Challenger Community News February 28, 2018

F E B R U A R Y

I S

B L A C K

H I S T O R Y

Paulette Harris

“DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE”

Celebrates Paul Robeson Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season! Page 10

Henderson Ford

LOCAL

The Malcolm X, Mosque #23 Buffalo Connection Page 7

C E L E B R A T E !

FREE |

February 28, 2017

Profile: Artistic Director

M O N T H !

Mayor, Lovely-Warren

William Johnson

INSIDE ROCHESTER Black Heritage Dinner Honorees Page 2

NATIONAL

Why is the Government So Soft on White Domestic Terrorism?

Page 4

2018 “ROSES” FOR OUTSTANDING WOMEN! Page 3

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

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

Delta's Sponsor Music Heritage Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian 7th 2018: Another Crazy Season for the Bills?

Concert Musicians and Choral Annual Black Heritage Dinner The Buffalo Bills are close to $69 Million in dead roster cap space for the upGroup to Perform coming 2018 NFL season. This means the The Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, will sponsor a "Crimson Note Music Heritage Concert" at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 4 at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Music will range from a special arrangement of a Negro spiritual to works by composers Scott Joplin, Phillippe Gaubert, Cesar Franck and Gospel music artist Richard Smallwood. Three classical musicians and a choral group will perform.

Violinist Heather Misula, a faculty member at the Hochstein School of Music and Dance, will be the featured performer. She has performed with the Greater Rochester Women's Philharmonic, Cordancia Chamber Orchestra and the Gateways Music Festival Orchestra. Misula will be accompanied by pianist Orlando Diaz. Special guest performers will be:

Honorees Pictured from L/R Former Mayor of Rochester, Randy Henderson, Rochester Mayor, Honorable Love Warren and Randy Henderson President of Henderson Ford

Pianist Victoria Cowens, a Pittsford Mendon High School freshman and student at the Eastman Community Music School.

Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church is proud to present its 7th annual Black Heritage Dinner. The theme is “Legacy of African American Leadership: Past, Present and the Future!”

This year they are recognizing and honoring individuals with great leadership skills, who embody the ability to translate vision into reality, empower others and have a passion for what they do. The 2018 honorees will be the Honorable William A. Johnson, Jr., former Mayor of Rochester, Randy Henderson, President, Henderson Ford and the Honorable Lovely Warren, Mayor of Rochester.

A Vocal Ensemble group directed by Paulette Gissendanner and accompanied by pianist William Watson, Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth 17 years old and younger. They may be purchased at Wegmans food stores, through the Rochester Alumnae Chapter web site: www.racdeltasigmatheta.org or at the door. Proceeds will support the chapter's Maude Orman Scholarship Fund and community service projects.

The Heritage Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Italian American Community Center located at 150 Frank DiMino Way in Gates. The evening will begin with “Tastings” at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner tickets are $50.00 each. Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend. Deadline for tickets is February 19. For Tickets contact Rochelle McDaniel: rmcdaniel2@rochester. rr.com or 585-436-4809 or Trinity Emmanuel:admin@trinityemmanuelpresbyterian.com or 585-235-5967

Flutist Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington, a musician and educator who recently received a doctorate degree from the Eastman School of Music.

Bills have salaries and bonuses of players on roster, who no longer play for the team like Marcel Dareus, Ronald Darby ( a Super Bowl Champion), and Sammy Watkins trades. We can’t leave out the stupid 2-year extension of Eric Wood back in training camp at the ripe age of 31 years old and two bad knees. Brandon Beane and his trusty George side kick Head Coach Sean McDermott feel they had to get rid of several talented playRADNEY ers who all went on to play in the 2017 NFL playoffs and a Super Bowl Champion.

It’s clear that in 2018 you do not need to tear a team down and build from scratch. These guys are hell bent on bringing in all of their own players instead of merging the talent you have with new draft picks, that’s how most of the successful teams do it. These guys are acting like they have a track record, but they really don’t. Nobody’s job is safe at One Bills drive anymore.

Coach McDermott last week fired an Assistant equipment manager, who worked for the Bills for the past 35 years. WOW!!! I wonder what he could have done wrong, maybe he did not get the laundry as clean as it should have been to Coach McDermott’s standards!

The salary cap is out of control and Bills have no money to keep most of their 22 unrestrictive free agents. They will eventually sign and trade Tyrod Taylor, once they find a drop back passer of their liking. This will be the season of an unnecessary rebuild caused by self-inflicted poor trades, and miss handling of the salary cap by Beane and McDermott. Brandon Beane has never been a General Manager and its showing in his miss handling of the salary Cap. It’s a shame because Bills fans deserve a lot more than what they are getting from this very inexperienced duo.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

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AREA BRIEFS

Byron Lockwood

OUTSTANDING: Among the 2018 Roses Awardees Pictured (top l-r) Charlene Galloway, Crystal Barton, Makeda Holley, Elaine Blyden (bottom l-r) Barbara Glover, Somalia Doyle, Catherine Roberts, Sabriyah Smith

Mayor Nominates Byron Lockwood Police Roses for Outstanding Women Awards Program Betty Jean Grant to Commissioner Betty Jean Grant

be Honored

The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women honors Betty Jean Grant for her work through the We Are Women Warriors organization on Thursday March 1 at 4 pm at the Buffalo Public Library downtown branch in the Ring of Knowledge room. A reception will be held at 5pm at the Hotel Lafayette .

Newly Published:

The Ink Spot has released an engaging and informatiave new publication filled wih Black History facts and visual memorabilia documentating the Black holocaust. Stop by the Ink Spot and pick up you copy today, the community copy and printing center, 1440 Jefferson ear E. Ferry. Celebrate Black history 35 days a year!

Appointment Goes to Council for Confirmation

Mayor Byron Brown announced during his 2018 State of the city address last week that he had nominated Byron C. Lockwood police commissioner. Mr. Lockwood’s appointment now goes to the Common Council for confirmation. Brown said in a Buffalo News report that while there were “any number” of senior officers who could be named commissioner, Lockwood “has a wealth of policing experience.” One of those “any number” is Deputy commissioner Kimberly L. Beaty. Shortly after Brown named Lockwood Interim Commissioner, a movement surfaced to encourage him to name Commissioner Beaty, a Black woman who is highly regarded in the community.

Mr. Brown also announced his Jefferson Avenue initiatives to include the opening of a Northwest Bank Branch on Jefferson Avenue, a financial education center and expansion of the JEFF-FREE WIFI – a free WI-FI service in the Jefferson Avenue business district to include points from East Ferry to Best streets. He also announced that he will seek to have the Buffalo Police Department accredited by New York State.

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Thirty-eight women will be honored at the 9th Annual Roses for Outstanding Women Awards Program on Saturday, March 3 at the Downtown Central Library auditorium. This is the largest number of honorees in the history of the Awards Program.

The program will be dedicated to Retired Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and Mrs. Joan Sutton for her contributions to her church - the First Shiloh Baptist Church. Each woman will receive a red rose and certificates from city and state officials. Doors open at 1:00 and the program will begin at 1:30. The keynote speaker will be well-known business woman Jennifer Parker. Rev. Dr. James A. Lewis will MC the program. Entertainment will include Singer Joyce Carolyn and poetry by Vonetta Rhodes and Allie Freeman. Special recognition will be given to Principal Crystal Barton who organized a conference on African American History for years at McKinley High School.

Admission to the program is free and open to the public. Columnist Eva M. Doyle is the founder of Roses for Outstanding Women Awards.

Awardees include: Dr. Keli-Koran Luchey Johnette Warren-Askew Laythanette Shine .

Judy Ervin Jacqueline Bontzolakes Charlene Marie Galloway Asantewa K. Holley Gwendalina Ingram Erin Moss Marie Mullen Principal Crystal Barton Connie Boyd Legislator April Baskin Daisy Estelle Andeson Sabriyah Smith Pamela Harris Carolyn Kirkwood Lisa Crosby Brown Dr. Davina Moss-King Sharon Belton-Cottman Shantee Perkins Yvonne James-Coley Regina Alinda Givens Catherine Roberts, Lucille Christi Marchese Pastor Zandra Colston-Hicks Makeda R.Holley Lewis, Joan Sutton Barbara Glover Zaire Doyle Retired Legislator Betty Fragrance Rasheedah Somalia Doyle Jean Grant, Mwaka Williams Stanfield Carol E. Holmes Elaine T. Blyden.

Lorna Hill

Niagara Falls Hosts First Black Expo in Celebration of Black History Month The Community Health Center of Niagara in collaboration with The Barber and Beauty Stop Initiative hosted the first ever BLACK EXPO 2018 in Niagara Falls last weekend February 25.

The Barber and Beauty Stop Initiative is the brainchild of Rev. Raymond Allen, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Niagara Falls. Members of the collaboration are the Bethany Baptist Church, The Community Health Center of Niagara, and Millennium Collaborative Care. The event was held at the Doris W. Jones Resource Center, 3001 9th Street.

The Expo was held during Black History Month to showcase the economic power of the African American dollar in the City of Niagara Falls. It was held to further accentuate the importance of celebrating Black history and culture. An impressive cadre of Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs were on hand, as well as a host of information and health related service providers from the Niagara Falls metropolitan area. There was also food, beverage and service vendors, Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry and more. The event was free and open to the public.

The host for the event was Felicia Johnson, Niagara Falls Project Manager.

Robert Smalls (April 5, 1939 – Feb. 23, 1915)

How an Enslaved Man Took Over a Confederate Ship and Led Dozens to Freedom Robert Smalls mother had him sent to the fields to work and see enslaved Africans at the whipping post so Smalls, who was the favored enslaved child, would understand the institution’s horrors.

The result was Smalls became defiant and he frequently wound up in the Beaufort, S.C. jail.

Smalls had been planning to escape to freedom and assembled a crew to help him do it. He spent years during his time in the Confederate Navy learning signals and mine locations.

During the Civil War, the enslaved man commandeered an armed Confederate ship when the white masters went away for drinks.

He delivered a dozen enslaved people and their families to freedom, steering the ship from Confederate waters to the Union side.

He reportedly waved cheerfully to the soldiers at Fort Sumter and was prepared to open fire on any suspicious ship, giving them the signal he saw the captain use before.

Smalls was lauded as a hero in the north and lobbied the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to begin enlisting Black soldiers. By the time Abraham Lincoln acted, Smalls is reported to have personally recruited 5,000 soldiers.

After the war, Smalls joined the South Carolina state assembly and Senate and served five nonconsecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Continued Page 11

“Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains.”

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NATIONAL + WORLD

Why Is The United States Government Soft on White Domestic Terrorism?

The Rev. Michael McBride and Dr. Antonio Cediel For all our national bluster about waging a “war on terror,” the main sources of terror in our country go largely unacknowledged by our political leaders.

While we are led to believe that the most dangerous individuals in this country are those who read the Koran, lack a Social Security number or have dark skin, White male domestic terrorists go unnamed and unchallenged.

Though you would be hardpressed to hear it articulated in mainstream-media outlets, farright violent extremists have made up 74 percent of officially Loyal White Knights Grand Dragonn Will Quigg shouits to protestors designated terrorist attacks in during a "White Pride" rally. the U.S. since 9/11. And this does not even include the increasing number of ostensibly nonideological mass shooters who fit a now well-known profile: angry white men, often with histories of domestic abuse, who enjoy unfettered access to firearms. Though our president, the National Rifle Association and Congress, which does its bidding, would certainly prefer to see these individuals as mentally ill lone wolves, it seems abundantly clear that they represent a now growing cultural movement within our country: a loose brotherhood of suicidal copycats, inspired to express their anger through mass murder with easily accessible tools.

Many will balk at the notion that white male violence goes “unchallenged.” After all, it was a white man who exchanged gunfire with the Sutherland Springs, Texas, killer, and there have been countless white people who have heroically intervened to capture white killers and attend to their victims. What we are referring to here, however, is not the bravery and good intentions of individual people but the systemic means by which our policymakers either target or ignore different forms of violence.

A whole federal government office has been opened to hear the voices of those affected by the crimes of undocumented immigrants, even though immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than the general public; a blanket ban has been proposed on Muslims from half a dozen countries, even though such a ban would have saved no lives over the last 20 years; a multibillion-dollar border wall has been proposed, even though “secure border” advocates widely acknowledge that a wall will make minimal difference. And when it comes to urban gun violence, rather than prescribe proven strategies to reduce shootings, the bipartisan solution over the last 40 years has been to lock up black and brown men in droves.

This obsession with blaming the “other” has so consumed white leaders that even when white men kill innocent white children in schools and churches, or when a white male supremacist runs over and kills a white woman protesting white supremacy, many seem incapable of absorbing or naming what is happening right before their eyes.

The bottom line is that a federal government largely made up of white men seems to have real difficulty acknowledging white male violence. The GOP battered President Barack Obama over his refusal to use the term “Islamic terror,” and yet both Democratic and Republican leaders seem to have a strange nervous tick when it is time to name “white domestic terror.” Truth be told, even politicians of color—nourished on a lifelong diet of white movie heroes, Eurocentric school curricula and images of a blond, blue-eyed Jesus—seem conditioned to accept the notion that only “Muslim” terror is real terror.

The result is that the NRA-backed GOP leaders’ main prescription for keeping us safe is to purchase more guns, somehow trying to convince us that a safe and sane society is one where schoolteachers, church deacons and single mothers must carry pistols and be prepared to engage in impromptu firefights with AR-15-toting lunatics.

Simultaneously, the vast majority of Democratic leaders enthusiastically fund anti-terrorist efforts abroad while remaining silent about the true nature of much of the violence at home, with images of Islamic extremists and black “superpredators” apparently still dominating their imaginations.

Only when our government has launched a “war on white supremacy” and a “war on gun violence” will we have a true “war on terror” and become convinced that our safety is truly its main concern.

The Rev. Michael McBride is director of the Urban Strategies and Live Free campaign, and Dr. Antonio Cediel is campaign manager of urban strategies, at PICO National Network, the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 45 local and state federations.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

Ensa Cosby Daughter of Bill Cosby Passes at 44 Bill Cosby’s daughter Ensa Cosby has passed away at age 44. A family spokesperson for the Cosby family released a statement to USA Today confirming the cause of death as kidney (renal) failure.

Per the statement, the family thanked everyone for their prayers for their “beloved and beautiful Ensa. It is believed she was waiting for a transplant. In 1997, Bill and his wife Camille’s 27-yearold son Ennis was murdered. The couple has 5 children together.

Ensa Cosby and her sister Erinn were vocal supporters of their father in the midst of his sexual assault trial. The duo released a statement to the “Breakfast Club” in May 2017 stating, “My father has been publicly lynched in the media and my family, my young daughter, my young niece and nephew have had to stand helplessly by and watch the double standard or pretending to protect the rights of some but ignoring the rights of others.” It continued, “I strongly believe my father is innocent of the crimes alleged against him and I believe that racism has played a big role in all aspects of this scandal.”

eat to live

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

Diversity is Key to Increasing Black Homeownership

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here is a whopping double digit gap in homeownership rates between Black and White Americans. One key indicator of this problem is the lack of diversity within the financial industry.

Whether it is hiring bank managers or lending executives, African-Americans continue to be under-represented in the mortgage and financial industry. This lack of diversity can have an impact on decisions on Antoine where to open and/or close banks, where to market lending programs for homeown- THOMPSON ership and small business owners, which organizations to partner with, and much more. Every day, decisions are made at these institutions related to lending, hiring, and services. Increasing the number of African-American employees within these organizations is essential.

Increasing Workforce Diversity in the Financial Industry Workforce and supplier diversity programs can play a key role in helping government and private sector lending institutions in their efforts to increase homeownership rates locally and nationally. Many institutions are hiring Chief Diversity Officers and developing workforce, minority and women business utilization strategies because of the changing demographics and economic trends in America.

Also, a diverse workforce helps employees and consumers to believe that lenders value them. It is well documented that the retention of Black employees is increased when diversity is reflected at all levels in the organization from entry level to senior executive positions. Equally important, the creation of workforce diversity goals must also be connected to the mission of the organization, business model, management annual performance reviews, and other key business metrics. There is a saying that "What gets measured, gets done."

Supplier Diversity Can Impact Homeownership Rates The vendors, consultants, contractors and businesses utilized by public and private sector lending institutions tell a narrative and paint a picture of their value system and identity. Where advertisements are placed to promote homeownership and lending programs; the companies chosen for outside human resource

functions; the businesses selected for leasing, REO and relocation functions; and where corporate retreats and meetings are held, shape the psyche of consumers, staff and public. Simply put, supplier diversity programs will increase lending and financial institutions market presence in the Black community, meanwhile enabling black business owners to hire more workers that will have a greater chance of becoming a homeowner.

In short, workforce and diversity programs embraced by lending institutions can have positive impacts on AfricanAmericans access to capital, lending policies, as well as how community reinvestment and mortgage marketing funds will be spent. It was only yesterday, that Black people were protesting to become bank tellers. Now we must renew our commitment to ensure that we are building not only diverse bank branches but corporate offices that shape how lending policies and decisions are made.

Mr. Thompson is a licensed Real Estate Agent, Consultant, and Former NYS State Senator. He is also the National Executive Director of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Financial Empowerment Workshop : Get Your Finances In Great Shape The Flare 2018 Workshop On March 24, will be providing free financial planning information to the community to help strengthen a solid foundation with a powerful three hour session that will equip you in the areas of discovering how to repair your credit without struggle, how to save without struggle, how to prepare for homeownership , how to protect yourself from cyber –attacks, and how to establish a financial plan plus many more helpful financial planning tools . Bounce back from your financial difficulties and plan your financial future.

The FLARE Financial Workshop Class will me at FLARE 10am to 1pm, Suite 412 . Parking on Halbert Street. Questions contact Flare. Inc. at 716 838-6740 Free Online Registry at www.eventbrite.com/o/-flare-inc-16504538670

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

The Gospel Stars Celebrate 38th Anniversary Macedonia Baptist Church Announces Trip The Gospel Stars of Buffalo will celebrate their 38th years anniversary on Sunday, March 4 at 4 p.m. at Saints home COGIC 323 Winspear Avenue where Rev. Willie C. Robeson is pastor.

All are welcome! The program will include the Saints home praise Team, Mt. Calvary Specials , Spirit of Buffalo, New Redeems, Gospel Tornadoes, Bethlehem Missionary Senior Choir, Bethlehem male Chorus, Bro. and Sis. Clarence Rudolph and a surprise guest.

New Hope Moves to New Location New Hope Baptist Church will move into its new location at 2090 Genesee Street, on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Herschel Chapman, Jr., Pastor, will begin the Grand Opening Celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony just before the 10am morning worship service.

The Grand Opening Celebration will continue at 4pm with a worship service with guest speaker, Minister Michael Chapman, Pastor of St. John Baptist Church and Overseer of Gethsemane Baptist Church.

All are invited to join us for this blessed event, as we celebrate what God has done.

Our theme, “Prospering Through Prophesy”, is taken from Ezra 6:14: “So the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel…”

to Lancaster, PA for "Jesus" Production

Come join the Senior Ministry of the Macedonia Baptist Church for the first time stage production of “Jesus” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Departing Thursday April , 5th and re-turning Friday April 6th for more information contact the church at 886-3489

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club Accepting Scholarship Applications!

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club are now accepting scholarship applications. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a college bound graduating high school senior. In addition $100 incentive awards will be presented to eighth grade students who were "most improved" attending a Buffalo Public or Charter School. The deadline for applications is April 16th, 2018. For scholarship applications and additional information contact the scholarship chair Jessie Ector at 716 896-4203 or jessieector@aol.com, Debra E. J. Thompson is President.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK

St. John Baptist Church to Host 91st Anniversary Prayer Breakfast The St. John Baptist Church Prayer Breakfast Committee will host its 91st Anniversary Prayer Breakfast Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. family Life Center, 833 Michigan Avenue. For more information and tickets call the church at 852-4504. Overseer Michael Chapman, Pastor.

You Dont Know My Story, Breakfast Symposium and Celebration On March 3 at 9a.m. all roads lead to Elim Christian Fellowship.It's the 4th Annual " You Don't Know My Story, Breakfast Symposiumand celebration of Phenomenal Women.

The event will showcase Six POWERFUL speakers - Della Dickey, Phylicia Dove, Kristeka Rodgers, Rachel McCarley, FaliciaFracassi, Deputy Police Commissioner Beaty and a special presentationby Lelani Montenez- Young Miss Buffalo.

In addition, the accomplishments of 5 lovely women in our community will be celebrated: Sheila Brown, Detra Trueheart, Betty Jean Grant, Tamee Ebo and Pastor Jean Young!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

Malcolm X Played a Key Role in the Creation of Buffalo’s Mosque #23 Minister Malcolm X had direct contact with local pioneers in setting up Muhammad Mosque #23 in Buffalo, according to Student Minister Bro. Dahveed Muhammad. . “Minister Malcolm traveled to the area several times to visit the family of Ora-Lee X Lewis (McQuiller). We know her now as Ora-Lee Khalid Lewis-Delgado. Her brother, Bobby McQuiller brought the teaching of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to Lackawana NY in 1953,” he told the Challenger in a 2011 interview.

According to Bro. Dahveed, Sis. Ora-Lee also received letters and phone correspondence directly from the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who sent Min. Malcolm to the area, in response to a great many letters that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was receiving from people in Buffalo/ Lackawanna, because of thework and effort of Bro. Bobby McQuiller. The family of Levi and Kathrine X Hawkins, with daughters Maryann,

LuCinda, and Carol, began attending study with Bobby McQuiller in Lackawanna in 1954.

“Eventually Min. Malcolm moved the study group to Buffalo, to Sis. Ora-Lee’s home at 78 Brunswick Blvd.,” chronicled Bro. Dahveed.

“From there it was moved to the home of Levi and Kathrine X Hawkins at 44 Butler Ave. Min. Malcolm eventually sent Min. Thomas J. X and his assistant Min. Robert J. X from Hartford CN in 1956 to continue growing the Buffalo study group."

Min. Malcolm visited the homes at 78 Brunswick Blvd. and 44 Butler Ave. several more times in support of the growing study group. The group eventually achieved the status of a Mosque, and received it’s number 23 in 1957, under the leadership of Min. Robert J. X Williams.”

A “Tribute to the Pioneers” of Mosque #23 several years ago include a reading of copies of original letters of guidance and instruction written

by Min. Malcolm to the ministers that he installed here. Min. Malcolm typed the letters, and wrote handwritten notes in the margins.

The letters were on display at the event. There were also historical testimonials by Sis. Ora-Lee, Bro. Donnelle X Oliver, Min. Robert J. and some of the other pioneers who were scheduled to be present. A slideshow presentation of a chronology of the Nation of Islam in Buffalo and entertainment provided by Muhammad School of Music was also featured.

Bro. Dahveed provided the following timetable of significant events and individuals of those early days. Photos are courtesy of some of the pioneers.

It All Began in 1953 *Bobby McQuiller brought the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to Lackawana in 1953. Most of his brothers and sisters and family joined on to the teaching of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The McQuiller family becomes the first family of the Nation of Islam in the Lackawana area. *Minister Malcolm X visits the McQuiller home in Lackawana NY. *The family of Levi and Kathrine X Hawkins began traveling to

Lackawana in 1954 to study the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad at the McQuiller home. Levi and Kathrine X Hawkin’s family becomes the First Family of the Nation of Islam in Buffalo.

The Hawkins home at 44 Butler becomes the first study group location in Buffalo. *The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad corresponds with Sis. Ora-Lee X Lewis (McQuiller) by telephone. Sis. Ora-Lee X Lewis (McQuiller) is appointed as secretary of the study group in 1955. *Minister Malcolm X travels to Buffalo/ Lackawana, on occasion, to visit with the McQuiller family and with the Hawkins family of 44 Butler St. *Min. Malcolm X corresponded with the McQuiller family and the Hawkins family. *Min. Farrakhan’s brother; Alvin X comes to the area to teach on a regular basis. *Malcolm X advises that the study group be moved to Buffalo. *Min. Malcolm X sends Min. Thomas J. X. and Robert J. X. to Buffalo from Hartford CN as minister and assistant minister in October of 1956. *Minister Malcolm X along

FAITH & FAMILY

with Thomas J. X and Robert J. X visit the study group at 44 Butler St. in 1956. *Min. Malcolm X sends Min. Thomas J. X back to Hartford CN in January 1957. Min. Robert J. X stays in Buffalo as minister; John B. X is his captain. *The Buffalo study group moves to a new location at Woodlawn and Jefferson upstairs. *The study group continues to grow and becomes Temple #23, receiving it’s number in the year 1957. *Minister John B. X becomes minister of Muhammad Temple #23. *The Honorable Minister

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Louis Farrakhan sends Bro. Dennis Muhammad to Buffalo NY in 1982 to re-establish the teaching of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. *Bro. Dennis resumes the Buffalo study group after meeting Sister Shirley A. X Gadley (Muhammad), who introduced him to Sis. Florine, Bro. Sandy, Sis Catherine, and a host of other Muslim followers of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad *The study group begins meeting at Bro. Sandy and Sis. Catherine’s home on Wyoming street in Buffalo NY. In 1982 the Muhammad Study Continued Page 12

Vascular Health Screening Saturday, March 17, 2018 8 am - 2 pm

Sisters of Charity Hospital 2157 Main Street, 5th Floor, Ambulatory Surgery Buffalo, NY 14214

Your vascular appointment includes the following health screenings*: • • • • • • •

Carotid Artery Disease Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Blood Pressure Screening Cholesterol Screenings Body Mass Index Pulse Oximetry

Screenings are FREE — registration is required.

To register, call (716) 447-6205 *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. Services are subject to availability.

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

Profile: Artistic Director Paulette Harris

Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope” Celebrates Paul Robeson Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Season

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by Jennifer Earle Strickland

he African-American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave., has held fast and strong since its 1958 founding as the African Cultural Center, by Malcolm Erni. Out of its deliberate persistence to continually realize the vision of Erni, one of the Center’s jewels was birthed in 1968: The Paul Robeson Theatre.

Named after singer, actor, and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson (1898 – 1976), for the last 50 years, the Theatre at the Center, has presented phenomenal productions; some tear-jerking; others thought-provoking; and even some that triggered emotional responses of anger, joy, sadness, or determination, yet opened conversations about controversial topics such as race, class, and economics. Regardless of each performance’s focus or theme, the PRT is unfailing in its task to enlighten the public about who we are, as people of African descent, who happen to live in America.

Under the umbrella of the AACC, and Executive Director, Agnes Bain, there is one name that is synonymous to the Paul Robeson Theatre: Paulette Harris.

The PRT’s 50th anniversary season celebration continues with Mikki Grant’s 1970’s musical entertainment production, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, on stage March 2 – 25, 2018.

Ms. Harris is confident that, though the demographics of the audience who flocked to performances of the show 40+ years ago, contrasts today’s microwave generations of the ‘90s and ‘millennials’, the show will attract patrons from both audiences. Excitedly, Harris shares that “We already have nights sold out, and we have several groups purchasing bulks of tickets for other nights!” Without divulging all the details of Don’t Bother Me…, Harris shares that “the choreography is new and exciting, and director and choreographer, Carlos Jones, has incorporated modern moves to help focus on historical conversations throughout the production.”

-Profile PauletteOriginally attracted to the PRT after hearing an artist reading works of Langston Hughes, Paulette’s thirst to learn more about African American artists inspired her to become active with the Theatre. Since joining the PRT in 1988, Harris has served in every production capacity; from lighting and sound operator, to costumer, set designer, and usher.

Today, Harris is the Theatre’s Artistic Director. She is living the extremely ambitious dream she envisioned as a child.

“My dream was always to work in film or live entertainment,” the former Channel 2 News Program Director recalls. Reflecting on the little girl who didn’t seek to be at center stage or in front of the camera, she would tell her today that difficult times will come, but “don’t give up; use them to propel you forward.

Work that much harder to accomplish your dreams.”

Thirty years in the business of live theater at the PRT, including serving the last 21 years as artistic director, have created many memorable experiences for the vibrant, seemingly always energized artist. Her ongoing friendship with Mamie Till Mobley began when she was a special guest of the Theatre during their presentation of “Mississippi and the Face of Emmitt Till”. The production was supported by both WNY schools and community. “The education (students) received could not compare to sitting in the classroom, and adults who lived through that time period, were in tears;” a bittersweet memory for Harris, who remained friends with Emmitt Till’s mother until she transitioned in 2003.

Meeting playwright, August Wilson, was another moment for Harris’ memoirs. The initial encounter with him was exhilarating, but his remembering her a few years later, in another city, was icing on the cake.

Harris believes that the PRT has endured for 50 years because its remained consistent in its goal of educating: teaching that the key to sustainability of the PRT is its remained true to our culture and heritage; supporting: organizations will “go away” without support that offers the opportunity to offer programs and “keep the doors open”; and believing in the generational concept: “We serve 3rd and 4th generations of families…and, as a result, we’ve been able to teach children

"Cope" Dancers and Artistic director Paulette Harris (inset)Photo Jerome Shadwick

The awesome cast of "Don't Bother Me I Can't cope" on stage March 2-25 at the Paul Robeson Theatre. Photo Jerome Shadwick

and their children about their heritage and culture,” Harris acknowledges with a sense of purpose.

Ms. Harris proclaims that she is a Christian, first, and her faith motivates her “to do great things that make others feel good about their artistry or craft. I can’t explain the feeling of watching a student achieve something he initially felt was difficult, or introducing someone to the theatre; watching someone experience the theater for the first time.”

Harris’ list of ‘things accomplished’ includes serving as casting director for the film, The Purge: The Island, to be released by Universal Pictures July 4, 2018; instituting the PRT programs: August Wilson Monologue Competition; Scratch Night at the Robeson, and Performing Arts Training Classes for Children, among others. Her directing credits include Jar the Floor, Souls of Black Folk, Black Nativity, and Skeleton Crew, and Harris received accolades for writing the play Two Weeks Until the Rest of My Life: The Stage Play, which also graced the stage in Washington, D.C., in 2013.

Under her direction, the PRT received the 2017 Theatre Company Longevity Award at the 15th Biennial National Black Theatre Festival. “It is an honor to receive such an award by fellow global artist who practice the same belief of expanding awareness about the African American diaspora.”

To the aspiring actor, director, playwright, producer, stage tech, Harris offers, “Stay focused; don’t let anyone stand in your way. Surround yourself with people who support your journey; start with the end in sight; seeing yourself at the finish line of a long journey, receiving your prize.”

Paulette Harris, artistic and casting director, program developer, widely recognized production director extraordinaire, leads in the PRT’s mission to enhance the cultural and artistic Continued Page 9

ON STAGE ERIC MARTIN UNPLUGGED"

Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene will be the special guest when Grand Slam Promotions presents “Eric Martin Unplugged: The Retirement Party," Friday, March 30 at the Adams Mark Hotel 120 Church St. From 6 p.m.

– 12 midnight. Donation is $45. For ticket information call 308-3328. Tickets also available at Hair To Go Natural, 227 Main St. 883-2000 or Hair It Is Salon, 580 Elmwood call 464-6807. Age 25 & older, causal attire . (Eric martin pictured above.)

9

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

Just Buffalo Seeks Teaching Artist & Assistant Curator Words on the Street is Just Buffalo’s new outdoor public program featuring readings, workshops, and other literary activities presented along the Literary Corridor. Primary locations are the new Reading Park alongside the Central Library and at the Medical Campus. They are seeking candidate who will work closely with Just Buffalo’s Artistic Director & Writing Center staff, for position of Artist & Assistant Curator. The position will entail the candidate to •Plan and put in place a dynamic schedule of literary activities to take place along the Liter-ary Corridor (including every Weds. lunchtime 11:301:30pm at the Reading Park) running June through September.

•This will include conducting some programs as a teaching artist and scheduling & coordi-nating programs to be done by others.

10 Local Women Participate as speakers for Albright's Sunday Speakers Series On select Sundays during We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965– 85, the Albright-Knox will host conversations inspired by the exhibition led by local women of color, including artists, activists, educators, and more.

The select speakers include: Artist Julia Bottoms (Feb.18), Artist Valeria Cray Dihaan (Feb25), Storyteller & Activist Karima Amin ( March 4 ), Educator Gail Wells (March 18 & May 20) Publisher Leah Hamilton ( March 25), Storyteller & Entrepreneur Sharon Jordan Holley (April 15), Community Mother Mama Charlene Caver Miller (April 22), Artist/Educator Alexa Wajed (April 29), Historian Eva Doyle (May 6), Educator Franchelle Parker (May 27) Learn more about the exhibition and these speakers at www.albrightknox.com

Speakers L/R Julia Bottoms, Valaria Cray, Karima Amin, Gail Wells, Leah Hamilton, Sharon Holley, Charlene Miller, Alexa Wajed Eva Doye, Franchelle Parker

The Stipend is $3,600 total as Independent Contractor and the estimated time commitment of 5-6 hours/week.

Among the goals of the project will be to: •Highlight local writers and those with Buffalo ties Submit your cover letter & resume by March 20 to: submis-sions@justbuffalo.org

CULTURAL CENTER continued awareness of the community by providing productions that illuminate the African American Aesthetic. Harris’ “Artistic Director Statement” declares that “We have lived it, feel it, and experience it day in and day out. Our productions are built on the true cultural renaissance of the African American experience. We invite you to celebrate with us, this year, as we usher in our 50th Anniversary Season.”

Contact the PRT, and Paulette Harris, at 716 884-2013.

Peace and Love!

•Assist with implementing several additional special events including Reading Park kickoff in late June.

•Participate in meetings or calls necessary to coordinate and publicize overall project.

March 8, 2018 7 pm Dear Nina: A Sonic Love Letter to Nina Simone with Drea d’Nur & Strings by Rootstock Republic $50 / $45 for Albright-Knox Members | www.albrightknox.org/dearnina

Support for this performance has been provided by HSBC Bank USA., N.A.

10

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

R.I.S.E. Initiative featuring the Steps to Succeed Academy Celebrates 400th Placement

Become a teacher and shape a brighter future.

WNY Teacher Residency The need for educators committed to addressing the challenges within our urban schools has never been greater. As the first program of its kind in our region, the Western New York Teacher Residency prepares you with the

The Buffalo Employment & Training Center (BETC) is proud to announce the 400th placement from the Steps to SucceedAcademy of Empowerment Reentry program. The Re-Integration Services to Employment (R.I.S.E.) Initiative featuring the Steps to Succeed Academy works with customers who have convictions, giving them employment assistance and focus. Under Mayor Byron Brown’s Re-Integration Services to Employment (R.I.S.E) Initiative, the Steps to Succeed Academy has had over 620 students who have completed the program and a majority receiving employment. This is the 400th placement from the initiative.

The academy is designed to help citizens with convictions may it be old or new, with the tools and support to find employment. Our approach is to help develop psych / social, job preparation and soft skills through the actualization process.

Graduates receive a diploma, certificates of job readiness, good conduct, and relief. Customers also benefit from the Re-Entry Job Club, referrals to other agencies, letters of achievement, and eligibility for bonding insurance, a work opportunity tax credit option, and an individual training account. Legal services are also available from the WNY Law Center.

Program participants can enter the Academy by signing up at the Buffalo and Employment and Training Center (BETC) located at 77 Goodell 856-5627(JOBS). Referrals to the program are made from Federal and State Parole & Probation offices, halfway transitional housing, the Religious community, Courts, various correctional transition sources and Community Based organizations.

The academy is funded with a grant from the United Healthcare Community Plan, which also sponsors the quarterly Job fairs. The Steps to Succeed Empowerment Academy is held biweekly under the leadership and coordination of its founder Otis N. Glover.

Majority Leader Baskin

Majority Leader Baskin Seeks Interns The office of Majority Leader April Baskin is seeking non-paid internships in Media relations and Office Assistant.

College credit (per college's procedures) and formal letter reviewing work will be provided.. Each internship is 15 hours per week.

Candidate must be familiar with computers, software applications, and databases and must be able to prioritize informationand write in a clear and concise manor.Please contact James Coughlin at james.coughlin@erie.gov to apply for these internships.

Teaching Head & Heart

training to be effective in culturally and economically diverse classroom settings, including a full year as a resident teacher in an urban school.

Designed for college graduates with no prior education training, the program provides the coursework and field experience you’ll need for master’s-level teacher certification in New York State — all in just 24 months.

Benefits: >

Earn teacher certification (Gr. 1-6) and a master’s degree in 24 months

>

Be first in line for job openings with Canisius partner schools

>

Take advantage of the residency scholarship covering 30% of tuition

>

Receive a $20,000 living wage stipend during your residency year

Discounted on-campus housing is available.

Application deadline is March 1.

Enrollment Information Meeting Tuesday • March 6 • 4 p.m.

Learn more and apply at canisius.edu/TEACH

716-402-1801

PLU

Zumba fo S r Kids

FRE

Mexican E Food

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

Wake Up Everybody! No Mo' Sleepin'!

I

once heard an elder declare that vigilance was the price of freedom. Of course, there are many more prices that we all must be willing to pay for freedom. Now I know that what he meant was that we have to pay attention.

When walking into a storm one should pay very close attention to everything that is going on around them, and not just what's right in front of their faces. Oftentimes, elements can hit you from all sides, and behind you, and pull you into a whirlwind where you lose all direction. If you are not following the flow of the wind, the direction of the debris, the cloud formation in the sky, you will get lost in the storm. Storm trackers use special equipment to do all of these things in order BaBa to minimize damage and save lives.

ENG In crisis, people's natural instinct is to run for cover. That is good, but what we have found in the aftermath of crisis, tragedy and storms is that when people join together in harmonized, organized, collective effort, more lives are saved and less damage occurs.

In this era of Trumpism, where racism, oppression, discrimination, and all the brutalities of the state apparatus' are intensified, it becomes more important than ever before in our lives, that we pay close attention and join with others to secure and maintain our mutual safety. And yes, we must pay close attention to everything that is said and done by Trump and everybody connected to him For example, knowing the history of law enforcement in America as having developed out of the plantation system where overseers and "slave catchers" were charged with making sure that enslaved Afrikans abided by and obeyed the rules and regulations of the plantation, makes it deeply offensive and ominous when you paid attention and heard the Chief Law enforcement officer of the United States, the Attorney General , Jeff Sessions, say that :"We must remember the anglo-american heritage of law enforcement in our country." That was a battle cry to white racists who still exist in and most times control our police departments throughout America. He was reminding white racist America that at one time in America's history racist white men controlled law enforcement in America. This is so, ... money can't buy you despite the fact that many brave, conscious and conscientious Black, White, Latino and Asian officers strive every day to make sure that their policing does not continue to reflect the racist and brutal past of slavery and plantation enforcement.

That statement made by Jeff Sessions, himself a southern racist with a history of discrimination and the manipulation ofthe law to enforce racist policies and agenda's in Alabama, where he was a State Senator, issued a dog whistle to racist all over America to remember when white men controlled the country, they forfeited and devalued the humanity of Afrikan people, indigenous people and even their own women in the furtherance of their greed, lust for power and their collective insecurity of manhood that they have to live with despite all the trappings and illusions of power and wealth that they possess. Just like money can't buy you love ... money can't buy you manhood neither!

That statement by Jeff Sessions was the backup to the statement made by Donald Trump a few months ago when he told law enforcement throughout America to "RUFF EM UP." Talking about how he wanted suspects of crime to be treated when arrested or detained by police. He was talking about how law enforcement should treat Black and Brown people.

But we were not paying attention.

Recently a mentally disturbed young man in Florida, murdered 17 people, was seen wearing a Trump make America great again cap on two occasions and was known to have spoken racist views to anyone who would listen to him before he set out on a murder spree using an military assault rifle that he bought

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

legally in the state of Florida. Still we are not paying attention.

It was also claimed by a White militia group in Florida that that young White man who murdered seventeen people was a member of the White militia, that he was a supporter of Donald Trump and that they trained him.

But, we still ain't payin attention.

Since his presidency Trump has been dismantling every civil rights gain made by Black and Brown people in the last fifty years. He has appointed unqualified but stanchly racist judges to Courts all over the country who will be ruling in favor of white racist policies that effect the lives of Black and Brown people on a day to day basis for years to come. He has appointed over one hundred and fifty judges to the Federal courts. But we are still not paying attention.

Trump has made deals with the Russian government to enrich himself and his family,billions of dollars for himself and his family, for the woman he sleeps with and the sons and daughters he fathered, as well as other white racist that he is tied to since his days in Brooklyn, New York when he marched in the Neo Nazi German parade as the grand marshal following in his fathers footsteps as a Nazi sympathizer who came to America from Germany in the early 1940's.

But we don't pay attention to history.

Trump has dismantled our government to the point where nothing gets done unless he approves it and he has spread so much money among his racist cronies in Congress and in the Senate that any legislation that does not support or uphold White supremacy in America does not get the votes for passage.

But we are not paying attention.

He has created so much chaos so that he has everybody, politicians, scrambling for the left over scraps of government largess because they see nothing but doom in the future. The attitude is to get whatever they can right now. Corruption and all the rest of the negative social consequences that it breeds don't matter.

He has done to women what he has done against their will and because they had been to fearful of the illusion of his power they remained silent and complicit in his debauchery and his adulteries, until now.

But we, Black and Brown people still ain't payin attention.

We don't pay attention while this whole idea of white men's insecurities shows itself in the promotion of a manifest destiny that brings slavery and imperialism together as two sides of the same American coin. The second amendment gave white men the right to form militias to take land from our indigenous broth-

ers and sisters, rape their women, and enslave the young people; the same way that the thirteenth amendment gave white men to legal right to enslave Afrikans in mass imprisonment. We ain't payin attention and we ain't looking at the true history of America with the dots connected. It's not rocket science and these insecure, racist, misogynistic white men and their female cohorts are not scientist!

We just have to pay more attention, awaken our consciousness and keep it awake with our young people. We have to stay on top of all of the words and actions that come from those in our government. They can't help themselves when it comes to telling on themselves. Telling us what they are doing as they try to code their language and symbolize their behaviors is obvious if we only take off the blinders of the inferiority complexes that they embedded in us.

White racism and violence against women go hand in hand, they are both manifestations of Eurocentric Patriarchy. We are not paying attention and when Black men align themselves with conservative politics for personal gain, a white woman and a little self aggrandizement they adopt a patriarchal attitude towards women and treat women the same way they see white men do it. If we watch and pay attention we will see where someone's head and heart are at by listening deeply and watching thoroughly what they say and do in their treatment of others.

If you want to be a part of the reclamation of Our Collective

No Justice..."Just Us..."

Dear Editor: My Name is Jesse Lewis and I’m being held hostage here at Niagara County Jail on some trumped up charges by the State and now Federal Government. I first want to apologize to you for even writing this to you because I know and understand that your paper most likely gets a thousand of these types of letters a week but the problem is that nothing is being done, where writing pouring our hearts out about the wrongs that are being done to us and no-one is listening. We’re basically losing out on every level of enforcement.

On the streets the police are robbing us and killing. In the courts the lawyers are shaking us down for our money and along with the D.A copping us out; giving us time like we killed someone while the real killers are getting less time along with the baby rapers than we are for drugs. But that’s only part of the real reason why I ‘ve decided to reach out to you. As it stands right now, myself along with a lot of others are trapped here with in system not caring one way or the other to what happens to us.

I’m sitting here after they’ve taken my money, my family and my freedom from me because I won’t help them to trap the next person. I won’t see my young kids until they are teenagers or longer.

This system is very sickening where a person’s fair treatment is dependent upon who they are willing to give up. The government is showing us that justice has no worth along with our lives and if we fight we’ll get lost in the system. I’ve heard that there is law firm with top lawyers that has signed an agreement with the Federal Government to handle pro bono cases because the Public Defender’s office is getting over loaded with these cases.

But I’ve tried to reach out to some of these lawyers at 300 Main St., in Buffalo and not one of them even returned my calls.

So here I stand with no help at all.

Jesse Lewis

dear editor

Path From Poverty Dear Editor: A long term solution MUST have a starting point. My suggestion would be organizing everyone to unite behind a common cause.

A cause worth uniting behind is the environment; improve your environment and in the process, you improve yourself!!

Recycling is an activity and a hands on lesson in economics 101; you collect the assets ( cans and bottles ), establish collateral ( turning the cans and bottles into cash ) and you invest that principle in a money making operation.

If that investment is turning vacant churches on the Eastside of Buffalo into activity enterprise facilities; I feel the community support should blossom, growing a renaissance for the entire ar ea.

Joseph Allen

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3

“My race needs no special defense for the past history of them and this country,” said Smalls, who died of malaria and diabetes in the house behind which he was born a slave. “It proves them to be equal of any people anywhere. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life.”

Power, then Paying Attention is the one prices that you must be willing to pay.

Power to The People!

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

11

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

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• Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com

Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053

12

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

RISE UP RIGHT!

Highlights in Sports

By Andre "The Torch" Robinson Welcome everyone as I challenge you to “Rise Up Right,” where we ignite the flames that you already have for sports by highlighting the latest local, national, and international sports news. To ignite the flames, I want to kick off this week by saying thank you to everyone who read last week’s Rise Up Right article.

Monsignor Martin Tournament

This week atop of local sports news is action from the Monsignor Martin Tournament that took place at Villa Maria College. In the first game, St. Francis with stingy

defense was able to defeat St .Joes 57-45. Also later on that night, Christian Central played Nichols as they went down 58-50.

The Crusaders

The Crusaders ended their season 9-14 in which the future looks bright for the Crusaders. I want to send a special shout out to all the Crusaders who played for their respective teams this season.

In other high school action, a clash of the titans took place at Buffalo State College on Monday as the Middle College Kats took on a Health Sciences team led by Tennessee commit Davonte Gaines

Enrolling Now Grades K-2 Apply Online Today @

www.ReachAcademyCharter.org 115 Ash Street Buffalo, NY 14204 Phone: 716-248-1485

and this game didn’t disappoint at all unless you’re a fan of Middle College as their season ended with a 62-42 loss. Come out and support your local high school sporting events!

UB Since last week, The UB Men’s team (21-8) won two out of three games with wins over Bowling Green 95-82 and Ohio 108-82 and a loss between those games to Miami (OH) in a nail biter 84-81.

Will the Bulls hold down the #1 spot in the MAC to end the season?

The Lady Bulls (23-4), winners of seven straight will look to finish the season with a #1 overall seed in the MAC tourney. Two games remain which team (UB, Ball State, or Central Michigan) will get that #1 seed in the MAC tourney?

NFL News In NFL news, the Buffalo Bills have signed a one year deal with veteran cornerback Vontae Davis on Monday. Davis, 29, in 120 career games over a 9 year career is a two time Pro Bowler and has started in 112 of those games in which he has recorded 395 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 106 passes defensed.

This move by the Bills may put an end to the speculation of E.J Gaines not returning

with the Bills as Gaines will become an unrestricted free agent on March 14.

Will the veteran cornerback be an upgrade to the Bills defense who gave up 231 yards per game through the air and ranked 20th in pass defense or will he only add to this problem?

NBA Things are heating up in the NBA as teams regroup from All Star weekend. The NBA has received mixed reactions from fans after they heard that the league was having discussions on changing the playoff format. The idea would entail that the best 16 teams regardless of conference would go to the playoffs. Do you think this would be a good idea for the league? Hmmmm……

If you are wondering what’s next? Make sure you continue to keep up with the latest in sports right here with Rise Up Right!

For more great sports talk, follow me on these social media sites: Andre Robinson and Rise Up Family on Facebook therealtorch716 and riseupfamilyseven16 on Instagram Watch Rise Up Sports Show every Tuesday at 7pm on Facebook Live & Buffalo WNY RiseUp TV on www. citylinktv.com

geico.com/buffalo-north

Personal friend of the Gecko®.

Timothy C. Lynch | 716-832-3253 1330 Niagara Falls Blvd | Tonawanda, NY 14150 Across from the Boulevard Mall

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2018. © 2018 GEICO

Malcolm X-Mosque #23 continued Group moves their meetings to Harambee Books and Crafts (now Zawadi Books) then located on Main and Utica *Minister Abdul Halim Muhammad is appointed minister in 1985. *The study group moves their meetings to a storefront on E. Ferry and Cornwall Ave. and moves to E. Ferry and Goodyear shortly thereafter.

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

-Tao Te Ching

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project No. M3093C, for Construction Work, Replace Roofing, Building 73, Albion Correctional Facility, 3595 State School Road, Albion (Orleans County), NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $34,700 for C. All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C. Designated staff are Jessica Hoffman, Carl Ruppert and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Deputy Director, Design & Construction Group, telephone (518) 4740201, fax (518) 486-1650.

The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 11:00 a.m. on March 8, 2018 at OGS Field Office Trailer, 3571 State School Road, Albion, NY. Phone the office of Corey Stalker, (585) 5894854 a minimum of 72 hours in advance.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts.

All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs). The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s online through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/ bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp.

For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to DC.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call(518) 474-0203.

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/ dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

John D. Lewyckyj, C.S.I., C.D.T.

Deputy Director,

OGS Design & Construction Group

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

NEW BUSINESSES LLC

legal Notices

-LEGAL NOTICEThe La’Verdad Cafe/Deli LLC. Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/25/2018. Office: Erie County: SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 115 Gold Street, Buffalo, New York 14206.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Latest date upon which the LLC is dissolved.

Feb.14,21,28 March 7,14,21 -LEGAL NOTICEExtensions of Essence LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/27/17.

Off. Loc.: Erie Co. SSNY design. as agt. upon whom process may be served. Reg. agt. upon whom and at which SSNY to mail process: Extensions of Essence, LLC 48 Homer Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Feb.14,21,28 March 7,14, 21 -LEGAL NOTICEName of LLC: DTP Holding LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: June 08,2017 The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.

NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at: 7954 Transit Road,Williamsville New York 14221 Purpose of LLC: Buying, Selling, Renting and leasing real estate. No specific duration attached to LLC Feb.21,28 March 7,14,21,28

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace.

Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

EMPLOYMENT/ HELP WANTED Community Development Coordinator: manages largescale community development projects and multi-stakeholder neighborhood planning efforts; assists with grants targeted towards commercial corridor revitalization, affordable housing, civic engagement, and community capacity building. (Full-Time) $15.00/hour (benefits after 90 days) Please send a resume & cover letter to Roseann Scibilia - r.scibilia@ udcda.org and Darren Cotton d.cotton@udcda.org

Vice President for Institutional Advancement The Institutional Advancement Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (“BMHA”) has made available copies of the BMHA Annual PHA Plan. Interested parties may review the Plan at the BMHA Administrative Offices located at 300 Perry St., Buffalo, NY, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and at all BMHA Management Offices and the BMHA website. These documents will be available for review until Monday April 9th at 3:00 pm.

Written comments should be sent to the attention of Dawn E. SandersGarrett, Executive Director, BMHA, 300 Perry St., Buffalo, NY 14204.

The deadline for submitting comments is Monday April 9th at 3:00 pm.

A public hearing will be held at the BMHA Administrative Offices, 300 Perry St., Buffalo, NY on Tuesday April 10, 2018 at 10:00 am.

LEGAL NOTICE BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4773 - PAYROLL AND BENEFITS MANAGEMENT SERVICES Download Bids from www.nfta. com LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK County of Erie, New York CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES PLAN

April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2023 The Erie County Department of Social Services requests public comments regarding its proposed Child and Family Services Plan. A public meeting will be held March 8, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., room 805, 95 Franklin Street, where comments and/or questions will be welcomed. The Plan will also be available for public review, upon request, from March 1, 2018 through March 23, 2018, by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via email at Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE Scrufari Construction

Co.

seeking M/WBE/SDVOB subcontractors to quote New Era Field Club Renovations Bid Date: Friday, March 2, 2018 and ECMC Emergency Department Modernization Bid Date: Thursday, March 8, 2018 EEO Employer – 282-1225 ROOMS

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included.

(716)818-3410.

The Adult Education & Workforce Development division of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaragus BOCES has a couple opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Licensed Practical Nursing Testing

every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. now through March 28. Testing is done on a computer and costs $20.

Testers are required to bring photo ID and cash or a money order. The LPN class begins July 9, 2018.

Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide

Entrance testing is held every other Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. until the class is filled. This entrance test on reading and math is free. Classes are held 3 days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These tests take place at the New Hope Educational Center, 175 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, where a receptionist will direct test-takers to the specific room. Please pre-register for either session at (716) 842-4106.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS

LEGAL NOTICE RFP NOTICE OF INVITATION TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Proposals are requested by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Division of Environmental Compliance Services (DEP/ECS) for engineering consultant services to prepare the Big Sister Creek Constructed Wetland Feasibility and Design Report. The top rated respondent will be selected to enter into an agreement to provide the feasibility and design report.

In accordance with Local Law No. 6, proposals are hereby invited for the subject project. Proposals are to be submitted in the exact format detailed in the request for proposals (RFP).

Proposals will be due 4:00 PM April 20, 2018. A pre-proposal meeting will be held in the conference room no.

1004 of the Rath Building, 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 at 10:00 A.M. on March 22, 2018 for the purpose of discussing the project with prospective respondents.

To obtain a copy of the RFP guidelines, please visit the following website on or after March 1, 2018: http:// www2.erie.gov/purchasing/index. php?q=requests-proposals-ampconstruction-bids. Alternatively, you may call Josh Wilson at (716) 8587520 or e-mail peter.wilson@erie. gov if you would like to request a hardcopy.

This invitation does not commit Erie County, or its DEP, to accept any priced proposal, nor does it obligate Erie County for any costs associated with preparing or submitting proposals.

BY:Bonnie Lawrence Deputy Commissioner Erie County DEP/ECS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job #18-03-CF, LaSalle Courts Apartments The Prebid Conference will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting.

Sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM, local time, Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned.

Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set.

Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit.

The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.

Dated: March 6, 2018

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs.

To Advertise, Email:advertising@thechallengernews.com

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS advertising@thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS

ELECTRICAL

LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

AUTO

2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

BEN’S Downtown Tire

F& S Fashions

FLORISTS

Colston Mobil Auto Repair

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

(716) 896-3910

ART GALLERY Main Street Gallery Lodina Clyburn 515 Main Street Lodina@gmail.com

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

A-1 Bail Bonds 855-2514 or 854-2128

BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118 ZAWADI BOOKS 1382 Jefferson Ave. 716-903-6740

DOCTORS RAPHA FAMILY MEDICINE Frances IIozue MD 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122

TUES 1/20

WED 2/21

THURS 2/22

EVE-7-0-5

EVE-6-7-4

EVE-2-0-1

EVE-0-7-1

MID-8-6-4-2 EVE-4-3-0-8

MID-8-2-2

WIN 4

MID-6-2-1-7 EVE-3-0-3-8

MID-7-6-7-0 EVE-3-9-7-9

MID-4-1-1-4 EVE-7-1-7-2

TAKE 5

09-22-26-27-28

09-13-21-26-31

07-11-18-29-38

EVE-1-5-0

MID-2-0-4

MID-1-5-8

05-09-18-23-24

MID-2-7-9

MID-4-9-2-4 EVE-2-1-1-0 07-23-35-36-38

FRI 2/23

MID-5-7-0

EVE-9-4-9 MID-0-0-6-0 EVE-5-5-2-4 07-08-14-23-26

17-25-32-33-38-44 #42

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

4018

022

064

648

SAT 2/24

MID-7-1-6

EVE-4-2-9 MID-4-5-8-0 EVE-6-6-2-4 07-14-15-21-32

07-25-26-29-37-43 #17

996

515

140

HAIR SUPPLY MAIN HAIR & BEAUTY SUPPLY 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOMEOWNER;

Free Roof Check, Lead Test, All Home Repairs, Payment Plans, Everyone Approved 380-3459

TAILORS ANN RHOD’S Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892

ELDER CARE BENTON'S DOMESTIC HOUSEKEEPING (716) 717-6155 Find Us on Facebook bentondomestic@aol.com

MON 2/19

MID-3-8-3

3-WAY

FASHION

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

716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore)

SUN 2/18

TO ADVERTISE

881-1051

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 562-670-106-860-103-657-748-905-198-657-648-920-907-546986-676-198-238-120-981-932-974-760-988-086-754-365-515274-804-348-029-869-269-875-630-768-796-909-175-678-809109-645-467-971-290-965-434-657-278-897-978-029-145-897461-689-201-107-456-578-646-230-856-789-086-657-651-890 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 890-219-345-476-578-768242-000-111-777-989-123125-436-515-600-349-675652-986-568-853-578-168

February Vibes 891-145-549-096098-034-567-978101-432-553-679 quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-098 511-005/201

“It’s In The Stars”

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 289-946-034-594 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

THE NUMBER BOOK

GAMMA’S FEBRUARY PICKS

235-409-509-776-123-189

FebruaryBest Triple - 333 February Special Doubles 228-252-303

515 NUMBER OF THE MONTH

Adopt a new, much more positive approach in life and all aspects of your life will change for the better!

Challenger Hits Midday 3-8-3 Quick Money (box) 8-2-2 Feb Doubles(box) 1-5-8 Luckie Duckie (box) 2-7-9 Quick Money (box) 5-7-0 Number Book (box) Evening 1-5-0 Libra (box) 7-0-5 Number Book (box) 6-7-4 ZR, Ma Ruth Speaks (box) 2-0-1 ZR, Leo, Quick Money (straight) ZR, Luckie Duckie (box) 0-7-1 ZR, Virgo, Sagittarius (box) 9-4-9 Number Book (box) 4-2-9 Sagittarius, Quick Money (box) LUCKIE DUCKIE

133-202- 335 -2015-4444-1871-0978 134-431-143

648*123*104*820

980-422-809-981-989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102-581-752-319-408378-352-126-189-444-886-514- 332-522112-432-421-423

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year 2017

03/07/2017 Evening 03/07/2017 Midday 03/06/2017 Evening 03/06/2017 Midday 03/05/2017 Evening 03/05/2017 Midday 03/04/2017 Evening 03/04/2017 Midday 03/03/2017 Evening 03/03/2017 Midday 03/02/2017 Evening 03/02/2017 Midday 03/01/2017 Evening 03/01/2017 Midday 02/28/2017 Evening 02/28/2017 Midday

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

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28,2018

WEDNESDAY FEB. 28

WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

THURSDAY MARCH 8

FRIDAY MARCH 9

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. 12pm - 1pm.

FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, 12pm - 1pm. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832 1010.

FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 444-2046.

Chicago Steppin: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St.

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 2009702.

Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St427-0566.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702.

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

THURSDAY MARCH 1 FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 444-2046.

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

FRIDAY MARCH 2 Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Buffalo Celebration: “the Battle of Adwa: An African Victory,” 7-10 p.m., Ras Jomo guest speaker, Buffalo State College 1900 Elwood Bulger communication Center.

Chicago Steppin: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor.

SATURDAY MARCH 3 Mike’s Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Delavan-Grider Community Center, 3805100. $5 MONDAY MARCH 5 African Consciousness Workshop: “Fundi: the Story of Ella Baker,” Merriweather Library Jefferson @ Utica, 5:50 – 7:50 p.m.; free admission; 883-4418.

TUESDAY MARCH 6 Charter School of Inquiry Board of Trustees, Starting at 4:45 pm at Charter School of Inquiry 404 Edison Call 716833-3250 or email info@csicharter.org f or further information. Public is invited.

Now Open

9:30am - 4:30pm

Mon - Sat

Favorite Brands & Great Deals · Hennessy · E & J · Paul Masson · Remy Martin · Ciroc · & More

681 Fillmore Ave.

464-3877 · One block from Broadway · Next door to WNY Check Services Must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. ID required. Please drink responsibly.

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IMAGES OF US

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 28, 2018

Someone I know has Alzheimer’s … and the best way I can help them is to call the WNY Alzheimer’s Association.

– Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

OMEGA QUEENS: Buffalo’s Omega Mentoring took their Omega Queens to see Marvel's Black Panther film opening weekend at Walden Galleria Regal Cinema. The Queens were excited to see positive imagery on the screen and were inspired to wear their African inspired tops to celebrate African culture!

They also appeared in a Spectrum News inteview that same dayvoicing their opinions about the film. Bravo Omega Queens!

ENGAGED: Congratulations to Bro. Lenny Lane and Sis. Felicia Bell- Daniels on their recently announced engagement! Lenny, a well known activist and community worker, is president of the F.A.T.H.E.R.S. organization. The lovely couple will share their blessed nuptials this August 2018.

READERS ARE LEADERS!

If forgetfulness is becoming a problem, it could be a sign of disease. If you have questions, call the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for answers, services and support.

800.272.3900 | alz.org/WNY

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

see you at the events!