Challenger Community News

Photo Courtesy of MusicalFare

Mayor Evans Joins Walk For Life for the City's New Anti-Littering Campaign

Mayor Malik D. Evans, joined by City officials, staff and Matt Apple, CEO of Walk for Rochester, launched "Respect Rochester” today, the City’s new antilittering campaign. The initiative serves as a rallying call for residents, businesses, and property owners to join the City in creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier community.

Mayor Evans, right rear in red tie

“Imagine a city where every block tells a story of partnership, engagement, and community pride; that is the vision behind our Respect Rochester campaign,”said Mayor Evans. “I am asking everyone to join forces in beautifying the city. It’s about more than just cleaning up; it’s about coming together to revitalize our shared spaces. We all must work together to make Rochester shine, so that every street corner reflects the pride we have in our city.”

The City’s Department of Environmental Services is intensifying trash removal efforts along targeted commercial corridors in partnership with Neighborhood Service Centers that will support these efforts through intensified code enforcement and organizing and equipping volunteers who want to help keep the city clean.

To keep the anti-littering message top of mind, the City is rolling out branded “Respect Rochester” trash receptacles along commercial corridors, and grabbers, gloves, and trash bags will be available to anyone organizing a beautification event in their area.

Alongside City efforts, property owners, business operators, and neighbors are encouraged to access services or participate in events for ongoing beautification projects throughout the year. -Ways to get involved-

•Sign-up for the city-wide Clean Sweep, Saturday, May 4, 2024

•Organize a Mini Sweep in your area ,Join a group like Walking for Rochester that organizes city clean-ups . For more information go to: www.cityofrochester.gov/respect-rochester

Tanzania: An Unforgettable Visit

Photos & Text By Anthony Simmons

Have you ever considered vacationing in Africa? I did just that when I visited Moshi in Tanzania. It was an amazing experience as my mind, body and soul came in contact with Tanzanian soil. It was like a long awaited home coming and the people and culture embraced me with open arms. I was greeted warmly as I shopped in the local markets. I enjoyed the local food. Then I saw the great Mt. Kilimanjaro with its peak fading in and out of the clouds!. I stayed at Kerama hotel (www.silentlodges.com). The room was very nice with a full body shower. The service was Awesome and the staff was great!!! Do yourself a favor and book a trip to Tanzania where you can go on safari, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit the Masai warriors, visit the waterfalls and much more.

Garth Fagan Dance “Rite of Spring” Fundraising Drive Now Underway!

Garth Fagan Dance opened the year to packed houses, with performances of the world premiere of "The Rite of Spring," choreographed by Artistic Director Norwood (PJ) Pennewell, in collaboration with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Garth Fagan Dance is flourishing under the new leadership of Artistic Pennewell and Executive Director- Natalie Rogers-Cropper, Garth Fagan's chosen successors and both long-time Principal Dancers.

In support and recognition of this exciting new season in the history of Garth Fagan Dance, a generous anonymous donor is matching gifts up to an accumulated total of $50,000. Our " Rite of Spring" campaign is underway now and will continue through June 1st.

Become a donor named after Garth Fagan’s most celebrated works by going to https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E352203&id=42

You may also donate with a check made out to Garth Fagan Dance and mailed to Garth Fagan Dance, 50 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604 , or conveniently through our website www. garthfagan-dance.org by clicking the support button in the upper right corner of our main page.

MAY 8 - 10, 2024

Join us:

Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center Register Today: cityofrochester.gov/MWBE/

WED., MAY 8

JAZZ RECEPTION, AWARDS DINNER W/GUEST SPEAKER

THU., MAY 9

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, OPENING SESSION, LUNCH W/GUEST SPEAKER, WORKSHOPS AM & PM, NETWORKING RECEPTION

FRI., MAY 10

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, PANEL DISCUSSION, EXPO CLOSING LUNCHEON

T-shirt, Coffee, Muffins & Danish

Game Ticket vs. Syracuse Mets, 1:05 p.m. & Voucher for Hot Dog & Drink Game Parking in Oak Street Lot

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME! Last Saturday afternoon the lovely young entrepreneurs from Girl Scout Troop 30127, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, brought sunshine to East Ferry near Jefferson selling Girl Scout Cookers to passers-by. Pictured from left, Isis Owens, Tamisha Harris (Troop Leader), Temprance Overton and Storm Overton. If you missed them you can still order your delicious Girl Scout Cookies by going to GSWNY.ORG Challenger Photo

Council Approves Amendments Promoting Transparency and Fair Housing

The Buffalo Common Council has approved two ordinance amendments proposed by University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt that promotes enhanced corporate transparency and fair housing practices within the city.

The first ordinance amendment, Chapter 264, requires corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) operating within Buffalo to disclose crucial information, including their principal place of business and the names, titles,and addresses of principal residence for all officers, directors, and managing or general agents upon registration.

The second ordinance amendment, Chapter 154, focuses on fair housing practices. By expanding the definition of "source of income" to encompass various lawful payments such as public assistance, pensions, and housing subsidies like Section 8 vouchers, this amendment aims to combat discrimination in housing transactions. It emphasizes that all sources of income must be considered without prejudice, promoting equal access to housing opportunities for all residents of Buffalo.

"These ordinance amendments reflect our unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and equality," said University District Council Member Wyatt. "By enacting these measures, we are taking proactive steps to create a more just and equitable society for all residents of Buffalo.”

Fundraiser For Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

A “Solidarity Souk” will be held on Friday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Fitz Books & Waffles, 433 Ellicott Street for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Proceeds will benefit the Islamic Medical Association of North America.

INVESTING IN THE COMMUNITY: Chairwoman April Baskin (far left) stands with representatives from three organizations which received a total of $3.2 million in funding. From left T.O.P. Enterprises, Kanaka Development and the Buffalo Urban League. Legislator Howard Johnson is pictured far right. Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams

Chairwoman Baskin Announces Investment of $3.2 Million in Jefferson Avenue Projects

Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin and three organizations announced a total of $3.2 million she was able to secure to fund three separate development projects on Jefferson Ave. Representatives from the Buffalo Urban League, T.O.P. Enterprises, Inc and CB Emmanuel Realty, and Kanaka Development were on hand with Chairwoman Baskin to announce three separate projects happening on Jefferson Avenue in East Buffalo. This follows recent efforts by the County to reinvest in neighborhoods in the City of Buffalo that have been left behind during our region’s economic renaissance. In January, the Erie County Legislature passed a law, sponsored by Chairwoman Baskin, that made affordable housing a County purpose. That allows the County to fund affordable housing projects in the county.

“Over the last several decades, we have seen a disinvestment in communities on the East side. Jefferson Avenue was once a booming economic district in our city, and because of intentional disinvestment over many years, it has been left in despair,” said Chairwoman A Baskin. “The tragedy of May 14th underscores how important it is to invest in the East side of Buffalo, and these developers are doing just that.”

The funding will go to the following projects:

•$1 million to Buffalo Urban League for construction of their new headquarters

•$1.2 million to T.O.P. Enterprises, Inc for their mix use building providing affordable housing options, event and gallery space, commercial space, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents

•$1million to Kanaka Development for a new space to better provide the area with healthcare such as a pharmacy, wellness center, primary care physician office and behavioral center.

"TOP Enterprises and CB-Emmanuel Realty are proud to partner together on the Gateway Village project. Legislator Baskin has helped the project secure its first source of capital financing,” said Ben Upshaw, CB Emmanuel Realty Managing Partner. “Our organizations know that these funds will be a catalyst in attracting other capital needed to start and complete this exciting project. The Gateway Village Project will aid the community and contribute to the revitalization of Jefferson Avenue by providing affordable housing options, event and gallery space, commercial space, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for local residents. We are incredibly thankful for the support of Chair Baskin."

“The Buffalo Urban League is grateful to Chairwoman April Baskin and the Erie County Legislature for their support of the construction of the Urban League Empowerment Campus on Buffalo’s East Side,” said Thomas Beauford, Buffalo Urban League President and CEO.

“This development will bring over 100 employees, critical programs, services, and economic opportunities directly to the local community.”

The 1992 Los Angeles Rebellion

April 29, 1992 to May 4, 1992

A videotape was shot on March 3, 1991, by a man who watched police officers brutally beat Rodney King, an African American motorist who had been pulled over for speeding. When the officers’ initial efforts to bring King to the ground failed, they clubbed him with their batons dozens of times. The videotape, which was broadcast across the United States, prompted a huge outpouring of protest.

Emotions were still running high more than a year later during the trial of the officers. On April 29, 1992, protest and violence erupted almost immediately after the jury— composed of 10 Whites, a Hispanic, and an Asian—acquitted the officers of charges that included assault with a deadly weapon and excessive use of force. Hundreds of protesters congregated outside police headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, chanting, “No justice, no peace.”

On the first night of rioting, Mayor Tom Bradley—an African American - responded to the verdict by saying, “Today that jury asked us to accept the senseless and brutal beating of a helpless man.” He later declared a state of emergency, and California Gov. Pete Wilson mobilized a first contingent of National Guardsmen (eventually, some

The video of the Rodney King beating.

Council Member Wyatt

FAITH & FAMILY

Pastor Boyd to Celebrate 25th Pastoral Anniversary & 80th Birthday Dinner

Arthur H. Boyd, Pastor & Servant Leader will be honored at a 25th Pastoral Anniversary & 80th Birthday Dinner Saturday, April 27 at Creekside Banquet Center, 2669 Union Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m For tickets, RSVP and more information call (716)883-1481.

“NOT ONLY IS GOD’S WORK WONDERFUL, GOD’S WORK CAN NEVER BE UNDONE.”-African Wisdom

MAY 2 IS NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER!

Thursday, May 2 is the National Day of Prayer. It's been observed every year on the first Thursday of May since 1952.Congress designated the day as one for people to "turn to God in prayer and meditation." Every year since then the president has signed a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray.

Gather for Prayer in Our Community on May 2 from 1-4 p.m. at First Centennial Missionary Baptist Church, 273 High Street with host Co-Pastor Wonda Core.

TERRENCE D. McKELVEY

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

Send your event listing to editorial@thechallengernews.com or mail to: The Community Planner, PO Box 474, Buffalo, NY 14209

MAY

BLACK ACHIEVERS "Swing Into Spring" Friday May 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The Metropolitan On Main Street, 1670 Main St. Tickets $50. Visit www.buffaloblackachievers.org

Buffalo United Front EAST SIDE BIKE CLUB KICK OFF RIDE MAY 11 Meet in MLK Park at The MLK Head and every Saturday thereafter. Meet @ 9:30 a.m. Ride 10 a.m. JOIN US!

AFRO-AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. 50th Anniversary Gala Luncheon, MAY 4 Acqua Restaurant, 2192 Niagara Street. Keynote Speaker Douglass Ruffin Jr., founder of the Buffalo History Channel. $50. For tickets call (716)256-5614 or email AAHNF74@gmail.com

Friends For A Better Buffalo “EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS” Saturday, May 4 at the Hohn Auditorium located on the Roswell Park campus. Tickets $30 and can be purchased at www.friendsforabetterbuffalo.com

Iota Eta Eta. Inc of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. PROFESSIONAL BLACK REGISTERED NURSES, 2ND ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS Dinner Sunday, MAY 19 at 4 p.m. Classic V Banquet & Conference, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Muhammad School of Music 25th Anniversary Festival Weekend Friday May through Sunday, May 19 Three days - Three concerts All events at Babeville Performing Arts Center 341 Delaware. Tickets now on SALE. at www.henristar.com/msom25

JUNE

Buffalo ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE JUNE 2 starts @ 11 a.m. @ Elmwood and Forest, proceeds along Elmwood to Allen Street. The Pride Festival will begin at 1 p.m. at Canalside. For more information visit buffalo-pride.org

FAMILY FISHING 2024 JUNE 29 & 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. sponsored by Buffalo United Front Inc., Freedom Park (Foot of Ferry-Underground Railroad), largest kids & family fishing day in NYS, food, fun, games, and more! A FREE EVENT

JULY

HEALING BY THE WATER @ FREEDOM PARK, Foot of Ferry, KICK OFF JULY 11 continues thru Sept. 12. Music, food, vendors & More.

AUGUST

36TH ANNUAL TAKING IT TO THE STREETS MLK Park. AUGUST 17 &18, 11 a.m.until.Vendor and Shelter space now available!! Call Anita Williams early to reserve and or to join one of the event planning committees at (716)507-1931, or (716)507-1931, (716)891-4760 or (716)507-1931.

8TH ANNUAL BEAU FLEUVE MUSIC & ARTS CELEBRATION, SUNDAY AUGUST 25th, on the historic grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal.

OCTOBER

42nd ANNUAL NATIONAL BLACK STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 23-27, The Embassy Suite Hotel, 200 Delaware Avenue. Hosted by Tradition Keepers Black Storytellers of Western New York. For more information Sharon Holley (716) 400-2826; Marlyn Williams (716)982-1877; Valerie Bostic (716)606-2577.

NOVEMBER

BUFFALO URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL GALA, Saturday, November 2, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. Theme: “Going Further Together.

Roswell Park Expert Sarah Pearson-Collins:

The Importance Of Breaking Tobacco’s Historic Ties To The Black Community

While not someone who smokes herself, tobacco plays a big role in Sarah Pearson-Collins’ family history. No one in her household smoked when she was growing up, but when she took a step back, she noticed tobacco was a looming presence.

“When I started looking at the tobacco burden from a more extended background and even started to kind of trace it back historically, I started to realize, this has really affected a lot of my family,” says Pearson-Collins, Director of Training, Development and Support for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Cessation Services. She helps train people to counsel those who want to quit smoking.

“From the very beginning, coming over from Africa, having to work on tobacco plantations, Black people were planting it, picking it and smoking it.” Pearson-Collins’ great-grandmother was born enslaved on a tobacco plantation; her grandmother had 10 children, seven of whom were smokers. And she has an elderly aunt who, despite needing to rely on an oxygen tank as a result of her diminished lung capacity due to COPD, continued to smoke.

“You can see the generational reach. It’s still affecting our family really intensely,” she says. “In the ‘80s and ‘90s, I started seeing folks getting sick, uncle after uncle after aunt getting sick, in different ways. You started seeing rheumatoid arthritis and a lot of the inflammatory autoimmune disorders and things people don’t realize are connected to smoking.”

Tobacco, and mentholated tobacco products in particular, have been aggressively marketed to Black communities for generations, Pearson-Collins says. Even smoke-less and smoke-free products – from tobacco pouches to vape pens and e-cigarettes – continue to promote menthol and other flavored products to entice younger users to pick up smoking or other tobacco items, continuing the pattern. In recent years there has been an effort to pressure tobacco companies to reduce their marketing efforts around mentholated products, especially in the Black community.

Ads offered the promise of a different life Tobacco companies often use their advertising dollars to target the Black community by historically providing generous donations to organizations like the NAACP, sororities, fraternities and other groups. They also placed full-page ads in publications like Jet and Ebony magazines that market a glamorous, successful, luxurious lifestyle to young Black people.

“I used to go to the Ebony Fashion Fair back in the day, when the event took place at the State University of New York at Buffalo,” Pearson-Collins says. “Tobacco companies were big sponsors. They’d take out these big ads because they knew Ebony had a big readership. They were constantly promoting (cigarettes). They made smoking look so good. If you look at an oppressed group of people, or a marginalized group, you advertise what they aspire to be or do. In the 1960s, we had the ‘Black is Proud’ movement and you saw tobacco marketing in favor of that.”

Roswell Park’s own research indicates that lung cancer is the third most-common kind of cancer in the Black community in Western New York, with an incidence rate of 76 cases per 100,000 people. Between 2016 and 2020, a total of 7,537 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in Western New York, making it the most prevalent type of cancer in the region. Lung cancer also is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, representing three of every 10 cancer-related deaths.

“Tobacco companies incorporate menthol because it makes the products so much more palatable,” Pearson-Collins says.

Traditions can be changed with help from scientists

She wants to help break this generational trait, not just in her family but for others who have a similar history. As a smoking cessation trainer, she helps inform and prepare tobacco specialists who work with people who want to quit smoking, helping them understand it’s not just as simple as putting down the cigarettes, or picking up a nicotine patch or nicotine gum to change their routine.

“By combining the smoking cessation aids with counseling, it doubles your chances of quitting,” she says. “I think the most important thing is to be able to understand the behavioral component of smoking as well. As with any behavior you want to change, there’s a cognizant behavioral approach to take. Everything we do is evidence-based or best practices.”

In a community where therapy and counseling are not common or comfortable practices, reaching out for help can be a difficult hurdle to clear.

“In the Black community, you hear ‘Give it to God.’ That’s fine, but there’s also help. Just like if you have cancer, you’re going to go to a doctor that specializes in it. Prayer is powerful, yes, but God works through the doctors and the scientists who create these medications and these new technologies.”

Walk It Out!

Did you know that walking just 15 - 30 minutes a day can improve your overall health tremendously? According to studies walking can improve your body’s circulation, helps your body get rid of excess fat, strengthens bones, induces better sleep, strengthens your heart, reduces chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease, and last but not least walking helps increase your happy mood! Research from @colormewell716

Dance Therapy!

Every Wednesday until June 26 BNMC Innovates holds Dance Therapy from 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. The free energizing dance therapy class is hosted by Can Marie at the Innovation Center 640 Ellicott street in Downtown Buffalo . Register to secure your spot every Wednesday. Visit bnmc.org to sign up.

YOUR HEALTH IS YOU WEALTH LIVE WELL!

Sarah Pearson-Collins

"Charting a Course: How to Manage Your Education Journey, with Systems"

Welcome to our monthly column, where we provide success tips in a quick story form. We understand that navigating high school and planning for college can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, you can make it easier. Systems can help you manage your tasks and achieve your goals. In this month's story, we'll share how high school senior Sarah successfully applied to colleges using effective systems.

Sarah was once stressed about applying to colleges, but she created a spreadsheet to compare different schools and their requirements. She also used a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines and tasks. Using these systems helped her stay organized and focused and gave her a sense of accomplishment and control. She could apply to the schools she wanted to attend, schedule campus visits, and manage her financial aid documents quickly and confidently.

Imagine your education journey as a series of smaller, manageable tasks. You can effectively organize your tasks and progress using systems like spreadsheets and calendars. This approach can significantly reduce the overwhelming nature of the journey, making it more feasible and less stressful. Don't let stress hold you back from achieving your goals. Use these effective systems to manage your education journey and take control of your future.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, please email us at success.me.biz@gmail.com or visit our website at www.successme.biz. You can also follow us on Facebook for more success tips. We're here to help you succeed!

WE ARE WOMEN WARRIORS RETURN TO THE AIRWAVES!

We Are Women Warriors, with your hosts Betty Jean Grant and Sherry Sherrill, have returned to the airwaves with a new, interactive radio show on WUFO Radio, 96.5 FM, every Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-12 noon. The show's Call In Number is: 716-837-1112.

OUR CITY ACTION BUFFALO'S F/ACT UP Podcast on Power96.5Radio.com Tap In April 25 !

Our City Action Buffalo, an organization that works for racial social and economic justice, contributes a monthly column to the Challenger News and also drops their bi-weekly podcast F/Act Up on WUFO Radio, Power96.5radio.com every Thursday! Be sure to visit the sight and click the podcast tab to hear this weeks discussion on the Hostel Buffalo-Niagara eviction. Hostel board member Marika Frackenstein and journalist I'J J'ciel, who is also a reporter for Investigative Post and presideint of National Association of Black Journalist Buffalo, will be on deck for the discussion with F/ACT UP hosts Leighton Jones and Orayah Adams. (All who are pictured above)Tap in April 25 on power96.5radio.com podcasts!

Unbought, Unbossed and Unafraid!

Despite the Federal highway Administration giving the green light back in February for the Kensington #33 Expressway Tunnel Project to move forward, community leaders and city-wide activists continue to organize, march, rally and protest in opposition to the DOT's plan to dig a toxic tunnel. They remain persistent in their call for Filling In the #33 and restoring Humboldt Parkway as ROCC originally envisioned, and they demand an Environmental Impact Statement before any construction activity.

Sherry Sherrill of Covington Associates and We Are Women Warriors, with bullhorn in hand, led a group of marchers and supporters from East Ferry and Jefferson Avenue to Humboldt Parkway on an unseasonably chilly Saturday morning last weekend.

“This is what democracy looks like!” she shouted as she led a call and response the length of the march. “No toxic tunnel!”

“East side this march is in support of you,” she declared. “It’s our way of saying…we are not afraid to lift up our voices and to stand up for ourselves and to stand for the right thing to do for our people,” she declared during a brief lull in the chanting.

Then picking up where she left off, the call and response continued:

“See me walking down the street, will I see the DOT? Never gonna silence me, harming my community!"

Once they reached their destination, several of the participants spoke briefly before they dispersed.

“It’s important to be here and to show everybody in the city and in the community that we're going to keep up our fight against what the DOT is doing and what our elected officials are doing – ignoring the public,” declared Kevin Ndayishimiye of East Side Parkways. “So we’re going to keep protesting, we’re going to keep screaming until they do something about this!”

Pastor Steve, whose St. Phillips Episcopal Church is currently located at Grider and Fernhill near the #33 and who resides in the community, was one of two clergymen who joined the marchers. Speaking truth to power, he had strong words about the Kensington and the DOT’s plans to create the tunnel.

Referring to the #33 as a “ditch” he said, “I see this….as the largest single racist edifice In Western New York. This (the creation of the #33) was done as a racial way White folks could live in the suburbs to get to their work place without going through the city… ….we need to fill it in!”

A study has already shown existing City Radials can handle the traffic from the 33 right now! And the additional cars could reinvigorate commerce throughout the East Side according to information provided by East Side Parkways.

Beth of the Parkways organization, urged supporters and the community to follow Eastside Parkways on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, their website. She reported that they are currently gathering plaintiffs for a lawsuit, assuring, “ we have a really strong team of lawyers, we are raising funds, we are not going to stop fighting! "

The group meets every Thursday at 5:30 at the Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan.

Community activist and leader Betty Jean Grant, founder of We Are Women Warriors, closed out the morning with an inspiring thank you.

“The fight continues. The fight for human rights, the fight for dignity, the fight for inclusion and the fight to have a say so about what happens in our community. We deserve a good Buffalo. We deserve a safe Buffalo. We deserve a beautiful Buffalo that is healthy. And the air on Humboldt Parkway is not healthy! Let’s get rid of this expressway and fill it in!"

She also encouraged residents to attend the 5:30 p.m. Thursday meetings at the Delavan Grider every week.

‘"We’re fighting for Buffalo. We’re fighting for the East Side. We’re fighting for our community!" she concluded.

-Staff Writer

March

& Rally

Supports Humboldt Parkway Residents

It was a cold and sunny day with a brisk wind but that did not deter the marchers from coming out last Saturday, April 20th, to support the residents of Humboldt Parkway in opposing the decision to put a tunnel on the 33 Expressway located near their homes.

A goodly number of community activists, some of them on bikes or in wheelchairs, walked or rode in a march with Humboldt Parkway residents from East Ferry and Jefferson to Humboldt Parkway to demand that the governor and NYSDOT listen to the homeowners, those have been sickened by the toxins from the many vehicles, to conduct an Environmental Impact Statement before any construction activity starts on Humboldt Parkway.

It is a recommended and most times, a required procedure for the local or state government to conduct these kinds of health studies or assessments before a project is started to protect the environment and the citizens. At least 20 homeowners or their tenants or family members have become sick, including some who have died from Asthma, COPD, Lupus, Cancer, heart diseases, kidney disease and other that can be attributed to residents living so close to the carbon monoxide emitting Expressway.

One can only imagine how so much worse the residents' health will be if the Buffalo area NYS elected representatives go ahead with their tunnel project that has almost zero community support. The Eastside Community and the homeowners on Humboldt Parkway want the Expressway removed and Humboldt Parkway restored to it natural, original beauty by filling in the area with beautiful, majestic trees.

We, the people do not want a 3/4 of a mile tunnel, covered with a faux park of small, puny trees with roots that grow sideways and have to be replanted every 30 years to repair the anticipated wear and tear on the tunnel roof below them.

''It's important to be here," declared Kevin Ndayishimiye of East Side Parkways Challenger Photos

Sam Hill

NBA Highlights by A. Dorcely

Free Softball, Baseball & T-Ball Leagues for the East Side, West Side and Black Rock Communities

Registration is now open for Project Play Ball!

Project Play WNY, in partnership with the MLB Nike RBI program, is pleased to announce “Project Play Ball!,” is offering free house softball, baseball & t-ball leagues and clinics for girls and boys ages 4-13 in the City of Buffalo this spring and summer. The Buffalo Police Athletic League, Willie Hutch Jones Educational & Sports Programming, River Rock Baseball and West Side Baseball have collaborated to host four inhouse leagues for the East Side, West Side and Black Rock communities.

Games and practices will be held at three Buffalo parks – Walden Park (10 Bakos Blvd.), McCarthy Park (304 East Amherst St.) and Riverside Park (2607 Niagara St.). Spring clinics began April 15, and the season starts May 18.

To learn more and to register, visit projectplay.org/ softballbaseball

Dyaisha Fair No. 16 Pick by WNBA Las Vegas Aces!

Rochester's Dyaisha Fair’s WNBA Dream Came True on Monday.

The former Syracuse women's basketball and Edison Tech Inventors star was picked No. 16 overall by the Las Vegas Aces (No. 4 in the second round) of Monday’s WNBA Draft.

#24! Pictured left Dyaisha playing in her final season for Syracuse and on right receiving her Jersey on Monday during the WNBA Draft.

Las Vegas did not have a first round selection, so Fair was the first player picked by the team in this year's draft. The 5-foot-5 guard faced many obstacles growing up and beat the odds with flyling colors. She began her NCAA women's basketball career at University at Buffalo before setting program records at Syracuse. She has become one of the top scorers in the history of women's college basketball, scoring 3,257 points, 26 shy of tying Brittney Griner for fifth all-time is the sixth Orange player drafted to the WNBA. Her new coach in Las Vegas, Becky Hammon, was also an undersized guard.

RISE UP RIGHT SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Let's Rise Up!

WNBA News

It is definitely up in 2024, as the culture of Women's Sports has ascended to new heights. This year's college class has definitely produced a W for the WNBA. The draft was kicked off with immediate impact as the Indiana Fever collected a major boost to their organization as they selected who has been considered to be the greatest women's basketball players in collegiate history in Caitlin Clark. The Iowa stand out average 31.6 points per game, 7.4 rebound and an astonishing 8.9 assists per game. With her Stephen Curry like 3-point range she has elevated the culture of women's college basketball. With the second pick the Los Angeles Sparks chose Stanford star Cameron Brink who average 17 points and 12 rebounds per game. The Midwest definitely should be on the edge of their seats as what could be considered the WNBA's twin towers have landed in Chicago. Kamilla Cardoso was selected 3rd and Angel Reese was selected 7th. The Sky has no limit to it as they have the last two national championship winning "bigs". Cardoso was NCAA Championship Tournament MVP and Angel averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. She may not have been a first round pick but the highlight of the night was when Dyaisha Fair, the UB Bulls and Syracuse Orangeman standout guard went to the WNBA defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the second round. She tallied the third most points scores in a single season by any player in NCAA history. Dyaisha Fair most likely will win a WNBA championship before any of the players mentioned in this article. Congratulations to Dyaisha Fair on your great accomplishments. Here's a look at the first round picks of the 2024 WNBA Draft.

WNBA First Round

1. Caitlin Clark to Indiana Fever

2. Cameron Brink to Los Angeles Sparks

3. Kamilla Cardoso to Chicago Sky

4. Rickea Jackson to Los Angeles Sparks

5. Jacy Sheldon to Dallas Wings

6. Aaliyah Edwards to Washington Mystics

7. Angel Reese to Chicago Sky

8. Alissa Phil to Minnesota Lynx

9. Carla Lette to Dallas Wings

10. Leila Lacan to Connecticut Sun

11. Marquesha Davis to New York Liberty

12. Nyadiew Puoch to Atlanta Dream

Sports Notables

The Upstate Lady Predators have officially locked up a production deal with Rise Up Family LLC. The Predators first home game will be May 4th at 5:00 p.m. at the Rochester Sports Complex on 460 Oak Street in Rochester, NY. The tickets will be $10. Come support and be a part of this historical moment as the WFA will be hosting the first women's tackle football game in Rochester. This is a never done before event. This place be electric. For more info contact the Upstate Lady Predators on Facebook.

Follow Rise Up Family YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, and Facebook pages.

Toronto over Wizards On Sunday, April 7th Immanuel Quickley led the Toronto Raptors to a 130-122 victory over the Washington Wizards. Quickley was “quick” to the basket(as seen in the photo). He had a season high 31 points. After a 3-2 early lead at 10:53 in the first quarter by the Wizards the Raptors ended the quarter ahead 4217. Toronto never looked back as they handed Washington their 64th loss of the season which was a franchise worst.

-Image and Text A. Dorcely

Knicks Win Against 76ers Knicks’ guard Jalen Brunson(pictured) has led the New York Knicks to the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. As of April 22nd the New York Knicks are up 2-0 in the First Round of the Playoffs against the 7th seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Brunson helped lead the Knicks to their first 50 win season since 2013. Image & Text by A.Dorcely

Empire State Development Announces Small Business Grants for East Side Businesses

Empire State Development (ESD has announced that applications for Round 3 of the East Buffalo Small Business Working Capital Grant Program are now available now through May 10, 2024.

The $3 million program provides grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in a designated area of the East side to help largely minority-owned establishments rebound from the social and economic impacts of the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in 2022.

Grants will be made available based upon an eligible businesses’ documented gross annual sales. Nonprofit organizations are ineligible organizations.

Two of LISC’s partner organizations, The Exchange at Beverly Gray and The Foundry, are providing onthe-ground application as-

sistance to business owners in need. If businesses need assistance scanning documents, accessing a computer, or filling out program application paperwork, they can visit The Exchange or The Foundry during their grant application assistance office hours:

The Exchange at Beverly Gray, 334 E. Utica Street,

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Thursdays 1-4 p.m.

The Foundry 298 Northampton Street, Mondays & Wednesdays, 3 – 6 p.m.

If needed, translation services for the application will also be available through the International Institute.

Free Small Business Tax Clinic at the Exchange!

The Exchange At Beverly Gray located 334 East Utica Street is now offering a Free Small Business Tax Clinic starting on May 2. If you need tax advisory services and your business is located in Buffalo NY sign up for this opportunity. You can call 716 800-2171 or email info@theexchangebuffalo. to learn more about signing up and future happenings at The Exchange.

MUSICALFARE THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS CROWNS!

CROWNS, Regina Taylor's gospel musical sensation , weaves together faith, fashion and family.

The production is currently on stage at MusicalFare Theatre located on the campus of Daemen University 4380 Main Street. Directed by Thembi Duncan, Choreographed by Naila Ansari, and Music Direction by Karen E. Saxon, "Crowns" is an inspirational, joyous celebration of love and redemption.

Hats are everywhere in exquisite variety, and the characters use the hats to tell tales concerning everything from the etiquette of hats to their historical and contemporary social functioning. And there is a hat for every occasion, from flirting to churchgoing to funerals to baptisms, and the tradition of hats is traced back to African rituals and forward to current fashion!

The musical opens with young, rapping Yolanda who must leave the mean streets of Brooklyn where her brother was killed. Yolanda visits her family in the South where she clashes with laidback Southern Black traditions. Most of all, she is confronted by the ladies’ hats—their unique and beautiful “crowns.”

Her grandma takes Yolanda under her wing and provides a healing space for the troubled teen with the simplicity of rural life. Her church community welcomes Yolanda with heartfelt warmth, wit, and wisdom.

Yolanda resists, but the enthusiasm of Black ladies celebrating their lives and parading their hats becomes infectious. As they sing the old-time music and other beautiful gospel songs, we slowly realize the spiritual refreshment offered by “Crowns.”

Of course, the stars of the show are the hats which the ladies wear proudly and assertively. They tell us that they wear the hats to church because they “are going to meet the King!” There are rules about the hats: “They cannot be wider than your shoulders” and “You don’t want to be seen wearing the same hat twice—and don’t even think about borrowing one!”

“Crowns” celebrates Black culture with spirituals that have us humming in unison.

The production stars Preston Brown, Danielle N. Green, Latosha Jennings, Janae Leonard, Zhanna Reed, Ember TateSteele and Davida Evette Tolbert.

Costume Design and Hair, Wig & Make-up Design is by Phylicia Robonson Dove. Set, Lighting & Sound Design is by Chris Cavanagh.

The performance schedule is on stage now through May 19th, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 7p.m., Fridays at 7:30p.m., Saturdays at 3:30p.m. and 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m Ticket prices: $55 General. Student & Group rates available. Ticket reservations may be made by calling 716-8398540 or online at www.musicalfare.com

ON STAGE

"WEDDING BAND"

Ujima Theatre will run for three weekends, opening Friday May 3rd and closing on Sunday May 19th. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee begins at 4:00 p.m. Tickets $35 general admission, $25 seniors, and $15 for students and veterans. Group rates available. Contact boxoffice@ ujimacoinc.org or call 716 281-0092.

Happening At The

Paul Robeson Theater

"A Pitch From Satchel" Paige" now thru April 28. (Fridays-Saturdays 7:30p.m. Sundays 4:00p.m.) Tickets

$25 General, $20 Seniors, $10 Students.

"Mom's Gone" a story of family loss and forgiveness is back by popular demand for a third time on May 10 & 11 7;30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets $20 and general admission is $25.

Paul Robeson Theatre is located 350 Masten Ave., Tickets on aaccbuffalo.org

Sneak Vibing and Torn Space Theater Present

Ladies First Saturday

May 11, 7 p.m - 9 p.m. at Torn Space Theater 612

Fillmore Avenue Celebrating Women who uplift Buffalo's Hip-Hop community

Tickets $25 general admission and $10 students on sale at tornspacetheater. com

Will Downing

Kleinhans Music Hall & Soul of Buffalo Present: Will Downing Thursday, November 14, 2024 Kleinhans Music Hall. Doors at 6:30PM. Tickets go on now!

WORDISM - Open Mic Spoken Word Event at Rooted Lounge 716

Saturday, May 11 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Rooted Lounge 716

$5 CASH ONLY

ADMISSION

WORDISM is the Premier, Non-Competitive Open Mic Event for Spoken Word Artists. New and Seasoned Artists are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program starts at 7 p.m. Come early to socialize, secure your preferred seating, and get snacks and refreshments. Visit buffalowordism for more info and events.

Buffalo's Own D'Mott Joins Forces In Forthcoming Release "My Everything"

The music industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by D'Mott, an exceptionally talented artist who has recently signed with IGA/Dare/Warner Music Group. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in D'Mott's musical journey, propelling him into a new chapter of artistic expression and opportunity. His forthcoming single, titled "My Everything," scheduled to officially release May 24 has ignited a digital frenzy, garnering a staggering 348k views on TikTok within a mere three weeks since the teaser was shared. This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to D'Mott's unparalleled musical prowess and his innate ability to resonate deeply with a diverse audience.

D’Mott wishes to extend his heartfelt appreciation to key figures who have played a pivotal role in shaping this transformative journey: Damon D. Stewart, Leroi Johnson, Melissa Ambers, Kenny Hawkins, Jae Daniel, and Rio Webber. As we bask in the excitement of D’Mott's alliance with IGA/Dare/Warner Music Group, we invite you to join the celebration by showing your support on TikTok (@ dmott_rnb) and Instagram (@ theofficialdmott). Stay tuned for the highly anticipated release of "My Everything" on May 24th on all platforms.

East Side Garden Walk is inviting gardeners to participate in its free self-guided garden tours Saturday and Sunday, July 20 & 21, 2024, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The deadline to sign up is May 15. You can Register online at EastSideGardenWalk.com.

There is no charge to enter. Your garden does not need to be perfect; no one’s garden ever is. If you have a garden in the footprint of East Side Garden Walk, you’re welcome to participate.

There are no fancy garden criteria–no site visits, no judging, no entry fees, nothin’– all you have to do is be proud of your little spot of earth. It does not need to be giant. It does not need to be professionally landscaped. Gardens range from large to a few square feet – register your front and / or back and / or side; your upper porch (seen from the street); or your business storefront dolled up with plantings! It is the diversity that makes the event a success.

The East Side Garden Walk is more than a free self-guided garden tour! It’s a way for residents to take control of the narrative for our community. We share gardens, stories, and our spirit of perseverance with those from within and outside our neighborhoods. The tour counters the negative stigma often portrayed on the news – by creating positive stories of our homes and our neighborhood. We use our love of gardening and community to create connections between gardeners, neighbors, and visitors.

East Side Garden Walk is an event produced by Gardens Buffalo Niagara (GBN) whose mission creating more vibrant and beautiful communities by sharing gardens. Other GBN events include Garden Walk Buffalo, America’s largest garden tour; Tours of Open Gardens in July; the Gardens Buffalo Niagara Garden Art Sale; Urban Farm Day; Conservation Day at the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, and promoting the 15 other regional garden tours in the region.

Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society Annual Fundraiser

The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Society will honor Jazz Appreciation Month (April) and International Jazz Day during its Annual Fundraiser Reception Friday, April 26, from 5- 7 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 611 Masten Avenue. Become A Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective Sponsor. Sponsorship information will be available at this event ... or upon request at: dawnembw@aol.com

July 20 & 21, 2024, draws visitors who share a love of gardening to Buffalo’s East Side treasures. Our love of gardening creates connections between gardeners, neighbors, and visitors. Visit

East Side Garden Walk gardener, Walter Myles, with visiting horticulturalist, historian and writer, Abra Lee.

D'Mott

An On-Going Series By Soldier For Buffalo Reparations

Are Indeed Due!!!

Moses Taylor was such an example of white wealth, a 19th-century New York banker and one of the wealthiest men of that century. At his death, his estate was reported to be worth $70 million, or about $2.2 billion in today's dollars. He controlled the National City Bank of New York (later to become Citibank). Using his political power, he extended his reach into Haiti when he convinced the President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, to take control of Haiti's financial interests and withheld much needed funds from Haiti. All of these factors made Africans a perfect choice for providing free labor for European colonial powers across the Americas and Europe.

In August 1860, the Erie sailing along the coast of the Congo

waving an American flag signaling its nationality, brotherhood and innocence was boarded by the US Navy for suspicious behavior. On board were approximately 900 newly purchased enslaved persons crammed packed on top of each other. Farrow, Lang and Frank in Complicity described their conditions as “they stank from their own filth, running sores eating at their flesh, stripped naked and packed like cattle” and their journey had hardly begun. In the fifteen days it took the Navy to get them to safety thirty of them did not make it.

By 1860, New York was a notorious hub of international illegal trading of human cargo not unlike current day illegal drug trafficking or the trafficking of humans. Gordon, the captain of the Erie would become one of very few to be executed for

breaking human cargo trafficking laws. If ever there was any doubt about the validity of the brutalities of the enslavement of our ancestors one only needs to read any portion of the judge’s statement at Gordon’s trial to know that reparations are indeed due!!!

…”think of the cruelty and wickedness of seizing nearly a thousand fellow beings, who never did you harm, and thrusting them beneath the decks of a small ship, beneath a burning tropical sun, to die in of disease or suffocation, or be transported to distant lands, and be consigned, they and their posterity, to a fate far more cruel than death.

Think of the sufferings of the unhappy beings whom you crowded on the Erie; of their helpless agony and terror as you took them from their native land; and especially of their miseries…! Remember that you showed mercy to none, carrying off as you did not only those of your own sex, but women and helpless children.

Do not flatter yourself that because they belonged to a different race from yourself, your guilt is therefore lessened – rather fear that it is increased. In the just and generous heart, the humble and the weak inspire compassion, and call for pity and forbearance. As you are soon to pass into the presence of that God of the black man as well as the white man, who is no respecter of persons, do not indulge for a moment the thought that he hears with indifference the cry of the humblest of his children. Do not imagine that because others shared in the guilt of this enterprise, yours, is thereby diminished; but remember the awful admonition of your Bible, “Though hand joined in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished." — Worcester Aegis and Transcript; December 7, 1861; pg. 1, col. 6.

Fast Forward, at least a century later, in Buffalo the median household income is $46,655 while the New York State median household income is $81,386. The poverty rate in Buffalo is 27% while the poverty rate for the state is 13.9% as compared to 12.7% for the nation. The Median Household Income for People of African Descent in Buffalo is $33,802 and for the state it is $81,386. The Poverty Rate for People of African Descent in Buffalo is 32.9% and for the state it is 13.9%.

People of African Descent have not had the benefit of acquiring generational legacy wealth. The stark disparities loom as we grapple with intergenerational poverty (IGP) and the wealth gap whites to blacks that experts predict will take decades to close without reparations. Reparations is more than a paycheck as they must repair all of the negative harm from our historical past and redress the vestiges of today. Yes, many other groups have received reparations, restitution and compensation but not People of African Descent. We are owed for at least the 246 years of forced free stolen labor or the atrocities perpetrated against our ancestors during the human cargo trafficking journeys or to the 2 million of our unknown ancestors at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean or the KKK Terrorism or the Lynchings known and unknown or the separate and unequal treatment that “for colored only” brought us, as examples.

In a few months New York will take on the task of studying its historical past to determine whether or not reparations are due to all People of African Descent for allegations of egregious brutalities perpetrated against their ancestors forward to current day vestiges. The abhorrent narratives used to justify the transatlantic trading of enslaved Africans and their descendants continue to justify racism, and the perpetual proliferation of white supremacy, even today. Reparations are defined as remedies of repair that wipe out all consequences of the harms and injuries that People of African Descent have endured; often these remedies are defined as that which restores one to the state of being that they occupied before the repair was necessary.

United States political leadership, as well as the leadership of most countries around the world have failed to respond with outrage or to demonstrate firm action to end these atrocities.

Famous photo of a former slave showing the scars on his back from being whipped. Photo was taken in 1863 after he had escaped to become a Union soldier in he Civil War.

‘Extremely Alarming’ Conditions In Haiti’s Capital

The situation in the gang-ravaged capital of Haiti has gone from worrying to “extremely alarming” as conditions in Port-au-Prince continue to worsen amid growing hunger and serious shortages in hospitals to treat gunshot victims, said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator there recently. A recent UN Special Report said the country's gang-war death toll has doubled to nearly 5,000 a year.

Protest Against Israel’s War in Gaza Continue on College Campuses Across the Country

Protests against Israel filled streets in Brooklyn and escalated at universities across the U.S. as demonstrators demand an end to civilian casualties in Gaza. The growing protests follow mass arrests of demonstrators at some East Coast universities in recent days, and show a deepening dissatisfaction in the United States with the course of the war with Hamas. Pro-Palestinian protests have followed President Joe Biden, a self-declared "Zionist," for months. Meanwhile The UN's human rights chief has said he is "horrified" by the destruction of Gaza's Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals and the most recent reports of "mass graves" being found at the sites after Israeli raids. Palestinian officials said they had exhumed almost 300 bodies at Nasser, some with their hands tied. For six months, the Israeli military has waged a genocidal campaign in Gaza leading to the deaths of more than 34,000 people including 13,000 children. Jewish Buffalonians held a Passover Seder, April 24 at Elmwood Ave. calling upon New York Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and President Biden to not only demand, but take action toward, achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. In grief and rage, members of Jewish Voice for Peace-Buffalo call for the United States to stop sending weapons and funding to the Israeli military after six months of the Israeli military’s bombardment of Gaza.

Meanwhile...Israel Thanks US Politicians

Israeli politicians have thanked the US for passing a $95 billion funding package that includes $26 billion. for Israel.

Kenya's Doctors On Strike

What You Don’t Know Or Remember Can Hurt You

By Brotha Baba Omowale

Oftentimes, remembering is difficult, for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it is because there is so much distraction going on that some realities take priority over others. When that happens, usually the subconscious takes over and recesses some stuff to the back of your mind or what we call the “back burner.” That is the subconscious mind making an executive decision.

What makes that a problem is that as soon as it is done, here come those who have been watching and paying attention with a plot and scheme to get over on you and the do their thing, leaving you with the “damn, how did I miss that” blues.

That did not happen because we are stupid. They just got over because they took advantage of a whole lot of stuff going on at the same time and some of us losing focus and some us losing attention. I mean we can only focus on so much stuff at a time, right?

That is unless we train our mind to hold everything at the same time and not lose anything. That takes a lot of training!

I would say that right now, the situation for Black people in America and throughout the world requires that we pay close attention to everything, so we don’t get hood winked and bamboozled all over again. That means that we have to hold a lot of important things at the forefront of our minds, at the same , so we don’t miss anything.

Yes, local elections are coming up. National elections are coming up and all the drama that causes havoc in our families and in our community continue to go on. Especially like the local drama that keeps playing out at our local county jail, the holding center

Yes, another human being suddenly turning up dead with no real explanation or reasoning that makes any sense.

Yes. Another one! And we have not been told about it.

At the same time, here in Erie county, the City of Good Neighbors, we are finding out that our Erie County corrections specialist advisory board is being revealed as the sham that it has become since the ouster of this writer (Baba Eng).

Yes, we do remember that I was asked to resign from our corrections specialist advisory board for telling an elected county official Tom Howard, I mean Howard Johnson, to tell the truth at a public forum. Yes, the same corrections specialist advisory board that now turns a blind eye to the brutality and death at the holding center that they were created to monitor

Just like when we found out that Cindi McChachon, the head of Peace Prints, former member of the advisory board, resigned after it was being revealed that not only did she have an office in the county jail, but she was also getting nearly a million dollars a year from the sheriffs’ office. Well, my people, it is again time for our collective voice to be heard. We must tell our elected county legislators that we don’t approve of nor accept all of the murders and mayhem that continue to go on at our county jail.

Also, hear this: we don’t accept the corrections specialist advisory board as it currently exist! We ask our legislators to go back to the drawing board and create a real corrections specialist advisory board that actually does its job of monitoring the jail and letting the community know when things ain’t right.

Now, we definitely have not forgotten our local, overwhelming commitment, as expressed at two local community forums, held at our Merriweather library.

I Too Have A Dream: Herbert Reignites The MLK Park Statue Debate

Dear Editor:

On April 12 at the Oakk Room Lounge I gave a public presentation on the reactivation of the movement to correct that wrong in MLK Park: a sculpture that’s been sitting there since the 1983 unveiling that never looked like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I am once again calling for a new statue with all the physical characteristics of Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. I kicked off phase 2 of the movement at the Oakk Room to correct that wrong. I am asking for volunteers to formulate a committee to go back before the Buffalo Common Council requesting a public meeting on this item.

Pastor Kenny Simmons of the Coldspring Bible Chapel Church stood with me in support of correcting that wrong. Pastor Simmons invited me to his church Sunday, April 14 where I gave the same presentation that I gave at the Oakk Room and the Coalition to Save MLK Park received the endorsement and support in correcting that wrong and replacing it with a statue of Dr. King in his robe.

Doctors in Kenya have been on strike for over six weeks, demanding better wages and working conditions. President William Ruto says his government is out of money to pay the medics. Meanwhile, patients remain without care. The nationwide doctors' strike in Kenya began on March 12, with at least 4,000 medics demanding higher salaries as part of a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, better working conditions and the employment of intern doctors. Six weeks later, there is no sign of a compromise as the government claims it cannot allocate the necessary funds. -

The No New Jail Round Table was able to bring out over two hundred of our community people, Black, White and in between who said that we must stop any building of a new jail. A new jail where we know ain’t nothin’ gonna change but the location. We know that because the culture of racism and brutality will move with the building and we know ain’t nobody gonna fill those 1,500 beds but us!

The murders and brutality that is so woven into the culture that they now allow may even come forth with Black and Brown faces, maybe even females who fall into that same “ole’ culture that says Black, Brown and “po” White bodies ain’t as valuable as theirs and so can be brutalized and even murdered at the will of that same “ole”, same o “blue room crew" that has been getting away with the beatings and violations all along.

DW AFRICA LINK

Black Prisoners Face Higher Rate of Botched Executions

A new report released by the anti-death-penalty group Reprieve has found that botched executions is part of a disturbing, nationwide pattern and that executioners have botched the lethal injections of Black people more than twice as often as those of White prisoners. The proportion of Black people on death rows is far higher than their share of the population as a whole. A study in Philadelphia found that the people most likely to receive death sentences were Black defendants convicted of killing victims who were not Black.

People we cannot be fooled by this new rendition of Tim Howard currently named Garcia as he continues to parade around like he is any better than the confederate flag wearing horse rider of apocalyptic omens of death, previously presented to us in the person of Tim Howard.

So, my beloved community, I know we can hold more than one thing in our heads at the same time and now we have to do it!

For the love of our people, with an African mind, lord help us shut this garbage down!

My people, get on your phones and say “no”, get on social media and say “no”, go to the election booths and say “no” to all of this drama that continues to threaten, traumatize and murder us.

Say “no” to the drama and yes to the love. The love of Black people that we know is deep and satisfying!

That love that reflects our will to live, to survive and to thrive.

And yeah. Be ready to get out and vote!!!

Peace, your brother, baba omowale

For more information contact this writer at Saherbert1@verizon.net. The movement was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samuel A. Herbert - I Too Have A Dream.

Samuel A. Herbert is Chairman of the Coalition to Save Buffalo MLK Park.

“Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains.”

Supplemental Summons And Notice Of Object Of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Erie Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 810436/2023 Keybank, Na Plaintiff, Vs Angelina M Bald As Administrator And As Heir To The Estate Of Christine A. Tortorice, Anthony Tortorice As Heir To The Estate Of Christine A. Tortorice If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Alyssa Ann Orlando As Heir To The Estate Of Christine A. Tortorice, People Of The State Of New York, United States Of America On Behalf Of The Irs John Doe (Those Unknown Tenants, Occupants, Persons Or Corporations Or Their Heirs, Distributees, Executors, Administrators, Trustees, Guardians, Assignees, Creditors Or Successors Claiming An Interest In The Mortgaged Premises.) Defendant(S). Mortgaged Premises: 323 Ideal Street Buffalo, Ny 14206 To The Above Named Defendant: You Are Hereby Summoned To Answer The Complaint In This Action, And To Serve A Copy Of Your Answer, Or, If The Complaint Is Not Served With This Supplemental Summons, To Serve A Notice Of Appearance, On The Plaintiff(S) Attorney(S) Within Twenty Days After The Service Of This Supplemental Summons, Exclusive Of The Day Of Service (Or Within 30 Days After The Service Is Complete If This Supplemental Summons Is Not Personally Delivered To You Within The State Of New York). In Case Of Your Failure To Appear Or Answer, Judgment Will Be Taken Against You By Default For The Relief Demanded In The Complaint. The Attorney For Plaintiff Has An Office For Business In The County Of Erie. Trial To Be Held In The County Of Erie. The Basis Of The Venue Designated Above Is The Location Of The Mortgaged Premises. To Anthony Tortorice Defendant In This Action. The Foregoing Supplemental Summons Is Served Upon You By Publication, Pursuant To An Order Of Hon. Paula L. Feroleto Of The Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, Dated The Third Day Of April, 2024 And Filed With The Complaint In The Office Of The Clerk Of The County Of Erie, In The City Of Buffalo. The Object Of This Action Is To Foreclose A Mortgage Upon The Premises Described Below, Executed By Christine A. Tortorice (Who Died On December 13, 2021, A Resident Of The County Of Erie, State Of New York) Dated The November 16, 2020, To Secure The Sum Of $67,495.00 And Recorded At Book 13968, Page 6570 In The Office Of The Erie County Clerk, On The December 4, 2020. The Property In Question Is Described As Follows: 323 Ideal Street, Buffalo, Ny 14206

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your

case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: April 9, 2024

Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose.

80320

April 25, May 2, 9, 16

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY

NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, -againstBRADLEY DALE STANFORD, SR. A/K/A BRADLEY D. STANFORD, SR., ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie on March 21, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is the Plaintiff and BRADLEY DALE STANFORD, SR.

A/K/A BRADLEY D. STANFORD, SR., ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the “CLOSING ROOM” OF THE ERIE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, 92 FRANKLIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14202 on May 24, 2024 at 12:30PM, premises known as 381 NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY 14215; and the following tax map identification, 90.71-5-57.

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO, COUNTY OF ERIE AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 815531/2022. Domenic J. Migliaccio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES. April 25, May 2, 9, 16

LLC's

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

245 SUFFOLK LLC, Arts of Org filed with the NYSS on 1/30/2024. Office in Erie County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of any process to the LLC at: 70 Gail Ave, Bflo., NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful.

March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY

BAINES LAW PLLC, Arts of Org filed with the NYSS on 12/29/2023. Office in Erie County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of any process to the LLC at: 11 Depew Ave, Bflo., NY 14214. Purpose: any lawful.

March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF ERIE –CELINK, Plaintiff, -against- KEISHA S. JACKSON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LONZENIA JACKSON; KAHLIL G. JACKSON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LONZENIA JACKSON; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF LONZENIA JACKSON; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants - Index No. 812590/2019 Plaintiff Designates Erie County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Erie County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated April 2, 2024. NOTICEYOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (CELINK) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Michael A. Siragusa, J.S.C. Dated: April 2, 2024 Filed: April 2, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 49 Mercer Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214. Dated: January 16, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Monica G. Christie, Esq., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 4911120 F: (954) 343-6982 April 25, May 2, 9, 16

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

43 PEMBROKE LLC, Arts of Org filed with the NYSS on 1/30/2024. Office in Erie County. NYSS designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. NYSS shall mail copy of any process to the LLC at: 70 Gail Ave, Bflo., NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful.

March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION -againstFLORINE HARWELL, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie on February 08, 2024, wherein PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and FLORINE HARWELL, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the “CLOSING ROOM” OF THE ERIE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 92 FRANKLIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14202, on May 07, 2024 at 1:00PM, premises known as 483 LISBON AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY 14215; and the following tax map identification, 79.73-2-3.

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE IN THE CITY OF BUFFALO, COUNTY OF ERIE AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 807392/2022. Richard F. Daly, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

April 4, 11,18, 25

LEGAL NOTICE

COUNTY OF ERIE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Rehabilitation of New Road (CR 186) & Drainage Improvements

PROJ# CAP-186-22

Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for highway rehabilitation in the Town of Amherst. Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10:00 am local time, Thursday, May 9, 2024. Certified check in the amount of $350,000 bid deposit is required with the bid submittal. Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 10:00 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY. NYSDOL Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility

CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and MWBE/SDVOB goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at https:// www3.erie.gov/dpw/bids-rfps-rfqs.

VISIT THE NASH HOUSE MUSEUM

The Nash House Museum has a new Facebook page! Follow Nash House Museum Buffalo to stay up to date on all the programs hosted by the historic house that was once the home of Rev. J. Edward Nash!

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF ERIE

NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT

MORTGAGE SERVICING -againstPAUL CEHULIC, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUDOLPH CEHULIC, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie on December 20, 2023, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT

MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and PAUL CEHULIC, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF RUDOLPH CEHULIC, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the “CLOSING ROOM” OF THE ERIE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 92 FRANKLIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14202 on May 30, 2024 at 12:30PM, premises known as 89 CENTRAL BOULEVARD, CHEEKTOWAGA, NY 14225; and the following tax map identification, 102.31-1-5.

ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE IN THE TOWN OF CHEEKTOWAGA, COUNTY OF ERIE AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 815940/2020. Mary Anne Connell, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

April 25, May 2, 9, 16

LEGAL NOTICE

COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202

County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE

The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Real Estate Legal Services. The RFP #2024-008VF can be found at http:// www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey at 716858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@ erie.gov as of May 1, 2024.

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. Sealed bids are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on June 3, 2024.

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

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3

6,000 guardsmen were deployed).

On May 1 Rodney King, speaking on television, made a plea for calm, famously asking, “Can we get along?” That day, U.S. Pres. George Bush dispatched 3,000–4,000 army troops and marines, along with 1,000 riot-trained federal law officers, to help restore order. The next day he declared Los Angeles a federal disaster area.

During the five days of unrest, there were more than 50 riot-related deaths — including 10 people who were shot and killed by LAPD officers and National Guardsmen. More than 2,000 people were injured, and nearly 6,000 alleged looters and arsonists were arrested. About 1,100 buildings were damaged, and total property damage was about $1 billion, which made the riots one of the most devastating civil disruptions in American history.

The city curfew was ultimately lifted on the morning of May 4. Most schools, banks and businesses were allowed to reopen.

OF ERIE

Gloria Parks Center Announces Boys Open Gym

Coming soon - open gym for boys for ages 13-17! It's free but membership is required. The open gym begins May 9th & 10th, Thursdays and Fridays from 6-9p.m.. Save your spot on our new wooden floor!

Boys and Girls Skills & Drills Basketball

Gloria Parks Center presents Boys Skills & Drills Basketball taught by Kevin Ferguson and Jayson Dowell. Free memberships required for ages 8-12. Saturdays from 10a.m.-12p.m. Only 20 spots available. Text Kevin at 716-400-4159 to reserve a spot. Beginning May 11, 2024.

Girls Skills & Drills Basketball for girls ages 6-17 will be held at the Gloria Parks Center on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. beginning May 8. Interested girls chould call (716)832-1010.

Buffalo Juneteenth Festival Takes Bold Step Towards Sustainability

The Buffalo Juneteenth Festival, a cherished annual celebration, proudly announces its commitment to sustainability starting at this year's festival in June.

In a thrilling twist, the biggest festival in WNY is stepping up its game by embracing eco-friendly practices to celebrate not just African American heritage and culture but also embracing modern values of community environmental stewardship.

Picture this: vibrant performances, mouth watering cuisine, and a whole lot of green initiatives! We're turning up the heat on sustainability, making sure every beat of the drum is in harmony with Mother Earth. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in its community and festival's history as it gears up to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a greater sustainable experience.

"We are excited to embark on this sustainable journey towards zero waste and set a new standard for community celebrations while also, of course, spark change towards practices preserving our planet for future generations," said Jomo Akono, Executive Vice President. "As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2025, we are committed to creating a more environmentally conscious and impactful event for our attendees."

•Attendees can aid this initiative by; bringing reusable items like water bottles and canvas bags for purchases, disposing of trash correctly, and volunteering with the new festival clean-up crew at www.buffalojuneteenth.com.

•Community Partners, Erie County and Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, is proud to support Juneteenth Festival Inc. sustainability initiatives.

•For more information about the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival and its sustainability initiatives, please contact Starr Funderburg at Buffalojuneteenth1976@gmail.com and (716)710-9298.

NOTICE

The bond resolution, a copy of which is published herewith, has been adopted by the Erie County Legislature on March 21, 2024, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the County of Erie, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution of New York.

Olivia M. Owens Clerk of the County Legislature

RESOLUTION NO. 57, 2024

BOND RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 21, 2024

BOND RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK (THE “COUNTY”), AUTHORIZING VARIOUS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECTS THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE COUNTY’S 2024 CAPITAL BUDGET (COLLECTIVELY, THE “PROJECTS”), STATING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST OF THE PROJECTS TO BE $50,825,000, APPROPRIATING SUCH AMOUNT THEREFOR (INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $9,842,385 OF STATE AND FEDERAL AID) THE ISSUANCE OF UP TO $40,982,615 OF BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE COUNTY (THE “OBLIGATIONS”) TO FINANCE THE BALANCE OF THE MAXIMUM ESITMATED COST OF SUCH PROJECTS, ADDRESSING CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS, AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING ANY AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND/OR THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR ANY OTHER SOURCE FOR THE PROJECTS TO BE EXPENDED TOWARDS THE COST OF CERTAIN OF THE PROJECTS AS INDICATED HEREIN, OR TOWARDS THE REDEMPTION OF ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED THEREFOR, OR TO BE BUDGETED AS AN OFFSET TO THE TAXES FOR PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SUCH OBLIGATIONS.

(Introduced) March 21, 2024

(Adopted) March 21, 2024

WHEREAS, the County Legislature (the “Legislature”) of the County of Erie (the “County”), a municipal corporation of the State of New York (the “State”) has been in the process of planning various capital improvements projects (collectively, the “Projects”) that are listed on the schedule/listing of such Projects that is attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof (the “Schedule”); and

WHEREAS, such planning has been undertaken, together with appropriate environmental compliance determination proceedings under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, by the County’s Energy and Environment Committee (the “Committee”) and/or the County’s Department of Environment & Planning (the “Department”), and has included such administrative actions as are necessary or required by the State or any federal agency with respect to assessing the potential environmental impacts of the Projects and ensuring the safety and security of persons and property in the County with respect to the Projects; and

WHEREAS, the New Road project environmental review documents have been attached to this resolution, have been approved and adopted herein, and are incorporated herein by reference; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature, in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee and the Department, has determined: (A) that the Projects are in the public interest of the County and should be undertaken, (B) that there should be expended toward certain of the Projects $9,842,385 of State and Federal aid, as noted on the Schedule; and (C) that there should be issued up to $40,982,615 of bonds, notes, or other obligations of the County (collectively, the “Obligations”), to finance the balance of the estimated maximum cost of the Projects, as noted on the schedule;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, by the Legislature (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the Legislature) as follows:

SECTION 1. The County is hereby authorized to undertake the Projects that are listed in column A of the Schedule, each as more fully described in column I of the schedule. To the extent that the details set forth in this resolution are inconsistent with any details set forth in the duly adopted 2024 Capital Budget of the County (the “Budget”), the Budget shall be deemed to be, and hereby is, amended. For each of the specific objects or purposes or classes of objects or purposes as specified in column B of the Schedule, the respective estimated maximum costs, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, are set forth in column C of the Schedule, and the respective amounts are hereby appropriated therefor in accordance with the Budget.

SECTION 2. The plan of financing for the Projects includes the expenditure of $9,842,385 in State and Federal aid that has been or is expected to be received for certain of the Projects (as detailed on the Schedule), along with the issuance of up to $40,982,615 of Obligations to finance the balance of the aggregate estimated maximum cost of the Projects, and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the County to pay the principal of such Obligations and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable. Any amounts received by the County from the United States of America and/or from the State of New York or other sources for the Projects are hereby authorized to be expended towards the cost of the Projects or the redemption of any Obligations issued therefor, or to be budgeted as an offset to the taxes for payment of the principal of and interest on such Obligations.

SECTION 3. The respective periods of probable usefulness for the specific objects or purposes, classes of objects or purposes and combinations of objects or purposes for which the $40,982,615 of Obligations herein authorized are to be issued, within the limitations of §11.00 of the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (the “Law”), are set forth in column G of the Schedule. Obligations (including, without limitation, serial bonds of the County) in amounts up to the respective maximum principal amounts set forth in column D of the Schedule are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Law to finance the various objects or purposes that are listed on the Schedule.

SECTION 4. The temporary use of available funds of the County, not immediately required for the purpose or purposes for which the same were borrowed, raised or otherwise created, is hereby authorized and (to the extent that such use has already occurred) is hereby ratified, pursuant to Section 165.10 of the Local Finance Law, for the purpose or purposes described in this resolution. The County intends to finance, and the County Comptroller, as the chief fiscal officer of the County (the “Comptroller”) is hereby authorized to advance, such amounts as are necessary to pay the costs of the respective specific objects or purposes or classes of objects or purposes described in Section 1 hereof, prior to the issuance of the Obligations, out of any available funds of the County on an interim basis. The County reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures (to the extent made after the date hereof or within 60 days prior to the earlier of (A) the date hereof or (B) any earlier expression by the County of its intent to reimburse expenditures for the applicable Project(s) or any earlier iteration thereof) with the proceeds of the Obligations, to the extent consistent with the financing plan for such Project(s) as stated herein. This resolution shall constitute the declaration (or reaffirmation) of the County’s “official intent” to reimburse the expenditures authorized in this resolution with the proceeds of the Obligations, as required by United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2.

SECTION 5. Each of the Obligations shall contain the recital of validity prescribed by §52.00 of the Law and the Obligations shall be general obligations of the County, payable as to both principal and interest by a general tax upon all the taxable real property within the County without limitation as to rate or amount (subject to certain statutory limitations imposed by Chapter 97 of the 2011 Laws of New York). The faith and credit of the County are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on the Obligations as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year in the County budget sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Obligations becoming due and payable in such year and, to the extent not paid from other sources or charges, there shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the County a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such Obligations.

SECTION 6. Subject to the provisions of this Resolution and of the Law, and pursuant to the provisions of §21.00 relative to the issuance of bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service, §30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes or the renewals thereof, and of §§50.00, 56.00 to 60.00, 62.00, 62.10, 63.00, 164.00 and 168.00 of the Law, the powers and duties of the Legislature relative to authorizing the issuance of Obligations in the form of notes, or the renewals thereof, relative to providing for substantially level or declining annual debt service, relative to prescribing the final amounts, terms, form and contents and as to the procedures for the sale and issuance of the Obligations, and relative to executing any agreements for credit enhancement, are hereby delegated to the Comptroller. Without in any way limiting the scope of the foregoing delegation of powers, the Comptroller, to the extent permitted by Section 58.00(f) of the Local Finance Law, is hereby specifically authorized to accept bids for the Obligations that are submitted in electronic format. In the absence or unavailability of the Comptroller, the Deputy County Comptroller is hereby specifically authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the Comptroller in this resolution.

SECTION 7. When this resolution takes effect, the Clerk of the Legislature shall cause the same (or a summary thereof) to be published, together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Law, in the Buffalo Challenger and the Lancaster Bee, which are newspapers having general circulation in the County and published in the County. The validity of the Obligations may thereafter be contested only if the Obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the County is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should have been complied with at the date of the publication of this resolution (or a summary thereof) are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within 20 days after the date of such publication, or if the Obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State of New York.

SECTION 8. Prior to the issuance of any Obligations, the County (acting through the Committee and the Department and, to the extent necessary or appropriate, the Legislature) has or will have complied (to the extent not accomplished already) with any applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, all regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable federal laws and regulations in connection with the environmental quality review process relating to the Projects (collectively, the “Environmental Compliance Proceedings”). The New Road project’s compliance with the applicable provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act is hereby confirmed on the basis of the attached New Road project environmental documents. In the event that any of such Environmental Compliance Proceedings are not completed or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this resolution, the Legislature will re-adopt, amend or modify this resolution prior to the issuance of the relevant Obligations, to the extent required and acting upon the advice of counsel. It is hereby determined by the Legislature, on the basis of the Environmental Compliance Proceedings and the findings of the Committee and/or the Department, that to the extent that the Environmental Compliance Proceedings may apply to the Projects, the Projects (when assessed either individually or in the aggregate) will not result in a significant adverse impact on the environment. As to the New Road project, the Legislature declares itself Lead Agency and accepts all responsibilities associated with that designation. The Legislature finds that the New Road project is an Unlisted Action pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Further, with respect to the New Road project, based upon a thorough review and examination of the known facts relating to such project and its careful review of all potentially adverse environmental impacts, and the entire record and proceedings, including the Environmental Information, relating to such project, the Legislature finds that such project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared. And further, with respect to the New Road project, the attached Negative Declaration, which is hereby incorporated by reference, is issued and adopted for the reasons stated in the determination of non-significance.

SECTION 9. The County intends to issue the Obligations to finance a portion of the maximum cost of the Projects. The Comptroller is hereby authorized to covenant, in the name and on behalf of the County and for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the Obligations, that the County will not make any use of the proceeds of the Obligations, or any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on the Obligations or any other funds of the County, and will not make any use of the facilities to be financed with the proceeds of the Obligations that would cause the interest on the Obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or subject the County to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code, and that the County will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to the Obligations, the proceeds thereof or any facilities to be financed thereby if such action or omission would cause the interest on the Obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Code or subject the County to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code.

SECTION 10. For the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the Obligations, the County agrees, in accordance with and as an obligated person with respect to the Obligations under Rule 15c2-12 promulgated by the Securities Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Rule”), to provide or cause to be provided such financial information and operating data, financial statements and notices, in such manner, as may be required for purposes of the Rule. In order to describe and specify certain terms of the County’s continuing disclosure agreement for that purpose, and thereby to implement that agreement, including provisions for enforcement, amendment and termination thereof, the Comptroller is authorized and directed to sign and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the County, the commitment authorized by subsection 6(c) of the Rule (the “Commitment”) to be placed on file with the Clerk to the Legislature, which shall constitute the continuing disclosure agreement made by the County for the benefit of holders and beneficial owners of the Obligations in accordance with the Rule, with any changes or amendments that are not inconsistent with this Resolution and not substantially adverse to the County and that are approved by the Comptroller on behalf of the County, all of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the signing of the Commitment or amendments thereto. The agreement formed, collectively, by this paragraph and the Commitment, shall constitute the County’s continuing disclosure agreement for purposes of the Rule, and its performance shall be subject to the availability of funds and their annual appropriation to meet costs the County would be required to incur to perform thereunder. The County Comptroller is further authorized and directed to establish procedures in order to ensure compliance by the County with its various continuing disclosure agreements, including the timely provision of information and notices. Prior to making any filing in accordance with the agreement or providing notice of the occurrence of any material event, the Comptroller shall consult with, as appropriate, the County Attorney and the County’s bond counsel, the County’s municipal advisor, or another qualified independent special counsel to the County. The Comptroller, acting in the name and on behalf of the County, shall be entitled to rely upon any legal advice provided by the County Attorney or such bond counsel or other special counsel in determining whether a filing should be made.

SECTION 11. The Comptroller is hereby specifically authorized to act, on the advice of bond counsel at the time of the issuance of the Obligations, to designate such Obligations, if applicable, as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” in accordance with Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

SECTION 12. The Comptroller is further authorized to call in and redeem any outstanding Obligations that were issued pursuant to this bond resolution(at such times and in such amounts and maturities as may be deemed appropriate after consultation with the County officials and the County’s municipal advisor), to approval any related notice of redemption, and to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate any such call(s) for redemption pursuant to Section 53.00 of the Law, with the understanding that no such call(s) for redemption will be made unless such notice of redemption shall have first been filed with the Clerk of the Legislature.

SECTION 13. This bond resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the County Executive

ERIE COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Name of LLC: BISHOP'S TAKEOUT LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 3/4/2024. Office of the LLC: Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 145 STEELAWANNA AVE LACKAWANNA, NY 14218. Purpose of LLC: ANY LAWFUL ACTIVITY. No specific duration attached to LLC. March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Lets Raise Our Babies Coaching & Consulting, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/05/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Lets Raise Our Babies Coaching & Consulting, LLC: 233 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A

of LLC: The BonTemps Firm Retail, LLC DBA Public Flower Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 08/30/2022. Office of the LLC: (710 Kensington Avenue Buffalo,

COUNTY OF ERIE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Pup Soda LLC.Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to AAliyah Roach-Bontzolakes: 315 Spring St, Buffalo NY, 14204. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company

CAITLIN ABDULLA LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/31/2024. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 50 FOUNTAIN PLAZA, SUITE 1400, BUFFALO, NY, 14202, Purpose: any lawful act or activity. March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2

ATTORNEYS

PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES

Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

AUTO

BEN’S Downtown Tire

50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

ELECTRICAL

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330 FLORISTS MAUREEN’S

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

MA

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694

- 482-372-895-718

- 289-946-034-594

-258-231-026-695

-495-257-694-508

- 453-253-571-597

389-701-234-924

893-275-342-506

RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS!

APRIL VIBES

James

U.S. Army / Army

National Gaurd

1970 - 2003

Basic Training: Fort Dix

M.O.S. Medic

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY APRIL 25

Ms. Margaret Lamonds

Moss will share her insight on gardening and the upcoming East Side Garden Walk from 5-6 p.m. at the CAO 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Ave.). For more info. (716) 332-3773 Ext. 1404.

Buffalo Urban League Spring Career Fair! For more info (716) 250-2400 or www.bulny.org

Club 99 Exercise! 10-10:45 a.m. Dorothy J. Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica. • 716-882-0602.

“The Cost of Gun Violence," Day 2 of Conference hosted by P.E.A.C.E., Inc. Buffalo State University. For more info Contact Teresa at 716429-6404 or Email Peacebuffalo6@gmail.com

SATURDAY APRIL 27

Community Shredding Earth Month Event & Clothing Recycling Donation Drive, MLK Park, North Parade Parking Lot.

MONDAY APRIL 29

Hustle for Health Line Dancing W/ Jazzy T 12p.m. Delavan Grider Center 877 E Delavan Ave, FREE 55+ RSVP at www.HustleforHealth.com

TUESDAY APRIL 30

Club 99 Exercise! 10-10:45 a.m. Dorothy J. Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica. • 716-882-0602.

WEDNESDAY MAY 1

Wild-N-Out Wednesday Food Pop Up Truck, 17 Kingsley Street, at Jefferson Avenue, Every 1st& 3rd Wednesday $5 Coupons are available call (716)818-0946.

Hustle for Health W/ Phyllis Caver 11a.m. at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. FREE 55+ RSVP at www.HustleForHealth.com

Birthday Fundraiser for School Board Member Terrance L. Heard

A birthday fundraiser for Buffalo School Board MemberA-Large Terrance l. Heard will be held a Thursday April 25 at the Oakk Room, 1435 Main Street from 5-9 p.m.

African Cultural Center Community Meeting!

African Cultural Center Community Meeting Wednesday May 1 at 6p.m., 350 Masten Ave., Buffalo. The AACC and Project team invite you to our first community visioning kickoff meeting.

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

-Tao Te Ching

JB Brown