MASK UP! Practice Social Distancing! The Vaccine Alone Will Not End the Pandemic!
March 4, 2021 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News
Photo by: Malik Rainey
FreeTHEM! Grand Opening of Center for At-risk Girls and Victims of Human Trafficking
Who is India Walton and Why is She Running for Mayor? Page 3
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Game Changers and Legacy Builders to Perform at PAUSA Page 9
Rochester Freedom Riders Respond to Prude Verdict Page 2
You Don’t Know My Story: Faith During A Pandemic
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Creator of 1619 Project is Urban Forum’s Guest Speaker Page 10
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INSIDE ROCHESTER
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
Prominent Rochester Women to Speak Out About Improving the City
ROC Freedom Responds to Daniel Prude Decision
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n behalf of ROC Freedom Riders, a local group of bicyclists amplifying the messages of the movement for racial justice and equity, co-founders Rashad J. Smith and Devin M. Anglin offer the following response to the grand jury decision in the case of Daniel Prude: “Daniel Prude was a Black man who simply needed help. Instead, he was murdered by the local agency we depend on to protect us. Unfortunately, we are not surprised that the systems existing in America continue to work against Black people for the umpteenth time. Black people in America disproportionately have negative, life-changing interactions with cops that too often turn fatal. This is enough to simply understand why complete police reform is necessary. Our hearts are with Joe Prude and the Prude family. Our anger must be redirected towards what is a tiring, ROC Freedom Riders co-founders exhausted and seems like a never-ending fight for jus- Rashad J. Smith and Devin M. Anglin. tice and equity. "
Rochester Chargers Football Team Announces Name Change Richard Myles Sr., CEO/Chairman and founder of the Minor League Football League (MFL), has announced that the name of the Rochester Chargers MFL has been changed to The Chargers MFL. The franchise, which plays around Western New York, Southern Ontario, Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, is owned by Patrick Freeman of Buffalo. Season tickets for the Chargers are on presale now and the team has announced dance team try outs. For more information go to chargersmfl.com Chargers apparel can also purchased on that site.
ROCHESTER – Five prominent Rochester women who head government or community organizations will speak about priorities for improving the city and addressing racial inequalities in a FaceBook live broadcast at 6 p.m. on March 21. Mayor Lovely Warren, Police Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, Dr. Janice Harbin, DDS, CEO of Jordan Health Center, Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester and Dr. Lesli Myers-Small, Superintendent of City School District will be the guests on the program sponsored by the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. They will be interviewed by representatives of the Rochester Alumnae Chapter. Depending on time constraints, a question and answer period may follow. Entitled,Rochester's Powerbrokers: Women and Policy, the event is the latest in the Rochester Alumnae Chapter's continuing series called "Delta Talks." The series features candid conversations on community issues. The March event is free to the public. No registration is required. Just log on to Facebook Live: Facebook. com/RACDST1913.
Frederick Douglass Airport Tribute
On February 14th a special tribute to Frederick Douglass during a celebration of his birthday included the unveiling of a new sign for the Rochester airport that was renamed in honor of Douglass, abolotionist, suffragist, publisher, journalist, orator and statesman. -About Time Magazine
TO HAVE INSIGHT IS TO HAVE THE RADIANCE OF THE SUN… AND THE CLAIRTY OF THE MOON…. -Tao #33
UPDATE: ROCHESTER NAACP John Singleton III is the president of the recently re-organized Rochester NAACP. He succeeded Monroe County Legislator Ernest Flagler-Mitchell who resigned shortly after being sworn in to the position after being charged with sexual harassment for sending a sexually explicit photo, and other suggestive text messages, to a 19-year-old woman. A complaint against Flagler-Mitchell has been lodged with the Monroe County Board of Ethics. The Rochester branch of the NAACP dates to 1919. But by the 1960s became overshadowed by other civil rights groups in town. Until its reboot in January the branch had essentially been inactive. Information about the Rochester Branch is available by sending an email to dsingletonpradia2172@ gmail.com. Join today!
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
AREA BRIEFS Overseeing Martin Luther King Park Roy Drake has been promoted to District Supervisor III - MLK Jr. Park, by the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. In his position, Drake will be responsible for the operational management of MLK, its features, and the employees within District III. Additionally he will oversee park operations staff and also be involved in day to day operations and management.
School Zone Speed Cameras Are Live in These Areas Camera enforcement of the School Zone Safety Program resumed on Monday, March 1, 2021. Flashing beacons are reactivated and the 15 MPH speed limit is being enforced in the 18 following school safety zones: •Bennett Park Montessori, 342 Clinton St. • Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Children’s Academy, 3149 Bailey Ave. • Canisius High School, 1180 Delaware Ave. • Dr. Blackman School, 2358 Main St. • Eve School, 453 Leroy Ave. • Grabiarz School/West Hertel, Military & Lawn / Military & Hertel Ave. • Harvey Austin School, 1405 Sycamore St. • Houghton Academy, 1725 Clinton St. • Hutch Tech/ Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy, 256 Elmwood Ave. / 315 Carolina St. • Lewis J. Bennett School, 2885 Main St. • Olmsted School, 319 Suffolk St. • Makowski School, 1095 Jefferson Ave. • McKinley School, 1500 Elmwood Ave. • Nichols School, 1250 Amherst St. • Notre Dame Academy/Discovery School, 911 Abbott Road 1125 Abbott Road • Performing Arts, 450 Masten Ave. • Porter School/ DaVinci School, 255 Porter Ave. / 320 Porter Ave. • St. Joseph University School, 3275 Main St. Beacons will be flashing throughout the school day in each of these locations to make motorists aware of the 15 MPH speed limit during school hours. The school zone speed limit is in effect for the hours posted on the signage at each of the sites.
Serial Killer Rumor Denied
On-line reports of a serial killer on the loose in the Buffalo area have been denied by the mayor and Buffalo Police. The social media report claims that five women on the city’s East Side are linked to the same serial killer. It warns women to keep an eye out for two minivans roaming the streets looking to snatch women, and it says that the police are doing nothing about it at Mayor Brown’s instruction. Both the mayor and police responded on Facebook that “this rumor is absolutely false.”
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Who is India Walton and Why is She Running for Mayor?
ndia Walton is running for Mayor of the City of Buffalo. When she first announced in December, a lot of people wondered, who is she? And why is she running against a four-term, intrenched incumbent who appears well on his way to a 5th historic re-election bid? India’s response: “I decided to run for Mayor of Buffalo because I am tired of seeing my community in this condition. Nearly half of our children are living in poverty, while the racial wealth and homeownership gap in Buffalo continues to widen. It saddens me to see cranes in the sky and hear tales of a renaissance knowing full well that the story for the majority of Buffalonians, particularly east of Main Street, is the complete opposite. I am running because we have been striving as a community to be self-determined and selfsufficient. The way we get there is with leadership that works with, listens to, and is accountable to the people." Should she win she will also find her place in history as the first woman elected mayor of Buffalo.* -Real. Resilient. Ready.India, born and raised in Buffalo, grew up on Monroe Street, the daughter of Doris Siddiq, a retired VA nurse and Louis Kelly, an army veteran who is now deceased. She has five brothers and two sisters and attended Lorraine Academy #72 and Leonardo da Vinci High School. She earned her GED while pregnant with twins and went on to graduate from SUNY Erie School of Nursing. A Registered Nurse, advocate and organizer, she is the single mother of “four wonderful sons” - Mah-
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Ann Montgomery AFFORDABLE HOUSING: In 2019 India Walton (above) became the founding executive director of the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust which she co-founded along with long term members of the Fruit Belt Community. "This is the first time in the history of Buffalo that a community led land trust has seen success in creating permanently affordable housing, while honoring and supporting the existing residents and fabric of the historic neighborhood I came to know and love," said Ms. Walton.
kahi, 23, twins Mikail and Maquan 19, and Mason 11. India recalls her first experience with activism at about age 12. She was involved with Families Against Mandatory Minimums with her mother as they fought against the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws which opened the flood gates of mass incarceration. Today at 38 years young, armed with a history of advocacy and community involvement, India sees herself as a change agent. From her experience as a healthcare worker and an active representative in the 1199 SEIU union; to her work as a community organizer for Open Buffalo and a clear and present voice in the local Black lives Matter Movement; to becoming the founding executive director of the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust for which she worked with longtime residents to develop permanent affordable
housing and pushing back against gentrification, India embodies what her campaign literature describes as being “Real. Resilient. Ready.” -Party LineLast week her campaign received a boost with the endorsement of the Working Families Party, an organization that has backed Mayor Brown in every election since he first ran in 1998. “Receiving the WFP endorsement was exciting and validating,” India told The Challenger. “ The endorsement of a national organization like the Working Families Party says that working class people in Buffalo are ready for change. All over the country voters are electing truly progressive women of color who are shifting the balance of power and putting resources where they’re needed most, in our neighborhoods and pockets, not in the coffers of wealthy develContinued Page 12
(1889 - 1978) Born in 1889 in Americus, Georgia, Ann Montgomery would spend her early years bouncing around the country with her family. She attended school in Los Angeles, California and spent some time in Texas before settling in Buffalo in 1910. Shortly after arriving in the Queen City, Montgomery opened an ice cream parlor at 496 Michigan Ave. At some point she married another famous Buffalo business owner, Dan Montgomery who had owned Dan Montgomery's Steakhouse on Exchange Street and another hotel located near Central Terminal. Over the years, Montgomery’s location on Michigan Ave. would undergo several business changes— briefly becoming a billiards hall in 1922, a supper club in 1929, and finally the Little Harlem Hotel and nightclub in 1934. The nightclub was a popular spot for both locals and visitors to Buffalo and attracted quite a lineup of artists. Some of the more famous performers included those like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, Bing Crosby, Vincent Lopez, Cab Calloway, and Dinah Washington. The Little Harlem was listed in every edition of the “Negro Motorist Green Continued Page 9
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
Buffalo Human Trafficking Restoration Home Expands with Opening of New FreeTHEM Center
BUILDING COMMUNITY AMID Positive Examples of Working Together Within Our Communities To Support Ourselves And Our Neighbors During The Covid-19 Crisis
Free Masks Giveaway A Success!
We Are Women Warriors founder Betty Jean Grant stands with sign and masks during a free mask giveaway in honor of Black History Month last Friday. She and her organization distributed over 200 disposable and reusable masks, and 2 oz. bottles of hand sanitizer. The day long event took place at Grant's Variety Shoppe, 1055 East Ferry. The community-wide mask giveaway lasted until all the PPE's werepassed out to the community.The giveaway was sponsored by We Are Women Warrior and the generous donations of PPEs from the general public. Hats off to Mrs.Grant and her Women Warriors who were the first on the scene to distribute PPE's in the commuity when the pandemic hit last Spring!
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Filmmaker Doug Ruffin Returns With “67: Buffalo Uprising” PAGE 6
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TERRENCE D. McKELVEY "Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains."
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Kelly Diane Galloway is a traveling missionary and founder of RAMP Global Missions. With support from celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, she founded Buffalo’s first human trafficking restoration home, Project Mona’s House. Project Mona’s House rescues victims who have survived human trafficking from across the country. The organization provides housing, safety, and therapy for exploited, homeless, or orphaned women. Since the U.S. is one of the worse places for human trafficking, Kelly is taking extreme steps to build awareness about human trafficking to help stop it. When more people are informed, her organizations can rescue more victims. For that reason, Project Mona’s House and the new FreeTHEM Center will join forces to kick off The Free THEM Walk this spring. Go to projectmonashouse.com to learn more about the center and how to join the FreeThem network.
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roject Mona’s House founder, Kelly Galloway will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:30pm today to announce the grand opening of the FreeTHEM Center. Located at 852 Kensington Ave., it is Buffalo’s new drop-in location for women victimized by human trafficking and at-risk girls. Galloway will also announce the organization’s first major act, The FreeaTHEM Walk, a 902-mile journey from Lynchburg, VA to Buffalo, NY to raise awareness about human trafficking. According to the International Labour Organization, human trafficking globally generates $150 billion annually. A 2019 report by the State Department identifies the U.S. as one of the world's worst places for human trafficking. Victims are modern-day slaves used for sex, labor, medical experiments, and organs. Human trafficking is happening in Buffalo; however many people are uninformed about what it is, how to identify victims or traffickers, and where to get help. Without resources and programs available for trafficking survivors to get back on track, they are likely to return to a life of exploitation. Although human trafficking victims can be any race, social class, or age, ethnically marginalized groups and people in poverty are more at risk. The FreeTHEM Center is the sister location to Buffalo's only human trafficking restoration home, Project Mona's House. The new organization provides mental health and addiction counselKelly Galloway ing, life skills classes, workforce training, and empowerment workshops for human trafficking victims and at-risk girls. "My hope is that we will have a safe place for the most vulnerable and commonly exploited populations. A place that will build community, restore faith in one another and better lives. Harried build both a pathway and a house on hope in her day...today I stand on her shoulders and do the same." said Galloway. -About Kelly Diane Galloway -
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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 •Marc h 4, 2021
Covid 19 Vaccine Has Found the Eastside!
I -Salute-
Alice Gayles The University at Buffalo Women's Basketball recently honored Alice Gayles who played for the Bulls in 1970-71 and was a pioneer as the first Black player in the program's history. She was a member of the renowned gospel group “The Gayles Family Singers” and later married Robert Floyd Jr. who played in the American Basketball Association. Her daughter, Carmen Ruby Floyd is a talented singer and actress who currently performs on Broadway.
Karen Ellington
In 2000 Karen R. Ellington was sworn in to serve on the Common Council as the First Woman of Color. To qualify as a candidate Ms. Ellington spent many hours in Supreme Court against her challengers who tried to knock her off the ballot. Being the first African American Woman she faced many challenges. While serving on the Council Ms. Ellington was assigned a decoy to protect her from danger. 2000 was the first year that the majority of the Council was African American.
t has been exactly one year since the Coronavirus made its way from China to Italy, sneaked its way aboard an airplane to America and announced itself a bona fide pandemic to an unsuspecting and ill prepared nation. This specific Coronavirus, known as Covid 19, has killed over 500,000 Americans to date. That is almost 1/4 of all the deaths in the world even though we are less than 1/30 of the world's population. In the African American and Latinx ethnic groups, the number of deaths is even more devastating, with death among these two groups 8-9 times higher than among Caucasians. Just as the number of fatalities in the minority community was escalating, the availability of Covid 19 testing, PPEs, contact tracers and, of course, the vaccine were seriously underrepresented on the east and lower west sides of Buffalo. But this unequal and disparable allocation of PPEs and vaccines was seen in Black and Brown communities all across this nation. Over the past few weeks, this disparity has been somehow lessened by the health officials in NYS designating ten zip codes in the most impoverished areas of the City of Buffalo as a special zone where residents living in those specific zip codes would be vaccinated first. This sorely needed and most unusual approach to bring parity to an underserved community is far from perfect but it goes a long way toward ensuring that politicians and leaders that hand out resources and vaccines are, indeed,colorblind. Covid 19 vaccines continue to be available to those 65 years old or older; or citizens of any age who have serious medical conditions, work in schools, stores, law enforcement or restaurants. The Covid 19 vaccination site on the eastside is the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave. Please call 1-833-697-4829 to schedule an appointment.
Council Member Golombek Calls on State Officials To Include 14207 for Vaccine Distribution List “It has recently come to my attention that there will be a Covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Delevan-Grider Community Center,” said North District Council Member Joseph Golombek. “While I acknowledge the incredible need for a state-funded 'pop-up' clinic such as this in the City of Buffalo, I can’t help but notice the omission of the 14207 area code from the list of other area codes that will have access to preferential appointments before the clinic is opened up to the whole of Erie County.”
It’s unclear why 14207, which includes the Black Rock-Riverside community, was omitted, he said in a press statement.With some of the highest rates of COVID transition in Buffalo, the area has seriously struggled to keep the pandemic at bay. It has been ranked the secondhighest at-risk area for COVID transmission with 1,860 reported cases. Black Rock-Riverside’s rate of COVID transmission has been a major concern for the dense population of seniors,
immigrants, refugees, and
economically disadvantaged members of its population that are considered high-risk for serious health concerns when contracting COVID.
Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo to Present a Virtual Festival, June 19-20, 2021
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by Jennifer Strickland President, Juneteenth Festival Inc.
he 46th consecutive Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo is still on, but online! The Board of Directors has decided to, again, initiate the bold and innovative approach to presenting this year’s festival, virtually.
The Festival organizers are planning for the 2-day event to be viewed on several media platforms. This year’s theme, “The Continual Evolution of Juneteenth” will be supported by elements of the traditional outdoor festival, including the parade, children’s activities, entertainment, and vendors. Added to the 2021 Festival’s excitement is the recognition by the city of Buffalo and New York State, of their first holiday commemorating Juneteenth, originally celebrated June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned that they’d been free, since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, 2 -1/2 years earlier. Festival-specific events, including Sankofa Days and the Maafa Memorial, are June 14 - June 20, 2021, with virtual activities and events on Festival weekend, June 19 -20, 2021. Social media platforms will include, Facebook (Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival and Juneteenth Festival, Inc.); YouTube; Zoom; and our website: juneteenthofbuffalo.com.
2019 Juneteenth images.
We invite the worldwide community and all of our supporters to enjoy the Festival, while watching on the web. Let’s not allow the restrictions and safety measures of this unprecedented era to inhibit one of the most celebrated times of the African American community. Our Festival will provide a safe zone for families to enjoy the experience from anywhere in the world! The first Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, was in 1976, on Jefferson Ave. It outgrew Jefferson, and moved to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, where it was held, annually, for decades, until its first virtual festival, in 2020. For more information, or to submit your request to participate in this year’s virtual festival, please email juneteenthfestivalinc@gmail.com.
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FAITH & FAMILY
New Hope Announces Free Food Giveaway Metropolitan UM Church, "Biggest Loser" Challenge New Hope Baptist Church, 2090 Genesee Street, is hosting it’s first “Shed Those Added Quarantined Corona Virus pounds” Challenge. The 12 week challenge began February 6 and ends April 24. There is a $25 registration fee, with a $1 per pound gain. All weigh-ins are done in private. At the end of the challenge, a cash prize goes to the biggest loser! For more information contact the New Hope office at 883-0821 Tuesday thru Thursday 10AM to 1PM.
located at 657 Best Street will hold a Free Food Giveaway every 2nd Monday of each month beginning March 8, 2021, from 11:00, am – 1:00 pm. All are welcome. Angela R. Stewart, pastor.
Dorothy J. Collier Bible Study Join us for Virtual Bible Study every Thursday @ 12 PM! If you have questions or need help getting on Zoom email: FRIENDSINCDCC@ GMAIL.COM or call (716)882-0602.
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
Power People!
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mong those named to the prestigious Buffalo Business First Power 250 List for 2021 are: •Katherine Conway-Turner, President Buffalo State College •Thomas Beauford Jr., President &CEO Buffalo Urban League • Mark Blue, President NAACP Buffalo • Brenda McDuffie, Chair Erie County Industrial Development Agency •Dwayne Jones, Pastor Mt. Olive Baptist Church •Michael Chapman, Pastor St. John Baptist Church •Lavonne Ansari, CEO Community Health Center of Buffalo •Steve Finch, Senior VP Automotive Services AAA WNY and Central NY •Herbert Bellamy Jr., CEO Bellamy Enterprises/Buffalo Black Achievers Inc.
•Willie Underwood III, Executive Director Co-Founder Center of Health Equity/KAOPS Biotechnology •Stephen Tucker, President & CEO Northland Workforce Training Center •William Pryor, Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer Catholic Health •Donald Boswell, President & CEO, Buffalo, Toronto Public Media •Raul Vazquez, President & CEO G-Health Enterprises •Rose Sconiers, Retired NYS Supreme Court •Richard Cummings, President Black Chamber of Commerce •Thurman Thomas, President 34 Group In addition 2021 Power Politicians/elected officials included: •Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader, NYS Assembly •Byron Brown, Mayor City of Buffalo •Darius Pridgen, President Buffalo Common Council •April Baskin, Chairwoman, Erie County Legislature •Sharon Belton-Cottman, President Buffalo Board of Education. Congratulations!
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
"YOU DON'T KNOW MY STORY" GUEST SPEAKERS:Carlette Bradley, Farrah S. Maclin, Tamela Richardson, Teshiko Payton, Pastor Mia Richardson, Evette Phillips.
You Don’t Know My Story " Faith During A Pandemic" 100 Women in Pink, Virtual Empowerment Symposium, Commemorating Women's History Month
W
omen Against Violence Everywhere (WAVE Buffalo Inc.), a nonviolence organization that serves the needs of at-risk young women and girls, invites the community to “You Don’t Know My Story, A Virtual Empowerment Symposium.” Women from various backgrounds will share their story of life during a Pandemic and before.
Happy Heavenly Birthday !
This year’s theme is " Faith During A Pandemic." The event will take place March 6 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon via Zoom and Facebook live by way of Elim Christian Fellowship online streaming. Register on Eventbrite, under the event name. The community is encouraged to attend virtually and hear stories that will inspire, empower, and uplift during these uncertain times. Guest Speakers include Teshiko Payton of Payton’s Place Child Care Center; Farrah Macklin of Farrah Jae’s Beauty Parlor; Carlette Bradley, CEO of the Masterpiece Project; Tamela Richardson, CEO of Life is Art; CTDC, Pastor Mia Richardson; Pastor of Avon Methodist Church Rochester NY; Evette Phillips, founder of WE R BUFFALO STRONG INC. The event is FREE. However free will donations are accepted and can be made to WAVE BUFFALO INC. For more information email WaveBuffalo1@gmail.com or call 716-8480515. Proceeds benefit Girls Mentoring programs.
EMPLOYMENT
William Shane March 6,1943 July 13, 2020
We Know life goes on, but it’s not the same without you. Missing You ! We Love You! Your loving wife Beverly Shane (King), son Maurice Shane Sr.( Glynnis), daughter Sarita D. Shane, grandsons Maurice Jr, and Miles William Shane, your loving sisters, a special sister in law Eunice King and a host of relatives and friends.
black fact...
* Elam, a mighty Black civi-
lization of Persia, flourished about 2900 BC and is perhaps older than Egypt or Ethopia. One of its later Afriacan kings, Kudur Nakunta, conquered Chaldea and Babylon and brought back to his capital, Susa, rich treasures. Susa is the Shushan of the Bible where Esther, sought the favor of King Ahaserus of Persia and Ethopia.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
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Entertainment
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
Bunny Wailer, Founding Member of the Wailers, Dies at 73
On the left Andra Day portraying Billie Holiday (right).
Andra Day 1st Black Woman to Win Best Actress Golden Globe in 35 Years
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he singer dazzled critics and audiences alike in the Lee Daniels-directed 'The United States vs. Billie Holiday,' her first major film role. Andra Day became the first Black woman to win the Best Actress Golden Globe in 35 years for her triumphant portrayal of Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Day dazzled critics and audiences alike in her first major film role and clinched the award Sunday night. In her acceptance speech via video link, she said she was “in the presence of giants” when referring to her fellow nominees, including veteran actress Viola Davis, who was nominated for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Also nominated were Vanessa Kirby for Pieces of a Woman, Frances McDormand for Nomadland and Carey Mulligan for Promising Young Woman. In her acceptance speech, Day tearfully thanked “the amazing, transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday, who just transformed me with this role and with her presence and with her spirit.” The singer was surrounded by family and friends, who were all visibly moved. Davis’ co-star, the late Chadwick Boseman, won the Andra Day Best Actor trophy for his final performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. His and Day’s wins mark the first time in Golden Globes history that both the Best Actor and Best Actress winners were African American. The last Black woman to win the Best Actress award at the Golden Globes was Whoopi Goldberg for The Color Purple in 1986. Halle Berry was nominated for in 2002 for Monster’s Ball and lost, but then went on to win the Academy Award.
Bunny Wailer, the reggae icon who was the last living original member of the Wailers, has died at the age of 73. According to the Jamaican Observer, Wailer’s manager, Maxine Stowe, confirmed that he died at 8 a.m. March 2 and she was by his side. No cause of death has been revealed, but the Observer reports that Wailer had been in and out of the hospital since having a second stroke in July 2020. Despite breaking up for a brief period in the ’60s when Marley left Jamaica for the U.S. and Wailer went to jail for possession of marijuana, the group became international superstars as Bob Marley and the Wailers in the 1970s. Wailer’s role in the group was laying down the harmonies that became an integral part of the group’s sound. Despite leaving the group in 1973 due to his dislike of touring and his Rastafarian faith, Wailer carved out a successful solo career, winning three Grammys in the ’90s — a Best Reggae Album award in 1994 and one in 1996 for Hall Of Fame – A Tribute To Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary. His other Grammy win was for Best Reggae Recording in 1991 for Time Will Tell – A Tribute To Bob Marley.
Support Black Businesses and The Arts
Don’t Forget To Get In On The Eat Off Art Support Black Business Initiative and Merch Opportunity! Now Through March 31 Find the above Exclusive Challenger News, Zawadi Books And Dorris Records Merchandise Available On Eatoffart.Com Your Purchase Will Not Only Help Support The Three Longstanding Jefferson Avenue Businesses, It Will Also Support CULTRUE Inc., A Non Profit Formed By Edreys and Alexa Wajed That Focuses On Supporting Underserved Young Artists And Creatives With Mentorship, Scholarship Changing the Narrative of Starving Artist to Thriving Artists! Get Your Merch Now through March 31 . You Can Find Them On EATOFFART.COM
Student Art Competition Deadline Extended Buy Black Buffalo is partnering with Buffalo Bills Running Back Zack Moss, the Police Athletic League of Buffalo, Inc. and Albright Knox to spotlight our youth’s voices. Moss asks all City of Buffalo students in grades 6-12 to submit a video up to 60 seconds, digital artwork, or an up to 100-word written expression about what activism in sports means to them and the culture. For more information about the contest, please visit buyblackbuffalo.com or on Instagram @buyblackbuffalony and @pal_buffalo. Albright Knox will judge the entries and select three winners. Submissions due by March 15th.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
The Black Doll Exhibit
Review Series 1 of 4 :
Hooray for Hollywood
by Lisa Jacobs-Watson fashion doll collector/creative coordinator
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n light of the 2nd Annual Black Doll Exhibit currently at the downtown Buffalo Public Library, it seems fitting to highlight that the exhibit lends itself as a history lesson. Each of the eight showcases tells a story that is relatable to beauty and culture by way of its theme and significance to lifestyles and history of Black people. Hooray for Hollywood is an imaginary red-carpet gala of exquisite beauty. The dolls are set up as a reminder to Hollywood that we have arrived! Roles for actors were scarce in the old days of Hollywood. Parts that were available were limited to menial roles, mostly portraying stereotypes. As African Americans broke barriers in film and television, more doors were opened throughout the industry. Today we celebrate Hollywood icons and red-carpet divas with showstopping talent and major achieve- Byron Lars Barbie included in ments. The Black Doll Exhibit As we honor women throughout March, let us not forget the barrier breakers and trendsetters who have left and continue to leave a Hollywood legacy. Dolls in the Hooray for Hollywood exhibit showcase includes designs by Bryon Lars, Bob Mackie, and the MGM Golden Hollywood Barbie. Visit the Black Doll Exhibit now until March 27 at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library 1 Lafayette Square during normal business hours Mon -Thurs 8am -7pm Fri- Sat 9am -5pm closed on Sunday or Visit buffalolib.org
Woman-Dominated: PAUSA Supper Club Is Building its Legacy by Dana Elise
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n ways both literal and figurative, women have ceaselessly carried the burden and changed the game. For Women's History Month-thirty-one odd days designated to celebrate and commemorate the achievements and legacies established by women I am reminded of the late, great Tupac Shakur: "We all came from a woman Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman" This month, the game changers and legacy- builders slated to perform at Pausa Supper Club are Lázara Martinez and Curtis Lovell.
PAUSA, the award-winning supper club, is no stranger to showcasing the radiance of womanhood. For nearly ten years, founding owner Lázara Martinez has fashioned an arts and live music-savvy niche establishment for lovers of fine wine, beer, and worldclass cuisine.
featured powerhouse artists l/r Lazara Martinez and Curtis Lovell
Even as a professional violinist, boasting a top-tier classical music education, Martinez finds herself harnessing the power of women. Lázara's mother, with a collection of female family members and friends, used weekly social gatherings as informal compulsory music sets where young Lázara would play song after song. In doing these impromptu weekly mini-shows, her budding talent was lovingly cultivated, encouraged, and supported. As she recalls the cultural influence of her rich Afro-Cuban heritage, she paints a picture of subliminal skill-building, womanly pride and communal camaraderie. Lázara, with her trademark violin, vocal, and loops, takes to the stage with David Phillips on percussion as "Havana Loops," Friday, March 5, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Wine connoisseurs and casual sippers welcome. Buffa-loving risk takers? Feel free to request the "Genny Flute." On Saturday, March 20, 2021, just about a week shy of month's end, Pausa will also welcome the creative genius of the Curtis Lovell Band. Piloting a glorious array of fresh, original music as only she knows how, Afrofuturistic mudwoman Lovell prepares to take the stage at the Allentown supper club for the first time since the pandemic has hit. As bandleader and lead vocalist, Lovell does her thing, bringing with her a relentlessly fierce sonorous energy; one carefully seeded and tended to by her legendary mother, Ms. Lorna Hill. Hill, the mastermind at the helm of the Ujima Theater Company, was committed to theater as a multi-sensory experience. She instilled in her children the importance of family in continuing to cultivate such a rich legacy of performance. Curtis met the "arts" charge at a young age, singing and acting from coast to coast, and is now able to effortlessly meld powerful lyricism with perfect pitch. To put it frankly, this woman can blow! Lovell's vocals and loops promise dynamic interplay with Walter Kemp 3 on piano, Rishon Odel on bass, and David Jonathan on drums. Music starts at 7:00 pm and capacity is limited. Please reserve seats early, and prepare to be transported. Go to www.pausaarthouse.com for tickets.
DAN MONTGOMERY continued
that included Buffalo. The book was a travel guide published from the 1930s-1960s and listed safe businesses for AfricanAmerican travelers to lodge, eat, and patronize during the segregation era. The Montogmery's owned another hotel, called The Montogmery, located at 486 Michigan that was also listed in the Green Book. A savvy businesswoman, Montogomery was welcoming to all visitors. In addition to opening her doors to both Blacks and Whites, Mrs. Montogmery also let it be known that her hotel was a safe space for the LGBTQ communities during a time when it was rare to find such a welcoming place. Montgomery passed away in 1978 after a career that spanned almost seventyyears. After her death Ann’s second husband, Paul Dilworth Woodson, who had managed the club for thirty-three years prior to his wife's death, continued to run the Little Harlem Hotel until his retirement. The building was then sold to former City Court Judge Wilbur Trammell. The Little Harlem Hotel burned down in February 1993.
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Blanc Photographie
This profile courtesy of the Michigan Street African American Heritage CooridorCommission.
The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer. 716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS CALL OUT TO BUFFALO MUSICAL TALENT
This year's Black History Month Sports 30 Under 30 presenters (left) WUFO 1080am/Power 96.5fm Sport Directors Lewis “Muki” Hawkins, Dewitt Lee III (far right) and in the center School Board Member At-Large Terrance L. Heard.
The Black History Month Sports 30 Under 30 Awards The Black History Month Sports 30 Under 30 Awards was broadcast live on the WUFO Sport Report on Sunday Feb 28. This years presenters were WUFO 1080am/Power 96.5fm Sports Directors Lewis “Muki” Hawkins and Dewitt Lee III and School Board Member At-Large Terrance L. Heard. Due to covid-19, the awards ceremony took place over the airwaves instead of having a physical event.
cially the women have stories that need to be told.” The radio program will be turned into a video broadcast and aired on www.skovutv. com soon. School Board Member At-Large Heard said “We are going to sow seeds and make investments into our children, on a level that the world has never seen before.”
The final list was created after the awards committee weighed in and voted on the 75 submissions they received from sports organizations, coaches, parents, and the general public. The main criteria besides being 30 years and under was that candidates were from or play(ed) in N.Y. state or Ontario, Canada and had excelled in their sport.
•Amari DeBerry - Basketball - Williamsville South High School •JaVaughn Jones - Basketball - Health Science •Aaliyah Parker -Basketball - Cardinal O’Hara High School •Angel Parker - Basketball - Niagara University •Davonte Gaines - Basketball - Tennessee •Brittney Perry - Head women's basketball coach at Bryant & Stratton •Charles Garner III (CG3) Boxer •Tremaine Edmunds - Football - Buffalo Bills •Dion Dawkins - Football Buffalo Bills •Steven Means - Football Atlanta Falcons •Jaret Patterson - Football University of Buffalo •James Patterson - Football University of Buffalo •Mykell Hepburn - Football - South Park •Addison Copeland III Football - Western New York Maritime Charter School
“We truly felt the need to lift up the young athletes from our community who had their 2020 seasons interrupted and cancelled due to the pandemic," said awards co-founder Dewitt Lee III. "We also wanted to recognize those brave athletes and coaches who were able to play through this difficult time of the pandemic in the U.S. and Canada” “This Black History Month, we wanted to let the youth see that Black History is made everyday and many of the people on our list, espe-
The athletes honored from WNY who made the list are:
•Jimmy Scott - Football - St Francis •Kellen Palmer - Fencing Canisius High School •Justin McDougald - Men's Wrestling - University of Buffalo •Kaylah Britt - Track - University of Buffalo •Alexander Johnson - Baseball - Cincinnati Reds •Dyaisha Fair - Women’s Basketball - University of Buffalo •Takal Molson - Basketball Seton Hall
”To have the honor of coaching some of the players on this Sports 30 Under 30 awards gives me great hope," said Coach Muki. "Buffalo athletes are breaking down barriers into the highest collegiate and professional levels in sports, which will in turn inspire more youth from Buffalo to dream bigger!” You can find more info at sports30under30.com or on Instagram @sports30under30
TAO TE CHING
-74If you realize that all things change, There is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you aren’t afraid of dying, there is nothing you can’t achieve. Trying to control the future Is like trying to take the master carpenter’s place. When you handle the master carpenter’s tools, Chances are that you’ll cut your hand.
Friends For A Better Buffalo is launching “SOUNDS OF BUFFALO”: A Spotlight on WNY Musical Talent, as a music competition to highlight the Second Annual Excellence in Education Awards. The month-long musical competition that begins March 1 and ends March 31 will help the committee select an opening performer for the 2nd Annual Excellence In Education Awards. For the next two weeks, musicians in all music genres will be able to enter the competition by uploading their original musical video to the event’s Facebook page. Visitors to the Excellence In Education Awards Buffalo Facebook page can choose their favorite performers with a LIKE. Phase 1: MUSICIANS ENTER COMPETITION during the month of March — Musicians can enter by submitting an original musical performance where they showcase their skills, playing instrument(s) or singing an original song. A global online audience will then vote by hitting the Facebook “Like” button for their favorite musician featured on the Excellence In Education Awards Buffalo Facebook page @ ExcellenceinEducationBuffalo Phase 2: During the first weeks of April 2021 the “Sounds of Buffalo” committee will announce the two winners of the competition. The winning musician/band will perform as the opener for the 2021 Excellence In Education Awards telecast and the second place winner will be included among the Awards event talent lineup. The Excellence in Education Awards Buffalo telecast will air on May 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm on WBBZ-TV (broadcast in eight (8) counties across Western New York). The Excellence In Education Awards, hosted by Friends for A Better Buffalo, honors outstanding city of Buffalo teachers,
Nikole Hannah Jones
Creator of 1619 Project is BPS Urban Forum’s Guest Speaker
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ikole Hannah Jones will serve as Keynote speaker at the Buffalo Public Schools 6th Annual Urban Forum on March 16, 2021 at 9:00am. She will engage in a moderated discussion with Associate Superintendent, Dr. Fatima Morrell. Mrs. Hannah-Jones will discuss her groundbreaking and landmark work included in the 1619 Project, and how that project informs us about the legacy of enslavement and its reverberating impact on American history and society and current events today, especially as related to Black and Brown communities of color. This professional discussion and learning will bolster the local school district’s efforts in implementing best practices for emancipatory curriculum and teaching . The Meeting ID to attend this ZOOM virtual forum, is 984 2548 4992 Passcode:: Legacy In September the Trump Office of Management and Budget ordered federal agencies to “begin to identify all contracts or other age the agency spending related to anything on the “critical race theory “(i.e. Black history and documents such as the 1619 Project) which it described as “UnAmerican propaganda.” President Biden recently undid the Trump administration’s band which was designed to stop a nationwide intellectual movement to teach historical Black truths to students. Mrs. Hannah-Jones is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of the Landmark 1619 Project. She is an awardwinning investigative reporter who covers civil rights and racial injustice for The New York Times Magazine. Nikole got hooked on journalism when she joined her high school newspaper and began writing about students like her, who were bused across town as part of a voluntary school desegregation program. Prior to joining The New York Times, Nikole worked as an investigative reporter at ProPublica in New York City, where she spent three years chronicling the way official policy created and maintains segregation in housing and schools. Before that, she reported for the largest daily newspaper in the Pacific Northwest, The Oregonian in Portland, Ore., where she covered numerous beats, including demographics, the census and county government. Nikole is a native Iowan, a child produced by the hopes of both the Great Migration and those who migrated from foreign shores. She has also lived in Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina and Oregon. Now she is Bed-Stuy fly in Brooklyn. Her heroes are the race beat reporters, such as Ida B. Wells, Ethel Payne, Simeon Booker and Claude Sitton, whose fearless coverage helped move this nation closer to its promise.
principals, and support staff for creating long-lasting and positive impacts on students’ lives. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in which their work consistently helps stu-
dents, and/or their schools or school district advance to higher levels of academic achievement. For more information go to www.facebook.com/ExcellenceinEducationBuffalo
VOICES
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
Update: Politics Dabney Campaign Kick Off Buffalo City Court Judge Phillip Dabney Jr. will host his campaign kick off on Thursday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom . Go to www.judgephillipdabney.com
Democratic Party Endorses Dabney, Town, Wray The Erie County Democratic Party last week made its endorsements for Buffalo City Court. Judge Philip Dabney, Judge Diane Wray and Attorney Rebecca Town will go into the June 22 primary with Democratic support.
Democrats Endorse Cheektowaga Assistant Police Chief for Sheriff Brian J. Gould has been endorsed by the Democratic Party to run for sheriff. Gould is a 24 year veteran of the department. The Republican party has Endorsed Karen Healy-Chase and Republican John C. Garcia has announced plans to run in that party’s primary as well. Both are retired from the Buffalo Police Department. Myles I. Carter- the only person of color seeking the seat - is still in the game, and is reportedly going after the Working Families Party support. Gould is also said pto be seeking their endorsement. Initially two other African Americans, Bernad “Bernie” Tolbert and Kimberly Beaty were said to be seeking the seat. Both dropped out of the race.
Update: Voter Suppression
The Supreme Court earlier this week heard a case that could weaken a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that prohibits laws that result in racial discrimination. Brnovich v. DNC concerns a challenge brought by the Democratic National Committee against two provisions of an Arizona law that critics say unfairly affect communities of color. The laws have to do with strict requirements to vote in a specific precinct and who can handle ballots. Voting rights advocates fear the court’s conservative majority could set new and stricter voting precedents. After Donald Trump’s repeated baseless claims of voter fraud after the 2020 elections, state lawmakers have carried over or introduced at least 253 bills to restrict voting access in 43 states.
MISEDUCATION OF THE NEGRO 2021 •During Black History Month, The Root reported that a teacher in Florida was under investigation after he told his class that slave masters never whipped their enslaved and that the n-word isn’t really racist. •Last Thursday, The Root covered a Black Oklahoma middle school student who said his teacher flipped out on him over his “Black King” T-shirt and started ranting about how America needs a White History Month. •Most recently, a Mapleton, Georgia high school teacher who is under investigation after she told her class via Zoom that Breonna Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were responsible for the 26-year-old’s death at the hands of Lousiville, Ky., police officers who botched a search warrant that should never have been issued. Mapleton about 20 minutes outside of Atlanta. -CNN
School Zone Cameras are There to Protect Our Children: The Hours They Operate is the Issue Dear Editor: I was reading the February 18, 2021 edition of the Challenger and the article, “ Citizens Coalition Calls On City To Take Down School Zone Cameras.” In the article it said the School Zone Cameras disproportionately target high poverty minority neighborhoods. In that same article Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns called the cameras "scam cams." I am so sick of people using the race card every time they don't like something. Race has nothing to do with the cameras, but it has everything to do with the safety of children. I am a crossing guard and have been for over 20 years. If you drive around the city there has always been speed sign in the area of White schools, but never in our community. Cars drive 50 mile in school zones as kids are going to school, they run red light as we are crossing kids and I have tried for many years to get speed signs posted. Mr. Kearns, do you think a child's life is a scam? Have you or anyone ever looked up how many kids have been hit in school zones or how many crossing guards have been hit just by doing their job? We are there to help the children cross safely but do speeders understand that crossing guards or kids are not safe because of speeding drivers that are so impatient they cannot wait until the kids are safe on the sidewalk? In my 20 plus years as being a crossing guard I have seen many accidents due to speeding cars in the school zone and it is very traumatic for the children, therefore the cameras need to stay. Think about if it was one of your kids or grandkids that was hit by a speeding car in a school zone, you would be ready to hurt someone! What I will say is that the times need to be changed. If a school opens at 7:30 a.m. the time the cameras and speed limit should be activated is between 7 and 8 a.m. When school lets out at 2:30 p.m. the cameras should be re-activated in the speed zone from 2 to 3 p.m. As I see it the cameras are helping. Please stop using the race card for things that have nothing to do with race.The cameras have everything to do with the safety of our children! -Chris A.
In Defense of Dr. Fatima Morell
Dear Editor: The Buffalo Parent Teacher Organization supports Dr. Fatima Morrell, Associate Superintendent, Office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives, for leading courageous conversations about race, inequity, and justice in our schools. On February 24, 2021, Fox News ran a disingenuous article based on a report by conservative activist Chris Rufo on the Buffalo Public Schools’ culturally responsive and Emancipation curriculum initiatives. Chris Rufo and FOX News’ Tucker Carlson apparently finds fault with the hard history of America and Buffalo Public Schools’ stance on cultural responsiveness. Mr. Rufo based his article on an anonymous whistleblower and attempted to discredit and shame the Buffalo Public schools and Dr. Morrell specifically. In fact, encouraging students to become activists for anti-racism and teaching children to recognize how our diversity is our strength, is exactly what we hope is occurring in our schools. We understand that FOX news and other alternative news organizations will continue to promote hate and BPTO stands firmly opposed to it. We find this type of journalism to be vile and despicable and believe it has no place in our educational discourse. Dr. Morrell and her team have taken on a difficult task as they oversee the critical reading of texts and the infusion of culturally responsive vocabulary, theory, and practice. This ongoing curriculum initiative is not political, but it is an acknowledgement of inequities in our systems and historical practices. Parents, teachers, and community members understand that in order to create an equitable society and a better Buffalo, systemic racism must be confronted in our schools. We are proud to continue our unwavering support of the Buffalo Public Schools, the Office of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Initiatives, and Dr. Morrell and her team of critical educators on this curricular initiative. We are encouraged by the continued growth of this curriculum, and its expansion to incorporate even more local connections, such as Drea D’Nur’s documentary film on Nina Simone in Buffalo (The Spirit of Nina). This is liberatory, emancipatory work, and we applaud the vision and courage it takes to initiate it. -The Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization Executive Board
New Court Date For Buffalo 5 March 22
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ohn H. Walker, Jr. and Darryl Boyd, collectively known as “The Buffalo 5”will return to New York State Supreme Court on Monday, March 22nd. This will be a continuation of the proceeding that began on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 when The Buffalo 5 filed a Motion To Vacate Erie County Indictment 41413. That is the indictment number the Buffalo 5 were
issued back during 1976, when they were wrongly indicted for the murder of a Mr. William Crawford in Buffalo. The Buffalo 5, are: John H. Walker, Jr., Darryl Boyd, Darryn Gibson, Floyd Martin and Tyrone Woodruff. Crawford was a 62 year old Caucasian individual who was accosted, assaulted, beaten to death, and robbed outside of his Fillmore Av-
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By Sherry Sherrill
enue residence in the early morning hours of January 2 , 1976. Three of the Buffalo 5 (Walker, Boyd, and Gibson) were wrongly convicted of the murder, and altogether spent 84 years in New York State prison. A fourth (Martin) was exonerated at trial. Both Walker and Boyd, and Darryn Gibson (prior to his death), have persistently proclaimed their innocence. Erie County District Attor-
FREE THE BUFFALO 5! The community is asked to call D.A. John Flynn (716) 858-2424 Extension 1, and ask him to NOT oppose the Motion To Vacate Indictment 41-413.
ney John Flynn is opposing the Buffalo 5's Motion To Vacate, and Judge Christopher J. Burns will (also) be ruling whether 1976 crime scene photographs depicting a lone assailant's footprints constitutes “New Evidence.”
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
LEGAL NOTICE RFP
"COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS": A scene from Monday's Platform Release Party, India Walton is pictured 4th from left.
WHO IS INDIA WALTON? continued from page 3 opers and corporations.” The endorsement ensures that the Walton Campaign will also be on the ballot in November regardless of the results of the June 22 primary. -PlatformOn March 1 India revealed her campaign platform during an innovative live streamed Platform Release Party. Hosted by Michael Farrow, it featured entertainment (Drea d’Nur, Lazara Martinez, Michael Farrow, Joe Donohue) and pre-taped “community conversations” between India and local stakeholders . During the event India expanded on her platform’s three priorities: Public Health, Neighborhood Stabilization and Fiscal Responsibility . “Our platform is centered on people and rooted in love for community, respect for culture and reverence for resources,” summed up India. “We believe that housing, healthcare, fresh food and a quality education are basic human rights. When we invest in our people we create the conditions where we all feel valued and can thrive. I want to be a leader who leads for you and with you. This is about co-government, this is about reclaiming our community, reclaiming our streets and just building a better more loving, compassionate, caring Buffalo.” When asked about those voters who may feel she’s too young or inexperienced to hold the city’s top office she replied: “ I’m not that young and my life experiences have made me very well equipped to lead the City of Buffalo. Being a lifelong resident of Buffalo and staying deeply rooted in my community means that I am able to hear the concerns of everyday people, I’m not so far removed from the issues that I am unaware of what they are. I have a record of responding to the needs of community members.When residents of the Fruit Belt
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE Action to Foreclose a Mortgage INDEX #: I2019600448 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-WFHE3, ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WFHE3 Plaintiff, vs MATINA ILAHEEN RAHMAN S HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYED L. RAHMAN, Z.S. (FULL NAME REDACTED AS DEFENDANT IS A MINOR) AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OF SYED L. RAHMAN, SYED UR RAHMAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYED L. RAHMAN, UNKNOWN HEIRS F SYED L, RAHMAN, IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, 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 UNKNOEN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN 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 LIRN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVERS, WIDOES, HUSBANDSS, 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, CIVIL RECOVERIES BUREAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK, FSB, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, DISCOVER BANK, THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED,ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 1804 WILLIAM STREET BUFFALO, NY 14206 SBL #: 112.58 - 4 - 29 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to
answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Erie. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SYED L. RAHMAN Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. James Bargnesi of the County Court of the State of New York, dated the Eighth day of February, 2021 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie, in the City of Buffalo. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Syed L. Rahman (who died on October 7, 2018, a resident of the county of Erie, State of New York) dated the May 26, 2006, to secure the sum of $52,000.00 and recorded at Book 13293, Page 5402 in the Office of the Erie County Clerk, on the June 2, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 3, 2018 and recorded on December 10, 2018, in the Office of the Erie County Clerk at Book 13880, Page 6929; The property in question is described as follows: 1804 WILLIAM STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14206 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 your mortgage company will not stop this 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: February 18, 2021 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 69387
India and sons had issues with parking, I *(Note: India is only the worked with the govern- third Black woman to run for ment, unions, community or- Mayor of Buffalo. The late ganizations and residents to Council Member Beverly win a first of its kind parking Gray was the first woman permit system. When rents to run for Mayor in the city's and taxes were going up due history in 2001, opposto gentrification, I worked ing Mayor Anthony Masialongside community mem- ello. Betty Jean Grant was bers to create the first com- the second. She ran against 2017, munity led land trust to se- Mayor Brown in cure affordable housing for making the point that there generations to come. Amid was a need for greater city calls for increased police ac- investment in the East Side) countability, I helped to establish the Police Advisory (To donate or volunteer go Board. As my neighbors to www.indiawalton.com struggled during the pan- Email demic I raised money and info@indiawalton.com or coordinated with stakehold- call (716-246-1492) ers to deliver healthy food and sanitary supplies to families in need. Being a nurse LEGAL NOTICE for 18 years means I am an NFTA Procurement expert at assessment, planto Bid ning, and implementation Invitation 210012 - DODGE PARTS FOR of care for individuals and DODGE PROMASTER VANS families during their most (PAL VANS) vulnerable times. I am a sur- Download Bids from www. vivor of domestic violence nfta.com Marach 4,11,18,25 and concentrated poverty.I know that the number one issue our community is facing is poverty and that does not improve by pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s time for a mayor that will face the systemic racism and inequiThe Historic Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo, New York seeks ties in Buffalo head on, with proposals from well-qualified construction management firms to provide courage, excitement, honpre-construction, construction, and post construction services as related esty, and integrity. to the Building Expansion and Accessibility Project located at 145 Broad“I am a tireless advocate for progressive change. way in the City of Buffalo, New York. From the bedside at the Go to the CMC's website for the complete RFP at: hospital to our schools as a nurse or fighting for crimihttps://www.cmctheclub.com/rfp nal legal reform, fully fundPlease see the RFP document for contact information and to direct quesed schools, an end to the war tions to the Building Committee Chair Allita Steward Dockery. on drugs, and the school to prison pipeline. The deadline for submissions is Monday March 29, 2021 to the address provided in the “A vote for me is a vote RFP document. for us.”
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURT-COUNTY OF ERIE
B&B FUNDING, LLC, Plaintiff against - BYRON E. COGDELL A/K/A BYRON COGDELL A/K/A BRYON COGDELL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 31, 2020. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office, 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor, Buffalo, New York on the 18th day of March, 2021 at 11:00 AM. All that tract or parcel of land situate in the Village of Kenmore, Town of Tonawanda, County of Erie and State of New York. Premises known as 243 Washington Avenue, Kenmore, (Village of Kenmore, Town of Tonawanda) New York 14217. (Section: 66.69, Block: 5, Lot: 11) Approximate amount of lien $141,224.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 816343/2018. Philip Abramowitz, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1700 Rochester, NY 14614-1990 Tel. 585/760-8218 Dated: January 22, 2021 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 2/18/21, 2/25/21, 3/4/21, 3/11/21
LEGAL NOTICE BIDS Kulback’s Construction is requesting bids from qualified M/WBE, SDVOB and Section 3 subcontractors for the construction of a multifamily project, La Plaza located at 254 Virginia Street Buffalo, NY. For more information contact: Marty at 716 681-1600 Marty@kulbacksconstruction.com Feb.18,25 Mar.4
LEGAL NOTICE Erie County Clerk’s Office County of Erie, New York Request For Proposals The Erie County Clerk’s Office is seeking proposals from lessors interested in building out and leasing commercial office space for the Erie County Auto Bureau - Southern Region Satellite. The RFP #2021-020VF can be found at: http://www.erie.gov/rfp and a complete copy of the package can be obtained by contacting Erie County Clerk’s Office at 716-858-6985. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Michael P. Kearns. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Clerk’s Office at 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April 1, 2021. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Michael P. Kearns Erie County Clerk
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
LLC'S
LEGAL NOTICE BIDS
Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company
Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company
Walking Goldmine, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: October 6, 2020Office Of the LLC: Erie County The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 444 Westgate Rd, Kenmore, NY 14217. Purpose of LLC: any lawful purpose.
Name of LLC: G. Wealthy Living, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: November 12, 2020 Office of LLC: Erie County The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 1339 Borden Rd, Depew NY 14043 Purpose of LLC: Property Management
January,28 February 4,11,18,25 March 4
Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Rosy's Garden, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/22/2020. Cty: Erie. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 450 Clinton St, suite 3 Buffalo, NY 14204. Purpose: diverse range of custom and original products. February 4,11,18,25 March 4,11
January28 February 4,11,18,25 March 4
Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Isaiah & Lula B Enterprise LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: Sept. 30, 2020. Office of the LLC: Erie County The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 72 Verplanck St., Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose of LLC: merchandise
reseller. Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company GOLD DIAMOND HOMES, LLC. Art of Org filed with the SSNY on 1/20/2021. Office: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 2316 DELAWARE AVE UNIT 172 BUFFALO,NY 14216. Purpose:Any lawful purpose.
February 18,25 March 4,11,18,25
Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company 1339 Jefferson, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/11/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. February11,18,25 March 4,11,18
February11,18,25 March 4, 11, 18 Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company 1339 Jefferson, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/11/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. February11,18,25 March 4,11,18 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company The P.Wave Music Production LLC, Art,of Org. Filed with the SSNY on 1-5-21 office:Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of The LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of Process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 1967 Wehrle Drive, suite 1#086 Buffalo NY 14221, Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose March 4,11,18,25 April 2,9
LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Preventive Visitation Services. The RFP #2021-010VF can be found at http:// www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal. Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 804, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April 1, 2021. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project Nos. 45849-C, 45849-H and 45849-E, comprising separate contracts for Construction Work, HVAC Work, and Electrical Work, Provide Facility-wide CCTV/Audio Monitoring System & Provide Recording Room, Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden (Erie County) NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Correctional Services, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a bid security (i.e. certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $13,700 for C, $10,300 for H, and $233,000 for E). All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $100,000 and $250,000 for C, between $100,000 and $250,000 for H, and between $9,000,000 and $1,000,000 for E. The substantial completion date for this project is 783 days after the Agreement is approved by the Comptroller. Pursuant to Public Buildings Law § 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder. XX Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision. _____Project commenced design on or after January 1, 2020. Subject to provision. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minorityand Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for WomenOwned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs) for Construction Work, HVAC Work and Electrical Work. The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. The Office of General Services reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Pursuant to State Finance Law § 143(1), effective January 11, 2020, the required deposit will be waived upon request by any Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise certified pursuant to Article 15-A of the Executive Law or any Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Business Enterprise certified pursuant to Article 17-B of the Executive Law. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s on-line through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp. For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to DCPlans@ogs.ny.gov, or call (518) 474-0203. For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.
NEED TO ADVERTISE YOUR LLC EMAIL ADVERTISING@ THECHALLENGERNEWS.COM
John D. Lewyckyj, C.S.I., C.D.T. Deputy Director, OGS Design & Construction Group
NEED TO ADVERTISE JOB POSITIONS EMAIL ADVERTISING@THECHALLENGERNEWS.COM
The Pike Company and LECESSE Construction actively encourage participation from M / WBE certified firms. Contact Kathy Rooney, Diversity & Community Engagement Manager, to discuss potential opportunities. 1.800.264.7453 | www.thepikecompanies.com | info@pikecos.com
EMPLOYMENT
JOBS
Buffalo Employment and Training Center /
BETC 716-856-5627
www.workforcebuffalo.org
ILNC-Taking Control Administrative Assistant. Niagara Falls, NY. Responsible for scanning & maintenance of consumers’ records & personal assistants’ personnel files. Additionally, general office duties, including data entry, copying, scan-
•HR Benefits Specialist: A broad knowledge of retirement, life and medical insurance plans, leaves and the ability to explain these plans and policies to employees. Associates Degree, Bachelors preferred with 5 years’ experience in Benefits Administration. Full Time $38k – 48k (depending on experience). •HR Assistant: Perform day-to-day HR task, such as clerical duties, record keeping, receptionist duties, data entry and preparing a variety of complex documents and carrying out secretarial functions. Associates Degree w/2 yrs. exp. or equivalent combination of education and experience. Full Time $14 - $16 per hour. •Data and Assessment Coordinator: Tech-savvy, exp. with compiling and generating high level reports that produce data driven outcomes. Extremely organized with a great attention to detail. Associates degree with a minimum of 2 years related exp. Full Time $18 - $23 per hour. •Program Coordinator (Req. #1233): Developing, coordinating and implementing programs, activities, events and social initiatives, educational projects and youth mentoring programs for both the Center Services Senior program and the Sport. P.L.US youth sports program. Associates degree, minimum 3 yrs. exp. supervising senior and youth sports activities (Pratt Community Center). Full Time $13.73 per hour MUST have valid NYS Driver’s license. •Teacher III & Teacher IV: The incumbent of this position assists in performing educational work that ensures a healthy, safe facility and a conductive educational climate for infants/ toddlers. Bachelors or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education with 2-3 years’ experience teaching preschool age children. Full Time $15.23 (Teacher III) – $18.23 (with UPK stipend) per hour. •Certified Teachers (Req. # 1057): Primary Function of this position is to ensure quality academic and enrichment programming is provided to school aged youth. Part Time evening opportunities. BS in Elementary or Secondary Education with one-year exp. working with school age children. NYS Teacher’s Certification. ($20.00 per hour). •Maintenance Associate: Exp. in janitorial work, ability to learn repair person skills that would involve carpentry and plumbing. High School diploma or GED required. Full Time (Req. #1205) or Part Time (Req. #1202) $12.50 per hour. •Job Developer: Initiates and maintains ongoing professional contact and relationships with a variety of company and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies to promote the services of the CAO E&T department for client placement. Combination of education and experience, Associates degree preferred. Full Time 35k-40k. •Community Crisis Specialist: Performs community outreach work and assists in providing services to customers and families. Associates Degree in Human Services or Social Services w/one year related exp. Full Time $15 per hour.
Apply now on our website http://www.caowny.org
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
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community calendar DOROTHY J. COLLIER COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS
•Erie County Stay Fit for Meals for Seniors: Feel free to call us with any questions you might have or to place an order at 716.882.0602. The cut off time for orders is every Wednesday by 11 AM so that your order will be ready for the following Monday @ 10 AM. EBT cards accepted. *Choose Healthy WNY Virtual Workshops every Wednesday Now thru Aoril7 from 11-11:30 a.m.5Sign up today at 882-0602
Having a Womens History Month Event in March? March is Woman’s History Month ! Send in details about your celebratory event.Go to thechallengernews.com/contact and fill us in !
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 4, 2021
GRASSROOTS GARDENS, WILSON SUPPORT CENTER OFFER UNIQUE GARDENING WORKSHOP FOR HOMICIDE LOSS SURVIVORS
G
ardening is a method for coping with grief.
This month (March) Grassroots Gardens of Western New York ( GGWNY) and the Wilson Support Center will offer their third They That Sow in Tears workshop on gardening through grief. Open to homicide loss survivors, registration for this free,twopart workshop on Zoom is now open. In 2019 Grassroots Gardens developed a therapeutic gardening initiative to explore how community gardens can be sites for strengthening community wellness and resilience. They have since partnered with Hospice & Palliative Care’s Wilson Support Center , along with Ms. Gerldine Wilson, a longtime Grassroots Gardener and founder of the Victoria Avenue Community Garden, to provide a supportive workshop called They That Sow in Tears. The workshop is open to adults who have experi-
enced loss and are searching for healthy ways to cope with their grief. Originally offered in a community garden setting, the workshops are now being held on Zoom due to the COVID19 pandemic. “We’re bringing the garden to people now. We’re giving them plants of their request that remind them of their loved one. We also make stepping stones together to mark the life of their loved one, and we provide an opportunity to be together in community to acknowledge our losses and to turn to the garden as a place to put our grief, ” said Jeanette Koncikowski, Executive Director of Grassroots Gardens. Gerldine Wilson, founder of the Victoria Avenue Community Garden, co-facilitator of the program, and herself a homicide loss survivor, shares, “The journaling we do offers a safe place to put the priceless….I have experienced
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a lot of loss to homicide.... my father was murdered... my brother was murdered... my grandson’s father was murdered. I feel the gripping pain a community feels each time shots ring out. I know the feelings of shock, confusion, anger, isolation that can grip you. These workshops allow a way to not only grieve, but to keep their memories alive. They are not meant to be a counseling session. It’s an opportunity to have more tools to help through moments of grief.” The workshop for homicide loss survivors will be held in a two-part format on Thursday, March 11th and Thursday, March 25th from 6-8PM on Zoom. There is no cost for participation or materials but participants must commit to attending both sessions. Materials and a resource packet will be delivered to participants prior to the workshop. Call 783-9653 for registration information. The workshop is open to
adults 21+ but limited to 8 participants. To register or learn more, call Jeanette Koncikowski of Grassroots Gardens WNY at 716-7839653. Grassroots Gardens of Western New York Grassroots Gardens of Western New York is a dedicated group of community gardeners and activists. Our mission is to share knowledge, power, and resources to grow healthy food, heal systemic harm, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community gardens. We collaboratively cultivate and manage more than one million square feet (and growing!) of urban green space. There are over 100 community and school gardens in Buffalo and Niagara Falls registered with our network in 2021. City residents in Buffalo and Niagara Falls are always welcome to join a community garden to grow free,
fresh food or to grow their health and wellness. The agency also offers free gardening workshops throughout the spring season. For more information, visit us online at www. grassrootsgardens.org or contact our Executive Director, Jeanette Koncikowski, at 716-783-9653. (photo from GGWNYwebsite)
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 4,2021
Learn. Grow. Explore. See what Girl Scouts do at our upcoming free Virtual Information Nights! ROCHESTER (Pittsford, Rush – Henrietta, Brighton) Monday, March 8, 2021, 6:30PM ROCHESTER (Irondequoit, Williams Park, Wincroft, Tekawitha, Greece) Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 7:00PM EAST ROCHESTER, WEBSTER, MILLWHEEL, FAIRPORT Monday, March 15, 2021, 5:30PM
BRANT EVANS, LAKEVIEW Monday, March 22, 2021, 7:00PM WYOMING COUNTY Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 7:00PM LIVINGSTON COUNTY Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 7:00PM NIAGARA COUNTY Thursday, March 25, 2021, 6:00PM
CITY OF BUFFALO Monday, March 15, 2021, 7:00PM
NORTHERN ERIE COUNTY Monday, March 29, 2021, 6:00PM
GENESEE COUNTY Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 7:00PM
CHEEKTOWAGA Monday, March 29, 2021, 7:00PM
LACKAWANNA Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 7:00PM
OLEAN – SALAMANCA Wednesday, March 31, 6:00PM
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Apply for a Grant from the ECIDA! ELIGIBILITY
✓ B us i nes s or nonpr ofi t m us t be l oc at ed i n E ri e Count y ✓ M ax i m um of 50 em pl oy ees ✓ M us t be l oc at ed i n a Hi ghl y Di s t r es s ed A r ea Cens us Tr ac t OR be mi nori ty - , wom enor v et er an- owned ✓ M us t dem ons tr at e fi nanc i a l v i ab i l i ty pri or t o M arc h 7, 2020 ✓ M us t doc um ent bei ng negati v el y fi nanc i al l y af f ec t ed by COV ID - 19 s hut down
For information, call: (716) 856-6525 ext. 126 or visit www.ecidany.com