CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Rochester, Buffalo Businesswomen

Take First and Second Place in “She Means Business” Competition

Monique Chatman, a Rochester business owner took first place and Laythanette Shine, a Buffalo entrepreneur took second in the Enterprise Center at PathStone’s third successful She Means Business pitch competition on June 20.

Ms. Chapman received $5,000 for The Groom Room Men’s Spa Lounge, located at 215 Tremont Street Door #8. Her establishment focuses on men's health, wellness, and care, and has been in operation for 5 years.

Laythanette Shine, a business owner from Buffalo, won $3,000 for USA Occupational Services. Her company provides drug and alcohol testing services and has been operating for 15 years.

Aubrea Thompson, a business owner from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, placed third earning $2,000 for A.Thompson Visuals, a business she’s operated for 6 years which offers photography and videography services.

The event was sponsored by Citizens, and it showcased the winners who successfully completed the FREE Virtual 7-Week Intensive Program offered by the center. The pitch competition took place on April 25, where the winners demonstrated their skills.

The She Means Business intensive program is specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs by guiding them through the various steps and processes required for business success. It covered a wide range of topics, including ideation, launching a business, navigating economic challenges, expanding operations, and creating job opportunities.

"The winners of the She Means Business pitch competition are women who have demonstrated unwavering determination, resilience and exceptional entrepreneurial skills," says President and Executive Director Javier E. Zapata-Rodríguez of The Enterprise Center at PathStone. “Our organization is committed to continue providing much needed capacity building and capital resources to help propel small and minority-owned businesses to new heights."

Rochester Jazz Festival Continues Thru This Weekend!

The City of Rochester International Jazz Festival, one of the largest and most exciting attractions of the summer, closes out this weekend.

This year’s festival features three free entertainment stages to Rochester's East End along with plenty of talent. Gibbs Street and part of Main Street is again to be closed to vehicle traffic and transformed into "Jazz Street," complete with a free stage and a two-story vending tent.

The Festival, which kicked off Friday, June 23 runs now through July 1. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, will perform Sat. July 1 at 9 p.m.

For full schedule of performers, tickets, vendors, and more go to /www.rochesterjazz.com/ticket_info

The RIJF Ticket Shop is located at 100 East Avenue at the corner of Gibbs Street, Rochester NY.

Rochester to Host 3rd Annual Independence Day Address Event

The Muslim American Ministry for Human Salvation - Muslim-American Community of Rochester will host the 3rd Annual Independence Day Address on Sunday July 2, 2023 1p.m. at the Eggleton Ballroom @Hilton Garden Inn 155 East Main Street.

The theme of this year's address is: "African American Saints Say to Plantation Ghosts: A Mature People Must Attend To Their Soul's Demand for Completion."

The message will be delivered by Imam Earl Abdulmalik Mohammed, Muslim-American leader and successor of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. The event is free and open to the public.

“We join Rochester's historical activism and mission for those who want to see an equitable reality, justice and outcome for those disenfranchised,” said local Imam Hanif Abdul-Wahid of the Rochester Masjid of Al-Islam, and founding member of New Africa Cultural Center in Rochester, New York. “By gathering right minded people together, and reminding them to work with a purpose for change; we make good on the promises that our foreparents had for us. The 3rd Annual Independence Day Address will be timely and aimed to make this happen.”

Rochester’s Humboldt Spray Park to Close for 2023 Season

The Humboldt R-Center Spray Park, 1045 Atlantic Ave., will be closed for the 2023 season as it undergoes renovations that will include new spray features and surfaces. The playground, outdoor courts and park area will remain open during construction. The spray park will reopen in summer 2024.

ROC

The Black Cinema Series, a partnership between the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and the Little Theatre, presents " The League" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 5.

After the film, there will be a panel discussion about this important era in baseball.

Tickets available online in advance or at the box office day of the screening .Doors open at 7:00 p.m., film at 7:30 p.m. For details, go to thelittle.org/BCS

Imam Earl Abdulmalik Mohammed

Monique Chatman

Laythanette Shine

Trombone Shorty

AREA BRIEFS

Services Set for Larry Garmon

The family of Larry Garmon have announced that funeral services and a memorial will be held on Friday, June 30 as follows:

•Alan R. Core Funeral Home 1933 Kensington Avenue. Private Family Viewing 1011a.m. Wake/Calling Hours 11a.m.-2 p.m.

•A memorial service will be held from 6-7 p.m. at Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, 475 Berkshire Avenue.

For persons unable to travel there will be a live stream for both the wake and memorial service. For more information contact the Funeral Home at (716)834-0324.

Wake Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 84042066609?

Pwd=RXBHKzRUNCtMdFhsYmVx

NVB2eHFRUT09

Meeting ID:840-4206 6609

Passcode:255510

Memorial service

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 81838049764?

Pwd=eEhYZlc1ekk4ZUN4NmtSQ

nlvUklPZz09

Meeting ID: 818 3804 9764

Passcode:105628

Everhart Wins Masten, Halton-Pope Takes Ellicott, Wyatt Victorious in University

Enslaved Africans Escaped To Mexico Before The Civil War

The story of The Mascogos People: The Black Seminoles

VOTING RIGHTS UPDATE

The Supreme Court is allowing a Louisiana congressional map to be redrawn to add another majority-Black district, lifting a hold on a lower court ruling. Republican lawmakers in Louisiana adopted a congressional map last year that made only one of its six districts majority Black, even though a third of the state's population is Black. A lower court judge found that the map likely violated the Voting Rights Act and blocked it, but the Supreme Court froze the ruling while it decided a similar case in Alabama earlier this month, in which the court unexpectedly sided with Black voters in the state. The rulings in Louisiana and Alabama could improve Democrats' odds of controlling the House in the next election. The justices are also expected to decide on cases around affirmative action, LGBTQ rights and other issues this week. -cnn

Zeneta Everhart and Leah Halton-Pope are poised to become the first women to sit on the Common Council since 2014 as a result of their impressive wins on Primary Election Day.

Ms. Everhart soundly defeated India Walton in the hotly contested Masten District race and Leah Halton-Pope handily out-polled her opponents in Ellicott - Cedric Holloway, Matt Dearing and Emin Egriu.

Walton was graceful in defeat, saying of Ms. Everhart, "I think Zeneta is going to do a great job."

Lovejoy District Council Member Bollman and North District Representative Golombek Also Win NATIONAL

India Walton, graceful in defeat, said of Ms.Everhart, "I think Zeneta is going to do a great job."

In University, Rasheed Wyatt emerged victorious after defeating Kathryn Franco for the second time, in his bid for re-election as University District Council Member.

Lovejoy District Council Member Bryan Bollman and North District representative Joseph Golombek also retained their seats. Bollman defeated newcomer Mohammed Uddin. Golombek beat back a challenge from Eve Shippens to unseat him.

There were no primaries in Fillmore and South District, as those incumbents did not have any opposition.

In the early 1700s, when what we know as America began to take shape, some Gullah Geechee slaves were able to escape slavery more than 150 years before the start of the Civil War. These fugitive slaves fled south into the Florida peninsula from coastal South Carolina and Georgia. At the time Florida, which was owned by the Spanish, was nothing more than a swampy jungle.

The Spanish offered escaped slaves and renegade Indians a refugee from the onslaught of American tyranny. By the late 1700s, the Gullahs and some Native Americans established their own free settlements in Florida. The free communities maintained friendly relationships with one another until they all became loosely one tribe, a mixed population of native Indians and former Black slaves.

JULY

•JEFFERSON AVENUE FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE, EVERY FRIDAY EVENING now thru August 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jefferson Ave. @ E.Utica. For more info go to the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation facebook page.

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)253-5566 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

THE PLATING SOCIETY & CHEF DARIAN BRYAN'S

3RD ANNUAL JAMAICAN MARKET Saturday July 22 4-8pm Larkin Square 745 Seneca Street.

• PAPPY MARTIN LEGACYMASTEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, July 23 and July 30 from 2pm

- 8pm, MLK Park 1001 Humboldt Parkway Sunday, July 23: 6pm: Headliner: Buster Williams Quartet / Opener: Various ActsMonday, July 24: 1pm: Musicians' Masterclass Workshop led by Nasar Abadey

The Gullahs adopted the ways of the natives, while the Natives found joy in Gullah music and folklore.

The Gullah also taught the Natives how to survive Florida’s harsh malaria-ridden swamps. Comingling for decades, the two groups raised several generations of free-born Black children. They would eventually be

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Larry Garmon

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

-Tao Te Ching

Zeneta Everhart Leah Halton-Pope Rasheed Wyatt

FAITH & FAMILY Prayer & Praise Breakfast Mission: “To Bring People Out of the Streets and Into the Church”

Trailblazing Sign to Honor Rev. James T. and Drucilla Hemphill

A Trailblazing sign honoring Rev. James T. and Drucilla Hemphill will be unveiled near Walls Memorial Church, Saturday July 1 at 12 noon. Walls Memorial is located at 455 Glenwood Avenue. The sign will coincide with the designation of the street segments Glenwood Ave. between Wohlers Ave. and Roehrer Ave. as “Rev. James T. Hemphill Sr. Way.”

A brief ceremony, reflections and reception will be held. The public is invited to attend. RSVP at bit.ly/signreveal

The Soldiers of Christ City Wide Ministries along with Dane Smith and Peaches Thompson will present a Prayer & Praise Breakfast Saturday, July 8 at the McCoy Convention Center, 653 Clinton Street. Doors open at 8 a.m. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. Pastor Rhonda Henderson will be the keynote speaker.

The program will also feature Rev. Darieck Foster of Second Chance Ministries, Dee Paris vocalist, Bishop Jamar Clark of New Life Covenant of Praise, Bobby Bonner drummer, Brandon keyboard player, Johnny Robinson Caterers and Apostle Charise Feaster vocalist ,New Life Covenant of Praise.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling Dan Smith at (716)602-8150 or Peaches Thompson at (716)603-6506 or at True Bethel Baptist Church, 472 Swan St. or New Life Covenant of Praise Church.

Rev. James T. and Drucilla Hemphill

Bitwise Shut Down: A Dream Deferred

Abrupt Closing of Company Leaves Many Shocked and Surprised: Program Was to provide High Tech Training to People in City’s Underrepresented Communities

By Nanette D. Massey

WhenBitwise Industries chose Buffalo as its next expansion city, hopes were high. Based in Fresno California, it had already opened operations in places like Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Ohio. Bitwise brought a novel approach. It would provide high tech training to communities of people underrepresented in that field such as settling refugees, the formerly incarcerated, and people from the low end of the socioeconomic ladder, making them job ready for employment within its own company or to other firms with starting salaries of $60,000 annually or more. Buffalo bought into the dream, and local companies such as M&T Bank, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the 43North Foundation gave the venture their financial backing. In fact, Bitwise had just secured $80 million in new investor money only a few short months ago from heavy hitters like Goldman Sachs and Citibank, further fueling Buffalo’s enthusiasm for the company’s mission.

Andre Nunn, the Buffalo office’s Director of Operations, couldn’t have been more surprised when the Fresno headquarters sent out an alert to all 900+ Bitwise employees saying there’d be a company wide meeting online the following day. "On Monday, May 29th, while we were eating burgers and barbeque, Bitwise employees across the country were told in a meeting that only lasted five minutes that their jobs were coming to an end. Corporate framed it as a furlough, meaning it was temporary."

The next business day, according to Nunn, not a sole would answer the phones at corporate. All calls went to voicemail until all voicemails were finally full. For the six employees of the Buffalo office, their access to email and all company systems was immediately revoked.

Despite the abruptness of the shut down, there were earlier signs that perhaps all was not well. Corporate switched from paying their employees using direct deposit and began issuing old-school paper checks. Individuals were experiencing their paychecks bouncing. Nunn says at one time he received a paycheck for only $18. Nunn also relayed a story where he was out of town and tried to dip into his 401K account to have some cash. Suspiciously, there seemed to be money missing. Corporate issued an emergency check to him right away and assured him that the missing 401K money was simply accounting in the process of moving some things around. Employees are paid every two weeks. Nunn’s last two paychecks bounced. That means at the time of the announced furlough, he hadn’t received any pay from Bitwise in nearly a month.

Monica McCutcheon of the Buffalo office also has back pay owed to her. McCutcheon and Nunn are each owed somewhere in the neighborhood of $5000 from bounced paychecks and missing 401K money. They’re both single parents with kids counting on them too.

To date, Buffalo employees haven’t had any communication with anyone in the Fresno office. McCutcheon and Nunn describe their experience as being in “total shock and awe.” Employees are suing Bitwise for, among other things, violation of the WARN Act. This 1988 law requires most companies with a hundred or more employees to provide sixty calendar days’ notice of any mass layoffs or company shut down.

If you would like to reach out to help support the six staffers of the Buffalo office and their families financially, there is a GoFundMe site at https://gofund.me/381ad51e.

Poll Finds Many Not Aware of Tools to Make Homeownership More Affordable

By Saleem Shabazz

Owning a home is often thought of as a key part of the American Dream. It’s one of the largest and most meaningful purchases a person can make and can be an important part of building generational wealth.

While buying a home can be an expensive, challenging, and oftentimes intimidating process, it’s not out of reach. Your bank can help make buying a home easier and within reach, but a new poll commissioned by KeyBank found that many people simply are not aware of home buyer assistance programs, tools, and resources that may be available to them.

KeyBank’s recent Fair Housing poll, which surveyed 1,000 homeowners in households earning less than $75,000 annually regarding their homebuying and lending experiences, had several important findings. Among them:

•Nearly one-third (31%) of respondents did not seek out any information or resources on homebuyer assistance programs.

•Less than half (47%) of homeowners surveyed who purchased their homes in the past five years felt confident they received a fair market value price, pointing to a gap between the factors that are important to those homeowners and the reality of their homebuying experiences.

•Nearly one-third (30%) of homeowners surveyed are unsure whether they had an unfair experience when buying a home or are certain they had an unfair experience. While the Fair Housing Act of 1968 set a precedent to make the sale, rental, and home financing process nondiscriminatory, borrowers in underserved communities are often at a disadvantage when it comes to awareness of tools, resources, and affordable offerings available to help them achieve home ownership. Some things prospective home buyers can do include:

•Connect with your local banker on home lending opportunities available to you in your community and that best suit your specific needs. You may be able to qualify for lending assistance. Many banks also offer loan products based on your income, location, or military status.

•Ask if your bank offers a Special Purpose Credit Program or other homebuyer assistance programs. If so, ask if the property you are interested in qualifies. Special Purpose Credit Programs* offer prospective home buyers fair and affordable pathways to homeownership on qualifying properties.

•Boost your home lending knowledge and access online resources, such as the Mortgage Calculator and Mort-

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BOOST IN DIVERSITY: The City of Buffalo recently has announce the latest class of Buffalo Police Officer Recruits had a majority of graduates from underrepresented communities. It was one of the most diverse classes yet in the Buffalo Police Department. 26 BPD recruits, consisting of 46% Black, 11.54% Hispanic, and 3.8% Asian, recently graduated from the Erie County Department of Central Police Services Law Enforcement Training Academy.

Saleem Shabazz

The Sycamore Street building where the tech training firm planned to open its headquarters.

HEALTH MATTERS

Check Out These Farm Markets For Your Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Adiet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check.

Check out these fresh farm markets serving Buffalo's Eastside!

•Delavan-Grider Community Center every Thursday 4-7 p.m. hosted by Key Bank, Buffalo Go green and the Providence Farm Collective outside the Delavan Center or inside in case of rain.

•Providence also hosts a market every Saturday, through October 28 at M&T Bank, 120 Grant St. from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., rain or shine. Providence Farmers Market includes vendors selling a variety of vegetables including African and Asian staples such as Tanzania maize, Liberian bitter ball, specialty hot peppers, and roselle.

•The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is partnering with Buffalo Go Green on Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket, an outdoor market at Michigan and Broadway from 3 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday through mid-October.

Melinated Moms Community Baby Shower!

On July 1, 2022, Melinated Moms will host its 2nd Annual Western New York Community Baby Shower, where they will be bringing community resources to moms in the community. Local experts will be providing invaluable information regarding topics such as nutrition, what is a doula, what is a midwife, breastfeeding, and safe sleep practices.

The Melinated Moms Western New York Community Baby Shower will take place at the Delavan Grider Community Center at 877 East Delavan Ave. from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Those interested in attending can register on Eventbrite by searching Melinated Moms Western New York Community Baby Shower or visit: https://mmwnybabyshower23.eventbrite.com. Sponsorship, donor, and volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and organizations interested in supporting the Community Baby Shower.

For more information, please contact Alexcia Harrod at alexciah@melinatedmoms.com or 716-245-5394 and visit melinatedmoms.com

June Event Will Aid Alzheimer’s Caregivers

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will present “ and a Community Forum on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias from 5:30-7:30p.m. on Thursday, June 29, at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave.

The free Community Forum on June 29 is a chance for individuals, care partners, volunteers and staff to come together to talk about resources, programs and services available in their communities. Representatives from the WNY Chapter will review the basics of Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss and outline the services of the Alzheimer's Association, while listening to suggestions about how to better serve the community. Register : call 800.272.3900 or online at bit.ly/FWLTips at bit. ly/EBufForum for the Community Forum.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, including more than 410,000 individuals in New York State. More than 546,000 New Yorkers provide unpaid care to their loved ones who live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Help is available 24/7 for people living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias at 800.272.3900 or by visiting alz.org.

Give Thanks!

July 3 Full Moon One of the Brightest, Most Magical of the Year!

The Full Buck SupermoonMoon- one of the biggest and brightest full moons of the year, is set to shine bright in the Capricorn constellation on July 3. This full moon is the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of nature. So gather your loved ones and head outdoors to bask in the magical glow of this celestial wonder. Don't forget to make a wish upon the moon and let the universe do its magic!

The July full moon is finally here and it's time to make those dreams a reality! According to astrology, this full moon is all about dependability, responsibility, and growth - the perfect time to manifest your goals. So don't wait, grab a pen and paper and get ready to write down your heart's desires. Whether it's that dream job, a new relationship, or a tropical vacation, this full moon is here to make it happen. Remember, the universe is listening and ready to deliver. So make your wishes with confidence and watch them come to life. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own destiny, start manifesting today!

One of the best things you can do at this time is to meditate and keep your mind focused on positive thoughts. With this energy any negative thoughts can take off like a firework and cause you to explode. Take time to pray and visualize what you want during this full moon.

It's crucial to tune into your intuitive self to maintain emotional balance during this time. Failure to do so may cause problems in your relationships or finances due to heightened emotions. However, with proper Chakra balancing, you can achieve emotional equilibrium and enjoy the benefits of this powerful energy. Don't let your emotions get the best of you, take charge and harmonize your energies with the Full Moon.

The Full Buck Moon is here, and it's time to let go of all the negative energies holding you back. It's the perfect time to reset and make room for fresh, positive energy to flow into your life.

Khari’s Café X's The Dessert Parlor Pop Up

Kharis’s Café is holding a pop up at The Monocle July 1 from 10a.m. -2p.m.The pop-up is in collaboration with The Dessert Parlor under the roof of the Monocle, a state of the art building known for its furniture and interior design bringing this special moment to reconnect with Khari’s Café and a delicious fusion of taste and style.

DID YOU KNOW. Depression is more common among retirees than among people of the same age who still work, and retirees are depressed at significantly higher rates than the overall population.

eat to live

2023 Rochester International Jazz Festival in Review: The First of Two Weekends Filled with Outstanding Performances!

With one more weekend coming up at the Rochester International Jazz Festival June 30th through July 2 the kick off last weekend set the tone for more great Jazz music to come. Day one of the festival, Mr. Matthew Whitaker took home the "It's Not Who You Know, But It’s Who You Don’t Know" award with a stellar performance on the Hammond B3 organ playing an upbeat spiritual version of Marvin Gaye's What’s Going On. Whitaker interchanged effortlessly between the organ and piano on instrumentals by Luther Vandross such as “Never Too Much” and Chaka Khans “Love Me Better.” His band featured a percussionist drummer, stand up base player, and violinist. The Hackensack, NJ native taught himself to play the Hammond B3 Organ at 9 years of age and won Child Stars of Tomorrow competition in 2010 at age 10. Whitaker closed out his set with a stirring rendition of Stevie Wonder’s classic “I wish.”

The Toronto based band OKAN featuring Latin Grammy nominated violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist Magdelys Savigne really enjoyed their audience with a combination of fused Afro-Cuban jazz, folk and global rhythms made for a really enjoyable night of Afrocentric music. There Band name comes from the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. Ms. Rodriguez passionate violin playing was so intense that it went right into the souls of her audience. Percussionist Savigne will get you on the dance floor to her pulsating beats and rhythms

The legendary guitarist Pat Metheny, currently on his SideEye Tour, took us down memory lane with a high energy performance along with songs and compositions off the new album. You can see why most people know Metheny for reinventing the traditional jazz guitar sound with a jazz, rock, soul fused music for a new generation of players. Pat Metheny was joined by Chris Fishman on piano and keyboards and Joe Dyson on drums. It was clearly evident in Metheny's performance his joy and love of music has not waned at all.

WUFO Power 96.5 Celebrates Black Music Month!

The following two days of the festival featured Samara Joy who recently won a 2023 Grammy Award at 22 years of age singing classics by Sara Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday with a rich and velvety voice that would make you think she’s much older. Jazz fans showed up three hours before her scheduled showtimes to insure a seat at her performances and she was easily the must-see artist of this year’s Festival. Samara's interpretations of these classic jazz standards is

amazing given her youthfulness. She is a one-of-a-kind artist, who really must be seen live to truly take in her wealth of talents.

Guitarist Albino MBIE put on a George Benson type performance with strong guitar chords and vocals. The Mozambique native performed many original songs of determination, freedom, and pride for his people. MBIE talked and performed uplifting songs about 1975 uprising when Mozambique won its freedom from Portugal. His band included a flutist, drummer, and keyboardist that took it to another level. An outstanding performance that included a history lesson as well.

Camille Thurman w/ Darrell Green Quartet was a pleasant surprise of artist and compositions. The Horace Silver pieces performed by them were expertly worked and the tenor sax playing by Camille Thurman and trumpeter Wallace Roney, Jr. (Yes, the son of legendary trumpeter Wallace Roney Sr., who performed at RIJF made his transition during Covid era March 31, 2020) was superb. Their performance was like seeing two bands in one.

Wallace Roney, Jr. straight ahead playing, along with the fierce drumming of Darrell Green and pulsating Bass action made for a great combination of powerful music. Camille singing voice is superb especially on her interpretations of Little Anthony’s “Out of My Head Over You”, and Carpenters “Close to You” renditions were perfectly crafted and performed by the Quartet. Camille Thurman is the first woman to perform

full time internationally with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a Saxophonist/ woodwinds. That’s a prestigious honor for the New York City native and rising star tenor saxophonist.

The first weekend closed on a high spiritual note with the master pianist composer Nduduzo Makhathini trio. From his performance of playing piano singing/praying in an African Warrior Code dialect along with the strong tones from bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere, and the unstoppable drums of Francisco Mela playing an Old School set of drums with such passion, desire, and fierceness that engulfed the audience made for a truly amazing performance.

SUPPORT THE ARTS

WUFO BLACK MUSIC CONFERENCE & AWARDS: Another successful WUFO Black Music Conference & Awards event took place during National Black Music Month last weekend June 23,24,25 at the Millennium Hotel and Resort. The three-day event featured a variety of workshops including music publishing, entrainment by Will Holton, Chubb Rock and national recording artists The Force MD’s, a “50 Years of Hip Hop” panel discussion, red carpet, a Sunday Jazz Brunch, awards ceremony and more. Among those in photos from left: Aymanuel Radford receives award for his father Sam Radford presented by former Deputy Mayor Ellen Grant; Black Music Award winners (l-r) Paris Glenn (2nd Place) , The Old School B-Boys (1st Place) and Winter Peace (3rd Place) with Power CEO Sheila Brown (seated); Chubb Rock, Terri Davis, Coach and Rev. Newkirk; producer, songwriter, saxophonist extraordinaire Will Holton; Chubb Rock and Sheila Brown; and WUFO /Power 96.5 FM CEO Sheila Brown and some members of the WUFO crew.

Urban Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

Pictured are some of the amazing performers at ROC Int'l Jazz Fest l/r Nduduzo Makhathini, Albino MBIE, Camille Thurman

Butcherfest Boxing “Ringside at the Rez”

The first official Butcherfest boxing event “Ringside at the Rez” on the Seneca Reservation will feature live amateur boxing, performance by Buffalo’s own Def Jam Recording artist Benny the Butcher, food, cannabis vendors, games and fun.

You must be 18 and over. The event is Saturday, July 1 from 3 - 11p.m. 11290 Southwestern Blvd., Irving, NY

There will be native food vendors, native crafts, dancers, cannabis vendors, games to play, oil wrestling, a live music performance by Benny the Butcher and so much more including surprise appearances by Brok Weaver of the UFC, and many more. It’s going to be an event like no other .

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/e/butcherfest-boxing-tickets-657307984877

DADS Summer Basketball Camp

DADS (Dads Anointed Delivering Sons) Summer Basketball Camp will be held July 10 thru August 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon every Monday and Wednesday at Wende Park, Spring and Broadway for age groups 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15. Application deadline is July 9. For more information contact Dwayne Ferguson at (716)563-1834.

Rise Up Right Sports Highlights

Let's Rise Up.

Buffalo Bisons Baseball

The roller coaster that is the Buffalo Bisons season continues to be the ride no one wants to get on. The Buffalo Bisons are still in eighth place in the AAA East Northeast Division. And with a record of 34-41, the Bisons will have to make some major adjustments if they want to get on track to be a playoff team again. The Bisons will head into a six-game home stand against the Worchester Red Sox. Will the Bisons be able to win this homestand against the Red Sox?

Buffalo Sabres News

Buffalo Sabres have already signed Okposo and Girgensons to 1 year 2.5 million dollar deals. According to many sources they are also looking to sign Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power to long-term contracts. The Sabres also signed defenseman Joseph Cecconi to a 1 year deal worth 775,000.

NBA Draft 2023 First Round

Spurs draft Victor Wembanyama (Metropolitans 92), Hornets draft Brandon Miller (Alabama) Blazers draft Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite), Rockets draft Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite)

Pistons draft Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite), Magic draft Anthony Black (Arkansas)

Pacers draft Bilal Coulibaly (Metropolitans 92) – Traded to Wizards,Wizards draft Jarace Walker (Houston) – Traded to Pacers, Jazz draft Taylor Hendricks (UCF), Mavericks draft Cason Wallace (Kentucky) – Traded to Thunder, Magic draft Jett Howard (Michigan), Thunder draft Dereck Lively II (Duke) – Traded to Mavericks, Raptors draft Gradey Dick (Kansas), Pelicans draft Jordan Hawkins (Connecticut), Hawks draft Kobe Bufkin (Michigan), Jazz draft Keyonte George (Baylor), Lakers draft Jalen HoodSchifino (Indiana), Heat draft Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA), Warriors draft Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara), Rockets draft Cam Whitmore (Villanova), Nets draft Noah Clowney (Alabama), Nets draft Dariq Whitehead (Duke), Blazers draft Kris Murray (Iowa), Kings draft Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Marquette) – Traded to Mavericks , Grizzlies draft Marcus Sasser (Houston) – Traded to Pistons, Pacers draft Ben Sheppard (Belmont), Hornets draft Nick Smith Jr. (Arkansas), Jazz draft Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State), Pacers draft Julian Strawther (Gonzaga) – Traded to Nuggets, LA Clippers draft Kobe Brown (Missouri)

For more sports talk and news follow me on Facebook D'Andre Torch Robinson

GAME CHANGERS Basketball Training

Free motivational basketball training program being offered this summer. Drills skills and mentoring for boys and girls age 8 -18. Saturdays 10am -1pm. Dates are July 22 , 29 August 5, 12, 19. There are 100 slots available but you have to register. Being held at Masten park Register at buffalopal.com

Malak Amir Bontzolakes Represents USA at United World Games in Austria

Malak Amir Bontzolakes, a local basketball player who is currently homeschooled, was selected by PhD Hoops to represent the United States of America in international basketball competition on the United World Games in Austria from June 18th to June 27.

Out of a pool of applicants, Malak was chosen for this tour based on his playing ability, character, and desire to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

PhD Hoops Travel Tours believes in the development of young players both on and off the court, combining the thrill of international basketball competition with a cultural education that lasts a lifetime. The PhD Hoops staff has a long history of leading players and family members across different continents to enjoy this unique experience abroad and takes great pride in selecting players who are the right fit to represent the USA in the highest regard.

Malak is still accepting any contributions that the community is able to give at this time. The family can be reached by connecting with their social media pages, where the family will send a link to their fundraiser.

Malak-- IG: Malak.ent FB: Malak Bontzolakes Jaccqueline-- IG: Travel_WellnessPreneur FB: Jacqueline Bontzolakes. For additional information, please visit www. PhDHoops.com/traveltours or contact travel@phdhoops.com

Big Money In Masten and Ellicott Council Races

Democratic Party leaders and insiders, lobbyists and developers — all the usual suspects — flooded the Masten and Ellicott district races with cash.

By Geoff Kelly/Investigative Post

The five contested races for Buffalo Common Council seats have attracted an astonishing amount of money, and for good reasons.

For one, the winners will determine whether Mayor Byron Brown will have a friendly majority on the Council for the last two years of his fifth term, or whether he will continue to spar with a bloc of five (and sometimes six) legislators, as he has for the past four years. Second, they will choose the successor to Darius Pridgen as Council president in January. The Council president wields a great deal of power and would become acting mayor, should Brown not finish his term.

And third, the outcomes, to some degree, will measure the vitality of the progressive political movement that nearly unseated the mayor two years ago. This is especially true of the races for open seats in the Ellicott and Masten districts, but there are progressives challenging incumbents in the North and University districts, too.

And in Lovejoy, a first-time candidate’s challenge to the incumbent may offer some indication of the political strength of the city’s growing Bangladeshi community.

The latest campaign finance disclosures — due to the state board of election last Friday — reveal that in aggregate candidates for Council seats had raised more than $313,000 and spent more than $231,000 on their races, as of June 12.

The filings reveal a great deal about the candidates, too.

Ellicott District

The Democratic primary to succeed Pridgen, who is not seeking reelection, features four candidates. The Democratic Party declined to endorse a candidate in this race.

However, the party’s movers and shakers are lined up behind Leah Halton-Pope — a senior adviser to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes — and it shows in her fundraising.

As of June 12, Halton-Pope had raised nearly $66,000.

More than $10,000 for that came from elected officials and their staffers, which is hardly surprising, given her job. Her donors include three incumbent Council members — Chris Scanlon, Joel Feroleto, and Joe Golombek — who are currently part of an ersatz minority on the Council. The mayor kicked in $250 personally.

More than 10 percent of her money came from lobbyists such as Tony Masiello, the former Buffalo mayor, and Jack O’Donnell. A similar percentage came from real estate developers, including Nick Sinatra and Paul Ciminelli.

About 60 percent of her campaign’s money comes from outside the City of Buffalo. More than a third is from outside Western New York entirely — mostly from Albany and New York City.

And she has lots of big donors: $17,000 in donations of $1,000 or more, and $40,700 from donors of $500 or more. Her biggest single donation: $2,000 from Delaware North, the Buffalo-based gaming and concessions company. Her strangest donations: $250 each from Scott Kiedrowski and Henry Wojtaszek, Western Regional Off-Track Betting executives whose jobs have been endangered by a change in the organization’s governance last month — a change engineered by state Sen. Tim Kennedy, a Democrat, who sent Halton-Pope $1,500.

Halton-Pope had more than $43,000 on hand two weeks before primary day.

Next up is Matthew Dearing, a former staffer to Assemblymember Patrick Burke. That job ended badly: Burke fired Dearing and two other staffers who questioned Burke’s commitment to anti-racism in the wake of the Tops massacre. It’s also Dearing’s first run for office. Consequently, there are not a lot of political heavy-hitters among his donors. Rather, he has relied on his own resources. As of June 12, Dearing had raised about $14,000, which includes $6,000 of his own money loaned to his campaign. He had just shy of $4,000 left with two weeks to go, having spent more than half his money on consultants — much of that for door-to-door work.

Dearing’s name recognition got a big boost last weekend, when he won the endorsement of

HOMEOWNERSHIP continued from page 5

gage Checklist on key.com to better understand your lending options and chart the best path forward. Additional resources may also be available through your bank or community.

•Know your down payment options. The down payment is the cash you must pay upfront for your home when taking out your mortgage. It's typically 5-20 percent of the loan amount, but some loan options require less. Certain programs, like FHA loans or the Key Community Mortgage are specifically designed for those who could benefit from a lower down payment.

The homebuying process can be stressful, particularly in today’s turbulent economic market. Make sure you don’t overlook financial opportunities and are aware of all your bank can do to help you on your homebuying journey.

Saleem Shabazz is a Community Development Loan Officer in Buffalo. He can be reached at (716) 249-5793 or saleem_shabazz@keybank.com

the Buffalo News editorial board.

Cedric Holloway is a former Buffalo police officer and director of the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion in the Fruit Belt. Holloway hasn’t raised much money, comparatively — just over $9,000 — and his only reported expense so far is $500 for office rent.

That said, Holloway’s donors speak to his connections in the community he seeks to represent. His supporters include Betty Jean Grant, the former elected official and community activist; Herb Bellamy, a prominent East Side businessman; and April Baskin, the chair of the Erie County Legislature, who is Holloway’s cousin.

Finally, there’s Emin “Eddie” Egriu, who is a frequent candidate for elected office. (Last year, he ran a Democratic primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins — his third challenge to Higgins but his first time qualifying for the ballot.) Egriu does not appear to have filed any campaign finance disclosures this political cycle, though he has yard signs posted around the district.

Masten District

India Walton shocked Mayor Byron Brown and his political machine by defeating him in the 2021 Democratic primary, then lost that November to Brown’s well funded and often vicious write-in campaign. A year later she moved into the Masten District, intent on challenging incumbent Council member Ulysses Wingo.

But Wingo decided not to run for reelection, clearing the way for Walton’s opponent for the open seat, Zeneta Everhart, an aide to state Senator Kennedy.

The regional political establishment rallied around Everhart immediately. She gained the Democratic Party endorsement just days after she announced she was running.

And the money started flowing, too.

As of June 12, Everhart had raised nearly $72,000.

Like Halton-Pope, she picked up lots of donations from elected officials and their staffers, including $2,000 from a political action committee run by Kennedy, her boss. Three incumbent Council members — Mitch Nowakowski, Chris Scanlon and Bryan Bollman — donated small sums. Congressman Brian Higgins, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Legislature Chair April Baskin and Erie County Legislator Howard Johnson all kicked in.

Even state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs contributed $2,000.

Real estate developers gave Everhart more than $12,000. Lobbyists donated more than $6,000. Delaware North gave $2,000, the same amount they gave to Halton-Pope.

Almost $32,000 came in donations of $1,000 or more. Another $25,000 came in donations between $500 and $1,000.

Nearly half her campaign’s money comes from outside the City of Buffalo, though she does not have as many donors from Albany, New York City and beyond compared to Halton-Pope. As of June 12, she’d committed more than $40,000 to mailers and had about $13,000 left in the bank for the campaign’s final two-week stretch.

Walton’s campaign finance reports are relatively humdrum — far more traditional than the candidate herself. She’d raised just over $31,000 as of June 12. Her biggest donors are the same left-leaning activists and organizations who supported her run for mayor two years ago: attorney Sam Magavern, Our City Action Buffalo, poet Carl Dennis, and the Buffalo Teachers Federation, among others.

As she promised, Walton has taken no money from corporations or real estate developers. About $6,500 of her donations are unitemized — meaning they came from donors who gave less than $100, and so do not need to be identified, under state campaign finance law. In all, about a third of Walton’s campaign cash came in donations of $100 or less.

Investigative Post is a nonprofit investigative reporting center based in Buffalo. You can find their work at investigativepost.org and on WGRZ, Channel 2. You can subscribe to their free, weekly newsletter by emailing info@investigativepost.org.

BLACK HISTORY continued from page 3

dubbed “Seminole Negroes” or the “Black Seminoles” by American settlers. The word Seminole derives from the Spanish word cimarron, meaning “wild” or “untamed.”

By the start of the 1800s, as word spread of a free settlement from Blacks and Native Americans, the Black Seminole settlements began to grow rapidly, which frightened America’s white elite. America would spend the next 20 years trying to destroy any resistance to the expansion of their white supremacy rule.

According to Yale research, in 1818, General Andrew Jackson (later President) led an American army into Florida to rid the state and the Black Seminoles and claim it for the United States.

Blacks and Native Americans fought side-by-side against Jackson’s troops but ultimately lost and were forced to flee into the more remote wilderness of central and southern Florida. This was known as the “Indian and Negro War,” or the First Seminole War.- Bilal G. Morris

Common Council Chambers

NATIONAL/ WORLD

"This 4th of July is Yours, Not Mine"

Frederick Douglass Famous Speech, Delivered In Rochester NY, Still Resonates 171 Years Later

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a keynote address at an Independence Day celebration and asked, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Stamp Honoring Late Rep. Lewis Unveiled

House leaders joined forces with the U.S. Postal Service recently to reveal a commemorative stamp paying tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis. The unveiling occurred during a special event held at Capitol Hill in honor of Lewis’ tireless commitment to civil rights and his instrumental role in the nonviolent protest movement. Atlanta’s main post office is slated to be renamed in honor of the late congressman. Lewis, a Democrat representing Georgia, served in the House of Representatives from 1987 until his passing on July 17, 2020, at 80, after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Known as the “conscience of Congress,” Lewis dedicated his life to advocating for peaceful protests and equality. His famous phrase, “good trouble,” remains a rallying cry for those seeking equality and justice.

Congressional Black Caucus Calls for End to Biased Policies towards African and Caribbean Immigrants

The Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Monday demanding that he address biased immigration policies that disproportionately impact African and Caribbean migrants.

The Eastside Initiative: Are local Organizations Included?

Dear Editor:

Douglass was a powerful orator, often traveling six months out of the year to give lectures on abolition. His speech, given at an event commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was held at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. It was a scathing speech in which Douglass stated, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine, You may rejoice, I must mourn.

Douglass stated that the nation's founders were great men for their ideals of freedom. But in doing so he brings awareness to the hypocrisy of their ideals by the existence of slavery on American soil. D ouglass continues to interrogate the meaning of the Declaration of Independence, to enslaved African Americans experiencing grave inequality and injustice:

In the oration’s most famous passages, Douglass discussed what it felt like to see such festivities and to know independence was not a given for people like him:

“Fellow-citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? and am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us?”

" I say it with a sad sense of the disparity between us. I am not included within the pale of glorious anniversary! Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn. To drag a man in fetters into the grand illuminated temple of liberty, and call upon him to join you in joyous anthems, were inhuman mockery and sacrilegious irony. Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today?

"What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to Him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.” I do not hesitate to declare, with all my soul, that the character and conduct of this nation never looked blacker to me than on this 4th of July! Whether we turn to the declarations of the past, or to the professions of the present, the conduct of the nation seems equally hideous and revolting. America is false to the past, false to the present, and solemnly binds herself to be false to the future."

The speech was originally delivered at a moment when the country was fiercely locked in debate over the question of slavery, but there’s a reason why it has remained famous more than 150 years after emancipation, says David Blight, author of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize winning biography Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Timing is everything.

“It’s the birth of American Independence, the birth of a nation, and what the speech is saying is you must destroy first what you created and remake it, or it will be destroyed — and you with it,” says Blight.

dear editor

Since the murders of our Black neighbors in Buffalo, NY, it is time to reflect on what has occurred over the past 12 months and look ahead to the next. Initially, we saw an outpouring of grief, love, focus on the needs of the community, volunteers, and temporary supports such as food, transportation, personal care products, and family events. In fact, one local organization, Every Bottom Covered, Inc. received over 750K in supplies–diapers, pull-ups, feminine hygiene products, basic hygiene needs, and community engagement to collaborate with one another.

Every Bottom Covered, Inc. (EBC) is Western New York’s diaper bank, working to address diaper and personal care product needs across four counties of Western New York, with plans to expand to all eight counties. Following 5/14, EBC welcomed 30 partner organizations that jumped in to volunteer supplies, time, and hands-on help. In fact, wishlists that had withered were fulfilled in abundance and EBC turned it all back out into the community. Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other large organizations brought in volunteers and donations. Raziya Hill, the Executive Director and founder of EBC remembers, “We immediately distributed what we received and pushed out a lot into the community from the warehouse that had lain dormant with no volunteers. It was the hope of a healthier community”.

Since the crisis, Every Bottom Covered has continued to support the community located on the eastside and those across WNY but without the high profile help, Raziya has had thoughts of closing out her mission. Although she is part of a national diaper bank, funding continues to be difficult to come by and she works without a salary. Local health and human services organizations often send neighbors in need to Every Bottom Covered for free supplies but do not support the mission in primary ways–with sustainable funding to purchase those same supplies.

In many ways, Raziya, Every Bottom Covered, Inc. and other small local nonprofits such as Feed Buffalo, Inc., Our Mommie Village, Inc. and Project Mona’s House, Inc. are doing the work of government–helping neighbors in the third poorest city in America combat poverty and live healthy lives–but without the monetary and structural support government agencies provide. Sustainable funding is more than just receiving grants, it involves a community of good neighbors willing to become involved in the long term health and wellbeing of all. For those looking to support local Black organizations, please reach out to those listed above or other worthy orgs (there are plenty!) to talk about sustainability and ways to help.

Sincerely, Dr. Kate Haq & Dr. Monica Miles

Reading Can Seriously Damage Your Ignorance.

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 ANSWER: 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

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF ERIE

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 Bid

NOTICE FOR BIDS

Gilbane│Turner will be soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the BUFFALO BILLS NEW STADIUM PROJECT

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

Request for Proposal for Snow Plowing, Snow Removal & Salting Services for Various BMHA Housing Developments

This Request for Proposals (“RFP”) seeks bids for snow plowing, snow removal, and salting services, for various Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (“BMHA”) housing developments and BMHA office locations, for a term period of November 1, 2023 to April 15, 2024.

Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. (EDT, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. If you are interested, please contact Arnitra Chester at achester@bmhahousing.com for your request.

Prospective bidders may schedule a site visit upon reasonable prior notice when requesting a RFP. A PreSubmittal meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 9:00 am.

- Plumbing Auxiliary Building

18C - Plumbing Stadium

19A - Fire Protection

19B - Fire Protection - Auxiliary Building

21 - Fire Alarm and BMS

23 - Audio, Distributed TV, and Broadcast Systems

24 - Security and Telecomm

56 – Pools, Saunas, and Steam Rooms

Group 2

25A – Drywall - Field, Mezzanine, and Main Building

25C – Drywall - Luxury Suites, Clubhouses, Upper Level, and Press Area

26 – Stadium Seating

27 – Spray-On Fireproofing (SOFP) and Intumescent Paint

28 – Roofing and Waterproofing

29A – Misc. Metals - Bowl Railings

29B – Misc. Metals - Masonry / Hoistways

29C – Misc. Metals - Metal Pan Stairs and Rails

30A – Masonry - Lower Levels (Field Level and Mezzanine)

30B - Masonry - Upper Levels (Main, Suites, Club, Upper, Press)

47 - Scoreboard, Video Display, and Ribbon Board

59 - Playing Field

All businesses interested in submitting as a Prime/Tier-1 subcontractor must prequalify to receive a Request for Proposal (RFP). For an overview of the prequalification process, reference the Prequalification Navigation Guide at www.buffalobillsnewstadium.com. We encourage NYS-certified minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned and local businesses to participate. Please refer to proposal documents for full MWBE/SDVOB plan information. If you provide services relevant to any of the above packages and are interested in participating at a lower-tier level, apply to participate in the Meet the Primes session via the “Contracting Opportunities” section on the project website.

*Subject to change June 22,29 July 7,13,20

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

NOTICE OF INVITATION TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR SOUTHTOWNS ADVANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY INLFUENT SCREENING REPLACEMENT CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES

Proposals are requested by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Division of Sewerage Management (DEP/DSM) for engineering consultant services to provide construction inspection services, along with limited construction administration services, for the Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) Influent Screening Replacement project. The top rated respondent will be selected to enter into an agreement to provide the services.

In accordance with Local Law No. 6 (1983), proposals are hereby invited for the subject project. Proposals are to be submitted in the exact format detailed in the request for proposals (RFP). Proposals will be due at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Proposal shall be delivered to the DEP/DSM, Room 1034, 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202.

To obtain a copy of the RFP guidelines, please visit the following website, http://www2.erie.gov/ purchasing/index.php?q=requestsproposals-amp-construction-bids. Alternatively, you may call 716-8588383 or e-mail DSM@erie.gov if you would like to request a hardcopy. This invitation does not commit Erie County, or its DEP/DSM to accept any proposal, nor does it obligate Erie County for any costs associated with preparing or submitting proposals.

By:Joseph Fiegl, P.E., BCEE Deputy Commissioner Erie County DEP/DSM

Dated: June 21, 2023

Published: June 28, 2023

NY Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist

Help connect aging or disabled individuals and their Families to support groups and streamline access to Public benefits and application assistance. Asso. degree and human services exp. req. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY, 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

EMPLOYMENT

Accounts Payable Specialist I Responsible for posting & maintaining accounts Payable date & pay vendor invoices on time. HS diploma and 1 yr exp in basic accounting req. Resume and Cover letter to WNYIL Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for Project No. 47342-E, comprising a contract for Electrical Work, Provide Fire Alarm System, FMS #1, 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 $21,700 for E).

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 $250,000 and $500,000 for E.

Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 4737862.

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 1:00 p.m. on June 29, 2023 at the State Armory, 27 Masten Ave Buffalo NY 14204 - Utilize Front Entrance off Masten Avenue. Phone the office of Rocky Silvestro (716-885-0908) 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 0% for MWBE participation, 0% for MinorityOwned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 0% for Women-Owned 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: 0% for the E 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.

OGS Design & Construction Group

Registered Nurse (PT) Offering services to support those in crisis Who may otherwise utilize Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Dept services. Must possess a valid RN certification. Resume and Cover letter to WNYIL Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

LLC 'S

Health Homes Care Coordinator

Help enroll consumers in a Health Home. Help decrease costs of consumers being Served in a Health Home.

Bachelor’s & 5 yrs exp. Req. Resume and Cover letter to WNYIL Inc 3108 Main St Buffalo NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

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 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 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 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 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 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

LLC'S

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Maliek Nomir, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 04/05/2023. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to 346 Cable St, Buffalo, NY 14206. Purpose: any lawful.

June 22,29, July 6,13,20,27

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Che Butter Skin, LLC. Filed with SSNY on 04/03/2023. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to 264 Bryant St, Buffalo, NY 14222 Purpose: any lawful.

June 22,29, July 6,13,20,27

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

The Earverse LLC. Filed with SSNY on 05/31/2023. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to 346 Cable St, Buffalo, NY 14206. Purpose: any lawful.

June 22,29, July 6,13,20,27

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Jaali Cypher LLC filed Articles of Organization with the NY Dept.of State 5/21/2023 Office of the LLC: 501 Washington Street buffalo NY 14203 Apt 610. Erie County The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served : Justin Smith NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 501 Washington Street buffalo NY 14203 Apt 610. Purpose: Representation of the Business that is done by JAALI CYPHER.

June 22,29, July 6,13,20,27

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Diagnosing Sitcoms & Movies Podcast LLC’s Articles of Organization were filed by the with the Secretary of State (SSNY) on 5/6/2023. Its office location is Erie County. Its purpose is any lawful purpose. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 10 Markus Dr. Buffalo, NY 14225. June 22,29, July 6,13,20,27

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 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

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRI. JUNE 30

The Grand Finale, final farewell to Barbara D. Glover founder of Miss Barbara’s School of Dance 6-8 p.m. , 1832 Main St. (Delavan Station Plaza), hosted by Hon. Rose H. Sconiers and Trustee Ernestine green.

The Café and CEO Billie Essco and New Era Cap Co. collaboration collection launch at 1 p.m., on June 30th at the New Era retail store 160 Delaware Ave.

SAT. JULY 1

Trailblazing Sign to Honor Rev. James T. Hemphill Sr. unveiled near Walls Memorial Church 12 noon Glenwood Ave. between Wohlers Ave. and Roehrer Ave. public invited to attend. RSVP at bit.ly/signrevea

SUMMER SATURDAYS AT THE JOHNNIE B. WILEY STADIUM Kulea Pamoja Summer Saturdays 1100 Jefferson featuring food vendors, small business, youth, entrepreneurs, fruit, and vegetable stands, entertainers, community info and more.

MON. JULY 3

Hustle for Health Line Dance fitness for Seniors 12pm at Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan Ave, Buffalo FREE www.HustleforHealth.com

Salsa In The Park, With Sarah Haykel and Jerome Williams 6:30, The Rose Gardens. Delaware Park, 199 Lincoln Pkwy. Cancelled in case of rain.

PRE-HOLIDAY SUMMER SIZZLER

A Pre-holiday Summer Sizzle featuring vocalist Jetuan Louie, Karen Lady K Kassem, Kendyada, Denzel and The D Ray Universal Funk Band hosted by Ms. Terry Davis. The "Love and Happiness" event will be held Sunday, July 12 from 6-10 p.m. Food provided while it lasts! Voting rights

EMPLOYMENT

The Juneteenth Celebration is a Reminder of Who We Really Are! Black, Beautiful, Proud and Resilient!

Almost 5 decades before America made Juneteenth a national holiday, Buffalo was celebrating Black folks’ “Liberation Day” by the thousands every year – first along Jefferson Avenue and eventually moving to MLK Park. At one time it was considered the largest Juneteenth celebration in the country!

Last weekend the Queen City celebrated its 48th annual Juneteenth under sunny skies for two glorious days; displaying our beauty, culture and resilience

The elegant and lovely Constance Eve, the Buffalo Urban League’s Inaugural Queen “Nana” who rode in her first parade, commented on the beauty of the people – especially the children – and how happy it made her to see the joy on their faces. She will turn 91 years young on July 14th! Birthday Blessings Queen Mother!

At press time we did not have an official count on the crowd, but Juneteenth President Marcus Brown had this to say: “More people than ever attended every segment of this year’s 48th annual Juneteenth Festival! What was particularly exceptional was that more people showed up for our amazing and breathtaking parade and many of our valued, celebrated and appreciated food vendors sold out of delicious mouth watering food!”

From Sankofa Days to the Maafa - Buffalo's Juneteenth is a beautiful reminder of who we really are! Black, Beautiful, Proud and Resilient! Hats off to our beloved brother Marcus for remaining true to the celebration, and his awesome, dedicated team for their tireless effort to bring us Juneteenth year after year! Ashe! And Asante Sanaa! (So Challenger Photos