Challenger Community News Dec 19 2018

Rochester Kwanzaa Schedule: ”Kwanzaa Forever!” Page 2

December 19, 2018 | FREE |

KWANZAA 2018: December 26 – January 1

LOVE, Make it Happen

“Celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.” -Maulana Karenga, Founder Page 12

LOCAL

POWER! Peoples Stokes Makes History!

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Constance Mitchell Jefferson, Rochester Legend, Passes Page 13

A Ho Ho Hotep Message From Kente Claus!

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NATIONAL

Brooklyn Mother & Police Clash in Welfare Office Page 8

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Kwanzaa Festival Celebration 2018 The Power of Culture: Kwanzaa Forever!

Habari Gani is the traditional greeting at Kwanzaa and it means “what’s happening!”

Habari Gani from the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition: Kwanzaa 2018 Kwanzaa means first fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa is the time to celebrate pan African people, our ancestors and our culture. We seek to honor our past, evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a more productive future. Our theme in 2018 is:

The Power of Culture: Kwanzaa Forever!

The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition is very excited to have a wonderful cachet of activities to celebrate Kwanzaa 2018! The activities include opening celebration of Unity at the Baobab Cultural Center, youth day at the Boys and Girls Club showcasing our talented youth, and a Family Gala celebration of arts at the Memorial Art Gallery. The powerful culture that African Americans have created is illuminated during the Kwanzaa Festival of culture and used to fortify and renew African people all over the world

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Kwanzaa 2018 Schedule:

*Umoja (Unity) Wednesday, December 26, 5-8 p.m. Baobab Cultural Center, 728 University Avenue *Kujichagulia (Self Determination) Thursday December 27, 4-7 p.m. Boys and Girls Club, 500 Genesee Street *Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Friday December 28, 2-5 p.m. Wheatley Library, 33 Mc Cree Way *Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Saturday December 29, 1-5 p.m. PT Life Fitness, 1415 N. Clinton Avenue *Nia (Purpose) Family Gala Sunday December 30, 5-8 p.m. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue Dress in your African best and to impress! *Kuumba (Creativity) Monday December 31, 6-9 p.m. Memorial AME Zion Church, 549 Clarissa Street Watch Night 1862 Reenactment. *Imani (Faith) Tuesday January 1, 2019 Celebrate at home with loved ones!

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

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AREA BRIEFS Democrats Endorse Lenora Foote Beavers for City Court Judge

The Erie County Democratic Party unanimously voted to endorse Lenora Foote Beavers for Buffalo City Court Judge for the 2019 election.

Mrs.Foote Beavers has wide spread support throughout the community and the City of Buffalo. She currently is the Executive Assistant to Presiding Justice Gerald Whalen of the NYS Courts, Appellate Division, Fourth Department.

She also served 10 years as a Magistrate Judge in Erie County Family Court. Prior to her service in Family Court, Mrs. Foote Beavers worked

The Christmas 1848 Slave Escape

as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Buffalo, and General Counsel for the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency. Congratulations!

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Ahmed Selah (inset) invites the community to visit the newly opened Mandella/Citgo Gas at Jefferson and Broadway .The beautiful, expansive 24-hour convenience store and gas station (like its sister market) offers a number of services to the community. Mr. Selah is in hopes that he may soon be able to bring a Tim Hortons into his inner city location. Stop by today for the same great service! Congratulations Ahmed!

Speaker Carl Heastie Appoints Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes Majority Leader Peoples Stokes makes history as the first woman and the first African American Assembly Majority Leader.

S Erie County Legislature Majority Leader April Baskin speaks at last Friday's press conference.

WNY Transit Riders Deserve A Voice!

Community & Government Leaders To Unify To Call For A Seat At The Table Members of Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), the Buffalo Transit Riders United (BTRU), Senator Kennedy, Erie County Legislature Majority Leader April Baskin, Buffalo Common Council Member Rasheed Wyatt, and Niagara Falls City Council Member Ezra Scott, held a press conference last Friday at the NFTA Station at the corner of Main St. and W. Utica. The purpose was to call for state action to appoint transit dependent representatives on NYS transportation authorities, and to announce widespread regional and multi-level government support for a bill enacting this requirement.

Queen City Pop-Up Holiday Edition Just in Time for Holiday Shopping The Queen City Pop Up Holiday Edition will be held at Market Arcade Building, 617 Main St. now through Christmas Eve, Monday- Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 4p.m.

Come out and support Classic Knot, Lily & Grey, Things N Time, and Urban Soul Closet.

peaker Carl Heastie on Monday appointed Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (DBuffalo) to serve as majority leader of the New York State Assembly.

"Serving alongside Crystal Peoples-Stokes, I have had the opportunity to see first hand how hard she works for the people of Buffalo and for families across our state," Speaker Heastie said.

"Crystal is a trusted colleague who I have known for many years and her experience and dedication to improving the lives of all New Yorkers is why I know she will rnake an ideal partner in leading the Assembly Majority. Crystal is widely respected by her colleagues and I am proud to appoint her as the next majority leader of the People s House."

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next Majority Leader for the 2019 Legislative Session. As both the first woman and minority to hold this position in New York State's long history, I am proud to have the faith, support and confidence of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and look forward to working with him and all of my colleagues towards a productive session. I will continue to put people before politics and proudly represent Western New York and the Assembly Majority Conference; To God Be the Glory," stated Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, D-141.

The majority leader is responsible for the day-to-day operational duties of the Assembly chamber including overseeing the floor during debates.

Assemblymcmber Peoples-Stokes has represented the 141st Assembly district since 2003. She previously chaired the Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations, as well as holding positions on the Ways and Means, Higher Education, Environmental Conservation and Rules committees. In 2017, she was elected chair of the bi-partisan, bicameral New York State Legislative Women's Caucus.

Throughout her tenure in the Assembly, Assemblymember PeoplesStokes has been an advocate for social iustice and representation in New York State. She has championed criminal justice reforms, particularly in the sealing of records for certain offenses and repairing the disproportionate harm drug policing does in communities of color. She has fought to improve economic equality for all New Yorkers since serving as the first chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Her Diversity in Medicine initiative has aided promising students or color gain entry to the medical field.

Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes is a graduate of Buffalo pubic schools and Buffalo State College. She is a former educator, administrator, community organizner and Erie County Legislator.

In 1846 the owners of enslaved Africans Ellen Craft and William allowed them to marry, but they could not live together since they had different owners. Obviously unhappy with that forced separation and the fear that their masters could sell any children, the couple started to save some of the meager wages their owners allowed them to keep and William and Ellen planned an escape.

It was not unusual for enslaved Africans to see Christmas as the perfect opportunity to escape to freedom. They took advantage of relaxed work schedules and the holiday travels of slaveholders, who were too far away to stop them.

In December 1848, William and Ellen attempted just that. Because they were “good” slaves, their masters permitted them passes for a few days leave at Christmastime. Those days would give the couple time to be missing without notice.

As it was not customary for a White woman to travel with a Black male servant, they decided that they would escape by traveling as a White male and his Black servant.

On December 21, 1848, William cut Ellen’s hair and put her right arm in a sling. Not being able to read or write, but knowing others would ask Ellen, the “White male” to sign papers at check points along their way, an injured arm prevented signatures.

Also William partially covered Ellen’s face with a “bandage” to further hide her female appearance. Ellen dressed in trousers she’d sewn and a top hat.

The perilous journey They went by train from

Continued Page 15

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

From my family to yours, have a happy & safe holiday.

Enjoy this special time!

Hon. Rose H. Sconiers

Justice Sconiers Continues To Lead Mayor Byron W. Brown & Family WISHING THE COMMUNITY A BLESSED& JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEA SON!

In an effort to advance racial equity in Western New York, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo convened more than 30 community leaders from private, public, non-profit, and faith based organizations in Buffalo, New York to form the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. In 2016, the Racial Equity Roundtable released an extensive report entitled “The Racial Equity Dividend: Buffalo’s Great Opportunity” that establishes the business case for racial equity and highlights opportunities to advance racial equity in the region.

JAMES A. W. McLEOD City Court Judge City Court of Buffalo 50 Delaware Avenue Suite 500 Buffalo, New York 14202

Thank You For Your support!

Call For Appointment

(716) 894-4904

Hon. Rose H. Sconiers, retired New York State Appellate Division Justice, will succeed Alphonso O’Neil-White as Chair of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

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Appointments available upon request • Walk-Ins Welcome.

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Direct Deposit •Free Electronic Filing Available "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

An extensive agenda was developed by the Racial Equity Roundtable for collective action with the goal of closing gaps in racial equity and creating conditions for system change. One of the many strategies for achieving this goal is Racial Equity Impact Analysis Training. This training facilitates a shared understanding of historic forces, shared language and a tool to apply a racial equity lens in organizational decision-making.

Justice Sconiers is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao

Te Ching

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

The Truth About Food Additives

By Dr. Maoshing Ni Have you looked at the ingredients on your cereal box lately? Today’s supermarkets are often stacked with packaged foods that are plagued with nasty additives, used toincrease flavor and maintain freshness they may add to shelf life, but these additives subtract from your life span. Read on to find out more about some of these hard-topronounce common food additives and why you should avoid them if you want to increase your own longevity.

1. BHA and BHT Manufacturers often add these to food to prevent fats from going rancid.

Breakfast cereals, rice, potato chips,chewing gum, and foods that contain animal fat and shortening usually include these additives. Although you would need to consume 125 times the amount added to foods, there is still concern regarding their safety.

2. Sodium Chloride Salt has been used as a preservative for centuries and is an important part of electrolyte balance in our bodies. However, too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular health,and kidney failure. Most canned foods and packaged foods contain excessive amounts of salt.

Make sure to read the nutrition facts label so that the sodium content doesn’t exceed 5%. Over use of salt can also desensitize your taste buds, making you forget the taste of real food. Use herbs and spices as an alternative and shake that salt habit for good!

Happy, healthy, loved. These are the dreams we have for our families and friends.

So we cherish the moments that make us smile and inspire us to grow... when we move, create, serve, play, teach, do. When we care.

This is how health rises in each of us, and in our homes and communities.

Because when we’re being ourselves, we all feel better.

Let’s get everyone covered.

If you or someone you know needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.

Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you.

Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

3. Sugar Natural sources of sugar that come from fruit, milk, and some vegetables contain multiple nutrients. However, consuming added sugars from processed foods can lead to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Baked goods,yogurt, salad dressings, sauces, and bottled drinks often contain excessive amounts that will surely give you a sugar rush! Watch out for these names in the ingredients: high fructose corn syrup, glucose, confectioner’s sugar,dextrose, maltose, fruit juice concentrate,molasses, powdered sugar,sucrose, syrup, invert sugar, malt syrup, corn sweetener, corn syrup.

NEXT: Artificial Sweeteners

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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

DR. MLK Breakfast The Love Youth Ministry, A.L.I.V.E. Herbert Seeks Churches Help in Gathering Final 3,000 Names to Youth, will be hosting a Free movie night on Friday, D ec.21 at Save-the Date!

6p.m., Love Alive Church, 141 Lewis Street, in the Fellowship Petition to Replace King Monument The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by New Hope Baptist Church Christian Education Scholarship Committee will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street.

This year’s Keynote speaker is the Honorable Mayor Byron Brown. Tickets are $35 per person.

For additional information please contact New Hope Baptist Church at (716)8830821 or the program Chair, Retta Billingslea at The MLK Scholarship (716)835-4737) .

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Hall. The title of the movie to be shown is "I'm not Ashamed," based upon a true story of the life of a teenager whose life was taken in the Columbine high school shooting in 1999. For more information, please contact The Love Alive Church office at 716-856-1670.

Metropolitan UM Church Presents "The Black Nativity" The Advent Committee of Metropolitan UM Church will present the “Black Nativity” on Sunday, December 23 at 5:00 p.m. Please, join us we travel back to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus Christ through music and song. We promise that you will not want to miss this exciting performance. The "Black Nativity" is directed by Catherine Sharpe and Nora Felder Truman which is free and all are welcome to attend. Metropolitan is located 657 Best Street (Herman Street), (716) 891-5652.

Pastor Angela R. Stewart is the Pastor.

CELEBRATE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! The Emmanuel Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church Choir cordially invites all to attend its annual Christmas musical at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 22 at 179 E. Ferry, Buffalo, NY. Mary Gresham, Director, Michelle Thomas, organist.

According to Samuel A. Herbert, the latest count on the petition to replace the King monument in MLK Park is 7, 873.

“The last count was Oct. 23, 2018 where on paper we collected 6,721 names. The second count on Dec. 13 we collected on paper 7, 675, and online at change.org 198 people have signed our online petition bringing the total to 7, 873 so far.

"The goal is to collect 10,000 names of residents that live in the city of Buffalo and Erie County and the state of New York by Dr. King’s January 2019 holiday. We need our churches to help gather 3,000 names. We have the remainder of December and the first 12 days into January 2019 to reach our goal of 10,000.”

Herbert, chair of the Coalition to Save MLK Park, says the gathering of 10,000 signatures will complete phase 1 of a 3 phase campaign. For more information he can be reached at saherbert1@ verizon.net

UNITED COALITION OF CHURCHES HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Greetings in our Lord & Saviours name! As we approach the birthday of Jesus Christ, U.C.C.B. will not have our 3rd Saturday fellowship breakfast, but we will be collaborating with Mt. Hope Community Church for our 3rd annual Tree of Hope, Tree Lighting Service located at 1326 Broadway street. The community will be decorating the Tree of Hope with ornaments that they made just for the tree! U.C.C.B., will be handing out gloves and hats to those who are in need as well as hot chocolate to keep warm while the choir sing Christmas songs. We invite the community to come out and join us as we prepare our hearts and to make room for our Saviour! The festivities will begin at 4- 7 p.m. on December 22. For further information contact U.C.C.B. President-Pastor Charles H.Walker II @ 716-602-6676. Vice President is Bishop James Foye Jr.

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Homegoing Services Set For Pastor William Bunton

P

astor William Andrew Bunton, Jr. entered into rest eternal December 11, 2018, in Lawrence, GA. Rev. Bunton will lie in state at Antioch Baptist Church, 1327 Fillmore Ave. in Buffalo (designated as Rev. William A Bunton, Jr. Way), Thursday, December 20, from 12 noon9p.m. and Friday, December 21, from 10a.m.-12 noon. The family will receive friends Thursday, 6-8p.m. and Friday 11a.m.- 12 noon.

A celebration of life will be conducted Friday at 12 noon. Entombment will be in Rosewood Atrium Mausoleum, Forest lawn Cemetery;

Arrangements by Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. Pastor Bunton started preaching in 1959 and soon became the Pastor of True Light Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He would later pastor True Vine Baptist Church in Topeka Kansas, Paradise Baptist Church in Wichita Kansas, Greater Shiloh Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Antioch Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. Pastor Bunton was also a recording artist having made several recordings.

His message to all has been to dream big because dreams

Pastor Bunton

from God live on even when the dreamer is gone. He carried a message of hope, commitment and prayer.

Among his many accomplishments was marching locally and nationally for the civil rights of others. Pastor Bunton was a part of the March on Washington for jobs and freedom led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. he was honored by the City of Buffalo as they named a street after him in recognition of his service to the city.

Pastor Bunton leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his partner in ministry and beloved devoted wife, Mrs. Wanda Lee Bunton; six children: Dr. Ruby Yates (Dr.R.L.) Lawrenceville, Georgia, Pastor William C. Bunton (Sabrina) Akron, Ohio, Pastor Ikie T. Bunton (Jeanette Katherine) Tampa, Florida, David W. Bunton (Sandy) Oklahoma, and Pastor Michael A. Bunton (Michel) Anchorage, Alaska; four surrogate, 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

With the Name of God the Gracious the Merciful

The Straight Path

-A Message of Divine GuidancePeace be unto you.

The birth of Esau and Jacob is significant to our everyday life. In the book of Genesis, (25:19 – 34), the story of the two is told. Rebekah, the wife of Isaac was barren. Isaac went to the Lord and prayed for her and the Lord heard his prayer. Rebekah conceived two children but it was strange because there was turmoil in her stomach. Rebekah went to the Lord inquiring. She was then informed of the reason why. What‘s significant here is the description of the two individual nations: Esau who was the first to come, he was red and hairy; then Jacob. The mother was filled with awe of the first and naturally she would love Jacob more knowing what the Lord had told her. She responded and then there were the blessings. She did what any mother would have done with the birthright issue. (Deuteronomy 21: 15-17) (Hebrew 12:16-17) explains the importance of the birthright. Jacob received the blessings thanks to the knowledge of the most High God and the wisdom of Rebekah. (Genesis 27:38-41) describes the blessings Esau received. Look closely at the blessings of Esau. It describes his present actions towards us and the motivations for the reaction of Rebekah in verses 42-44 of the same chapter. In chapter (28:1-9) of the book of Genesis more blessings were given.

When examined (Genesis 28:6-9) tells the story of the interrelationship of Esau who became Edom and the Ishmaelites.

Within (Psalms 83: 6-9), in particular Edom the so called white man and the Ishmaelites, from whence came the Arabs, were the first to be mentioned to stop the Children of Israel from being a nation. However oh Children of Israel, they are not responsible for what is happening to us as they are doing what they were commanded to do. Chapters (Hosea 13:9), (14:1-9) and (Malachi 1:1-5) speak of our transgressions and our hope.

In these chapters and verses we have learned a lot; the description of our oppressors and also the fact of our difference in hair texture, which as we know, is creating problems for ourselves and our children, both at our jobs and at schools. This last detail is significant. The book of (Genesis 27:11-16) speaks of the goat hair of Esau and the book of (Revelations 1:14-15) speaks of the wooly, sheep like hair of Jacob. In the event that you may not have noticed, there is only one people in the entire world that matches the latter description and they can be found in the all corners of the earth.

Johnnie B Wiley New Year's Day Breakfast On New Year's Day Johnnie B. Wiley Pavilion will be hosting a free breakfast open to the public. Breakfast will be served at 11 a.m. at the 1100 Jefferson Avenue location. For more information contact Theresa Land (716)444-2179.

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NATIONAL

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Police Officers Who Manhandled Jazmine Headley and Her 1-Year-Old Baby Will Not Be Punished If you’re a New York police officer, apparently manhandling women and violently ripping a 1-year-old baby from his mother’s arms isn’t a punishable offense.

According to Politico, an NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau review into Jazmine Headley’s violent arrest last week in Brooklyn found no wrongdoing on the part of the NYPD officers involved.

Ms. Headley was at a public benefits office trying to get her benefits restored. In a viral video, NYPD officers are seen violently prying Headley’s 1-year-old son from her arms, lifting them off the floor. The story made the front page of the New York Times.

“The NYPD has conducted a strenuous review of what happened, because the public deserves answers, and we must take every opportunity to continuously strengthen how the NYPD serves the people of New York City,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said in a statement. “This review shows that prior to the incident depicted on public video, NYPD officers are working with the client to de-escalate the situation.”

The review yielded three recommendations for policy changes moving forward including reviewing tactics and training programs for situations in which police officers encounter someone holding a young child. Ms. Headey has had her public assistance benefits restored and charges of resisting arrest and child endangerment, dropped.

State Supreme Court Rules Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' Law Applies to Police Too In a landmark decision, Florida’s State Supreme Court has uled that its police officers can use the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law. In doing so, officers will be able to shield themselves from prosecution in instances involving disputed shootings.

In its ruling, the court determined that police officers have the same rights as other Florida citizens who win immunity from prosecution under the law, according to the New York Times.

According to legal analysts, the ruling could allow police officers to avoid jury trials entirely if fatal shootings occur and the offending officer believes they were acting in self-defense.

Despite the availability of alternative options.

In explaining it’s decision, the Court stated, “Put simply, a law enforcement officer is a ‘person’ whether on duty or off.”

“Police officers already have full immunity to kill us at will,” said Tiffany Burks, a Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward activist. “This is an extra bonus on top of that. It really is a slap in the face — a blatant one at that.”

Neo-Nazi group calls for Assassination of 'Race Traitor' Prince Harry over Meghan Markle Marriage Counterterrorism police are investigating threats made against Prince Harry‘s life after a BBC investigation obtained hundreds of messages sent by extremists. Sonnenkrieg Division, the British branch of a violent American neo-Nazi group, deemed the prince a “race traitor” for marrying Meghan Markle and called for his assassination.

Atomwaffen Division, the American faction of the neo-Nazi organization has been linked to five murders. Atomwaffen, which means “atomic weapons” in German, celebrates Adolf Hitler and calls for the overthrow of the U.S. government through the use of terrorism and guerrilla warfare.

The British and American groups also suggested that police officers should be raped and killed.

DID YOU KNOW...

Each year 100 people die from being struck by lightning, 200 die from choking on food, 350 die from slip and fall accidents in the bath or shower, 15,000 die from Clostridium difficile infections(a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to lifethreatening inflammation of the colon), 40,000 from car crashes and 250,000 from medical error. -Dr. Joseph Mercola

Marc Lamont Hill

Temple Condemns Hill’s Israel Comments, Will Not Punish Him Temple University’s Board of Trustees last week issued a statement admonishing professor Marc Lamont Hill for controversial comments he made at the U.N. last month about Israel and Palestine. But while they expressed their “disappointment, displeasure, and disagreement with” Hill’s remarks, they also affirmed his right to free speech.

“We recognize that Professor Hill’s comments are his own, that his speech as a private individual is entitled to the same constitutional protection of any other citizen, and that he has through subsequent statements expressly rejected anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic violence,” the trustees said in a prepared statement.

DeVos to Pull Back Civil Rights Protections for Black Students Under the Guise of 'Safety' Betsy DeVos continues her methodical dismantling of civil rights protections for vulnerable students, this time setting her sights on Obamaera guidelines put in place to protect Black students from being disproportionately disciplined at school.

As the Washington Post reports, a school safety commission formed shortly after February’s school shooting in Parkland, Fla., is expected to recommend canceling the guidelines, which offer schools advice and resources to help them avoid racial disparities in their disciplinary practices.

To add the cherry on top of this regressive layer cake, that commission—chaired by DeVos—will also not recommend any new gun restrictions in school, instead opting to give schools advice on the best way to arm their teachers, should schools choose to do so.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Netflix Orders Its First Original African Series, ‘Queen Sono’ Netflix is adding yet another ground-breaking series to its lineup next year when it welcomes Queen Sono to the platform.

The South African-based production will be the first original African series the streaming giant has ever commissioned.

According to Pearl Thusi (pictured left), a veteran actor and one of the stars of the show, Queen Sono is “a thrilling story about a kicka-s female spy.” In a video, Thusi also said she “cannot wait for…every woman on this continent, and actually on this planet, to meet Queen Sono.”

Queen Sono was created by Kagiso Lediga, who starred with Thusi in the Netflix original film, Catching Feelings, which was also the first for the platform. Lediga hopes the new series will allow other African stories to find their way to viewers around the world.

“We believe Queen Sono will kick the door open for more awesome stories from this part of the world,” he said.

Events LAUGH OUT LOUD! BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT AT Buffalo’s Premiere Historic Facility Call 716-884-1444

On Stage at the Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St. (716) 853-1211 Clint Coley, Thursday January 17 @ 8 p.m.

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

HOLIDAY Weddings•Concerts•Corporate Meetings LANDMARK ON PEARL Engagement Parties • Galas • And More 318 Pearl Street PU BUSHING WWW.LANDMARKONPEARL.COM Downtown Buffalo SCHEDULE The Challenger Community News Will Not Publish December 26 or January 3 However our office will remain open to the public. Our first issue for 2019 will be Wednesday, January 9.

Thank you!

Give the Gift of Music For the next 100 days Concert Maestro Henri Star Muhammad is offering his Latest CD and Book at a special price of just $12 when purchased together on his site www.henristar.com !

The Album, entitled “The Angel One,” is an intense artistic spiritual collection of contemporary compositions and the book “The Artist” is a glimpse into his personal musical journey. Go to www. henristar.com .

Ryan Davis, Thursday December 20, Dec. 20 @ 8 p.m.

Davis has been known for his quick wit and Southern charm since he was a kid but a knack for great storytelling

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

The "Big Chop..."

I

f you are going to make a decision to stop perming/relaxing your hair you should get help deciding on how you’re going to do it and where you’re going to start. I have had women come to Hair to go Natural after the “big chop” was done - hating the decision that they made and wanting it braided and I had to tell them that it was too short, too blunt and it would not last! Woman are also opting to cut their hair because of illness (medication), thinning, lace fronts, liquid caps, bad color and etc. So seek professional consultation first. Ladies remember youtube does not have all the answers!

Please weigh both options and know what to expect from the “big chop” : 1. If you cut all the chemicals off you only have one texture. It probably would be short, but easy to care for. It would be less expensive and saves a lot of time.

2. Transitioning is sometimes more difficult to work with the two textures. It could take hours to shampoo, condition and style.

Working women and moms don’t always have time! It could also cost a lot of money trying and buying products for both textures.

You will also learn your natural texture or curl pattern. Black hair types are usually curly (3a, 3b,3c) or kinky (4a,4b,4c) 3. Short cuts save time and are easy to maintain. Use water in a spray bottle, combs, brushers or picks to maintain your natural short hair. Remember with any hair style, sleep with a silk or satin bonnet to keep oil in the hair not on your pillow case. Cotton could cause breakage. Use professional products to lay edges, shampoo, condition, mousses and etc.

4. No need to run for cover when it rains or snows because your hair won’t get ruined. This choice could be extremely liberating.

You can exercise, swim with no worries.

Now we have the flip side of the big chop!

1. Everyone does not like boy short hair. The shape or size or your head matters. It’s a matter of preference. If you like long hair, it’s your hair!

2. Sorry, going short does not leave you with too many options.

The teeny weeny afro will be it for a while and there is not much versatility! You could buy a wig or glue hair on. I have been natural for 10+ years, I just couldn’t do the big chop. I wear braids, straw sets, rod sets, weave, two strand and flat iron. I always tell my clients with close cropped hair to wear big earrings, make up, hats, scarfs and headbands for a change. It is also good to do the big chop in the winter and let it grow out because we usually stay in a lot due to our extreme winter conditions.

3. Unfortunately, everyone will always have an opinion good or bad. You should remain strong with your choices because at the end of the day it’s your hair.

Make an appointment at Hair to Go Natural before reaching for the shears yourself and carefully weigh the pros and cons of such a big decision. Some women are pleasantly surprised to find that they love their new short cut. They may also appreciate the wash and go aspect that cuts minutes off their daily grooming routine.

Whichever road you choose when you decide to stop relaxing

your hair, it should be the way that works for you, your lifestyle, and your hair’s health. If you’re confident in your decision, you will be as beautiful as ever. Call, Hair to Go Natural for a free consultation @ 716/883-2000 from 9a.m. – 5 p.m. and follow us on Instagram or facebook. Have a wonderful holiday season! See you next year!

Legendary 'Song Stylist' Nancy Wilson Dies at 81 Nancy Sue Wilson, the awardwinning singer who lent her vocal instrument to the world for over five decades, has died at the age of 81. The iconic singer died at her home in Pioneertown, Calif., following a long illness.

Wilson began her singing journey in church. After winning a talent contest in high school, she toured Ohio and later moved to New York at the recommendation of Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley.

She would later record several prominent albums with the acclaimed jazz alto saxophonist.

She won three Grammys and charted on the Billboard Top 20. In fact, the songstress was once known as one of the bestsellers at Capitol Records, next to the Beatles.

In 2004, she was awarded a “Jazz Masters Fellowship” for lifetime achievement by The National Endowment for the Arts.

Though primarily known as a jazz singer, Wilson actually resisted the label, preferring the term “song stylist,” according to the Washington Post.

“That’s my essence,” she told the publication at the time, “to weave words, to be dramatic.”

A woman of many talents, Wilson also embarked on a television, film and radio career. Additionally, Wilson was an activist during the civil rights era and participated in the famed Selma march in 1965. Further, she used her notoriety to champion causes such as literacy and education for low-income Black children, prenatal care, breast-cancer screenings and AIDS awareness.

Image From Black Monarchy.

Give The Gift of Culture This Holiday Season!

Black Monarchy Unique African and African Inspired Apparel and Accessories 527 W. Utica Ave. Hours Mon. Tue. Thurs. Fri 12-6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.. (347) 508-5267 find on IG @ shopblackmonarchy fb @blackmonarchy Phylicia Dove / Owner YMG Custom Apparel and More Custom Made Apparel with a Wide Variety African Fabric Choices. 1625 Buffalo Ave., Suite 3G ( Niagara Falls Business Center ). Hours Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Saturday by Appt.

Only. 716 570-3793 find on IG & FB @ymgcustomapparel Yvonne Maria Gamble / Owner Amon RA Ptah Master Craftsman/Jewelry Designer. The finest in custom designed African centered Jewelry. (716)892-8199 Ananse Ntotan Exclusive African Imported Sculpture, Accessories and Apparel 394 Genesee Street. Hours Monday – Saturday 12 Noon-6 p.m.

Gail & Truly Lucas / Owners Global Villages & Global Chic African and International Apparel, Home Accents and Accessories 216 & 242 Grant Street. Hours Monday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Tues. – Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Louise Sano / Owner Saibo African Imports 77 Allen Street. African arts, baskets, mudcloth, men & womens clothing, shea butter, jewelry and more. saiboafricanimports@yahoo.com Janies Emporium A Wide Array of International Apparel and One of a Kind Accessories Hours Tues, 11am – 6pm, Wed 12-4pm, Thurs 16pm,Fri 12-4pm Sat. 10am- 4pm 716 573-6456 or go to janiesemporium.com Alisha Tagger Powell / Owner

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Buffalo Kwanzaa 2018 “Love, Make It Happen!”

-Schedule-

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 – TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

All programs will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Events will take place at several sites this year, including The Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, Ujima Theatre, The William-Emslie Y, East High School and the CAO Alphonso Rafi Green Masten Resource Center. Admission is free to all programs!

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 UMOJA -UNITY

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30 - NIA-PURPOSE

12 Noon Niagara Square Downtown Buffalo Kwanzaa Will Kick Off With A Dedication And Black Liberation Flag Raising in Niagara Square in Front Of City Hall.

7-9PM East High School , 820 Northampton •Opening Address by, Lion AkinDele Blyden- President, UNIA-ACL Buffalo Division #433 •Daughters of Creative Sound •Keynote Speech by, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Founder of Kwanzaa

7-9PM Buffalo Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts, 450 Masten Ave. Opening Ceremony. Tribute to the Ancestors & Elders.

Cultural Presentation with Tradition Keepers Storytellers; Art Display by, Ari Moore, The Kwanzaa Series ;and Access to A-Free-Ka THURSDAY DECEMBER 27, KUJICHAGULIA-SELF DETERMINATION 7-9PM Buffalo Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts, 450 Masten Ave. An evening of electrifying performances by African American Cultural Center

MONDAY DECEMBER 31 - KUUMBA-CREATIVITY 6-9 PM CAO Alphonso Rafi Green Masten Resource Center; 1423 Fillmore Avenue Karamu Feast & Dance!!! Free Potluck! Please bring a dish to share (no red meat, alcohol, pork) Nia Soul Train by, Ras Muata TUESDAY JANUARY 1 -IMANI, FAITH

FRIDAY 28- UJIMA-COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY

12 Noon-4:00 PM CAO Alphonso Rafi Green Masten Resource Center; 1423 Fillmore Avenue Presentation: “Eye On History: 44 Years of Unapologetic Love of Self, Family, Community and Culture”

By Queen Mother Eva M. Doyle

7-9 PM Ujima Theater 429 Plymouth Avenue Ujima in Action! A captivating evening of Arts, Entertainment, and Cultural Activism

The Lonnie B. Harrell Afrikan Marketplace is available every evening from 6 -9:30 p.m. Buy Black!!!

Dr. Karenga

Kwanzaa 2018: 52 Years of Celebrating Our African Culture “Celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.” -Maulana Karenga, Founder The Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee will host a 52nd Kwanzaa anniversary celebration this year December 26, 2018 thru January 1, 2019.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 29- UJAMAACOOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, is scheduled to deliver his yearly founder’s message entitled, “Reimagining and Remaking the World: A Kwanzaa Commitment to an Inclusive Good” on Sunday, December 30 at East High School 820 Northampton at 7 p.m. The evening will also feature an opening address by Lion Blyden, president of the UNIA-AC Buffalo Division #433, and a cultural presentation by the Daughters of Creative Sound.

9:30 AM – 12 NOON William-Emslie YMCA; 585 William St, The Path of the Panther Kwanzaa Free Breakfast Program for Children 9:30a.m.-12p.m. @

Dr. Karenga is Professor and Chair of Black Studies at California State University at Long Beach; the creator of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), Kawaida; and author of several books, including “Introduction to Black Studies.”

11AM-4PM East High School, 820 Northampton Children’s Kwanzaa. Afrikan Cultural Education, Entertainment, & Art Activities & Storytelling. Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace All children must be accompanied by an adult!

This year’s local theme is “Love, Make It Happen” is a compliment to the national 2018 theme.

“Love provides the glue ...the connection,” said Vonetta Rhodes, an amazingly talented poet and longtime Kwanzaa committee member. “If we don’t have love for self, community and culture we won’t be able to have the commitment to accomplish anything.”

This year’s chairperson is Sam Radford.

7-9 PM East High School , 820 Northampton •Opening Address: “Cannabis, Hemp, and the Afrikan in America Community” by Scheril Murray Powell, Esq. •Dub Poetry by international Reggae and World Music star Dub Poet RasTakura.

•Panel Discussion: Afrikan Family Wealth & Legacy: How we did it!

“Habari gani!”—What’s The News?

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – WICKS-EXEMPT PROJECT Sealed bids for Project No. 45875H, for HVAC Work, Replace Heating System, DOT Region 5, 14299 Gowanda State Road, Collins (Erie County), NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $15,600 for C. Further, Wicks Exempt Projects require a completed form BDC 59 (Wicks Exempt List of Contractors) be filled out and submitted (included in a separate, sealed envelope) in accordance with Document 002220, Supplemental Instructions to Bidders – Wicks Exempt. Failure to submit this form correctly will result in a disqualification of the bid.

All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $100,000 and $250,000 for C. Designated staff are Jessica Hoffman, Carl Ruppert, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Deputy Director, Design & Construction Group, telephone (518) 4740201, fax (518) 486-1650.

The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 11:00 a.m. on December 27, 2018 at DOT Region 5, Intersection Route 62 and Middle Road, Collins, NY. Phone the office of Kim Himes, (716) 532-5151 a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts.

All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 16% for MWBE participation, 8% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 8% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs). The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s online through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/ bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp.

For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to DC.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call(518) 474-0203.

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/ dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

John D. Lewyckyj, C.S.I., C.D.T.

Deputy Director,

OGS Design &

Constance Mitchell Jefferson, Rochester Legend, Passes

HOLIDAYS FREE RECYCLING EVENT!

On Saturday, January 5, from 9a.m.- 2p.m. at the City of Buffalo Engineering Garage, 1210 Seneca St. Buffalo residents can bring these items to the site for disposal: electronics, Christmas trees, Christmas tree lights, Styrofoam, clothing/textiles (donate new or used clothing). For more information call 311 or 716851-5014 www.buffalorecycles.org

BETC HOLIDAY CLOTHES CLOSET GIVEAWAY The Buffalo Employment & Training Center’s free Holiday Clothes Closet Giveaway will be held December 17thDecember 21st at 77 Goodell St., MondayThursday 9a.m., 10a.m., 3-4p.m. and Fridays 9a.m.-4p.m. Must be registered with BETC. For more information, 716856-JOBS(5627) www.workforcebuffalo.org/betc

“Dance is for everybody…”

-Alvin Ailey

On Going Community Dance Classes MONDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon – 1p.m.; FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont, 5:307:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 11 a.m. - 12 noon.

FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702.

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS Line Dance Classes with Willa Jackson, Instructor, 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee st. 895-2727.

FRIDAYS Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor Chicago Steppin’: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. HUSTLE FOR HEALTH AFTER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, DEC. 28TH with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon – 1p.m.; FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 SATURDAYS Mike's Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 to 1 PM, Saturdays, Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave. 716-380-5100 class is $5 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.10a.m.-12

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An award-winning photojournalist, Bannon’s work has appeared in the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, The Daily Telegraph, and several other international publications. Founder of www. mostimportantpicture.org, his work has also been exhibited at the MOMA in New York City and La Triennale di Milano in Milan, Italy. Bannon has taught photography to marginalized communities around the world.

rs. Constance "Connie" Mitchell, the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected in Monroe County and a forceful personality who navigated in political, business, and neighborhood circles, has died at the age of 90.

Mrs. Mitchell, who had been ill for much of this year, passed Friday morning, Dec.14.

In 1959, Mrs. Mitchell first ran unsuccessfully for the Monroe County Board of Supervisors, the predecessor to the current County Legislature. Two years later, she tried again and was victorious.

Her win came at a time when elected bodies locally — and, for that matter, nationally — were almost completely male and w] White.

"She was a role model for a lot of women, White and Black, to get into politics," said former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson.

Mrs. Mitchell did not let the racism she encountered both when running for office and afterward deter her. If anything, it further fueled her desire to be a force for change and social justice. She was met with a racial slur from another legislator the first time she strode into a room with her elected colleagues.

"I just sat there," Mrs. Mitchell said in a 2008 interview that is part of a University of Rochester project on the struggles of African-Americans. She said she thought, "Well, take this Connie.

Keep your mouth shut. The time will come when you can tell him off."

In that same interview, Mrs. Mitchell said that much of the pushback she received related as much to her gender as her race.

"I think being a woman, there was a lot of resentment from men period, Black and White men," she said. " ... They had this feeling that women had a place and it certainly wasn't at the table with them. And I ran into that for a long time ... You had to prove yourself over and over and over again, that you could do what you were set up to do."

Generations later, others would be the beneficiaries of the efforts of Mrs. Mitchell.

Johnson, the first African-American mayor of Rochester, was encouraged by Mitchell to seek the vacancy in 1993. And current Mayor Lovely Warren, the first African-American female elected to the post, on Friday said that Mrs. Mitchell "was one of my personal heroes and role models in the fight to bring civil rights and social justice to the City of Rochester."

"She continued to give back to this community in many ways and she remained a source of strength and support for my family and me late into her life," Warren said in a statement. "I am a living example of the fact that she continued to lift as she climbed."

The duration of her legacy is somewhat remarkable given the fact that she only served two terms as a supervisor before opting not to run again. She later lost bids for City Council and the County Legislature.

But that legacy endures, her friends say, largely because of the life she carved out after her historic elections. She was a force for civil rights both at the macro level, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, and the micro level, pushing for employment in the Rochester region for those who encountered workforce barriers because of race or gender.

"She was a very public person," Johnson said. "The record shows that. But she also very effectively worked out of the public eye, working with young people, motivating young people, helping them get jobs, helping them get into college. She could be powerfully persuasive."

Mrs. Mitchell and her husband, John, who died in 2013, were known for a home that was awash with hospitality, and with the Cajun-flavored specialties cooked up by John, who hailed from Louisiana.

As Mrs. Mitchell's notoriety grew for her civil rights work, national figures from the African-American community and politics made their way to the Greig Street home. Among those were Malcolm X, comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, and Robert F. Kennedy when they visited Rochester "Connie and John's residence was kind of the center of attraction for civil rights and other activists in the community," said Walter Cooper, a former Eastman Kodak scientist who was involved in the civil rights struggles in Rochester in the 1960s. It was Cooper who first urged Mrs. Mitchell to run for office in 1959.

The Mitchells' daughter, Constance Mitchell-Jefferson, was about 4 years old when the national figures visited the home. She was often put to bed, but sometimes, hearing the chatter, she would wander back out. There is MALCOLM X and Mrs. Mitchell. a photograph of her on Gregory's knee.

Mitchell-Jefferson said Friday that, when young, she did not recognize the import of the work her mother was doing.

Chinana holds a degree in studio art with a concentration in photography from the University at Buffalo. His work is deeply rooted in personal experiences with war, and trauma.

PEACE & LOVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

The Odyssey Workshops: Picturing Life After Combat

Free intensive photography course for post 9/11 combat veterans CEPA Gallery and the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY will co-present a free, 12week intensive photography course for post 9/11 combat veterans beginning in January 2019. The struggles of US combat veterans reintegrating into society are largely misunderstood, rarely communicated by those immersed in the experience. The Odyssey Workshops will offer combat veterans a new tool to navigate the road home from service.

Through photography and writing, veterans will explore the return home in the workshop from their perspective.

Participants will work in small groups to make pictures that illustrate their lives in and out of uniform. This is a unique opportunity for veterans to share their stories among a group of peers, create a forum to control their narratives, and design artwork that reflects the past and present.

The project will be led by photographers Brendan Bannon and Julian Chinana, a U.S. Marine Scout/Sniper.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

A Ho Ho Hotep Message and Toy List from Kente Claus!

Ho, Ho, Hotep!

This is Kente Claus, Chief Joy Officer at The Claus Corporation for Africa and the Caribbean islands. I wanted to share with all of my friends who read the Challenger, some my personal toy recommendations for 2018 that meet our standards of being both Afrocentric and inspiring.

Every year my helpers look all over the world to find toys that build culture, and character into our children. For the first time, exclusive to the Challenger we are sharing some of the top performing toys from this year's list.

I believe it so important that we choose wisely what we give the little princes and princesses in our lives because it is something that will become a part of their imagination and take a life of its own. I believe it's not how much you spend on a toy that matters, it's how much time you spend with the precious ones who are playing with the toy.

Here are some of our recommendations and you can find more on my website KenteClaus.com or on our social media pages @KenteClaus Kente Claus 2018 Toy List 1. Positively Perfect Dolls, www.thedrlisa.com 2. Bino & Fino plush toys, www.binoandfinoshop.com 3. Giant Africa Map Puzzle, www.verypuzzled.com 4. NFL San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick Plush, www.culturecorner.com 5. Black Sun Comics, www.blacksuncomics.com 6. Kids Making Cents - Fundamentals of Finance Flash Cards, www.financialcommoncents.org 7. Young, Gifted and Black - Meet 52 Black Heroes From Past And Present, www.goodreads.com 8. Boombox Rattle, www.thechevronheart.com 9. Djembe (drum), www.africandrumsandartcrafts.com 10. Thomas and Friends Adventures, Nia the Train* *EXCLUSIVE. It will be available from Kente Claus himself at the African American Heritage Corridor Christmas celebration in Buffalo, NY on December 22nd.

Please remember the reason for the season and that Jesus is a gift of Grace that we all can receive freely any day of the year.

Merry Christmas and have a joyous Kwanzaa!

THE GREATEST GIFT IS THE BELIEF IN OUR CHILDREN.

Happy holidays from our Buffalo Collegiate family.

Now accepting applications for the New Year!

BUFFALOCOLLEGIATE.ORG/APPLY

14 Horse Drawn Carriage Ride & Celebration EM Tea Coffee Cup Café and Hamlin Park Tax Payers Association will present Horse Drawn Carriage Ride & Celebration, on Thursday, December 20 from 5:30 to 7:30p.m., 80 Oakgrove Ave., (weather permitting). Come enjoy a free community event including carriage ride, hot chocolate, and cookie decorating. Donations gratefully accepted.

Free Christmas Dinner

The Annual Lord’s Day Dinner will be held December 25, at the V.F.W. 917 LaSalle Griffin Post, 2435 Seneca Ave., Niagara Falls, from 12 noon to 6p.m. We are in dire need of gently used winter coats, hats, gloves and scarfs for our infants to adults to seniors. We also need toys, hams, food and monetary donations. For more information call Matt or Missionary Yvonne Davis at716-284-6973 or drop donations at 1317 Ashland Ave.

Beautillion Extraordinaire Seeks Young Male Participants The Buffalo Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Beautillion Extraordinaire, founded in 1988, is a leadership program designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for college and subsequent life. During the beautillion program, the participants (“beaux”) are required to attend workshops on topics such as: etiquette, fiscal responsibility, men’s health, financial aid, career preparation and public speaking. In addition, the beaux attend social and cultural events and perform a community service project.

At the culmination of the program, each of the beaux are presented to their parents, friends, teachers and other invited guests at the Beautillion ball, a black tie gala.

They are able to win money towards scholarship. More important than the scholarship awards, is the impact of mentoring has on our young men. For some, this program is their first exposure to professional African American male mentors and the lessons learned are invaluable.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Beautillion Chair, Mrs. Felecia Hanesworth at (716)3935119.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

15

Rochester's Racist Marijuana Policies Recreational Marijuana : The Case for Must End By George Cassidy Payne Putting The Concerns of People Above Profits By Doris J. Gayles Whether readers make the personal choice to smoke pot or not, the decades long war against marijuana in Rochester has been an unmitigated disaster. A series of recent studies have revealed just how devastating this war has been for people of color in our community.

According to the Division of Criminal Justice Services, in Monroe County, from 2012-2016, there were 1,811 total marijuana offenses. 373 were white. 1,241 were black. That's 68% of all arrests weighted against people of color. In Rochester, the total number of pot related arrests was 1,483. 157 of those were white people. 1,164 were black. That's 78% of all arrests weighted against African- Americans. Put in another way, African- Americans make up 8 in 10 city pot arrests. This is a travesty of justice that is both unacceptable and untenable.

Perhaps the Partnership for Public Good in Buffalo and Erie County has encapsulated the social justice aspect of this crisis the best. They have stated: "For communities of color, marijuana prohibition has justified an invasive police presence that damages citizen's relationships with law enforcement. And it brings a violent, underground economy into their neighborhood, that cannot be governed by rule of law or regulated as an industry. For immigrant communities, arrests for marijuana possession can lead to deportation. This has happened on a large scale; simple marijuana possession was the fourth most common cause of deportation for any offense in 2013. For young people, the stakes of a marijuana arrest are particularly high, due to the long term costs of early involvement in the criminal justice system."

What makes this such a blatant act of social injustice, is that study after study has shown blacks and whites to purchase, consume, and sell pot at the same rate. Why are blacks arrested at such disproportional rates? The only explanation seems to be prejudicial and racial profiling. In the words of author/activist Michelle Alexander, “We arrest these kids at young ages, saddle them with criminal records, throw them in cages, and then release them into a parallel social universe in which the very civil and human rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights movement no longer apply to them for the rest of their lives...They can be discriminated against [when it comes to] employment, housing, access to education, public benefits. They're locked into a permanent second-class status for life. And we’ve done this in precisely the communities that were most in need of our support.”

Added to the grotesque fact that African- Americans are nearly four times more likely than white individuals to be arrested for marijuana possession, as Alexander alludes to, the amount of money to be made from legal pot sales can be reinvested in the communities hardest hit by the failed War on Drugs. A recent study conducted by the New York Department of Health found that if marijuana was sold between $297 to $374 per ounce, it could generate between $248 million and $678 million in tax revenue for the state. A different study released by the New York City comptroller's office pegged the state's marijuana market at $3.1 billion, with tax revenues yielding about $1.3 billion annual at the state and city levels. That's a lot of money that can be redirected towards underfunded schools, after school programs, job training, public health, and neighborhood revitalization.

Mayor Warren, with all of that being said, what else do you need to know? The time to push for statewide legalization is now. Decriminalization alone won't stop the illegal drug trade. And we all know that black and brown people in Rochester are being decimated by the status quo. Something needs to change. When it comes to the social justice imperative of marijuana legalization, whose side are you on?

George Cassidy Payne is an independent writer, social justice activist, and adjunct professor of philosophy at SUNY. He lives and works in Rochester, NY. George's letters and essays have been featured in a wide range of domestic and foreign outlets including The Toronto Star, The Havana Times, The South China Morning Post, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Buffalo News, and the Albany Times Union. Locally, George is a frequent contributor to Rochester indymedia, City Newspaper, the Minority Reporter, and the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Hua Hu Ching

by Lao Tzu

Twenty-One Each moment is fragile and fleeting. The moment of the past cannot be kept, however beautiful. The moment of the present cannot be held, however enjoyable. The moment of the future cannot be caught, however desirable. But the mind is desperate to fix the river in place: Possessed by ideas of the past, preoccupied with images of the future, it overlooks the plain truth of the moment. The one who can dissolve her mind will suddenly discover the Tao at her feet, and clarity at hand.

“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

Printend In Canada

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

I speak to the issue of recreational marijuana as a mother, grandmother, educator and community health worker with pregnant moms.

I understand the medical use of cannabis for alleviating particular medical issues. My concern is with the effect of recreational marijuana upon the general population and the more vulnerable population of children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Recreational drug use will make it much easier for young people to access marijuana. We know that drugs have the greatest negative affect upon the young, developing brain. What will be the effect of marijuana production and smoke upon their cognitive ability if people in their household are using it? What kind of containers will it be in so that children can't access it? How will it affect their ability to focus and do critical thinking both inside and outside of the classroom? Will we be responsible for adding to the growing number of children with learning disabilities? Will the profit from the sale of marijuana compensate for the great loss in intellect?

Erie County has a high prematurity rate, resulting in astronomical cost to the healthcare system. Will cannabis affect the pregnant mom and her unborn baby? The mortality (death rate) for African-American mothers and babies in their first year of life is 2-4 times higher than in other races. Will marijuana make this situation even worse? Does it pass through the umbilical cord to the baby? If so, what is the result? Health organizations around the world (CDC, WHO, NIH) are encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies for optimum health. Does cannabis go into the mother's milk? If so, what is the affect?

Another issue is public safety and employment. Employers must deal with testing potential employees for drug use. Will there be a large enough pool of people to hire if recreational use of marijuana is legalized? What will be the requirement for those who operate machinery, busses and trains? What will be acceptable for pilots, doctors and hospital personnel disseminating medications?

I understand the injustice that has been perpetrated upon Afro­Americans for possessing small amounts of marijuana and the high incarceration rates as a result. Are we intelligent enough to correct this injustice without inflicting an equally harmful practice upon us all? As far as entrepreneurship is concerned, surely our representatives can find opportunities for Afro-Americans in Buffalo's flourishing economy other than growing or selling cannabis. Remember when the tobacco industry lied to us about the effects of tobacco upon our health and the drug companies told us that opioids were harmless and non-addictive? Lets not use hindsight but foresight in dealing with recreational marijuana.

Besides monetary profit, what has been the effect in other cities and states upon the general population's health and institutions? Let's look at the research from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), NIH (National Institute of Health) WHO (World Health Organization) and the Cochrane Studies. What can we learn from the neuroscientist like Dr. Norman Doidge in "The Brain's Way Of Healing?" Let's have a public forum in layman's terms to answer the questions I have presented so that we can decide if the profits and pleasure of recreational cannabis is worth the problems it will cause to the public. At least, whatever decision we make, it will be made consciously, with short and long term scientific studies, putting the concerns of the people above profits.

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3 con to Savannah; a steamship to Charleston, South Carolina; another steamer to Wilmington, North Carolina; a train to Fredericksburg, Virginia; another steamer to Washington, D.C; a train to Baltimore, Maryland, and thence to Pennsylvania.They had to travel separately the whole worrisome journey with constant fear that someone would see through their ruse and reveal them.

That fear was almost realized several times, but they nonetheless arrived in Philadelphia on Christmas day, 1848.The Crafts moved on to Boston, which had an established free Black community and a wellorganized, protective abolitionist activity. William, a skilled cabinetmaker, started a furniture business.

Fugitive Slave Act In 1850, the US Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act which made it a crime for residents of free states to harbor or aid fugitive slaves like the Crafts. The act also rewarded anyone for assisting slave owners by apprehending their fugitive “property” and returning them to slavery.

Two slave catchers, traveled north to capture the Crafts. The town of Boston sheltered the couple and kept them away from the bounty hunters.still feeling unsafe anywhere, the Crafts moved to England in 1851.They returned to the United States in 1870 and settled near Savannah. Ellen Craft died there in 1891. William Craft died in Charleston in 1900.

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16

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests sealed proposals to provide all professional Architectural/ Engineering Services necessary or incidental to provide site investigation, and consulting services, specifications review and maintenance monitoring services for the implementation of the following project: Architectural / Engineering Services to Monitor Maintenance Of Elevators and Chair Lifts @ Various Sites BMHA Job #AE-19-01 The Request for Proposals may be obtained at the BMHA Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Sealed proposals must be received by 3:00 PM, local time, on January 18, 2019, at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Perspective offerors are strongly encouraged to attend a presubmittal meeting. The pre-submittal meeting will be held on January 8, 2019 @ 10:00 AM @ 320 Perry Street 14204.

The contract for professional services will only be awarded to a single professional firm; no joint ventures.

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and/or all proposals submitted.

Date: December 19, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Erie Community College South Campus 2019 Classroom Infrastructure Improvements ECDPW Project No. NT-18-02 The County of Erie Department of Public Works is seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and construction services for the Erie Community College South Campus 2019 Classroom Infrastructure Improvements project. Qualification statements and proposals will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Friday, January 18, 2019. RFQ/ RFP submission instructions may be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Erie Community College Campus-wide 2019 Replacement of Emergency Generators ECDPW Project No. NT-18-01 The County of Erie Department of Public Works is seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and construction services for the Erie Community College Campus-wide 2019 Replacement of Emergency Generators project. Qualification LEGAL NOTICE RFP statements and proposals will be COUNTY OF ERIE received by the County’s CommisDEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL sioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 SERVICES of the Rath County Office Building, 95 FRANKLIN STREET 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. RFQ/ County of Erie, New York RFP submission instructions may be RFP RELEASE found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/ 2019 SUMMER PRIMETIME PROGRAMMING The Erie County Youth Bureau (ECYB) is pleased to announce its Request for Proposal (RFP) for 2019 funding of “Summer Primetime” programming on January 16th, 2019.

Applications from eligible not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations & local youth bureaus will be accepted until February 13th at 5:00PM. Eligible programs promote positive youth development, addressing long-term juvenile delinquency prevention & summer learning loss within Erie County to youth ages 6-18 for a minimum of six weeks.

The application may be downloaded from the ECYB website or by contacting Ben Hilligas, Youth Bureau Director, at 716-923-4051 or benjamin. hilligas@erie.gov.

An open informational meeting will be held on January 30th, 2019 at 10:30AM at True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry St. Buffalo NY, 14211.

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

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

E M P L O Y M E N T / H E L P WA N T E D Assistant Professor in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering The Engineering Technology Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor 10 Months (tenure-track).

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering Technology The Engineering Technology Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor 10 Months (tenure-track).

JOBS

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The BETC is here to help

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To apply please see website for more details: www.buffalolib.org/content/ employment-opportunities

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Director of Honors Program.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

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LEGAL NOTICE BIDS

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4839 - LED FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS 4849 - VERTICAL STORAGE CAROUSEL Download Bids from www.nfta.com

C/O 1014 Main Street, Delevan, New York 14042 For more rental information call: 716-492-3288 TDD Relay Line: 711 • Short Waiting Lists

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY: Unlawful discrimination. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.”

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

Service Delivery Manager The Information Technology Exchange Center (ITEC) at SUNY Buffalo State seeks candidates for the position of Service Delivery Manager (local title).

For a full job description and to apply by January 4, 2019: http://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/3456

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

ROOMS

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LEGAL NOTICE BIDS

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4841 - DISABILITY THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR Download Bids from www.nfta.com

17

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Rise Up Right Highlights In Sports I want to thank everyone for supporting Rise Up Right and the Challenger Community News. Happy Holidays to everyone who has supported Challenger Community News and Rise Up Family.

Let's get right into the highlights.

Buffalo Sabres News The Buffalo Sabres are showing up why this is the season to be jolly. After a 5 game skid, The Sabres have won 3 out of 4, including a 4-2 victory over the Bruins. Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner are leading this team to new heights. Buffalo sabers fans are hoping for more of the same effort and success in 2019. Currently the Sabres are 20-9-5 which is 2nd best in the Atlantic division.

I also wanna take this time out to thank the Buffalo Sabres organization for always making me feel welcome while covering Buffalo Sabres hockey. Happy holidays to the Buffalo Sabres and their great organization.

UB Sports The year 2018 has allowed Western New York sports fans to witness the University of Buffalo basketball and football programs reach great heights as the Bulls football team will be playing in the Dollar General Bowl against Troy after an amazing 10-3 season. We were able to behold amazing talents such as Anthony Johnson, Tyree Jackson, K.J Osborn, Kevin Marks, and others who excelled on the field this season. Most of the high quality will be NFL bound as I see a lot of 2nd, 3rd and 4th rounders on this team. The UB men’s basketball program has also reached new heights as well as the UB bulls team is number 14 ranked in the nation. They have a monumental game coming up this Saturday against 25th rank Syracuse. This will be a super spectacular moment if the bulls can pull out a victory Saturday against Jim Boeheim and the Orangemen. I also wanna take the time out to thank the UB Athletic department for allowing me to cover their games. They have a beautiful atmosphere and I hope to continue to cover UB sports in 2019.

In Other Sports News *The Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 14-13 on a 42 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Robert Foster. *Global Concepts basketball faces International Prep today at 530 p.m. As they look to continue their winning ways after beating Lafayette High School 43-38.

Happy Holidays Everyone and be sure to follow me on FB @AndreRobinson and @RiseuFamily and on IG @therealtorch716 and riseupfamilyseven16 The Official website is riseupfamily.com

Bills Defeat Lions 14-13

I

t’s amazing how everybody that leaves the Buffalo Bills organization seem to be doing well. The latest is LA Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn. He out-coached veteran Head Coach Andy Reid on Thursday night football with a gutsy call at the end of the game to go for two and made it for a Chargers 29-28 win. Congratulations to Head Coach Lynn, who now has his team qualified for playoffs and is a candidate for AFC Coach of the year Honors.

On Sunday the Bills defeated the Lions 14 – 13 with a good defensive play by all unit members and a steady offense that did not turn the ball over. Bills wide receiver Robert foster , who looks totally different than earlier in season said,” I’m working hard and not allowing myself to get comfortable; I’m trying to give a target to Allen when the play breaks down because it’s really a scrambling drill looking to make a play.”

Yes, Robert Foster is an Alabama championship player who has a hard time staying healthy. If Foster can stay on the field there will be more big plays from him.

Foster had a 42 yard reception in the fourth quarter along with 6 receptions for 103 yards. He’s the Buffalo Bills first un-drafted Free Agent to have consecutive 100 yard receiving games in franchise history.

Bills rookie running back Keith Ford said, “I have been preparing since training camp and working on myself in order to get better every day; I’m working on my craft and it’s really a mental game of keeping myself ready to play once my name is called and finally my name was called…I’m going to push myself and play to win regardless of the situation.” Ford definitely looks like a player working to be the very best football player he can be.

The Bills should bench Charles Clay and LeSean McCoy in order to look at younger talent like tight ends Keith Towbridge and Logan Thomas, and Keith Ford. I wrote in this column back in February that the Bills should have traded McCoy for draft picks or even later to the Philadelphia Eagles at the trade deadline. This once again shows us that Bills General Manager Brandon Beene should be replaced before the upcoming draft.

He is totally incompetent to run an NFL team. His decision making is always after the fact and too little too late.

The Bills travel to New England next week for their annual beat down. However I think the game will be close but the Bills just won’t score enough points to win with our defense playing another good game. Prediction: New England will win 20 – 10 in a very entertaining game. Tom Brady and company is finally dropping in dominance and rest of the division is catching up.

This may be one more season of a New England winning division. Follow me on FB, Twitter: georgeradman@georgeradney

Bills Report

Visit Our Sports Writers Online www.thechallengernews.com/sports

At The Point For Student-Athlete’s by a Former Student-Athlete Part 5: GRIT Dear readers, It has been a pleasure providing my thoughts and feelings from the perspective of a former student-athlete over the past few months. In sharing the 5 Principles to a complete high school and collegiate student-athlete experience, my intent has been to provide valuable principles that I feel current studentathletes should operate by. Much like the transferable skills that sport possesses, these principles became extremely relatable to a wide scope of individuals including people with no sports background.

These Principles include The Power of Self-Awareness, Possessing Leadership, The Art of Competition, Extraordinary Discipline and Stewardship, and Grit, the 5th and final principal of this series.

Mastering these 5 principles not only makes you a well-rounded and complete competitor, they also keep you in a constant state of progression and growth.

Of the 5 principles, grit is my favorite. It takes an insane amount of fearlessness, fortitude, character, stick-to-it-tiveness, and determination to possess grit. Grit separates the haves from the have-nots.

Not in the sense that it makes you more fortunate than anyone else, but because in order to have and to maintain anything in life, you have to posses the ability to bend and not break.

In my opinion, the most beautiful display of Grit happens during a fight. Whether realistically or metaphorically, a fight consist of a winner and a loser. During the fight, there will be some knockdowns, unfathomable blows landed and endured, positive and negative reactions to being hit hard, and the clashing of winning intentions. At some point, grit determines whether you win or lose.

In most cases, the loser improperly reacts to being knocked down. What losers fail to understand is that a knock down does not equate to defeat, unless you stay down. Staying down can imply that you’ve never been down, because when winners are knocked down, they know for a fact, that the possibility of getting back up and actually winning exist because winners always get up.

I’ve gotten up from life altering blows over and over again.

Some have been during physical altercations and some from mental battles but the toughest opponent that I’ve ever fought has been myself.

Even for me, a former student-athlete, providing you with insight on the 5 guiding principles, attempting to abide by them has been a challenge. I’ve often thought, how can I be exceptional, when my actions are ordinary? How can I lead, when I fail to follow my own guidance?

How can I tell you what’s right, when I’m focused on doing what’s wrong? And how can I identify with victory, when I’ve been consumed with defeat?

The answer is that I get up every single time I’m knocked down and every single day, I choose to be better than the day before. I make the conscious effort not to let decisions and actions, or the lack thereof, determine who I will be today.

I’ve Got Odds2Beat and for student-athletes reading this, You’ve Got Odds2Beat!

I challenge You to take on all five guiding principles as a successful student-athlete.

Be Aware, Be a Leader, Be Competitive, Be a Steward, Be Gritty and WIN! You Can Read the Entire Student-Athlete Series on the challenger website under At The Point.

18

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

Wednesday December 19

Saturday December 22

A Soulful Christmas Celebration of African American Holiday Traditions: 12 noon – 4:30 p.m. Michigan Street Back To Basics Outreach African American Heritage Ministries Reentry Mentoring Corridor.

Tree of Life Ceremony: 6-8 p.m. Community Health Center, 34 Benwood. Raffles, free giveaways.986-9199 ext.4150

Tuesday December 25 Free Christmas Day Dinner for Families In Need: “Annual Lord’s Day Dinner,” VFW 917 LaSalle Griffin Post, 2435 Seneca Ave. Niagara Falls, 12 noon – 6 p.m. (716) 284-6973 for info.

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Graduation Ceremony: 3-5 p.m., UB’s EOC 5554 Ellicott St. RSVP to Pastor Charles H. Walker II, 854-1086 walkerbuffalo@aol.com HEAP Outreach: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Community Health Center of Buffalo, 34 Benwood Ave. Sponsored by Legislator April Baskin and Dr. Lavone Ansari.

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

Thursday December 20 Horse Drawn Carriage Ride & Celebration: 5:30-7:30 p.m., 80 Oakgrove Avenue, presented by EM Tea Coffee Cup Café & Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association. A free community event.

Greater Utica Community Heights Block Club Meeting: 5:30-7:30, Merriweather Library.

Yoga & Jembe Every Thursday at Juneteenth headquarters 1517 Genesee 5:30 p.m.

FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE WEEKEND A free community movie weekend will be held at the Frank E. Merriweather Library in the Auditorium located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue starting December 22, 2018 featuring ELF and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Doors open at 2:15p.m.

On December 23, 2018 The Perfect Holiday and A Madea’s Christmas will be shown. Doors open at 1:00pm. This event is brought to you with the collaborative efforts of the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24, Ransom House, Inc. and Jes Breathe Cancer Awareness Group. Children must be accompanied by an adult for all movies.

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The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •December 19, 2018

BILLS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY! Dementia support and resources close to home.

Buffalo Bills Tre Davious White teamed up with Adidas and Pizza Hut to provide 27 local kids with a personal meet /greet along with gifts to reward the children for academic excellence and good behavior Tuesday at the African American Cultural Center on Masten Ave. Tre sponsored the event and made sure each child took home Bills swag and gear courtesy of the Buffalo Bills.

This is his first event in Buffalo. Thank you For Supporting The Kids Tre! ( challenger photo)

Call Erie County

Senior Services:

858-8526

24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Programs and services are funded in part through a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

Find your

best fit!

Choose the best school for your child.

The YMCA hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Party at the William Emslie location with a massive turn out. The free community event for children 3-15 years old received Christmas Gifts from Buffalo Bills LeSean McCoy and Shades of Greatness Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on assisting families living with ALS and inner city youth programs stressing education on both fronts. The children took Santa photos, participated in activities and received goody bags! Thank you for supporting those in need LeSean, like your motto says “Together We Can Make Our Communities Great”! (challenger photo )

Expo & Fair Rochester City School District

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Saturday, January 12

9:00 am to 2:00 pm Riverside Convention Center | 123 E. Main St., 14604

Learn About Offerings for 3 and 4 Year-Olds

Registration On-site for Pre-K and Kindergarten

Meet with Pre-K Staff and Community Partners

Fre e Pa r k i n g • St u d e nt Pe r fo r m a n c e s • Fu n Ac t i v i t i e s