Challenger Community News May 6, 2020

WE’RE STILL ON PAUSE!

The Weather Is Breaking. But COVID-19 is Still Here! • Wear A Mask Wash Your Hands • Practice Social Distancing • STAY HOME WHEN YOU CAN ! STAY SAFE! STAY POSITIVE!

May 6, 2020 | FREE |

IN THE NEWS

Community Leaders to Serve on Cuomo’s COVID-19 Re-Opening Advisory Board Page 3

WATCHDOG

“Covid-19 While Black”: Racial Inequities in Times of Crisis Page 9

LOCAL

FREEDOM GARDENS Will Enable Community Families to Grow Their Own Food! Page 5

Building Community Amid COVID 19 More Positive Examples of Working Together Within Our Communities To Support Ourselves and Our Neighbors Page 4

Happy Mother’s Day To All Of The Amazing Women Who Support Their Children, Families And Communities! Page 7

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

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6,2020

Viewpoints

Coalition Explains Stance on Mayoral Control and State Takeover of Rochester School

By Howard Eagle In reference to mayoral control and/or state takeover of Rochester schools, -The Take It Down Planning Committee along with the Faith Community Alliance Movement for Anti-Racist Ministry and Action Coalition, feels that it's impossible not to address the longstanding 5-decades-olddire-crisis in the Rochester City School District .

However, we do NOT believe that the solution to the crisis lies soley at the state level, nor necessarily within the idea of mayoral control. We DO believe that the ONLY possible solution is locally based, and must include a critical mass of Rochester City School District parents, grandparents, other family members, including students, Board members, educators, activists, politicians, union and business leaders, and anyone else who is completely committed and dead serious about helping to produce the widespread, fundamental, significant, measurable, permanent change and improvement, which we have TALKED about for decades.

There is a dire need to WORK constantly, consistently, cooperatively, and collaboratively in order to develop, implement, and oversee specific, measurable goals, strategies and tactics.

Actually we believe (for the most part) the goals have already been laid out via Dr. Jaime Aquino's 84 Recommendations to improve student learning. Thus, it's a matter of collectively developing and implementing strategies and tactics.

Are You Registered to

VOTE?

Dr. Anderson

Dr. David Anderson, Community Icon, Celebrates 90th Birthday!

Renowned historian and community icon Dr. David Anderson celebrated his 90th birthday at his home. There were songs poetry and plenty os social distancing. Mayor Lovely Warren's City of Rochester Proclamation was read by City of Rochester Communications Representative Bridgette Burch White. Congratulations Dr. Anderson! Photos Richard J. McCollough

Police Accountability Board Continues Search for Director The Executive Director position for the Police Accountability Board (PAB) has been posted, and applicants may apply through June 10, 2020. The PAB is an official City body responsible for reviewing allegations of misconduct by uniformed members of the Rochester Police Department. The job qualifications can be found on the City of Rochester’s website: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/jobopportunities/

Study Shows High Rate of COVID-19 Illness in Black People in Georgia As Georgia reopens many businesses, a new study illustrates the high rates of coronavirus infections among Black people in the state. The report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that more than four-fifths of the state’s hospitalized coronavirus patients were Black, though they were not more likely than other groups to die from the disease or to require a ventilator. Slightly more than half of Atlanta residents are African-American according to the United States Census Bureau.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

Dr. Katherine S. Conway Turner

Manna@Northland : Pictured (left to right) – the magnif icant team of owner/chefs - Reginald Ingram, Tina GrantHolt and Dale Holt .Challenger Photo

Manna@ Northland Is Open For Take Out Service!

Manna at Northland, the community’s newest restaurant, had only been open for several months before the COVID-19 Pandemic forced them to suspend business. After “weathering the storm,” Manna reopened with curbside take-out service last week. They’re open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – offering the same delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner selections! Call (716) 253-2100 to place your order.

Or order on-line at mannacarryout.com They’re located at 683 Northland between Fillmore and Grider. (See their ad page 12).

AREA BRIEFS Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams Provides City Financial Status Reports Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams has provided a Year to Date Budget Report for the City of Buffalo which has been submitted to the Common Council, noting a reduction in general revenues and sales tax receipts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are confronting a challenging time as a city, however the Department of Audit and Control continues to make it a priority to report and strengthen the City of Buffalo's financial operations," said Miller-Williams.

The Comptroller further noted that the city's cash funds are projected to land in the negative by the end of the month and cash disbursements are trending lower than projected.

Donation Boosts Wilson Foundation's Covid-19 Support The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is giving $750,000 to help front-line caregivers in acute care hospitals in Western New York, upping its support of emergency responses related to Covid-19 to $3 million in the past four weeks.

The foundation wants the funds used primarily to help nurse aides, environmental and food services staff and others who it says "may not have access to as many financial and social supports and are playing equally critical roles in the healthcare system every day."

“Caregivers on the front lines of COVID-19 put themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others and work tirelessly, day in and day out," said David Egner, the foundation's president and CEO, in a statement.

Leecia R. Eve, Attorney

Brenda W. McDuffie

Community Leaders Among Seven Chosen from WNY to Serve on Board to Advise Gov. Cuomo on COVID-19 Reopening Plan

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group of more than 100 business and civic leaders from throughout the state will advise Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in guiding New York’s “reopening strategy” following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Among the seven leaders from WNY selected for the re-opening advisory board are Dr. Katherine S. Conway Turner President of SUNY Buffalo State; Leecia R. Eve, Attorney who formerly served on the staff of Sen. Hillary Clinton and currently is Vice President of State Government Affairs for Verizon Inc.; and Brenda W. McDuffie President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League. Also named: Jeremy Jacobs, Jr. CEO of Delaware North; Rene F. Jones, Chair and CEO of M&T Bank; Kim Pegula, Pesident of Pegula Sports & Entertainment; and Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, President and CEO of The Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo.

Baskin, NFTA Reach Agreement on Increased Protections for Riders on Metro Buses Erie County Legislature Chair April N. M. Baskin has announced that, following a conversation with Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Executive Director Kimberly Minkel, they have reached an agreement for additional measures to provide equal protection for passengers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Measures include limiting the number of passengers on buses, placing signage to encourage physical distancing between passengers, and creating increased service on a high-usage bus route to ensure riders are not significantly delayed by passenger safety limits.

The NFTA has already enacted some measures, but riders and activists still had concerns about COVID-19-related safety concerns for riders on Metro buses.

Buffalo is home to large numbers of individuals who are considered essential workers: grocery store clerks, janitors, home healthcare aides, and others, who rely on the NFTA to get to-and-from work and home every day. Following initial discussions with NFTA staff, Baskin continued her outreach to the NFTA, speaking with NFTA Executive Director Kimberly Minkel on April 27th. These talks have yielded additional polices to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The NFTA has agreed to: •Limit each bus to less than 15 passengers; •Install signage on the interior to remind passengers about physical distancing guidelines and to encourage them to leave one seat between passengers; Implement additional bus service on the 19 Bailey route, which is a route that sees a significant amount of riders.

The Buffalo Federation Of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Offers Free Online Tax Preparation And Legal Civil Assistance The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC) continues to serve the Buffalo community during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a safe way to assist eligible community members with their 2019 Tax preparation and civil legal matters.

BFNC is offering free virtual tax preparation services for 2019 tax filing. Call 2-1-1 to make an online appointment.

The BFNC Hope Center's Civil Legal Advice and Resource Clinic (CLARO) is now offering Free Legal Services Remotely. Free legal assistance is available for only civil matters.

If you need free legal assistance for debt, foreclosures, student loans or housing please call 716-828-8432. For more Information visit http://clarobuffalo.org/

The Zong Massacre

The Zong massacre was the killing of approximately 142 enslaved Africans by the crew of the British slave ship Zong on and in the days following November 29,1781.

The Zong was owned by a Liverpool, England slavetrading syndicate that had taken out insurance on the lives of the Africans. When the ship ran low on water following navigational mistakes, the crew threw many of the Africans, from Ghana, into the sea to drown. The owners of the Zong made a claim to their insurers for the loss of the Africans. (The average cost of each slave was $47.40.) When the insurers refused to pay, the resulting court cases held that in some circumstances the deliberate killing of enslaved Africans was legal, and that insurers could be required to pay for the their deaths.

The hearings brought the massacre to the attention of the anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp, who tried unsuccessfully to have the ship’s crew prosecuted for murder. Reports of the massacre stimulated the developing abolitionist movement and became a powerful symbol of the horrors of the Middle Passage of Africans to the New World. The massacre has also inspired several works of art and literature and was commemorated in 2007, the bicentenary of Britain’s abolition of the slave trade. In 2007,

a dedicatory stone was set up at Black River, Jamaica at the site where The Zong should have docked.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6,2020

Broadway Market Mobile Food Drive

BUILDING COMMUNITY AMID

Positive Examples of Working Together Within Our Communities To Support Ourselves And Our Neighbors During The Covid-19 Crisis

"Here To Serve!”

Open Buffalo and the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust teamed up to help already struggling city neighborhoods being further impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis with a highly successful distribution of protective masks, nutritious food, and home disinfectants. According to Fruit belt Community Land Trust Executive Director India Walton, volunteers delivered food to some 40 families last Saturday.

The Fruit Belt Neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city, with more than 60% of its small population below the poverty line. Predominately African American, it is a demographic that continues to experience significant inequities, particularly when it comes to health and food security – a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis.

Pictured above, India Walton, Executive Director of the Fruit Belt Community Land Trust, displays one of the food packages delivered to families in the Fruitbelt neighborhood Saturday. Challenger Photo RWJF-26504_Don’t_Retire_Kid_Challenger

RWJF-26504_Don’t_Retire_Kid_Print_Ad_Challenger_10.75x5.5_M.indd 1

Mask Giveaway: A Mask. Giveaway sponsored by

Masten District Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr. and Open Buffalo took place at the Delavan Grider Community Center and the Imperial parking lot on Kensington and Bailey last Saturday, where they ran out of masks at both locations! Pictured above from left: Franchelle Parker, Max Anderson, Todd Timmons and Danise Wilson. Challenger Photo

The Journey Church Sponsoring Grocery Donations for Buffalo Seniors 60 and Over

A Broadway Market Mobile Food Drive will be held from 10a.m. -2p.m.

Thursday, May 8. Join Congressman Brian Higgins, Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski - Fillmore District and County Legislator Howard Johnson for a mobile food drive to benefit FeedMore WNY! Non-perishables and essential items (cleaning supplies, disposable baby items, etc.) are greatly needed. The event is being sponsored by the UNITY Coalition Inc.

Tao Te Ching -43The gentlest thing in the world Overcomes the hardest thing in the world.

That which has no substance Enters where there is no space.

This shows the value of nonaction Teaching without words, Performing without actions: That is the Master’s way.

The Journey Church is doing an awesome job of making sure our seniors are fed! Pastor Art Hall and the Journey Church is sponsoring grocery donations for Buffalo seniors ages 60 and over. Groceries will be delivered to your door, free of charge, during the shutdown due to the coronavirus.

COVID-19 will not keep us down! We are here to serve you!

For more information callin (716) | 10.75 in x 5.5 | 202-0595.

CMYK | NO BLEED

4/28/20 2:18 PM

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

“To free ourselves, we must feed ourselves.” -Soul Fire Farms

Freedom Gardens Will Establish 50 Home Gardens in Communities with High Rates of Coronavirus

"To Free Ourselves, We Must Feed Ourselves!"

Soul Fire Farm

Free materials and supplies will enable Buffalo families to grow their own organic food

APPLY FOR A NO-COST

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n expansive coalition of community-based organizations, spearheaded by Seeding Resilience, have come together to address food apartheid in areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus with an initiative designed to inspire resilience and independence for Buffalo residents. Freedom Gardens is a groundbreaking approach to strengthening community, building self-reliance, and increasing food security that is supported by Food for the Spirit / Buffalo Food Equity Network, Grassroots Gardens WNY, CopperTown Block Club, Access To A-Free-Ka, the Juneteenth Agricultural Pavilion Committee, and the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo.

Through Freedom Gardens, 50 households in Buffalo will be supported in starting backyard or frontyard, raised-bed or container gardens at their own homes at no-cost. Freedom Gardens will equip all aspiring home gardeners with tools, resources, and knowledge that will enable them to grow organic food to help feed their families. Residents living in the following zip codes are eligible to apply for free supplies and material: 14215, 14213, 14211, 14209, 14208, 14207, 14204. All interested should complete Gail Wells, of CopperTown Block Club, sur- the online form at bit.ly/freedomgardens by Monday, veys raised bed containers for planting being May 11, 2020 by 5:00 PM. readied for distribution to community houseThe value of having a Freedom Garden is the holds. emphasis it places on wellness, healthy eating and growing your own organic food. Freedom Gardeners will have access to an educational program designed by Soul Fire Farms, operated by Co-Director Leah Penniman, author of Farming While Black. The educational program will provide the gardening and farming expertise of Black growers, including gardening and nutrition expertise, information about growing culturally relevant food and herbs, and resources for self-care and COVID safety protocols. Freedom Gardeners will receive heirloom organic non-GMO seeds and seedlings that will provide fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season.

Freedom Gardens is supported by Citigroup and WNY COVID-19 Community Response

Fund, local philanthropic organizations collaborating to address the most critical needs in our community. Learn more at https://www.uwbec.org/covidfund For additional details visit: bit.ly/freedomgardens -Submitted by Gail Wells

BUFFALO FREEDOM GARDEN FOR YOUR FAMILY

Apply by May 11th at https://bit.ly/freedomgardens Funded by WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund and Citigroup through Seeding Resilience

Charter School of Inquiry

Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) – A Kindergarten through Grade 6 School The Charter School of Inquiry is an innovative school where children achieve breakthrough outcomes by pursuing questions, thinking creatively, and learning together as a culturally empowered community.

• Two Educators In Every Classroom • Special Education Programs To Meet The Needs Of All Learners • Free Extended Day Program (3:30 – 4:30 Pm) • Free Bus Transportation • Students explore African-American history and culture…all year long

Charter schools are public schools. There is no tuition.

All Buffalo children are welcome!

NOW ENROLLING K-2 to K-6

For Information Call (716) 833-3250 Charter School of Inquiry (CSI) 404 Edison Street, Buffalo, NY 14215 www_CharterSchoolOflnquiry_org info@csicharter.org

FAITH & FAMILY 6 HAVE YOU LOST A LOVED ONE COVID-19?

HAVETO YOU LOST A LOVED ONE TO COVID-19?

you have have lost lost a a loved loved one one to to the the Coronavirus/COVID-19, Coronavirus/COVID-19, we we invite invite IfIf you you to send their photo, name & age to be included in a special you to send“Intheir photo, name feature. & age toThe be included specialthe upcoming Remembrance” deadline in to areceive photo and information is Saturday, May 23. Be sure to include your upcoming Remembrance” The deadline topublication). receive the name and “In a contact number orfeature. email address (not for This is free. Space is limited, so please send as soon as possible. photo and information is Saturday, May 23. Be sure to include your name and a contact number or email address (not for publication).

EMAIL TO: This is free. Space is limited, soeditorial@thechallengernews.com please send as soon as possible. or MAIL TO: The Challenger Community News P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209

EMAIL TO: editorial@thechallengernews.com

For more information you may leave a message at 716-881-1051 or email us at editorial@thechallengernews.com

or MAIL TO:

The Challenger Community News P.O. Box 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 For more information you may leave a message at 716-881-1051 or email us at editorial@thechallengernews.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6,2020

“Where the Church Has Been and Where the Church is Going ” New Hope Church of God

by Faith Inc. presents a Zoom Round Table Friday May 8 at 8:30 p.m. on New Hope Church of God by Faith’s facebook page. A dynamic event will disucss “Where the Church Has Been and Where the Church is Going.” You can submit your questions before hand to Aymanuel Radford on Face Book. Panelists include Ruling Elder Reginald Daymon, Elder Byron Smith, Elder Nolan Williams, Supt. Pastor John Robinson III, and Elder Jonathan Williams!. It will be moderated

by Aymanuel Radford. Please Submit your questions directly to Aymanuel Radford on Facebook. Hope you will be watching!

COUGH SYRUP ALERT

An international team of scientists reported last week they had happened upon a surprising finding: A common active ingredient in dozens of over-the-counter cough syrups , capsules and lozenges appeared to boost replication of the SARS-Co-V-2 virus when tested under laboratory conditions. Dextromethorphan is a key ingredient of virtually all over-the-counter cough and cold formulations, including those sold as Robitussin, Benylyn, DayQuil/NyQuil, Delsym, Triaminic and Theraflu. The findings were reported in the journal Nature.

5 Healthy Anti-Aging Snacks

1. Nuts and Seeds Keep You Young. 2. An Apple (or two or three) a Day for Heart Health.

Eating two to three apples per day leads to decreased cholesterol levels. Pectin also helps prevent colon cancer, one of the top causes of death in adults over age sixty. 3. Berries are bursting with antioxidants and they also help to reduce inflammation - more effectively even than aspirin! 4. Avocado: Packed with Nutrients and the compoud Glutathione that regulates immune cells, protects against cancer, and assists in detoxifying.

5. Apricots for Anti-Aging One of the staple foods of the famously long-lived centenarians in the Himalayas is the apricot. -Dr. Mao

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

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Now more than ever, know that

you’re not alone.

The Alzheimer’s Association WNY has useful resources available anytime, anywhere to support dementia caregivers today and for the road ahead.

Call 800.272.3900 anytime, or find help online: Free Virtual Support Groups bit.ly/WNYsupport

Online Education bit.ly/WNYeducation

A Mother's Love: Kendil Banks and her beautiful 3-year old daughter Mia share a kiss. Photo by Cams Banks

Happy Mother’s Day to All of the Amazing Women Who Support Their Children, Families and Communities!

On Sunday people across the country will celebrate, mourn, pray or say a loving intention for their mothers.

Whether biological, adoptive or something in between, mothers are given their moment to shine on this day. Mother's Day is an opportunity for us all to say thank you to the woman or women in our lives for all the ways they bring forth life in us.

COVID-19 :Celebrating Mother’s Day With More Meaning This holiday, the COVID-19 crisis will force us to take much of the focus off of consumerism and take into consideration what really counts – expressing true love appreciation and gratitude Here are a few ideas • Encourage mom to stay in bed to relax and whip up a yummy breakfast for her. Or decorate the dining table extra special for a nice Mother’s day breakfast or brunch.

•Read to her from her favorite scripture or passage from her favorite book.

•Set up a home spa with a soothing foot soak, pedicure and a rejuvenating massage.

•Take a family walk or bike ride in the neighborhood.

Caregiver resources are also available through your local senior services offices:

Erie County Senior Services 716.858.8526

Programs are supported in part by a grant from the NYS Department of Health.

•Write her a poem about how much she is appreciated and recite it to her.

•Decorate the house with flowers in every room and do a little extra spring cleaning so she doesn’t have to.

•Make handmade cards with the kids so everyone has an opportunity to show how much they love her!

Join Betty Jean Grant & Sherry Sherrill Co-Hosts of

“THE RED, BLACK & GREEN SHOW” Every Saturday Morning @ 8AM WJJL -1440 AM Radio

Spirited • Informative • Relevant • Community News & Views To Join in the Conversation Call 716-674-9555.

Listen online on the WJJL Old Time Rock And Roll App, or live on Facebook at the Betty Jean Grant Facebook Homepage (To Become A Weekly Sponsor Call 716-602-5877)

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Support The Black Cross Nurses HAND SANITIZER INITIATIVE!

he Universal African Black Cross Nurses Hand Sanitizer Initiative is growing!

We would like to thank all those who have purchased sanitizer or donated to the mission. This act of group economics has allowed the local Black Cross to provide sanitizer to youth and elders around the city. You can now support by donating via CashApp: $Buffalo433, ordering online at Melanatedgreats.com or purchasing from The Ink Spot at 1440 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. These times are proving that "we are all we got!" Hopefully, on the other side of this pandemic we will be stronger as a village unit.

One God, One Aim, One Destiny!

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6,2020

Voices

"A Message To Our Young People" Lorna Hill Artistic Director & Founder Ujima Company

ART THAT HEALS

U

jima Company believes in the healing power of art.

As we have had to temporarily close the theater in the current environment, our creative energy has not stopped flowing. We would like to work with you to stay healthy and help those who need to heal by sharing our virtual stage with you!

There are two ways to participate: •Submit an image or short video of art that is healing you to our #ArtThatHeals project and we will feature individual submissions on our social media sites as they are received; and/or •Submit a video of a performance piece to be included in our livestream of the Ujima Company #ArtThatHeals Variety Show.

There is no deadline for #ArtThatHeals post submissions, Variety Show submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2020.

Visit ujimacoinc.org for more information on the project and submission requirements. Thank you for sharing your healing!

Thoughts ...Sonny Fortune https://youtu.be/IWX_ xCkZZ24 Where Giants Dwell …

Buster Williams https://youtu.be/txAxuIqhjaw Here's To Life … Shirley Horne (May 1) https://youtu.be/ XhurCdlr3Ao BE SAFE!!!

Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective

The weather is breaking and everybody wants to be outside. We Get It. But COVID-19 IS STILL HERE AND PEOPLE ARE GETTING SICK AND DYING EVERY DAY! If you are not concerned about your own well being, at least gjve your loved ones and other persons you may live with, a fighting chance to avoid contracting the dreaded Coronavirus.

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understand how hard this self- and county- imposed social distancing has been for you. With the malls, theaters, night clubs, sporting and entertainment events closed, many of you are bored to death. There is no relief from home confinement, because most of you are either furloughed from your job, are laid off, or are working from home.

The City of Buffalo has been shut down so rigidly, that it seems the only establishments open are hospitals, nursing homes, liquor stores, and the corner delicatessens. You are either home alone with your stay-at-home school children, or you are living 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with parents or grandparents who are as tired and bored as you from the new way of life we are living to help reduce the level of infection from COVID 19. So, when the government released the first batch of stimulus checks, a few weeks ago, many of you were itching to go out, to celebrate, and to release weeks of pent up energy. But there was nowhere to go, and parents were not going to allow you to bring all your friends, (and potentially their COVID 19 infection), into their homes.

Somewhere down the line, someone thought it would be a good idea to go to the local We Pump Your Gas station, and gather there for a party that did not require social distancing, or the wearing of masks, or the use of hand sanitizer.

We now understand that was not a good idea, because some of you did not know that the Coronavirus has been deemed to be airborne, or that one could contract it and carry it back home to one's elderly or immune\or-compromised parents or grandparents. It is these latter, who seem to be the most at risk for getting sick or dying from the Coronavirus!

This community is not saying you should not go out and have fun (without the fighting please)! What we are saying is, because so little is known about this virus, and there is no way your love ones can protect themselves through a vaccine that has yet to be discovered, we all need to do all we can to not bring home a virus that can kill our loved ones and family members...and we ourselves.

If you party-people are not concerned about your own wellbeing, at least give your loved ones and relatives, and other persons you may live with, a fighting chance to avoid contracting the dreaded Coronavirus.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

Mother Earth, The Pandemic and You!

Watchdog

Covid-19 While Black?

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OVID-19 has shed light on the disparities that exist between White and Black people and neighborhoods.

This weekend as White people in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic, disregarded the stay at home order without consequence, Black people were yet again subjected to over-policing and terror.

In many ways, coronavirus has made plain the racial disparities in this country.

Consider the following: A New York City police officer was stripped of his badge and gun and placed on desk duty after violently arresting a man for allegedly failing to comply with social distancing last Saturday.

One viewer tweeted the following account: ..”In Manhattan, the young brother you see on the ground was simply a witness to the horrible case of police brutality at the beginning of the video.

So when this young man walks up to check on the kids that were being brutalized, THIS OFFICER, with the Yankees cap, immediately begins firing his Taser, then starts punching and brutalizing the man who was UNARMED and non-violent and broke no laws. You can’t even say he interfered with a crime scene because he wasn’t even close to the kids…. ramming this man’s head into the concrete, just be-

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

cause he likes it, that’s just assault.”

The arrest highlights contradictions in how NYPD has been enforcing social distancing. Another couple on the same block were arrested with failing to comply with the standards moments earlier. Yet last month, hundreds of Hasidic Jews gathered in contradiction to social distancing standards as NYPD just stood by.

Meanwhile Downtown in the West Village that same weekend, parks were crowded with White people on blankets drinking wine and sharing picnics without masks and gloves. Though there was almost no police presence in the West Village, those who were there gently provided people with protective gear.

At the same time, farther downtown in Brownsville, Brooklyn disturbing video footage was released that showed police officers chasing and violently arresting people for standing in front of their apartment buildings.

Across the country, we have seen similar stories unfold.

-MichiganLast week, at the Michigan state capitol, White men armed with rifles, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, stormed the statehouse to protest the statewide stay at home order. Similar protests occurred in Washington State, Albany, New York, and in Madison, Wisconsin.

Do you think anyone was ar-

ue to the current health crisis, Zawadi Books, 1382 Jefferson Avenue is temporarily closed until further notice. We are still available to take your special orders and can retrieve some items from the store at this time. To contact us, call 716-903-6740 or send a message to our facebook page. Please stay safe and healthy until we can serve you in person again!

A few titles to add to your reading list: •Deacon King Kong: A Novel by James McBride •Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights

by Gretchen Sorin •Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick by Zora Neale Hurston •Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell •Trouble is What I Do by Walter Mosley •The Woman God Created You To Be - Finding Success Through FaithSpiritually, Personally and Professionally by Kimberla Lawson Roby

rested?

Who Wears The Mask?

And finally, an example of blatant ignorance, stupidity and racism. A man wearing a makeshift Ku Klux Klan hood was photographed shopping at a store in Santee, Calif. A picture (above) is worth a thousand words...

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

he Scorpio Full Moon arrives on Thursday, May 7, 2020. This Full Flower Moon has a spiritual, healing and compassionate influence.

The May 2020 full moon will make you feel more sympathetic and understanding. It will make you more sensitive but also better able to understand your conflicting emotions.

Importantly, it will then help you envisage a brighter future once the loss and suffering from the coronavirus pandemic begins to subside.

Mother Earth, Pandemic and You! We all have been experiencing this pandemic and it has changed our lives. I know that it has not been easy for the majority of us. How could it be when we have had our whole existence pulled out from under us?

People are getting tired of being confined and I feel it has a lot to do with Mother Nature. She is coming to life at this time of year and she calls for us to enjoy her. It’s within our souls to want to be a part of Mother Earth. This year I feel Mother Earth is rejoicing in the fact that she is getting a chance to heal. The shutdown of the world has stopped so much pollution and animals are getting a chance to live more freely.

I feel like Mother Nature is taking a long sigh of relief.

She has needed this break from pollution for a long time.

Now is the time to honor her and be grateful that she has sustained us for so long.

Slowly we’re seeing a reduction in the coronavirus and as long as we continue using safety precautions it will lesson.

Please continue to use cautionary methods when going out.

You cannot think that it is all over. This virus can be quite tricky so please continue practicing safe measures.

For those who are called as Light Workers this is a wonderful time to use all of your spiritual muscles to continue to heal Mother Earth, people and the economy. Let’s face it many people are struggling to survive and our goal is to help them make it through this rough ordeal. That’s the reason we are Light Workers... we’re spreading the Light of the Divine and that is so needed at this time.

No one person can solve everyone’s problems, but we can change our little part of the world.

How can we do this?

•Be an example of the Divine Light.

•Be gentle with everyone.

•Plant a garden if you have not already.

•Help out a loved one or neighbor.

Everything that breaks apart comes back together again, but it won’t come back exactly the same. So remember this is going to pass and things will start up again, but it’s going to be much different than before. We are a strong people and can change with the shifting waves. We will find a way to survive.

The full moon is the perfect time to let go of the past.

Know that healing of the planet is occurring and trust that the Great Divine Spirit is healing us in a new and enlightened way.

Full Moon blessings, Cherokee Billie, Spiritual Advisor Are You Registered to

VOTE?

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

• Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

• Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

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

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A Message of Support for Patrick Freeman and the Minor Football League Dear Editor: The Minor Football League (MFL) has been in existence since 1993 and has continued to grow since its inception. It is a professional minor league and has changed the game of football on and off the field by taking players from the field to the front office.

Our own, R.W. Patrick H. Freeman, a member of St. John's Lodge #16, has been recently named Pat Freeman as General Manager of the Rochester Chargers of the Minor Football League.

The league comes with various programs that will benefit the Rochester community, such as No Thugs, No Drugs, Early Youth Offenders Program, Conflict Resolution, and Athlete's in Motion.

The League continues to provide Integrity, Commitment and Excellence in all they do. I encourage all of us to give our full support to R. W. Patrick H. Freeman and The Minor Football League Rochester Chargers.

Walter C. King, Jr. 58th Grand Master The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of New York

DEMOCRATS! NO BLACK VP

NO BLACK VOTE 2020!

Samuel A. Herbert -A Paid Announcement-

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com

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

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6,2020

EMPLOYMENT

WNY Arts Emergency Relief Fund in Response to COVID-19 Crisis. Applications Now Open The current state of emergency caused by COVID-19 has profoundly impacted Western New York’s creative industry.

With the cancellation of performances, workshops, gigs, and more, artists and arts and cultural organizations who rely on event-based income are losing revenue that is essential to continue their operations.

As Western New Yorkers take pride in our resiliency, generosity, and collaborative spirit, ASI is excited to announce the creation of the WNY Arts Emergency Relief Fund with support from Fund for the Arts.

The application opened Friday, May 1. You can review the eligibility requirements at asiwny.org. If you still have questions after reviewing all of the materials for this fund, contact Holly Grant at holly@asiwny.org There is relief for individual artists and for arts organizations. There is no deadline for this fund. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the fund is depleted.

For more information on eligibility and to apply for this opportunity go to www.asiwny.org

CAI (Cicatelli Associates Inc.) Is seeking a highly motivated, detail oriented and organized individual for the full-time position of ATFC (Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities) Community Engagement Program Manager for Erie and Niagara Counties. This individual will be responsible for engaging and educating community leaders and members and mobilizing organizations to advance local tobacco control efforts, consistent with NYS Department of Health Tobacco Control goals. Knowledge and skill in interpreting and communicating data, public health policy, and media advocacy is required. Ideal candidates will have a master’s degree in health and human services, community health, or other related field with at least five years’ experience in program outreach, community organizing, and/or program development; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must have a valid NYS driver’s license and vehicle and have the ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends

Qualified and interested candidates Can send a cover letter (including Salary requirements) and resume to: employment@caiglobal.org (subject: ATFC Manager) or apply online at caiglobal.org

Winning Lottery Ticket The New York Lottery says a Take Five ticket worth just over $50,000 was sold in Niagara Falls at the 7-Eleven on Hyde Park Blvd.

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer.

716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

Associate Planetarium Director Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Associate Planetarium Director.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to respect for diversity and individual differences.

LEGAL NOTICE BID REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting bids for the following projects for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE/DBE Pre-bid meetings will be held for interested firms at MCI Office. Documents can be obtained by contacting the associated estimator, Phone 716-282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Bids due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305. Certified firms for associated goals are strongly encouraged.

Culvert Replacements: Upper Mountain Rd Over Fish Creek, Tn. of Lewiston and Lockport Rd Over Cayuga Creek, Tn. of Wheatfield, NY. Contact: gbostard@markcerrone. com. Optional MWBE meeting upon request. MBE: 10%, WBE: 15%. Proposals due to MCI by 5/5/20 at 12:00 PM. Replacement of Porter Center Rd. Over Six Mile Creek in Niagara County. Contact: gbostard@markcerrone. com. Optional DBE Meeting upon request. DBE: 5%. Proposals due to MCI by 5/5/20 at 12:00 PM.

LEGAL NOTICE BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4937 - FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE ARTICULATED LOADER Download Bids from www.nfta.com

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 4/26

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advertising@ thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574 PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

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

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

WIN 4 TAKE 5

TUES 4/28

WED 4/29

THURS 4/30

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Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 875-579-103-076-423-568-909-096-534-546-789-358218-765-187-890-919-953-542-438-910-680-194-234567-891-908026-436-580-178-356-217-678-910-065843-468-451-742-457-689689-955-467-809-074-657906-671-978-010-743-234-680-468-089-902-325-561635-278-435-780-108-657-562-178-930-354-763-469012-757-689-208-645-785-454-678-612-579-905-436809-675-680-100-535-768-985-324-354-184-903-327MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855

MAY VIBES 579-143-182243-409-374

“It’s In The Stars”

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 289-946-034-594 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234-924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

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GAMMA’S MAY PICKS

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

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Challenger Hits MIDDAY 4-5-5 ZR (straight) 2-8-4 Cancer (box) 1-4-9 Number Book (box) 8-3-8 Sagittarius, Capricorn (box) EVENING 3-8-5 Virgo (straight) 9-0-0 Number Book (box) 8-1-7 ZR, April Vibes, #Book, Cancer (box) 5-3-2 ZR, Duckie, Aquarius, Scorpio (box) 7-6-9 Ma Ruth, #Book (box) 743-133-202- 335 -2015-4444-1871134-431--143 648*123*104

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The Scorpio Full Moon arrives on Thursday, May 7.

This Full Flower Moon has a spiritual, healing and compassionate influence.

WEDNESDAY MAY 6 Free Emergency Food Box Giveaway: drive up pick-up.

Walk-Up also available 10 a.m.-12 noon, West Side Community Service, 161 Vermont.

FRIDAY MAY 8 Afterschool Virtual Financial Literacy Workshop: Confident Girl Mentoring Program.

How to be confident with your money. Free. 4p.m. -5p.m. Free event. Go to form.jotform.com to register. Limited space.

Broadway Market Mobile Food Drive: 10am -2pm Food drive to benefit FeedMore WNY. Non-perishables and essential items are greatly appreciated.

SATURDAY MAY 9 DPS (Defense Protection and Security Conference) hosted

by Universal African Black Cross Nurses: 11a.m. - 4p.m. at Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. WEDNESDAY MAY 20 Public Meeting Notice: Board of Westminster Community Charter School, 3 p.m. If you are interested in participating please email info@bufalopromisesneighborhood.org for further details TUESDAY MAY 26 Legal and Financial Planning for Dementia ON LINE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Free a 12 noon – 2 p.m. Registration required at alz.org/CRF or call 1-800-272-3900. Presented in partnership with the Center for Elder Law & Justice and Jesslyn Holbrook, Esq. WEDNESDAY MAY 27 Mobile Food Pantry: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Drive-Thru and WalkUp -Up, free and open the public, South Park near the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. hosted by Sen. Tim Kennedy, the NAACP and Feed-More WNY.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 6, 2020

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