Rochester Film Series BILLS UPDATE/George Radney INSIDE ROCHESTER The Multicultural Education/Parent
Ghetto Doesn’t Mean Black
A few weeks ago, I was watching the fourth hour of the Today Show and something celebrity co-host Season 1 American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson said and something regular co-host Hoda Kotp didn’t s a y. H o d a asked Clarkson asked her what types of music did she listen to. She explained that she listened to MARSHA hip hop music and Clarkson questioned her by saying “You mean ghetto music?” Hoda laughed while Clarkson referred to it as “bootyshaking music.” I was immediately offended. While I knew she was from Texas, I assumed being a singer she knew the difference between Hip Hop and R&B. There is no such thing as “ghetto music.” First of all, the term “ghetto” is not a Black thing. If Clarkson knew her history, she would have realized that that term is not reserved for Black people only: we didn’t create it. There were ghettos during the Holocaust, during arrivals of immigrant populations to the United States, and the word was used tomean poor or downtrodden. A noun is a person, place, or thing: granted. However, when a word that had multiple purposes now is used solely incorrectly...that’s dead wrong. I think a good host would have corrected her on the air and explained the correct terminology: Hoda didn’t do that. I was disappointed.
JONES
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Black music has been called many things soul music. R&B. Hip Hop. Neo Soul. I could list more terms that I have heard over the years. For a while, I was offended by the “Black” music term. Our music has inspired and created the roots of American music like rock and roll, ragtime, and some country. All Black people didn’t grow up in the ghetto. Just like we all didn’t grow up in the South and we don’t all like watermelon. These types of stereotypes get on my last nerve and they need to stop. I wrote her a letter on her Facebook page and others liked what I had to say. Since this happened, I know I don’t watch as much as I used to. All I know is that Hoda (and NBC) had a chance to do the right thing and they didn’t. I’m quite sure if others referred to her people as “towel heads” she would know just how I feel.
Engagement Committee of The Rochester Teachers Association and The Rochester Teacher Center Invite You to “Imaging OurselvesFilm Series: The Black Candle, December 6 The Black Candle is a landmark, vibrant documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and recognize the African-American experience. Narrated by world-renowned poet Maya Angelou and directed by awardwinning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante, Jr., a day embraced by over 40 million celebrants. Films are shown at the RTA, 30 North Union Street at 4 pm and are followed by an interactive session.
Around Town *November 23: Baked Food Sale, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Frederick Douglass Resource Center *November 25: CWL Home For The Holidays Concert at Rochester Radisson, at 120 East Main Street November 25: LMAO Comedy Concert. *Garth Fagan Dance, Nazareth College Arts Center November 29 – December 4 (Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30pm, Thursday & Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm) 1417 East Avenue. Individual tickets may be purchased online at www.garthfagandance.org or by phone at (585) 454-3260. Tickets start at $15.
The Motown Sound Invades Rochester Motown legend Smokey Robinson was back in town Sunday as part of a fund-raiser for the Lifetime Assistance Foundation at the Eastman Theatre. Robinson, who celebrates his 50th anniversary in the music business and Motown, has logged 37 top 40 hits in his career. He has been inducted to the Hollywood Walk of Fame both as a solo artist and with his group, The Miracles. A recipient of a doctoratal music degree from Howard University, Robinson also has earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, The Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter Hall of Fame and Rhythm & Soul Award from ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.) -Marsha Jones
Bills Suffer Back-to-Back Beat-Down by Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys
Embarrassing loss in Miami
First it was Miami. The Buffalo Bills were officially brought back down to earth with a humiliating beat down by the very mediocre Miami Dolphins 35-8. Miami tried their best to keep Buffalo in the game, but the Bills would have none of that by continuing to make errors. Ryan Fritzpatrick is nothing more than a back up QB. The Ryan brothers came up with the blueprint to beat him by not allowing him to throw the short five GEORGE to 15 yard passes over RADNEY the middle. Fritz’s lack of arm strength can’t reach the sidelines or throwing the deep pass accurately. That’s the main reason our wide receivers were getting hurt (blown up), because fritz was throwing late into coverages. The Bills should draft QB Robert Griffin III out of Baylor and seek a veteran free agent, whomever has a strong arm and can get the ball down the field on a regular basis. Fritz is definitely a stop gap between now and the future. George Edwards and his 3-4 scheme needs to be shutdown immediately. Edwards should be let go, and Dave Wannestat’s 4-3 scheme should be implemented. The defense has become soft, and is being run and passed over on a weekly basis. We made the 3-7 Dolphins look like a playoff caliber team. It’s too easy for our opponents to move the ball on us not only recently but all season long. A change back to the 4-3 scheme will give us more beef up front and hopefully a pass rush will be generated by blitzing Arthur Moats, and Antonio Coleman from the outside. Keep McKelvin off the field and now insert Reggie Corner in place of injured Terrance McGee (he’s a player the Bills could not afford to lose, an outstanding tackler and cover man). After that game I predicted that the
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Bills would unfortunately lose in overtime to the very physical New York Jets 20-17.It was far worse!
Bills get beat down by Jets 27-11
The Buffalo Bills finally took a true beating in losing to the New York Jets 27-11. The Jets’ opening drive lasted 10:09 (longest opening drive in NFL for the season), and ended when Jets QB Sanchez threw an interception. The Bills wide receiver said, “we didn’t do anything right today... our execution was bad today...They came with eight defensive back sets and we could not take advantage of it.” Bart Scott of the Jets said, “Everyone loves a Cinderella story. We believe in ourselves. The Bills ran the same plays as last year, the difference was they played with much more confidence.” But the Bills did not use the wildcat formation or any type of reverses or trickery plays just to throw off the hard charging Jets defensive line. I also think using screen plays could have been more productive. The Jets defensive tackle, Sione Pouha, hit Fred Jackson causing him to fumble and lose feeling in his left arm (a stinger). This was an example of the fierce hitting the Jets put on the Bills. The Bills kicker Rian Lindell may prove to be a key injury down the road after he hurt his shoulder on the opening kickoff of the second half saving a possible touchdown by tackling the returner at midfield. Next came the Disaster in Dallas...
Disaster in Dallas...
I was hoping that the Bills would forget about the last two games as they prepared for the Dallas Cowboys. I even predicted that the Bills offense would get back on track with a 31-24 win over America’s team. Myself, photographer Jerome Davis, and the Mighty Oba aka Pat Freeman reported from Dallas, Texas from Sweet Georgia Brown’s Soul Food restaurant. It was a great experience. But not such a great game for the Bills. Leodis McKelvin should be cut from the team immediately, due to the fact he has no football sense whatsoever. He’s a pure athlete that cannot think on the football field. Keep in mind, Leodis was a 1st round draft pick being number 11 overall. Reggie Corner should be starting along with rookie Aaron Williams seeing more action once he’s healthy.Every opponent targets Leodis each week for big plays, and highlight real touchdowns. The offense must get used to the blitz and throw the ball against it to the hot receiver. Keep the ball in Fred Jackson’s hands!!! The Dolphins are next and a 21-17 win is in order...if Leodis is off the field. NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Omega man
A rea Bri efs
JESSE NASH By Patrick H. Freeman
Jamie Hargrove
WNY Resident Invited to Women Lawyers of WNY to Honor Attend Award-Winning Justice Sconiers PhD Project Conference Justice Sconiers
Women Lawyers of Western New York will honor Justice Rose H. Sconiers, Associate Justice New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Fourth Department, at their annual Woman Lawyer of the Year Luncheon. The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, December 14 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Buffalo from noon to 2 p.m. Women Lawyers of Western New York was founded in 1913 and is the oldest women’s organization in Western New York. The 2012 slate of Officers and Directors will be voted in immediately after the luncheon. They include: President: Treneeka Cusack, Esq.; Vice President: Ayoka Tucker, Esq.;; Treasurer: Kim Colaiacovo, Esq.; Assistant Treasurer: Lana Tupchik, Esq.; Secretary: Noralyn Dillon, Esq.; Assistant Secretary: Jennifer Stergion, Esq.; Board Member: Shannon Filbert, Esq., Hope Jay, Esq. and Jessica Mussell, Esq.
Jaime Hargrove of Buffalo was invited to attend the annual PhD Project Conference, an award-winning program to create diversity in management being held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare from November 16-18. Mrs. Hargrove was born and raised in Lackawanna, NY. She has a BA in Communications from UB and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College. She is an Adjunct Professor of Business OMA at ECC and a GED Instructor in Buffalo Public School’s Adult Education Division. She also owns and operates a clothing business and is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo. She and her husband are members of the Greater Hope Baptist Church and he is the founding Pastor of Messiah Baptist Ministries. Her parents James & Carmen Swygert are very proud and she was exited to attend this prestigious event.
THE NIAGARA FALLS CHAPTER, THE LINKS INCORPORATED TO HOLD ANNUAL EMERALD AND IVORY GALA Proceeds to benefit educational scholarships and charities in Niagara County
The Niagara Falls Chapter, The Links Incorporated cordially invites the community to their Annual Emerald and Ivory Gala themed “Ladies Sing the Blues, and Men Play Jazz, Oldies but Goodies Party” This event will be held at the Niagara Falls Conference Center, 101 Old Falls Street, on Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 6pm-12 midnight. Musical styles to include the blues, jazz, and R & B from the 1960s-1990s will be celebrated and will be provided by local musicians and DJ Macadory.Tickets are $50.00 in advance. All proceeds from the event will benefit educational scholarships for students and charities within Niagara County. For information and tickets, please contact Carol Poole at (716) 285-0689. NOVEMBER 23, 2011
COMMUNITY BUILDERS: Trainees from the Outsource Center for Human Services Inc. take a break from working at the home of Cheryl Walker-Williams. Dorian Gaskin (3rd from left inset), executive director at the center, a nonprofit agency that specializes in training women and minorities for construction jobs, poses with (l-r) Ms WalkerWilliams , Chantell Franklin, and Shenika Moffatt of the Outsource Center.
“Occupy Schreck Street!” Rally Supports Firebombing Victim in Local War on Crime
Last Saturday the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. and Outsource Center for Human Services, Inc. organized an “Occupy Schreck Street” press conference and kick off rally in support of one of the city’s latest crime victims, Cheryl Walker-Williams, whose home was recently firebombed in the Bailey-Delavan area. Ms. Walker-Williams of 14 Schreck St., organized a block club in 2010 to empower residents to take a stand against drug dealers doing business in her neighborhood. Earlier this month, her home was firebombed, nearly destroying the entire framework of the house, along with furniture, clothing and appliances. The Outsource Center for Human Services, Inc., along with organizations, businesses, independent contractors and community activists have stepped up to assist the Walker-Williams family to rebuild and refurnish their home at no cost to them. Additional support for the Walker-Williams family has been provided by the Board of Block Clubs, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, Inc., Community Action Angels program and scores of volunteers from the Outsource Center for Human Services, Inc. which prepares, trains and educates inner-city residents for the construction industry. Various corporations and businesses are joining the ranks as well to support the Walker-Williams family by donating supplies and equipment. Public officials, churches, civic organizations, and community activists attended the press conference and kick-off rally in support of Walker-Williams and the communityL.Nathan Hare at-large. “We believe establishing an Occupy Schreck Street movement can be the beginning of a renewed energy in which all of us take responsibility for each other. While the firebombing of Ms. Walker-Williams home is a tragedy and a threat to our community, our willingness to come to each other’s defense represents a new starting point in building community safety and quality-of-life,” stated L. Nathan Hare, President and CEO of the Continued Page 6
The “Omega Man” that I’ve chosen to write about is a native of Western New York, Jesse E. Nash, Professor Emeritus Sociology/Anthropology Canisius College where he taught for 33 years. He is the only son of Frances Jackson Nash, and the Reverend J. Edward Nash Sr. the venerable Pastor of the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church. The first time that I had the pleasure of meeting this distinguished man it was during the mid-1970s at a workshop given at the St. John Baptist Church Institute of Christian Education where he was a guest presenter at the invitation of my mother, Mrs. Allie Freeman. Prof. Nash brought a message that evening along with several others stressing to continue to strengthen our neighborhoods. My second meeting with him occurred in August of 2011 some 35 years later, but still I was impressed with this very noble scholar. Though now slowed by some by the perils of the long journey of life, he still seemed to be very concerned about the problems of our community, and the lack of leadership that at one time existed amongst us. Professor Nash spent most of is life teaching how to improve society, and he must find it frustrating to witness our current struggles. Many of our young people don’t know of the rich African American community that once existed in this city. Buffalo was once one of the great entertainment stops of the east coast with its unique group of clubs that afforded Black musicians and singers a place to earn a living and develop their skills. It was also a stop for some of the most world renowned African American entertainers in the country, yes right here in Buffalo. Professor Nash, a noted musician in his own right, is the nephew of Dr. Raymond Jackson one of the integral members of the Colored Musicians Club, and one of the most influential Prince Hall Masons of his day serving as Grand Master of New York, and as the Imperial Potentate of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic order of the Mystic Shrine of North, and South America for more than 19 years. His influence was felt during our meeting which Dr Nash he
Continued Page7 Page 3
The Other Penn State Cover-Up: Death Threats Against First Lady Michelle Black Students NEWS UPDATE
Obama Booed At NASCAR Race
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden were on hand this afternoon at the Homestead-Miami Speedway to Grand Marshall NASCAR’s Sprint Cup finale, and to support Joining Forces, an initiative to hire and train veterans. When they were introduced to kick off the race, however, loud booing could be heard above the cheers. At an event with such an apparently unifying theme, the crowd’s reaction was an ugly reminder of how personally some have taken the political divisions in our country. However, the Associated Press reports that the First Lady and Dr. Biden did receive a standing ovation at a pre-race driver’s meeting, much more in keeping with the spirit of the occasion.
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1 P.M.
It appears that in addition to the recent sexual abuse allegations against former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky, the university has also been responsible for covering up death threats to African American students. TheLoop21 wrote a blog post about the cover-ups, which make the university’s public image even more tarnished than it was before the scandal. Hate mail to Black students and a death, all swept away by PSUAs news unravels around the grand jury report revealing charges against former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky for raping and sexually molesting underage boys, some former black Penn State students are now painfully reliving a scandal that occurred at their university ten years ago. In 2000, the year a janitor witnessed a boy younger than 13 (“Victim 8” in a grand jury report) “pinned against a wall” while Sandusky performed oral sex on him, black students and football players on Penn State’s campus began receiving hate mail. The hate mail sent to black students had nothing to do with Sandusky’s proclivities, but the two incidences shared something in common: both were ultimately covered up by the university, even as both chain of events grew worse. Sandusky went on to molest and possibly rape more boys, according to a grand jury report (Sandusky denies foul play), and hate mail against black students became death threats. Ultimately, a black man’s dead body was found by police near Penn State as one of the death threats said it would. And some black students had to attend their graduation the following May with bulletproof vests on in fear of their life. But few know about the death threats because Penn State and Joe Paterno were not willing to allow bad publicity to ruin the university’s image, say some of the black students at the center of the tragic events. LaKeisha Wolf was president of Penn State’s Black Caucus ten years ago, and she received the lion’s share of life-threatening letters. Today, she watches the news about Sandusky’s rape charges, the firing of Joe Paterno and Penn State president Graham Spanier, and the student riots that ensued, and it takes her right back to her days dealing with the university. In fact, Wolf and other concerned black students met with Paterno back in 2001 because of information circulating that black football players, like then-quarterback Rashard Casey, had been receiving death threats. Wolf recalls Paterno as almost
emotionless.
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7- and 8-year-old Siblings Arrested After Fight On School Bus The Westerville, Ohio Police Department is in hot water after deciding to handcuff a 7 and 8 year old and put them in a cell after a school bus fight in October. The two siblings allegedly became unruly, pushing the bus driver, cussing and threatening to punch the principal, according to court documents. Tonya Mitchell, the 29-year old mother of the two children, says that the police department and Westerville School District violated her children’s rights, wrongfully imprisoned them and used excessive force in their handling of the situation. She says that the kids are now terrified and having nighmares after the incident. “Just take a look at the facts of the case,” said Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer said, “ your last course of action is an arrest.” Carrie Davis, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, says that she is having trouble seeing what crime the children committed. “Kids mouthing off, not sitting still, taking things off the shelf — does that sound like a crime?” said Davis. “State law is pretty clear that you have to have a lawful basis to arrest them. You can’t just decide, ‘I don’t like the way they’re acting.’” A judge dismissed disorderly conduct charges against the kids because of their ages. The children have been suspended from Pointview Elementary
School for 80 days. The bus driver says that Mikael, the boy, started off “taunting and harassing other students. He was saying that each girl student liked Victor (another student). He kept repeating it.” After his taunting, another boy hit Mikeal, and that’s when all hell broke loose, according to authorities. “If anyone should have been arrested, it was the student who struck Mikeal,” Potts said. “The other people were let off the bus and (left) to do their normal routine.” When police arrived at the school, they handcuffed both of the kids and put them in the back of separate squad cars. They then took them to a holding cell at police headquarters. According to police, the kids wouldn’t sit, kept screaming and were becoming “increasingly belligerent.” “So I decided to remove them from the school for their loud and disruptive
blackagenda_Report
Under Obama, Rule of Law Crumbles “The president can commit murder whenever he wants,” said Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, citing the string of U.S. and allied assassinations that have marked the past year of Barack Obama’s presidency. “This is the man who won the Nobel Peace Prize, and now he believes he can launch drones all over the world,” said Ratner. “This [Libya] is about the sixth war that Obama is involved in, and it looks like he is more of a warlike president than almost anybody we’ve ever had.” In the current era, all U.S. ware are waged in pursuit of global hegemony – and, specifically, to corner oil supplies. “We have to end our support for militarism, just as Dr. (Martin Luther] King said.”
EAT TO LIVE
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NOVEMBER 23, 2011
HEALTH MATTERS
WORLD AIDS DAY 2011: Buffalo’s Call to Action
By Dr. LaVonne Ansari, PhD, Dr. Teniade Fann, MD, MPH, and Kathy Evans-Brown, MsEd
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
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This year marks 30 years since the first case of HIV/ AIDS was reported in the United States. According to the most recent HIV/AIDS data from the CDC in Atlanta, America is faring as follows: • More than 1.1 million Americans are infected with HIV • Every 9.5 minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV • 1 in every 5 people infected with HIV in the United States is unaware of their status • More than 575,000 Americans have died from AIDS • Greater than 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year Sheryl Lee Ralph. This World AIDS Day 2011, the Community Health Center of Buffalo Niagara is taking advantage of an opportunity to galvanize the Buffalo community to reduce the spread of HIV/ AIDS in the Buffalo-Niagara region by renewing the commitment of existing HIV providers, sparking new leadership, and increasing public awareness as encouraged by the federal government’s 2010 National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. According to the AIDS Network of Western New York’s 2009 Data Collection Report: • An estimated 2,827 – 6,137 people in the Western New York region are living with HIV/AIDS • Western New York has approximately 152 new HIV cases per year It is believed that approximately 78% of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Western New York are from Erie County alone. Niagara County saw a 43% increase in reported AIDS cases in 2008. On Friday, December 2, the Community Health Center of Buffalo Niagara (CHCBN) will host a “Grand Opening Soiree in Commemoration of World AIDS Day 2011” featuring world-renowned actress, singer and HIV/AIDS Advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph. It will be held at Templeton Landing and is a call to action for HIV/AIDS service providers, community leaders from government, medicine and healthcare, business, faith-based, philanthropy, professional sports, and other key stake-holders who have the knowledge, resources, and power to support the CHCBN’s attempt at stimulating a local coordinated response to Buffalo’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. Special invited guests and honorees include Rev. Dr. James Lewis III, Deschelle Fields and Babette Sullivan. Highly acclaimed neo-soul/jazz musician and singer Bilal and DJ McAdory will entertain. This event has the potential to “kick start” the formation of new, stronger partnerships that encourage collaboration and the pooling together of increasingly scarce resources to improve the region’s current HIV/AIDS outcomes. Overall, the CHCBN hopes that the impact of the community coming together to address HIV/AIDS in Buffalo and the surrounding areas will: • Stimulate the design and implementation of a local HIV/AIDS strategy that sets clear priorities •Reduce the number of new HIV infections • Increase HIV testing •Provide targeted outreach •Expand prevention efforts using innovative and effective evidence-based strategies • Increase and improve access to treatment and care for people living with HIV/AIDS • Reduce health disparities in HIV/AIDS Federally-qualified community health centers (FQHCs) like the CHCBN are a major source for HIV testing, prevention services, treatment, and care and play a crucial role in providing a healthcare safety net for Americans. According to federal data, FQHCs provided HIV testing to 691,280 patients in 2009. Stepping up to the 2010 National HIV/AIDS Strategy call for new HIV/AIDS leadership issued by the White House, the CHCBN has emerged as a new HIV/ AIDS provider of HIV testing, prevention services, outreach, treatment, and care. With funding support from a federal Ryan C. White grant and the New York State Department of Health, the CHCBN has worked to build its HIV/ AIDS capacity by partnering with other community-based HIV/AIDS service providers and leaders such as the Community Action Organization, CAP-C of the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network, the AIDS Network of Western New York, the Buffalo Urban League, Niagara University, the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, and the Niagara Falls AIDS Task Force. There are a limited number of tickets available to the public for this “ByInvitation” event. If you are interested in attending, please call to RSVP by December 1 with Ms. Veronica Ross at the Community Health Center of Buffalo Niagara, (716) 986-9199, extension 8751.
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Thanksgiving Starts With Prayer “Thanksgiving” turned the other way around is “giving thanks” and that is prayer. Thanksgiving should always begin with prayer. In the book of Nehemiah we read the account of the people of Israel returning from seventy years of captivity that began with the Babylonians. They had sinned greatly against God and as He had predicted a few hundred years before, their punishment was captivity. The years had been fulfilled and now they were being allowed to return to their land. One of the things they did was to re-establish the Passover and in Nehemiah 11 and 12 we read of a great thanksgiving celebration. 11:17 tells us that a guy by the name of Mattaniah had been put over the ceremony and with all the great things that had been planned it says that “Mattaniah
the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the leader who began the thanksgiving with prayer” How important that was. I believe that it is a wonderful thing to put aside a day for all to be thankful to God. Of course we should be thankful to our Lord each and every day of our lives. Each new morning should be the start of a day of thanksgiving. But at least one day a year despite our problems with prayer in school, prayer in public and protests against God, our nation is at least influenced by a time of thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving should begin with prayer. Each day of our lives should begin with prayer. How can we give thanks to God without talking to Him? How can we talk to Him aside from
OCCUPY continued
prayer? So I'm going to begin this week of Thanksgiving with prayer. Pray with me now. "Father God, we are thankful for all of Your bountiful blessings. How could we live even one day without You at our side ever leading the way through our day? As we begin this week of Thanksgiving we thank you for work. We thank you that if some of us have not had jobs that somehow You have provided for us to be here this day. We know that despite our health, our physical condition, our financial status or lack of these things that You are in control. And we want to take this moment to let You know that we are thankful. Father I ask you to bless each one who hears my voice this day. Let us all be thankful without murmur or complaint and acknowledge that You, Almighty God, are indeed in control. We give all glory to You. Amen."
To advertise call Ms. Jones @ (716) 881-1051 or email:
Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. “The CAO sees the block club movement as a cornerstone of our efforts to make our communities a desirable place to live. We are deeply gratified by the outpouring of support for Ms. Walker-Williams. It is our hope that we can reach out to those who are troubled and connect them to help that enables them to rebuild lives they are proud of and productive in.” Resources and volunteers are still needed to assist in the reconstruction of Walker-Williams house. Donations are also being accepted for furniture, clothing and appliances. To make a contribution or to volunteer, contact the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. at 881-5150 ext. 4410 or the Outsource Center for Human Services, Inc. at 896-0838.
Worship This Week
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NOVEMBER 23, 2011
“Stop FBI Repression and Criminalization of Activism” Event Tom Burke of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression will speak at the Stop FBI Repression and Criminalization of Activism Event on Thursday, December 1 at 7pm at Burning Books 420 Connecticut street. Tom is one of 23 anti-war and international solidarity activists refusing
Tuesdays 12 NOON - 1
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
to testify at U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s Grand Jury in Chicago. He will speak about the CSFR campaign to end FBI political repression and the criminalization of activism. Tom will also speak about the FBI raid and upcoming trial of Carlos Montes, veteran Chicano leader and anti-war
activist in Los Angeles, and the links to the case of the 23 anti-war activists. Mr. Burke will discuss the repression of Arabs and Muslims by the U.S. government to justify their wars and occupation abroad. Tom hopes to lead discussion of how the mass arrests of Occupy Wall Street protesters by
police under the direction of the FBI and Homeland Security relates to the other cases of repression.
SEE YOU AT THE
EVENTS!
P.M.
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entertaiment 50 Cent’s New Energy Drink To Feed 1 Billion Kids In Africa
SWEETHEARTS FOREVER: Buffalo native Chrishawn Mitchell wed her college sweetheart, Jeremy Finister, in Dallas, Texas on September 10, 2011. The bride is daughter of Christopher and the late Patrice Mitchell. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Lorena Rainey. The groom is a native of Jonesville, Louisiana. The couple met in 2002 while the bride attended Xavier University of Louisiana in the city of New Orleans. The newlyweds reside in Lewisville, Texas. Congratulations!
Moved to action by a recent trip to famine-torn Africa, 50 cent has launched an energy drink whose profits will feed 1 billion kids in the region. The rapper has teamed up with Pure Growth Partners to bring Street King, a new energy drink, to the market, PopCrush.com reports. Proceeds from every sale will go toward feeding 1 billion kids in Africa. “I grew up without money, but I didn’t grow up hungry,” 50 Cent said in a video introducing the product. “It’s our responsibility to come together and do things to create a solution.” Street King hit stores this week, in orange mango and grape flavors, and the rapper is encouraging fans to register at the energy drink’s website. “I need you to utilize your energy-your voice--to provide additional motivation for me at times,” 50 Cent said.
ON STAGE *The Café at Masten & Eaton, 230 Masten Ave. 716-883-2311 live entertainment on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 8pm featuring Divine Order, Artist Barry Gibbs bass player from the Bronx NY, Bobby Bonner drums, Kiko Swaine, keyboards and Singer Delane. Sunday Jazz Jam with the Tune Ups, Tommy Robinson, Marlow Wright and Jim Beishline and Barry Gibbs from 6:30 to 10:30pm On Stage Listings are Free. Write: The Challenger, On Stage, PO Box 474,, Bflo., NY 14208; or email:
KATT WILLIAMS Loses Custody of Daughter According to court docs obtained by TMZ ... Crystal McGhee just won custody of their 8-year-old adopted daughter, Leanne. It’s unclear if Katt and Crystal ever married. What is clear ... the judge awarded sole legal and physical custody to Crystal. The judge gave Katt visitation rights -- alternate weekends. The judge also awarded Crystal visitation with 2 of Leanne’s siblings. It’s unclear if Katt has custody of Leanne’s siblings but we do know he has 7 adopted kids.
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*Wu-Tang Clan, 8 p.m., Mon. Dec. 26, Town Ballroom, 681 Main St., 8523900, tickets $45, box office, Tickets. com *Grand Slam Promotions Family & Friends Old School Classic Party Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, 76 Pearl Street, 9apm-3am, Friday Nov. 25; hosted by Eric Martin. Live Music by The Exoutics; Tickets at Doris Records or call Eric Martin @ 308-3328.
Jennifer Hudson Still Plans to Marry David Otunga Jennifer Hudson and her man David Otunga are still together, despite what the tabloids may say. According to the singer, they never broke up. “We’re going to get married, and I know they said we had broken up. We’ve never broken up. We’re like, ‘Where did that come from?’ We’re still here,” she told “Access Hollywood.” Maybe it’s the really long engagement they’ve got going on that has people wondering about their relationship, giving room to generate dramatic stories about the couple’s lives. She suggested that maybe because the two are constantly apart in public view, people began to speculate they weren’t in each other’s lives anymore. But she blames their busy schedules on the separation. Hudson swears the two are getting married.”
CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Local “Athletic Greats” to Gather at Humboldt Inn T
he traditional Thanksgiving reunion in honor of Buffalo’s “Athletic Greats” from the 40’s to the present will be held Wednesday, November 23 at 8 p.m. at the New Humboldt Inn on Humboldt and E. Delavan Avenue. The public is invited to attend. This marks the 12th year that the annual event has been held. A highlight of the Thanksgiving weekend in the community, it is organized yearly by Richard “The Lion Hearted” Clark along with gracious hosts Barbara and Lonnie of the New Humboldt Inn. Participants look forward to another year of laughter, “tall tales” of days gone by, and coming together. This year, as in years past, those “greats” who have passed on will also be honored. Ahmed Nagaya scored a career-high 23 points as all 16 Bengals scored
Another Great Season for Bengals?
Team Decimates D’Youville, 141-93; Sets Single Game Scoring Record
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BUFFALO, NY—Nationally-ranked No. 19 Buffalo State (1-0) maintained a frantic pace from the opening tip to the final buzzer en route to setting a new single-game scoring record in a 141-93 victory over visiting D’Youville (0-1) in the non-conference season opener in front of a raucous crowd tonight at the Sports Arena. The previous singlegame scoring record was 138 points against Marietta in 2005. The Bengals also tied a school record with 57 field goals, and the 234 combined points set another new school mark. All 16 Bengals scored, led by Jake Simmons (Rochester/School of the Arts) with
23 points and five steals, and senior Ahmed Nagaya (Bronx/Astor Collegiate) added a career-best 23 points as well, to go with six rebounds and three blocks. Three other Bengals scored in double-figures with freshman Roderick Epps (Uniondale/Uniondale) scoring 14, Stephen Alexander (Rosedale/ Flushing) netting 13, and Justin Mitchell (Buffalo/Bishop Timon) adding 12. Norman Simmons (Rochester/ East) chipped in eight points, eight assists and three steals. Raysean Johnson (Buffalo/Grover Cleveland) led D’Youville with 25 points and eight boards. Jeff Curry (Buffalo/Lafayette) added 19 points, and Kevin Ford (Buffalo/Amherst) added 16. Buffalo State led wire-to-wire, exploding out of the gates to take a 27-7 lead less than six minutes into the game. The Bengals led 69-46 at halftime and pushed the lead to as many as 58 points in the second stanza. Buffalo State shot 61-percent from the field for the game, compared to 36-percent by the Spartans. The two teams combined to shoot 71 free throws. D’Youville committed 34 turnovers, and Buffalo State had 21. Prior to the game, Buffalo State was recognized for winning its 18th SUNYAC championship in 2010-11 and making a run to the NCAA “Sweet 16”. Jake Simmons was also honored for becoming the 19th player in school history to score 1,000 career points, which he accomplished in the final game last season as just a sophomore. Buffalo State returned to action at home again Tuesday with another non-conference game against Pitt-Bradford at 8 p.m. Their next home game is December 9 against Cortland, followed by December 10 against Oswego.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS! NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Page 9
SPEAK OUT!
The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook By The Broken Mystic
Those who are indigenous to this land we call “The United States of America” have been long misrepresented and pushed out of American history textbooks in favor of glorifying those who now rule this nation and represent the dominant culture. What kind of democracy are we when education institutions and teachers refuse to mention the fact that 10 to 30 million Natives were killed at the hands of European invasion and colonialism? What is the point of having a “free market of ideas” when selective and biased history is being taught to our children? There is no other way to put it, but erasing the memory of an entire race of people through distorted history is a systematic way of deceiving and lying to our children. Not only are we presented with biased history, but we are also subjected to an ever-growing culture of capitalism, in which commercialization of an ambiguous holiday merely pulls us away from facts and meaning. Turkeys are associated with “Thanksgiving” in the same way Santa Clause and the Easter bunny have become synonymous with Christmas and Easter, respectively. Through the guise of innocence, capitalism is constantly telling us to consume because consumption equals “happiness.” Tomorrow is not “Black Friday” for nothing. And as children dress up as Pilgrims and Natives to reenact the romanticized version of history, they are not only perpetuating stereotypes, but more importantly, they’re being embedded with lies. What do they really know about the Pilgrims and the Natives? Consider a high school history textbook called “The American Tradition” which describes the scene quite succinctly: After some exploring, the Pilgrims chose the land around Plymouth Harbor for their settlement. Unfortunately, they had arrived in December and were not prepared for the New England winter. However, they were aided by friendly Indians, who gave them food and showed them how to grow corn. When warm weather came, the colonists planted, fished, hunted, and prepared themselves for the next winter. After harvesting their first crop, they and their Indian friends celebrated the first Thanksgiving. This patronizing version of history excludes many embarrassing facts of European history. As stated by James W. Loewen, author of “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” many college students are unaware of the horrific plague that devastated and significantly reduced the population of Natives after Columbus’ arrival in the “new world.” Most diseases came from animals that were domesticated by Europeans. Cowpox from cows led to smallpox, which was later “spread through gifts of blankets by infected Europeans.” Of the twelve high school textbooks Professor Loewen studied and analyzed, only three offer some explanation that the plague was a factor of European colonization. The nine remaining textbooks mention almost nothing, and two of them omit the subject altogether. He writes: “Each of the other seven furnishes only a fragment of a paragraph that does not even make it into the index, let alone into students’ minds.” Why is it important to mention the plague? It reinforced European ethnocentricism which hardly produced a “friendly” relationship between the Natives and Europeans. To most of the Pilgrims and Europeans, the Natives were heathens, savages, treacherous, and Satanic. Upon seeing thousands of dead Natives, the Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop, called the plague “miraculous.” In 1634, he wrote to a friend in England: But for the natives in these parts, God hath so pursued them, as for 300 miles space the greatest part of them are swept away by the small pox which still continues among them. So as God hath thereby cleared our title to this place, those who remain in these parts, being in all not fifty, have put themselves under our protect… The ugly truth is that many Pilgrims were thankful and grateful that the Native population was decreasing. Even worse, there was the Pequot Massacre in 1637, which started after the colonists found a murdered white man in his boat. Ninety armed settlers burned a Native village, along with their crops, and then demanded the Natives to turn in the murderers. When the Natives refused, a massacre followed. Captain John Mason and his colonist army surrounded a fortified Pequot village and reportedly shouted: “We must burn them! Such a dreadful terror let the Almighty fall upon their spirits that they would flee from us and run into the very flames. Thus did the Lord Judge the heathen, filling the place with dead bodies.” The surviving Pequot were hunted and slain. The Governor of Plymouth, William Bradford, further elaborates: Those that escaped the fire were slain with the sword; some hewed to pieces, Page 10
Brown/Casey/Roots A Message to the Citizens of Lackawanna and the Politics of Dear Editor: To the African American citizens of Lackawanna I ask this question, “Now Politricks What?” Dear Editor: The following recently appeared in a local political blog: “We cannot leave Mayor Brown & Steve Casey out of the mix. Given Poloncarz’ showing in Buffalo & the Brown/Casey team’s relationship with Cuomo, Brown/Casey will be very involved in naming a new Chairman. This while retaining their autonomy on the 2nd floor, having it both ways! These guys are good! ...Politics WNY 11-16-11 “These guys are good”? What did the writer base that on? In the past three years, Brown/Casey/Roots have lost Brian Davis (facing 40 years), Antoine Thompson (who lost a Senate seat that he never should have lost ) and most recently, lost the Chair of Erie County Legislature. Yeah, they’re good all-right! Good for nothing! After years of trying to take-out Lenny (Democratic chair Len Lenihan) and former Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, both are not only still standing stronger than ever. They misjudged Polincarcz, completely fumbled the ball on Franczyk , are partly responsible for the loss of the state senate majority due to their poor support of Thompson, and are painfully irrelevant in the face of our rapidly declining public school system. Not only does Maurice Garner take the Williams’ loss (20% of the vote), Brown and Crystal Peoples were all over the radio and in print ads on her behalf. How long will segments of the community continue to support these guys? Clarence Lott Jr. East-Side Political Network (ESPN)
others run through with their rapiers, so that they were quickly dispatched and very few escaped. It was conceived they thus destroyed about 400 at this time. It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire…horrible was the stink and scent thereof, but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the prayers thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for them. Perhaps most disturbingly, it is strongly argued by many historians that the Pequot Massacre led to the “Thanksgiving” festivities. The day after the massacre, the aforementioned Governor Massachusetts Bay Colony declared: “A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children.” It was signed into law that, “This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.” Continued Page 13
On November 8, 2011 history was made in Lackawanna .We had a Black Man running for mayor as a write in candidate. Although he did not win, he set the tone for what could happen when we as a people really work at it. The Rev. Dion Watkins should be commended on the campaign he ran. But the question now is what are we going to do if we want to make sure that we will have a voice in the City of Lackawanna? We must make sure that we are at the table. We can no longer wait on a mayoral election to let our voices be heard. Our voices must be heard at everything this city does that effects our lives and our children’s lives. This means we must have active participation in our local government such as City Council meetings , school board meetings and any other meeting that will impact our future. If we are not willing to take a more ac tive role on how our elected officials govern our city, we will continue to struggle. So again I ask, now what? Will we let this moment pass or will we as a people take a more active role in our city’s future which is our future. If we continue to not take an active part in what’s going on in this city it will not matter who we run for office because he or she will have no backing from the same people that they are trying to help. So let this be our wake up call and make sure we all do our part to be more informed about what is going on in our city. John Ingram Chairman, Citizens of Lackawanna’s Future (COLF)
Black Men’s Death Rate Lower in Prison Than Outside It? A new study says that African-American men survive longer in prison than on the outside. What? Researchers found that African-American men are half as likely to die if they are in prison because they are isolated from alcoholism and drug-related deaths, as well as lethal accidents and certain chronic diseases, according to Reuters. White men, on the other hand, are slightly more likely to die in prison than outside it. “For some populations, being in prison likely provides benefits in regards to access to health care and life expectancy,” study author David Rosen, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said in the story, which cites findings published in the Annals of Epidemiology. But he seemed to gather his senses later, adding in an email to Reuters, “It’s important to remember that there are many possible negative consequences of imprisonment -- for example, broken relationships, loss of employment opportunities and greater entrenchment in criminal activity -- that are not reflected in our study findings but nevertheless have an important influence on prisoners’ lives and their overall health.” You think? The study observed about 100,000 men between ages 20 and 79 who were held in North Carolina prisons between 1995 and 2005. Sixty percent of those men were African American. The Meaning of The above image/logo, part of the Challenger flag, corresponds to one of the 81 chapters in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. This particular tetragram corresponds to number 27, defined as “The Skillful Exchange of Information.” (From R.L Wing’s book, The Tao of Power.) “The truth, always the truth--at all costs”
“What is planted cannot be uprooted.What is well embraced cannot slip away.” I CHING
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CHALLENGERCN.COM • (P) 716 881-1051 (F) 716 881-1053
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
School Daze II:
Showdown!
A
midst the whirlwind of significant local and national events and the daily crush of just trying to make it in America, the most decisive issue facing us as a community is often virtually ignored. The fate of our children in Buffalo Public Schools is our community’s fate in the making, and so far, others have understood Sabirah this far better Muhammad than we have. Others are making plans –big plans for the billions of dollars that flow through the city because of the presence of our children in these schools. A cursory glance at graduation rates, drop out rates, incarceration rates, unemployment rates, general underdevelopment and functional illiteracy tells the tale: for those who run the schools, those dollars are far more important than the children. All doubt about this was erased at the most recent DPCC (District Parent Coordinating Council) meeting at the Makowski school (Jefferson & Best). At that meeting, Interim Superintendent Amber Dixon and Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore were present (among other administrators) as parents discussed the ongoing travesty of persistent failure in many of the schools. Succinctly and in lay terms, here is the problem. The usual scenario has teachers and administrators scrambling for funds without any consideration for actually teaching and preparing children. Because President Barack Obama knows this, he tied millions of dollars to a certain set of requirements meant to jar Persistently Low Achieving Schools (PLA’s) out of failure and toward better outcomes. (This is the Race To The Top program). In this case, Phil Rumore is actually turning down the money, rather than jolt the current system, which, for his purposes, is working. An impromptu debate took place at the DPCC meeting in early November. It had to be divine intervention. As Vice President Samuel Radford was conducting the meeting, first Amber Dixon came forward to answer questions on the topic, and then Phil Rumore. What followed was an opportunity for over a hundred parents to hear the arguments that Rumore made for turning down tens of millions of dollars, while Mr. Radford was right there to give the counter arguments. The parents, a consistent and cohesive group who have been working together for several years now, were disciplined enough to sit quietly without interjecting, so that the process could play itself out.
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
Radford, Rumore (inset)
Rumore claimed that the millions of dollars that were lost to the PLA schools last year was the fault of the administration, because teachers and administrators only had two or three days to work out the requirements and send them in to the state. Sounds reasonable, right? Until Mr. Radford reminded him that the administration actually had a year to work things out, and that 3 of the schools received a planning grant for a full year. But when the superintendent suggested moving teachers and administrators at some of the schools, Rumore refused, and kept the stalemate going for the year, until the administration finally buckled, sent in the teachers’ plan for four of the schools, and the state rejected them all. Rumore insists on submitting one type of turn around plan, even though the state insists it wants a variety of plans. When Rumore argued that reassigning 50% of teachers and administrators at the 7 PLA schools (one of the turnaround options) would be disruptive, Radford reminded him that we are trying to cause a disruption! We want to disrupt failure! Mr. Rumore insisted that the millions of dollars in funding wouldn’t help to turn the schools around, because the real problem is stringent curriculum requirements that leave teachers little room for creativity. But parents were listening. One made the point that some schools, like City Honors, are excelling, and they have the same curriculum requirements. Yes, Rumore replied, but those schools would be doing a lot better without the requirements. Surely, every parent in Buffalo would be pleased if every school in Buffalo was performing as well as City Honors. The point is that a few schools’ success with the same curriculum exposes the fallacy that the problem is curriculum. As Mr. Radford continued to hammer away at the arguments Rumore was making, gasps of disbelief rose from the parents. As Mr. Rumore felt the spirit, he resorted to his usual tactic when challenged. The red-faced, indignant, offended and persecuted steward of “our children” emerged, spat out his contempt for Sam Rad-
ford’s position “against teachers,” and stalked off. But this time the standoff was in a public setting, and Rumore had to stand there while Radford retorted that he too was offended, that incompetent teachers who fail our children receive no consequences and still enjoy job security, while the children who are failed receive plenty of consequences…lifelong, excruciating consequences. Rumore heard the obvious, and replied that “What our contract has to do with the issue we’re discussing is beyond me.” As he got ready to storm out, Radford told him that at this point, he doesn’t appear to be a fair broker, and that the failure of the district to secure resources for the low performing schools would not be tolerated this year. He suggested that Mr. Rumore expand his capacity for other turnaround options, and remember that parents can strike just as well as teachers can. In sum, the hot pursuit of money to feed the suburbs can, in fact be interrupted by the requirement to actually teach our children. Rumore is saying that if we gotta actually teach your children, forget it…keep the money. The two-tiered system that sacrifices most children while a few get a firstrate education is working exactly the way it was designed. It produces a peculiar picture, where the majority of students at well performing schools are white, while the vast majority of city students are black. It produces a buffer zone of parents who, despite the overall failure of most schools, defend the system because it’s working for them. Rumore and the teachers’ union thwarted the arrival of US Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s visit to the city early in the school year. Rumore introduced a motion at the National Education Assembly meeting for a vote of no confidence in the US Department of Education and the Race To The Top program that Duncan was being dispatched to oversee. He bragged in the Teachers Union publication that the cancelled visit “was due to his plan to stage a protest of the visit.” “There’s no way we were going to allow him to come here without protesting…we didn’t want it to look like everything is ok,” Rumore said. It’s time for parent power to come to the fore. It’s time for us to remember that these are our children, our schools, and that we outnumber teachers and administrators by tens of thousands. Join us on Thursday, December 8th at 6:30pm at the Performing Arts School, (Ferry between Jefferson & Michigan), where we will meet as a community of parents in our first “Parent Assembly.” This will be a mass gathering, where we will plan the steps for taking full responsibility for the educational outcomes of our own children. We should be the ones to decide whether or not our schools get resources – and we should decide what to do with them. Parents, grandparents, foster parents, community members responsible adults all – take power in your own hands to relieve the unspeakable suffering of our children. For information, call (716) 819-6732.
U.S. Whips Up War Fever against Iran with Phony Report Under the cover of a bogus report by a United Nations agency, the U.S. and its allies are laying the groundwork for a military attack on Iran. In order to counter this danger to humanity, the International Action Center would like to expose the perfidious role of the agency in question, the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA is supposed to be a neutral investigator of nuclear development around the world. Instead, it has turned into a tool for imperialist aggression. The IAEA report, released on Nov. 8, claims it shows that “Iran has carried out activities relevant to the development of a nuclear device.” (IAEA.org) The New York Times, a convinced enemy of the Iranian government claims the document presents “new evidence” and says the report constitutes “the harshest judgment that the has ever issued” with regards to the Iranian nuclear program. (Nov. 9) Yukiya Amano, the current IAEA director, took over as the head of the UN agency from Mohamed ElBaradei, an Egyptian national, in 2009. Secret documents released by the Wikileaks organization reveal that U.S. diplomats described Amano as “director general of all states, but in agreement with us.” (The Guardian, Nov. 30, 2010) A fraudulent document from a biased agency A close look at the latest IAEA report reveals that it presents no new evidence. Rather it is a biased rehash of old charges with very little factual support. Robert Kelly, a nuclear scientist and a former director and inspector for the IAEA, had this to say of the report: “It’s very thin, I thought there would be a lot more there,” said Kelley about the most recent report. “It’s certainly old news; it’s really quite stunning how little new information is in there.”(Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 9) Iran’s government denied all the charges. In a speech to thousands Shahre-Kord in central Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, “This nation won’t retreat one iota from the path it is going,” adding, “Why are you ruining the prestige of the (U.N. nuclear) agency for absurd U.S. claims?” (AP, Nov 9) Washington and its allies are using the IAEA document to threaten all-out war. Weeks before the report was released, the U.S. and Israel were already threatening a military strike as a direct response to the supposedly secret document. The United States possesses over 10,000 nuclear weapons; Israel has an estimated 300. Iran has none. The U.S. remains the only country in the world that has used nuclear weapons in a war. Both the U.S. and Israel have a long history of invading and occupying other countries. Iran has no such record. Thus it is logically preposterous to use such a report as a pretext for aggression against Iran, just as it was preposterous to use non-existent “weapons of mass destruction” as a pretext to invade Iraq. But that’s exactly what Washington did. And both Israel and the U.S. are preparing for such a war with Iran now. Beginning in late October, Israeli media began widely speculating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heavily lobbying for military strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites. On Nov.2, Israel test-fired a missile said to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and reaching Iranian territory. Britain and the U.S. reportedly stepped up contingency planning for potential military action against Iran. In addition to the Big Lie about Iranian nuclear weapons, Washington made allegations of a “Iranian plot” to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, based on the statements of a highly questionable U.S. informant. Meanwhile, the Pentagon was hard at work strengthening its military alliance with Persian Gulf states, which together with U.S.-occupied Iraq and Afghanistan, form a military semi-circle around Iran. To resist the efforts of U.S. imperialism and Zionism to foment war with Iran, the International Action Center condemns the U.S. propaganda aimed at providing pretexts for aggression. We hope that people around the world will join us in this effort. StopWarOnIran.org c/o International Action Center 55 W 17th St #5C New York, NY 10011 www.iacenter.org 212-633-6646 that’ email: stopwaroniran. org/contact.shtml Page 11
N.Y. Pop Warner Bills Update APPLIANCES Future Cool Reconditioned Appliances
357 Vermont St. 240-2881 * 912-2966
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 First Klass Muffler & Brake Inc. 779 Genesee St. * (716) 362-0450
BANKS
EATERIES AJ Jamaican Kitchen 209 Massachusetts Ave. * 886-9555 Full of Flavor 883 Jefferson * (716) 553-7050
Glamorous Beauty 1281 E. Delavan * (716) 892-5821
Loretta’s Soulful Dining 479 Genesee * (716) 381-9308
HAIR SUPPLY
Matties Restaurant 1412 Fillmore * (716) 597-0755 Mr. Bones 893 Jefferson * (716) 464-6794
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Franklins Interior /ExteriorCocepts West African Int. Market & Take Out 105 Commonwealth * (716) 235-8818 3125 Bailey * (716) 507-2329 Jones Hardwood Flooring Tomatoes Alton Jones* (716) 903-5320 1393 Kensington * (716) 835-3663
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
HAIR SALONS
Precision Cutz 87 Cleveland Dr. * (716) 603-1477
Don “The Furnace Guy” (716) 465-2411
Nette’s Fried Chicken 3118 Main St. * 715-9592
Key Bank/South Campus Terrence A. McKelvey, CFP* 3586 Main St. * 871-4260
Master Touch 1283 E. Delavan*570-7234/846-5956
HEATING & COOLING Zenner & Ritter 3404 Bailey * (716) 833-2463
Albert C. Erni, CRPC Merrill Lynch * 716-849-2009
Klassic Kuts 1471 Kensington * (716) 836-3260
Main Hair & Beauty Supply
3067 Main St. * (716) 862-4247
Nadia’s Taste of Soul 69 Allen St. * (716) 884-0482
Citizens Bank NA * 414 Main St. Chiquita Rodgers * 855-2532
BARBER SHOPS
HAIR SUPPLY
Beauty Plus Beauty Supplies 3121 Bailey * (716) 446-9292
Althea / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. * (716) 883-2000
INCOME TAX SERVICE
L. Sessum Income Tax Service 1650 Fillmore * 716) 894-4904
INSURANCE
Able Insurance Jeff Moore/Broker 1798 Main St. * 883-5212
Compositions Professional Hair 143 Kenmore Ave. * (715) 995-3450
Geico 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd. (716) 832-3253
Excellence Hair Design 59 Kenmore Ave. * (716) 835-2036
Hopkins Insurance 1193 Jefferson * (716)-886-8880
Hair Changers 1787 Hertel Ave. (716) 602-6561
LIQUORS & WINES
Hersha / Hair to Go Natural 727 Main St. * (716) 563-1734
Bellamy’s Liquor Store 405 E. Ferry * (716) 884-4066
BRAIDING & EXTENSIONS
Lacy’s/Kymmy’s 179 Parkridge * 578-2880
Ideal Liquor 1341 E. Delavan * (716) 893-0967
Queen of New York 2868 Bailey * (716) 602-8662
Majestic Eloquence 20941/2 Eggert Rd. * 308-4873
One Mo Shot Liquors 2612 Bailey * (716) 464-3299
CLOTHING
Miss JacQuis ExQuizit Beauty 2250 Main St. * (716) 833-2250
The Barbershop 2516 Bailey * (716) 464-SHOP
Fashion Town 1339 E. Delavan* (716) 894-1111 King City Fashions 2660 Bailey * (716)480-8406 Level’s Apparel & Footware 1455 Kensington * (716) 832-0284
CHILD CARE/DAY CARE
Home Away From Home 84 Courtland Ave.*(716) 238-1455 My Precious Angels 2946 Baley Ave. (716) 896-3800
COFFEE SHOPS
Golden Cup Coffee Co. Inc. 883 Jefferson * (716) 883-7770 Page 12
More Hair Care Clinic 72 Allen St. * (716) 886-7960 Peachies 3098 Main St. * (716) 462-6296
MEDICAL
Main Pediatrics 2800 Main St. * (716) 837-0995
Playoffs have commenced for the Western N.Y Pop Warner Bills organization. Riding off the success of the regular season all Competitive weight classes made it to round 2 of playoff contention. The top seeded Bills won the Division 1 and 2 Championship in the Pee Wee and Midget Divisions respectively and are off to Michigan City, Indiana for the Regional Championship on Nov. 19th. Relations between Buffalo and The Cleveland, Ohio based Pop Warner Organizations have grown immensely since the start of the season. The Bills organization headed by President Keon Willams took a bold step 8 weeks ago when he decided to move into the elite and ultra competitive Division 1. Pop Warner Football’s highest level. This proved to be a wise decision on the part of the already successful Bills who in 2008 made it to the national semifinals in Orlando, Florida. All competitive pounds have won their first playoff game or received a bye because of their record in the regular season. Buffalo-Cleveland community relations have also profited from the move. M.A.D.D Dads and The Stop the Violence coalition have come out to welcome Cleveland organizations to the Western New York area as well as organized meet and greets between parents of both organizations. Let’s all show our support for the Bills. This is a chance to once again bring Western New York little league football into the national spotlight. All national semi-final and final games are hosted in Disney World in Orlando, Florida and also televised by ESPN. If the Bills can repeat their success of 08’ this would be a major accomplishment for Buffalos inner city youth. The Bills are hoping with the continued success the dream that started almost a decade ago when President Keon Williams founded the organization then called the Broncos will finally be realized. The dream is that all Western New York little league organizations consolidate under the Pop Warner umbrella thereby pooling talent and resources to gain a firm foothold on the national level. This idea is already a reality in the states that continually produce talent worthy of national level attention and this talent eventually makes it to the ranks of the National Football League. These are football powerhouse states like Texas, Florida and Ohio. We can only achieve this with your support. Our success hinges on the hard work and dedication of the kids but it’s we adults that provide their foundation. This is what Pop Warner is about the growth and success of our youth. Regular season home games are played at Johnny B. Wiley stadium at Best and Jefferson. For information regarding registration and volunteering visit www. neohpopwarner.com or Email Cindy at Cynthiablackford@yahoo.com . Update: The Mid-America Regional Playoffs are still going on in Michigan City, Indiana We took 2 teams down Our Pee Wees and Midgets. The Pee Wee lost 13- 12 to the Southfield Falcons and our Midgets Won 13-12 over the Detroit Hurricanes so we were on the opposite ends of the same score. The playoffs will conclude this Friday as the Midgets play for the Regional Championship.
REAL ESTATE
Class A Real Estate
Rapha Family Medicine 2200 Main St. * (716) 200-4122
Jeanette Lane * (716) 846-5065
MAKE UP & BODY IMAGE
Doris Records 286 E.Ferry St. * 883-2410
Peaches & Keys Unisex Salon 883 Jefferson * 603-6506
Robin Gibson, Consultant 444-6773*www.ardysslife.com/robin
Promise Hair Studio 87 W. Cleveland Dr. * 835-0250
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LEGAL STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF ERIE SUMMONS WITH NOTICE Index No.: 2011-001958 CLARENCE WEATHERSBY v. Plaintiff ELIZABETH BOLDEN Defendant TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a Notice of Appearance, on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service [or within thirty (30) days after the service is completed if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York]; and in case of your failure to appear; judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Notice set forth below. NOTICE: The nature of this action is to obtain a personal injury judgment based upon the Defendant’s negligence in her operation of a motor vehicle that injured the above-mentioned plaintiff on July 13, 2008. The relief sought is an amount that exceeds all jurisdictional limits of courts below together with costs and disbursements of this action. DATED: September 14, 2011 Buffalo, New York STEINER & BLOTNIK Attorneys for the Plaintiff 300 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, New York 14202 NOVEMBER 23, 2011
TRUTH THANKSGIVING
Taking Care of Business...
It is a fact that each of us is multi-dimensional. I am a mother, teacher, woman, friend, taxpayer, golden ager, and storyteller and the list goes on. Why do we have so much BUFFALO NEWS trouble realizing that this is true of everyone, including As cited bySunday Professor Issue: 11/20Loewen, an our incarcerated population and our formerly incarcerated American high school textbook called neighbors? These groups are also multi-dimensional and Deadline: Thursday 11/17 by Noon “Land of Promise” reads: yet we have a tendency to paint them all with the same But by the2fall 1621,xcolonists Size: col of (2.118”) 4” brush and to label them in ways that fail to acknowledge and Indians could sit down to sevPrice: $1,267.41, includes web andtheir Tuesday freeand development as fully human. We see them growth eral days of feast and thanksgiving as “criminals” and “ex-cons” and nothing more. We don’t to God (later celebrated as the first view them as parents, senior citizens, veterans, or simply BUFFALO CHALLENGER KARIMA Thanksgiving). as sisters and brothers and children who got caught in their AMIN Note that11/23 this text states the first wrongdoing. Some of them are living with long-standing Issue: Thanksgiving was on 1621. Indeed, and long-ignored mental health issues or issues of substance Deadline: 11/18 Noon there was aFriday feast on thatby year, but it abuse. It seems easier to look the other way and to ignore the poverty and Size: 1 col (2”) x 4” was not called a “Thanksgiving feast” racism and other crime generative factors that may have led to incarceration. Price: $76.00 until years later One important part of “taking care of business” is taking care of each other. nor was it repeated after the Pequot Massacre in 1637. Sadly, too many of us have failed to honor this charge. When history is transformed into When formerly incarcerated people come home, they are frequently faced myths, tales, and bedtime stories, we with people in community who shun them, broken promises of reentry help ignore historical research that enables that never materialize, and false steps to reintegration that may thwart their us to learn valuable and meaningful desire to become community assets. In this community, there are a few people lessons about our present, as well as whose criminal histories are public knowledge. They are mentors, ministers, about our future. History is meant to paralegals, authors, activists, business owners and more. They are hard workers be an accurate and honest account of who are laying some of the bricks that we need to create strong, vibrant, and civilizations, cultures, and events; not progressive neighborhoods. They are our sisters and brothers. Working with a body of ethnocentric and selective them in the business of building community is everyone’s responsibility. alterations. On Monday, November 28, at the Pratt-Willert Community Center, 422 Pratt As Professor Loewen states: Street, from 6:30-8:30pm, at the next monthly meeting of Prisoners Are People Thanksgiving is full of embarrassing Too, Inc., we will meet some formerly incarcerated people who have established facts. The Pilgrims did not introduce successful businesses in Western New York. They will discuss the hardships the Native Americans to the tradition; of imprisonment, the challenges of reintegration, and the obstacles they faced Eastern Indians had observed autumnal in seeking to establish a legitimate business while dealing with the collateral harvest celebrations for centuries. Our consequences of a criminal conviction. Mr. Alfonzo Carter will tell his story modern celebrations date back only and introduce us to “Electronic Outlet” which is located in Buffalo’s Elmwood to 1863; not until the 1890s did the Village. Mr. Guy Lane will introduce us to his Allen Street restaurant, named Pilgrims get included in the tradition; after his baby daughter, “Nadia’s Taste of Soul.” A third speaker is unconfirmed no one even called them ‘Pilgrims’ at this printing. These stories of incarceration and entrepreneurship will be an until the 1870s. inspiration to all. I did not write this article with intenThe Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders and Friends of BaBa Eng tions to offend or say we shouldn’t are the sponsors of PRP2, Inc. programs. For further information, contact celebrate “Thanksgiving.” None of Karima Amin: 716-834-8438 or karima@prisonersarepeopletoo.org. us are responsible for the atrocious deaths of Natives and Europeans. None BI D S of us caused the plague or the massacres. But as human beings, I do feel that it’s important for us to approach history with honesty and sensitivity. Buffalo City School District Perhaps some of you don’t believe this Request for Qualifications UPDATED history is relevant to you, but I would Professional Architectural & Engineering Services strongly argue that a history that is not (REVISION TO ORIGINAL POSTING OF 11/7/11) inclusive is a dangerously racist and prejudice one. Yes, we should spend The Buffalo Public Schools Division of Plant Services and School Planning time with our families and Loved ones, is soliciting Letters of Interest and Statement of Qualifications proposals and yes, we should be grateful and for professional architectural and engineering services. The intent of this thankful for all that we have, but not RFQ is to generate a “pre-qualified” architecture and/or engineering firm at the expense of ignoring an entire list to respond to Requests for Proposals (RFP) for professional services for race of people, their culture, and their specific projects to be performed under contract with the during the January history. The fact that history textbooks 1, 2012 – June 30, 2014 time period. and schools try to glorify the Pilgrims while omitting significant facts about Please note that no firms will be exempted from this RFQ evaluation, regardthe Natives represents that there is a less of past or current involvement with BPS Division of Plant Services and lot to improve in the United States. School Planning. Let us not become blinded by super patriotism or blowout sales of “Black Beginning Monday, November 21, 2011, the REVISED RFQ document Friday.” Let us give some thought to may be viewed and printed from the Buffalo Public Schools Division of the Native people, learn from their Purchase website, web address http://buffaloschools.org/PurchaseDept. struggles, and embolden ourselves to cfm?subpage=3566, under the above title. stand up against racism and genocide in all forms. Letters of Interest and Statement of Qualifications will be received at the They deserve your attention. office of the Plant Services and School Planning – 403 City Hall, Buffalo, ~Broken Mystic~ New York, 14202, on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM. continued
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The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Recruiter.
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NOVEMBER 23, 2011
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
Wednesday November 23
Athletic Greats Reunion: 8 p.m. at the New Humboldt Inn; community invited. Saturday November 26
Niagara Falls Chapter Links Emerald and Ivory Gala: The Niagara Falls Conference Center, 101 Old Falls Street, on Saturday, November 26, 2011 from 6pm-12 midnight. DJ MacAdory, Tickets are $50 in advance. For information and tickets, contact Carol Poole at (716) 2850689. Tuesday November 29 Free Homebuyer Seminar: 5:30-7 pm., Homeftont Inc., 780 Fillmore Ave. Friday December 2 World AIDS Day Grand Opening Soiree in Commemoration of World AIDS Day: Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Terrace, 6:30-11:30 p.m.; special guest speaker actress and HIV AIDS activist Sheryl Lee Ralph; Honorees Rev. Dr. James Lewis III, Deschelle Fields, Babette Sullivan; music by Bilal, DJ McAdory.
“While my husband Perry and I had the pleasure of being the first teachers of our sons, Talib and Jamal, their achievements are wholly possible because of the excellent teachers who helped us nurture the passion within them.” — Dr. Brenda Greene
Roswell Park’s Eva M. Noles Community Recognition Breakfast: Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 10 am -11:30 am. Saturday December 3 The Schiller Park Music Fest: 3-7 p.m., Schiller Park Senior Citizens Center 2057 Genesee Street; featuring Pappy Martin & the Love Supreme, Foxy Brown DJ Lady J; $10 includes dinner ; must be 55 years or older; 895-2727 for tickets and info. New Zion Holiday Gift Fair and Expo: 11am-4pm, Zion Dominion Global Ministries 895 North Forest Rd.; (716) 250-7040. True Bethel Baptist Church Senior Ministry Presents A HOLIDAY SHOPPINGCHRISTMAS BAZAAR! 8am-4pm, True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry.
Prof. of English & Exec. Dir., Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College Jamal Greene, Talib Kweli & Dr. Brenda Greene
Every child deserves a Great Teacher A child with an ineffective teacher learns only half as much in one year. Students with an ineffective teacher three years in a row will likely never catch up. Given the stubborn “achievement gap,” we just can’t afford that status quo anymore. Our children cannot wait. Join our movement to put an effective teacher in every child’s classroom.
To join the movement visit www.StudentsFirst.org/join-now or call 916-287-9220.
NOVEMBER 23, 2011
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