Challenger Community News January 9, 2019

R O C H E S T E R O N A I R A N N O U N C E R F I R E D F O R M A R T I N L U T H E R “ C O O N ” K I N G S L U R Page 4

January 9, 2019 | FREE |

1619-2019

Beyond 400 Years Placing Significance of the Year 2019 to African Americans in Perspective Page 10

NATIONAL

Cigars and Whiskey – America’s Oldest Veteran Dies at 112 Page 4

LOCAL

Community Prepares to Honor A King Page 7

CULTURE

Images from Kwanzaa Page 16

MALL BRAWLS: Is This What Cynthia Wiggins Died For? Page 11

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

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

New School! A Look at the Five Rochester City Schools that re-opened after renovations in 2018. By Jessica Lewis This summer, five Rochester City Schools re-opened with brand new features and modernized spaces. Students from James Monroe High School, John Walton Spencer School No. 16, The Children’s School of Rochester No. 15, Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 and School Without Walls started the school year in newly renovated schools as part of the initial openings in Phase 2 of the Rochester Schools Modernization Program’s (RSMP) $1.4 billion dollar multi-phase program; the largest public capital works project in the history of Rochester. As part of the $435 million second phase of the Program, all five schools had ribbon cutting ceremonies in September with faculty, students, administrators and dignitaries present. Here’s a look at the renovations that were celebrated at the ceremony for each school:

NEWLY RENOVATED SCHOOLS: Top photo, School Without Walls students and staff celebrate. Bottom photos (L-R) School 7, School 16 caferteria, and Monroe High aerial view.

James Monroe High School, Grand re-opening held September 8, 2018: The size and complexity of James Monroe School, originally constructed in 1921, required its renovations to begin as part of Phase 1. In addition to a complete modernization of the original building infrastructure, the highlight of the School’s renovation is the major components within the new 41,000 square foot Athletic Center addition which includes a public event lobby, multi-use two-station gymnasium with seating for 600, weight/fitness room; boy’s and girl’s locker rooms; team rooms; shower facilities and new

athletic department offices. John Walton Spencer School No. 16, Grand reopening September 10, 2018: Built in 1910, the John Walton Spencer School No. 16 is a functional facility with much of its original beauty intact and all the features of a new 21st century school. In the school’s original section, wood cubbies, chalkboards and rails were preserved; while the wood doors, metal ceilings, woodwork, columns, entrance, bell tower and stained glass windows were restored. All classrooms were renovated with replacement windows designed to match the originals, and wood grain metal security doors hung. The original gym was converted into a library, and an addition was built for the new gym with stage and food services, along with two additional classrooms for Pre-K. Outside, additional parking and a curb cut for student buses were added. The Children’s School of Rochester No. 15, Grand reopening held September 20, 2018: The original Martin B. Anderson School No.1 constructed in 1921 in the Cobbs Hill neighborhood has been transformed into a historic timepiece that boasts all the features and amenities of a modern learning facility and has been renamed The Children’s School of Rochester No. 15. The building received comprehensive renovations and an addition has been constructed to accommodate a two-strand elementary school for grades Pre-K through 6. The design plan outlined a complete updating of the building interiors as well as a replacement of the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and life safety systems. Continued Page 13

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Registration On-site for Grades 7 and 9

Meet District and Department Staff

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

AREA BRIEFS

Legislator Baskin Announces Funding in 2019 Erie County Budget

New community and cultural organizations receive funding for the first time

Fruit Belt Advisory Council Elects New Executive Board

The Fruit Belt Advisory Council is excited to present the executive board for 2019. The newly elected board members are: President Dennice Barr, 1st Vice President John Lott, 2nd Vice Presidents Larthonia and Valerie Redden, Secretary Sharon Everette, Communications Liaison Duncan Kirkwood, and Youth Panel Savannah Lott. The Fruit Belt Advisory Council is comprised of a combination of residents, businesses and community stakeholders from the Fruit Belt to provide input and advise the City Common Council. Some of the focus areas of the Fruit Belt Advisory Council will be to bring a grocery store to the Fruit Belt neighborhood, get jobs for local residents and make sure that the voices of local residents are represented everywhere decisions are made about the Fruit Belt.

Buffalo’s Women's March

The Women’s March will take place Sunday, January 20 from 1:30-3p.m. The event will start with a rally at Niagara Square, including speakers, music (WNY Resistance Revival Chorus, Ismail & Co, and more.) The March is estimated for about 8 blocks and is organized by WNY Peace Center, with Riverside Salem, and more than 40 co-sponsors. Use the hashtag #womenswave#UnitetheStruggles. For more info go to wnypeace.org

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AGAINST HAVING A DRIVE-THRU IN THE HEART OF THE MICHIGAN STREET AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE CORRIDOR!

The community is urged to show its support against having a drive-thru in the heart of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. Ellicott Development will be back before the Planning Board on Monday, Jan 14 at 4 p.m., 901 City Hall with a study from Rochester that says the drive thru will not be a problem. Yet citizens have stated over and over that they do not want a drive through restaurant in that historic district. The Common Council Legislation meeting is also important for folks to show up and speak about the drive thru h Tim Hortons. That meeting is Tuesday, Jan 15, 1 p.m., 13th floor City Hall (See “Community Watchdog” Page 11)

Aloma D. Johnson Charter Will Close in June

The Aloma D. Johnson Charter School in Buffalo will close this June.The school has operated since 2008 with grades kindergarten through four. About 255 students are currently enrolled and will need to find other schools for next fall. About 35 staff, including teachers, aides and administrators, also will be searching for new jobs. The school started on Michigan Avenue and moved in 2013 into a former church building at 15 Jewett Parkway.The board held an emergency meeting Dec. 31 to vote to withdraw a charter renewal application that was submitted in August. The school was named in honor of the late Aloma D. Johnson, an outstanding career educator and dedicated youth worker who was a constant source of mentoring and motivation for many students within the Western New York community.

Erie County Legislator and Majority Leader April N.M. Baskin joined Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz at a ceremony before the holidays to sign the 2019 Erie County Budget into law. The budget contains the largest decrease in the county’s tax rate in over a decade, funds for public health programs, and infrastructure improvements, as well as increased funding for community and cultural organizations. “As an educator and an artist, arts and cultural funding is very close to my heart," stated Legislator Baskin. "I am so pleased that the strong financial position of Erie County has allowed us to fund so many new community groups. Under the management of the County Executive and with input from my fellow Legislators, Erie County has substantially broadened its cultural reach this year. ” Highlights include: •$750,000 in funding to prevent and treat lead poisoning •$250,000 to combat a cancer cluster, impacting the East Side of Buffalo •$15,000 in funds for University District Community Development Association •Buffalo City Ballet will see an additional $4,000 in county funding •People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) Buffalo will be awarded $14,000 in funding, which is $8,000 more than originally proposed •For Our Daughter’s Inc., West Side Neighborhood Housing Services, Project Mona’s House, and Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC) will all receive 2019 county funds “As a mom and the representative from one of the most underserved districts in Erie County, I am pleased that this budget delivers services to our youth. Providing children with opportunities for extracurricular activity decreases delinquency and enables them to thrive. Successful children contribute to our community and economy as they mature. This budget is a win for everyone.”

-Update-

Leaders Call For Unity, Focus In Wake Of MLK Statue Divide Herbert says petition to remove statue approximately 2,500 signatures away from 10,000 goal Two of the leaders involved in the plans to erect a tribute to the late civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Buffalo’s MLK Park - Clifford Bell and the Hon. George K. Arthur - discussed the process and original intent behind the final decision to erect the present sculpture during a talk show on WUFO radio in late October. The show was co-hosted by We Are Women Warriors’ Betty Jean Grant and Jim Anderson. In January 2018, on Martin Luther King Day, activist Samuel A. Herbert announced the launching of a petition drive to replace the current sculptor, an Olmec type head - with one in Dr. King’s image. His target – to first collect 10,000 signatures. Last week he told the Challenger that as of Dec. 23 his Committee to Save MLK Park had gathered 8,226 signatures and that they are seeking 2.500 more signatures by January 21 to complete phase one of his quest. He also noted that out of 85 letters mailed out last June 1 to churches seeking support for the petition drive, seven responded in support of the petition initiative: Greater Refuge Temple, One In Christ Church, Temple of Christ Church, Mt. Olive Baptist, Hopewell Baptist, New Mt. Ararat Baptist and Revelation Missionary Baptist Church (See Page 6). -The Push Back-. “Tearing it down is the word that bothers me most,” noted Brother Bell during the special hour long radio program on WUFO. He made it clear that he was not opposed to anyone wanting to see a new statue, but did not support Herbert’s plan to destroy and melt down the current monument to help pay for a new one. An interracial group of 17 made up the original committee to bring a sculpture to the park. It was, he explained, a lengthy, yet thorough process that resulted in the finalists giving their presentation then each member of the committee submitting a blind ballot. Renowned architect John Wilson, an African American, “was the unanimous first choice” said Bell. “From the beginning he presented the design of the head, which he said represented the

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1513: First Known African Arrives in America

The first documented African to arrive in America was a free man named Juan Garrido, born in West Africa around 1480. In 1513, he joined the legendary Juan Ponce de León's wellknown expedition to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth, when he became the first known African to arrive in this country.

1526: First North American Slave Revolt Nearly 40 years before the first permanent European settlement in North America, Spanish explorers brought enslaved Africans to what are now the Carolinas. The Africans escape in what is the first recorded slave revolt in North America.

1527: First Muslim In North America

Estevan, the first identified Muslim in North America, lands in Florida as a Moroccan guide to the Spaniards. During the ensuing years of the slave trade, as many as 20% of West African slaves brought to North America are Muslim.

1619: First Africans In English Colonies Newly established English colonies in North America created a demand for laborers in the "New World." Captured Africans brought to the colonies suffered lifetime enslavement f as the British colonies grew and the need for a permanent, inexpensive labor force increased.

1641: SLAVERY LEGALIZED

Massachusetts became the first British colony to legitimize slavery. Other states soon follow suit. Rights for free Africans are gradually restricted. By 1662, all children born to enslavled parents in Virginia are enslaved as well. Slavery then became a self-perpetuating system. “Readers are Leaders”

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NATIONAL + REGIONAL

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

Rochester On Air Announcer Fired for “Martin Luther Coon King” Slur

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Richard Arvin Overton

IN MEMORIAM:

Cigars and Whiskey – America’s Oldest Veteran, Richard Arvin Overton, Dies at 112 By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor Born on May 11, 1906, Richard Arvin Overton, a member of what is often called America’s “Greatest Generation,” died on December 27th in Austin, Texas. At 112 years and 230 days, Overton was believed to be the oldest living man in the United States as well as America’s oldest veteran. He enlisted into the Army on September 3, 1940 at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Overton then fought in World War II, serving in the all-Black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion. He fought in the South Pacific from 1940 through 1945, a time which included battle in Iwo Jima. He retired from the U.S. Army in October of 1945 as a technician fifth grade. He then worked at a furniture store and then took a job at the Texas Department of the Treasury. “He was there at Pearl Harbor, when the battleships were still smoldering. He was there at Okinawa. He was there at Iwo Jima, where he said, ‘I only got out of there by the grace of God said former President Barack Obama in 2013 during a Veterans Day ceremony honoring Overton at Arlington National Cemetery. The second World War was the deadliest conflict in modern military history as over 70 million people lost their lives and the U.S. suffered over 407,000 deaths in battle. As the years went by Overton became a local and then national celebrity. In 2013, at the age of 107, Overton won widespread media attention after telling Fox News he would spend Memorial Day “smoking cigars and drinking whiskey-stiffened coffee.” He was later invited to the White House. Overton had been hospitalized with pneumonia but was released from the hospital on December 24, Christmas Eve according to family member Shirley Overton. He had become known in his community for driving others to church well after turning 100 years old.

400 Years of African-American History Commission Act In August 1619, 20 enslaved Africans were brought to Point Comfort in the English colony of Virginia. Point Comfort is now part of Fort Monroe National Monument. The 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act, signed into law January 8, 2018, established a 15-member commission to coordinate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans in the English colonies. The Commission's purpose is to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States that will: recognize and highlight the resilience and cultural contributions of Africans and African Americans over 400 years; acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, artistic, religious, and eco-nomic organizations to organize and take part in anniversary activities; assist states, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration; and coordinate scholarly research about the arrival of Africans and their contributions to the United States. The Commission may also provide grants to communities and nonprofit organizations to develop programs; research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute information about the arrival of Africans in the United States; and technical assistance to states, localities, and nonprofit organizations.

ast Friday evening’s broadcast on Rochester television station WHEC-TV, meteorologist Jeremy Kappell said "Martin Luther Coon Park," when referring to a downtown Rochester park named after slain civil rights movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. Kappell said his use of the slur was a mistake caused by speaking too quickly and that he mispronounced and “jumbled” a couple of words but that there was no malice. -Slur Causes UproarRochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren and the city council released the following statement Sunday. "It is wrong, hurtful and infuriating that WHEC Channel 10 broadcast a racial slur in reference to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during its Friday News broadcast," the statement read. "It is beyond unacceptable that this occurred. There must be real consequences for the news personality involved and also for the management team that failed to immediately apologize and address the slur." The mayor and city council called for Kappell's termination and for an examination of WHEC's response to the incident. "It took the station nearly two days to apologize, and only after the station was shamed into doing so by a backlash on social media," the statement read. The Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ) also issued a statement Sunday condemning the use of the racial slur on air. Kappell has been a meteorologist for 20 years. He has been with WHEC since October 2017. Prior to coming to the Rochester station he worked in Texas, Mississippi, Kansas and Kentucky. _Not The FirstKappell now finds himself in interesting company. Nine years ago, well-known sports talk show personality Mike Greenberg used the exact same phrase by “mistake” during a broadcast of a TV and radio show that he co-hosted on ESPN. Greenberg said he and co-host Mike Golic were "talking football with you on this Martin Luther Coon King Jr. holiday ..." He apologized later that day — Jan. 10, 2010 — and attributed it to “talking too fast – and slurring.” He was not fired. Prior to that, in early 1965, the mayor of Selma, Alabama,

Joseph Smitherman, used the same term for Dr. King in televised remarks. Smitherman was complaining about "outside agitators" such as “Martin Luther Coon” coming to his city. The Selma, Alabama march was the starting point for three nowfamous civil rights marches in March 1965. Smitherman also apologized for the use of "coon" and insisted it was an accidental slip. -WHEC ApologizesWHEC's vice president and

general manager Richard A. Reingold said in a statement released Sunday that Kappell was fired after an internal investigation and discussion. "I apologize for our broadcast of a racial slur in a reference to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park during our Friday evening broadcast," Reingold said. He added that the station believes in holding reporters and anchors "to the highest standard." "These words have no place on News10NBC's air, and the

fact that we broadcast them disheartens and disgusts me; that it was not caught immediately is inexcusable," Reingold said. Reingold said the station's decision to fire Kappell was not influenced by the call from the city's mayor. "We came to the decision we did sometime before I knew of Mayor Warren's position. So I welcome her position, I understand it, I respect it, but it did not have any impact on our decision because we didn't know about it."

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

Kick-Off Registration and "Open House" Set for 2019 Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace (YEM) Project

The Kick-Off Registration and "Open House" date for the 2019 Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace (YEM) Project will be on Saturday January 19 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Alfonso "Rafi" Green Masten Resource Center located at 1423 Fillmore Ave. on the corner of Glenwood Ave. Parents, Churches & Organizations are urged to support our youth who are venturing into their second year with much excitement. The program is looking for youth between the ages of 5 and 21 to participate this year. Mentors and Volunteers are needed and welcome! If interested please contact Pamela James at (716)332-3773.

REELECTED: Erie County Legislature Chairman Peter Savage and Majority Leader April Baskin have been reelected to their leadership positions by the recently expanded Democratic majority.

JESSE CLIPPER POST #43 HONONRS GEORGE BRINKLEY: George Brinkley III, Korean War Air Force veteran, was buried with full military honors on Dec. 20. Brinkley, who was former 3rd VicCommander of the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post#43 was a barber who has his own Clip Shop, and went back to school to get an accounting degree from Canisius College and opened an income tax business. Funeral services were held at Lincoln Memorial Church at Main corner of Northland. Jesse Clipper Post members, pictured above, showed their support. An Air Force Honor Guard presented the flag at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Opioids And HIV: Metro Alliance of Black More Than a Generation at Risk School Educators The Auxiliary to the National Medical Association (ANMA) will present a workshop titled “Opioids and HIV: More Than a Generation at Risk” on Saturday, ,January 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Way. Opioid addition and HIV infection are on the rise in our community and nationally. The ANMA is sponsoring this workshop to raise awareness and prevention of opioid misuse and risky sexual behavior. Dr. Jeffrey Grace, Dr. Leeland Jones and Dr. Nathaniel Webster are presenters for the workshop. The community access Service will provide HIV/AIDS testing. Free lunch and refreshments will be provided.

eat to live

Announce General Meeting

The Metro Buffalo Alliance of Black School Educators (MBABSE) invites all educators to a general meeting Thursday, January 17 from 5-7 p.m. at East Community High School, 820 Northampton St.

DID YOU KNONW...

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

Terry’s Ribs and Fish and the Niagara Falls Peacemakers Host A Free Chicken Dinner Giveaway

A Free Chicken Dinner Giveaway was hosted by Terry’s Ribs and Fish, Niagara Falls Peacemakers, TOPS on Portage, and Niagara Falls Housing Authority Christmas Eve, December 24. The giveaway took place at Tops Friendly Market, 1000 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls.

Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope (NOAH)

NOAH, the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope was founded to organize faith-based and other community institutions by building relationships that break down barriers and generate the necessary resources to transform people, congregations, and communities for the common good. To learn more about Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope please visit: www.noahniagara.org

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FAITH & FAMILY

DR. MLK Breakfast Save-the Date! The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by New Hope Baptist Church Christian Education Scholarship Committee will be held on Monday, January 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street. This year’s Keynote speaker is the Honorable Mayor Byron Brown. Tickets are $35 per person. For additional information please contact New Hope Baptist Church at (716)8830821 or the program Chair, Retta Billingslea at The MLK Scholarship (716)835-4737) .

WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

Herbert Thanks Churches, Pastors for Supporting Petition Drive to Replace MLK Sculpture

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ommunity activist Samuel A. Herbert said that he and the Committee to Save Martin Luther King Jr. Park is grateful for the support of at least 7 area churches in their drive to replace the current tribute to Martin Luther King in MLK Park with a likeness of the great civil rights leader. He said the churches include: -Greater Refuge Temple, Pastor Robert L. Sanders Jr. -One In Christ Church, Pastor Rev. Frederick A. Gelsey Sr. -Temple of Christ Church, Pastor Reginald E. Kerr -Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Pastor William. Gillison -Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. J. R. Christopher -Mt. Arart Temple of Prayer, Bishop Dwight E. Brown Pastor -Hopewell Baptist. Church, Pastor Dennis Lee Jr., newly elected president of Black Baptist Ministers Conference in December “My church, Greater Refuge, was the first church to support, circulate and sign petitions,” he said. “I’m so thankful for the additional six churches that have lent their support.” “Dr. Martin Luther King was a reverend before he received his PhD in theology. He was a reverend first – a great American – and he is deserving of a statue larger than life and reflective of his image.” The committee is seeking 2,500 more signatures to reach its goal of 10,000 by January 21 to complete phase one of the drive. Herbert said that in addition to paper petitions an electronic version is also being circulated at change.org enough of symbolism it’s time for a realistic statue to honor Dr. King. At last count 8,226 persons had signed the petitions according to Herbert.

5 New Year's Resolutions Christians Should Make Take It Easy: We know you work hard and play hard, but you probably also stress too hard and even think too hard! This year, give yourself a break from unnecessary stresses by slowing down. Read the Bible: Reading the Bible is not only a great way to get in touch with God, but to relax and take time for yourself as well. Instead of spending your Monday evening watching reality TV reruns, reread your favorite verse in the Bible… or find a new one to help you get motivated for the New Year. Go Gadget Free: Yes, we know your smartphone is fun and it’s a great way to stay in touch with your friends and family, but it’s also an addiction. Make a rule for yourself that involves turning off all computers, cell phones, tablets, etc. at least once a week. It’s actually going to help you make even deeper connections with those around you! Remove Negative Elements: January is the perfect time of year to give up all the things holding you back from your best self yet! From negative friends to bad habits (smoking, drinking, gambling), it’s time to clear out all of the things you spent 2018 complaining about. Make a list of anything and everything you find negative in your life and remove them while you can. Now is the time to make yourself happy, so do it! Add Positive Energy: While you’re removing all the negatives from your life, fill the void left behind with positive people and hobbies. Think about your funniest, most caring friends and ask them to lunch next weekend. Or, help yourself to stop obsessing with those cigarettes you’re giving up by keeping a journal of positivity. Every time you get the craving to smoke, head to your journal to jot in everything you’re thankful for in your life. You can also take up new hobbies like hiking, running, weight-lifting or yoga.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

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FAITH & FAMILY

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Community Prepares to HONOR A KING! Mayor Brown to Keynote Annual. MLK Scholarship Breakfast The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by Pastor Herschel Chapman Jr. and the New Hope Baptist Church Christian Education Scholarship Committee, will be held on Monday, January 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street. This year’s Keynote speaker is the Honorable Mayor Byron Brown. Tickets are $35 per person. For additional information please contact New Hope Baptist Church at (716)883-0821 or the program Chair,at (716 8354737) .

Canisius College Celebrates legacy of Rev. Dr. King, Jr. Canisius College will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a “free soup for the body and discussion for the heart/mind” on Tuesday, February 6 from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m. in the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center, Grupp Fireside Lounge, Second Floor. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature: *Kimberly L. Beaty '86--Buffalo's Deputy Police Commissioner for Operations and Homeland Security. *Dr. Henry L. Taylor, Jr.--Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, University at Buffalo, and founding director, Center for Urban Studies, is an expert on race and class issues among people of color. Sandy E. White '77, awardwinning journalist, and founding member of the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists, will serve as guest moderator for the MLK Canisius program. There will be a special performance by gospel singer Bessie Patterson For more information, contact the Canisius College ALANA Student Center, 716-888-2787 FREE campus parking 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., except Loyola Hall parking.

HEAP can help you heat your home.

Sankofa Circle to Present Dr. Martin Luther King Documentary: The Sankofa Circle Documentary Series will present a two-part documentary, “Martin L. King: From Montgomery to Memphis” Wednesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. from 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call 883-4418.

Karen, Customer Service Supervisor Buffalo, NY

“Follow His Footsteps…Live The Dream… Unity Wins” is Theme of Annual City-Wide Martin Luther King Celebration The Concerned Citizens Following The Dream Committee will present the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program, on Sunday January 20, at 6 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall. The theme is: “FOLLOW HIS FOOTSTEPS…LIVE THE DREAM… UNITY WINS.” Pastor Jason Drayton of First Calvary Baptist Church is the keynote speaker. The 2019 MLK awardees are: Judge James A.W. McLeod the Judicial Award; Agnes M. Bain the Community Service Award; Letizia Conrad the Education Award; Kelly Diane Galloway the Foreign Mission Award; James F. Dentinger the Business Award; Lillion Batchelor the Woman of Distinction Award; Eugenio Russi the Community Service Award ; and Dr. James A. Lewis lll the Humanitarian Award. Some musical participants will include: the Hutch-Tech School Gospel Choir, Elim Christian Fellowship Praise Dance Ministry, Malcoln Wilson & the Joshua Generation Choir, Miss Barbara’s School of Dance, Bessie Patterson & the City-Wide Choir, Highly Favored Praise Dance Ministry, Buffalo Bells, Kappa Phi Fraternity Step Team, African American Cultural Center Dancers and others. The admission is free and is sponsored in part by M&T Bank, Wegmans Food, Councilman Ulysees Wingo, Legislator Barbara Miller Williams, Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc., Lombardo Funeral Home, Senator Tim Kennedy, UNYTS, ECMC Medical Center, Buffalo Teachers Federation Inc. THE African Cultural Center and others. Bessie Patterson is the Coordinator.

“Black Buffalo in 1967: Riots, SEEK, and a Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King” The Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier will host its 14th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. program Sunday, January, 20 at 2 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court. The speaker will be Dr. Steve Peraza, Assistant Professor of History and Social Studies Education at SUNY- College at Buffalo. His presentation will be: “Black Buffalo in 1967: Riots, SEEK, and a Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King.” Dr. Steve Dr. Peraza is a Board member of the AfroAmerican Historical Association of Niagara Frontier and is editor of the Associations Journal, Afro-Americans in New York Life and History. He completed Volume 40 in July 2018. He has done extensive research and writings on Martin Luther King, slavery, the Fugitive Slave Law, Prison Hip Hop, and numerous other topics. The event is free and open to the public.

EMERGENCY BENEFITS AVAILABLE

HEAP

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12/21/18 10:49 AM

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Entertainment

ON STAGE

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

Avery Sunshine and Elan Trotman To Grace the Stage of Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center

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Drea D’Nur Performs Tribute to Nina Simone

January 19, 8p.m. Musical Fare Theatre at Daemen College, 4380 Main St. Amherst;Intimate Setting only 100 Seats. Tickets $25 available at musicalfare.com Clint Coley, Thursday January 17 @ 8 p.m. Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St. (716) 853-1211

DL Hughley Helium Comedy Club, 30 Mississippi St. (716) 853-1211 *Friday Jan. 18 -7:30 PM & 10:30 PM •Saturday Jan 19 -7:30 PM &10:30 p.m. •Sunday Jan 20 -7:00 p.m. Top Knotch Band Presents a Valentine’s Day Musicians Ball Dedication: Tribute to Buffalo’s Own “Gone But Not 4 Gotten” featuring live entertainment by Chris Dean, Unity Band, Dee Paris, Denzal Ward, Nice & Easy, Uncle Willie, Dalane, Leroy Johnson, Puncho, Top Knotch Band, Saturday, Feb. 16 from 5:30-11 p.m. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee, tickets $25,VIP $35; 603-6506.

ome people have a calling that is undeniable and Avery Sunshine is no exception. Yet the former church pianist/musical director, who scored a #1 Billboard chart hit, was at once a reluctant warrior. “I had no idea that my work in the church would prepare me to do what I do.” Bringing people together through her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous stage banter and optimistic anthems about love and life is what Avery Sunshine does best. In fact she does it so well, that she has garnered praise from iconic musical figures like The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who raved, “I love Avery*Sunshine!” The Atlanta based singer’s no holds barred signature soul/R&B sound has also made believers of such luminaries as Patti LaBelle, Berry Gordy and Boy George who proclaimed on twitter “@averysunshine love this woman’s voice.” Avery Sunshine and her musical partner (now husband) and guitarist Dana “Big Dane” Johnson, have collectively either collaborated and/or toured with everyone from Anthony Hamilton, KEM, Will Downing, Gregory Porter, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Babyface and Roy Ayers to B.B. King, Michael Buble and Jennifer Holliday. DIAAB Entertainment will present Avery Sunshine and Elan Trotman in concert on Friday, February 15 at 8p.m. at Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center. Tickets on sale now at the Rockwell Hall Box Office on the Buffalo State College campus, 1300 Elmwood Avenue (716 )878-3005 Avery Sunshine’s #1 hit single “Call My Name” from her critically heralded sophomore project The Sunroom, was awarded ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul song of the year 2016 award. There have been numerous sold out shows and career milestones that have included opening for Babyface at Madison Square Garden, performing for Smokey Robinson at his Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame tribute to being invited to perform by and for the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, twice in one year. In the same year Avery was nominated for a Soul Train award and a BET Centric Award. While she continues to tour the world: everywhere from many countries in Europe to Asia, the UK and Australia , she and Dana never stop creating and recording . “My greatest wish is for our music to empower and encourage, in some way, everyone who hears it. That is why Dana and I do this,” shares the radiant singer. Avery Sunshine concludes, “I am always striving to fill the space that I was created to fill. And I pray that the small space that I occupy in this world reminds everyone to SHINE no matter what.” Saxophonist Elan Trotman, has quickly become one of jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers as he continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, teacher and recording artist. Trotman’s playing, though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr., Kirk Whalum and Najee, displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. So much so that the New England Urban Music Awards, and The Barbados Music Awards both named him Jazz Artist of The Year on multiple occasions. Born and raised in Barbados and educated at the world-renowned Berklee College Of Music in Boston, Trotman approaches jazz in his own way. Blending Caribbean rhythms from his roots with skillful horn textures, his playing is full of surprises. Trotman has recorded and performed with a number of world-class musicians, including Michael McDonald, Roberta Flack, Jonathan Butler, Keiko Matsui, Johnny Gill, Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E, Marcus Miller, Will Downing, Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Peabo Bryson, Brian Simpson and many others. As a recording artist Elan has topped the Billboard Radio Charts over 10 times.

BEAU FLEUVE Makes a First Friday Takeover with Arts X Beats Event

Starting February 1 Beau Flueve will present Arts x Beats First Friday Event each month bringing a uniquely curated event with visual art, music, poetry and spoken word and more at Imagine Event Center 71 Military Road. The Kick Off will feature a strong line up. Stay tuned to the Challenger entertainment section for more details and online and follow @beaufleuvemusicarts on Instagram. You can get tickets on artsxbeats.evetbrite.com

Free Movie Week on SKOVU TV! Buffalo’s own SKOVU TV a subscription based streaming service to watch rent or download original films and content announced their FREE MOVIE WEEK each month starting off with FORGOTTEN CITY by director Korey Green. Go to skovutv. com to view the film.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

Voices in Contemporary Art with Artist Aria Dean

Paulette D. Harris

Paulette D. Harris To Direct Native Son at Paul Robeston Theatre On Stage Jan. 18 – Feb. 10

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Paulette D. Harris will direct the Paul Robeson Theatre’s presentation of Native Son by Nambi E. Kelley. Suffocating in rat-infested poverty on the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s, 20-yearold Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man's house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Adapted with theatrical ingenuity by Chicago's own Nambi E. Kelley, this Native Son captures the power of Richard Wright's novel for a whole new generation. "Stirring ... strong, serious stuff, just as it should be." Wall Street Journal "Unflinching in its honesty and searing in its passion, Native Son is not only a Grade-A example of literary adaptation, but also a play that truly speaks to our times and the ever-troubled American spirit that defines them." - Chicago Theatre Review Paulette D. Harris is Artistic Director of the Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center. For tickets & info see their ad on page 8.

Albright Knox Art Gallery January 10 7:15pm In The Auditorium FREE Aria Dean (American, born 1993) is an artist, critic, and curator whose work examines the frameworks of our individual and collective identities. She is particularly interested in the complicated relationship between “blackness” and the internet, which has created new platforms for the creation and consumption of culture. In conjunction with the first solo museum presentation of Dean’s work (on view in the Gallery for New Media through January 13, 2019), the AlbrightKnox will host Dean for a presentation on her contributions to a larger conversation on the social effects of new technologies Outside of being an artist and exhibiting in renowned venues around the globe, Dean is the assistant curator of net art and digital culture at Rhizome. Her writings have appeared in various art publications including Artforum, e-flux, The New Inquiry, Art in America, and Topical Cream. The event will be moderated by the exhibition’s organizer, Assistant Curator Tina Rivers Ryan. The museum will be free and open to the public from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The Albright-Knox’s Voices in Contemporary Art Lecture Series lends a microphone to contemporary artists exhibiting at the museum. The Series will connect these artists and their work to Western New Yorkers while fostering discussion on the societal and cultural trends they represent. Together with the talented curators who collaborated on their exhibitions, these artists will share details about their process, presentation, and inspiration.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Project Monas House Has Activities For Community Engagement January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Project Monas House founder Kelly Diane Galloway has put together a slew of facts, real stories, videos and a grand finale Sound of Freedom concert bringing it all together! Check the details, get active and enjoy! 1. January 11: Show your solidarity by wearing the color blue on National Human Trafficking Awareness day. Take your best or most creative photo to help spread awareness on this day and post it to your social network with hashtag #ProjectMonasHouse r 2. Visit the Project Monas website www.projectmonashouse.org this month and subscribe to get updates, cool prizes and hear about the many success stories that happen daily @projectmonas house. 3. The 2019 Billboard Clothing Collection launches on January 11th. It will only be available until January 31 and not again until January 2020. Make sure you show up and get your gear because it’s gonna be fire!! 4.The Relaunch of 500 hands campaign where 500 people give $30 a month that covers 80% of Monas House expenses and puts them in a better position to get higher dollar awards for grants.

5.The Sound of Freedom Concert. January 25, 7 p.m. at Landmark on Pearl 318 Pearl Street with Drea D'Nur, Curtis Lovell, Sehrea Ndayu and Ten Thousand.Tickets online at www.projectmonashouse.com

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

They Shoot Black Boys Don’t They?

Rochester Hills Michigan and Buffalo New York: A Tale of Two Shootings Part I of 2-Part Series

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THE LANDING: The drawing in the upper left , “Landing Negroes at Jamestown from Dutch man-ofwar, 1619,” chronicles the first 20 African slaves arriving in Virginia. (Library of Congress)The other images are suggestive that although the first 20 to arrive in Jamestown was in 1619, Africans were here long before that. While we acknowledge the significance of 1619, we must keep it in perspective.

Placing in perspective, the significance of the Year 2019 to African Americans

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his Year, 2019 is a significant one for African Americans; designated for marking 400 years since the first documented arrival of Africans in America by way of Point Comfort, Virginia. And while this point holds historical significance, we must be careful not to allow the focus on 1619 as the beginning of the enslavement of Africans in the U.S., to damage our understanding of American history, and to silence the memory of those African men, women and children who – before 1619 - had already crossed the Atlantic against their will, suffered and died but most importantly endured. For many African Americans 1619 is a year to commemorate and pay homage to our African ancestors for enduring and ensuring an existence for us today. Although there are continued struggles and challenges we will recognize all of our accomplishments and celebrate those achievements. The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service has appointed the 400 Years of African History Commission and charged it with planning, developing and carrying out programs and activities throughout our 50 United States. 2019 is a special year, one which many will mark by honoring our African ancestors. -Before 1619 ArrivalAccording to historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the Africans who arrived as slaves in Jamestown, Va., from what is now the country of Angola, in 1619 were not the first. As a matter of fact, writes Gates, “Africans arrived in North America more than a century before both the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock and before these Angolans arrived in Virginia. What's more, we even know the identity of the first documented African to arrive. His name was Juan Garrido, and more astonishing, he wasn't even a slave….In 1513, he joined de León's well-known expedition to Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth, when he became the first known African to arrive in this country. That was over 500 years ago. -And There's More“As early as May 1616, Blacks from the West Indies were already at work in Bermuda providing expert knowledge about the cultivation of tobacco,” writes historian Michael Guasco. “There is also suggestive evidence that scores of Africans plundered from the Spanish were aboard a fleet under the command of Sir Francis Drake when he arrived at Roanoke Island in 1586. In 1526, enslaved Africans were part of a Spanish expedition to establish an outpost on the North American coast in present-day South Carolina. Those Africans launched a rebellion in November of that year and effectively destroyed the Spanish settlers’ ability to sustain the settlement, which they abandoned a year later. Nearly 100 years before Jamestown, African actors enabled American colonies to survive, and they were equally able to destroy European colonial ventures.” -The Importance of PerspectiveAs we commemorate and acknowledge 1619 as the 400th anniversary of the arrival of those few African men and women in Virginia, we also need to keep in mind that America was not “America” yet and those White Christian Europeans – often referred to as settlers and colonists, were in fact invaders and occupiers. In 1619, notes Guasco, Virginia was still Tsenacommacah, the name given by the Powhatan, a powerful Chiefdom of Virginia Indian sto their native homeland, and the English were illegal aliens. From the beginning Africans fought for their survival, and most of all fought for their humanity. Our survival through periods of Emancipation, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and postCivil Rights continue to prove our resilience in the fight for humanity, justice, and equality. This year we reflect upon our progress, the lessons learned and triumphs earned. As we remember our ancestors and celebrate what we have accomplished over a period of 400 years and more in the "wilderness of North America," we must remember that perspective is important and bringing the truth 360-degrees is absolutely imperative in our continued quest for freedom, justice and equality

"Our history did not begin in chains....it will not end in chains." -Malcolm X

ost of us may have never heard of Rochester Hills, Michigan which is a suburb outside of Detroit. But whether you have or not is not important, it’s what occurred there several months ago and the reaction to that occurrence that should remind us of the 12 year old Black boy in Buffalo who was shot by 61 year old Edward Bald a White man just over a year ago who said he thought the 12 year old was trying to break into his home to rob him. It was a story that was embellished by the Erie County District Attorney, John J. Flynn, the police and the news media in the manner in which it was treated, investigated and reported to convince the general public that the 12 year old boy was the criminal and the shooter the vicTed tim. I hope the following story will make clear the role of the District Attorney, the KIRKLAND police, judge and the general public. And like District Attorney John J. Flynn, I too love my people unapologetically like he loves his. But more than that I understand racism and White supremacy, and I understand the plight of being poor and Black in America. Therefore, being a veteran of the Korean War honorably discharged with medals, I paid this 12 year old boys’ dues to receive justice in America. ***** This story of the Rochester Hills shooting begins on April 12, 2018 when Brennan Walker, a 14 year old Black teenager missed his bus to school that morning. Having no one to take him, since his mother had already gone to work, he did the next best thing; he started walking to school. But never having walked to school before, he got lost, and stopped at two houses for directions. At the first house a man gave him directions, but he got lost again and stopped at a second house. At this second house Brennan knocked at the door. The following is a report from WJBK as told by Brennan. A woman opened the door following Brennan’s knock. She is reported to immediately begin yelling at Brennan and screaming for her husband. “She was like, ‘Why are you trying to break into my house?’ “I was trying to explain to her that I was trying to get directions to Rochester High school. And she kept yelling at me. Then this guy came downstairs, and he grabbed a gun, I saw it and started to run. And that’s when I heard the gunshot.” After sprinting away from the house, Brennan, who was not hit, is said to have hid and broke down in tears, the outlet reported. “I’m kind of happy that, like, I didn’t become a statistic,” Brennan told the outlet, saying his mother had told him that Black boys were at risk of being shot by others. The man’s wife appeared to have called 911 around 8:20 a.m. saying that her husband had chased a Black male who had tried to break in, according to the Associated Press. But the security footage, a video outside the home, captured the moment when a shirtless Jeffery Zeigler, the husband of the woman ran after the teen, stopped to aim and fire his weapon, authorities said. With the safety still on, Zeigler then released it and fired a round off the ground, the paper reported. Walker was not wounded. The media reported that Jeffrey Zeigler, a retired firefighter who is White, was charged with assault with intent to murder and a felony firearm charge, local news outlets reported, and his bond was set at $50,000. According to a news outlet, he faced as much as life in prison. Oakland County Sheriff's Detective Shawn Pace said he found the video "offending … especially in this day and age." In an interview with deputies, Zeigler allegedly said he was "tired of being a victim." He also has a conviction for firing a handgun at another motorist during a dispute in 2004. Zeigler’s attorney, Robert Morad, argued his client never chased Walker and only fired one shot. He contends the video shows a branch falling from a nearby tree, meaning that Zeigler fired in the air and not at Walker. Prosecutor Kelly Collins rebutted that "being a bad shot does not negate one's intentions." Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told WJBK. “I feel terrible for the young man; I feel terrible for the mom and the anxiety that they had to go through. We are going to ask for every charge permissible for this guy who stepped up and fired a shotgun because someone knocked on his door.” Mayor Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hill issued this statement that he has been working closely with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and Rochester Community Schools as the situation unfolded. "While the city cannot officially comment on matters under investigation, I am personally sickened by the initial reports and they suggest behavior completely unacceptable and inconsistent with the character and values of our community," Barnett said. "Our city has a strong and unwavering policy when it comes to acts of hatred …We stand by this position whole heartedly and look forward to justice in this case." The NAACP issued the following statement concerning the shooting in Rochester Hills as well as several other such shootings: "50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. diagnosed for the nation its most dangerous and deadly spiritual ulcer. Yet today, there are still too many in our communities who have failed to heed his prescription to see our character because they are too blinded by our color. "America still suffers from an illness rooted in an assumption fueled by a false perception and sustained by our racial condition. The recent shooting at 14-year old Brennan Walker, at a home in Rochester Hills, while simply trying to find his way to school, by a White homeowner, is another casein-point. According to young Mr. Walker, after he knocked on the door for directions, he stepped back; a lady came to the door and started yelling, “Why are you trying to break into my house?” He indicated he was simply asking for directions. Herein lays the assumption. He is a black youth, at a white door, in a suburban neighborhood; therefore he must be trying to break in. Immediate reaction: grab your gun, shoot first, and ask questions later. "The perception for many is very simply, if you see one of them – Philando Castile, Stephon Clark, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and others - they must be up to no good so shoot. It is sustained, as evidenced by recent studies reflecting patterns and practices, as reported in the New York Times special article When Black Children Are Targeted for Punishment by Derrick Darby and John L. Rury, dated September 25, 2017. In a study from the Arkansas school system, the state ranks 13th in the out-of-school suspension gap between Black and White students. In the 2012 school year, Black students were suspended five times as often as Whites with little having changed as of today. The same report finds several northern states including Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin that Continued Page 11

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

Why Was Buffalo's Parking Meter Resolution Approved In Haste?

Community Watchdog

Just Say No to the Drive Thru Coffee Shop in the Michigan Street African American Historic Corridor! Attend the Planning Board Meeting in City Hall Monday Jan. 14 There will be a Planning Board meeting, Monday, Jan 14, 2019, 4 PM in 901 Buffalo City Hall. This meeting concerns the vacant lot, currently serving as a parking lot, at Michigan and William, 474 William, in the Michigan Street African American Historic Corridor. The Common Council Legislation meeting is also important for folks to show up and speak about the drive thru Tim Hortons. That meeting is Tuesday, Jan 15, 1 PM, 13th floor City Hall. -BackgroundIn September, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to deny Carl Paladino's Ellicott Development Company the change to allow for a drive thru Tim Hortons. Currently the zoning law says that a drive through restaurant is not allowed. But Paladino wants a drive through. The development company has said that they cannot afford to do the mixed use project of apartments and retail without a drive through Tim Hortons. Citizens, primarily from the Copper Town Block Club of that area of William, Clinton, and Milnor, have taken time from their families to attend at least three evening meetings, and have stated over and over that they do not want a drive through restaurant. Ellicott Development sued the City and said the wrong decision was made in denying the them. Judge Diane Devlin agreed and ruled in Ellicott's favor. -Our Desires MatterImagine if Em Tea Cup or Golden Cup, both successful Buffalo Black Businesses, could be at 474 Michigan. Imagine a cozy place that we own, where conversation is encouraged, community is built, poetry slams are held, and the decor reflects our history, is allowed to be part of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. Imagine a place where you are not looked at with suspicion, not treated like a criminal, because you are entering our place. We welcome all peoples of course so no person of whatever race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin would be turned away. You could walk to or get off a bus and have meetings with your neighbors, your children/grandchildren could hang out as the children who attend Nardin, Canisus, and Nichols high schools hang out at Spot Coffee on Elmwood Avenue. There is no drive through or parking lot for Spot Coffee at Elmwood and Cleveland, yet it is a profitable hub of activity that adds to the community. Perhaps the City believes such an environment is only for the West Side, or for North Buffalo, but no way for the East Side. No way! Think of comfortable seating of plush sofas, a variety of chairs, no corporate sameness, and the knowledge that our people have a business that out of town visitors will patronize after they enjoy the Nash House, Colored Musician Club, Michigan Avenue Baptist Church ... But no. We are told over and over that we can't have this. It has to be SUVs zooming through our neighborhood. We have to be disrespected. We have to fear getting hit by inattentive law breaking drivers. We may even be hit by a driver but the developer and political supporters say this does not matter. And Ellicott Development must, absolutely MUST, make more money in our community. And the only way Paladino can make more money so his supporters can live in the suburbs and not contribute to our city is to have a drive thru Tim Hortons so they can grab their coffee on their way to work downtown. Mr. Paladino and too many of our politicians and judges indicate by their actions over and over that we do not matter. We are not to have better. We are only to have our homes, our history, our children exploited for their economic and political gain. If you believe otherwise, say NO to the defilement of our community. Your voice matters. If we have to go down swinging, let's at least get out there and tell them what's what. Attend the Planning Board meeting on Monday, Jan 14 at 4 p.m. in City Hall. We demand better! Does it have to be this way? Not if you will come out and make clear that WE DO NOT WANT THIS DRIVE THRU COFFEE SHOP. Please attend the City of Buffalo Planning Board meeting Monday, Jan 14, 2019, 4 p.m.and the Common Council Legislation meeting to speak about the drive through Tim Hortons on Tuesday, Jan 15, 1 PM, 13th floor City Hall The corridor you build needs to be shaped by you and not by a development company that has a less than stellar reputation when it comes to respecting Black people. Can't attend the meeting? Call or text Councilman Pridgen at dpridgen@city-buffalo.com (716) 851 – 4980 or the Planning Board office: 851-0172

Hua Hu Ching

by Lao Tzu

Five Do you imagine the universe is agitated? Go into the desert at night and look out at the stars. This practice should answer the question. The superior person settles her mind as the universe settles the stars in the sky. By connecting her mind with the subtle origin, she calms it. Once calmed, it naturally expands, and ultimately her mind becomes as vast and immeasurable as the night sky.

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

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IS THIS WHAT CYNTHIA WIGGINS DIED FOR?

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n 1995, Cynthia Wiggins, a promising 17-year old single mother, was tragically killed when a 10-ton truck hit her as she tried to cross Walden Avenue to get to her parttime job in the Galleria Mall. Her Cynthia Wiggins case received national attention when Attorney Johnny Cochran (O.J. Simpson’s lawyer) came to Buffalo to take her case. The community demonstrated and threatened to boycott the mall in protest of what emerged as a racially motivated policy by the owners of the mall, Pyramid Companies of Syracuse. In the end, the mall agreed to pay a large part of a wrongful death lawsuit because it was revealed that it was the mall’s policy not to allow NFTA buses — and their Black riders — onto the mall’s property. Pyramid officials denied the claim, then later said they only wanted to prevent “inner-city crime” from reaching the mall. The Day after Christmas there was chaos in the mall when several fights broke out involving Black teens, causing the mall to be shut down. Police said that many of the kids brought in were between 13 and 15 years old. It wasn't the first time. Over 20 years ago Cynthia Wiggins died and this community and its leaders rallied and fought for the right of Black people to have equal access to the Galleria. Is this what Cynthia died for?

You Can Still Speak Out About the Increase in Parking Fees Downtown at the Jan. 15th Meeting at City Hall!

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here has been much hoopla over the Resolution increasing the cost of parking in Buffalo, recently approved by the Buffalo Common Council one day after Christmas. Not only was the timing of the council's approval controversial, so was the fact that this particular resolution was allegedly approved with no announced public hearing that would have alerted the elected officials as to how the public would feel about such an increase and other changes. Such opinions were not solicited or taken into consideration. The resolution, in the form it was initially approved, doubled the meters hourly rate from $1 an hour to $2. It extended the paid parking time to 10 p.m., instead of ending paid parking at 5 p.m. on weeknights BETTY JEAN and Saturdays. The Resolution would also GRANT Institute paid parking on Saturdays for the first time in the city's known history. If there has to be an increase in the parking rate, why not propose raising the rate .25 cents which would raise the parking to $1.25. This could be done over the next few years (@ .25 per year). It would be a modest, gradual increase which would make it affordable to those who have go work, shop, do business and attend entertainment venues downtown. The $2 rate - which is a 100% increase - is out of range for most people who live in the community. To his credit, Council President Darius G. Pridgen did amend the new rules so that free parking will still be allowed after 5 p.m. (instead of after 10 p.m. as initially proposed) unless there are major events downtown. This amendment will be considered by the council members at the next Full Buffalo Common Council meeting. This writer wrote a letter to the leadership of the Buffalo Common Council requesting a 30- day Moratorium on any increase in the parking meter rates and that the Common Council hold a Public Hearing to garner information from their constituents so that they will be able to work and advocate in the best interest of the people of the City of Buffalo. I also requested that the community be given permission to appear at the next Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 15 at 10 AM to formally voice its concerns and opposition in regards to the resolution's proposals. When the new parking increase and changes were approved more than 21,000 residents signed petitions to oppose the initiatives. The permission for the public to appear before the common council and voice their concerns on Tues., Jan. 15th, at 10 AM in the Council Chambers was approved by Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader, David Rivera. This meeting is open to the general community and this writer is urging everyone with concerns, to attend and to comment or listen to the elected officials and other involved parties.

TED KIRKLAND

continued from page 10 rank above Arkansas in the White and Black suspension gap. The Department of Education reports that Black students nationally were three times more likely to be suspended than Whites in 2012. These suspensions occur most often in secondary schools, but Black children were more than twice as likely to be suspended from preschools as well.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9, 2019

Congratulations to Ronald Dussett Winner of The M&T Bills Head to 2019 Draft: Real Season Begins! The Bills are headed to 2019 NFL Draft and free agency with Bank “What’s Important To You Video Contest” plenty of money in their pocket You may remember Bills Brain

Annual Winter Blast at MLK Jr. Park! Olmstead Park is having their annual Winter Blast at MLK Jr. Park.The free and fun event for families and kids will be held Saturday, January 19 from 11a.m. – 1p.m. at MLK Jr. Park Casino and Basin. There will be free ice-skating and skate-rental will be available depending on the the weather. Other activities planned include face-painting and balloon art. Come out and enjoy some winter fun!

Congratulations to Ronald Dusset, the Buffalo Fire Fighter who won the grand prize in the M&T Bank “What’s Important To You Video Contest.” Dussett will receive a GoPro Fusion camera and will be featured in M&T advertising for the heartfelt video he created for the contest that included his son and the time they spent together on a rainy day in Delaware park. “Every moment that I spend with my son means the world to me,” he wrote along with his submission. You can watch the story by visiting www.mtb.com/shareyourstory. Winners were selected based on voting by viewers. “We were inspired by Ron’s love for his son and his unselfish commitment and service to the community,” said M&T Bank Chief Marketing officer Peter Eliopoulos.

MLK STATUE DIVIDE continued from page 3 strength of Black men and personified the spirit of Dr. King. It was never designed to look like King,” he reiterated. At the unveiling, added Arthur, the artist made it clear again that it was never intended to look like King and said in part ”some of you might expect to see the image of King” but that would not be the case. But "realism not symbolism” continues to be Herbert’s rallying cry. -The TimesThere was lot going on at that time, noted Arthur. In 1978, a year after the first City-wide Martin Luther King celebration, he had become Majority Leader of the Buffalo Common Council and was working to change the name of Humboldt Park in honor of Dr. King. The name came first, he explained, then the statue. What also came was the renaming of the #33 Expressway. As a result of the efforts then Senator Byron Brown, the name was officially changed to Martin Luther King Expressway. But few know, or honor that, today. Bell and Arthur suggested that a joint meeting needs to take place between Herbert and his group who are circulating the petitions to talk about the issue, come up with a compromise and put the controversy to rest “to show the larger community we can come together.” At this point said Arthur, “Sam is doing the Black community a great disservice…he's splitting the community and misrepresenting Dr. King’s Legacy. “The philosophy of Dr.. King and his work was to bring people together not to destroy and divide….this is directly opposite of King’s philosophy,” he stated. It was suggested that in addition to a meeting between Herbert's group and the community, the energy should be shifted to: *Placing emphasis on making sure the Olmsted Conservancy

Trust Brandon Beene & Sean McDermott gutted a playoff team and purposely put themselves in Cap jail by a whopping 70 million dollars. If I was an NFL owner, no way would I allow management to waste my money in such a fashion. That means 70 million dollars was paid to players that no longer played for the Bills but most likely your opponents. The moment of truth will be upon us sooner than later with NFL Free Agency period and finally the Draft. Beene & McDernott must come up with a new offensive line with Dion Dawkins moving back to guard from his tackle position. They must pick up linemen from the draft via free agency in order to combine veteran leadership and young talent to mesh together. It’s easier said than done. The Bills brain trust must hit on several upcoming draft picks along with one or two high end free agents. You don’t have to spend all your money like you’re on a Rodeo Drive shopping spree. I will have possible options for Bills in the coming weeks. Kyle Williams was an excellent role player for Bills during his 13 years of service. As you may recall his game was based on former Buffalo Bill Marcel Dareus being doubled team by opposing offensive linemen. Kyle was able to beat his man one on one in order to make a tackle against opposing running backs or quarterbacks. Once Marcel was traded Kyle Williams game diminished considerably and the last New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguar games were examples of how nose guard Star Lotuleiei and Kyle Williams were run over throughout the game. The Bills need to get rid of Star and his 10 million dollar a year price tag and draft a nose tackle that can beat double teams. Those guys are hard to find and very few good ones in the NFL. That’s why trading of Marcel Dareus made no sense and our defense continues to suffer behind that dumb move by “The process” team at one Bills Drive. Hopefully they will make better selections in upcoming draft and free agency periods. Bills former interim Head Coach Anthony Lynn continues to out coach his opposition this time being John Harbaugh in LA Chargers 23-17 win over Baltimore Ravens. Coach Lynn is proving to be an outstanding Head coach and should win NFL Coach of the Year Award. It’s a shame the Buffalo Bills organization missed out on him. Prediction: I’m picking the Chargers to upset New England Patriots next Sunday in NFL Divisional Playoffs. Keep an eye on Buffalo’s own Corey Graham and the Philadelphia Eagles as they continue to win. I can see them upsetting the New Orleans Saints. Enjoy the Divisional Playoffs! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, twitter and thechallengernews.com

takes better care of the park and the area surrounding the present monument, for example, having the original stone benches at the monument site replaced *Starting a move to not only refer to the #33 Expressway by its proper name, MARTIN LUTHER KING EXPRESSWAY, but also to get the Cheektowaga Town Board to extend the name to reflect the entire route; a portion which lies in Cheektowaga. *Making it a rites of passage to bring young people to the park and monument site on a regular basis “At this time more than ever we need to be bringing the community together and not dividing it,” said Arthur….we need unity now more than ever before. This is an issue we can unite behind.” However Herbert remains adamant about staying the course. Near the end of the show he called in to express “respect” for the talk show participants opinion but added: “everything must change... Thousands of people have signed the petition "he continued, “they have a right to correct the wrong – So I say this: God bless you and we’re in the petition process.” On Nov. 17, Several weeks after the show aired, The Community Hour Saturday morning talk show hosted Mr. Herbert, who thanked supporters and gave an up-date on the progress of the petition drive.

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13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

NEW SCHOOL

LEGAL NOTICE

continued from page 2

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Erie County Board of Health, on the 11th day of September 2018 made a motion calling for a public hearing to be held concerning revisions to the Erie County Sanitary Code Article IX Housing Hygiene and property maintenance. A public hearing will be conducted by the Erie County Board of Health onTuesday, January 15, 2019 at 3:30 P.M. in the Erie County Health Department Board Room 904 of the Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street in the City of Buffalo, New York to hear all persons inter-ested in this matter. The proposed revisions are available for public inspection in the offices of the Erie County Health Department in Room 910 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street in the City of Buffalo and in the offices of all Town, Village and City Clerks. JAMES HODDICK, D.D.S. President Erie County Board of Health

Site improvements include an

enlarged bus loop and parking lot, new playground equipment, and a new drop off loop specifically for Pre-k and Kindergarten. In addition, the main public entrance will now offer a dramatic glass-encased view onto the updated gymnatorium. Architectural services were furnished by Moody Nolan, the largest U.S. African American-owned design firm, who designed easily sub-dividable classrooms that allow students and teachers to circulate freely between the spaces. Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 Grand re-opening held September 26, 2018 Originally constructed in 1966, Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7, is a three-story, 68,000 square foot building in the heart of the Maplewood neighborhood. The spherical shaped core building is constructed of masonry and steel and sits on a 2.75 acre site with parking, playgrounds and a play field.The project involved the construction of a two-story addition, new stage, new library, new roof, extensive renovations including windows, HVAC and electrical system upgrades.

LEGAL NOTIC EBIDS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive separate sealed bids for General Construction and Electrical contractors for Improvements at Commodore Perry Extension; BMHA Job #18-10-CF PRE-BID CONFERENCES WILL BE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 WITH ALL POTENTIAL BIDDERS ASSEMBLED AT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, 320 PERRY STREET, BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14204; THE PROJECT WALKTHROUGH MAY BE HELD/SCHEDULED AFTER THE MEETING. Separate Sealed bids for each prime contractor listed above will be received until 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted. Dated: January 9, 2019

School Without Walls Grand Re-opening held September 27, 2018; Located in the Southeast quadrant of Rochester, School Without Walls is the smallest high school in the District which houses 250 students who were formerly transported to a nearby community center to participate in physical education classes as the building did not house a gymnasium. The project involved the construction of an addition containing a single station gymnasium, changing rooms, a fitness room and art classrooms. Renovation areas within the existing building include the main office, student toilet rooms, staff lounge, and conversion of the art classroom to a science classroom. Infrastructure improvements include paving and sidewalk replacement, roof and window replacement, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems upgrades.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/ WBE/SDVOB subcontractors to quote Graycliff Estate Stairtower & Bridge Bid Date: Thursday, January 10, 2019 and 2018 Summer Classroom Project O’Brian – Concrete & Steel Bid Date: Monday, January 14, 2019 EEO Employer – 282-1225

NAME CHANGE Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Supreme Court, Erie County, on the 18th day of December, 2018, bearing Index Number I2018/600561, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Riley Morgan Bonetto. The city and state of my present address are Buffalo, NY the month and year of birth are July, 2006; the place of my birth is Buffalo, NY; my present name is Riley Morgan Latawiec.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid ROOMS

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.

4833 - RECYCLING AND WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES 4844 - DEVELOPER FOR THE DL&W STATION 4845 - CONSULTANT FOR REGIONAL BICYCLE MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT Download Bids from www.nfta.com

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS 120/134 West Eagle Street Roof Replacement, Phase 2 ECDPW Project No. 2019-800-01 Sealed bids for: General Construction work for the above project will be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Suite 1400, Buffalo, NY 14202 until 10:30 AM EST on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at which time they will be opened & read aloud. MBE/ WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING In the Matter of the Application of The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group For Consent to take land for Cemetery Purposes in the County of Erie through mergers NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Erie County Legislature will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, located on the 4th Floor of the Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider public testimony regarding (i) the proposed merger of the Oakwood Cemetery Association (“Oakwood”), consisting of what is commonly known as the “Oakwood Cemetery” located in the Village of East Aurora, with and into The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group (the “Forest Lawn Group ”) and (ii) the proposed merger of the Lancaster Rural Cemetery Association (“Lancaster Rural”), consisting of what is commonly known as the “Lancaster Rural Cemetery” located in the Town of Lancaster, with and into the Forest Lawn Group. Any person interested in the above matters may be heard at said public hearing. Following the Public Hearing, the Forest Lawn Group will make application at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Erie County Legislature, held in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, located on the 4th Floor of the Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., in the City of Buffalo, New York, or any adjournment thereof, for consent to merge with Oakwood and Lancaster Rural. Dated: Buffalo, New York, December 21, 2018 BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK. By ROBERT M. GRABER, Clerk, Erie County Legislature

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Vermont Street CR226 Site 9 Drainage Improvements & Roadway PROJ# CAP-226-01-18 Department of Public Works (DPW), Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for drainage and road construction project in Holland, NY. Sealed proposals to be received at Rath Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY by 10 am, Thursday, January 17, 2019. $55,000. certified check, as bid deposit, attached to bid submittal required. Minority workforce, MBE/WBE participation, Apprenticeship goals, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply. Pre-let meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 9 am, DPW, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY. Download plans and additional bid submittal information from the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie. gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

E M P L O Y M E N T / H E L P WA N T E D HIPAA Compliance and Security Officer Managing the protection, security of and access to information deemed confidential, sensitive and/or regulatory protected in compliance with federal and state laws (HIPAA, HITECH). Bachelor’s Degree and 1 yr. experience in privacy in Human Services.Must have an understanding of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule SALARY RANGE: 45,000 – 50,000 Assistant to the Chief Policy Officer (CPO) Perform administrative activities for, and on behalf of, the CPO Min. of 1 yr. general office work experience with Associates Degree or 2 yrs. general office experience with High School Diploma or equivalent SALARY RANGE: $25,000 - $30,000 Chief Operations Officer (COO) Administrative Assistant Perform administrative activities for and on behalf of the Chief Operations Officer (COO) Preferred: Bachelor’s degree with 2 yrs. Admin experience/or an Associate’s degree with 5 yrs. Admin experience SALARY : MID 30,000’S Health Home Care Coordinator To coordinate services with the Health Homes for the purpose of decreasing high risk medical and/or behavioral health costs for individuals being served in this Health Home. Master’s Degree in one of the fields with one (1) year experience OR a Bachelor’s Degree identified above with two (2) years of experience in the following: either providing direct services to persons diagnosed with mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, alcoholism or substance abuse SALARY RANGE: $32,000 - $37,000 Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Outreach Specialist Conduct outreach to people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses and Community agencies that may serve people diagnosed with mental illnesses about the benefits of utilizing Home and Community Based Services. Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation,education, OTPT, recreation or recreation therapy, counseling, community mental health, child and family studies, sociology, speech and hearing or other human services field SALARY: $35,000 (CDPAS) Program MCO Quality Assurance Specialist Responsible for monitoring and corrective action within the CDPAS accounts receivable ledger. High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of six months (6) experience in basic bookkeeping and/or clerical skills. SALARY RANGE: $27,000 - $31,000 Please submit Resume and Cover letter to: Tina Brown, CHRCO 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org

Assistant Professor in Physics Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor in Physics. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 12/30

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DID YOU KNOW... The state of New York, has the most Black-owned firms at 204,093 but this only accounts for 10.6% of the businesses in the state. Second is the state of Georgia, third is the state of Florida, and fourth is the state of Texas with the most Black-owned businesses but not necessarily the highest ratios.

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EVENTS

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

FREE MOVIES A free community movie weekend will be held at the Frank E. Merriweather Library in the Auditorium located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue starting January 12 featuring “The House with A Clock in its Walls” where a young boy is initiated into the world of magic and uses his newly found magic abilities to defeat the forces of evil that want to destroy his home. The cast includes Jack Black, Cate Blanchett, Owen Vaccaro, Renee Elise Goldsberry and Sunny Suljic. Doors open at 2p.m. On January 13, “You Can’t Save the World Alone” will be shown where Batman and Wonder Woman find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against a newly awakened threat. The cast includes Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher. Doors open at 2p.m. This event is brought to you with the collaborative efforts of the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post No. 24 and Ransom House, Inc.

“Dance is for everybody…”

-Alvin Ailey

On Going Community Dance Classes MONDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon – 1p.m.; FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont, 5:307:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 11 a.m. - 12 noon. FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702. DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood. 5:30-7:30 p.m. THURSDAYS Line Dance Classes with Willa Jackson, Instructor, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee st. 895-2727.

Wednesday January 9

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566.

Thursday January 10

Free Line Dancing Exercise Class: 10:30-11:30 a.m. light snacks. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 895-2727. Yoga & Jembe Every Thursday at Juneteenth headquarters 1517 Genesee 5:30 p.m. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566.

Saturday January12

Workshop: “Opioids And HIV: More Than a Generation at Risk, ” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Way. Sponsored by the ANMA. (See ad page 5) FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE WEEKEND: 2 p.m. Merriweather Library auditorium Jefferson and Utica; “The House With A. Clock In Its Walls.” Hosted by Johnetta R. Role AJVETS Post No. 24 & Ransom House Inc.

Sunday January 13

FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE WEEKEND: 2 p.m. Merriweather Library auditorium Jefferson and Utica; “You Can’t Save The World Alone.” Hosted by Johnetta R. Role AJVETS Post No. 24 & Ransom House Inc

Monday January 14

COMMUNITY URGED TO ATTEND PLANNING BOARD MEETING 4PM, 901 CITY HALL 9th Floor. Show your support against having a drive-thru in the heart of the Michigan Street Heritage Corridor. Elmwood and Hertel get to have sidewalk cafes, coffee shops with no drive thrus or parking lots, making the cafes in a walkable environment and pleasant. (See “Community Watchdog” Page 11).

Tuesday January 15

Buffalo Authors' Network (BAN) Meeting: 6 p.m. Merriweather Library Jefferson @ Utica.

Dr. Nevergold

An Intimate Conversation with Barbara Seals Nevergold Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals presents an intimate conversation with Dr. Barbara Deals Nevergold “Leading Success” January 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Urban League 15 Genesee. Nevergold will discuss Buffalo Public Schools where they were and where they are headed. You can join the live conversation at the venue or join the conversation on facebook live to submit questions and comments in real time! Follow Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals on FB and find them on Instagram @bulypny or on the web at www.bulypny.org

THE ART OF BANKING: The new Northwest office located at 1228 Jefferson Avenue had local artwork on display when they opened their doors on January 2 thanks to George K. Arthur, former Buffalo Common Council President representing the Ellicott district. Arthur, whose love for photography began as photo technician in the late 1950s, has an eye for capturing black and white photography around Buffalo. When asked about having his work displayed, he noted that, "It's without a doubt, truly an honor to have my photographs on display in the heart of the community that I love so much." “We couldn’t be more pleased to have George’s photography in our new office,” noted Northwest community development officer Trina Burruss. “This is an artistic representation of his longstanding commitment to the Ellicott District.” Pictured are NY Region president Rick Hamister, Jefferson Avenue manger Rodney Rodriguez, Northwest community development officer Trina Burruss, artist George K. Arthur and district manager Jennifer Gibson

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

-Tao Te Ching

COMMUNITY SPEAK OUT ON THE PROPOSED DOWNTOWN PARKING INCREASE: Finance Committee meeting 10a.m. City Hall voice your concerns in regards to hike in parking fees..

Wednesday January 16

Sankofa Circle Documentary Series: 6-8 p.m. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson, 883-4418. Free Admission. “MARTIN L. KING FROM MONTGIOERY TO MEMPHIS” PART 1. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566.

Thursday January 17

Metro Buffalo Alliance of Black School Educators (MBABSE) General Meeting: 5-7 p.m. East Community High School, 820 Northampton St. All educators urged to attend.

Find your

best fit! Choose the best school for your child.

Expo & Fair Rochester City School District

Grades Pre-K to 12

Saturday, January 12

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

FRIDAYS Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor Chicago Steppin’: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. SATURDAYS Mike's Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 to 1 PM, Saturdays, Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave. 716-380-5100 class is $5

15

School and Program Showcase

Registration On-site for Grades 7 and 9

Meet District and Department Staff

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.10a.m.-12 noon.

Free Pa rkin g • St u dent Performa n ces • Fu n Act ivit ies

16

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Januar y 9,2019

IMAGES OF KWANZAA 2018

WIN UP TO $5,000,000

"Love Make It Happen!"

A

full schedule of cultural activities was the highlight of this year’s Kwanzaa celebration December 26 thru January 1. The photos on this page are from the second, third and fourth days and nights of Kwanzaa. The African American Cultural. Center, always a crowd pleaser, danced and drummed their way into our collective consciousness, in addition to showcasing the center’s multi -talented youth. This year for the first time the Ujima Theatre Company hosted the Kwanzaa night of Ujima in their new West Side home at 429 Plymouth Avenue. The programming was relevant and engaging and featured talented poets Jillian Hanesworth and Queen Halima (aka Vonetta T. Rhodes); amazing vocals by Curtis Lovell and Brian Jay; and an enlightening presentation by Ras Jomo featuring international artist Ras Takura. Five encouraging guest speakers – who were given 5 minutes each to talk about their organizations – represented the seven principals in action and encouraged us to incorporate the principals in our daily lives and work. The Children’s Kwanzaa was wonderful with Afrikan cultural education art activities and storytelling. In addition, the Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace participated. There was food, fun and plenty of prizes. Two of the smart young contest winners – Cherish Alston and Nyeelah Broughton, both 7 - were awesome! The founder of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, graced us with his presence on the fifth night with his yearly message of “Reimagining and Remaking the World: A Kwanzaa Commitment to an Inclsive Good!"

Asante Sana (Thank You) to the Hard Working Kwanzaa Committee!

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