ROSWELL RESPONDS

Recently Released Diversity Report Paints A Disturbing Picture of Bias and Discrimination Issues at the Hospital, But Three Women in Top Positions Say They Are Committed To Work For Change

How Do You Want Them to Be Remembered?

Your Opinion Counts! Last Public Meeting of The 5/14 Memorial Commission is August 15!

There's still time! Residents can share their opinions on the development of the 5/14 Memorial. The third public meeting is set to take place Tuesday, August 15 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Stanley Makowski Early Childhood Center, 1095 Jefferson at Best.

Along with the public meetings, there is a 5/14 survey, where the public will have a chance to weigh-in on what the 5/14 Memorial will look like, where it will be located, and what theme it will have. How do you want the victims and survivors of the racist fueled mass shooting at Tops Market on May 14, 2022 to be remembered? For example, would you like to see a physical monument , a mural, a plaque? Outside? Inside? Near Tops? In a park? Another location? What should the theme of the memorial be? Remembrance? Love? Healing? Should it be connected historically to other racist massacres of African Americans in America? YOUR OPINION COUNTS!

To access the survey, scan the QR code with your phone's camera. Also, for more information about the commission and meetings visit www.5l4memorial.com.

Ghana Tour And Fundraising Meeting

The next meeting of the upcoming Ghana Tour will be held at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 226 Cedar Street Saturday August 12 from 11.a.m.-2p.m. The event will be catered. Come and learn more about our building project for our youth and information about the tour to Ghana in November 2023

Unity In The Community Day

Back to Basic and TOP Enterprises Inc. is hosting a Unity In The Community - Family Fun Day Saturday, August 26 from 12noon to 5p.m. on Jefferson between Best & North Street featuring book bags, clothing, Food giveaways, games, prizes , free raffles and fun for everyone.

By Nanette D. Massey

It is no secret that Roswell Park Cancer Institute has a questionable reputation with Buffalo’s Black community as a place to work. They have been plagued with no less than fifteen federal lawsuits in the last eight years alleging overt gender, disability, and racebased bias and overt racist language despite declarations in their public media of diversity and inclusion.

In 2021, Roswell commissioned the law firm of Cozen O’Connor to conduct an independent diversity report. Their findings, which were just recently released, seemed to vindicate Black Buffalo’s underground rumblings. Black physicians and janitors divulged an atmosphere of “endemic hostility,” and a confusing, at times contradictory, system of reporting problems.

To address the issues, the report recommended creating the office of Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. To that end, attorney Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney was named to that position. Formally Buffalo’s deputy mayor, she also served as the city’s Chief Diversity Officer, and in the same position at Buffalo State University. Leecia Eve, also an attorney and Buffalo native, was promoted to Board Chair.

Are these two Black women window dressing, or is Roswell truly prepared to make the top-down changes their culture requires to recover the Black community’s trust?

Roswell wants Buffalo to recognize the voluntary commission of the Cozen O'Connor report as a brave move of introspection. Still it begs the question, why only after Roswell’s habitus became so dire?

“I have to say that I really had rose colored glasses," said Roswell's CEO, Dr. Candace Johnson,. "I think I was somewhat naive to the issues and problems, quite honestly. People rarely tell the CEO and if they do, they’re telling you what they want you to hear.” The report gives senior management the chance “to take an honest look at our past… the good, the bad and the ugly, where we are today, and how do we go forward.”

“I was troubled, disturbed, by some of the things I read but, frankly, as a woman of African descent, I actually was not surprised,” said Attorney Eve. The specific allegations brought to light were new, “but the fact that minorities and women weren’t feeling supported, that’s no surprise anywhere. Roswell is no exception to the rule with respect to the work that all organizations have to do.”

She and Dabney point out their new elevated status shows the level of priority Roswell is now prepared to give Black perspectives in the leadership realm.

It took Roswell months to make the report accessible. But there was no intent to bury it, they say. It was meant as an internal guide for their own benefit. Eve says the board finally decided “we need to build up a level of trust both internally and externally. If all [the public] reads is in the paper then it’s left to conjecture and assumptions if they’re not hearing from us.” She also wanted to send a clear message to employees who’ve come forward that “we’re not playing around,” that their input was meaningful and accounted for.

We asked Dabney what accomplishments during her time as a city official forecast what we can expect from her? She noted among other things, that she reached out to area

Marcus Garvey organized the United States' first Black nationalist movement. In the years following World War I, he urged Black Americans to be proud of their identity. Garvey enjoyed a period of profound Black cultural and economic success, with the New York City neighbourhood of Harlem as the movement's mecca.

Marcus

Mosiah Garvey, one of the most influential 20th Century Black nationalist and PanAfricanist leaders, was born on August 17, 1887 in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Greatly influenced by Booker T. Washington’s autobiography Up From Slavery, Garvey began to support industrial education, economic separatism, and social segregation as strategies that would enable the assent of the “black race.”

In 1914, Garvey established the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, adopting Washington’s inspirational phrase “Up, you mighty race; you can conquer what you will.” By May of 1917, Garvey relocated the UNIA in Harlem and began to use speeches and his newspaper, The Negro World, to spread his message across the United States to an increasingly receptive African American community. His major au-

The Summer Gospel Explosion

FAITH & FAMILY Islamic Cultural Center of Niagara Falls Open House

Return of the New Kings of Harmony presents Summer Gospel Explosion Sunday August 20 at 4p.m. at the Greater Royal Church 1335 Clinton Street. The event will feature Living Waters, St. James Praise Dancers, New Kings of Harmony, Brouce Myles, Daughter of Destiny, Gospel Diamond and special guest performance by The New Gospel Times of Rochester NY. AI Wilson will be the M.C. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Doors open at 3p.m. and program begins at 4:30 p.m. sharp. For more info call Clarence Rodolph at 716 322-5329.

Healing and Deliverance Conference

This is God’s Ministry will hold a Healing and Deliverance Conference Friday and Saturday August 18-19 at Harvest House Church 1782 Seneca Street. Guest speakers include Apostle Joseph Hagley of Baltimore, Friday August 18 and Apostle Jessica Gant of Buffalo, Saturday August 19. For information contact Elder Nee Nee at (716)9947059.

Imam Dr. Mohammed Agwa invites the community to The Islamic Cultural Center of Niagara Falls Open House on Saturday, August 19 from 2- 5 p.m., 2843 Niagara Falls Bd., Niagara Falls. The theme is “Islam & The Future of Humanity." For more information call (716)310-0970 or (716)957-3758

The 35th Annual Original Taking It To The Streets Rally and Festival is Back Full Force!

Saturday August 19 and Sunday August 20 occupying the entire Martin Luther King Park TAKING IT TO THE STREETS is back with a full two days of performances and activities that start 11am throughout the entire day until park closing time.

The stage will be active with both national artists like #1 on the billboard charts is Kim Person also gracing our city will be Denita Gibbs, Kea Michaels, Half Mile Home, and Truly Committed, along with Buffalo’s own Nia Badger, Reba Baldwin, Henri Star Muhammad, Sam Soul, Marchon Hamilton, and Niagara Music Hall of Fame artist. Also in the house will be Moe Badger, Mater Experience Band, The WAZ Band, Steven Young ,Jimmy Smith, Kase Klosed, Carol Milhouse, T. Ferg, Pastor Tara , Praise Team, Solar The Communities Daughter and many more. The stage will also consist of praise, drill dancers, live bands inspira tional speakers and DJ’S. Music Director this year will be Mr. Anthony Collins.

“It has truly been an extremely rough and challenging 3years but TAKING IT TO THE STREETS is back full force, continuing to fulfill our mission statement to our communities. Giving GOD all the glory and praise for his keeping power. 2020 was a virtual year for everyone, 2021 many events remained virtual and so did TAKING IT TO THE STREETS. 2022 we came back cautiously with a half-sized production. 2023 we are back to full capacity. Individuals are traveling from Las Vegas, Indiana, Atlanta, Virginia, Ohio and Canada to participate and enjoy the event." said Anita Williams who created the event.

The Kids Zone with administrator Tammy Lee, assisted by Mr. Lennie Lane will have wonderful activities including backpack toys book give a ways, games and visits from various Super Heroes , Albright Knox, and the UB school of science, and a new addition is Peaceful Rides which connects children of all economic backgrounds to horse farms/stables and preparing them for professional competitions.

“Our Prayer tent with results remains active throughout the event with spiritually mature, founded and dedicated individuals, ready to address all prayer needs. Certainly, the one of many things that we all have in common is the need for PRAYER! “Williams said. There will be a vendor alley serving up a variety of food and merchandise and the Taking It To The Streets Health and Awareness Tent is back to full capacity many different organizations are participating, bringing much needed preventative information, testing’s, and giveaways Covid vaccines will also be available. The Adult Edu. organization will be giving away easy to use Ipads and phones for seniors.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS media sponsors include: WUFOmix 1080am/ Power 96.5. The Challenger News, WDAP radio, WBBZTV, The Buffalo Criterion, Shots Fired Photos, LCH. A Heartfelt Thank you to True Bethel Baptist Church, Bishop Darius Pridgen, Bethesda World Harvest, Bishop & First Lady Badger, Sword of the Spirit Church, Miracle Mission Church, Fellowship World, Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Jodie Weber, and Ms. Cheryl Marbel.

Major community sponsor Tops Friendly Markets. Others include Cedarland Corp. 1199 SEIU, The witness Project, ECMC, Colvin Cleaners, Salvators Grand, Independent Health, Sheas, National Grid, Kaleida Health, Roswell Park, Best Self, KeyBank, Bank on Buffalo, Seneca Niagara, Ciminelli, Lombardo Funeral Home and National Fuel.

Special blessings and thank you to our Political Sponsors. Thank you to my husband and greatest supporter Mr. Dillard Williams Jr.

Get ready for an awesome time bring your Lawn chair and your appetite. For inquiries call 716 -5071931.

Free event.

THE PRICE REPORT Willie A. Price

PROJECT PLAY:

It was a great Night for Niagara Track and Field Club and Project Play recently when the Club hosted the Project Play Summer Youth Development Meet at NFHS.

Thanks to the Niagara Track: Coaches, Parents and Elite Youth who came out to support our youth track program. Special-Special Thank you to our Biggest Supporter Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and the NF Police who came out to meet, greet and speak to our residents and guest. There were several youth who never competed who came out and had a good time. There were youth who often compete that had a good time.

My Elite Youth: Nicholas, Will, Joseph, Gianna, Jacob, Zariah, & Kaliyah you guys are the greatest. Thank you!

HEALTH MATTERS Why Sugar Is Bad for Your Health

The single largest source of calories for Americans comes from sugar—specifically high fructose corn syrup. Just take a look at the sugar consumption trends of the past 300 years:

•In 1700, the average person consumed about 4 pounds of sugar per year.

•In 1800, the average person consumed about 18 pounds of sugar per year.

•In 1900, individual consumption had risen to 90 pounds of sugar per year.

•Today more than 50 percent of all Americans consume onehalf pound of sugar PER DAY —translating to a whopping 180 pounds of sugar per year!

Sugar is loaded into your soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and hidden in almost all processed foods. And now most infant formula has the sugar equivalent of one can of CocaCola, so babies are being metabolically poisoned from day one of taking formula.

Here are some of the unhealthy effects of sugar on the body:

1. Sugar causes glucose levels to spike and plummet. Unstable blood sugar can leave you experiencing mood swings, fatigue, and headaches. It also contributes to cravings, which begins the cycle of false hunger.

2. Sugar increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

3. Your immune function can be affected by sugar.

4. A high-sugar diet can lead to chromium deficiency.

Chromium, a trace mineral, helps regulate blood sugar in the body.

5. Sugar accelerates aging.

Sugar can also mess with your skin by contributing to wrinkles and sagging. After sugar hits your bloodstream, it attaches to proteins.

6. Sugar causes tooth decay.

7. Sugar can cause gum disease, which can lead to heart disease.

8. Sugar affects cognition in children.

9. Sugar increases stress.

10. Sugar takes the place of important nutrients.

ROSWELL continued fom page 3

Afrochick’s Yoga in the Garden Classes

The 3rd annual Afrochick’s Yoga In The Garden class series at the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway, continues this Saturday, August 12 at 10 a.m. with Power Yoga Flow, beginner based strengthening yoga flow with sound bowl meditation.

Remaining classes include Chakra Yoga Flow Thursday, August 17 at 6 p.m. energy opening yoga flow with special guest Danielle Byrd of Long Life Yoga. Kids Yoga wraps up the series Thursday, August 31. Kids yoga includes activities, games and meditation for kids ages 4 and older (parents and guardians free). Classes are $25 each.

August Is National Breastfeeding Month

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS!

colleges to diversity candidate pools for city positions. She organized the Race & Reconciliation Conference and brought Dr. Angela Davis as its keynote speaker. She also spearheaded participation in the city’s Opportunity Pledge, calling on organizations to seriously study their DEI measures, and was a founding member of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

Dabney is nobody’s “yes man” (or woman, as it were). “I would not have come here if I didn’t think I was going to be able to put a team together to actually do the work.”

Eve backs Dabney up. “This is not a one person show. She is going to have the budget and the team with 1000% support from Dr. Johnson, and the greatest support humanly possible from the board because we understand the community is used to people paying lip service and short shrift and we’re not going to do that.”

Still, why should Buffalo believe this effort is something we should buy into?

Dr. Johnson understands “when I’m talking to employees of color they say to me ‘stop with the rhetoric and all this stuff. Blah, blah, blah, yeah you’re going to do this and that–I don’t care!... All the platitudes that we’re talking about, they don’t care and I don't blame them.” She tells of a man who started in environmental services and is now an OR technician thanks to opportunities for training and advancement made available to him. That’s the kind of thing Johnson promises to focus more on.

Eve wants to build Roswell’s reputation such that the tiny number of Black cancer doctors that exist are clamoring to come work here. “Judge us by not what we say, but what we do…. Hold us accountable! And let’s work together.”

Dabney remembers with fondness once when she was seven years old helping our editor piece together that week’s edition of The Challenger. “I remember her explaining to me how important this paper was to our community. That never escaped me, which is why I wanted to sit down and talk.” She’ll be walking the Roswell campus often and invites employees to seek her out, but “please keep an open mind.” Alluding to navy days, “it’s like an aircraft carrier. You don’t make a right turn on an aircraft carrier like you do in a car… This work is not going to be overnight. We’ll try things, we’ll fail, we’ll get back up.”

“We’re all saying the same thing,” concludes Dr. Johnson. “Just please give us a chance. Our hearts are in the right place.”

Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts Donates Commemorative Tree to Jefferson Avenue Tops

Tops is incredibly grateful for the heartfelt generosity of the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts for their donation of a Pink Pom Pom Redbud to our Jefferson Avenue store. This tree was chosen for it's beautiful heart shaped leaves and come spring, large display of flowers. "We wanted to pour love all over the neighborhood and thought this tree would be a great symbol of love and prosperity," said Cyd Cox. “Thank you to Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, Cyd Cox, and Anthony Brown (pictured here with Jefferson Ave. Tops store manager, David Christopher) for their gesture of kindness to our community.”

National Grid Provides $150,000 Grant to Build New Playground at King Urban Life Center

King Urban Life Center recently hosted a grand opening of its new playground, made possible with a $150,000 grant from National Grid’s Project C program. The opening of the playground, located at 945 Genesee St. was celebrated in a ceremony that included civic and business leaders. The event included an announcement that King Urban Life Center is expanding its programs to benefit children in the neighborhood.

“A playground is more than a space for having fun,” said Dr. Henry Taylor, Chairman of the Board at King Urban Life Center. “It also gives children an opportunity to forge social skills, such as communication, imaginative play, empathy, and conflict resolution, while the physical activities help promote a culture of health.”

The playground received additional funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Benefit Fund.

“Parks and the new playground like the new one at King Urban Life Center are important because so many of them are the centers of our communities,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “When we had learned about the opportunity to help, we knew that this was a natural fit, because this kind of investment - made through our Project C program –provides long-term support as well as a positive impact for the neighborhood. That’s what National Grid and Project C are all about.”

FUNK FEST! The Annual Buffalo Funk Fest tribute to Rick James returns to MLK Park Sunday, August 27 from 4-10 p.m. Our very own Marnetta Malcolm and the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation Inc. is bringing us the entire Funk Fest weekend starting with the Jefferson Avenue Block Party August 25 – which has grown into the “mother of all street parties” in Buffalo New York over the summer! The brainchild of Malclom, it was designed to uplift the EastSide following the May 14 Massacre. It has done that and more! Thanks to Marnetta and all her sponsors! Then on Saturday August 26th Jefferson will come alive once again with the Art of Funk from 2-8 p.m . On Sunday, August 27 we rock with Funk & Roll at MLK from 12 Noon-4 p.m. and later that evening we “Funk It UP” with star studded entertainment and the memory of the King of Punk Funk!

Actress Roslyn Ruff to Receive Star in Buffalo Theatre District

OnMonday, September 18, Buffalo will honor award-winning actress Roslyn Ruff with a star in the Buffalo Theatre District as a kickoff event for the 40th Anniversary of Curtain Up!

The ceremony will take place at 4:00 PM at the corner of Main and Tupper Streets and will be hosted by past inductee, award winning, and Tony nominated Stephen McKinley Henderson.

Buffalo WORDISM Event

Buffalo Wordism, the premier noncompetitive open mic for Spoken Word Artists, is having their spoken word event Saturday August 12 at Rooted Lounge 69 Allen at 7p.m. All new and seasoned artists are welcome.

HEALING BY THE WATER LINE UP!

The upcoming schedule of performers will bring some real Healing By The Water at Broderick Park for the remainder of the summer staring with Manny Perez & His Latin Band Project this evening August 10. Next Thursday, August 17, A tribute to the renowned Jerry Livingston; on August 24 Denzel Ward; on August 31 The Caribbean Band; and the final act on September 7, "the Beating of the Drums." Healing begins at 5 p.m. every Thursday at the foot of Ferry. Vendors, food, and good vibes! See you there!

Ruff, a Buffalo native, has made a name for herself on stage and screen. She earned critical acclaim for her performances in August Wilson's plays, including "Fences", "Seven Guitars", "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", and "The Piano Lesson". Ruff was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in "The Piano Lesson" in 2013. "The Theatre District Association and Curtain Up! proudly acknowledges Roslyn's remarkable achievements and contributions to the arts, as she takes her rightful place among some of Buffalo's brightest stars, such as Stephan McKinley Henderson, Christine Baranski, Saul Elkin, Javier Bustillos, A.R Gurney, Michael Bennett, Lorna C. Hill and many more. This Induction serves as a tribute to her talent and a celebration of her extraordinary career thus far," says Curtain Up! Chair, and Executive Director of Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Lisa Ludwig.

The star honoring Roslyn Ruff will be the newest addition to the Buffalo Theatre District's collection of stars that celebrate the careers of Buffalo's most talented performers. The ceremony will feature remarks from Ruff, city officials, and local arts leaders.

Salsa in The Park

Salsa in The Park (Rose Garden Delaware Park) has added additional dates in August this summer: •August 21st (our special grand finale party with live music, $20/$15 students), and August 28th (our bonus night!).

See you there!

Doors open at 6:30p.m. Come early to socialize, secure your preferred seating and enjoy snacks and refreshments. Admission is $.5

For more information on Wordism events visit online at buffalowordism.com

The 2023 Drumwork Music Fest is August 13!

Conway The Machine & Conway Cares Presents The 2023 Drumwork Music Fest SundayAugust 13th at The Buffalo Outer Harbor FROM 5pm-10pm featuring GUCCI MANE, Jadakiss, Rich The Kid and more! The Music Fest will be at Lakeside Event Lawn 825 Fuhrmann Blvd. The Parking lot opens at 4pm and entry begins at 5:00p.m.Parking is free and located at 875 Fuhrmann Blvd Tickets at Doris Records 716 883-2410 and The Cellar Boutique 716 783-9161 .Advance Sales Only.

Biggie Smalls Sculpture Unveiled

As the celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop kicks off across the country, a ninefoot-tall sculpture “Sky’s the Limit” of rapper Christopher Wallace aka The Notorious B.I.G. aka Biggie Smalls was unveiled last week at Cadman Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn its temporary home.

A sonic sculpture inspired by and dedicated to the art, life, and legacy of this Brooklyn Hip Hop legend, the form and structure of Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings challenges the traditions of western public sculpture by representing his African American artistry, lineage, and evolution as the “King of New York.” The crowned bust is traditionally sculpted, sitting atop an angular steel frame and supported by panels that high-light Wallace’s achievements and contemporaries. It invites the viewer to experience the larger-than-life artistry of B.I.G.’s contributions to and love of Brooklyn, hip-hop culture and community.

Much fanfare accompanied the unveiling – there was a live DJ, remarks by the artist, along with activities for families and children at the event. The interactive artwork runs on solar power and features a mix of the Brooklyn native’s biggest hits. The sculpture will be on display until November 2023.

PINE GRILL REUNION PART 2 THIS SUNDAY!

The Pine Grill Reunion concert starts at 2pm Aug. 13. Bring your chairs and be ready to party! Tents are welcome in a designated area. Be ready to have a smile on your face the entire day! The concert ends at 9:00 p.m.

For additional information please contact Dorothea Baxter Hughes, Coordinator at (716) 884-2013 or Africancultural350@ gmail.com.