CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

February 24, 2022 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

FAMILY SEEKS JUSTICE FOR SIRGIO

McKinley High Student Remains Hospitalized After Vicious Stabbing Page 3

Model Cities/Langston Hughes: Storytellers at Burchfield Page 7

OUR HISTORY DID NOT BEGIN IN CHAINS Page 19

David A. Smiley II

Michelle Barron

Robert Cornelius

Thomas Fluker

Valeria Cray

Tiffany Lewis

2022 Black Tie For Black History Honorees!

Page 9

Rochester’s Washington Wins $33 Million Settlement With McDonald’s Page 2

A TRIBUTE TO BUFFALO’S “HERB WIZARD”

Page 4

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Rochester’s Herb Washington Wins $33 Million Settlement With McDonald’s

By George Radney

Frederick and the GOP: Making It Plain

Few figures loom larger in Rochester than Frederick Douglass. From his founding of The North Star publication, to securing a path to freedom for slaves on the Underground Railroad, Douglass was a powerful presence in the Flower City — a presence that endures to this day.

Contemporary Republicans proudly remind us of Douglass’s Republican membership. But his politics hardly resembled those of modern Republicans (just as Democrats of the time weren’t like today’s Democrats).

In 1855, Douglass was a self-professed radical as a founding member of the Radical Abolition Party, which wanted to upend the status quo in the most dramatic way: immediate and universal emancipation; full suffrage for all Americans, regardless of sex or skin color; the redistribution of land so that no one would be rich and no one poor; and violent interventions against slavery Other founders included two of Douglass’s close friends: the militant abolitionist John Brown and the nation’s first universityeducated black physician, James McCune Smith.

Rochester's First African American Neighborhood...

R

ochester is well known for its ties to former slave, abolitionist, orator, and publisher Frederick Douglass, who made his home there in 1847. As early as 1810, freed blacks were living in Western New York and soon established Rochester’s first African American neighborhood located on High Street that later became Clarissa Street. The neighborhood was located in the Third Ward.

Twenty years later, Reverend Thomas James, an escaped slave, found the Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1830.

The church became an essential hub for the Underground Railroad, Douglass’s abolitionist newspaper (The North Star) and for Susan B. Anthony’s women suffrage movement. A slow progressive flow of stable black families continued to move into the Third Ward with each passing decade.

During the Great Depression general unemployment was 40 percent and among Blacks 70 percent, but they were able to keep their families together. The Third Ward had a sound population composed of upward mobile families like the Dubois, Stevens, Grays, Coles, and Walls.

You had two doctors, Lunsford and Jordan, two dentistsLindsey and Levy, and two morticians-Latimore and Myers.

The Third Ward’s stable population would abruptly change following a massive migration of black people fleeing the South.

The city of Rochester in 1945 had a population of 5,000 black people.

By 1964, almost 32,000 black people lived in Rochester with the greater percentage arriving from the South.

A number of settlement houses were organized in Rochester, such as Baden Street in 1901, to ease the transition of people migrating from all parts of Europe.

During the massive migration of black people from 1945 to 1960, no community instrument existed in Rochester to ease the transition. The only accessible instrument was Baden Street beginning to move into the area of serving African Americans.

The newcomers largely settled in the Third and Seventh Wards.

The Seventh Ward with Joseph Avenue at its heart was the only neighborhood with public housing in the 1950s. Most African Americans lived in a 12-block area in the Third Ward and a 12-block area in the Seventh Ward, where many dilapidated housings were concentrated.

Continued Page 5

McDonald’s Corp. has agreed to pay $33.5 million to former Rochesterian Herb Washington, a Black franchisee who had restaurants, in agreement to end his racial discrimination lawsuit.

Washington had alleged the company discriminated against him by having him helm low volume restaurants in Black neighborhoods and by forcing him to downsize his store base years later after grading his locations Herb Washington unfairly.

"This is how McDonald’s seems to treat most Black franchisees". Mr. Washington said, "When I stood up for myself and other Black franchisees, McDonald’s began dismantling my life’s work, forcing me to sell one store after another to white operators.”

Herb Washington is a former Major League baseball player who in 1972 became the first designated base runner in MLB for the Oakland A’s; The A’s owner Charlie Finley was an originator and along with being the first to revolutionize baseball with the designated base runner also wearing different colored uniforms on Sundays and other various days of the week were two things that are still used by baseball teams today. The A’s bat boy was a young Black kid who was always around the ball park wanting a job and had a flare about himself . Finley hired him to be the flamboyant Bat Boy and we all knew him in the 90s as MC Hammer.

Mr. Washington was the chain’s largest Black franchisee in the US at one point. He had 23 restaurants but was down to 14 at the time of the lawsuit. McDonald’s settled with him by having him exit the McDonald’s system, dismiss the pending litigation and in return McDonald’s purchased all 13 restaurants for 33.5 million. This is what qualified intelligent Black men have to go through in America. An outstanding business move Mr. Washington made in Rochester, NY was moving his McDonald location from corner of North Clinton Ave and

Continued Page 15

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

AREA BRIEFS

Election Law Case Against Betty Grant Postponed Again!

The Election Law Violations court case against community activist Betty Jean Grant was postponed yet again. The next court date is Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Buffalo City Court, Part 6, Judge Andrew Lotempio's courtroom. Shown in the photo are friends of Mrs. Grant, including her lawyer, James A.W. McLeod, who showed up to support her in her last court hearing, Wednesday(February 23rd.).

Alex Wright is Kearn’s Guest on “Catching Up With the Clerk” Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns announced that his radio show, “Catching Up with the Clerk,” will return to the airwaves beginning February 26th. The thirty-minute show that will air Saturday’s from 11:30am-noon on the Legendary Mix 1080 WUFO and Power 96.5 FM. Kearns’ first guest is Alexander Wright, Founder and President of the African American Food Co-Op. They will discuss plans to turn an historic building on Carlton Street into Buffalo’s newest Community Co-Op providing access to healthy, fresh affordable food sourced locally to area residents.

Community Breakfast at Northland Workforce Training Center!

On Wednesday March 9 the Northland Workforce Training Center will hold a community breakfast from 8:30am -10:00am at their 683 Northland Ave. location. Learn how you can educate, enlighten, and empower our community through the Northland Workforce Training Center! Let’s ensure community members have access to and benefit from the revitalization underway on the East side of Buffalo.

All attendees will receive Ambassador T-Shirts.

RSVP with Deidre Prewitt at 716 436-3229 ext. 013 or email her at prewitt@northlandwtc.org

Family Seeks Justice for Sirgio

A

urielle Austin broke down in tears during an interview Monday morning as she spoke openly to the media for the first time since her 14-yearold son Sirgio was viciously stabbed during a fight outside McKinley High School February 9.

“I don’t even remember how I got to the hospital,” she recalled. “I just threw the kids in the car and the next thing I knew I was there.”

Her greatest fear she said, was that Sirgio would not make it. “I just knew the doctor was going to tell me that he was dead.”

Miraculously he survived.

But he remains In Oishei Childrens Hospital in critical condition with stab wounds to his organs. She said she does not know how long he will be there. Because of the seriousness of his injuries, recovery - both physical and mental - will be long.

“We were all devastated,” said Sirgio’s grandfather Michael Sanders .

“Eight stab wounds to this fragile 14-year old - 130 pound, type 1 diabetic -we also must consider his psychological harm…. in addition to the physical harm.”

“We’re not raising Sirgio to be violent…so the question still high in his mind is why was he so viciously attacked? He’s asking why this had to happed to him?

That’s what we’re all asking,” he continued. “ With all the previous violent altercations at that school, they were slack in their responsibility - the alarm should have gone off long ago.”

Sirgio’s mom agrees and wonders , given the school’s now very public track record of prior violent events “why was nothing done about it… why was there no outcry” before now?

Sirgio in his hosital bed. Members of his family, mom, Aurielle brother Elias, sist

Sirgio had nothing to do with whatever led up to the fight that day. And he had no intention of fighting anyone.

He was with his cousin who had been receiving threatening messages on social media.

On the day of the confrontation, just before school let out, the cousin went to the principals office and showed them the messages that were being sent. No action was taken. Shortly afterwards Sirgio lay critically wounded.

“Sirgio is basically living in fear because of the trauma he’s suffered,” his mother continued. He’s is going thru anxiety..... he feels betrayed…he's scared. ”He was brutally stabbed.

As a kid he‘s asking why?

She said echoing his granddad.

Sirgio, is the big brother to Elias 7 and Savannah, 2 who are constantly asking about him says his mom. She said he enjoys making music and playing football and even has aspirations of becoming

a football player. He was enjoying being a freshman in high school.

“Right now he is mostly concerned that he will have to repeat the 9th grade…” said his mom.”But he’s afraid to go back to school….”

As a mother, she said she is angry because she feels the Buffalo Public Schools failed to protect her son.

She added that she is in hopes that this incident will lead to more accountability and transparency from the school system and will provide tighter and better security for all Buffalo Public School students.

Two 17 -year-old students have been arrested in the attack and are facing charges including attempted murder and assault..

An African American school security guard was shot in the leg while coming to his aid. He was treated released from the hospital hours after the incident.

The investigation does not appear to be not over.

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

*On a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 AD, a Malian ruler, Mansa Musa, brought so much money with him that his visit resulted in the collapse of gold prices in Egypt and Arabia. It took twelve years for the economies of the region to normalise.

West African gold mining took place on a vast scale. One modern writer said that: “It is estimated that the total amount of gold mined in West Africa up to 1500 was 3,500 tons, worth more than $30 billion in today’s market.”

The old Malian capital of Niani had a 14th century building called the Hall of Audience. It was an surmounted by a dome, adorned with arabesques of striking colours.

The windows of an upper floor were plated with wood and framed in silver; those of a lower floor were plated with wood, framed in gold.

Mali in the 14th century was highly urbanised. Sergio Domian, an Italian art and architecture scholar, wrote the following about this period: “Thus was laid the foundation of an urban civilisation. At the height of its power, Mali had at least 400 cities, and the interior of the Niger Delta was very densely populated”.

"QUOTE" OF THE WEEK "The colonialists have a habit of telling us that when they arrived they put us into history. You are well aware that it's the contrary--when they arrived they took us out of our own history. Liberation for us is to take back our destiny and our history.'

Amílcar Cabral Bissau-Guinean

Revolutionary

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Tuesday through Friday 9AM - 6PM • Saturday and Sunday 11AM-4PM Closed Mondays TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL (716) 253-2100

or ORDER ONLINE at www.mannacarryout.com • DoorDash Location 633 Northland (Between Fillmore Ave. & Grider St.)

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HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

A Tribute to Brother and Elder Supreme, Dr. Alvin Anderson, a Guru of Herbology and Longevity!

A ture.

lvin J. Anderson, was known as "the Herb Wizard" for his knowledge of naturopathy and a mentor to many in the area as he helped promote African cul-

He made his transition

St. Philips Episcopal Church Food Pantry Hours are Wednesdays 10a.m. - 2p.m. Please ring bell for service (lower button) and please bring your ID. If you have questions or need assistance, call 716 833-0442.

He was born on a farm in Marietta, Ga., the son of an emancipated slave and traced his family's roots back to the Masai people of Africa. He said his family had been healers in Africa and based much of his knowledge on biblical teachings.

"Religion is a moral code of ethics, and with it you live longer," he said..

Dr. Anderson, was a trailblazer for all of his life In several fields, he had outstanding careers in photography, human relations and especially the growth and study of herbs.

Proud of having been able to trace his ancestry back to Africa, Dr. Anderson often wore an African cap and dashiki when entertaining guests.

And in addition to his herb garden, he proudly displays African huts and his ow personal “Museum.” He has been

Colored girls bike too presents Spin Sauna and Heal Session February 26 at the Delaware Family YMCA located at 2564 Delaware. Join the fun indoor cycling sessions that end with a healing circle in the sauna. Only 9 bikes per session available. Session 1 - 12-1:30pm Session 2- 2:30 -4pm. Email coloredgirlsbiketoo@gmail.com

The St. Philips Food Pantry

at the age of 100 on Jan. 14, 1997.

He and his wife, the former Luddie Spearman lived on their 3-acre plot of land on Transit Rd. in Depew, just outside the City of Buffalo, for more than 50 years.

Spin Sauna and Heal with Colored Girls Bike Too !

The Bread of Life Food Pantry Dr. and Mrs. Alvin Anderson. Photo Ron Wofford

the subject of stories in newspapers around the country and world.

Dr. Anderson raised more than 20 herbs on his farm.

Dr. Anderson would get his exercise everyday by walking and taking care of his land. It was only up until he was in his nineties that he stopped driving. He and his wife of over 50 years lived a quiet life, and he revealed that he took the herbs Hyssop, Mint and Yarrow for good health.

The GROUP Ministries Bread of Life Food Pantry 1335 Jefferson Avenue, is open from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Monday & Wednesday. For more information call (716)2598030

eat to live

Come One! Come All!

The First Fruits Food Pantry Is Open!

Offering Healthy Food Options Free To The Community

NEW TIME! Tuesdays 4-6 PM & Saturdays From 10 A.M. To 12 NOON Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten @ Northland No Forms To Fill Out, No Proof Of Income Or Residency Etc. Just The Blessing Of Good Food!

While You’re There Check Out The Lincoln Memorial. Clothes Closet!

“Fighting Food Insecurity & Meeting the Needs of The People.”

Rev. George Nicholas, Pastor, Lincoln Memorial UMC Rita Hubbard Robinson, Coordinator, First Fruits Food Pantry

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COMMUNITY

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COVID-19 TESTING Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-Noon & 1-4:15PM • Call (716) 986-9199 Ext. 5907

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Rochester Black HistoryContinued from pg.2

FILLMORE EXPRESS FLEA MARKET! Everyone is welcome, come shop and support small businesses at the Fillmore Express Flea Market, 1870 Fillmore Avenue. Over 25 Vendors on site! Open Thursday- Friday 12pm- 5pm, Saturday -Sunday 9am- 5pm. Booths Available! Call 716-495-7386 for more information.

UPSA

DAESY

Daycare

Celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH

At BankOnBuffalo, we celebrate the historic achievements of our Black and African American neighbors, friends and colleagues.

www.BankOnBuffalo.bank

MEMBER FDIC

Looking For Quality Child Care?

Upsa Daesy Daycare now enrolling children 6 months to 5yrs of age. Transportation is available for those who qualify.

Give Ms. Val a call at (716) 207-0034

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Coverage you can customize to meet your needs Vacant/Occupied Properties Renters Insurance Surety Bonds

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We Are Here for You!

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Call 716-931-5200 today!

For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Call about our Certified Defensive Driving Classes!

Third Ward resident Constance Mitchell said, “Rochester had a very low unemployment rate, but jobs were not available. The factories were not open to minorities.

“It was well known, if minorities applied for jobs in the factories their applications would end up in File 13-the wastebasket,” she said. “People coming to Rochester from the southern states weren’t aware of the struggles, so they kept coming. And when Dr. Freddie Thomas started coming around, the black population in Rochester was beginning to realize, if they were to control anything to a certain degree it would be within their own communities.”

Other than turning their focus towards community development to establish social mobility, African Americans in Rochester had few options. to improve their livelihoods.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Coat Giveaway

Gently used to mint condition coats, boots, gloves are being accepted for a giveaway to be held at 2021 Genesee St. Buffalo on February 26 at 2pm. at City of Praise Church, Bishop Quincy Boyd. Contact Pastor Christine at 601-5122 . We will pick up donations.

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

A new ministry developing within the next few months is currently interviewing for a Youth Leader or Youth Pastor, Musician and Praise and Worship Leader. If you are interested please send an email to WaytoGodMinistriesWNY@gmail.com.

Anointed Voices

Deacon Clarence Rodolph will present The Anointed Voices Pre-Anniversary event Saturday, February 26 at 4 p.m. at Greater Royal Church, 1335 Clinton Street. Apostle Albert Wilson is host Pastor. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door children $5. For more information (716) 893-9891.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

New Hope Baptist Pop Up for CBD Distribution

Agape AME Church Celebrates Black History

New Hope Baptist Church, 2090 Genesee Street, under The Agape AME Church is presenting a series of events to the leadership of Pastor Herschel Chapman Jr. will be spotlight Black history culture and some of the many contributions of Black Americans. distributing CBD Hemp Oils to the community.

Studies are showing that this synthetic cannabidiol is a Non-PH product. And there are 0.0 amounts of THC in the oils.

Special guests presenting on Sundays at 10am throughout February are Herb Bellamy, Jr., CEO, Black Achievers, Inc. Rita Hubbard-Robinson, JD and Sheila Brown, CEO, WUFO Radio. All are welcome to attend, Rev. Willie Pulliam, Pastor.

New Hope will have a popup tent in their church parking lot on Saturday, February 26th, from 1 to 3pm. Providing good weather conditions allow.

St. John AME Church Women’s Day Pop-Up Shop

New Hope is asking for any donations to cover shipping and handling costs that were incurred.

St. John AME Church Presents Women’s Day Pop-Up Shop “Women of Faith, Walking in Divine Authority.” On Saturday, February 26th, doors open 1pm-4pm. Become a vendor.

Vendor fee is $35. Shop, eat and vend.

For further information, please call the church office, Hosted by Evang. Darnice Jackson and Evang. Jiavanna Tuesday through Thursday 10am- 1pm at 716-882- Clayton. Call 716-524-0938 or 716-990-7178 for more infor0813. mation or go to www. Stjohnamenf.org

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Join The Ujamaa "Celebrating African American History Should Not Be Limited to February" Walk and Shop Event This Weekend! Two Incredible Projects by Buffalo Storytellers

BLACK HISTORY MONTH LECTURES

Buffalo and Niagara Falls Black History Crossover Tour Join us in the largest and most anticipated collaborative event of the month! We are proud and excited to announce the first-ever Buffalo and Niagara Falls Black History crossover tour. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor are teaming together to bring a 2 hour Black History virtual experience of the Heritage Center, the Nash House, Michigan Street Baptist Church, WUFO MIX1080AM, and the Colored Musicians Club.

When: February 26, 2022 at 4:00 PM Where: Zoom Tickets: $20.00 For tickets and more info Go to: niagrafallsundergroundrailroad.org

“Africa: A Golden Legacy Restored” “Africa: A Golden Legacy Restored” is the theme of a presentation featuring keynote speaker Emmanuel Kulu, Jr. Chey Winston is the special guest speaker at the Saturday February 26 event at the Merriweather Library, Jefferson at E. Utica from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. For more information call 716507-2694.

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

-Tao Te Ching

by DaShaun Baldwin Please come out to support Black History Month by participating in the Ujamaa Walk and Shop Saturday, February 26, from 12PM to 6PM.!! This event highlights seasoned and new Black business in the Western New York Community!

You can learn about all of the stores that are participating by going online and briefly register to receive all the information.

It's Free: https://ujamaawalkandshop.eventbrite. com or stop by a participating Black owned store to receive a program for participating stores including The Golden Cup Cafe from 12 Pm to 6PM on Saturday located at 1323 Jefferson Avenue ; Princessa Art Gallery at1271 Hertel Ave.; or at the Boulevard Mall 730 Alberta Drive Amherst NY Did you know there are 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S. and by the 5th, and 10th year 70% of business’s go out of business. 8 out of 10 Black owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.

Since Covid-19 African American entrepreneurs have had to close their doors twice the rate of their White counterparts. Black owned businesses declined by 41% between February and April 2020 compared to a 17% decline among white owned businesses.

This means our business here in the Western New York area definitely deserve to be celebrated. It's been a rough few years for many people and it isn't easy staying in business.

Here is some food for thought: If you google how many businesses of color exist in the City of Buffalo it would be challenging to find this information. I had an extremely difficult time figuring out the exact decline in Black businesses here in Buffalo, from 1985 to current.

As I reached out to Beverly Gray Exchange and a few other small business centers no one had this information accessible on hand and everyone said they will look into it further.

Keep this in mind the

At Burchfield Penney

T

he Burchfield Penney Arts Center will present two programs from two of Buffalo's talented storytellers, Model Cities (2006) produced by Doug Ruffin and The Whole Story: A Love Story, a performance with the Langston Hughes Institute and Michael Hill.

Both are grounded in Black Americans' far-reaching, immeasurable contributions and African heritage.

"Celebrating African American history should not be limited to February," said interim director Scott Propeack. "The Burchfield Penney is committed to the exchange of ideas about art and society that grow us all forward, and we are committed to this work every month of the year."

Annual Black History Celebration The Buffalo African American Museum concludes its Black History Month Celebration with the following exhibits /programs Friday 25, the African American Cultural Center and WUFO 96.5 Radio Station.

Brother Clifford Bell is chairman of the Buffalo African America Museum 716 884-4333 email brothercbell@yahoo.com Western New York community should be extremely proud and excited that businesses of color are entering the entrepreneur and small business development over the last five years are growing quickly. Shantell Patton with “That Brown Bag '' has identified 600 plus businesses that identify as a business of Brown and Black Decent.

We are asking the Western New York Community to visit and meet the owners of this event on Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 12PM to 6PM. Say you are supporting the Ujamaa Walk to unlock special deals and discounts!

Model Cities screens Friday, February 25 - (runtime 69 minutes) from 5 pm – 7 pm Model Cities was a federal program that made sweeping changes to urban planning, development, and restoration to combat the physical, social, and economic decline. Under the direction of the late Jesse Nash Jr., the Buffalo Model Cities Agency established numerous programs on the city's East Side. With this support, the founders of the Langston Hughes Center for the Visual and Performing Arts opened its permanent High St. location in 1971.

The early history of the Center is the subject of the Burchfield Penney exhibition Founders, currently on

Filmmaker Doug Ruffin

view. Following the Model City screening, filmmaker Doug Ruffin will have a one-on-one discussion with Burchfield Penney associate curator Tiffany Gaines. The founder of Urban Legacy Filmworks, Ruffin has spent the last 25 years capturing and chronicling the city's rich African American history.

The Whole Story: A Love Story In West African culture, the highly revered vil-

ary epics through stories and songs for centuries. These tales are shared and passed down through different forms of expression, especially the spoken word.

Actor, educator, and storyteller BaBa Michael will bring to the stage a creative convergence of arts and humanity in this tradition designed to stimulate appreciation of the African American experience and further student inquiry.

Structured from a series by centennial artist Walter Allen Bailey, The Whole Story is commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit, MI, presenting a historical depiction with vivid colors and forms Go to burchfieldpenney. org for further details .

8 Black History Month - His Story

Kevin D. Peterson, Sr., Buffalo Fire Department’s First Black Battalion Chief

K

evin D Peterson, Sr., a graduate of Hutchinson Technical High School in 1984, pursued a college education at Daemen College for a short time before he aspired to become a fire fighter.

In pursuit of this desire, he dropped out of college and became a Buffalo fire fighter in 1987.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, then Captain in 2008, a mid-management position. Other responsibilities during his appointment as Captain included the HAZMAT and Emergency Response Unit, and Fire Prevention Department.

Later during his career Kevin was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the fire department by Mayor Brown in 2014.

He remained in the Deputy Commissioner position until 2016. Prior to this appointment, he had taken the Battalion Chief exam in 2013. In 2016 he stepped down from the Deputy Commissioner position to accept the promotion to Batttalion Chief. He had deferred the position in 2015.

Promotions in the fire department are based on successful completion of qualifying tests and achievement of a career ladder within the department. He retired after 30 years of dedicated service in June 2017.

Kevin D. Peterson, Sr. Kevin contributes his ambition and courage to his grandfather, the late Edward Jackson (a steel worker) and his devoted mother, Deborah Ferguson, a retired Clinical Nurse Specialist. He’s the proud father of Kevin Jr., a NYS Trooper, Jasmine, an educator and Dajon, a former corrections officer Kevin’s family members are very proud of his accomplishments which most notable is his contribution to “history” in the Buffalo Fire Department. He is the “first” African American to be appointed Battalion Chief in the department. Kevin undoubtedly, is an unsung Hero! -Submitted by Deborah Ferguson

Our Story.....

Molly Williams (fl. 1818) was the first known Black female firefighter in the United States.

An African American, she was enslaved by New York City merchant Benjamin Aymar.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

14th Consecutive Year

Six Outstanding "Difference Makers" Named 2022 Black Tie for Black History Honorees

F

or the 14th consecutive year, the NICYO Black Tie for Black History Extravaganza will honor some of the city’s most accomplished Black History Makers.

It all takes place this Friday, February 25 at Arthur’s Pub, 596 Genesee at Jefferson Avenue from 7-10 p.m. where those selected as 2022 honorees range from an acclaimed sculptor to a decorated Navy veteran.

“They’re all outstanding difference makers,” noted Marnetta Malcolm. “It’s an honor to be able to acknowledge some of the city’s most accomplished citizens.”

These individuals she added, who are often unsung.

Although it’s an in-person affair, unlike the previously held “extravaganzas,” Friday’s production will actually be a reception for the honorees she explained.

“We’ve scaled it back tremendously from how we did it in years past,” she continued. But it will be an “extravaganza “ just the same - a very special occurrence indeed.

DJ Big Poppa will be in the house and a dress code will be in effect .

“Come with your sophisticated, sassy self,” Marnetta instructs. “Dress appropriately because we’re trying to honor the difference makers as well as ourselves.”

This year’s honorees include: •Michelle Barron Executive Director, Dress for Success •Tiffany Lewis - Founder Confident Girl Mentoring Program •Valeria Cray- Artist, Activist, Business Person •Robert Cornelius - Manager, Key Bank Main and High •David A. Smiley II - USN (Ret) US Navy •Thomas “Tommy” Fluker - Owner, Arthur’s Pub and Mike’s Lounge Marnetta said when she realized that Mr. Smiley was the first veteran to receive the Black Tie for Black History award, she decided that going forward, a veteran will be among those honored annually.

All of the awardees have been interviewed and their amazing stories can be

viewed on line via Facebook and You Tube - just key in Black Tie for Black History and put in the honorees name.

-Special RecognitionThis year special recognition will be made to Tina Allen, Call Center Director for the New York State Contact Tracing Initiative (Covid).

“Tina, who was honored last year as a Black Tie for Black History recipient will be cited because of what she did for this community during Covid,” said Marnetta. “She did a tremendous job of making sure people knew about everything.

As Director for New York State Contact Tracing Initiative she currently leads a team in the thousands of virtual staff and growing, dedicated to the combating COVID-19. Although honored last year - COVID is still here and she did a tremendous job as a young Black woman who

ran that initiative with excellence!”

“It’s important that we honor all these outstanding difference makers,” concluded Marnetta. The reception is free and open to the public! So come out and meet some marvelous people.” Any donations will go towards this year’s Funk Fest.

This year’s sponsors include Dr. Catherine Collins, Attorney John Elmore, Camellia Foods, WUFO Power 96.5 and The Challenger.

Tina Allen

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Legislator Johnson Obtains Funding for Community Groups in 2022 Budget Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson has secured funding for a number of Buffalo organizations in Erie County’s 2022 budget.

“I am overjoyed to be able to deliver these funds to so many community groups across District 1,” said Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson. “These groups improve our quality of life and I hope the residents in our community will take advantage of the many organizations that are here to serve them.”

Howard Johnson Both the Juneteenth Festival and the Black Achievers, Inc will be receiving $5,000, and the Colored Musicians Club will be receiving $12,500.

The African American Veterans Monument will be receiving $10,000.

Assembly House 150 will be receiving $6,500 and the Concordia Foundation Inc. will receive $1,000 to continue with their support of the arts in the community.

The Foundry will be receiving $5,000 to further their mission of advancing individuals through handson learning, and entrepreneurship.

The Fillmore Forward Group will be receiving $2,000 and the Greater East Side Fields of Dreams Block Club Association will receive $2,000.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

How to Build Credit From Scratch: Getting Started

By Damian Woodall

Y

ou probably know that major life purchases like a home or car require credit. But you may not know how to start building credit. It can seem like a vicious cycle: You need access to credit lines to get good credit, but no one will give you a credit line if you don't already have good credit.

Believe it or not, everyone who has credit now was once a beginner and right where you are now. You can build credit from scratch, just like they did. Here are tried and true ways you can get a smart start on building credit today.

Secured Credit Cards With a secured credit card, you put an amount on deposit greater than or equal to the credit line. For example, a credit card issuer might request a $300 deposit for a $300 credit line. This way, the bank has the money for the balance of your charges on deposit at all times.

These credit cards may also give eligible clients the ability to Damian Woodall graduate to an unsecured card. Secured or not, credit cards report to the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – helping you build your credit when monthly payments are made by the due date each month.

Student Credit Cards If you're enrolled in college, credit card companies want to help you build credit. This means you may be able to get a credit card without a cosigner or even a security deposit.

While you may be more likely to get accepted for a student credit card compared to a nonstudent card, your credit line may be lower and interest rates slightly higher to balance out the risk of issuing credit to someone without a good credit history.

Lease an Apartment Consumers can now explore making their rent payments count by paying their rent through Rental Kharma or RentTrack. These two companies and others like them can potentially partner with your landlord or property management company to give you consumer credit for your on-time rent payments. The companies act as an intermediary between you and your landlord: You pay them, and they pay your landlord. If you're already renting, explore this option (and its associated fees) and ask your landlord whether they're willing to enroll to help you build your credit profile.

Smart Credit Building Tips Charge wisely: A smart way to start building your credit history is to ensure that you never charge more than you can pay off in a single month.

Remember, balances matter: Did you know that your credit score is partially based on how much credit you have available? This means that if you have two credit cards with $500 limits but only $200 available across both cards, your score will lower. Try to keep monthto-month balances you can't pay off at no more than 30 percent of your credit limit per card.

Make payments on time: A single payment made 30 days late can have a significant impact on your credit score. Set reminders in your calendar for five days before any payment is due so you can schedule a payment online. On-time payments mean an easier road to building credit.

Budgeting: A financial plan provides you with a road map that can help you keep track of your spending so you can reduce your debt, grow your savings, and improve your credit health. Once you have a solid plan, you can feel confident that you’re spending and saving in a way that aligns with your priorities.

Credit application quantity and frequency: Credit cards can help you establish a credit history and reward your spending with cash and other perks. But proceed with discipline. Debt that’s racked up and not paid back can negatively impact one’s credit score.

Monitor your credit: A credit report shows how you’ve used credit in the past, and your credit score predicts how you’ll use it in the future. It’s wise to stay on top of both so you can watch for errors and see the results of your credit-building efforts. You can request a free report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) each year. And some financial institutions, such as KeyBank, offer their clients free access to their FICO® Score.

Everyone has to start somewhere. Begin building credit with these tips today and put your future financial plans within reach.

About the author: Damian Woodall manages KeyBank’s East Delavan Branch located at 752 East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo. He may be reached at either 716-515-3105 or damian_woodall@keybank.com. Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. This material is presented for informational purposes only and should not be construed as individual tax or financial advice. KeyBank does not provide legal advice. KeyBank is Member FDIC © 2022. KeyCorp. CFMA #220215-1452678

OUR STORY...

Cobalt is an essential mineral for the lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, laptops and smart phones. The Katanga region in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa is home to more than half of the world’s cobalt resources, and over 70% of the current cobalt production worldwide takes place in the country.

we’re better together.

At KeyBank, diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of our corporate fabric. In everything we do, we support a culture that embraces and celebrates our differences, where every person feels included, empowered, and valued. This commitment is reflected throughout our company and helps shape better futures for our teammates, our clients, and in the communities we call home.

©2022 KeyCorp. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

220216-1454731

12 Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Review

"Facing Our Truth": The Message is Timely “Facing Our Truth, ” the short play series currently on stage at the Paul Robeson Theatre, might best be described as “conscious theater 2022."

Directed by Linda Barr and Yao Kahlil Newkirk, the historical connection between the trio of on-stage “truths” is timely and poignant.

The theatrical journey opens with “Night Vision. ” A young couple,, expecting their first child (a son) witnesses a crime in the streets, which ultimately leads the wife to call the Seated from left: Linda Barr, Betty Bowen and Aqueira police and report it. But was her de- Oshun. Standing Jermaine Williams and Lester McDade.

Third Eye Photo scription of the suspect - a Black man - accurate? Her husband questions her about what she thought she saw. Will this be another case of mistaken identity? Another false arrest or worse yet, another innocent unarmed Black man killed at the hands of police?

In the second short series “Dressing,” a mother tries to convince her son that what he wears has a lot to do with how he’s perceived in public despite the fact he carries “a 3.8” average. Her son is ultimately gunned down in the street. As she soberly reflects on the tragedy she prepares to perform what she calls “a voluntary wicked dance” - burying her son; a dance that countless black mothers have had to endure.

Queen Mary’s Round Table , by Yao Kahlil Newkirk, the final piece in the production, brings us face to face with our truths - past and present. The renowned historical figure Mary B. Tolbert is on the phone with WEB DuBois as she laments yet another act of terror the lynching of a Black man. Fast forward to 2020. The scene changes and we witness the agony of a Black woman as she views the ‘legal’ lynching of George Floyd in the streets of Minneapolis. ” Lord please don’t let them get away with this “she cries. “We’ve been trying to get free for 400 years!”

Kahlil’s use of a dancing grim reaper with his jumps and leaps, hangman's noose in hand, from the stage into the audience was effectively chilling. The call and response was brilliant. After each call from the cast (“A man was lynched today” the response was a name and date known and unknown- from victims lynched in the 1800s to victims lynched in the 21st Century i.e. Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, …etc.

Linda Barr , a decades-long member of the African American Cultural Center and veteran to the Paul Robeson stage, shined in Newkirk's “Queen Mary’s Roundtable.” In her duel role we first see her as the historic civil/human rights icon Mary Talbert , then as a young activist devastated after seeing video of the execution /murder of George Floyd It was also in “Queen Mary “that Barr makes her directing debut.

Aqueira Oshun was impressive as the pregnant wife of Ezra (Lester “Chopestetic” McDade) in “Night Vision.”

Also holding their own in this production were the actors making their theatrical debuts- Betty Bowman who portrayed Mom in “The Dressing” and Jermaine Williams as her son; McDade in Night Vision; and Jamar Williams as the Grim Reaper /dancer in Queen Mary’s Roundtable - Jermaine and Jamar are two high school students who are also classically trained in ballet (students of Mavin Askew’s City Ballet). Jermain is a natural on stage; Jamar’s movements were powerfully convincing.

“Facing Our Truths” was the Paul Robeson theatre’s first in person production in two years.

It also marked the theatre’s 54th consecutive season (during the peak of the pandemic there were virtual offerings), making them the longest running season in WNY. This is the final weekend of Facing Our Truth at the Robeson Theatre, 350 Masten Ave, Friday & Saturday Feb. 25,26 @ 7:30 (Doors open 7 p.m.).; Sunday Feb. 27 @ 4 p.m. (Doors open 3:30 p.m.)

Tickets: $22 Seniors; $20 Students w/ID Available at www.AACCBUFFALO.ORG

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Live at Asbury Hall March 3 The Ladysmith Black Mambazo show originally scheduled for March 14, and rescheduled for August 16 then March 4,2021 in Asbury Hall at Babeville in Buffalo has been rescheduled for March 3, 2022 tickets are just $35 proof of full vaccination must be presented ( two weeks after 2nd shot required) Now led by the four sons of group founder Joseph Shabalala, after joining the group almost twenty-five years ago, an infusion of youthful energy and the promise of a bright future has a firm grip within the group. It was Nelson Mandela who anointed the group ‘South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,’ a designation the members carry with them with the highest honor.

All tickets for the original date will be honored for the new date. If you have any questions, or refund requests please contact the Babeville box office info@babevillebuffalo.com or call 716-852-3835

2022 Sports 30 Under 30 Virtual Awards Streaming Live from Seneca Niagara Casino!

The 2022 Sports 30 Under 30 Awards will be a virtual event streaming live from the Bears Den at Seneca Niagara Casino on February 27 7p.m. Its the biggest Black History Month sports awards event in North America in its second year. This year the event is powered by the upstate all starz the largest black owned online television streaming . go to sports30under30.com for more info and enjoy the show!

Onstage at Helium Comedy Club D.L. Hughley Known For: "The Hughleys" & "The Original Kings of Comedy March 4 & 5 Showtimes 7pm and 10pm March 6, at 7pm Tickets at buffalo.heliumcomedy.com

Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Buffalo's Larry Salter Orchestra To Perform Free At Feb Fest In The Broadway Market Saturday!

Buffalo's Larry Salter Orchestra will perform free at the "Feb Fest 2022" Black History Month event Saturday, February 26 from 12:30 to 3:30 at the historic Broadway Market located at 999 Broadway. The event, in honor of Black History Month, will also feature Buy Black Buffalo retail vendors, pop-up shows, and more. Salter and his dynamic "Soul" orchestra is the perfect fit to end the month-long tribute! (Not pictured: Joyce Carolyn, Derick Lord and Jaliyah Linton).

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Art On View

Artists of Color

On view at Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

"Artists of Color," is currently on exhibit now through March 19 at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center in the Townsend Gallery 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls. The exhibition spotlights the African American experience from modern and personal perspectives, with a focus on works by Black artists in Western New York. It is curated by Ray Robertson to 5 p.m. daily. Free. 2827530.

M.Rakeepile

J.Dunn

Sirgourney Cook

Spotlight On Black Composers at Rockwell Hall On February 26 at 7:30 p.m. and February 27 at 2:30p.m. Buffalo Opera Unlimited will present A Spotlight on Black Composers at Buffalo State Rockwell Hall Performing Arts Center.

Among the performers are chreographer M. Rakeepile, Conductor and featured soloist Jaman Dunn and soloist Sirgourney Cook along with a cast of outstanding talent for this unforgettable experience .To attend you must be fully vaccinated to enter with valid ID and immunization card. For tickets call 878-3005

Coming to the Stage at Seneca Niagara Events Center and Bears Den

In These Truths

Check out the upcoming shows you don't want to miss on state at Seneca Niagara Events Center and Bears Den that include Young, Black and Funny Comedy Jam February 25 & 26 Smokey Robin March 18 and The Temptations & The Four Tops on April 22 .

For more information call 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visit online at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com

In These Truths a new art Exhibit at Albright Knox Northland is now on view. The Show CoCurated by Edreys Wajed and Aitina Fareed Cooke in collaboration with Public Art curator Aaron Ott that focuses on the outstanding works of local and nationally know emerging and established Black artists across various mediums. A must see exhibit on view until June 5th. Go to albrightknox.org for info . Albright Northland is always pay what you can for entry.

1413 FILLMORE AVE.

On View at Albright Knox Northland

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Friday Night Fight Knocks Out COVID!

O

n Friday, February 18, 2022, at 8 p.m., WNED aired an award-winning fight right before the last segment of the Muhammad Ali four-part series and what a fight it was! The contenders – The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. vs Covid-19.

By the end of the show, the victor was clear! “Fight For Good One Body, One Soul”, is the second of a two-part series produced by The Community Health Center, Inc., (CHCB) and the Buffalo Documentary Project. The one-hour video presentation and panel discussion was complete with a live phone bank taking questions from viewers. It was sponsored by the Community Health Center Association of New York State (CHCANYS). “One Body One Soul” was a knock-out and the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., was the winner.

This was a first-of-its-kind program with WNED PBS partnering with a federally qualified health center to harness the power of live TV and documentary film. The purpose was to send a message to the community from a source they can trust – The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. The goal was to help dispel myths about the Covid-19 virus, vaccines and ultimately, to encourage people to think positively about getting vaccinated. It was important to deliver this message through a broadcast medium that everyone, even those without cable or Direct TV could engage through television, FaceBook, YouTube or Twitter. WNED volunteered to be that medium.

Claudine Ewing was the gracious host, with Francesca Mesiah bringing up the rear as co-host. Monarch of Infinite Possibilities LLC (MIP) Consulting also played a role in making this a success. Special guest Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator for the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid

From left: Kenny Harris, Dr. Davis, Marsha McWilson, Dr. Ansari, Claudine Ewing (seated).

Faustenia Morrow, Far Left, And Rev. Raymond Allen, Second From Far Right, Join The CHCB, Inc. And WNED Teams

Services, Washington, DC. brought insightful federal government perspective on mortality rates of pregnant African American women and the importance of being vaccinated.

Ms. Brooks-LaSure, who appeared via Zoom, is the first Black woman to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She was appointed by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Her presence was made possible by the office of Congressman Brian Higgins. The Center held vaccine clinics on Saturday at their Buffalo and Niagara Falls sites. Vaccine Coordinator Trinetta Alston reported 29 shots were administered between both sites. Great initiative to knock out Covid!

TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY New York State Senate, 63rd District

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been an inspiration to so many of us. He inspired us to serve others, to fight for fairness and justice and to stand up for what’s right. Let us celebrate his legacy together!

CONTACT MY OFFICE:

Address: 37 Franklin St., suite 550, Buffalo Phone: 716-826-2683 Email: kennedy@nysenate.gov Website: KennedyJobs.com

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

JUSTICE FOR SIRGIO continued from page 3

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A PA RT M E N T S

Most people watching the news and in the community automatically assumed that all of the Youth who were involved in the fight and subsequent stabbing, were African American.

We don't have all the information at this time, but clearly that was not the case. If anything they were the victims.Is there a culture clash going on at McKinley?

-Seeking JusticeOn Monday the Law Offices of John V. Elmore filed a notice of claim against Buffalo Public Schools and its Superintendant Dr. Kriner Cash on behalf of 14-year-old Sirgio Jeter .

According to the claim the Superintendent was advised that since September 2021, there have been 40 incidents of violence at the school, and that there was a critical need for more security and community officers there. There was also a request for more support teachers, counselors, psychologists, intervention programs and resources. The concern for escalating violence were not adequately addressed .

On the day Sirgio was attacked, Attorney Kristen Elmore-Garcia said after reporting the threats to authorities, the students "were sent back to class and dismissed before the final bell with no further action taken ..." to guard their safety.

Attorney Elmore said his firm will "aggessively" seek justice in this case.

A PA RT M E N T S

$33Million Settlement Continued from pg.2

Ave and Clifford Street to a brand-new plaza a few blocks away called Upper Falls Plaza.

That store more than doubled its business. He owned five locations in Rochester including the McDonald’s on Monroe Avenue across the street from Pittsford Plaza.

He also started advertising in Challenger Community News along with getting corporate to place insertion orders for one-page coupons going in the newspaper back in the mid 90s.

He’s an excellent business man and the fruits of his labor were recognized and forced McDonald’s to pay him his money.

McDonald’s also recently settled and paid two Black brothers’ franchisees in Tennessee James and Darrell Byrd who had alleged McDonald’s had given preferential treatment to white operators.

Currently McDonald’s is facing an outstanding suit from 77 former Black franchisees alleging racial discrimination.

McDonald’s has hired a law firm with former Attorney General Loretta Lynch being the lead attorney representing them.

Lynch is also now representing the NFL against Black former Head Coach Brian Flores alleged racism against three teams.

It’s a shame she has ruined her reputation with her own people for prestige and money.

The Delta sorority should let her know she needs to recuse herself from both cases and that this type of selling out her own people won’t be tolerated.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Charter School for Applied Technologies

Orion Jean is Time Magazine Kid of the Year!

WE FORGOT TO LIST THEIR NAMES!

We forgot to name the lovely little ladies in last week’s photo in the story about the City Ballet. Sincere apologies! They are: Ariel Washington, Alexandria Dixon, Danica Delaney, Tasanae Johnson, Maliya Calhoun, Payton Sweat. Also pictured, Director Marvin Askew and Judge A.W. McLeod who presented the school with an autographed picture from famous ballerina Misty Copeland. Mr. Askew said a few of the girls were really excited because they rememberMisty Copeland from the interview with president Obama and were excited that a person of her fame would reach out to a community ballet school now celebrating 50 years! Third Eye Photo

SERVING GRADES K-12 FREE COLLEGE CREDITS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 1-1 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

11-Year-old Orion Jean of Mansfield, Texas, graces the cover of the February/March issue of Time Magazine as it's "Kid of the Year!" Selected from a field of thousands of 8-16-yearolds, Orrion says he sees himself as "a vessel to spread kindness."

"Our children are our future.

Our life after death."

-African Proverb

WHERE KIDS SUCCEED Outperformed the local school district on the state test for more than 12 years

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

How we’re boosting the fight against hunger Bank of America is proudly supporting our employees’ health and safety and addressing one of our local community’s most critical needs.

Each day, millions of Americans suffer from food insecurity, which typically spikes during the winter months. For every employee who lets us know they’ve received a booster shot, Bank of America is donating $100 to local hunger-relief organizations. This is a direct investment in the health of our teammates, and in the well-being of the communities where we work and live.

Through this effort, our team in Buffalo recently presented FeedMore WNY with a check for $30,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Ted Janicki President, Bank of America Buffalo

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/buffalo

Donations in each market reflect $100 per employee who has recorded their booster and an additional company contribution. Vaccination boosters and vaccination reporting are voluntary.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

Hannah-Jones Discusses Power of Representation

By MARCENE ROBINSON

cause they’re never in what you’re asking them to read.

“When states start banning literature, when they start banning ideas, they’re never going to stop with that. It’s never a sign of a healthy society. ”Nikole Hannah-Jones

“Empowerment is why I’m here today,” she added.

“And I know I’m not more brilliant, more motivated than most of the kids I grew up with. But I got access to an education that allowed me to see something in myself, and most of our kids don’t get that.”

A

t 11 years old, Nikole Hannah-Jones was infuriated by the results of the 1988 Democratic Party presidential primaries.

An avid reader of her local newspaper in Waterloo, Iowa, she penned a letter to the editor in which she reasoned that Jesse Jackson was an excellent candidate who didn’t receive votes, in part, because of his race.

Every day after school, she eagerly checked the local paper to see if her letter was published. Then, one day, she opened the editorial page and found her name.

“Seeing my name in print and knowing that I could see something in my community, something about Black people that I thought was wrong, and I could write something and make other people think about it.

I felt a great deal of power in that. And, I think, that’s when I first started to think about maybe writing was the weapon I wanted to choose,” Hannah-Jones told a UB audience on Wednesday during her Distinguished Speakers Series talk.

“Because we read the newspaper every day, the only place I ever saw Black people in our newspaper was in the crime log,” she said. “I think, even at a young age, I determined that was not representative of our community and that some of us were going to have to tell a different story.”

Since that moment, HannahJones has spent her life reshaping national conversations around racial injustice and education reform. An investigative journalist for The New York Times Magazine, Hannah-Jones is creator and lead writer of “The 1619 Project,” a powerful series of essays and art about the history and modern legacy of slavery in the United States.

Her introductory essay for the project was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Nikole Hannah-Jones photo courtesy University at Buffalo Distinguished Speakers Series and Joe Cascio photography

Her writing has also earned her numerous honors and awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship, a Peabody Award, two George Polk Awards and three National Magazine Awards.

UB welcomed HannahJones as the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration keynote speaker. The event, held in the Center for the Arts, was moderated by Suzanne Rosenblith, dean of the Graduate School of Education, and sponsored in part by the Minority Faculty and Staff Association and the Department of Africana and American Studies.

Throughout the event, Hannah-Jones discussed the power of representation in education. Having noticed race and inequality at a young age, she described the impact of enrolling in an elective Black studies course during high school.

Within one class, she was exposed to more history and literature about Black people than during the rest of her K-12 experience. It was also through the course that she learned about the date 1619, the year enslaved Africans first arrived in the British colony of Virginia.

“As a 16-year-old Black child, I was both enraged that all of these years, when I thought the reason no one ever taught us any history of Black people, [it was] because Black people didn’t have a history that could be taught … Because, surely, if we had done something of importance, our educators, our textbooks would have told us that, right,” said Hannah-Jones.

“So, you internalize that message. The absence [of information] is as strong or stronger of a message than the presence of information,” she said. “In that class, I became really angry at that, and I also became very empowered. Cracking the door open just a little bit that there was a whole world of knowledge that could be had, empowered me to seek it on my own.”

Every child desperately wants to see themselves in the story, she added, citing research that found that Black children perform better academically when they learn about Black history.

Hannah-Jones shared that she founded the 1619 Freedom School in her hometown of Waterloo to help increase literacy among underserved Black children through instruction centered on Black history. She described the awe of children when they entered the school’s library to find that all the books featured people who looked like them. Many kids stayed after school, reading for hours, she said.

“It’s hard when you are a member of a majority race in a society where, from the moment you took breath, [you have] seen yourself represented in monuments, in history books, on television, everywhere, to understand the powerful message it sends you when you are not ever reflected,” said Hannah-Jones. “We tell children, ‘Well you don’t like social studies,’ or ‘Pay attention in class,’ or ‘You don’t like to read.’ Well, maybe they don’t like to read be-

However, the increased inclusion of critical race theory and racial literacy in education has led to a new racial reckoning led by a minority of Americans intent on halting and reversing the progress of civil rights, said Hannah-Jones, noting this movement has led to several states successfully passing anti-history laws.

“We as a society, we get that education does lead to liberation; it causes you to question your society. That’s why they’re banning books.

That’s why they’re banning concepts,” she said, explaining that memory laws that shape the discussion of shared national identity are the first to be enacted during the death of democracy in a nation.

“The same states that are passing anti-history laws, they’re also passing antivoter laws, they’re passing laws against women’s reproductive rights … All of these things go hand-in-hand,” said Hannah-Jones. “When states start banning literature, when they start banning ideas, they’re never going to stop with that. It’s never a sign of a healthy society.”

The solutions to solving the nation’s issues concerning race and inequality lay with the youth, said HannahJones. The leaders of the U.S. civil rights movement were largely high school and college students, she explained, noting that Martin Luther King Jr. was in his early 20s, and civil rights leaders Diane Nash and John Lewis were college students when they began their activism.

“The answers are not going to come from us,” said Hannah-Jones. “The youth have always led.”

National/International

All Killers of Ahmaud Arbery Found Guilty of Federal Hate Crimes

Greg McMichael, Travis McMichael and William R. Bryan, the three men convicted in the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, were found guilty of federal hate crimes for violating the civil rights of Arbery and going after him because he was Black, according to the Associated Press.

The jury that consisted of eight white people, three Black people and one Hispanic person decided after hours of deliberating the charges against the McMichael’s and Bryan.

During the trial, there was evidence shown of Travis McMichael and William R. Bryan leaving behind a history of racist social media posts, comments and text messages in the years and months leading up to the fatal shooting of Arbery in Georgia on Feb. 23, 2020. Although, FBI agents were unable to access the phone of Greg McMichael because it was encrypted.

The verdict came down a day before the two-year anniversary of Arbery’s death.

Black Farmers Fear Foreclosure as Debt Relief Remains Frozen Lawsuits from white farmers have blocked $4 billion of pandemic aid that was allocated to Black farmers in the American Rescue Plan.

As a result, Black farmers across the nation have yet to see any of President Biden’s promised relief. While the president has pledged to pursue policies to promote racial equity and correct decades of discrimination, legal issues have complicated that goal.

The law was intended to help remedy years of discrimination that nonwhite farmers have endured, including land theft and the rejection of loan applications by banks and the federal government.

Ethiopia Parliament Votes to Lift State of Emergency Early Ethiopia’s parliament has voted for an early end to a sixmonth state of emergency, declared last November when rebel Tigrayan forces were threatening to march on the capital, Addis Ababa The lawmakers’ decision came after cabinet proposals last month about cutting short the emergency measures in light of improving security conditions in the country.

Tim Scott, Only Black Senate Republican, Hints He Could Be Trump Running Mate The only Black Republican in the Senate, Tim Scott of South Carolina, has indicated a willingness to be Donald Trump’s running mate should the former president mount another White House campaign.

Scott, 56, is widely seen as a contender for the Republican nomination itself, though most observers think it remains Trump’s for the taking. The former president is free to run after Republicans, including Scott, voted to acquit in his second impeachment trial, for inciting the deadly Capitol attack.

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

-Tao Te Ching

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

"OUR HISTORY DID NO BEGIN IN CHAINS...IT WILL NOT END IN CHAINS..."

The human race is of African origin. The oldest known skeletal remains of anatomically modern humans (or homo sapiens) were excavated at sites in East Africa.

Human remains were discovered at Omo in Ethiopia that were dated at 195,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. *The first Great Pyramid of Giza, the most extraordinary building in history, was a staggering 481 feet tall – the equivalent of a 40-storey building. It was made of 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite, some weighing 100 tons. *The ancient Egyptian city of Kahun was the world’s first planned city. Rectangular and walled, the city was divided into two parts. One part housed the wealthier inhabitants – the scribes, officials and foremen. *The Labyrinth in the Egyptian city of Hawara with its massive layout, multiple courtyards, chambers and halls, was the very largest building in antiquity. Boasting three thousand rooms, 1,500 of them were above ground and the other 1,500 were underground. *Toilets and sewerage systems existed in ancient Egypt. One of the pharaohs built a city now known as Amarna.

An American urban planner noted that: “Great importance was attached to cleanliness in Amarna as in other Egyptian cities.

Toilets and sewers were in use to dispose waste. Soap was made for washing the body. Perfumes and essences were popular against body odor. A solution of natron was used to keep insects from houses . . . Amarna may have been the first planned ‘garden city’.” *Sudan has more pyramids than any other country on earth – even more than Egypt.

There are at least 223 pyramids in the Sudanese cities of Al Kurru, Nuri, Gebel Barkal and Meroë.

They are generally 20 to 30 meters high and steep sided. *The Sudanese city of Meroë is rich in surviving monuments. Becoming the capital of the Kushite Empire between 590 BC until AD 350, there are 84 pyramids in this city alone, many built with their own miniature temple. In addition, there are ruins of a bath house sharing affinities with those of the Romans. *Bling culture has a long and interesting history. Gold was used to decorate ancient Sudanese temples. *In around 300 BC, the Sudanese invented a writing script that had twenty-three letters of which four were vowels and there was also a word divider. Hundreds of ancient texts have survived that were in this script. Some are on display in the British Museum. *In central Nigeria, West Africa’s oldest civilization flourished between 1000 BC and 300 BC. Discovered in 1928, the ancient culture was called the Nok Civilization, named after the village in which the early artefacts were discovered. ` * West Africans built in stone by 1100 BC. In the Tichitt-Walata region of Mauritania, archaeologists have found “large stone masonry villages” that date back to 1100 BC. The villages consisted of roughly circular compounds connected by “well-defined streets”. *Ibn Haukal, writing in 951 AD, informs us that the King of Ghana was “the richest king on the face of the earth” whose pre-eminence was due to the quantity of gold nuggets that had been amassed by himself and by his predecessors. *The Nigerian city of Ile-Ife was paved in 1000 AD on the orders of a female ruler with decorations that originated in Ancient America. Naturally, no-one wants to explain how this took place approximately 500 years before the time of Christopher Columbus! *The Grand Mosque in the Malian city of Djenné, described as “the largest adobe [clay] building in the world”, was first raised in 1204 AD. *One of the great achievements of the Yoruba was their urban culture. “By the year A.D. 1300,” says a modern scholar, “the Yoruba people built numerous walled cities surrounded by farms”.

The cities were Owu, Oyo, Ijebu, Ijesa, Ketu, Popo, Egba, Sabe, Dassa, Egbado, Igbomina, the sixteen Ekiti principalities, Owo and Ondo. *Yoruba metal art of the mediaeval period was of world class. One scholar wrote that Yoruba art “would stand comparison with anything which Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome, or Renaissance Europe had to offer.” * In 1999 the BBC produced a television series entitled Millennium. The programme devoted to the fourteenth century opens with the following disclosure: “In the fourteenth century, the century of the scythe, natural disasters threatened civilizations with extinction. The Black Death kills more people in Europe, Asia and North Africa than any catastrophe has before. Civilizations which avoid the plague thrive. In West Africa the Empire of Mali becomes the richest in the world.” *Malian sailors got to America in 1311 AD, 181 years before Columbus. An Egyptian scholar, Ibn Fadl Al-Umari, published on this sometime around 1342. In the tenth chapter of his book, there is an account of two large maritime voyages ordered by the predecessor of Mansa Musa, a king who inherited the Malian throne in 1312. This mariner king is not named by AlUmari, but modern writers identify him as Mansa Abubakari II.

VOICES

19

Addressing Racism: Just Shut It Down When You See It By Jennifer J. Parker and Korey Green It’s been four years since the premiere of the “Blackness Project” but the need to see and have a deep conversation about the film’s content continues. With the discussion of Critical Race Theory in our country, community-based conversations are needed more now than ever.

The Blackness Project, an educational documentary created by award winning film producer, Korey Green, seeks to rewrite America's racial narrative. The film is about culture and race from the African American perspective. Although inspired from conversations about the “Whiteness Project”, a documentary in which participants discuss race and the perceived loss of white privilege by white Americans, “The Blackness Project” mission is to educate, elevate, and engage Americans to bridge the racial divide in our country by creating a meaningful dialogue on race. Follow the Blackness Project on Facebook @theblacknessproject.

The knowledge of American history - the good, the bad, and the ugly should be embraced. The United States as an international superpower has always told a story of excellence and American greatness by encouraging intellectual curiosity and quality education as keys to excellence. We must all embrace this feeling of excellence and create forums for honest dialogue and sharing of stories about race in our country. During the filming of “The Blackness Project” the team learned a great deal about the unspoken racism that many people of color live with every day. However, the community conversations provided hope for a path forward.

So, when we read articles and hear questions about how to cure systemic racism, the answer must always begin with knowledge. One must know what racism is and why it exists, how it looks and feels to understand why change is needed and how each person can help.

A few ways to help flip our Racial Narrative: •Help can be more than protest marching and messaging. It can begin with just speaking up when race and racial inequality show an ugly side.

•Diverse voices must be heard to get to the “Aha” moment. We cannot get there without honesty and full disclosure.

•America is a strong country made through exceptional contributions. Our diversity should be embraced and respected. Once this is done, we can move forward with pride and strength.

We are proud of the work of the “Blackness Project”. The film was watched with interest by diverse audiences who eagerly joined in community conversations about how individual and community change could happen. We believe that an American Justice Movement is needed, and it must be fueled from the bottom up. We are encouraged by the diverse voices that are being heard today through writings, art, music, and film. It’s important that young black boys and girls know that they too matter.

Learn more about the project and watch it on Amazon Prime. https://www.amazon.com/Blackness-Project-Henry-Louis-Taylor/dp/B08VD2LGV3

dear editor Pronunciation Matters!

Dear Editor: It was brought to my attention that W.E.B. Du Bois’ name is mispronounced in the play at the Cultural Center. Du Bois is pronounced Do Boyz not Do Bwa. How could they not know? Trying to be conscious and still dishonor one of the greatest philosophers and historians on this planet is a shame and a disgrace! Whoever is responsible for this production needs to do their homework.

Make the correction. Do the right thing. Onward.

-Gail 'Gey' Lyons

20

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

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• Starting Pay - $19.55/HR; Fully credentialed Drivers Can Earn up to $25.04/HR • $3,000-$5,000 Sign-On Bonus for fully credentialed drivers (based on location); $1,500 Sign-On Bonus for non CDL holders* • Paid CDL Training!

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Buffalo Builds Mini Job Fair Buffalo Builds Mini Job Fair Part I, hosted by the buffalo Employment and Training Center and Workforce Buffalo will take place on Wednesday March 2 from 10a.m. to 12p.m. at Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave, Buffalo.

The event is sponsored by The Carpenters Union.

Attending Partners: North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, 34 Group, Turner Construction, Scrufari Construction, Bucket Pro LLC. Get Employed!

For more information go to Workforcebuffalo.org/betc or call 716-856-JOBS(5627)

PUSH GREEN JOB TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

PUSH Buffalo is offering our 2022 Spring 2 in 1 Green Job Training & Career Development Program.

It will run March 7, 2022 until April 1, 2022 Monday –Friday 9a.m.-5p.m. The training will be held at PUSH Buffalo located at 429 Plymouth Ave Suite 1 Buffalo, NY, 14213.

This is a PAID opportunity to earn up to 4 certifications in courses like OSHA 10, HAZWOPER and more. Our comprehensive program focuses on exposing participants to national, regional and local sustainability efforts and careers. Participants will also work on improving professional development skills and Film Industry marketability.

Certificate Program in Filmmaking Train For Jobs in Buffalo’s

The Villa Maria College Professional Filmmaking Certificate Program offers two in-demand courses to prepare you to work in Buffalo’s growing film industry:

Grip and Electric & Production Assistant These certificates combine classroom learning and hands-on workshops right on set. Prepare now for jobs in the local film industry and learn about equipment function and operation, set safety, on-set protocol, and much more!

Bootcamp Style Sessions: March 14 - March 17 | 9AM - 1PM

To learn more and register, visit: villa.edu/certificate

We have incorporated hands on learning tools and community tours to connect the material to real situations in the field.

To conclude the program participants will meet with employers eager to hire!

To participate please register by March 4, 2022 at https://bit.ly/PUSHgreenjobs.

For more information please contact us at 716427-8345 or hiringhallteam@pushbuffalo.org

LEGAL NOTICE Bid TRICO REDEVELOPMENT 791 Washington St Buffalo, NY14203 CORE & SHELL PACKAGE January 28,2022 A|r # 508.01 Invitation to Bidders Bids will be received until 2:00 PM on March 3, 2022, at the office of The Krog Group, LLC located at 4 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127, Attention: Scott Castilone, Sr. Estimator, Tel. 716-667-1234, for the TRICO Redevelopment Project – Core and Shell Package (“Project”).

Faxed or emailed bids or bids in any format other than on the Bid Form contained herein may be rejected. Questions during the bidding period must be emailed or faxed to Mike McGuigan at: mmcguigan@ kroggrp.com or 716-667-1258 (fax).

The Krog Group, LLC will not accept or respond to questions from prospective bidders received orally.

The TRICO Redevelopment – Core and Shell Package Current Contracts Bidding: • C-201 - Sitework • C-202 – Concrete Foundations and Flat Work • C-207 – Hollow Metal Doors, Frames, Hardware • C-208 – Overhead and Coiling Doors • C-210 – Plaza Deck Coatings Previously Bid Contracts: • C-101 – Roofing • C-102 – Aluminum, Glass and Glazing • C-203 - Masonry • C-204 – Masonry Restoration • C-205 – Bridge & Plaza Structural Steel • C-206 – Miscellaneous Light Iron • C-209 – Exterior Fa ade at Courtyard • C-212 – Vertical Transportation • C-213 – Plumbing • C-214 – Fire Protection • C-215 – HVAC • C-216 - Electrical The Contract Documents may be obtained at Avalon Document Services and the following websites and/ or companies: Avalon Document Services http://www.avalonbuff-planroom. com/ 741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 995-7777 Reprocraft Printing Services 136 Broadway Avenue Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 847-6262 The Construction Exchange of Buffalo and WNY, Inc. http://conexbuff.com/online-planroom/ 2660 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14227 (716) 874-3435 Complete sets of the Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Avalon Document Services, 741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 and Reprocraft Printing Services, 136 Broadway Ave., Buffalo, NY. Bidders are to provide an active email address, street address (no PO Box Numbers), phone number, and contact name. Partial sets or sections of the Contract Documents are not recommended. The failure or omission of any bidder to receive or examine any form, instrument, or document shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation in respect to his bid.

Any bidder who is preparing a bid based upon the Contract Documents available at various service agencies, is responsible for obtaining the addenda from the hosting service. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve any bidder from any obligation under this bid as submitted. All addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract Documents.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The Krog Group, LLC recog-

nizes the need to take action to ensure that minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE’s), and minority and women employees and principals are given the opportunity to participate. Accordingly, The Krog Group, LLC fosters and promotes the participation of such individuals and business firms. Therefore, all subcontractors and suppliers are expected to comply with the Goals set forth in Section 00 43 31 (“M/WBE Utilization and Workforce Diversity”), and to use good faith efforts to attain the diversity and workforce utilization goals stated therein.

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING In the Matter of the Application of The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group For Consent to take land for Cemetery Purposes in the County of Erie through mergers NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Erie County Legislature will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, located on the 4th Floor of the Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to consider public testimony regarding (i) the proposed merger of the Griffins Mills Cemetery Association (“Griffins Mills”), consisting of what is commonly known as the “Griffins Mills Cemetery” which includes approximately 7.5 acres located at 67 West Falls Road, West Falls, New York, with and into The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group (the “Forest Lawn Group ”) (ii) the proposed merger of the Bloomingdale Cemetery Association (“Bloomingdale”), consisting of what is commonly known as the “Evergreen Lawn Cemetery” which includes approximately 11.5 acres located at 13430 Bloomingdale Road, Akron, New York, with and into The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group (the “Forest Lawn Group ”) (iii) the proposed merger of the Mount Olive Cemetery Association (“Mount Olive”), consisting of what is commonly known as the “Mount Olive Cemetery” which includes approximately 2.6 acres located on South Newstead Road, Akron, New York, with and into The Buffalo City Cemetery, Inc. d/b/a Forest Lawn Group (the “Forest Lawn Group ”) Any person interested in the above matters may be heard at said public hearing.

Following the Public Hearing, the Forest Lawn Group will make application at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Erie County Legislature, held in the Chambers of the Erie County Legislature, located on the 4th Floor of the Old County Hall, 92 Franklin St., in the City of Buffalo, New York, or any adjournment thereof, for consent to merge with Griffins Mills Cemetery Association, the Bloomingdale Cemetery Association and the Mount Olive Cemetery Association.

Dated: Buffalo, New York, January 25, 2022

BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK.

By ROBERT M. GRABER, Clerk, Erie County Legislature

LOOKING FOR WORK? VISIT OUR JOBS PAGE ONLINE AT THECHALLENGERNEWS.COM

21

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

LEGAL NOTICE

TRICO REDEVELOPMENT 791 Washington St Buffalo, NY14203 APARTMENT BUILD OUT February 18, 2022 A/r # 508.05 Invitation to Bidders Bids will be received until 2:00 PM on March 11, 2022, at the office of The Krog Group, LLC located at 4 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127, Attention: Scott Castilone, Sr. Estimator, Tel. 716-667-1234, for the TRICO Redevelopment Project – APARTMENT BUILD OUT (“Project”). Faxed or emailed bids or bids in any format other than on the Bid Form contained herein may be rejected. Questions during the bidding period must be emailed or faxed to Mike McGuigan at: mmcguigan@ kroggrp.com or 716-667-1258 (fax)

by February 24, 2022. The Krog Group, LLC will not accept or respond to questions from prospective bidders received orally.

The TRICO Redevelopment – Apartment & Hotel Build Out (“Project”) includes: Current Contracts Bidding: • C-301 - Metal Studs/Drywall • C-302 – Flooring • C-303 – Ceramic Tile • C-304 – Floor Finishing • C-306 – Doors, Frames and Hardware • C-307 – Finish Carpentry • C-308 – Painting and Wallcovering • C-310 – Specialties • C-312 – Signage The Contract Documents may be obtained at Avalon Document Services and the following websites and/ or companies: Avalon Document Services http://www.avalonbuff-planroom. com/ 741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 995-7777 Reprocraft Printing Services 136 Broadway Avenue Buffalo, NY 14203 (716) 847-6262 The Construction Exchange of Buffalo and WNY, Inc. http://conexbuff.com/online-planroom/ 2660 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14227 (716) 874-3435 Complete sets of the Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Avalon Document Services, 741 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 and Reprocraft Printing Services, 136 Broadway Ave., Buffalo, NY. Bidders are to provide an active email address, street address (no PO Box Numbers), phone number, and contact name. Partial sets or sections of the Contract Documents are not recommended. The failure or omission of any bidder to receive or examine any form, instrument, or document shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation in respect to his bid.

Any bidder who is preparing a bid based upon the Contract Documents available at various service agencies, is responsible for obtaining the addenda from the hosting service. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve any bidder from any obligation under this bid as submitted. All addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract Documents.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The Krog Group, LLC recognizes the need to take action to ensure that minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE’s), and minority and women employees and principals are given the opportunity to participate. Accordingly, The Krog Group, LLC fosters and promotes the participation of such individuals and business firms. Therefore, all subcontractors and suppliers are expected to comply with the Goals set forth in Section 00 43 31 (“M/WBE Utilization and Workforce Diversity”), and to use good faith efforts to attain the diversity and workforce utilization goals stated therein.

Plaintiff designates ERIE as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 118 LOCKWOOD AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY 14220 Section: 133.46, Block: 4, Lot: 35 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 802965/2020 COUNTY OF ERIE _______________________ SANTANDER BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

LYNN CROCKER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JANICE GOBLE A/K/A JANICE M. GOBLE; THERESA LALKA A/K/A TERRY RIBBLETT, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JANICE GOBLE A/K/A JANICE M. GOBLE; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF JANICE GOBLE, A/K/A JANICE M. GOBLE, and any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, "JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. _____________________________ To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service.

Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $51,000.00 and interest, recorded on December 27, 2009, in Liber 13435 at Page 6998 , of the Public Records of ERIE County, New York., covering premises known as 118 LOCKWOOD AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY 14220.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

ERIE County is designated as the place of trial because the real

EMPLOYMENT

property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: June 24th , 2021 Westbury, NY ROBERTSON,ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC By: Veronica M. Rundle, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel: 516-280-7675 Feb.24, Mar. 3, 10, 17

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE STATE OF NEW YORK MORTGAGE AGENCY, Plaintiff AGAINST KAREN D. AUSTIN, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 18, 2021, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office, 1st Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo NY on March 29, 2022 at 10:30AM, premises known as 63 Roslyn Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, SBL: 101.33-4-37. Approximate amount of judgment $18,221.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #813272/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System's COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules and safety protocols, as well as in accordance with the 8th Judicial District Amended Foreclosure Auction Plan.

Please take notice that all persons attending the auction must comply with and observe social distancing, wearing masks/face coverings and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Joshua E. Dubs, Esq., Referee Schiller, Knapp, Lefkowitz & Hertzel, LLP 15 Cornell Road Latham, NY 12110 1806222 70940 Feb. 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17

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.

Scrufari Construction Co. seeking M/WBE/SDVOB subcontractors to quote: NYPA – Waste Water Drainage Relocation - Bid Date – Thurs., March 3, 2022 and NFTA LRRT – University Station Escalator Tube Panel Liner Replacement Bid Date: Mon., March 7, 2022 We are an EEO employer – 716282-1225

LEGAL NOTICE RFP REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Website Redesign February 24, 2022 The Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board, Inc. is accepting proposals from qualified web design firms to redesign its WorkforceBuffalo.org website. Proposals clearly labeled RFP for Website Redesign must be received at info@ becwib.org no later than 2:00 P.M on Monday, March 18, 2022 in order to be considered. Those interested in submitting a proposal may download the RFP at https://www.workforcebuffalo.org/ (posted under Workforce News). Funding for the RFP is under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, 29 U.S.C. 3101 et. seq, (EEO/AAE).

LLC'S

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

LEGAL NOTICE RFP COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP# 2022-020VF For a Tree Planting Project The Department of Environment and Planning is requesting proposals for professional services for the 61 Smith Street Tree Planting Project.

Proposals will be received at Room 1012 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 3:00 PM local time on Tuesday March 8, 2022. Additional information must be found at: erie.gov/rfp

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Visions & Dreams Graphics’s Arts of Org were filed by the NY Dep’t of State on 2/2/22. Its office location is Erie County. NY’s Sec’y of State is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. The Sec’y shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 160 Wilmuth Ave. Lackawanna, NY 14218. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

February 10,17,24 March 3,10,17 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Notice of formation of SWEET DEZIRES, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on December 21, 2021.

Location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 7 The Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14225. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

February 3,10,17,24 March 3. 10

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Notice of Formation of Flawed Bi’Design, LLC Articles of Org. filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on Feb. 5, 2022. Office in Erie County. SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 32 Canton St. Tonawanda, NY 14150. Any lawful purpose February 17,24 March 3,10,17,24

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Redemption1 LLC Art. of Org. were filed w/Sec of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/22/2021. Office location: Erie County SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 141 Burke Drive, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful activity.

February 17,24 March 3,10,17,24

To Advertise, Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com

22

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 2/13

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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

584 - 049-012 360-211-842 237-120-910

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 - 389-701-234924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

648

08-16-21-31-43-51 +03

996

Challenger Hits MIDDAY 2-1-3 Taurus, (box) Leo (straight) 0-1-9 ZR, Quick$ (box) 6-0-3 Quick$ (box) 3-6-0 Quick$ (straight & box) 9-6-5 ZR, Ozlla’s (straight) Feb. Vibes, Taurus (box) 5-6-4 ZR #Book (box)

515

140

African Consciousness Workshop

Every Monday 4-6 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.” (716)400-8644 Bro. Shango or kmtflix@gmail.com

TALK PRO P L U S Hosted by

The Radman

(George Radney) &

The Mighty O’Ba (Patrick Freeman)

105.5 FM “The Beat” Rochester Every Saturday 7AM – 8AM “Taking you to the locker room and beyond!”

EVENING 4-8-6 Hot Tips (box) ZR (box) 5-9-8 Ma Ruth , Cancer (box) 8-6-5 ZR, Ma Ruth, Feb. Vibes (box)

CASH$$-356

190-093-142-534857-521-406-9961

THE NUMBER BOOK 708-469-801-066 1027 It's Coming!

781-980-194-580 805-075-467-890 579-944-357-909 LUCKIE DUCKIE 680-434-680-073 743-133-202- 335 -2015-4444678-456-708-286 1871-0978 230-110-781-009 920-536-580-697 134-431--143 075-356-579-498 648*123*104

GAMMA’S FEBRUARY PICS 235-409-509-776-123-189 BEST TRIPLE 333

MID-5-6-4

MID-02-06-21-31-36 MID-05-07-25-29-37 MID-13-17-26-27-39 MID-06-08-17-19-21 MID-08-21-22-26-32 MID-02-07-08-14-15 EVE-05-06-15-36-39 EVE-05-20-25-29-32 EVE-02-09-15-37-38 EVE-13-16-28-37-38 EVE-04-05-11-33-37 EVE-04-20-27-32-37

LOTTO HOT TIPS

WED 2/16

980-422-809-981989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524

“Knowing when to stop, you can avoid any danger.” -Tao Te Ching

GRANDMA'S FEBRUARY - DOUBLES

228-252-202 Madam Ozlla's Predictions 140-143-133-392-320-965-843 5037-2156-3034-1342

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THURS, FEB, 24

We Are Women Warriors will host a 'No Excuses' community meeting, Thursday, February 24, 2022, 5-8 PM, @ the Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave,

SAT. MAR.26 Qubilah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, special guest at Eddie Egrius’ United Congressional Kickoff Saturday, February 26 at Acqua, 2192 Niagara Street 4-8 p.m. Tickets for free event available online

Doanld Howard

U.S.Navy Ret. Chief 1967-1999 Vietnam Era Out of his 32 year career Chief Howard served on 3 ships: •Tke US Naval Ordinance TestFacility in Solomons Md •The US Naval Aviation test facility St. Megans England •The US Naval Weapons Station Lakehurst NJ He served in his hometown at the Navy Recruiting Station US Navy and Marines Corp Center Buffalo,NY.

at Eventbrite or text (716)791-7211 to reserve.

Ujamaa Walk and Shop Saturday, February 26, from 12PM to 6PM.!! See Page 7.

MON FEB. 28 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dance Fitness at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main St. Buffalo. 12pm - 1pm.

FREE for ages 55+ HustleforHealth.com to RSVP or 716 832-1010 x 211

TUES. MAR. 1 BURA Virtual Contractor Meeting 6 p.m. (2nd session.) Learn how to become a certified contractor & more. Free registration at buffalourbanrenewal.com & click the Virtual Contractor Meetings tab.

WED. MAR.2

Buffalo Builds Mini Job Fair Part I, Wednesday March 2 10am to 12pm Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave, For more information go to Workforcebuffalo.org/betc or call 716-856-JOBS(5627)

WED. MAR. 2

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main 11am- 12pm. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832-1010 x 211 to RSVP or HustleforHealth.com FREE Virtual Book Club every Wednesday @ 12PM. Dorothy Collier Community Center Reading "Between the World and Me" by TaNehisi Coates. 716-8820602 for info or to register.

24

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Februar y 24, 2022