July 27, 2011

INSIDE ROCHESTER Marsha Jones MusicFest Interviews

Night and Day: Hanging With Al B. Sure Singer Al B. Sure was in Rochester last weekend to take part in the 17th annual RochesterMusicFest in Brown's Square Park. The Mt. Vernon, New York native hit the musical scene after looking up Def Jam Records (Russell Simmons and Andre Harrell) in a telephone book to get a musical contract.

MARSHA He describes his JONES singing career as 'blessing' for the past 20 years. He remembers his years writing songs in Def Jam's basement.

"I saw Michael Jackson live and froze after his performance. I was hooked and decided that was what I wanted to do: entertain people. Mt. Vernon has a rich culture," explains Sure, who now resides in Los Angeles. "It has produced such musical acts as Run DMC, Heavy D and the Boyz, The Beastie Boys, and Academy-Award

winning actors James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington.

"My music takes listeners back to a time when life was easier. Maybe you started dating, you might have been studying for finals or getting married," he continues.

"I never got in the business for 'bling' or to be famous. I'm a citizen of the world. At the end of the day, my music allowed me to communicate with people of all creeds and have a vehicle to take them down Memory Lane. l did it for the right reason: I love music and it was a labor of love." Sure remembers he was scared to death the first time he stepped on a stage.

Influenced by singers like Smokey Robinson, the late Michael Jackson, and Johnny Mathis, and mega producer Quincy Jones, Al B. Sure will be releasing his new CD -- Signature Albert Joseph in early 2012, he describes this project as "one about songs and not the technology surrounding the song. (Check out his website www.albsure.net.) A project of organic music." I inquired does he

mean when musicians actually played instruments? He laughs.

His voice range still amazes fans.

With his soothing deep voice, Sure is noted for hitting the super high notes in a moment's notice. "I really don't know how I do that," he explains. "I think I'm searing music from my musical influences and replicating those sounds."

He promises Rochester fans a trip down Memory Lane with songs that tell men: if you don't love her,

Kudos to... *Hollis Collins, (AKA Miss Guyana, South America) for being named runner-up in the Miss 2011 Carifest pageant and for winning The Best Essay contest.

News Briefs...

*The Monroe County Sting lost a heart breaker to the Upstate Ravens. The Sting have another game on Saturday at East High School, 1801 East Main Street, at 7 p.m. *Condolescences to the Todd Williams family. Mr. Williams died suddenly. Funeral arrangements still pending.

Got a story ideal? E-mail me at defdefyingmj@yahoo.com.

leave her alone.

So what is left for Sure to accomplish? "Exploring the rest of the planet.

I have the philosophy that there is nothing I can't do. I'd like to be Number 1 in the entertainment industry."

Lisa Lisa: Up Close and Personal Lisa Velez-Mellow (aka Lisa Lisa) may have been out of the public eye for the last 20 years, but the Hell's Kitchen, New York native has been busier than ever. She's add one more title to her list of descriptives: mommy. "I waited a long time to have children," says the 45-year-old singer. "The last nine years I have been performing with Full Force and Cult Jam.We have been doing Reunion Tours with the folks from The House Party movies. We are all really good friends. When I am with the guys it really feels like I'm with family."

Mellow, who got into the music business at 14, was in Rochester on Saturday as a part of the Rochester MusicFest Tour with DJ. Rob Base, CeCe Penniston, Digital Underground (a no-show), Al B. Sure, and SWV. "I remember my first time on stage: I was in awe. People loved us," recalls Mellow. "They knew all the lyrics and they were chilled." Mellow sang the favorites at the Fest while mixing in new songs from the CD, Life & Love, available on Amazon.com and Itunes.

"It has a lot of R&B and I do a Spanish rap. There is some Hip Hop Club mix thrown in there. Along with freestyle music," she adds. "I haven't stopped performing. I'm acting and working.

Been doing lots of gigs."

Mellow admits that her sons, ages 4 and 6, now realize what and who their mom really is. "I really try to keep them in their element and at home. I volunteered at their school and shocked the school when I was asked to sing during my son's talent show. The other parents didn't realize my son was a student here."

She loves the good old days and cherishes the beginnings of her musical career. "I really love to sing," continues Mellow. "I love what I do and these types of concerts is the best way to thank OUR fans."

Next Week: MusicFest Photos & George Radney’s Review of MusicFest’s Sunday Showcase

The Rochester City School District’s Universal Pre-K programs provide the comfort of knowing that your child is receiving a quality education, with classes that develop creativity, confidence, and the skills necessary for success.

For more information, call 262-8140 or visit www.rcsdk12.org/prek/choice

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CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

TRIC T

IS

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Because you care…Choose UPK.

HESTE OC

CIT Y SC

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Register your child today for classes beginning this September!

And, with programs at schools and community centers around the city, UPK provides the choice of a location that is most convenient for you and your child.

OL D

Every child is a work of art.

Create a masterpiece.

JULY 27, 2011

Let The People Vote!

Respect and Protect the Black Woman: Bro. Dennis Rev. Gillison in Forefront of Memorial Service and Cook Block By Block Housing Muhammad to Speak Here Opposing Same Sex Marriage Law Out Celebration for Rev.

A rea Bri efs Robertson Sr.

A memorial Service and cook out celebration will be held in honor of the late Rev. Carnell Robertson Sr. on Saturday, August 6 at Jordan River Baptist Church, 450 Leroy Ave. To donate a dish please call 578-8393.

Donations are also being accepted for the Rev. Carnell Robertson Sr. Scholarship fund. Please make checks payable to: fathers, P.O. Box 202, Buffalo, NY 14215. The former Chaplin, board member and founding member of the FATHERS Organization, he died on July 12. Services were held July 23 in Alabama.

Rehabilitaion

The City of Buffalo is now offering it's newest owner occupied housing rehabilitation program known as "Block by Block" on the following target area streets: Laurel, Riley, Eaton and Northampton Streets between Jefferson and Masten Avenues.

For more information on program requirements and the application process contact Ellicott District Community Development, Inc., 644 William Street, visit us on the web @ edcdinc. org, email us ellicottcdc644@aol.com or by calling 856-3262. Office hours are Monday - Friday 9 am – 4 pm.

Drums at Dewy to Participate at Glenwood On Tuesday, August 2, Drums at Dewey will not meet at Dewey Park but will participate in the Glenwood St. Block Club’s Safe Night. This event will take place at the Glenwood/ Box Park (old school 59) from 4pm – 8pm. Drums at Dewey is a youth and community drum circle which promotes African history and culture. Our motto is “We Beat Drums, Not Each Other!” For more information please contact (716) 715-3727 or via email at brothertaharka@yahoo.com.

Judge Russell

CHILLIN’: Brothers Jerome and Melvin Crosby pose outside Jefferson Avenue’s newest business, “Chilly Waters” Barbershop. The barber establishment, located at 1308 Jefferson at Utica, held its grand opening July 16 and is currently open for business and interviewing for barbers! Call 5782115. Jerome is the proprietor.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

JULY 27, 2011

Judge Russell to Keynote MAD DADS Anniversary Awards Banquet The Honorable Judge Robert T. Russell will be the keynote speaker at MAD DADS 15th Year Anniversary Awards Banquet Sunday, August 7 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $50. For tickets and journal information contact Dwayne Ferguson at 5631834 or Mr. Taylor at 332-9366.

Bro. Student Captain Dennis Muhammad, of the Nation of Islam, will speak at the Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue on Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m. his topic will be “Respect and Protect the Black Woman.”

Bro. Dennis, formerly of Buffalo, has been a member of The Nation of Islam for approximtelyt four decades.

He has also served as personal security to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and is the founder of ENOTA (an organization that specializes in improving relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and “The Peacekeepers.”

Hip-Hop icon Russell Simmons joined Bro. Dennis in Brooklyn and Queens last year to kick off the "peacekeeping" campaign there in some of the city's toughest neighborhoods.

The Peace Keepers Movement, which started in Houston, tries to stop violence and crime by encouraging a strong presence of men from the community in unstable neighborhoods.

The Peace Keepers has drawn attention of many local government and law enforcement agencies because of their success of making the areas that they go in as safe as possible for an allotted time, for our women, children and elders.

“The Peace Keepers are out of respect of our women who have been at the forefront of the struggle., “ Bro. Student Captain Muhammad said in a interview last year. “What we are saying to our women is give us a chance to win back your honor and respect for us, as we attempt to become men. We may not be what we should be, but thank God through the Peace Keepers we’re not what we used to be.

To our women, please be patient with us because God is not finished with us yet. On that same note the majority of our women are so happy to see men in the streets who are taking ownership for this problem that it gives us as men a sense of pride that when we go into the streets and we see our women cheering us on like men going to war.

It's a clear sign that we are doing the right thing and we should have done this a long time ago.”

While same-sex partners took long awaited vows across the state, protests against the law making such unions legal, took place during rallies in Manhattan, Buffalo, Rochester and Albany on Sunday afternoon. Gay marriage opponents, unhappy that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers legalized samesex marriage last month, are calling for a statewide referendum on the issue.

Hundreds protested and Rev. Gillison (at mic) prayed on the steps of Buffalo's City Hall to protest the “redefinition of marriage” and demand citizens right to vote.

Several supporters of the same sex marriage law held up signs across the street from the gathering.

“If New York is going to change the definition of marriage it should be the people and not the politicians who make the decision,” a statement from the “Let the People vote” organization declared. “Let the people vote!”

Rev. William Gillison of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Buffalo, long an opponent of same-ex marriage, said his church was a key organizer of Sunday’s protest and actively opposes gay marriage.

The diverse crowd of Blacks, Whites and Latinos, several waving Bibles in the air, cheered when he declared that the new “law” actually violated God’s law, which is “older and greater” than New York State’s.

He said among the issues that upset opponents of gay marriage, was the fact that “it is not this generation that is the real target since you cannot reproduce in a same-sex marriage.” He also criticized the educational system which he said sponsors such activities as “gay days .”

“They’re having gay days instead of learning how to read, write and count, so they can have a payday!” he said to cheers.

“You’re right we’re upset,” he continued. “And you think we’re going away by next November? We’re not going to forget about this,” he said directing his remarks to politicians who supported the new law. “Let the people Vote!”

JAAB to Host Celebration of Jamaica’s 49th Year of Independence The Jamaican and American Association of Buffalo (JAAB) invites the community to help celebrate Jamaica’s 49th year of independence.

The celebration will be held on August 6 at Adams Mark Hotel, 120 Church Street, for a night of dinner, music and dancing. Music includes a performance by the talented Dajavoo Twins. Dajavoo hails from Jamaica, and has performed with Fab Five, Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Lloyd Park, and We the People. DJ AC Patrick will entertain from his extensive music collection including Reggae and Soca.

Dr. Una Clarke, mother of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, will be the honorary guest. The first Caribbean-born woman elected to the New York City's legislature, Dr. Clarke is a proven and dedicated leader whose hard work and tireless advocacy have brought remarkable changes to her community. She was elected in 1991 and during her 10 years tenure she sponsored more than 300 pieces of legislation on a wide range of issues including child welfare, education, health and mental health issues, economic development, public safety and transportation. Dr. Clarke directed millions of dollars for education, health and mental health, economic development to her district.

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NEWS BRIEFS

backagendareport.com

Ghana “Rounds Up” Gays And Lesbians

GHANA — Ghana has long been revered for its culture and welcoming of Black Americans, even allowing some to have dual citizenship. Though international Blacks are very much received by Ghanaians, the reception is robustly halted for homosexuals. According to BET, a news report noted a rise in homosexual relationships in the country, which has become a springboard for many arrests of gays and lesbians. Though there is no distinct law against homosexuality in Ghana, there is an apparent precedent for people being arrested for engaging in homosexual encounters.

South Africa: 'Dead man' wakes up inside morgue

A 50-year-old South African man woke up inside a mortuary over the weekend and screamed to be let out - scaring away attendants who thought he was a ghost.

His family presumed he was dead when they could not wake him on Saturday night and contacted a private morgue in a rural village in the Eastern Cape.

He spent almost 24 hours inside the morgue.The two attendants later returned and called for an ambulance.The man - whose identity has been withheld - was treated in hospital for dehydration. The man woke up on Sunday, demanding to be let out of the chilly morgue in Libode village, frightening the attendants on duty.At first the men ran for their lives.

Torture is Routine in U.S. Prisons Although the 20-day hunger strike at California’s Pelican Bay prison has ended, the psychological torture of prolonged solitary confinement and sensory deprivation remain central to the American prison gulag. “Pelican Bay is the place they would have sent Kunta Kinte, to make him call himself Toby,” says Dorsey Nunn, a former inmate who is now director of Legal Services for Prisoners With Children.

Prison authorities claim harsh methods are necessary to break the power of gangs. But even if someone “had every gang connection,” says Dorsey, “it still doesn’t give the state the right to torture.”

War On Terror Worsens Somalia’s Plight Climate change is causing great disruptions in the Horn of Africa, but famine is also a legacy of Cold War conflicts that caused the Somali state to collapse in the early Nineties, says journalist Christian Parenti, author of “Tropic of Chaos: Climate Change and the New Geography of Violence.”

Now, the U.S. “War on Terror is sealing Somalia’s fate.”

Low Regard for Non-White Lives President Obama’s refusal to acknowledge the U.S. is at war in Libya, simply because no Americans have been killed, shows that he shares historical, racist beliefs about “who or what constitutes humanity, or human beings of worth.” So says Greenville, South Carolina’s Efia Nwangaza, of the Black Is Back Coalition for Social Justice, Peace and Reparations. The Coalition has called for an August 20 “Day of Action Against the ‘Other’ Wars,” meaning U.S. military, economic and political aggressions that are ignored by much of the anti-war movement.

Democracy, Anyone?

“There really is a widespread crisis of confidence in capitalism and in our government,” says Ben Manski, one of the organizers of a Convention on Democracy, August 24 through 28, in Madison Wisconsin. The event includes nine separate “mini-conventions” on issues ranging from the environment to war-making to racial equality. “This is a gathering that prioritizes building a movement for democracy in the United States, to democratize all of the institutions of this country.

Drought and Famine in the Horn of Africa The 2011 Horn of Africa famine is a famine occurring in several regions in the Horn of Africa as a result of a severe drought that is affecting the entire Eastern Africa region. The drought, said to be "the worst in 60 years", has caused a severe food crisis across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya that threatens the livelihood of more than 12 million people. Other countries in and around the Horn of Africa, including Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan and parts of Uganda, are also affected by a food crisis.

Somalia is hardest hit, with the UN declaring a famine in its Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions. At least six out of 10,000 children are dying every day in Somalia, the UN says.

On 20 July, the United Nations officially declared a famine in two regions of southern Somalia, the first time a famine has been declared by the UN in nearly thirty years. Tens of thousands of people are believed to have already died in southern Somalia before the famine was declared. A severe lack of funding for international aid, together with security issues in the region, have hindered humanitarian responses to the crisis.

FBI, Secret Service investigate threatening fax sent to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Federal law enforcement agencies led by the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI are investigating the origins of a threatening and racially charged cartoon sent by fax to the White House and the Houston office of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee depicting nooses and lynching posts intended for the president and the congresswoman. `Beneath a headline which included a racial epithet referring to AfricanAmericans, the one-page cartoon showed two L-shaped lynching posts with “Sheila Jackson Lee” written on one cross bar and “Hussein Obama” written on the second cross bar. The president’s full name is Barack Hussein Obama.

The return address on the fax said: “Defecating on Obama.”

Glenn Rushing, Jackson Lee’s chief of staff, said the cartoon arrived by fax in the district office a day after the congresswoman delivered remarks on the House floor questioning whether Republicans were showing “disrespect” toward the president during debt-deficit negotiations because of his race.

Jackson Lee defended her remarks on the House floor on Friday in which she questioned “the maligning and maliciousness (toward) this president” by Republicans during hard-nosed negotiations over raising the federal debt ceiling.

“Why is this president being treated so disrespectfully?” asked Jackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. “I am particularly sensitive to the fact that only this president – only this one, only this one – has received the kind of attacks and disagreement and inability to work, only this one. Read between the lines.”

Pastor Sexually Assaults a Child 9 Times The former pastor of the North Carolina church New Life Christian Center, Keith Devon Pitts, has been convicted of nine counts of sexual abuse with the same girl. WCNC News reports that ” his nine counts include sex offense of a child and taking indecent liberties with a child.” ccording to WCNC News, Pitts was arrested back in 2009 “on charges he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in his home in 2006, 2008 and then again, in 2009.” On Monday, the jury found Pitts guilty, but the entirety of the trial spanned for five days last week. For his sick actions, he will spend nothing less than twenty years behind bars, maybe even 24 1/2 years.

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JULY 27, 2011

HEALTH MATTERS

Healthy Hair Tips

By Dr. Maoshing Ni Are you starting to see a few extra hairs on your comb? Although it is more pronounced in men, hair loss also affects women and can start as early as your teens. Losing 100 hairs daily is normal and these are usually replaced within days. As we age, however, hormone fluctuations can weaken follicle strength. Physical and emotional stress, medications, disease, and diet can all contribute to losing hair. Today, various treatments are available to combat hair loss but you may also try some natural options to help you stimulate growth.

1. Feed Your Follicles Even if you don’t have Rapunzel’s locks, it doesn’t mean your hair can’t benefit from a well-balanced diet.

Whether you have thick tresses or fine follicles, consuming nutritious foods can make a difference in your scalp and hair health.

• Chomping Champions for Hair: Our skin, nails, muscles, eyes, organs, and hair are all made of protein, which is essential for tissue repair and construction. For a healthy head of hair, make sure to include high-quality protein like eggs, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish, meat, whole grains, and beans.

• More Super Foods for Your Strands: Consuming organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains will provide your body with the essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen your locks.

Another important mineral to include is iron, which can be found in dried fruits, organic meats and beef, beans, seaweed, and legumes. Iron deficiency often contributes to limp strands and hair loss. Munch on these marvelous foods for fabulous follicles: walnuts, sesame, seeds, sunflower seeds, seaweed, pumpkin seeds, beets, beet greens, mushrooms, mulberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, apples, pears, peaches, black

beans, mung beans, and organic lamb and chicken. Limit fried foods, artificial colors and additives, bleached flour, added sugars, and soft drinks.

2. Vitality with Vitamins In addition to eating a nutritionally balanced diet, certain vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. You should speak with your healthcare professional to help you decide the appropriate dosage.

• Boost with B Vitamins: Hair loss may be due to a deficiency in B12, an essential nutrient found in meat, beef, poultry, and eggs. If you don’t regularly consume these foods you may try a daily supplement. Another vitamin associated with hair and nail strength is biotin, which is found in liver and egg yolks. To strengthen your locks, try supplementing with 3 mg daily. Raw eggs contain a glycoprotein called “avidin” that prevents biotin absorption, if not cooked thoroughly.

For optimal absorption make sure to cook the eggs until they are firm.

• Outstanding Omegas: Essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are necessary for

Columnist To Present A Tribute to Marcus Garvey Columnist Eva M. Doyle will present a tribute to the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey on the Eye On History Radio Show scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The program will air on radio station WUFO 1080 am from 9:30 to 10:00 am. The show will also be taped for television on public access channel 20. The television show will be on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm and it will feature video clips from the life of Marcus Garvey and a discussion of his life and legacy. Taharka Odinga, noted poet, will be a guest on the show. Brother Taharka will announce upcoming events in Buffalo celebrating the life of Marcus Garvey. The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. He was a visionary who introduced ideas of Black economic development and self-help. HIs message for Black people was: "Up You Mighty Race, You Can Accomplish What You Will." For more information about this program you can call (716) 847-6010 or (716) 533-9547. a healthy heart, brain, and scalp. A deficiency may leave you with lifeless, dull hair. If you don’t regularly consume oily fish, walnuts, or flaxseed, you may try taking a daily supplement of 1,000 mg for lustrous locks.

• Zing with Zinc! Are oysters not on the menu tonight? Another way to get your zinc intake is through a daily supplement of 80 mg daily. Some studies indicate that zinc may affect levels of androgens, which are hormones

associated with genetic hair loss.

• Primp your Hair with Primrose: Evening primrose oil contains GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid found in plantbased oils. It works in synergy with omega-3 fatty acids for normal growth and reducing inflammation. Taking 300 mg daily may help prevent damage to the hair and follicles.

EAT TO LIVE

Free Vascular Screening and Community Health & Wellness Day Saturday, August 6

l

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mercy Comprehensive Care Center 397 Louisiana St., Buffalo, NY 14204 Vascular Disease can lead to stroke, loss of limbs and even death. The Vascular Screening (open to anyone over 50, who has high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of heart disease, previous heart or leg treatments, or prior stroke) will check your risk for: l Carotid Artery Disease l Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm l Peripheral Arterial Disease The Health & Wellness Day (open to all) includes free health information for the entire family and free health screenings, including: l Cholesterol l Diabetes l Blood Pressure l Bone Density Presenters include Catholic Health Home Care, LIFE, Mission on the Move and AthletiCare; Catholic Charities; Fidelis Care; and Erie County Department of Senior Services. Participants will be entered into a free drawing for two $50 Tops gift cards.

Reservations are required for the Vascular Screening by calling HealthConnection at (716) 447-6205.

JULY 27, 2011

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

ST. PHILIP’S TAKES IT TO THE PARK

In celebration of their 150th anniversary, the congregation and the Very Reverend Gloria E.E. Payne-Carter, Rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, located at 15 Fernhill Avenue celebrated their anniversary at an all community worship service and outing at MLK Park last Sunday. Congratulations St. Phililp’s!

Revival at Damascus Baptist VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL in N.F. Mt. Olive Baptist Church, located Damascus Baptist Church will hold its annual revival services August 1-3 at 7 p.m. nightly at the church, located at 210 24th Street in Niagara Falls.

The speaker will be the dynamic Rev. Daris Dixon-Clark, pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist church in Buffalo.

Services are free and open to the public. Pastor Joseph H. Jones is host pastor.

at 701 East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo, NY will conduct its annual Vacation Bible School August 1-5, 2011.

Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Dismissal is at 1:00 pm. The week will end with a field trip to Fantasy on Friday. The cost of the trip is $12.95.

Registration forms can be picked up at the church from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Call 8957494 for more information. Rev. William Gillison is pastor.

Clark in Concert Annetta Williams Live in Charles Charles Clark will perform in concert, Sat. July 30 at 5 p.m. at New Concert Direction Christian Fellowship, 1446 Anneetta Williams will perform live in concert on Saturday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at New Hops Church of god

by Faith, 175 Woodlawn Ave where Reginald Daymon is host pastor. Also performing: Second Coming, Carl Hunley, The Billups Ensemble, Men in White, Darcel Blue, Constance Matthews, Marsha McWilson and more. The guest MC is Pastor Jeremiah Snell.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK!

ATTENTION WOMEN! A.W.I.R. Gospel Group has started.

Call 444-2046 If you enjoy singing gospel, call us – it’s free! All Gospel Women – This is Your time!

Rehearsals Will follow.

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Fillmore Ave. with special guest Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter & Son.

Enough Is Enough!

J

City-Wide Prayer Schedule: On the Corner...

uly 25-29: Corner of Rodney & Holden Aug. 1-5: Corner of Bailey & Connelley August 8-12: Corner of Genesee & Ivy August 15-19: Corner of Genesee & Kerns August 22-25: Corner of Niagara & Maryland

Each night 6-7 pm Wednesday night we will be giving out hotdogs (716) 818-3410 CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

JULY 27, 2011

Deandra Small Awarded $44,000 Riverside Graduate Receives Prodigal Scholarship to Loyola University Child Award

Deandra Small has graduated from The Park School and has been accepted to Loyola University, New Orleans where she has been awarded a $44,000 scholarship. She intends to major in biology with a Pre-Medical advisory. Deandra’s goal is to become a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, specializing as an Ear, Nose and Throat physician. Deandra has also, been selected to be awarded the Erie County Chapter Links and Urban League Scholarships. A fundraiser is being held in her honor to help with some of the added cost at The Colored Musician’s Club, July 30t during the Queen City Jazz Festival from 1pm until the last morsel of food is gone.

The cost is $5 at the door and a 50/50 draw will take place during the festival as well.

Congratulations Deandra!

MR. BROWN

MR. MCNEAL

Everett Wright, a Regents graduate of Bennett High, is the recipient of $200 Rose Covial Prodigal Child Award.

Everett was recognized as being the most overall improved student in his class. The Black Local Action Committee, Stop the Violence Coalition and Umoja Marketplace, Ferry and Grider Streets, are the proud sponsors of the award. Their motto is: “The future is now, make a difference!”

BEATING THE ODDS: Despite a school system that ranks dead last in the State, the Lott family celebrated the graduation of Malcolm and Jada Lott from ECC Middle College last month. Malcolm is off to Buffalo State in the fall to pursue is Bachelors Degree, while Jada will be returning to ECC to complete her Associate degree studies. “Education has always been priority one in our family”, said Lynette the proud mom.

Congratulations to the entire Lott family!

MR. THOMPSON

2011 Omega Scholars!

Phi Omega Chapter, Graduate Chapter of Buffalo, New York, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. proudly announces the winners of the 2011 Clarence “Rock” Conners Scholarships: *Mr Nathan McCrea - $1000.00: McKinley High School graduate, Senior Class President, active member of Greater Refuge Temple under the leadership of Bishop Robert C. Sanders Sr., pastor; plans to attend Xavier University in New Orleans, LA. *Mr Quinlan McNeal Buffalo -$1000.00: Hutchinson Central Technical High School graduate; a Dick-Wholer MR. MCNEAL Engineering Scholar; Captain of the football team; percussionist at Bethel A.M.E. Church; plans to attend Clarkson University. *Mr. Justin Thompson - $500.00: Hutchinson Central Technical High School graduate. Member of Varsity Football and Track teams; president of St. John Baptist Usher Board; plans to attend Canisius College and continue on to medical school. *Mr. Travis Brown Buffalo -$500.00: Graduate of Hutchinson Central Technical High School with honors; served as member of the JROTC, delegate to the Junior Class Council and manager of the girl’s Basketball team. He is a member of White rock Missionary Baptist Church. He plans to attend State University College at Buffalo to study biology and ultimately become a Pediatrician, Each recipient had to exemplify a willingness to improve themselves through education which was exemplified through a written essay that was submitted to The Phi Omega Scholarship foundation. Each year the Phi Omega Scholarship foundation of Buffalo, New York’s Phi Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. awards assistance to our youth with the hope of lending that fraternal hand to benefit those that desire to improve themselves through education. Once again congratulations to this year’s awardees.

W. Charles Brandy is President of the Phi Omega Scholarship Foundation, Inc. JULY 27, 2011

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ON STAGE *An Evening With DREA! On stage for two extraorodinary shows July 30 @ 6 & 9 p.m. at Rhythms, 1380 Jefferson Ave. (across from Jim Bell Cleaners) is popular song stylist Drea.

Admission is $15. Call 948-3320 for more information.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY TO N’Dias The Mix GEORGE CLINTON!

A

rriving aboard the "Mothership," the godfather of funk, George Clinton will bring Parliament-Funkadelic to Buffalo to perform an intimate outdoor concert at Canal Harbor Central Wharf for FREE Funkabration just six days after Clinton’s 70th birthday (July 22). While George Clinton may be getting older, he still has that same youthful funky spirit that never seems to age. "Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay!"

The significance of George Clinton and his 50 year career at the reigns of his funk empire cannot be overstated. His truly cosmic and free interpretation of funk & soul music set the stage for countless artists like Prince, Dre, Snoop, Outkast, Plantlife, Dam-Funk, Digital Underground, to name only a few. One of the most innovative and original artists in modern music history, he is a great front man who knows how to surround himself with the greatest talent and turn them loose (Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, Eddie Hazel, Bernie Worrell, etc.).

Peeps! Let’s cherish our living legends because there are very few of them left! George we sincerely hope to have you around for another 30 years! *Will Holton Sunday Concert Series Schedule: Aug. 14 - Dale Toliver; August 28 - Rod Bonner; Sept.

11 - Gruvology; Blush Night Club, 1389 Delaware; admission $10 *LION KING, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, October 4-30, TICKETS ON SALE NOW at the Shea’s Box Office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-2000.

*Live Smooth Jazz Sundays, sponsored by Pee Wee’s Variety Store 2335 Main St. (near Leroy) every Sunday now through August 28 from 4 – 9pm featuring Oscar Alston on bass, Bilal Abdullah on sax, Russeau Taylor on guitar, and Ronnie Amos on vocals, plus guest artist. Admission free until 6pm and $1 after 6pm.For tickets or more information please call (716) 833-1620 or visit peeweesvarietystore. com.

will perform on Aug. 2 at the Tuesday Bidwell Music Series along Bidwell Parkway off Elmwood Ave. from 7-9 p.m. The concert is free. They will perform again on Friday, August 5 @ the Albright Knox First Friday at 8:30 p.m. in the Albright Knox Art Museum. Admission is $5. N’Dias is rooted in the African tradition and through its performances the band strives to build awareness for the beauty and excitement of West African dance and drumming. Though their art is based on tradition, they cover a broad range of musical styles, from ancient to contemporary. *Wiz Khalifa, with special guests Big Sean & Chevy Woods, Thursday, August 4 Town Ballroom, 681 Main St.; tickets at tickets. com or at Town Ballroom box office *Wiz Khalifa, with special guests Big Sean & Chevy Woods, Thursday, August 4 Town Ballroom, 681 Main St.; tickets at tickets.com or at Town Ballroom box office

*George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, plus Taylor Made Jazz and the Rod Nixon Project, Thursday, July 28, Erie Canal Harbor Central Wharf free and open to the public. *Free Live Jazz Fridays (every Friday) with "Margaret's Soul Food Kitchen" @ Barcelonas 414 Pearl Street from 6 to 9 PM featuring Kenny Woo's "You Heard It First Band" with Darryl Brown on Sax, Carl Hunley Jr. on Drums. *Return to Forever with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Gambale, Zappa, UB Center for the Arts, Monday, August 8, 7:30 p.m., tickets $25-$80; ticketmaster.com *End of Summer Jam Fest featuring The O’Jays, The Whispers, Keith Sweat, Aug. 20, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, 6:30 p.m.; tickets at all Ticketmaster Locations, 1.800.745.3000 Charge by Phone. *Fantastic Musical Voyage Q@ The Tralf, Saturday, Aug. 13, for 2 shows, 7 & 10:30 p.m., featuring Lakeside, Leon Russell, the Old School B-Boys, Dee Paris; MC David Allen; Tickets at Big 6 Musicians Club 600 E. North; Doris Records, Tralf Box Office & Ticketmaster Locations; to reserve seats call 602-8150.

*Buffalo Infringement Festival presents local underground hip hop show case titled Live from Mars@ soundlab featuring performances by Ajent O - Masterpeace Society - Shut Eyes - A.L. Third - Kinda Like Dreaming - hosted by Cove - with djs Optimus Prime - Charlie The Butcher/ Friday July 29th - $5 - Ages 18+ Doors @ 9pm Show starts @ 10pm @ Soundlab 110 Pearl Street (Corner of Pearl and W Swan St). 716-238-1113 for more info. mcajento@gmail.com *JAZZ JAM SUNDAY, 6:30 to 10pm, Cafe @ Masten & Eaton 230 Masten Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209, 716883-2311. Featuring the Tune Ups, T. Rob, Marlow Wright and James Davis.

Open mike 9pm. Karaoke Tuesdays 8pm with Gordy.

“Mr. Bones is Back!”

Take Out or Eat In! 893 Jefferson Ave.

Page 8

CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

JULY 27, 2011

entertaiment

MASTEN DISTRICT JAZZ FEST Part II Sunday,July 31 in MLK Park near the Science

Museum is the last Sunday for the Masten District Jazz Fest this year. And the lineup - all local - sounds fantastic! The fun kicks off at 3 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m.

Sunday’s lineup Christy SmothersJohnson includes: *Love Supreme School of Music *Buffalo’s Best Kept Secret featuring *Christy Smothers-Johnson *Paradigm Shift from Rochester *Bilal Abdullah Organ Trio *AllStars w/Wade Hawkins & Rodney Appleby

COLORED MUSICIANS QUEEN CITY JAZZ FEST: Saturday July 30, noon – 8 p.m., 145 Broadway cor. Michigan, colored Musicians Club; featuring Melissa Kate, Will Holton, Larry Salter’s Big Band, Gruvology, Herbie Smalls Jr., Walter Cliff Quintet, and Carol McLaughlin’s Big Band. Free

SUMMER IN THE (INNER) CITY! CARIBBEAN ISLAND FESTIVAL August 19, 20, 21: Aug. 19 Rid Aboard Miss Buffalo; Aug. 20 Caribbean parade 11 a.m. downtown Buffalo, festival in LaSalle Park; Aug. 21 festival in LaSalle Park; Call WUFO 834-1080 for details.

QUEEN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL (Colored Musicians Club) July 30: Downtown outside the Colored Musician’s Club; Details above.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS August 20 & 21: Two exciting days in MLK Park; a free event; Details forthcoming.

PINE GRILL REUNION August 7 & 14: The “Mother of All Reunions”; 4 p.m. MLK Park, First two Sundays in August; see article this page for details.

BUFFALO FUNK FEST August 27: LaSalle Park Details forthcoming.

ROCHESTER A.B.0.V.E. AFRICAN/ AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL August 6: Noon to 7 p.m., Highland Bowl park in Rochester; free admission; (585) 576-2471 or www.rochesterabove.org ROCHESTER CARIFEST August 13: Location to be announced; (585) 227-2183 CLARISSA STREET REUNION August 20: (585) 234-4177 for info.

JULY 27, 2011

Lakeside

Lakeside to Headline Fantastic Musical Voyage!

Lakeside, the legendary soul recording group, is still one of the hottest musical acts to grace the stage. On Saturday, August 13, they will be the featured performers at Godfather Promotions’ Fantastic Musical Voyage concert at the Tralf Music Hall for two exciting shows at 7 and 10:30 p.m.

The Los Angeles-based band, founded in Dayton, Ohio, signed to Solar during the early eighties. They devised their own vibrant and unique style which is now instantly recognizable from coast to coast. Such smash gold hit LP like Fantastic Voyage and Your Love Is On the One, created a stir in the music industry and left other surprised groups wondering, “who are these guys?” Besides those hit LP’s, Lakeside boasts a string of smash LP’s including the 1981 releases Keep On Movin’ Straight Ahead and Your wish Is My Command, which included the sensational, soulful version of the Beatles legendary ballad, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” The award winning Lakeside explains, “dreams can come true. Power encourages us all to believe in ourselves and we will achieve our goals. Nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream.”

Whether dancing or romancing, Lakeside’s got it covered inside and out! Lakeside also has eleven LP’s with the latest being the first live album

titled Invasion on Inner Sound Records at stores now!

Performing on the upcoming show with Lakeside will be the extraordinary Leon Russell and the local talent of Dee Paris, The Old School B-Boys and MC David Allen.

Don’t miss this Fantastic Voyage!

Tickets are now available at Doris Records, the Tralf box Office and Ticketmaster locations. To reserve seats call 602-8150. The show is a Godfather promotion. The official after party will take place a the Big 6 Musicians Club.

Page 9

SPEAK OUT!

Pushing Homosexuality Part II In the Food, In the Water, In the Air In the Food Soy is feminizing. The phytoestrogens contained in it have an adverse effect on both males and females. For girls, it floods the body with far more estrogen than it can handle in surplus amounts. The result is what doctors call “precocious puberty,” or the early onset of breast development, menstrual cycles, etc., sometimes in girls as young as three. For boys, the estrogen in soy products suppresses testosterone, delays physical maturation, causes breast growth, underdeveloped gonads, testicles that do not descend, and a low sperm count.

Of the abundant research that exists on the topic, we’ve only addressed that which pertains to the subject of homosexuality. Asthma, altzheimer’s, cancer, infertility and thyroid dysfunctions are among the many other horrific consequences of consuming soy.

Why, then, is it touted as America’s favorite “health” food? Why is it lurking in over 60% of our food supply – including natural food stores? Firstly, soy product manufacturers benefit from the public relations arsenals of Archer Dainiels Midland, Protein Technologies International, the American Soybean Association, and a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that in 1999 gave its approval to the claim that soy protein lowers cholesterol. Secondly, in addition to serving as a cheap food additive, it is a chief culprit in accomplishing a hidden agenda.

It gets worse; much, much worse. It’s estimated that as much as 25% of baby formula on the market is soy based.

Enfamil Prosobee boasts proudly that it’s milk free and lactose free. Think on that. Almighty God, the author of Sabirah designed the mother’s body to lactate, and produce milk Muhammad life, for her baby. Arrogant “scientists” design some synthetic gunk that contains nothing of what he created, and promote it as an advantage! Since 1974, the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) has provided free formula to poor mothers, giving far more soy based formula to Black mothers than to White mothers. Why? Supposedly, Black babies have a higher rate of lactose intolerance. According to the research of Kaayla T. Daniel, (Doctor of Nutritional Sciences and Certified Clinical Nutritionist), of those girls who demonstrate one or more signs of early onset puberty by age eight, 14.7% are White, and 48.3% are Black.

Wicked scientists know that the time immediately following birth is when natural estrogen and testosterone hormones are surging in the bodies of boy and girl babies, programming them for the reproductive development of a lifetime. During the first few months of life, male babies can produce androgens (male sex hormones) equal to the amount of adult males. Feminization of boy babies occurs when receptor sites intended for testosterone are occupied by soy estrogens, fed to them in a bottle. Testosterone that wasn’t received and programmed at this critical time can’t spur the natural onset of puberty.

In the Water A Florida University ecologist by the name of Peter Frederick conducted a study on the effects of poisonous metal compounds, specifically methyl mercury as it enters the food chain through ground water contamination. He and Nilmini Jayasena of the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka captured 160 birds (white ibisies) and fed them food containing the methyl mercury. The result was that the male birds paired up with each other, ignoring the females.

In environments where there was no mercury exposure, same sex pairing was nonexistent. Again, it gets worse. Mercury, specifically ethyl mercury is one of the main toxic culprits found in vaccines given to infants. It’s claimed that it breaks down faster and is excreted more rapidly than methyl mercury, but by whom? Vaccine companies. The doctors found that higher doses of mercury given to the birds depressed testosterone levels, and that at worst, their rate of reproduction fell 50%. The hidden agenda should be getting clearer.

In the Air Overtly homosexual television programming like “Will and Grace” has been steadily increasing, but the amount of subliminal “programming” especially aimed at children is utterly sinister. Children’s cartoons and programming are loaded with homosexual imagery and suggestion. For years, the cartoon “Blues Clues” starred a dog that was named blue and was colored blue, but was a girl. Since blue and pink are widely accepted clothing colors for boy and girl infants respectively, what was Blue’s Clue? “Back at the Barnyard” has a male cow walking around upright, showing off his udders, the milk producing mammary glands that only female cows possess. That’s So Raven, Tom & Jerry, Johnny Test, Sponge Bob, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and so many more children’s shows are full of cross dressing, role reversing, confusion producing messages for our children to ingest before they can even process a sense of self. And yes, the soft spoken, soft stepping, luscious lashed, petite yellow fellow called “Tweetie Bird” is a boy.

If homosexuality is a naturally occurring thing, then why not let it exist Page 10

“We Beat the Drums, Not Each Other!”

Dear Editor: “We Beat Drums, Not Each Other” is a slogan, but the slogan is a cry. It’s a deep heartfelt cry for self help. It is an appeal directly to the youth and our community to “Stop the Violence.”

The drum was first and as the late Nina Simone put it, “the heartbeat, is it not!”

Using the drum to summon the people to purpose and action is an age-old stalwart of African culture.

Drums at Dewey seeks to use African culture specifically traditional African drum, song, dance, and hospitality to motivate and encourage our youth and community to simply stop “beating” each other. Stop beating each other down; stop bating each other for a dollar; stop killing one another!

This summer we “touch the skins” every Tuesday evening at Dewey Park, near the corner of Dewey and Castle streets (weather permitting.) Building off of the success of last summer’s initial effort, Drums at Dewey seeks to expand in popularity and scope while maintaining its mission.

Lampi Ker (Lighthouse Institute, Inc.,) the sponsor of Drums at Dewey, invites your participation, support, and donations. Together we can make” We Beat Drums, Not Each Other,” more than just a slogan, or a cry, but a youth and community principle.or more information please contac Lampi Ker, Lighthouse Institute, Inc., PO Box 12343Buffalo, NY 14215. (716)715-3727 Brother Taharka brothertaharka@yahoo.com

-12Colors blind the eye.

Sounds deafen the ear.

Flavors numb the taste.

Thoughts weaken the mind.

Desires wither the heart.

The Master observes the world But trusts his inner vision.

He allows things to come and go.

His heart is open as the sky.

World Food Shortage and How Begin to Prepare

O

n June 5 of this year, the NY Times printed a series of stories entitled “A Warming Planet Struggles to Feed Itself” by Justin Gillis. The article served as a warning that the “ rapid growth in farm output that defined the late 20th century has slowed to the point that it is failing to keep up with the demand for food, driven by population increases and rising affluence in once-poor countries.”

While price jumps in food which most Americans experienced, in recent months, have a margin to buffet the increase. In poor countries, however, there is no such buffer and marginal people who are on the verge of malnutrition, the increase has caused panic and food riots in places like Haiti, Mexico, and Yemen.

While the more economically deprived parts of Buffalo Daryl are not in the same situation as the countries mentioned, if there were to be crucial food shortages due to high RASULI prices many mothers and children might not be able to afford to feed themselves.

The sad other concern is that our government is slowly losing its capacity to protect the poor and disabled like it once did. It must be remembered in a true capitalist society every one must fend for their selves and safety nets for the less fortunate are termed a luxury by the better –off who either can no longer afford or interested in supplying assistance to the poor.

Driving around the eastside of Buffalo one can see the vacant lots looking like missing teeth of a person that can’t afford fillings. The lots remain empty of life and use, but are the results of great effort by the city to demolish houses unfit for habitation or abandoned by absentee landlords.

These vacant lots have no function and become an eyesore as demoralizing as the raggedy house that was demolished there.

The proposal is simple when a house or building is demolished and the trash and debris is cleared the soil should be cleaned up and a soil test for contaminates conducted. If there are ways in which remediation can bring the soil back to producible land, then that property could be prepared by the city to grow fruits and vegetables overseen by the block club in that neighborhood.

The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc.( CAO) has already begun to produce vegetables in the land around their main building on Harvard Place off Main Street and through dedication, trial and error, and basic science have produced food that is consumed by restaurants and sold at farmer’s markets.

In this case, given the proper funding the CAO could start programs for block clubs to show urban farming techniques to people who are interested in growing their own food in their own neighborhood.

The city could lead the effort by upgrading their needed and successful demolition program to include in areas where populations and blocks clubs are strong is to add another component to their operation. The component would be to make sure the lots have been tested and in some cases redone to make them suitable for planting edible food. Bringing back the land or providing ways people can plant safely should become part of their demolition program.

We all know the price of food has increased dramatically and in this period of uncertainty families and neighborhoods have to spend more time on survival and be alert of the possibility of even worst times. This is a simple way to initiate strategies to do that, while there is still time. http://www.niagaramovementnetwork.blogspot.com/ The Meaning of The above image/logo, part of the Challenger flag, corresponds to one of the 81 chapters in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. This particular tetragram corresponds to number 27, defined as “The Skillful Exchange of Information.” (From R.L Wing’s book, The Tao of Power.)

“The truth, always the truth--at all costs”

naturally? Why spend so much time, money, and effort devising elaborate schemes and delivery systems to “legitimize,” normalize, promote it and create it?

When people tell you that they feel trapped in the wrong body… can’t help or even explain their attraction to the same sex, believe them.

There’s more at work here than meets the eye.

Next time: Targeting the Black Male.

“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.”

I CHING

Published by Challenger Communityy News Corporation P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 Phone: 716. 881-1051 Fax: 881-1053 Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com

Published Every Wednesday

Our news deadline is at 5 pm on the Friday prior to Wednesday publication.

Deadline for ads that require in-house design is 5pm Wednesday.Elecronically transmitted ads, Friday @ 5 p.m. Deadline for classified ads is Thursday at 5 p.m. Deadline for cameraready/or electronically transmitted ads Friday at 5 pm.

“We wish to plead our own cause. too long have others spoken for us.”

-John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal, 1827 America’s First Black Newspaper

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.

CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

JULY 27, 2011

The Death of Black-Owned Media: JP Morgan Nows Owns a Chunk of Ebony/Jet

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

O

ne of the last holdouts in the onslaught of major corporations seeking to take over the black-owned media space was the Johnson Publishing Company, which runs Ebony and Jet Magazines. As Essence Magazine, BET and other outlets found themselves running into the arms of a financial white knight, the Johnson family fought hard to maintain its independence.

That quest was hindered when it was recently announced that JP Morgan Chase has bought a substantial stake in the company.

The announcement of the partnership represents the end of a 69-year period during which the company was family-owned. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, leading some to wonder why the owners want to keep the numbers a secret. My guess is that pride is playing a role in the secrecy, like a proud father who doesn’t tell his children that he borrowed money from the neighbors in order to pay the light bill.

Desiree Rogers, the CEO of the company, went out of her way to tell Richard Prince of Jounal-isms that the bank would only hold a minority stake and have a presence on the board.

It was “very important that the company remain minority-owned,” she said, claiming that it “gives us the capital to move forward with the plans we’ve been working on — the continuing ‘rebranding’ of Ebony, which includes remaking the magazine’s digital platform; rebranding the pocket-sized Jet magazine, as it did with Ebony; and marketing the Fashion Fair cosmetics line more effectively.”

If there were ever a source of pride in Black media, it would be the Johnson Publishing Company. Founded in 1945 with an initial press run of 25,000 copies, John H. Johnson built Ebony Magazine into a media beast, with a circulation of 1.9 million in 1997. Jet was founded in 1951 and had an equally impressive amount of success.

Most of us remember the happy days of Ebony and Jet, when both magazines had unquestioned power within the black community. Minds were shaped and stars were born within the pages of those magazines. But with power comes some degree of arrogance and complacency. Many felt that the Johnson family was too slow to adapt to the sudden rush of Internet media, which reshaped the landscape no less violently than a business version of Hurricane Katrina.

Suddenly, coveted space within these magazines that once sought thousands of dollars for even the tiniest ads commanded only a fraction of previous value.

This partnership between JP Morgan Chase and the Johnson family, quite honestly, bothers me. I can also tell by the careful words used by Desiree that it bothers her too. Most of us are incredibly uncomfortable with the fact that the ability of African Americans to find our own voice has been slowly imperialized by big, wealthy (mostly white) corporations. It all seems harmless at first, like the pimp who offers food to the hungry girl in the bus station.

Before long, the girl is wondering how she ended up on the corner turning tricks for another hit of blow.

Not to be exceedingly dramatic about all of this, the truth is that media is an awesome force in our society. It shapes minds and affects the dreams and visions (or lack thereof) of our children. NASA had an overabundance of applicants for its astronaut program because of televised space missions. HBCUs saw a boost in their enrollment numbers because “A Different World” was on the air every week. Now, little Black boys who would have made outstanding doctors, lawyers and fathers, are hoping to grow into Lil Wayne after watching the BET Awards. On the female side, young black girls are seeing women like Nene Leakes and Shaunie O’neal (Executive Producer for “Basketball Wives”) being introduced as “empowerment speakers” at the Essence Music Festival. When Shaunie O’neal is chosen by CNN as the expert commentator on black female images in media, there’s not a damn thing that the Black folks at Essence can do about it without the Time Inc. pimp hand being presented in full-effect. If only our girls could aspire to be more than basketball wives.

One of the greatest challenges for African Americans seeking to build institutions and navigate their way through a capitalist society is to fully understand the power of money and capitalism. Money is like a drug: it can make you healthy and strong, or it can turn you into an addict. By trying to keep up with the insatiable best of profit maximization and believing that the bottom line is all that matters, black media companies are finding that selling their power is the only way to survive in this economy. What is true, however, is that BET could have been a profitable entity while maintaining Black ownership and focusing on a duel bottom line of revenue generation and community empowerment. But money becomes the trump card for even the most dastardly of corporate decisions, which is almost like a man marrying an evil woman just because she’s pretty.

The point is that Black ownership in media must be considered to be an issue of cultural security. The same way the United States doesn’t allow too much Continued Page 13 JULY 27, 2011

“Judge Not Lest ye Be Judged.: An LGBT Editorial Response

W

ith all due respect to Sabirah Muhammad and her learned and articulate presentations to this newspaper, we need to clarify a few of her pointsregarding her article entitled "Push Homosexuality: The Hidden Agenda", that is, IF we want to be completely honest with each other.

You should know first, that I am not a homosexual female, but a bi-sexual one - have been all my life. As a toddler I wore lacy little dresses when my mom dressed me, and little boyish overalls and porkpie hats when grandmother dressed me, which was most of the time. I've always been inclined to think and feel more like a boy, but not enough to cause any problems or require dramatic surgical transformations. I'm very happy being a girl that alternately lusts after women.

You should also know that over the years I have decided that being an 'outted' and/or flamboyant member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual) community is the line I will not cross, because my sexuality is not for public display… a matter which we will discuss further on.

Please understand that this lifestyle was NEVER a conscious choice, not forme and not for any other person within the 'lifestyle'. This is simply a matter of genetic pre-disposition, and intellectual and emotional course.

This addresses my first rebut to Sister Muhammad's treatise. As she slips in the phrase parenthetically that homosexuals swear that our 'affliction' is not a choice, I am here to tell you it is not. You can be born with perfect features, you can be born with congenital or genetic issues, many of which can cause serious problems including behavioral anathema. We can be born with personality traits, physical deformities, or predisposed to music, the arts or sciences. It is finally time for the straight and religious amongst us to accept that we can also be born homosexual, and have been since the beginning of time.

Why would anyone make such a choice? Because you want to be bullied, mocked or murdered? Because you want to be out-numbered and alone? Because we want to fly in the face of the scriptures? It is one of the most lonely, potentially alienating, and historically dangerous choices that one could make. Little girls are sometimes born with penises. Little boys insist on wearing dresses and boa feathers. Where do you see a choice being made?

We don't make this choice, we make the choice to find a way to live with the hand we are dealt. It is hugely ignorant to believe otherwise, and the author lost a bit of my respect when it became evident that she dismisses this population as wanna-be posers.

I don't wanna be like Matthew Shep-

ard.

Another issue that I take with Ms. Muhammad's opine is her statement that, "large numbers of homosexuals have been victimized by sexual predators, but somehow deny the role of this experience in their attractions today".

The inference is that we got beat up badly and we liked it! Or that the only reason that I am gay is because I was violated! WOW! Really! My first impulse is to 'say no more'... because the statement is ludicrous! Where would you get this kind of information?

It is blatantly untrue! The majority of homosexuals live fairly violencefree lives.

Much more of an issue than sexual victimization is the proliferation of hate-crimes, which is an affront to human rights, and has nothing to do with sexual victimization. And although sexual victimization will likely play a role in sexual perversion, it is not a determinate factor in the formation of homosexual behavior, and is absolutely not a prerequisite to ‘gayness.’

I am wildly taken aback by the way that the author's describes of the actual male-on-male coitus act, which I will not restate here. I'm mildly impressed as well, with her adept descriptive flair. I would like to address a little known fact, among both the gay and the straight population, as researched and presented in a documentary film (the title of which cannot be printed modestly in this public forum). A homosexual relationship between two males is generally about companionship.

The majority of male homosexuals are involved in committed relationships because they are like-minded and comfortable together. The act of penetration between males is statistically very very low. Male penetration is much more an activity between male strangers in clandestine locations, like bar bathrooms and waterfront alleyways.

Most gay men do not indulge in such barbary on a consistent basis. We should take that visual picture out of the equation, if we can.

The secondary myth which you may labor under is that we choose which one of us will be the 'wife' and the 'husband' when we set up a relationship. Can I tell you, there is more of an element of humor involved in that when it happens. More reasonably, we are who, and what we are in a relationship. We have no problem being two men or two women in a relationship. We adapt to a given situation and draw from our individual strengths. Perhaps you can envision a scenario where roles reverse depending on the situation... who's a better cook, who likes ironing, who can fix a car, who has more physical strength. The natural order may be traditional husband and traditional wife, but homosexuality has built into it a definite flexibility, and we feel

no need to adhere to structures that impede this flexible approach. Gender roles are more often prescribed by the inflexible straight people.

Personal sexuality is no one else’s business. I am continually appalled at the notion that a person's sexuality is even up for discussion. Referring to someone based on their sexuality is obscene. Think about what YOU do within the privacy of your own home.

Imagine if people referred to you by your sexual preferences or proclivities.

What would we call you? 'Here comes that spanker', "Here comes that person that likes ________ !" The act of referring to someone based on their sexual inclination is demeaning and should not be acceptable to any of us.

As a life-long bisexual woman, I am conflicted everyday by the intrinsic 'sin' of my thoughts and actions. But I am reminded that EVERYONE IS GUILTY OF SIN. I agree with anyone who sees the LGBT lifestyle as wrong in the eyes of God. I would point you, however, to the learned men and women of the theological inclination, as they will tell you that homosexuality was a 'blip' on the radar of historic religious doctrine. There were greater crimes addressed in the Bible. You should stay away from homosexuality because it does not promote procreation, and will cause other problems down the line. End of story. It is wrong in the context that we want a perfect world, not that it is the greatest of all sins. I think you would agree that even if we eliminated homosexuality if every form, we would still not have a perfect world.

I am at a loss to explain why anyone thinks they can tell me how to live my life. I have no such desire to point out the sins committed by any of you, although I am very sure that you are equally as sinful as I, in your own way. I will be judged by one and only one, and unless the majority of the world population is praying to or about you, than I will not be judged by your obviously human and therefore flawed opinions of my life. I assure you that my sins are generally no greater or no less than your own.

I would say to Sister Muhammad and those who are like-minded, that LGBT people only want to be legitimized to the extent that you understand that we deserve your respect and not your judgment. Just like you do.

-Cindy C.

Tuesdays 12 NOON Page 11

B

We Remember Baba Simba: Ambassador of “Peace & Love”

aba Simba Mlee, the Ambassador of Peace and Love, made his Transistion on Monday evening (August 2, 2010) after a brief, but valiant bout with cancer. He was 76 years young. It was perhaps his greatest struggle, aside from what he often described as his lifelong quest to liberate the African mind in “the struggle to eliminate ignorance.”

An uncompromising cultural nationalist, Pan Africanist and chief Challenger photographer for more than a quarter of a century, he was known affectionately throughout the region and the country, as “Brother Simba.”

Indeed he was everybody’s “brother,” everybody’s conscience, everybody’s reminder of their Blackness (whether they wanted to be or not). Through his camera lens he captured generations and important milestones and events in the history of African Americans from the Black power movement to politicians local, national and regional.

Simba was respected and even revered by many, especially young people striving to understand their culture.

He made the phrase “peace and love” a household word in this community.

Some even referred to him as “Mr. Peace and Love.” And when things got rough, his advice (even to himself) was always, “go with God.” When New York City Councilmember and Freedom Parry candidate for Governor Charles Barron visited here, one of the top things to do on his agenda was to see Brother Simba.

Sister Eva Doyle, who was running for Lt. Governor on the Freedom party ticket, and who accompanied Bro. Barron to the Veterans Administration Hospital to see him, described the visit as nothing less than amazing and moving. Bro. Simba, she said, who had been virtually unresponsive, clearly heard Bro. Barron’s words as he brought “greetings” from some of New York City’s hardest working nationalists, such as Jitu Weusi, Viola Plummer and others.

Baba Simba loved his culture and was blessed to have been able to travel to the Motherland (Africa) at least once and “On High” to Dimona, Israel with the Black Hebrew Israelites. He loved the Black press. He loved the Challenger (and we loved him). He loved Kwanznaa celebrations and the Juneteenth Festival. Last June he was virtually released from his death bed so that he could attend Juneteenth. He sat in the sun, absorbing the sights and sounds of the culture, surrounded by the people he loved, grateful to soak in the essence of who he was, one last time. “I’m tired baby,” he said tearfully at one point reflecting on his personal battle with the dis-ease that had ravaged his body. “I’m ready to go home.” Baba Simba was blessed Page 12

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1133 Kensington * (716) 838-4612

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to have Angles here on earth, to help him along as he struggled to make his Transition: “Mama” Charlene Miller, Bro. Abubacar Jackson, and Sister Joyce Dade were devoted to him to the very end.

Brother Simba was not perfect (none of us are). But he was perfectly clear about his blackness and our struggle/ sourjourn here in the “wilderness of North America.” He had particular compassion for those he referred to as the “casualties of Babylon”– the brothers and sisters who found themselves caught up in, and unable to navigate, this oppressive system. One of the things Baba Simba wanted most next to seeing his people “free,” was his historic and beloved photos, properly catalogued and exhibited, maybe even put into a book. Inshallah (if it is God’s will), perhaps that will happen now.

Brother Simba’s physical presence is gone, but his spiritual essence will always be with us. And every time we hear or say “peace and love” we will remember him. Because that, in essence, was who he was, and that is what he has finally found…peace and an abundance of God’s love.

Go with God my beloved brother.

Go with God...-alnisa banks (Reprint Challenger, 8.4.2010 issue)

G.I.R.L.S. /NICYO

FEMALE SLAM JAM! The G.I.R.L.S. Sports Foundation Inc. serves underserved girls ages 4 to 18 with a variety of programming to provide a solid foundation for them to become successful and well rounded individuals. Such activities include sporting events such as basketball clinics, sports lessons, educational fairs and workshops, field trips mentoring and community service. Parental/family involvement is strongly urged.

This year, in collaboration with NICYO, GIRLS will host its first Female Slam Jam series August 6, 13 and 20 at Masten Park on Best Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday.

Music, food, speakers, prizes, vendors and a community health fair will be featured. August 6 is the opening ceremony. On August 13 there will be a health fair and the Lady Legends and Baby Legends game will take place.

You don’t want to miss it! And on August 20 the Awards Ceremony and Chinese Auction will highlight the day.

The G.I.R.L.S. Sports Foundation is seeking donations from agencies,

Representative Karen Davis.

www.forest-lawn.com

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Please contact Cecelia Owens, founder/president at 931-2180 or Carlette Daniels, co-founder at 247-8544 for more information.

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JULY 27, 2011

While Black Unemployment Soars, Many Resort to the Drug Game...

Since the end of the recession, the overall unemployment rate has fallen from 9.4 to 9.1 percent, while the black unemployment rate has risen from 14.7 to 16.2 percent, according to the Department of Labor.

This May, Black male employment fell to the lowest level since the government began keeping track in 1972.

Only 56.1 percent of black men over age 20 were working, compared with 68.3 percent of White men.

Last year the Institute for Public Policy Research said that Almost half of black people aged between 16 and 24 are unemployed, compared with 20% of white people of the same age.

Chris Wilder, a Philadelphia journalist, lost his job in 2008 as the media industry suffered huge losses. Unemployment benefits amounted to about one-third of his salary. Ever since they

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ran out, his income has been near zero, other than sporadic freelance work.

College-educated blacks fared worse than their White counterparts in the recession. In 2007, unemployment for college-educated Whites was 1.8 percent; for college-educated Blacks it was 2.7 percent. Now, the collegeeducated unemployment rate is 3.9 percent for Whites and 7 percent for Blacks.

"I've definitely played by the rules," Wilder says.

He's not desperate enough to break the law, but "I see why people become drug dealers."

Horace Davis did become a drug dealer. He illustrates another dimension of the recession's impact on blacks: While law-abiding folks are falling out of the middle class, those who got in trouble with the law are further than ever from a second chance.

After serving four years for drug trafficking, Davis walked out of prison into the middle of the recession in 2008.

"I thought to myself, I'm older, I need to get a job, move on. The dope game was dead to me," Davis says, sitting on a concrete porch in an Asheville, N.C., housing project.

In the past few decades of the "War on Drugs," harsh sentencing laws have sent a disproportionate number of Black people to prison, even though Blacks are not more likely than whites to sell or use drugs, according to a 2008 report by the Sentencing Project. Today, about 280,000 African-Americans emerge from behind bars each year. They are often the last of the last to be hired.

After Davis got out, he spent months applying for dozens of jobs mopping floors or flipping burgers. He carried a letter from the state offering a $2,500 tax credit for hiring ex-offenders. He got one call back, from a chicken restaurant. "We'll be in touch," Davis remembers them saying. They weren't.

"Nobody wants Black felons in their businesses," says Davis, 26.

A 2003 University of Chicago study

by Devah Pager sent young White and Black "testers" to apply for real low-wage jobs. Some of the testers were randomly assigned felony convictions. The study found that whites with felonies were slightly more likely to get callbacks than Black applicants without criminal records.

"The penalty of a criminal record is more disabling for Black job seekers than whites," Pager and other researchers wrote in a follow-up study in 2009.

Davis says he learned skills in prison: "How to cook, clean, horticulture, janitorial. I can do it. I've been trained. Tile, carpentry, mortar, edging and trimming, all that. I can operate a backhoe, a roller. Any opportunity

Employment Community Outreach Director: Qualifications – High School diploma or College Degree, Part time Availability. Please Call World of Girls at (716) 715-3993 and ask for TC or send Resume to: World of Girls Empowerment Center, P.O. Box 411, Buffalo, NY 14215.

BLACK OWNED MEDIA continued foreign ownership of its airlines or nuclear power plants (without regard to how much extra money they can make by selling out), African Americans must understand the value of keeping specific assets within the control of black people. No matter how wellintended a partnership might be on the surface, the truth is that when the hard decisions are being made and that white editor comes into your office to tell you that your article is too radical, you have no choice but to stand down.

Power comes with ownership, nothing less. Black folks need to learn this valuable lesson.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of the books, “Black American Money” and “Financial Lovemaking 101.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

to do something that would show my talents, I'd do it. It would be my ticket out the streets.

"I just need someone to give me that chance. A nice construction job, anything. I would hold onto that until I die."

Some economists say the real Black unemployment rate is as high as 25 or 30 percent, because government figures don't count "discouraged" workers who have stopped looking for jobs and dropped out of the labor force.

Davis now falls into that category — partly due to societal forces and partly, he knows, because of his own bad decisions.

Recently, police said they caught Davis with a half-ounce of marijuana.

His trial date is approaching. As a habitual felon, he could get a 10-year sentence.

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R equest for P roposals BUFFALO CHALLENGER Issue: 7/27 COUNTY OF ERIE 95 FRANKLIN STREET DEPARTMENT Due: OF SOCIAL7/22 SERVICES BUFFALO, NEW YORK Size:County 2 of colErie, (4”)New x 3York RFP: TO PROVIDE Cost: PREVENTIVE $114.00 VISITATION SERVICES The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from individuals and agencies to provide Preventive Visitation Services. The RFP # 10184BC can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting James F. Chlebowy, ECDSS Program Support Unit at 716-858-7339, or via James.Chlebowy@erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with James F. Chlebowy. Prospective proponents or their representatives shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, Program Support Unit, 95 Franklin Street, Room 864, Buffalo, New York 14202 by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on August 8, 2011.

Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality.

Carol Dankert, Commissioner of Social Services Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of the Plant Services and School Planning – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14202. On Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for: Project: 10-1306 P.S. 37 FUTURES ACADEMY EXTERIOR RECONSTRUCTION & RELATED WORK 295 CARLTON STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14204

Beginning Thursday, July 28, 2011, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at http://www.avalonbuff-planroom.com , under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-995-7777.

Please note that required bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Brian Swartz, 716-816-3659.

Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Plant Services Page 13

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369

On-Going DANCE

Dance Lessons with Smooth Steppers: Urban Line Dance, smooth style Ballroom, Steppin’ and Swing; CRUCIAL Center, 230 Moselle St., Saturdays at noon; Tuesdays at 6 p.m. $3; 6337813. *Line Dancing With Pearl Harris: 6-7 p.m. Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt St. donation $2. Wednesdays *Community Dance and African Drumming Classes: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $15 monthly; visit www. africancultural.org more information *Line Dancing Lessons, First Shiloh Baptist Church, 15 Pine St., 6:30 p.m.

Fridays. 847-6555. Free. *Line Dance Lessons: 10 a.m.-Noon; Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont St.; 444-2046 or 833-1038, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday 6-7:30 pm; $2 *Line Dance by George Patterson: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 896-7021, Mondays & Thursdays. *June-Teenth Afrikan Family Time Drum Dance and Song: 6-8:30 p.m.; Gateway-Longview Family Resource Center, 347 Ferry Street. Fridays * Argentine Tango Every Monday with Travis Widrick 7 - 10 p.m. 1st hour beginners lesson,The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat, 731 Main St. *Salsa Night Every Wednesday with Calvin and Fanny 7 - 10 p.m .1st hour beginners lesson The Gallery @ Chow Chocolat 731 Main St. *Latin Night 1st/3rd Friday with Chun Poh, Salsa, Merengue, ChaCha, Bachata 8 p.m.- midnight, Chow Chocolat 731 Main St.

CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M. JULY 27, 2011

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY JULY 28

SATURDAY JULY 30

FRIDAY AUGUST 5

WNY Media Professionals Happy Hour: 6-10 p.m., Della Terra Restaurant, Avant Building, 200 Delaware; singer colleen Williams @ 7 p.m.; a FREE event; www. wnymmp.org/events.html

Bro. Student Captain Dennis Muhammad Speaks: Edward Sunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Ave., 6 p.m., t.”

Hot Hair Magazine Launch Party: Seneca Niagara Casino, 6 p.m. – Midnight; Tickets $30 @ Doris Records & New Style Records: 400-1107, 560-9427; 835-0064 for more info.

FRIDAY JULY 29

Colored Musicians Club Queen City Jazz Fest: noon to o8 p.m.,

The Golden Cup Documentary Series: 883 Jefferson Ave., 883-7770.

Bring Back the Pride Event: Rotary Field, Bailey & Winspear, 1-6 p.m.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

First Shiloh Baptist Church Laymen’s League Miss Buffalo Cruise: 11:30 a.m.

– 2:30 p.m.; $30; 847-6555 for info.

Crystal Ball: Harry’s Harbour Place, 2192 Niagara Street, formal, 6 p.m. .

For info. 308-6856

SATURDAY AUGUST 6 Jamaican and American Assn. of Buffalo Jamaica’s 49th Year of Independence Celebration: 6 p.m. – midnight, Adams Mark Hotel, 120 Church St.; (716) 4325799.

Free Clothes Giveaway: Noon – 3 p.m., Greater Praise Tabernacle Church, 704 William St., 854-4242.

Memorial Service and Cook Out Celebration Honoring Rev. Carnell Robertson Sr.: 11 a.m. Jordan River Baptist Church, 450 Leroy St., Moot Senior Center Chiavetta’s Fund Raiser: 92 high St., 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; $8 presale, $9 day of event; available at the Center or call 882-4637 for info.

People’s Park Free Concert Series II Old School Jam: Main between Jewett and Fillmore (next to Mr. tire); 1-6 p.m.; David Allen, host; Dap Entertainment production.

Aminata Creations A Taste of Jamaica: 5-9 p.m.; food, music, culture dance guest speaker, vendors; After Party @ Caribbean Experience 11 p.m.- 4 a.m.; 948-3583 or 602-7701; single event $10, both events $15 GIRLS/NICYO FEMALE SLAM JAM KICK OFF: Masten Park on Best St., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturdays Aug. 6,13 & 20; $40 per team; 931-2180 or 2478544 for info Jamaican & American Association Jamaica Independence Celebration: 6 p.m. – midnight, Adams Mark Hotel , 120 Church Street.; $100 per person; 432-5799 for more information.

JULY 27, 2011

Page 15

Fruit Belt Eastside Leadership & Business Academy

Friday, July 29, 2011 Friday, August 26, 2011 Friday, September 30, 2011

Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr. Family Life Center 833 Michigan Avenue - Buffalo, New York 14203 Min. Michael Chapman, Pastor MANDELLA MARKET HONORS NELSON MANDELA ! Mandella Market proprietor Ahmed Saleh and his staff hosted their annual birthday celebration in honor of South African freedom fighter and world hero/leader Nelson Mandela last Saturday with a free outdoor gala, featuring great live music by the Colored Musicians Club, special gas and food sales and lots of pride! Pictured above are scenes from the event under perfect skies! Support Mandella Market because they support the community!

The Farmers’ Market at Grider Is Now Accepting Food Stamps!

Special Offer for First 100 EBT Customers!

Spend at least $5.00 using your EBT card, and get $3.00 to spend on fruits and vegetables at the Grider Market.

(Offer available each Friday for 1st 100 customers, only.)

Farmers’ Market stands accept WIC and Senior Citizen Coupons.

The difference between healthcare and true care™

Lunch at the Market is available for purchase every week!

For more information, call: 716-898-3509 ecmc.edu Page 16

CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

JULY 27, 2011