Challenger Community News

NAACP COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: UPDATES ON REIMAGINING THE JEFFERSON AVENUE COMMUNITY Page 3

January 25, 2024 | FREE | Community News

"This (33) Project Is A Band-Aid"

ROCHESTER The little Theatre Hosts Black Cinema Film Series Page 2

Beau Fleuve at AKG M&T First Friday “The Love Within” Page 8

Photo by Jerome Davis

“The Band-Aid does not address the (open) wound that was created when the 33 was created.” - Kamau R.E. Fields, Buffalo Community Worker Page 10

SPORTS Another Playoff Failure at the Hands of “The Buffalo Curse” Page 12

VOICES GENOCIDE IN GAZA ALSO EXPOSES THE US AND THE WEST

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

INSIDE ROCHESTER

ESL Presents Work Scholarships to Three MCC Students

Program Aims to Create Pathway to Careers, Strengthen Student Opportunities, and Reduce Financial Education Costs

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SL Federal Credit Union and Monroe Community College are pleased to announce their seventh class of ESL/MCC Scholars, an earn-and-learn program to prepare students for a career in banking and finance. Students were recently welcomed to the ESL team at a scholars’ luncheon at ESL headquarters in downtown Rochester.

The three students selected for this program are: Leonardo Nunez Nasmere Johnson Sujan Dhakal.

Rochester Black Arts Council to Host Month Long Black History Month Commemoration Dominique El Bey, program coordinator for the Rochester Black Arts Council, a collective of different artist ranging from visual, photographic, actors, poets and playwrights , announces that the Arts Council is commemorating Black History throughout the month, opening with the exhibit: “The Harvest: White Supremacy in BlackFace.” The show, which will feature 10 artists from Rochester and Buffalo, opens Thursday, February 1 with a free reception.

Additional programming through the month will include: •February 3rd Sip and Paint - tea and butter tasting . We Welcome from Buffalo New York Paint The Town CEO Jarael Adams & Rochester's own Holistic practitioners and health connoisseurs Sama Sesay of Naturally Nique LLC, Aboriginal Brother Imhotep from B+Healthy Fresh Food Market, and Larry Red Eye Rabbit of Red Eyes Rabbit Tea & Herbs who will provide guest with different natural healing techniques and products to optimize your health journey.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 585-770-8487 •February 14th- A night of Black love •February 16/17 - One woman stage play by Kristan Kupid Sandford February 23rd- THE COLORED MUSEUM 3 skits will be performed with a plethora of musical performances.

•February 24th - WE PAY HOMAGE and Children's Day •February 28th- TBA •February 29th- Closing ceremonies with community wide forum hosted by The Rochester Black Arts Council, "How Do We Repair Our Nation?" Community activist, author and educator Howard J. Eagle will be honored.

eat to live

Students are offered a part-time, paid position at one of ESL’s 24 local branches, and a $1,000 scholarship for each semester they participate. Students will have the opportunity to meet with and work in other departments at the company to further their professional experience.

Benefits to ESL/MCC Scholars also include professional skill development opportunities, mentoring, and exposure to a variety of career paths within the banking and finance industry.

Through this collaboration, MCC students also have the option to obtain academic credit for their work experience.

“The ESL/MCC Scholars’ Program provides an extraordinary opportunity to participating students in both their educational and professional journey,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president/director, human resources and community impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “As we welcome the sixth class of scholars, we celebrate their accomplishments thus far and the partnership with MCC that allows us to live our Purpose to help our community thrive and prosper.”

“The ESL/MCC Scholars Program continues to be not only a remarkable opportunity for our students, but a wonderful example of a successful earn to learn program in our region,” said Gretchen Wood, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Monroe Community College and Executive Director, MCC Foundation. “MCC is grateful for ESL’s commitment to investing in our students, our region’s workforce of tomorrow.”

The long-term goal of the program is to retain the students upon graduation from MCC through either fulltime employment at ESL, or as they work part-time while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees at a local college or university (with assistance from ESL’s tuition reimbursement program).

The program also supports an ESL initiative to recognize and value diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

Pictured above: CaTyra Polland ,Katrina Overby,host RABJ Member Ebony Nicole Smith

RABJ Kicked Off their Black Cinema Film Series with Sold Out Success!

The Rochester Association of Black Journalist Hosted their monthly Black cinema Film Series at The Little Theatre. A complete sold out audience came to see The movie American Fiction starring Jefferey Wright. It was the first sell out in 2024 at The Little Theatre. After the screening a panel discussion took place. Keep up with their events and activities at www.rabjonline.org.

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

AREA BRIEFS

“Reimagining Jefferson Avenue Community” Is Topic of NAACP Community Breakfast

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HONORED: The Challenger was recognized by the City of Buffalo Common Council at City Hall in honor of its 60th Anniversary on December 26. Editor and Publisher Alnisa Banks, pictured above with daughters Leah and Shola, also received a Certificate of Recognition for 45 years of service to the community. From left, Leah Hamilton, Associate Publisher, University District Council Member Rasheed N.C.Wyatt, Ms. Banks, and Shola Clark, Managing Editor. Special thanks to Council Member Wyatt and the entire council for the special honor!

Voting Rights Claim in Cheektowaga

Ken Young, who ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the Cheektowaga Town Board last year, filed a claim under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York last month, accusing the town’s voting system of preventing minority voters from electing candidates of their choice. As a result, the Cheektowaga Town Board voted to hire national experts to investigate elections in the town.

Radio Show Dedicated to Memory of Stephanie Barber-Geter Radio talk show host Samuel A. Herbert has announced that he will dedicate his next show, "The Truth And Nothing But " to community activist the late Stephanie Barber-Geter.

His show airs on WUFO 1080AM/ 93.7 FM Saturday, January 27 from 1:30-2P.M.

CAO FREE FOOD GIVE AWAY! The CAO Is hosting a FREE FOOD BAG GIVEAWAY •Thursday, January 25 at the Rafi Green Masten Resource Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Avenue).

•Friday January 26 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. CAO Pantry (Inside The Resource Council of WNY), 347 E. Ferry St.

Payton Gendron - NOT Michael: An Apology Sincere apologies to the families of the victims of the racially motivated Tops Massacre and the entire African American communty for the misprint last week of the Tops killer's name. His name is Payton Gendron - not "Michael." Gendron, who murdered 10 Black People in a racially motivated hate massacre at Tops Market on May 14, 2022, will face the death penalty if he is convicted of federal charges.

eimagining The Jefferson Avenue Community” will be the topic of discussion at the upcoming Community Breakfast hosted by the NAACP. The event, which takes place Saturday, January 27, will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Makowski Early Childhood School, 1095 Jefferson Avenue.

Among the organizations scheduled to present information: Buffalo NAACP, Buffalo Urban League, Buffalo together fund/ Buffalo Resiliency Center, May 6th Monument, Storefront Revitalization Fund, Oshei Foundation, Jefferson Avenue business Association, HOME. Headquarters, City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning, City of Buffalo Urban Affairs Office, ECIDA, The Exchange at Beverly Gay, Banks ( Bank On Buffalo, Northwest, M&T), Utility Companies, and Empire State Development. Rev. Mark Blue is president of the Buffalo NAACP. COMMON COUNCIL UPDATE

Council Approves Raise for Police Department: Wyatt Only Council Member to Raise Issue of Poor Policing, Discrimination and Lawsuits The Council unanimously approved a four-year contract, retroactive to July 1, 2021, granting annual raises to the police of 3% the first year and 4% each year thereafter. The Brown administration negotiated the deal, and the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority recommended its approval during a Common Council finance committee meeting Jan. 16. During the Finance committee meeting most of the questions from the council dealt with the city’s ability to pay for the pact (the Council could not change the pact, only vote it up or down).

University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt was the only Council Member to at least publicly bring up the department’s lawsuits and complaints – even within their own ranks - as well as from community residents concerning discriminatory , racist treatment.

Rod Watson, in a Jan, 17 Buffalo News Report, also noted the failed petition drive by a coalition of good-government groups to try to create a civilian review board to oversee the department and discipline officers who abuse their authority.

New Education Committee Chairwoman Everhart Announces Monthly Meetings to Accommodate Students, Parents, Teachers The first Education Committee Meeting of the Year is Scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 PM The Buffalo Common Council has appointed Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart as the new Chair of the Education Committee.

Under Chairwoman Everhart's leadership, the Education Committee will undergo significant changes aimed at fostering increased participation and collaboration among students, parents, educators, and stakeholders within the Buffalo Public School District.

One notable change is the establishment of a monthly Education Committee evening meeting. Chairwoman Everhart believes that a more regular meeting schedule will provide ample opportunities for comprehensive discussions on crucial matters affecting education in Buffalo.

"By holding evening meetings and introducing monthly Special Committee Meetings, we are striving to create a more accessible and engaging platform for all stakeholders involved in the education of Buffalo's youth," said Education Chairwoman Zeneta B. Everhart. "This commitment aligns with our goal of fostering open dialogue and informed decision-making for the betterment of our students and the entire community."

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

•January 21 Freedom Journal, first Black newspaper founded by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish 1827 •January 23 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, first surgeon to performe open-heart surgery on a human., founded Provident Hospital in Chicago, 1889 •January 24 Jackie Robinson, first Black elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, 1962 •January 25 Sojourner Truth addressed the first Black Women's Rights Convention, Akron Ohio,1851 •January 26 Executive Order 9981, to end segregation in US Armed Forces signed by President Harry Truman, 1948 January 30 William Wells Brown published first Black drama, "Leap to Freedom" 1858 February 1 Langston Hughes, poet and author, born 1902-1967 February 4 24th Amendment abolished Poll tax (pay to vote) , a voter suppression tactic to keep Blacks from voting, 1864 February 6 First organized emigration of U.S. Blacks back to Africa, from New York to Sierra Leone, 1820

NEW HOURS! DINE IN & TAKE OUT! MONDAY & TUESDAY CLOSED! Wednesday 9AM-6PM • Thursday 9AM-8PM, LIVE JAZZ & OPEN MIC Friday 9AM – 6PM • Saturday 9AM-2PM BREAKFAST ONLY! SUNDAY 11AM-4PM TO ORDER CALL (716) 253-2100, Door Dash Delivery Available Located at 633 Northland Inside The Workforce Center.

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FAITH & FAMILY

Pray For Your Pastor….

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veryone expects the pastor to pray for his people.

But pastors need prayer too. In fact, they need much prayer. Their responsibility is great. Satan’s attack is strong.

We have made a practice of praying for our Pastor every day. We pray for wisdom, for strength, and protection. We pray for his family. Hundreds of times over the last few years I have asked my Pastor if there was anything I could do for him, only to hear him quietly say, “A lot of prayer.”

This is the desire of every true man of God I know.

Listen to the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”

12 verses later this same author states the most simple and profound way to do this: “Brethren, pray for us.”

On one hand you can pray for your pastor just as you do any other believer. It is also important to realize that there are specific things for which pastors need special prayer.

The Apostle Paul prayed many things for those to whom he ministered. His prayers are worth studying, and imitating.

But what about his prayer requests? This powerful preacher, this man of prayer, repeatedly asked church members to pray for him. If he needed such prayer, your pastor does too!

Here is a simple prayer plan you can make your own. It is not mine. It comes from a pastor, evangelist, and missionary named Paul…

Sunday – pray for God to use your Pastor as he preaches God’s Word.

Monday – pray for God to protect your pastor from every enemy.

Tuesday – pray for God to lead your pastor as he leads others Wednesday – pray for God to give your pastor divine appointments and spiritual power Thursday – pray for God to help your pastor as he deals with problems. Much of the ministry is helping people through their problems. Pastors have problems of their own.

Friday – pray for your pastor’s personal growth and blessing Pray a hedge of protection about your pastor.

Saturday – pray for your pastor as he prepares to minister Saturday is a day of preparation for a pastor. Remember the pastor’s prayer request: “Brethren, pray for us.”

Source: Enjoying The Journey.org

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Mary Snell Davis Tribute to A Community Treasure

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n January 10, 2024, Buffalo lost yet another community treasure.

Mary Snell Davis, cohost of the Mary Davis show, entered eternal rest.

She was the first African American woman to have a television production in Buffalo, New York and her career in broadcasting spanned over 40 years. Her TV show aired on the cable access channel and was her radio show aired on WGR Radio from 1987 to 2021 until her health precluded her from continuing.

In addition to broadcasting, Mary was employed at Empire State College from April 1984 to August 2014.

The Mary Davis shows (both radio and TV), were weekly public affairs show platforms that discussed local and national issues that affected Western New York, and most specifically communities of color. She was as politically astute as any CNN or MSNBC anchor of today.

Some of her favorite political pundits were Attorney Terrence McKelvey, Clarence Lott, Roscoe Henderson, Betty Jean Grant, Frank Gist, Karla Thomas, and Fire Fighter Mike Brown.

Mary Davis’s passing comes at a time when we need independent input like hers more now than ever.

Mary’s style and level of honesty will be missed on the airwaves. We salute her for her unyielding service.

Mary Snell Davis was the beloved wife of the late Shirley L. Davis; devoted mother of Gigi M. Davis and the late Howard D. Stancil; cherished grandmother of Albert D. Richardson and Imani J. Molson; adored great-grandmother of Damian and the late Sanaa Richardson; loving daughter of the late Howard and Ruth Snell; dear sister of the late Margaret and Howard Snell Jr.; she is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Mary will best be remembered by her family for always putting the needs of her family first.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, at True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry Street.

Wake at 10 a.m., funeral at 11 a.m..-Submitted by Karla Thomas

NATIONAL

As Biden Struggles, Study Says Black Eligible Voters Expected To Grow To 34 Million In 2024

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s concerns grow about President Joe Biden losing Black voters to Donald Trump, the number of Black eligible voters could swell to 34 million this year, according to a report by the Pew Research Center.

The study comes as Trump and Biden get closer to a rematch where Black voters could once again play a key factor in determining the winner, as in the 2020 presidential race. Biden is losing support among Blacks, many of whom are drifting toward voting for Trump.

The rising number of eligible Black voters in red southern states has the potential to repeat history, like it did in 2020 when Democrats in Georgia flipped the state to blue to elect Biden president. Today, in Georgia, a closely watched swing state, Black Americans account for a third of eligible voters, according to Pew Research. In 2020, 92 percent of single-race Black, non-Hispanic voters cast a vote for Democrat Joe Biden, while only 8 percent backed Republican Donald Trump, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of validated voters.

In its study, the Pew Research Center defines eligible voters as citizens ages 18 and older who live in America’s 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Pew Research’s report said about seven-in-ten Black people in the U.S. are eligible to vote, a higher share than among Hispanics and Asian Americans. Black Americans are more likely to be eligible to vote than some other groups because a high share are ages 18 and older (73 percent) and an even larger share are citizens (96 percent).

According to Pew Research, the number of Black eligible voters has been slowly rising in the past two decades. In 2012, Black voters represented 13.2 percent of all eligible voters. In the last U.S. presidential election in 2020, they represented 13.5 percent.

Between 2020 and 2024, that number of Black eligible voters has grown by an estimated 7.1 percent, compared to 15.3 percent for Asian eligible voters and 12.1 percent for Hispanic eligible voters.

Remembering Imam Jameel Abdur Raheem Retired Chaplain from NYS Department of Mental Health

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ameel Abdur Raheem transitioned from this earthly life on the morning of October 29, 2023, after a long illness. He was born in Buffalo, New York on March 6, 1945, to James H. Grant and Allie M. Grant and attended Buffalo public schools. As the Muslim Chaplain at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center until his retirement in 2002, he was well respected by both patients and staff for his services, classes and words of wisdom. As a volunteer with the New York State Department of Correctional Services Department of Ministerial Services, he was active at Collins and Albion facilities. Imam Raheem was also a First Responder with the American Red Cross in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, tragedy in New York City. He was also a survivor of the 1971 Attica prison uprising which took the lives of 43 inmates and 10 correctional officers. In that scenario, he and other Muslim inmates were credited with saving the lives of civilians.

Imam Jameel accepted Islam in the late 1960’s under the tutelage of the late Emam Mubarrak Hasson of the Addeynu Allahe-Universal Arabic Association, Inc., and remained a loyal member and officer of that organization until his passing. He received his Islamic Teaching Certificate in 1995 from the Imams Council of Greater Western New York.

Janaaza (funeral proceedings) will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Masjid an-Noor of the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier located at 745 Heim Road in Getzville, New York.

However, the study said in this year’s presidential race, Black voters could make up 14 percent of voters on election day.

Those activists will have a large Black eligible voter population to work with.

According to Pew Research, 34 million Black Americans are projected to account for 14 percent of eligible voters in the U.S. in November, according to Pew Research Center SON OF DR. MARTIN projections.

LUTHER KING DIES: The percentage of eligible voters who are Black has risen Dexter Scott King, the slowly in the past two decades. In 2012, for example, Black younger son of Martin Luvoters represented 13.2 percent of all eligible voters. In the ther King Jr. and Coretta last U.S. presidential election in 2020, they represented 13.5 Scott King, has died after percent. battling prostate cancer.

Between 2020 and 2024, that number of Black eligible The 62-year-old son of the voters has grown by an estimated 7.1 percent. But this year, civil rights leader was just the percentage of eligible Black voters could reach its high7 years old when his father est at 14 percent, according to Pew Research. was assassinated in 1968.

Pew Research said regionally, more than half of Black eligible voters (57 percent) live in Southern states. The Midwest (17 percent) and Northeast (16 percent) have the next-highest shares of the nation’s Black eligible voters, while relatively few live in the West (10 percent).

TERRENCE D. D. McKELVEY McKELVEY TERRENCE As of 2022, about half of Attorney at Law Attorney at Law Black eligible voters live in 181 Franklin Franklin Street Street Suite Suite #301 #301 181 one of eight states, Pew ReBuffalo, New York 14202 search said.

Buffalo, New York 14202

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HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Herbs That Really Work !

Here are some powerful herbs to consider adding to your regiment.

Astragalus: Strengthens heart tone. Astragalus is a powerful immune system cleanser. It can be taken regularly.

Burdock Root: Blood purifier, diuretic, skin problems, calcium deposits, restoration of the energy field.

Butcher’s Broom: Circulation, blood clots, varicose veins, reduces hemorrhoids, lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory. ( Do not use Butcher’s broom if you are hypertensive).

Capsicum: Known as red pepper. Increases circulation of the blood; jump starts the heart.

CLINICIANS OF COLOR PROGRAM: Pictured from left, Wadeline Theodore, Sarah Edmunds, Rita Anderson, Dominique Johnson (in red blazer), Aleese Flunder (behind Dominique), Kelly Dumas, Hope Cogdell, Dr. Keli Luchey, Tamieka Johnson, DiMario Bell, Danevia McGee, Felicia Stanley, Jaqueta Abraham, Tonja Newkirk, Latonya Diggs (standing behind), Dr. Giordano Villa Maria President and Dave Rust Say Yes Buffalo CE0.)

Note: These are not all the clinicians in the cohort.

Chickweed: Blood purifier, appetite suppressant. ( the alternate for Butcher’s Broom) Dandelion: Diuretic, blood builder, high in calcium and iron producers energy and addresses edema.

Echinacea: Lymph and immune system cleanser, detoxifier.

Program Seeks to Pave Way for Black Mental Health Professionals

Garlic: Emulsifies cholesterol and loosens it from the arterial walls; re-duces high blood pressure.

After the racially motivated tragedy at Tops on Jefferson in May 2022, there was an outpouring of support from the larger Western New York community to help those directly impacted by the shooting and the closure of a vital supermarket.

Gingko Biloba: Circulation to the brain, memory enhancer.

A need that was identified in this process was for access to mental health services for residents with clinicians with a shared cultural background. Simply said, Black residents wanted the option of receiving support from Black therapists.

“Building Capacity for Clinicians of Color” is a two-year program designed to expand the professional skills and licensure for clinicians of color in Western New York that has launched recently with an initial cohort of 15 clinicians.

When funders stakeholders asked Say Yes Buffalo CEO David Rust what the community needed, increased access to mental health services was a common refrain. “This program was created in direct response to the community’s feedback on what their needs were,” Rust said.

Say Yes Buffalo partnered with 20-year veteran in the mental health field Kelly Dumas, Executive Director of Healing Hub of New York, to launch the program. “The May 14 tragedy really highlighted our need for access to clinicians of color,” Dumas said. “Unfortunately, I was able to see firsthand the need the outcry and how important it was for our community to have access to Black mental health professionals, and I also saw the challenge we had as a behavioral health system to meet that demand.”

Aleese Flunder, one of the clinicians in the inaugural cohort, described how complex it can be as a clinician to get the proper licensing and credentials to provide services and access payment from insurance companies. “There’s so many technical things they don’t talk about in school so when you come out to do this on your own, you’re kind of lost,” explained clinician involved in the program, Aleese Flunder. “A program like this especially dedicated to clinicians of color is so necessary and so important.”

All participants in the program have agreed to provide five free hours of counseling services every month to residents of Buffalo over the next two years.

Gotu Kola: May neutralize blood acid, good for heart and liver function, useful for circulatory disorders.

Guggul Lipid: Nutritional support for the circulatory system .

Hawthorn Berries: Strengthens and regulates the heart; addresses both high and low blood pressure.

Horsetail: Increases calcium absorption, strengthens the heart and lungs.

Kelp: A type of seaweed that is a rich source of vitamins, especially B vitamins; It is very beneficial to the brain tissue, sensory nerves, nails and the blood vessels.

Pau D’Arco: Blood purifier, natural antibiotic.

Red Clover: Blood purifier; especially useful in the treatment of tumors.

Yellow Dock: Blood purifier; skin problems.

Be Well and Trust the Power of Herbs!

Improve Your Balance by Walking Balance is a one of the senses that we often take for granted—until we lose it.

In our 50s and 60s, we may notice that our bodies feel less stable. Gradual changes linked to growing older—such as loss of muscle mass, lack of flexibility, slower reflexes, and worsening eyesight, and even certain medical conditions and medications —can affect our sense of balance.

Poor balance often leads to falls, which can cause head injuries and other disabling injuries. Hip fractures, in particular, can lead to serious health complications and threaten independence.

How walking can help balance The good news is that there are ways to improve your sense of balance. In fact, just walking can help build lower-body strength, an important element of good balance.

Walking is safe exercise for most people and, in addition to improving balance, counts toward your aerobic activity goals.

How to get started with walking A good walking plan should be designed to safely boost physical activity. The minutes count more than the miles.

If you aren't in the habit of exercising, start at the beginning. If you normally use a cane or walker, be sure to do so. As you feel stronger and more comfortable, gradually add more minutes to your walks.

If you already exercise, start with a walking plan that best matches your current routine and build from there. If the plan seems too easy, add time, distance, or hills. Aim for at least 150 minutes of walking per week, but don't hesitate to add more.

If health problems make walking especially difficult for you, a physiatrits or physical therapist can suggest other options.

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Statewide Non-Profit Looking to Invest in Buffalo Businesses

WOMAN OF THE YEAR: Kareema Morris of Bury the Violence (left) was selected Woman of the Year last fall, was honored by The Ladies Of The Golden Circle, Bison Assembly No. #18 Esther Annon Loyal Lady Ruler, Felicia Davis Loyal Lady Associate Ruler . Street Legacy Photo by Darvin Adams

Ladies Of The Golden Circle Name Kareema Morris Woman of the Year

Kareema Morris was selected Woman Of The year and honored by The Ladies Of The Golden Circle, Bison Assembly No. #18. In November.

It was the second time Ms. Morris was so honored. She was also recognized nationally when named one of USA Today’s “Women of the Year or 2023.”

Kareema, known lovingly in the community as “The Equalizer,” is the founder and Executive Director of Bury The Violence which also supports families that have been affected by homicide, by buying headstones and providing other resources.

By day, the community activist and mother of six is a clerical typist for Buffalo Public Schools. After she leaves her day job, her second work begins. With the support of her children, who range in age from 14 to 27 including two adopted nieces, she goes to the streets to track down missing people. From the grief her own family experienced, Morris knew she had to help others.

When asked by USA Today what her proudest moment was in doing this work for the past decade, she replied: ”My proudest moment is when they tell me how much I’ve helped them, how much they’ve accomplished, how they wouldn’t have been able to do this" without our help."

Launch NY, a catalyst for regional economic development, proudly presents a free virtual event on January 25 at 12 noon, spotlighting local business owners who have partnered with Launch NY and witnessed remarkable growth in their enterprises.

The Event titled, Going Big Founders Spotlight Series: Cleantech Founders,” will feature three incredible founders, each with unique backgrounds, sharing their inspiring journeys in the cleantech space. It's going to be an engaging fireside chat, covering everything from their experiences and highs & lows to valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

The event aims to inspire and educate local business owners by featuring firsthand accounts from entrepreneurs who have leveraged Launch NY's support to scale up their businesses significantly.

Date: January 25, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM (noon) Location: Virtual Event (https://lu.ma/goingbig5) Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear directly from local business owners who have experienced substantial growth with the assistance of Launch NY. The event will showcase diverse success stories, providing insights into the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the pivotal role Launch NY played in their journeys.

FREE TAX PREP Free Tax Prep begins Saturday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BFNC Westminster Community House, 419 Monroe Street (First Floor). January 27 is also Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. Have you earned income tax credits?

Do you have other tax questions? We can help! To schedule an appointment please dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211wny. org to schedule online. For other tax program questions call (716)852-5065 ext. 601 or email tax@bfnc.org Learn more about BFNC services at bfnc.org

Fair Access to Victim Compensation in New York New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act, which will improve access to State victim compensation funding for Black, Brown, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. The New York City based organization Common Justice launched a state-wide campaign to make New York State’s victim compensation laws and policies more equitable by removing barriers victims and survivors face. Common Justice is the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service program in the United States that focuses on violent felonies in the adult courts.

LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14202 County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide Food Service at the Erie Secure and Specialized Secure Youth Center.

The RFP #2024-006VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov as of January 29, 2024.

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.

Sealed bids are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on March 11, 2024.

Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality.

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services

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Talking Leaves…Books Brings Acclaimed Historian Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to Buffalo for Two Events The award winning author and activist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will debut his new book Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers . It is a reworking for young readers of renowned author Zora Neale Hurston’s oral history of one of the last living formerly enslaved Africans brought on the last slave ship to engage in the Atlantic slave trade.

Dr. Kendi will speak in a public event at Asbury Hall 341 Delaware Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on Tuesday, January 30 at 7:30p.m., in conversation with Buffalo author and artist Ariel Aberg-Riger, whose book American Redux: Visual Stories of our Dynamic History was awarded the 2023 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature. A lively discussion about history, why it matters, and how to make it come alive and be relevant to young readers, about the legacy of Ms. Hurston and her work, about how words and pictures are used for history-telling, and about current efforts to restrict access to history, books, and ideas, is guaranteed.

The purchase of a copy of Barracoon from Talking Leaves…

Books from the store, its website www.tleavesbooks.com/ book/9780063098336, or at the door, at the special price of $15.00 (+tax) is required for admission to this event. Copies of books by both authors will be available for purchase at Asbury Hall. Readers ages 8 and up are welcome to attend.

Dr. Kendi will also be having a free "student-only" event on at 9:30 Wednesday morning, January 31 in the auditorium at the Buffalo Museum of Science, (at which students will be given a signed copy of the book, courtesy of Buffalo Public Schools Office of Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Initiatives (CLRI), Key Bank Foundation and Talking Leaves…Books The "student-only" event will be live streamed on the Buffalo Public Schools website for students not in attendance.

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Entertainment

Pictured: actors Pamela Rose Mangus, Roderick Garr, Kira Whitehead.

Photo Christy Francis

Experience First Friday at AKG: From top l/r Jon Jon, Vibrant Stringz, DJ Unk. Bottom l/r Brandon Williams, (center screening of Love Jones The Movie) and far right Tatianna Annette.

Spreading Love the Beau Fleuve Way for M&T First Friday at AKG “The Love Within”

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icking off the love month right for M&T First Friday at Albright Knox Art Museum, Beau Fleuve Music Arts brings a plethora of talent to the experience for “The Love Within” a night of music art and culture on February 2.

The first Friday event includes exciting exploration of the museum with public tours at 11a.m. and 1:30p.m., a spotlight tour with a brief history lesson at 12:30p.m., and a family tour at 4p.m. There are activities between 4p.m.

– 7:30p.m., for drop-in artmaking and drop-in drawing throughout the museum.

The night boasts an array of music talks and film spreading love the Beau Flueve way. There will be musical performances from 5p.m. -7p.m. in the AKG Town Square by DJ Unk, Jon Jon featuring Jukebox and Vibrant Stringz on the sculpture terrace.

A special screening of Love Jones the movie in the Knox building auditorium starts at 5p.m. followed by a poetry reading from Buffalo poets Brandon Williams and Tatianna Annette inspired by the film.

At 6p.m. there will be Community Insights with Beau Fleuve where community members relate their work and experience to the art on view at the Buffalo AKG. Admission to the Jeffrey E. Gundlach and Robert and Elisabeth Wilmers Buildings is Pay-What-You-Wish.

Admission to the Seymour H. Knox Building is always free. Buffalo AKG Art Museum 1285 Elmwood Avenue 716.882.8700 info@buffaloakg.org Learn more about BeauFlueve Music Arts at beaufleuvemusicarts.com

Theatre of Youth Opens the World Premier of Anne of Green Gables!

TOY proudly presents the WORLD-PREMIERE of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by Donna Hoke, sponsored by M&T Bank, which runs from January 27-February 4, 2024. This production is freely adapted from the classic novel by L. M. Montgomery and is geared for children in grades 5+ and their families.

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to take in a foster child, they request a boy. Imagine their surprise when Anne, a girl of boundless imagination with a mouth to match, shows up on their doorstep. Still, the two of them take a chance on her in hopes they can do some good. As Anne comes of age, Annette Daniels Taylor her curiosity and wonder may get her in trouble, but ultimately her capacity for love teaches them all what it means to create and commit to family in this inventive and timeless free adaptation of the heartwarming classic

by L.M. Montgomery.

Directed by Annette Daniels Taylor, the cast includes: Pamela Rose Mangus (Marilla Cuthbert), Roderick Garr (Matthew Cuthbert), Kira Whitehead (Anne Shirley), Meghan O’Connor (Ruby Gillis/Mrs. Spencer), Kristen-Marie Lopez (Mrs. Rachel Lynde/Josie Pye/Girl in White Lace), Glen Chitty (Thomas Lynde/Gilbert Blythe), Juli Grygier (Diana Barry), Ember Tate (Mrs. Barry/Miss Stacey/Ms. Gold/ Woman in Silk). Understudy cast members include: Emily Yancey, Michael Garvey, Maria Ta, Kaylie Horowitz, Alyssa Grace Adams, Aaron Saldana, Shelby McNulty, and Kujané Lyons-Latimer Glenn.

Public Performances run weekends Saturday & Sunday from January 27-February 4, 2024 at 2:00PM. Scheduled Understudy Performance is Saturday, February 3 at 2:00PM. Special post-show talkback guests include: Playwright Donna Hoke 1/27 & 2/4 and Melissa Chernowetz dramaturg - 2/3.

Tickets range from $15 – 30 and are available online at www.theatreofyouth.org.

SUPPORT THE ARTS

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Interview with Robert "Kool" Bell

Art Opening

Phyllis Thompson at Buffalo Art Studio

Kool & The Gang Set to Perform to A Sold Artist Phyllis Thompson’s new Out Crowd at Seneca Niagara Event Center! exhibition, Evolving Memories, a

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o call Kool & the Gang immeasurably influential understates the group’s impact over their six decades and counting career. The grooves speak for themselves— “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight,” “N.T.,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” “Ladies Night,” and the perennial “Celebration”—all watersheds of the Gang’s singular hybrid of jazz, soul, R&B and pop which has sold 70 million records worldwide. Kool & the Gang will be performing to a sold out crowd Saturday, January 27, at the Seneca Niagara Event Center.

Formed as the Jazziacs in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, Kool & the Gang’s sound is rooted in both jazz and soul with the group’s initial gigs as the opening act to a weekly jazz night, later proving their versatility as Motown began its domination. “We used to back up a lot of Motown sounding acts out of Jersey City,” explains co-founder and bassist Robert “Kool” Bell. “It was called the Soul Town review and we became the Soul Town band. So we'd have to learn a lot of Motown songs because the artists who sang Motown songs would do a show once a month in Jersey City.”

Yet another name change was necessitated while performing at the Blue Note Lounge in 1967. Billed as Kool & the Flames, the group’s- then manager and first producer Gene Redd suggested Kool & the Gang to avoid any confusion with James Brown’s Famous Flames.

“We didn’t want to have any problems with the Godfather,” chuckles Bell.

Releasing their eponymous first album on Redd’s De-Lite label in 1969, Kool & the Gang proved a potent musical force rivalling James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone on such subsequent efforts as the scorching Live at the Sex Machine and its equally impressive follow-up Live at PJs which married Kool & The Gang co-founder Robert “Kool” Bell the frenetic rhythmic drive of funk with the melody of jazz.

1973’s Wild and Peaceful heralded the band as “Scientists of sound, Mathematically putting it down” and would prove the group’s commercial breakthrough with the unforgettable “Jungle Boogie” and “Funky Stuff.”

Wild and Peaceful’s 50th anniversary coincides with that of Hip-Hop’s and Kool & the Gang remain one of its most sampled bands, integrated into the genre nearly a decade before the Sugarhill Gang dropped rhymes to wax. “N.T.,” “Give It Up” and “Sport” (from Lightnin’ Rod’s landmark 1973 proto-HipHop album Hustlers Convention as well as “Summer Madness” (the basis for DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith’s massive 1991 hit “Summertime”) and Mase’s “Feel So Good” (which utilized “Hollywood Swinging”) are just a few of the hundreds of hit songs that sampled the group’s music. “A lot of Hip-Hop artists would sample our music because there were no vocals so there was nothing in the way,” notes Bell. “They liked the drums… they sampled them.”

After a fallow commercial period in the mid-70s, the group would re-emerge in the Studio 54 era as a sleek hit-making machine with the addition of lead vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor and the commercial production work of Eumir Deodato. “We’ve always incorporated different ideas and concepts,” says Bell.

1979’s “Ladies Night” inaugurated an impressive string of crossover smashes that still populate radio playlists and dance floors to this day: “Too Hot,” “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” and “Fresh.”

survey of work from Thompson’s 50-year career as an artist and educator, opens January 26 from 5p.m.

-8p.m. and is on display from January 26–March 1, 2024, at Buffalo Art Studio (BAS) located in the Tri-Main building at 2495 Main St., Suite #500.Visit buffaloartsstudio.org or call 716 833-4450 for more info.

Paul Robeson Theatre Presents "Tolley's Place": The Reading

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Special staged Reading of "Tolley's Place" by Shirley Sarmiento will be held on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 & 27 at 7p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 28 at 4p.m. at the African American Cultural Center's Paul Robeson Theatre, 350 Masten Avenue (Free. Donations Appreciated).

The reading will also feature Debbi Davis, Charles Everhart Sr., Sandra Gilliam, Robbin Josey & Shawnell Tiller. Four African American women come together with a determination to overcome the various challenges that uniquely affect them and live life fully, richly no matter what. For more information call (716)884-2013.

On Stage At The Robeson Theatre In February •"An Evening with Jon Cesar " Friday and Saturday Feb. 2 & 3 at 7p.m. Tickets $15.

An evening of storytelling shared in a way that only Mr. Cesar can present them. Live, laugh, love & stay strong!

Harlem Globetrotters at KeyBank Center

The Harlem Globetrotters Return to Buffalo Key Bank Center February 2 at 7p.m. Tickets start at $42.65 on ticketmaster. Harlem Globetrotters fans can score the best seats at HarlemGlobetrotters.com

The Sounds of Motown featuring The Motown Sounds of Touch At Shea's 710 February 3!

The Sounds of Motown featuring The Motown Sounds of Touch will be on stage Saturday February 3 at 7:30 p.m., at Shea’s 710 Theatre (710 Main Street.) Go down memory lane to the sights and sounds of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, The Commodores and many more Motown Favorites for this anticipated one night show. Don’t miss it! Tickets are available online at sheas.org or at the Shea’s Performing Arts Center box office, call (716) 847-0850 for more info.

With the untimely passing of Bell’s brother Khalis Bayyan in 2020 and George ‘Funky’ Brown in 2023, respectively , Robert “Kool” Bell carries on Kool & the Gang’s esteemed legacy with a line-up that includes Buffalo natives Shawn McQuiller on lead vocals and guitars and Curtis Williams who serves as Musical Director and keyboardist.

Having recently released their latest album, the vibrant People Just Wanna Have Fun and preparing for their upcoming residency at the Las Vegas Westgate Casino and Resort, Kool & the Gang show no signs of slowing down.

“People do just want to have fun and what drives us is to continue to stay out there and bring good happy music,” says Bell when asked about what keeps the group going after sixty years.

“Some people describe our music as happy music: ‘Jungle Boogie’and ‘Get Down On It’. You know? And then it’s got a little taste of Jazz—‘Summer Madness’ or ‘I Remember John W. Coltrane,’ so it's kind of hard to categorize us.”

Stay informed on all forthcoming shows at Seneca Niagara Resorts and Casino at www.senecaniagaracasino.com

•”Harriet Tubman Speaks" - Saturday Jon Cesar & Sunday Feb. 17 at 5p.m. & Feb. 18 at 4p.m. Free (Donations Gratefully Accepted). Written by & featuring Cathy Robinson , The Union (Leslie Gardner & Simone Appleby), DeAnna Burgess as Young Harriet Tubman, Tammy S. Martin, Nicholas Price (passengers) & others. Now an Elder settled in Auburn, NY Harriet shares her thoughts,

reflecting on the past, present & future.

Contact the Theater at (716) 884-2013 for reservations & information.

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VOICES

Kensington 33 Project Described As "A Band-Aid On An Open Wound After Major Surgery." We Agree.

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he more we read and researched the history of the struggle to restore the once beautiful Humboldt Parkway ripped apart by the Kensington 33, the more we became convinced that it has never really been the plan of the powers that be to do the right thing.

This community has to take a very strong stand right now. We can’t be afraid of losing time – that ran out decades ago; or scared of losing a $Billion that’s not going to give us what we want. We can’t afford to settle for less than what the future of our children deserve.

And We can’t be afraid of alliances with people who don’t look like us – but who are fighting beside us to right the terrible wrong done to our community and one of the most celebrated park systems in the nation.

We have been hoodwinked and bamboozled too long.

It has never been the intention of the NYSDOT to give this Black community its just due: the removal / filling in of the highway, the restoration of the renowned Olmstead designed Humboldt Parkway and its reconnection to Delaware Park; and the reconnection of East Side communities.

That is what the hard working, well intentioned people of Hamlin Park Taxpayers and ROCC wanted. They ultimately settled for less.

What the powers that be are currently proposing to do now with the Kensington is no more than, as Brother Kamau R.E. Fields recently said, “a band-aid on major surgery.” Said Fields during a recent radio community call in show: “The conversation is about the 33. But if you really want to get to the root of it before there was a 33 and think about the major surgery that was done on the community when they built and created the 33. This project is a band-aid – a step toward healing the major surgery that was done. But it is only a band aid. And when you have major surgery and you really want healing you have go deeper than just putting a band aid on it. The band-aid helps facilitate healing but it does not address the wound that was created when the 33 was created. And I think people need to think about long term what’s best for the community and is there even a possibility to getting back to what was there – the healthy community that was there - before the 33 was even created. You’re putting a band-aid on top of major surgery…”.

And so the healing begins with the truth.

As a community we have a right to question the Kensington 33 Project. We have a right to demand more time, clarity and options. We have a right to care about our health, our air quality, our homes, our economy, our environment. We have a right because this is Our community and we owe it to future generations to get it right this time! - Staff Writer

RISE Collaborative: "No More Empty Promises: It’s Time to Finally Do Right by Our East Side Neighbors"

RISE Collaborative, a news and entertainment platform, released an article in December on risecollaborative.com regarding the Kensington Expressway 33 Project. The folloing are excerpts from that document, printed with permissions from RISE.

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ince the Humboldt Expressway was installed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, economic and public health has declined in its wake.

Numerous policies including redlining and disinvestment have contributed to the challenges the 20 or so different neighborhoods that make up Buffalo’s East Side face, but none more obvious than the destruction of the largest parkway in Frederick Law Olmsted’s park and parkway system in Buffalo, the only one of its kind in the world.

The state and city must right a historic wrong, and invest in and protect our neighbors in the East Side. If we really want to help our neighborhoods still reeling from the tragedy of 5/14/22, among many actions we can take would be to fill in the expressway end-to-end, and pass sweeping legislation that will protect homeowners and renters from gentrification for years to come.

The Worst Decision An obvious effect of the Kensington Expressway (from I-90 to Elm/Oak corridors) construction is that over 70% of the businesses on Buffalo’s major arterials closed within ten years of its completion. Auto traffic was diverted away from Kensington, Genesee, William, Clinton, Main, Walden/Best, Sycamore, and Broadway. Commuters and local residents opted for the high-speed, six lane sunken roadway rather than those arterials, and businesses lost their customers. Also obvious are the high levels of asthma and other health complications documented in the neighborhoods surrounding the expressway due to concentrating the pollution once spread across those eight arterials into one corridor.

For years, members of Restore Our Community Coalition (ROCC) petitioned state lawmakers to reconnect their once bustling community, cut in half when the expressway was installed. In 2013, ROCC founding member Stephanie Barber Geter said, when referring to local and state leadership at the time of the original construction, “They said ‘Hey. This is progress!’

“How is it progress? How do you just cut right through a neighborhood, and one side gets destroyed because of it, and the other side barely holds on? It’ll make you cry.

“Every public record shows us there were public votes, there was public hearings where people said, ‘Don’t do this. This is really going to destroy neighborhoods.’

“And they did it anyway,” she lamented when interviewed for John Paget’s documentary, Buffalo: America’s Best-Designed City.

By the time plans were in motion, and construction began, the neighborhoods surrounding Humboldt were majority Blackowned. The expressway didn’t just destroy a beautiful parkway, the most beautiful in Buffalo’s entire system, it also demolished hundreds of homes in the Fruit Belt neighborhood, displacing thousands of people.

There was a planned extension to go through Allentown and the lower west side all the way to I-190, but the majority White residents there also said no. To that audience, the state listened and canceled construction plans.

Repeating History Now that the walls (which were coated in asbestos upon construction as a waterproofing mechanism) of the expressway are visibly crumbling, the NYSDOT is in a hurry to tear them down and rebuild them. The state worked with ROCC to develop a plan to reconnect the community by placing a cap over a stretch of the expressway, roughly ¾ of a mile between E Ferry Street and Best Street. The plan will cost over $1Billion right now, with no guarantees those prices will not balloon throughout the planned four to five years of construction.

There will be about 36” of soil where trees will be planted (the DOT has no plan for who will maintain it and make sure the trees grow. The city’s resources are already stretched, and this is not a restored parkway, so it wouldn’t be Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy's responsibility either. Beneath that soil would be a membrane. What if it only lasts 20 years? Or 50? Will the entire structure, and all of its trees, need to be torn out and rebuilt at the cost of another few hundred million taxpayer dollars? We don’t

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

The Parkway – Our Legal Fight

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By Terrence A. Robinson

y wife and I are homeowners on Humboldt Parkway. We raised our daughter in this home. I have lived within a block of Humboldt Parkway for nearly 70 years and walked to school, church, aunts, and grandparent’s homes and played touch football on the Olmsted designed Parkway before it was replaced by the Kensington Expressway in the 1960s. We have filed a lawsuit in opposition to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plan to replace the Route 33 with a tunnel capped with a green roof from Dodge to Sidney Street.

On December 13, 2023, we filed an Article 78 against NYSDOT, a Petition for a Writ of Mandamus, in New York State Supreme Court, Erie County. We asked that the court compel NYSDOT to comply with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the New York State Constitution. We believe that NYSDOT has deliberately failed to follow the law and that they have engineered the process, their reports, and project information in such a way as to mislead the public to justify their preferred alternative. NYSDOT’s focus is on traffic volume, exclusively.

Our concerns are for our health, our homes, our environmental and our economic well-being. As longstanding members of this community, our concern extends to our neighbors, relatives, friends and associates also directly affected by this Project. This Project proposes to demolish retaining walls from Sidney to Dodge Street, to remove 5 bridges from E. Ferry to Best Street and to build a new tunnel structure and control rooms capped with 3 feet of soil for greenspace. The construction of this Project will take 5 years. Construction operations will include blasting, rock removal, pile-driving, sawing, noise, vibration, emissions, traffic disruption, remediation of toxic material, disposal, energy use, and infrastructure damage in a narrow geographical area less than one mile long.

Local and regional agencies have not been participants in the design, traffic planning, or environmental process. Local and regional agencies have not been participants in the evaluation of historic resources within the Project area. The New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) has not been a participant in the environmental investigation process. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has not been involved in the environmental impact analysis. There is no record of the historic context or people throughout the entire 20th century that have lived or died in the “transit corridor” of the Project. We are aware of the human toll of illness, disease, death, automobile related injury and damage directly related to this expressway.

We ask that all the relevant facts be put on the table and evaluated honestly. We demand that our New York State Constitutional Rights be respected. We expect the equal protection of our state and federal laws. The Supreme Court Justice initially assigned to our matter was elevated to the Appellate Division, 4th Department. A new Justice has been assigned. The N.Y. State Attorney General requested an adjournment of the January 10 Hearing. The matter is scheduled for a February 21 Hearing.

know. We do know that the bridges over the current expressway have already exceeded their life expectancy and must be replaced within this project, so there’s little doubt that whatever is planted on the cap will inevitably need to be destroyed at some point so the membrane can be rebuilt, adding to the fears of ever growing maintenance costs associated with this project and who will bear these costs.

The complete article can be found at risecollaborative.com

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

South Africa's Case Charging Genocide In Gaza at the International Court of Justice Also Exposes the US and the West

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outh Africa's charge of genocide against Israel proves that this very serious word should be used more often instead of being treated as a rarity.

The U.S. and the nations of the west have committed countless genocides and their actions must be labeled as such.

On January 11, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearing the Republic of South Africa’s charge of genocide made against the state of Israel. Israel ratified the Genocide Convention and as such it is duty bound to uphold its precepts. The definition of genocide is not hard to find nor is it difficult to understand.

In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: Killing members of the group; •Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; •Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; •Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; •Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group Cutting off water and electricity, bombing hospitals, and withholding food and medical aid all clearly fall within this definition. Not only has Israel publicly committed these acts, but its officials openly and publicly brag about having done so, and make South Africa’s case easy to prove.

But if there is another point which is made obvious by this definition and that is that the United States has and is committing genocide domestically and internationally. Of course Black people played the biggest role in making this case beginning in 1951 when the Civil Rights Congress published the pamphlet, “We Charge Genocide ,” and documented the case against the U.S. government. The charges are still valid as Black people have been the group primarily victimized by mass incarceration and all the other impacts of racial capitalism, from denial of housing rights to decent medical care.

If Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, the United States did the same and assisted others in Libya and Syria and Somalia and Yemen and Haiti. This long list of criminality is one of the reasons that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials call South Africa’s charge against Israel “meritless.” If they acknowledge Israel’s genocide it would not only expose U.S. culpability but they would have to acknowledge their own misdeeds as well.

The term genocide must not be thought of as having some sort of high bar that can only be used in rare circumstances. On the contrary, it should be used much more often so that U.S. guilt can be exposed. The U.S. practice of imposing economic coercive measures, commonly known as sanctions, prevent the people of Cuba, Iran, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and 30 other countries, from securing their basic needs of food and medical care. Economic coercive measures are a war crime by definition as they impose collective punishment on civilians.

The Republic of South Africa has done the world a great service, not only because it is revealing the seriousness of Israel’s crimes, but because it also reveals how these crimes have been normalized around the world. Of course U.S. allies like Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom join in denying South Africa’s claim. First they do as they’re told because they are reliable and good little vassal states, but they have joined in U.S. crimes and they also have their own histories of genocide.

The first genocide of the 20th century took place in Namibia, then a German colony, from 1904 to 1908, when thousands of the Herero people were murdered as they attempted to free themselves from imperial rule. The sun never set on the British empire because of its brutality committed as recently as the 1950s in Kenya’s revolutionary struggle when mass killings and concentration camps were used to put down the rebellion. The systematic destruction of records which documented these atrocities is proof of Britain’s guilt in committing genocide.

The attention brought to the ICJ case in the Hague is an opportunity to lift the veil of secrecy and complicity and make the world aware that normalized practices are in fact genocidal. Every war and intervention ranging from regime change in Haiti to the full scale invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan were committed with the intent to destroy national groups. The response should not be to stop using the word genocide, but instead to make its usage more common. Doing otherwise allows the guilty to act with impunity.

South Africa has created a crisis for the world and should be applauded for doing so. Now milContinued Page 15

More Cars With Customers Needed VOICES In Eastside Commercial Districts Congratulations Challenger!

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he beautiful city of Buffalo has been my hometown since I arrived in 1970, in the middle of a snow storm that piled up snow almost to the top of people's garages.

My first trip around the city was to find a store to purchase my very first pair of boots. I was born and lived in Tennessee until I turned 18 and during all those years, it did not snow long or heavy enough for persons to waste their money buying boots they may need only once every two or three years.

So my future husband and I headed out around the city in search of what turned out to be a very important accessory to have if one wished not to have cold or frozen feet.

We started out around the Genesee, Bissell, Moselle area. Although, there were several shoe stores on and around those streets, we wound up traveling down Walden Ave. to the Thruway Plaza. I found the perfect pair of boots in that Cheektowaga Plaza but I also bought a beautiful hooded coat from Sattler Dept. Store on Broadway, a living room couch and chair set from a store at Goodyear and Genesee St. This writer bought fish from a fish market on Genesee and bread and cakes from a bakery on East Ferry St. What I am trying to tell you, is that even though Buffalo was going through a major economic decline due to White Flight to the suburban areas and major companies, like General Electric and Westinghouse, moving to more tax friendly states and taking the jobs with them, the eastside of Buffalo was still thriving.

The financial and economic stability of the area was still robust because the men and women who had jobs traveled up or down those eastside streets, on their way to Ford, Fisher Price, General Motor, and to jobs at Republic and Bethlehem Steel.

It was nothing for these hardworking men and women to stop and purchase that gallon of milk or loaf of bread they remembered they needed as they drove by the neighborhood businesses on their way home from church or work. In addition, these eastside businesses got a big boost when New York State implemented the legalized Lottery Games and put gambling machines in every little deli or liquor store that wanted one.

Sadly, the eastside commercial districts suffered greatly when the Steel Plants closed and the workers were forced to settle for lower paying jobs and were not able to help sustain the economic health of all those eastside businesses, some of whom had served the community for generations.

With the new investment of the newly established immigrants like, first, the Arab community and now the Bengali or Bangladeshi business owners, the Eastside is finally showing some economic growth for the first time in decades. These newto- Buffalo entrepreneurs are opening supermarkets on Fillmore and Bailey Avenue, an entertainment complex on E. Amherst St. and meat markets and furniture stores all across the eastside community.

Revitalizing the commercial strips is one of the reasons why the idea of a tunnel under the 33 Expressway is a devastating idea for the Eastside. We need cars to once again patronize the stores that these new Americans have invested millions of dollars into, on the eastside of the city.

The loudest argument the pro tunnel people use to justify burying almost a billion dollars under Humboldt Parkway is that "the radial commercial streets cannot handle the traffic of 75,000 cars." They are forgetting that, in 1950, Buffalo had three times the population it has right now. It also had twice as many cars on the streets than it has today, and with no Expressway. They also don't mention the fact that traffic could be diverted to the 190 and 198 highways if the community-divisive 33 Expressway is removed.

The very best use of that almost billion dollars would be

Continued Page 15

Dear Editor: Congratulations on the 60 year anniversary of the Challenger ! And thanks for the article on the paper's history.

I've been reading it ever since the '70s but hadn't been aware of much of the behind the scenes changes you mentioned.Thanks for all your hard work and steadfast energy !

-Bill Nowak

POETRY

INTERLOPERS II

By Alberto O. Cappas They are exceptionally good at creating games.

They make you think you are on the team without giving you a uniform.

They let you hit the ball out of the park without a bat.

They let you hit a home run without the ball leaving the field.

They let you do whatever you want without letting you do anything.

They let you open the door to your departure without letting you leave.

They let you be whatever you want to be without a clue to who you are.

They let you be who you are not From "Back to The Twilight Zone, A Puerto Rican Colony in Buffalo, NY" by Alberto O. Cappas poet, writer, journalist, public servant, entrepreneur, and community activist is publisher of The Latino Village. Back to The Twilight Zone is available at Amazon and in local bookstores or directly from the writer (signed copy,) $20 payable to the Buffalo Latino Village, PO Box 742, Buffalo, NY 14209.

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Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

Pictured are highlights from Bills Chiefs Game Challenger photos by Jerome Davis

On Second Thought . . .

Patrick Mahomes Chiefs Remain Unbeaten in Playoffs Against Bills With a Thrilling 27-24 Win Wide Right II: The Unwelcome Sequel he Bills defensive unit started the game without their leading tackler Terrel Bernard he Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 27 – 24, in a game that cemented these T who was out with a high ankle sprain. The Bills came out very aggressive with a fourth Tteams’ legacy as one of the great, albeit one-sided rivalries, in the annals of NFL playoff and one early game gamble. Bills offense line blocking went very well. But the defense got history. But that’s on the positive side. caught up in Chiefs Andy Reid world of confusion as Travis Kelce was left wide open for a touchdown reception. Bills Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott got caught blitzing on the drive and his players were out of position on TD. The game then turned into a chess match and Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott had to get better at in game adjustments against his nemesis Andy Reid. Bills Offensive line especially O’ Cyrus Torrence and Spencer Brown handled their business on the right side of the line. Patrick Mahomes continued to go back to old faithful Travis Kelce for two touchdown receptions . The Chiefs offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage with Guard Trey Smith pancaking Bills nose guard Linvale Joseph on an Isaiah Pacheco TD run. That’s something you don’t see too often. Bills Taron Johnson hugged Micah Hyde as time ran out and probably the last time we will see Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer in a Buffalo Bills uniform. The only problem Josh Allen has is he is not Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes has a heart like a lion and refuses to allow him or his teammates lose a playoff game. He’s simply amazing with an uncanny ability to rise up and lead his team to victory.

Mahomes went 11 of 12 for 107 yards in the middle of the field which means he focused on beating Buffalo Bills backup linebackers.

Mahomes said, “It’s you verse them meaning everybody in the stadium. I always go over to the defensive unit and say ‘ya’ll shut them down and we will take care of it on the offensive side of the ball.’ Our goal is the Super Bowl and next week were going up against a great Ravens team that we must be well prepared for.”

Patrick Mahomes is the Tom Brady of this era and tough to beat no matter when you play against him. He’s a true competitor that hates to lose and the opponents must play an almost perfect game because Mahomes will not lose the game.

Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott is a good x and o guy but he can’t seem to make in game adjustments to help his team overcome a deficit. The Bills had 368 while Chiefs had 361 total yards which shows you how close of a game this really was and the difference was making adjustments and key plays. For example, the drops by Stefon Diggs was critical in that last series of the game. A big-time player like Diggs has to make that catch to ensure an opportunity to take the lead late in the game. The sad reality is that Patrick Mahomes most likely would have taken his team the length of the field to victory with a 1:47 seconds left in the game.

The Bills have serious Cap issues going into next season with Josh Allen’s contract at the top of the list. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer has played their last game in a Buffalo Bills uniform and the safety and cornerback positions must be addressed in the off season. I wish Bills ownership would take a look at Bill Belichick as a possible replacement to Sean McDermott. McDermott has taken the team as far it could go especially every time Josh Allen plays a great game the team still loses due to defensive, special teams, or Head Coaching errors. It’s time Buffalo gets a proven winning Head Coach and stop wasting the best years of Josh Allen’s career. Unfortunately Bills owner Terry Pegula is asleep at the wheel clueless about running an NFL team. He’s the one responsible for wanting an open-air stadium in the middle of nowhere in snow belt area known as Orchard Park.

Prediction: I see Chiefs Upsetting Ravens next weekend in AFC Championship game while San Francisco 49ers will end the dream season of the Detroit Lions. Remember to be a good sport.

Follow me on IG @georgeradman and FB @George.Radney

On the negative side, however, Tyler Bass’ name will be forever etched on the Field Goal Kickers Wall of Shame with the likes of Scott Norwood and Booth Lusteg, whose infamy shall be forgiven, but never forgotten. Moreover, it seems just as likely that Bass will carry this clutch time failure around his neck like a psychological albatross for the remainder of his days in Buffalo, which may well be numbered.

We all know what happened to Bass with a chance to at least tie the game. But there were plenty of other chances for the Bills to win this ballgame. After squandering other scoring opportunities to put down the Chiefs throughout the second half, the Bills simply fizzled down the stretch with a dubious fourth down fake punt call, along with two misplays on perfectly thrown long balls from Josh Allen to Trent Sherfield and Stefon Diggs, respectively. Those two passes should have been completions which would have completely changed the complexion of a back-and-forth game that featured five lead changes. Thus, it was not just Bass who could have been thrown under the bus.

But to the larger point, not only was this game - “Wide Right II” - an unwelcome sequel to “Wide Right I,” it was also a missed opportunity for other players not named Josh Allen to step up and be counted in a game that was theirs for the taking. And we’re not just talking about Sherfield and Diggs, who whiffed on those two catchable long balls, but it was also the defensive line players, who were the last guys standing on the Bills injury riddled defense.

These guys failed to make their presence felt and were unable to generate consistent pressure on Patrick Mahomes in order to protect their injury depleted reserves on the back line of the defense. As a result, Mahomes was able to do his usual masterful job of dissecting Buffalo’s sketchy pass defense.

On a somewhat different note, I hate to say it, but “I told you so . . .” Many of you readers will recall that throughout last season, I warned of the need to “Reverse the Curse” that has stood in the way of Buffalo achieving its ultimate football glory - that of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Unfortunately, my entreaties to conduct a communal exorcism to banish the demons that have haunted the Bills for more than 50 years fell upon deaf ears. Where was y’all at, Bills Mafia? And so, after the heartbreak of “Wide Right,” “the Music City Miracle,” “13 Seconds” and now the agony of “Wide Right II,” we fans are left to endure again, the pain of still another playoff failure at the diabolical hands of “The Buffalo Curse.”

Right now, Buffalo will head into the off season with plenty of uncertainty. First, they must get their runaway salary cap number under control, which will mean parting company with a lot of very talented players. Though it may seem illogical, considering that this was a playoff team, the Bills will enter next season in a semi-rebuilding mode, whereby many of the old standbys on this roster will have been shown the door. And until that rebuild takes hold somewhere down the road, this may have been the Bills last, best chance at Super Bowl glory for the next few years. And that, of course, assumes Josh Allen can stay healthy and remain in his prime, while the team around him regroups.

For this die-hard Buffalo fan base, this game is yet another sad reminder of what could have been.

13

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024 LEGAL NOTICE INDEX NO.: 815246/2019 Date Filed: 01/03/2024 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE MORTGAGED PREMISES: 907 Walden Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211 SBL #: 101.67-1-7 Plaintiff designates ERIE County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate.

STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF ERIE Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

Erie County Public Administrator, as Administrator of the Estate of Shirley Barney a/k/a Shirley A, Barney, deceased; Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Shirley Barney, and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America o/b/o Internal Revenue Service; The Erie County Department of Social Services; Health Management Systems, Inc. on behalf of the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General and the Erie County Department of Social Services; Kelle Barney, as Heir and Distributee of the Estate of Shirley Barney a/k/a Shirley A. Barney, deceased; Belinda Barton a/k/a Belinda S. Barton a/k/a Belinda Spartan, as Heir and Distributee of the Estate of Shirley Barney a/k/a Shirley A. Barney, deceased; John Doe #1 through #6, and Jane Doe #1 through #6, the last twelve names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Amended Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Amended Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this 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 Amended Complaint.

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 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. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $50,255.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Erie on December 3, 1996, in Book 12728, Page 6916, covering premises known as 907 Walden Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14211, SBL #: 101.67-1-7 The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendants and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises.

TO the Defendants Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Shirley Barney, and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated, the foregoing Supplemental Summons with Notice is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Dennis E. Ward of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Erie, dated and filed December 21, 2023.

Dated: January 5, 2024 /s/ Christhie M. Montero Christhie M. Montero, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, New York 10170 Phone: 347.286.7409 Fax: 347-286-7414 Attorneys for Plaintiff, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure.

In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.

To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department's website at www. dfs.ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who ap-

proach you with offers to "save" your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner's distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed.

State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

JANUARY 18, 25 FEBRUARY 1, 8

LEGAL NOTICE Supplemental Probate Citation File No. 2020-3338/A SURROGATE’S COURT- ERIE COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: THE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN AND DISTRIBUTEES OF MARY ROGERS, GEORGE ROGERS, SAMUEL ROGERS, LEON ROGERS, JEROME ROGERS, AND WILLIAM ROGERS, ALL OF WHOME ARE DECEASED, IF THEY BE LIVING AND IF ANY OF THEM BE DEAD TO THEIR HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, LEGATEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNESS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST WHOSE NAMES ARE UNKNOWN AND CANNOT BE ASCERTAINED AFTER DUE DILIGENCE; HONE LETITIA JAMES- Attorney General of the State of New York and JENNIFER G. FALNNERY- Erie County Public Administrator.

A petition having been duly filed by Donna M. Robbins, who is domiciled at 155 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo NY 14214.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogates’ Court, Erie County, at 92 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, New York, on February 28, 2024, at 9:20 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of James R Rogers lately domiciled at 155 Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214 admitting to probate a Will dated August 29, 2019 a copy of which is attached, as the Will of James R Rogers deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that X Letters Testamentary issue to Donna M Robbins Letters of Trusteeship issue to _______________ Letters of Administration c.t.a. issued to ____________ Hon. ACEA M. MOSEY-Surrogate Dated, Attested and Sealed January 11, 2024 Linda M. Wierdrick, Chief Clerk C Kenneth Foit, Esq.Attorney for Petitioner 1540 Ellicott Creek Road, Suite 4, Tonawanda, NY 14150- Address of Attorney Attorney Email Address: ckf319@aol.com 716-930-7901- Telephone Number [ NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.]

January 25, February 1, 8, 15

IT

PAY S

TO

A D V E RT I S E !

LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Erie County GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLC, Plaintiff, -againstDOUGLAS GIERMAN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GIERMAN; KEVIN GIERMAN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GIERMAN; GAIL MANGUS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GIERMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF MARY GIERMAN; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (WESTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of the premises being foreclosed herein,, Defendants. Index No. 810896/2023 Mortgaged Premises: 37 Philadelphia Street, Buffalo, NY 14207 Section: 77.41 Block: 1 Lot: 48. To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Consolidation and/or Modified Mortgage to secure $70,500.00 and interest, recorded in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on May 15, 2009, in Book 13446, Page 5249, Control Number 2009096771, covering the premises known as 37 Philadelphia Street, Buffalo, NY 14207. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Erie County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered, and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

January 11, 18, 25 February 1

EMPLOYMENT

Director of Finance

The Burchfield Penney Art Center seeks a Director of Finance to lead all accounting-related activities, projects, and analyses.

Learn more at burchfieldpenney.org CDL Van Driver: Transport persons with disabilities to and from various points in a wheelchair lift equipped van or regular vehicle.

Rate: 16.32/hour High school diploma and three (3) years of general office work experience required OR Associate degree and one (1) year of general office work experience.

For full job description, please visit www.wnyil.org/Employment Peer Support Specialist: To provide peer support to individuals, with lived mental health experiences positive selfdisclosure, to assist in obtaining their goals related to Independent Living, vocations, and improve Quality of Life.

Salary: $35,000-$40,000 High School Diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of related experience OR Associate degree and two (2) years of related experience OR Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of related experience.

For full job description, please visit www.wnyil.org/Employment Registered Nurse (Part-Time) (2 Positions): Work as part of the peer team in offering services to support those in crisis who may otherwise utilize Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Department services. Must possess and maintain a valid certification as a Registered Nurse. Successful completion of online Relias training as assigned by supervisor. Completion of Academy of Peer Services Peer Specialist Training within first six (6) months of employment.

Salary: $41.30/Hour For full job description, please visit: www.wnyil.org/Employment

HIRING Canvassers: Adult residents of Buffalo able to survey residents about community needs door to door on the East Side of Buffalo. Part-time positions, 20 hours per week; wages: $18/hr. To apply, call Mike Tritto at Back to Basics at 716-854-1086, email mtritto@backtobasicsministries. org , or visit our office at 1370 William Street.

Part-Time Peer Support Specialist (2 Positions): Work within the Renewal Center, serving guests of the living space in overcoming immediate, emotional crisis, of which may alternatively result in emergency visits.

Rate: 21.63/hour High School Diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of related experience OR Associate degree and two (2) years of related experience OR Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of related experience For full job description, please visit www.wnyil.org/Employment Part-Time Administrative Assistant: Perform administrative activities for and on behalf of the Community Engagement Department and conduct general office duties, including computer input, bulk mailings, copying, faxing, reception, and other miscellaneous clerical office functions.

Range: $17.00-$18.00 High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in general office work OR Associate degree and one (1) year of experience in general office work.

For full job description, please visit www.wnyil.org/Employment

are you registered to VOTE?

14

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

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

SUN 1/14

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3-WAY

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AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

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

(585) 285 - 5496

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

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

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

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15

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY •The Revolutionary King Lecture Series: What They Never Taught Us In School About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Sunday February 4th, between 2:30 p.m. &4:30 p.m. Merriweather Library and Zoom. Visit the NMP.org.

•Saturday , February 3, BUFFALO CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC. CRIMSON & CRÈME GALA, 6 p.m., Niagara Falls Convention Center, 101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls. Tickets $100. Proceeds to Benefit Scholarships & Public Service Projects. For More information visit WWW.DSTBUFFALO.ORG

SFC Henry L Zeigler

US ARMY 9/1988 - 5/1992 Active Duty 5/1992 - 7/2004

Reserves 11 Bravo (Infantry) 91 Echo (Combat Dentistry) Duty Station Ft. Eustis Ft Bragg Ft Hood Boot Camp Ft Bliss Retired from VA BETTY GRANT continued

the complete Removal of the intrusive 33 Expressway and the full Restoration of Humboldt Parkway to Reconnect it to MLK and Delaware Parks. This Removal, Restore and Reconnect project is the very best way to repair a grave injustice the community suffered when beautiful and majestic trees were ripped out of the Parkway to appease a group of people that could not wait to abandon this beautiful city.

•Monday, February 26, HOW WE CAN CHANGE THE BLACK EAST SIDE: A SYMPOSIUM,” From 6-8p.m., Free. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, M&T Auditorium, 955 Main Street featuring Henry Louis Taylor Jr., PhD, hosted by the UB Community Health Equity Research Institute, Buffalo Center for Health Equity and the UB Center for Urban Studies.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS •Education Committee Meeting Chaired by Council Member Zeneta Everhart, Chairwoman, Tuesday, January 30 at 5:30 p.m.City Hall Council Chambers.Open to the public.

Commuity Urged to Attend.

•Community Grief Support Group CAO Masten Resource Center, 1423 Black Lives Matter Way (Fillmore Ave.) (716)332-3773: 7 p.m. each night: February 1,15,29 •African Consciousness Workshop: Every Monday 4-6 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.”

(716)400-8644 Bro. Shango or kmtflix@gmail.com Public Meeting Notice: There will be a meeting of the Board of the Westminster Community Charter School on Wednesday, January 31, at 3:30pm at M&T Bank, One M&T Plaza.

DOROTHY COLLIER COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS! 118 East Utica Street (716) 882-0602 For More Information

S. AFRICA/GAZA continued

lions of people know how genocide is defined and know that their nations are guilty of the practice. There is now less fear about naming names and a greater willingness to speak truthfully about what is accepted far too often. The nations of the Collective West as they call themselves, have written history and exculpated themselves despite being perpetrators for centuries. Israeli

officials are genocidaires but they are not alone. All of those who aid and abet must be called to account too.

Margaret Kimberley is the author of Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents . You can support her work on Patreon and also find it on the Twitter , Bluesky , and Telegram platforms. She can be reached via email at margaret.kimberley@ blackagendareport.com.

•CLUB 99 EXERCISE @ FRIENDS INC. Every Tuesday & Thursday 10 - 10:45 a.m.

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

Call In

585-595-1055 Facebook, Twitter: @radman

•ERIE COUNTY STAY FIT MEALS FOR SENIORS Ages 60 & Up. Take Out & Dine In. $3 Suggested Donation Per Meal However, We Won't Turn Anyone Away That's In Need.

EBT Cards Accepted.

•BIBLE STUDY EVERY Thursday Noon - 1 p.m. In Person or Zoom. Facebook @DICCCBUFFALO •FREE LINE DANCE CLASS Tuesdays: Beginners Class @ 11 AM-12 Noon; Advanced Class @ 12 Noon-1p.m.

•FREE BREAD AND DESSERT PANTRY 118 E Utica St. Weds: 11-3p.m.; Thurs. 10-1p.m.; Fri. 10-1p.m.

•FREE PAULA’S DONUTS, COFFEE AND A MOVIE EVERY MONDAY 11a.m. 118 E Utica St. Movie Schedule: January 22nd: The Best of Enemies (Taraji P. Henson) January 29th: Nigerian Prince February 6th: The Race (About Track Star Jesse Owens) February 13th: Trees of Peace (A story of sisterhood)

Same Kick Different Day...

Wide Right 1.27.91 • Wide Right 01.21.24

Another BUFF-A-LOW!

16

Challenger Community News • January 25, 2024

IMAGES OF US

KWANZAA 2023/ STREET LEGACY PHOTOS BY DARVIN ADAMS