Challenger Community News May 20, 2015

CHALLENGER

SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

MAY 20, 2015 • F R E E

White “Motorcycle Gang Culture” Compared to Black “Thugs” PG. 4 ENTERTAINMENT

Talented Niagara Falls Vocalist Tapped

by Tyler Perry! .

PG. 8

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Memorial Day 2015 We Honor and Remember Those Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice.

GENERATIONS

Freedom Trail Tribute to Civil War ‘United States Colored Troops’ PG. 2

What’s Next in the School Superintendent Search? PG. 11

Scouts Perform Good Deed PG.10

The Other Memorial Day Remembrance: Lynching of PG. 5 Black Veterans After World War II PG. 11

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Freedom Trail Commission to Pay Tribute to Civil War ‘ “Colored Troops” The Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission will pay tribute to the nearly 200,000 men of color who joined the Union Army Civil War effort as members of the ‘United States Colored Troops’ (USCT) from 9:15 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 23 in Mount Hope Cemetery, 1133 Mt. Hope Avenue.

“The day’s events - free and open to the public - will tell the story of Civil War veterans with connections to Greater Rochester who served in regiments designated ‘United States Colored Troops’ (USCT),” said Dr. David Anderson, chairman of the Freedom Trail Commission and coordinator for the event.

Several of these soldiers are interred at City cemeteries: Mount Hope and Riverside.

This year marks the 152nd anniversary of the Bureau of United States Colored Troops (USTC) created by the United States War Department on May 22, 1863 during the Civil War to handle “all matters relating to the organization of colored troops.”

The event also commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation. The advocacy of Frederick Douglass, noted abolitionist, social reformer, statesman and editor of “The North Star,” was crucial to President Lincoln’s decision to issue the executive order which marked the Union’s belated decision to enlist men of color.

Shortly after that executive order was issued, Frederick Douglass was named an official recruiter by Massachusetts Governor John Andrew who was intent on raising the first “colored” regiment in the North.

In April of that year, two of Frederick and Anna Douglass’ sons were among the first 23 men sent to Massachusetts for training.

When the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment engaged in its first battle, the eldest son, Lewis Henry Douglass was the regiment’s Sergeant Major.

The program includes reenactments in what the organizers regard as “Hallowed Ground.” Tributes will be spoken by women volunteers; each aided by children, who will also plant a small American flag at each gravesite. All but three of these testimonials will take place at the Grand Army of the Republic section, Fireman’s Avenue. The gathering will also stop at the gravesites of William A. Brown (D-17, near North Gate), Nathan Sprague, and wife Rosetta (Woodland Avenue, Range 2, Lot 200) and David Wycoff (Grove Avenue, Section O, Lot 291).

Commemorative events are co-sponsored by the RochesterMonroe County Freedom Trail Commission, Buffalo Soldiers Presentation Team and AKWAABA: the Heritage Associates, with assistance from the Institute for Pluralism at Nazareth College.

For further information, contact 753-2001 or 389-5140.

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Mayor Warren Announces Summer Recreation Programs

Around Town

Mayor Lovely A. Warren and Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner, Marisol O. Ramos-Lopez, recently announced that City summer recreation programming will begin June 29 and encouraged parents to start researching opportunities to keep their children healthy and engaged during the summer months.

The summer recreation program provides a variety of opportunities for children to have fun, eat nutritious meals, beat the heat and keep their minds and bodies active Mayor Warren and engaged. Programs include low-cost ArtSmart and Youth Sports camps, Summer Swim Academy and a full lineup of educational programming under the direction of more than 600 R-Center staff members.

Returning for a second year, several R-Centers are offering specialized “magnet” programs which feature activities on focused areas of interest such as science and technology, sports, the arts and the environment. In these programs, kids learn by investigation, experimentation and problem-solving. Enrichment activities are led by professional staff and topic experts.

Each magnet program also includes time for organized play, field trips related to the magnet theme and outings to Rochester’s recreational and cultural attractions. .

During the summer, R-Centers will open at 8:30 a.m.). Select R-Centers will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; Adams Street, Avenue D, Campbell Street, Carter Street, David F. Gantt, Flint Street, South Avenue and Thomas P. Ryan.

All R-Centers will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day. The City offers many opportunities to stay cool and enjoy the water this summer at a variety of indoor and outdoor pools and family-friendly water spray parks.

For more information, call the Bureau of Recreation at 4286755, or pick up a Recreation Summer Guide at any R-Center, City branch library or the Rochester Public Market. Guides are also available at www.cityofrochester.gov/summerrec and a complete list of R-Center locations and hours may be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/rcenters.

Black Student Leadership Movement Community Meeting YOU’RE INVITED TO THE COMMUNITY MEETING Who: ALL RCSD stakeholders including but not limited to students, parents, staff and other community members What: Intentionally, collaborating with students, parents and community members to brainstorm ideas to help and promote student success among black students and ways to support teachers in the classroom.

When: May 20 from 6- 8:30 p.m.

Where: Starting at All City High (formerly known as Marshall High School) Why:To Empower Black students to become leaders and be the change they want to see in their community For further information contact Eileen Graham at 585967-4089 or email rocblackparents@gmail.com Or Joe Baldino at 585-490-2245 or email:joseph.baldino@rcsdk12.org

Businesses Get ‘Makeovers’ as Part of Rochester ‘Fruit Belt’ Neighborhood Push Officials are working to bring a new, fresh identity to one Rochester Neighborhood.

Two businesses received makeovers as part of a push to rename the neighborhood “the Fruit Belt.”

They think the name is perfect -- since they’re focusing on Grape, Orchard, Orange and Lime streets -- all to celebrate what this neighborhood has to offer.

Organizer Shaun Dunwoody says, “There’s soda being produced here -- community gardens. Build upon that and the heritage and that hope.”

Loal Sherwin-Williams employees and Greentopia repotedly helped make these building makeovers happen.

Full day PreK makes all the difference!

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It’s a joy seeing my son so eager to learn. A full day has given him more time to practice his reading and writing skills, so I know he’ll be ready for kindergarten.

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-Rochelle, PreK parent

FREE programs include:

• Healthy breakfast and lunch • Literacy and math skills • Computer learning • Music, art, and dramatic play • Indoor/outdoor play and naptime • Free RTS bus pass for parent and child Register today! Call 262-8140 or visit www.rcsdk12.org/prek

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Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

AREA BRIEFS

Take Part in the Planting of the Jesse Clipper Park Memorial Garden!

The community is invited to join the Cooper Town Block Club, Grass Roots Gardens and the Jesse Clipper #430 Unit Auxiliary in the planting of the Jesse Clipper Park Memorial Garden at Michigan and William Streets on Friday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Jesse Clipper Park and Memorial was dedicated to celebrate and honor Black soldiers from Buffalo who served in the military. Give back and beautify the neighborhood! Bring a friend or family member! The rain date is Saturday, May 23, same time and location. For more information contact Gail Wells, Copper Town Block Club President at wellsgv7@ gmail.com

Foster Mom Featured Foster mom Annava Jemes and her daughter Jessica were recently featured in the Buffalo News. Annava, 57 is a foster mother to 34 children (she currently has two foster children under her care, ages 10 and 15). Her birth daughter Jessica Jemes, 27, following in her mother’s footsteps, is a three-time foster parent (she has one birth daughter and a one-year-od foster child).

Hats off to these amazing women! According to Child & Family Services, there is a critical need to place children in loving foster and adoptive homes. Call 335-7211 for more information on becoming a foster parent.

Community Forum: Task Force on Health Care Disparity in the African American Community African American men, women, and children who reside in neighborhoods on the East Side of the City of Buffalo experience many of the worst health outcomes in Erie County. The rate of premature death in these neighborhoods is almost 300% higher than Whites who live outside of this community.

ACommunity Forum to address these disiparities will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 12 noon to 1p.m. at Ephesus Ministries341 Grider St. PLEASE JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Speakers include: Willie Underwood III, MD, MPH, MSci; Reverend George Nicholas, M.Div., MS Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church; Reverend Jeff Carter, MS Ephesus Ministries[ and Reverend Kinzer Pointer, Agape Fellowship Baptist Church.

Rumore Re-Elected Head of Buffalo Teachers Federation Philip Rumore easily won re-election to another two-year term as the head of the Buffalo Teachers Federation last week. He has held the position for the pat 34 years.

DID YOU KNOW...

On May 2, 1992 the city of Los Angeles began the clean up and rebuilding efforts from days of rioting after police officers were acquitted for the beating of motorist Rodney King. The LA riots resulted in 58 deaths, 600 fires and $1 billion of property damage.

AMAZING WOMEN! Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Gran (standing 4th from left) and We Are Women Warriors, recently hosted their 1st Annual Community Moms Awards Ceremony at the Merriweather Branch Library.

Honorees Included: Denise Chapman-Acosta, Karima Amin, Agnes Bain, Paulette Chatmon, Eva Doyle, Justine Harris, Ina Jovita Ferguson, Florence Johnson, and Charlene Miller. The program was excellent and very emotional as each honoree got up to speak about their works in the community. Eva Doyle’s words of wisdom stood out, as she sent a message encouraging the people in our community to NEVER GIVE UP! Karla Thomas (standing left) served as Mistress of ceremony. Guest performances inlcuded Blackpearle76 & Latrice Simone Green (spoken words) and Daughters of Creative Sound (an African Drum Ensemble). Majority leader Masten District Common Council member Demone A. Smith was one of the many guests that came out. PHOTO & TEXT BY KAY TAYLOR

Peoples-Stokes to Host Town Hall Meeting

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ant to know more about state legislation and the state budget? Want to know more about the funding and resources allocated to Buffalo? Assembly member Crystal Peoples-Stokes is hosting a Town Hall Meeting at the Delavan Grider Community Center, located at 792 East Delevan. Thursday May 21 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The Assembly member will provide a budget breakdown across subjects including Healthcare, Education, Economic Development, Infrastructure etc. Updates on priority initiatives and additional community information will be made available. All are welcome, for more information my District Office can be reached at (716) 897-9714.

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Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes

Buffalo Schools to Offer Summer School “Camps” Agreement Reached Between School District, City & Say Yes Buffalo

Thanks to an agreement reached with the Buffalo Public Schools, Say Yes Buffalo and the city, there will be some form of summer school for city children who need extra help this year and for the next seven years. District leaders had previously said there would be no summer school due to budget constraints and poor attendance last summer. The newly announced program will include both academic and enrichment activities. Say Yes is paying $500,000 for this year’s effort, which will go to the community organizations running the programs. The financial responsibility is expected to gradually shift back to the district over time.

Former E. Ferry Street Y, Gateway Community Building, to Become Affordable Housing Saving Grace Ministries is in the process of purchasing the former E. Ferry St. YMCA which most recently served local youth as the Gateway Longview community center. The East Side religious nonprofit has teamed with a local developer to convert the building into 16 units of affordable housing and 1st floor commercial space.

Rally for Peace, Justice, Jobs and Respect!

A rally for Peace, Justice, Jobs and Respect will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 12 noon in Niagara Square in front of City Hall to call attention to problems, concerns and issues affecting African American and Latino youths in Buffalo that are similar to the problems in other urban cities such as Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago.

These include high rates of homicides, unemployment, high level of school dropouts and incarcerations, no access to jobs in the construction field, inadequate job training programs and disparity in arrests, convictions and incarcerations.

JESSE CLIPPER : A Hero of WWI

All advocacy groups, anti-violence coalitions, clergy groups and the general public are invited to attend and to address these and other concerns and issues that will encourage the community to work collectively toward a process to bring trust, peace and harmony, safe neighborhoods, jobs and job training opportunities, and mutual respect between the law enforcement, community and the citizens it serves and protects. For more information, please contact Legislator Betty Jean Grant at 6025877. This event is co-sponsored by Legislator Grant, We Are Women Warriors and John Washington II.

ot much is known about the background of this WWI hero, however Jesse Clipper became a local Buffalo, New York legend as the first African American from the region to die in the war.

Clipper worked at the American Palace laundry before he was drafted into the army. According to his contemporaries, he was a pleasant young man and a good worker. Before service to his country, Jesse Clipper served as Vice-President of Colored Musicians Local No. 533 in 1917. A Buffalo News article, published on May 2, 1968 notes that “Pvt. Jesse Clipper of the 317th Engineers, was wounded at the front in France.

He was hospitalized several weeks. When the wounds healed, he returned to his outfit.

Soon afterwards he was gassed.

After another long stay in the hospital, he received orders to return to the United States.

But before he could be brought home, he landed in the hospital again. There he died on February 21, 1919.” Clipper was buried in Oise-Aisne. Which is an American cemetery and memorial located in northern France.

The Jesse Clipper American Legion Post 430 was founded by fifteen African American WWI veterans on September 16, 1919. The first Commander was Mosby B. McAden. The group petitioned the Buffalo Common Council to establish a monument in honor of Clipper and all Black soldiers. The petition to the Common Council from Jesse Clipper Post 430, American Legion stated: “Be it Continued Page 12

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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

No ‘Thugs’ at Scene of Biker Gang ‘Rumble’ (Note: On Sunday, May 17, some 200 members of five biker gangs in Waco, Texas, had what one NBC News article quaintly describes as “a rumble” in a heavily populated mall.Gang members were at the Twin Peaks Restaurant in the Central Texas Market Place mall for “a meeting” to “settle their differences,” reports ABC News. The lethal shootout began after rival gang members had a fist fight that exploded into the parking lot. Waco police told NBC News that gang members shot at one another and police. Other alleged gangsters stabbed one another with knives, kicked them, and beat them with clubs, chains and brass knuckles. Nine died, 18 were wounded and about 175 were arrested, mostly for participating in organized crime. No police officers or civilians were harmed. CBS News also refers to the deadly melee at a public retail establishment as “a rumble.” No “thugs” at the scene. They’re all in Baltimore and Ferguson…)

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f you take a look at any of the crime scene photos of Waco, Texas, following a fatal shootout between rival biker gangs, you’d probably be struggling to put the pieces of the story together.

Image after image shows police officers nonchalantly standing around the perimeters of the yellow tape in their daily uniforms.

Some are sporting baseball caps, while others settle for a simple pair of sunglasses. It’s all the protection they need.

Hard to imagine the massive group of men behind them, casually scrolling through their cellphones and leaning on pickup trucks, are responsible for the deaths of nine people and seriously injured 18 others.

But unlike the unrest that swept Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, there was no calling for the National Guard. Officers were not dressed as if they were ready to go to war. Suspects were not being “folded like a pretzel” or getting a knee to the back of the head.

These suspects, the ones responsible for those nine deaths, are not even placed in handcuffs or leg restraints or even separated into smaller groups.

It’s an image that’s strikingly different than the images that captured national attention in Ferguson and Baltimore when

police responded to protesters with riot gear and military-style weaponry.

In both cases, even the National Guard was deployed to get control of the situation.

Social media users made it clear that they took serious issue with the different approaches that were taken with the crowd of over 100 bikers involved in a deadly shooting compared to the protesters in Ferguson and Baltimore.

“They’ve recovered at least 100 weapons,” activist Deray McKesson tweeted. “The [National] Guard would be mobilized now if, Black.”

“Man! Even Waco biker Bikers top photo. “Thug” below. gang members who kill people get treated better than unarmed Black men,” another user tweeted. “Can you believe it?”

In addition to the differences in the police response, users also found issue with the differences in media coverage.

McKesson explained that the images coming from Waco were capturing the essence of the “intersection of media bias/race and policing.”

With this tragedy, media outlets have not tried to paint the bikers as “thugs” or tried to dig up extensive criminal backgrounds. All the usual tactics that have been reserved for Black victims and frustrated protesters were tucked away in the case of a group of white men who, according to reports from local stations, arrived at the Twin Peaks restaurant ready for a brawl.

One tweet from New York Times columnist Charles Blow read, “When are we going to start asking how many of the [people] in the Waco slaughter grew up in single-parent homes? Oh, that’s right.”

The backlash by activists on social media also spurred a

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Legislator Miller-Williams Champions Reinstatement of the Local Conditional Release Commission The Erie County Legislature recently passed a local law submitted by Legislators Barbara Miller-Williams, Betty Jean Grant, and Patrick Burke conveying its support for the reinstatement of the Local Conditional Release Program, a former program within the Probation Department that ended in 2005. County Executive Mark Poloncarz held his public hearing on Tuesday, May12 and immediately following signed Legislator Miller-Williams the paperwork to make the law official.

“This program was reinstated today with bipartisan support and I would like to commend my colleagues for working together on behalf of the Western New York community” stated Legislator Miller-Williams. “New York law enables counties to establish a Local Conditional Release Commission, and Erie County did empanel a Commission in 1992. The law empowering conditional release affords eligible inmates serving a sentence in a local facility early release from incarceration, providing that the inmate is sentenced to more than 120 days and having served at least 60 days” stated Legislator MillerWilliams in her resolution.

The Erie County Community Corrections Advisory Board (ECCCAB) along with VOICE Buffalo, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Oshei Foundation and Community Leaders supported the re-establishment of the Erie County Conditional Release Commission. smaller debate about whether or not each of the situations actually lent themselves to a fair comparison.

“Don’t forget that [Waco] was an isolated incident,” one user, who promoted the Black Lives Matter movement in their bio, tweeted. “Ferguson, Baltimore, NY these are not isolated.”

It’s a fair note to consider although it certainly doesn’t excuse all of the differences in both police response and media coverage of what was clearly a senseless act of violence that ushered too many people into an early grave.

Posted by Taylor Gordon Atlanta Black Star

Health Matters

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Health Fair & Community Day Saturday, June 6th 10 am - 3 pm l

Erie County Health Mall l 1500 Broadway Meet Your Neighborhood Health Care Providers l Take a Tour Free Screenings l Free Giveaways & Drawings l Free Kids Activities Catholic Health, St. Vincent Health Center & Laboratory Services l l l

Women’s Health Experts Pregnancy Testing (no appointment needed) Lab Open For Blood Draws (physician script needed)

Kids’ Activities l

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Special Screenings (By Appointment - Call 447-6205) l Blood Pressure l Body Mass Index (BMI) l Bone Density Testing l Cholesterol l Vascular Screenings for Carotid Artery Disease, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

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Vascular screenings are open to men and women over 50, who smoke or have one or more of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart/leg ailments, family history of heart disease, or prior stroke. All services are subject to availability.

UB Dental

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Dental Screenings (no appointment needed) Free Oral Health Care Kits UB Dental Smile Team

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Learn About Depression Warning Signs Adult Depression Screenings (no appointment needed)

Mid-Erie Counseling & Treatment Services l l

Learn About Special Counseling Services for Kids Child Social & Emotional Screenings (no appointment needed)

* Activities, screenings, and times subject to change.*

Buffalo Fire Department Engine 22 10 am - Noon Fire Department Sparky Car Noon - 2 pm Special Appearances by: UB Dudley Dinosaur UB Victor E. Bull Fidelosaurus Face Painting and Games throughout the day

And more ...

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Lake Shore Behavioral Health l

Animal Adventures Mobile Zoo & Exotic Animals 11 am - 2 pm

WBLK Remote Broadcast 11 am - 1 pm Fidelis Care Insurance Mammography Screenings with the Mobile Mammography Coach throughout the day

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FAITH BASED

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Dayspring Church of God Prophecy District Convention Spiritual Warfare Seminar The Dayspring Church of God Prophecy, will host a District Convention on Friday May 22 at 6:30 pm. and Saturday, May 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the church, 104 Dorris Avenue. The theme of the Convention is “Unshakable Faith In The 21st Century” and will feature special guests Bishop and First Lady LeRoy Greenaway, North East Regional Overseer; Minister Morais and Dionne Cassell, North East Regional Leadership Evangelism; Pastor Reuben Hans, Rochester Higher Ground; and John Lee Jr., North East Regional Youth Director.

Families, business owners, elected officials and community members are invited to participate in workshops to create a dialogue with WNY Pastors. Attorney John Elmore will speak on “How To Handle Police Confrontations” Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Bishop Marion R. Richey, WNY District Overseer is Pastor of Dayspring Church of God Prophecy.

A Christ Centered Spiritual Warfare Seminar will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2nd Chance Ministry, 381 E. Ferry Street. If you are tired of being sick and tired come and lean how to be set free! John 8:36 states: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!”

There is no charge for this special event. However you must make a reservation. RSVP to Pastor R. Patrick Lavery at (716) 886-2957. A free will love offering will be taken. The event is being sponsored by Addiction Conquerors and the Christ Centered Recovery Coalition (C.C.R.C.) and hosted by 2nd Chance Ministry. Rev. Arthur Boyd is Pastor of 2nd Chance Ministry Church.

“God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand his wisdom, but we simply have to trust his will.”

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Open Praise Alliance of Covenant Churches 3rd Annual Holy Convocation

Open Praise Alliance of Covenant Churches is hosting its 3rd Annual Holy Convocation and Symposium now thru Friday, May 22 at Open Praise Full Gospel Baptist Church, 761 Fillmore Avenue, where Bishop Larry A Boyd is Presiding Prelate. The theme is Unleashing the Power!

Centennial A.M.E. Zion to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, 127 Doat Street, will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Sunday May 24. The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Graham is Pastor.

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Michael Perry Cobb Awarded Masters Degree Michael Perry Cobb is the son of Linda (Rev. Richard Meadows) and Michael D. Cobb. The grandson of Clarinda Jackson Mose, John Mose, Willa Cobb, and Mary Meadows, he received his Master of Arts degree in African American Studies from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland on May 16. Michael is native of Buffalo who attended Campus East School and Lake Taylor

“A Time of Awakening Prophetic Empowerment 2015” Pastor Ted Howard and the Edison Street Community Church will host “A Time of Awakening Prophetic Empowerment 2015” Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday May 22 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, May 23 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Avenue. Apostle Barbara Wentroble is the special guest. Also featured, Dr. Eric Gladney of Greensboro, NC, Pastor Jeri Boland and Pastor Barbara Burkholder.

Registration on Saturday is $40 for the 8 a.m. – 12 noon session and includes 4 workshops and lunch. For Saturday registration call 795-2506 or 895-8337.

The community is invited to join in prayer from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday at the LaSalle Park Pavilion.

Worship This Week!

High School in Norfolk, VA. He received his undergraduate degree at Shaw University with a B.A. in Political Science.

Michael had the honor of being featured in the September 2010 issue of Ebony Magazine answering the question “What if I was President?”

He is published in The International Review of African American Art at The Hampton University Museum. Michael currently serves as the OffCampus Advisor to the Collegiate 100 of Morgan State University, which is an auxiliary group of the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Inc. He holds memberships in the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., The Brotherhood of St. Andrews and is on the board of the James E. Lewis Museum Foundation at Morgan State University and is an avid art collector.

His work experience is very

Michael Perry Cobb

broad and ranges from working in the United States House of Representatives for Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott (3rd district of Virginia), The Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Hampton University as an Instructor and at other various non-profits, state and federal government agencies. Currently, he serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Records and Registration at Morgan State University. Congratulations!

Happy 90th Birthday!

Roxanne Bailey of Birmingham, Alabama hosted a 90th birthday celebration for her grandmother, Mrs. Doris Archie, at the Portocol in Williamsville. Many of Mrs. Archie’s family, friends, and religious leaders of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World came to pay tribute to her. Congratulations Mrs. Archie!

GOD IS GOOD!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Marsha McWilson Appears on Tyler Perry’s Hit show, “If Loving You Is Wrong”

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By Mark Weber ow did Marsha McWilson, a hairdresser and local singer from Niagara Falls, end up in Tyler Perry’s primetime hit soap opera drama, “If Loving You Is Wrong,” on OWN, Oprah’s cable channel?

While vacationing on the Tom Joyner “Fantastic Voyage Cruise,” McWilson did an acting audition on board the ship for Tyler Perry. From 3,000 people on board the ship, he chose 12 people, including McWilson, to personally meet and work with to help bolster their careers by placing them in his movies, plays and TV shows.

Though primarily known around Western New York as a singer, having recently sung her “Tribute to Etta James” at Buffalo’s venerable Sportsmens Tavern, McWilson relished the chance to work with Perry. Her debut on “If Loving You Is Wrong” recently aired (to be repeated next Tuesday at 8 p.m. on OWN).

Not limited to TV, McWilson will also appear in the film “First Impression,” a romantic comedy, where she plays the character of Lullabye, a spy.

Though she travels often as a singer and an actress, you can see McWilson locally, in person, performing on the Miss Buffalo “Buffalo Blues Cruise” Aug. 9; at Lewiston’s “Blue Monday” concert on Aug. 10 (Hennepin Park Gazebo on Center and South Fourth streets); and at the Niagara Falls Blues Festival Sept. 13. She also has a self-penned song, “Balance,” available for download on iTunes.

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

ON STAGE *Paul Robeson Theatre production of an inspirational gospel musical HOW I GOT OVER. Written and directed by Paulette D. Harris Artistic Director of the Paul Robeson Theatre featuring a cast of some of Buffalo’s dominant gospel singers. Show runs thru May 24, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. followed by an Audience Talk Back. General admission is $25 and $22 for seniors and students with ID, discounts for veterans, coupons and group rates are available. Call 716-884-2013 or email africancultural350@gmail.com for more info. *Ujima’s 36th Anniversary Production Season “In The Red And Brown Water” Directed by the renowned Lorna Hill, on stage now thru May 24 at TheaterLoft, 545 Elmwood Avenue.

Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. $25 general admission, $20 seniors, $15 students. For reservations call 716-281-0092. Group rates 716-281-0093 or ujimacoinc@ mac.com • www.ujimacoinc.org Online Tickets Available at: www. brownpapertickets.com

*Total, Music By Dj Huk-Her Memorial Weekend Throwback Party, Sunday, May 24, The Tralf, 10:30p.m. Doors | 11:30pm Show 21+ Admitted General Admission Event. Tickets - $35 & $40 at Doris Records and Tralf Box Office; $45 Day Of Show Ticketmaster.com / Wal-Mart.

Links to Host 65th Gala “All White” Legacy Black Tie Ball The Niagara Falls Chapter of The Links Inc. will present their 65th Anniversary gala “All White” Legacy Ball on Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls. The Black Tie event will feature dinner, dancing and entertainment by JFT and national recording artist Octavia Lambertis. Tickets are $65 per person. For more information call (716) 285-0689.

*Memorial Day Weekend Comedy Fest Friday Night Laughs, Friday May 22, Featuring ALEX THOMAS And SHAUN JONES Hosted by ROB STAPLETON ; two shows 7:30pm 10:30pm Show 21+ Admitted; $30 Advance | $35 Day Of Show Ticketmaster, Tralf Box Office, Doris Records. *Ella, Louis and All That Jazz, A tribute to jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong featuring Broadway star Marva Hicks and Columbus Jazz Orchestra artistic director Byron Stripling, Sat. June 6 @ 8 pm. Kleinhans Music Hall. A Buffalo Philharmoic Orchestra event. 885-5000 / bpo.org *BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA @ The Tralf Wednesday June 24 @ 7pm Doors | 8p.m. Show 21+ Admitted Reserved Seating Event Platinum - $39 Advance / $44 Day Of Show Gold - $29 Advance / $34 Day Of Show Silver - $24 Advance / $29 Day Of Show

NINJA TURTLE 2 Producers Thank Community

By Kay Taylor Producers Denis Stewart and Brad Fuller recently flew in from LA to address the details of their upcoming movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Part 2; a portion of the popular sequel which was filmed right here in Buffalo, New York! The Kensington Expressway (the 33) was closed between rush hours from 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. over a 13 day span from May 4 through May 17.

The dynamic duo was happy to deal with some of the community’s most pressing questions. For example: What inspired them to film a movie in the city of Buffalo? How has the filming process been going since the crew has been here? What are the possibilities of giving our youth opportunities? What are the possibilities of Paramount Films coming back to Buffalo to shoot another movie?

Both Denis and Brad stated after checking into many different cities such as Westchester, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo’s proposal stood out among the others and once they made their final decision everything moved very quickly. They went on to say everything had been wonderful since the crew arrived in Buffalo. Both Paramount Touchtone Picture producers agreed to consider opportunities for our youth in future projects and said they would definitely consider filming another movie in the Queen City.

The Peacemakers, led by Murray Holman, played a major role by assisting in securing Thanks! Challenger Entertainment Edivarious sites during the time of filming. Holeman stated that the Peacemakers had been the tor Kay Taylor wit Ninja Turtle 2 producbuffer in mediating information into the community and promoting peace. The organiza- ers Denis Stewart and Brad Fuller. tion educated the community on the guidelines that were put in place for the duration of the filming process. Holman said educating the community was important so there would be no misunderstanding and neighborhood residents would not get offended.

Mrs. Gabriela Gutentag (motion picture promoter) stated that the feedback from the production managers and staff had been very positive and commended the Peacemaker’s for helping the production.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2 is directed by David Green. Michael Bay is producing alongside his Platinum Dunes partners Andrew Form and Brad Fuller, with Galen Walker and Scott Mednick also producing. Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec are writing and will executive produce with Denis Stewart. The film will be released Continued Page 9

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9

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

“Nappy Hour” Hair Forum

NINJA THANKS continued

by Paramount Pictures on June 3, 2016.

Steward and Fuller said the project was a great success and they sent a heartfelt thanks to the community : “We want to give a huge thank you from our staff to the community for having patience, being supportive and, to every person who drove down the 33 and had to move through the detours, we express s our sincerest gratitude. Everyone has been fantastic!”

Support Our Advertisers Hair To Go Natural will host a Natural Hair Forum on Saturday, May 30 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at their 727 Main Street Location. To RSVP Please call 883-2000.

The Thrill is Gone: Blues Legend B.B. King Dead at 89 B.B. King, the legendary singer-guitarist-composer who became one of the greatest success stories among African-American blues artists, died last Thursday, May 14 in Las Vegas. He was 89. King died peacefully in his sleep at his home. It had recently been reported that King, who suffered from diabetes, was living in hospice care at home.For almost 70 years, King and his beloved electric guitar, Lucille, introduced generations of fans to the potent power of blues that rose out of the Mississippi Delta.He was born Riley B. King on Sept. 16, 1925, into a family of poor sharecroppers on a plantation near Itta Bena, Miss.

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Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

UB’s Educational Opportunity Center honors its ‘greatest legacy’ at annual graduation

By Charles Anzalone community leader who moved “beyond the falsehood” after being placed incorrectly in special education classes and an Eritrean refugee who exemplifies the storybook “American Dream” will be honored at the University at Buffalo’s Educational Opportunity Center’s graduation ceremony on May 20.

Some 200 students will receive graduation certificates at the ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. in Slee Hall on UB’s North Campus.

Zola Lowery Crowell, a graduate of the UBEOC Class of 1975 whose commitment to community service spans four decades, will receive the Arthur O. Eve Education and Service Zola Crowell Tedros Teklzghi Community Award in honor of the former New York State Assembly deputy speaker. The UBEOC dedicated and named its new facility at 555 Ellicott St. after Eve last July.

Tedros Teklzghi, who graduated in 1994 from the UBEOC’s English as a Second Language Program and again in 1995 from its College Preparation Program, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Both former students will be in the UBEOC’s commencement spotlight because the school’s true contribution lies in its graduates who have given back to the community and rewritten the story of their own lives, according to Julius Gregg Adams, executive director of the UBEOC. Adams called both graduates perfect examples of what the EOC is all about.

“We have been around for over 40 years, and our greatest legacy is our alumni,” says Adams. “The two alumni we will honor at this year’s graduation are exemplars of how education and training from UBEOC can change people’s lives and help them to overcome challenges they have had to endure, many times through no fault of their own.

“This year’s graduating class only has to look at the thousands of UBEOC graduates before them to see how our alumni’s aspirations and achievements can and will guide their own success.”

Adams says no one embodies the values and ideals of its graduates better than Crowell and Teklzghi. Both of their stories illustrate UBEOC’s unique contribution to the community and its ability to offer redemption to students, many of whom face tremendous obstacles.

Crowell lived much of her life under what she calls a “falsehood.” From first through 12th grade, she was placed in special education classes, despite never going through any formal learning assessment. She learned how to live within that stigma, she says, until she came to the UBEOC. “The UBEOC gave me the courage to move beyond the falsehood,” says Crowell. “The EOC never let me buy into that label.”

Crowell grew up in Andalusia, Alabama, and Niagara Falls, and lived in Buffalo from 1967-2011. She worked as a U.S. Postal Service night distribution clerk in Buffalo and briefly in Manhattan. She enrolled in the Buffalo EOC and earned her high school equivalency diploma. She took college preparation courses, worked at Millard Fillmore Hospital as a nursing aide and as a secretary in the Open Heart Intensive Care Unit.

She attended Millard Fillmore and Empire State colleges, and worked for 25 years as an administrative assistant at the VA Western New York Healthcare System.

“Buffalo EOC was my lifeline,” Crowell says. “And because EOC believed in me, I developed my own resolve to succeed and help others in need.”

Her commitment to the community has never wavered. She has been active in the Niagara Falls chapter of Links Inc., the Association of Black Social Workers, the Harriet Tubman 300’s, the Black Pioneers of the Niagara Frontier, the American Business Women’s Association and First Shiloh Baptist Church.

Crowell retired after 30 years as a federal employee and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. She currently is a member

GENERATIONS

GOOD DEED!

A

Boy Scout Troop 237 from Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church were recently taking part in a “good deed” as they collected food for the needy at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue. Pictured above (l-r) Scout Master Anthony Wiley, Scout Jeremy Dread, Scout Joshua Horton, Scout Brian Williams, and Edward Bell Assistant Scout Master. Shoppers were pleased to see such a positive image of our young men, and gave food and donations with a smile! The scouts meet on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. at the Church, located at 237 E. North Street.. Call 830-7803 for more information. of the Charlotte Crown Jewels Chapter of Links Inc., through which she attended the United Nations Gala and met Secretary General Kofi Annan and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Embracing what “lifeline” truly means, Crowell believes a person’s past influences her future. Genealogy has become her true passion. She has been recognized by the Library of Congress for her gift of her genealogical manuscript of her greatgreat grandmother, Charity Butler, who was born into slavery in the 1850s. She also has received recognition for her research from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Teklzghi has become a testament to the adage “hard work pays off,” an embodiment of the way talented and resourceful immigrants have created better lives for themselves and their families for generations, say EOC officials who have worked with him.

After coming to the U.S. in 1991 from Eritrea, a small country on the Horn of Africa, Teklzghi initially relocated to San Francisco and worked as a cashier at Walgreens. Accepting a friend’s offer to visit Buffalo, Teklzghi saw opportunities and moved here in 1994. Again, through the encouragement of his friend — who was attending classes at the EOC at the time — Teklzghi enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. He worked diligently learning the language while assimilating to a new culture. After completing the ESL program, he enrolled in and graduated from UBEOC’s college preparation program in 1995.

He went on to Erie Community College and earned an associate’s degree in computer information systems. He was hired as a computer technician for ECC’s downtown campus.Teklzghi then enrolled in the computer information system program at SUNY Buffalo State, working as a computer consultant while a student. He graduated with a BS in computer information systems in 2000.He took a job as a user support technician at the UB Law School and later was promoted to manager of the school’s computer lab, where he set up an extended-use system accessed by 200 users.

He now works as system administrator and user support technician at the Law School, supervising eight students and staff.

Married with two children, Teklzghi is active in the community.

He coordinates a volunteer ministry group, offering services for North Collins Correctional Facility inmates. He also has chaired committees working to enhance opportunities for the Buffalo Eritrean population.

And he “gives back” to UBEOC, serving on the school’s Information Technology Search Committee. His life and accomplishments personify the UBEOC’s mission of lifelong learning and overcoming odds that have defeated others.

“Because of EOC,” Teklzghi says, “I am here today.”

Continued Page 10

4th Annual I.l. Scruggs Scholarship Golf Tourament

T

10

heta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is pleased to announce its 4th Annual I.L. Scruggs Scholarship Golf Tournament to be held on Monday, June 29, at Fox Valley Country Club, 6161 Genesee St., Lancaster, NY. In previous years this outing raised over $6,000 annually to support educational scholarships for deserving college bound males from Western New York.

Registration will take place at 11 and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tee Off is 1 p.m. followed by dinner, awards presentations, and silent auction.

The I.L. Scruggs Scholarship is a signature program seeded by the Theta Sigma Chapter’s Scruggs- Heslip foundation to honor two community servants, the Chapter’s founder, Dr. I.L. Scruggs, and a distinguished, tireless Sigma man and community activist, Bro. Woodrow Heslip III. Dr. Scruggs, a founding member of the fraternity in 1914, completed his doctorate at Howard University in 1919. He relocated to Buffalo in 1921, and chartered Theta Sigma in 1923. He was a founder of both the Buffalo Urban League, and the Michigan St. YMCA, serving as nation’s first Black board member of a metropolitan YMCA. He also served as the Fraternity’s 2nd International President, among a long list of Fraternal and civic accomplishments.

Bro. Heslip, a Texas Southern Univ. graduate, moved to Buffalo where he focused on the business end of bettering our communities.

He was a founder and charter member of the PBS Federal Credit Union. Bro. Heslip also served as Vice Chair, Board of Directors for the Buffalo Urban League and Chair of the Buffalo Urban League Job Training Center. In 2007, he joined the Buffalo Black Chamber of Commerce and became VP of Economic Development.

Bro. Heslip marched for civil rights as a Freedom Marcher in Texas (1971), Alabama (march on Montgomery, 1972), and Minnesota.

Earning two graduate degrees, he joined General Mills, transferring to Buffalo in 1972. A recipient of the Black Achiever’s Award in 1973, he distinguished himself as a 3 time president of Theta Sigma Chapter, as well as Director of Business for the Eastern Region of the Fraternity.

While Theta Sigma is proud to offer scholarships to students annually, and collectively support many charities, community events, and business initiatives in Buffalo since its founding in 1923, we hope to continue to inspire men, young and old, to aim high and contribute like these two legacy members. Support our causes and your community, and if up to the challenge, join us as “Our Cause Speeds On Its Way” For more information contact Bro. Al Bowman at 716-697-8878 or ThetaSigmaChapter@yahoo.com

11

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Where Do Our Black Politicians Stand?

What’s Next in the Superintendent Search? And will the Major Media Cover it Fairly!

A

s an educator I am interested in and often fascinated by the ways in which the Buffalo News shapes and influences public opinion. My concern is intensified and accompanied by disbelief and disappointment when, as a participant or first-hand observer in a number of the News’ reports, I find myself at odds with the interpretation of the events as I know them and have experienced them. Buffalo is probably at the most contentious time, in our history, in the debate over the future of our School District and the 34,000 children it serves. An enlightened, conscientious, impartial and investigative press could bring truth and objectivity to this debate.

Unfortunately, the polarization of factions trying to control the Schools extends to the News, which long ago lost the right to claim that it is a fair and unbiased news outlet. Too Barbara Seals often the stories obfuscate the truth, mitiNevergold gate the facts in favor of expressing reporter judgement or are written to sway public opinion on a particular version of the issue. The News’ front page education stories often communicate an educational philosophy that is aligned with the Board majority’s reform agenda targeting “failing” schools, promoting charter schools as the panacea, school vouchers and more. Unfortunately, Buffalo is not unique with respect to this mis-use of the “power of the press”. It’s a sad commentary on the loss of journalistic integrity and ethics, long considered a cornerstone of a democratic society.

At its May 13th meeting the Board voted to conduct a “national” search for the next Superintendent. It comes two months after a similar Resolution from the Board minority was voted down. Before anyone is lulled into a sense of relief and belief that progress is being made on this critical issue impacting the future of the District, think again. While Mr. Quinn offered a Resolution to conduct the search, it was lacking a substantive plan to guide a comprehensive and transparent process. The Resolution proposed several “periods” including: “of notice”, “to review and collate resumes, “to review resumes and select candidates to interview” and “to interview finalists and select a superintendent”. It’s appalling and unacceptable that Board members, who’ve been touted for their business acumen, would offer a vague process for as important a responsibility as hiring the Chief Education Officer of a billion dollar enterprise. Does this signal that perhaps yet again, five Board members have selected the next Superintendent?

Let’s be clear, the dialogue about the Superintendent search and the job posting would not have taken place at this Board meeting without the intervention of the minority members. Previous requests for a special meeting to plan the superintendent search have been refused. Therefore, Mrs. Belton-Cottman initiated the conversation by presenting a PowerPoint of a step-bystep search process. She had previously emailed every Board member and asked for feedback on the action steps and timeline.

Rather than focus on the steps, majority board members immediately attacked the timeline, projected for a six month process, as too long. But even before they spoke on the proposal, their nonverbal communication – they threw the hard copies of the presentation on the table and wouldn’t view the PowerPoint – spoke volumes about their disdain and refusal to join in a discussion about how to better fulfill our fiduciary mandate. Persistence and insistence on the discussion by the minority led to important compromise and signs of collaboration.

The News continues to ignore the gross violations of good board governance, once hailed as a strong suit of the majority members. At the same time they also neglect to credit minorContinued Page 12

Dear Editor:

Marchers protest against treatment of Black servicemen.

Memorial Day Remembrance: Lynching of Black Veterans After World War II

B

y the end of the summer of 1945, World War II had come to an end. Over the next several months, many of the twelve million veterans returned home; 880,000 of these were black Americans. They had gone overseas to put their lives at risk in the fight for freedom and democracy, and they come home to find these ideals were not meant for them in their own country.

Ironically, the Ku Klux Klan became reenergized by the returning black veterans, who wore their uniforms and seemed to know no fear, and thought they could assert their equality. The response of the KKK was a renewal of violence. Some of the more egregious examples: Sergeant Isaac Woodward, a twenty-seven-year-old black veteran, upon being honorably discharged from Camp Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, was pulled from a public bus (still in his uniform), incarcerated, and during the night, he was beaten so badly that he was blinded in both eyes (one was gouged out).

In Alabama, when a Black veteran removed the Jim Crow sign on a trolley, an angry streetcar conductor unloaded his pistol into the ex-Marine. The Chief of Police found him staggering away and administered a single bullet to his head, finishing the job.

In South Carolina, another veteran complaining about Jim Crow transportation had his eyes gouged out with the butt of the sheriff’s billy club.

In Louisiana, a Black veteran who defiantly refused to give a White man a war memento was dismembered, castrated, and blow-torched.

In Monroe, Georgia, two Black men (one a veteran who did not show proper obeisance and the other accused of flirting with a White woman) and their wives were surrounded by a lynch mob of over thirty who tied the victims to trees and then fired close-range into their faces. One of the men was also castrated.

One of the women had her spine severed by force of the sixty bullets that entered her body. The other woman was seven months pregnant. Outrageously, newly released files in 2007 reveal that the FBI investigated suspicions that the three-term governor of Georgia, Eugene Talmadge, sanctioned the murders to sway rural White voters during a tough election campaign.

No one was ever arrested.

In all these cases, if there were witnesses they were loathe to testify, but even when there were detailed confessions the allwhite juries declined to issue convictions.

As Fred Jerome summarizes, “In the first fifteen months after Hitler’s defeat, a wave of anti-Black terror, mostly but not only in the southern states, killed fifty-six African Americans, with returning veterans the most frequent victims.” (ISIS, 95:4, 2004, 628-629.)

In February, 1946, an altercation between a Black and a White vet in Columbia, Tennessee that turned into a riot ended with the arrest of more than a hundred Black men. Two were shot and killed inside the jail. Of the others, twenty-five were indicted for “attempted murder.” A young NAACP lawyer named Thurgood Marshall led a team of attorneys to Columbia

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 “We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

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As a parent who has unfortunately had her children processed through the Justice system, I was intrigued to read the recent article in your paper concerning the need for African American Jurist at the Supreme Court, here in Erie County. When I appeared in Court to watch the proceedings, I was shocked and dismayed by the fact, that although so many of our young men are in the courts as defendants, at NO Time did they have the opportunity to appear before a Judge who looked like them. This is shameful. So when I read the article on the need to have presence in the Courts, I found myself speaking to other mothers who were in the same situation, and we all asked, where are the Black politicians on this? Where are they, and where do they stand? There is no way any of these judges who don’t look like us, don’t live around us, but control the destiny of so many of our youth in their hands, got to office without the help of Black elected officials.

Where are they on this one? Based on the lLtter to the Editor, it’s clear that this year’s election for Supreme Court is an important one. It is clear that we as a community must demand that a person of color is nominated for this position, but its just as clear, that unless ALL of our Black officials are on the same page on this issue, it won’t happen. So I ask, where do you stand on this one Mayor Brown? Where do you stand on this one, Legislators Grant and Williams? Where do you stand on this one Assembly Woman Stokes? Where do you stand on this one Council members Wyatt, Smith and Pridgen? As you all will (I assume) be running to retain your offices this year, and depending on the Black community to elect you, where do you stand on this important issue that will surely impact the Black community? We can’t let you slide on this one. This is too important for my son, and every other parent’s sons and daughters.

So, as one parent and voter speaking for other parents who vote, I ask that you publically (and do so in a letter to this newspaper) state if you are with us, or against us on ths one. I for one am tired of entering these buildings of importance in this city, only to see no one who looks like me, in a position for authority.

WHERE DO YOU STAND? Silence will surely be taken as you are not with the community.

-Denice Calhoun

Home Ownership Opportunities

Ellicott District Community Development, Inc. is currently accepting applications for the City of Buffalo’s Home Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Programs. T for closing costs related to the purchase of their first home.For program guidelines and eligibility requirements, call 856-3262, Monday- Friday, 9a.m. – 4p.m. Ida M. Thompson is Project Director

to represent the prisoners. This was the occasion when Marshall barely escaped getting lynched himself. After arriving in town, he and other NAACP lawyers quickly found their lives were in danger. Racing to escape from an angry White mob, they took off in one direction, and a decoy car was sent on a different route. The mob caught up with the decoy car, and when they found Marshall wasn’t isn’t it, they beat the driver so badly he was in the hospital for a week. But Marshall got away, and went on to become one of the leading Black figures of the Twentieth Century.

(Source: rhapsodyinbooks.wordpresscom)

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Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

CLIPPER Harriet Tubman Could Be The Legislator Grant, JESSE contintinued We Are Women resolved: that we the members of Jesse Clipper Post 430, American First Woman On A $20 Bill Harriet Tubman Could Be House could easily instruct Warriors, to Host Legion, having the progress, civic betterment and beautification of the City of Buffalo uppermost in our hearts, and being desirous of The First Woman On A $20 Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to paying further tribute to that Negro soldier for whom our post has Job Fair Bill Tubman was the winner redesign the $20 bill. been named, and being anxious to honor all of our fellow men and

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of a 10-week poll conducted by the nonprofit group Women On 20s, which wants to replace President Andrew Jackson with a woman on a $20 bill.

Tubman, who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad, received 33.6 percent of the 352,431 votes cast in the final round of the poll. Eleanor Roosevelt came in second, followed by Rosa Parks and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller. Over 600,000 people submitted votes in the contest overall.

“Our paper bills are like pocket monuments to great figures in our history,” Women On 20s Executive Director Susan Ades Stone said in a statement. “Our work won’t be done until we’re holding a Harriet $20 bill in our hands in time for the centennial of women’s suffrage in 2020.”

Women on 20s also announced on Tuesday that they were launching an online campaign to urge the White House to adopt the changes. Obama has said that he thought putting a woman on the $20 bill is a “pretty good idea.”

Stone said that the White

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“I think it’s really a very easy thing for the White House to do if they decide that they want to do it,” Stone told The Huffington Post.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (DN.H.) and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) introduced legislation in their respective chambers of Congress last month to put a woman on the bill. Stone said that the legislation had given momentum to her group’s campaign by showing that there was support for the idea in Con-

EOC

continued UB’s EOC serves more than 1,900 students each year — the majority of whom are 25 or older — providing a range of tuition-free remedial, vocational and academic programs leading to college entry or employment. Among the services offered are academic enrichment, English as a second language, high school equivalency, college preparation, life skills, dental and medical assistant programs, medical billing and coding, patient services lab technician, and computer readiness and Microsoft certifications.

The UBEOC Alumni Affairs and Student Development Office offers alumni support in their lifelong learning and career pursuits. The office connects alumni to networking, professional development, community service and employment opportunities.

Alumni who want to re-establish a relationship with UBEOC can contact Margot Barrett Keysor, alumni affairs administrator, at 645-1908 or keysor@buffalo.edu.

Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and the We Are Women Warriors community and family empowerment group are hosting a job fair on Wednesday, May 20th at the Frank E. Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson Ave. For more information contact Legislator Grant’s neighborhood district office at (716) 894-0914 / bjg@erie.gov .

Free Community Breakfast The Metropolitan United Methodist Church located at 657 Best (corner Herman Street), Buffalo invites you to join us for our Monthly Community “Breakfast at Metro”. Our next free breakfast will be on Saturday, May 23 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. This event will be held every 4th Saturday of the month and all ages are welcome to attend. There is no charge but a free will offering will be accepted. Come join us for a meal with family, friends and community neighbors. For more information please contact the church office at (716) 8915652.

women who have so valiantly served our country during periods of major strife, namely, War of Revolution, War of 1812, SpanishAmerican War and World War, do humbly petition the Common Council of the City of Buffalo for permission to erect a memorial bearing suitable inscription, in Jesse Clipper Square.” The group dedicated the Jesse Clipper Square at Michigan and William Streets on May 30, 1935. A monument was erected in honor of Jesse Clipper and all the war heroes of WWI as a result of the advocacy and fundraising of members of the Jesse Clipper Post. Since the initial dedication of the monument the dates of other wars, in which African Americans fought have been added.

The inscription on the front of the memorial reads: “In memory of the valiant service of negroes in all wars of these United States of America to the glory of God - WWII, Korea, Vietnam.” The back of the memorial is engraved with flowers strung on ribbons and trimmed with bows. The inscription reads: “1776, 1812, 1861, 1898, 1917, 1941, 1950, 1966.”This memorial was erected by the Jessie Clipper Post 430 American Legion in memory of Jessie Clipper. (Bio: uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com)

BARBARA NEVERGOLD /EDUCATION continued ity board members for pushing for a prudent, professional and inclusive search. Even as we work to move past the distractions that prevent a focus on student-centered issues, the News undermines our work and sincerity by labeling minority board members as supporters of the status quo.

The Superintendent search, including all the associated activities of the Board, offers an opportunity to hold the News accountable if it fails to report all perspectives related to this activity. The Board has a legal commitment to recruit and hire a new Superintendent; its only employee and arguably the District’s most critical employee. If past behavior is any predictor of future behavior, the documented strategy used to hire Mr. Ogilvie and the attempt to appoint a principal as the new Superintendent, without full Board input should be of grave concern and a focus of media scrutiny.

Public NoticesClassified

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED INCREASE AND IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES OF ERIE COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 3 Notice is hereby given that a public hearing pursuant to Section 254 of the County Law of the State of New York (the “Act”), will be held by the County Legislature of the County of Erie, New York (the “Erie County Legislature”), on the 3rd day of June , 2015 at 1:30 p.m., local time, at 92 Franklin Street, 4th Floor in Buffalo, New York in connection with a proposed Increase and Improvements of Facilities of Erie County Sewer District No. 3 (“District No. 3”): The increase and improvements of facilities for District No. 3, includes improvements to the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, in the estimated maximum amount of $5,000,000, as more fully described in the report and estimate of cost of the Erie County Sewer Agency dated August 27, 2014 (the “Sewer Agency Report”).

The Sewer Agency Report has been accepted and adopted by the Board of Manager of District No. 3 and a copy of such Sewer Agency Report has been filed with the County Legislature of the County of Erie.

The expenditures for such increase and improvement of facilities will not cause additional costs for property owners in District No. 3 for hook-up fees, and the annual cost of such expenditures to the Typical Property (as defined in the County Law) is $6.85.

The estimated maximum cost of the aforesaid improvements of the facilities of District No. 3 is $5,000,000 to be assessed against a benefitted area which consists of the entire area of said District No. 3 Dated: Buffalo, New York, May 14, 2015

BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK By: Karen M. McCarthy Clerk, County Legislature

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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.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Workforce Investment Board of Buffalo and Erie County (WIB) is accepting proposals for the following:

IN-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be received by the Workforce Investment Board no later than 3:00 p.m., EST, on June 5, 2015 in order to be considered.

View the complete announcement at www.becwib.org

rfp REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The NFTA is issuing this Request for proposals (RFP) for BNIA – Runway 14 Rehabilitation, Project No. 31BA1512. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM on June 8, 2015. www.nftaengineering.com

FILE # INDY FF 62129

NOTICE OF SALE COUNTY COURT - COUNTY OF ERIE OneWest Bank, FSB, Plaintiff -againstAcea M. Mosey-Erie County Public Administrator as Administratrix of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, Susan D. Wood as heir at law, next of kin and distributee of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, Sandra A. Mandel as heir at law, next of kin and distributee of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, Alan Mandel as heir at law, next of kin and distributee of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, John L. Mendel a/k/a John Mandel as heir at law, next of kin and distributee of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, Brian L. Mandel, Sr. as heir at law, next of kin and distributee of the Estate of Marion Mendel a/k/a Marion Margaret Mendel-deceased, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance-Tax Compliance Division-C.O.-ATC, Internal Revenue Service-United States of America, Capital One Bank, Richard Grabenstatter, People of the State of New York Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly dated MARCH 25, 2015 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at FORECLOSURE ALCOVE, ERIE COUNTY HALL, 92 FRANKLIN STREET, BUFFALO, NEW YORK on June 23, 2015 at 9:00 AM premises known as 139 FORBES AVENUE, TONAWANDA, NY 14150.

ALL that tract or parcel of land, situate in the Town of Tonawanda, County of ERIE and State of New York.

Section 40.46 Block 2 Lot 10 Approximate amount of lien $152,274.58 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment Index # 2013-602495 MARK J. LONGO, ESQ., REFEREE

STEIN, WIENER AND ROTH, L.L.P., ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF

ONE OLD COUNTRY ROAD, SUITE 113 CARLE PLACE, NY 11514 DATED: May 13, 2015 FILE # INDY FF 62129

EMPLOYMENT

BIDS COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS LAKE AVE CR200 RECONSTRUCTION PROJ# CAP-200-15 The Department of Public Works (DPW), Division of Highways, is seeking sealed bids for road reconstruction project. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1400, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Thursday, May 28, 2015. Bid deposit of $150,000.00 required.

Apprenticeship and MWBE utilization included. Plans will be available for purchase at $20/CD from Thursday, May 14, 2015 through bid date. Pre-let meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 11 am, DPW, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY. Additional Bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie. gov/dpw

BIDS Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the Office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On June 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for the general construction contract: PROJECT 0091-019: #91 BUILD Academy, 340 Fougeron St., Buffalo 14211 Masonry Restoration & Interior Reconstruction Beginning May 19, 2015, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom.com, under “Public Jobs”, or ordered by phone at 716-995-7777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources.

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the facility on May 26, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. Please assemble at the main entrance.

The architect will be present. Eligible bidders are required to attend this walkthrough or another previously arranged and documented site visit with architect and/or district personnel.

Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Christine Hentz at 716-8163565.

Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SERVICES The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority requests sealed proposals to provide all professional Architectural/Engineering Services necessary or incidental to provide site investigation, design services, preparation of plans and specifications and construction management services for the bidding and implementation of the following project: Architectural / Engineering Services to Facilitate Fire Restoration at 282 Hempstead And To Qualify To Be Considered For Future Fire Restoration Projects, BMHA Job #AE-15-03 The Request for Proposals may be obtained at the BMHA Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204.

Sealed proposals must be received by 3:00 PM, local time, on June 25, 2015 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Proposals received after this time will not be accepted. Perspective offerors are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-submittal meeting. The pre-submittal meeting will be held on June 16, 2015 @ 10:00 AM @ 320 Perry Street 14204.

The contract for professional services will only be awarded to a single professional firm; no joint ventures. The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority reserves the right to waive irregularities and to reject any and/or all proposals submitted.

Date: May 19, 2015

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO

13

VOTE?

BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Please check out our website at:

http://www.buffalolib.org/ content/employment-opportunities/job-postings

FREE HELP WANTED LISTING!

Need help around your business, church, mosque or organization? If you have a job or jobs for youth this summer we will list your help wanted free of charge!

Email to: advertising@thechallengernews.com Please include contact information for varification.

Manager, Classified Employment and Employee Relations

The Human Resources Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Manager, Classified Employment and Employee Relations.

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

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

Assistant Professor

The Political Science Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor.

Required Qualifications: - Doctoral degree in Public Administration or Political Science.

- Candidates should demonstrate commitment to teaching excellence, evidence of scholarly activity in the field of public administration and/or nonprofit management, and community engagement and consultation.

- Evidence of ability to teach and work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds is expected.

- Ability to teach research methods and data analysis for public and nonprofit management.

Preferred Qualifications: - MPA degree.

- Professional experience in a managerial, coordinator, or analytic position in public or nonprofit sectors.

- International/comparative public management teaching.

- International nonprofit/public professional experience.

- Teaching experience in an MPA program.

Qualified applicants may apply online at 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 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

Wednesday May 20

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

3-WAY WIN 4

ECC to hold 67th Commencement : 7 p.m., Buffalo State College Sports Arena, 1300 Elmwood Avenue.

SUN 5/10 MON 5/11 TUES 5/12 WED 5/`13 THURS 5/14 FRI 5/15 SAT 5/16

MID-484 MID-763 MID-932 MID-359 MID-303 MID-390 MID-520

EVE-139 EVE-053 EVE-786 EVE-463 EVE-230 EVE-717 EVE-296 MID- 4895 EVE-7259

MID-5639 EVE- 8563

MID - 8470 EVE - 0602

MID- 7541 EVE- 8893

MID- 4473 EVE- 0313

MID -5367 EVE- 9549

1-2-6-10-20

2-5-16-21-31

14-17-22-24-33

MID-3799 EVE-9191

1-27-36-37-38

TAKE 5

5-6-19-29-343 5-6-12-28-31

LOTTO

3-28-37-38-44-59 #48

202

HOT TIPS

648

514

111

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 875-579-103-076-423-568-909-096-534-546789-358-219 076-187-890-919-953-542-438910-680-194-234-567-891-908-026-436-580178-356-217-678-910-065-843-468-451-742 “Its In The Stars” Billy Bye Bye Sez: 189-901-659-514-1001447-1645-4444-8888 “Believe in miracles but don’t depend on them”

MAY MONTHLY VIBES

579-143-182-243409-374-492

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 561-236-164-469 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

quick money $$$$ THE NUMBER BOOK 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-525 583-269-508 Grandma’s MAY Picks 542-893-659-757-783-

Powerful New Energy Shift for Chinese New Year of the Sheep, Lucky Number “8.” This year marks 4017 Years of Celedration.

“Watch your temper!”

Best Triple for Month of MAY- Super 8’s - 888!

Doubles - 776-001-557-338

Bee’s Pix:133

“All My Children”

412-225-654-402-201-471-557

COMBO: 252, 228 -140

14

7-17-24-37-38

Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), public Access Channel 20.

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.

Re-Election Fundraiser for Darius G. Pridgen: 5:30 p.m., SoHo Burger Bar, 64 West Chippewa; $50, $7$, $100.

Meeting of the Board of the Westminster Community Charter School: 3 p.m. M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza - 19th Floor, downtown Buffalo.

Legislator Betty Jean Grant & We Are Women Warriors hosts Job Fair: 5-7:45 p.m. Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Ave.

1-20-28-30-34-49 #7

910

730

998

Challenger Hits Midday 520 Number Book (bx) 390 Quick Money , Luckie Duckie (straight) 359 ZR (bx)

Evening

296 Quick Money (bx) 230 Number Book ( straight) 463 ZR (bx) 786 ZR, Number Book (bx) LUCKIE DUCKIE

202 335 -2015-4444

134-431-143

648*123*104

980-422-809

981-989-970-990-080800 390-196-102-581-752319-408-378-352-126

189-444-886-202

322-522-412-432-421423

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

05/29/2014 Evening 05/29/2014 Midday 05/28/2014 Evening 05/28/2014 Midday 05/27/2014 Evening 05/27/2014 Midday 05/26/2014 Evening 05/26/2014 Midday 05/25/2014 Evening 05/25/2014 Midday 05/24/2014 Evening 05/24/2014 Midday 05/23/2014 Evening 05/23/2014 Midday 05/22/2014 Evening 05/22/2014 Midday 05/21/2014 Evening 05/21/2014 Midday 05/20/2014 Evening 05/20/2014 Midday

6-4-7 9-2-0 1-6-2 7-0-4 5-4-6 0-2-2 0-7-6 8-9-7 5-9-7 8-1-7 7-3-4 7-4-5 0-3-4 8-2-5 5-1-0 4-7-3 8-9-5 1-9-8 2-8-7 1-9-6

2014

Thursday May 21 #CatchTheWave Community Meeting: 5:30 – 7 p.m., United Way of Buffalo & Erie Count, 742 Delaware Avenue for more info email wavebuffalo1@gmail.com or call 848-0515.

Willie A. Price Fundraiser: Antonio’s Banquet facilities, 7708 Niagara Falls Blvd. N.F., $30 per person, $55 couple tickets @ door.

Good for the Neighborhood: 5-6:30pm at the Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building 3001 9th St. Niagara Falls. 635-4959 for info.

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes Town Hall Meeting: 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Delevan Grider Community Center 897 – 9714.

Friday May 22 Help Plant The Jesse Clipper Park Memorial Garden: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Intersection of William & Michigan (rain date May 23). For more info wellsgv7@gmail.com .

Saturday May 23 Rally For Peace, Justice, Jobs and Respect: 12 Noon at Niagara Square (across from City Hall) info 602-5877.

The Greater Eastside Field of Dreams Block Club Neighborhood Cleanup: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the following streets- between Broadway and William Street, Coit Street, Detroit street, Townsend Street and Wilson Street, between Fillmore and Smith Street and Wilson Street info terradumas@gmail.com .

Buffalo Infringement Festival kick Off Bash: Nietzsches 248 Allen St. Admission $2.

"Starting a Business" Seminar: presented by Paper Trails.9 a.m.

-3 p.m., Holiday Inn Buffalo Airport; 716-603-2192 or visit www. mypapertrailsonline.com for more info.

Free Community Breakfast “Breakfast Metro”: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m at The Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 657 Best ( corner of Herman Street) info 891-5652 Free.

Niagara Falls Links 65th Anniversary “All White” Gala: 6 p.m., Seneca Niagara Casino, 310 4th Street N.F. Black Tie, dinner & dancing; Tickets $65 per person; (716)285-0689 for info; featuring JFT w/national re cording artist Octavia Lambertis.

ASCAC MEETING: 2-4 p.m. Merriweather Libdrary.

Sunday May 24 40th Anniversary of the Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church: 127 Doat Street The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Graham Pastor.

Monday May 25 Afrikan Consciousness Workshop: 6-7:45 p.m. Merriweather Library Jefferson @ E. Utica; every Monday; public invited.

Wednesday May 27 Dorie Miller Rifle and Pistol Club Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Merriweather Library; community invited. 771-0138. www.maxi7.com

Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

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Challenger Community News • May 20, 2015

IMAGES OF US

Homeownership is important.

We’re here to help first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process and make buying a home affordable, even if you have:

GOUNDBREAKING! Mayor Byron Brown, Council President Darius Pridgen, New York State Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes and New York State Senator Timothy Kennedy recently joined Pastor Dwayne Jones of Mt. Aaron Missionary Baptist Church, clergy and community partners for a blessing and ground breaking ceremony for the Mt. Aaron Manor senior housing complex. When completed in 2016, the two story apartment building, located adjacent to Mt. Aaron Missionary Baptist Church at 528 Genesee Street, will consist of ten single bedroom units which will provide seniors a safe and affordable housing option Under the leadership of Pastor Jones, the new development will be located adjacent to Mt. Aaron Missionary Baptist Church. Since becoming pastor in 2006, Pastor Jones has helped turn the oncestruggling church into a thriving beacon of hope for the entire community with an average attendance of almost 300 at his Sunday services. Today’s groundbreaking builds on his commitment to fulfill the neighborhood’s growing need for services to support senior citizens and youth.

• Little money for a downpayment • Little or “less-than-perfect” credit history • A recent job change To get started, call 1-888-253-0993 or visit mtb.com/mortgage.

H

Certain restrictions apply. Subject to credit and property approval. NMLS# 381076 ©2015 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

Challenger: 5” x 5.5”

A new Kindergarten through Grade 6 Elementary School NOW ENROLLING KINDERGARTEN, 1ST GRADE AND 2ND GRADE 404 Edison Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 • (716) 833-3250 • • • • • • • • •

Inquiry-based instruction that builds on children’s natural curiosity Children learn by exploring, investigating, analyzing and creating Academic focus on literacy, critical thinking and problem solving Low student to teacher ratio Individualized instruction plan for every child Longer school day and school year Free two-hour extended day program (3:30 pm to 5:30 pm) Bus transportation available Infusion of African-American history and culture while celebrating the cultures of all children • School culture based on collaboration and respect Charter Schools are public schools. There is no tuition. All city of Buffalo children are welcome to attend.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. APPLY NOW! Applications for enrollment are available at www.charterschoolofinquiry.org, or one can be mailed by calling 716-833-3250.