CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

Back & Bigger Than Ever! by Rashad

For the first time ever, a national recording artist will visit Rochester to close out the festival on the Juneteenth main stage. But first, the festival will begin with a gospel hour, where powerful voices will fill the air with soul-stirring melodies and uplifting messages to celebrate the rich history and enduring spirit of the African American community through the joy of gospel music.

The festival will showcase the incredible talent of local HipHop and R&B artists, musicians and performers who will grace the stage throughout the day. From vibrant art displays to mesmerizing live performances, the Rochester community will experience the creative excellence that thrives within our city. Recognizing the importance of education, the Rochester Juneteenth Festival will also present scholarships and awards to outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their academic pursuits or community involvement.

J. Smith

The 2023 Rochester Juneteenth Festival planning committee is thrilled to announce the details of this years festival taking place Saturday June 17 from 11a.m. until 8:30p.m. at the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Downtown Rochester. All festivities are free to attend. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older.

The day will commence with the Juneteenth Parade starting at 10 a.m. This vibrant procession will march through the heart of Rochester beginning at Court and Chestnut Street and ending at The Strong National Museum of Play. Community members are encouraged to attend the parade to join the celebration of freedom, unity, and the legacy of Juneteenth. The parade will include dozens of local organizations, businesses, students and entertainment. After the parade, the Rochester community can expect an unforgettable festival filled with entertainment, music, food and cultural celebrations!

Truly a Family Affair, to accommodate families with children, The Kids’ Zone will feature games, activities, a foam party and a kid DJ,12 year old prodigy, DJ CoCo, between 11a.m. and 5p.m.

Renowned local DJ’s DJ BacpSpin of the Beat 105.5 FM and DJ Big Red will spin the beats that have defined generations with a DJ tribute to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. To close out the festival, nationally acclaimed recording artist, Lil’Mo will take the main stage. With powerful vocals, a dynamic stage presence, and infectious energy. The performance will undoubtedly be a highlight of the festival.

The 2023 Rochester Juneteenth Festival promises to be an extraordinary event, honoring our history, celebrating our achievements and inspiring our future. Join us for a day of joy, togetherness and cultural enrichment! For more information about the festival visit online at www.RochesterJuneteenth.com and follow on FaceBook @rochesterjuneteenth .

THE BLACK CINEMA SERIES A Special Tribute to Harry Belafonte

The Black Cinema Series. a partnership between the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and the Little Theatre, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (June 22) presents the classic western "Buck and the Preacher" (outtake shown above) at the Little Theatre, 240 East Ave., Rochester.

The special screening is a tribute to Harry Belafonte - actor, singer, and activist - who passed away in April. Sidney Poitier, a longtime friend, made his directorial debut and also was a producer on the film with Belafonte. A wagon master (Poitier) and a con-man preacher (Belafonte) help freed slaves dogged by cheap-labor agents out West.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the film is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available online in advance or at the box office day of the screening. Go to https://thelittle.org/buck-and-the-preacher/

RE-ELECTED: Right Worshipful Oswaldo Mestre, Prince Hall Grand Lodge Of New York, Vice-Chairman 5th and 7th District Liaison, was recently Re-elected 3rd year Grand Trustee. Mr. Mestre serves as Chief Service Officer for the City of Buffalo and currently sponsors Project M.O.V.E., incorporating 13 AmeriCorps V.I.S.T.A. members, making Buffalo City Hall one of 10 cities nation-wide utilizing such a program.

Remembering Buffalo’s First Juneteenth Festival

By Brian Hayden

Judson Price still remembers the joy he felt when he saw thousands of community members fill Jefferson Avenue for Buffalo’s first Juneteenth Festival in 1976.

There was “enthusiasm galore” and the city had never seen anything like it, Price, 91, said. Block after block of Jefferson featured vendors and entertainment stages filled with jazz, art, street theater, dance, and poetry slams. More than one dozen drill teams, bugle corps, and march ing units promenaded down the street in the first Juneteenth Parade.

Reverend Eugene L. and Sharon E. Pierce of Cheektowaga will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with a dinner at Oliver’s. They were married by Reverend Thomas J. McCarley, pastor of the St. John Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY, on June 15, 1958.Reverend Pierce is the Director of The WNY Outreach Ministries, Retired Deputy Superintendent of Erie County Correctional Facility, and Past Commander of American Legion Jesse Clipper Post No. 430.Sharon is a former healthcare worker at the Erie County Nursing Home.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Pierce!

New York lawmakers advance commission to review reparations remedies for slavery

The Democratic-controlled New York state Assembly in a largely party-line vote last Thursday approved the creation of a commission to assess reparations remedies for enslavement.

The measure was approved, 106-41. Later that day the state Senate approved the bill. It now heads to the governor for her consideration. However at press time Hochul had not commented publicly on the reparations legislation. She needs to sign the bill into law in order to establish the commission.

The commission would provide recommendations that are meant to "reverse such injuries" resulting from New York state's role in the slave trade. Its work could start as early as next January.

The earliest enslaved Africans arrived in New York around 1627 and New York gradually outlawed slavery in a generationlong abolition that took effect in 1827.

Lawmakers in the Assembly held an hours long and emotional debate over the issue, touching on racism in their own lives.

"Some may argue the past is the past and we should move on," said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, the bill's sponsor. "But how can we move on when the echoes of history still reverberate on the lives of millions?"

“Everybody came out feeling free and safe and happy and excited. That’s the way it’s been for all these years,” Price said. “We never had anything like it before, something that we did ourselves that has taken off.”

Buffalo was one of the first cities in the Northern United States to create a Juneteenth Festival, an event that continues to thrive 46 years later in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Earlier this week, five of the remaining members of the first festival’s organizing committee – Price, the Rev. Eugene Pierce, Gail Wells, Douglas Ruffin, and Roosevelt Wardlaw – gathered to recall their efforts to create Buffalo’s first Juneteenth Festival, and discuss the celebration’s ongoing legacy.

Five of the remaining members of Buffalo’s first Juneteenth Festival. From left, Judson Price, Douglas Ruffin, Gail Wells, Roosevelt Wardlaw, and the Rev. Eugene Pierce.

Scheduling Buffalo’s first Juneteenth a few weeks before the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 was by design. The festival’s first program featured an excerpt from an 1852 speech by orator Frederick Douglass, who criticized the Fourth of July as a day that reminded enslaved people of “the gross injustice and cruelty to which he was a constant victim.”

“What to us is July Fourth? What do we have to celebrate?” asked Wells, echoing Douglass’ speech. “We had nothing to celebrate because we were not free.”

A coalition of Black leaders and community organizers brought together by the BUILD organization convened to create an alternative event that celebrated the freedom of African Americans. The committee members settled on Juneteenth, which was not widely celebrated then, after learning more about its historical significance as the day when Union soldiers set the final enslaved people free in Galveston, Texas, in 1865.

Wells described the period of Buffalo’s Black history that created Juneteenth as “The Great Awakening,” an era when Black leaders across the city were implementing visionary solutions to solve problems. Buffalo’s first Juneteenth came at a time when the city’s Black community needed to be uplifted and recognized, according to Ruffin.

“It was a hard time, especially for Black People,” Ruffin said. “You turned your TV on, you didn’t see them, unless it was for a criminal offense.”

The committee selected Jefferson Avenue for the first Juneteenth hoping it could serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of that district, which had entered a period of decline by the 1970s. Wells and other committee members cleaned up debris along the streetscape and painted art on vacant storefronts leading up to the celebration. “This event marks The First Day of a daily fight to revitalize Jefferson Avenue and the surrounding community,” Ruffin wrote in the 1976 festival program’s introduction. “The present deteriorated condition of our community leaves us deeply disappointed, and there can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. We feel that there is love, and we extend that hope to you through our Juneteenth Festival.”

That fight continues nearly a half-century later, Pierce said. This year’s festival takes place only one month after an alleged white supremacist killed 10 people at the Jefferson Avenue Tops, which was targeted because he knew the customer base was predominantly Black. The worst mass shooting in the city’s history proves “we still have more work to do,” Pierce said.

Yet the spirit of the first Juneteenth that brought the city together in 1976 – of hope, of healing, and of understanding –lives on in the city in 2022, said Price, who believes the festival can still serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the city’s East Side. For Wells and other committee members, Juneteenth provides a window into history that’s necessary for moving forward.

“You can’t create a future if you don’t know what they had in the past,” Wells said. “Our strength is standing on the shoulders of our ancestors. You cannot forget who paved the way. You cannot forget.”

(Reprinted with permission from the Buffalo History Museum, visit Buffalohistory.com)

"We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us."

-John Brown Russwurm 1827 Freedom's Journal: America's First Black Newspaper

Freedom’s Journal, established the same year that slavery was abolished in New York, was the first African American-owned and operated newspaper in the United States. In its early years, it distributed more than 800 copies throughout 11 states and the District of Columbia. It reached as far as Canada, Haïti, and the United Kingdom for an annual subscription cost of $3.00. The newspaper was founded on March 16, 1827, at 5 Varick Street in Lower Manhattan, New York, by Jamaican-born John Brown Russwurm, Bowdoin College’s first African American graduate and only the third Black person to graduate from an American college. Cofounder Samuel Eli Cornish, born in Sussex County, Delaware, and a graduate of the Free African School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also founded Shiloh Presbyterian Church, the first Black Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, in 1822.

The paper’s primary focus, however, remained the campaign to end slavery in the South and fight racial discrimination in the North.

In September 1827, Cornish resigned as co-editor of Freedom’s Journal leaving Russwurm the sole editor

Continued Page 8

65 BEAUTIFUL YEARS!

SPIRIT OF INSPIRATION DEDICATION CEREMONY

The“Spirit of Inspiration” dedication, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Olalekan Jeyifous, inspired by the life and legacy of Lucille Clifton. Lucille Clifton (1936-2010) , will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Reading Park at Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square.

Lucille Clifton remains one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

Born in Depew, New York, Clifton grew up on Purdy Street on Buffalo’s East Side and graduated from Fosdick-Masten Park High School (now City Honors). In her lifetime, Clifton published 14 collections of poetry and a memoir edited by Toni Morrison, as well as 18 books for children. Her numerous awards include three Pulitzer Prize nominations, an Emmy Award, a Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award. Clifton was the first Black woman ever to receive the distinguished Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize for lifetime achievement.

-About The Artist-

Born in Nigeria, Olalekan Jeyifous is a Brooklyn-based artist whose work re-imagines social spaces that examine the relationships between architecture, community, and the environment. He has spent over a decade creating large-scale installations for a variety of public spaces and was recently co-commissioned to create a monument dedicated to Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm as part of the City of New York’s “She Built NYC” initiative.

His work has been exhibited at venues such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Vitra Design Museum and the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain. This event is free & open to the public.

Early Voting is June 17 til June 25 June 17 is New Primary Voter Registration Deadline!

Coincides With Beginning of Early Voting

Undera recent change in New York state election law, the registration deadline for new voters for the June primary is now Saturday, June 17 which coincides with the beginning of the nine-day early voting period prior to Primary Day.

Registrations must be received in person or through the mail by June 17, which marks the first time New Yorkers may register and vote on the same day.

Commissioners Ralph M. Mohr and Jeremy J. Zellner advised residents that if they do plan to both register and vote on June 17, they will most likely do so by affidavits, which are used when a voter’s name cannot be found in poll books. Affidavits are reviewed for eligibility by BOE staff during the election canvassing process.

“Forms received on June 17 will be added to our database in as timely a manner as possible, but if you want to vote immediately your name may not be in our rolls,” Mohr said. “However, your registration guarantees that the affidavit ballot will be counted, assuming all other eligibility requirements are met.”

To take part in the June 27 primary, a voter must belong to one of the four parties with candidates on the ballot: Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families.

Residents may visit elections.erie.gov or call 716-8588891 for registration forms, all early voting information, and for answers to any questions regarding their right to vote.

Online registration is now also available via the New York State Board of Elections at https://www.elections. ny.gov/OnlineVoterReg.html.

National & World Investigative Post Introduces East Side Stories

New York City Police Commissioner to Resign: First Woman to Head Country’s LargesT Police Force

Keechant Sewell, the first woman to head the country’s largest police force, has announced her decision to resign. She did not provide a reason for her departure.

Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022, Ms. Sewell made a strong impression on the rank and file during her short tenure.But the critics said that Ms. Sewell’s department also resorted to unacceptable tactics on the street.

Most recently, a court-appointed monitor said in a report that anti-crime units were still stopping, frisking and searching too many people unlawfully — almost all of them people of color — despite assurances from Mayor Adams that new policies and training would end the practice. Almost all of the stops made by the rebranded “neighborhood safety teams” analyzed in the report — 97 percent — were of Black or Hispanic people, and 24 percent of the stops were unconstitutional.

The Investigative post recently introduced East Side Stories, an occasional series I’Jaz Ja’ciel will produce on issues affecting residents of the East Side as told through the actions and perspectives of people addressing the problems.

The first story focused on crime - Buffalo has one of the highest violent crime rates of any mid-sized city in the nation - and the efforts of John “Tubbs” Smith and his colleagues in the Buffalo Peacemakers. Some four-dozen of them provide security, counseling and mentoring around schools, transit stations, libraries and events in an effort to head off trouble before it begins.

Smith’s life story is a compelling one. He joined Peacemakers upon his release from two years ago and is dedicated to helping teens avoid the mistakes he’s made in life.

The idea behind East Side Stories: Use research and data to identify a problem. Find a person or organization in the community working to address that problem. Weave all the elements into a compelling story that publishes on our website and airs on WGRZ, Channel 2.

Unrest in Senegal Leaves Over A Dozen Dead

At least 16 people have died and hundreds arrested since violent protests broke out last Thursday in Senegal, following the sentencing of popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

More than 500 people have been arrested. Sonko, who enjoys widespread support among Senegalese youth, was cleared of a rape charge but found guilty on Thursday of corrupting young people, which according to the country’s penal code is “immoral behaviour” towards a person younger than 21.

Volunteers and staff from Dakar’s Cheikh Anta Diop University are trying to salvage what can still be out of some 200,000 university archives.

Youths armed with Molotov cocktail allegedly set ablaze the building.

Keechant Sewell

I’Jaz Ja’cie

Trailblazing Sign to Honor

Rev. James T. Hemphill Sr.

A new trailblazing sign, “Rev. James T. Hemphill Sr. Way” honoring the late Rev. James and Drucilla Hemphill is set to be unveiled Saturday, July 1 at 12 noon near Walls Memorial AME Zion Church on Glenwood between Wohlers Ave and Roehrer Ave. The public is invited to attend. RSVP at bit.ly/signreveal

Mrs. Margaret J. Martin Celebrates 100th Birthday! The only Surviving Member of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior

Margaret J. Martin is the only surviving member of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior when it began as a mission in 1926. She has experienced a beautiful life with 100 years of blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ. Her three children have blessed her with 6 granddaughters and their children have blessed her with 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Her three children celebrated her 100th Birthday with a luncheon following service on Sunday May 28th. Husband Harold Martin, Sr. deceased in 1992. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MRS. MARTIN!

BIRTHDAY GIRL! Margaret A. Martin (center) with her children ; sons Alan and Harold and daughter Barbara. In second photo, Mrs. Martin is pictured with Bro. Cliff Bell.

VISIT THE NASH HOUSE MUSEUM

The Nash House Museum has a new Facebook page! Follow Nash House Museum Buffalo to stay up to date on all the programs hosted by the historic house that was once the home of Rev. J. Edward Nash!

Senior Notes

HEALTH MATTERS 55 Or Older? Urban League Multi Service Center Offers Great Outlet For Seniors !

Providence Farm Collective Launches Its Second Year of the PFC Farmers Market

For the second consecutive year, Providence Farm Collective (PFC) is opening up its Farmers Market in the heart of Buffalo’s West Side for the 2023 season on June 24th. The PFC Farmers Market, which is organized by PFC farmers with support from a multi-year USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant, brings fresh and affordable culturally significant produce to the diverse Grant Street neighborhood, home to many refugee and immigrant families. M&T Bank at 130 Grant Street will again serve as the host site of the market which will be held every Saturday through October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. rain or shine. The 2023 PFC Farmers Market will include 16 vendors selling a variety of vegetables including African and Asian staples such as Tanzania maize, Liberian bitter ball, speciality hot peppers, and roselle.

PFC’s vision of empowering just and equitable access to food and farmland includes offering SNAP/Food Stamp benefits and Double Up Food Bucks Program to its customers, prioritizing increased fresh food access for all. “We are excited to announce that as an anchor member of the West Side Promise Neighborhood, Rich Products Corporation is partnering with PFC to provide $5 Farmers Market Vouchers for SNAP beneficiaries,” Markets Manager Hamadi Ali shared. The vouchers will be distributed to the market to customers. Last season, $6,777 in sales by PFC

Are you 55 years or older. Are you sitting at home alone? Are you just tired of being tired?

If the answer is yes to any one or more of these questions, join us daily for FREE food, fun and fellowship at the Buffalo Urban League Multi-service Center, 86 Pine Street. Transportation is available to and from your home and membership is free! Enjoy breakfast, daily exercise, activities, a food pantry, monthly grocery shopping trips, diabetes prevention and control , health and wellness screenings, legal services for the elderly, field trips and more!

Hot lunches are also served daily.

The remaining free Special “University Express” learning programs include:

*Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m., “Dolls and Society”

*Tuesday July 11 at 10 a.m. “Discovering Buffalo One Street at a Time.”

The Multi Service Center is located at 86 Pine Street. For more information call (716)847-8951.

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3 farmers at the market were made to low-income customers via Farmers Market Checks, Double Up Food Bucks and Tokens, and SNAP.

The PFC Farmers Market provides an opportunity for refugee and immigrant farmers to share their cultural produce, which is grown on PFC’s 37 acres of farmland in Orchard Park, with members of their communities. "I farm at PFC to increase my income and benefit my community," said Hawa Mohamed of Boolo Barwaqo Farm. "Whatever I’m farming there, I sell to my community, and my community gets more fresh food!"

PFC invites the greater WNY community to shop at the PFC Farmers Market to support local farmers and enjoy fresh and culturally significant fresh produce at affordable prices. Visit www.providencefarmcollective.org to learn more.

tor. Russwurm shifted the focus of the paper, which now began promoting the idea of emigration of Black Americans to Africa.

On March 28, 1829, Freedom’s Journal ceased publication after releasing only 103 issues. In April 1829, Samuel Cornish revived the newspaper, changing its name to The Rights of All. However, that publication survived only for eight months.

In 1829, emigrated to Liberia where died on June 9, 1851, at the age of 52. Samuel Eli Cornish died in Brooklyn, New York, on November 6, 1858. He was 63.

Niagara Falls Juneteenth Celebration Events...

On June 17 there will be the Niagara Falls Community Fair & Arts Festival from 10a.m. – 6p.m. at Niagara Arts. & Cultural Center 1201 Pine Ave. with Music , DJ’s, Bounce House, artists and vendors, fashion show, petting zoo, arts & crafts, bake sale, free BBQ, dancing and more.

On Monday June 19 from 9a.m. – 9p.m. join us in commemorating Juneteenth at City Hall and Legend’s Park. with live performances, vendors, free food and beverages.

There will be Flag Raising at Niagara Falls City Hall, Juneteenth Parade on Main Street and the Juneteenth Festival at Legends Park with live performances, vendors, free food and drinks, the Boys & Girls basketball tournament , relay races and more.

On Tuesday June 20 the Juneteenth events continue with Kahoo/Triva from 6p.m -9p.m. 825 Depot Ave. W, Niagara Falls NY. The game will start at 6:45p.m.

Black Restaurant Continues Through Juneteenth Weekend. Support Black Owned Restaurants! Black

Restaurant Week annually presented by Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals is still going on with good eating through Juneteenth Weekend. Be sure to continue to celebrate Black Restaurant Week through June 18. There are over 40+ participating Black businesses. From southern style and traditional cuisine, to Caribbean and unique dishes and confections, the options are endless. Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals they present Black culinary talents from the community annually and encourage continued support. "BRW is a week of intentional promotion, marketing, and patronage, we should advocate for the support of Blackowned and Brown-owned restaurants all year round," said BULYPNY President Mark Overall. Moving it to Juneteenth Week last year was a great success so we are continuing that tradition" he said. To see the updated list visit www.blackrestaurantweek716 .

Battle Squad Drill Competition

Drill Team United of WNY presents Battle Squad Drill Competition Sunday June 18 at 638 Michigan Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the show begins at 12p.m. Vendors will be available, no food or drink will be permitted, no large bags. All guests including children must have tickets. General admission is $30 visit them at drillteamsunitedwny.square. site for tickets and other event info. See you there!

JUNE

•Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live, EVERY FRIDAY EVENING now thru August 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jefferson & E.Utica Street Shopping Plaza. FREE! DJ's, food trucks, family entertainment, dancing and vendors & more To become a sponsor or for more info on how to participate go to the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation facebook page.

•JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL BUFFALO all day Saturday June 17 & Sunday June 18, MLK Park www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com, (716)891-891.FREE

• NIAGARA FALLS JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY FAIR & ARTS FESTIVAL

Saturday June 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To sign up to be a vendor, artist or musician go to Info@theNACC.org or call (716)282-7530

TASTE OF DIVERSITY FESTIVAL Sat. June 24, Grant Street @ Lafayette, 11 a.m.7p.m. tasteofdiversity.com

•WUFO BLACK MUSIC CONFERENCE & AWARDS June 23,24,25, Millennium Hotel and Resort, 2030 (716) 834-1080 email info@wuforadio.com

•FAMILY FISHING DAY June 24 & 25, 10 a.m.-3p.m. Broderick Park, Foot of Ferry Underground Railroad)

•NAACP 2023 MEDGER EVERS AWARDS DINNER, Saturday , June 24, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For tickets and more information email naacp@buffalonaacp. org or call (716)884-7242.

JULY

2ND ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE ALUMNI REUNION Celebration Honoring and Celebrating Law Enforcement Personnel, “Black Tie Affair,” Saturday, July 8 from 5 -10 p.m. Classics V Banquet hall, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tickets $75 RSVVP to (716)2535566 by June 25.All are welcome!

JULY

2ND ANNUAL NEW YORK STATE ALUMNI REUNION Celebration Honoring and Celebrating Law Enforcement Personnel, “Black Tie Affair,” Saturday, July 8 from 5 -10 p.m. Classics V Banquet hall, 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tickets $75 RSVVP to (716)2535566 by June 25.All are welcome!

•HEALING BY THE WATER Broderick Park Summer Freedom Celebration Music, Food, Vendors July 7-September 7, Foot of Ferry near Niagara St. FREE

• 28TH ANNUAL PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY- MASTEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, July 23 and July 30 from 2pm - 8pm, MLK Park (Buffalo Museum of Science – Side Lawn) 1001 Humboldt Parkway

Sunday, July 23: 6pm: Headliner: Buster Williams Quartet / Opener: Various Acts

Monday, July 24: 1pm: Musicians' Masterclass Workshop led by Nasar Abadey

AUGUST

PINE GRILL JAZZ REUNION, August 6 & 13, MLK Park. Vendor applications now available at the African American CulturalCenter, 350 Maten Avenue. All applications must be mailed or submitted in person with fees to the African American Cultural Center located at 350 Masten Ave. Buffalo New York 14209. The applications should be mailed and submitted to the; Attn. of Marilyn Gault by the close of business (5pm) JULY 21 IS NEW DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS . No refunds will be issued for applications after July 14, 2023

The Untold Story of Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln’s historic Emancipation Proclamation, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger road into Galveston and issued General Order No. 3, which informed the enslaved people of Texas that they were now free.

Interestingly enough the racist language used in the last sentences foreshadowed that the fight for equal rights would continue- even to this day. General order No. 3 begins: ““The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” But ends: “The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” And as we know, after that, Black people still faced lynchings, discriminatory laws and voter suppression, as well as White supremacist violence that continues to this day.

A year later on June 19, 1866 the first Juneteenth was celebrated in Texas. But back to Granger’s ride into town to deliver the good news.

Rarely mentioned are the heroic exploits and presence of the awesome all Black 25th Army Corps in this Juneteenth story. (i.e. they went on to stop Robert E. Lee's army at Appomattox Court House,Virginia forcing their surrender --his surrender thereon April 9, 1865. The headlines in the Washington, DC newspaper, The National Republican read, "Glorious Fall of Richmond Captured by the Black Troops".

Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865 and he reported to General Sheridan that when he arrived that morning, there was a brigade of the 25th Army Corps already in Galveston. Over a thousand African-American soldiers, heroes of Virginia, were in Galveston over a week before Granger showed up.

Henri Jones, curator of the African American Freedom War Foundation & Museum, made an impactful presentation at the Library of Congress Juneteenth Festival Symposium on Black Literature and Literacy a few years ago.. He made the following remarks: “…these highly motivated sable soldiers stood ready to go to Texas and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in May of 1865. Thomas Morris Chester, an African descent war correspondent, reported that on the eve of the grand review, the word that they were embarking for Texas was received in their camps, "With a great deal of satisfaction." Out in Texas, African descent soldiers who had been there for months engaged rebel soldiers in combat in May of 1865.

“By the end of the first week of June, the 25th Army Corps and thousands of other reinforcements were arriving in the Lone Star State. In the early morning of June 15, 1865, the rebel governor and thousands of rebel soldiers were chased out of the United States into Mexico by this imposing Union force.

"General Gordon Granger was the commander of the New Department of Texas. His immediate superior, General Phil Sheridan, ordered Granger to publish general orders informing the people of Texas that the Emancipation Proclamation had freed all the slaves in Texas.

Granger arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865 and he reported to General Sheridan that when he arrived that morning, there was a brigade of the 25th Army Corps already in Galveston. Over a thousand African-American soldiers, heroes of Virginia, were in Galveston over a week before Granger showed up. Later that day, Granger published General Order Number Three and the military campaign for emancipation and union was officially declared over.”

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021 after Congress passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and President Joe Biden signed it into law. -a.b.

COMMUITY PLANNER CONTINUED

•WESTY’S SYCAMORE FAMILY & FRIENDS ANNUAL REUNION August 4 Meet & Greet, 419 Monroe 6-9pm; August 5 Reunion Cookout MLK Park Noon-8PM For Info: (716)783-0099; (716)602-8119; (716)892-8311; (716)247-0258 FREE

Entertainment

ON STAGE:

Soul of Buffalo presents Eric Gales live in Asbury Hall

KEB’MO, Saturday, June 24, 8 p.m., Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Rochester. Tickets on sale now at ROCHESTERJAZZ.CO

Masters of the Mic Hip Hop 50 Tour with Doug E Fresh, EPMD, KRS One, Hakim, Slick Rick, 7 p.m. Sat. July 22, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, Tickets @ Ticketmaster.

Spoken Word Event

BUFFALO WORDISM

Jam Sessionz Saturday June 17, 7pm at the Bittersweet Piano Lounge (Inside of Hotel Lafayette) Tickets $15 in advance $20 at door. Doors open 6p.m. program starts 7p.m. Don't miss it!

June 25 6pm Doors, 7pm Show General Admission Seated tickets, $38.50 advance, $43.50 day of show, Limited Gold Seats in first 7 rows $58.50 can be purchased on TixR.com or in person at the Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p) (in person: fee free cash sales, 3% credit card fee)

Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned, even when his own light dimmed due to his substance struggles. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting. visit www.babevillebuffalo.com

JAMISON ROSS and DARCEL BLUE The Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective Celestial Jazz Wellness Series Friday June 16 at 7 p.m., Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Avenue. FREE

D’MOTT @ The Groove Lounge along with special guests, Kenyada Nikile, LaQuincia Motley-Allen and comedian Terre King 8-11 p.m. FRI. June 16 with music by DJ King Shad. Tickets @ Doris Records, Groove Lounge. Vendors call (716)533-7329

Hear In Now to perform at Asbury Hall 341 Delaware Ave. $25 general admission, $20 students/seniors, $18 members. Tickets at www. hallwalls.org

The Galactic Tribe and Arthause Juneteenth Celebration June 17th!

The Galactic Tribe and Arthaus Buffalo are throwing a Juneteenth Celebration! Enjoy food, drinks, and interactive art as we celebrate the pursuit of liberation. There will be music by DJ Onyx and performance by Nelquan Rashad. This free event will be held at Poize Restaurant 2081 Niagara Street on Saturday June 17, 6p.m. -10p.m. See more at www.thegalactictribe.org For ages 25+ with valid id.

Locust Street Art Spring Art Show

GLADYS KNIGHT on Friday, July 14 @ 8 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center At Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie Show Set for Outer Harbor August 4

The Rich Entertainment Group (REG) and Buffalo Waterfront Management Group (BWMG), together with Platinum Entertainment Group, announce A Boogie Wit da Hoodie will perform at the Outer Harbor on Friday, August 4.

The show, a stop on the Bronx-bred artist’s Me vs. Myself tour, will be held at the Lakeside Event Lawn presented by Upstate Honda Dealers.

Locust Street Art is hosting its annual Spring Art Show Saturday, June 24. This free event is open to the public and the perfect opportunity to celebrate our community's artistic talents. The building will feature work from their past two sessions, including animation, ceramics, drawing & painting, and photography. The event will run 1 - 6 p.m. and include food, outdoor activities, and music. They are also putting out a call to past students of Locust Street and MollyOlga as an effort to spotlight the creative talent that has come through their doors over the years. For more info please visit locuststreetart.org/annualartshow.

HEAR IN NOW

silvia bolognesi (bass) tomeka reid (cello) mazz swift (violin)

The MamaGey ArtJoy Exhibit: A Blessed Tribute to the Sacred Circle of Life

By Gail Lyons

My lifelong love affair with drawing probably started around the same time I fell hopelessly in love with chocolate. Both affairs are much alive and doing well.

I can recall being a young girl having the secretive excitement of knowing my father’s shirts, which were professionally cleaned and pressed, would arrive home in a big cardboard box. Once the plastic packaged shirts were neatly put away in the chest of drawers I would quietly “liberate” the sheets of cardboard that had been slipped into the fold of the laundered shirt to maintain its shape. I would gather as many as I could. Next, to find a pencil with a point. Finally, to search the bookshelf to find just the right World Book Encyclopedia. What letter? Once selected I was ready to claim my spot behind the sofa, with cardboard, pencil and encyclopedia set out in front of me. Open book. Page after page. Until there! A face. A style of dress. Someone from somewhere I never even heard of.

And so it would begin. Meditation they call it nowadays. Total focus drawing the person who had beckoned me. That’s the one I had to draw. Needing to transfer the magic onto a blank piece of cardboard. The genesis of Artjoy. A joy that has blessed me all my life. All the drawings that were displayed in the exhibit were created from the essence of that joy.

The same is true of dance and theatre.

Not one to have been schooled, trained as much as one who has been blessed given the gift of studying, learning by paying attention. Watch, listen, breathe, try, fail. Trust instincts. Embrace

Spirit. Love with everything you got!

Born into an artistic family it is in our blood. Cut us and we’ll most likely bleed ink. It has never been a dream of mine to exhibit my Artjoy. Routinely, when the piece was completed it would be ceremoniously tucked away in a drawer where it would remain for years. Until my Beloved Son Jimmy would repeatedly say to me “Ma, you need to put your art out into the world! People need to see what you do, who you are. And I know how and where.” He was so confident that it would be good medicine for all of us. His vision was so clear. I would simply say “Okay”. Go on about my business. Jimmy was the one who kept the fires burning.

In loving tribute to Jimmy’s visionary dream MamaGey ArtJoy Exhibit opened May 11, 2023. Blessed thanks to Beloved sister Yanava who so beautifully and soulfully curated the pieces and created the 280 home vibration. And Beloved brother Teo David who so graciously opened his arms and his WWTS Gallery so that the dream would have a home. Shout out to Delaware Camera for providing all the finishing touches. Hugs and kisses to Girl Gang for all the wonderful ways you light.

Our family history in this town is legendary. From my Beloved father Jimmy Lyons becoming the first Black full time radio DJ among his other many talents. My Beloved mother Ruth Lyons becoming a pioneer teacher in the Early Push Program. My Beloved siblings Jamie, Jo Anne and Gwen all establishing progressive uplifting careers and life styles. My Beloved children Kunjani, Jimmy and Yanava each artistically making a name for themselves, to the next generation Endaya, Jayden, Zion and Zela just beginning to find their artistic voices.

This is not only family history. It is Buffalo history. It is African American history. It is who we are and where we come from. We are each given gifts in this brief period of time on this planet. It is our responsibility to reciprocate. Artists are the beauticians of the world, making survival look beautiful.

The MamaGey ArtJoy Exhibit will forever be a blessed tribute to the Sacred Circle of Life. My heartfelt humble gratitude for all the sincere love, encouragement and kindness.

Yanava. Gey and Teo.

BUFFALO WELCOMES STUDENT MINISTER NURI MUHAMMAD

In Honor of the 158th Juneteenth Celebration

STREET LEGACY PHOTOS BY DARVIN ADAMS

Muhammad's Mosque No. 23 hosted Bro. Nuri Muhammad Student Minister of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan 3rd from left (in blue suit) last weekend where he was the keynote speaker at a Youth Inspired Forum and a Male/Female Relationship Forum at the Edward Saunders Community Center. Edward Saunders. The gracious Bro. Nuri also met with the Black media - The Challenger, the Criterion and WUFO Power 96.5 . Among those pictured above at The Golden Cup prior to a banquet hosted in his Bro. Nuri's honor last Friday are Murray Holman, Bishop Frederick Gelsey, Bro. David and Sister Jeannie Muhammad, Sister Carlanda Meadows, Rev. Kenneth Simmons, Dr. Eva Doyle and Jackie Stitts. Mrs. Stits ad her husband Larry are proprietors of the Golden Cup Cafe located at Utica and Jefferson. More to follow next week!

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

48th Annual Juneteenth Festival Events Schedule

Saturday June 17th and Sunday June 18th Martin Luther King Park

PRAYER, PRAISE & WORSHIP!

Friday June 16 Praise and Worship Service MLK Park 6-8 pm (near the parking lot)

Saturday June 17th

Arts , Culture Stage

10:00 AM Sanctuary Choir from the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Corner of Fillmore and Parade Street

10:00 am - 5:00pm Buffalo Public Schools presents Art Activities; Creating masks, jewelry making, stamping and button making. Near MLK bust

2:00PM - 7:00PM Marcus Garvey Shelter Fair Expo Offering interactive science activities

Agricultural Pavilion

Parade

•11:00AM starting at Juneteenth Headquarters traveling to MLKPark to Juneteenth Festival: Food Venders, Resource Vendors various food and information

•2:00PM Entertainment Stage Starts near Parking Lot near Green House

2:15PM Top Notch Band 4:45 Nikki Hicks

6:30 PM Anonymous Da Band

The Elder Griot Tent

•1:00 PM Edutainment Stage Starts Behind the Museum of Science. Spoken word and other local artists.

•11:00AM-5:00PM Health Pavilion

•2:00-5:00PM Girl Basketball SHOWCASE

•5-7PM SKATE DON’T HATE

•11:00AM-6:00PM Children's Activities Tennis Courtsface painting and interactive activities for children

Youth Activities near the Science Museum.

716 Selfie Museum, Basketball Tournament, and youth vending

1:00PM-7:00PM Book Sharing Tent near MLK bust

Sunday June 18th

11:00AM Arts & Culture

Various Artists: Corner of Fillmore and Parade Street

2:00pm - 7:00pm Marcus Garvey Shelter Fair

Expo Offering interactive science activities

Agricultural Pavilion

All Day

Food Vendors, Resource Vendors various food and information

Entertainment Stage: Parking Lot near green house Sunday

1:00 Rev. Edward Jackson Jr.

2:15

3:4S Classic Diamond 5:15 Kevin Hall

6:30 Unity Band

The Elder Griot Tent

1:00PM Edutainment Stage Starts Behind the Museum of Science. Spoken word and other local artists.

11:00AM-S:OOPM Health Pavilion

11 AM-6:00PM Children's Activities@ Tennis Courts, face painting and interactive activities for children

Youth Activities near the Science Museum. 716 Selfie Museum, Basketball Tournament, and youth vending

12:00PM-4:30PM Chess Tournament

1:00PM-7:00PM Book Sharing Tent

There’s so much to look forward to at the 48th Annual Juneteenth of Buffalo, including a Brand New JUNETEENTH YOUTH EXPERIENCE!

Some of the exciting activities to look forward to in this section include basketball, flag football, art activity stations, dance contests, educational/STEM activities, youth entrepreneur vendor opportunities, health/wellness activities, skating, 716 Selfies Museum Zone, open mic performances, game truck, culinary tastings, giveaways, and much more.

YOUTH SCHEDULE

SATURDAY JUNE 17

2:00 - 5:30 Basketball Showcase (Girls)

2:00 - 6:00 Run, Jump and Throw Competition

(near the basketball courts)

5:00 - 700 Skate Don't Hate

2:30 - 6:00 Buffalo Board of Education

The Educational Corridor

2:00 - 6:00 The Edutainment StageTBA

CHILDRENS CORNER

SUNDAY JUNE

2:00 - 6:00 Skate Don't Hate

5:00 - 6:00 Push Up King

2:00 - 6:00 Buffalo Board of Education -

The Educational Corridor

2:00 - 6:00 716 Selfie (Image Maker)

2:00 - 6:00 The Edutainment Stage - TBA

Parents are encouraged to bring their children (between the ages of 1-13) to the Juneteenth of Buffalo Children’s Activity Area.

Juneteenth of Buffalo Children's Activity Area is a Free Sponsored Activity for the community. The area activities and zones include:

1. Registration

2. Arts & Crafts

3. Bratzy Play (Soft play area for 1-6 )

4.Book sharing (free Books)

5.Carnival Games and Dunk Tank (ticketed area .50 a game)

6.Bounce Houses

7. Family Photo Op / TIK TOK

8.2 hrs of Face Painting (Saturday Only)

Free Bag of Cotton candy and Popcorn at Registration

In addition to or great local acts, You don't want to miss Anonymous Da Band!

We're thrilled to announce a great national music act, coming in all the way from Atlanta, GA. You don't want to miss Anonymous Da Band performing live on the Main Entertainment Stage Sat-urday June 17th @6:30pm

Anonymous Da Band (www.anonymousdaband.com) is Known mostly for their smooth urban jazz/funk sound, Da Band is a multitalented group made up of four Atlanta-born and raised young men in their 20's. The group has been together for the past fourteen years and has performed for numerous benefits, social events, and festivals. Additionally, they were selected in a nationwide search to perform at Prince's Paisley Park for the Musicol-ogy Battle of the Bands. As the opening act for the likes of Najee, Chrisette Michele, Maysa Leak, and other top entertainers, Anonymous Da Band has become one of the nation's premier funk fusion bands.

Arts & Cultural Stage

"Get ready to be swept away by the electrifying vibrations of the Juneteenth Arts and Culture Stage! This year's theme, "And Still I Rise," echoes through every performance, celebrating the resilience and triumph of black heritage. Join us as we honor the kings and queens of our community, and revel in a family-friendly event that showcases the exceptional talents of our local artists. From captivating dance routines to soul-stirring music and thought-provoking spoken word, this unforgettable celebration pays homage to the rich roots, arts, culture, and history that have shaped our city. "

Push-Up King, Push-Ups for Peace

The push-up king is returning to break ANOTHER record. Can you beat it? Saturday; Most push-ups in one hour. Sunday; Martial Arts Demonstrations. This activity is great for all ages. Push-Ups for Peace serves as a movement that promotes healthy choices, confidence, brotherhood and community. “Let’s put down the gun” says event coordinator, Jeffery Warrick, “and get active!”

Underground Railroad

Do you know the rich history and story of the Underground Railroad in Buffalo? Stop by the Underground Railroad Tours activity and you’ll be glad you did! Tours provide enriching history of the Underground Railroad and abolishment movements relevant to Buffalo, NY. The tours make stops at pertinent sites where the presenters provide information regarding its relationship to the UGRR movement. The tours include a stop at Broderick Park where a brief Memorial Ceremony is conducted. Tours are held Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm. The buses leave from the corner of Best and Fillmore.

Elders Griot Village Tent

Elders (age 62 & older) during the hours of 10 AM - 7 PM are invited to join us for a comfortable and honorary experience at the Juneteenth of Buffalo, Elders Griot Village Tent. For your convenience, we have chairs available for you. As well as transportation from/ to your vehicle, restrooms and vendor spaces. The Elders' Griot Village Tent will be located in a prominent area that will allow you to watch the Parade on Saturday and provide refreshments (at no charge).On Saturday, June 17th, seniors are encouraged to wear African attire. There will be prizes and trophies awarded to the best dressed seniors in the male and female categories at the Elders Griot Village Tent. For more information please call Betty Jean Grant, Griot Village Tent Committee Chairperson @ 716-602-5877

Agricultural Pavilion

We’re excited to introduce a space focused on agricultural education at the Juneteenth Celebration held in Buffalo, NY. We provide hands-on demonstrations and access to resources related to agriculture from a historical perspective, and create space for knowledge sharing around current topics, practices and careers in agriculture! Community members of all ages are encouraged to stop by!

-Compiled by Starr

ASANTE SANAA! SANKOFA DAYS CONTINUE Maafa Memorial

The Maifa Memorial will be held Wednesday, June 21 from 6-8pm Broderick Park (Foot of Ferry). The Maafa Memorial is a time to learn more about The Maafa and its' effect on Afrikan people, past and present. It is also a time to express our love through the spoken word, poetry, music, dance, and a traditional Afrikan ceremony to commemorate our Ancestors.

“Progressive Book Club 716 & Burning Books Partner for Juneteenth Book Reading”

Event to be held Tuesday June 20th, at 7PM, at Burning Books

On Tuesday June 20th, at 7PM, the Progressive Book Club 716 is partnering with Burning Books to meet and discuss Annette GordonReed’s On Juneteenth. The event will be held at Burning Books, located at 420 Connecticut Street on Buffalo’s West Side. The event will feature an introductory guest lecture by University at Buffalo history professor Dr. Carole Emberton who researches and teaches the history of emancipation, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

This event seeks to honor Buffalo’s rich history celebrating Juneteenth, discuss Juneteenth’s historical significance, and contextualize slavery’s historical and contemporary ramifications on the United States. As Dr. Emberton poignantly states “Juneteenth reminds us that emancipation was not a singular event but an extended process that is currently ongoing.” The Progressive Book Club 716’s Juneteenth event reflects their larger effort to connect interested community members with local activists and organizations through captivating reads.

A Tribute To Those Dedicated Volunteers Behind the Scenes Who Make Our Annual Freedom Celebration a Reality

Pictured above are just some of the dedicated volunteers who worked to bring Juneteeth to the community once again this year! We ae impressed with the newcomers and their energy and filled with gratitude to the many “soldiers’ who have stuck with it over the years! The photo above represents all that is right and encouraging about this year’s committee. Here are their names: Dayatra Amber, Juetaun Drewitt, Theresa Yates (Logistics Chair), Miata Wright (Concessions Chair), Bryana M. Hassan James (Arts & Culture), Pauline Price (one of the first Juneteenth members), Ziyadah Huqdah (Sgt. At Arms and former Concessions Chair), PearlieMae Hargro (Parliamentarian), Catherine Eberhart (member since 1983 &Board Treasurer), Jaime Swygert (Agricultural Pavilion), Ron Draffin (Board Member) , Taliba Asante (Board Member since ’83 & Underground Railroad Committee Chair), Carrone Evon Crump, and Jomo Akono (Board Members) , Jerri Becton Board Secretary; Betty Jean Grant (Boarad Member & Chair of Elder Griot Village), Murray Holman (Board Member & oversees Juneteenth Security) and Daniel McClamb (Logistics Team.) Apologies for anyone we missed! And on behalf of the community, PEACE, LOVE AND ASANTE SANAA – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Young Women Bringing New Energy and New Ideas to Juneteenth !

By Starr Funderburg

Pictured above are some amazing young women breaking barriers and bringing new ideas to the Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival!

Juetaun Drewitt, Juneteenth Board Member. Active on the Juneteenth Board of Directors since January 2023 and a volunteer since 2016. "I believe Juneteenth is a necessary reminder for me to keep pushing in becoming my best self, for my ancestors and for those who will come after me. My grandmother took me to my first Juneteenth 46 yrs ago, and I can still hear the pride in her voice of being able to participate in a celebration of us as a people. "

Jaime Swygert,Agricultural Pavilion Chairwoman. Founder of the Juneteenth Agricultural Pavilion as a space dedicated to agricultural education, especially lifting up the contributions and innovations of African Americans in farm science and entrepreneurship. "My vision was to create a space where black and brown people could convene and gather community resources, historical education, access career information, learn about food equity, justice and policy."

Zandra A. Cunningham

Youth Committee Chairwoman. The driving force behind an entirely new section of the festival devoted exclusively to youth coordinating a range of activities, including (but not limited to) sporting events, food giveaways, STEAM activities, contests and so much more specifically catered to younger attendees. This year will also feature the festival's first youth entrepreneurship vendor section! “This is my second year as the Arts & Culture Chair. What guests can expect this year is a healing, resilient and community celebration. It will be yet another soulful family affair this year's Juneteenth weekend at the Arts & Culture Stage 2023."

Bree Hassan , Arts & Culture Chairwoman .“This is my second year as the Arts & Culture Chair. What guests can expect this year is a healing, resilient and community celebration. We will be setting intentions for a sacred and joyous vibe. It will be yet another soulful family affair this year's Juneteenth weekend at the Arts & Culture Stage 2023. Come check us out!!!”

Juetaun Drewitt Jamie Swygert Zandra A. Cunningham Bree Hassan

VOICES

The Erie County Community Spoke About What We Need Instead of a New Jail

As repulsive as the idea of a new jail is, our community still came out recently to discuss what it really needs to address the problem of detainee housing, substance and alcohol abuse, poverty and all the traumas that lead to arrest and detention in Erie County. Our community showed up, to not only say no, to any idea of spending our tax dollars without our consent, to carry on the same practices that we have been complaining about with the existing jail for over three years now, but to say yes to a Needs Assessment where we talked about what we need to begin to solve the problems that have plagued our City for far too long.

On June 6th, at the Dr. Eva M. Doyle Auditorium, the Community had a rational and reasoned conversation in open discussion with many people expressing their views about exactly what our community needs are in the construct of detainee housing, treatment and follow-up for community reintegration when people are ready for release.

We had those discusions in a civilized, respectful way where everyones truth was expressed and aligned with the Communities best interest. The rule of engagement for the first of many conversations that the community intends to have around the issue of how our tax dollars can best serve all of the people of Erie County no matter whether its inner city Buffalo or Amherst, is Truth.

In addition there was a panel discussion by experts and people with extensive experience in working to improve conditions at our current jail.

By Steve Hart and BaBa Eng

Ellicott District Candidate Says She Will Work To Stabalize Neighborhoods

Dear Editor:

I am a proud daughter of the Late Bishop Nathan and Antoinette Halton, a devoted wife to Marc Pope, and a bonus mom to Moriah and Marc Jr. (MJ). My journey has led me to serve as a Senior Advisor to Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, where I have had the privilege of writing laws that directly benefit our district, the City of Buffalo, and the great state of New York.

In seeking to represent the diverse and vibrant Ellicott District, I was honored to announce my candidacy for the Ellicott District Council Seat with Pastor Pridgen at True Bethel Baptist Church, my church for nine years. The prayer and encouragement I received from my faith community have powered my campaign. I am thankful to Council President Pridgen for his endorsement and spiritual leadership, and I am grateful to share my vision for the new Ellicott District.

As your representative, I will work with you to stabilize our neighborhoods by investing in:

-Affordable and quality housing;

-Infrastructure through sidewalk and street repairs;

-Business district investment and fair development in every neighborhood of Ellicott District

All of these diverse parties came together to offer perspectives on how the socalled official needs asessment that the County Legislature agreed to, will play out unless there is constant dialogue with the community. In other words, without the community involvement at every stage of the process, the legislature could easily draft what they identify as a "needs assessment" that actually had no community input or real engagement and has no meaning to solving the problems of our community that cause people to end up in our jails in the first place.

Everyone at the meeting on June 6th expressed the opinion that the most immediate need of our community is not a new jail, but rather services in the community that people can access before they engage in behavior that would lead to an arrest and detention at the jail. We were able to chart those opinions on a poll that was given out as people entered the Dr. Eva M. Eva Doyle auditorium and collected as they left.

The poll we gave out allowed six options for the expenditure of the approximately 200 million dollars that the new Sheriff is asking for. Of the six predefined options, two were most favored by poll takers:

1. permanent low or zero rent social housing, ( not shelters) for people who are homelss, in shelters currently, or getting out of jail without a home to return to.

2. Well funded youth services, including mental health, drug treatment, restorative justice interventions, mentoring, and guided recreation services that people would be able to access as walk-ins off the street-before any crisis or episode developed.

Additional options were:

A. Community responder systems, permitting a nonpolice response to non-criminal, or even low level criminal situations.

B. Low or zero cost mental health services and Trauma Centers that would have a wide range of resources for community members in distress.

C. Community drug treatment centers for everyone and particularly people being released from our jails.

Among the suggestions from those gathered at The Community Needs Forum were also: Improved Public Transit, Robust Child Care, Senior Services and Job Training.

In addition to the general benefits of these suggestions, all of the above would reduce the stressors in our community that often lead people to criminal thinking and behavior. According to the people at The Community Forum: "Public Safety comes from having a healthy, thriving and caring community, not from having a new jail".

As a woman of color, I recognize the challenges and barriers ahead of me. I understand that I must work harder, longer, and with an unwavering determination to ensure our successes are achieved and recognized. I am ready to face these challenges head-on. It is disheartening that a woman has not served on the Common Council since 2014. It is time to change that narrative, to bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a much-needed voice to the decision-making table.

The redistricting of the Ellicott District has given us an incredible opportunity to celebrate and harness the power of diversity. Our district is a mosaic of unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural traditions. This diversity is not a challenge to overcome; it is our greatest strength. Together, we can be the shining beacon of light for our entire city. Together, we can set an example of what can be achieved when we work collaboratively and inclusively.

Let us build bridges that connect our diverse communities, amplify the voices of the unheard, and ensure no one is left behind. Our district deserves dedicated and effective representation, and I pledge to be that advocate for all.

I humbly ask for the community's vote and trust as we usher in a new era of inclusive leadership, empowerment, and unity. Together, we will shape the future of the Ellicott District and the City of Buffalo. Thank you, and may we forge a path to a brighter tomorrow.

Leah Halton-Pope

WAKE UP MY PEOPLE!

Dear Editor:

We must remember the struggles and sacrifices OF those who came before us because if we are not careful, we may find ourselves back to those days where we couldn’t vote, didn’t have civil rights, and didn’t have any Black political representation. Are we going back to those days? Do we deserve more from our (Black) leaders? Where are we headed? Ask yourself, do I really care, are we going to keep doing the same old same old, or are we going to look at the future for the sake of our children, and make a change. Wake up my people wake up!

-D.L. Jackson

Solidarity!

BEAUTY RUNS IN THE FAMILY! Donna Bryant (center) poses with her daughter and granddaughter during an amazing annual Mother’s Day Gala and birthday bash recently

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for Project No. 47495-C, comprising a contract for Construction Work, Provide Lead Mitigation, Firing Range, State Armory, 27 Masten Avenue, Buffalo (Erie County), NY will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Division of Military and Naval Affairs, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a bid security (i.e. certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $28,100 for C).

All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C.

Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862.

EMPLOYMENT

Van Driver

Transport persons w/disabilities to & from Various points in a wheelchair lift equipped Van or regular vehicle. Must have clean Driving record within past 2 years. $15.50-$16/hr. Cover letter & resume required to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Pursuant to Public Buildings Law

§ 8(6), effective January 11, 2020, for any projects where the project design commenced on or after January 1, 2020 and for any contracts over $5,000 for the work of construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State building, a responsible and reliable NYS-certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise that submits a bid within ten percent of the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder provided that the bid is $1,400,000 or less, as adjusted annually for inflation beginning January 1, 2020. If more than one responsible and reliable MWBE firm meets these requirements, the MWBE firm with the lowest bid will be deemed the apparent low bidder.

___ Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision.

XX Project commenced design on or after January 1, 2020. Subject to provision.

As a condition of award, within five (5) days of receipt of the proposed Contract Agreement from the State, the apparent low bidder shall return the Contract Agreement to the State, properly executed, along with the Bonds if required by said Agreement. Low bidders who cannot meet these provisions may be subject to disqualification and forfeiture of the bid security

The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site to take field measurements and examine existing conditions of the project area will be at 9:00 a.m. on June 29, 2023 at 27 Masten Ave Buffalo NY 14204 - Utilize Front Entrance off Masten Ave. Phone the office of Rocky Silvestro (716-8850908) a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the date to provide the names of those who will attend the pre-bid site visit. Only contractors that schedule a visit at least 24 hours in advance will be allowed to participate in the pre-bid site visit.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for WomenOwned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs). The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of MWBEs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials. Article 3 of the Veteran’s Services Law provides for more meaningful participation in public procurement by certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (“SDVOBs”). Bidders are expected to consider SDVOBs in the fulfillment of the requirements of the Contract. Such participation may be as subcontractors or suppliers, as protégés, or in other partnering or supporting roles. OGS hereby establishes overall goals for SDVOBs’ participation under this contract as follows: 6% for the C trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing, downloading, and Electronic Bidding from OGS Design & Construction’s Electronic Bidding service, Bid Express.

Registration along with viewing, downloading, and electronic bidding can be accessed at the following link: http://www.bidexpress.com

For questions about downloading of bid documents, please send an e-mail to support@bidexpress.com, or call the Bid Express toll-free number at (888) 352-2439.

For all other questions, please send an email to DCPlans@ogs.ny.gov, or call (518) 474-0203.

For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

COO/Deputy Director

The Burchfield Penney Art Center seeks a Deputy Director to help provide leadership to effectively deliver on the Center's mission dedicated to the art & artists of Buffalo and the region. Learn more at https://bpac.co/pg:50

Peer MHPC Outreach Specialist

Promote MHPC programs & services to the Community and Behavioral Health providers. Develop community-based relationships w/potential Employers. HS diploma & eight (8) yrs exp req. $36k-$41k. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, INC 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

QA & Compliance Specialist

Perform duties within the dept to help Ensure the Agency compliance with Program & regulatory guidelines. $38k-$40k. HS diploma & 3 yrs exp in Human Service Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, INC 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

Health Homes Care Coordinator

Help enroll consumers in a Health Home. Help decrease costs of consumers being Served in a Health Home. $35k$40k. Bachelor’s & 5 yrs exp. Req.Resume and Cover letter to WNYIL Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

The Unit AAU Basketball Teams Sweep Again!

The Unit Promise of Buffalo and 716 United of Niagara Falls recently hosted The Battle Un1ted AAU Basketball tournament at Tapestry School. The Unit middle school swept their divisions taking home 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U Championships. Pictured is the 13U team coached by Marcus Harris. They went 3-0 during the tournament, winning each game by 20 points or more, ultimately taking another championship. Last weekend they traveled to Atlantic City, NJ and played in the finals for Marquee Hoops, where they went 9-1 during the regular season. Next weekend they’re headed to Virginia Beach followed by a trip to South Carolina. Let’s wish these young men a huge congratulations and blessings on previous and upcoming tournaments! If you wish to help with expenses please donate to cashapp: $TheUN1TMS or for more information please email: TheUnitPromisems@gmail.com

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY COURT :COUNTY OF ERIE

IN THE MATTER OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY PROCEEDING IN REM PURSUANT TO THE IN REM PROVISIONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY TAX ACT AND THE RESOLUTION OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AS SHOWN BY ITEM 4E-26 (2023) PAGES 173-222 OF THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF SAID LEGISLATURE FOR THE YEAR 2023

PETITION AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY THE COUNTY OF ERIE BY ACTION IN REM IN REM NO. 171

INDEX NO. 2023-600169

Please take notice that on the 4th day of May, 2023 the County of Erie pursuant to law, filed with the Clerk of the County of Erie a list of parcels of property affected by unpaid tax liens held and owned by the County of Erie which on such date had been due and unpaid for a period of at least two years after the date on which the unpaid tax liens were sold. Such list contains as to each such parcel (a) a brief description of the property affected by each tax lien, (b) the name of the last known owner of such property as it appears on the latest tax roll in the hands of the Director of Real Property Tax Services or a statement that the owner is unknown if such be the case, (c) a statement of such tax liens upon such parcel of property including any tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie which shall have been due for less than two years, together with the interest and penalties due as of the list date and (d) a statement that the amount required to redeem any such parcel of property, and the amount to be recovered by the County of Erie, includes all tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie and affecting such property, together with all interest, penalties, additions and expenses as in this act provided, and also includes an “in rem fee” of $500.00 per parcel to cover the presumptive cost to the County of Erie for reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees, abstracts of title and other disbursements in connection with such foreclosure pursuant to law.

The above-captioned proceeding was commenced to enforce the payment of delinquent taxes which have accumulated and become liens against certain property. The parcels to which this proceeding applies were identified on the List of Delinquent Taxes which was filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on the 4th day of May, 2023. Take further notice that the ownership by the County of the tax sale certificates set forth on the List of Delinquent Taxes is conclusive evidence of the fact that the taxes, assessments and other legal charges represented thereby have not been paid to the County.

EFFECT OF FILING: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes are hereby notified that the filing of said List constituted the commencement by the County of Erie of a proceeding in the County Court to foreclose each of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding In Rem. Pursuant to Section 11-7.0 of the Erie County Tax Act, the filing of such List of Delinquent Taxes constitutes and has the same force and effect and is deemed to have given the same notice of such foreclosure proceeding as the filing and recording in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of an individual Notice of Pendency of a Tax Foreclosure Action and of the filing in the County Court of a separate and individual Complaint by the County of Erie against the owners of the real property proceeded against and

described in the List of Delinquent Taxes.

NATURE OF PROCEEDING: This proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such liens/taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.

PERSONS AFFECTED: This notice is directed to all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of this Petition and the List of Delinquent Taxes has been filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day of redemption.

RIGHT OF REDEMPTION: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before the 5th day of July, 2023 redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption.

Payments shall be made to: Director of Real Property Tax Services, Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York, 14202, by CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, BANK CHECK or MONEY ORDER. In the event that such tax liens are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record or to receive an assignment of such tax liens evidenced by a proper written instrument.

LAST DAY OF REDEMPTION: The last day of redemption is hereby fixed as the 5th day of July, 2023.

SERVICE OF ANSWER: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes may serve a duly verified Answer upon the attorney for the Tax District, as set forth below, setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest, and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such Answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District, Margaret A. Hurley, Esq., Lippes Mathias, LLP, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700, Buffalo, New York, 14202, (716) 884-3135, on or before the 26th day of July 2023.

FAILURE TO REDEEM OR AN-

SWER: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in the List of Delinquent Taxes and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default.

DATED: May 4, 2023

ENFORCING OFFICER: SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Director of Real Property Tax Services

STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE CITY OF BUFFALO

ss: I, SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ., being duly sworn, depose and say: I am the Director of Real Property Tax Service for the County of Erie. I have read this Petition and Notice, which I have signed, and I am familiar with its contents. The contents of this Petition and Notice are true to the best of my knowledge, based upon the records and tax roll of the County of Erie, in the hands of the Department of Real Property Tax Services. I do not know of any errors or omissions in this Petition.

SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ. Director of Real Property Tax Services

Sworn to before me this 4th day of May, 2023.

Notary Public:

Amy Honan

No. 01HO6348829

Notary Public, State of New York

Qualified in Erie County

My Commission Expires Oct. 3, 2024

ATTORNEYS FOR TAX DISTRICT:

Margaret A. Hurley, Esq.

Lippes Mathias, LLP

50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 884-3135

May 18, 25 June 8, 15, 22, 29

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT COUNTY OF ERIE KeyBank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Thomas N. Ramsey a/k/a Tom N. Ramsey; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 1, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office, 1st Floor, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo NY on July 17, 2023 at 10:30AM, premises known as 165 Irving Terrace, Depew, NY 14043. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Depew, Town of Cheektowaga, County of Erie and State of New York, Section: 104.05 Block: 1 Lot: 18. Approximate amount of judgment $98,608.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #802935/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the ERIE County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov/Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Marissa Hill Washington, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 FKNC3214 76271

June 15, 22, 29 July 6

LLC's

REBID ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING TRAILBLAZING WOMEN MONUMENT SITE PREPARATION

PROJECT NO. DEP-A.21159

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed proposals for the above-referenced contracts will be received by the Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP) on June 30, 2023, until 2:00 pm, local time, at 95 Franklin Street, Room 1034, Buffalo, NY, 14202, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in Room 1004.

The nature of the work generally involves site preparation for a future Trailblazing Women Monument to be constructed in front of Old Erie County Hall located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY. The work will include the removal and reinstallation of existing stone slab blocks and foundation/excavation/landscaping work.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 2:00 pm, in front of Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Additional information and bid documents can be found at: https://www3. erie.gov/dpw/form/dpw-bid-retrieval.

BY ORDER OF: Daniel Castle, Commissioner, ECDEP

Dated: 6/7/2023

Published: 6/9/2023

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT -

ERIE

COUNTY OF

M&T BANK, Plaintiff - againstDARRIN L. PAWLOWSKI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 12, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office, 92 Franklin Street, 1st Floor, Buffalo, New York on the 18th day of July, 2023 at 10:30 AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York.

Premises known as 38 Weiss Street, Buffalo, NY 14206.

(Section: 123.49, Block: 4, Lot: 9) Approximate amount of lien $16,987.68 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 801305/2022. Dennis P. Cleary, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: April 18, 2023

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

June 15, 22, 29 July 6

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

Fijas Fitness LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 1/26/2023. Office of the LLC: 636 W Delavan Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222 Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 636 W Delavan Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222. Purpose of LLC: Provide coaching for runners and fitness plans. No specific duration attached to LLC. April 20,27,May 4, 11, 18,25

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

ITS THE DETAIL ESTABLISHED

2023 LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: February 4, 2023.Office of the LLC: Erie County. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: 427 Saint Law-rence Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose of LLC: Mobile service providing customers with your basic automotive de-tailing needs.

June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

EVERY BODY PLUS LLC filed Articles of Organization with NY Secy of State on 3/16/2023. Office of the LLC: 149 Swan Street, Buffalo NY 14203. The NY Secy of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to LLC at: 149 Swan Street, Buffalo NY 14203 STREET, Purpose of LLC: any lawful act or activity.

June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

KAMAZAN GROUP, LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: March 23, 2023. Office of the LLC: 156 Rosemont Dr, Erie. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 156 Rosemont Dr Amherst NY 14226 . Purpose of LLC: (Finance Consultant). No specific duration attached to LLC.

June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Button and Bows Boutique LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 6/8/23. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 50 Hewitt Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

June 15,22,29, July 6,13,20

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Protekt Ur Krown. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022-07-12. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Protekt Ur Krown: PO Box 673 Buffalo NY 14231. Purpose: Any lawful purpose

June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

Wild Vines Floral Design, LLC

Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/23/2022. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 2302 Main St, #1, Buffalo, NY 14214. Purpose: Any lawful purpose June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPAN

KUSCZAK LLC filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 03/17/2023. Its office is located in Erie County. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the Company upon whom process against it may be served and a copy of any process shall be mailed to 205 Martin Ave, Blasdell, NY 14219. Purpose is any lawful purpose.

June 8, 15, 22,29, July 6,13

MINISTER OF MUSIC NEEDED

Minister of Music needed for rehearsals and 11:00 Sunday service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Niagara Falls. Please call 716.282.3655.

Yemen Cafe and Bakery 1505 Broadway St Buffalo NY 14212

Yemen Cafe looking for a Yemeni chef, and assistant chef. Someone to help the cafe with everything, also a baker who knows how to make a tanoor bread. Please call Kaled Hassan at 716-994-7035.

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

824-314-328-182-913-427-680-909-845-781-173-356891-019-671-659-800-659-831-445-787-566-547-769880-910-987-954-232-465-785-309-187-095-416-576890-109-654-432-323-545-267-890-800-468-090-967680-072-547-691-063-323-353-563-934-094-305-401078-545-788-570-982-478-544-360-184-343-679-100229-436-579-047-093-346-790-874-167-768-912-354436-734-820-039-154-524-875-579-103-076-423-568909-096-534-546-789-358-219-765-187-890-919-953-

MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS!

168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855-648514-996-202

Aquarius -496-235-165-579

Pisces - 056-362-237-694

Cancer - 482-372-895-718

Aries - 289-946-034-594

Taurus -258-231-026-695

Gemini-495-257-694-508

Leo-345-213-157-201

Virgo 385-291-431-170

Libra -247-723-179-501

Scorpio - 453-253-571-597

Sagittarius389-701-234-924

Capricorn:893-275-342-506

luckie duckie

335 -20154444-1871-0978

853-9961

980-422-809-981989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524119-616-719-593-655-97-127-111-019-200120-339-303-889-900 007-013-590-698-888

Tina Turner Tribute Planned

The community is invited to join Columnist .Eva M.Doyle for a Tribute to the Queen of Roll, Tina Tuner on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Merriweather Library auditorium. Doors will open at 1:30. Participants include Poet Vonetta T. Rhodes, Dancer Denise Acosta, Storyteller Karima Amin, and singer Dee Dee Paris singing Proud Mary. A video showing Tina Turner singing to over 150, 000 people will shown at the end of the program. For more information you can call 716 8476010.

Tao Te Ching

-43-

The gentlest thing in the world

Overcomes the hardest thing in the world. That which has no substance Enters where there is no space.

This shows the value of nonaction

Teaching without words, Performing without actions:

That is the Master’s way.

Give Thanks

SAT. JUNE 17

JUNETEENTH! MLK PARK SEE PAGE 18

SUN. JUNE 18

JUNETEENTH! MLK PARK SEE PAGE 18

MON. JUNE 19

Community Health Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Buffalo Museum of Science. Free admission, outdoor fitness, fun events for children.

WED. JUNE 21

The Buffalo Board of Education last meeting for the school year 5:30 p.m. at McKinley High school. For more info Buffaloschools.org or call (716)816-3570

THURS. JUNE 22

The “Spirit of Inspiration” dedication, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Olalekan Jeyifous, inspired by the life and legacy of Lucille Clifton. 5:30 p.m. at The Reading Park at Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square.

SAT. JUNE 24

TASTE OF DIVERSITY FESTIVAL Sat. June 24, Grant Street @ Lafayette, 11 a.m.-7p.m. tasteofdiversity.com

Summer Update for Hustle for Health Free classes in Buffalo

MONDAYS: June 26, July 3 and July 10 Hustle for Health Line Dance fitness for Seniors 12pm at Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan Ave, Buffalo FREE www.HustleforHealth.com

MONDAYS

June 26 - Sept 25Hustle for Health 12pm at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. FREE for ages 55+ Visit www. HustleforHealth.com

WEDNESDAYS -

June 21 - Sept Hustle for Health with Phyllis Caver 11am at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. FREE 55+ Visit www.HustleForHealth. com

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

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

-Tao Te Ching