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ENTERTAINMENT
Chauncey in concert.
Chauncey Northington: “Mr. R & B” Silenced But Not Forgotten... By Kunjané Lyons-Latimer Social Media Correspondent (ED. NOTE: Chauncey Northington, 41, was killed in a tragic car crash the day before Thanksgiving after suffering a medical condition at the wheel of his vehicle on his way to work. His vehicle hit a tree before crashing into a house on Davidson Avenue. Fortunately no one in the house was injured, but the house is no longer habitable. Known as “Mr. R & B,” the gifted vocalist has literally traveled the world. His loving and amazing family are relying on their unshakable faith to keep them strong. Chauncey Northington. Mr. R&B. Gone too soon. Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday, December 2) at Prince of Peace COGIC, 669 Kensington Avenue. Viewing is at 10am. The Celebration of Life begins at noon. His dear friend, Social Media Correspondent Kunjane’ LyonsLatimer penned the following article in his honor.)
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hauncey R. Northington was born June 22, 1974. He grew up on Johnson St. with his mother Diane, father Alvin and baby sister Shavone. He attended #39 grammar school, then went on to Bennett High School. Chauncey was sweet, smart, talented and kind to everyone he met. He was every girl’s first model of a gentlemen;
always giving respectful and thoughtful compliments to the young ladies. He was the model of a perfect brother and friend: caring, understanding, compassionate, and appropriately protective. Growing up in the church under the direction of his grandfather, Pearlie Northington (The Fantastic Northington Singers) and his father Alvin (affectionately known as Abby), he was an amazing singer, blessed with golden pipes and the gift of song. Everyone knew he’d make something of himself in music. Chauncey was offered his first record contract in New York City in 1995 as a part of the R&B group “True Indeed” with members Teddy Turpin, Terrell Carter, Davon Dinkins, LaMont J., & Grammy Award winning producer Stevie J. He was dubbed “Baby Boy” back then. True Indeed opened up for Bobby Brown’s Humpin’ Around Tour, worked with Cherelle, and was given the chance to write for Dave Hollister, Tevin Campbell, Deborah Cox, Simply Red, and sing background vocals for these artists as well. Chauncey went overseas touring, as a result of working with local producer “Juice” in early 2001, singing in Oman every night for about three months from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.! He has graced the stages of Club Etcetera, The Metro-
politan, Ujima, The Groove Lounge, The Tralf and countless others in Buffalo, NY, New York City and Los Angeles. Artistic, family oriented, God-fearing and a perfectionist are just some of the words used to describe “Mr. R&B” by his family and close friends. Gone but never forgotten, we send love and pray for his family as we pray his spirit over...God bless always and forever. Chauncey leaves to cherish his memory, his loving father and mother, Minister Alvin G. and Dianna L. Northington; loving sister Shavone Northington Watkins; and grandmother Verlena Northington. He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, relatives and friends.
The Blackness Project Kickstarter
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he Blackness Project is a featured length documentary film about culture and race from the perspectives of African American and other minorities.A Kickstarter fundraising event o will be held on December 5 at the Daemen College Theater in the Tri-Main Center in Buffalo. For more info:Theblacknessproject.org
Challenger Community News • December 2, 2015
“STATEMENT PIECES”: Jinah Parker and Dancers presented “Statement Pieces” in New York City over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is Jinah’s first time presenting an evening length production of her choreography. In addition to Jinah, the three other dancers included Shuantee Henry, Solomon Dumas, and Jashiro Dean. “Statement Pieces” was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s lyric in “Love’s In Need of Love Today…” The suite is composed of three pieces, which explore universal themes including privilege, self-hate, anxiety, and depression. “Ultimately, the prism of dance creates a performed foundation of self-love and hope. In a confused world filled with doubt, self-hate, consistently growing anxiety and depression, we must look towards love as the solution,” stated Jinah. The beautiful and talented young dancer is the daughter of Jennifer and Attorney Melvin Parker of Buffalo. Congratulations! SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS