Challenger Community News

ATHERIA V. WARE: 100 YEAR OLD COMMUNITY LEGACY OF SERVICE AND LOVE Page 5

Photos by Urban Legacy Filmworks and ROC Kwanzaa Coalition

December 14, 2023 | FREE | Community News

From Buffalo To Rochester

CELEBRATE KWANZAA! Buffalo Schedule - Page 18 | Rochester Schedule - Page 2

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Premiere of Critically Acclaimed James Baldwin Film Tells the Story of Race in America HISTORY

100 Years of Musical & Cultural Striving!

NATIONAL

America, Canada and Anti-Muslim Sentiment: A Tale of Two Governments

Michaela Angela Davis at PG. 3 The Burchfield

C E L E B R AT I N G 6 0 Y E A R S O F “ P L E A D I N G O U R C A U S E ” 1 9 6 3 - 2 0 2 3 PG. 9

PG. 2

LOCAL

PG. 4

PEACE RALLY & WALK AGAINST VIOLENCE PG. 3 IN OUR COMMUNITY

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

“Harambee! Let’s All Pull Together” is Theme of 2023 Rochester Kwanzaa Celebration Dr. David Anderson To Receive A Special Honor

“Habari Gani!”

A long-established tradition of the Rochester community, the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition hosts seven days of events and activities in celebration of Kwanzaa. The theme of the 2023 celebration is “Harambee! Let’s All Pull Together!”

This year the committee is is honoring Dr. Anderson, its founder. The group also recently spearheaded a school named in his honor, David and Ruth Anderson School #16 Also this year special guest internationally renowned African music specialist Master Drummer Khalid Saleem, former professor at SUNY Brockport, will be drumming with his community students. They will be drumming and dancing at all the Kwanzaa Community celebrations.

-2023 KWANZAA SCHEDULEEach day represents one of the seven core principles of the holiday.

Experience the magic of Kwanzaa as we celebrate the holiday’s art, culture and history.

Check out the schedule below and visit The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition’s X (Twitter) Page twitter.com/RocKwanzaa also follow them on facebook.com/RochesterKwanzaaCoalition and on Instagram @rockwanzaa for more information.

Day 1 - December 26th - Umoja (Unity) - City Hall Atrium 4-7 p.m.

Day 2 - December 27th - Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - Phillis Wheatley 4-7 p.m.

Day 3 - December 28th - Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - Memorial Art Gallery 5-8 p.m.

Day 4 - December 29th - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - 803 West Ave. 4-7 p.m.

Day 5 - December 30th - Nia (Purpose) - Rundell Library 4-7 p.m.

Day 6 - December 31th - Kuumba (Creativity) - Montgomery Center 6-9 p.m.

Day 7- January 1st - Imani (Faith) - Celebrate at home with friends and family -About Dr. AndersonDr. Anderson’s lifelong work has been to support equal access to education and adult continuing education. He holds a PhD in educational administration from Union Institute, in Cincinnati, and is actively engaged in the Rochester community, especially in his role as a local storyteller known as “Sankofa.”

Last year Frederick Douglass historian David Anderson was honored with the New York state Liberty Medal, the highest civilian honor that a state resident can receive and is given for lifetime achievement and exceptional community acts. Dr. Anderson is best known for his work as chairman of the Rochester-Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission and his work preserving the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass in Rochester.

Dr. Anderson He is 93 years young! Congratulations Dr. Anderson.

-Rochester Kwanzaa CommitteeThe Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition was started in 1989 by Dr. Anderson and Sister Netfa Fodiaba. Dr. Anderson served as chairperson until 2010.

The Kwanzaa 2023 Committee members include: Terry Chaka and Delores Jackson Radney co-chair from 2010 -2022; Paula Adell Jr. President, Craig Carson Vice President, Dominique Gayle Secretary, Delores Jackson Radney treasurer/elder, Terry Chaka Elder, Lisa Johnson, Beverly Colbert, Aneesa Willis and Nieva Gilbert.

See you at the Kwanzaa Celebration!

Khalid Saleem

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

Councilmembers Martin, Lupien, Smith Call for Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza, Affirm Support for Palestinian People (ED. NOTE: The following statement comes from City Councilmembers Stanley Martin, Kim Smith and Vice President Mary Lupien regarding United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People) On the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we affirm our support for the liberation of all Palestinians. We mourn the killing of over 1,000 Israeli civilians on October 7th and we are devastated by the Israeli government's collective punishment of Palestinian civilians in response, killing over 15,000 Palestinians in the last 50 days — including more than

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Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

AREA BRIEFS

Columnist Eva Doyle Announces Book Signing for 13th Book APPOINTED: Darren E. Saxon has been appointed Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Buffalo Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Saxon has served as the Director for the City's Office of New Americans. He is replacing former Chief Diversity Officer Chantele Campbell who is now Chief Health Equity Officer at Bestself Behavioral Health.

DEAR VALUED READERS: The Challenger Will Not Publish December 21, 28 Or January 4.

We Will Resume Publication On Thursday, January 11, 2024.

The Deadline For The Jan. 11 Edition Is Friday, January 5. .

Please Feel Free To Reach Us At: Advertising@ Thechallengernews.com Or Leave A Message @ (716)881-1051 Or Email Editorial @ thechallengernews.com Thank You For Allowing Us Another Year To Serve!

Have A Safe And Happy Holiday Season!

Columnist and Retired teacher Dr. Eva M. Doyle recently released her 13th book, "My Journey of 45 Years Teaching African and African American History in the Home, School, and Community."

A book signing will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m, in the Dr. Eva M. Doyle auditorium at the Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson.

The book traces Dr. Doyle's life as an educator, historian, and community activist. The book is biographical, historical and highly informative about the little-known facts of African American history that have been left out of textbooks. For more information you can call Dr. Doyle at (716) 847-6010.

African Heritage Food Co-Op Founder Gets Probation Alexander J. Wright, the visionary founder and former CEO of the African Heritage Food Co-Op, was sentenced to three years of probation on Monday by State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens. Wright, 44, pleaded guilty in October to a misdemeanor gun charge. He was arrested in July following an early morning traffic stop on William Street. Shortly after his arrest Pastor Kinzer Pointer assumed the role of CEO after Wright announced that he had cut all ties with the organization.

Humboldt Parkway Homeowners & Stakeholders Meeting Scheduled There are a lot of persons talking about what they want the 33 Expressway to look like but they are not talking to the homeowners and or their tenants, who have suffered respiratory problems, cancer and other health issues, over the decades of living next to the Expressway.

We Are Women Warriors will host a community meeting to give these homeowners and other interested persons a chance to weigh in on how the almost billion dollars will be spent and what the project will look like. All households in the Impacted area on Humboldt Parkway between Dodge St. and Sidney St, will be personally invited to come to this meeting to share their experiences of living so close to the 33 Expressway. Requests to attend have been sent to the NYS Department Of Transportation, Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYS Senator Tim Kennedy and NYS Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

The meeting will be held Thursday, December 21st, 5:30-8PM @ the Frank E Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. Buffalo.

In addition to door-to-door canvassing CAC has drafted an online survey, centered on the subject matter. The survey is accessible via the We Are Women Warriors Facebook Groups page, (users must log into their email app, first). The results, along with the residents/neighbors opinions expressed during those "in-person" Humboldt Parkway resident discussions surrounding this $1 Billion Parkway Restoration Initiative, will be disclosed at the Meeting.

The survey is also accessible via Covington Associates Consulting's, Facebook page.

Free Refreshments will be served. at the Dec. 21 meeting. All are welcome to attend and participate. For more information, please contact Betty Jean Grant at 716-602-5877.

City-Wide MLK Celebration Set for January 14 School Superintendent Williams, Senator Kennedy Tapped as Keynote Speakers

The Concerned Citizens Following The Dream Committee has announced that it will present the 44th annual free City-Wide Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration program on Sunday January 14 at 6 p.m. in Kleinhans Music Hall. The theme is "What Would Martin Luther King Jr. Say In 2024, 60 Years After The March On Washington?"

In addition to twelve community awards being presented, Kleinhans will come alive with a host of Dr. Martin Luther King exciting performances of dance, song and speech.

Bessie Patterson will once again serve as program coordinator for this citywide event. This is her 18th year at the helm. The Hon. Brother Clifford Bell hosted the event for 26 years before Ms. Patterson was named in 2007.

After Donald Trump was elected president, the 2017 King celebration took on special significance, noted Ms. Paterson during a Challenger interview at that time. Given the country/ world’s political landscape – her words still hold true today.

Dr. King, she reminded, never gave up on his dream, and in fact proclaimed that he had “been to the mountaintop” and saw better days for his people and the nation. “We we too have to look beyond what may appear to be dark days ahead,” she said.

“Like Dr. King, we have to have the faith and belief that things are going to be better,” she told The Challenger. “We have to keep our heads up and look beyond what it looks like now and see the bright side to what the Lord has in store for His people. We have to look beyond the darkness and see the light…and do so with jubilation." “ Let’s come out and celebrate (Dr. King),” she urged. “A celebration is always joyful.

Bring children too..!” See you there!

624 Area Code is Here!

If you haven’t already noticed, there’s a new area code in town: 624.

The State Public Service Commission decided in October to add another area code because the 716 area code was about to run out of numbers. If you have a 716 area code it’s not going to change. The new area code primarily affects numbers for new mobile and landline phones.

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The National Memorial for Peace and Justice,in Montgomery, Alabama is dedicated to the victims of American White supremacy and the lynching of thousands of Black people.

Lynchings Of Children

Many White people sought to enforce racial hierarchy by instilling fear in the Black community through brutal violence that was often unpredictable and arbitrary. Among the documented victims of racial terror lynchings are dozens of children, including infants and toddlers under the age of five.

On October 3, 1908, in Fulton County, Kentucky, five Black children in the Walker family were lynched along with their father by a mob of 50 White men. The men shot to death four of the children including an infant who was hit by a bullet while in the arms of their mother, and burned the fifth child alive in the Walker family’s home. No one was ever convicted for these murders.

A 12-year-old Black boy named L.D. Nelson was seized by a White mob from a jail in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, and hanged from a bridge along with his mother on May 24, 1911.A grand jury declined to indict anyone for the crime.

Two Black teenage boys, 15-year-old Ernest Collins and 16-year-old Benny Mitchell were lynched by a mob of at least 700 White men, women and children in Colorado County, Texas on November 12, 1935. Several newspapers printed a photograph of two White local law enforcement officials posing

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FAITH & FAMILY

INSPIRATION: Dr. Gentry L. Garmon has penned an inspirational new book, "Thrifty Thoughts For The Day,” where he explores a variety of topics and how God walks each of us through these seasons of life. Dr. Garmon has served as pastor of the Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church in Buffalo for 35 years. He is a long-time member of the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity.

BEYOND THE PULPIT: Second Chance Outreach Ministries sponsored free hot soup, winter clothes and coats giveaway at Jefferson and E. Ferry last Saturday afternoon.

Arthur H. Boyd is Pastor/Teacher of Second Chance Ministries, "A Community Church" located at 381 E. Ferry St.

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

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Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

Atheria V. Ware A Community Legacy of Service and Love

T

he day after Thanksgiving, Atheria V. Ware was blessed to turn 100 years old on November 24, 2023. She recently celebrated her birthday here in Western New York surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

An original native of Cerro Gordo, NC and the 11th child out of 12 children; she moved to Philadelphia, PA. when she was 16 years old with her two sisters; Viola and Francis. There she enrolled in the School of Beauty Culture where she received her diploma and license. She took pride working alongside her family in Vann's Beauty Salon that they owned and operated; building a great clientele within the community. She later married, had two daughters; Martrece and Vanessa and the family relocated to Buffalo, NY in 1950.

A long time resident of the Fruit - Belt neighborhood for over 50 years, she attended and is a member of good standing at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Lackawanna, NY for 70 years under the leadership of four pastors: Rev. Watson, Rev. Livingston, Rev. Watkins, and now, Rev. Mobley. She is a woman of faith who proudly served as the President of the Nurses guild until her health began to fail.

Although she was a beautician, she also had a successful 45 year career with Stanley Home Products.

Atheria was actively involved in her community and recognized for being instrumental in fostering the beautification of the Fruitbelt neighborhood. She received an acknowledgment of excellence from the City of Buffalo to "Keep WNY Beautiful."

Often called Ms. Ware or Mother Ware, she contributed greatly to the area that she lived, valued, and believed in.

Known as an advocate, she excelled in community engagement. She was passionate about gardening; building a strong family - oriented neighborhood; along with bringing people and community together. She was one of the many front runners who helped cultivate and strengthen the beloved Fruit- Belt area. In her honor, there is a plaque on Mulberry and Virginia Street dedicated to her, Ms. Myrtle Davis and Juantia Kelly

for all their dedication and commitment to the neighborhood.

Many remember Ms. Ware organizing the annual Night Out in her Ellicott District neighborhood. As the Fruit-Belt block club president, she believed in the importance of being a good neighbor. She also assisted developing productive relations between the area citizens and local government.

She was instrumental in helping to transform desolate; unpleasant looking areas and cultivated beautiful green spaces into a neighborhood garden.

Ms. Ware's held a firm commitment to keeping the Fruit-Belt strong, attractive, and lively by teaching others how to plant and grow their own food.

She has served in multiple organizations over the years such as the Fruit-Belt Coalition, the Fruit-Belt United, and the National Black Caucus . She continues to be recognized for her leadership and contributions. Most recently, she received the 50th Anniversary award from the New York Statewide Senior Action Council for Improving the Lives of Seniors and Families in New York State.

We honor and appreciate her efforts, passion, wisdom, and zeal that she has sown into the well-being, hearts, and spirit of others. She will always be highly regarded as a gatekeeper, a visionary for the community at large and the mother of a beloved neighborhood who only did what she loved and enjoyed without any fanfare. She is truly a jewel among us!

Today, Ms. Ware still enjoys her plants and gardening; embracing love and laughter, and the fruit of her womb - 5 generations of blessings as she continues to serve the Lord.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Foods to Keep Us Healthy During The Winter Months

W

inter is the most yin season, a time for storing and conserving energy -to slow down, rejuvenate, rest, nourish our inner life, restore our foundation, and deepen our roots within ourselves, within our family, and within our spiritual community and faith.

In our bodies, the organs associated with the winter period are the kidneys. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are thought of as the-root of the body's energy.

Following are some of the foods you may want to incorporate in your diet to support your kidneys (as well as the bladder, adrenal glands, and bones ) during the winter months.

•Liquid foods: drink warming herbal teas with ginger, nettle, fennel seeds, licorice root, and cinnamon in the winter, and use an abundance of vegetable and bean soups to promote kidney cleansing.

•Salty foods: a little salt is beneficial to the kidneys and adrenal glands, while too much can cause tightness in the kidneys and bladder. Use miso, seaweeds, sea salt, millet, and barley.

•Bitter foods: a small quantity of bitter foods nourishes the heart, which may also be stressed in winter. Use lettuce, watercress, endive, escarole, turnip, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, rye, oats,·quinoa, and amaranth.

•Warming foods: ginger, cinnamon, garlic, black pepper, cloves, fennel, cayenne, roasted root vegetables (yams, potatoes, beets, carrots), flaxseed oil. Minimize your intake of cold foods, such as salad greens, raw vegetables and fruit, cold drinks, and ice cream.

•Kidney yang tonics (warming): walnuts, black beans, quinoa, onions, leeks, garlic, chicken, wild salmon (use seldom because of contaminants), cloves.

•Kidney yin tonics (blood building): mung beans, mung bean sprouts, string beans, black beans, aduki beans, kidney beans, black soybean, lentils, tofu, wild rice, millet, barley, sweet rice, wheat berries, potato, parsley, asparagus, seaweeds, spirulina, chlorella, red raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, watermelon, rosehip tea, and red raspberry tea.

•Adrenal tonics (energy enhancing): oatmeal, Siberian ginseng, licorice root tea, sea salt.

•Bladder cleansers: aduki beans, lima beans, celery, carrots,.winter squash, potatoes, asparagus, diluted lemon juice, cranberry juice.

•Bone builders: sesame seeds, tahini, hummus, almonds, kale, broccoli, carob, amaranth, figs, dandelion greens, spinach, collards, black-eyed peas, soybeans.

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER… South African runner Maros Mosehla, at 81, (pictured right) became the oldest person to complete the Comrades, a 56-mile foot race, in its 102-year history, shattering a record that had stood for more than three decades. Perhaps even more jaw-dropping was the fact that he crossed the finish line in the City of Durban 9 hours and 26 minutes later ahead of more than two-thirds of the runners, 95 percent of whom were more than 20 years younger than him.

Maros has outlived two wives, two of his 17 children and most of his childhood friends. He ran another marathon in November.

“People ask me why I refuse to be old,” he told the New York Times. “God knows everyone’s age,” he said. “And for me he has decided: You are still young.”

Kirsten Vincent Respite & Recovery Center

East Buffalo Counseling

Guiding Wellness, Nurturing Hope Not every emergency requires a visit to the hospital.

Spectrum Health’s East Buffalo Counseling Center, located in the Kirsten Vincent Respite and Recovery Center at 111 Maple St. provides a safe environment where you can get immediate help and support Monday thru Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

No appointment necessary.

Call 716.828.1719 to check in ahead of arriving.

Spectrum Health has onsite Peer Support Specialists, Crisis Workers, and Clinicians who will help you connect with the services you need.

Spectrum Health is a New York State Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Celebrating a Half Century of Changing Lives

https://shswny.org/

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Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

“It All Began in 1963”...

And May It Continue Forever!

FULL MILITARY HONORS. Paul Woods was given full military honors on November 27 at Lakeside Cemetery (above)

Home Going Services for WWII Veteran Paul Woods Home Going Services were held at Prince of Peace COGIC on Kensington Avenue on November 27 for Paul Woods, a 100 year old World War II veteran. Born in Bazemore, Alabama on February 20, 1923, he passed away on November 19, 2023.

Part of Paul Woods contribution to Buffalo was raising 15 distinguished children. He was the WWII coordinator for the Jesse Clipper American Legion Post 430. Paul was part of the World War generation which exemplified honor, patriotism, humility, hard work and devotion to God, country and family. Paul loved the “Bills.” Over his lifetime he saw many changes in America from segregation to integration, with Black mayors and the election of the nation’s first Black President. He is included in the MOVIE: "Two Wars: The Road to Integration" and last month he was interviewed for inclusion in a book by Dr. Cookfair on Black soldiers in WWII. Paul has been honored by senators, congressman, two mayors, legislators and councilman.

We’re here for you.

Here in your neighborhood.

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Congratulations to Alnisa Banks, Leah Hamilton and Shola Clark for doing an excellent job running and taking care of our publishing legacy - The Challenger Community News. Happy 60th Anniversary Challenger, And May You Never Stop Pleading Our Cause!

We Are Women Warriors Betty Jean Grant - Founder Sherry Sherrill - Projects Facilitator

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Rochester Urban League's Black Schools Program Awarded ESL Grant The Urban League of Rochester's Black Scholars Program recently received a $111,700 grant from ESL Federal Credit Union.

Funding will support the growth and sustainability of the program while enhancing the program’s technology by developing a secure and user-friendly mobile application for Apple and Android mobile devices.

The Black Scholars program was established in 1980 with the aim of promoting academic excellence among Black high school students in the Rochester area. Since then, it has expanded to encompass Rochester and the six surrounding counties. The program grants scholarships through partnerships with Black-owned businesses, local colleges, and corporate organizations.

Ajamu Kitwana, is vice president and director, community impact, ESL Federal Credit Union.

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

FULL MOON WATCH December 26, 2023

LIGHTS IN MLK PARK

The full moon is a time to release energy, including emotional baggage, letting go of things that have been taking an emotional toll, or simply closing a cycle. The full moon represents a time to heal, both physically and emotionally, and it’s the perfect time to get into a self-care mood and take care of yourself.

The evergreen tree and MLK Monument Bust is lit up for the holiday season, thanks to the support of Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes and National Grid! Construction for the artistic lighting project has begun at the MLK Monument Plaza, please use caution and stay away from any construction staging area when visiting MLK Jr. Park

RABJ Congratulates The Challenger Your Community Newspaper on 60 Years of Dedicated Service to the Community!

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

AKG! To do anything for sixty years requires dedication, resilience, and a lot of hard work.

To be in the news business requires all of those things—and something more: dedication to truth, a commitment to community, and absolute conviction that knowledge can change and empower. Congratulations to The Challenger Community News for sixty years of dedicated service to the community from your friends at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

ON STAGE

Celebration of Seasons

Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective B u f f a l o ’ s Presents Love Supreme School of Music Own Foxie Brown and Winter Recital!

The Blues

O

n Saturday December 16 the pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective will present the Love Supreme School of Music Winter Recital at Northland Workforce Training Center 638 Northland Avenue. The recital begins at 5pm.

Admission is Free.

To sponsor this event which includes a post performance dinner, please contact Dawn Martin Berry-Walker at dawnembw@aol.com .

Visit the PMLJAZZ.COM and learn more about membership and upcoming events and how to support this amazing school of talented youth in our community.

Men present Celebration of Seasons on Friday December 22 from 12:30p.m. to 3p.m. at The Broadway Market. There will be Singing, special guests, line dancing and free prizes. Come out and celebrate with Foxie Brown and the Blues Men!

Faizon Love at The Helium Comedy Club, Thurs. Dec. 28 @ 8 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 29 & Sat. Dec. 30 two show nightly 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Coming to the Stage at UB Center For The Arts

Two incredible shows in 2024 presented by UB Center for the Arts are coming to the stage. Tickets are on sale now and will sell out fast so visit ubcfa.org or call 716 645-6259 to purchase.

They ae as follows: February 9 2024 Cecile McLorin Salvant will be performing February 9 at

7:30 pm, at Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall. Tickets are $20 and free for UB Students. Cecile McLorin Salvant is a composter singer and visual artist. Through her work she finds connections between vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz baroque and folkloric music. Alavant is an electric curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics and unexpected twists and humor.

March 13 Urban Bush Women

Performing at the Main Stage Theatre on March 13 at 7:30pm. This will be their 40th anniversary performance Legacy +Lineage+ Liberation celebrating the power of women in an evening of new and classic works that transcend genres and amplify the voices of women of color. Works by founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and a new work by coArtistic Directors Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Spies.

Kool and The Gang at

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino January 27 , 2024.

Tickets start at $45 call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877873-6322) or visit SenecaNiagaraCasino.com

SUPPORT THE ARTS

We at the African American Cultural Center & Its Paul Robeson Theatre Wish to Say “Thank You!” We at the Paul Robeson Theatre are so grateful for WNY’s support for half of ‘23 and ‘23-24 season. We will be taking a break from plays & present free Community Day Events (donations, gratefully accepted) • Dec. 16th at 4pm Gospel/Holiday Open Mic. Dec. 30th at 7:30pm “Celebrating Willie Judson”.

• Jan. 26th - 28th, we will do a special remount of “Tolley’s Place”

by Shirley Sarmiento.

• Saturday February 17th at 5pm & Sunday, February 18th at 4pm, we will present “Harriet Tubman Speaks” by Catherine Robinson.

• March 8th -24th the PRT will resume its ‘23-’24 Season with Paula Wachowiak’s “The Polish Cleaning Lady’s Daughter” • April 5th - 28th -The season will end with James & Loren Keller’s “A Pitch from Satchel Paige” featuring PRT’s Roosevelt Tidwell III & Russell C. Holt, (actors will be performing alternate weekends).

Thank You WNY for Your Support & Especially to The Challenger Celebrating 60 Years of Publication, Serving the African American & Other Communities!

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Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

Tiffany D. Gaines

Buffalo AKG Art Museum Competing in USA Today's Ten Best New Museums 2024 Category Buffalo’s Albright-Knox Gundlach Art Museum is competing in USA Today’s Ten Best New Museums 2024 category and voting is open to the public! Buffalo’s AKG Art Museum is currently ranked #1 out of 16 entries in the quest for the top ten. Voting ends December 25 at noon.

You can vote for the AKG Art Museum here: https://10best.usatoday. com/awards/travel/bestnew-museum-2024/buffaloakg-art-museum-buffalonew-york/share/ Vote for AKG!

Tiffany D. Gaines Recipient of the 2023–24 Emily Hall Tremaine Journalism Fellowship for Curators

Burchfield Penney's own Curatorial Associate Tiffany D. Gaines is the recipient of the coveted Contemporary Art & Culture Publication Hyperallergic 2023-24 Emily Hall Tremaine Journalism Fellowship for Curators.

Tiffany and four other curators will collaborate with Hyperallergic's world-class editorial team to demystify the behind-the-scenes aspects of their curatorial practices and share insights into their processes.

Each will publish two articles on Hyperallergic, produce an online exhibition, and discuss their work in a virtual event open to readers. Congratulations to Tiffany!

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Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

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Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

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Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative Announces Recipients of the 2023 Community Service Awards Honoring Judge Hugh B. Scott The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI), an initiative of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo that focuses on cultivating positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color, is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the Judge Hugh B. Scott Community Service Award and the Inspiring Youth Community Service Award, both of which honor the legacy of Judge Hugh B. Scott.

The Judge Hugh B. Scott Community Service Award recognizes a person age 21- 40 from a Western New York community of color who exemplifies a commitment to creating positive change in the lives of youth of color through community service, civic engagement or volunteerism. The 2023 recipient is Isaac De Los Santos, Vice President, Business Banking Senior Relationship Manager at M&T Bank.

The Judge Hugh B. Scott Inspiring Youth Community Service Award recognizes a trailblazing youth of color age 13- 20 from Western New York who exemplifies a commitment to creating positive change through community service, civic engagement or volunteerism, above and beyond activities required or sponsored by school or youth programs. The 2023 recipient is Sinclair Maclin, a student at City Honors School.

Both recipients were honored at the CGLI’s annual Pay It Forward Awards on Nov. 2, 2023.

Hugh B. Scott was a United States magistrate judge for the Western District of New York, known for his integrity, demonstrated by his work in judicial codes of conduct, and his pioneering work in the area of reentry. He also taught trial technique at UB law school for more than 30 years. Judge Scott was a founding member of the CGLI who exemplified its mission of creating positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living in Western New York.

To honor his legacy, in 2022, the CGLI established these two new awards to lift up and celebrate individuals who represent new generations of servant-leaders in our Western New York communities of color.

To see past honorees and learn more about the CGLI, visit theCGLI.org.

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

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are you registered to VOTE?

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Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

Gift Giving and Sharing During Kwanzaa!

2023 marks the 57th year for the celebration of Kwanzaa, an African American Cultural Holiday that was created

by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days from December 26 - January 1. Each day represents one of the seven principles of Blackness (The Nguzo Saba).

December 26-Umoja-Unity; December 27-Kujichagulia- Self Determination; December 28-Ujima-Collective Work and Responsibility; December 29-Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics; December 30-Nia-Purpose; December 31-Kuumba-Creativity; January 1-Imani-Faith.

According to Dr. Karenga (Gift Giving and Sharing Good During Kwanzaa: Lessons for Life As Well As Celebration - 27 November 2023), One of the seven symbols of the holiday Kwanzaa is the zawadi or gifts...in order to avoid lack of poverty of purpose in our gift-give, we agreed that Kwanzaa

gifts must always include two items: a) a book and b) a heritage symbol- regardless of what else is given.

•African American Calendars for 2024 with highlights of history •Beyond February: Teaching Black History Any Day, Every Day and All Year Long by Dawnavyn James •The First Ladies: A Novel by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray •Invisible Generals: Rediscovering Family Legacy and a Quest to Honor America's First Black Generals by Doug Melville •Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle by Maulana Karenga •King: A Life by Jonathan Eig •Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture by Maulana Karenga •The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi

CEASE FIRE

Continued From Page 2 children — and call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza to indefinitely preserve civilian life.

We condemn the hateful and racist attacks against Palestinians across the country, and extend our deepest sympathies and well wishes to the families of Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ali Ahmad, three Palestinian college students shot this month by a white man in Burlington, Vermont.

Since 2017, Rochester has proudly stood as a Sanctuary City, committed to maintaining and furthering human rights for all within its borders. We, therefore, remain dedicated to the safety and sanctuary of all Palestinians in the City of Rochester.

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17

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

Our City Buffalo Hosts Successful Anti-Displacement Summit, Honors Lives of Blizzard Victims as Year Anniversary Approaches Over 100 Buffalonians come together to talk about antidisplacement strategies and march to City Hall to demand acknowledgement, accountability, and a plan to keep residents safe during extreme weather events in the future

O

ver the weekend, Our City Buffalo and community partners hosted the fifth annual Anti-Displacement Summit. There were over 100 Buffalonians who participated in the day’s event.

Co-sponsors of the event hosted 11 workshops on various critically important issues to the city of Buffalo, including the ongoing displacement of the Haudenosaunee.

A panel discussion moderated by the Partnership for the Public Good’s Executive Director Andrea Ó Súilleabháin about last year’s “Christmas blizzard” featured policy experts, community leaders, media personalities, and everyday Buffalo residents.

People reiterated how underprepared the local government was and how, for the most part, city residents were asked to take care of themselves and each other to make it through the blizzard. Panelists expressed skepticism that the City of Buffalo is prepared for another extreme weather event.

At the conclusion of the Summit, victims’ families and loved ones marched down to Niagara Square, along with a number of Summit goers, to memorialize the community members who lost their lives in the blizzard. The first person to speak during the memorial was the daughter of Stasia Syta who died while traveling to the Broadway Market to purchase food for Christmas Eve dinner.

Edie Syta, in speaking about her mother’s death, lamented,

COLLECTIVE TRAUMA; Families and loved ones of victims who died in last December's deadly blizzard stand in front of City Hall. Photograph by @NatePeraccini “Buffalo failed us. It failed a lot of people. It failed a lot of families - brothers, sisters, mothers, friends. It’s devastating and disgusting…it’s disgusting that it took a year, almost a year, to remember all the names.”

The memorial was co-emceed by trauma therapist and co-founder of Little People’s Victory Nicolalita Rodriguez and PUSH Buffalo Climate Justice Organizer Rev. Dr. Majadi Baruti.

They offered the following words during the ceremony: “Every one of these people has a story, they’re not just a name. We treat trauma as an individual and inevitable occurrence. We offer our sympathy, business as usual, like our City did. As a trauma therapist, I can tell you that this trauma is collective…Collective trauma requires collective healing, said Nicolalita Rodriguez. “The onus should not be on individual people. This trauma is systemic. The deaths of our loved ones could have absolutely been prevented. In honoring the lives of those we’ve lost, we stand together to let our City know, we reject your sympathies. For any kind of healing process to begin,

we need empathy and that starts with accountability.”

“We’re going to have to name names. We’re going to call them to the floor, and we’re going to make them pay recompense..I’m very angry, and I’m very sad…We ain’t never gonna get over it,” said Rev. Dr. Majadi Baruti. “We have to protect ourselves.

It’s for sure they [the Mayor, Common Council, and other elected officials] aren’t going to protect us. There is no doubt that they aren’t going to protect us.”

At the end of the ceremony, victims’ family members, loved ones, and participants took small banners with the names of individuals who had perished in the blizzard to the front steps of City Hall and left them there with candles and flowers.

Our City Buffalo Director Harper Bishop said, “We are done begging and pleading for our elected leaders in City Hall to show some humanity and humility, we’re not demanding acknowledgement, accountability, and an expert reviewed plan to make sure nothing like what occurred last year ever happens again.”

VISIT THE NASH HOUSE MUSEUM The Nash House Museum has a new Facebook page!

Follow Nash House Museum Buffalo to stay up to date on all the programs hosted by the historic house that was once the home of Rev. J. Edward Nash!

18

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

KWANZAA HONOREES

“Defy The Lie, Embrace The Truth” is Theme of 2023 Buffalo Kwanzaa Celebration Submitted by the Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee

T

he Kwanzaa theme for 2023 is “Defy The Lie, Embrace The Truth” which speaks to making sure we don’t fall into believing the stereotypes that have been placed upon us by Europeans. Our responsibility is to know and educate others of the Black Excellence that we come from and represent as African People starting with the stereotype/Lie of Kwanzaa being a holiday opposed to Christmas, or not for Christians or Muslims. The truth is that Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday KWANZAA COMMITTEE 2023: From left (seated) Carlanda Meadors, Baba Eng, Mariyama Ajamu. (Standing) Jaylen but a cultural celebration created Young and Kamau Fields. Not pictured: Anthony Pierce, Iya in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga Oyanicke, Vonetta Rhodes, Angelica Adisa and Shanntina to do the following: 1) Reaffirm and restore African heritage and Moore. culture in America 2) Introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles 3) Serve as a nationally celebrated communal and non-heroic holiday and lastly as an act of cultural self-determination.

Now that you know the truth, we want you to join us in celebrating Black excellence as Buffalo is one of the best to do it every year!! The last few years could not be in person due to the blizzard and Covid, so we hope to see everyone come out and support Kwanzaa as we celebrate us! For opening night we want to see every organization, community group, church, sorority, fraternity etc. have at least seven people from your group come represent for Kwanzaa and we will call you out and acknowledge you - Pep Rally Style!

“We know everyone loved being at Performing Arts high-school and we are happy to celebrate our first two nights there and the following nights at Delavan Grider Community Center and hope to have African drumming, dancing and storytelling just about every night this year,” says Carlanda Meadors, Kwanzaa chairperson. “The lively performances is what people love most about coming to Kwanzaa, especially for the children to see and if anyone is interested in performing, please contact us, especially for our open mic night at the Karamu Feast which will be at the Martha Mitchell Center. (See the schedule and this year's honorees this page) She is honored to have her elder Bro. Baba Eng join her as this year’s co-chair, who also came up with this year’s theme.

“We are doing something new this year and on each night will be honoring individuals from our community that exemplify 'Black Excellence' while embodying a principle of Kwanzaa and are listed on the schedule as well ," says Baba Eng. Our schedule is tentative to change based upon a possible virtual presentation by Dr. Karenga which we hope will be done on the 27th.

Anyone interested in being a host for the night, performing or vending or advertising in the Living Kwanzaa magazine which will be sold at Kwanzaa and also in some stores can contact Sis. Carlanda at 716-800-1348. You can also check out our site at www.buffalokwanzaa.com for updates or the “The Official Buffalo Kwanzaa” fb page.

Here is the schedule (right). Hope to see you there!

Pictured above are the 2023 Kwanzaa Honorees from l/r Gail Wells, Sam Radford, Katherine Roberts, Marcus Brown, Wan’ye Rhodes-Carter, Marnetta Malcolm, Edreys & Alexa Wajed, Eva Doyle

19

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

CEASE FIRE NOW! NO TAX DOLLARS FOR BOMBING CIVILIANS! Dear Editor: Every ten minutes, a child is killed by Israeli military airstrikes led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza. This means that every ten minutes, there is a child who will never get to fulfill their dreams. A child who will never get to fulfill their childhood, their teenage years, or their adult years, and a family that will never get to watch their kid grow up.

And it’s not just children, over 16,000 Palestinians (70% of whom are women and children) have been killed including and tens of thousands injured in Gaza by PM Netanyahu’s escalating military campaign of airstrikes (and violations of international law) targeting and bombing civilians in refugee camps, hospitals, homes, mosques, churches, and schools.

Did you know that our U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the relentless bombing of Palestinian civilians? It’s heartbreaking and wrong, and we can do something about it.

Will you join in solidarity and sign the petition to say NO to using our tax dollars to kill and bomb Palestinians?

Why is this important?

PM Netanyahu and his far-right government are leading a campaign of indiscriminate bombardment, breaking international law both by targeting civilians and using white phosphorus on civilian populations. These attacks have exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli government’s air, land, and sea blockade that has caused catastrophic loss of life.

The reality is that the United States government is Israel’s largest supplier of weapons, and every year for the next five years, the U.S. is already sending $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel. And on top of this, the Biden administration proposed sending an additional $14 billion of taxpayer dollars in military aid, which will include military weapons including bombs and tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells, which have been the Israeli military’s weapon of choice in their ground invasion of Gaza.

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7 and 240 taken hostage. The brutal response and incessant airstrikes launched by Netanyahu following the Hamas attacks have not only escalated the violence, they have created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with one in 200 Palestinians having been killed in Gaza by PM Netanyahu’s military since October 7. Entire multi-generational Palestinian families have been killed. Entire lineages have been wiped out.

Nearly half of Gaza's residents are under the age of 16, and 65% are under the age of 25, effectively meaning that Palestinian children are bearing the brunt of the Israeli government’s collective punishment.

This unacceptable, inhumane, unjust, collective punishment is also a violation of international law. It must end now.

Despite the fact that the Israeli government has cut off fuel, water, and electricity from people in Gaza, doctors and nurses are still doing the best they can to treat their patients. Unfortunately, though, more than half of the 30 hospitals in Gaza have been forced to close, and many have run out of necessary medical supplies like anesthesia and painkillers. And many hospitals have been targeted and bombed by Israeli military airstrikes.

50,000 pregnant women and people are at great risk in Gaza too with miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths tripling.

One mother, Hind S., almost gave birth to her baby under the rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike before she was dug out and rushed to a hospital where her baby was born with a broken leg from the airstrike. These are only some of the horror stories that have come from PM Netanyahu’s bombardment of Palestinians. We have to stop this.

A United Nations human rights expert has even confirmed that Palestinians are facing mass ethnic cleansing at the hands

of the Israeli government and occupation forces. United States leaders have the massive power to step in and stop it.

If we come together, we can make a huge difference. Our collective calls for a ceasefire are working, and demanding that our tax dollars won’t be used to bomb civilians is another big step that we can take. And the time is NOW to come together and demand it.

Will you add your name to the petition? Go to MoveOn.Org today!

-Mana, Kenia, Melissa, Mona, and the rest of the MoveOn.Org Team

VOICES

Forty-Five Years: You Deserve The Honors And Accolades Dear Editor: To my dearly beloved sister Alnisa and staff, what a journey of joy, laughter, and tears filled with accomplishments!

When nobody else would, the Challenger, against all odds, stood boldly in the gap for our community, honoring always the historical legacy of the African American Press that is secured by the strength of your daughters standing faithfully in the gap with you.

The Challenger: Standing on sacred ground/memories, defended and originated by the likes of Sister Ida B. Wells and Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin; never disappointing, always elevating Black Women; moving the community and weaving us into togetherness in the hardest and most heart breaking times; Making truth a guiding light in our community giving us a voice against white editorial oppression and suppression.

I know your joy and your sorrow that loved us even when we did not love your gift of light and wisdom.

Akua Kamau and Naeem Jenkins-Nixon say: "Well done good and faithful servant of the Most High and giver of light to the people in our darkest and most joyful occasions.

We say, ‘May, The Challenger forever be the beacon, guiding us home, inspiring and anchoring us to remember those historically revolutionary words, "Up You Mighty People!

Akua Kamau Harris, Activist/Educator/Writer and Grandson Naeem

Mwalimu J. Shujaa : ”A Great and Mighty Tree Has Fallen”

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cholar, poet Queen Vonetta Rhodes recently posted the news of the transition of Dr. Mwalimu Shujaa.

“I could never thank Dr. Shujaa enough for making my time at UB and as a graduate student in education the best years ever,” she wrote.

He was the author of “Too Much Schooling, to Little Education: A Paradox of Black Life in White Societies”; “Beyond Desegregation, the Politicks of Quality in African American Schooling,”; co-author of “The Sage Encyclopedia of African Cultural Heritage in North America”; and contributed to Molefi Kete Asante and Mambo Ama Mazama’s Encyclopedia of Black Studies ; Molefi Kete Asante and Mambo Ama Mazama’s Encyclopedia of African Religion “ and Kofi Lomotey’s Encyclopedia of African American Education.”

Dr. Shujaa served as a professor and dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Southern University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He holds an EdD in anthropology of education from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Shujaa was the founding executive director of the African World Studies Institute at Fort Valley State University in Georgia and successfully led that institution’s effort to launch a degree program in African World Studies. He held joint appointments in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy in the Graduate School of Education and in the Department of African American Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo. While in Buffalo he was one of the beloved foundational/mentor/scholars who participated in the development of Nile Valley Schule, Buffalo’s first full time African Centered Independent Institution. Rest in peace Dr. Shujaa!

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3

with a rope used in the lynching, but no one in the mob was punished.

Of the 6,500 victims of racial terror lynchings that the Equal Justice Initiative has documented in the U.S between 1865 and 1950, nearly 100 are children. The racial terror lynchings of more children went unreported, and in many cases the id entity of victims remains unknown. Source:Equal Justice Initiative

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The least the world can do for the dead of Gaza is to speak up on their behalf. Doing otherwise would only add to the terrible wrongdoing that took their lives. " -Margaret Kimberley

20

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

The Cardiac Bills Shock Chiefs 20-17 in Another Bizarre Ending

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he Buffalo Bills continue to have problems closing out games and making it very difficult on themselves. The good news is the Bills won Sunday’s game due to their opponent Kansas City Chiefs making costly errors.

The Bills could have put more pressure on the Chiefs by running the football during the last 2:12 mark of the game.

The Bills could have forced Chiefs to use timeouts and kick game winning field goal with little time left on the clock instead Bills passed football and gave Patrick Mahomes 1:57 second to tie or win game. Fortunately for the Bills the chiefs imploded after their touchdown was called back on a rarely seen offsides penalty caused by wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady came out with another good game plan to attack the Chiefs defense. The Bills took an early 14-0 lead (something we’d all seen this all before).

Allen continued his streak of 9 straight games with a turnover. Bills OC Joe Brady implemented running back James Cook into the passing game and Cook excelled with a 25yard TD reception. Cook had a combined 141 yards rushing and receiving which opened up offense more for Kincaid, Diggs and Davis.

The NFL league office would have done the Bills a big favor by suspending Von Miller because he has not given their defense much since his return to the lineup. I don’t know what Head Coach Sean McDermott sees in Miller because it’s quite obvious that Miller is nowhere close to playing like an all-pro edge rusher. Miller would benefit the defensive unit better as a Coach on the sidelines and allowing Kingsley Jonathan or like Bills did against Chiefs (due to an AJ Epenesa rib injury) Dorian Williams play and coach those guys up.

The Bills defense was really missing AJ Epenesa after a good start with an interception, but left the game with a rib injury.

Kingsley Jonathan being inactive is a questionable call by McDermott that hurt his team throughout the second half.

The Bills always seem to get away from their running game in the middle portions of their games. The Bills were in another close game and the law of averages finally won one of these type games.

Bills corner back Rasul Douglas said,” We were more aggressive and our mindset was much better on closing out the game; and as defensive players we want to be on the field at the end of games.”

Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson said, “We knew it was going to come down to a last second game and we overcame but we remained focused thinking about winning the game like we do every game; this was the most important game until the next one.”

Yes, it was a must win game and now the next must game win is Dallas Cowboys coming to Highmark Stadium on Sunday. It will be another tough test for the Bills. The Bills have put themselves in this position by losing to Patriots, Broncos, and Eagles. Buffalo’s defensive unit may miss Micah Hyde’s critical play calling but Taylor Rapp must continue to give a steady performance and force Dak Prescott off his spot and become one dimensional. The bend and not break unit led by Leonard Floyd and Ed Oliver’s leadership must continue their overall steady performances.

Prediction: I see Bills playing another close game but their reinvigorated offensive unit will put pressure on Cowboys cornerbacks Bland, Gilmore and run the football which will result in the Bills winning 28-24.

Follow @georgeradman, Fb: George Radney & Real Deal Sports Show, RADIO: WLGZ HD2 The Beat 105.5 FM Saturday Mornings 8am–9am; YouTube: Real Deal Sports Show. Sunday’s 8am– 9am WHTK 1280 AM What’s Going on The Experience.

photos by A. Dorcely

High School & College Sports Highlights

Pictured Above Left to Right: •Jahyden Clark, Junior WR and DB at Canisius High School. Now holds Canisius High School‘s Single season and All Time receptions record. Clark goes up for a touchdown here in a game against Lancaster.

• Kyla Hayes, Junior SF,PF and C. Also, two-time All-Western New York large schools first- team selection goes up for a basket. Hayes looks to bring Cardinal O’Hara back to its championship standings this season • E’Ryan Lawrence, Junior RB and WR at Bennett High School catches a pass going towards the endzone. Lawrence helped lead the Bennett Tigers to another State Championship game.

•College Basketbal Pictured: Adrian Autry, the new head coach at Syracuse for basketball congratulates Canisius head coach Reggie Witherspoon on hotly contested game. Syracuse won 89-77.

Follow A. Dorcely on Instagram @buffalosportsworld

Live Every Saturday Morning 8 am - 9 am WLGZ HD2 The Beat 105.SFM A fast paced Live Call-In Sports Talk Show With Local, Regional and National Guests

Call In

585-595-1055 Facebook, Twitter: @radman

21

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

RISE UP RIGHT SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS threw a backwards lateral to Let's Rise Up

Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills were coming off of bye week and the last football moments we got before the rest was the resounding symphony of Fly Eagles Fly as the Eagles escaped 37-34 in overtime. Now you would think after having two weeks to prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs that the Buffalo Bills would come out and give us an inspiring performance. For 30 minutes, the Bills Fanatics wishes look like they were coming true as the Bills started off the game with a 14-0 lead. The heart of a true champion finds ways to bounce back and the Chiefs did just that. The Chiefs found a way to make it close. With the score being 21-17, the Chiefs would pull off another remarkable moment against the Bills or did they? Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce down the seam again and just when you thought the Bills were going to bring Kelce down, very "swiftly" Kelce

Kadarius Toney who would walk into the end zone. The thought that came to Bills fanatics minds had to be "Not Again". But this wasn't the same Chiefs team and a yellow flag had been thrown but what was the penalty. The Bills prayers were answered as the referee sounded off with the announcement of neutral zone infraction on Kadarius Toney. No touchdown. The Bills defense would hold on for a 21-17 victory. The Bills playoff hopes live for another week. Sean McDermott and the Bills have to learn how to close football games.

for the Sabres. On Monday night, the Sabres were very poised against the Coyotes as the Sabres tallied goals from Eric Robinson, Kyle Okposo, Peyton Krebs, JJ Peterka, and an empty netter from Rasmus Dahlin. The Sabres would add another W to the win column by the count of 5-2. The Sabres will be on the road for the next couple of games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and the Arizona Coyotes. Will the Sabres be able to add more W's to the win column or will they continue to struggle to win games more consistently?

Buffalo Sabres Hockey The Buffalo Sabres have definitely been trying to reconstruct this team so that they can get the most out of it.

The journey continues as this week has been up and down.

The Sabres last Thursday went to Boston and came out with a convincing 3-1 victory.

Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka, and V. Olaffson each scored a goal and had an assist for the Sabres. This past Saturday, the Sabres faced the Habs at home and after a battle that took 4 periods and a shootout to settle the Canadians were victories over the Sabres 3-2. Kyle Okposo and Jeff Skinner scored

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

Project Play WNY Celebrates Local Youth Sports Coaches at Coaches Honor Roll Event

P

roject Play Western New York recently recognized youth sports coaches from across all eight counties of Western New York and named 19 coaches to its 2023 Coaches Honor Roll following a community-wide nomination process.

Now in its fourth year, each coach honored exemplifies the qualities of a great sports coach who is youth development focused, promotes sportsmanship among their athletes and families, and demonstrates leadership within their organization and the values that align with Project Play WNY. All of the coaches were honored at an event on October 22, 2023.

Among the 2023 coaches being recognized are: •Jaleel Battle, Buffalo Hill Butler Giants •Kenny (Kayo) Deas, Gr8 Elite football team •Annie Draves, Buffalo Area Aquatics Club •Eric Elliott, Buffalo Regals Hockey •Kevin Fahey, Youth Advantage •Al Franjoine, Orchard Park Soccer Club •Taylor Gordon, NWAA Cheerleading/CYAA Softball •Kevin Hufford, New York Diamond Girls •Rome Hunt, Gr8 Elite Ducks •Kevin Ingram, WNY Bandits •John Jimenez, EMW (Elma, Marilla, Wales) Soccer •Christopher Keicher, Buffalo Rims •Kelsey Neumann, Buffalo Regals Hockey •Ricky L. Pereira Jr., Williamsville Jr, Football/Buffalo Vets •Joseph Scott, Buffalo Legacy Project, Inc. •Scott Silverman, Boys on the Right Track

NFTA PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/BID 230112 – PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM Go to NFTA's Website to register as a supplier and for instructions to download the Procurement Document at https://www.nfta.com/departments/ procurement.

LEGAL NOTICE Summons SUMMONS WITH NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK, SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF ERIE. Index No. 809321/2023.

“Radius Federal Credit Union v. the Estate of David D. Kelley, deceased, et al.” TAKE NOTICE: All Successors, Assigns, and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest From or Under David D. Kelley, deceased, in certain premises commonly known as 132 East Utica Street, Buffalo, New York, or through said unknown heirs, successors or assigns, (other than those represented by the Court appointed Guardian ad Litem), are summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, which seeks to foreclose Radius Federal Credit Union’s mortgage on 132 East Utica Street, buffalo, New York, on which Radius Federal Credit Union holds a mortgage executed

by David D. Kelley, which secures a $31,500 mortgage loan Agreement executed by David D. Kelley on May 27, 2016, on which there is now owing the principal sum of $26,491.76, together with interest at 3.25% per annum from June 1, 2022. To defend this action, you must serve a copy of your Answer on the undersigned attorney no later than 30 days after the second publication of this notice.

In case you fail to appear or answer, any interest in 132 East Utica Street, Buffalo, New York you possess by virtue of any right as an heir or creditor of David D. Kelley, or a claim against an heir or creditor of David D. Kelley will be foreclosed by default. (Note that no party other than the Estate of David D. Kelley, should one be opened, has any personal liability for the amount owing on this mortgage loan). Erie County, New York is designated as the place of trial.

Peter A. Muth, Esq., 460 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14209 (716) 289.1930.

December 7, 14

LEGAL NOTICE Bid INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 12BA2321, BNIA – Rehabilitate and Reconstruct Runway 5-23 Phase II, Bid No. E-599 due on Thursday January 18, 2024 at 2pm Website for information www. nftaengineering.com

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Request for Proposal – Release Date: 12/7/2023 The City of Buffalo (“City”), through the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (“BURA”), is seeking proposals through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program, American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations, through the provision of affordable housing, creation of non-congregate shelter and supportive services to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. Grant funds are administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funds were allocated using the HOME Program Formula. The City of Buffalo received $12,280,862 in HOME ARP funding. Funds will benefit vulnerable populations within and throughout the City of Buffalo.

The City of Buffalo HUD approved HOME ARP allocation plan can be found here https://www.buffalony. gov/DocumentCenter/View/11442/ DRAFT-City-of-Buffalo-HOME-ARPAllocation-Plan Applicants must be incorporated for-profit or non-profit entities to undertake affordable housing activities within the boundaries of the City of Buffalo.

It is the policy of BURA, that all local Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE’s) be encouraged to submit proposals. BURA continues to ensure that all locally owned M/ WBE’s are afforded the maximum opportunity to participate as Applicants or Sub-Applicants in the provision of goods and services for BURA. BURA encourages the award of at least thirty percent (30%) of the total dollar value of this project directly or indirectly to M/WBE’s.

Proposal Submission Deadline: January 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

Request for Proposal submissions are due to: Yvonne C. McCray, Director of Housing City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency 65 Niagara Square Room-315 City Hall Buffalo, N.Y. 14202 RE: City of Buffalo HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP) HOME Investment Partnership Program RFP Submission (No. 2023-1H) A full copy of the Request for Proposal can be picked up in 315 City Hall or 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square Buffalo NY 14202, the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo NY 14203 and http://www.citybuffalo.com/BuraBids or http://www.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Erie County Executive, Mark C. Poloncarz, will hold a public hearing on December 20, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. concerning: A LOCAL LAW Intro 7-1-2023 a Local Law providing for the extended lease of real property generally known at the Wendt Mansion located at 7676 Old Lakeshore Road, Evans, New York, 14047. This Local Law supersedes New York State County Law Section 215, subdivisions (4) and (6). The hearing will be held in the 14th Floor Conference Room located at 95 Franklin Street, 14th Floor in the City of Buffalo, New York.

On December 7, 2023, the Erie County Legislature adopted Erie County Local Law Intro. No. 7-12023. Copies of the proposed local law are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature, on the 4th Floor of 92 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, New York.

MARK C. POLONCARZ Erie County Executive

Depew, Lancaster & Western Lancaster Industrial Track Improvement Towns of Cheektowaga and Lancaster, and Villages of Depew and Lancaster, Erie County Track Improvements The Erie County Industrial Development Agency (“ECIDA”), acting as Project Administrator is seeking qualified firms for engineering/construction administration services. Proposals are being solicited from Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firms experienced in railroad engineering and design work to provide design/engineering/construction administration services for the safety and efficiency improvements project to the Depew, Lancaster & Western Lancaster Railroad (DL&W). This project will restore a State of Good repair to Lancaster’s IT by removing an obsolete bridge and performing necessary track and bridge rehabilitation between mileposts 382.5 and 385.6 in the Towns of Cheektowaga and Lancaster in Erie County.

Bids are due in person at ECIDA 95 Perry Street, Suite 403 Buffalo, NY 14203 by January 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM. Please submit all questions in writing to tjohnson-huff@ecidany.com

by January 5, 2024.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid NFTA PROCUREMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/BID 230106 – NETWORK SUPPORT VENDOR Go to NFTA's Website to register as a supplier and for instructions to download the Procurement Document at https://www.nfta.com/departments/ procurement.

LEGAL NOTICE City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency Request for Proposal – Release Date: 12/8/2023 The City of Buffalo (“City”), through the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (“BURA”), is seeking proposals through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program to assist in the development of affordable housing projects in the City of Buffalo. Through this program, activities have been undertaken to enhance ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts. For the funding period covered by this application the City will assess proposals received that address the goals outlined in the City's Consolidated Plan.

Applicants must be incorporated for-profit or non-profit entities to undertake affordable housing activities within the boundaries of the City of Buffalo.

It is the policy of BURA, that all local Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE’s) be encouraged to submit proposals. BURA continues to ensure that all locally owned M/ WBE’s are afforded the maximum opportunity to participate as Applicants or Sub-Applicants in the provision of goods and services for BURA. BURA encourages the award of at least thirty percent (30%) of the total dollar value of this project directly or indirectly to M/WBE’s.

Proposal Submission Deadline: January 5, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

Request for Proposal submissions are due to: Yvonne C. McCray, Director of Housing City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency 65 Niagara Square Room-315 City Hall Buffalo, N.Y. 14202 RE: City of Buffalo HOME Investment Partnership Program RFP Submission (No. 2023-2H) A full copy of the Request for Proposal can be picked up in 315 City Hall or 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square Buffalo NY 14202, the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo NY 14203 and http://www.citybuffalo.com/BuraBids or http://www. city-buffalo.com/bids .

TO ADVERTISE: advertising@thechallengernews.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Erie County Executive, Mark C. Poloncarz, will hold a public hearing on December 20, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. concerning: A LOCAL LAW Intro 7-1-2023 a Local Law providing for the extended lease of real property generally known at the Wendt Mansion located at 7676 Old Lakeshore Road, Evans, New York, 14047. This Local Law supersedes New York State County Law Section 215, subdivisions (4) and (6). The hearing will be held in the 14th Floor Conference Room located at 95 Franklin Street, 14th Floor in the City of Buffalo, New York.

On December 7, 2023, the Erie County Legislature adopted Erie County Local Law Intro. No. 7-12023. Copies of the proposed local law are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature, on the 4th Floor of 92 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, New York.

MARK C. POLONCARZ Erie County Executive

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Erie County Executive, Mark C. Poloncarz, will hold a public hearing on December 20, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. concerning: A LOCAL LAW Intro 8-1-2023 a Local Law providing for the extended lease of real property generally known at the Jesse Nash Health Clinic located at 608 William Street, Buffalo, New York, 14206. This Local Law supersedes New York State County Law Section 215, subdivisions (4) and (6). The hearing will be held in the 14th Floor Conference Room located at 95 Franklin Street, 14th Floor in the City of Buffalo, New York.

On December 7, 2023, the Erie County Legislature adopted Erie County Local Law Intro. No. 8-12023. Copies of the proposed local law are available for public inspection in the office of the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature, on the 4th Floor of 92 Franklin Street, in the City of Buffalo, New York.

MARK C. POLONCARZ Erie County Executive

22

Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023

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3-WAY ATTORNEYS PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

BAKERY Taste of Supreme 100% Gluten Free Vegan Goodies Contact the Supreme Bakers

(585) 285 - 5496

www.tasteofsupreme.com Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B #44

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS MAUREEN’S Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

Advertise Your Business in our directory email advertising@ thechallengernews.com or call (716) 881-1051

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23

Challenger Community News •December 14, 2023

CALENDAR Public Meeting Notice:

There will be a meeting of the Board of the Westminster Community Charter School on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Noon. The meeting will be held at M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203.

PEACE & LOVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! STAY SAFE!

Thank You For Celebrating 91 Years With Me!

Thank you to everyone who attended my Birthday earlier this year on May 2 at The Groove Lounge. The host Mr. Michael Ray was most kind and attended to my every need. His staff including music artists were the best!

The signature of God is Written over Your Lives.

Lovingly and Gratefully Mrs. Inez R. Hord

IT’S HAPPENING AT THE CAO •COMPUTER WORKSHOP

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“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can...

A Computer Workshop “From Zero to Hero: Unleashing Your Digital Potential,” will be held on Wednesday, January 10 from 5-6 p.m.

•OPEN MIC

Open Mic Night will be held Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 6-7 p.m.

•COMMUNITY GRIEF SUPPORT

Community Support Group meetings for adults will be held from 5-6 pm. on January 4, 18 and February 1,15 and 29.All ae welcome.

The Rafi Greene CAO Masten Resource Center is located at 1323 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Avenue). For more info about events call Valdeana at (716)330-3773 .

DEAR VALUED READERS: The Challenger Will Not Publish December 21, 28 Or January 4.

We Will Resume Publication On Thursday, January 11, 2024.

The Deadline For The Jan. 11 Edition Is Friday, January 5. .

Please Feel Free To Reach Us At: Advertising@ Thechallengernews.com Or Leave A Message @ (716)881-1051 Or Email Editorial @ thechallengernews.com Thank You For Allowing Us Another Year To Serve!

Have A Safe And Happy Holiday Season!

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Challenger Community News • December 14, 2023