June 8, 2011

FilmFest Fridays Garth Fagan, Other Caribbean INSIDE ROCHESTER Caribbean All films take place at 7 p.m. The Nationals Caribbean AmericanHeritage Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Avenue.

Month Honorees Around Town *Friday June 10: “Haiti, Land of

*Inner Faith Gospel Tabernacle, 32 York St., “Men of Excellence” with guest speaker Min. Marcellus Winters from the Potters House, Friday June 10 thru Sunday June 12, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. (585) 342-8970 for more information.

are you registered to

VOTE?

HESTE OC

*”Mucho Talento” Fundraiser & Showcase presented by the 201 Puerto Rican Parade & Tango Café Studio, June 11 at 9 p.m., Tango Café, 389 Gregory St.; $20 registration fee; $5 audience fee. (585) 271-4930.

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*Sunday, July 3: Salute: 13th Annual MAAFA: Day of Remembrance: Durand Eastman Park off of Lakeshore Blvd. 4 to 6 p.m.. Event is free. There will be a keynote speaker, African drumming and dance, libation and much more. The event commemorates the struggles and triumphs of people of African descent world wide. Attendees are asked to wear white and bring flowers and a lawn chair. Refreshments will be served. For more info, call 234-1641 or e-mail theMaafa@ Yahoo.com.

*Natlie Cole headlines Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival , Eastman Theatre Rochester, Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. tickets at Ticketmaster, or can be purchased by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the RBTL Box Office at the Auditorium Theatre (885 E Main St., Rochester).

For more information visit the Jazz Fest website.

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*Saturday, June 18: Freedom Celebration: Annual Juneteenth Celebration: Susan B. Anthony Park --King Street (off West Main Street) Sponsored by The Freedom Way Business Association. 585-454-2680. The oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery is recalled in words, music, dance, vendors, food with children's activities and more.

*Avant & Raheem DeVaughn , live in concert with special guest, Friday, June 10,m Auditorium Theatre, Rochester; doors open 6:30, showtime 7:30; tickets Auditorium Box Office, ticketmaster.com or 1.800.745.3000.

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Around Town

*Saturday, June 11: Wine Tasting at Corn Hill Fine Wines and Spirits, 260 Exchange Blvd, from 3 to 7 p.m.

*WakaFlocka, live @ The Main Street Armory, Friday, June 10 @ 6 p.m.; Music by DJ’s Grand Imperial, Willie Daniels & Legend; 900 E. Main St.; (585) 232-3221.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., - This June could be “hot hot hot” in Rochester as the city celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month. By the time President Obama makes the customary proclamation that June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, local Caribbean nationals and friends of the Caribbean will be able to find a myriad of Caribbean flavored events to help them celebrate.

The Rochester Jamaican Organization Inc., (RJO) and The Rochester West Indian Festival Organization Inc. (RWIFO) will host a series of events across the city, throughout the month of Garth Fagan June featuring Caribbean music, films, food and culture. They will also honor great Americans of Caribbean descent as well as distinguished Caribbean nationals living in Rochester. Among those slated to be honored is Tony Award winning dance choreographer Garth Fagan, who traces his roots to Jamaica.

Some of the planned activities include: • A Community Health Fair at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester, 500 Genesee Street on June 11 • A Caribbean film series at the Baobab Cultural Center, University Ave, every Friday during the month of June • A Caribbean Dinner Cruise on Saturday June 11 • Voices of the Caribbean in local media throughout the month of June The celebration will spill over into July when the Rochester Jamaican Organization hosts a gala event on July 23rd to celebrate the 49th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. The event will be attended by Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks.

The Rochester West Indian Festival Org. Inc, hosts Carifest, its annual parade and West Indian festival on August 13th in downtown Rochester.

For more information please contact the Rochester Jamaican Organization go to www.rochesterjamaican.org or call 585-234-2119 or the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization at www.rwifo.com.

CIT Y SC

AKOMA, Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir, is celebrating its 16th annual scholarship concert.

The scholarship, named after the choir’s 100 yearold eldest member, Mother Nona Patterson Chambers, provides financial aid to local African MARSHA American young JONES women graduates who plan to attend college in the fall.

The theme is “Cast All Your Cares Upon the Lord.” The event will be held June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 351 Joseph Rochester, N.Y. There will be a free will offering.

AKOMA whose Akan name means “patience, endurance, consistency and faithfulness” has provided over $46,000 in scholarships. The purpose of the annual concert is to honor and praise God, to thank the community for blessing our ministry and to recognize the recipients of our scholarship.

For more information call Rose Stokes or Anita Simpson. Also please visit our website www.akoma.org or email us at akomagc@gmail.com .

Traedy, Land of Hope” *Friday June 17: “Remembering A Revolution” *Friday June 24: “The Price of Sugar”

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AKOMA’s 16th Annual Mother N o n a Patterson Chambers Scholarship Concert

*Saturday, June 11: Auditions for movie King's Faith, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 1301 Vintage Lane in Greece. If you go to our website, www.kingsfaith.com, you can click on a link that has a map.

If you have any kids from the neighborhood who can act tough and play in Eli's gang, that would be great.

OL D

Every child is a work of art.

Create a masterpiece.

Have a story idea? E-mail me at defdefyingmj@yahoo.com.

Register your child today for classes beginning this September!

Because you care…Choose UPK. 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.

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.

For more information, call 262-8140 or visit www.rcsdk12.org/prek /choice Page 2

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June 8, 2011

Area Briefs

Political Wire Herbert Announces for Fillmore He’s Back.

Samuel A. Herbert, still encouraged from his last showing in his run for Fillmore District Council four years ago where he polled over 40% of the vote, has announced that he plans to make the run for Fillmore once again in the upcoming September Primary.

Herbert is seeking volunteers. He can be reached at 847-0410 or by email at saherbert1@verion.net

Kendra Eaglin

Channel 7’s Eaglin to MC Annual NAACP Awards Dinner Kendra Eaglin, Reporter/Weekend Anchor for Channel 7’s Eyewitness News, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Buffalo Branch NAACP’s Annual Medgar Evers Awards Dinner on Sunday, June 12 at 6 p.m. in the Bufflo Niagra Convention Center. Dr. Frank Dobson Jr. will deliver the keynote address. For more information on the Dinner call 884-7242. Advance reservations are required.

Family Fishing Day Fundraiser!!

Family Fishing Day, a family oriented event scheduled for Saturday June 25, is seeking donations of new and used fishing reels and/or equipment. Any donations can be dropped off at the following sites: Sean’s House of Masters 295 E. Delavan Ave The Challenger Community News 1337 Jefferson Avenue Gander Mountain in the BJ Wholesale Plaza 880 Young Street, Tonawanda WUFO Radio 89 LaSalle St. The Walden Galleria Mall The Tri-Main Building Don’t miss this opportunity to help youth and families enjoy a day of fishing in Broderick Park! If you are not able to drop off your donation at one of these sites, please call The Buffalo United Front at 818-3410 and arrangements can be made for pickup.

June 8, 2011

AKA’s to Host Informational Tea for Students Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter, Amherst, New York will host an informational tea for students in grades 9-12, and their parents, who, may be interested in applying for admission to the 20112012 Leadership Intern Project. The informational will be held: Saturday, June 25 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 626 Humboldt Pkwy. You may reserve your admission by contacting Alicia Givens at adgivens4@aol. com.

Afro-American Historical Association Installs Officers The Installation of officers for the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. took place at the association’s Annual Meeting/ Family History Dinner on Friday, May 6th.

City Court Judge E. Jeannette Ogden conducted the installation of the following officers: Melvin Watkins, Treasurer and Sharon Amos, Ph.D, Financial Secretary. Board of Directors installed were: Sandra Williams Bush, Charles H. Campbell, Debra Johnson, Frank B. Mesiah and Ruthie Coleman Sawyer.

Barbara Nevergold, Ph.D is President of the Association.

Nash House Tours The historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Mrs. Frances Jackson Nash Open: Thursday and Saturday from 11:30 - 4 pm. $10.00 entrance Other times and group tours available by appointment.

IMPORTANT NOTICE! VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 19 *The deadline to register to vote in this year’s September Primary Election is August 19. Registration forms are available from the Erie County Board of Elections office, 134 W. Eagle St. (858-8891) or on line at elections.erie. gov or just goggle Erie Count Board of Elections *June 7 was the first day of circulating Democratic Petitions in order for candidates to get on the ballot. *All of the City Council seats, Legislative seats, a Supreme Court justice seat and elections in all the cities and towns outside the city limits, will hold elections.

Badger Seeks Masten Seat DeMario Badger has announced that he is running for Masten District Councilmember. His platform includes economic development, fiscal responsibility ad making Masten a Family again. Demone Smith is the current Masten District Councilmember.For more information email Paul@Badger forMasten@yahoo.com or call 3418154.

Peoples-Stokes Mentioned as Candidate to Succeed Hochul

`Several top Democratic names have been mentioned for the appointment to succeed Kathleen Hochul as Erie County Clerk after her historic win last week in a special election for the House of Representatives. Among them :Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes of Buffalo. Observers point to her strength in being able to energize the minority/city vote. The downside they say would be her struggle win county-wide.

CAO to Host 46th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Celebration The Board of Directors of the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. is proud to present its 46th Anniversary Award Dinner & Celebration this Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m., located at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, New York. This year’s theme is “Resurrecting the Vision, Continuing the Journey, Advancing the Mission ” and will include an awards program for twenty-one high school scholarship winners and a recognition ceremony for this year’s outstanding Corporate, Community and Faith-based partners of the agency.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies is Rev. James A. Lewis, III. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., the greatgreat-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington, who also serves as President of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, will deliver the keynote address for this year’s dinner.

Still standing as one of the largest, private, not- Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., for-profit agencies in Erie County, the event commemorates 46 years of focused and dedicated efforts in promoting self-sufficiency through advocacy, partnerships and services. The CAO serves tens of thousands of low-income residents each year through a network of more than 50 locations across Erie County , providing programs and services to assist individuals and families towards self-sufficiency. Programs include the Head Start and Early Head Start program for all of Buffalo and Erie County, DART (Drug Abuse, Research and Treatment Program), Youth Services, Family Development, Center Services, Emergency Services, Community Action Angels Program, Employment & Training, CAO/UB Neighborhood Collaborative, New Venture Housing, Julian B. Dargan Independent Living Center, Green Entrepreneurial Center and Sports PLUS (Partners in Learning and Urban Sports).

The 2011 Awardees include Mary H. Kargbo, President/CEO of Sheehan Health Network (Julian B. Dargan Community Partner Award), Father Ronald Sajdak, Pastor of the St. Martin DePorres Roman Catholic Church (FaithBased Partner Award), Stephen Kiernan, President and CEO of Algonquin Studios (Corporate Partner Award) and the James Covial Profiles in Courage Award which is announced at the dinner. Twenty-one scholarship awardees will also be recognized by members of the CAO Education Task Force.

Tickets are just $50 per person, $500 per table of ten. To make a reservation, contact Yvonne Hairston, Special Events Director at 881-5150.

Outstanding Teacher!

Cahill to Announce for University Former Buffalo School Board Member Pamela D. Cahill will announce her candidacy for the University District Common Council Seat Saturday, June 11 at 11 a.m., 3142 Main Street. She is expected to campaign against “neglect and blight” in the district as well as what she perceives as a basic disconnect between the incumbent Council Member, Bonnie Russell, and the people of the University District.

Robert Baxter, a teacher at Westminster Community Charter School, receives $25,000 from Milken Family Foundation Co-Founder Michael Milken (left) and MFF Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken (right) at the 2011 Milken Educator Forum in Santa Monica, California on April 9. Mr. Baxter, who represents all that’s right about education and teaching, received the award for being an outstanding teacher. Congratulations!

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U.S. Owes $62 Trillion!

News Update “Geronimo” Pratt, Former Black Panther Leader Dies

Elmer G. “Geronimo” Pratt, a former Los Angeles Black Panther Party leader whose 1972 murder conviction was overturned after he spent 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, died June 2 at his home in a small village in Tanzania, Africa. He was 63. His sister Virginia confirmed the death but did not give a cause. Mr. Pratt’s case became a cause celebre for a range of supporters — including elected officials, human rights activists and clergy — who believed he was framed by the Los Angeles police and the FBI because he was African American and a member of the radical Black Panthers. Mr. Pratt maintained that the FBI knew he was innocent because the agency had him under surveillance in Oakland when the slaying was committed in Santa Monica.

“Geronimo was a powerful leader,” Stuart Hanlon, Mr. Pratt’s longtime San Francisco attorney, told the Los Angeles Times. “For that reason he was targeted.”

Mr. Pratt was arrested in 1970 and two years later convicted and sentenced to life in prison in the 1968 fatal shooting of Caroline Olsen and the serious wounding of her husband, Kenneth, in a robbery that netted $18. For more than two decades, Mr. Pratt’s legal team — led by Hanlon and Los Angeles lawyer Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. — struggled to win Mr. Pratt’s freedom. Cochran, who died in 2005 and was a key member of O.J. Simpson’s “Dream Team,” said Mr. Pratt’s case was the most important of his career.

The case was overturned in 1997 by an Orange County Superior Court judge who ruled that prosecutors at Mr. Pratt’s murder trial had concealed evidence that could have led to his acquittal.A federal judge later approved a $4.5 million settlement in Mr. Pratt’s false-imprisonment and civil rights lawsuit.

Mr. Pratt, who also went by Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt, was born Sept. 13, 1947, in Morgan City, La. The youngest of seven children, Mr. Pratt volunteered to join the Army and served with the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam. After he was discharged, Mr. Pratt moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and enrolled at UCLA. While attending classes, he met Alprentice “Bunchy” Carter, a Louisiana native and an early member of the Black Panther Party who recruited him to the cause and gave him the “Geronimo” nickname.

The federal government’s financial condition deteriorated rapidly last year, far beyond the $1.5 trillion in new debt taken on to finance the budget deficit, a USA TODAY analysis shows.

The government added $5.3 trillion in new financial obligations in 2010, largely for retirement programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

rian faith healer has had 107 wives and 165 children. Maasaba’s polygamist ways led to him being in prison after he refused an Islamic Court’s order to divorce all but four of his wives. The New York Daily News reports: The Islamic faith healer, now 87, is currently wed to 86 wives ranging in age from 19 through 64. He has buried nine spouses, and divorced another dozen.

Why so many?

“I get a revelation from God telling me any woman I’m going to marry,” he told the newspaper. “If it wasn’t from God, I wouldn’t have gone beyond two.”

Maasaba lives with his family in an 89-room house in the city of Bida. His extended family – in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews – now numbers about 5,000.

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An Irish-born missionary doctor has been elected mayor of one of the districts in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

A successful businessman and owner of Kampala’s largest private hospital, which also treats poor patients free of cost, Ian Clarke’s victory comes on the slogan of change.

But his promise of building sewers and better facilities for the town’s poorest population is already facing stiff resistance from his opponents and there is enormous pressure on Uganda’s first elected white politician to deliver.

Spreading The Love!

Nigerian Man Has 107 BlackAgendaReport.com Wives, 165 Children McKinney: Libyans in Tripoli “Defiant” of NATO Bombing NIGERIA – Bello Maasaba, a Nige-

ASBESTOS INJURIES

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Uganda elects first white politician

Ian Clarke

“People are really defiant” in the face of savage NATO bombing raids on Tripoli, the Libyan capital, says former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.

“Every night the people gather” at Bab al-Azizia, Moammar Gaddifi’s residential compound, for dancing and singing – “like a block party.” McKinney, who only days ago returned from a trip to Libya, is leading another delegation to the besieged country this week. “The question is: Will the American people hold their government accountable for the war crimes that are being committed against an African country,” says the former Green Party presidential candidate.

NATO’s attack on Libya “is a humanitarian disaster.”

House Rejection of Troops to Libya is Big Anti-War Victory

The overwhelming House vote to prohibit deployment of U.S. ground troops in Libya is “one of the biggest anti-war victories in decades,” says Matt Southward, of the Friends Committee on National Legislation. The measure, barring U.S. boots on the ground, was sponsored by Detroit Black Congressman John Conyers, Jr. “It sends a signal to the Obama administration that Congress does not approve of a third war,” says Southworth.

Reparations Group Holds Chicago Conference

N’COBRA, the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, hopes to “relight the fire in this age of Obama” and a Republican-controlled Congress,” says spokesman Kamm Howard. N’COBRA holds its national conference in Chicago, June 24, under the theme, “Never Give Up – Be Prepared.”

U.S. Report Defames Haitians

A USAID report that challenges estimates of Haitians killed and displaced by last year’s earthquake attempts to “turn the Haitian state and the Haitian people into the classic racist model of welfare queens, or people who are just sitting around begging for aid,” says Peter Hudson, a Nashville-based historian and writer. The USAID document puts the death toll at around 66,000 people, rather than the more than 300,000 figure provided by the Haitian government and supported by the United Nations International Organization for Migration and the Red Cross. The U.S. report, says Hudson, reveals a “deeply racist, anti-black undercurrent” among its authors.

Obama Seeks Greater Powers to Wage War

President Obama’s studied avoidance of consulting with Congress on the war against Libya is “a pretty clear message that he wants more and more power and more and more wars,” says activist and author David Swanson, publisher of the influential web site War Is A Crime. If Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s measure to end the war in Libya were to pass next week, “it would be the biggest step forward by Congress to assert its desire to exist as a branch of government” with authority over matters of war and peace.

California Prisoners to Go on Hunger Strike

On Juy 1, inmates at California’s high security prison facility at Pelican Bay plan to go on “indefinite hunger strike” to protest conditions, according to Ed Mead, editor of the magazine Prison Focus. Mead, who is a former prisoner, calls incarceration at Pelican Bay “a civil death,” and equates American-style incarceration to slavery. “We have 2.3 million slaves in the United States and nobody seems to care.”

Florida Persecutes Welfare Recipients

Governor Rick Scott, who recently signed a bill requiring welfare recipients to undergo drug testing, is trying to “punish poor people to score cheap political points,” says Baylor Johnson, a lawyer for the Florida Civil Liberties Union.

The FCLU is suing the state, charging the drug tests are a form of unconstitutional search and seizure.

Old-Line Black Organizations Ineffective African Americans need to form and support “new groups, different from the existing ones like the Urban League and the NAACP, to take on the challenges” of a worsening political and economic environment, says veteran South Carolina activist Kevin Alexander Gray.

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

June 8, 2011

HEALTH MATTERS

ABUNDANT LIFE:

Live People Should Eat Live Food!

Live people should eat live food. The wisdom of these words rests in an understanding of what fresh foods accomplish in the human body: They impart an abundance of life-giving elements to the blood stream. An abundant life is a life that literally overflows with goodness and pleasures. The annoying discomforts of pain and illnesses, of any sort, rob you of your entitlement to overflowing goodness and pleasure.

Master Teacher Yirser Ra Hotep Comes to Buffalo for Kemetic Yoga!

Internationally known Yirser Hotep, experienced Kemetic Yoga Teacher and Trainer for over 30 years and who has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, will be in Buffalo June 10-12, 2011 for Kemetic Yoga classes at R Healin’ Center.His methods of teaching yoga have helped many people to manage stress, and perform movements and postures for strength, flexibility and balance. He will teach us about a powerful ancient practice for self-healing, creating inner-harmony, and self-awareness that has been the foundation of other forms of yoga. This form of yoga will help you to understand the importance of connecting yoga with breath and utilizing our body energy in ways to assist in self-rejuvenation and attainment of inner healing. When individuals heal, families and communities become stronger Explore this ancient practice of health and healing and learn how to create higher states of health and well being for our families, register today! Workshop fees range from $10 - $79 and are nonrefundable. Discounts apply to early registrants and groups. If you are part of an organization and you would like an appearance from Yirser Hotep, contact Jennifer Rice at (716) 836-1293 or email ricej27@yahoo.com. To learn more about Yirser, please visit: www. yogaskills.com.

Blood analyses are performed to assure proper levels of minerals and vitamins are present in the blood stream for continuous nourishment to the body’s cellular make-up.

It is important to know that life’s true battle is fought internally.

eat to live!

2011

BARBARA

You know you should do it, and this is the time. Prices will never be more affordable than right now to make burial arrangements for you and your family at Forest Lawn. Select from many burial options: • Estate • Mausoleum • Feature • Traditional • Cremation

Let’s explore a few chemical elements and the role(s) they play in the development of discomforts, dis-eases and illnesses when the blood stream has too much or too little: Calcium is considered the body’s healer and knitter. Because it is necessary for virtually every function of the body, it is critically important to include calcium rich foods in the daily diet. Among other things, calcium regulates the heart beat, assures strong bones and teeth, maintains normal blood clotting, balances the activity of sodium, potassium, magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C and D. It is also a natural sedative.

Too much calcium in the blood stream causes the body to express itself through numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, joint pain, nervousness and mental depression.

The Year to Remember!

Make

As minerals and vitamins interact with each for the release of antioxidants and enzymes for internal maintenance, they also compete with one another for dominance. This competition sets the stage for too much or too little of a particular vitamin or mineral, thereby permitting the invasion of discomforts, dis-eases and illnesses.

ECHOLS

Call the Forest Lawn office today at

885-1600 and ask for Family Service Representative Karen Davis.

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Calcium is usually associated with milk or some other dairy product; however calcium derived from raw dark green leafy vegetables is a better source. To absorb the calcium content of raw dark green leafy vegetables, they must be served with oil. Use extra virgin olive oil, safflower oil or canola oil to create your own salad dressing or dipping sauce.

Magnesium, the body’s relaxer, keeps the muscles flexible and monitors the use of calcium in the body. Muscle cramps and a low level of energy are just a few expressions of a need for magnesium. Seldom have there been cases of too much magnesium reported. Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of magnesium. Yellow corn meal, however, is a superior source.

Fluorine is the element used by the body to prevent the invasion of viruses and bacteria. It is used by the body to keep the bones hard and strong. It enhances the work of calcium and magnesium. Dark green leafy vegetables are a very good source of this element.

Chlorine sanitizes internal fluids and detoxifies the liver. Poor digestion of protein may indicate a need for chlorine. Chlorine is essential to the formation of hydrochloric acid. Chlorine is found in watery vegetables; tomatoes, cucumbers.

Have you noticed a pattern here? Life-giving elements, present in vegetables, work together to maintain the health of the body. Dark green leafy and watery vegetables contain a large number of the elements we need for an escape from discomforts, dis-eases and illnesses.

Live people should eat live food. Fresh produce from the earth gives life to the human body. Add a dish of raw vegetables to your daily intake of food.

If you cannot digest raw vegetables, lightly steam them. Be certain to drizzle oil over the vegetables whether they are raw or lightly steamed. Notice a difference in your level of energy after 10 days.

For additional information about the benefit of including raw food in the daily diet, give B Barbara Echols a call at 716-390-2906. Barbara Is a Certified Traditional Naturopath.

June 8, 2011

Page 5

Father’s Day Essay Contest: “Why My Dad is the Greatest” Back To Basics Outreach Ministries Inc. in partnership with United Men's Fashion, Stop The Violence Coalition, Bryant and Stratton College, and Sharifah is holding an Essay Contest for youth ages 13-19. The essay topic is "Why My Dad Is The Greatest." Many African-American fathers in our community are doing a great job raising their children and being an integral part of their lives, yet go unnoticed daily. The essay contest is designed to bring recognition to the many hard working and dedicated fathers among us. The winner of the essay contest will receive a $250 gift certificate to a store of his/her choice and the winner's father will be dressed by United Men's Fashion, valued at $200. The runner-up will receive an exclusive gift basket from gospel music recording artist Sharifah. The winners will be announced on Father's Day, June 19 at the Juneteenth Festival on the gospel stage.

All essays must be submitted to Back To Basics located at 1370 William Street Buffalo, New York 14206 or fax to: 716-854-1089, email: back2basicsministries@msn.com. The deadline for essay submission is June 14.

Attention Contractors and Businesses! BMHA to Host Vendors Fair The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is hosting a Vendors Fair on Wednesday, June 15 from 10am-1pm at the Martha Mitchell Community Center, 175 Oakmont Avenue.

Topics to be covered include: Procurement Procedures, Project Descriptions and Cost, How to Become a Section 3 Business Concern, Small Business Bonding, City W/MBE Certification and Workforce Development Initiatives.

Who should attend? Businesses involved in Architectural & Engineering Design, Abatement, General Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, Demolition, Site Development and Project Management Teams. For Additional Information Please Contact Resident Services At (716) 855-0081 x 13. BMHA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.(See their ad page 13)

bidS NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Crescent Avenue Pump Station, will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning on June 22, 2011 until 2:00 P.M., local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

The contract is located in the Village of Hamburg and Town of Hamburg, Erie County, New York. The work includes the demolition of the existing South Buffalo Pumping Station, the installation of a new pumping station and grinder station, and electrical upgrades to the existing East Eden Pumping Station.

Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project is scheduled for June 14, 2011 at 2:00 P.M., at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1004, Buffalo, New York. Site tours at the project areas will be available by appointment.

Copies of the contract documents, plans, and specifications may be examined and purchased at the office of CRA Infrastructure and Engineering, Inc., 285 Delaware Avenue, Suite 500, Buffalo, New York 14202. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals” on the Erie County Web Page at www.erie.gov The deposit for each set of contract documents shall be $100.00 in the form of cash, two checks or money orders, each in the amount of one-half the deposit, and made payable to the Erie County Comptroller. Any bidder requesting a set of plans and specifications mailed to their office must arrange for a pre-paid delivery service or mail carrier. The carrier service shall be directed to CRA Infrastructure and Engineering, Inc., 285 Delaware Avenue, Suite 500, Buffalo, New York 14202.

The envelope containing the bid must be sealed, addressed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning and must be clearly and correctly designated as "Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Crescent Avenue Pump Station, Contract 43PS-G General or Contract 43PS-E Electrical". Bidders submitting a bid for more than one contract must do so in separately sealed envelopes for each contract. Any envelope containing more than one bid will be considered an improper bid and not opened. Any bids not delivered in person shall be mailed to the Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York 14202, and received prior to the time set for the bid opening.

Any bidder returning such plans and specifications in good condition within thirty (30) days following the award of the contract or the rejection of bids will be refunded the full amount of the deposit. Non-bidders will be refunded one-half the deposit. Any bidder requesting more than one (1) set of plans and specifications may purchase the excess, but it is understood that they are not returnable. No refund will be made for documents returned after the thirty-day period.

Erie County Sewer District No. 3 is an exempt organization under the Tax Law, and is exempt from payment of Sales and Compensating Use Taxes which are to be incorporated into the project and which are to be separately sold by the Contractors to the Owner prior to incorporation into the project, pursuant to the provisions of the contract.

These taxes are not to be included in the bid. Sales tax will be due on all materials purchased by a Contractor which are either “consumable” or rental property used by the Contractor in connection with the construction or repair.

Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the Erie County Comptroller or by a bid bond having a surety thereon from a surety company acceptable to the County Attorney, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total base bid, as surety for execution of the contract.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish Payment and Performance Bond, each in an amount equal to 100 percent of the contract award.

Attention of the bidder is called particularly to requirements with respect to conditions of employment to be observed, minimum wages rates to be paid under the contract, Affirmative Action requirements for Equal Employment Opportunity, along with the Minority Business Enterprise Utilization Commitment. Bidders are also advised that Part “A” of the Erie County Minority Business Enterprise/Women’s Business Enterprise Utilization Report be submitted with the bid or no later than three (3) business days after the bid opening.

The attention of the bidder is called to the provisions of Article 5A of the General Municipal Law which requires the bidder to execute a certificate of non-collusion and to conform with the other provisions of Article 5A outlined in the specifications. A form for such certificate accompanies the bid form. Unless it is properly executed, the bid will not be accepted.

The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 3 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 days after the date set for the opening thereof, but may withdraw same anytime prior to the scheduled time for opening bids.

BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E.

Deputy Commissioner

Department of Environment and Planning Dated: June 3, 2011

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June 8, 2011

The Passover: Reflections on the Death of Ira Watkins Jr. (Ed. Note: Ira Watkins Jr., 19, was tragically shot to death as he and his friends were walking towards the basketball court in Cheektowaga Town Park last Tuesday. Services will be held on Friday, June 10 at New Mt. Ararat on Jefferson where the Wake will be held at 10 .a.m. and the Funeral at 11 a.m. Considered an innocent bystander, the promising young man was a student at ECC where he was majoring in criminal justice and working as a manger at the Taco Bell at Walden Galleria. He planned to move on to a four-year college after graduating with a goal of becoming either a professional basketball player (a 2009 graduate of Riverside High, he was an All-High basketball player) or a police officer. Devoted to his family, he had joint custody of his small daughter. His cousin, Ebony McGruder summed it all up when she told the News: “This was somebody who wasn’t supposed to go.” Anyone who wants to contribute for funeral expenses or provide confidential information is invited to visit his sister’s facebook page: Rachelle Boss lady Davis. Also, the public is urged to contact the Cheektowaga police by calling 68-3510.)

M

IRA WATKINS JR. om, he died.

Just three little words…probably all my son could muster from the hospital lobby where he was trying to keep it together. He texted me at our mosque meeting, where, thank God, I’d forgotten to turn off my phone. He got the call that his childhood friend had been shot just as he was walking out the door with his siblings and me, and detoured to the hospital before joining us. He took the news like I did – with casual concern, because it was yet another shooting of yet another of his friends, schoolmates, or former little league team mates.

I knew of one who had been shot in the head and didn’t make it, but the last one I heard about took some bullets to the leg and went home limping. It’s America – Black boys get shot.

Now I was stunned…just staring at the words lit up on my cell phone, trying to process what I was reading. He Died? The young man my sons tortured me about on nights when I was exhausted, because Ira was fiending for bean pies? How many times had I gotten up to bake for him…how many times had I taken off my shoe to beat him for growing so tall…topping off at about 6’4”…

It’s not as if I didn’t know the death angel was lurking. I cringe at daily news announcements of another one, or two or three shot or stabbed on the “east side,” or “west side,” code language for “another one of us.” I’ve pulled over at every “memorial” site I’ve come across over the years, taking pictures and whispering a prayer for those families. …Tree trunks and telephone poles Sabirah strapped with flowers, photos and teddy bears, the beautiful, breathtaking mural Muhammad that some talented soul painted for “Red” on the side of the building at the corner of Genesee and Moselle…

At the memorial site for 16 year-old Allen Stepney and 15 year-old Devonte Murray in 2007, I had been mortified to turn around and find Devonte’s father standing behind me. I’d mustered the courage to interview him, questioning him briefly and gently – for my sake as well as his. At the time, my own sons were 17 and 18, and they had committed Devonte’s crime many times over – they had walked to the store. I hurried off to keep working, keep writing, keep waking, knowing that a similar fate for many more of our boys wasn’t a matter of chance, but a matter of time.

I wish we could feel one another’s pain the way we used to. I wish we could hear the enlightened ones among us as they hammer out a warning, from preachers to conscious rappers, to wise elders.

I wish that we could see the traps that have been set for our babies, and discern the intricate, hidden subtleties as well as the simple, obvious plotting for our merciless genocide. I wish we could feel the urgency of the need to unite to stop the slaughter – right now. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad summed up our myopia by saying simply: “You cannot fathom the depths of the wickedness of Satan.” He also said, however, that there would come a time when there would be an explosion, a sudden awakening, when people would come in droves to help with the rise of our people.

Until then, I simply must share with our broader nation the subject that the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan called the Nation of Islam to discuss on the night that we lost another son.

As he writes in the introduction of his book, A Torchlight for America, we (the Nation of Islam) have been able to produce a community of people who are not suffering from many of the ills that the broad mass of our people are suffering. He offers guiding principles in the book that any of us can apply right now to place the blood of the lamb over our doors, so that the death angel may pass over.

The “blood” of the lamb is symbolic language referring to the fluid that sustains life. The Children of Israel (that’s us) did not literally smear lambs’ blood on their doors. They took on the life of the lamb (the Christ). They lived in such a way as to invite peace, not chaos into their lives.

They established a brotherhood, wherein they lived and worked together without envy, greed, or inordinance, where they respected women, provided for children, and did unto others...you get the point. What does the “Life of the Lamb” look like for us today? The very same.

It’s a life where we leave alcohol, tobacco, drugs and intoxicants alone, the demons that fuel much of our fratricidal and suicidal behavior.

We don’t keep guns or weapons on our persons or in our homes, where the inevitable stressors of living in hell can reach the boiling point, and we can explode in a moment that we’ll regret for the rest of our lives.

Leave fornication and adultery alone. The evils of adultery are obvious, but sex outside the bounds of holy matrimony is to blame for many an unwanted pregnancy and literally millions of aborted, innocent lives. It’s to blame for the birth of many an unwanted child whose mother couldn’t get an abortion, and resented every moment of the pregnancy. Those offspring now carry out the Continued Page 17

June 8, 2011

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Youth Day Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will present Youth Day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 10, 11 and 12 at the church, 402 Clinton Street where Rev. Daris Dixon-Clark is pastor. For more information call 847-1020.

First Shiloh Luncheon The First Shiloh Baptist Church Senior Ministry is sponsoring their annual luncheon on Tuesday, June 14, at noon in the E.J. Echols Fellowship Hall , located at 15 Pine Street. The cost is $10 per person. For additional information, call 847-6555.

Healing Service at Wheatfield Community Church Anyone in need of healing or prayer is invited to attend a healing service at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at Wheatfield Community Church located at 3571 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Meadowbrook Square Plaza. Individual as well as group prayer for healing will be available. The healing service is offered on the third Friday of each month at the church - upcoming dates are Friday, July 15 and April 19 at 7:00 p.m. To learn more, visit the church’s website at www.wheatfieldcommunitychurch.org or call Rev. Linda Badame, founding pastor, at (716)553-3794

Love Alive Summer Day Camp

Pre-Father’s Day Celebration

Love Alive Church will be having their annual Summer Day Camp, July 11-August 19, Mon-Fri from 8am-4pm at 161 Germain Street Bflo. There will be Music, Dance, Drill, Swim, Biblical Lessons, School Review amd much more. Ages 5-11 are welcome. Please contact Mareshah Bowens, Camp Director at (716) 541-4689 for more information.

A Pre-Father’s Day Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. nightly June 15-19 at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church, 160 Kingsley. Special guests will include Men In White, Pastor Henderson, rappers, speakers and more.

Grace United Church of Christ to Celebrate First Anniversary of Pastor and First Lady Jackson

St. John AME Church will present its Dumanis Men of Valor Fundraiser on Saturday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at the Doris Jones Resource Building, 3001 9th Street in Niagara Falls. The donation is $10 for adults and $5 for youth under 12 for the male fashion show and reception. For more information contact Bro. R. Bradberry or Bro. T. Washington at 285-6432.

Grace United Church of Christ, 875 East Delavan Ave., will celebrate the first anniversary of Pastor Larry Jackson and First Lady Sharon Jackson.

The celebration will take place at the church on: *Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. featuring Pastor Wendell Hamner of Ebenezer Baptist Church *Saturday June 11 at 7 p.m. with Pastor Elliott of Bethlehem Baptist Church *Sunday June 12 at 10 a.m. with Elder Bernard Green of Apostolic House of Prayer

tTo

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

St. John AME Men of Valor Fundraiser

WORSHIP THIS WEEK!

Precious Memories Concert White Rock Baptist Church, 480 East Utica at Wholers, will present a “Precious Memories Concert: Singing Down Memory Lane” featuring gospel music from the 40s, 50s, 60, 70s and 80s. The concert, sponsored by the LaVern L. Durham and Dominion Singers, will take place at 6 p.m .at the church. For more information contact Mr. Toler at (716) 803-4556.

“Enough is Enough” City-Wide Prayer Homicide Victim Support Group Formed New Hope Church Of God By Faith, 175 Woodlawn Ave. Reginald Daymon – Pastor June 06, – June 10 Beginning nightly 6-7pm Bethesda Full Gospel 1365 Main Street Bishop Michael Badger – Pastor June 13 – June 17, 2011 Beginning nightly 6-7 pm Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C. 618 Jefferson Ave. Matthew Brown, Pastor June 20 -June 24, Beginning nightly 6– 7:00 pm Perfecting Worship Center 491 Ontario Street Adrian Smith, Pastor June 27 – July 1 Beginning nightly 6 – 7 pm For More Information call Elder Wiggins @ (716) 954-3330 Page 8

Stop The Violence Coalition is hosts a homicide support group every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6:307:30p.m. at 1370 William Street (a few blocks from Bailey). The next meeting is Thursday June 16. For more information contact Tracy Cooley at 716-5972988 or 716-818-4140. The Homicide Victim Support Group was created to offer emotional support to a homicide victim’s friends and family; to provide information on where survivors may go for financial assistance or professional counseling, to provide information on grief and the grief process and to act as a liaison between investigating detectives and the victim’s family to ensure their needs are being met as it relates to the investigation, and to offer a safe confidential environment where survivor’s can share their story with other members of the community who can relate to what they are going through.

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June 8, 2011

Celebration of Juneteenth Of Buffalo Life Held for Lola Spates Calls for Fabric Donations A Celebration of Life was held for Lola Walker Spates on Saturday, May 28 at True Bethel Baptist Church, Rev. Darius G. Pridgen, Senior P a s t o r. R e v.

Darryl Daniels of St. John Baptist Church was the Eulogist. Lola, who led a full life, was born on May 6, 1924. She departed this life on May 23, 2011 at the blessed age of 87. In addition to a long and impressive career in healthcare and nursing, Lola, a Registered Nurse, was also a gifted poet and known for being a good listener.

She leaves to cherish her memory and beautiful life, her children Gwendolyn Phelps of Dayton, Ohio, Yvonne (Gregory) Henderson of Lancaster, New York and Keith (Marlene) Walker of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, other family members and dear friends. The family would like to thank all those who showed their love and support during their beloved’s illness and homegoing.

June 8, 2011

Thirty-five years after Buffalo’s first Juneteenth Festival, history is found repeating itself. After the uprising and riots in the summer of 1967, Jefferson Avenue was left in pieces. In an attempt to put those pieces back together William Cooper and other local artist took it upon themselves to paint and decorate boarded up buildings along Jefferson, in order to create a more festive atmosphere for Buffalo’s first Juneteenth Festival held in 1976. This year the Juneteenth’s Board of directors and Committees are honoring that artistic legacy by uplifting and honoring William Cooper. William Cooper’s original artwork is featured on the 2011 Junteenth Poster, T-shirt design and schedule of events.

But the parallels don’t stop their, over the years the festival has been moved off of Jefferson avenue and into Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

This year the park’s wading pool is undergoing major construction. In an attempt to create a more festive atmosphere around the construction the Juneteenth of Buffalo Committee is asking for donations of African fabric no less than one yard in length as well as packs of bed sheets in the colors of red, black and green to line the construction fence for the two days that the festival will be in the park.

Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the challenger office 1337 Jefferson Avenue (Open daily 9-5, closed Thursdays and weekends. Call 881-1051 for special arrangments) .

support our advertisers!

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entertaiment ON STAGE *WakaFlocka, live @ The Main Street Armory, Friday, June 10 @ 6 p.m.; Music by DJ’s Grand Imperial, Willie Daniels & Legend; 900 E. Main St.; (585) 232-3221. *Natlie Cole headlines Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival , Eastman Theatre Rochester, Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. tickets at Ticketmaster, or can be purchased by phone at 800745-3000 or at the RBTL Box Office at the Auditorium Theatre (885 E Main St., Rochester). For more information visit the Jazz Fest website.

*Morris Day and The Time, Thursday at the Square, June 9, downtown Lafayette Square; Also, The Missing Star and Autopunch, free and open to the public. *Avant & Raheem DeVaughn , live in concert with special guest, Friday, June 10,m Auditorium Theatre, Rochester; doors open 6:30, showtime 7:30; tickets Auditorium Box Office, ticketmaster.com or 1.800.745.3000. *RESCHEDULED: Oscar Alston Plays the Music of Barry White has been rescheduled for an upcoming June date. Stay tuned! ; oscaralston. com

*KENNY WOO ENTERTAINMENT June 18, 7 pm Old School R&B Concert at The Tralf Staring Denzell Ward & Cool Company, Inez Kimble, Tiffany Knight, Buffalo’s Best Kept Secret-Christy Smothers,The debut of C.M.B. The Kenny Woo Band featuring Chauncey Northington just to name a few. Tickets are $25 available at Mandellas Market on Jefferson, Tralf Box Office The Tralf and all TicketMaster locations. *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. *George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, plus Taylor Made Jazz and the Rod Nixon Project, Thursday, July 28, Erie Canal Harbor Central Whalf (adjacent to 1 Naval Park Cove, next to the Naval Museum – new Thursday @ The Square location); free and open to the public. *Sunday Dinner-Jazz by the DuBenion Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Season’s Restaurant, 1581 E. Delavan Ave., tickets $20; 604-7516.

On Stage Listings are Free.

Write: The Challenger, On Stage, PO Box 474,, Bflo., NY 14208; or email:

editor@thechallengernews.com

keep the peace!

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June 8, 2011

entertaiment

Flavor Flav Details Drug Habit in New Memoir Rapper Flavor Flav says he spent thousands of dollars on drugs a day – for six years.The Public Enemy and reality TV star details the extent of his battle for sobriety in his new memoir “Flavor Flav: Icon.”

“I was spending $2,600 a day, for six years, every single day (on drugs).

I don’t know how much that is, but, if you did the math, wow, I went through a lot of money,” he told PopEater. “If I did the math I’d probably be shocked on how much money I spent.”Based on his estimate, he would have spent nearly $5.7 million over a six-year period just to fuel his addiction.

June 8, 2011

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Truce in Yemen Amid Uncertainty President Ali Abdullah Saleh recovering from surgery in Saudi Arabia amid speculations over his rule.

A truce seems to be holding between rival groups in the Yemeni capital Sanaa following two weeks of fierce clashes as Ali Abdullah Saleh, the country’s president, recovers in neighbouring Saudi Arabia from wounds that he sustained in an attack last week on his presidential palace.

Saleh’s trip to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, has triggered speculations over

Summer Dance Guest Artist Residency at Miss Barbara’s TEACHER AND STUDENTS: USCF Chess Coach and Tournament Director, Mr. McDuffie, is pictured above with four students from the 4 students from the Urban Queens and Knights Chess Club. They are: (L-R front) Sarai Betha and Dylan Bryant, (L-R back) Isabelle Longfellow, Coach Mc Duffie, and Cherish Bryant. Sarai is a Kindergartener who comes with her grandmother; Isabelle is a student from City Honors who comes every week and has now earned her first trophy; Cherish and her brother Dylan have improved their performance in school and wants to attend school, both have earned chess medals. Dylan came to play chess but we found that he was having problems in math, the solutions were all chess pieces and his math grades are now 100%. There are less than 8% of females who play chess, but there is always a Queen on the board. A chess tournament offering a $68,000 chess scholarship, was won in 2010 by an African American girl from New York City. For more information call 883-4418. PHOTO ABUBAKAR

his rule and Yemen’s political future.

There had been scenes of wild celebrations in Sanaa as Saleh’s opponents viewed his departure as the fall of his regime.

But Abdu al-Janadi, Yemen’s deputy information minister, insisted the president would return to assume his duties after his treatment.

“Saleh will come back. Saleh is in good health, and he may give up the authority one day but it has to be in a constitutional way,” he said.

Not everyone, however, is convinced that Saleh would return in the face of escalating protests sweeping the country against

his 33-year rule.

Joseph Kechichian, an expert in Middle East affairs, told Al Jazeera that it was very doubtful Saleh would return. “If the injuries were not serious, I doubt very much that he’d have gone to Saudi Arabia. He’d not have left unless the injuries were really severe.

“On a scale of 1 to 100, that possibility is 3 [of his return to Yemen].

Saudis would be reluctant to let him leave.”

Civil war fears Anti-government protests - inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt have raged since early February, drag-

ging Yemen to the brink of civil war.

A powerful leader of the influential Hashed tribe threw his weight behind the protesters, sparking bloody battles between Saleh’s troops and tribesmen.

The unrest left hundreds dead and Saleh himself was wounded after his palace came under rocket attack last Friday.

He left for Riyadh on Saturday and underwent surgery on Sunday.

Many believe Saleh’s injuries and his treatment abroad provide him with what could turn out to be a face-saving solution to exit power. “This is exactly what needed to happen,” said Christopher Boucek, a Yemen expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. - Al Jazeera

In addition to summer dance classes in tap, jazz, gymnastics, hip-hop, African and Zumba Fitness, Miss Barbara’s School of Dance is proud to announce the Guest Artist Residency of Megan Evans. As a professional dancer, Megan has performed and toured internationally with Ballet Creole and Garth Fagan’s Bucket Dance Company and choreographed for Dance National Ontario and the Caribbean Folk Company.

A former student of Miss Barbara’s School of Megan Evns Dance, Buffalo Inner City Ballet and a graduate of Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, Megan is returning to Buffalo for six weeks (July 12 thru August 18) to share her knowledge, re-energize and elevate the level of training for WNY dancers. She will teach classes in Ballet, Modern and Jazz. Megan will leave the U.S. in September to perform, teach and choreograph in South Africa for six months. Registration for summer dance classes is being accepted thru June. Call (716) 834-1644 for class schedules. Dance classes are open to ages 3 thru adults.

Clark Atlanta Deltas, Chicago Alphas Stomp into First Place at Sprite Step Off Summer Dance Scholarships Thousands gathered at Prince George’s County’s Showplace Arena May 21 to see members from the “Divine Nine” organizations face off at the annual Sprite Step Off competition.

Many audience supporters donned Greek-lettered paraphernalia in support of the various organizations, including leaders of the sororities and fraternities.

At the end of the night, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Sigma chapter from Clark Atlanta University and Alpha Phi Alpha’s Delta Xi chapter from Central State University, Chicago, took the $100,000 scholarship prizes for their dynamic step routines.

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Miss Barbara’s School of Dance is offering a limited number of partial dance scholarships to first time dancers for its six-week 2011 summer dance program. A variety of dance styles are being offered to promote the importance of physical activity to boost cardiovascular performance, develop flexibility, raise concentration levels and memory skills and develop self-confidence. Classes in Tap, Jazz, Gymnastics, Hip-Hop, African, Ballet, Modern and Caribbean are offered for children and adults. Adult Zumba Fitness Party class is also offered.

For registration and information call 834-1644.

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June 8, 2011

June 8, 2011

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Kristen Breitweiser - 9/11

EDITORIALS

Dr. Williams Should Not Retire!

BlackAgendaReport

The Obama Surveillance State:

Big Brother got even bigger under the first “Brotha” President ByMargaret Kimberley “The Obama administration is once again protecting the Bush abuses which its supporters thought would now be long gone.”

The state security apparatus which came into being during the Bush administration is now supported just as strongly, if not more so, under president Barack Obama. There has been no let up, no change in course for a system which becomes stronger with each passing day and which faces almost no political opposition.

The Obama justice department recently asserted that it can withhold classified information from a federal judge. Federal judges have security clearances and are permitted to see classified information in cases brought before them. The Obama justice department says that only the executive branch has the power to determine what information courts ought to have. The government attorney asserted, “There is no right for the plaintiff to give the court classified information at all.” The federal judge was so stunned that she described herself as “literally speechless” over the government claim that she ought to be kept in the dark.

The case in question is a remnant of the worst abuses brought about by the Bush administration, involving the kidnapping and rendition of Muslim cleric Abu Omar in Milan, Italy in 2003. A former CIA operative with State Department cover is now suing the federal government because it did not protect her right to diplomatic immunity. That operative was found guilty in absentia in an Italian court and faces arrest should she ever travel to Europe again. Now the Obama administration is once again protecting the Bush abuses which its supporters thought would now be long gone.

This is not the only instance of the current justice department moving forward with Bush administration prosecutions. Thomas Drake is a former employee of the National Security Administration now charged with violating the Espionage Act. He faces 35 years in prison, having been accused of giving documents to a reporter. Candidate Obama said he would protect the rights of whistle blowers, but now as president he tries to send them to jail. The Obama administration has brought five Espionage Act prosecutions to court, more than all other past administrations combined.

Not content to defend Bush era abuses, and send whistle blowers to jail, Obama and Congress have extended the Patriot Act, without changes, yet again. Two Democratic members of the intelligence committee, Ron Wyden and Mark Udall, were not only among those who voted no, but they also exposed how the act is being interpreted in a new and dangerous way by the administration. The Obama justice department has decided to interpret the act in a way which it will not reveal to the public. In other words, the government has a secret way of determining what is and isn’t legal but will not share that secret with congress or with the people. Orwell and Kafka would find new sources of inspiration with this president.

When George W. Bush was president, I and many others often used the word fascism to describe the growth of government powers and the diminution of our rights. Now that those very same assertions of executive power are being made by Barack Obama, should we not continue to raise the same concerns?

The sad fact is that the surveillance state has strong bi-partisan support and it is likely to only expand. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were the impetus for the Patriot Act and wars of aggression, but events which ought to signal a return to normalcy never do. The death of Osama bin Laden was supposed to make us safer. That is what we have been told for nearly ten years.

Now that he is dead we are told that his death proves the need to continue doing away with civil liberties. We are told that we still have to fight endless wars and that we can’t ever get our rights back. Attorney General Eric Holder summed it all up for us. “Now more than ever, we need access to the crucial authorities in the Patriot Act.” Perhaps we were better off when bin Laden was still alive.

Conservative Bill Kristol hit the nail on the head when he called Barack Obama a “born again neo-con.” Kristol had reason for this high praise after the president sought out his advice before telling the world that he intended Page 14

Dear Editor: The Buffalo News and its associate henchman, including business leaders and clueless, Regent Robert Bennett, have prevailed to essentially run Dr. Williams out of town.

In the past few months, there have been sustained assault tactics, among them an unfavorable, bogus survey of 500 registered voters. The majority probably don’t have children in the system.

A Mousey Experience at U-Haul...

Dear Editor: When I arrived back to Buffalo it was the beginning of March 2011.

My reasoning for this return is very relevant to this story, and that is, employment. I secured a storage unit along with the truck rental filled with my things, my three sons’ items, beds, dressers, toys, etc. and other items any human needs to live.

After living with relatives (thank God for family!) In May I was blessed with a home for my family. However when I went to remove my items from the storage space at the U-Haul on Genesee Street, I was greeted with a live mouse outside my paid facility, then, plenty more family members from this rat pack had taken over my paid for space!

When I brought this to the attention of the manager I was told there was nothing that could be done, that they would steam clean my mattresses, and that was all they could offer me.

Then when I called to place a claim I was ignored, received only one return call, with no answer three weeks later as to how this would be resolved...

Did I mention U-Haul is planning an auction for June 28 (rescheduled from June 2). I just hope no one wants to purchase mice!

-Solar Ingram

The issue of the several “persistently” low performing schools has been used as the torch to keep negative newspaper press and parties with hidden agendas continuously ignited.

(There are 46 elementary schools and 13 high schools.)

For the State, “persistently” is a computation of 2 years. That is a paltry timeframe considering students essentially only attend school about 8 months. Also, there is the factor of the myriad of problems (including non-English speaking and homeless students, etc.) that significantly contribute to the “PLP” branding.

A possible takeover by the State has been reported. However, it’s obvious they are incapable of providing guidance or solutions for the difficulties in the public school systems.

Recently, another education commissioner abruptly abandoned ship after his addition of serendipity mandates for the superintendents to incorporate with his predecessors leftovers.

Legislator Sam Hoyt is an overkill proponent of the takeover with a mission of increasing charter schools. He should simply push for them to be independently funded.

(As an aside, speaking of politicians, school board members should not be allowed to run for political office for at least 3 years. A previous board member, Mrs. Panepinto, made this necessity very clear when she arrogantly bragged that her confrontational displays with Dr. Williams gained her name recognition for winning her judgeship.)

Let’s examine the circumstance, calculation, exaggeration and sensationalism of Dr. William’s annual review. Illuminatingly, one had not been done for decades until the former superintendent, Dr. James Harris, was at the helm. He, too, was given demerits for nebulous shortcomings in staff interaction and ludicrous sundry items (example: a failure to increase student volunteerism). If there were reviews for

the two superintendents that succeeded Superintendent Harris (one almost lost $30 million for the schools) the results were stealth.

It can be suspected that sources for Dr. Williams plummet from a 4.1 (2010 rating) to a 3.1 tally were his student-centric candor about the system’s structural deficiencies and perpetual off-the-mark State protocols.

Additionally, his deemed chastisement of school board member, Christopher Jacobs, which received a historical reaction as demonstrated in the scorching Buffalo News article, “Williams Goes Overboard,” which advocated his termination.

Buffalo’s students don’t have the luxury of time on their side. Instability and a lack of consistency will be detrimental. A new superintendent would only be the “new broom” sweeping in, most likely starting from scratch with his/her surefire change concepts.

Overwhelmed or worn down, he or she probably will seek another position in 3 years or less.

Superintendent Williams should not retire! Proverbially, he’s been tried and burned in the fires of hostile, anti student opponents. Yet, he has been commendably steadfast in his efforts for educating Buffalo’s children.

Thank you Dr. Williams!!!

-Kat Massey

Newburgh Coalition Says Thanks!

Dear Editor, A great big thank you to the following donors for the recent clean-p of Newburgh Avenue: Newburgh Coalition, Inc., Tops Broadway Store, Tops Thruway Plaza, Costanzo’s Bakery, Steve’s Meat Market and all who helped to clean up our block!

-Irene Morris & Mr. Pierson

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.)

to make war against Libya. The right wing who Democrats use to keep unqualified support in their ranks are now getting off-line access to the man we are told must be protected from them. Of course that doesn’t make any sense, and neither do efforts to come to Obama’s defense on civil liberties or on any other issues either.

Margaret Kimberley’s Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well as at http://freedomrider.blogspot. com. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgandaReport.com.

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

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June 8, 2011

On the “Retirement” of Dr. James Williams: Another lesson learned in Racism 101

I

By Zaid Bilal

n life it’s been said, pick a fight you know you can win. Well apparently that’s exactly what some African-Americans in Buffalo sought to do when they engaged in a subversive attempt to -undermine the direction and leadership of Dr. James A. Williams (under the guise of helping our children no less). To be sure, Dr. Williams has made his mistakes. Perhaps, there is none bigger than his failure to equip himself with a strong public relations office. An office that would have better highlighted the 8 percent increase in graduation rates, which was on par with the 9 percent increase of the Chicago Public Schools under then Superintendent Arne Duncan. Such an increase was sufficient to get Duncan a cabinet post in President Obama’s administration as, U.S. Secretary of Education. But an 8 percent increase is not enough to keep Williams as Superintendent in Buffalo? If there is a real concern for the 25 percent graduation rates for African-American males now is not the time oust Williams. It also seems rather apparent that Williams’ academic achievement plan-which most of his detractors have probably never read- is a comprehensive approach that is bearing fruit.

In both 2008 and 2009, it was reported that BPS students realized significant gains on state Regents exams in math and English in grades 3-8. While these upward trends occurred statewide, it was especially interesting to observe that BPS students’ increase was proportionately greater than their suburban counterparts. These outcomes reflected a narrowing of achievement gaps between black, Latino and white students statewide, that was unprecedented. Instead, of celebrating these outcomes, Peter Simon of the Buffalo News asked Regent Chancellor Merryl Tisch, if the exam questions were too easy. Shockingly she agreed and discounted the achievements of some of the state’s poorest young people and then raised the bar. Still, to suggest that the test questions were too easy was very ethnocentric and insulting. Furthermore that Buffalo and other urban school districts achieved such gains was especially rewarding since there were no allegations of improprieties.

By contrast significant gains on standardized tests in urban school districts in Washington D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia came under fire recently due to high rates of “erasures”. That is, a higher than normal number of answers on tests had been changed, leading to speculation that the students were told the right answers, or the teachers themselves changed the answers. But it’s fairly obvious why BPS students are doing better under Williams. It’s called curriculum alignment. Instead of urban school children taking shots in the dark with culturally biased exams, school districts like Buffalo developed curriculums that were aligned with state testing standards to ensure that what students were tested on is consistent with what they had been taught. This is a common sense approach that has been advocated by education experts throughout the nation.

But Williams went further. He advocated for longer school days, extended the school year, instituted better teacher training and welcomed support from local colleges and universities. But that’s not good enough to keep him in Buffalo? On the other hand, it is shocking to know that Regent Emeritus Bob Bennett was party to this awful charade that undermined the district’s progress under Williams that he had applauded-in particular the increase in graduation rates.

These suspicious “behind the scenes” meetings that the Buffalo News revealed, that involved Bennett and other “business leaders” is very questionable. Especially since the parties emerged pushing Don Olgivie to replace Williams-who is still in the job. It was Olgivie who contracted with Williams to review the school district’s operations and provided a scathing critique, and now he is the preferred candidate to replace Williams? If Olgivie had any integrity he would have denounced the mere suggestion that he would replace Williams, given this apparent conflict of interest. But as the expression goes, “There’s no honor among thieves.” Is it a coincidence then that when Regent Chancellor Tisch came to Western New York, rather than visit the Buffalo Public Schools, she went to West Seneca’s Erie BOCES 1, where Olgivie presides? How did African-Americans get so thoroughly hoodwinked in this the 21st Century? When the district was criticized under Williams the outcry of blacks was heard around the nation. But in the face of radical changes in the state’s testing standards that will result in more failing schools and even higher dropout rates, these same folks have been as quiet as church mice. Yet, the preachers wonder why they’re preaching so many funerals?

Lastly there is the bigger question of covert racism given the way Williams was literally forced into retirement, while his body of work in the district was largely incomplete. Some would assert, racism cannot be an issue, especially since there were blacks who came out against him. Well, historically, it has June 8, 2011

Dr. James A. Williams Announces Retirement

“We have made a difference”

Dr. James A. Williams informed the Buffalo Board of Education last week of his plan to retire from the district one year and one month from now. The superintendent stated that he intends to remain productive for the remainder of his tenure, and he will participate with his successor at the boards’ pleasure. The formal statement follows:

I

want to voice my appreciation to the people of Buffalo who are devoting themselves to bettering the Buffalo Public Schools and putting Buffalo’s future – its children - first.

Choosing a life-long career in education is more than just a job. It’s a passion that teachers, principals and administrators feel in their bones. It’s a commitment to doing everything we can to help shape the character and life of a student and give them the tools they need to lead a happy and purposeful life.

Dr. Williams/Photo Jim Bush For me personally, it is a career that I have been blessed with for 40 plus years. And I am proud to have had the opportunity to carry forth the vision and mission of New York State’s second largest school district.

Tonight I am officially announcing my retirement as Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools effective June 30, 2012.

This is an historic time for the Buffalo Public Schools and children of our community. There are tremendous challenges ahead and great opportunities.

I pledge to use my last year to assist with the system’s transformation maintaining a high level of dedication to the Buffalo Public Schools and the children in it.

I commit to do all I can to ensure we keep our high performing schools on track, work to turnaround those that need our help the most and make sure we get all the state and federal funding we can for each and every student.

We will hold our ground and push forward to bring graduation rates up, improve curriculum, and prepare students for life beyond high school, whether in a trade or at college.

I’m giving notice, not giving up; and I look forward in helping to secure my successor before I leave Buffalo, if the board wishes.

We have made a difference.

We are completing $1.4 Billion in school reconstruction--one of the city’s largest economic development projects in its history.

We have expanded our AP classes from 16 to as many as 144.

We established the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation enabling us to maintain and grow our music, arts and sports programs for our students. These programs would have otherwise been cut for budget reasons.

We continue to have one of the Top 10 ranked high schools in the nation.

We opened up an international world for our students through our Mandarin Chinese language program.

We achieved significant growth in our math and ELA scores for five years in a row.

We’ve doubled our investment in athletics to $2.5 million.

We achieved a fiscal turnaround for the system, and the New York State Department of Education in 2009 viewed the Buffalo Schools as a statewide model for academic improvement.

Education is a family affair. In order for our schools to be successful, I’m asking all parents to recommit themselves to their son’s and daughter’s education. Education is the answer. And your support of their academic journey is critical to their future success.

I would like to personally thank the Board of Education for your confidence over the years.

I would like to recognize the outstanding service of our principals, teachers and all of our system’s employees who work in one of our schools.

I would like to thank my team for their hard work and commitment. Education is not a job for the weak and timid. It takes a tremendous amount of fortitude to work through the layers of an educational system. For all of those extra hours and time away from your own families, I thank you.

I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous relationships we have with our community’s institutions of higher education. We have been able to provide a better future for many of our students because of your commitment.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of our friends and benefactors in the business community who invested in public education with their belief and their dollars, but especially Bob Wilmers and M&T Bank, Bob Rich and Rich Products and Paul Snyder and Snyder Corp. for their on-going friendship and dedication to the children of Buffalo.

In closing, there is talent and brilliance in every student. It is our duty - to find the way - to help them all to shine. been under reported that there were blacks who held down Emmett Till, while the 14 year-old was bludgeoned to death by racist whites. Then had a 75-pound gin mill fan tied around his neck and his body thrown in the Tallahatchie River. Did the involvement of blacks in the death of Till, lessen the racist motivation to kill him? Okay then!

Now it will be interesting to see what the blacks in this community will do with the few pieces of silver they presumably received in exchange for selling out Williams and the students they claim to be advocating for. But from the looks of things, they have

just enough to buy the fool’s gold they were sold. Consider this: former Superintendent, Dr. James Harris and now Dr. James Williams, two black males, were run out of town and their twin legacies have become, in the eyes of the blind that they failed to turn around a failing school district. But former Superintendent Marion Canedo, who is white, retired on her own terms with her legacy being that she tried to turn around a failing school district.

It’s been said there are three kinds of people in the world: Those who know the game; those who play the game; and those who don’t know the game is being played. In the words of El-Hajj

Malik El-Shabazz (aka Malcolm X), “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Chalk it up as another lesson learned in Racism 101: Class is dismissed!

Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M. Page 15

Juneteenth Sankofa Events Making a Family Out of Our Community SATURDAY JUNE 11TH THROUGH FRIDAY JUNE 17TH Saturday, June 11: 7:00-9:00pm

Allen Street Connection 81 Allen St. * (716) 884-9481

, Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street. Main speaker, Dr. William Small “Strengthening the Family”. We are asking the community to come out and reflect on our ancestors and recent community members who have transitioned within the last year.

DELI / GAS MART

Sunday, June 12: 5:00-9:00pm,

BARBER SHOPS

Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington * (716) 836-3260

BOUTIQUES

Mandella Market/Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry @ Jefferson Umoja Market 950 E. Ferry * (716) 892-3462 Grants Variety

1055 E Ferry Street * (716) 893-0704

EATERIES

Tomatoes * 1393 Kensington (716) 835-3663

Juneteenth headquarters, 1517 Genesee St., Live Central and West African Music with free contemporary and traditional Dance classes; soukous music from Congo and djembe/sabar from Senegal. Live Broadcasting of this event from 5:00pm-6:00pm on 1080am WUFO (radio) or online at www.wufoam.com. This is the perfect Sunday event for all ages. Fun, live music and great fellowship.

Nadia’s Taste of Soul 69 Allen St. * (716-884-0482

HEATING & COOLING Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 833-2463

INCOME TAX SERVICE

L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore * 716) 894-4904

INSURANCE

Able Insurance *Jeff Moore Broker

1798 Main * (716) 883-5212 Hopkins Insurance

1193 Jefferson Ave* (716)-886-8880

MEN/WOMEN FASHIONS Mr. G’s Fashions 1300 Jefferson* (716)881-2735

PHOTOGRAPHY

Monday, June 13: 5:00-9:00pm,

Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, 450 Masten Ave., main speaker Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu the author of the book, “Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys”.

Music and cultural entertainment with Healing Hands drummers featuring :Dr Anthony Neal. Book signing and refreshments immediately after presentation.

Cup Café 36 Broadway. Cultural open mic night for community building.

Spoken word, singing and other verbal presentations are welcome this night as we speak positivity into life.

UNISEX SALONS

Wednesday, June 15: 5:30- 8pm,

WOMEN’S FASHIONS

HER SWAGG 1300 Jefferson *(716)533.3333 Gloria’s No Limit 95 Allen St. * (716) 884-3171 Call (716) 881-1051

advertising@thechallengernews.com

Page 16

Friday, June 17: 7-10pm, 2nd Cup

Café 36 Broadway, “Big Bang” Artistic celebration with guest speaker Chris Reynolds of WBLK and Ras Jomo of WUFO. We will feature some of our performing artist for the weekend festival as well as receiving culture positive messages from our local radio programmers Juneteenth Festival Inc. would like to thank the community and all of our presenters and businesses who made the Sankofa events possible. Please come out on June 18th and 19th of 2011 to celebrate the Juneteenth Festival in

Juneteenth Buffalo “ Git On Da Bus Mystery Tour” “Tradition Keepers” Sponsors 8th Annual Storytelling Mystery Tour On Saturday, June 11, “Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York,” will present its crowd-pleasing “Git On Da Bus!” event, as a fundraiser for Juneteenth Buffalo.

On that day at 3:30 at Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee Street, ticket holders will assemble for the group’s 8th annual storytelling mystery tour.

Participants will be taken to four mystery sites in Buffalo where they will meet two storytellers, who will share stories for young and old alike. Each site features a theme and the stories told will be related to that theme. This year’s themes are: “Hands Up,” “If You Can’t Stand the Heat...,” “Two Sides to a Story,” and “Mighty Long Way.” The sites remain a mystery. This is good family fun!

The bus departs promptly at 4:00pm and returns at 6:30pm. For $12, ticket holders can enjoy an interesting bus ride, fascinating stories, and light refreshments.

For more information and/or tickets, contact any member of “Tradition Keepers” or call 886-1399 or 834-8438.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Sankofa Programs kindly donated by the Ink Spot at 1440 Jefferson. Your one stop shop for Copying & Printing.

Authorized shipper for U.S Post Office and also assisting with your needs.

***All NIGHTS WE WILL CLOSE WITH A MENTAL HEALTH MESSAGE FROM Dr. MAAT For more information regarding Sankofa events and vending: Ras Jomo; 716-948-5738, accesstoafreeka@hotmail.com

Tuesday, June 14: 6:30-9pm, 2nd

Princess Photography (716) 563-0994 Xaviers Photography (716) 570-9202

Nu Unisex Salon/Nu Imagae 1997 Fillmore*(716)834-89982

Social workers of Buffalo will be addressing social ills within our family structure and what we must do to overcome them.

Part 2 -Thursday, June 16: 7:45pm to Dusk, assembly at Broderick Park “Foot of Ferry” MAAFA (memorial and healing ceremony for ourselves and our ancestors who were affected by the slave trade and the upheaval of pre-colonial African society). A healing by the water lead by Psychologist Dr. Maat E. L. Lewis of John Jay University

Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library 1324 Jefferson Avenue.” From Devastation to Destiny”; a look at Africa after western invasion and destruction. Special communication with local black building trade professionals and how our community can gain access to quality employment and entry into trade unions.

Part 1 -Thursday, June 16: 6:00

– 7:30pm, Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library 1324 Jefferson Ave. Black CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

June 8, 2011

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EMERGENCY CONTRACT SOLICITATION OF INTEREST The New York State Office of General Services Design & Construction Group (“OGS”) awards hundreds of EMERGENCY CONTRACTS each year with an average contract value over $100,000. Emergency contracts may have a value as high as $300,000. Bids for Emergency Contracts are taken over the phone and require an immediate response and performance of the work. Emergency contracts are typically of short duration and are usually awarded on a cost-plus basis.

Legislation requires that OGS establish a list of contractors by trade interest and geographical area who are interested in bidding on emergency work. Bids are solicited from this list on a rotational basis. It is anticipated that any firm expressing an interest in emergency work will be solicited.

To comply with the legislation, OGS is updating its list of contractors interested in performing emergency contract work. If your firm would like to be placed on our list of bidders for emergency work, please complete the Emergency Contract Information Form (a hyperlink to forms and related information is shown at the bottom of this page) and return it to the following address: Office of General Services Design and Construction Group Contract Awards Unit 35th Floor, Corning Tower Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12242 In order to solicit for emergency work, your firm must also have a properly-completed CCA-2 - NYS Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire For-Profit Construction on file at the New York State Office of the State Comptroller (“OSC”) website. Information about the CCA-2 questionnaire may be found on the OSC website using the following link: www.osc.state.ny.us/vendrep/index.htm For additional information and application forms related to emergency contracting, please use the following link on the OGS: http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/BU/DC/esb/EmergencyDefault.asp.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN EMERGENCY CONTRACTS June 8, 2011

DEATH OF IRA WATKINS continued act of murder, having marinated in the mind of murder. Sex outside the bounds of holy matrimony continues to fuel the plantation pathology that defined Black manhood as the “studding” of our women. It’s to blame for many a fatherless child, and a trail of broken-hearted women for whom sex is love. It’s to blame for an explosion of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, as our enemies place the trap where we’re bound to go. And by the way, before you blurt out the claim that our children will not accept abstinence, look into a mirror and be honest. Say: “I will not accept abstinence.” Anybody over 40 remembers a time when young people were in fact abstinent, with few exceptions, and knows that our children will if we will. Choose.

Eat To Live. That means plenty of fruits and vegetables, grown in our own and in community gardens. Eat lots of the small navy bean. Soul food is slave food, and it’s killing us.

Stop playing the numbers; literally throwing money away. Abundance lies in our ability to tap the power of the God within, not in the New York Lottery. Put that dollar with your brother or sister’s dollar. Pool that money and go into business together, and then let’s support our own businesses. This is the answer to any recession, to the constant high rates of unemployment, the killing of our self-esteem, and to the insidious reversal of God given roles in our houses and the emasculation of our men. It’s the answer to idleness among our youth, for whom we must provide constructive, productive activity, and an awareness of their own worth and divinity, so that one would never again take the life of another.

Stop the silent killers, incest, rape and molestation. This is another outgrowth of plantation slavery, more prevalent, more evil than a gunshot wound…leaving us alive but not living - the walking dead. Victims become perpetrators and the cycle continues unchecked, because the sickness thrives in secrecy. Pick up a copy of The Sexual Healing Journey,

by Wendy Maltz, or Eternal Victim, Eternal Victor, by Gospel great Donnie McClurkin. It’s a heart wrenching testimony, and a jubilant victory dance.

Make the choice to heal.

Believe that our time is coming… that time when even the rocks will cry out, and every power in heaven and earth will join us in that final conflict when the enemies of God and the righteous will be cast into the pit of hell. In the meantime, don’t take too casually the phrase “the battle is not yours, it’s the Lord’s.” Fight for our babies, starting with the evils of our own appetites.

The healing of our community begins with one person – you.

This is our offering. Choose the life of the Lamb, and let the death angel pass over.

employment Licensed Beautician Wanted: Call 833-4016. Nu Unisex Salon. Nu Image.

834-8982.

Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position: MST Therapist Do you want to help youth stay out of jail? Keep families together?

Make communities stronger?

Collaborate with families, youth, schools, neighborhoods, social services and probation. MSW or Master’s in a mental health field or Bachelor’s with extensive experience considered. Community based and flexible hours. Ability to work evening and reliable transportation required.

If interested and qualify to become an MST Therapist forward resume and cover letter with Job # 201121 to: Catholic Charities 741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attention: Human Resources. EOE/M/F

BI D S NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid Line of Credit Diesel Fuel & Gasoline Wireless Internet Access Svc Download Bids from www.nfta.com INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting construction bids for Project No. 15BG1011, BNIA – Residential Noise Compatibility Program – FFY 2011-2, Bid No. E-472 on June 30, 2011. www.nftaengineering.com Board of Education Buffalo, New York Division of Purchase 716-816-3585 **Sealed proposals will be received in Room 816 City Hall On: Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM for BID #10-11-106 BILINGUAL DICTIONARIES Specifications and bid forms are available in Room 816 City Hall; and on website www.buffaloschools. org/PurchaseDept.cfm Craig A. Koeppel Director of Purchase

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On-Going Events 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; 633-7813. *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.; GatewayLongview 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. *Urban Ballroom Stepping, Swing, Beginners Salsa (all classes $3, 633-7813); Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Urban Line Dancing; 7-8 p.m. Ballroom Stepping; Saturdays 1-3 p.m. Ballroom Stepping, West Coast Swing, Beginners Salsa. *Urban Line Dance: Learn some of the latest hot line dances,Mondays Old 600 Club, Mondays 7-9 p.m.; Wednesdays 6:15-8 p.m., ,St. Philips 15 Fernhill.

POETRY

*Open Mic Poetry: 6:30-9 p.m.; EM Tea Coffee Cup Café, 80 Oakgrove St.

EXERCISE

*Senior Fitness Class: 9:45-10:45 a.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021; Wednesdays *Exercise for Health: 9:30-10:30; Edward A. Saunders Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue; 332-4381 Thursdays *Open Gym: 5-8 p.m.; Delavan Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan; 896-7021. Fridays June 8, 2011 CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053

Wednesday June 8

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Beyond The Rhetoric Community Forum: A discussion with Phil Rumore, President Buffalo Teachers Federation, community leaders and teachers; 5-7 p.m., Merriweather Library; 1324 Jefferson Ave; hosted by 100 Black Men of Greater Buffalo.

Public Meeting : Regular meeting of board of Westminster Community School, 3 p.m., M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza, `19th Floor.

Board of Education Meeting: City Hall Room 801, 4 p.m. (time changed from 5:30 p.m.)

Friday June 10 CAO 46th Anniversary Awards Dinner: 6 p.m., Buffalo Niagara Convention Center; 881-5150.

Beautiful in Black Boat Ride: Miss Buffalo II, Food on the Dock 6-7:15 p.m., boarding 7:45 p.m.; Music by DJ Papa Trini, tickets $30 in advance & available at Seasons 891-1111 or 892-1377.

Kemetic Yoga Workshops: Featuring Master Teacher Yirser Ra Hotep, R Healin’ Center; Jennifer Rice 836-1293 or email ricej27@yahoo.com Saturday June 11 Buffalo Track & Field Classic 2011: Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium, Jefferson & Best; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 837-4980.

Burgard High School 5th Annual Car Show: Noon – 4 p.m., Burgard High, 400 Kensington Avenue; 824-0211 .

Public Forum Violence and Race in WNY, Book Signing: 3 p.m., Merriweather Library, discussion and book signing featuring Buffalo native Dr. Frank E. Dobson Jr..

General Meeting of AA-UAA: 2 p.m., Merriweather Library on Jefferson & Utica.

Saturday June 11 Saturday June 11 Eva Doyle’s Radio Interview With Dr. Kunjunfu: Public Access TV Channel 20 from 6:30-7 p.m.

Family Community Day: Passport to Health: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Delavan Grider Community Center; hosted by GROUP Ministries Inc. , Pan Hellenic Council of WNY and Masten Councilmember Demone Smith.

Kemetic Yoga Workshops: F R Healin’ Center; Jennifer Rice 836-1293

Spring Sale May 2011 4x5 Challenger.pdf

5/18/2011

2:13:58 PM

Sunday June 12 NAACP Medger Evers Awards Dinner: 6 p.m., Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center. Call 884-7242 for information.

Mother Daughter Sister Friend Afternoon Tea: African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave, 2-4 p.m.; 884-2013

Lowest Prices in Buffalo!

Kemetic Yoga Workshops: Featuring Master Teacher Yirser Ra Hotep, R Healin’ Center; 836-1293 C

Monday June 13

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Michigan Street African American Heritage Commission Meeting: 1 p.m., The Larkin Building, 726 Exchange St., 6th Floor; public invited to attend.

2311 Main Street

832.5200

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FREE WASH

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New Hours 7:30am to 10:00pm

Lower Bistro Prices Monthly $100. Raffle Winners * for every $20.00 you spend you get a $2.00 credit on your card automatically

Schiller Park Music Fest and Dance Party: 3-7 p.m., 2057 Genesee Street; $5 @ door; must be 55 years or older; 895-2727 or 896-4021.

June 8, 2011

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HATTITUDE! LEWAC Associates of WNY, Inc. hosted its second “Hattitude – It’s About Women’s Health & Well-being” luncheon at Adam’s Mark on May 14. Nearly 300 women, dressed in their favorite hats, attended the affair which focused on women’s physical and financial health. Speakers included Buffalo’s First Lady Michelle Brown, Kaleida Health’s Chief Medical Officer Margaret Paroski, M.D., and Jacquette Timmons, of Sterling Investment Management, Inc. PHOTOS XAVIERS

FREE PROGRAM! “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” Your life CAN be easier while you care for your older family member.  Resources  Support  Tips/Information  Refreshments  6 weeks - 2½ hours per week This is a FREE program but you MUST register for it. Please call 858-2177 or email: caregiver@erie.gov to register.

Frederick Douglas Comm. Center 234 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo June 22 – July 27, 2011 6:30 pm – 9 pm New Testament Revival Church 987 Kensington Ave., Buffalo Sept. 29 – Nov. 3, 2011 5:30 pm – 8 pm Page 20

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June 8, 2011