2
INSIDE ROCHESTER
East High Champions!
MARCH 7, 2012
Kicked Off the Plantation! 13 Year Old Jada Williams Persecuted by the Rochester City School District over her essay on Frederick Douglass.
AROUND TOWN *YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST: ABC will hold an
Essay Contest opened to all Monroe County Youth who are senior students.The question for the 500 to 700 word essay: “What do you believe are some of the issues related to race that persist in your community?”Deadline for submission is Friday, March 30, 2012 at 5 p.m.Submissions should be sent to: dsmith@ abcinfo.orgFirst Prize is a note-book computer and a $500 scholarship!
*National HIV/AIDS Testing for Women and Girls: From 2 to 5 p.m., on March 9, you can get tested for free for HIV/AIDS -- men and women-- at 259 Monroe Avenue near Monroe Square. *Daughters of the Dust: Friday, March 9, 7pm Baobab Cultural Center ,728 University Ave. Rochester Visit www.thebaobab.org for more information about all of our upcoming programs. Also, please follow us on Twitter - @BaobabCenter and Facebook (Moka Baobab)!
The Frederick Douglass Foundation honored her because her essay actually demonstrates that she understood the autobiography, even though it might seem a bit esoteric to most 13-year olds. In her essay, she quotes part of the scene where Douglass’ slave master catches his wife teaching him (then slave Douglass)to read. During a speech about how he would be useless as a slave if he were able to read, Mr. Auld, the slave master, castigated his wife. Williams quoted Douglass quoting Mr. Auld: “If you teach that nigger (speaking of myself) how to read, there will be no keeping him. It will forever unfit him to be a slave. He would at once become unmanageable, and of no value to his master.” Miss Williams personalized this to her own situation. She reflected on how the “white teachers” do not have enough control of the classroom to successfully teach the minority students in Rochester. While she herself is more literate than most, due to her own perseverance and diligence, she sees the fact that so many of the other “so-called ‘unteachable’” students aren’t learning to read as a form of modern-day slavery. Their illiteracy holds them back in society. Her call to action was then in her summary: “A grand price
was paid in order for us to be where we are today; but in my mind we should be a lot further, so again I encourage the white teachers to instruct and I encourage my people to not just be a student, but become a learner.”
posedly performed so poorly on. Instead, the teachers and administrators branded her a problem. Unable to take anymore of the persecution, they pulled her from School #3. Wanting to try another school, they were quickly informed that that school was filled and told to try “this school.” During her first day at this new school, she witnessed four fights, and other students asked her if
Jada Williams
she was put here because she fights too much. Long story short, they took Continued Page 9
This offended her English teacher so much that the teacher copied the essay for other teachers and for the Principal. After that, Miss Williams’ mother and father started receiving phone calls from numerous teachers, all claiming that their daughter is “angry.” Miss Williams, mostly a straight-A student, started receiving very low grades, and she was kicked out of class for laughing and threatened with in-school suspension. There were several meetings with teachers and administrators, but all failed to answer Miss Williams’ mother’s questions. The teachers refused to show her the tests and work that she had sup-
Photo by Ken Huth | Actors Bowman Wright & Arthur Peter Dilbert III
Congratulations East H.S. of Rochester, NY on winning the Section V Class A Championship at Gates Chili on Friday night. Rose Ayala scored 26 points to earn MVP Honors in a 51-48 victory over Pittsford Mendon. This was the first City of Rochester school team to win a Section V Championship since 1996 and both teams were coached by Mario Velazquez.
On Saturday, February 18, 2012, the Frederick Douglass Foundation of New York presented the first Spirit of Freedom award to 13-yearold Rochester City School student Jada Wi l l i a m s . She wrote an essay on MARSHA her impresJONES sions of Frederick Douglass’ first autobiography the Narrative of the Life. This was part of an essay contest, but her essay was never entered. It offended her teachers so much that, after harassment from teachers and school administrators at School #3, Miss Williams was forced to leave the school.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
A family determined to live a better life in a changing world
On Stage Now | By Lorraine Hansberry (585) 232-4382 | gevatheatre.org | Groups: (585) 232-1366 x3057 2011-2012 SEASON
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
WNY AREA BRIEFS
ChallengerCN.com
Taking His Case to the People
Poloncarz to Attend Town Edward Earl Key Formally Announces Hall Meeting at His candidacy for City Court Judge Merriweather Library
. Nathan Hare
Cao Featured On Discovery Channel’s, “The Profile Series” The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) was featured on The Discovery Channel’s “The Profile Series,” a program that aims to inform, educate and enlighten viewers on issues surrounding health and medicine, business, education, and the environment. The special edition, half-hour segment that took a closer look at CAO and some of its awardwinning programs, aired this morning ( Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7:00am). “The Profile Series” is narrated by the show’s host, Louis Gossett, Jr. The segment highlighed various CAO departments including its Head Start / Early Head Start program, Emergency Services Food Pantry, Green Entrepreneurial Center, Youth Services Afterschool program, Family Development and Employment & Training division. The President/CEO, L. Nathan Hare is profiled throughout the segment as he provides the history and mission of the CAO in its fight on the frontlines in the war against poverty throughout Erie County. Congratulations to Bro. Hare and the staff at the CAO!
We Are Women Warriors Communtiy and Family Empowerment Group and Erie County Legislature Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant are hosting a Town Hall meeting featuring the guest speaker, Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz; at the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, New York 14208. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14th from 5:30-7:45 p.m. Those who wish to ask questions or have a comment, please come early as there will be a sign in sheet. This event is free and the general public is invited. For more information, please call Erie County Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant@ 536-7323.
APPOINTED: Anwar Dunbar was recently appointed to an Adjunct Professorship at the State University of New York at Albany. Anwar, who received his Ph.d. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan, holds a B.S. in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University. Anwar grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. and attended Hutch Tech High School. He is the son of Wendy Anderson.
School #53 Reunion Fundraiser Set
The Community School #53 Alumni Reunion has been re scheduled for Saturday, March 17 at the Schiller Park Senior Center, 2087 Genesee Street from 3 to 6 p.m. The cost is $20. Thirty students are going to Washington DC June 6-9 and money is being raised to help defray the cost to the parents. Community School #53 was a community school because teachers supported students, parents supported teachers, students excelled academically when the whole community was involved. We want the school returned back to a School of Excellence and we need the community’s support to do this. This trip is to provide students with a cultural, educations and travel experience. Back in the 1950’s-1080’s this was a common practice in middle schools. There are a number of alumni members who remember how their travel experience impacted their lives positively. Please help us to restore hope back in the parents and the students.
Edward Earl Key has formally announced his candidacy for Buffalo City Court Judge. For anyone who knows or who has followed recent developments in the life and career of this talented young attorney it is no surprise. This past December he was one of several qualified Black lawyers who put in their request to be considered for the City Court Judge Seat left vacant by the election of Sharon LoVollo to Family Court. At that time it was rumored that
an African American would not get the appointment. That did not deter the 41 year old accomplished attorney, who not only applied, but made it clear at the time that he was gearing up to run in the Primary if community candidates were passed over for the appointment. “African Americans need equal representation on the bench,” he said earlier this week of his decision to run. “It’s going to be a challenge but that seat belongs to the people of Buffalo. And if I
Grant “Pleased” With Strong Turnout at First Meeting of Legislature’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise Committee Erie County Legislature Chairperson Betty Jean Grant (DBuffalo) was pleased with the strong turnout and detailed input during the first meeting of the County Legislature’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Committee February 28. Chairperson Grant, who is chairing the MWBE Committee, pointed out that seven county department representatives, officials from other government and not-for-profit groups, as well as community members, were represented at the meeting. “This was historic, the County Legislature’s first official Minority Women Business Enterprise Committee meeting, after years of being a task force, and I am gratified to see the strong interest and attention to this crucial issue,” Chairperson Grant said. “To see more than 30 members of our community display a concern and interest proves the need for this committee. The participation of the Buffalo Urban League, the Black Chamber of Commerce, the Outsource Center, Everywomen Opportunity Center and other groups will enable the committee to command the best and largest assembly of MWBE leaders and advocates.” Under her questioning, several concerns were raised. “The Erie County Office of Equal Employment Opportunity does not have sufficient staff to properly monitor and enforce compliance pursuant to several Local Laws,” Chairperson Grant said. “Large public works projects have tended to fail due in part to the absence of independent monitors, and certifications of Minority and Women businesses lack a ‘one-stop-shop’ process and are often duplicative and wasteful. In addition, professional services contracts have not been required to adhere to the MWBE laws.” “Despite the Collins Administration nearly dismantling the EEO/MBE programs, clearly, Erie County is now committed to utilizing its vast spending power fairly, equitably and with equal opportunity to all citizens of Erie County,” Chairperson Grant concluded. “The committee will reach out to the Small Business Administration and the Empire State Development Corporation in hopes that they will join our committee.” Chairperson Grant is joined on the committee by Legislator Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) as vice chair, along with Legislator Timothy R. Hogues (D-Buffalo), Minority Leader John J. Mills and Legislator Lynne M. Dixon. The next Minority Women Business Enterprise Committee meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the County Legislature Chambers on the Fourth Floor of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo. Among the speakers will be Janique Curry of the Erie County Medical Center, Frank Sorrentino of the Small Business Administration and Delores McCarley of Planning Associates.
Edward Earl Key
take my case to the people, I’m confident I’ll come out the victor.” Key, who has his own law firm, has a close working relationship with the firm of Cantor, Dolce and Panepinto. Following is his formal announcement statement: I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I lived with my parents, brothers and sister. Coming from a working-class family, I had to take the initiative on my own to pursue my education beyond the high school level. I always had a drive to pursue my education and, in fact, I was the first member of my family to graduate from college. In order to do that, I worked at Goodyear Tire Factory to put myself through school. There I became a member of the United Steel Workers Local 286. After college, I went on to attend the University of Nebraska College of Law and graduated in 2001. However, my thirst for knowledge of the law continued and I had heard about a new program where I could attain my Master of Laws Degree in a city that seemed so foreign to me at the time, Buffalo, New York. In 2001, the University at Buffalo was the only school in the country to offer the Master of Laws Degree. My brother drove me, a young black man from Nebraska, up to Buffalo before I was to begin school in the fall of 2001. I had heard that Buffalo was referred to as the City of Good Neighbors but I was still unsure of my crosscountry move. Since that day over eleven years ago, I have never once questioned that Buffalo truly is the City of Good Neighbors. Buffalo embraced me with open arms and I never looked back. I did obtain my Master of Laws Degree, concentrating in Criminal Law, from the University at Buffalo in 2002 and decided to make Western New York my permanent home. I had been an intern at the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office while attending school
3
and was hired full-time upon graduation. While working for the District Attorney’s Office I handled all types of cases including violations, misdemeanors and felonies. With the vast amount of practical criminal experience I gained at the District Attorney’s Office, I decided to venture out on my own and open a general law practice. I specifically focused on the practice area of criminal defense and have been doing so since that time. Since starting my own practice, I have been admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Western District; the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit; and our nation’s highest court, the United States Supreme Court. I am a member of the New York State Defenders Association and Board Member of the Buffalo/Niagara Mentorship Program. I was also formerly the Co-Chair of the Prosecution Section of the New York State Bar’s Criminal Justice Section. Currently, I am on the Board of Directors for Erie County’s Assigned Counsel Program, which provides legal counsel for the indigent who have been charged with a crime. I have had the unique experience of both prosecuting and defending in the local city and county courts of Western New York. I have prosecuted and defended against everything from a traffic ticket to homicide. I believe that it is this experience that makes me a well-qualified candidate to sit as your next City Court Judge. Practicing criminal law every day for the past ten years has put me in virtually every court room in Erie County at some point, and most often I practice in the City Court of Buffalo. I am fully familiar with the day-to-day proceedings in Buffalo City Court from the arraignment process through trial and could easily make the transition into sitting on the bench.
I am now asking for your support. The City of Buffalo needs and deserves impartiality and fairness in our courts. It is important that the judiciary reflect the population it serves. I submit to you I was born and raised in a working-class family where I was taught that nothing should be handed to me on a silver platter. I have strived to help other African-Americans enjoy the success I have had in life.
I have worked hard both as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney throughout my career and now I want to work hard as your next City Court Judge.
NATIONAL NEWS
4 Obama says AfricanAmerican museum ‘a long time coming’ In brief remarks at the construction site of the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture at the National Mall recently, President Obama aid the groundbreaking “has been a long time coming.”The museum, scheduled to open in 2015, will be the first of its kind in the country devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture.
Malaysia Bans Erykah Badu Gig Over Allah Tattoos KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— Muslim-majority Malaysia has banned a planned concert by Erykah Badu after a photograph appeared showing the Grammy-winning singer with the Arabic word for Allah written on her body.Some Muslim groups said Badu was an unsuitable role model for young Malaysians after seeing a publicity photo of her with what appeared to be temporary tattoos of the word Allah on her bare shoulders.
Homeless Mom Pleads Guilty Us Seeks 23 Years For Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke in Wrong-School Case A Bridgeport, Connecticut woman will spend five years in jail, have five years of probation and pay restitution after pleading guilty to first-degree larceny by sending her child to a school in a district where she did not have residence. Tanya McDowell, 34, entered the plea, not because she agreed with the charges, but because she felt she would be convicted if the case went to trial and face a longer period behind bars, said Darnell Crosland, her lawyer. McDowell was homeless in 2011 when she sent her fiveyear-old son to school in a district where his baby sitter lived in Norwalk, Connecticut. Shortly after facing the charges over schooling for her child, McDowell was arrested and charged with selling small amounts of drugs,to an undercover police officer. Authorities taped McDowell six times selling drugs to undercover officers, Crosland said. She is set to be sentenced next month on the drug charges. “The total value of the drugs she sold was not more than $500,” he said. “She wasn’t getting rich and living a life of luxury.”
The New York Times is reporting that federal prosecutors in Manhattan have asked a judge to impose a 23-year prison sentence on confessed Jamaican crime lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. In August, Coke pleaded guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday in the Federal District Court.
‘Trespass Bill’ will make protest illegal The House of Representatives has approved a bill on Monday that outlaws protests in instances where some government officials are nearby, whether or not you even know it. The US House of Representatives voted 388to-3 in favor of H.R. 347 late Monday, a bill which is being dubbed the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. In the bill, Congress officially makes it illegal to trespass on the grounds of the White House,he wording in the bill, however, extends to allow the government to go after much more than tourists that trans-
ATTENTION FORMER COKE OVEN EMPLOYEES
Coke oven emissions from Bethlehem Steel, Donner Hanna and other Western New York coke oven facilities are a potent cause of lung cancer and other cancers. If you or a family member is suffering from or died as a result of a cancer from work on coke oven batteries, you may be able to file a legal claim against the manufacturers of coke ovens and collect significant financial compensation.
ONE WESTERN NEW YORK LAW FIRM HAS EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA
LIPSITZ & PONTERIO, LLC
We are Located in Downtown, Buffalo, NY
Call Us Today: 716-849-0701 www.lipsitzponterio.com
135 Delaware Avenue • 5th Floor • Buffalo, New York 14202
MARCH 7, 2012
NYPD Spies on Muslims in NYC and in Newark : No Apologies The NYPD made no apologies last week as it defended itself against accusations that it violated the law with an extensive post-9/11 campaign of spying on the city’s Muslims. At an unusual press briefing, chief spokesman Paul Browne said, “There’s been a suggestion that what we are doing doesn’t comport with legal requirements, and that’s not the case. Everything we’re doing is done constitutionally.” The meeting at police HQ was prompted by an ongoing series of investigative reports by the Associated Press detailing how the NYPD spied on the city’s Muslims in mosques, cafes, shops and schools, looking for indications of terrorism. The most recent revelations that the monitoring spread to Newark - prompted Newark Mayor Cory Booker and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to order investigations. A Newark Star-Ledger editorial called it “an insidious betrayal” by the NYPD. Newark Mayor Cory Booker said earlier that had he been informed the NYPD was conducting blanket surveillance of Newark residents he would have never allowed it.
Zimbabwe transforming global diamond industry Zimbabwe’s vast diamonds reserves are set to shape the industry the world over the next few years, a UK securities firm has revealed. Charles Stanley Securities mining and commodities analyst Kieron Hodgson, said Zimbabwe would become a major force on the global diamond industry. “Zimbabwe really does have the potential to upset the applecart,” he said. Hodgson said he expected Zimbabwe to be producing between two to three million carats per month at peak for around 20 years. He added that Zimbabwe’s diamonds would dominate the Chinese and Indian markets since the US imposed sanctions on two of Zimbabwe’s mining firms. Western countries led by the U.S. have been battling to block Zimbabwe from selling its diamonds as part of the sanctions they have imposed on the country. This is in spite of the green light that the country has obtained from the global diamond watchdog to freely market its gems on international markets. Zimbabwe stands to earn over US $2 billion per year from diamonds.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
God Versus Satan
Farrakhan delivers straight truth about America’s divisions, racial hostility and her dreadful destiny. Exposes plots targeting Mr. Obama, America, the world and the Nation—and why evil doers cannot triumph.
CHICAGO, Final Call News - In what was one of the most anticipated Saviours’ Day lectures ever, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan kept the capacity crowd spellbound for over four hours delivering analysis and insight into the pressing issues facing the world today. Entering the United Center arena, Minister Farrakhan was welcomed by a thunderous standing applause lasting for several minutes and loud chants of “Long live Muhammad! Long live Muhammad!” “There’s a degree of danger attached to telling the truth to those who have been deceived by lies and falsehood. There’s a degree of danger that every prophet had to meet in a world ruled by Satan, but the prophets never shrank from their duties to deliver the message,” said Minister Farrakhan. “For 44 years, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad never ever took a back step in delivering the message that he received from the great Mahdi Master Fard Muhammad, and being a follower of his, I can’t take a back step in delivering the message, and I seek Allah’s protection in delivering that message,” he added. Each year, the Nation of Islam gathers to celebrate the
Minister Farrakhan
birth of Master Fard Muhammad born in the Holy city of Mecca, Arabia, February 26, 1877. He made himself known on July 4, 1930. His father was a Black man and his mother, a woman from the Caucasus region of Europe. “We’ve come to honor a man that most of the world does not know,” said the Minister. “We, the members of the Nation of Islam, are witnesses of Him. Though he came not just for us alone. The real truth is that we were to be the illuminating reflection and proof that we have had a visitation from God, because of the transformation that his word Continued Page 15
MARCH 7, 2012
5 HEALTH MATTERS EAT TO LIVE Stay Healthy with Healing Foods The Danger of Toxic Chemicals in Your Food and the
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
BRECKENRIDGE APPOINTED TO WNY KIDNEY CONNECTION BOARD Barbara Breckenridge has been appointed to the Kidney Connection’s Board of Directors. Ms. Breckenridge served as Community Relations Director for the National Kidney Foundation Serving Western New York for many Breckenridge years. A 12-year kidney transplant recipient, she volunteered for the Kidney Foundation and Upstate New York Transplant Services for many years, including serving as Interim Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Western New York for two years and a member of the Board of Directors for 10 years. Described as a “role model for other transplant recipients,” Ms. Breckenridge is a strong advocate for organ donation and transplantation, She works tirelessly in the community to provide education on kidney diseases and prevention She gives peer counseling for dialysis patients, transplant patients and their families, and has done many radio, television, and newspaper articles promoting her cause. She has received several awards for her endeavors, and has participated in many U.S. and World Transplants games, bringing home more than 25 medals in track and field events. An active volunteer at St. Martin De Porres Roman Catholic Church, Breckenridge also serves on the Pastoral Care Team at the Erie County Medical Center. For more information about the Western New York Kidney Connection and organ and kidney donation, visit www. wnykidneyconnection.org.
Importance of Reading the Ingredient List! Part I In his New York Times Bestseller “Natural Cures They Don’t Want You to Know About,” author Kevin Trudeau deals extensively with the urgent importance of reading the ingredient labels on food. Here are the ingredients to look for and avoid if at all possible: 1.Anything you can’t pronounce: If you can’t pronounce the word, don’t buy it – it’s a chemical. They can call it anything they want, they can say it’s naturally derived, or that it comes from a plant, or that it’s all natural. None of this is true. 2.Monosodium Glutamate: Never buy anything with monosodium glutamate (MSG) in it. MSG is an excitotoxin. It is dangerous and deadly; it makes you fat, increases your appetite and causes all types of physical and medical problems. 3.Aspartame: This is also an excitotoxin. It makes you fat it makes you hungry, it makes you depressed and it leads to all types of medical conditions. 4.High Fructose Corn Syr-
up: This is highly chemically and physically addicting and makes you fat. 5.Hydrogenated Oil or Partially Hydrogenated Oil: If it’s hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, don’t buy it. This is a trans fat. It is deadly, it causes heart disease, makes you fat and causes a whole host of medical conditions. 6.Sugar: They have taken natural sugarcane and turned it into a drug. It’s put into food because of its sweetness, but also for its chemically addicting qualities. It is also laced with the chemicals used in the growing of sugarcane. This should be avoided at all costs. 7.Natural and Artificial Flavors: Don’t believe the hype. If it says natural or artificial flavors on the label, know this is where food industry lobbyists have done a magnificent job allowing the food industry to lie and deceive the public. Just because it says “natural flavors” doesn’t mean it’s natural. And artificial is just that. 8.Spices: This is another great fraud that the food industry is perpetrating on the American public. Spices
Food Garden Planting Workshop
The Wholistic Health Collective will hold a Food Garden Planting Workshop on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Action Organization (CAO), 70 Harvard Place. Mike Lee, horticulturist and Director of the Green Entrepreneurial Center at the CAO, will instruct on how to plant a vegetable gar den He will give a tour of the growing operation and the a hoop house (green house) on the property. In addition Mr. Lee will discuss arrangements for purchasing fresh vegetables directly from the CAO crops. If you do not have space at home for a garden, CAO has community garden plots (4 by 8 ft.) for $20 for the season. The Collective will have some seeds and other materials for starting plants available at the workshop. The attendance is limited, so please call Arzeymaj Raqib at (716) 239-7238 if you plan to attend.
2012
The Year to Remember!
Make
All it takes is about an hour to gain peace of mind by preplanning your cemetery needs.
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, including: • Cremation options • Traditional in-ground burial • Above-ground mausoleums
Call the Forest Lawn office today at 885-1600 and ask for Family Service Representative Karen Davis or Cleveland Kirkland.
www.forest-lawn.com
1411 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14209
sound wonderful and healthy but they are not. The food industry has lobbied Congress to pass legislation allowing chemicals to be called apices! (To be Continued)
You can prevent illness from occurring in the first place by eating foods and taking herbs that possess healing properties. To avoid the digestive problems predicted for this year, make positive changes to your diet: Avoid rich, fatty and deep fried foods, dairy, sugar, and excess salt. Eat abundant fresh vegetables, especially root vegetables like yams and sweet potato, fruits, nuts and seeds, fish and poultry. Keep your digestion on track by cooking with mild herbs that harmonize the stomach, like ginger and cardamom
6
ChallengerCN.com
ATTORNEYS James P. Davis 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 855-7611 Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905 Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612 Daria L. Pratcher 136 Broadway (716) 541-8574
AUTOMOTIVE Automotive Battery & Tire 3218 Bailey Ave. (816) 838-0263 Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910 First Klass Muffler & Brake 779 Genesee St. (716) 362-0450
BANKS Citizens Bank NA 414 Main St. Chiquita Rodgers 855-2532 Key Bank/South Campus Terrence A. McKelvey, CFP 3586 Main St. * 871-4260
BARBER SHOPS KLASSIC KUTS 1471 Kensington 836-3260 MASTER TOUCH 1283 E. Delavan 570-7234 / 846-5956 PRECISION CUTZ 87 Cleveland Dr. 603-1477 THE BARBERSHOP 2516 Bailey (716) 464-SHOP
BEAUTY/IMAGE Hazel Harris (716) 573-5240
CAFE’S
Robin Gibson, Consultant (716) 444-6773 www.ardysslife.com/robin
EATERIES
HAIR SUPPLY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan (716) 892-5821
Princess Photography (716) 563-0994
REAL ESTATE
CLOTHING
West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey (716) 507-2329
Level’s Apparel & Footwear 1455 Kensington (716) 832-0284
Tomatoes 1393 Kensington (716) 835-3663
Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247
CHILD CARE
HAIR SALONS
HEATING & COOLING
EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048
Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716) 238-1455 My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800
COFFEE SHOPS Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770
DELI / VARIETY STORES Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704
DJ’S
Althea / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000 Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. (715) 995-3450 Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. 835-2036 Everything Beauty Salon & Spa 156 Elmwood Ave. 939-3355 Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561 Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 563-1734
Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 8332463
HOME IMPROVEMENT Franklins Interior / Exterior Concepts 105 Commonwealth (716) 235-8818
Modeste Real Estate Josephine Latifa (716) 704-0685
TAILORS F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742 F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633
Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones* (716) 9035320
TAX SERVICE
INSURANCE
L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore (716) 894-4904
Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212
TOWING
Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880
Geico 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd. (716) 832-3253
Ron’s Towing & Recovery (716) 892-2282
Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. 308-4873
Hopkins Insurance 1193 Jefferson (716)-886-8880
WE BUY GOLD
Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163
Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321
LIQUORS & WINES
EATERIES
Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. (716) 833-2250
Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * (716) 8844066
Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore (716) 597-0755
More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. (716) 886-7960
One Mo Shot Liquors 2612 Bailey * (716) 4643299
Peaches & Keys Unisex 883 Jefferson * 603-6506
MEDICAL
ADD YOUR
Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson (716) 464-6794
Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250
Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. (716) 837-0995
LISTING TODAY!
Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592
Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663
Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122
E-mail ads@ChallengerCN.com or Call 716-881-1051
DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358
DOG TRAINING
Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 3819308
EATERIES
elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
The Corner Store Deli & Grill 1733 Genesee * 895-2009
Studio U Hair Loft 894-8737
PHONE SEVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan (716) 551-0304
View the entire Business Directory online 24/7 at ChallengerCN.com
We Buy Gold 3124 Bailey * (716) 832-3332
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Deaf Black Culture Topic of UB Talk by Stephanie Johnson
The UB American Sign Language Program hosted speaker Stephanie D. Johnson at its Black Deaf Culture Black History Program on February 27. Stephanie D. Johnson was born in Buffalo. As a member of the Black Community, Black Deaf community and the Deaf community, she began to understand the need to educate all communities about multi-cultural identities and why each identity is equally important. She received a degree in Deaf Studies from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. In the Fall of 2012 she will be going for her Masters in Mental
Health. She began her volunteer work and activism in the African American Deaf community in Atlanta, Georgia
in 2001. Stephanie returned of Hearing Women of Color 68384_Fuel_HEAP_PrintPhase2 / 8”w back to Washington, DC in such as domestic violence, op- x 2008 to focus on social issues pression and discrimination. PUBS: Buffalo Challenger revolving around Deaf/hard That’s when intersectionality
became the source of her motivation in becoming a better activist. She hopes to con10”h tinue /toB&W educate people about Black Deaf Culture and their experiences to expand cultural awareness in both Deaf
7
and Hearing worlds.Stephanie hopes to further her education by specializing in therapy for Deaf people of color and Deaf international people of multicultural identity.
My family got the help we needed
paying our heating bill.
Spoken Word “Addiction” By Michael Whigham Addiction is real Something so hard to break Cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, gambling And even the prescription pills you take Addiction is a habit One that we create A habit you either Hate to love or love to hate It could be a life long battle A struggle to try to shake Pain staking for those who don’t understand Feeling it was a decision You didn’t have to make We’ve all done something That we regret Things we choose to remember Things we choose to forget We call it our demons And blame it all on Satan Well, hell must be rocking right now Cause he’s enjoying all the haten’ Addiction is serious Addiction is not a game Addiction has claimed many of lives Many walks of fame Fortunately There is help out there There’s hope too It’s worked for so many others It can also work for you Addiction is powerful Addiction is real Addiction needs to be treated not ignored It’s the only way one can heal
Get help with your heating bill through HEAP today. You may also be eligible for a reduced rate on your heating bills through LICAAP, National Fuel’s Low-Income Customer Affordability Assistance Program. LICAAP is designed to offer eligible households discounted natural gas rates and allow monthly forgiveness of past debts. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit HEAPhelps.com, call 1-877-443-2743 or text HEAP5 to 88704. Msg&data rates may apply. One-off message. Text HELP to 88704 for help. Text STOP to 88704 to stop. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.QualifyForHEAP.com.
HEAPhelps.com // 1-877-443-2743 Grant amounts vary and will be provided only while HEAP funding remains available. Additional assistance may be available for those with a heating emergency. The maximum Regular HEAP grant for customers that use natural gas to heat their homes is $300. HEAP grants are immediately posted to customer accounts when they are received from New York State.
68384_Fuel_HEAP_PrintPhase2_2indinsertion.indd 1
2/29/12 4:23 PM
8
FAITH BASED
“The Mothers Speak” Presentation A dramatic presentation of the Twelve Tribes of Israel entitled “The Mothers Speak” will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at Calvary C.M.E. Church, 1007 Ellicott Street and is sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry. Cynthia Maxwell (St. Luke AME Zion Church), Shelby Pittman (Calvary CME Church), Tanya Alexander (Walls Memorial AME Zion Church) and Kamilah Whitfield (Durham Memorial AME Zion Church) will portray the Israelites’ mothers. The musical guest will be LA Connection. Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Williams is the pastor. Donation is $12.
Worship Service
On Friday March 9 at 6:30 p.m. That's What Friends Are For Worship Service with House of Mercy and Pastor Hamid Motley at Enter In Ministries will take place at 1761 Genesee St Rosetta Swain Servant/Pastor. All are welcome.
MARCH 7, 2012
40th Church Anniversary of Rev. and Mrs. John T. Hilliard The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church will celebrate Rev. and Mrs. John T. Hilliard’s 40th Church Anniversary with Humboldt Parkway Baptist on March 18 at 11 a.m. The morning speaker will be Associate Minister Reverend Robert Jackson. The celebration will culminate with a banquet at the New Golden Nugget, 2046 Fillmore Avenue at 4 p.m. For more information call 896-4363 or fax a request to 896-4364. The deadline date for banquet reservations is March 13. The Pastor’s anniversary Committee invites the pubic to join in this celebration of ministry and dedication. Reverend and Mrs. Robert Jackson are Chairmen, Nadine L. Hawkins publicity.
Worship This Week!
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
St. John Mass Choir Prayer Breakfast
St. John Baptist Church United Mass Choir Prayer Breakfast Contemplation will be held Saturday, March 17, at 9 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street in Buffalo. Minister Michael Chapman is Pastor. For additional information Call: 716.852.4504.
New Hope to Celebrate 75th Church Anniversary The New Hope Baptist Church of Niagara Falls, NY located at 1122 Buffalo Avenue will celebrate their 75th Church Anniversary on Sunday, March 18th. The speaker for the 10:15 a.m. worship service will be Rev. Lawrence Hargrave of Asbury United Methodist Church, Rochester, NY and at 3:30 p.m., Rev. Dr. James Blackburn, Jr., Pastor of Greater Hope Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY will be the speaker. Reverend Harvey L. Kelley, Pastor and Deacon Charles E. Martin, Anniversary Chairman. For additional information, contact the church at 282-8118.
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
A Tribute to Mother White on Her 80th Birthday Celebration
Mr. and Mrs. Washington
Mr. and Mrs. Washington Celebrate 50th Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Israel Washington celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on February 24, 2012. Congratulations to the lovely couple!
On April 14 Mother Martha White will be celebrating her 80th birthday. A glorious celebration will be held in her honor with her 28 grandchildren and her 28 great-grandchildren, her 7 sisters, and her 1 brother, along with her other family and friends from Buffalo and around the country at the Marigold Manor, 770 Maryvale Drive, Cheektowaga, NY. Mother White was born in Sumter, South Carolina in 1932 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie White. After working as a homemaker for 30 years, Martha decided to move her 8 children to Buffalo, NY in 1960. Upon arriving in Buffalo she was employed at the Soda Bar Pastry where
NOTICE TO CONTRACTOR CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals will be received by the City Engineer or his designee of Niagara Falls, New York, at his office located at 745 Main Street, Room 303, in said City not later than 2:00 P.M., on April 3, 2012, at which time they will be publicly opened and read for the following project: Reconstruction of Buffalo Avenue (NYS Route 384) Veterans Drive to 63rd Street Contract No. RP-175 P.I.N. 5460.28 in the City of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Each bidder must include with his bid, a certified check or bid bond, payable to the order of the City of Niagara Falls, in the amount of not less than FIVE (5) PERCENT of the price bid, subject to the conditions in the Instructions to Bidders. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and labor and material payment bond, in form and substance, and with sureties approved by the City Corporation Counsel, in the amount of not less than ONE HUNDRED (100) PERCENTUM of the total amount of the accepted proposal. All proposals must be made on blank forms, which together with other requirements, may be obtained in the Office of the City Engineer.
Mother Martha White
she later retired. Mother White is a loyal servant of God. She loves going to church and enjoys cooking. Martha’s family has learned so much from such an honorable mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend including prayers. She is a true reflection of God’s love. The theme for this event is “A Good Name Rather to be Chosen Than Great Riches and Loving Favor Rather Than Silver and Gold.”
Calvary Leadership Institute
First Shiloh Baptist Church to Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Pastor Jonathan R. Staples
The 9th Annual Calvary Leadership Institute will be held on March 19-21 from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. The theme is “Solidarity With The Savior Through his Word.” (11 Timothy 3:16-17 – Colossians 3:16 – Hebrews 4:12 - Proverbs 6:20-21). There is no fee and all are welcome to attend the following Nashville Certified five classes: Rethinking Christian Education, Spiritual Maturation, Work of the Trustee, Becoming An Effective Deacon and role of the Deacon’s Wife/Deaconess. Registration is o pen to the public but seats are limited. A light meal will be provided all three nights. For more information call Dean Conrad or Mrs. Watkins in the church office at 895-3642.
The First Shiloh Baptist Church will celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Pastor Jonathan R. Staples on Friday, March 9 and Sunday, March 11 at the church, 15 Pine St. The celebration will begin on Friday, March 9 at 6:30 PM with a banquet in the E. J. Echols Fellowship Hall at 6:30 PM. The Reverend Doctor Walter J. Parrish III, General Secretary of the Progressive National Baptist Convention of Washington, DC will be the banquet speaker. A $25 donation is requested for the dinner and reservations are required. On Sunday, March 11, the morning preacher at the 10:00 AM Worship Service will be the Reverend Floyd J. Purdy, Pastor of the Faith Baptist Church, East Palo Alto, California. At 4:00 PM, worship will continue with an afternoon service led by Pastor Quinton Chad Foster and the
Calvary Baptist Church. Following the afternoon worship service, the Shiloh family will host the members of Calvary Baptist Church and other guests during a reception in the Echols Fellowship Hall. For more information, please call Ms. Ryan at the church office at (716) 8476555 or email firstshilohmail@yahoo.com.
KICKED OFF THE PLANTATION continued an exceptional student, with the radical idea that kids should learn to read, and put her in a school of throwaway students who are even more unmanageable than the average student in her previous school. To protect their daughter, her parents have had to remove her from school, and her mother has had to quit her job so she can take care of Miss Williams. To date, the administrators of School #3 have refused to release her records, even though she no longer attends the school, and they have repeatedly given her mother the run around. We at the Frederick Douglass Foundation have contacted school administrators in regards to this situation and have also been told to hit the pavement. That’s what we intend to do. If this school will sacrifice the welfare of an above-average student whose essay, that they asked her to write, they find offensive, we intend to make everyone aware of this monstrous injustice. The school has a job, and it is not doing it. We would like as many folks as possible to call the Principal of School #3 and complain about this injustice. Let then know how you feel about the staffs treatment towards Jad. Her name is Miss Connie Wehner, and she can be reached at (585) 454-3525 or you can email her at connie.wehner@rcsdk12.org . This treatment of Jada Williams (and others) cannot stand.
Contractor is required to complete the Insurance Information Form, Performance and Payment Bond Information Form, and other documentation specified in the Instructions to Bidders, when submitting a proposal.
2011
The City Administrator reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities.
Make
Copies of the set of bid documents, drawings, and specifications may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer upon deposit of $50.00 (CHECK ONLY) for each set.
You know you should do it, and this is the t affordable than right now to make burial arr at Forest Lawn. Select from many burial opt • Estate • Mausoleum • Feature • Traditional • Cremation
The deposit is not refundable to non-bidders unless they are returned prior to the bid date and time. Bidders requesting a refund must return all plans and specifications, in good condition, within forty-five (45) days after the bid date. A pre-bid meeting will be held at CITY HALL at 2:00 P.M., on March 22, 2012. Jeffrey Skurka, P.E. City Engineer
9
Call the Forest Lawn office today at
885-1600 and ask for Family Service Representative Karen Davis.
www.forest-lawn.com
All it takes is about an hour to gain peace of mind by preplanning your cemetery property needs.
1411 Delaware Av Buffalo, New York 1
10
ENTERTAINMENT Concert Review By MATT BAUER
Rachelle Rocks the Tralf in Triumphant Return to Buffalo Sugar Foot
Neal Mack
SUGAR FOOT INTERVIEW: GodFather Promotions along with the Griot Nation Radio Show and our Captain Mack segment hosted by Neal Mack presents the Interview with the Legendary Sugar Foot from the Ohio Players on Sunday, March 11, 2012 between the hours of 8-10pm airing during the Captain Mack segment on WBLK 93.7.
T
he air was thick with anticipation on the evening of Friday March the 2nd as the nearly soldout crowd for the first of two concerts at the Tralf welcomed a long over-due appearance by Rachelle Ferrell. It was worth the wait, as the Berwyn, PA born diva didn’t disappoint, making an instant connection with her adoring audience over the course of her ninety-minute set. Despite some microphone issues at the beginning, Ferrell had the audience in the palm of her hand. Clad in brown boots and pants topped off with a dark tunic, Ferrell was a vision of earth hued resplendence, looking twenty years younger than her current age of fifty. Fashion aside however, this was about the mu-
sic and Rachelle and her four piece band: Ricardo Jordan on drums, Brandon Coleman on keyboards, Billy Odum on guitar and Raymond McKinley on bass delivered a show that may have raised the bar for which future Western New York concerts this year will be measured. Kicking off with the uptempo “Satisfied” from her last album 2000’s Individuality (Can I Be Me?) Ferrell seemed to sense and playfully tease the crowd’s excitement, dancing to the track’s propulsive groove and only uttering a few syllables for about two minutes before launching into the song’s lyric and giving everyone a taste of her heavenly vocals (a six octave plus range that has led to comparisons with the late Minnie Riperton). Yet Ferrell (who has also sung background for Patti Labelle and Lou Rawls, among others) is a unique and brilliant artist in her own right, a fact confirmed with the second song, the organic and slow churning fatback groove of “Sista” (an uplifting ode to African-American womanhood that drew cheers of solidarity from the females) that in an extended version provided the opportunity for her band to showcase their talents. Particularly noteworthy was McKinley’s economical bass playing, flawlessly anchoring the groove, boosting Coleman’s keyboards and accentuating Jordan’s in the pocket drums. It wasn’t soul, jazz, funk or pop, it was a seamless amalgamation of the four and a wonderful sonic summary of the brave musical genre crossing that has been Ferrell’s trademark in her twenty-two year recording career, standing in stark contrast to the current musical climate of lipsyncing, electronics and here Continued Page 11
MARCH 7, 2012
on stage
*HELD OVER! Ujima Theatre’ FOR COLORED GIRLS Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Was Enuf by Ntozake Shange, HAS BEEN HELD OVER and is running now thru March 18 at TheatreLoft, 545 Elmwood Ave. Thurs., Fri., Sat. @ 8pm • Sun. @ 6pm • $25 general • $20 seniors • $15 students Reservations call Box Office 883-0380 • Group rates call 883-4232 ujimacoinc@mac. com • www.ujimatheatre.org Starring: Shanntina Moore, Kunjane Lyons-Latimer, Fredrica Germany, Dayatra Hassan, Aitina Fareed, Zoë Scruggs, Saron Ephraim, & India Moss.A breakthrough portrayal of Black women’s experiences in America, the story combines music, poetry and dance to celebrate their unique culture while painting a poignant portrait of their terrible struggles.
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
*70’s Soul Jam, 8 p.m., March 10, Shea’s, $45-$50$55.50, The Stylistics, The Dramatics, The Blue Notes, Cuba Gooding & The Main Ingredients Box Office, Ticketmaster, Doris Records. *Anchor Bar, each Friday night @ 9PM The Jazz Example; Darryl Washington on drums; Greg Piontek on bass; Doug (Trigger) Gaston on Piano, Band Leader Bilal Abdullah on Tenor Sax; and vocalist Lady Lita, *The Call, a comedy stage play written by Phil Davis Sr., directed by Willie Judson, Mason Damon Auditorium (downtown Library) 1 Lafayette Sq., Sunday March 11 @ 4 p.m., $20 advance, $15 students & seniors, $25 at door; tickets at Doris Records and online at www.atpgalaxy. com, an Alemaedae Theatre Production; 602-6253 for more info. *Pure Ink Poetry Slam, Wednesday March 14, MERGE, 439 Delaware Ave.. 9 p.m. (monthly every second Wednesday @ MERGE); poets who want to perform arrive at 8:30 p.m. *An Intimate Evening with Joseph Wooten, Wed. March 14 at Canvas@1206, located at 1206 Hertel Ave., 8:3011:30 p.m., $5 admission, (716) 939-2725. *Wadada Leo Smith Golden Quartet & Double Quartet, live in Asbury Hall at Hallwalls, 341Delaware, Friday, March 9 @ 8 p.m.; $15 general admission, $12 students/seniors, $10 members.
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS! *Kevin Hart, Saturday, March 10 .First Niagara Center @ .8pm, tickets .com & the First Niagara box office.
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Audition Notice
NEW YORK CITY BUFFALO CONNECTION: Local artist Mae Judson recently caught up with Buffalo’s own Roslyn Ruff, in New York City. Roslyn appears in the Oscar winning movie “The Help” Meanwhile, it was “Stormy Weather” at the New York City Center’s stage as two more Buffalo beauties, Carmen Floyd and Chanon Judson (daughter of Mae and Willie Judson) elegantly performed in a limited engagement of a new musical “Duke Ellington’s Cotton Club Parade”. The show included performances by acclaimed Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis & his Lincoln Centre Orchestra. Renowned choreographer Garth Fagan of Rochester created a stirring solo dance for this wonderful show. Hats off to the magnificent cast of the Cotton Club Parade!!! (Submitted by Mae Judson)
RACHELLE FARRELL continued today gone tomorrow pop princesses. Or more to the point, a musical business where Ferrell noted that: “not having a marketable skill has become a marketable commodity.” Slowing down the pace while sitting down at an elegant black grand piano to the right of the stage, she then performed the achingly gorgeous ballad “I Forgive You” (also from the Individuality album) wringing every drop of emotion from the lyric in a bravura performance that finally gave the crowd a chance to hear her soaring vocal chords hitting the whistle register at the song’s coda. It was a transcendent moment that surely left the hairs on the backs of everyone’s necks standing up. Ferrell then abruptly took a moment to speak to McKinley, perhaps to give everyone a moment to catch a breath. What followed was a treat, as Ferrell gave a preview of two tracks from her upcoming album. As to why over a dozen years have passed between her last offering, she acknowledged that: “once you hear the album you’ll know why it took twelve years.” Before going into the ethereal ballad “Love Is All Around,” (a soon to be released duet with Lalah Hathaway), a tantalizing roll call of special guests featured on the new album was mentioned including Rahsaan Patterson, and N’Dambi. “Skrill” (which will also be a duet featuring Ledesi) might be Ferrell’s most infectiously funky cut to date, with an irresistible 1960’s Memphis soul groove that powers the song’s theme of resiliency in the face of economic hardship. So invigorating was the song that the audience joined in on the chorus. Not too bad, considering that this was likely the first time they heard the song. Up next was the classic “With Open Arms,” from her second self-titled album and first American release from1992. It’s been twenty years since we first heard it and time hasn’t diminished its impact. If anything, Ferrell approached it with an urgency that rivalled the recorded version, stretching out the end vamps with a joyously soulful verve, filling the hall with a joyous energy. The concert closed with “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This” (originally a duet with Will Downing which also appeared on her self-titled 1992 album). It was a true testament to her talent that Downing wasn’t missed since Ferrell fleshed out the song with some startling vocal acrobatics, venturing from husky Anita Baker-esque touches to some impossibly high pinnacles that brought everyone to their feet. Regrettably there was no encore. Some criticisms that could be levelled at the performance were its brevity and that there was a lack of the more purely jazz-oriented material that Ferrell excels in. Perhaps an encore of “My Funny Valentine” would have been the icing on the cake. Yet there’s an old show-biz adage that advises to leave them wanting more. Perhaps that was at play here. Throughout the evening Ferrell talked of making a connection with her audience and making the moment last. As the crowd filed out of The Tralf into an unseasonably mild early March night, there’s no doubt that their ninety minutes with Rachelle Ferrell will be forgotten any time soon.
The Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center will be holding auditions on Monday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 14th at 6pm for their May Production of the drama/musical “Three Sistahs,” Concept and Story by Janet Pryce Books and Lyrics by Thomas W. Jones, II . The theatre is looking for: *Three African American Women ages 20 - 65 years * Please be prepared to sing * Please call 884-2013 to schedule an appointment.
11
12
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Now accepting applications for 2012–13 School Year for All grades K – 8 You are invited to become part of one of the area’s most innovative, high performing schools, with nearly 20 years of success. Westminster Community Charter School remains committed to students, parents and the community.
A Focus on EducAtion • A high-quality, research-based Reading and Writing approach • Fine Arts Programs, including music, art, theatre, Spanish language program, cultural events and field trips • Library/Learning Center and Science Classroom/Lab • Full day Kindergarten classes
A Focus on HEAltH & WEllnEss • Full Service Health Clinic • Healthy, delicious breakfasts and lunches prepared fresh daily • New physical education grant offering the latest in health and wellness programs
A Focus on FAmily • After-School Program offering a wide array of academic and enrichment activities • Student Uniforms – Up to 50% discount • Summer School Program with academic and summer camp activities
A Proud PArt oF tHE BuFFAlo PromisE nEigHBorHood Westminster CCS is one of three Buffalo schools that will benefit from President Obama’s Promise Neighborhood grant. This grant will provide academic support and result in a brighter future for children from birth right through college. In addition, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood will also build vital services for the community, developing stable, healthy and safe neighborhoods for our students and their families.
Hurry! sPAcE is limitEd – Enroll noW Be part of one of Buffalo’s highest performing schools.
Westminster Community Charter School 24 Westminster Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 • 716-816-3450 “Providing Our Students With The Resources To Exceed”
Please return the completed application using the enclosed envelope (submit a separate application for each child applying). Please note: Bus service is not provided. Enrollment is open without regard to ethnicity, national origin, gender or disability. S-120082 (2/12)
Timothy Thomas Makes Dean’s List Timothy Thomas of Carl Street in Buffalo was named to the College of Arts and Sciences of Loyola University of Chicago’s Dean’s List for the first semester of the 2011-12 academic year. “An achievement like yours is a concrete demonstration of... excellence, as well as a most satisfying reward for the efforts that you and your family have undoubtedly put into your education,” wrote the school’s dean, Dr. Francis. L. Fennel. Congratulations Timothy!
Dashawna Jenifer – Outstanding Dashawna Jenifer a starter for East High Girls Varsity Basketball team, is a gorgeous young woman who has excelled as a student and athlete. She recently scored 24 points and 12 rebounds, giving her another doubledouble in the game against Burguard High. Academically she is doing well, as she just needs a few Credits to graduate. Now in her senior year Dashawna is focused on hard work both on and off the basketball court to earn an early dismissal because of her academics. She has applied to several college. She hopes to study the field of forensic science. Congratulations Dashawna!
THE 39TH ANNUAL DRILL-A-RAMA!
T
he 39th Annual Drill-A-Rama has gone through many changes in the past 30 odd years. “The first Drill-A-Rama was held at the (then newly build) Waterfront School’s gym. An unexpected 300 people showed up to see four teams. The East High School drill team won that event, but everyone came to see the Clinton Crusaders from Clinton Jr. High School” stated Marcus Brown (co-founder of the Crusaders Marching Unit and founder of Drill Teams United). Presently there are over 30 teams that are members of Drill Teams United of Buffalo and Western New York. Tayara Ebo (advisor of the Devastation Family and organizer of the event) and Joshua Jameson (advisor of the Gospel Difference Family and also one of the organizers of the event) started a new division last year. “We named this division the Guppies. It includes young drillers as young as 6 years old. There were so many independent teams; we started an elimination process also. “stated Ms. Ebo. There are 12 teams who have survived two preliminaries: Elementary Independent Division: Defending Champions Devine Devastation, Baby Fine, A Little More Difference, and Virtuous Diamantes. The Jr. Independent Division includes: 2011 Champions Even Finer, Jr. Devastation, Jr. Crusaders, and the Jr. Gospel Difference. The Sr. Independent Division includes: 2011 champions Sr. Buffalo Finest Drill Team, Sr. Crusaders, Sr. Gospel Difference Drill Teams and the Sr. Devastation Drill Team. High School Division will include the 2011 champions Oracle Charter School, Hutch Tech High School, Arts Academy, and newly formed Health Science Charter School. The Elementary School division includes: Hamlin Park (P.S #74) and the Westminster Charter School.
The Event will take place on March 17, 2012 at Kleinhans Music Hall. The doors will open at 12 noon. The Competition begins at 1:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at Doris Records 716-883-2410. This event is sponsored by N.I.C.Y.O. and Drill Teams United of Buffalo and Western New York.
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
STUDENT SHINE
Alize Kathleen Allen A
lize Kathleen Allen, a 13 year old 8th grade student at City Honors, began her academic career at Mount St. Joseph Academy which she attended from pre-kindergarten until 6th grade when the school closed. While attending Mount St. Joseph, Alize received numerous academic and athletic awards including being named in the top 10 percent nationally for the Wordmasters Challenge, a Scholastic Analogy Competition. Alize is also a nationally published essayist and as a result attended the Junior National Young Leadership Conference in Washington DC. During that time Alize was also the 75 meter dash champion on the track team as well as starting her swimming career. After the “Mount” closed Alize was admitted to City Honors as a 7th grader where she continued her athletic prowess on the Centaurs co-ed swim team; being the youngest person ever on its varsity swim team. In her first year Alize broke three city records, the 50 free, 100 butterfly and was a member of the 400 free relay team. For these efforts Alize was acknowledge by Masten Councilmember Demone Smith and the Buffalo Common Council by receiving an award of loyal citizenship in the Council Chambers on March 8, 2011. As an 8th grader Alize continued her success by breaking her own records in the 50 free and the 100 butterfly and also adding the 50 butterfly, 60 butterfly and 200 onto her repertoire. All told Alize has broken a total of nine records in her 8th grade swim season. At the All-High meet held at City Honors on February 2, 2012 Alize again set the bar, breaking her own 201l record and winning the Casey Kaminski award as well as re¬setting the 400 free relay record, with Centaur teammates. Alize attributes her success in swimming to her USA Swim Team star swimming coaches Ric Aaronberg and Mark Van Remmen, who pushed her every step of the way. As a USA swimmer Alize has reached AAA status and swam with the Niagara Zone Team in Webster, New York last year. This year she aged up to 13 and senior team. She has achieved AAA status where she will again be competing in the Niagara LSC Championship meet and hopefully achieving AAA status once again. Alize works hard to maintain her honor roll status at City Honors as well as being an active member of her community. Alize has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten as well as an active member of Saint Martin dePorres Roman Catholic Church under the care and guidance of Father Ron Sajdak. Alize has also recorded and starred in several child health awareness videos through the Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center. The services, called “Kisha & Friends,” was created by Mary Craig and aims to address the health concerns and questions children may have regarding things like the H1N1 virus, diabetes and child obesity. Alize hopes to inspire other children to become fit and active through the sport of swimming and encourages anyone interested to contact Ric Aaronberg at Starswimming
COMMUNITY Charter School to hold Open House COMMUNITY Charter School will be hosting its annual Open House on Thursday, March 8 between 6-8 p.m. COMMUNITY Charter School is located at 404 Edison Avenue. Each Open House attendee will have the opportunity to meet the school’s faculty and staff; tour the school; learn about the school’s academic curriculum, individualized learning plans, morning and after-school programs; and pick up a registration packet.Enrollment is still possible for the current 2011-2012 school year, and if unable to attend the Open House, information and registration packets can be obtained by calling the school at 833-5967 or via the school’s website at www.commcharter.org.
ChallengerCN.com
“Know Thyself”: Historian J.A. Rogers Pens Amazing Facts About The Blackman
13
(From 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro, originally written by J.A. Rogers in the 1940’s , thus the use of the word “Negro”) Part II *In the 1850’s, Mrs. Leybonn, an Englishwoman, was “Queen of the Slave-traders”, at Rio Pongo, one of the principal slave posts in West Africa. She had a fort armed with cannon and armed by 300 devoted Blacks. She had three mulatto children by a Negro,a boy and two girls. One of the latter married a White slave-trader, and the other,a British Consul. *The Countess de Beauharnais, who was related by marriage to Napoleon, married a full-blooded Haitian Negro, name Castaing, who was a member of the Paris Convention og 1792-1795. Religion *The oldest and most noted statue in the world bears the face of a Negro. It is the Sphinx of Gizeh, which was worshipped as Horus, or Harmachis, the Sun-God of Light and Life. It was erected about 5,000 BC. *Nearly all of the ancient gods of the Old and New World were Black and had woolly hair. Buckley says, “From the woolly texture of the ahir I am inclined to assign to the Buddha of India; the Fuhi of China; the Xaha of the Japanese; and the Quetzalcoatl of the Mexicans, the same and indeed an African, or rather, a Nubian origin.” In the Bible, God, or the Ancient of Days, is described as having “hair like the pure wool.” The earliest statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ in Europe as far north as Russia, were black and Negroid. *The Bible really originated in Ancient Egypt, where the population according to Herodotus and Aristotle, was Black. Here the Jews recieved almost all of their early culture. Prof. Breasted, leading Egyptologist, says, “The ripe social and moral development of mankind in the Nile Valley which 3000 years older than that of the Hebrews, contributed essentially to the formation of Hebrew literature. Our moral heritage therfore derives from a wider human past enormously older than the Hebrews,and it has come to us rather THROUGH the Hebrews than FROM them.” *Psalms that read like those of the Bible were written by a Pharoah, Amenophis IV, better know as “Akhenaton, the Heretic King,” 1300 BC or more than 400 years before David was born. Akhenaton, who was the father of Tut-Ankh-Amen, was extremely Negro in type. He is called “the most remarkable of the Pharoahs.” *Ethiopians, that is Negroes, gave to the world the first idea of right and wrong and thus laid the basis of religion, and of all true culture and civilization. The earliest exposition of this yet found is in the so-called Memphite Drama, which is known only through a copy on a slab of basalt made by order or an Ethiopian king in 700 BC. *There were three African Popes of Rome: Victor (189-199 AD); Melchiades (311-312); and St. Gelasius (496 AD). It was Melchiades who led Christianity to final triumph against the Roman Empire. * On November 15, 218 BC, Hannibal, a full-blooded Negro, marching through conquered territory in Spain and France, performed the astounding feat of crossing the Alps. With only 26,000 of his original force of 82,000 men remianing, he defeated Rome, the mightiest military power of that age, who had a million men, in every battle for the next fifteen years. Hannibal is the father of military strategy. His tactics are still taught in the leading military academies of the United States, England, France, Germany, and other lands. *Yusef, a king from Upper Senegal, Africa, saved Moorish civilization in Spain in 1086. The Moors were being pushed out by the white Christians of Germanic descent. Yusef crossed the Strait of Gibraltar with only 15,000 men, most of them pure blacks,a nd with 10,000 more from the Moors met the White king, Alphonso VI, at Zalacca. The latter had an army of 70,000, nearly three times as great, but Yusef inflicted a terrific defeat on him. The flower of white knighthood was destroyed in that battle. Among those who fell later before the military prowess of Yusef was Roderigo Diaz de Bivar, known as “The Cid”, and the greatest figure of the heroic age of Spain. * In 1538, Askia the Great, Emperor of Songhay, ruled an empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chad, and larger than Western Europe. His capital was Timbuctoo. *The first World War in history was started by Abraha, Negro emperor and ex-slave, when he attacked Mecca, Arabia, in 569 AD. This war lasted for more than a thousand years and stretched from France to beyond China. It brought about the fall, of several great empires, one of them the Later Roman Empire, capital Constantinople in 1453 AD. *Muley Ismael, Emperor of Morocco, whose mother was a Negro slave, had 25,000 White slaves captured on the seas or on the coasts of Europe and the British Isles, to build his palace at Meknes. Muley Ismael’s stables were the vastest in existence with stalls for 12,000 horses. Muley Ismael’s ships raided the coasts of Europe for slaves until his death in 1727. * John VI, King of Portugal, a dark mulatto, was the maker of modern Brazil. Tranferring his throne to Rio de Janeiro in 1808, he ruled Portugal from Brazil. This is the first and only time a European country has been ruled by an American one. *Pedro I, colored son of John VI, became the first emperor or Brazil in 1822. Pedro I married the sister of Napoleon’s second wife. Gloria, Pedro’s daughter, became Queen of Portugal and was a sister-in-law of Victoria, Queen of England. Many members of European royalty trace their ancestry to the Negro ruler, John VI. *Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, a colored man, was the founder of the present royal family of Sweden. Enlisting as a private in Napoleon’s army, he rose to be field-marshal. In 1818 he ascended to the throne of Sweden as Charles XIV. *Cetewayo, King of Zululand, South Africa, massacred an enitre British army send against him in 1879,a nd a few days later defeated and killed the Prince Napoleon, heir to the French throne. Cetewayo taught the Europeans the skirmish line in warfare. Slavery *The word, “slave” was originally applied to white people. It comes from “Slav”, a Russian people captured by the Germans.
Joel Augustus Rogers (1883 to 1966) Joel Augustus Rogers was born September 6, 1883 at Negril, Jamaica. Very little is known about his early schooling. The historian is said to have had a “good basic education” but lacked higher formal education. J.A. Rogers immigrated to the United States in 1906 and became a naturalized citizen in 1917. Despite his light complexion and mulatto background, Rogers bitterly discovered that Black people were all treated the same, no matter the complexion. Rogers, however, rejected the dogma of white superiority, even as a child. In a class and color conscious Jamaica, the young Rogers observed, “I had noticed that some of my schoolmates were unmixed blacks and were, some of them, more brilliant than some of the white ones.” Rogers grew up around Blacks who were physicians and lawyers--graduates of “the best English and Scottish Universities.” This realization that the doctrine of white superiority was contradicted by the talent and expertise of Black intellect inspired Rogers to begin his research into the Black experience. J.A. Rogers published his first book, the 87 page “From Superman to Man” in 1917. At the time he wrote the book, he was working as a Pullman porter out of Chicago. Rogers had gone to Chicago to Study art. Rogers was one of the first and few African historians to use art extensively in helping to validate the achievements of African people. J.A. Rogers’ search for truth led him to examine the African blood lines of Europeans and Americans. His signal work, “Nature Knows No Color-Line” and the threevolume set, “Sex and Race” destroyed the myth of Aryan race purity. Continued Page 14
14
EDITORIAL
The Media’s True Lies by Margaret Kimberley
A
recently released Gallup poll asked Americans which nation they considered to be their country’s greatest enemy. Iran was first on the list, thought to be public enemy number one by 32% of respondents. It was followed by China, North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Russia, Pakistan, the United States itself, Japan and Saudi Arabia in order of magnitude on the scale of perceived evil. The poll results are an indicator not of the level of danger posed to the American people, but of the degree of propaganda spewed by the media and the White House. It would be all but impossible for any other nation to loom so large in the American mind at this time. We are told that Iran is poised to develop nuclear weapons, kill all Israelis, launch terror attacks in the United States and perhaps create bad weather too. Even Americans who strive to be well informed are caught in the net of disinformation. Every news story detailing the supposed menace presented by Iran neglects to mention that Israel has an unknown number of nuclear weapons. This information would make Americans less likely to believe in any danger from Iran, which is precisely why it is omitted. There is always collusion between the corporate media and whomever resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Nearly ten years ago the Bush administration used the media to make the case for invading Iraq. They simply printed and broadcast every claim the Bushites made, from the existence of weapons of mass destruction to tales of mushroom clouds and yellow cake. Now the New York Times, the Washington Post, CBS, NBC and their cohorts are once again the willing conduits for the big lie. They always are, for any president. If Ronald Reagan wanted to invade Grenada, a tiny Caribbean island which had done nothing more than build an airport with the assistance of Cuba, he did so, and the media told us nothing which differed from the party line. If George H. W. Bush wanted to invade Panama, he did, and the media said that his action was perfectly fine. It doesn’t matter which country is the target of America’s wrath, the press repeat almost word for word what the president wants them to say. There is rarely any critical analysis or admissions of past guilt. The public were told that Grenada was strategically important, and that a Cuban built airport was a sign of grave danger to life and limb. Thirty years later, none of the media who passed along lies as truth have dared to question themselves or their slavish devotion to administration policies. The same has been true of every other president and Obama is no exception. It didn’t matter that United Nations inspectors reported a lack of nuclear or chemical weapons in Iraq. They are now telling the world that Iran has no nuclear weapons capability, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to administration spokespersons or watching the evening news. Not one major American news outlet has cast down on ridiculous tales of an Iranian used car salesman plotting to kill the Saudi Arabian ambassador. When Iranian scientists are murdered in broad daylight, Israeli involvement is never considered, even though the connection is a logical one. The shrug of the shoulders and the claims of ignorance disappear when bombs quite conveniently target Israelis in India, Thailand and Georgia. Iran is immediately blamed, despite the fact that officials in those nations express skepticism. There is no mention of Israeli aid to Iranian dissident groups that may be acting on behalf of their patron. There is a kind of consistency at work. Iran is blamed and the possibility of Israeli wrong doing is not given any credence. The list of government lies promoted by a supposedly independent media is a long and sorry one indeed. The tragedy is that even when Americans are determined to inform themselves, they remain ignorant. The disinformation carried out on a regu-
MARCH 7, 2012
Unfit For The Bench: Racist Email Judge Needs To Be Impeached! Dr. Boyce Watkins
R
acist anti-Obama fringe reaches new low as judge passed on a racially offensive e-mail message that made jokes inferring that President Barack Obama’s mother had sex with dogs. Richard Cebull, chief judge for the U.S. District of Montana, took the nation aback this week by forwarding a set of shared remarks about President Obama. The judge passed on a racially offensive e-mail message that made jokes inferring that President Barack Obama’s mother had sex with dogs. The e-mail features a “touching” story of Barack asking his mother why he’s half-White and half-Black. It concludes with her telling her son that “from all she can remember from that party,” he should be glad that he doesn’t bark. So, this federal judge who has made decisions impacting the lives of countless people of color, had no problem forwarding an e-mail implying that the President of the United States is of mixed race because his mother was a drunken, sexually promiscuous woman who had sex with dogs. This e-mail is disturbing for a multitude of reasons, one of which is the fact that the judge’s sentiments are shared by millions of Americans who can’t quite understand why this joke is a sad and telling reflection of America’s long-held perceptions of Black people. African Americans have long been compared with monkeys, perceived as being less than human, and given extraordinarily long prison sentences by judges like Cebull who care nothing for us or our families. Part of the reason that allegedly God-fearing Americans had no problem enslaving Black people for 400 years is because they believed that we were subhuman and not deserving of basic dignity or human rights. So as much as Judge Cebull wants to apologize and characterize this mishap as a simple error in judgment (this is what Black people always hear), the fact remains that this issue goes far deeper than any racist would like to admit. There is no way, with any clear conscience, that any of us can maintain our faith in a justice system that empowers leaders who joke about Black people having sex with animals. The sickness is beyond comprehension. The Code of conduct for U.S. Judges, published by the U.S. Judicial Conference, calls for judges “to act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.”
Continued Page 15
lar basis prevents even dogged news followers from knowing what their government is doing and why. The result is that in this democratic nation, presidents behave like dictators, doing whatever they like, and an uninformed citizenry is in no position to stop them. If our newspapers are nothing more than propaganda sheets, there is little reason to pay attention to them beyond predicting when they will allow a president to begin carrying out bad deeds. The media drumbeat against Iran is a disgrace, but it tells us that the attack can’t be too far away. Iran is not America’s worst enemy. Our worst enemies are right here, smiling as they read from teleprompters or quoting from anonymous administration sources. Once again they are working hand in glove to help another president destroy a country and kill many, many people. Margaret Kimberley's Freedom Rider column appears weekly in BAR, and is widely reprinted elsewhere. She maintains a frequently updated blog as well as at http://freedomrider.blogspot. com. Ms. Kimberley lives in New York City, and can be reached via e-Mail at Margaret.Kimberley(at)BlackAgendaReport.com.
Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
Online at ChallengerCN.com
P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
In Remembrance Board of Education’s of Donald M. Dade Responsibility to Let the “Without a Sense of Caring, There Can be no Sense of Community. “ Donald M. Dade
Dear Editor: In remembrance of Black History Month and what this time can mean to each of us, is the experience of recalling to our minds a great community leader by the name of Donald M. Dade who transition this planet Earth on February 19, 2001 there still be pleasant thoughts of his service to others, as he yet remains among Us. It is once again to bring to mind some of the accomplishments of Donald, who served as executive director of the CRUCIAL human services agency, and to likewise show appreciation to the author of Caressed Spirits and Carlos Muhammad’s unforgettable poem, “ When Loved One Dies. “It is through this kind of poetry that one can gain a sense of permanence within the memories of our loved ones, as they can continue to live on through us. In celebration of the life of this particular person - “Dad” and “Don” Donald Dade we experience the joyous respect and duty of his children and their love for him. In honoring the memory of such a respected man in the humanities of the community, it is further this joy of upholding his diverse leadership role, as an outstanding Civic, Social, Spiritual, Cultural and History man . He was an advocator, a mentor, a professor, an activist, a legal advisor, a philosopher, a lieutenant, a chef and the maker of the best hamburgers, as many still remember these as his joys. He was a rounded- community man and a huge collector of numerous Books on various topics and will always be esteemed as friend, father and husband. In acknowledging our culture of Ancestral worship, an everlasting continual existence in the spirit of brotherhood, these things are acts of Love common to us all. Black History Month is every Month! However, we are grateful for this hour to stand among many, like Donald Dade, who have made blessed contributions to our people. Thank You for letting me share ! -J.Y. Dade
• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. • Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.
Public Speak!
By Kat Massey It’s contemptible that the Buffalo School Board is considering limiting the number of residents that can comment on any particular topic, at their business meetings. (That’s dissimilar to most Erie County school boards policies.) Currently, there is an overall speakers’ quota that curtails public input. With more than 30,000 students in the system, a further restriction to only five members of the public having opportunity to air same-subject concerns is obviously inadequate. The breadth of public discourse should not be confined and tailored for the Board’s self interest (i.e., to avoid late night sessions). It should be student-centric and not discounting to the parents and citizens-at-large.
JA ROGERS continued
Rogers’ other historical focus was on producing biographical portraits of prominent African personages. In 1931, he published “The World’s Greatest Men of African Descent” and in 1947, published “The World’s Great Men of Color 3000 B.C. to 1946 A.D.” Joel Augustus Rogers died on his birthday, September 6, 1966. -by Runoko Rashidi
-24He who stands on tip toe doesn’t stand firm. He who rushes ahead Doesn’t go far. He who tries to shine Dims his own light. He who defines himself Can’t know who he really is. He who has power over others can’t empower himself. He who clings to his work Will create nothing that endures. If you want to accord with the Tao Just do your job, then let go.
ADVERTISING adver tising@thechallengernews.com
NEWS & PRESS RELEASES News@ChallengerCN.com ANONYMOUS NEWS TIPS Tips@ChallengerCN.com GENERAL INFO Contact@ChallengerCN.com
MARCH 7, 2012
15
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
Economic Drive By:
Update on Inner City Poverty and Blight By Elliott J. White Sr.
Buffalo is the nation’s third most impoverished city. East and West Side neighborhoods are Buffalo’s most impoverished areas. If any neighborhoods are in need of economic development, it is the East and West Side. Yet despite spending billions of dollars on economic development programs each year, the State, County, and City have largely ignored these neighborhoods and their increasingly desperate residents. Racially, the East Side is among Buffalo’s most segregated neighborhoods with (94.4% AfricanAmericans living in this area of the city). Programs, funds, and subsidies meant to help blighted neighborhoods have instead subsidized sprawl, rewarded large, non-local companies, and, even within Buffalo, done more for downtown law firms and upscale condos than for these depressed areas of the city; this, despite the fact that many of Buffalo’s City, County and State political elected representatives are African American. One has to ask the question, why is there so much poverty and community blight within the East Side of Buffalo? Is it that
FARRAKHAN continued
has brought about in our lives through his Messiah, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” he added. Delusions about an American comeback The Minister said he did not wish to be on the opposite side of President Barack Obama, however, he took issue with Mr. Obama’s words on Jan. 24 during his State of the Union address when he said: “America is back, and anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has wanted doesn’t know what they are talking about.” “I want to say to my dear brother, that what you are saying is that you and your administration have the power to make God’s prophets liars. It is not that we alone are saying that America is in decline, the prophets of God have said it, prophesied of it, and the world is now seeing it,” he said.
Conclusion Next Week
Support The Black Press
200 block of Walden Avenue
those that have been elected to political office are simply looking out for the interests of a few, versus representing the community as a whole? Or is it that many of them spend time and valuable resources fighting among each other for a false since of political control on the East Side of Buffalo, while the “White” political power structure controls the city and the region. As a result this provides for the lack of unity, vision and the inability among African American elected officials to fight against economic inequality and bring designated State and Federal dollars meant to suppress poverty and increase economic opportunity to the East Side of Buffalo. Employment As an African American male and someone that struggles to remain in Buffalo, it troubles me greatly in knowing that the (Black Male) unemployment rate in the City of Buffalo is over (50%) - the highest in the Nation! When you analyze employment within the city as a whole, you will discover that the unemployment rate on Buffalo’s East Side is 21.6%, again, ranking among the highest in the nation. For those that are able to find work, most workers are low-wage service workers with roughly 60% in service occupations and less than 10% in manufacturing jobs. Programs to aid small, locally owned, neighborhood-based businesses have been underfunded, as the big subsidies have gone to large, non-local corporations. Almost no effort have been made to ensure that publicly funded projects result in living wage, not poverty wage, jobs, or that publicly funded projects actually serve to advance the communities in which Federal and State aid are intended to do.
The East Side has 743 businesses employing 16,390 people. Healthcare and social assistance account for 56.6% of these jobs, followed by manufacturing at 15.7%, and education at 6.5%. Retail trade accounts for only 1.7% of the jobs located in the East Side. Yet, The East Side is where many wealth-producing industries are located, but there is no relationship between those industries and the neighborhoods around them, according to Henry Taylor, director of the Center for Urban Studies at the University at Buffalo. “So the wealth being produced on the East Side is subsidizing every other section of the city, and we don’t want to admit that, and we certainly don’t want to fight for policies to change that The causes for this pervasive poverty and blight are manifold, but, in general, they reflect the dramatic economic, geographic, and racial inequality in the nation, the state, and the region. Put simply, our public policies have moved a huge percentage of our resources to the very wealthy, the White, and the suburban.” Economic development policies have worsened these inequities, even when they have been intended precisely to revitalize distressed neighborhoods. The City and County continue to waste precious tax dollars on splashy, big-ticket items like sports stadiums while neglecting the neighborhoods. In an economically challenged city like Buffalo, public projects represent a large percentage of total development. When the Buffalo News analyzed Mayor Byron Brown’s statement that the city had $4.5 billion in new construction projects, it found that two-thirds of those projects were only potential (for example, the new office tower proposed by now-bankrupt developer Bashar Issa), and that of those projects completed or in process, two thirds were tax exempt, with $1.4 billion going toward City buildings and infrastructure. Racial Segregation and Inequality Racially, the United States Census department also released information placing the Buffalo-Niagara metro area, as the 8th most segregated area in America and On October 25, 2008 the United Na-
tions released a report entitled “State of the World’s Cities” in which the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area was specifically cited as having one of the worst rates of economic inequality in the (World) and that it was racially based. Eighty-six percent of the region’s AfricanAmericans are concentrated in the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Even within the City of Buffalo, segregation remains strong. Community Blight Poverty in Buffalo is concentrated in the East and West sides, where many of the residents are African-American and Latino. The West side has 42% of its residents living in poverty and one of the highest abandoned property rates in the nation. Buffalo faces severe issues of vacant and abandoned houses, ranking
second only to St. Louis on the list of American cities with the most vacant properties per capita. In the Buffalo metro area, the cause of poverty and community blight is directly related to local governments policies that tend to do more harm than good, for example: •Abandoned homes are sitting vacant for long periods of time, creating fire Hazards, crime magnets, environmental hazards, and neighborhood blight that depresses property values and creates a vicious spiral of disinvestment and flight. •It only takes one abandoned house to blight a block. Scattershot abandonment and vacancy is blighting huge swaths of the city. •The City is picking up the costs for abandonment: processing tax foreclosures, Taking title to units, maintaining properties, sending police and fire fighters to deal with crime and fires, marketing cityowned properties, etc. •Demolishing huge numbers
of units is an environmental disaster and a terrible Waste of resources and which also leave behind a large numbers of vacant lots. For all these reasons, Buffalo urgently needs to limit the number of homes being abandoned and to quickly recycle more abandoned homes to new owners before they deteriorate to the point where they must be demolished. In evaluating all of the above, let it be noted that if local and state government wants to attract new corporations and business markets into the Western New York region, there must be a concentrated effort to increase economic opportunities among all races of people. The prevailing stigma of being the 3rd poorest city in America is a poor marketing tool to attract new business enterprises into the Metro Buffalo area. Not to mention the fact that each year we lose talented-educated young adults who relocate out of the area primarily due to the lack of opportunity. www.buildingbuffalo.com
Dorie Miller Club Being Reorganized The former Dorie Miller Hunting and fishing Club is being reorganized as The Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club to serve the interests of African Americans who engage in hunting and fishing, or those seeking to learn these outdoor living skills, as well as sport and competitive shooting. The Club values the solidarity of the family and seeks to enhance it through learning, recreational and skills building activities. Members of the Club accept the collective responsibility of our adult community to stimulate the positive growth of youth in body, mind and spirit. Interim President, Aqiel Qadir, a certified firearms instructor, has been joined by numerous former members to launch the reorganization. Two organizing meetings have been held thus far. Those interested in joining or learning more about Club activities are welcomed to attend two meetings planned for: March 13th, 6 pm to discuss firearms and shooting programs; and the monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 6 pm at the Merriweather Library at Jefferson and Utica. Club information or interests follow up can be made by calling, the Langston Hughes Institute, 716 – 844 – 8831. Among the aims of the Club are: promoting greater participation of individuals, youth and families in hunting and fishing and other related outdoor skills; sponsoring seminars and workshops that increase the ability of members to use fire arms safely for security, recreation and sport; to organize group outings; and sponsor youth training activities for academic, character and life skills development. As a National Rifle Association (NRA) affiliated Club, The Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club and its members will be eligible for numerous services of the NRA which include, training grants and college scholarships. The Club is named for WWII hero Dorie Miller, an African American, navy enlisted man, who exemplifies the highest standards of behavior and character. On December 7, 1941, Miller, a mess attendant stationed at Pearl Harbor, acted courageously in the midst of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Naval Fleet. Heroically he went on deck of his ship despite bombs and machinegun fire from the Japanese planes and pulled his wounded captain to safety and sprang into action manning a machine gun to return fire on the attacking airplanes. On May 7, 1942 Dorie Miller was awarded the Navy Cross for “distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, with disregard for his own safety”.
IMPEACH JUDGE continued
Judge Cebull’s actions do not inspire confidence in his integrity or his impartiality. Cebull’s colleagues and fellow judges should be first in line to ask him to step down, since his actions reflect poorly on the entire judiciary, and not just him. Also, his fellow Republicans must realize that overlooking this kind of behavior does nothing to fight the perception that the party works to harbor America’s racial terrorists. I can’t imagine Judge Cebull sharing a similar joke about Jews or the gay community and being allowed to keep his power. I also can’t imagine anyone feeling comfortable trying to defend this kind of activity by a man in his position. Even Cebull’s friends and allies should speak up, admit that he is wrong, and ask him to resign. America is a nation that is trying to move forward, and none of us benefit when we are still comparing Black people to dogs. Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition.
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
EAST SIDE APARTMENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.
APARTMENT FOR RENT Fillmore Ave. Modern studio apartment. Hardwood floors, appliances with laundry hook up. $375+Sec. dep. & ref. 892-0077.
bidS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job #12-03-CF, Various HVAC Work at Shaffer Village (General Construction). The Prebid Conference will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM, local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walkthrough may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM, local time, on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: March 7, 2012
Real Estate PROPERTY FOR SALE PEACH STREET
Incredible value found in this totally restored home located in this re-energized and resurgent Fruit Belt neighborhood! So much work has gone into this house including new roof, siding, furnace with a humidifier, hot water heater, plumbing, kitchen cabinets. This house is a looker. It has freshly painted living room, dining room and bathroom. It is move-in ready with $1,000 or less of repairs. There is an additional room on the first floor. The laundry room is on the first floor. Fenced in yard, this property is 75x100.
(716) 931-2781 Khalilah McKenzie
YMCA Announces Job Opportunities YMCA Buffalo Niagara is pleased to announce the fulltime staffing plan for the new Independent Health Family Branch YMCA in Amherst. While the facility is not slated to open until late January 2013, the Y will begin recruitment efforts in the next few months. Key dates in the search process have been established for all positions and are listed in the full-time staffing plan which can be found at www.IndependentHealthFamilyYMCA.org. The Y anticipates filling all full-time positions by December 15, 2012. Part-time positions will be available at a later date. Please visit this site for updates on employment opportunities.
BIDS INVITATION TO BID
ADVERTISING PAYS!
16
The NFTA is soliciting bids for project No. 16BL1112, BNIA-Transit Police Administration Office HVAC Rehabilitation, Bid No. E-481 on March 20, 2012. www.nftaengineering. com
COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS RECONSTRUCTION OF SENECA STREET BRIDGE OVER NORFOLK SOUTHERN RR BR215-RR-1 PROJECT NO. FA-215-RR1-11 LOCALLY ADMINISTERED FEDERAL AID PROJECT 5755.25 The Department of Public Works, Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for replacement of existing bridge with pre-cast concrete arch structure construction project. Sealed proposals will be received at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY at 10:00 a.m., March 8, 2012. Bid deposit of $210,000.00 required. DBE 11% required. Plans will be available for purchase at $100./set from February 16, 2012 through bid date. Pre-let meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 2012 10:00 a.m. at the DPW-Division of Highways Conference Room, 95 Franklin Street, 14th floor, Buffalo, NY. Bid submittal details are on the Erie County website at: www.erie.gov/bidproposals.asp ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive separate sealed bids for the following contract work: JOB NUMBER/ CONTRACT NAME Various HVAC Work at Jasper Parrish BMHA Job #12-02G-CF (General) BMHA Job #12-02M-CF (Mechanical) BMHA Job #12-02P-CF (Plumbing) BMHA Job #12-02E-CF (Electrical) DATE/TIME OF PREBID MEETING Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS (OPENING)
Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Prebid Conferences will be held as stated above with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Separate Sealed bids for each above mentioned BMHA Job will be received until the time stated above at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: March 7, 2012
TO ADVERTISE CALL 881-1051 FAX 881-1053 EMAIL
advertising@thechalleernews.com
MARCH 7, 2012
17
Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com
employment
Xerox Interviewing Xerox will begin interviewing candidates this week to staff a new call center being created in Webster. Over the next two years, Xerox expects to hire 500 people to work at the call center, which will provide customer care services for one of Xerox’s clients. If you are interested in applying for a position: - Visit Xerox.com - Call 1-866-699-6480 - Attend a hiring fair at Building 200, Xerox Webster campus, Phillips Road (March 2-3, March 9-10, March 16-17; From 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Fridays; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays) Xerox employs 6,300 in the Monroe County area. Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Volunteer Coordinator
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Seeks to fill the following position: SUPERVISOR, METRO ACCOUNTING Job Number 04019-12-M Duties: Manage Metro Accounting functions to include payroll, accounts receivable, general accounting, accounts payable and financial reporting in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles and governmental regulations. Responsible for the timely delivery of accurate financial information including but not limited to trend analysis, preparation of various reports of considerable complexity and required reporting per governmental regulations. Assists with annual audit. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and 5 years professional accounting experience, with at least 3 years supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education, training & experience. Interested persons should visit www.nfta.com to view complete job description. To apply: Send NFTA employment application with resume and cover letter specifying the job number 019-12-M to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Application Deadline: March 16, 2012 The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Full-time position to coordinate project activities including recruitment, in-service training, and volunteer supervision. Ensures timely and accurate documentation of Foster Grandparent service hours and mileage. Maintains active involvement with community organizations and performs monthly site visits to volunteer stations. Establishes and maintains relationships between FGP and children to whom they are assigned. Provides orientation and regular in-service training and represents the program at public speaking engagements. Bachelor’s Degree and Valid NYS driver’s license and at least 1 year experience with senior population. Excellent written and verbal skills, basic computer skills, ability to work independently and to work non-traditional hours. Interested, qualified candidates may forward resume cover letter with Job # 201209.
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Site Facilitators
Full-time openings for Site Facilitators to facilitate the collaborative process with students, families, building administration, faculty, staff, providers and community resources. Builds a human service collaboration to address needs of school community. Serves as the liaison between providers and building administration. Ensures provider services are aligned with school goals and culture. Serves as the external coach for Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). Engages in job related travel, including transportation of students and their families. The ideal candidate must possess Urban/city school and community experience, expert relationship management skills, Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling or a related degree with at least 5 years experience working with educational systems and/or human service organizational management, or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling or a related degree with at least 3 years experience working with educational systems and/or human service organizational management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, etc.) database management. Interested and qualified candidates may forward resume and cover letter with Job # 201213 to:
Catholic Charities
741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/ M/F
CLASSIFIEDS Specialized Computing Technician Information Technology Services Full-time, available May 2012 Qualified applicants may apply at www.brockportrecruit.org EOE/AA
advertising pays. advertising@thechallengernews.com
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
MSTSupervisor Seeking an individual with strong clinical skills and experience with preventive services to lead a team of 7 therapists in implementing Multisystemic Therapy (MST). MST is a well-researched community-based treatment model directed at youth involved in criminal activity and their family. Duties include liaison with key collaborating agencies, providing ongoing evaluation and staff development for therapists, interfacing with MST expert consultants and providing overall program management. Must be available to support therapists implementing MST 24-hours per day, 7 days per week. Master’s degree in Social Work or related subject area required. NYS licensed and English/Spanish speaking preferred.
If interested and qualify to become an MST Therapist forward resume and cover letter with Job # 201211. Interested persons may locate information about this treatment model on the internet at www.mstservices.com
Catholic Charities
741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F
Maintenance Supervisor: Buffalo Challenger Downtown Buffalo apartment Issue: seeks Wednesday complex reliableonly person withDeadline knowledge Electriis Fridayofbefore cal, Size: Plumbing and Carpentry. 1 col. (2”) x 2 Budgeting and Bid ProcurementPrice: a plus!$38.00 Must have own tools, dependable car, clean driving record and willingness Minority to get a 2ndReporter class stationary Issue: license. Friday publication/deadline is engineers EOE. Resume/References to HR, Size: 1 col. (1.91) x 2 215 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14204 Price: $47.06 or fax to 854-2981.
Receptionist/Security. The Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School is seeking applicants for the positions of Receptionist/Security. The successful candidate for this position will have a High School Diploma or GED, proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, CPR Certification or willingness to become certified. Resumes should be submitted to Dianna Darby, 833 Michigan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14203 or ddarby@fruitbeltcharter.org or jpotter@fruitbeltcharter. org by March 9, 2012. Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
Maintenance Worker
Full-time Maintenance Worker to perform a variety of work in the maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds at various facilities/sites including painting, general repairs, floors, etc. Effectively use a variety of hand and power tools. Candidate must be flexible, team player and possess a valid NYS Drivers License. Candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three (3) years experience in related field. Interested, qualified candidates may forward resume cover letter with Job #201208 to:
Catholic Charities
741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F
Catholic Charities
741 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, Attn: Human Resources. EOE/M/F
advertising pays.
advertising@thechallengernews.com
18
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS
NUMBERS
SUN 2/26
MON 2/27
TUES 2/28
WED 2/29 THURS 3/1 FRI 3/2 SAT 3/3
MID-109 MID- 996 MID-883 MID- 044 MID-133 MID-422 MID-399 EVE-353 EVE-031 EVE- 780 EVE-261 EVE-496 EVE-715 EVE-414
MID - 8010 MID- 8739 MID-3256 MID-6999 MID- 1278 MID-8019 MID-7397
WIN 4
EVE- 3755
TAKE 5
LOTTO
EVE- 1997
EVE-1075
4-10-14-19-38 1-6-8-26-30 14-20-26-27-28
HOT TIPS
443
123
Zakiyyah’s Run Down
EVE-9148
3-11-15-24-29
202
588
MA RUTH Winter
662-788-919-322-666-986-568-853-578-312-468-014065-768-981-852-679-254-756-801-645-580-234-532
LUCKIE DUCKIE
If you dream of your MOTHER Your number should be 562. If you dream of MONEY PLAY 365; TRAMP 615; Rabbit 301; turkey 221 and preacher 330!
March Monthly Vibrations 874-254-594-890-347-123-
4-5-15-17-26
29-30-31-35-47-57#59
335
648*123*104
980-422-809 189-444-886
322-522-412-432-421-423
THE NUMBER BOOK quick money $$$$ 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 grandma’s March pixs
666-302-176-743435-165-270-907
Grandma’s 4-Way MyWay
1098-0067-57097998-6074-1156
888
435
$336 Million Powerball Winner, Louise White, Rhode Island Woman, Claims Prize
134-431-143
981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126
EVE-0719
4-5-32-33-37 4-10-14-18-25
14-33-35-39-44-57#20
998-012-213 443-514-910-102648-515-907
Billy Bye Bye Sez:
EVE- 0791 EVE-1651
Dance
Louise White, 81-years-old of Newport, R.I., stepped forward Tuesday as the winner of $336.4 million, the third largest Powerball lottery in the history of the game. The winning ticket was kept in White’s Bible -- which she then slept with -- until she could get to a bank and put it in a safe deposit box.
*2nd Cup 36 Broadway St. 840-0048 7p.m. Wed. “Salsa night with Calvin and Fanny.” Beginner salsa lesson and social dance. salsacalvinfanny@hotmail. *African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Ave. 884-2013 3 p.m. Sat. 3 pm @5 p.m. Tues. Thurs. “Community Dance and Drumming Classes.” Visit www.africanamericancultural. org. *El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera 91 Allen St. 8849693.wwwfolkloric.org. Mon through Wed: “Dance Classes with Folkloric Productions Dance Co.” Includes meditation and yoga 912-8754. *First Shioh Baptist Church. 15 Pine St. 6:30 p.m. Fri. “Line dancing lessons.” 847-6555. Free. *Gateway Longview Family Resource Center. 347 E. Ferry St. 6 p.m. Tues. “ Dance lessons with the Smooth Steppers.” Classes in urban Ballroom, Chicago Steppin’ and swing. 6337813. *Kenan Center 433 Locust St.; Level Breakdancing class. Also 7:30 p.m. Mon. Wed. “B-Girl class.” Beginners welcome. $10; $15; Also 6 p.m. Tues; 4 p.m. Thurs. Open practice.” $5. *Urban Line dance lessons each Monday at Pilgrim Baptist Church Hall (rear), 665 Michigan Avenue, 6-7 p.m. (parking available) *Urban Line dance lessons each Friday morning, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Friends of the Elderly, 118 East Utica Street, E. Wilson instructor.
19
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
Events Calendar
Play Some Basketball!!
Thursday March 8
Friday March 9
Saturday March 10
Friday March 16
The Greater Refuge Temple Family Life Center is open every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. Come out and play some basketball!!
State Senator Timothy Kennedy Community Meeting: Second Baptist Church, 18 Church St., Lackawanna, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm.; 8262683.
Public Transit Forum: 12:302 p.m., 237 Main St. Suite 1200; presented by the Partnership for the Public Good. 852-4191 ext.110
Employment and Education Fair for Veterans: Freedom Hall Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Ave. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 862-8753 or 862-8754.
Golden Cup Documentary Series: “The Africans” by Basil Davidson, The Golden Cup, 883 Jefferson, 5-7 p.m., free. 883-7770
Pride Center of WNY Fundraiser: The Eights Bistro, 888 Main St., 9 p.m.
Monday March 12
Saturday March 17
Bistro Bookers Discussion Group Features Brenda McDuffie: 6:15 p.m. Chef’s Restaurant, 291 Seneca St. H.
DRILL-A-RAMA: Kleinhans Music Hall, doors open noon; competition begins 1 p.m. Tickets @ Doris Records 8832410.
JUNETEENTH Planning Meeting: 6:30 p.m., Merriweather Library; 891-8801; public invited. School Superintendent Focus Group Community Meeting: 7 p.m., Southside Elementary School, 430 Southside Pkwy. Community Charter School Open House: 6-8 p.m., 404 Edison Ave., 833-5967 or visit www.commcharter.org
Saturday March 10 Food Garden Planting Workshop: 10 a.m. – noon, CAO, 70 Harvard Place; 239-7238. Boy Scouts Annual Honors Dinner: 4-6 p.m. True Bethel Baptist Church Banquet Hall, 907 E. Ferry; Judge Craig D. Hannah keynote speaker.
Wednesday March 14 Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall.
School #53 Alumni Reunion: 3-6 p.m., Schiller Park Senior Center, 2087 Genesee.
Small Business Workshop: “Survive and Thrive,” 8:30 a.m – Noon, Buffalo State College Burchfield Penny Art Museum, fee $20; registration 8-8:30 a.m.+
“Celebrate You”: Event in recognition of National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Day, 1-4 p.m., Evergreen Conference Center, 119 W. Chippewa; hosted by Aliaza Latina. Free.
Film Screening: Black Panther Party for Self Defense, 7 p.m., Burning Books, 420 Connecticut St. Lupus New Patient Orientation Meeting: 6:30-8 p.m., 3871 Harlem Rd. 835-7161.
SEE YOU AT THE events!
Juneteenth Planning Meetings Begin The Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo is excited to announce that the initial planning meetings for Juneteenth 2012 have begun. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Juneteenth Parade, Health Pavilion, Holistic Health, Children’s Activity Tent, Youth Activities, Book Sharing, Entertainment Stage, Heritage Tent, Arts & Culture Stage, Hosts for Juneteenth Sankofa Days The next meeting will be held thursday March 8th at the Frank E. Merriweather library at 6:30 p.m. Help us to continue in this great tradition. To participate call Juneteenth headquarters at 891-8801.
20
ChallengerCN.com
• MARCH 7, 2012 Challenger Community News •
BLACK TIE FOR BLACK HISTORY GALA! Pictured above are scenes from another successful ‘Black Tie for Black History’ Gala. Held Feb. 24 at the Tralf, it was one
of the largest gatherings so far. The annual event is designed to raise funds for Juneteenth. Among those honored were outstanding citizens, George Johnson, Satoria and Kevin Donovan, Terrence Amir McKelvey, Detra Trueheart, Demone Smith, Pastor Darius Pridgen and Eva Doyle. Juneteenth of Buffalo Inc. also presented plaques to several honored guests. Hats off to Marnetta Malcolm and her talented crew! PHOTOS PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY
LICENSED CHECK CASHING Western New York Check Services LLC 675 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo, NY 14212
Phone: 893-4193 (1 Block south of Broadway)
DON’T CASH YOUR CHECK ANYWHERE ELSE!!!
Maximum fee allowed by NYS Law is ONLY 1.91% — NO MORE! Examples: $100 check – our fee only $1.91 $500 check – our fee only $9.55
Never get ripped-off by an ILLEGAL Check Cashing Business AGAIN !!
Keep MORE money in your pocket~ Stop and See us TODAY!!
TAX RETURNS…Big or Small $$—We cash them ALL!!! Locally Owned & Operated
Monday ~ Saturday 9 AM to 4:30 PM
LICENSED by the Superintendent of Banks Pursuant to Article 9-A of the Banking Law