May 9, 2012 by Challenger News

2 INSIDE ROCHESTER Hanging Out With Jamal M. Moore

ass-Baritone Jamal M. Moore is looking a lot familiar to crowds these days. Moore was the recipient of the University of Rochester William Warfield Scholarship Award for the third time. The Augusta, Georgia native is graduating from the Eastman School of Music, where he is majoring in vocal performance. The 22-yearold credits his parents (Barbara Bush and John Moore and his sister, Koya Moore, 25) for his early musical beginnings. "Music is a universal language," he continues. "And no matter what you listen, you should be able to communicate with people." MARSHA According to Moore, his parents surrounded JONES him with music. "They listened to it in the form of gospel music because my mom sang in the choir," he recalls. "From there, it just kept spiraling. My father played records. Music just became the way to remember everything." In order to receive the William Warfield Scholarship, Moore had to audition in front of a juried selection of teachers by sing-

Columnist Jones and Mr. Moore

ing two songs in English and two in Italian. "I practiced for an entire year," says Moore, who originally wanted to be a drummer. "For 30-45 minutes a day. I have been involved with music since I was four and then switched to classical music at 16." Moore sings classical and pop music. So why pursue a musical career? "My parents have been very supportive of my career path. Many doors have opened as a result," he says. He can definitely say that again. These days, Moore may look familiar because he is part of the musical group, The Yellowjackets, from the University of Rochester, who appeared on the NBC hit "The Sing Off." His favorite R&B artist is John Legend, classical music baritone Bry Pursel, and classical singer Brian Stokes Mitchell of Trapper John fame. "The Sing Off has been pursuing us since last spring," he explains. "Part of the uniqueness of the show is that the groups couldn't perform any of the songs on the show without either the artist's permission or the record producer'/ company's permission. We tried out for the show on four hours of sleep and driving all night. We learned during that time how to take good care of our voices." What Moore didn't expect was the instant recognition. No matter where they went, people started recognizing the group. Moore was surprised. "People would look back at us and recognize us," says Moore, who sings pop and classical music. The support was unwavering from strangers as well as family and friends." "The University of Rochester has taught me things about myself that I didn't know existed. I have a greater appreciation of people. First of all I will always consider this home. I am a lot more mature as a man and a musician. I got to go to Kenya and saw how other people live, "he continues. "I am blessed by the fact that I have stuff. I have faced situations with a better outcome I have always been a caring person but I have learned to put others before myself. People

MAY 9, 2012

around town

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church to Celebrate 30th Anniversary Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate it’s 30th anniversary May 17-20. The celebration begins Thursday, May 17 with a nostalgia Reception at 7 p.m. in Over flow. On Friday, May 18, a gospel concert featuring Edwin Hawkins and the Zion Hill Mass Choir and other local artists will take place at 7 p.m. And on Saturday the anniversary Gala will take place in the Rochester Plaza Hotel at 6:30 p.m. Donation $45. The Close Out Celebration will be held on Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m. featuring Rev. McCarroll of Tennessee as the guest speaker. Zion Hill is located at 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way in Rochester. Rev. Dr. Richard Douglass is pastor.

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

*Film: If Dead Mums Don’t Cry, Who Should, Who Will, Who Must? May 11 at 7 p.m. A dialogue on women’s health in resource-poor settings— and what we can do about it. Admission: Your donation of $10 or a Onesie. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Ave. Rochester, (585) 5632145 *Final Program to feature LIVE JAZZ by Culture Clash: Fri., May 18, 7pm per-

formance by Dr. Atkin’s band, Culture Clash. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Ave. Rochester, (585) 563-2145 *Magnificent Africa: The Magnificent Africa exhibit is now on display at the Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Avenue, Rochester. Displayed through May, 2012. Terry Chaka is gallery manager. For more information (585)563-2145.

have seen me grow. I thought I would be an opera singer all my life, but now the doors are open and I am curious to see what happens next." You can go on www.jackets.org to get a copy of the current Yellow Jackets cd for $20.

It’s about

showing in our city!

SATURDAYS, 9 am to 1 pm

May 12: Cobbs Hill Park, Norris Dr. & Culver Rd. May 19: NE Neighborhood Service Center, 500 Norton St. FREE T-shirt, coffee, donuts and a picnic lunch!

Volunteer today! Call 311

cityofrochester.gov/cleansweep

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• MAY 9, 2012 Challenger Community News •

WNY AREA BRIEFS Off Parole and Still Catching Hell!

Jimmie “Imari” Stewart

Funeral Services Set for Singer/Songwriter Jimmie “Imari” Stewart Singer/songwriter Jimmie “Imari” Stewart died unexpectedly on Monday, May 7. According to his sister, realtor Joyce Stewart, “Imari” had only been suffering with cold symptoms in recent days. His passing came as shock to many. A former 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he was a gifted songwriter with at least 50 copyrighted songs to his credit, recorded by such greats as Stephanie Mills, Bobbie Humphrey and the Spinners. He was 63 years young. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 15 at Emmanuel Temple SDA, 300 Adams Street (corner of Peckham). Visitation will be at 11 a.m. followed by the funeral at noon.

Mayor Brown Appointed To Governor Cuomo’s Ny Works Task Force Mayor Byron W. Brown has been named one of 13 members on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s New York Works Task Force, a panel made up of leading finance, labor, planning and transportation professionals who will coordinate a statewide infrastructure plan that will more effectively allocate New York’s capital investment funding, and create thousands of jobs. Mayor Brown is the only member from Western New York.

Are You Registered to

VOTE?

On Wednesday, May 16, the We Are Women Warriors Community and Family Empowerment group will convene a seminar: “Off Parole and Still Catching Hell,” to assist members of the community who have served time in prison, are off parole but are still having a hard time getting a job, an apartment, registering to vote or even being afforded a second chance in life! Several experts from the community will be invited to sit on the panel. These individuals include George B. Alexander, former Erie County Commissioner of Probation, Karima Amin, Founder and CEO of Prisoners Are People, Too; Crystal Rodriquez-Lane, Esq.,Executive Director of the city of Buffalo’s Commission on Citizen Rights and Community Relations; Rev. Eugene Pierce, Vice-President,Erie County Community Corrections Advoisory Board, and a current Erie County Parole Officer. The meeting will be held @ the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, New York. The meeting will start promptly @ 5:30 p.m.. The general public, especially those with concerns and family members who might be helped, is invited to attend. For more information, please contact Erie County Legislature Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant @ (716) 894-0914.

Drop-In GED Class at CAO Pratt Willert Drop-In GED classes are being offered at CAO Pratt Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt Street. Classes meet every Tuesday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Transportation is available by calling 852-1671. You must be 21 yeas or older, not enrolled in a Buffalo Schools GED class at the same time, and have a 5.0 score in Reading and Math on the TABE test at orientation. Call 8887088 to register.

A Veterans Presentation Sandi Williams U.S. Army Veteran, will make a presentation on Thursday, May 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Central Library, downtown, Lafayette Square. Ms. Williams is a Dual Member of the American Legion, Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Member of the Korean War Veterans Association and Member of the American Veterans (AMVETS). Also presenting will be Russell A. Guthrie, a World War’ II United States Army Veteran who served with the 761st Tank Battalion. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Come and listen to Mr. Guthrie as he talks about his experience during the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Guthrie is a member of the American Legion. A screening of the film “The Wereth Eleven “ will also take place. “Wereth Eleven” is a documentary drama that tells the story of African American Soldiers who served with the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion during the Battle of the Bulge and an atrocity committed against a group of eleven of those soldiers.

Eva Doyle is Minnie Gillette/Joan Bozer Awardee Eva M. Doyle, community leader, activist, historian, columnist, intellectual, author and education pioneer, along with three other outstanding individuals, were honored at the 17th annual Minnie Gillette-Joan Bozer Recognition Award luncheon on Wednesday, May 9, in the Statler Dining Room at ECC’s City Campus. In addition to Mrs. Doyle, awards were presented to Donna McCartney-Henry, community activist and secretary to the Republican Party; Richard Washousky, executive vice president of Academic Affairs at Erie Community College, North Campus; and Richard Wolcott, assistant academic dean at Erie Community College, South Campus.

Poliltricks As Usual?

No more Renovations to Ralph Wilson Stadium!

By Pat Freeman

he Erie County Legislature Committee on Economic Development recently invited me to speak on the proposal of building a downtown Multi Use stadium with a retractable roof in downtown Buffalo. Many have asked me the question how did it go with the Erie County Legislature. Honestly I found them to be cordial but I sensed that their reactions to this proposal were caught up in Politics, and lacked the passion for a subject that could change the economic landscape of an area so desperately in need of a game changing idea. The other puzzling component to me is why so many of our elected officials are going against the grain of the obvious will of the majority of its citizenry that they have taken an oath to serve. This statement is backed by three separate random sample polls which the question was asked in each: Which do you favor Renovating Ralph Wilson StadiPat Freeman addresses the um Or Building a new stadium Legislature’s Economic Development Committee. Also ad- in downtown Buffalo *According to The Buffalo dressing the lawmakers to press for the construction of a new Bullet Blog Poll their results stadium was fomer State Sema- were 87% for the new stadium tor Antoine Thompson, Richard and 12% would rather see Ralph Clark and Bernard Tolbert. PHOWilson Stadium renovated. TO PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPAHY Sample 41 people. *Wufoam.com random Poll was 76.1% for the downtown Stadium, and 23.8% for renovating Ralph Wilson Stadium. *Buffalorumblings.com poll showed 55% for the downtown stadium, and 44% for renovating Ralph Wilson Stadium from a random sample of 1328 participants. So the question must be asked if three random samplings clearly show a majority of those that participated in favor of a downtown facility then where is the passion on this subject from some of our electorate. I’m somewhat confused by this defiance to a pretty clearly painted picture of a sample of Erie county citizens, which all an election really is any way you know. Election results are nothing but a random sampling of citizens who decided to exercise their constitutional right. No election represents all of the views of its citizens but only those that decided to express that view during a lawful mandated time frame. What I’m finding from some of our elected officials as I’ve made the case for a new downtown stadium is a scary lethargic sense of I’ll do whatever I want to do despite what is in the best interest of the people, or what they desire. I’m sorry I watch the body language of who I’m presenting to from my upbringing in the church. If the preacher says something you like you’re suppose to say amen,” Continued Page 13

Vendor Registration Juneteenth Festival, Inc. is now accepting applications forthe 37th annual Juneteenth 2012 (June 16 and 17). Applications received after May 13 may be accepted at the sole discretion of Juneteenth Festival, Inc. All applications are subject to approval by the Concessions Committee. Also note that Juneteenth Festival, Inc. retains exclusive rights to the sale of sno-cones and french fries.For more information call 891-8801 or email www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com

Ziyadah H. Uqdah is Concessions Chairperson Parade Registration Paade registration fee of $50.00 for each group participating and application must be received No later than May 16.Rhonda Turner is Parade Chairperson. For application and more iformation call (716) 891-8801 or email www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com

Volunteers Needed Volunteers are needed in the following areas for Juneteenth 2012. • 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• Juneteenth Street Team. Please call (716) 891-8801.

Former State Senator Thompson (left) also addressed the Legislature as did Mr. Clark (3rd from left standing) and Mr. Tolbert (5th from left standing) pictured with supporters who attended the hearing.

4 National/International NEWS Cornel West Calls Barack NAACP Launches Historic “This is My Vote” Voter Obama ‘A Disastrous Trayvon Martin Update Response To A Catastrophe’ Registration and Education Campaign MAY 9, 2012

Local NAACP President Frank Mesiah says the Buffalo chapter will be involved and is gearing up for the get out the vote campaign. One of the initiatives he said, will be to go into the jails to register inmates. He has already requested permission from Sheriff Howard to conduct such an effort. “We’re going to do whatever we can to get people registered to vote” he told The Challenger.

By Marvin Randolph NAACP Senior Vice President for Campaigns

he 2008 U.S. Presidential election brought us not only a historic election but also record participation of minority voters. More than two million more African American voters and an additional two million Latino voters cast ballots than had done so in the previous presidential election cycle in 2004. For the very first time, African-American women had the highest turnout rate of any racial, ethnic or gender group, and voting among younger African American voters jumped by more than 17 percent. Such high levels of civic participation in the melting pot of America are, no doubt, cause for celebration. But 2008’s record turnout also triggered a backlash, which will severely hinder access to the ballot in several states this year. In 2011, at least 34 states introduced legislation or policies that will cause suppression in voter turnout. Thus far, 14 states have passed such laws and presently nearly 10 other states have similar laws pending, according to non-partisan Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s School of Law. Proponents of the laws cite no recent illegal voting epidemic but claim the laws are in response to voter fraud, which is virtually non-existent in the U.S. And, of course, there are criminal penalties to deal with anyone who would violate the laws on the books. The new restrictions attack ballot access by requiring photo IDs to vote, curtailing early voting windows, stripping the formerly incarcerated--men and women who have served their debt to society-- of the right to vote and purging voters rolls, often with thousands of errors. Approximately 21 million Americans don’t have a government-issued photo ID, including 25 percent of votingaged African-Americans. This is not the first time politicians have curtailed minority voting access. Similar restrictive laws were passed as a response to the passage of the 15th Amendment granting ex-slaves the right to vote. On both occasions, these types of laws had the same result: Continued Page 13

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The Huffington Post recently caught up with Cornel West, the famed civil rights activist and scholar, who shared his thoughts on the 2012 presidential election and recent U.S. foreign policy. When asked his opinion of President Barack Obama’s first term thus far, West said the current commander-inchief is “much much better than Mitt Romney” but the rest of his assessment wasn’t exactly glowing. “Mitt Romney is a catastrophic response to a catastrophe, whereas Obama is a disastrous response to a catastrophe. Is disaster better than catastrophe? Yes it is. I wish we had a third candidate who could actually do something, but we don’t at the moment,” West said. The Princeton University professor was equally harsh in his critique of U.S. foreign policy. Regarding the White House’s overseas drone campaign, West said, “The Obama administration is involved in some very ugly killing of innocent people.” “The drones with the bombs killing innocent civilians needs to be taken very very seriously,” West said. “You can’t hide and conceal that. So when I think of foreign policy, I connect the drones on the one hand to the corruption and incompetence and inefficiency of the Karzai regime. “So I have a very very deep disagreement with the kind of U.S. foreign policy at the moment that Barack Obama is promoting,” West added. The noted pundit also shared why he wouldn’t be interested in serving as president and gave a stinging appraisal of the “neo-liberals who are running things right now.”

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Zimmerman waives his right to a speedy trial

George Zimmerman’s attorney filed motions to waive his client’s right to a speedy trial and to request more time to ready a defense, The Orlando Sentinel reports. Zimmerman would have been guaranteed a trial within six months if he hadn’t waived that right. Now, it’s unclear when the trial will begin. Zimmerman, who is accused of second-degree murder in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, did not appear at his arraignment on Tuesday afternoon, where the judge set his next court date for August 8. Zimmerman has already entered a not guilty plea, and was released on bail two weeks ago. His defense team says he was acting in self defense when he shot Martin.

Zimmerman Changes His Story Again: Strange New Claim - Trayvon Martin Circled My Car

(NEWSER) – There’s a new wrinkle in George Zimmerman’s version of the night of Trayvon Martin’s death. Zimmerman has been telling investigators that while he was on the phone with police, Martin was circling his car menacingly on foot—so menacingly that Zimmerman rolled up his window “to avoid a confrontation,” a source tells the Orlando Sentinel. The source says Zimmerman isn’t changing his story; he’s said this in every statement to police.But, as the paper points out, Zimmerman doesn’t mention this strange behavior to the dispatcher. That’s not the only inconsistency, either: According to the source, Zimmerman told police that Martin held his hand over Zimmerman’s mouth—which would seemingly contradict his assertion that the cries for help heard on the 911 call were his own. “It’s either one or the other, it can’t be both,” an attorney for Martin’s family said.

‘Stand Your Ground’ Panel Meets, Promises Fair Investigation

The task force empaneled by Florida Governor Rick Scott called to look into the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which has come under fire in the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin shooting, had its first meeting recently.Florida’s statute and similar measures in other states have become especially controversial in the wake of the killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager who was shot and killed in an altercation with a neighborhood watch member. Under the statute, the shooter, George Zimmerman, may have standing for a self-defense claim. Florida state lawmakers say that “Stand Your Ground” needs clarifying. “You have prostitutes shooting their johns and availing themselves to this law,” said State Sen. Chris Smith. “You have gang members having shootouts and availing themselves of this law. You have people chasing someone a block down the street stabbing someone to death and availing themselves of this law. I think those points need to be clarified.” But the 19-member panel, led by Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, the first African American elected statewide in Florida, has been criticized for its makeup.“Though on face [sic] you have selected a mixed group, in reality the lawmakers chosen for this task force all represent a singular viewpoint, having all voted [for] and/or co-sponsored the bill that would become the ‘Stand Your Ground’ statute,” State Rep. Dwight Bullard of Miami wrote to Scott.

Man Has 21 Children Zimmerman’s MySpace Stereotypes Mexicans On an old MySpace page belonging to George Zimmerman, the With 11 mothers man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin and is charged with Desmond Hatchett, 29, has almost two dozen children by 11 different women, unfortunately his minimum wage job doesn’t allow him to take care of them all, reports Tampa Bay News. His 21 children range in age from newborn to 11 and Hatchett holds court as the biggest deadbeat at the Knox County Juvenile Child Support Court in Tennessee.

his murder, makes disparaging comments about Mexicans and details his response to a criminal case against him in 2005. The page was first made public by the Miami Herald. Zimmerman’s lawyer, Mark O’Mara, confirmed that the page is George Zimmerman’s MySpace, but has been unused for years. Photos on Zimmerman’s MySpace page show Zimmerman, who calls himself “Joe G.,” with groups of friends. In his biographical blurb, he discusses things he doesn’t miss about his former home in Manassas, Virginia: “I dont miss driving around scared to hit mexicans walkin on the side of the street, soft ass wanna be thugs messin with peoples cars when they aint around (what are you provin, that you can dent a car when no ones watchin) dont make you a man in my book. Workin 96 hours to get a decent pay check, gettin knifes pulled on you by every mexican you run into!”

MAY 9, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Ellicott-Masten YMCA Holds Diabetes Screening

Dental Health

Catholic Health System will be offering a FREE diabetes screening at the Ellicott-Masten Family Branch YMCA (585 William Street). This event, which will take place on Wednesday, May 30 will provide free diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings to the community. The screenings will take place from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. For more information please contact the Ellicott-Masten Family YMCA at 845-5440.

Don’t You Deserve a Beautiful Healthy Smile?

TRANSFER DAY continued from page 12 even live in our communities would strategically maneuver themselves into position to snatch up all the teaching jobs, and write laws that keep us from teaching our own children. When did it become necessary to suspend 5 year olds, or have them arrested and put into handcuffs? When did schools start suspending upwards of 2,000 children each month, and for frivolous things like wandering the hallways? How did we allow all of the vocational training (electronics, auto mechanics) to be ripped from city schools and hoarded in Suburbia? It all happened while we were sleeping, trusting, and distracted, trying to eke out a living for our families. It’s time to wake up now. The rumbling and shaking that you hear is the advancing of parents, awake and aware, armed with a vision of excellence for our children – all of them. It’s the breaking down of the walls that separate the chosen from the undesirables, and the infusing of the notion that all of them are excellent, and deserving of the same life chances. It’s the unconditional rejection of a diabolical two-tiered system that keeps the rich, rich, and the poor, poor. –And, unfortunately, it’s the screaming of those who have been used as the buffer zone. Those parents who have savored the notion that yes, their children are actually better than others will now kick into action as that idea is challenged. “Why would you want to mess up City Honors?” “Why would you want to mess up schools that are working?” Because all of the schools should be working. If all parents would unite on behalf of all children, all of the schools would be working. They would all be the “City’s Honors.” The challenge is before us to heal the core insecurities driving the need to believe we’re better, smarter, more talented and more deserving than somebody else. The challenge is before us to defy the lie that the resources of the universe are finite, and replace it with the knowing that a mindset of abundance will yield abundance – for all of us. We’ll go from fighting over jobs to creating them. We’ll go from preying on other communities to living with mutual respect and teeming productivity. Buffalo can be a model for more than negative stats. It can be a shining jewel of a community that came together – for its children. First Step: Exodus!

s summer weather rolls around, so do the echoes of a New Year’s resolutions of selfimprovement. I’m going to eat healthier, go to the gym and take better care of myself. Sound familiar. What about your smile? A beautiful healthy smile is the first thing people notice when you walk into a room. No wonder athome whitening products are so popular. Which one do you choose? Is it the most expensive, the best commercial, the one on sale?

(For more information, contact the Millions More Movement at (716) 819-6732).

HEALTH MATTERS

Health Collective May Meeting

By Dr.E. Megna

The easiest place to start is whitening toothpaste. Along with good oral hygiene whitening toothpastes can keep your smile bright and healthy. But what if you want to lighten your teeth a little more dramatically? There are many products on the shelves of your local drugstore that claim to be as effective as a dentist’s at getting you to that bright white smile that you desire. Over the counter whitening systems do in fact have the same ingredients that your dentist would prescribe, but at a much lower concentration. Since it has to be one-size-fitsall, there can be issues with sensitivity and irritation of the gums. If you are really serious about brightening your smile, your local dentist is your best bet. Only a dentist can use prescription strength products to give you the bright smile you desire in the shortest amount of time. Because you will be under professional care, irritation and sensitivity issues are less likely to be an issue. The fact is that once under the care of a dentist, your smile will not only be beautiful but it will be healthy too. Pick up the phone, now is the time to call your dentist and schedule a visit. Author Ashleigh Sebro, 3rd year student at University of Buffalo School of Dentistry and member of the Future Dentists Mentoring Committee, presently recruiting minority high school and college students interested in a career in dentistry. Contact information, Dr. Megna, elayn24@ gmail.com EAT TO LIVE!

From Left: Community Health Center COO Mark Golden, Congressman Brian Higgins and Commuity Health Center CEO Dr. LaVonne Ansari.

$5 Million Awarded to Community Health Center of Buffalo Congressman Brian Higgins has announced that Community Health Center of Buffalo (CHCB) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services as part of their Capital Development – Building Capacity program. They will use this funding to expand their facility in Niagara Falls adjacent to the Memorial Medical Center. “Community health centers like the Community Health Center of Buffalo are a vital source of affordable care and preventative services,” said Congressman Higgins who toured the facility May 1. “This grant will allow them to expand their services to care for more Western New Yorkers, and also support good paying jobs in our community.” CHCB began serving Buffalo’s East side in 1999 and is one of only three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Western New York. In September of 2010 they opened a satellite location in Niagara Falls. Combined, the sites served more than 11,000 patients in 2010. The federal grant will allow CHCB to construct a new facility next to the hospital to address the unmet needs of patients in the area. The site, scheduled for opening in late 2013, is expected to serve 6,000 new patients and 18,000 visits. “Through our satellite site we have witnessed a real need for expanded health care services in the greater Niagara Falls area,” said Dr. LaVonne Ansari, CEO & Executive Director of Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. “Construction of the Community Health Center of Niagara Falls is a great opportunity to provide individuals and families with permanent access to high quality, comprehensive primary care right in their neighborhood.” Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster added, “This Health and Human Services grant is great news for the City of Niagara Falls and I want to take this opportunity to thank Congressman Higgins for his work in securing these funds. The Community Health Center of Buffalo facility, located here in our city, is a good neighbor and a valued member of our health care infrastructure, bringing preventive and primary care services to the people who need it most in the place where they live and work.”

The Holistic Health Collective will meet on Sunday, May 20 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. We invite those who enjoyed our juicing workshop and garden planting workshop and others, to join our collective. Our group is working on our personal health and community health, using holistic and natural practices and is open to the public. For more information call Arzeymah Raqib at 239-7238.

Obesity on the Rise

About 32 million more Americans will become obese by 2030, upping obesity rates to 42 percent of the U.S. population, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report also predicts that the proportion of Americans who are severely obese, meaning more than 100 pounds overweight, will reach 11 percent, about double the current rate.

Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; Dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible Is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding Is a disciple of life. The hard and stiff will be broken. The soft and supple will prevail.

2012

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Mother’s & Daughter’s Day Tea The Women’s Guild of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 26 Brunswick Blvd. will be sponsoring their Bi-Annual Mother’s/Daughter’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 pm. The afternoon is designed for mothers and daughters to enjoy a few hours of fun and relaxation together. Donation is $15. For tickets call the church office (716) 885-1108.

FAITH BASED

“A Mother’s Day Variety Show with a Feast”

Pastor Albert Wilson and Redeem Catering Presents “A Mother’s Day Variety Show with a Feast” featuring, Brothers in Christ, Day Star, Breanna and Friends, Daughters of Royalty, Tavaris Martin, Fashion show at New Kings of Harmony Greater Royal Church (banquet hall), 1335 Clinton St. (cor. Baitz) Sunday, May 13, at 4:30 p.m. MC Brother Sonny Means from WUFO 1080. Adults $30; at the door $37; couples $55. We are honoring our Mothers and Grandmothers. There will be door prizes, roses and plenty of delicious food. Hurry while tickets are still available. For more information and tickets call 818-4978 or 318-0491; N. Burney 893-0088; Pastor J. Mustafa, 563-2402. Tickets are also available at Doris Records 286 E. Ferry St.

Sacred Sites Open House

On May 19 and 20, Blessed Trinity Church at 317 Leroy Ave., will throw open its doors for free tours as part of the Second Annual Sacred Sites Open House being observed by churches across the state. Tours will be given on Saturday, May 19 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM (before 4:30 Mass) and on Sunday, May 20 from 12 noon - 2:00 PM (after 10:00 Mass). The public is invited

• MAY 9 , 2012 Challenger Community News •

Will You be that Apostle or Disciple that Jesus is Looking for? Orchard Park, NY – Revival Fires of the EndTimes Ministries, Inc. will present Pentecost Experience at the Tabernacle, Sunday, June 3 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Tabernacle, 3210 Southwestern Blvd. in Orchard Park. All are invited to participate in the unique event featuring several speakers. Bishop and Pastor Tommy Reid will offer an “Impartation and Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” NFL football star Demeris Johnson (Miami Dolphins/Buffalo Bills) will discuss “Growth and Transformation” and Dr. Ronald D. Anton, law professor, author, lecturer and TV host will present the “Love of God.” Terri Giuliani will discuss “Revival Fires of the End Times” and encourages individuals and families to “come and spend a Sunday afternoon with us at the Upper Room and be renewed by the Fires of the Holy Spirit.” Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Call the ministry @ 716-245-0200 to reserve a seat.

ChallengerCN.com

• MAY 9, 2012 Challenger Community News •

WUFO Pre-Mother’s Day Luncheon WUFO Mix 1080 AM presents the Pre-Mother’s Day Luncheon featuring Buffalo Best Contest Winners Lewis Banks, Alfrieda Richardson and Latosha Payton as musical guests. The luncheon will be held on Saturday May 12, 2012 at Templeton Landing located at 2 Templeton Terrace from 11am-2pm. The luncheon will feature powerful guest speaker Michelle Taylor from hit WUFO show My Saving Taylor. As part of the occasion, WUFO also hosts a small fashion show featuring area merchants showcasing, men, women, and children attire.

Free GED, College Prep Classes at Coldspring COGIC Jesus Free GED or College Prep classes are being offered at Coldspring Church of God in Christ Jesus, 107 Verplank Street Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m.

Tye Tribbett

Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett is Mt. Zion Baptist Church Youth/Young Adult Revival Guest Speaker Mt. Zion Baptist Church Young Adult Spiritual Growth Ministry will sponsor the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Youth/Young Adult Revival entitled “Rebuild Me” on Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10, at 7p.m. nightly on the church grounds at 1334 Calumet Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Tye Tribbett an internationally known gospel recording artist will be the guest speaker for the Friday night revival. Also featured at the revival will be God’s Purchase, Reign, Rodney “JWho” Williams and more! Allen Cowart is the program chairman for this awesome two day gathering. Reverend Timothy J. Brown Sr. is the senior pastor. The revival is free and open to the public. For more information please contact (716) 282-3655.

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ENTERTAINMENT on stage

*Saturday, June 9th Diaab Entertainment Presents Lalah Hathaway 7:30 pm & 10 pm Shows. $45 Advance | $49 Day of Show Tickets on sale at Walmart, Doris Records, & The Tralf Box Office. Charge by phone: 1-800-7453000 716-852-2860 “Her name is legendary. Her music is timeless. Her lyrics touch you at the core. Her voice possesses rich warmth that soothes your ears and holds you close.” *Madea Gets A Job: Starring Tyler Perry, First Niagara Center, Thursday, May 17, 7:30 pm. Tickets on sale at the Box Office; Charge by phone at 888-223-6000; www.tickets.com or www.tylerperry.com *Jewish Repertory Theatre presents Driving Miss Daisy, now thru May 27, starring Sheila McCarthy, Laverne Clay & Stan Klimecko; 888718-4253 for tickets and info www. jewishrepertorytheatre.com

*Ujima Presents: The Scavenger’s Daughter written and directed by Gary Earl Ross May 4 – 27 TheaterLoft • 545 Elmwood Ave. Thurs., Fri., Sat. @ 8pm • Sun. @ 6pm • $25 general • $20 seniors • $15 students SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR ELDER CARE WORKERS - $20 Reservations call Box Office 883-0380 • Subscriptions & Group rates call Administration 883-4232 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: www.ujimatheatre.org OR http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/244270 *Anchor Bar, each Friday night @ 9PM The Jazz Example; Darryl Washington on drums; Greg Piontek on bass; Doug Gaston on Piano, Band Leader Bilal Abdullah on Tenor Sax; and vocalist Lady Lita. *Talib Kweli, Thursday, May 31, The Tralf.

MAY 9, 2012

The Play: “Three Sistahs”: May 4-27, on Stage @ Paul Robeson Theatre, Sunday, May 13 @ 6 p.m., Soul Food Dinner @ 4 p.m.; $45 per person; $25 children 4-12; Featuring Voices Of Mary Craig, Annette Christian, Falisha Young. 884-2013 for tiackets and more information.

Love Supreme School of Music Summer Recital The Love Supreme School of Music Summer Recital will be held Saturday June 2, at 3pm, Durham Memorial Community Center, 200 East Eagle Street. Reverend George C. Woodruff is Pastor of Durham Memorial AME Zion Church, donation is $10. For more information contact Pappy Martin 228-5307.

See You at t he Events!

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Oprah’s OWN Network Struggling Financially

Oprah is reportedly facing some steep financial headwinds as she tries to turn her struggling cable network around. One of her mistakes might be the apparently vast sums of money that OWN has bled through since its inception. Bloomberg Businessweek reported last week that the network may have lost a whopping $330 million since it began in 2008. An analyst told the magazine that it was the most "successful failure in television today." While Oprah does not have a personal financial stake in the company, it is still undoubtedly a black eye for her.

MAY 9, 2012

Samuel L. Jackson has Important Role in ‘The Avengers’: Box Office Record Set

AROUND TOWN Marnetta Malcolm *Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day!)…Mint Condition … The Tralf &pm Tickets $50 at Tralf box office…more info tralfmusichall.com

f the economy is still in trouble, you wouldn’t know by looking at the box office results of “The Avengers.” It seems everybody in America turned out for it’s opening weekend. The Marvel Comics/Studios film (distributed by Disney), opened to an incredible $200.3 million(!) at the US box office. That’s the largest debut ever. Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) is what one might call the HMIC (Head Man in Charge) for “The Avengers” team that consists of Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Mark Ruffalo (The Incredible Hulk), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow). In addition to calling the shots at S.H.I.E.L.D., he “has some interesting toys to play with,” Jackson beams. In one of the most anticipated films ever, superhero diehards will not be disappointed. Not only does Jackson help save the world and there isn’t a dull moment while he’s doing it. It was Jackson’s imminent words at the end of the credits of 2008’s “Iron Man” that let audiences know Marvel’s superheroes would be suiting up for an awesome display of fortitude and fun. Jackson, with over 100 movies under his belt—has gained the Guinness World Records title of “highest-grossing film actor” and is responsible for $7.4 billion in sales. Box office pull aside, this is not

Thursday, May 17 Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea Gets A Job’….. First Niagara Center (HSBC Arena) One Big Show… 7:30pm….ticket on sale at First Niagara box office, tickets.com and charge by phone 888-223-6000 the first time Jackson has been drawn to superhero or crime buster roles. In “The Incredibles” he was Lucius Best/Frozone and he headed a “S.W.A.T” team that also starred Jeremy Renner. Nick Fury at times plays by his own rules, relying on personal instincts. There might be some occasional similarities to his character, Jackson says. “I’ve bent a few rules in my life. I understand the rules of the world I live in. Joss Whedon (Director) set up the standard of what this particular [circumstance] was. It’s an ordinary world that has extraordinary people in it. So you try and live by or react to situations according to those rules.” Fury is a superhero in his own right, but if Jackson had to choose an Avenger he could embody, it would it be The Hulk. “It would probably be the Hulk,” he says, “so I could kind of lose it every now and then, just kind of blow it all out and tear some stuff up. And then be OK.”

Friday, June 8 “Beautiful in Black” Boat Ride….Miss Buffalo II…Put on your favorite black outfit and Join me , DJ Papa Trini and our friends for a boat ride to remember…. food from 6 til 7pm boarding at 7:30pm….call 892-1377 for $30 tickets…

Mother Daughter Sister Friend Tea Social: Sunday, June 24 from 2-4 p.m., donation $30 per person; $100 per family table of four; with the BPO Quartet featuring Sal Anodina.

Friday, June 8th “Beautiful in Black” Boat Ride….Miss Buffalo II…Put on your favorite black outfit and Join me , DJ Papa Trini and our friends for a boat ride to remember…. food from 6 til 7pm boarding at 7:30pm….call 892-1377 for $30 tickets… Saturday, May 19th “Soul Bowl” …Kerns Bowling Center …163 Kerns Ave….presented by The National Black MBA Assoc WNY Chapter…. bowl and with legendary DJ Stoney….come dressed in your favorite outfit from the 70’s and 80’s….donation $20…benefiting youth leadership programs Wednesday, May 9th…Talent’s Birthday Comedy Jam… The Tralf…Starring Tommy Davidson…featuring comedians Joe Claire, Thea and Bro Man, two shows 7:30 & 10pm tickets at Doris Records, Ticketmaster and The Tralf box office …

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

GENERATIONS

Positive Profile: Lynae Jones

ynae Jones is a woman with integrity, grace and intelligence who lives by the motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste!” With a strong will to succeed in whatever task is at hand, Lynae has attended Buffalo’s elite schools which include Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts whee she majored in music. While at Performing Arts Lynae was a foreign exchange student traveling to, Berlin, Germany and the Netherlands where she learned to adapt to different cultures and new ways of life. After graduating from Performing Arts she was accepted to Canisius College where her academic excellence continued to grow. Maintaining a 3.5 GPA throughout her college career, Lynae received a Bachelor’s Degree in 2005 with a dual major in Psychology, Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Psychology. She will be receiving her Masters of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling from Canisius College on May 16 graduating with a 4.0! The road to success was not an easy journey and had many bumps and obstacles along the way but she was always determined to succeed and strive for her dreams. Lynae wants people to know that, just because you grow-up in a certain place does not mean that you have to be a “product” of your environment. There is always a way out and education was her way. Never did she let anyone tell her that she could not do what she set out to do. Having a huge family support system was a major factor in keeps her grounded. Having people that are truly genuine, caring about her and behind her made this journey that much more fulfilling. Lynae is presently employed as Director of Social Services, at a Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center here in Buffalo. Deborah Parker Childs of Buffalo and Frank Derr Jr. of Paducah, Kentucky are her proud parents. Lynae is a Buffalo diva! This means that she has accomplished the goals she set for herself, knowing that none of this would have been possible if it was not for her belief in God. “Through God, all things are possible.” Congratulations! We love you! (Submitted by her mom)

Starr Valentino: Former Buffalonian, Multitalented Artist, to be Honored Here Starr Valentino, a former Buffalonian presently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, will be honored with a proclamation by Council Member David Franczyk on Tuesday, May 15 at City Hall. Starr, a multi-talented artist, is being recognized for founding ‘Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day.” Said Starr: “It’s a day that brings all people of all ages, cultures, races and religions together to do acts of love and kindness.” May 16 will mark the official Day for the City of Buffalo and State of New York. “I am honored that the city I was born and raised in is acknowledging this day as an official day,” he stated. Valentino’s accomplishments do not stop in Buffalo. He has been honored for his creation of this special day by the Atlanta City Council , Springfield Oregon and Washington, D.C. He has petitioned the Congress and the president of the United States to honor “Do something Good For Your Neighbor Day” as a national holiday. Starr Valen-

Big Sister Highlight:

ReNika Dixon

MAY 9, 2012

Volunteer Involvement: ReNika and her Little Sister, Taetyana, have been matched for almost one year and meet once a week at a local school to play games, work on homework, participate in craft activities or just spend time talking about their day. These two are also theatrical and enjoy re-enacting movie scenes with other Bigs and Littles in the program! Since their first meeting, ReNika has seen Taetyana transition from rather shy and reserved to a very out-going, self-confident girl.

On Being A Big Sister: “The beauty of the program is that I am not only encouraging and supporting her, but I also receive inspiration and encouragement from my Little Sister. I am so appreciative of the opportunity.” Personal Profile: When ReNika is not spending time with her Little Sister, she is a very busy sophomore at Canisius College where she is majoring in psychology and premedicine. She is also involved with several student organizations including the AfroAmerican Society and Society of Pre-Health Professionals.

Start Something Big! Become a Big Brother or Big Sister www.bigmirror.org | (716) 873-5833

Starr Valentino

tino is the nephew of columnist/educator/historian/author Eva Doyle.

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

IN LOVING MEMORY: In Loving memory of Justin “Ju-ice” Varner, a memorial picnic will be held o /Sunday nay 13 from 4-8 p.m. in Martin Luther King Park at all three shelters. There will be food, fun, music and a bounce house for the kids! Come celebrate with us, the life of Justin (5/13/81-10/3/08).

Are You Registered to Vote?

MAY 9, 2012

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

Buffalo’s Black Leaders: Where Are They Now? Dear Editor: Having recently listened to news reports and reading articles regarding the recent disturbing racist actions that have been taking place in the Lovejoy District of the City and the total lack of response or action by our so called colored leaders, I have found myself asking, “Where are they now?” Having been blessed to live, work and now being retired some 70 plus years, most of them in Buffalo, I am able to recall my late pastor, Rev. B. W. Smith, Rev. A.C. Ware, Rev. L.T. Boyce, Legislator Minnie Gillette, Daniel Acker and list goes on. These were strong Black people with principles, people who stood up against injustice in this city whenever and where ever it reared its ugly head. These were people who did what was right, when it was right and could not be purchased for 15 pieces of silver to keep their mouths shut. Where are they today? Today were are surrounded by what seems to me as “wannaabe’s,” that is, people who want to be perceived as important, people who want to be perceived as doing something, people who want to be perceived as caring about us, when all they really care about is themselves. There was more public outcry concerning the Travon Martin matter, taking place thousands of miles away from here, than what is going on in Lovejoy, or other parts of the city where we are losing our grandsons and sons on a daily basis. Hoodies for Travon but not a peep for Buffalo citizens. Where are they now? Strong clergy, honest not “bought” politicians and true community leaders? Well it unfortunately appears that they certainly no longer reside in Buffalo. Etta Daniels

Prison: The New Jim Crow By Gregory Fisher The old quote is that you can judge a country by the way it treats its prisoners, here in the United States there are a great many prisoners to judge from. The prison system has grown so huge it seems to touch the lives of every family, more so when that family reaches close toward the poverty line. The “war on drugs” was a tactic tossed on top of America’s “Get tough on crime “strategy and has ballooned the “prison pie” to a thriving multibillion dollar industry equal to the national debt of Spain, Portugal and Belgium combined. There has always been something a great deal more insidious breathing in the shadows of what is displayed to Americans as mere public safety. It is a system that takes an exconvict and creates a “subcitizen,” one who is without many basic rights, both human and constitutional. While we were waiting to see

if they will perform surgery on health care, our staunchly Conservative Supreme Court allowed strip searching for all arrest able infractions, tie this to archaic drug laws that in the past have crippled communities and there is an unprecedented expansion of men and women who are deprived of housing, social services, employment, medical care and above all else the right to vote. All this adds a veneer of legitimacy to what we have known as Jim Crow, coining the new sobriquet Mr. James Crow the Second, Esquire At this very moment eleven or more states are in an attempt to pass new voting laws. These new laws will make it necessary to show forms of identification before exercising our right to vote, identification which will cost upward of $25 to $50 dollars. Money people would rather spend on food or housing. Should they be able

EDITORIAL

Unhappy With Rumore’s Stand.. Dear Editor:

On observing the controversy involving the Buffalo Teachers Federation, the Buffalo District and State Education Department on a teachers evaluation plan , it makes you wonder, “how can this be that difficult?” All of the unions and school districts in New York State have agreed on the State Education Department’s teacher evaluation plan except the Buffalo Teachers Federation led by president Philip Rumore. State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. gave the Buffalo Teachers union president more than enough time to sign the district-wide teachers evaluation plan, and he balked. Rumore, at the 11th hour, attempted to present side issues as a smokescreen to cover his obstinacy. As a former union official, I consider president Rumore an embrassment to the cause of unionism. To stand on no compromise is anti-union. Especially when our children’s future is being toyed with. My observation is that Mr. Rumore is unable to interact with men in general and Black men in particular. A brief history seems to bear that out; former superintendents, James Harris, James Williams, state Education Commissioner John B. King Jr., and Parents Council President Sam Radford. Philip Rumore’s stubborn, defiant behavior is gleefully pronounced. -Roy St. Clair

Continued Page 12

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

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Transfer Day: Power To the Parents!

n June of this year, parents in the majority of our city’s schools, which are designated as Persistently Low Achieving, will be executing a mass exodus from those buildings. We’ll be exercising our federally constituted right to withdraw our children from schools that are locked in persistent failure. (The exact date for the transfers will be announced after state assessment results are available). According to federal law, the school district must – not should, not might, but must find space or create space in schools that are in good standing for every child who wants a placement Why don’t we know this? Because there are those whose job it is to make sure we don’t. You’ll hear an advertisement for school choice, but when you go to transfer your child, the response will be that there’s no space in that building. You won’t be told that the school is required to make space. You’ll get a letter informing you that you can transfer, but it will say that you can’t apply to “criteria based” schools (like City Honors). Lies, all lies. If you want your child to go to City Honors, he or she will have to pass the placement test, but you cannot be denied a seat. That’s the law…Federal law, which trumps state law every time. The decision to make the exodus has certainly been spurred by an intractable Sabirah teachers union, which continues to refuse to be evaluated in order to get tens of Muhammad millions of dollars into those beleaguered buildings. For the first year that we lost funding, the reason was because they refused to move principals. The next year, they refused to move teachers. This year, they insisted on a clause exempting them from being evaluated for students who are not in the classroom 80% of the time. When the administration finally gave in to that demand, they insisted on only being evaluated on the performance of students who were in the classroom 100% of the time. The latest is that an agreement has been reached on that issue, but now the union is insisting on a different evaluative process for English Language Learners (ELL) and those in Special Education. This may sound like a legitimate concern, but given its place in the complaint continuum, it’s really quite suspect. If it’s a legitimate concern now, it was 3 years ago – so why are we just now hearing it? Moreover, while all other districts presumably have the same concern, Buffalo is the only district in the entire state to refuse to sign the evaluation agreement. The Mass Transfer Day is our unapologetic response to the decision to keep our children trapped in a never- ending cycle of poverty and failure. Interim Superintendent Amber Dixon added insult to injury recently, with the claim that more parents don’t transfer their children because we’re satisfied with our children’s schools. Imagine! We’re satisfied that 75% of our boys never graduate! Satisfied…that less than 50% of our children graduate overall…year after year, after year! More likely, parents don’t transfer because we haven’t known our rights, and not accidentally. We really do need a scorecard to keep up with the daily developments in the effort to secure a quality education for all of our children. Rest assured, however, that the battle is raging. Let’s stay right here: “a quality education for all of our children.” You see, the most insidious part of the structure of the Buffalo Public School System is just that – its structure. It’s designed to be unequal, and to get precisely the results that we’re seeing. Let’s digress slightly to make the point. Of 400 students who started at East High School, 180 have made it to their senior year, and only 30 of those will graduate in June. Those kinds of results. In the same school system, however, we have Tapestry Charter, City Honors, Hutch Tech, Olmstead and other schools with near 100% graduation rates. How is that possible? Obviously, somebody in this school system knows how to educate, and very well. Nowhere else in the country can we find a “City Honors School.” How arrogant, how preposterous is the notion that children should be ostensibly separated into the smart groups and the dumb groups, and kept warily apart so that one group doesn’t contaminate the other? How blatantly wicked… to confine the majority of children to the dregs of penitentiary bound holding pens, and make clear to those children their contemptuous inferiority with the very name of the school! “City Honors.” Only the special people can go here. How cruel is it to set up a lottery system, where thousands of children are competing for 5 available seats in their grade level! -And how heartbreaking – to watch the inevitable tears and debilitating rejection. What kind of parents would tolerate their children being treated like this? Obviously, we have. We have made assumptions about what’s going on in these schools, not realizing that the last time we were in one was when we attended them ourselves. It might not ever occur to us that our children’s schools would devolve into warzones where those who do not Continued Page 5

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“Small Business Week” Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was recently joined by Franklin Sciortino, Buffalo District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, in proclaiming “Small Business Week” in Erie County. A celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic that small business owners embody, Small Business Week will be observed from May 7 – 11, 2012. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and I believe the key to our economic resurgence here in Buffalo and Erie County,” said Poloncarz. “A top priority of my administration is to promote job creation and economic development; as such, I am working to do all I can to ensure our small businesses not only survive but thrive.” “Small businesses are the engines that drive our economy,” added Sciortino. “Nationally, they employ tens of millions of people, not only creating new jobs but retaining jobs as well. Small business owners represent a proud tradition of private enterprise, which we are celebrating this week.” Every year since 1963, National Small Business Week has recognized the contributions that small businesses make to our economy. On Wednesday, May 9th, the 20th Annual Small Business Match Maker Awards Luncheon Expo will be held from 7:00am – 3:00pm at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The event will include business matchmaking for small and minorityowned businesses to connect with government agencies and prime contractors; a day-long business-to-business expo by the area’s top companies; and a luncheon honoring outstanding small businesses.

PRISON continued

to pass such laws the impact on the next presidential election will be a strong one, further disenfranchising the poor and middle class. This way big wigs and fat cats, like the one running for President and those backing him will be able to continue looting America. Jim Crow may be wearing a new suit, but my father always told me, “… you can put a tuxedo on a hog, but it’s still a hog.”

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ATTORNEYS

CHILD CARE

James P. Davis 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606

Debbie’s Little Scholars 484 Hickory St. (716)304-6820

Samuel P. Davis 534 Delaware Ave. #108 855-7611

Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave. (716) 238-1455

Terrence D. McKelvey 181 Franklin St. (716) 847-2606 Home Office (716) 839-3905

Kim’s Building Blocks Day Care 1479 E. Delavan Ave. 895-8693

Pratcher & Associates 1133 Kensington (716) 838-4612

My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800

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

COFFEE SHOPS

AUTOMOTIVE Colslton Mobile Auto Repair 720 E. Ferry * 896-3910 First Klass Muffler & Brake 779 Genesee St. (716) 362-0450

BANKS Key Bank/South Campus Harrita L. West 3586 Main St. * 871-4273

Golden Cup Coffee 883 Jefferson (716) 883-7770

DELI / VARIETY STORES Grant’s Variety Shop 1055 E. Ferry St. 893-0704

DJ’S DJ Kenny Kutz (716) 400-7358

BARBER SHOPS DOG TRAINING

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 elitesolutionspresents@gmail.com

CAFE’S

EM Tea Coffee Cup * 884-1444 2nd Cup * 840-0048

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

List Your Business TODAY!

881-1051

Dogman Joe Dog Trainer 1963 Fillmore * 807-8163

EATERIES Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 3819308 Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore (716) 597-0755 Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson (716) 464-6794 Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592

HAIR SALONS

Althea / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. (716) 883-2000

HEATING & COOLING

Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 8332463

PHOTOGRAPHY Princess Photography (716) 563-0994

REAL ESTATE

Brown Sugar 2929 Bailey Ave. (716) 835-5151

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. 716 995-3450

Franklins Interior / Exterior Concepts 105 Commonwealth (716) 235-8818

Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. 835-2036

Jones Hardwood Flooring Alton Jones* (716) 9035320

F&S Tailors 2930 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

INSURANCE

F&S Tailors & Fashions (716) 894-3742 wwwfandsfashions.com

Everything Beauty Salon & Spa 156 Elmwood Ave. 939-3355 Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561

Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212

Modeste Real Estate Josephine Latifa (716) 704-0685

TAILORS

Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

Joseph Burch Insurance 2317 Main St. 551-0006 / 510-4729

TAX SERVICE

Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880

LIQUORS & WINES

Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. 308-4873

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

Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * 884-4066

TOWING

MEDICAL

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

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

Miracle Tranition 2 3339 Genesee * 481-1321 Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. (716) 833-2250 More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. (716) 886-7960 Peaches & Keys Unisex 883 Jefferson * 603-6506 Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. (716) 835-0250 Serenity Hair Boutique 221 Jefferson Ave. (716) 812-0663

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

Salon Toss 2527 Delaware 894-8737

West African Int. Market & Take Out 3125 Bailey (716) 833-1971

HAIR SUPPLY

Tomatoes 1393 Kensington (716) 835-3663

• MAY 9 , 2012 Challenger Community News •

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

Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. (716) 837-0995 Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122

Towing Roadside 980 Grant St. 605-6968

ONE STOP Mandella Market & Citgo Gas 272 E. Ferry cor. Jefferson 716-882-0288

PHONE SEVICE Boost Mobile 1286 E. Delavan (716) 551-0304

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MAY 9, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Challenger Community News • ChallengerCN.com

THIS IS MY VOTE!

EM P LOY M EN T

continued

limiting the ability of people of color to cast their ballots. This attack on voting rights is coordinated. It is insidious. And it is the worst we’ve seen since the Jim Crow era. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called voting the “foundation stone for political action.” The laws restricting access are like jackhammers persistently chipping away at that stone. Fred Jackson

Bills Making the Right Moves! By George Radney

uddy Nix, Buffalo Bills general manager, is making all the right moves in getting the team in position to compete for a playoff spot during the 2012 season. Fred Jackson signed on Monday to a reported 3 year extension contract that would most likely keep him a Buffalo Bill until he retires. Fred said, “I think we can get a lot accomplished in three years... They’re doing a great job in the front office getting us the pieces that we feel like we needed.” Fred is right by bringing in defensive tackle Mario Williams ($100 million dollar man), Mark Anderson, and having an outstanding draft will put the team in position to win. If this team does not succeed, you can’t blame Buddy Nix, because he definitely did his job. The Bills could use a quality backup quarterback, and a better tight end. Maybe Vince Young might be signed for an incentive-laden contract, and after June 1, pick up a veteran tight end once more players are released by their current teams. The Bills also signed Stevie Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and move into the 2012 season with a core group of players for the first time in many years. This team on paper could easily match the 1999 team with high quality players on its roster. The team must jell in the training camp and during the preseason in order to get off to a good start in 2012 season.

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The NAACP recognizes this threat and its potential effects. We are taking action this election year to maintain the successful turnout levels of 2008 by registering new voters to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a legitimate vote in the 2012 election. This Wednesday, the NAACP and our partners in the Faith, Labor and civic organizing communities launched our most ambitious voter registration and education drive in recent history. This is My Vote will register, educate and turn out hundreds of thousands of voters this year, with a special focus on African-Americans and other minorities, younger and elderly voters. This is My Vote will enlist volunteers to go door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout the country, registering new voters and educating exist-

NEW STADIUM continued

If he says something you disagree with you say Lord Help him.” But to sit there an have no expression, or ambivalence to a presentation that could change the landscape of the western New York economy is an insult to the moral fabric of what an elected official is suppose to represent. So those of you that are suppose to be listening this is a warning your body language is being studied very closely. Yes I was very disappointed with the response from members of the Erie County Legislature. Very few questions if any and I would give you a solid F on listening, and an F on asking relevant questions to a game changing idea, and a plan. Just to make a note to clarify I’m only referring to some of its members not to all. If you enjoy talking about the world of sports tune into the number#1 Sports show in the Nation every Saturday from 12PM-1PM on Mix 1080AM WUFO radio, or via the internet at www.wufoam.com

ing voters on the new laws and restrictions in each state. Our national voter registration hotline 1-866-MyVote1 allows citizens in every state to receive voter registration documents by mail, and our new website, www.thisismyvote. org will provide online tools for people to download registration documents and learn about voting requirements state-by-state. In addition, we have entered into historic partnerships with the National Baptist Convention and other denominations to ensure the reach of the campaign is as broad as possible. Today, more than 46 years after passage of the Voting Rights Act, most of us would like to believe the fight for voting rights and access had been won long ago. Last year revealed that the battle still rages on, and so does the NAACP. We are more determined than ever to succeed in our fight for equality. For information about registration, call 1-866-MyVote1 or visit www.thisismyvote. org. The coordinated attack on the right to vote requires a coordinated, nationwide response. Our vote is our power, and with your help, our vote will be protected for generations to come.

Computing Positions The Information Technology Exchange Center (ITEC) at Buffalo State College invites applicants for three programmer/analyst positions. Application procedures, benefits, essential duties and required and preferred qualifications can be found on ITEC’s home page at www.itec.suny.edu. Apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu. The deadline for applications is June 4, 2012.

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

legal N otice

Trace Assets Protection Service LLC providing security and investigation services with an office at 67 Timberline Drive in Erie County filed articles of organization March 16, 2012 has designated the Secretary of State as agent for service of process and its registered agent for service of process is Creighton Johnsen & Giroux, 295 Main St. Suite 560 Buffalo NY 14203

Buffalo Challenger Size: 1 (2”) x 2.5” Staff Writer Issue: 5/9 Public Relations D/L: The College 5/3 Relations Office at Buffalo State College seeks candidates for a fullPrice:time $47.50 Staff Writer, Public Relations. Excellent professional environment and fringe benefits. Salary $45,000/year. The staff writer reporting to the Public Relations Director is responsible for developing, researching, writing, and editing content for both internal and external audiences that advances the college and supports strategic initiatives. In addition to preparing press releases, media alerts, and media pitches, the staff writer will also work closely with the Publications Director to create content that supports advancement/development efforts, including the college's magazine, 1300 Elmwood, annual reports, and fundraising materials. The staff writer, as a visible ambassador of the office, must "see and be seen" on campus and be able to effectively convey the objectives of the College Relations Office and its clients to various college constituencies in writing and in person. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communication, public relations, or related field; minimum of five years' professional writing experience in an educational, corporate, nonprofit, or newsroom environment. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in journalism, English, communication, public relations, or related field; minimum of eight years' professional writing experience in an educational, corporate, nonprofit, or newsroom environment; experience in a higher-education or similar large, complex organization; experience with marketing, public relations, publications, development and/or internal communication; experience creating content for online audiences. Deadline for applications is May 20, 2012. We encourage qualified applicants to apply for this job posting online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

Buffalo Challenger Size: 2 (4”) x 5” Issue: 5/2 D/L: 4/26 EAST SIDE APARTPrice: $190.00

HOME to Conduct Free Training for Landlords

MENTS AVAILABLE *Two and Three Bedroom Apartments starting at $395 plus security. Apartments Section 8 Ready. Call 836-8686.

From 2 pm-4pm; Thursday May, 10, Housing Opportunities Made Equal will conduct a free Landlord Training Course at HOME’s new offices at 1542 Main (at Ferry). The course will highlight the tenant screening process, fair housing laws, the landlord/ tenant relationship and what to do when the landlord/tenant relationship doesn’t work. Although the course is free, space is limited and participants must pre-¬register. To pre-register, please contact Rayna Grossman at 716-8541400 ext 22 rgrossman@ homeny.org

bids NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4200 – Government Relations Services Download Bids from www. nfta.com

Are you Registered to VOTE?

advertising pays 881-1051

ChallengerCN.com

• MAY 9 , 2012 Challenger Community News •

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 4/29

NUMBERS

MON 4/30

TUES 5/1

WED 5/2 THURS 5/3 FRI 5/4 SAT 5/5

MID-090 MID- 762 MID-028 MID- 877 MID-464 MID-035 MID-037 EVE-738 EVE-836 EVE- 608 EVE-374 EVE-920 EVE-648 EVE-167

MID -

4375 MID- 3776 EVE- 7898 EVE- 8293

WIN 4

TAKE 5

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

MID-7528 MID-5980 EVE-2400 EVE-9409

1-22-25-26-36 5-13-24-25-36 10-11-20-21-32

2-8-26-41-47-55#21

996

123

Zakiyyah’s Run Down 662-788-919-322-666-986-568-853-578-312-468-014065-768-981-852-679-254-756-801-645-580-234-532

Billy Bye Bye Sez:

If you dream of a BED Your number should be 310. If you dream of a CAR 816; FOG 577; GRANDMOTHER 797; MONEY 499, 202,290, 221 and TOILET 681!

May Monthly Vibrations 579-143-182-243-409-

THE NUMBER BOOK

648

1-13-15-23-35

515

LUCKIE DUCKIE 134-431-143

648*123*104

980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080-800 390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126

189-444-886

322-522-412-432-421-423

3-Way Winning Numbers this Time Last Year

grandma’s MAY pixs

776-001-557-338888-542-893-659

Grandma’s 4-Way MyWay

1098-0067-57097998-6074-1156

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

MID- 2623 MID-2135 MID-8027 EVE- 5620 EVE-1455 EVE-5436

1-5-20-29-36

9-4-7 7-3-4 4-3-0 3-7-4 9-6-8 6-8-2 5-3-5 7-7-7 1-0-4 3-4-6 9-0-8 8-3-0 3-6-4 8-9-0 8-8-6 4-8-9 4-7-4 3-3-2

4-6-24-37-39 8-11-15-21-39 1-4-18-39-42-54#27

333

MA RUTH SPRING 895-7-148-326-910435-479-786-578-967623-467-896-019-690054-434-627-467-392843-256

05/17/2011 Evening 05/17/2011 Midday 05/16/2011 Evening 05/16/2011 Midday 05/15/2011 Evening 05/15/2011 Midday 05/14/2011 Evening 05/14/2011 Midday 05/13/2011 Evening 05/13/2011 Midday 05/12/2011 Evening 05/12/2011 Midday 05/11/2011 Evening 05/11/2011 Midday 05/10/2011 Evening 05/10/2011 Midday 05/09/2011 Evening 05/09/2011 Midday

888

CHALLENGER HITS MIDDAY 762- Ma Ruth (bx) 028-Number Book (bx) 037-Numbe Book (bx)

111 EVENING

738-Lucky Duckie (bx) 608-Number Book (bx) 374-Number Book (bx) *920-Number Book (Straight)* *648- Hot Tips & Lucky Duckie (Straight)* 167-Number Book (bx)

Dance! Dance! Dance!

*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.” Visit www.africanamericancultural.org. *El Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera 91 Allen St. 8849693.wwwfolkloric.org. Mon through Wed: 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. 633-7813. *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, 665 Michigan at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 6-7:30 p.m, Ernestine Wilson, instructor. *Urban Line dance lessons each Friday morning, 10:45-12:30 p.m., JFK Center,114 Clinton, Ernestine Wilson, instructor. *Line Dance Exercise Classes Tuesday-Wednesday Mornings, Martha Mitchell Community Center, 175 Oakmont Ave. 444-2046. *African Dance Classs w/Aminata, 6-8 p.m., Fridays, Juneteenth Headquarters, 1517 Genesee St @ Moselle; Ethnic Dance @ Artspace Gallery, 1219 Main 6-9 p.m. Thursdays & 10:15 a.m..-3:45 p.m.. Saturdays, $10; 948-3583.

*Line Dance Class $2 every Tuesday & Thursday Rev. Smith Family Life Center Michigan at Goodell.

ChallengerCN.com Wednesday May 9

EVENTS CALENDAR

Regular Board of Education Meeting: 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall, open to public. Public Meeting: 3pm, Board of the Westminster Community Charter School, One M&T plaza- 19th Floor. Thursday May 10

Go Red For Women Luncheon & Expo: 11am Registration; 10am-Noon Health Screenings; Noon-1: 30pm Luncheon & Program, Buffalo Niagara Marriott- 1340 Millersport Hwy- www.goredforwomen.org

VOTE!

St. Ann’s Church Evening of Music featuring Al Ferguson & Company: St. ColumbiaBrigid Hall, 75 Hickory St., 6:30 pm, for ticket information call 852-0100.

• MAY 9 , 2012 Challenger Community News •

Thursday May 10

Wednesday May 16

HOME: Free Landlord training, 2-4 p.m., HOME office, 1542 Main @ Ferry; 8541400 ext. 22 to pre-register.

Occupy Buffalo—May 2012—Justice Dialogue

Lupus Meeting New Patient Orientation: 3871 Harlem Road, 6:30pm-8pm, for more information call 835-7161.

We, the Occupy Buffalo Movement have come together to resist the injustice of the corporate domination of our political institutions. Toward the end of changing these institutions so they are more responsive to our needs, we invite citizens of various levels of education to contribute to and benefit from an on-going public discourse on the broad subject of justice. The justice dialogue is dedicated to sharing our collective knowledge and developing a shared vision of a better future for all of us. We meet at Niagara Square Go to the 2nd Cup on 36 Broadway in the event of inclement weather  2nd Cup is 4 blocks East of Niagara Square (716) 8400048 (Kat & Wil Tyler) *3 pm on Saturday the 12th—Heron Simmonds-Price: “Machiavelli, Political Realism, and Republican Rule”

Friday May 11 Theatre of Youth (TOY) and Towne Restaurant Family Carnival: Intersection of Elmwood Ave and Allen St; 3:30pm- 6:30pm, open to the public. Saturday May 12 WUFO Mix 1080 am PreMother’s Day Luncheon: Templeton Landing, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., featuring Michelle Taylor guest speaker; musical guests Lewis Banks, Alfrieda Richardson and Latosha Payton; 834-1080. St. Ann’s Church Evening of Music featuring Al Ferguson & Company: St. ColumbiaBrigid Hall, 75 Hickory St., 6:30pm, for ticket information call 852-0100. Mother’s Daughter’s Day Tea: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 28 Brunswick, 2-4 p.m.; $15; for tickets 885-1108. See You at the Events!

Seminar: “Off Parole and Still Catching Hell”: Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave., 5:30pm, for more information call Legislature Chairwoman, Betty Jean Grant 716-894-0914. Hosted by We are Woman Warriors. Saturday May 19 University Heights Tool Library Grand Opening: 3-7pm, 5 W. Northrup Place (right next to Just Pizza). Soul Bowl: National Black MBA Association, 8pm-1am, Kerns Avenue Bowling Center, 163 Kerns Ave., donation is $20. Proceeds benefit chapter’s youth leadership programs. For tickets or to make a donation, email rrenata@ aol.com. Freedom Party Meeting: 11am, 2nd Cup Restaurant, 36 Broadway corner of Ellicott St., for more information call 896-0858.

Visit The Nash House Museum 36 Nash Street

856-4490

Historic home of the late Rev. J. Edward Nash and Frances Jackson Nash. Hours: Thursday and Saturday 11:30 - 4. $10.00 Group tours and additional hours by appt.

*3 pm on Saturday the 19th—Bill Nowak, “The assault on the 99% - let's turn the tables” *5:30 pm on Monday the 28th—Albert Brown, “Beyond Money & State: a Resource-Based Economic Model”

ChallengerCN.com

HONOR FOR A QUEEN! Erie County Legislator and Chairwoman Betty Jean Grant was honored with a Birthday Champagne Toast in March at the 550 Banquet Hall. Pictured above are scenes from that well attended event. Congratulations Madam Chair! PHOTOS PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY

• MAY 9 , 2012 Challenger Community News •