Challenger Community News January, 27 2016

CHALLENGER

SERVING BUFFALO, ROCHESTER, NIAGARA FALLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

January 27, 2016 • FREE

Grant Calls For New Jefferson Avenue PG. 3 Renaissance!

“UP SOUTH!” REPORT ON RACIAL DISPARITIES IN BUFFALO IS SHAMEFUL! MARCH 18 SUMMIT PLANNED PG.3 ENTERTAINMENT

LOCAL

INTERNATIONAL

Unrest Continues in Haiti

PG. 4

Rev. Dr. James Lewis

is County’s “Citizen of the Month”

PG. 7

From Lincoln Center to Buffalo

Burnt Sugar Superfreaks the Rick James Playbook! PG. 8

“FAFSA Fest 2016 ”

Help for College-Bound Students and Families

PG. 2

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Mayor Warren and Rochester College Access Rochester Roc Awards February 21st The 4th Annual Roc Awards will be held on February 21st Network Invite College-Bound Students and 2016 at the Kodak Theater on the Ridge. The Roc Awards is School Boardan urban awards show that was created by the CEO Yolanda Highlights Families to “FAFSA Fest” Events Blackburn also known as comedian Yolanda Smilez, to cele-

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Rochester College Access Network, a program of Rochester Education Foundation, is hosting a series of free events to help families access money for college and take the first step towards making college an affordable reality.

FAFSA Fest 2016 will bring local volunteers to locations around the city to help students who plan to attend college in the 2016-2017 school year complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), answer financial aid questions and provide one-on-one help understanding college costs. Volunteers include financial aid counselors from local colleges, accountants and attorneys.

“In our efforts to create safer more vibrant neighborhoods, more jobs and better educational outcomes for our children, the City of Rochester is pleased to once again offer opportunities to help make college an affordable reality,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “FAFSA Fest events help ensure that students are aware of the many financial aid and scholarship opportunities that are available to them. We are grateful to work together with Rochester College Access Network and numerous community partners to help remove barriers to higher education.”

Applications for most colleges and universities are due March 1. FAFSA Fest events are scheduled as follows: • Sun., Jan. 31 (College Goal NY), from noon to 3 p.m., East High School, 1801 E. Main St.; • Sat., Feb. 13 from noon to 3 p.m., Sully Branch Library, 530 Webster Ave.; • Sat., Feb. 20 (SUNY Financial Aid Day), from 9 to noon, Monroe Community College, 1000 East Henrietta Rd. (main campus in Brighton, Buildings 9 and 11) • Tues., Feb. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., Maplewood Branch Li-

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Registration Schoo lC Inform hoice ation Regis tra Assist tion ance Food & Raf fles Read i Fun A ng & ctiviti es

Fair

Saturday, February 6, 2016 10 am–2 pm Central Office • 131 W. Broad St. For more information, call 262-8241

Apply early for the best chance of enrolling at the school you want!

Kindergarten Lottery Deadline: February 29 Pre-K Lottery Deadline: April 11

brate Rochester’s talent and bring recognition to those who have worked hard at their craft in categories such as Best Female/ Male Gospel, Best Female/Male R&B, Best Black Owned Business just to name a few, as well as our Humanitarian Awards and Honorees. Last year’s honorees included world renowned choreographer, art director, and philanthropist Garth Fagan.

Every year it gets better, and this year will be the best show to date! With the support of Rochester’s own 103.9 WDKX there will be all kinds of great guest appearances and as always, fantastic live performances. Tickets are on sale right now. Regular General admission is $25 and VIP tickets are $50.Tickets. can be purchased at Belle Cheveux at 442 Genesee street Rochester NY 14611. So Remember to save the date February 21st 2016 and come out with your best formal wear because it is a red carpet event! See you there! brary, 1111 Dewey Ave.; • Wed., March 9 from 5 to 8 p.m., Phillis Wheatley Branch Library, 33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way; • Thurs. March 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at MCC Damon City Campus, 228. E. Main St. Students who plan to attend any of the FAFSA Fest events are asked to bring 2015 Federal and NYS Tax returns, or 2014 tax returns and a list of 2015 income and recent pay stubs. Parents or guardians should attend as well to ensure that the application process can be completed.

*Friday, January 29, at 3:00PM: Special Meeting to convene in Executive Session for vendor selection – Superintendent’s Conference Room *Thursday, February 4, at 4:30PM: Joint Work Session with City Council to discuss data-sharing initiative – City Hall The calendar is posted on the home page of the District website at: www. rcsdk12.org/calendar.

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Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

AREA BRIEFS Graduation Rate for Buffalo School Students Over 60 Percent

Betty Jean

GRANT

Marking the first time in the past decade that the city’s graduation rate passed the 60 percent mark, the graduation rate for students in the Buffalo Public Schools increased to 61 percent for the class of 2015 according to data released by the NYS Education Department. Schools Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash gave credit to efforts of the administration before him, and added that he believes “we can do even more.”

Gun Trafficking Forum Held at True Bethel A small group of people attended a gun trafficking forum organized by Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand at True Bethel Baptist Church Jan. 15. Sen. Gillibrand, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Common Council President Darius G. Pridgen and Acting District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty Jr. were among the dozen or so panelists at the roundtable event. It was organized by Sen. Gillibrand’s staff to talk about illegal guns and legislation she is sponsoring. Of Buffalo’s 40 homicides last year, 34 victims were killed by guns – most of them illegal.

From Homicide to Healing...

The Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Action Network, the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center Pastoral Care, Buffalo Peacemakers, Community & Business Leaders will host a Healing & Prayer Service on Saturday, January 30 at DeLaine Waring Church, 680 Swan Street from noon to 2 p.m. For more information call (716) 299-8299, or bflonan@gmail.com.

“Our story did not begin in chains...it will not end in chains...

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Jefferson Avenue and Best St.

Grant Calls For Jefferson Avenue Renaissance!

Seeks greater expansion and more funding while state monies are still available. Businessmen, residents, leaders urged to attend Feb. 3 planning meeting at the Merriweather Library.

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bout three years ago, the City Of Buffalo was awarded a Billion Dollars for redevelopment. The targeted areas were the Buffalo Waterfront, the Cobblestone District, Buffalo/Niagara Medical Corridor, UB Medical School and the relocation of Children’s Hospital to High Street. What was blatantly left out of the plan was the redevelopment of the entire eastside of Buffalo (not counting the Medical Corridor that is located in the Fruit Belt area of the Ellicott District). Those of us who brought this oversight of exclusion to the attention of the political leaders, were assured that in the second funding go-round, the Eastside, especially the Jefferson Avenue commercial strip, would be addressed by a smaller pot of funding named the Better Buffalo Fund.

Let’s fast forward to today. The Better Buffalo Fund’s designated streets and areas for redevelopment and rehabilitation have been identified and few streets on the eastside of Buffalo are included. Only a small portion of Jefferson Ave; from Glenwood to Florida Street, is included in the Plan that was distributed to residents and merchants at a meeting hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce at the Apollo Theater about two months ago. This community needs and deserves much more!

If Jefferson Avenue and other commercial strips and streets are not addressed with this round of funding, there is no telling when additional money will be released by the state for this purpose.

In 2000, Council Member-At-Large Beverly A. Gray, Council President James W. Pitts, 50 women With A Vision and the Jefferson Avenue Businessmen’s Association called for a movement made up of merchants, taxpayers, residents and community leaders that became known as the Jefferson Renaissance. It was named after that prolific time in Harlem, the 1920’s, when artists, poets and business people worked together to uplift that section of New York City that was home to the majority of the Continued Page 10

n commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, thousands of Americans joined hands, singing “We Shall Overcome” with the great hope of equality one day becoming a reality. Unfortunately, in Buffalo, New York, equality in employment still appears to be just a dream.

A coalition of labor, community, and religious organizations commissioned the Partnership for the Public Good to produce a comprehensive study on racial employment inequality in the Buffalo-Niagara region. Across the nation, unemployment rates among African Americans and Hispanics are double those of Whites. Locally, the disparities are even worse, with an African American unemployment rate from 2010 to 2014 of 17.3% and a Hispanic rate of 13.6%, compared to a White rate of 6.4%.

Last week the coalition released the study, “Working Toward Equality: Employment and Race in Buffalo.” Presenting the findings at the Merriweather Library here, the coalition called on the community to join it at a March 18 summit meeting to begin implementing the solutions outlined in the report.

Here are their findings: Scope •In Buffalo-Niagara, 37% of Blacks and Hispanics live below the poverty line, compared to 9% for whites. Median incomes are $25,000 for blacks and $27,000 for Hispanics, compared to $55,000 for Whites.

•The 2010-2014 African American unemployment rate was 17.3% and the Hispanic rate 13.6%, compared to a White rate of 6.4%.

•In 2011-2013, the Erie County unemployment rate for Black workers ages 20 to 24 was 20.5%, compared to 8.2% for their White counterparts.

•People of color are concentrated in low-wage jobs such as healthcare support, personal care and service, and building and grounds maintenance, and they are dramatically underrepresented in occupations such as management, law, business, and finance.

•In Erie County, Black workers earn 71 cents, and Hispanic workers earn 73 cents, for every dollar earned by White workers.

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Forum On Blacks In Media Filmmaker Stanley Nelson will participate by Skype in “Buffalo’s Black Media: A Panel Discussion and Community Dialogue.” The forum, hosted by the Buffalo Association of Black journalists, is free and open to the public. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. The panelists will be: Al-Nisa Banks, editor and publisher of the Challenger Community News; Sheila L. Brown, owner of WUFO 1080-AM radio; Eva M. Doyle, Buffalo Criterion columnist; Claudine Ewing, WGRZ-TV reporter/anchor; Jennifer J. Parker, owner of the Black Capital Network; and Harold McNeil, Buffalo News reporter. Al Vaughters of WIVB-TV will moderate.

Ancient Egyptians Mastered Sewage and Drainage Systems When most people think of ancient cities of any kind, they automatically eliminate the luxuries we are used to today. While ancient Egypt certainly didn’t have complex sewage systems that people are accustomed to now, this ancient civilization had already developed an efficient sewage and drainage system that served as evidence of the value they placed on cleanliness. An American urban planner noted the “great importance” that ancient Egyptians placed on cleanliness, especially in a city known as Amarna. “Toilets and sewers were in use to dispose waste,” the planner noted. “Soap was made for washing the body.

Perfumer and essences were popular against body odor. A solution of natron was used to keep insects from houses….

Amarna may have been the first planned ‘garden city.’”

According to historians, ancient Egyptians were “pretty adept with drainage construction” by 2500 B.C.

East Africans Developed Steel Making more than 1,500 Years Ago Evidence discovered in 1978 showed that East Africans were making steel for more than 1,500 years: “Assistant Professor of Anthropology Peter Schmidt and Professor of Engineering Donald H. Avery have found as long as 2,000 years ago Africans living on the western shores of Lake Victoria had produced carbon steel in preheated forced draft furnaces, a method that was technologically more sophisticated than any developed in Europe until the mid-nineteenth century.”

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LOCAL + NATIONAL + WORLD

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Min. Farrakhan Calls Severe Weather Divine “Whipping” The Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan said in an exclusive in a Final Call interview recently that the serious weather events - from unusual rain and flooding, to fires on the west coast and the most recent massive snow storm that blanketed much of the East coast – are a “divine whipping” of America, and “God’s weapon” mainly for her enslavement of Blacks and the destruction of the Native peoples. He predicted that the weather will get worse in 2016 as will our mistreatment. None of the presidential candidates, he noted, are making our plight an issue in their campaigns.

Saviour’s Day will be held in Detroit this year where Minister Farrakhan’s address will deal with “Divine Instructions and Commands” for 2016 and using the wisdom of God to make Black communities safe , clean and decent. He urged those ready to do the “real work” of cleaning up our communities to join him in Detroit “for this may very well be my last Saviour’s Day among you,” he said.

2015 World’s Hottest Year According to a report in the New York Times, scientists have reported that 2015 was the hottest year in the historical record by far, breaking a mark set only the year before – a burst of heat that has continued into the new year and is roiling weather patterns all over the world. “The whole system is warming up, relentlessly,” said a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Bolder, Colo.

Yoruba King in Nigeria Dies at the age of 101

An influential monarch in southwest Nigeria, the Olubadan, or ruler of Ibadan land, has died at the age of 101.Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, who ruled over Nigeria’s third-largest city Ibadan, died in his sleep on January 19, Nigeria’s Punch newspaper quotes palace sources as saying.Although largely symbolic, the Olubadan still has strong regional influence. Nigeria’s many monarchs vary in hierarchy and importance.

Protesters throw rocks during a protest rallying for the resignation Michael Martelly in Port-au-Prince.

Unrest Spreads in Haiti

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former Haitian coup leader called on his supporters on Sunday to resist “anarchists” who forced a presidential election to be canceled, in a sign of deep polarization that could lead to more unrest.

The former rebel, Guy Philippe, called for counter protests and said he would not recognize any transitional government put in place when outgoing President Michel Martelly leaves office on Feb. 7 unless it was representative of the provinces.

“We are ready for war,” Philippe said. “We will divide the country.”

Haiti was due to choose Martelly’s replacement on Sunday, but the two-man race was postponed indefinitely after opposition candidate Jude Celestin refused to participate over alleged fraud that sparked anti-government protests and violence. In a statement on Sunday, the U.S. State Department called for accountability for any violence related to the delayed election, saying electoral intimidation and destruction of property were “unacceptable.”

Given the short timeline, some form of interim government is likely to be formed to oversee the election process.

Martelly says the fraud claims are unfounded, but critics believe he unfairly favored his chosen successor, banana exporter Jovenel Moise, who came first in the first round of voting in October.On Sunday, Moise supporters in favor of holding the election protested for the first time.

Meanwhile, anti-government protesters gathered in a downtown area of Port-au-Prince still largely ruined from an earthquake six years ago. They sang and danced around a bonfire in the street to the thump of a sound system before setting out for the fifth mass march this week.

“Martelly believes the country is for himself and his family, we want him to go,” said Dorval, an unemployed man aged 40.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, has been unable to build a stable democracy since the overthrow of the 1957-1986 dictatorship of the Duvalier family and ensuing military coups and election fraud.

A former police officer accused by Human Rights Watch of overseeing extra-judicial killings, Philippe in 2004 led bands of former soldiers to the capital, Port-au-Prince, and overthrew the chaotic government of then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has a long-standing arrest warrant against Philippe for alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering. The DEA has tried to capture him twice.

Philippe denies the accusations and said the United States has no legal authorization to make arrests on Haitian soil. In November, the DEA participated in the arrest on cocaine charges of two men in Haiti related to Venezuelan first lady Celia Flores.

Ethnic Tensions Rise in Nigeria

When Muhammadu Buhari took over as Nigeria’s president less than a year ago, he vowed to wipe out the corruption he said threatened the very existence of Africa’s largest economy.

But as he investigates former ministers and high-ranking officials, members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party accuse him of carrying out a vendetta against them. Regional and ethnic tensions have heightened in Nigeria, a country of 170 million split between a mostly Muslim north and a predominantly Christian south. Buhari is a 73-year-old northerner and former Ethnic general. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, is a Christian who hails from the oil-producing Niger River delta region.

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Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Recovery Advocate Retires After 23-Year Career In Buffalo

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lfred Halley, who inspired and assisted thousands of Buffalo-area men and women in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, was honored by Cazenovia Recovery Systems, Inc. on his retirement in December after 23 years with the agency. Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes issued a proclamation commemorating his retirement.

Halley began working with the not-for-profit residential treatment organization as an intern and retired as Chief Operations Officer. “Our entire agency feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation for Al Halley’s work,” Suzanne L. Bissonette, Cazenovia Recovery Executive Director said. “Al’s career has been filled with success and compassion.”

Halley stated: “It is important to remove the stigma attached to this insidious disease. I want to make sure that people understand that individuals do get better. I hope that people looking to recover see that they have opportunities to do so.“ Alfred Halley He recently marked 25 years in his personal journey of recovery, which made him better able to motivate and help others. “I’ve learned from their experiences and that strengthens my foundation every day,” he said. ”I am very blessed and fortunate beyond measure.”

He hopes to complete his thesis for a master’s degree and to teach classes in social work that focus on substance use. Al and his wife, Crystal, plan to spend more time visiting grandchildren who live in Illinois and Wisconsin.

A member of Elim Christian Fellowship, he served as a volunteer for more than 10 years at the Little Portion Friary homeless shelter.

“I’m excited to call Amherst Ridge home.”

Opening Februar y 2016

Welcome to Amherst Ridge, affordable housing for seniors (ages 62+) that allows independent living in an engaging community. Our onebedroom apartments can be found in a beautifully landscaped three-story building on the Weinberg Campus. Rent is adjusted according to income and includes heat, hot water & cable.

Income & age restrictions apply. Please call 716-639-3311 x 3326 for more information and an application.

Find your way to Weinberg.

467 John James Audubon Parkway | Amherst, NY 14228 | 716.639.3311 x3326 | WeinbergCampus.org

What’s The Big Deal About Boost Your Chi Naturally Going Vegan?

What is Chi? Chi is your life

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ecent studies show that more and more people in the U.S. are choosing to reduce or give up meat in their diet because of the growing body of evidence linking meat consumption to obesity, digestive problems, heart disease, some types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and early death.

There are 3 common reasons why people eat a vegan diet: 1. To protest the exploitation/cruelty of animals by the agricultural industry: There are reports of animal cruelty in many livestock operations. Ten billion animals are slaughtered every year for human consumption in the U.S. 2. To reduce the environmental costs of agriculture: According to the EPA, chemical and animal waste runoff pollutes more than 173,000 miles of rivers and streams annually and is the nation’s leading cause of impaired water quality. Nearly 20% of worldwide pollution is attributed to the meat industry. Resource use is a concern to vegans.

3. To improve their overall health and live a healthier life: The vegan diet is designed to eliminate many of the health risks associated with meat consumption, (such as higher risk of disease) and increase consumption of healthy raw foods like vegetables, nuts, grains and fruits. Vegans (and vegetarians) are known to have lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, lower body/mass indexes (less fat), and lower rates for type 2diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

What’s The Problems with Meat, Dairy, and Fish?

When red meat is consumed in excess quantities, it can cause a person to have higher than normal levels of cholesterol and saturated fats. Diets rich in animal fats are associated with higher risks for obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, and several types of cancer. Red meat also contains carnitine, which causes hardening of the arteries, and studies show that increased carnitine is associated with increased

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force, and it determines your energy level.Chi travels and circulates through the channels of our bodies, similar to the way water flows in a riverbed.

When your Chi is weak, it stagnates in these channels instead of powerfully flowing. As you age, you may feel as though you no longer have the energy that you once had.

Below are some ways that you can pep up your energy and unblock your Chi. -Instant Chi-Boosting Activities-

Try the following steps to ensure agood solid energy foundation: 1. Breathe deeply all day.

Most people who are under a lot of stress or tension breathe shallowly, up in the throat area. When you breathe deeply into your lungs, you are naturally bringing in more oxygen and activating Chi in your body.

2. Learn to say no to Chirobbers. These are activities or places that drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted. Some examples of Chi-robbing activities include watching excessive TV, experiencing too many negative emotions, talking too much, and spending too much time in crowded places.

3. Wear brightly colored clothing and listen to uplifting music to stimulate the flow of your Chi. 4. Surround yourself with the inspiring colors of beautiful flowers. A bouquet of flowers has a powerful influence on a person’s mindset.

5 Have fun and be spontaneous! If you don’t enjoy your day, then your energy will naturally become suppressed.

Do something that you enjoy everyday.

-Foods that Increase Your Chi-

To have good Chi, your nutritional intake must consist of a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts,and seeds, beans, fish, fowl, meat and fruits.

Foods and herbs that possess special Chi-fortifying properties include: brown rice, carrots, chicken, china root, eggs, fish, fox nut, ginseng, green beans, leeks, longan fruit,nutmeg, lamb, lotus seed, oats,onion, pearl barley, Continued Page 10

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FAITH & FAMILY

Honoring Members of Our Own Outstanding Music Ministries!

Local Churches will be honoring some of their own from their Music Ministry. The Event will take place on Saturday February 5 at Midtown Bible Chapel, 1722 Main St. Buffalo. Local Churches throughout Western New York were asked to submit a person from their church for this special occasion. There is still time to honor your special person! You can contact Ms. Yvonne Patterson at 883-6061 for information.

The guest preacher for this program will be Rev. George C. Woodruff of the Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church. A wonderful speaker, he has also been known to sing. Reverend Woodruff is one of Buffalo’s well-known pastors who support The Gospel Music Workshop of America.

Pastor Brent C. McCalister, is the host pastor for the event. The program will start at 7 p.m. We look forward to honoring some of the people from the Music Ministry from our local churches.

Come out to show your support for our own!

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Bible Verses That Will Get You Through a Bad Day

Here are some of the Bible verses that you may consider meditating upon to get through a bad day.

•I Peter 5:6, 7 “ Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time.’’ When you feel things happening to you are unfair or you are being treated as slave at your workplace, this verse tells you that God is watching, and He cares about you. If you will continue enduring in faith, in due time, He will deliver your breakthrough.

•Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’’ This is one of the most powerful verses in the Bible. Whenever you face a tough challenge, which you normalContinued Page 7

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Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Dr. Rev. James A. Lewis III, pictured with his wife, First Lady Pastor Zandra Lewis (left) and Legislator Barbara Miller Williams (right) after being presented with Citizen of the Month Award.

Dr. Rev. Lewis Presented with Citizen of the Month Award

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t the regular session of the Erie County Legislature held in “Old County Hall” on Thursday, January 21, Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams (D-Buffalo) presented Dr. Rev. James A. Lewis, III with the Erie County Legislature’s Citizen of the Month Award for January 2016.

The Erie County Legislature’s Citizen of the Month Award recognizes outstanding members of the community.

Dr. Rev. James A. Lewis, III has been involved in various aspects of community building not only in Erie County but across Western New York and is the latest recipient of this distinguished award.

“I am honored to recognize the integrity, perseverance and timely leadership displayed by Dr. Rev. James A. Lewis III. He has demonstrated the true nature of a public servant and has made the uplifting of individuals and the District 1 community his life’s work” stated Legislator Miller-Williams.

Dr. Rev James A. Lewis, III involvement in the community is extensive and includes

service on the Boards of Directors of the Buffalo Urban League, New Life Residential, Legal Aid Society, Buffalo Philharmonic, United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, and the Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, founding member of G.R.O.U.P. Ministries and the founder

and Executive Director of Vaughn House Shelter for Men. He is currently the Senior Pastor of Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church, Director of Pastoral Care for Erie County Medical Center, Chief Master Chaplain for the Buffalo Police Department and District Overseer for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International Northeast Central Region Western New York District. He is married to his best friend Pastor Zandra Lewis and is a loving father and grandfather.

BIBLE VERSES continued ly don’t have what it takes to conquer, contemplate on this verse. The inspiration behind it verse will work your faith and assure you that you are not alone but with the ultimate conqueror.You and Jesus are a majority.

•Mathew 11:28-30 “ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

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THROW OUT YOUR TAKEOUT. Reuse your takeout containers or put them in the blue garbage tote.

CAN IT BE RECYCLED? Call 311 or visit BuffaloRecycles.org to learn more.

MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN

CoB_Challenger.indd 14

THE DONALD L. DAVIS LECTURESHIP FUND & UNIVERSITY LIFE AND SERVICES PRESENTS

7/20/15 2:52 PM

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Entertainment/Lifestyles

From Lincoln Center to Buffalo:Burnt Sugar Superfreaks Rick James ‘Playabook’ It all happens on Friday, January 29 at 9:00 p.m. $10 admission. The Place Nietzsche’s - 248 Allen St. withDJ Milk spinning old school funk & soul and featuring artist/attorney Leroi C. Johnson, Rick’s brother who managed and toured with Rick throughout the 1980s.

Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber had its World Premiere of this program on Thursday, January 28th in New York City, Lincoln Center ( which commissioned it), the night before the Buffalo Premiere.

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allwalls is thrilled to announce a special concert event featuring New York City’s inimitable Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber.

This one-of-a-kind monster collective utilizes Lawrence D. Butch Morris’ Conduction system for group improvisation while navigating sonic resources culled from the depths of James Brown, Miles Davis, Prince, David Bowie, Sun Ra, Jimi Hendrix, Steely Dan, Melvin Van Peebles, Fleetwood Mac and beyond. Burnt Sugar covers a wide swath of the experimental soul-jazz-avant rock & hip hop spectrum. The utilization of Conduction allows them to create new music within well known song structures, or with a hand signal or baton gesture, create brand new scriptedsounding improvisational musical structures in real time. Join us as the Burnt Sugar Mothership lands at Nietzsche’s for a rare cosmic convergence with the music of Buffalo’s own master of funk Rick James! & keeping the vibes strong before and in between sets, DJ Milk will be spinning the best in old school funk, soul & R&B. Claiming a case of creative indirection Greg Tate has entitled Burnt Sugar Arkestra’s return to its repertory mode “DopeSex&Dem Wild Buffalo Love Joints”. Under the ace musical direction of Shelley Nicole, supported by a cadre of the usual Sugar stalwarts Lisala, Lewis ‘Flip’ Barnes, ‘Moist’ Paula Henderson, V. Jeffery Smith, LaFrae Sci, Mikel Banks and Jared Michael Nickerson and with special guests, expect to be taken on a musical trip through all of Rick James’ heat-seeking, body-rocking, radical Agit-Pop, daring-you-to-stay-in-your-seat manifestations as Burnt Sugar Superfreaks the Rick James Playabook.

Rick James’ voice, axe, handclaps and horns created a monster sound he entitled “Punk Funk”; fusing his flamboyant style, stellar chops and sweet nastiness into rhythms that made him a funktified genius. Before becoming the butt of a spectacularly hilar (or “hilarious” if you feel the need to spell it out) Dave Chappelle skit, Rick James was a much-acclaimed, much-revered, platinumselling master composer, player, performer and producer of 80s Funk/R&B. “DopeSex&Dem Wild Buffalo Love Joints” will take you on a trip through Rick James’ gorgeous mind. With deep respect for Rick James’ musicality and songbook, under the ace direction of Shelley Nicole, and with special guests and the usual “Sugar” suspects such as Lisala, Akie Burmiss, Lewis ‘Flip’ Barnes, ‘Moist Paula Henderson and Jared Michael Nickerson — the Burnt Sugar Arkestra returns to its repertory mode to saturate Nietzsche’s with props and love for Buffalo N.Y.’s mad tuneful genius in all his heat-seeking, body-rocking, radical Agit-Pop manifestations.

Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber Founded by Village Voice icon Greg “Ironman” Tate and co-led with monster groove bassist Jared Michael Nickerson since 1999, New York City’s Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber is a sprawling band of musicians whose prodigious personnel and adherence to Butch Morris’ “Conduction” system allows them to freely juggle a wide swath of the soul-jazz-hip hop & rock spectrum. The Burnt Sugar Arkestra is also a territory band, a neo-tribal thang, a community hang, a society music guild aspiring to the condition of all that is molten, glacial, racial, spacial, oceanic, mythic, antiphonal and telepathic.

With an alumni that includes Matana Roberts, Vijay Iyer, Julia Kent, Graham Hayes, DJ Mutamassik, Okkyung Lee and Qasim Naqvi, Burnt Sugar’s prestigious personnel have released fourteen recordings on their labels Tru Groidd & Avant Groidd Musica defining the art of creating scripted-sounding improvisational acid-funk/rock & jazz with the use of Butch Morris’s Conduction System for Orchestral Improvisation in order to “keep it real, surreal, arboreal, aquatic, incendiary.”

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

ON STAGE *The Jazz Embassy Cafe will be at The Parkside Lodge at Delaware Park on Sunday, January 31 from 4p til 8p.

For more info and tickets call Fragrance of YAH at 716-2531404 $5-$20 *Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber DopeSex & Dem Wild Buffalo Love Joints @ Nietzsche’s - 248 Allen St. Friday, January 29 at 9:00 p.m. $10 admission.Tickets available online now.Burnt Sugar Superfreaks the Rick James Playabook! plus DJ Milk spinning old school funk & soul & artist/attorney Leroi C. Johnson, Rick’s brother who managed and toured with Rick throughout the 1980s. *Deniece Williams performing Live in Buffalo Diaab Entertainment presents Deniece Williams March 19,Buffalo State Performing Arts Center 8:00 pm. Ticket price: Reserved Seating VIP $65, $45 $40,Tickets available at the Rockwell Hall Box Office Hours Monday –Friday 9:00 -5:00pm-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pmWebsite: www.buffalostatepac.org Email: @ rhpac@ Buffalostate.edubuffalostate. edu Phone: 716-878-3005 or Doris Records at 716 -8832410.

*Eric Martin & Friends and The Nickel City Ballers Saturday January 30, The Tralf, 7pm Doors | 7:45pm Show21+ Admitted. General Admission Event $20 Tickets *RIHANNA! 8;30 p.m., March 23, First Niagara Center, 855-4444 firstniagaracenter.com Tickets $30.50 - $126. *Whispers Valentines Day Two shows at the Tralf, 5pm and 8pm Reserved Tickets on sale Ticketmaster.com / Wal-Mart / Tralf Box Office 716.852.2860 / Tralf.com *R. Kelly, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, Valentines Day, 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Tickets @Ticketmaster. *Tyler Perry Madea On The Run” IN BUFFALO @ Shea’s, Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. & Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 ; IN ROCHESTER Sat. Feb. 20 Rochester Auditorium Theatre at 4 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Tickets @ Ticketmaster.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

ON STAGE *Ujima Presents El Hajj Malik by N. R. Davidson; Directed

by Lorna C. Hill February 19 - March 6, Performances:Alleyway’s Main Street Cabaret, 672 Main Street,Feb. 19 through March 6. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. $25 general • $20 seniors • $15 students;Ujima Company, Inc.,515 Main St., Buffalo, New York, 14203-1712 Tickets online: ujimacoinc.org Box Office No.: 716-2810092 Administration, Subscriptions and Group sales.

Erykah Badu Among Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival's 15th Edition Headliners for 2016!

Chick Corea plus Joey Alexander, Chris Botti, Grace Potter Also Announed

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Producers John Nugent and Marc Iacona announced four headliner shows today for the nine-day 15th edition Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF) June 24 to July 2.

Singer songwriter Grace Potter will perform on opening night, Friday, June 24. Grammy winner and "First Lady of Neo Soul" Erykah Badu will perform on Saturday, June 25.

Twenty-two-time Grammywinning jazz legend, pianist and composer Chick Corea "Trilogy" Trio plus special guest Joey Alexander Trio, the 12-year-old young pianist who mesmerized XRIJF audiences last year, will perform on Tuesday, June 28.

Trumpeter and four-time XRIJF headliner, Chris Botti returns to XRIJF to perform on Thursday, June 30. All performances will take place at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre at 8PM. John Nugent, Producer and Artistic Director, said, "We are very excited to announce these acclaimed artists from various styles of creative improvised music. With more headliners, along with our entire club pass series and free shows lineup still to be announced, we expect our 15th anniversary festival, featuring more than 1,500 musicians, to be far and away our best festival to date."

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 29 at 10AM only at rochesterjazz.com. To order by phone call (585) 454-2060. Tickets for Potter are $95 / $85 / $65 / $55.

Tickets for Badu are $105 / $95 / $85 / $70. Tickets for Corea and Alexander are $75 / $65 / $55 / $40. Tickets for Botti are $105 / $95 / $75 / $55. $7 service charge, $9 if mailed, for all tickets.

The new 3-day Club Pass and traditional 9-day Club Pass are also on sale at rochesterjazz.

Entertainment/Lifestyles

9

Vendors & Speakers & Performers Wanted for Black History Month Event Vendors, speakers and performers are wanted for an upcoming Black History Month Event to support the Stop Bullying Film Campaign If you’re a true positive speaker or performer and can speak on the topic of Black history, anti bullying or Black men (stop) killing Black men then we want you!!!

If you’re a vendor - Lock in your vendor spot immediately because space is limited!!!The Black History Month Event will be held on Saturday Feb. 20th, at the CRUCIAL CENTER , 230 Moselle St. from 1 - 5pm. For more information Contact 716-563-5515

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29th 9:00pm TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16th 8:00pm

BURNT SUGAR KAHIL EL’ZABAR’S THE ARKESTRA CHAMBER NEW ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE DOPESEX & DEM WILD BUFFALO LOVE JOINTS

BURNT SUGAR SUPERFREAKS THE RICK JAMES PLAYABOOK!

PLUS DJ MILK

SPINNING OLD SCHOOL FUNK & SOUL

$10

THE 9TH WARD

341 DELAWARE AVE. BUFFALO $10-15 716•854•1694 WWW.HALLWALLS.ORG

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

JEFFERSON AVENUE RENAISSANCE continued from page 3 city’s African Americans. This brief but successful venture started on Jefferson, in 2000, led to the building of the Tops Supermarket, Apollo Theater and the Frank E. Merriweather Library. All of these projects were completed over ten years ago and little else has happened since!

On Wednesday, February, 3, 2016, Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant & We Are Women Warriors will host a ‘Jefferson Avenue Renaissance meeting to help develop a revitalization and redevelopment Plan to rehabilitate Jefferson Avenue, the street that is considered the ‘heart and soul’ of the Black community. The meeting will be held @ the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue @ 5:30 p.m. We invite the community to come with ideas to put together a comprehensive revitalization Plan that will be presented to Mayor Byron Brown, County Executive Mark Poloncarz and all our local, state and federal elected officials.

Please arrive on time as seating is limited. For additional information, please call Legislator Betty Jean Grant @ (716) 602-5877.

GENERATIONS

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Math, Science, Technology Prep Teams up with S.E.N.S.E.S. to Benefit Students The S.E.N.S.E.S. (Sane mind; Educational Sense; Nutrition & Health; Social Skills; Economics & Entrepreneurs; Social Responsibility) programs was founded by Drs. Curlane and Lloyd Brown five years ago to assist disenfranchised urban youth with their dreams of going to college. Using their own funds, the medical doctors purchased the former Zion Dominion Church at Hickory and Genessee Sts. in downtown Buffalo where the administrative offices are located along with a space for weekly meetings with parents and students.

Students and families in that area would have easy access to social and health services within walking distance from their homes.

Dr. Curlane Brown is a retired psychologist who offers her services to students and families in crisis or suffering from trauma following death or homicide of friends and relatives.

Such situations can lead to financial problems and derailment in completing academic goals for success.

The S.E.N.S.E.S. Program offers emotional support while providing a stipend for high school students returning to school, maintaining good attendance, and meeting the requirements for high school graduation.

Should students fulfill the standards for graduation while being encouraged to go on to college, the Browns award these students an iPad to aid them to achieve their career goals.

For the passed year and a half, MST has been home to the S.E.N.S.E.S. program as

Ina Ferguson (Senior Class Coordinator) and the Cheryl Carrington (Project Director).

an after-school elective for students presently in grades 9-12. Homework assistance is offered and students are taken to career, cultural, and educational events to enhance their knowledge of the numerous opportunities availability to them outside of the environment they are living in.

This week, Ina J. Ferguson, has joined the team as Senior Class Initiative Coordinator.

Her role will be to track the credits seniors need for graduation. Ms Ferguson’s other role as MST Parent Facilitator puts her in contact with parents and students. She will be able to review needed requirements with students and inform parents of student deficiencies. Both student and parent may be unaware of the various courses necessary for graduation.

S.E.N.S.E.S. Is a stakeholder in improving the graduation rate in this particular school. Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Curlane Brown can relate to

the circumstances that young people today have to live, survive, and overcome on a daily basis. Both doctors had to be determined to succeed despite the conditions confronting them while on their successful career paths.

Ms Ferguson is eager to help the program be an even greater success as MST develops new educational plans to improve instruction of our talented, creative, intelligent students. Many of our gifted learners are struggling with trauma while attempting to complete challenging course work. The Buffalo School District does what it can, but the core problem of poverty, despair, and apathy seem to be ignored or overlooked.

It is believed that by 2018, Buffalo will see a great gain in career accomplishment at MST. The S.E.N.S.E.S. Program will be a positive, productive partner in helping MST reach that goal.

(Submitted by Don Hill)

VEGAN continued from page 5

cardiovascular disease.

For Dairy Recent studies are showing that as many as 75 % of the world’s adult population may be lactose intolerant, which can cause a number of health problems. High intake of dairy products can raise an individual’s cholesterol levels which can lead to obesity, digestive problems, and heart disease. The problem comes from the combination of animal products derived from unhealthy animals and a diet high in refined sugar.

Fish, although high in protein, can contain varying amounts of carcinogens like PCBs and DDT and also heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These contaminants are linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological deficits.

With all the growing evidence pointing to the health hazards associated with a meat-centered diet, it is no wonder that more people are adopting a vegan (and vegetarian) diet.

CHI ENERGY continued from page 5 potatoes, pumpkin, soybeans, squash, string beans, tofu, turnips, and yams.

Also, keep in mind that to receive optimal benefits from food and herbs, it is crucial that you choose in-season, natural foods with no chemical additives or residues. Also, avoid overeating and under-eating because both will rob you of a consistent source of energy.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Letter to the Commissioner: Part II

T

he issue: I have been writing about the problems of standardized tests, specifically the tests that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards and administered by the New York State Education Department. Components of the State’s accountability system, the results of these tests are used as a major factor in the decisions that label children, schools and school districts as failing and identify them for receivership. High Stake tests opponents have fought to bring attention to the institutionalized disparities created by these tests, especially for minority children, poor children, children with disabilities and children who are not native English speakers. They have questioned the validity of these tests and whether they actually assess student achievement in English Language Arts and Math, the two areas targeted by the State and the Federal government. And in singling out the validity of these tests, their use as reliable measures of school and school district accountability is also questionable.

Then in December 2015, Governor Cuomo’s Common Core Task Force issued a report that called for sweeping changes in the application of Common Core standards, aligned curriculum and standardized tests. The Task Force agreed that the standardized tests’ outcomes were not reliable and as a result should not be used to evaluate students or teachers. The New York Barbara Seals State Board of Regents endorsed and adopted all the Task Force’s recNevergold ommendations.

However, numerous questions remain about the implementation of the Task Force recommendations particularly as they impact Receivership schools and students who are disproportionately minority, poor, have disabilities or have limited English proficiency. Thus far, my requests to the Commissioner and NYS Board of Regents for clarification have been met with silence. I call it the strategy of “ignorance”. Ignore her and she’ll go away. It’s not a new strategy; just another way to marginalize and discount voices that the powers that be don’t want to acknowledge.

A Resolution, submitted by the Buffalo Board of Education minority, calls on the Board of Regents and the Commissioner to convene a group to study the implications and impact of the Governor’s Common Core Task Force on all students, but particularly those in Receivership Schools. This is not just a Buffalo issue as there are another 119 Receivership schools throughout the State.

My second letter to the Commissioner is a follow up to one I sent at the beginning of the month. It accompanies the Resolution and the signatures of over 115 educational stakeholders who support the request. Thank you to those individuals who have joined us in this quest. We are determined not to be ignored! Join us by signing an online Petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/589/916/980/ to support this cause.

January 21, 2016 Dear Chancellor Tisch and Commissioner Elia: My letter of January 3, 2016 expressed serious concerns and questions about, what I perceive, as a conundrum resulting from the recently issued Common Core Task Force Report. I cited a number of the Task Force recommendations related to Common Core aligned standardized tests, in particular Recommendation #21. That all-encompassing recommendation (p. 36 of the Report) proposing that “Until the new system is fully phased in, the results from assessments aligned to the current Common Core Standards, as well as the updated standards, shall only be advisory and not be used to evaluate the performance of individual teachers or students.” appears easily explanatory on its face. Yet I’ve spoken to many educators who are not sure how this will apply to all students. I believe that I’ve raised a number of reasonable and important questions about the implementation of this recommendation and its impact on students and schools in Receivership. You have my previous letter so I won’t be repetitive.

However, I also want to share with you a situation that may be unique to Buffalo as another example of why the Task Force Recommendations require a robust, transparent and inclusive review. As you know the District has an OCR complaint regarding equitable admissions to our criterion schools. The District has worked diligently to create a process that is more inclusive; however it includes the use of the ELA/Math test scores in the admissions criteria. In light of Recommendation #21, we have to ask ourselves how this decision impacts the District’s criterion-schools’ admission’s plan. I’m not sure that the District can answer this question on its own.

It has been posed to the Superintendent.

Commissioner, I do thank you for the telephone call from Deputy Commissioner Ebert. We had a cordial conversation but my questions were not fully addressed. I appreciate her time and understand that she will be making a trip to Buffalo. I look forward to meeting her during her visit.

On January 13th, my Board colleagues; Ms. Belton-Cottman, Dr. Harris-Tigg and Mrs. Kapsiak co-sponsored a Resolution to request “the Board of Regents authorize the State Education Department to conduct a detailed, open and transparent review and analysis of the use of the ELA/ Math standardized tests results as determinants to assess school qualification for receivership; to invite parent, educator, student and other stakeholder input and feedback in the process; to clarify the recommendations of the Common Core Task Force as they apply to the state assessments and use of assessment data, and to develop future recommendations for appropriate determinants for school receivership.”

The Resolution did not pass, so we want to make it clear that this is not a resolution that the Continued Next Column

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

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

• • • •

Community Urged to Continue to Support Efforts to Restore from behind these Humboldt Parkway!

WALLS Dear Editor: We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed time, talent and treasure to the activities to restore Humboldt Parkway.

With your continued support, we can move forward with the necessary environmental impact, design and cost studies that must be done in order to prepare for a construction phase. We will get closer to our goal of reconnecting the community torn apart by construction of the Kensington Expressway-Route 33 with a parkway more in keeping with Olmsted’s vision for city-wide greenspace. Humboldt Parkway property values will improve and jobs will be created through this revitalization project. The environmental injustice of air pollution from cars on the expressway must be addressed, as our health and our lives are at stake.

It’s never too late to make your tax deductible contribution to help us continue the movement! Please go to our website and donate by Paypal http://roccbuffalo.org/donate/ or mail your check postmarked 12-31-15 to 60 Hedley Place Buffalo, NY 14208 Thank you for your continuing support!

Stephanie Geter, ROCC Chair Karen Stanley Fleming, ROCC Executive Director

dear editor

President Obama Bans Solitary Confinement For Juveniles In Federal Prisons President Obama on Monday announced a ban on solitary confinement for juvenile offenders in the federal prison system, saying the practice is overused and has the potential for devastating psychological consequences.

In an op-ed that appears in Tuesday editions of The Washington Post, the president outlines a series of executive actions that also prohibit federal corrections officials from punishing prisoners who commit “low-level infractions” with solitary confinement.

The new rules also dictate that the longest a prisoner can be punished with solitary confinement for a first offense is 60 days, rather than the current maximum of 365 days.

The president’s reforms apply broadly to the roughly 10,000 federal inmates serving time in solitary confinement, though there are only a handful of juvenile offenders placed in restrictive housing each year.

Buffalo Board of Education has officially endorsed. However, there is community support for our request as evidenced by the attached list of supporters gathered in a little less than a week. And a city-wide parent organization has passed a similar resolution, which will be forthcoming.

I want to be clear that our goal is to initiate a dialog regarding the practical effect of the Common Core Task Force’s Recommendations on our students and our schools. We respectfully request a written response to this request.

Sincerely, Barbara A. Seals Nevergold Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, PhD

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

Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

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

11

My Prison Outlook...

By Duane Rush

N

ever judge a book by it’s cover until you open it up and start reading it! That’s how people judge men and women in prison. God has chosen me to be here for a reason.

There is always two sides of a story! God is showing me the other side! What goes up must come down.

There are a lot of people in prison for doing bad things but that doesn’t mean they are bad! I have met a lot of brothers from different cities, states and countries! We all have one thing in common; besides being in prison we all respect each other as men! Don’t get me wrong, some brothers deserve to be here for sure! My experience has been an eye opener…I have bonded with six brothers from Buffalo, two of them I knew already from the streets and the other four I met here in prison. God puts people in your life for a reason and these six brothers are my family now! God has chosen us a path to help each other out, to rebuild our lives, to be better men.

Three simple steps to help us: (1) Listen (2) Observe (3) Learn. I just wanted to share a few words of thought. ( In God We Trust) Mr. Rush is currently at Allenwood Low Federal Correctional Institution

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

-Tao Te Ching Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries a d ve r t i s i n g @ t h e c h a l l e n g e r n ew s . c o m or a l n i s a 3 3 @ ya h o o . c o m

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Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Former Buffalo State Basketball Star Joins The Buffalo 716ers Jake Simmons played guard for Buffalo State’s men’s basketball team. During Jake’s senior year at Buffalo State he broke Randy Smith’s 41 year old leading scorer record by nearly 400 points. (Smith, former Buffalo Braves NBA star, was An all American in basketball, soccer and track while at Buffalo State College from 1968-1971. He died at the age of 60 in June of 2009.)

Jake grew up in Rochester, NY where lived with his mother and step-father and attended the School of the Arts . His father was incarcerated. Jake dealt with a number of adversities in his life. His mother was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a debilitating, COACH incurable disease. He watched his mother’s CAL health decline . She passed away when he was a teenager. To make matters worse he was abused by his step-father. After the passing of his mother he could have just given up. Instead he decided to use these adversities and his love of basketball as motivation to succeed.

More recently, Jake has had to deal with more adversities including being diagnosed with cancer and Type II Diabetes.

He stopped playing basketball for a while until he received a call from Buffalo’s semi-pro team, the 716ers, with whom he has signed to play. More good news.

Jake’s cancer is reportedly in remission. Good luck Jake!

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:Canisius High School (#2) won game against The Park School of Buffalo (#1) 56-53.

ANSWERS TO PREVIOUS SPORTS TRIVIA QUESTIONS 1.The San Antonio Spurs have won 4 championships since 2000.

2.Bill Walton has won 2 NBA Championships.

3. The French Connection players are Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert and Rick Martin.

4.The Buffalo Bills all-time leading rusher is Thurman Thomas.

5.Lou Saban coached the Buffalo Bills in 1960.

ATTORNEYS Terrence D. McKelvey Attorney at Law 181 Franklin St. Suite 101 (716) 847-2606

AUTO Ben’s Downtown Tire 50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

Colston Enterprises 716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore) (716) 894-3910

CELL PHONES Ansar Cellular Communications & Fragrance Store 1371 Fillmore @ E. Utica (716) 884-2373

ELECTRICIAN Empire Electric (716) 634-0330

FLORISTS Maureen’s Flower Market 441 Ellicott St. * 852-4600

HAIR SUPPLY Main Hair & Beauty Supply 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

TAILORS Ann Rhod’s Tailoring 3185 Bailey Ave. (716) 838-5633

For More Info: advertising@thechallengernews.com 881-1051

Buffalo’s Elmwood Franklin School Faces Protest And Rally Challenging Minority Hiring Practices.

Black Lives Matter Movement To Hold February 2nd Protest Rally.

Alfred Halley

Buffalo, New York---The Black Lives Matter movement, along with the Women’s Justice League, Civil Rights Watch, along with students from University at Buffalo and Buffalo State College, will hold a protest and rally at Buffalo’s Elmwood Franklin School on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 7:15a.m. launching from the St. George Orthodox Hall located at 2 Nottingham Terrace. The protest and rally will challenge the racially discriminatory hiring practices at Buffalo elite private schools---and prompted, in part, by the firing of Shellonnee B. Chinn, the only African-American classroom teacher hired in the 127-year history of the Elmwood Franklin School.

Recovery Advocate Retires After 23-Year UP SOUTH: RACE & EMPLOYMENT continued from page 3 Causes Career In Buffalo Alfred Halley, who inspired and assisted thousands of Buffalo-area men and women in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, was honored

by Cazenovia Recovery Systems, Inc. on his retirement in December after 23 years with the agency. Assembly Member Crystal Peoples-Stokes issued a proclamation commemorating his retirement.

Halley began working with the not-for-profit residential treatment organization as an intern and retired as Chief Operations Officer. “Our entire agency feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation for Al Halley’s work,” Suzanne L. Bissonette, Cazenovia Recovery Executive Director said. “Al’s career has been filled with success and compassion.”

Halley stated: “It is important to remove the stigma attached to this insidious disease. I want to make sure that people understand that individuals do get better. I hope that people looking to recover see that they have opportunities to do so.“ He recently marked 25 years in his personal journey of recovery, which made him better able to motivate and help others. “I’ve learned from their experiences and that strengthens my foundation every day,” he said. ”I am very blessed and fortunate beyond measure.”

He hopes to complete his thesis for a master’s degree and to teach classes in social work that focus on substance use. Al and his wife, Crystal, plan to spend more time visiting grandchildren who live in Illinois and Wisconsin.

A member of Elim Christian Fellowship, he served as a volunteer for more than 10 years at the Little Portion Friary homeless shelter.

Peace

•Employment discrimination remains prevalent; in one field experiment, employers preferred white applicants with drug felonies to people of color with no criminal record.

•Few companies hold their managers accountable for improving diversity, and many employers use job criteria that do not accurately predict job performance but tend to screen out minorities.

•Buffalo-Niagara is the sixth most segregated metro in the nation, which isolates people of color from job access and creates numerous employability disadvantages.

•Inequalities in wealth, education, criminal justice, and other aspects of life make it harder for people of color to access quality jobs. People of color in Buffalo-Niagara have homeownership rates of less than half those of whites. Blacks represent 14% of the population, but 41% of arrests.

•Rising economic inequality has hurt people of color the most. For example, people of color have lost more from the decline in union density and the erosion of the minimum wage than whites.

•The Great Recession exacerbated employment disparities, as did various austerity policies and governmental cuts made in response.

Solutions •Targeted hire policies ask companies receiving public assistance to prioritize workers from certain communities, such as zip codes with high poverty rates.

•Local employers should commit to setting goals for improving their diversity and reporting out to the public on progress toward those goals.

•New laws should reform the use of credit checks and criminal histories in hiring.

•The spatial mismatch between people of color and jobs should be addressed with smart growth policies that incentivize business development in densely settled areas on transit lines.

•Direct job creation in targeted communities: hiring disadvantaged workers to rebuild high poverty neighborhoods offers multiple benefits at a low cost.

•Anti-discrimination law enforcement should be more adequately funded and augmented with “tester” programs like those used to identify housing discrimination.

•Improving wages, work supports, and job quality will help people of color to advance. Minimm wage, living wage, paid family leave, paid sick leave, child care assistance, fair scheduling, and renewed rights to organize and bargain collectively will reduce racial disparities and strengthen our economy.

Coalition members include: New York State AFL-CIO; WNY Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; Buffalo Urban League; Concerned Clergy of Western New York; Baptist Ministers Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity; NAACP Buffalo Branch; Coalition of Black Trade Unions (Buffalo Chapter); and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (WNY Chapter).

'The labor movement at its core has always been a social justice movement,” said New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento. “That is why labor rights and civil rights go hand-inhand. We were proud to support this initiative and look forward to working with our community and religious partners to ensure that those who lack a voice are heard. We must level the playing field for all men and women, no matter their race, creed or background to provide everyone with an equal and realistic opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

Richard Lipsitz, Jr., president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, said, “The release of this study is an important step in building unity around the question of equal access to employment. The WNYALF, AFL-CIO is committed to this effort, and will work to see that our workforce truly reflects the diverse population of our region.”

Brenda McDuffie, president of the Buffalo Urban League, said, “The study is timely, as we are in the midst of the Greater Buffalo Region’s greatest economic renaissance in over 40 years. To ensure our entire community participates in this Renaissance, this study compels us to do the challenging work to address and correct the economic inequalities for blacks and Hispanics in this community “ Shawn Fagan, executive committee member of the NAACP, Buffalo Branch, said, ““Let us hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away in the City of Buffalo so that all persons are given an opportunity to grow, build and truly experience the American Dream” For more information, contact Angela Blue, New York State AFL-CIO, (716) 308-0002, ablue@ nysaflcio.org.

Classified

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center 77 Goodell St., Buffalo, 856-5627/ Fax 7856-5670 www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs.

Free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace.

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

Mariner Towers Apartments Now Accepting Applications For 1,2 and 3 Bedroom Apts.

Section 8 and Tax Credits Available for Qualified Applicants.

Applications Available at Mariner Towers Apartments 4 Maryner Towers Buffalo, NY 14201 Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm

Job Information from the Workforce Development Consortium

Larkin @ Exchange Building, Suite 630 716-819-9845 x114 NY1157293 Employment RITE AID is Hosting a Job Placement Specialist Fair Thurs., Jan. 28, 11amBuffalo Halfway House 1pm, at 2545 Millersport Highway, Getzville DE1206207 Lead Person *** Pharmacy Technician, – Warehouse – Mohawk Wellness Ambassador, CaIndustries shier, and Shift Supervisor ***Positions throughout NY1157248 Locksmith the Getzville area.Bring a Technician - Niagara Lock current resume with you if & Key Service, Inc. you have one! If you cannot make it, fill out an apDE1213913 Plumber - A. plication and attach your Gareleck & Sons Inc. email.For more info. or to apply, use this link: https:// DE1213896 Maintenance jobs-riteaid.icims.com/ Supervisor – Deadline: Feb. jobs/56947/job-fair---jan9 – Big Heart Pet Brands 28th/job(DOL Job Order: DE1218044) NY1157355 CNC Press Brake Operator – SupADVERTISING pressed Job Order PAYS DE1216216 Administrative Assistant – Bank of America LEGAL NOTICE Bids DE1170087.

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County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified not for profit agencies to provide Family Group Conferencing. The RFP #1602VF can be found at http:// www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-8586086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@ erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with the ECDSS contact person listed on the specific RFP. Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 856, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on February 24, 2016.

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

Al Dirschberger, PhD., Commissioner of Social Services

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job #15-10-CF, Fire Restoration at 282 Hempstead – Kenfield Homes The Prebid Conference will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 10:00 AM local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting. Sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM, local time, Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set. Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit.

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

Dated: January 28, 2016

13

EMPLOYMENT Full Time Attorney Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western New York, Inc. (“LSED”) is seeking a full-time attorney with 0-3 years of experience to work on family law issues in both Erie and Niagara Counties. In addition to direct legal services, he or she will work on policy issues, testify at state and local hearings, and conduct community outreach. Salary pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. Level one attorneys make $50,312 on our scale, with health insurance available (with cost sharing) after three months. Position will be filled as soon as possible. Some weekend and evenings also are required and a car is required. Interview preference will be given to candidates who evidence a commitment to access to justice for the disenfranchised as well as those with prior family law experience.

Financial Aid Advisor The Financial Aid Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Financial Aid Advisor.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Demonstrated progressively responsible experience as a financial aid advisor. Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations. Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree. Experience with and knowledge of Banner Student System. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Scholarship Coordinator The Financial Aid Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Scholarship Coordinator.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Proven understanding of Scholarship processing and financial aid leveraging in today’s higher education environment. Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations. Progressive experience with Scholarship processing and working with student software systems. Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships within a complex environment. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to develop and serve as a presenter for workshops.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Working knowledge of Academic Works, Sage MIP, Banner and Degree Works. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualified applicants may apply online at https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

14

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Kerns Hosts Qualifying Matches for “Beat The Champ” Bowling Show

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

O

ne of Buffalo’s most iconic shows recently returned to Western New York airwaves.

“Beat The Champ,” a weekly bowling competition MID-626 MID-270 MID-738 MID-405 MID-314 MID-300 MID-740

showcasing the best bowlers in Western New York, began air3-WAY ing January 9 with encore presentations Sunday nights at 11 EVE-667 EVE-836 EVE-474 EVE-867 EVE-401 EVE-903 EVE-443 p.m.

The program originally aired for decades on Channel 4 with legendary hosts Chuck Healy and Van Miller. While it has not MID- 1346 MID -8503 MID - 3271 MID-2839 MID -1901 MID-3038 MID-8521 been seen for close to twenty years, the program remains one of EVE7198 EVE-0112 EVE 3333 EVE-2145 EVE4437 EVE3239 EVE-4259

the longest running bowling programs on television.

WIN 4

The first four programs were recorded at the Rapids Bowling

Center in Niagara Falls.

The next round of qualifying matches were held at the Kerns 4-26-31-35-37 4-6-16-17-24 10-20-27-34-38 1-11-29-34-36 7-12-19-25-31 11-12-22-30-36 20-22-27-34-38 Avenue Bowling Center at 163 Kerns Avenue on January 16, TAKE 5 17 and 19.

The next four episodes of “Beat The Champ” will be recorded

from Kerns Avenue Lanes on Wednesday, January 27 starting at

10-16-17-21-33-58 #18 1-17-21-35-51-52 approximately 10 a.m.

LOTTO Noting the return of the program, WBBZ-TV President and General Manager Chris Musial said, “ Buffalo has always been a bowling town. It is the number one participation sport in America and more and more young people are enjoying the

sport. We think viewers will enjoy watching the competition, HOT TIPS then head to the nearest lane and go bowling!”

“Beat The Champ”, is produced by WBBZ-TV in cooperation with the WNY Bowling Proprietors. Information can also be Challenger Hits found at the station website, www.wbbz.tv .

Kerns Bowling has long been active in community outreach.

They have hosted an MLK Kids Free Bowl; a WNY Bowling and Junior Pepsi Bowling Leagues; offered Buffalo Charter Midday High Schools bowling and several leagues and fundraisers, 107-428-467-779-051-074-556-897-844-658-791-017-234740 ZR (bx) family reunions etc.

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02/04/2015 Evening 02/04/2015 Midday 02/03/2015 Evening 02/03/2015 Midday 02/02/2015 Evening 02/02/2015 Midday 02/01/2015 Evening 02/01/2015 Midday 01/31/2015 Evening 01/31/2015 Midday 01/30/2015 Evening 01/30/2015 Midday 01/29/2015 Evening 01/29/2015 Midday 01/28/2015 Evening 01/28/2015 Midday 01/27/2015 Evening 01/27/2015 Midday

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

2015

WNY Golden Gloves January 31 The Carubba Collision New York State Golden Gloves will be hosted in Buffalo at the Buffalo River Works on Sunday, January 31.

Boxers from across New York State (excluding New York Metro) will be competing in Buffalo. The boxers are enthusiastically preparing to seize their moment and earn their place in history and become a Golden Gloves champion.

Admission for the Golden Gloves is only $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Ringside is $35 in advance , $40 day of. VIP tickets are $45 in advance and $50 day of. The doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the bouts start at 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at Carubba Collision 716 8760700; Doris Records 716-883-2410; Buffalo River Works 716342-2292; Pearl Street Grill 716-856-2337 and online at Ticketfly.com , for more info go to www.buffalogoldengloves.com or find us on Facebook, you can also contact Don Patterson at 716-400-9697 .

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Black History Month Events Submitted by Sharon & Kenneth Holley of Zawadi Books

Sunday, February 7 African American Read-In Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue 2 - 4 pm.

Readings from African American authors, open to all; sign up to read for 3 min.

Friday, February 12 Burchfield-Penny Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave. Storyteller - Sharon Holley in the "John Brent Exhibit" 5:30 - 6:30 pm. FREE Saturday, February 13 "Along This Way: Storytelling in the African Tradition" Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. Storytellers: Karima Amin and Sharon Holley with Joyce Carolyn and Seku Harwell, 2 pmFREE Saturday, February 13 3rd Annual James Huff Memorial Genealogy Workshop Sponsored by the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 26 Brunswick Blvd.11 am - 1 pmFREE - register at bgsad@ verizon.net Thursday, February 18 Tour of Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street Storyteller Pam Edwards tells historical stories before the tour 12:30; 1:30; 2:30 FREE 856-4490 Saturday, February 20, 2016 AWARD Program for Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Sponsored by the Afro-American Historical Assoc. of the Niagara Frontier Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. 1 pm FREE Saturday, February 27, 2016 Tour of Nash House Museum, 36 Nash Street. Storyteller Carmen Swan tells historical stories before the tour12:30; 1:30; 2:30 FREE 856-4490

Columnist to Celebrate the 37th Anniversary of the Eye On History

Wednesday January 27

Columnist Eva M. Doyle will observe the 37th Anniversary of the Eye On History Column on Saturday, February 6 at the Frank E. Merriweather Library located at 1324 Jefferson Avenue from 2 to 6 p.m. The program will include speakers, music, dancing, poetry, and testimonials as to the impact of the Eye On History column for the past 37 years. Dr. Booker T. Coleman, now known as Kaba Kamane, will speak during the program by Skype. Brother Kaba has appeared in all three Hidden Colors Films. Mrs. Doyle reports that she has invited him to return to Buffalo next fall to speak on the Christopher Columbus Myth. The program will also include the presentation of the 8th Eye On History Award to Brother Kamau R. E. Fields for his dedication in documenting our history.

The column Eye On History began in the Challenger newspaper in February 1979 and it continues today in the Criterion newspaper. The column has also appeared in the following papers: the Chicago Defender, Today’s African American Chronicle in Chicago, the Geneva Times, the Rochester Communicade, the Palm Beach Gazette in Florida, Class Magazine, and in the Buffalo News. The column will be published this February every Sunday in the Buffalo News. Eye On History has never missed a week being published in Buffalo.

The Eye On History Billboards are just another way that she promotes Black History. Mrs. Doyle is now a Ph.D student at Capella University in Educational Leadership with a focus on Urban Education. “To God Be The Glory for all of these blessings!” she stated.The Eye On History Celebration Program is free and open to the community.

The Durham Central City Baby Café: every Wed. and Thurs.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 200 E. Eagle. Dinner free! 885-6348.

Khametic Ascendants: 9-10 a.m. & 12:30 a.m. (after midnight), Channel 20.

Buffalo Board of Ed: Regular Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., 801 City Hall Saturday January 30 St. John AME 2016Women’s Conference: 9 a.m. – 2p.m., St. John’s AME Church, 917 Garden Ave., Niagara Falls NY. To register contact Nicole 716-998-6984 or the church at 716 2856432 From Homicide to Healing III: Healing Prayer Service, 12 – 2 p.m., DeLaine Waring, 680 Swan Street. Info 716-299-8299 Monday February 1 Discussion of News from a Working Class Perspective: 7 p.m., 712 Main Street ( near tupper) first and third Mondays each month .

Tuesday February 2 Charter School of Inquiry: Regular monthly meeting of Board of Trustees starting at 4:45 pm Charter School of Inquiry 404 Edison Street Call 716-833-3250 or email charterschoolofinquiry@gmail.com for further information

15

Saviours Day Fundraiser Planned Muhammads Mosque #23, will host a Saviours Day Fundraiser, Sunday January 31 at Kerns Bowling Center, 163 Kerns Ave. from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join them for Food and Fun at their First Annual Family Bowling Day. The cost is: 2 games and shoes, $10; and 3 foods of your choice, $5.00. Contact Sis. Michelle Muhammad at 716-248-5834

see you at the events!

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Challenger Community News • January 27, 2016

Meet Annie, owner of Second Chic “Creating a business plan and working through my class presentation really helped me figure out where I was and where I truly wanted to be. It made all the difference in the world.

If I hadn’t taken the Allstate MWEE program, would still only have one store.

I have since grown to two locations, with a third opening soon in Rochester. My mentor and the speakers taught me new things that have impacted my business tremendously from marketing tips to ongoing invaluable guidance from my mentor.”

Annie Adams, 2014 Grad www.secondchicbuffalo.com

ALLSTATE MINORITY AND WOMEN EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM Specialized help for women and minority business owners Now enrolling for class of 2017 For more info, contact Alex at mgt-cel@buffalo.edu or 716-885-5715