Issuu

MASKS MATTER! Protect Yourself and Others! Wear a Mask! COVID-19 is still here. Residents

are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing in public. Make Safe Choices! Stay Well! Stay Positive!

June 24, 2020 | FREE |

DON’T TEAR IT DOWN!

A Major Part of the History of Buffalo’s Black Community is being threatened with demolition. A living monument, Willert Park is one of only a few structures of Black historical significance left in this city. Page 3

GENERATIONS Congratulations Class of 2020! Page 15

LOCAL

Council Votes to Rename City Street BLACK LIVES MATTER Page 3

HEALTH MATTERS

Freedom Gardens Update: Gardening For Life & Liberation! Page 5

CITIZENS LAUNCH PETITION CALLING ON MAYOR BROWN TO RESIGN Page 10

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

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

Mayor Warren and County Executive Bello Announce Commission on Racial and Structural Equity Former Mayor William A. Johnson. Jr. and Dr. Muhammad Shafiq, Executive Director in Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue at Nazareth College to Serve As Co-Chairs. City Chief Equity Officer Dr. Cephas Archie and Deputy County Executive Corinda Crossdale to Lead Support Team. Community Members Interested in Serving on Commission Should Submit Resumes to RacialEquityCommission@cityofrochester.gov by July 10 SHAME AND WHITE SUPREMACY: The sculpture of Nathaniel Rochester at the corner of Alexander Street and South Avenue recently had the words "SHAME" and "WHITE SUPREMACY," painted on the front and back, as well as the hands painted red to depict dripping blood . Nathaniel Rochester, the city’s founder and namesake, also was a slave owner. The title of the sculpture is "Reflecting."

Monroe County Parks Now Accepting Reservations For Shelters And Lodges Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced today that Monroe County Parks is now accepting reservations for park shelters and lodges. The County is also taking reservations for use of the atrium in the Monroe County Office Building, 39 W. Main St. Users must comply with all County and New York State guidelines related to social gatherings that are in place on the date of their event. As of today, events are limited to 25 people. Those with reservations who later find they cannot comply with the guidelines will receive a full refund. The County will not charge a cancellation fee. To reserve a shelter or lodge, go to www2.monroecounty.gov/parks. To reserve the County Office Building atrium, contact Josie McClary at: JMcClary@monroecounty. gov or (585) 753-1009. SUPPORT THE

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– Mayor Lovely A. Warren and County Executive Adam J. Bello announced today the creation of the Commission on Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) to examine and develop policies and legislation to overcome systemic and institutional inequities, as well as, racism in Rochester and Monroe County. The Commission will meet Governor Cuomo’s mandate regarding a review of policing policies, and go beyond that to review the state of education; healthcare, including mental health and addiction services; job creation, busi-

ness development; as well as other social services. The Commission will have six months from formation to report back to the community. “We need to seize this moment and fundamentally change our government to lift up all people, specifically, our Black and Brown residents. By doing so, we will deliver equity and strengthen our entire community,” said Mayor Warren. “This Commission will be empowered to deliver to policies and legislation we can enact to ensure that we do more than simply police

Bringing Families of Color to the World of Adoption Part 1

hildren Awaiting Parents (CAP) staff recently lost a friend, helper and advocate to adoption due to COVID-19. Our dear Rochester friend Donald Starver—longtime friend of Adoption Specialist Veronica Black Turner and new friend to me as Executive Director, Lauri McKnight—was concerned about the number of children of color not being adopted by their own culture. Donald had begun to assist with the initial stages to widely publicize the need for African American families to learn more about adoption and encourage families to become adoptive-certified to meet the increasing need of forever families for children of color. Donald also eagerly shared his numerous connections with me to find mentors for a Project SSAFE, a new program CAP is developing for young adults aging out of foster care. Across America there are 440,000 in foster care with 120,000 youth waiting to be adopted, and 20,000 plus are here in New York. According to The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), 56% of children in care waiting to be adopted are children of color, which includes 22% African American children, 27% Hispanic children, and 7% other or unknown non-white children. In comparison, 44% of Caucasian children are awaiting adoption, with the likelihood of adoption much greater than for children of color. And realize Children Awaiting Parents is committed to finding a family for every child—EVERY child—with its target mission focused on the longest-waiting, oldest children, minority children, and children with disabilities. With that in mind, CAP is not just focused on giving every child a set of parents. Our priority is to find the RIGHT home for every child, placing children in their prospective cultural families, as oftentimes children may experience a feeling of never truly belonging. Yet what we discovered in our nearly 50 years of service, is exactly what Donald Starver saw in his community—there is a shortage of adoptive families of color. This shortage often results in the selection of families that do not look like the child. (Next: Part 2 Conclusion)

our community in a more humane manner. We must rethink, change and expand how government at all levels provides services to truly ensure every family and every child has full access to the American Dream.” “This is an historic moment in Monroe County, and we will not let it pass without consequence,” Bello said. “We are here to make lasting changes to our systems that for far too long have perpetuated inequities that disproportionately affect people of color across our community. This commission is just one step toward rebuilding Monroe County as an actively anti-racist government that embraces diversity and inclusion.” The Commission will have

21 members selected by the Mayor and County Executive with input from the CoChairs. The goal is to invite community members and subject matter experts from the community who have led on these issues to pro-

vide recommendations in the policies areas of education; healthcare, including mental health and addiction services; job creation, business development; as well as other social services. Individuals interested in serving on the Commission should submit their resumes and a statement explaining why they wish to serve via email at RacialEquityCommission@cityofrochester.gov by 5:00pm on Friday, July 10. The Commission will be charged with taking testimony on the above topics from all interested residents.

MASKS MATTER! Protesters Protect Yourselves and Others! Wear a mask! COVID-19 is still here.

Residents are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing in public. Make Safe Choices! Stay Well! We’re Winning!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

June 24, 2020 | FREE |

AREA BRIEFS

DON’T TEAR IT DOWN! Council Votes to Rename A Street "Black Lives Matter" On Tuesday the Common Council unanimously approved a resolution by Council President Darius Pridgen to name a street in Buffalo”Black Lives Matter.” Now a street has to be chosen. Council President Pridgen was prompted to propose the street name change after receiving a letter from a 17-year-old high school student asking if he could paint Black Lives Matter onto a street in the city. Community activist and former County Legislator Betty Jean Grant and We Are Women Warriors are lobbying to have E. Ferry Street designated Black Lives Matter Blvd. No decision has yet been made. (See Page 11)

MLK SPLASH PAD OPENS: The Coalition to Save MLK Park reports that the MLK Splash Pad opened on Monday. Staff will be on hand to help with the implementation of social distancing for the children’s safety. Last week Coalition chairperson Samuel A. Herbert joined with city engineers to check on the spray jets and brought to their attention that the babies section of the splash pad was not working properly last summer. Engineers assured they would work to correct the problem. “We just want to make sure our children have a place where they can go and have fun, and get wet on these hot summer days,” said Herbert.

Police Reform is Topic of The Truth Talk Show "The Truth And Nothing but The Truth So Help Us God" talk show will air this Saturday, June 27 on The Legendary Mix 1080 and Power 96.5 Radio. Hosted by Samuel A. Herbert, the topic of discussion is the issue of police reform from a unique , little talked about perspective. The show airs from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

Minister Farrakahan to Make Major Announcement July 4 The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan leader of the Nation of Islam will DELIVER ”A Message to The World” ” on July 4, 2002. For more information go to NOI.ORG.

The children above are posed before two apartments at Willert Park in 1946. In the first row at leftis Pete Laughlin (2nd from left) and Joan Laughlin (third from left ) Current building in background (color).

A Major Part of the History of Buffalo’s Black Community is being Threatened Willert GENERATIONS with Demolition. LOCAL A Living Monument, HEALTH MATTERS Park is one of Only a Few Structures of Black Historical Significance Left in this City. By Staff Writer Congratulations Class of 2020! Page 15

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

Billboard on E. Ferry and Fillmore proclaims "Black Lives Matter."

Council Votes to Rename City Street BLACK LIVES MATTER Page 3

Freedom Gardens Update: Gardening For Life & Liberation! Page 5

CITIZENS LAUNCH PETITION CALLING ON MAYOR BROWN the city is a living monument to the 10 history of Buffalo’s TO RESIGN Page

estled away in the heart of Black community; one of only a few structures of Black historical significance left in the area. The Willert Park Complex/AD Price Courts was built in 1939 during the time of Federal mandated segregated public housing. It was a thriving development - the first of its kind for African Americans in Buffalo. Today it sits neglected and deteriorating. Yet the ancestral energy of Black life legacies and history can still be felt. “It is currently being kept vacant and deteriorating because its owner, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) is in anticipation of its demolition,” a statement from Preservation Buffalo Niagara read. The agency has been fighting to save Willert Park for at least a decade because in addition to its historical and architectural significance , they believe it can be revitalized as much-needed affordable housing. This Thursday Preservation Buffalo Niagara and the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation will hold a joint press conference to oppose the demolition of Willert Park Courts. Community partners invited to speak include activist/scholar Dr. Henry Taylor, community activist Charley H. Fisher, and former Council President and historian George K. Arthur. In staunch opposition to tearing down the courts, all three pointed to the paramount importance of Willert Park’s historical ties to the community. “Willert Park represents an essential part of African American history,” Dr. Taylor told The Challenger. “It represents a symbol of our culture.” “We have spent millions to preserve the Darwin Martin House (in Noth Buffalo)” he reflected - “essentially a dead monument .” That being said he continued, “surely we can preserve this living monument…in our community and still provide housing.” George K. Arthur also used the Darwin House comparison. He called Willert Park “a major part of history of the Black community of Buffalo.” “Almost every Black structure of historical significance has been torn down,” he continued. “There are only a few left - the Michigan Street Baptist Church, Durham Memorial AME Zion Church on Eagle and Michigan, and Willert Park. What we’re saying to BMHA is give us a few years to come back with a development plan to prove Willert Park can be saved and cost won’t be a factor…and we can make them livable. When it comes to Black history why is it always about cost? ” Last year Willert Park Courts was named one of the United States’ 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “I’m 100% in support of the effort to save Willert Park" said Charley Fisher. “I believe there is an attempt to destroy every single piece of historic land in the community….It will be an atrocity if we don’t stop this. Eventually we will have nothing left of a community we lived in and cherished for so many years.”

John Young

John Young, Creator Of The Buffalo Chicken Wing Celebrate John Young Day and the Wing Ride food tour kick off this Saturday June 27 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Bike tours Canalside Kiosk, 1 Naval Park in Buffalo. The first 100 people will be able to sample chicken wings covered with a special recipe, which hasn't been available for 20 years. Lina BrownYoung, John Young's daughter, will be serving samples of her mambo wings, which were made famous at her dad's restaurant Wings N' Things.

ohn Young started a restaurant called John Young’s Wings and Things in Buffalo in 1964. Young, a farm boy from Alabama, started cooking with his father on a riverboat before relocating to Buffalo. Young had heard of a restaurant in Washington D.C that served chicken wings, so he decided to venture into his own version which included his popular “Mambo” which he created at his third location at Jefferson and Utica. The Jamaican-born sauce recipe would make culinary history for Buffalo wing lovers. Although there are several people who claim invention of Buffalo wings, Continued Page 13

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

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

Phase 4 To Begin July 1 But It Won't Include Malls, Theaters or Fitness Centers Phase four will begin on July 1 but Gov Cuomo has reportedly decided that phase will not include the reopening of indoor shopping malls, movie theaters or fitness centers. Said Rich Azzopardi, senior adviser to the governor, “We’re not going to be like other states that are inviting a second wave. The Buffalo News reported Tuesday that as the region reopens and Covid-19 declines, there are still neighborhood pockets/hot spots in the city where the virus remains 'stubbornly high,' including 14215,14207 and 14213 .

FDA Warns Against Hand Sanitizers that Contain the Toxic Substance Methanol

CITY-WIDE MEN’S MINISTRY PPE COVID-19 GIVEAWAY

A City-Wide Men’s Ministry PEP Covid-19 Giveaway of masks, gloves and hand sanitizer, was held on Monday at 3 locations: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church on East North Street; Edison Street Community Church on Edison Ave.; and Second Chance Ministries Community Church on East Ferry St. The three churches make up City Wide Men’s Ministry. Pictured above are members of Macedonia Missionary. Baptist including (women L-R) Donnette Calhoun, Martha Baker and Sherilyn McGowan) who volunteered to support their neighbors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Challenger Photos

MASKS FOR KIDS! A

special mask giveaway for children will be held Tuesday, June 30 at 4 p.m. at the Cold Spring Bible Chapel, 100 Northland Avenue. The church sponsors a Mask and Food Giveaway every Tuesday at the Church from 4-6 p.m . Rev. Kenneth Simmons is Pastor.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to use any hand sanitizer from a Mexican manufacturer after finding a potentially fatal toxic substance, in some of its products. The agency said that the substance, methanol, is “not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers,” the use of which has risen dramatically curing the coronavirus pandemic. Substantial exposure can lead to problems including nausea, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, permanent blindness or damage to the nervous system, seizures and coma. People exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol “should seek immediate treatment,” the FDA wrote in a statement, which lists nine known sanitizer products made by the company, Eskbiochem. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem: All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01) Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01) CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589008-04) Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01) The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10) CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589005-03) CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589009-01) CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589003-01) Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589001-01)

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H E L P I N G O U R R E A D E R S S T AY E D U C A T E D, S A F E , A N D H E A L T H Y For up-to-date information, visit our COVID-19 Information Portal at TheChallengerNews.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

FREEDOM GARDENS UPDATE:

GARDENING FOR LIFE & LIBERATION

n May 15th, which was the deadline to fill out a Freedom Garden application, over 340 residents living in zip codes 14215, 14213, 14211, 14209, 14208, 14207, 14204, applied for a total of 50 Freedom Gardens. From June 1st through June 12th: •Each Freedom Garden recipient (50) was gifted either a cedar 4ftX4ft raised bed with a barrier to limit contact with contaminated soil, an earth box on wheels for easy mobility and ideal for those with limited space, or a cedar 2ftX6ft elevated bed designed for seniors or the differently abled. •Every container was filled with premium soil tested for nutrients and pH to make sure that crops would grow well. •Freedom Gardeners received organic seedlings and herbs grown by the best local farmers and Erie County Master Gardeners for planting. In addition to the above every Freedom Gardeners was given: •a mask, gloves and sanitizer to keep them safe while in the garden, •a water can, •a trowel, •organic seeds for a second planting in the fall, •a folder with information and resources on growing, •contact information for guidance and assistance and •a garden journal. The Freedom Garden site set up process emphasized service, education and hands on learning. All gardens were set up with assistance from a crew of volunteers. Trained garden guides provided guidance on garden location, plant placement and watering. Once the Freedom Gardener has successfully planted and watered their garden, the installation concludes with pictures and a garden blessing. On June 9th each Freedom gardener was invited to a Freedom Garden orientation via Zoom that introduced the educational program designed by Soul Fire Farm to ensure a successful gardening experience. Grassroots Gardens and Freedom Garden Guides (Erie County Master Gardeners and site crew volunteers) are providing individualized garden support. The Freedom Garden initiative will end with distribution of t-shirts and a harvest celebration! If you applied for a Freedom Garden but did not receive a garden you can get organic seeds for a fall planting or organic seedlings for growing in a container or garden bed that you already have. The seeds and plants are available at Feed Buffalo located at 456 Massachusetts Avenue or you can email yourfreedomgarden@gmail.com for questions and information for delivery if needed. Follow us on Instagram @Buffalofreedomgardens

Preparing Your Home for the Market

reetings to all of our communities. Let us all continue to remember who we are and how we can assist others. Let’s begin: What is the Market? It is the process of announcing to the public that particular homes are ready to be sold. It is common and popular that most people will google, ask someone, facebook and use printed media. However, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson will provide up to date, sales data, prices, valuations and closing information. As a member of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors, an agent has unlimited access, 24 hours to the BNAR "Multiple Listing System."\ This system will contain all of the current residential homes, commercial, lots, rentals and more. The MLS has relationships with valid approved networks. The sales are shown there having a greater exposure to be sold. The turnaround time when listed on the market is prompt. Our goal is to provide professional service, negotiating the sale for the best price, referral information for attorneys, contractors, inspectors and more. Here are some best practical suggestions to prepare your home: ~ Landscaping and clearing the outside of home. This also includes the garage. A first impression of "Curb appeal" matters to all viewers. ~ Decluttering includes letting go of the unused items which no longer serve a purpose. These include paperwork, clothing, furniture and more. Doing this allows a buyer to see themselves in your home as a new homeowner. ~ Affordable repairs such as painting, using neutral colors, cosmetic touches and mechanical updates. Of course, as a result of the completed preparations, the Agent will have the ability to tour the home at its best! The Agent will suggest a valuation, in conjunction with comparable closed sales within the surrounding community. In closing, I trust this information is of value to you even if you are staying in your home until you're ready to sell. Be comfortable and continue to be focused. Hawwao Wajed / Real Estate Salesperson ~ Notary Keller Williams Realty Buffalo /Northtowns Email questions to

eat to live

East Side Garden Walk Will Happen Online and in Person This Year Throughout July The East Side Garden Walk (ESGW) is being reimagined in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. In light of current national and local social distancing restrictions, instead of a one-day walking tour, for this year only, planning is in the works for a different kind of garden sharing – transforming the ESGW to adapt to these unprecedented times. The Walk will contribute to Buffalo Garden Views: Sharing in July, along with Garden Walk Buffalo to create a "virtual garden month." Find out more at GardensBuffaloNiagara.com.

Webinar for Homebuyers “Homeownership and Housing Counseling: What You Need to Know!” June 30, 2020 / 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Are you thinking of buying a home? Register for HUD Region II’s webinar “Homeownership and Housing Counseling: What You Need to Know!” Hosted by HUD Region II Senior Management Analyst Earleene Sealy, this webinar will provide valuable information on HUD FHA Loans, and HUD Housing Counseling. Please send your questions in advance to Earleene.A.Sealy@hud.gov. To receive a link that allows you to attend the webinar http://www.hud.gov/emarc/index.cfm?fuseaction=emar.regist erEvent&eventId=3907&update=N This webinar is free - this event is informative, not a sales pitch. HUD FHA does not sell anything or provide mortgage loans. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/fhahistory

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FAITH & FAMILY

Moment of Solidarity

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

n Friday, June 5, employees of the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., led by their CEO Dr. LaVonne Ansari, stood, kneeled, sat or squatted for 8 minutes and 46 seconds as a symbol of world solidarity and humanity. This bold and unprecedented display of professional empathy was in support of the family of George Floyd, an African American man, who died at the knee of a white Minneapolis Minnesota police officer on May 25, 2020. George was being arrested for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a corner store. The entire botched arrest was captured on video and has played over and over on local and cable news outlets and social media, for Dr. LaVonne Ansari and the whole world to see. Seventeen days later, another African American man, Rayshard Brooks of Atlanta, Georgia, died after being shot in the back by a white officer during a police chase. Rayshard was being arrested for falling asleep behind the wheel of his car while parked in a Wendy’s drive thru line. People of color are being battered by these images that defy humanity and remind us of treatment we received during enslavement. We are living under the threat of pandemic level Covid-19 exposure and feeling overwhelmed by our history of systemic oppression in medical, educational, environmental, soci-economic, and criminal justice. Dr. Ansari stated, “We must pray in solidarity for the families of all those who have died in police custody and those who have died with Covid-19. While these things are bringing angst to Black communities world-wide, we can each do our part by simply taking a moment of solidarity.” Dr. Ansari (top left) and being flanked by her Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bharat Kohli and approximately 50 staff (right)

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

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Challenger Community News Entertainment LOCAL FILM PRODUCERS WANT TO HELP INFORM AND CREATE A PATH TO RACIAL HEALING

• t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

“The Blackness Project” Provides an Opportunity for African Americans To Share the Pain of Racism and Encourage Honest Conversations. Korey Green and Peter Johnson’s vision for “The Blackness Project” was to provide a glimpse of American’s history of race in hope to encourage communities to rewrite America's racianarrative. Although inspired from conversations about the “The Whiteness Project”, a documentary in which participants discuss race and the perceived loss of white privilege by white Americans, “The Blackness Project” mission is to educate, elevate, and engage Americans to bridge the racial divide in our country by creating a meaningful dialogue on race that hopefully lead to community solutions. “We were shocked and a little confused by the comments of participants who voiced their opinions about the perceived loss of white privilege in the documentary, “The Whiteness Project”.

Blackness Project Writer/Director Co-Producer Korey Green

However, instead of exhibiting anger, we understood that more information and conversations were needed,” stated Korey Green, writer, and director of “The Blackness Project”. Peter Johnson, Co Producer of “The Blackness Project” adds, “The pain is real. People need to be heard so we all can move forward. Almost every day I awake to watch the news and hear more terrifying stories of African American men being brutalized in this coun-

try. As an African American father of two young boys, I dread the day that I am going to have the life changing conversation with them in which they realize that their skin color can be considered a threat to some people.” Both Green and Johnson as fathers and film producers feel that they need to do more to help create a solution. During the filming of “The Blackness Project” our entire team learned a great deal about the hidden racism

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many people of color lived with every day. During this time in history we believe that the stories that were not included in the film should be shared,” stated Green. Last Friday, June 19, the team introduced a new film series entitled Black Fridays that includes the release of unedited interviews that can be viewed for free every Friday on “The Blackness Project”Facebook page. The goal is to encourage continued conversations that can lead to a commitment to create community solutions to help bridge racial disparities.

The first clip shared were the original unedited interview of Buffalo’s Mayor, Byron Brown, as he shared his racial experiences on being the first African American Mayor of the City of Buffalo in an in-depth interview on race. Only a portion of his interview made it in the film. This was his entire in-depth interview on race. SUPPORT THE ARTS!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

Fair Fines + Fees Coalition Calls for Seven Urgent Demands

CELEBEATING JUNETEENTH!

As the call for racial justice grows louder in Buffalo and around the country, the City of Buffalo must dramatically reduce its reliance on fines and fees and end biased traffic enforcement. The Fair Fines + Fees Coalition is convened by the Western New York Law Center and the African American Health Equity Task Force, and is made up of advocates, researchers, and people directly impacted by disparate ticketing. The Coalition’s mission is to ensure that fines are fairly imposed and enforced, to eliminate fees, and to end exploitative traffic enforcement practices in Buffalo. In announcing his first steps on police reform on June 10, 2020, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown committed to “restructuring fines and fees” so that they are less costly to people of low-income. The seven reforms below are necessary steps to achieve that goal. The Coalition calls on the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Common Council to act quickly on the following seven demands: 1. Common Council Should Repeal the 13 New Traffic Fees Added in 2018.The 13 fees added in 2018 harm low-income people unable to pay, are the highest in New York State, and exist only to raise revenue for the city, ranging from a $55 public safety fee to a $100 administrative fee for filing judgments. •These fees fall disproportionately on Black and brown people because the Buffalo Police Department focuses more patrols in poor Black neighborhoods, and Black people are more likely to be issued multiple traffic tickets, and have their licenses suspended. •When cities use police to raise revenue, it pushes the police into the role of tax collector rather than public safety officer; it increases the potential for violent encounters with the police and further erodes public trust. •These fees incentivize the police to issue tickets for minor traffic infractions, such as loud mufflers and broken tail lights, in the most vulnerable communities. 2. BPD Should Issue Fix-It Tickets, Not Fines, for Minor Traffic Infractions. •The City of Buffalo must codify and direct the police to issue Fix-It Tickets for minor traffic infractions that range from loud mufflers to broken tail lights. •Fix-It Tickets should allow an individual 14 days or until their court date, whichever is longer, to resolve the issues with their vehicle.• Fix-It Tickets can keep low-income people out of traffic debt for minor infractions. 3. BPD Should Issue Detailed Traffic Stop Receipts to Increase Transparency, Trust, and Accountability. •While we commend Mayor Brown for issuing an Executive Order that requires BPD to issue ‘stop tickets’, we are asking the City to issue clear direction on how this measure is implemented. • The City should direct police to issue stop tickets or receipts that record required information: the location and time of the stop, the officer’s information, the reason for the stop, and the race and demographics of the individual stopped. 4. Create a Database of Traffic and Police Stop Data to Monitor for Biased Enforcement. •Data on police stops should be collected and transferred into the City of Buffalo’s Open Data Portal to allow for monitoring of biased policing and enforcement. •The data recorded and transferred into the Open Data Portal must include: the location and time of the stop, the officer’s information, the reason for the stop, and the race and demographics of the individual stopped. •The City of Buffalo should create a position or designate a staff member from the Division of Citizen Services Department, or another appropriate department, to aggregate and regularly post this data to ensure it is accessible to the public. • This database can increase transparency at traffic stops, hold police accountable, and improve trust between community and police. 5. Waive Fines and Fees for People with Low Income. • In recognition of the economic recession and calls for justice, the City of Buffalo should waive outstanding traffic fees and traffic tickets, over a year old, for people of low income. •Waiving outstanding fines and fees will help the most vulnerable people get their licenses back so they can drive to job opportunities and for their basic needs. This will also allow people to get their cars out of impound and help break the cycle of debt. 6. Promote Traffic Safety with Traffic Calming Infrastructure, not with Police, Fines, and Fees. • Municipalities like Buffalo often spend much of their fee and fine revenue on collection and enforcement costs, rather than on efforts to improve public safety, such as traffic-calming measures. • Investing in traffic calming infrastructures such as speed bumps, chicanes, and lane shifts, can reduce the City’s reliance on police, fines, and fees to promote traffic safety. 7. Support the Adoption and Local Implementation of the Driver’s License Suspension Reform Act (the “Driven by Justice” bill). • The Driver’s License Suspension Reform Act (NY State Senate Bill S5348B) would end the suspension of driver’s licenses due to nonpayment of fines and fees. New York State should quickly adopt this bill, introduced by Senator Tim Kennedy in 2019. • As Buffalo has some of the highest rates of driver license suspensions (in 2016, zip code 14215 had over 5,000 people with suspended licenses), Common Council should pass a supporting resolution, and the City of Buffalo should add its support for adoption and local implementation. • Like Buffalo, Rochester is among the highest rates of suspension in the State, and Rochester’s City Council publicly expressed support of this bill in January 2020

BLACK MONARCHY. Check out their awesome boutique at 527 W. Utica. They open at noon. (347)508-5267.

Black Monarchy, owned and operated by Mr. & Mrs. Dove (pictured left) were among many creative businesses that participated in the virtual Juneteenth experience June 13 and 14 where you could shop online or stop by the store to make a purchase (with mask and limited distance. Shoppers were greeted by a Live DJ and a store filled with beautiful, creative Afri-Centric items to choose from including their signature face protecting masks!

The Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival Online Will Continue!

For the entire month of June New Content will be loaded daily. As of the official date, June 19, online viewers will be able to access content on Facebook, Youtube and Buffalo's official Juneteenth site www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com

Citizens Launch On-Line Petition Calling on Mayor Brown to Resign

n online petition calling on Mayor Byron Brown to resign has been launched by a group of residents for what they call his “Failure to protect Black and Brown communities…” who have endured “violence and brutality at the hands of the police both during the Buffalo uprising and over his tenure as mayor” over the past 15 years. The group is also demanding justice for former BPD police officer Cariol Horne, a local heroine who stopped a fellow officer from chocking an African American man and was fired from the force as a result. They released the following statement: “Buffalo has captured the nation’s attention over the past couple of weeks. Our city is in the spotlight as we fight police brutality, with protestors experiencing callous, aggressive, militarized responses to our righteous calls for a transformed system, one that explicitly acknowledges and addresses racism, and envisions a just community that actively works to address oppression and inequity. “This past week, Mayor Byron W. Brown held a press conference unveiling supposed police reforms, which amounted to weak restatements of what we already have on the books. He also announced an in-the-works “Unity Walk,” along with Council President Darius G. Pridgen and Masten District Council Member Ulysses S. Wingo, featuring Buffalo Bills players and the Buffalo Police Department’s “Singing Cops,” at a time when the nation is still reeling from the horror of a police response that included curfews, rubber bullets, tear gas, helicopters, armored vehicles, a protestor tackled from behind while talking to the media and then maligned by the mayor as a “major agitator,” and a 75 year-old Catholic Worker protester shoved to the ground by a riot squad, resulting in a fractured skull and a brain bleed. This news has made international headlines. “Buffalo needs a mayor with vision and true leadership capacity. Buffalo needs a mayor who will do more than hold a press conference. Buffalo needs a mayor who will step off the fence, who will stop defending and protecting the status quo and his own political career. Simply put, Buffalo needs a mayor who will take risks in order to truly protect Black and Brown communities. “Byron Brown has been in office for 15 years. In that time, he has not pursued accountability or justice for the people brutalized or murdered by the Buffalo Police Department. He has never publicly stated that the obstacle to changes in policing policies, protocols, and procedures in the Buffalo Police Department are due to the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) up until now, conveniently, when he is -- finally -- being held accountable for the violence and brutality endured at the hands of the police both during the Buffalo uprising and over his tenure as mayor. “He also denies that he can do anything to demand justice for former BPD police officer Cariol Horne, who was fired after she stopped Officer Gregory Kwiatkowski from choking a suspect. Byron Brown is in his 4th term of office. If he cannot figure out a way to restore Cariol’s pension and enact Cariol’s Law after 15 years in office, we do not have any confidence that he can undertake and implement the much more complex and significant changes required to overhaul the system of law enforcement in the City of Buffalo. We do not believe Byron Brown can take on negotiations with the police union, nor do we believe that he is truly willing to do this work. We refuse to rubber-stamp reforms that will result in the continued pain and suffering of Black and Brown people in Buffalo. “Mayor Byron W. Brown must resign, immediately. Link to the online petition to call for the resignation of Mayor Byron W. Brown, which has garnered the support of over 1,200 City of Buffalo residents can be accessed here: www.change.org/p/residents-of-buffalo-newyork-call-for-mayor-byron-brown-to-resign. “

Free Metro Bus and Rail to End This Weekend

Starting on Monday, June 29 Metro Bus and Rail will resume fare collection and front-door boarding on all transit services, including buses, rail and our paratransit vehicles. Riders are asked to exercise the following: •Do not ride if you are sick. •A face covering must be worn while on the bus, rail and in our stations. •Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds before and after riding the bus/rail. •Maintain six feet of social distance at bus stops, and aboard the bus/rail when possible. •If there are too many people at a bus stop, consider taking the next bus.

Africa Urges UN Probe of US ‘Systemic Racism,’ Police Violence

African countries are circulating a draft resolution calling for a high-level investigation into U.S. racism and police violence. The U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is set to turn its attention to America. The body recently held a rare “urgent debate” on human rights in the United States. Two years ago President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the UNHRC, the White House said that the decision did not mean that the country would retreat from its stance on human rights — a cause the administration accused the council of betraying.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

LIVING STRONG! Ankh wedja seneb : “Be alive, strong& healthy!”

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports immune health and will be highly likely to improve your immune function and improve chances of recovering from a COVID-19 infection. Vitamin D is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight (specifically UV-B radiation associated with sunburn), which initializes a series of reactions leading to the production of vitamin D3. Vitamin D deficiency had been more prevalent than we realized in the past (1600s to 1800s). To this day, many of us, as we age, suffer from the effects of osteoporosis and its related pains, aches, and fracturing bones. Beyond bone-related illnesses, researchers have identified additional, serious vitamin D diseases such as many autoimmune diseases; inflammatory bowel disease; obesity; inflammation; several cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon; cognitive disorder, mental issues; insufficient calcium, and others, and compromised immune functions.

THE MERRIWEATHER LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN! The Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson at Utica, is now open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. 7 p.m. The library is closed Saturdays and Sundays. This is a tentative schedule. For more information call 883-4418.

peace

“Niagara Falls NAACP : Enough is Enough! We are Done Dying!” Dear Editor: The murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, those who swore to protect and serve, is a horrendous tragedy. But this is not new to the Black Community. We must understand that the organization of policing originated by hunting down free Africans who were kidnapped from their Country, then transported and enslaved across America to sustain the system of slavery. Between 1920 and 1938, the NAACP flew flags outside of its offices that read, “A Man Was Lynched Yesterday” to mark the lynching of Black People in the United States. It is a shame on this nation that a century later, Black people continue to be brutalized and killed as their murderers walk free. The arrest of the Officer Derek Chauvin is not enough, we have seen these arrests over and over, but the Black Community rarely sees justice. There were three other officers who stood by and participated in the murder of Mr. Floyd. You know that if you are with a friend and they commit a crime, your friend gets arrested, and you also will be arrested for participating in that crime. We want all of the officers charged in the murder of Mr. Floyd.

dear editor

These are not isolated incidents. They are directly related to the systematic racism that plagues our country at a more alarming rate than the cononavirus. Whether it is the racist actions that fail to allow qualified Blacks from being hired at NYS State Agencies or Authorities, or the murder of unarmed Black people at the hands of the police, our communities have been in a state of emergency since long before COVID-19 brought it to light. Enough is enough. We Are Done Dying. We are calling for federal legislation similar to a Hate Crime Bill to be developed, which would provide detailed procedures and penalties in cases of blatant police brutality. The unrest we are seeing today is what happens when the road of justice is too long, drawn out, and littered with potholes. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.” Our Communities are angry and saddened, and many are taking to the streets. According to the Governor of Minnesota, we are finding that there are extremist and domestic terrorists infiltrating peaceful protests to cause damage and destruction in order to attack the legitimacy of the protests and the protesters themselves, and to diminish what has happened to Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Troy Hodge, Jonah Drisdom, Breonna Taylor, Dante Parker, Freddie Gray, Philando Castile, Alston Sterling, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Michelle Cusseaux, Bettie Jones, Dominique Clayton, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd. We must be strategic and measured as we battle this latest grave injustice. The NAACP will not rest until we see these officers charged and convicted for the murder of George Floyd. We must keep our focus on redressing the systematic racism against our community that lead to this tragedy. We cannot afford to delay while losing more Black children. We must protest peacefully, demand persistently, and fight politically, but most of all, WE MUST VOTE and elect officials who will stand for Justice. Shirley J. Hamilton President, Niagara Falls Branch NAACP

Hispanic Heritage Council In Solidarity

The Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc. stands together with our Black brothers and sisters in outrage over the murder of George Floyd and the years of systemic racism, violence, and inequity that continue to plague our communities and our country. We empathize and feel the very justified anger and frustration erupting as a result of the heinous crime committed last week and seek to work within our community to find peaceful solutions to address injustice and ways to begin the healing process. Now is a time to stand together against indifference, bigotry, and hatred for the good of all our people.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

At the Corner of Justice and Juneteenth

Sign: a posted command, warning or direction. Something material that signifies something spiritual.

here’s no mistaking God’s timing. There’s nothing accidental about the brutal killing of George Floyd just prior to our annual Juneteenth holiday celebration, and on the day that we surely forgot was Memorial Day. Juneteenth is our declaration and celebration of freedom, but Memorial Day commemorates those who fought and died for it. It’s through this lens – and between these two signs that we must filter the events of this new season, where even the evil machinations of our open enemies work to our advantage. Amidst the turmoil in the aftermath of the Floyd murder, Donald Trump wanted to spit on our pain by holding a rally where Black people were slaughtered, (Tulsa Oklahoma) and to showcase the fallacy of our freedom on the very day that we gather to proclaim it. SABIRAH He reveled in the fact that we were powerless MUHAMMAD to stop him; to enforce the boundaries of an independent community and protect our sacred space. But the controversy created by the brazen insult broadened the picture, spanning out from the lifeless body of George Floyd to the panoramic view of an absolute orgy of violence, wanton killing and destruction of a community with over 10,000 homes. It amplified and emphasized the message of White supremacy through its chief representative: The force of the state is not arrayed against one individual or one alleged crime, but against the entire family of Black people and your very existence. We have no intention of making you whole… not for a hundred years since this event, and not now. For a month we’ve taken to the streets. But instinctively, those who demean our existence are following standard protocols for what they believe is a prolonged temper tantrum. They’re taking down monuments, portraits and Confederate flags. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Senator Mitt Romney and others formerly adverse have now mouthed the

words “Black Lives Matter.” In their misreading of the season, they’re spontaneously reaching for symbols to avoid our demand for substance. Maneuvering in the Floyd case started early, with the coroner posturing to claim that pre-existing health conditions caused our brother’s death. It continued with the moving of Attorney General Keith Ellison to the forefront of the proceedings, so that when the powers behind him let these killers walk, a Black man can take the fall. As “consent of the governed” is revoked, Police departments all over the country are staging sick-outs and ramping up their abuse. In Buffalo, the pension of former Officer Cariol Horne has not yet been restored. We are at a crossroads. We can allow the energy of this moment to dissipate and settle for the symbols, or we can follow the signs. In June of 2010, in our message titled “Understanding the Purpose and Power of Juneteenth” we wrote: “Like Kwanzaa, Carribana, and the Holy Day of Atonement, Juneteenth is one of a few holidays established by the Black family without a single picket sign, a single demonstration, petition drive, persuasive speech, or ‘please mista please.’” In this moment, when the hearts and minds of the world are bent toward Black people, legislators and commentators are calling for Juneteenth to be made a Federal holiday. One well-meaning brother even marveled at the speed at which it could “become” a holiday. Because it’s not, of course, until White folks say it is. Frederick Douglass told us that the limits of tyrants are prescribed by our endurance. Have we had enough yet? Just as Federal recognition for Juneteenth is only an outgrowth of our own, every solution to our current dilemma lies with and within ourselves. Let the energy spent in aimless wandering up and down streets that we don’t own be transmuted into focused, organized, unified plans of action. We have endless blueprints – from Garvey’s UNIA platform, to Kwame Toure’s All African Peoples’ Revolutionary Party Continued Page 13

Legislator Johnson: “Why We Can’t Wait…” Dear Editor; The shocking death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer and countless video recordings from around the country showing excessive force used by law enforcement against unarmed detained persons has laid bare a troubling propensity for police violence against people of color. The New York State Legislature has already acted to address some issues, such as passing legislation to criminalize chokeholds, and to amend Section 50-a of the New York Civil Rights Law so that personnel records of police misconduct are no longer confidential and hidden from the public, media and attorneys. Although these State actions are laudable, they do not address what I believe to be at the root of the problem. There has been a long and well-established pattern of racial and ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers in this country in which persons of color are stopped, questioned, detained and/or arrested due to their skin color, often for no legitimate rationale or purpose. If New York State truly wants to address the mistreatment of minorities at the hands of police, we must prevent racial and ethnic profiling. With this goal in mind, I recently introduced a resolution at the Erie County Legislature in support of a bill that is currently before the New York Legislature. The measure would amend the State’s Executive Law to ban a law enforcement agency’s use of racial or ethnic profiling. The law bans the practice of a law enforcement agent or agency, relying, to any degree, on actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, national origin or religion in selecting which individual or location to subject to routine or spontaneous investigatory activities. This bill Continued Page 13

“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

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From E. Ferry Street to Black Lives Matter Blvd. : Why Ferry Should be the Street of Choice (Ed. Note: On Tuesday the Common Council unanimously approved a resolution by Council President Darius Pridgen to name a street in Buffalo”Black Lives Matter.” Now a street has to be chosen.) East Ferry Street had a lot of Black history long before this current movement to designate a street Black Lives Blvd. in Buffalo. East Ferry St is home to Bethel AME Church, a churc.h that was connected to the Underground Railroad due to its close proximity to Scajaquada Creek, a creek that ran from Cheektowaga to Broderick Park and emptied into the Buffalo River. Enslaved Africans hid in the church's basement until nightfall and then, under the cover of darkness and sympathetic supporters, climbed aboard ferry boats and rode them to Broderick Park where they were ferried across the river to Canada and freedom. Another reason to consider East Ferry Street as Black Lives Matter Blvd. is that it is the northernmost location of the African American Heritage Corridor that begins on Michigan Ave near Broadway. We already have the Freedom Wall with the picture of Alicia Garza, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter, along with the portraits of other local and national civil rights activists. The East Ferry designation can also include the proposal to erect a second Archway to complement the one designed by famed artist, Valeria Cray, and erected at Michigan and Broadway Aves. Please call your NYS representatives and your district councilmember and the mayor's office to tell them that Black Lives Matter and that you support designating East Ferry Street as Black Lives Matter Blvd. (Betty Jean Grant is founder of We Are Women Warriors)

Kirkland Calls on State Attorney General to Bring Justice to Cariol Horne The following letter was written to the State Attorney General Letita James from community activist/columnist Ted Kirkland in support of Cariol Horne. "Cariol Horne is a heroine and mother seeking justice for herself and her children. I pray your office will do everything within your power to rectify the wrong this brave, former Buffalo police officer faced as the first of her gender to challenge the so-called, white Blue Line in the Buffalo Police Department. "Cariol Horne's only crime is that she intervened and stopped a white police officer from choking a Black man to death. She saw the man was unable to breathe and she fought for his life. Today, such conduct on her part would be seen as heroic. But, with numerous other police officers on the scene that night, Black and white, none supported her . "I am a former Buffalo Police officer and founding member of the AfroAmerican Police Association. Our organization filed the complaint with the EEOC against the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Police Department, Civil Service Commission and the Buffalo PBA for racial and gender discrimination. The case, which we won, was heard by Federal District Judge John D. Curtin. "Judge Curtin's decision affected police departments throughout Western New York and paved the way for Cariol Horne to become a police officer. Ms. Horne took her job seriously and embodied the credo "To Serve and Protect." My plea is that you and your honorable office render justice to Ms. Horne and her family. "If I can be of further assistance, in any way, I will gladly make myself available. Thank you for your attention to this matter." -Ted Kirkland

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

Colored Girls Bike Too!

To Play or Not to Play

(CGBT)

Plans their Say Her Name/Say Their Name Ride for June 28

by A. Dorcely It’s been a while since we last touch base. I hope all of you reading this are in good health as well as your families. Our communities are dealing with a lot right now. Please continue to pray to whoever the Higher Power you believe in for strength, wisdom and understanding. But in the meantime in between time how about you take a load off and engulf your mind into an NBA conversation. I say a conversation because at this time that’s all I can provide you with. The NBA has decided to resume its postponed season with a start date of July 31st. The concept for the restart is to have the top 22 teams from when the season stopped play resume the regular season first with a few “play in” games. Then begin the playoffs. This would all take place in Orlando, Florida at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. But there have been several hiccups in the current plan. One being the players having to stay in a “bubble” on the Complex. A what you ask? This is a precautionary measure being considered because of Covid-19. Once on the Complex players would not be able to leave is the idea. Two is the discussion of what would happen if a player were to get sick or suffer a severe injury during season/ playoffs. What kind of assur-

Raptors Point Guard Fred Van Vleet

ances or insurance do players have against this? Lastly, an x-factor was recently introduced as a reason not to play. The X- factor is the movement of awakening in society about the ongoing systemic racism in the United States of America. This most recent reason not to engage in the return to basketball was sparked by Brooklyn Nets’ point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving is one of the NBPA’s(National Basketball Players Associa-tion) six elected Vice Presidents. He bought up several issues on a phone call with many play-ers. The main being what kind of distraction to the current Social Justice movement would a resumption of play cause! This is bigger than basketball seems to be the battle cry of some in NBA circles. Some feel more impact would made if the publicity from the games were used for the movement. While others just say it’s your job and there is money to be made. What’s your take on this? Unfortunately, at this time I must leave you as the conversation continues on whether or not to PLAY!!! photo /A.Dorcely

image of CGBT founders and riders provided by CGBT

As planned WNY Educators Stronger Together (some of whom are pictured above) are holding a follow up rally on June 30 at 4:15pm at City Hall. The forthcoming rally is on the heels of their first gathering that took place two wees ago where over 500 parents, teachers and educators came together in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and to address the problmes of systemic racism in education. This rally " Your Voice Our Demands" will produce their list of demads! Protective Masks are mandatory attire for the rally. challenger photo

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer. 716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

NF MURALS WANTS YOU! The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is seeking eight artist to paint eight murals.Deadline is Friday June 26. If you have not alreadysubmitted please do! They are searching for next phase of artists for their Heritage Arts Mural Project and you could be it! Artists can get full details online at discoverniagara.org to submit. This is NF Murals 2nd project . Follow them on social media @nfmedia.com

Colored Girls Bike Too (CGBT) is a radical cycling organization founded in 2017 by Jalonda Hill. The organization focuses on Black women (cisgender and transgender) and Gender nonconforming people (GNC) because we all face similar issues regarding patriarchy and misogynoir. The CGBT name is as radical as its mission. Hill chose to reclaim the term “colored” in the radical tradition of reclaiming what was once used to limit and shame. This is fitting since CGBT is about freedom, pride, and visibility. CGBT group rides are empowering. They allow Black women and Black GNC people to take to the streets en masse, taking up space in the Buffalo cycling community both literally and figuratively. Group members are engaged in various forms of activism that intersect with cycling including transportation equity, advocating for LGBTQIA+ issues, delivering food to vulnerable community members during quarantine, and providing free bikes to Black women/Black GNC people in need. CGBT outreach methods continue to evolve regarding community outreach efforts. CGBT rides take place monthly and they typically have a specific theme. The next CGBT ride is the “Say Her Name/Say Their Name” ride on Sunday, June 28, 3:30 – 7:30 pm. The ride begins at at MLK Park for a ride to the Freedom Wall for brief activity, then on to Forest Lawn culminating at Mary Talbert’s grave then on to the final stop at Delaware Park for a 'Goddess Circle' lead by the founder of Moon Me, Rose McCain, where participants will engage in a river rock release and refreshments. This ride will honor Black women and Black GNC people who have lost their lives to police violence. Although we welcome community support, the rides are specific to Black women and Black GNC people to ensure a safe and liberating space. For more information, please contact CGBT via Facebook. There is the public group called Colored Gils Bike Too, which is open to everyone. They also have a newly created private group called CGBT: Colored Gils Bike Too, which is specifically for members." - Jay and Jalonda Jay Nixon, is a Phd Student at UB is Vice President of CGBT who also teaches gender studies at the college. Jalonda Hill is Founder and President of CGBT and a Paralegal/Community Organizer at the WNYLC. Follow them on Social media at @coloredgirlsbiketoo

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

G-Health Enterprises Ramps Up Testing Efforts As news continues to pour in about the disparities in minority communities, G-Health Enterprises is ramping up testing for coronavirus or COVID-19. With testing happening at both locations and the partnership with United Healthcare, they are able to test at 4 locations across the city at one time. To date 981 IGG tests and 523 PCR tests have been conducted for patients, members, and staff of the G-Health Family. From the tests conducted, 53 of IGG tests and 23 of PCR tests have tested positive. Additionally, we have had some patients who tested at the hospital. Of all Urban Family Practice patients who have been tested (not just at UFP), we have had 80 total cases. Of those cases, 11 people required hospitalized (14%), 3 people were put on ventilators (4%), 1 person passed away (1%), 70 people have recovered (88%), and 9 are still active (11%). With the increase in testing has come an increase in the number of calls our Nurse Triage Line has been getting. Since mid-March, our Nurse line has fielded over 4,000 phone and video calls. These calls have come in for those that looking for further information and those that are in need of testing. If any members or patients are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please download the GBUAHN, GBUACO, or UFP apps to complete a COVID-19 survey or call the nurse triage line at 716-604-0504. The nurses will walk you through symptoms to evaluate if symptoms are life threatening and require emergency assistance. They will then set up a tele-health visit with a provider who will determine the necessary next steps. PCR testing is available at the Niagara Street location for anyone in the community, Monday – Friday from 9AM-4PM. G-Health Enterprises is a health care organization which encompasses several affiliates: The Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN), The Great Buffalo United Accountable Care Organization (GBUACO), Urban Family Practice (UFP) and The Greater Buffalo United Independent Physician’s Association (GBUIPA) facilitated by CEO and President Raul Vazquez, MD. G-Health Enterprise’s mission is to cultivate hope and quality healthcare in children, families, and communities.

Legislator Howard Johnson Announces Health Fair in First Legislative District Saturday, June 27th is National HIV Testing day. To spread the word, Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson and the Erie County Department of Health are hosting a pop-up health fair that will feature important screening programs. The fair will take place in the parking lot of St. John Kanty Church in Buffalo at 101 Swin-burne from 9 am to 1 pm. Offerings include free HIV testing and Narcan distribution along with free condoms and sexual health information. The Erie County Cancer Services program will be on hand with information regarding the results of the New York State Department of Health cancer cluster study and Erie County’s role in cancer prevention. Smoking cessation information will also be available. Attendees are asked to wear a mask, and practice safe social distancing. For more information, visit www.erie.gov/health. JUSTICE & JUNETEENTH continuedfrom page 11 Platform, to the Black Agenda developed during the Million Man March, oh for heaven’s sake, just pick one. When disrespectful police withdraw from our spaces to punish us, let’s move quickly to fill it and truly protect and serve – but be wary of agent provocateurs sent to prove the lie that we need their constant presence. We are on the precipice of a freedom that cannot be given, and therefore, cannot be taken. In memoriam… for George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin and Emmitt Till and every one of our Grandmothers who sighed breathlessly that “chile… one day my change is gonna come,” let’s move from passion to planning, from emotion to evolution… because we say so.

JOHN YOUNG KING OF WINGS continued Young’s name is part of the starting lineup. After running a food truck in Decatur, Illinois, Young returned to Buffalo, opening several Wings and Things locations in the Buffalo area. Young’s biggest rival is the popular Anchor Bar in Buffalo . But preparation methods of the two ‘wing kings’ is quite different; the Anchor Bar’s wings were chopped, fried and dipped, while Young’s wings were whole, breaded then dipped in his Mambo sauce. Since 1977, July 29th has been official Chicken Wing Day in Buffalo. . John, who died in 1998, left a handwritten account to his daughter to what he describes as, the truth of his claim as King and creator of the Buffalo Wing.

WHY WE CAN'T WAIT

continued from page 11 requires every law enforcement agency to adopt a written policy which prohibits racial or ethnic profiling. It would also establish procedures for the review and the taking of corrective action with respect to complaints by individuals who allege that they have been the subject of racial or ethnic profiling. We cannot wait. For too long, our community has lived in fear. Passing this legislation will begin to restore balance between police agencies and the people they are supposed to serve and protect. I am pleased to introduce my resolution and have urged my colleagues to join in supporting the legis

EMPLOYMENT Nichols School has an immediate opening for a fulltime Humanities Teacher. Please visit www.nicholsschool.org/careers for more information.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS TOWN OF COLDEN ERIE COUNTY, NEW YORK INVITATION TO BID NOTICE The Town of Colden is seeking construction bids for work at the Bread of Life Outreach Center located at 8745 Supervisor Ave, Colden, NY. Proposed work will include: Roof Replacement; Electric Improvements; Furnace/Air Conditioning Replacement; Back-Up Power Generator; and Demolition of Existing Parsonage located on the property. Bid package will be available at the Town Clerk’s office, Colden Town Hall, 8812 State Road, Colden, NY beginning June 19, 2020. Please follow Town of Colden Covid-19 protocol when picking up. This contract will be funded wholly or partially with federal funds, and as such, is subject to all federal rules and regulations pertinent thereto, including, but not limited to, federal policy of encouraging the participation of minority and women business enterprises as sources of suppliers, equipment, construction and services. Bids must be submitted to the Town Clerk, Christina Kerlin, Town of Colden, 8812 State Road, PO Box 335, Colden, NY 14033 and received no later than 4 pm July 9, 2020 for consideration. For additional information/questions please contact James DePasquale at (716) 941-5022 or via email at james.depasquale@townofcolden.com.

LEGAL NOTICES -Legal Notice-

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /

BETC 716-856-5627

Legislator Howard Johnson Erie County Legislature, District 1 August 13, 1955 · Brookhaven, Mississippi Lamar Smith was shot dead on the courthouse lawn by a White man in broad daylight while dozens of people watched. The killer was never indicted because no one would admit they saw a White man shoot a Black man. Smith had organized Blacks to vote in a recent election. Are you registered to vote?

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ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

WIN 4 TAKE 5

TUES 6/16

WED 6/17

EVE-2-7-6

EVE-8-3-5

MID-7-9-1

EVE-7-2-9

EVE-0-6-8

MID- 5-2-5-5 EVE-8-8-4-4

MID-7-7-5-8 EVE-8-6-2-7

MID-1-4-8-6 EVE-8-9-3-0

07-10-22-29-30

19-23-27-29-38

05-12-17-26-30

LOTTO

MID-5-9-9

THURS 6/18

MID-2-0-8

FRI 6/19

4018

HOT TIPS

022

EVE-4-9-1

EVE-9-8-3

MID-0-5-2

MID-8-7-9-0 EVE-2-7-9-5

MID-2-4-5-7 EVE-7-3-4-6

MID-6-8-2-9 EVE-0-7-9-2

MID-9-0-0-3 EVE 8-1-2-7

02-20-21-24-37

05-14-22-25-27

03-05-08-17-30

09-10-12-32-37

064

648

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 824-314-328-182-913-427-680-909-845-781-173-356891-019-671-659-800-831-445-787-566-547-769-880914-987-954-232-465-785-309-187-095-416-576-890109-654-432-323-545-267-890-468-090-867-680-072547-691-063-323353-563-934-094-305-401-078-545788-570-982-478-544-360-184-343-679-100-229-436579-047-093-346-790-874-167-768-912-354-436-734820-039-154-524 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855

JUNE VIBES 490-235-678321-487-043

“It’s In The Stars”

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

quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-098 511-005/201

GAMMA’S JUNE PICKS

410-568-490-540-367-218 BEST TRIPLE 999

999

SAT 6/20

MID-3-1-8

10-16-21-30-31-56 #18

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

MON 6/15

MID-1-8-7

Time to get to work on your future - without procrastination. Work on you life purpose!

EVE-3-2-5

01-10-25-29-53-58 #27

996

515

140

Challenger Hits MIDDAY 4-6-8 Hot Tips (box) ZR (straight) 1-8-7 ZR (straight) ZR (box) 7-9-1 Libra (box) 2-0-8 ZR (box) 3-1-8 ZR (box) EVENING 2-7-6 ZR (box) 8-3-5 Virgo (box) 7-2-9 Quick Money (box) 0-6-8 ZR, #Book (box) 4-9-1 ZR (box) 9-8-3 Sagittarius, Capricorn (box) 3-2-5 June Vibes, Scorpio, Aquarius, Duckie (box)

community calendar JUNE 24 POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING: Facebook Live (https://www.facebook. com/BFLOCC/ ) Thursday, June 25 at 11a.m. JUNE 30 ZOOM Into Buffalo Urban League Annual Meeting and Community Update: Tuesday, June 30, 5 p.m., Click to RSVP or call (716)2502400for dial-in information

MASKS FOR KIDS! A

RECORDS

LUCKIE DUCKIE

743-133-202- 335 -2015-4444-1871134-431--143-

648*123*104

980-422-809-981-989-970-990-080800-515-996-390-196-102-581-752-319408-378-352-126-189-444-886-514- 332522-112-432-421-423-154-039-524

GRANDMA'S DOUBLES 776-001-557-338 COVID CASH$$ 190-093-142-534-857-521-406 Madam Ozlla's Predictions 140-143-133-392-320-965-843 5037-2156-3034-1342

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /BETC 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo. org

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24,2020

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 GRADUATES!

lthough the COVID-19 pandemic has kept schools and colleges closed since March, it has not stopped students from continuing their education or experiencing their graduation. Notes photographer/writer Dorothy Wagstaff who beautifully captured the recent Drive Thru Graduation event above: "It was an honor and a privilege to photograph and celebrate so many awesome young 2020 Graduates at the Drive Thru Graduation

EVEN THOUGH WE'RE CLOSED, COMMUNITY ACCESS SERVICES IS STILL HERE FOR YOU Call us at 716.852.5969 to learn more

sponsored by Erie County Chairwoman April Baskin and University Councilman Rasheed NC Wyatt. It warmed my heart to see the smiles on all the beautiful young faces and their families. April and Rasheed's teams did an incredible job honoring our future leaders.Each student was given a FREE tablet courtesy of Kwanza Humphrey of Key Bank and Steve Tybor and Eight Days of Hope. To The Graduates, please keep making us proud. God bless you ALL!!!” Photos Princess Photography

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •June 24, 2020

JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS JUSTICE FOR CARIOL JUSTICE FOR INDIA JUSTICE FOR JOSE JUSTICE FOR MARCUS JUSTICE FOR MEECH JUSTICE FOR PITO JUSTICE FOR WARDEL FREE DEYANNA DAVIS

BYRON BROWN MUST RESIGN sign here: www.tinyurl.com/ByeByeByron @ResignNowByronBrown Paid For by The Resign Brown Committee

/ResignNowByronBrown