassion, and figuring out how do we keep the guns from killing all of these children,” said Foxx. -Update: George Zimmerman Denied Trial DelayFlorida Judge Debra Nelson denied a motion from George Zimmerman’s attorney Tuesday requesting a delay in his June 10 trial date. Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, citing self-defense in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Defense attorney Mark O’Mara requested a five-month postponement, claiming the prosecution has been slow in making evidence and witnesses available. The New York Times reported that students and other Martin supporters sang “Happy Birthday” on the courthouse steps. “We are four months away from a trial date,” Nelson said. “I don’t see any of your issues to be insurmountable.”
Obama’s State of the Union: President Puts Focus on Economy and Jobs President Obama outlined plans Tuesday to revive American prosperity by rebuilding “a thriving middle class,” calling it the “true engine of America’s economic growth” during his annual State of the Union Address. Growing the economy and creating good middle-class jobs “must be the North Star that guides our efforts,” Obama told a joint session of Congress and a national television audience. While devoting most of his speech to jobs and the economy, Obama also announced plans to pull 34,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan over the next year, reducing the American presence by about half as part of a planned overall withdrawal. “By the end of next year,” Obama said, “our war in Afghanistan will be over.” In perhaps the most dramatic moment of the hour-long speech, Obama called on Congress to vote on gun-control proposals in order to honor “Americans whose lives have been torn apart” by mass violence. “They deserve a vote,” Obama said. In a litany of economic proposals, Obama called for an increase in the minimum wage — from $7.25 to $9 per hour .
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
sands of people through U.S. drone strikes in the Middle East Central Asia and the Horn of Africa. The targeting of Africa and its vast natural resources by the Pentagon and CIA is in full swing.
The ANSWER Organization (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) is organizing a national March and Rally at the White House for Saturday, April 13 to demand a halt to the killing of thousands of people through U.S. drone strikes in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Horn of Africa.The targeting of Africa and its vast natural resources by the Pentagon and CIA is in full swing. A nationwide Month of Action Opposing Drones willalso be in full swing during the month of April and will include a weekend of educationand ac tion in Syracuse, New York. For more information contact ANSWER Syracuse - 315-4916987 - syracuse@answercoalition.org -Thousands KilledHaving killed thousands of people through U.S. drone strikes in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa, the U.S. government is now putting all of Africa in the crosshairs. The Pentagon is establishing a drone base headquarters in Niger and a network of drone bases throughout the continent. In late December 2012, the United States announced a plan to send military missions to as many as 35 countries on the African continent. After engaging in centuries of colonial plunder and the kidnapping of millions into slavery, the U.S. and European powers are bringing a new wave of militarism to Africa. Under the guise of “fighting terrorism” or “saving civilians,” the United States, France and Britain are invading and bombing African countries. Now they will step up their campaign of killing African people by the employment of Pentagon and CIA drone aircraft located in a network of bases being established by the Pentagon throughout the continent. The U.S. functions as a death squad government, permitting the president and military leaders to create secret “kill lists” of people who have been selected for assassination. There is no due process, no trial, no evidence – the individuals are selected to be murdered and they are killed, and many civilians who are nearby also die. Drones are the weapon of choice.
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ghanistan, villagers have staged mass protests against drone strikes after their kids were incinerated while they were collecting firewood or farming in nearby fields.
Join us at the White House for a march and rally on Saturday, April 13 to let the world know that the people of this country are demanding “Drones Out of Africa and Everywhere!”
Targeted killing, which began under former President GEorge W. Bush, officially remains a classified CIA program. Over 3,000 people have been murdered by U.S. drone strikes in the last few years, including a large number of children among the many civilians who have been slaughtered by these robotic killing machines. Sitting in offices thousands of miles away from their targets, U.S. operators routinely decide to “push the button” and kill their unsuspecting targets on the ground with hellfire missiles fired from unseen drone aircraft. In Pakistan and Af-
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FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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HEALTH MATTERS
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Diet Soda: Less Sugar But More Diabetes Risk You may think that your diet beverage is good for your health, but it turns out that drinking diet beverages can have some serious effects on your health. You may think that you are significantly cutting calories, but what you’re actually doing is increasing your likelihood of developing diabetes. The new research, which has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that fizzy diet beverages increase you chances of getting diabetes by 60 percent. The study involved over 66,000 women. The women who did consume fizzy artificial beverages turned out to be at a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who drank the regular sodas. Remarkably, the key difference in the research was found between two different types of soda drinkers and not between those who do and do not consume soda. So what they ultimately determined was that drinking regular soda is healthier for you. That only turned out to be true because diet soda drinkers consume closer to twice the amount of soda that regular soda drinkers consume. Many studies have connected drinking soda to diabetes in the past, but this study shows that people who drink diet soda hardly follow the “diet” suggestion on the label. The average diet soda drinker has 2.8 glasses of soda a week. Those who drink regular soda only have 1.6 glasses weekly. The study was performed in France as researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in France monitored the women between the years of 1993 and 2007. Their research also showed that fizzy drink drinkers also have a higher risk of diabetes than those who only drink juice.
EAT TO LIVE!
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FAITH BASED
FEBRUARY 13, 2013 Challenger Community News •
Niagara Falls Pastor to be Honored at Black History Month Celebration Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center will honor the senior pastor of Mount Erie Missionary Baptist Church for his contributions to the community on Friday, Feb. 15, at the hospital’s annual Black History Month celebration.
The Rev. Richard D. Hague Jr., who was installed at Mount Erie in 2001, is the chairman of the City of Niagara Falls Human Rights Commission. He also serves on the boards of directors for the P2 Collaborative, Independent Health Foun-
dation, Community Missions of Niagara, Great Lakes Baptist Association, Niagara Charter School and the Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center. The free celebration will be held in Continued Page 7
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Challenger Community News •
Could The Next Pope Come From Africa?
NIAGARA FALLS PASTOR HONORED continued
I N S TA L L E D :
Rev. Kenneth Simmons, pastor of Cold Spring Bible Chapel, 100 Northland Avenue, was installed during installation services January 20 at New Cedar Grove on Maryvale Road. Rev. Simmons, a rising young star in the Church community, is pictured above with is lovely wife. He and the First Lady invite our readers to visit any Sunday! Sunday School begins at 10:15 a.m., Worship Sevice at 11:30 a.m.See you there!
the Memorial Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10th St. “Pastor Hague has been deeply involved in community outreach for the past decade. His commitment to organizations that seek to improve the health of western New Yorkers is inspirational and this honor is well deserved,” said Charles A. Walker, Memorial’s director of community outreach and the organizer of the event. The theme of this year’s Black History Month celebration is “The Doctor, Research and You.” A health fair highlighted by a presentation by Don McLean, M.S., M.A., will begin at 10 a.m. and will be followed by an 11 a.m. luncheon featuring keynote speaker David Blackburn, director of Multicultural & International Student Affairs at Niagara University.
Mistress of ceremonies will be Denise Easterling, vice president of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Commission, with musical selections by Diana M. Reeves and students from Niagara Street Elementary School. For information, call 2852382.
Second Temple to Hold Its 65th Anniversary The Anniversary Committee of Second Temple Baptist Church, 812 E Delavan Avenue, announces its schedule of events for the 65th Church Anniversary. *February 22, 6p.m. -Reenactment of the Upper Room (play) and theme basket auction . Admission $5; $5 for sheet of 25 tickets. Refreshments will be available. *March 9, 11 a.m.-- Theatre Brunch (brunch with play: Reenactment of Christ Goes to the Cross). Brunch follows the play. March 24 -- 65th Church Anniversary.
Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, effective February 28, may lead to first Black Pope.He is the first pope to resign (reportedly for health reasons) in nearly 600 years. With Pope Benedict XVI's bombshell announcement Monday that he plans to step down, all eyes are on his potential successors, including one that may become the first black pope: Cardinal Peter Turkson. The Roman Catholic Cardinal from Ghana, the current president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, is among the leading candidates to assume the title of pontiff as it is rumored the Vatican may look outside Europe for its next leader. Turkson, 64, was born in Wassaw Nsuta in western Ghana on Oct. 11, 1948 to a Methodist mother and Catholic father. He entered the seminary as a child and moved to New York to study at St. Anthonyon-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer before he was ordained as a priest in 1975. In October 1992, Pope John Paul II named Turkson the Archbishop of Cape Coast, the former capital of Ghana. Turkson served as president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1997 to 2005 and during that time, was appointed the first-ever cardinal from Ghana. "We love him," Archbishop Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buck-
le, metropolitan archbishop of Accra, the current capital of Ghana, told the Guardian. "For Ghanaians he was our first cardinal, and to be made cardinal in his 50s was a big feather in our cap." In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Turkson the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a high-profile position that sent him around the world for mediation talks. The position put Turkson near tthe top of the list of potential papal successors. Cardinal Turkson acknowledged the possibility of a Black pope in a press conference in 2009. "Why not?" Turkson said, arguing that when you agree to become a priest, you must be open to the idea of becoming a Pope. "All of that is part of the package." Turkson added that the time was especially ripe given the election of President Barack Obama. "And now it is Obama of the United States," he said. "And if by divine providence — because the church belongs to God — if God would wish to see a bBlack man also as Pope, thanks be to God." Rapper Common expressed his support for Turkson on Monday, telling TMZ.com that it would be "a beautiful thing" if a Black pope was elected. If elected, Turkson would also be the first non-European
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Cardinal Turkson (top) and Cardinal Arnize (bottom, inset).
to serve since the Great Western Schism. Another main contender is Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria. Born in Nigeria, 1932, the 80-year-old would be the first African in 1,500 years to sit on the throne of St Peter. He was baptised on his ninth birthday after converting. He was educated at Urban University in Rome and earned a post-graduate qualification from London University. Cardinal Arinze was ordained in 1958 and became the world’s youngest bishop, aged 32, in 1965. He was created cardinal in 1985.
Mt. Olive Black History Month Celebration In celebration of Black History Month, Mount Olive Baptist Church Theatre Workshop Ministry will present the play, “Sit Dow Servant, Vengence Is Mine.” The play, which is back by popular demand, will be performed on Saturday, February 16 at 4 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 701 E. Delavan Avenue. New scenes and new characters have been added to this already amazing story. Admission is free. Black History Musical The Great Lakes Baptist Association Women’s Auxiliary is sponsoring a Black History Musical at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 15, at the Greater Hope Baptist Church 8 Verplank. All are invited.
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ENTERTAINMENT
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Darryl L. Lacy is 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner
SILK
SILK – A Valentines Day Love Affair On Valentines Day, Thursday, February 14, 2013, Buffalo will receive a very special treat. The first stop of the Ikon 90’s R & B Love Tour will host multiplatinum R & B Super Group, Silk. Performing in Buffalo for the first time in 15 years, Silk will shower Buffalo music lovers with their smooth and sensual harmonies, at the Tralf Music Hall located at 622 Main Street. Their music is timeless, their style inimitable and their talent unparalleled. The quintet -- Gary “Lil G” Jenkins, Jonathan “Jon Jon” Rasboro, Gary “Big G” Glenn, Timothy “Timzo” Cameron, and Jimmy Gates – was formed by singer Keith Sweat in Atlanta in the early 1990’s. Their debut album “Lose Control” sold over 2 million copies and the rest is history. Silk’s megahits, “Freak Me”, “Lose Control”, “If You”, and of course “Meeting in My Bedroom” continue to grace radio airwaves across the nation in regular rotation -- especially during nighttime Quiet Storm programs. The quality of their love songs, their sexy vocals and the charisma of their stage presence had enabled Silk to remain exceptionally relevant in an industry where survival is based on the demand for your music. Performing 2 live shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m with Buffalo native band, “Rated X,” Silk promises an unforgettable Valentine’s experience for music lovers who long for the sexy, soulful sound of 90’s R &B. In the words of Silk, “Be there or be square!” Tickets are on sale at the Tralf Box Office, Doris Records, 286 E. Ferry and at Ticketmaster.com/Walmart.
Buffalo’s own Darryl L. Lacy received a 2013 NAACP Image Award for Debut Author in the Outstanding Literary Work category for his book, Nikki G: A Portrait of Nikki Giovanni in Her Own Words. The coveted NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. Winners of the 44th annual awards were announced during a two-hour event, which will aired live February 1, on NBC. Lacy, who adapted his 1990 play about the poet Nikki Giovanni into a book published in 2012, operates Darryl Lacy Productions, a theater production company in New York City that is celebrating its 25th anniversary. After graduation from Buffalo State College , the Buffalo native moved to the Big Apple, determined to make it as an actor in one of the world’s most competitive theater markets. He earned various parts on stage, but they weren’t always the roles he wanted. Without steady income, he faced the reality of having to support himself. That’s when he decided to pursue multiple careers. By day, Lacy has found fulfillment—and a paycheck— working as a social worker and teacher. At all other hours, he pours his heart and soul into his production company, which he established with the help of fellow Buffalo State grad Rachel Ferguson, ’84. “I found that it was very valuable to have my bachelor’s degree in theater from Buffalo State,” Lacy said. “Learning versatility at college—the ability to act, direct, and work backstage—really made it possible to start a production company. Learning from the great Warren Enters was a huge help, too.” Over the years, Lacy has directed and produced seven critically acclaimed plays, all focused on the African American experience, at various venues around New York City. In 1990, Lacy debuted the play Nikki G: A Portrait of Nikki Giovanni in Her Own Words, which he scripted as a nod to the famed poet and the Black Arts Movement that grew out of the Civil Rights Movement. The company staged an off-Broadway revival of that production in 2010, and in response to overwhelming demand, Lacy wrote and published a book version of Nikki G in 2012. Lacy’s company received its first-ever grant in 2011—from the Harlem Community Arts Fund, with funding from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation— to produce a revival of Home, a comedy by Samm-Art Williams. In addition, Lacy was recently selected by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation to participate in a program that matches promising off-Broadway directors with established Broadway directors. “I’m 50 years old now, and sometimes I ask myself when I’m going to stop having these dreams,” Lacy said with a laugh. “But the company is doing really well, and so I keep pursuing new ideas. Our next big project will be a showcase of music. I’m also looking into permanent theater space for our productions. It’s good to have dreams, and it’s really fun to make them a reality.” Lacy’s book Nikki G: A Portrait of Nikki Giovanni in Her Own Words is available at www.darryllacyproductions.com. (Information from The Buffalo State College Alumni Profile/ Publication written by Brian Kantz)
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Jazz Trumpeter Donald Byrd dies at 80 Influential US jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, who performed alongside the likes of Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock, has died aged 80. The musician was a leading hard-bop trumpeter - a jazz extension of bebop - in the mid-1950s.He later became known for his blend of soul, funk and jazz fusion.Byrd's influence has been more recently felt thanks to hip-hop artists such as Nas, Ludacris and A Tribe Called Quest who have all sampled his recordings.
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INSIDE ROCHESTER: SUPER SOUL!
on stage
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*R&B Love Tour Featuring Silk, live at the Tralf for 2 shows Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 & 9:30 p.m.; tickets $45 advance $50 day of show, available at the Tralf Box Office & Doris Records. *Stick Fly on stage @ The
HAPPY FEBRUARY 13th! February 13th is a special day for community activist Darnell Jackson and his lovely wife Dee. On that date, Darnell is celebrating his birthday (happy birthday!) and the couple are also celebrating their 5th Wedding Anniversary (happy anniversary - 14 years of Love and 5 years of marriage). And while we’re talking “happy”...Happy Valentine’s Day! TALK BACK THEATRE PRESENTS: “The Benefit” A staged reading With discussion to follow Buffalo East, 1410-12 Main St. Buffalo, NY Date: Feb. 22nd (Fri.) Time: 7:30pm Admission: Free What happens when a church plans a fund raiser at the area’s casino? Just a little fun? Written & Directed by Anna Kay France Featuring:Marsha McWilson, Pat Armstrong, Kimberly Campbell Joy Scime, Sandra Gilliam &Verneice Turner -Discussion ModeratorJim Anderson
Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave.; directed by Willie W. Judson Jr.; for tickets, reservations, group rates call 884-2013 or go to www.afriancultural.org *My Funny Valentine Comedy Jam February 16, 2013 7:00 PM Ticketprices: $55.50, $48.50 starring Sheryl Underwood, Earthquake, Arnez J, J Anthony Brown. *70’s Soul Jam Valentine’s Concert: The Sytlistics, Emotions, The Main Ingredient, Blue Magic, Blue Notes, Friday, Feb. 15, Auditorium Theatre, Rochester. Tickets available at the Auditorium Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge by phone 800-745-3000
HAIR PARTY! Salon TOSS is throwing a party Sunday – a Hair Party that is! On February 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the event will take place at Salon TOSS located at 2527 Delaware Avenue and will feature 50% off all salon services - hair, makeup, lashes and massage. There will also be refreshments, giveaways and more. To pre-register call 894-8737.
See you at the EVENTS!
2013 Grammy Winners The stars were shinning at last night’s 55th Annual Grammy Awards. In the genres of music dominated by black performers, competition was stiff as well-seasoned artists and newcomers took home the gold. In the music genre of hip hop, Drake took home a Grammy for Best Rap Album for his album Take Care. He beat out some worthy competitors, including Nas. Nas was nominated for the same award for his 2012 album Life Is Good. The Grammy for Best R&B song went to newcomer Migel for his mega hit Adorn, which he also wrote entirely. The other nominees for the award were Anthony Hamilton (Pray For Me) Trey Songz (Heart Attack), Elle Varner (Refill), and Tamia (Beautiful Surprise). Beyonce won an Award for Best Traditional R&B performance with her single Love On Top. The other nominees for Best Traditional R&B performance included SMW (It Only You Knew), Anita Baker (Lately), Melanie Fiona (Wrong Side of a Love Song), and Gregory Porter (Real Good Hands). Usher won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for his song Climax. Controversial crooner Frank Ocean also won himself a few Grammys. One of them was for Best Urban Contemporary Album for his debut LP Channel Orange. The Grammy for Best Rap Performance went to Jay-Z and Kanye West for their song N****s In Paris. Jay-Z and Kanye also won an award for Best Rap Song for N****s In Paris. The Watch The Throne collaborators also won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for No Church In The Wild (featuring Frank Ocean and The Dream)
“Ribbon in The Sky” Stevie’s daughter brought on to the stage her fiancée who asked Stevie Wonder for his blessing s in marrying his daughter. Stevie asked him if they were already “doing it?” After everyone stopped laughing he closed the concert with his classic hit “Superstition.” The Big Boi and Lil’ Wayne concert was very good with Big Boi’s showmanship and live band making the difference in his performance. He peformed OutKast’s hits like “So Fresh, So Clean,” and “Sorry Mrs. Jackson” which were the highlights of a well paced show. He’s a well seasoned performer, who knows how to get an audience grooving to the music. Lil’ Wayne could have taken notes from Big Boi on how to put on a quality more family oriented show. Lil’ Wayne mostly cussed and rapped very raw material during his 50 minute performance. He was quite boring and not very creative at all. The best he could do was welcome us to New Orleans. Justin Timberlake along with Jay-Z and timberland were very good during their brief performance together at DirecTV’s Saturday Night Bash . Beyonce’s half time show, as the world now knonws, was awesome! She is an incrediable performer! I can’t wait until next year, for the game...AND the entertainment...!
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BOOK SIGNING AND POETRY READING: Seku Ba Jehudi Ameni (a.k.a. James Seku Harwell), held a book signing and poetry reading at Zawadi Books, 2460 Main Street in December. Seku, the author of “Leaders Are Lying, Children Are Dying and Mothers are Crying,” describes his work as “sociopolitical poetry.” Seku Ba not only creates poetry, storytelling, visual art, original music and musical instruments, but unique headgear as well! Now that’s Kuumba! (creativity).
Jack and Jill of America to Host Beautillion Rites of Passage Ceremony On Friday February 22 at 7 p.m., Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Buffalo Chapter will sponsor its Rites of Passage/African Naming Ceremony for twelve African American young men at S.E.N.S.E.S. Village located at 360 Genesee Street. Pastor Roderick L. Hennings of Zion Dominion Global Ministries is the Presiding Elder for the ceremony. The theme of the XIII Biennial Beautillion Extraordinaire is “Living the Legacy; Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, Securing our Future.” The Beautillion experience was designed to promote high self-esteem and standards, strong morals and values, continuous education, refined social skills, respect, service and friendship among young African American men in their junior and senior year of high school. These outstanding young men have distinguished themselves academically, athletically as well as through leadership experiences and community service. The 2013 initiates are: Joseph Arindell; Dennis Blakely; Richard Bobo; Marlen Fowler; Barrett Lacey; Blake Littles; Derrick Parker; Shane Paul; Joshua Ragland; Quinton Smith; Jon Spears and Jonathan Thomas. Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated is a national nonprofit, family-centered organization that advocates for children and promotes educational, social, civic, cultural, and legislative awareness. The Buffalo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. provides annual programming for children ages 2 – 19 to stimulate their growth and development. The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child, if given the proper guidance and opportunity, can be developed into a leader. The Buffalo Chapter President is Deirdre J. Roper and the Rites of Passage Coordinator is Brenda W. Lacey. The Beautillion Chair is Janice Kyle and the Co-Chair is Felecia Hanesworth. The community is invited to attend and witness what promises to be a memorable, cultural evening as these twelve extraordinary young men transition from boyhood to manhood and prepare to live the legacy by honoring our past, celebrating our present and securing our future.
OUR STORY....F.Y.I. Slaves were not important to Lincoln except as propaganda. Lincoln considered them intellectually inferior to Caucasians and wanted to relocate them to Central America...He stated, “My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery.”
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
NAACP Accepting Award Nominations
Celebrate Black History with Music! The Muhammad Shool of Music announces its program for BeginnersViolin Explorers Enrichment Class. Ennroll during February and your first month of classes is only $49!Musical training brings many benefits to children; coordination, discipline, focus and social skills; skills that are important in any future field of study. Give Your Student a Complete Educational Experience with Music!Class is open to first time Beginner Violin Students ages 7 - 12. For more information contact The Muhammad School of Music, 617 Main Street, Suite 105, Buffalo, New York 14203 or call 716-881-5088. Or visit www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net
Grant Releases M/WBE Enterprise Committee Annual Report Part II-Conclusion Another example from the annual report lists the creation of the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Utilization Advisory Board, which was convened by Erie County Executive, Hon. Mark C. Poloncarz on December 3, 2012. Many notable Business Leaders accepted appointments to the board as follows: Susan McCartney Buffalo State College SBDC, Edward Watts, Jr. - Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Lynn Marie Finn- Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Twiggs Seymore, Jr. - WNY Black Chamber of Commerce, Charley H. Fisher III - Erie County Legisla-
SIS SABIRAH continued
can soldiers who rush off to foreign lands under the guise of self defense kill innocents by the thousands, yet receive the support of the populace. Let’s be consistent. As expected, mainstream media will discount or dismiss entirely any legitimate grievances Dorner has raised, and will ignore shocking charges that can be easily proven. They’ll have us believe that he is simply a madman on an unprovoked rampage, so that, as usual, we’ll accept an outcome where only he is punished. But those hunting him know what we know: that they themselves wouldn’t have tolerated a fraction of what they’ve given to the public before striking back. They know that if Dorner is a madman, he’s the madman they produced. He fired the shots that started this chase, but the fictional Rambo’s words ring true: “They drew first blood.” If we can’t stomach Christopher Dorner’s response, the only question that remains is… what’s ours?
ture, Vallie Ferraraccio - Erie County Department of Purchase, Sawrie Becker - Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, Jesse L. Burnette - Erie County Division of Equal Employment. There are essentially 3 Local Laws concerning Minority and Women Business utilization in Erie County: 1.) Local Law #6 of 1987. 2.) Local Law #5 of 1994. 3.) Local Law #9 of 2005. Local Law #6 governs utilization of minority and women owned firms in construction contracts exceeding $100,000.00 within the Erie County Department of Public Works and the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. Local Law #5 governs utilization of minority and women firms in procurement of supplies, materials, equipment, and insurance contracts exceeding $15,000.00 within the Erie County Division of Purchase. Local Law #9 governs all of Erie County Government in relation to the utilization of minority and women owned professional, technical, and
other consultant services such as in the areas of law, finance, information technology, accounting, and engineering, and outside of construction projects. The Committee was able to assist twenty five (25) minority or women owned business in their efforts to start-up, stabilize, or grow their enterprise. During the year 2012 eight (8) MWBEs and eighteen (18) WBEs were certified as such by the Erie County/ City of Buffalo Joint Certification Committee. Currently there are 105 certified MWBEs and 148 WBEs. As a result of the yearlong effort of the Committee, the Erie County Purchasing Department reported 300% increase in bids or professional services contracts awarded to minority companies from 2011-2012. CELEBRATE
“Readers are Leaders”
The Buffalo Branch NAACP is accepting Nominations for the following four 2013 awards; Medgar Evers (Civil Rights), Daniel Acker Community Service, Rufus Frasier Human Relations, and Youth. Nominations must be submitted in writing (not to exceed 2 pages) to the NAACP Awards Committee at 395 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14208, or faxed to 884-7243. Selection will be based on the nominee’s volunteer community activities/service. Petitions will not be considered. Deadline for nominations is Friday March 15th, 2013. Presentation of these awards will be at the NAACP Dinner, Sunday, June 9th at the Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center. Award Criteria Youth Award: This award is given to a youth 14 years of age or older, who has demonstrated significant assistance to the community involving but not limited to youth associations, churches, community based organizations and has exemplified excellent judgment in helping others. Rufus Frasier Human Relations Award: This award is given to an individual or organization that has done a significant amount of volunteer service for the betterment of human or race relations. Daniel Acker Community Service Award: Awarded to an individual or individuals exemplifying outstanding volunteer community involvement. Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award: This award is given to an outstanding individual championing and speaking of the rights of the under class or making the public aware either through the written or electronic press.
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
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Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Hunting a Black Man – Who Hunted Back (Breaking News: Investigators have located charred human remains in the burned-out cabin where they believe suspected killer and ex-LAPD officer Christopher Dorner was holed up as the structure burned to the ground, police said. The human remains were found within the debris of the burned cabin and identification will be attempted through forensic means. When Sis. Sabirah’s article was submitted Dorner was still being hunted and a $1 million reward offered for his capture.)
How good it is to have police officers who truly espouse their stated motto: To Protect and To Serve. How grateful we are for the security provided by those w h o r i s k their Sabirah lives to Muhammad m a i n t a i n peaceful and orderly communities. Christopher Dorner used to be one of them. Initially it was amazing how little coverage there wass of this real life Django…this Rambo replica, who struck fear into the hearts of his former tormentors. There’s a Black man with a gun – hunting and shooting members of the Los Angeles Police Department – and their families – so far evading capture, and vowing not to be taken alive. Thanks to the internet, the public was not at the mercy of the biased reporting of tightly controlled news organizations to tell us who he is, or what his motives are. Thanks to his fully published manifesto, he tells us himself. In sum, he is a former policeman and navy reservist, who has witnessed and now experienced the horrific injustices taking place particularly within the ranks of the LAPD, the futility of seeking redress through legal procedures, and the retribution that’s inflicted on those who report abuse through those channels and cry out for justice. Among the descriptions being used to distract us from Dorner’s own testimony and define him for us is that of “psychotic, delusional indi-
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
vidual,” a moniker hurled by former LAPD Police Chief Bill Bratton. Dorner has been called narcissistic, and his manifesto has been called rambling. Not just. It’s also a clearly written, competent testimony. It’s obviously written in crisis mode, but his intelligence is evident, and he is clearly well informed and politically astute. He knows exactly what he’s talking about, and what has driven him to kill. Countless numbers of Black, Brown, and poor folk at the mercy of ruthless police organizations know too. Christopher Dorner exposes a cesspool of a police department, where recruits sing Nazi Hitler songs about burning Jewish ghettos in WWII Germany, and casually call Black officers niggers. He tells of a female officer who “found it funny and entertaining to draw blood from suspects…deliberately giving a woman in her 70’s who had delicate skin an indian burn after cuffing her. The woman’s crime? She sprayed a tenant with a water hose who refused to pay his rent. Dorner tells of suspects being struck after being hand cuffed, money taken from narcotics dealers and pocked by officers, and watching fellow officers beat a transient nearly to death. “I saw some of the most vile things humans can inflict on others as a police officer in Los Angeles,” Dornan writes. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the streets of LA. It was in the confines of LAPD police stations and cruisers. The enemy combatants in LA are not the citizens and suspects, it’s the police officers.” Dorner exposes the persistent culture within police
departments across the nation of promoting officers who beat and kill those they are sworn to protect. He tells of one of the officers who can be seen on tape beating Rodney King – now promoted to the position of Captain, with 200 officers under his charge. But adding to his credibility, Dorner is an equal opportunity avenger. He’s pursuing justice, no matter the perpetrator. He identifies his “high value targets:” White officers who join divisions in Black and Brown areas with the specific and stated intent of brutalizing them (“going hunting in Watts”), and high ranking Black officers who belittle White subordinates as revenge for their own mistreatment by White supervisors. Dorner accuses them of “perpetuating the cycle of racism in the department; breeding a new generation of bigoted Caucasians.” Hispanic officers who call newer Hispanic immigrants wetbacks and demean them in front of fellow officers to curry favor with them, Lesbian officers who go to work every day on a mission to degrade male officers, and Asian officers who stand by seeing and not seeing, not wanting to get involved are all “high value targets.” Dorner indicts “those who go along to get along” as having “no backbone, destroying the foundation of courage. He calls them enablers of those guilty of misconduct, just as guilty as those who break the code of ethics they swore to uphold. The list of horrors Dorner exposes includes officers shrugging off the destruction of the lives of those wrongfully accused, saying: “Oh well, he looked like a dirtbag anyway.” He tells of officers refusing to give aid to injured victims, so that after they die, they can brag about the overtime they’ll get from court testimony. “I’ve heard many officers say they see dead victims as ATV’s, waverunners, RV’s and new clothes for their
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kids, Dornan writes. “They take photos of your loved ones dead bodies with their cell phones and play a game of who has the most graphic dead body of the night with officers from other divisions.” Christopher Dorner says that he was fired from the LAPD for reporting abuse, and terminated from the Navy because the LAPD lied to them about him. He says he has lost his position as a Commanding Officer in the Navy, relationships with his mother and sister and close friends, as well as his job with the LAPD. He says: “I have attempted all legal court efforts within appeals at the Superior Courts and California Appellate courts. This is my last resort.” Websites and the Twitterverse are exploding with support for Dorner. No amount of spin can derail the truth that hapless citizens know from personal experience at the hands of ruthless police, who have savaged them with impunity. This time, the Black man being hunted is hunting back – with high-powered weapons, expert marksmanship, police and military training – and nothing else to lose. "Unfortunately, I will not be alive to see my name cleared," he wrote in his manifesto, noting that, "Self-preservation is no longer important to me. I do not fear death as I died long ago." Are we rooting for him? We’re rooting for justice. We’re rooting for the truth to be acknowledged and for wrong to be corrected. As for Dorner’s killing of innocents, we’re asking what he is asking: Is it wrong for him, but fine for the police? We watch them shoot handcuffed people in cold blood – on camera – and walk away. Recently, we watched them beat a mentally ill man nearly to death – on camera – until that grown man was crying for his Daddy: “They’re killing me…” We watched that man linger from the beating for several days until he did die. What happened? A robust conversation about the need for a greater awareness of mental illness. In the theater of war, AmeriContinued Page 10
Varner Harris Jr.: A Case Of Reasonable Doubt? Part I
Ed Note: In light of the death of Patricia A Parete, and the call to charge Verner Harris with first degree murder, we are printing this article, which was previously published in the Challenger several years ago, to acquaint our reading audience with the case.
Varner Harris Jr. stood handcuffed and shackled before New York State Supreme Court Justice, Penny M. Wolfgang, a continuous scene in courtrooms throughout America. Harris, a slightly built 19 year old Black man, wearing white jail clothing, hair unkempt, and lacking proper grooming appeared nervous and mentally impaired as he stood before the judge. In comparison his court appointed attorney, Paul Gordon Dell stood at his left dressed in a business-suit as were the prosecutors and police officers in their uniforms of authority. It was Monday morning September 17, 2007. The television cameras were rolling, as Ted the public anxiously awaited the plea deal that Kirkland would end the Harris case. It was a deal that would deprive the public of ever knowing the truth of what really happened that night that left Buffalo Police Officer Patricia A Parete paralyzed possibly for life, and her male partner, Carl E. Andolina, a hero. The public would never hear witnesses to the shooting, doctor's reports, the angle of the bullets, the mental capacity of Harris, nor the testimony of police officers. The public would forever be subjected to rumors and news reports from people who weren't there, and some whose interest was not justice. Justice Wolfgang read the charges to Harris and asked how he pleads, guilty or not guilty of intentionally shooting and trying to kill two police officers. But the previously arranged guilty plea by the district attorney and the defense attorney suddenly wavered when Harris deviated from his rehearsed plea. "Not Guilty!" For a moment the distraught defendant appeared to come alive from his mental impairment to protest this prearranged show and his denial of justice. "Not guilty" resonated, surprising them all. This mentally impaired man had failed to remember the rehearsed word as the television camera captured the moment to be witnessed by the public. Attorney Dell quickly composed himself, leaned over and whispered in his client's ear. It was obvious what he had whispered although some may not have heard him. Harris then, meekly said "Guilty." With that Harris agreed to a deal of a possible 30-year to life prison sentence making him 48 years old at his earliest possible release date. Judge Wolfgang sat his official sentencing date for November 19, 2007 and has indicated that she will accept the deal agreed upon by the defense attorney and the district attorney. But questions linger. Did Harris really mean to shoot the two officers? Could the shooting have been an accident? Could the police have prevented it? And finally, why the overkill by the white media? The answer to these questions could well be in the December 8, 2006 front page Buffalo News article, "Andolina Sent Home With Bullet in Neck" written by Jay Rey. It was three days after the shooting and Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gibson gave a detail description of what happened the night of the shooting to Rey which the commissioner said was told to him by officer Andolina. According to the article Andolina told the commissioner that after receiving a complaint about a man causing a disturbance, he and his partner, officer Parete cut Harris off at Chippewa and Whitney Place. Parete got out from the passenger side and ordered the suspect to turn around and take his hands out of his pockets. Andolina said he got out from behind the wheel of the police vehicle and approached the suspect and grabbed him by the arm, and took a white plastic bag being carried by the suspect and placed it on the ground. He then said he took a beverage from the suspect's coat and turned to place it on the police cruiser. (Part II conclusion next week)
• Published every ednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
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12 ChallengerCN.com Looking for a Job in Healthcare? A Healthcare Profession Job and Career Fair will be held on Thursday, February 21 at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recruiters and workshops from Catholic Health, ECMC, Kaleida, Morrisons, Call Associates and the WNY Consortium of Higher Education will be on hand. Positions vary from Certified Nurse Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Staff Nurse, House Supervisor and construction. The Job and Career Fair is sponsored by Masten Council Member Demone Smith. A workshop on “Developing an Effective Resume” will also be presented on that day from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 2 -3:30 p.m. at the Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan Avenue. The workshop is open to the community. Please RSVP by calling 845-4567
BIDS Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE subcontractors to quote NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY, Wall Drainage Improvements. Bid Date: February 15, 2013 EEO Employer 282-1225
NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid
4276 - PICKUP TRUCK 4279 - ULTRASONIC RAIL TESTING ANALYSIS AND REPORT Download Bids from www. nfta.com
Request for Proposals Erie County Medical Center is accepting the proposals for :#21302 Health Information Systems Pharmacy Consultant Services Deadline for submissions of proposals is: Thursday February 21, 2013 at 2:00pm est. If you would like to receive a copy of this proposal please send your request to: Purchasing@ecmc.edu or jcurry1@ecmc.edu
BUSINESS DIRECTORY bids
COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS ZOAR VALLEY ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT NO. FM457-644-13 FEMA PW 644 The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for this road reconstruction project. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room 1404, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 21, 2013. Bid deposit of $65,000.00 required. MWBE utilization included. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set from Thursday, February 7, 2013 through bid date. Pre-let meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 2013 10:00 a.m. at the DPW-Division of Highways Room 1419, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY. Bid submittal details are on the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie.gov/dpw
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job # 13-02, Replacement of Trash Compactors at Marine Drive Apartments. The Prebid Conference will be held on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 10:00 AM local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Developments Department, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00PM, local time, on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: February 13, 2013 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job #AM 12-18, Elevator Maintenance Service, Marine Drive Apartments The Prebid Conference will be held on Monday, February 25, 2013 at 10:00 local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Developments Department, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00PM, local time, on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: February 12, 2013
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FEBRUARY 13, 2013 Challenger Community News •
ATTORNEYS
DOG TRAINING
INSURANCE
Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612
Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163
Joseph Burch Insurance 2317 Main St. 551-0006 / 510-4729
AUTOMOTIVE
EATERIES
Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910
The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009
BAIL BONDS A Bail Company Inc. Ken Thomas-716-867-0073 Judy Bunk-716-830-1512 Southtowns-716-570-0849 Rochester-585-749-7879
BARBER SHOPS Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington 836-3260 Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan 901-5909
CAFE’S
EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048
CHILD CARE Cookieland Group Day Care 24 Barthel Miss Cookie*893-0590 Dean’s Day Care 61 Montana Ave. 716.896-1751 Debbie’s Little Scholars 484 Hickory St. (716)304-6820 First Impressions Day Care 847 Walden Ave. 716-533-8075 Kim’s Building Blocks Day Care 1479 E. Delavan Ave. 895-8693
Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716)238-1455
DELI / VARIETY Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704
Tomatoes 1393 Kensington*835-3663
ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC 716-634-0330
HAIR SALONS
LIQUORS & WINES Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * 884-4066
ONE STOP Mandella Market & Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson 716-882-0288
PHONE SERVICE
Akole Style Unisex Salon 2560 Main St. (716) 332-9078
Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan * 551-0304 360 Eggert Rd * 939-3900
Althea/Hair To Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 563-1734
PHOTOGRAPHY
Karen’s Salon & Spa 413 Jefferson Ave. 812-9666
Princess Photography (716) 563-099
TAILORS
Miracle Transition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321
F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742
Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250
F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com
Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663
Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633
Salon Toss 2527 Delaware Ave. 894-8737
TAX SERVICE L. Sessum Income Tax Service
1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904
HAIR SUPPLY
WINDOWS
Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247
Priced Right Windows USA 710 Kensington Ave. (716)833-2500 * 578-7873
INSURANCE
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Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212
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DJ’S DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358 callengercn . com
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FEBRUARY 13, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
bids INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 15LZ1224, LRRT – ADA Signage Upgrade-Rail Stations, Bid No. E-494 on March 5, 2013. www.nftaengineering. com
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 12BA1111, BNIA – Runway Intersection Rehabilitation, Bid No. E-493 on March 7, 2013. www.nftaengineering.com
BIDS NOTICE TO CONTRACTOR 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 1:30 P.M., on Tuesday February 26, 2013, at which time they will be publicly opened and read for the following Bridge Maintenance project: City of Niagara Falls Bridge Maintenance Project, South Military Road over Cayuga Creek, B.I.N. 2-04387-0, Overlay Project South 86th Street over Little Niagara River, B.I.N. 2-26088-0, Joint Replacement, Bearing Replacement and Bridge Washing and Sealing Project City of Niagara Falls, Niagara County P.I.N. 5760.19 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.
EM Ployment
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
The Acker Scholars Program Academic Advisor/Coordinator will be responsible, with another advisor, for the overall management and administration of the program and assist the UB Office of Admissions in the recruitment, identification and selection of student participants.
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Seeks to fill the following position:
Additional Duties Include: Program planning and evaluation; Provides individualized and/or group academic, personal and career advisement to students; Maintains and secures student program files of admissions data, college course schedules, grade reports and academic progress toward graduation; Serves as liaison and student advocate assisting all UB advisement units and their advisors by reviewing and monitoring Acker program scholars; Assist students in handling university processes; Prepares and submits semester and end of year reports on advisement activities and student progress; assist the development, preparation, completion and dissemination of program information, reports, publications, presentations and evaluation; Maintain relationships with on campus departments that serve Acker Scholar students; Edit and publish Acker Scholar Newsletter; Teach Acker Scholar Freshman Experience Seminar; Work closely with the Acker Scholars freshman and sophomore Shared Interest Housing Units in the residence halls; and Support the Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Cora P. Maloney College as necessary.
TRADE PERSON UTILITY/PLUMBER Job Number 011-13-N
Duties: Perform a variety of plumbing installation and maintenance projects and other maintenance assignments. Installs, services and make repairs to NFTA plumbing systems, including but not limited to sewers, drains, sinks, toilets and water lies and associated equipment. Qualifications: Graduation from high school or equivalency. Minimum of three (3) years proven experience as a journeyman plumber. Must possess a valid NYS driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. Must be able to obtain SIDA (Security Identification Access) status. Interested persons should visit www.nfta.com to view complete job description. To apply: Send resume and cover letter specifying the job number to: 011-13-N NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Application Deadline: February 15, 2013 The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Education or related field, 1-3 years advisement experience. Preferred Qualifications: 1-3 years higher education experience with advisement of academically talented underrepresented students; experience with programming academic seminars, community service events, and enrichment activities. Quantitative research experience and statistical analysis of results. 1-3 years undergraduate teaching experience. Title: Academic Advisor, Acker Scholars Program Institution: University at Buffalo Department: Cora P. Maloney College (CPMC). Location: Buffalo, New York Application. Deadline: 03/16/2013 (external posting period: 02/15/13 – 03/16/13). Type: Full Time FTE: 1.0 Posting Number: 1300064. Salary Range: $42,801-$45,801 Applications for this position will only be accepted online. To apply, please visit: www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=55944. The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and activities. The entire notice of non-discrimination can be viewed here: http://affirmativeaction.buffalo.edu/about.htm.
The following positions are available in various departments and locations of Erie Community College:
The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer/Recruiter. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Senior Clerk Typist PT - Maintenance Technical Assistant PT – Computer Repair Tech For more information or to apply to the positions above go to: https://jobs.ecc.edu
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.
Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
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.
ADVERTISING PAYS
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.
Vacant Apartment Preparation: Contractors Wanted
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.
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be hosting a job fair for vacant apartment preparation on Tuesday, February 19th at 10:00 am at the AD Price Community Center located at 43 Mortimer Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. Contractors who are licensed by the City of Buffalo are welcome to attend. The BMHA is looking for qualified painters, plumbers, cleaners, electricians, carpenters and general maintenance contractors for the preparation of vacant apartments located throughout the City of Buffalo at BMHA owned developments. The BMHA will also be looking for qualified contractors to remove trash and debris from vacant units. Please contact Charlie Spallino at 716-995-3214 with any questions. The BMHA is an equal opportunity employer.
A pre-bid meeting will be held at the OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER, CITY HALL, ROOM 303 at 1:30 P.M., on Wednesday February 13, 2013. Jeffrey Skurka, P.E. City Engineer Advertise: February 4, 5 & 6, 2013 (Niagara Gazette) February 6th & 13th (Challenger)
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The following positions are available in various departments and locations of Erie Community College: College Nurse PT – Health Office Mentor PT – Pathways Program Graphic Artist PT – Public Relations
For more information or to apply to the positions above go to: https://jobs.ecc.edu Erie Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, members of minority groups, persons with disabilities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2013 Challenger Community News •
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 2/03
MON 2/04
TUES 2/05
WED 2/06 THURS 2/07
FRI 2/08 SAT 2/09
MID-320 MID- 450 MID-806 MID- 618 MID-431 MID-781 MID-576 EVE-791 EVE-455 EVE- 574 EVE-205 EVE-329 EVE-632 EVE-133
3-WAY
WIN 4 TAKE 5
LOTTO
HOT TIPS
Black History Month Events
Broadway Market Celebrates Black History Month
On Saturday, February 16 beginning at noon the Broadway Market, located at 999 Broadway, will celebrate Black History Month: MID - 2962 MID- 0371 MID-9617 MID-7599 MID- 1548 MID-9311 MID-4108 *At 12 Noon on the Market Stage there will be a perEVE6855 EVE-6886 EVE-8098 EVE-2430 EVE- 6309 EVE-4984 EVE-4060 formance by the True Bethel Church *12:30 p.m. The 6-7-15-16-18 3-9-17-20-25 2-25-29-33-39 2-9-12-21-29 4-7-14-23-34 9-11-12-15-26 1-15-22-32-35 Daughters of Creative Sound *Noon – 3 p.m. Kenneth Holley of Zawadi Book Store will display and sell books by and 1-16-17-22-27-36 #49 9-18-20-40-46-55#41 about Africans and African Americans. Zawadi is located at 2460 Main Street. For more information and a cmplete list of vendors visit www.broadwaymarket.org or call 893-0750.
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Zakiyyah’s Run Down 986-568-853-578-853-168-470-065-768-981-253-679-350156-847-605-580-470-547-491-165-990-256-045-068-475176-970-370-198-513-522-809-507-647-350-760-919-513891-558-047-679-510-460-030-637-326
Billy Bye Bye Sez:
298- 527 -133-067-850 FEBRUARY 2013 Monthly Vibrations 891-145-549-096-326-437-228-252-202 quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508
THE NUMBER BOOK
grandma’s FEBRUARY pics
333-409-509-776-123-189-678-191 546-955-6657-5611 “MOMMIE-O”
666
932
760
CHALLENGER HITS MIDDAY
806-ZR (bx) 618-ZR (bx) *413-Lucky Duckie (Sraight)* *781-Number Book (Straight)*
EVENING
574-ZR (bx) 205-Number Book (bx) 329-Hot Tips (bx) 632-February Vibes (bx) *133-Billy Bye Bye (Straight)* LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143
648*123*104 980-422-809
981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126
189-444-886
322-522-412-432-421-423
3-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year 02/21/2012 Evening 7-4-5 02/21/2012 Midday 7-0-4 02/20/2012 Evening 8-2-6 02/20/2012 Midday 6-7-7 02/19/2012 Evening 8-2-5 02/19/2012 Midday 7-1-8 02/18/2012 Evening 4-0-9 02/18/2012 Midday 3-9-0 02/17/2012 Evening 0-4-0 02/17/2012 Midday 7-7-1 02/16/2012 Evening 9-5-0 02/16/2012 Midday 0-9-3 02/15/2012 Evening 8-9-3 02/15/2012 Midday 7-7-4 02/14/2012 Evening 3-7-4 02/14/2012 Midday 2-5-4 02/13/2012 Evening 5-0-0 02/13/2012 Midday 2-9-7
Along This Way: Storytelling In The African Tradition The 23rd year celebration of “Along This Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition” featuring We All Storytellers – Karima Amin & Sharon Holley, Percussionist – Eddie Sowande Nicholson, Vocalist – Joyce Carolyn, will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 2 p.m. at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free.
Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest
Deadline for the 36th Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest is February 6, 2013. Awards Program for winners is scheduled for Saturday, February 16 at 1:00 pm at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. For more information, call the library at 883-4418.
Nash House
Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street is offering FREE Admission on February 7, 14, and 21 from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm. Groups of 10 or more persons must call in advance: 856-4490.
Black Literature
Open Discussion: “Black History/Black Literature: Who is Writing?/Who is Reading?”. February 23 from 4- 6 pm at Zawadi Books, 2460 Main Street. 903-6740. FREE.
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Black Love
An evening of rhythm, poetry, song and dance in celebration of love and Black History, February 14. Doors open at 6 p.m., Artspace Gallery, 1219 Main St. Tickets $10, $14 at the door. Call 866-7486 or 6039297 for tickets.
Black History As Told by The Prophets The Israel of God is celebrating Black History Month with a five part series, “Black History As Told by the Prophets.” The sessions will be held at The Israel of God, 372 Fougeron Street every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows: *February 16: Spiritual Death and Resurrection *February 23: Israel, the Priest of God *March 2: the Adoption Bring a Bible, pen, paper and patience!
VA Celebrates African American History Month In observance of African American History month, the VA on Bailey Ave. will celebrate with events throughout the month of February taking place in Freedom Hall, Room 301. *“Taste of Soul” will take place on Friday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All events are open to the public. *Black Film Festival from noon to 1 p.m., featuring “Red Tails” with part 1 on February 20 and part 2 on February 21. “A Soldier Story” part 1 will be shown on February 27 and part 2 on February 28. Sharon Shelton is the African American Special Emphasis Program Manager.
Black Dolls Exhibit Experience a totally different way to celebrate African American History with a Black Dolls Exhibit and presentation by Deborah Daniels. The event will feature a President’s Day Display in honor of President Barcak Obama. The event will be held Saturday, February 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Merriweather Library, Je Senator Kennedy to Hold Senior Safety Initiative
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
EVENTS CALENDAR
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Black History Month Events Afriacan American Read-In 20th Annual "African American Read-In" to promote literacy and the literature of African American Authors will be held on Sunday, February 17, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. All are welcome. Bring something to read that was written by an African American author. Hosted by Kenneth and Sharon Holley, in cooperation with Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of WNY, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library and the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. The African American Read-In is a national event sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and by NCTE.
Canisius College Celebrates Black History Month: AwardWinning Journalist And Social Activist To Speak Canisius College presents “Moving Forward: Building Leaders for the Future,” an education, health and economic empowerment summit on Thursday, February 14 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street. Jeff Johnson, MSNBC contributor and White House correspondent for The Grio (an African American web site owned by NBC), will speak at 11 a.m. The event, sponsored by the college’s Academic Talent Search Program, is free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 13
Family Fun Bowling Day: Every Wednesday, Kerns Bowling Center, 163 Kerns off Genesee St., 5-8 p..; $1 bowling; hosted by Buffalo United Front. Informational Meeting for Restaurant Owners Interested in Submitting a proposal for Participation in Summer Concert Series: 9:30 a.m., Buffalo Place Conference Room 671 Main St.
Black Tie for Black History Marnetta Malcolm has announced that the annual Black Tie for Black History event will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 7pm at The Tralf, honoring “difference makers” in the community. Tickets are $25 and the event benefits The Juneteenth Festival. Tickets are available at the Tralf box office and Doris Records. Presented by LPCiminelli. Honorees include Leona Harper, Bernie Tolbert, Amber Berry, Mary Gresham, Stephon Wright and Rev. Michael Chapman. Come out and support Buffalo’s only Black Tie event celebrating Black History month!
Walter Mosley to Speak Walter Mosley, novelist and social commentator, will be the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Keynote speaker for UB’s 26th Annual Distinguished Speakers Series on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. in the UB Center for the Arts. For ticket and speaker info visit BUFFALO.EDU/DSS or FACEBOOK.COM/UBDSS
Dressing Up for Black History “Dressing Up for Black History” is a contest for students in grades four through 12 sponsored by historian Eva Doyle. Judging will take place at the Merriweather Library on Feb. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information call 847-6010 or 507-5380 or email ewriter52@aol.com
Healthy Hair Care Seminar: 70 Harvard Place (CA)), 5:30-7:30pm; (716) 218-0373. Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14 Award Winning Journalist and Motivational Speaker Jeff Johnson: Buffalo Convention Center, 9 a .m. – 2 p.m. @ Canisius College Academic Talent Search Programs annual Black History event. National Salute to Veteran Patients: 1 p.m., Freedom Hall , VA, 3495 Bailey Ave. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15 Documentary Series/Discussion: “Buffalo: An African American History” by Prof John Nash; 5-7 pm, 883 Jefferson Ave, featuring Dr. Monroe Fordham, Jesse Nash, Lillian Williams. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Centennial Scholarship Gala: Hyatt Hotel, downtown Buffalo; for tickets go to www.DSTBuffalo.org. Potential School Board Candidates Informational Session: 2 p.m., Gateway/Longview, 347 E. Ferry St. Free Breast Cancer Screening and Mammogram: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Seton Professional Building, 2121 Main St. Suite 100; 447-6205. WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 20 Book Signing: Author, Willie A. Price author of 4th edition of “This Week in Black History,” 5:30-8 p.m. at The Oakroom Restaurant, 1435 Main St. Westminster Community Charter School Board Meeting: 3 p.m., M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza 19th Floor. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21 “LET’S TAK ABOUIT A DOWNTOWN STADIUM!”: Community Meeting, ECC (Downtown) 6-8 p.m. featuring Pat Freeman –WUFO Radio & the Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex. Book Signing: Author, Willie A. Price author of “This Week in Black History”, 5:30-8 p.m. at The Oakroom ,1435 Main St.
See You at the Events!
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B U F F A L O
FEBRUARY 13, 2013 Challenger Community News •
P H I L H A R M O N I C
O R C H E S T R A
Kathleen Battle Underground Railroad: An Evening of Spirituals A community-wide event with Kathleen Battle, commemorating Western New York’s important role in the Underground Railroad to Canada.
Friday, March 8, 2013 8pm
Michael Morgan, conductor New Beginning Choral Ensemble, directed by Ella Robinson K l e i n h a n s m u s i c h a l l
Tickets (716) 885-5000 | www.bpo.org
sponsored by
The Baird Foundation
Program partner: