CHALLENGER
SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
FEBRUARY 25, 2015 |FREE|
SPECIAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION
Black Tie for Black History 2015 AWARDEES PG. 3
Debbie Allen
TheArthur Duncan
Lamont Williams
Leonard Lane
Murray Holman
“OUR STORY DID NOT BEGIN IN CHAINS... IT WILL NOT END IN CHAINS” – Malcom X PG. 10
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INSIDE ROCHESTER
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
In Celebration of Black History Month
MONTH EVENTS Gospel Fridays *12:30 – 1:00 p.m. City Hall Atrium, 30 Church St. *Friday 2/27 Immaculate Conception / St. Bridget’s Church Choir. *Black Heritage Gala Saturday, February 28, 6 p.m. – Midnight Hyatt Regency Hotel, 125 E. Main St. Tickets: $55 per person at City Hall, Room 100-A.For info 428-9857 or email blackheritage@cityofrochester.gov * “Black And...” Feb. 25, The Black Student Caucus of Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School will host “Black and LGBT” featuring Rev. Dr. Kenneth Q. James and Rev. Christopher Goodwin at 4:15 p.m. To RSVP call (585)340-9651 or go to gdickerson-hanks@crcds.edu
Rochester Board of Education Events February 26th: Knowledge Bowl Competition, in observance of Black History Month. February 26th: 5:306:30PM: In addition to the final Knowledge Bowl competition, outstanding young African American scholars will be honored.
Rochester Board of Education Honors Outstanding African American Scholars To commemorate Black History Month, the Board of Education will recognize exemplary African American scholars in the Rochester City School District and an African American leader in the community. The Black History Month celebration will also promote learning through a Knowledge Bowl competition among students, modeled after the game of “Jeopardy”. In the Knowledge Bowl, teams of students from the following schools will face off to test their knowledge of African American history, leaders, music, art and literature, politics, inventors, and sports: Charlotte High School James Monroe High School Joseph C. Wilson Commencement Academy Northeast High School Rochester STEM High School School Without Walls The winning team will advance to compete against another team that is chosen at random, and the winner of the final Knowledge Bowl competition on February 26th will receive a trophy for their school. The Knowledge Bowl will be held on February 23rd and
24th from 5:00-7:00PM at Wilson Foundation Academy, located at 200 Genesee Street. The final competition will take place on Thursday, February 26th, at 5:30PM in the third-floor conference room of the Central Office Building at 131 West Broad Street. The evening of Thursday, February 26th, will also include a program to honor students for their outstanding academic achievement. A reception will be held at 4:30PM, and the program will begin at 5:30PM. The students being recognized for their outstanding scholarship are: Dominique Archer, School Without Walls Biiftu Duresso, Joseph C. Wilson Commencement Academy Leon Harvey, Rochester Early College High School Charitie Hill, Rochester Early College High School Mateigha Horace, Rochester Early College High School Lakeya Quinn, School Without Walls Betty Ralph, School of the Arts Christina Tapper, School Without Walls In addition, an award will be presented to Minister Lawrence Evans for outstanding leadership and service to our community. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please call (585) 2628525.
*March 7, 6pm, A Taste of Ghana: Independence Day Celebration: The Stock Exchange Restaurant, 28 East Main St. #120. $25/ adult and children over 12; $12 ages 4-12; under 4 years old free.RSVP ghanaassociationwny@gmail.com or 585.205.8835 by Feb. 28th.
RADNEY’S SPORTS UPDATE
Hockey Star Burt Returns
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ormer Rochester Institute of Technology allstar Cameron Burt has joined the Rochester Americans (farm team of Buffalo Sabres). The Afro-Canadian Burt is the all-time leading point’s scorer in the history of Rochester Institute of Technology NCAA Division I Hockey program. He played center and led RIT into the NCAA Frozen Four Championships back in 2010 as a sophomore. He is now a defenseman and in his second game with Amerks registered his first point last Sunday night against The Syracuse Crunch. Cameron said, “The speed of the game was quick and every pass was on the tape (of the hockey stick) Things are more crisp in AHL; you must bring your A game, can’t take a shift off and you must dot your i’s and cross your t’s. I went out to Ontario, Canada (after his senior year) and they had an overabundance of centers and I volunteered for playing defense and the coaches worked with me. I just wanted to get on the ice and show them what I could do. I love playing defense now I get to touch the puck more and have plenty of ice time. When you are playing at
this level (AHL) most players are highly skilled and skating is much faster and swifter.” Cameron Burt is definitely a guy to watch the rest of this season and into Sabres training camp next year. He plays like a Phil Housley type defenseman; more offensive rather than defensive. Burt has puck handling skills and speed to be a fine NHL player and the Sabres are currently in the rebuilding stage with Evander Kane. Possibly getting number one or two draft pick Conner McDavid hopefully means a team that could be very explosive in the offen-
Cameron Burt / Photo Jerome Davis
sive end of the rink. This has been missing from Sabres arsenal in about ten years. A true offense would be a welcome addition to the team and its long suffering fans. -George Radney
Happy Black History Month!
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
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AREA BRIEFS Forum Topic:
“Spend some of that One Billion Dollars on the Eastside! ” 2015 Black Tie for Black History
BLACK TIE FOR BLACK HISTORY AWARDEES: L-R, Murray Holman, Leonard “Lenny” Lane, Debbie Allen, Attorney TheArthur Duncan and Lamont Williams.
On Wednesday, March 15, at the Merriweather Library, Legislator Betty Jean Grant and We Are Women Warriors are hosting a forum entitled “Spend Some of that One Billion Dollars on the East Side!” “We are calling on all East Side Stakeholders, block club leaders, taxpayers, homeowners, business owners, and Minority and Women contractors and vendors to come out and add your voice to how the Buffalo Billion (AKA YOUR TAX DOLLARS) will be spent,’ stated Legislator Grant. “The goal of this meeting is to develop a list of 10 things this community wants to see done with that money. This list will be shared with the media, clergy Legislator Grant leaders and elected officials. “If you have ideas or suggestions for a plan of action that will improve inner city commercial strips like Fillmore, Jefferson, Michigan, Genesee, or Broadway, bring them to this important meeting. If you are concerned about the lack of information regarding low interest loans for home repair for low income, disabled or senior homeowners, don’t miss this opportunity to share your concerns!” The forum will run from 5:30 pm to 7:45 pm at the Merriweather Library. For more information, call Legislator Betty Jean Grant at 602-5877 or Karla Thomas at 894-0914. “Remember we can’t complain about what we don’t ask for!” she concluded.
Extravaganza to Honor Five
Proceeds this year will benefit Stop the Violene Coalition and The Bufflo Peacemakers
T
he annual 2015 Black Tie for Black History Extravanganza will honor five exceptional citizens during the gala event on Friday, February 27 from 7 to 11 p.m at The Tralf, 622 Main Street. This year’s honorees include Lamont Williams, Executive Director of The Hillside WorkScholarship Connection; Debbie Allen, Owner and President Utopian Euphoria Event and Travel Planning Service; Murray Holman, Executive Chairman of the Stop The Violence Coalition; Leonard “Lenny” Lane, Buffalo Firefighter and President of the F.A.T.H.E.R.S organization; and Attorney TheArthur Duncan, City of Buffalo Chief Law Clerk. Entertainment will be provided by The All Star Band, Juanita Simmons and DJ Papa Trini. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster, Doris Records or at the Tralf Box Office. There will be an after party at the Oakk Room, 1435 Main St. -Stop the ViolenceResponding to the need to support the brave and unselfish efforts of those working to stem the tide of violence among youth, and to comfortt and assist families of the victims of violence, organizer Marnetta Malcolm stated that this year the net proceeds from the Black Tie For Black History event will benefit Stop the Violence Coalition and The Buffalo Peacemakers. The Buffalo Peacemakers Violence and Gang Intervention Program provides proactive intervention into the cycle of violence in the lives of gang-involved or at-risk youth. Buffalo Peacemakers is comprised of organizations that have taken the lead in working with youth and young adults. These groups - Back to Basics, The Buffalo United Front, F.A.T.H.E.R.S., MAD DADS, No More Tears, and the Stop the Violence Coalition - have their own history and their own unique way of participating in the efforts to stop the youth violence. Now they are joining together to coordinate their outreach and enlarge their impact, to work more closely with law enforcement, and to train and offer training in nonviolent conflict resolution. The Black Tie for Black History Extravaganza is sponsored by LP Ciminelli along with OTB, RWMVP, CASNY, The Oakk Room, Geneva Auto, MIND Accounting, Camellia Foods, Chopafellaz Unisex Salon, Ann Rhod Tailoring, Elaine’s Flower Shoppe, American Commodore Tuxedo and AM1400.
Black Teacher At Elite Buffalo Private School Files Civil Rights Complaint Alleging Discrimination And Hostile Work Environment
36 YEARS OF KEEPING HER “EYE ON HISTORY!”:
Columnist Eva M. Doyle is observing the 36th Anniversary of the Eye On History Column with a new Billboard. The Billboard, pictured above, is located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Broadway. It pays tribute to the great Anti-Lynching Crusader - Ida B. Wells Barnett. The same Billboard can also be seen at 451 Tonawanda Street. Mrs. Doyle states that her goal in creating this Billboard series is to provide positive images and to introduce the entire Western New York area to the contributions of African Americans. The Eye On History column began in the Challenger newspaper in 1979 and it continues today in the Criterion. Mrs. Doyle would like to express appreciation to Alnisa Banks for the opportunity to begin writing the column 36 years ago.
Buffalo, New York---According to a statement released by Niagara Frontier Movement for the Advocacy of African-American Human Rights Inc., Shellonnee B. Chinn, the sole AfricanAmerican classroom teacher at Buffalo’s elite Elmwood Franklin School, has filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charging school officials with racial discrimination and maliciously subjecting her to a hostile work environment. In a separate retaliation claim, Ms. Chinn asserts that Elmwood Franklin School officials have illegally subjected her to adverse employment conditions, in part, because she has long complained about the need for a change in academic strategies to improve the academic outcomes for under performing students at the Elmwood Franklin School where parents are paying upwards of $18,000 per year in tuition. Ms. Chinn, a 15-year veteran teacher at the Elmwood Franklin School, has been accused by newly appointed school officials of “disrespectful and unprofessional behavior” because of the “tone” of her voice. Never in her tenure at the Elmwood Franklin School has Ms. Chinn been sanctioned, reprimanded or admonished in any way for her commitment and success as a teacher. In a most recent teacher evaluation conducted in January 2015, school officials had no choice but to rate her as a highly effective teacher who is loved and respected by the children and respected by the children and parents of the school. Triggered by the disparate treatment and employment history Continued Page 4
Imhotep, The Real Father of Medicine... *Imhotep of ancient Egypt was the real Father of Medicine. He lived about 2300 B.C. Greece and Rome learned their knowledge of medicine from him. In Rome he was worshiped as the Prince of Peace in the form of a Black man. His portraits show him as African. The saying, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die,” has been traced to him. Hippocrates, the so-called “Father Medicine,” lived 2,000 years after Imhotep! *Elam, a mighty civilization of Persia, flourished about 2900 B.C and it perhaps is older than Egypt or Ethiopia. One of its later Black kings, Kudur Nakunta conquered Chaldea and Babylon and brought back rich treasures to his capital, Susa. Susa is the Shushan of the Bible where Esther sought the favor of King Ahaserus of Persia and Ethiopia. * Haile Selassi I: The most ancient lineage in the world is that of the Ethiopian royal family. The Emperor Haile Selassi I, ruler of Ethiopia, traced his ancestry to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and beyond that to Cush, 6280 B.C. *Blacks lived in America thousands of years before Columbus. Central America monuments show numerous carvings of them as gods. When Columbus came to the New World, Blacks had been crossing from Africa to South America a distance of 1,600 miles. *The oldest and most noted statue in the world bears the face of an African. It is the Sphinx of Gizeh, which was worshipped as Horus, the Sun God of Light and Life. It was erected around 5,000 B.C. *When the Black man dominated the planet he painted the forces of evil white. When the Whites came into power they shifted the colors. Source: 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro: With Complete Proof by J.A. Rogers.
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Hannibal The Great Military Leader * Hannibal is said to be the greatest military leader and strategist of all time On November 15, 218 B.C. Hannibal, a full-blooded Black man, marching through conquered territory in Spain and France, performed the astounding feat of crossing the Alps with his calvary and 40 African war elephants. With only 26,000 of his original force of 82,000 men remaining, he defeated Rome the mightiest military power of that age who had a million men, in every battle for the next 15 years. *Amen-Ophis III was the greatest of the pharaohs, who conquered the then known world. Under him Egypt reached the heights of her glory in commerce, wealth, architecture and stable government. Two mighty statues now stand in tribute to him in Thebes, one of which was the famous statue of Memnon, which “sang when the morning sun shone on it.” AmenOphis was an African. “The features of this monarch cannot fail to strike everyone as having more in common with the African than those of any other pharaoh.” He died in 1375 B.C. *The Ganges sacred river of India was named after the most famous of Ethiopian Kings, King Ganges, who invaded and conquered Asia as far as this river. *There were at least 18 Ethiopian or unmixed Black rulers of ancient Egypt, the best known of which is Piankhi. Leaving his country in Central Africa, Piankhi conquered all Egypt to the mouth of the Nile in 750 B.C. *Cheops, a Black man, built the great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It is 451 feet high, has 2,500,000 blocks of granite, each two and a half tons, covers 13 acres and it took 100,000 men 30 years to build and was completed in 3730 B.C. Source: 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro: With Complete Proof by J.A. Rogers.
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
2015 Black History Awardees
Mayor Brown Presents Black History Month Awards
In recognition of the 100th celebration of Black History Month, Mayor Byron Brown honored several individuals and organizations at the annual City Hall Black History Month program. This year awards were presented in arts and culture, education, healthcare, armed services and more. “Today’s honorees not only represent the past but the future of our city and our nation, said Mayor Brown. “This year we are recognizing an array of individuals who have worked and are working to shape the future of our city.” Harvard educated historian, Carter G. Woodson, began to recognize the contributions of Black people in America in 1915, eventually establishing Negro History week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Negro History Week would evolve into Black History Month in 1976 under President Gerald R. Ford. Every year, the city presents a theme for the Black History Month program, that complements the national theme for Black History Month. The theme that was selected for this year is: “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.” This year’s categories and honorees are: Arts and Culture Award-Lance Diamond Education Award-Danis Ghel Family Award-Kenya and Dianna Hobbs *Healthcare Award- Dr. Roderick Charles *Armed Services Award -William J. Webb *Youth Award-Zandra Cunningham *Youth Award-Kenneth Simmons *Faith-based award-Concerned Clergy Coalition of WNY *Community Service Award-Black WNY Magazine *Community Service Award-The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York District 7 D I S C R I M I N AT I O N CHARGES continued of Ms. Chinn, the Niagara Frontier Movement for the Advocacy of African-American Human Rights, Inc., Equality in Education Opportunity Initiative, has requested an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department/Civil Rights Division into the hiring practices of Western New York’s private schools to determine if these schools are in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Of the 7 private, non-parochial, schools in all of New York State (west of Rochester) ---The Elmwood Franklin School, The Cobblestone School, Nardin Academy, The Harley School, The Allendale Columbia School, The Park School, and The Nichols School---only 1 school has an African-American classroom teacher in grades Pre-K through 8: Ms. Chinn of the Elmwood Franklin School. The Human Rights organization has also called on New York State Governor, and other NYS legislative leaders, to halt the passage of pending legislation that would grant generous educational tax credits and allow for vouchers for the use in, and benefit of, private and parochial schools in New York State. The Buffalo based human rights group cites the Elmwood Franklin School of Buffalo, that has hired only one AfricanAmerican teacher in its’ entire 127-year history, as an example of the discriminatory hiring and employment practices that plague the private and parochial schools across the state and urge state officials not to allow public tax dollars to further the possible violation of federal civil rights laws. The Niagara Frontier Movement for the Advocacy of African-American Human Rights, Inc. is a Buffalo based non-profit corporation whose primary mission is to support, defend and protect the human rights of African-Americans as provided by federal law and statutes. Ms. Joan Simmons is the organization’s President and Executive Director.
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
“Rites of Passage Naming Ceremony” Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated-Buffalo Chapter will host its Rites of Passage Naming Ceremony as part of its Beautillion Extraordinaire program on Saturday, February 28 at 4:00 PM at S.E.N.S.E.S Foundation 360 Genessee Street. Eleven young men from the community will announce and present their chosen African names and meanings as part of their “Rites of Passage.” This event is free and open to the public. Guests are cordially invited to witness this event and wear African Attire. L. Nathan Hare, Executive Director of the Community Action Organization of Erie County, is the Presiding Elder of the Naming Ceremony. The Buffalo Chapter President is Deirdre Roper. The Beautillion Chairs are Kimisha Brown-Houston and Kenisha Smith. For more information call 228-1739.
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Taking Down Fences How Roswell Park Works to be a Good Community Neighbor By David Clarence Scott lthough an old proverb surmises that good fences make good neighbors, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) believes that tearing down those “fences” is a much better way to go. As a nationally recognized cancer center, some of RPCI’s most important work is happening right here in our community with a dedicated effort to strengthen our surrounding Buffalo neighborhoods. RPCI’s community relation’s efforts focus on bringing positive changes, and health and cancer awareness to Western New Yorkers. A serious corporate citizen, RPCI steers partnerships, educational programs and employee volunteer efforts to benefit the local communities the Institute serves. Community relations are central to RPCI’s vision, values and mission. A sampling of current endeavors include: •Partnerships with local businesses including women and minority owned businesses to keep the economy growing in Buffalo. •Cancer prevention programs including the Buffalo/Niagara Witness Project, a church and community based program to increase awareness of breast and cervical cancer in black women; Esperanza y Vida, a program to increase breast and cervical cancer screening in Latinas; and Minorities Allied for the Need to Understand Prostate Cancer (MAN UP), a prostate cancer education program for men of color. •Community Career Development workshops to help participants hone resume writing, interviewing and networking skills to gain employment. In 2014, RPCI hired 12 people who participated in these workshops. •The Community Connections Newsletter, an informative newsletter mailed quarterly to more than 7,700 people in targeted minority communities throughout the WNY-region. For more information regarding these programs and community events, and to learn more about others that are available, please visit www.roswellpark.org or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI. For information on partnering with RPCI or the Community Career Development workshops call 716-845-4567.
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Mr. Scott is Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Good for the Neighborhood Event to Encourage Primary Care The importance of building a relationship with primary care doctors will be emphasized at the Independent Health Foundation’s Good for the Neighborhood program from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Westminster Community Charter School, 24 Westminster Ave., Buffalo. At the free event, participants will learn about establishing a relationship with their primary care physician. Free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, lung function, and body mass index will also be available. Participants who obtain the health screenings will receive a prize giveaway. For more information call 635-4959.
DID YOU KNOW…
Sugar is one of the most damaging substances to human health. Now added to so many foods, it sets us up for dental cavities, diabetes, obesity, PMS, mood swings, depression, candida and parasitic overgrowth, osteoporosis and cancer. -Source: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health
Queen Nzingha *Queen Nzingha or “Amazon Queen of Matamba” was born in West Africa in 1583 and died in 1663. Many women ranked among the great rulers of Africa, including this Angolan queen who was an astute diplomat and excelled as a military leader. When the slave-hunting Portuguese attacked the army of her brother’s kingdom, Nzingha was sent to negotiate the peace. She did so with astonishing skill and political tact, despite the fact that her brother had her only child killed. She later formed her own army against the Portuguese, and waged war for nearly 30 years. These battles were a unique moment in colonial history as Nzingha allied her nation with the Dutch, marking the first AfricanEuropean alliance against a European oppressor. Nzingha continued to wield considerable influence among her subjects despite being forced into exile. Because of her quest for freedom and relentless drive to bring peace to her people, Nzingha remains a glimmering symbol of inspiration. *Taharqa is probably one of the most famous rulers of Napatan Kush, reigning from 690 to 664 B.C.. At 16, this great Nubian king led his armies against the invading Assyrians in defense of his ally, Israel. This action earned him a place in the Bible (Isaiah 37:9, 2 Kings 19:9). During his 25-year rule, Taharqa controlled the largest empire in ancient Africa. Sources for Queen Nzingah & Taharqa: http://en.wikipedia.org http://www.africanlegends. info http://www.consciousplat.com *Egyptians: The Real Authors of Greek Philosophy…The term Greek philosophy to begin with is a misnomer. There is no such philosophy in existence. The ancient Egyptians had developed a very complex religious system called the Mysteries, which was also the first system of salvation. Source:Professor George G.M. James Introduction: “Stolen Legacy”
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FAITH & FAMILY
Ministers Wives and Widows to Host Evening of Elegance Gala “An Evening Of Elegance: A Black And White Affair” sponsored by the Ministers Wives and Widows of Buffalo and Vicinity will be held on Friday, March 20 at 6 pm at The Hotel Lafayette, 371 Washington Street downtown Buffalo. For more information call Amaza Savage 704-5429, Joyce Reid 3818610, Sandara Baines 881-1973.
Eagle Landing Summit...
The Eagle Landing Summit is coming to First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 467 William Street, June 24-26.
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
Humboldt Parkway Baptist to Celebrate Rev. and Mrs. John T. Hilliard’s 43rd Church Anniversary The Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church, 790 Humboldt Parkway, will celebrate Reverend and Mrs. John T. Hilliard’s 43rd church anniversary with the church family on Sunday, March 15 at 11 a.m. The morning speaker will be Minister Jason Keith. The celebration will culminate with a banquet at the New Golden Nugget located at 2046 Fillmore Avenue at 4 p.m. For more information call 896-4363 or fax 896-4364. The deadline for banquet reservations is Wednesday, March 11.
Queen’s Contest Pancake Breakfast Social St. John AME Church Queen’s Contest Pancake Breakfast Social will be held Saturday, February 28 from 8-10:30 a.m. at St. John AME Church, 917 Garden Avenue, Niagara Falls. Donation is Adults $10 and youth under 12 $5. Call 201-8961 for information. Rev. Dion S. Greer, Sr. is Pastor
Trinity Baptist Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Pastor Jemison Trinity Baptist Church will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Pastor Bennie D. Jemison, Sr. on Friday February 27 at 6 p.m. at Grapevine Banquet facility, 333 Dick Rd. and on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 2930 Bailey Avenue.
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
Mayor Brown Highlights Buffalo 2015: ‘Building A City Of Opportunity’ In State Of The City Address sure that every city resident Declaring the city strong, Mayor announces a continued focus on economic development and job creation, as well as other initiatives focused on housing, public safety and new investments in neighborhoods, youth, education and arts to ensure that every city resident shares in Buffalo’s rising prosperity; Mayor also introduces a new communitywide group called the “Racial Equity Roundtable”and encourages individuals and organizations to sign the new ‘Buffalo Opportunity Pledge’ Buffalo, NY - Mayor Byron W. Brown last Friday delivered his 2015 State of the City Address at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Joined by business, civic and community leaders, Mayor Brown outlined his goal of building a city of opportunity through a series of new strategic investments to keep Buffalo competitive for business growth and attractive for residents and visitors by further strengthening neighborhoods, parks, youth initiatives, education, arts and wellness citywide, as part of a communitywide plan that will move the city toward the goal of shared prosperity for all residents. He also announced his role as a founding member of a new group called the “Racial Equity Roundtable” and encouraged individuals and organizations to sign the new ‘Buffalo Opportunity Pledge’ at www.city-buffalo.com/buffaloopportunitypledge.
“The State of our City is strong and continues to grow stronger every day, however we must keep the engine of opportunity going by building a city of opportunity for
everyone,” said Mayor Brown. “With significant investment and job growth underway in Buffalo, we have a unique opportunity to change this city for the better to en-
shares in our rising prosperity. To accelerate Buffalo’s growth and create new opportunities for all, we must foster a community wide mindset that embraces diversity and Continued Page 12
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ENTERTAINMENT
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
ON STAGE
Preach Feedom and Amilcar Hill in “Top Dog.” on stage at Hallwalls
“Top Dog!” The Show Must Go On!
U
jima Theatre has expressed extreme gratitude to Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center for offering the theatre use of its Delaware Avenue space following a major roof leak. The gesture saved Ujima’s much anticipated production of “Topdog/Underdog,” Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play about race and identity in urban America. Although the opening of the production had to be pushed back to last Saturday night, the run will continue in Hallwalls’ cinema space at 341 Delaware Ave. through March 15. According to Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Ujima’s executive director, after Ujima put out the word about the crisis on Facebook and Twitter 48 hours ahead of the planned opening last Friday night, responses flooded in from across the cultural community. She said Ujima was “humbled” by the outpouring “from the amazing Buffalo community.” The show stars Preach Feedom and Amilcar Hill. For tickets and more information go to www.ujimacoinc.org * ujimacoinc@mac.com
Colored Musicians Club Museum
Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Groups and field trips are welcome, call 842-0969 Admission $10 for adults, discounts for children and seniors
*“Burying the Bones,” on stage at The Paul Robeson Theatre inside the Afraican American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, now thru March 1. Written by M.E.H. Lewis, directed by Laverne Clay, it takes place during and around the hearings of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. General admission $25; $22 for seniors and students with a valid I.D. Discounts for Veterans, Coupons, and group rates are available. For tickets and group reservations call 716-884-2013 or email africancultural350@ gmail.com for more information. www.aaccbuffalo.org *THE SISTAS: The 67th annual The Sistas “Sharing Wisdom From Generation to Generation,” will be held on Friday, February 27 at 2495 Main St. (lower lobby) featuring live music, spoken word and more by Empress Lahbee, Tifani, Joymeka, Jetaun Louie, JA, and vonnetta t. Rhodes. Admission is $20 and includes a meal. For more information call 4648913 or email jwarrenexe@ gmail.com For tickets call 1-800-583-8605.
*Kenny Woo presents Evolution, The Trinity Band, Too Sexy (new female group) KARISMA, and The Unity Band on Saturday, March 7 at 8 pm at the Golden Nugget, 2046 Fillmore. Doors open at 7. $20 at the door. Tickets available at the Golden Nugget and Mikes Lounge. *Comedian Kevin Hart, April 17, First Niagara Center as part of his “What Now?” Tour. Tickets range from $49.50 to $125 and can be purchased beginning at noon, Feb. 20 through the First Niagara Center box office, on line at www.tickets. com or by phone (888) 2236000. *The New Kids on the Block “The Main Event” tour featuring TLC and Nelly, the First Niagara Center Thursday, July 2.Tickets $92, $72, $52 and $29.50 at the First Niagara Center Box Office, online at www.tickets.com or by phone at 888223-6000.
*Comedian Katt Williams “Born Again…Again” Tour, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, March 14; tickets @ Arena box office, Ticketmaster. com, all Ticketmaster outlets; charge by phone 1-800-7453000. *Battle of the Bands,, Rochester & Buffalo every Wenesday, The Groove Lounge, hosted by Regina Stannard & WBLK’s Todd Anderson, 1210 Broadway. No admission fee. *“She got Kids”: New Comedy Stage Play by Alemaedae Theater Productions, 1412 Main St. (next door To NFTA Building near E Utica St) now Thru Tuesday March 3.For more info call 716.602.6253 Or Visit www.atpgalaxy.com
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
“Each One, Teach One” Is Message Of The 2015 WNY Black Film Festival
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n Saturday, February 28, the 13th Annual WNY Black Film Festival will be held at Dipson Theater at Eastern Hills Mall. This entertaining and engaging film festival is a collaborative project that includes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, Masten District Councilmember Demone Smith and the Masten Block Club Coalition. The one day festival begins at 1:00 pm and will include a line up of short films followed by the screening of this year’s featured film, “25 to LIFE” beginning at 2:15 pm. The film’s creative team and William Brawner, whose story is told in the film, will attend the screening and participate in an interactive audience discussion. As a community event, the tickets are $5.00
and can be purchased at the box office at Dipson Theater at the Eastern Hills Mall. For more information call (716) 851-5145. “25 TO LIFE,” a feature length documentary produced by film maker Mike L. Brown, William Brawner, whose story is told in the “25 to Life” will attend the screening is a story of William film, and take part in an audience discussion Brawner, a young man on Saturday. who kept his HIV status a disproportionately affected by secret for over HIV. According to the Center t w e n t y - f i v e for Disease Control, African years. It is is a Americans are the racial/ethstartlingly fresh nic group most affected by look at HIV HIV in the United States. The and AIDS in rate of new HIV infection in America, tack- African Americans is 8 times ling the tough that of whites based on popusocial issues of lation size. sex, race and manhood. Exploring the pains Jayme Glover Smith is the and triumphs of William’s film festival’s chairperson and life and those around him, his co- founder. story illuminates the ability of the human spirit to rise above devastating circumstances and discover why life is always worth fighting for. This is a film that the festival committee believed needed to be told in effort to save lives. The Committee has embraced the African proverb – Each one, Teach one - to empower a community that is
SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
ENTERTAINMENT Colored Musicians Club Line-Up *Sunday: 3pm-Ladies First Big Band; 8pm-Open Jam Session *Monday: 7pm-George Scott Big Band *Tuesday:7pm-Larry Salter Big Band *Wednesday:8pm-Open Rehearsal *Thursday:8pm-Carol McClaughlin Band SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!
*Ujima Theatre’s proaduction of Topdog/Underdog starring Preach Freedom and Amilcar Hill, on stage now thru March 15 At Hallwalls, 341 Delaware Ave.* www. ujimacoinc.org * ujimacoinc@mac.com
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
“Our History did not begin in chains, it will not end in chains…” By Dion Rabouin
M
alcolm X was fond of saying, "Our history did not begin in chains." Yet every year that's where Black History Month lesson plans in schools across America begin. They begin telling the story of our history -- Black history -- in chains. Young Black school children don't learn that our people mapped, calculated and erected some of the greatest monuments ever, like the pyramids, the sphinx and the obelisks (after which the Washington Monument is modeled) or that our people were literally the lifeblood of some of history's greatest civilizations. They don't learn that calculus, trigonometry and geometry all trace their origins back to African scholars. Black History Month lessons never begin with Haile Selassi I, ruler of Ethiopia, who could trace his ancestry to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and beyond that to Cush in 6280 B.C. Never mind that Selassi actually has the most ancient lineage of any human being in history. Black History Month lessons certainly never begin with one of the greatest conquerors the world has ever known, Hannibal, an African who conquered and extended the rule of the Carthaginian Empire into Italy, Rome and Spain. Most school children (and most adults, truth be told) don't even know that Carthage, Hannibal's homeland, is in Africa. The lessons about our history don't even begin with the kingdoms of Mali, Songhai, Cush or Ghana, all of which rivaled the dominance and territorial acquirement of ancient Greece or Rome. They don't begin by teaching school children about the ancient Egyptians, who were clearly Black Africans and who had arguably the most influential civilization of all time. Ever heard of the Ishango bone? What about the Lebombo bone? They're only two of the most important developments in the history of mathematics. The Lebombo bone, dating back to around 37,000 B.C., was one of the first calendars ever created and the Ishango bone has been called "The oldest testimonial of numerical calculus" in human history. Both were created by
Africans. Our history isn't taught in popular culture and it is conspicuously absent from the history that most professors in high school classrooms and on college campuses deem to be important. That's why Black History Month was created. It wasn't a chance to glow over the achievements we've heard about time and time again and to recount stories of the Bad Ol' Days and what we did to get through. Black History Month was a time to bring to light the stories of people from Africa who have contributed so much to who and what we all are today in human society. When Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926, his goal was to teach children and adults throughout the African Diaspora about the proud history and tradition that Africans have. He wanted to teach young boys and girls in the U.S. and around the world that Africa was and is so much more than people living in huts, hunting antelope and dancing around campfires. He wanted all people to know and understand that being African was not something to be ashamed of, but instead should be a point of pride and exceptionalism. Woodson, one of the first Black men ever to graduate with a Ph.D from Harvard, doing so in 1912, was devoted to teaching all people about the contributions in our society that come from Africa and Africans, and it pains me to say, so far we have failed in his mission. If you don't believe me, find anyone still in school, I'm talking K-12, and ask them to tell you something about Black history that predates the slave trade. During the month of February you can generally count on lessons to begin with some anesthetized retelling of a Black historical figure like Frederick Douglass, the great orator who counseled Abraham Lincoln and wrote numerous articulate and effusive tomes about his life as a slave. Or they'll begin with Abraham Lincoln "freeing" the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation (and will conveniently leave out the fact that the Emancipation Proclamation didn't actually free any slaves Lincoln had the authority to free and allowed slavery
OUR STORY: Top (l-r) Queen Tiye, the great royal wife of Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep III and grandmother of King Tut; “The Great Zimbabwe,” the largest ancient structure South of the Sahara and second only to the Pyramids of Egypt in size and grandeur; Haile Selassi I. The most ancient lineage in the world is that of the Ethiopian royal family. The Emperor Haile Selassi I, ruler of Ethiopia, traced his ancestry to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and beyond that to Cush, 6280 B.C. Row 2: Egyptian Zodiac chart, a book from the Great Library of the ancient city of Timbuktu, and Taharqa, probably one of the most famous rulers of Napatan Kush, reigning from 690 to 664 B.C.. At 16, this great Nubian king led his armies against the invading Assyrians in defense of his ally, Israel. This action earned him a place in the Bible (Isaiah 37:9, 2 Kings 19:9); Third Row, Egyptians credited with introducing the earliest fully-developed base 10 numeration system at least as early as 2700 BC; ancient Nubia (Sudan) “God’s Land” has twice as many pyramids in Sudan as there are in Egypt; the Dogon people have been credited with having incredible advanced astronomical knowledge; bottom row, Imhotep, an ancient Olmec Stone Head with African features which historian Ivan van Sertima points out in his book, They Came Before Columbus, reveals compelling documentation of the presence and legacy of Africans in ancient America; an image of an ancient Ethiopian Stone church. Christianity in Ethiopia dates to the 1st century AD and (Ethiopia has long been considered the first Christian nation); and finally, Akhenaten, Egyptian Pharoah of the 8th Dynasty, introduced monotheistic worship. African history is the oldest human history in the world. From Kemet to the present, great leaders have shaped African and world history.
to continue in the Northern states where his words could actually have carried some weight). At most schools you'll be lucky to get a lesson beyond Martin Luther King's dream and Rosa Parks' defiant bus ride. Perhaps some devoted professors will pay a nod to Booker T. Washington or Jackie Robinson or, in recent years, President Barack Obama, but that seems to be about where it ends. Those people were all luminaries and pioneers, bellwethers in Continued Page 11
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
Brenda McDuffie to Keynote Black History Month Celebration Brenda McDuffie, Buffalo Urban League President & CEO, will be the keynote speaker at 4 p.m. at The Amherst Central School District’s 2015 Black History Month Celebration on Thursday, February 26, at the school, located at 4301 Main Street. The event is free and open to the public. There will also be participation by Celes Tisdale, Miche Fambro, and Le Ballet Touba.
Brenda McDuffie
BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT EL BUEN AMIGO! 114 Elmwood Avenue, Call 716-563-0529. Friday February 27-El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 6:00pm - Charma Warmly - Motown Review” 7:00 -9:00pm - YoussouLo, Anthony Gaines, Marvin Harris, Adama Seydi - West African Djembe Drumming Saturday February 28- El Buen Amigo - Black History Month 6:00-9:00pm - Dynamic Drum Arts of WNY
Michigan Street Meets Canalside
An evening of storytelling, jazz music and networking! Thursday, February 26, 5:30 PM, Michigan Street Baptist Church, 511 Michigan Avenue and the Colored Musicians Club, 145 Broadway Avenue.
Actress Aunjanue Ellis will Keynote Canisius Black History Program Canisius College will present “Moving Forward and Setting the World on Fire,” an education, health and economic empowerment summit on Thursday, February 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Zion Dominion Global Ministries, located at 895 North Forest Road in Williamsville. Award-winning actress Aunjanue Ellis will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
Free Day at the Nash House FREE Day at Nash House Museum, Sat. Feb. 28, 36 Nash Street 11:30 - 4 pm. Historical Storytelling by Carmen Swan at 12:30 and 2 pm. (For more info call Sharon Holley 886-1399.)
Pilgrim Baptist to Host Black History Program
Pilgrim Baptist Missionary Church, located at 665 Michigan Avenue, will host its annual Black History Program on Saturday, February 28 at the church at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Black History Month at Niagara Power Vista
The Niagara Power Vista at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston, will host a special Black History Month event on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 am to 4 pm featuring a performance by the African American Cultural Center dancers and drummers and local authors on display. For more info call (716) 286-6661 . *The Hamlin Park School #74 Black History Progrm will be presented in the school auditorium on Northland Avenue and Donaldson Rd. on Thursday, February 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. A free familyfriendly community event.
“OUR HISTORY DID NOT BEGIN IN CHAINS” continued their fields and certainly worthy of our admiration, but they are not the whole of Black History. Black History Month is about Mansa Musa, the King of Mali who extended the empire's reach into one of the largest on the planet and imposed the system of provinces and territorial mayors and governors we still use in the United States today. It's about Lewis Latimer, the man who invented the filament that took Thomas Edison's light bulb into the next century. It's about Robert Abbott, the United States' first Black newspaper publisher and one of the nation's first ever Black millionaires. Black History Month is about Kwame Nkrumah, Bill Pickett, Imhotep I, Samori Toure, Belva Davis, Crispus Attucks, Dr. Ivan van Sertima, Fritz Pollard, Stokely Carmichael, Aaron Douglas, Denmark Vesey, Tousaint L'Ouverture, Nat Turner, Shirley Chisholm, Mae Jemison, Fred Hampton, Scott Joplin, Ramses II, Zumbi dos Palmares and hundreds of other men and women that you have probably never heard about. The march from slavery and the Civil Rights Movement clearly demonstrated the struggle and the power that Black people are capable of, but it's not all we have contributed to the world. It's time we used the month of February to extend the dialogue beyond that banal and onto the tremendous accomplishments of Africans throughout history who have advanced math, music, language, the sciences and so much more for thousands of years. Then and only then will we truly be celebrating Black History Month. Follow Dion Rabouin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DionRabouin This article was originally posted by author Rabouin in 2013 under the title “Black History Month Has Been an Epic Failure” on Huff Post’s The Blog
“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
Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads: When is enough, enough?! A
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week has passed since the “historic” February 13th meeting of the Buffalo Board of Education. I realize some will find the use of the term “historic” as questionable but I am using it somewhat in a “tongue in cheek” gesture. And this meeting was, unfortunately, marred by the unseemly behavior that has come to characterize board meetings, including an unprecedented verbal attack on an African American female staff member by Board member Paladino. Yet, the insistence of a vocal community and the persistence of the Board’s minority led to dialogue and compromise resulting in a rare unanimous agreement on a course of action presented by Interim Superintendent Donald Ogilvie. The outcome impacts the future direction of several schools; pushed back on the proposed takeover of cherished Buffalo icons, Bennett High School, East High and the Dr. MLK Multicultural Institute by charter schools; supported the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of a longer-range proposal for a sustainable turn-around plan that even the State Education Department will have trouble faulting and acknowledged that the District has an obligation to meet the terms of an agreement it entered into with the Federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR). This agreement requires the District to develop a corrective action plan to address issues of inequity in admissions to the criterion schools. All in all, the Board agreed, for the first time, to seriously consider adopting plans that put the interests of our students in the forefront. But even as I look optimistically toward the foreseeable future of working with Mr. Ogilvie on this plan, I am troubled by signs that actions are being taken to unravel the settlement that was reached on Friday, the 13th of February. Almost immediately, indeed during the course of the meeting, Board President
Sampson and Board member Paladino sought advice from the Board’s outside counsel. Their goal -- to over-turn the ruling of the Board’s attorney regarding Mr. Sampson’s handling of a parliamentary process aimed to limit debate. The Board att o r n e y ’s position was upheld, but Barbara Seals Mr. Pala- NEVERGOLD dino is not a man to take no for an answer, especially when he wants to hear yes. In fact, on the Sunday following the meeting Mr. Paladino signaled his intent to undermine the accomplishments from the meeting. He gave a radio interview during which he continued to denigrate the Board’s attorney and personally attack her competence and credibility (sound familiar?). It is a tactic; intimidation, bullying and name-calling that he has continued to use and to get away with, until recently. Dr. Gary Orfield, the consultant who was hired as part of the agreement with OCR, refused to be silent when Mr. Paladino wrote to warn him that the Board’s majority would not tolerate any interference or wait for the Doctor’s report before putting their plan into action. To emphasize his message, Paladino sent a second email to Dr. Orfield and ended by admonishing him to “Stay out of our way, Dr.” Orfield wrote the OCR requesting that they intervene with specific directives to the District. Following the Board meeting Paladino continued the threats in the radio interview and made other statements regarding Dr. Orfield’s credentials, motives and integrity. Furthermore, he has pledged to bring a motion to the upcoming Board meeting to terminate Dr. Orfield’s contract. Should this motion pass, the District would be
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subject to mandated enforcement of the agreement. The Office of Civil Rights has tremendous latitude to withhold federal funds, for example, to force compliance. Termination of Dr. Orfield’s contract would be a problem for the District and create a ripple effect with serious consequences. It remains to be seen if the five votes are there to approve the motion or whether any attempts will be made to chip away at the agreement reached last week. In any event I’ve asked the question before, but let me put it another way, when is enough, enough! When do the so-called pillars of the community, who claim to be concerned about the “state” of the Buffalo Schools, stop looking the other way as one man causes such havoc? When is enough, enough?! When do we stop allowing Black women to be disrespected and vilified? When is enough, enough?! When do we stop being silent; as our students are characterized as “poor, suffering children trapped in failing schools”; as systematic actions by Board members to “dismantle” our school district are touted as “bold and innovative”; as orchestrated and sustained assaults designed to create a narrative of the District as the “poster child” for failing schools in the State, are routinely published in the media, even though there are other cities with worse records. When is enough, enough?! When is enough, enough?!
Tao Te Ching -43The gentlest thing in the world Overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance Enters where there is no space. This shows the value of nonaction Teaching without words, Performing without actions: That is the Master’s way.
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
HOME Scholarship Deadline
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME),has extended the deadline for applications for the 2015 Joanne Champion Granger Scholarship until Friday, February 27, 2015. Each year an award of $1,000 is given to the collegebound high school senior For more information and application call 854-1400 ext. 22 or abergsten@homeny.org To download application forms go to www.homeny.org
STATE OF THE CITY continued inclusion as core values and strengths.” Mayor Brown continued, “My vision has always been to make sure that every city resident – every business owner – knows they can succeed and participate in our city’s remarkable revival. This year, my administration and the Buffalo Common Council will continue to work closely on issues of diversity and inclusion, along with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and two dozen community and civic leaders, as part of the newly announced ‘Racial Equity Roundtable’.”
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WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? The business class starts Tuesday, MARCH 17, 2015 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Matt Urban Hope Center, 385 Paderewski Drive, near the Central Terminal. Class will cover business plans, types of businesses, legal issues, financing, marketing, and bookkeeping.
Mentors will be available to help you get your business started after the program ends. The course is FREE! To REGISTER email sbenz@ daemen.edu OR call (716) 839-8524
SU P P O RT O UR ADVE RT I S E RS !
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WNYFraternities/Sororities Host College and Career Fair
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Western New York in conjunction with the Buffalo Public Schools Career & Technical Education Department, will be hosting a “College and Career Fair” at
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Classified
Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
EM P LOY M EN T
McKinley H.S. on February 28 from 10am – 2pm. The FREE event is open to all area high school students. Lunch will be provided.Various educational and scholarship opportunities will be highlighted. To register go to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/nphccollege-and-career-fair-tickets-15289405022 Chairwomen for the event are Shawn Fagan and Dr. Fatima Morrell. For further information, please contact President, Rachel Laster, at nphc.wny@gmail.com.
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BIDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Elma Pump Station Improvements, Contract No. 47, will be received by the Erie County Division of Sewerage Management (DSM) on March 18, 2015 until 2:00 P.M., local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004. The Project is located at the site of the Elma Pump Station, ocated at Steuben Foods, Inc., 1150 Maple Road, Elma, New York 14059. The Project includes the following: providing a building expansion to the Pump House, including reinforced concrete foundation supported by an auger cast grout pile system, concrete masonry unit walls, brick façade, metal deck roofing, roofing system, insulation systems, and other building improvements; installation of a new 50-horsepower progressive cavity pump; mechanical piping, valves, and appurtenances; civil/site Work, including improvements to walkways, driveways and parking areas, grading, and relocation of existing utilities; electrical improvements, including replacement of existing motor control center/switchgear, lighting panel, and transfer switch, modifications to the power and control network, new lighting, and other electrical improvements; and instrumentation and controls Work, including a new combination control panel/variable frequency drive/disconnect for the new pump, integration of the new equipment, and appurtenances. Separate Bids will be received for the following: Contract No. 47G – General/Mechanical Construction, and; and Contract No. 47E – Electrical Construction. Bids for both Contract 47G and Contract 47E shall be on a lump sum basis. Bidders are advised that a pre-bid meeting for the construction of this project is scheduled for March 5, 2015, at 11:00 A.M., at the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1004, Buffalo, New York 14202. Plans and specifications are available at the DSM office for purchasing. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals: on the Erie County Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV. The deposit for each set of contract documents shall be $100.00 in the form of two checks or money orders, each in the amount of $50.00 made payable to the Erie County Comptroller. The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 3 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved. BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Department of Environment and Planning Date: February 10, 2015 Published: February 25, 2015
NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the Erie County Sewer District No. 3, Contract No. 17A – General/Mechanical will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 until 10:00 A.M., local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Rath Building, Room 1034, Buffalo, New York, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004. Rush Creek Interceptor, Blasdell Milestrip Wet Weather Relief Pumping Station and Force Main Project The contract is located in the Town of Hamburg and the Village of Blasdell. Bidders are advised that this is a re-bid of the same project (Contract No. 17A only) advertised on December 17, 2014. There is no pre-bid meeting scheduled for the re-bid of this project. Plans are on file and may be examined at the office of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, 10th Floor, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. Copies of the contract documents, plans and specifications may be examined and purchased at the office of the engineer URS Corporation, 257 West Genesee Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202. Bidders are required to purchase a new set of contract documents in order to re-bid this project. Related information and a listing of prospective bidders can be found in Business Center, “Construction Bids and Engineering Proposals” on the Erie County Web Page @ WWW.ERIE.GOV The Owner is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of information, including plans, specifications, and/ or any addenda, which the Bidder may have received from sources other than the locations for examining and purchasing listed above. The right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in, or to make any award to other than the low bidder, should it be deemed to be in the best interest of Erie County Sewer District No. 3 and in accordance with Law, are herewith reserved. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 45 days after the date set for the opening thereof, but may withdraw same anytime prior to the scheduled time for opening bids. BY ORDER OF: Joseph L. Fiegl, P.E. Deputy Commissioner Department of Environment and Planning Dated: 2/19/2015 Published: 2/25/2015
Driver for Wheelchair Van. CDL & clean driving record Req’d. Includes evenings/ weekends. $11.00 per hour plus benefits. Resume to HR, WNYIL, 3108 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214. EOE
ROOMS FOR RENT Rooms for Rent: Delavan and Oakgrove ; Bailey and Delavan, everything included. Only things needed is your food and clothes. $325 - 450 plus deposit. Call 716-818-3410.
JOBS
Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. Free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace. Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.
Director of International Alumni Engagement [Senior Staff Assistant] The Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at the University at Buffalo (UB) seeks a Director of International Alumni Engagement [Senior Staff Assistant]. Responsibilities include orchestration of a program to involve international alumni in university priorities including, but not limited to, student recruitment; coordination of a communications strategy to keep international alumni informed and aware of significant university events and achievements; and development and implementation of an overall alumni engagement program for former students and friends of the university who live in other countries. Qualifications: This position requires a Bachelor’s degree (any field of study). A Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should have three years experience in the area of international exchange in higher education. He/she also should have direct experience working with international students and scholars. Experience living in a foreign country and proficiency in a foreign language are preferred. Salary: $75,000.00 Interested persons should apply on-line at https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/ Central?quickFind=57767. The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Recruiter.
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
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Community Control Over Public Dollars: A free community event; Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, Open House 4-8 p.m. The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle in the Durham Outreach Center. Dinner is free! Doris Gayles 885-6348. Health and Healing Circle: 2-4 pm 70 Harvard Place; for info: myhealthyadvantage@yahoo.com or call 218-0373 Board of Education Regular Board Meeting 530 pm 801 City Hall Thursday February 26
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The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wednesday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle in the Durham Outreach Center. Dinner is free! Doris Gayles 885-6348. Friday February 27 Black Tie for Black History Extravaganza: 7-11 p.m., The Tralf, tickets $25 & available at Ticketmaster, Doris Records, Tralf Box Office. Sankofa Poetry Night: 8 p.m., Jazzy’s, 2227 Genesee St.; admission $10, $15 at door, poetry, dance, food, vendors market; hosted by Aminata Creations; (716) 948-3583 for tickets & info. Saturday February 28 Black History Film Marathon: Hosted by Eva Doyle, Saturday, Feb 28th 1:00 - 5:30 p.m., Merriweather Library. Free Tribute to Rev. Dr. Herbert V. Reid: 2 p.m., Gethsemane Manor, 228 Kingsley Street to be renamed Reverend Doctor Herbert V. Reid Manor. WNY Black Film Festival: Dipson Theater at Eastern Hills Mall, begins at 1 pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the theatre box office. For more info call 851-5145. (See page 9) Omega Talent Hunt Program Competition for grades 9-12 1pm at Buffalo State College Ciminelli Recital Hall 1pm Rights of Passage Naming Ceremony: 4pm at S.E.N.S.E.S. Foundation , 360 Genesee St. hosted by Jack and Jill of America. Info call 228-1739 Free Grant Writing Seminar: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Microsoft Store, Galleria Mall; Gwen Gray Curry “The Grant Lady”; (704) 4915745 for more info. Networking Event Social Energy Miners Launch Party: 6-8 p.m., 1121 Elmwood Avenue, hosted by Mila & Essay; socialenergyminers.weebly.com “College and Career Fair” : McKinley High School, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; hosted by The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Western New York; for info nphc.wny@gmail.com. Monday March 2 African Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m., Merriweather Library; Jefferson @ Utica; every Monday. Public invited. Wednesday March 4 Good for the Neighborhood Primary Care: Free, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Westminster Community Charter School, 24 Westminster Ave. hosted by Independent Health. For info 635-4959. Friday March 6 The Golden Cup Documentary Series: 5-7 p.m., 883 Jefferson Avenue, “The History of Imhotep.” Discussion follows with coffee; 883-7770.
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
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Challenger Community News • February 25, 2015
In Celebration of Black History Month The Buffalo Urban League Presents the 2015 President’s Exemplary Service Award to James “Pappy” Martin
A master musician, educator and community activist, Pappy Martin has been an extraordinary champion for the advancement of music throughout our community. Pappy Martin is committed to bringing music, particularly jazz, to the people. He is the Founder and Organizer of the Masten District Jazz Festival – one of the biggest and most influential community events in the City of Buffalo. After more than 15 years, the Masten District Jazz Festival has become an important cultural event -- a treasured jewel within a jewel, exposing our community to America’s only original art form within the historic Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Park. Cementing a legacy that transcends generations, Pappy Martin is passionate about ensuring the survival of jazz by teaching this art form to the next generation of musicians. As Founder and Lead Instructor of the Love Supreme School of Music, he inspires and teaches music primarily to youth. With a strong belief in the power of music to develop the creativity, discipline, focus and achievement of youth, Pappy also serves as a music instructor at several local charter schools. Through volunteer performances at many schools, colleges and charity events, Pappy Martin gives of himself fully to the cause of improving the lives of others through music and education. For this, we salute you James “Pappy” Martin. Photo Credit: Will Jones/Xavier Photography
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