Challenger Community News March 18, 2021

M A S K U P ! P r a c t i c e S o c i a l D i s t a n c i n g ! T h e Va c c i n e A l o n e W i l l N o t E n d t h e P a n d e m i c !

CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARD!

Tiffany Lewis is New Chair of Erie County Commission on Status of Women

Seven Months Missing!

Community Action Coalition WNY and GYC Ministries ask the public for help bringing Jaylen back home. Page 3

Kristy Tasca Photography

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Street Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

March 18, 2021 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

Hip Hop Artist “A.I." Shines Light on Local Women Entrepreneurs Page 8

Beyond Covid: Muhammad School of Music Students Didn’t Miss a Beat! Page 5

Rochester Mayor Warren’s Office Responds to Investigation Page 2

Join The 5k Virtual Walk/Run In Honor Of Harriett Tubman Day!

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

Mayor Welcomes Probe Report, Says It Allows Community to "Move Forward" An investigation into the official response to Daniel Prude’s police suffocation death last year in Rochester is faulting Mayor Lovely Warren and former police chief La’Ron Singletary for keeping critical details of the case secret for months and lying to the public about what they knew.

The report, commissioned by Rochester’s city council was made public last Friday.

“In the final analysis, the decision not to publicly disclose these facts rested with Mayor Warren, as the elected mayor of the City of Rochester,” said the report, written by New York City-based lawyer Andrew G. Celli Jr. “But Mayor Warren alone is not responsible for the suppression of the circumstances of the Prude arrest and Mr. Prude’s death.”

Singletary’s characterization “likely impacted” how city officials viewed the matter, the report said.

Carrie H. Cohen, Special Independent Counsel to the City of Rochester in connection with the City Council’s investigation into the City’s response to Daniel Prude’s death released the following statement:

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“Having reviewed the City Council’s Special Independent Counsel’s report, it is most notable that the City Council’s Special Counsel did not find any evidence that any City employee, outside of former Police Chief Singletary, acted with ill-intent to hide or cover-up the circumstances related to the death of Mr. Prude or to intentionally deceive the public in any way. The elected officials and public servants involved in this matter made their best efforts to make decisions in real time based on the information that was made available to them and that, according to the City Council’s Special Counsel, was intentionally obscured by former Police Chief Singletary.

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“There is one conclusion in the report, however, to which I am compelled to respond: the false assertion that Mayor Warren made untrue statements to the public regarding Mr. Prude’s death. At all times, Mayor Warren spoke based on the facts known to her at the time and to the extent those facts were misleading in any way, that is a direct result of the misleading way in which former Chief Singletary relayed information to the Mayor.

“Lastly, the City already has put in place a number of policy reforms and initiatives to hopefully improve internal communications and specifically address some of the issues identified in the report. It is my sincere hope that the City continues to learn and heal and that Mr. Prude’s family continues to be blessed by his memory.”

Mayor Warren said in a statement that she welcomed the report “because it allows our community to move forward.”

“Throughout city government, we have acknowledged our responsibility, recognized that changes are necessary and taken action,” she said, citing various measures on police practices and discipline.

A grand jury last month declined to indict the officers involved.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

the neighborhood where he would hold doors for people for tips.” He wasn’t a kid who would leave home and not come back.”

Police still consider Jaylen an “on going missing person’s case.” He is also listed with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Both the national center and local police are asking the public for help in locating the youth.

AREA BRIEFS Applications Accepted for STAND UP Buffalo: Help With Eviction Foreclosure, Housing Rehab and More

Nellie B. King

Community's Premiere Women's History Month Event Sets New Date Unlimited Possibilities Overcoming Poverty, Incorporated (UPOP Ministry) announces a new date for its annual Women’s History month event. The dinner honoring women from the Western New York area will be October 16,2021, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, in the North Hall, at 7p.m. .

Nellie B. King, president of UPOP Ministry, encourages the honorees to expect a special printed event in the Challenger Community News at the end of March.

Proceeds from the event will help support female college students from a poverty background who are enrolled in college.

The honorees are the same as those designated in 2020, but the event then was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

The City of Buffalo received $11 million from the CARES Act and other funding sources to fund STAND UP Buffalo. From that grant, BURA developed new programs to assist residents with eviction prevention, foreclosure prevention, fair housing, owner & rental housing rehabilitation, microenterprise assistance and digital inclusion analysis.

Eligible applicants must have incomes below 80% of the area median income. Applications are now being accepted For more information on how to apply, call 3-1-1, 2-1-1 or visit www.buffalourbanrenewal.com.

Public Schools Reopen After Cyberattack Buffalo public schools resumed some remote learning classes Tuesday after a cyberattack last Friday which resulted in the canceling of classes for the district’s 31,000 students. A full day of remote instruction was scheduled to return Wednesday. The district said it plans to continue to work with the FBI and consultants for at least two more weeks as it pursues a criminal and forensic investigation of the cybersecurity attack.

From Homicide to Healing The National Action Network is putting out a special call to action for the community to recognize and support the family members of homicide victims at a healing and prayer service, “From Homicide to Healing,” April 3 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Good Shepard Temple, 425 Goodyear Avenue. There will be grief counselors, trauma chaplains and family support agencies on site. The event will be facilitated by Karys Belger, WGRZ-TV. Sponsors include Back to Basics, the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center and Stop the Violence Coalition. For more information contact NAN at (716)299-8299 bflonan@ gmailcom or Good Shephard Temple, (716)436-9296, Elsie Fisher, Pastor.

GYC Ministries led by Pastor Newkirk and Community Action Coalition WNY at last Friday's rally for Jaylen (inset bottom right).

Street Legacy Photos by Darvin Adams

The Commuity Action Coalition WNY and GYC Ministries Ask the Public for Help Bringing Jaylen Griffin Back Home

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t’s been seven months.

Twelve-year-old Jaylen Griffin was last seen at his home in East Buffalo in August. He has not been seen since.

news alert with Jaylen’s photo and numbers for the public to call.

Pastor Newkirk noted that authorities were also contacted in October.

Today, seven months later, his disappearance remains a mystery.

In November he preached the funeral for Jaylen’s 18year old brother who was killed Nov. 23 as he walked from the store on Memorial Drive. Jaylen was said to be close to his brother. Yet Jaylen, who was still missing at the time, failed to show up at the funeral.

Last Friday, the Community Action Coalition WNY and GYC Ministries held a press conference to bring renewed focus to Jaylen’s plight.

Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministries is no stranger to the case. A friend of the family, he and his organization have been at the forefront of working to bring Jaylen home.

Jaylen, according to news sources, was last seen at his home on August 4 and reported missing to Buffalo Police August 9. He was categorized as a runaway.

That never sat right with the family, who insist that Jaylen enjoyed being at home, and was in fact, “a mama’s boy.”

In September WGRZ-2 posted a missing person

Pastor Newkirk and his organization are also seeking help from the public and have established a confidential hot line at (716) 7709093.

He said that they have also organized a ‘boots on the ground’ search team to find Jaylen and will canvass areas where people say he may have last been seen. In addition, he added that they are heavily engaging every social media platform available to get the word out, and information coming in.

Jaylen is described as 5’3” tall weighing 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call the GYC Hotline at (716)770-9093; or the Buffalo Police at (716)8532222; or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.

Pastor Newkirk reached out to the media and in December Spectrum News ran a story citing the family’s grief over the loss of their son as well as Jaylen’s disappearance.

Pastor Newkirk was interviewed as well and he renewed his call for help in finding Jaylen.

“The last time anybody saw Jaylen was in December,” recalled Newkirk, “but we have no actual proof.”

NewKirk described Jaylen as a typical 12-year-old.

“You could always find him near certain stores in

Fearless Black Female Warriors

Pastor Newkirk

Queen Nzinga

Queen Nzinga Mbande (c.

1583 – December 17, 1663) Queen Nzinga Mbande was a highly intelligent and powerful 17th-century ruler of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms (modern-day Angola). Around the turn of the 17th century, Nzinga fearlessly and cleverly fought for the freedom of her kingdoms against the Portuguese, who were colonizing the Central African coast at the time to control the trade of African human beings.

To build up her kingdom’s military might, Nzinga offered sanctuary to runaway slaves and Portuguesetrained African soldiers. She stirred up rebellion among the people still left in Ndongo, by then ruled by the Portuguese. Nzinga also formed an alliance with the Dutch against the Portuguese.

However, their combined forces were not enough to drive the Portuguese out.

After retreating to Matamba again, Nzinga started to focus on developing the kingdom as a trading power and the gateway to the Central African interior. At the time of Nzinga’s death in 1661 at the age of 81, Matamba had become a powerful kingdom that managed to resist Portuguese colonization attempts for an extended period of time. Her kingdom was only integrated into Angola in the late 19th century.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

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

CHCB VACCINE UPDATE

By Dr. LaVonne Ansari Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc.

The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., will have vaccines available in the coming weeks. We are very grateful for Senator Schumer’s recent announcement that Community Health Centers across New York State – including the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. – have been approved to receive vacDr.Ansari cines directly from the federal supply.

We would also like to thank Congressman Higgins for his continued support in helping us gain access to these vaccinations.

Our participation in the Federal Vaccine Supply Program will allow us to expand the breadth of our mission to get vaccines into communities of color that disproportionately do not have access. We also expect to receive vaccine doses from New York State by the end of March. These doses have been designated to complete the vaccination of our employees and their immediate family members.

As we prepare for the arrival of our vaccines, we will be implementing systems to give residents access to user friendly scheduling options. Stay tuned for more exciting news and information on how to receive a shot, as it becomes available.

Veteran Taster Crews, who received the 10,000th COVID-19 Vaccination at the VA Veterans r facility on Bailey Avenue.

Local VA Vaccination Rates Nearly Equal for Black and White Veterans

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), African Americans are three times more likely than their Caucasian peers to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and twice as likely to die from the effects of COVID-19. With these alarming numbers to describe health care disparities within the U.S. population, VA Western New York Healthcare System (VA WNYHS) can report some encouraging news about their enrolled Veterans. Recent data from VA WNYHS analysts report nearly equal rates of COVID-19 vaccination for Veterans of both races.

For enrolled WNY Veterans in the African American community who may still be hesitant about receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, some tips might be helpful: Have an honest and open conversation with your medical provider about your individual risk factors for catching COVID, as well as those for taking the vaccine. Share any concerns you have - be sure to clarify any misconceptions about getting the vaccine. Ask your provider about their experiences with the vaccine as a provider or vaccine recipient. Continue to follow masking and social distancing guidelines consistently, even if you or loved ones are vaccinated.

Currently, Veterans must meet eligibility requirements for enrollment to receive vaccinations. Veterans can check eligibility requirements by calling our Veterans Service Center in Buffalo at 716-862-8829.

Spring Breakers Could Be Tipping Point for Key COVID Variant

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Florida is ramping up vaccinations as a dangerous new variant of the novel coronavirus spreads across the state. Of course, some epidemiologists are confident safe and effective vaccines will cut off the spread of the U.K. or B.1.1.7 variant, also known as a coronavirus “lineage.”

Others aren’t so sure. The X-factor? Potentially hundreds of thousands of Spring Breakers who have been converging on the state of 21 million—a state with no mask mandate, no capacity rules, and no sign of government oversight.

Florida has one of the highest proportions of B.1.1.7 of all U.S. states. The lineage now accounts for half of Florida’s new COVID-19 infections, according to California genomics firm Helix. The state has reported around 4,500 new infections daily in recent days—down from a January peak of nearly 16,000 new cases in a single day. In all, Florida has registered around 2 million COVID cases and 32,000 deaths.

More Black Doctors Needed…

COVID19 Vaccine Shots For Veterans Age 18 And Older

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), this country needs at least 96,000 more doctors immediately to meet everyone’s health care needs.

However, the AAMC and other experts say Black enrollment in U.S. medical schools has remained virtually unchanged since the 1970s.

Black males in 1978-79 made up 3% of medical students; that number is now 2.9 percent. Black female enrollment, 2.2 percent in 1978-79, has doubled to 4.4 percent in 2019-20.

The Buffalo VA Hospital is scheduling COVID19 vaccine shots for veterans age 18 and older. They MUST be enrolled in health care at the Buffalo VA. To schedule an appointment call 716.862.7868.

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Come One! Come All!

The First Fruits Food Pantry Is Open!

Offering Healthy Food Options Free To The Community

NEW TIME! Tuesdays 4-6 PM & Saturdays From 10 A.M. To 12 NOON Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten @ Northland No Forms To Fill Out, No Proof Of Income Or Residency Etc. Just The Blessing Of Good Food!

While You’re There Check Out The Lincoln Memorial. Clothes Closet!

“Fighting Food Insecurity & Meeting the Needs of The People.”

Rev. George Nicholas, Pastor, Lincoln Memorial UMC Rita Hubbard Robinson, Coordinator, First Fruits Food Pantry

COVID-19 TESTING Monday-Saturday 8:30AM-Noon & 1-4:15PM • Call (716) 986-9199 Ext. 5907

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

Beyond COVID: Muhammad School of Music Students Didn’t Miss A Beat!

Annual Classical Stars of Tomorrow VIRTUAL Recital Can Be Viewed on Line. School Announces its Spring Strings Promotion

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uhammad School of Music (MSOM) was quick to adapt a year ago during the COVID-19 global pandemic shut down by launching its new virtual platform - MSOM Virtual “Our students literally didn’t miss a beat!’” says MSOM Founder and Maestro Henri Star Muhammad. “We logged on and continued our studies with students from our Buffalo and Western New York base, as well as, new students from all over the country. We have beginner students who have never played before, continuing students who have now completed lesson books and levels, and some students started learning their second and third musical instruments.”

In addition to launching MSOM Virtual, the school recently published its annual winter recital virtually: The Annual Classical Stars of Tomorrow VIRTUAL Recital The MSOM Annual Classical Stars of Tomorrow Virtual Recital can be viewed at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv-yQTdbvpM1uFreOtB1gyTzzQJmggVqp As well as: https://www.HenriStar.com

-Spring PromotionNow for a limited time, MSOM Virtual is offering its ‘Spring Strings’ Promotion!

Register for the MSOM Spring 2021 Quarter and receive a complimentary 3 month Violin Rental and Lesson Book. The promotion is open to the first 10 new Violin students who register for Virtual instruction; based on instrument availability. For out of town students the promo includes a free registration, in lieu of instrument rental.

MSOM, now in its 22nd year, offers instruction on Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, and Piano; with virtual and limited in-person instruction. Instructional programs include weekly individual one-to-one instruction, weekly ensemble rehearsals (returning this summer) concerts, recitals, and community performances.

“One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the Gift of Cultivation” says MSOM Founder and Maestro Henri Star Muhammad. “My parents gave me the violin at the age of seven, and the instrument and art form has been with me my entire life. This year MSOM is celebrating our 22nd year, and the students of MSOM have gone on to nearly every field of endeavor including all forms of creative arts, medicine, law, politics, business, and education.”

MSOM accepts students of all ages and abilities; from 4 years to adults, beginners to professionals. Give the gift that

VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

HYBRID

lasts a lifetime. Register Today!

For more info, Lessons, to schedule a performance, to make a donation, and to register for MSOM Spring Strings please call and/or write to: Muhammad School of Music, P.O. Box 936, Buffalo, New York 14205 Or call (716)570-5064 Email: HenriStar@aol.com Website: www.HenriStar.com Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) was founded in 1999 in Buffalo, New York. Founder and Maestro Henri Star Muham-

mad is a Concert Violinist, Electric Guitarist, Pianist, Vocalist, Conductor, Composer, Studio Recording Artist, Author, Scholar, and nationally renowned Violin Instructor.

Links Scholarships Available to High School Students of African Descent Entering College in the Fall of 2021 The Erie County (NY) Chapter of The Links Incorporated awards scholarship money to deserving first year undergraduate students. The mission of the scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to individuals who are enrolled in two-or-four-year college/university undergraduate studies. Assistance is based on financial need, academic performance, leadership potential, and participation in community programs.

Deadline for applications to be received is Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Applications are available on the Buffalo Public Schools website under scholarships or the Erie County (NY) Chapter of The Links website https://www.buffaloschools.org http://www.eriecountylinksinc.org/

Strive FOR EXCELLENCE

Virtual, In Person or Hybrid... your child’s success depends on you.

As a parent, you have to be involved in your child’s education to make sure he or she has everything they need to succeed.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.NNPA.ORG/EDUCATION © 2021 NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

Remembering Calvary on Good Friday

t is our desire that the saints of God residing in Buffalo, New York, the United States of America and beyond remind the WORLD that CALVARY made the difference in our lives.

Instructions: 1.Decide to participate 2.Get a willing partner or group to stand with you 3.Make or design a cross that you will use on Good Friday 4.Prayerfully select a location where you would stand to be a witness of what took place over 2000 years ago at Calvary 5.Don't feel intimidated stand proudly to proclaim victory in Jesus.

6.Choose a time throughout the day that works for you.

Starting 6:00am - ending 6:00pm 7.Holding your cross, wave, sing, pray or just stand.

8.Sponsored by: The Body of Christ @ Buffalo, New York.

Coordinated by: Saints who are commissioned to be a witness for Christ 9.Share this message may it go viral

*For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life *For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 To every born again Child of God "Join us" Good Friday, April 2, 2021 Remembering Calvary It's personal but not private Submitted by Roshelle Deas Roberson

PRAYER IN THE PARK MINISTRY 24-HOUR PRAYER ASSEMBLY

"EVERY SETBACK IS A SETUP FOR A MIRACULOUS COMEBACK!"

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eginning On: Friday, March 19, 2021 at 7am Ending On: Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 7am Via Virtual Zoom – ID Log On: 582-819-0042 Passcode: GodsLove Also Live on Facebook and Instagram: @PrayerInThePark Call-in Prayer Lines: (716)235-1968; (716)715-1969; (716)603-9564 In person: Masks and Social Distancing Required. Minister Wanda L. Strong Howard (716)715-1969, Minister Sister Barbara Johnson Kirk (716)603-9564, Pastor Christine Lucus, M.I.T. Charlene Barron, Bro. Ricky Mingo, Prophetess Rhonda Mingo, Bro. Rashad L. Howard, Sis. Ryan Thurmond, Reverend Rudolphus Boans, Minister Tamara Lamb, Bro. Ron Cunningham, Bro. Neal Mack, Sis. Sheila Veal, Sis. Delores Lowe, Sis. Olivia Headly, and others; Guest Speakers: Bishop Stephanie Morris, Elder-Designate Anthony Stevens, Vocalist/Musician Bro. Kyle McKenzie and more speakers; Special Guests.

Our Children Clothing Giveaway To Be Announced.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

Chairwoman of the Board!

Amazon Halts Selling 100 cards for 100 years! rs. Sarah Jones of Buffalo will celebrate her 100th Tiffany Lewis is New Chairwoman of the Erie County of Books that Label M birthday on April 21 with family and friends. New LGBT a Mental Illness Commission on the Status of Women Hope Baptist Church Buffalo, where Mrs. Jones has been

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fident Tiffany will be an effective and vocal advocate on behalf of women everywhere in Erie County.”

he Erie County Commission on the Status of Women (“ECCSW”) recently announced Tiffany Lewis as the Advisory Board’s new chairperson.

Ms. Lewis’ nomination was unanimously approved for the position.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of Confident Girl Mentoring in Buffalo, Lewis has been a youth advocate in the public and private sector, including the past five years overseeing her company that focuses on building self-esteem and confidence in girls from ages 7 to 19 . Lewis has mentored some 2,000 girls throughout Western New York, with 90 percent of them being Black and brown girls of color.

Lewis will now oversee a volunteer Advisory Board composed of 13 members that meet on a regular basis and focus on numerous priorities that include education and public awareness, health and well-being, and leadership and empowerment.

Tiffany Lewis

role models and mentors from their community, who look like them, is so important. I am so proud to support all successful women and especially women of color in Western New York.

Tiffany Lewis and the rest of the Board of Commissioners In celebration of Women’s are true role models.”

History month, Chairwoman April N.M. Baskin expressed “Tiffany brings years of her deep personal congratu- experience in communitylations to Ms. Lewis. Leg- based outreach and menislator Baskin has also pre- torship to the Commission viously participated in Ms. Advisory Board,” said Erie Lewis’ programs with Con- County Commissioner of fident Girl Mentoring. "Ms. Public Advocacy Dr. Karen Lewis brings targeted leader- King. “She is a dedicated ship experience to her new and vibrant leader who will position,” she said. play an instrumental role in helping the Erie County “Women have the talent and Commission on the Status of ability to achieve anything Women continue to protect they want,” continued chair- and promote women’s rights woman Baskin. “But having in our region. I am very con-

The Commission was established by a unanimous vote of the Erie County Legislature in 1987 to remove gender-based inequities for women. The Commission conducts policy studies; analyzes current legislation, programs and trends impacting women; develops collaborative programs with local and regional organizations and public officials; provides educational awareness; and recommends measures to coordinate, consolidate or expand the resources and services available to women in Erie County.

For more information on the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, visit www.erie.gov/csw where you will find reports pertaining to women’s issues such as pay and healthcare inequity. There is also an events calendar for the month of March featured.

A WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Buffalo Letter Writers Read Dear Kamala: Women Write to the New Vice President A Virtual book talk hosted by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will feature Buffalo Letter contributors to the national best seller Dear Kamala: Women Write to the New Vice President and editor Dr. Peggy Brooks Bertram.

The Zoom event will take place Tuesday, March 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. and the public is invtited.

Guests will enjoy brief readings and remarks followed by a Q&A with the author. What started as a letter writing project to show support, share concerns and visions for America, is now a book of 120 letters from women and girls around the world. Registered guests will have a chance to win a signed copy of the featured book.

Featured Buffalo writers and storytellers include Sharon Amos, Sandra Bush, Eva Doyle, Veronica Golden, Betty Jean Grant, Judith Halbreich, Nina Heard, Sharon Holley, Celeste Lawson, Marnetta Malcolm, Tameka Milline, Jennifer J. Parker, vonetta rhodes and Sandy White.

Please register at https://buffalolib.libcal.com/calendar/events/?t=d&q=Kamala&cid=1289 8&cal=12898&inc=0

In an announcement that could have a major impact on Christian and conservative books on the subject, Amazon said in a letter late last week it had changed its policy and would no longer sell titles that label gender dysphoria or LGBT identity as a “mental illness.” ~Christianheadlines.com

a member for over 76 years, serving on various church boards, will honor her after worship service on Sunday April 18.

New Hope is reaching out to the community and is seeking to receive 100 birthday cards for Mrs. Jones. Please mail your card to: Mrs. Sarah Jones, c/o New Hope Baptist Church, 2090 Genessee Street, Buffalo, NY, 14211.

Join us in wishing Mrs. Jones a Happy 100TH BIRTHDAY! Sarah Jones

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS!

me worrisome me me overwhelmed me me Alzheimer’s “As a caregiver, it feels like it’s all on me.”

When your loved one has Alzheimer’s, it takes all of your time and energy to care for them. But that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. At the Alzheimer’s Association, we’re available 24/7 to offer the guidance, support and resources you need to get through the tough times and cherish the good.

We’re here for you.

Call 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org to start the conversation.

Funded in part by a grant from the Garman Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

Poesia Live Presents "Femme Noire"

Aitina Fareed-Cooke "A.I." image by Kristy Tasca Photography

Buffalo’s Own Hip Hop Artist, Aitina Fareed-Cooke "A.I." Shines The Light on Local Women Entrepreneurs

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elebrating the release of her debut album “Soul’s Acrylic” as the first woman artist on God Over Money’s label, Aitina Fareed-Cooke “A.I. The Anomaly” further reinforces her presence and lyrical fervor in her new music video for single Grwn Woman.

A.I. excellently crafts the perfect anthem for every Grwn Woman who understands what it means to pray, push and persevere, her personal mantra. “This song is dedicated to the movers, shakers and grinders. It’s meant to empower women to keep their focus as they fight against opposition and life’s difficulties,” A.I. says. "I felt a song like Grwn Woman was necessary to be on my album because as a woman I don't feel as if there are enough anthems created by women that motivate me as an entrepreneur."

The song features bar after bar from A.I. with help from B. Angelique praising “the work of her hands.”

“A grown woman work to balance emotions in weakest moments / I failed plenty like any, I pick it up keep it going/ I rise late in the night, my hubby trust in my grind I serve him love with my life /I pack the sword for the fight /I teach my kids how to live, To love give and ignite.” A.I. The Anomaly, lyrics from Grwn Woman.

Filmed by frequent collaborator, Kre8tor of We Shoot Films, A.I. recruited her village to assist with the video’s production, including husband Joshua Cooke, son Isaac Fareed, daughter Ailena Cooke. Others from her community circle, Shakief Rivers and Mekisha Collins, also helped bring the vision to life.

A proud product and testament to how investing in young artists is essential to future success, A.I. is intentional with highlighting local artists in her music videos. Grwn Woman showcases a collection of women entrepreneurs from Buffalo, NY including Phylicia Dove owner of Black Monarchy, Alexa Wajed Co-Owner of Eat Off Art, Nailia Ansari, founder of The Movement of Joy, artist entrepreneur Julia Bottoms, Siobhan Taylor, Owner of Ms. Eye Candy Boutique, Leah Angel founder of Fostering Greatness Inc., Jazlyn Leon owner of Executive Sweeps, artist / entrepreneur Alana Adetola and Morgan Williams Bryant Ceo of MWB Ignites among others.

The video will be followed up with short videos of women entrepreneurs sharing their stories on the beauty and challenges of entrepreneurship. "My hope is that this song/video will offer an alternative to what Women Empowerment looks like.... and I hope it will ignite thought and a sense of inspiration for the next generation of Grown Women! said A.I. You can hear the song and album streaming on all major platforms.

Grwn Woman is the 5th single and 4th music video to be released from A.I.’s debut album. Soul’s Acrylic debuted at #6 on iTunes Hip Hop charts in its first week of release. Be sure to visit aitheanomaly.com and subscribe to A.I.’s YouTube

channel. Join the journey at https://linktr.ee/goaimusik.

On Saturday March 27 at 8:30 p.m. POESIA LIVE with Rachel Robles presents FEMME NOIRE. This is a performance and interview series hosted by popular poet, artist Rachel Robles who is the creator and curator of the Poesia live series. For woman’s history month the series features four creative African American women from the WNY community; poet Annette Daniels Taylor; musician, Dayatra Amber; dancer; Naila Ansari; and photographer, Alana Adetola Fajemisin. Poesia Live is an online reading, performance, and interview series that streams on their Facebook page @ poesialivewithrachelrobles .

Remembering Jazz Icon

James “Pappy” Martin May 27, 1933 - March 12, 2015

"A dedicated spirit-filled soldier committed to uplifting the lives of others in his community.”

Renowned Band Leader.

Founder of the Love Supreme School of Music.

Co-founder of The General Bass/Pappy Martin Tennis Program. Co-founder of the Masten Jazz Festival that continued under his sole leadership until he made his Transition. The popular summer event, carried on by his daughter Dawn Martin Berry-Walker, is now known as the Pappy Martin Legacy - Masten Jazz Festival. May his soul rest forever in The Eternal Fields of Peace.

Colored Girls Bike Too

"Taking Up Space " Bike Ride

Colored Girls Bike Too celebrates women's history month inviting all Black women to the “Taking Up Space Bike Ride” on March 28th at 12 pm . Meeting up at Hoyt Lake 199 Lincoln Pkwy. The 8 mile ride will be making stops at the Japanese Garden and final stop at Je ne Sais Quoi for food and healing circle.

The ride will provide some basic education on street biking as well. Please dress according to weather and wear a mask. Need a bike or have questions? reach out to the team @coloredgirlsbiketoo on Instagram or facebook DM .

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

9

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

The Black Doll Exhibit

BLACK LIKE ME

Canisius College Talent Search Welcomes Killer Mike

Review Series 3 of 4 :

by Lisa Jacobs-Watson fashion doll collector/creative coordinator

T

he Black Like Me showcase at the Black Doll Exhibit (Central Library until March 27th) is significantly related to positive playtime. It is a tribute to wide ranged beauty in Black and Brown people.

Playing with dolls that look like them builds confidence in young girls at an early age. The Doll Tests, administered in the 1940s, proved how society both impacts our self-esteem and influences how we perceive ourselves beginning at childhood.

The concept behind this display is a variety of dolls to have fun with. These dolls are outside of the adult collector category and ready made to change their clothes, hair, or take them on any adventure you choose. In fact, Yours Truly redesigned the original shirt of Tall Barbie by reversing it and adding ‘Black Lives Matters’ to reflect the current climate. So, yes! this 50-something year old collector still plays with her Barbie dolls.

Ethic dolls are important. They are part of our history.

I note that rag dolls were originally created by slaves who gathered scraps of material to create doll babies. Hats off during Women’s History Month to collectors, designers, seamstresses, entrepreneurs, and executives who contribute to the world of dolls on behalf of cultural diversity.

The Black Like Me display includes tall, petite, curvy, wheelchair, and vitiligo Barbie. And Fresh Doll, Malik who wears long dreadlocks. The Black Doll Ehibit on view until March 27 at Buffalo Erie County Downtwon Public Library.

Excellence Within Reach – Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of the Academic Talent Search/Trio Program. The virtual summit will be held on Friday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m.

In celebrating Black history awareness, the college has invited rapper, actor and activist Michael Santiago Render, better known by his stage name “Killer Mike,” to speak at the event. The summit is sponsored by the college’s Academic Talent Search, and is free and open to the public.

For more information on Academic Talent Search, contact Canisius at 716-888-3280

FULL MOON WATCH This month’s full moon falls on March 28 Palm Sunday. This is a good time of reflection and revising your journey in life. In the grand flow of life, these inward moving energies are conducive for fine tuning and helping to bring greater clarity, awareness, and focus.

Use this extra Full Moon energy to make the necessary changes in your life.

Spring is the Best Time to Clean Out Your Life — Start With: •Cleansing Your Spirit •Clean out closets and drawers •Clean off the clutter around your sleeping area •Clean out old papers and receipts You can take your time and do this cleaning over the next few weeks. It will benefit you enormously on your spiritual path.

The Wheel of the Year – The Spring Equinox falls on Saturday, March 20 This is when day and night are equal. It is a time of balance where unnecessary things, thoughts and habits are thrown away to make room for the new. -Cherokee Billie

9Mile Presents Song and Story: Greg Millar Organ Trio

P

lease join us virtually Thursday March 25th, 7pm for the first edition of "Song and Story" streaming live from the Colored Musicians Club Museum. One part song, one part story, tune in for a multi-faceted event which features both a concert and a live interview with the artists involved.

For this introductory event, join Leah Hamilton Associate Publisher of The Challenger News as she moderates discussion between Greg Millar, Abdul Rahman Qadir and Douglas "Trigger" Gaston, known as the Greg Millar Organ Trio.

Greg has recorded with Spyro Gyra, Charles Earland, Lee Morgan and many others. Douglas "Trigger" Gaston hired as Dodo Green's (first female artist signed to Blue Note records) pianist for over 20 years as a professional working musician in Western New York and beyond. Abdul Rahman Qadir played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Delfeayo Marsalis.

Tune in 7pm to www.facebook/thehistoriccoloredmusiciansclub or Hallwalls Contemporary Arts youtube page. See you then!

10 Politics/Local/State Poll Shows Continued Support for Gov. Cuomo Among Black Voters "Only a full, fair hearing of the facts will determine whether or not the governor should resign," Hazel Dukes, longtime president of the NAACP New York, said in a statement March 7.

Dukes' statement, which mirrors the governor's position is in line with the thinking of many Black voters, a new poll suggests.

The Siena College poll released Monday showed New York registered voters are split on the governor, with 43% viewing him favorably and 45% viewing him unfavorably.

The racial disparities were stark: 61% of Black voters responded favorably to Cuomo, compared to 49% of Latino voters and just 37% of white voters.

A total of 50% of voters polled said they believe Cuomo should not immediately resign — including 69% of Black voters. Just 22% of Black voters said he should resign, compared to 41% of white voters.

About 18% of New York's population is Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 estimate. And Black voters are one of the most important portions of the governor's political base.

Cuomo is facing allegations of sexual misconduct from at least a half dozen women, most of them former aides, But some lawmakers and influential pastors are willing to back Cuomo's own public position: That the investigations should be allowed to wrap up before anyone calls for his ouster.

Twenty-one women lawmakers, many of them Black or Hispanic, signed on to a joint statement last week saying James should be given time to complete her investigation "rather than undermine her role and responsibility of the chief law enforcement officer of New York."

The lead signatory was Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, who is the highest-ranking Black woman in her chamber and a critical voice for Cuomo.

In a CNN interview last week, Peoples-Stokes said the people of her district are not "clamoring for me to suggest that (Cuomo) resign."

"There are tons of people in this country who have suffered from a decision by the public that they are guilty of something that they were not, and many people have suffered through in our judicial system as a result of that," she said.

"In my estimation, this is not about Mr. Cuomo. This is about a fairness process."

A day after the statement from state lawmakers, 25 Black and Latino clergy members issued a joint statement of their own backing them up, echoing the call for James' investigation to continue without distraction.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

Women Legislators Say Attorney General James Must Be Empowered to Conduct Thorough Probe of Governor In response to the allegations that have been lodged against Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly Crystal Peoples Stokes and 19 Democratic women legislators from across the state of New York have released the following statement calling on the Attorney General of the state of New York, Letitia James, to investigate these matters.

“We believe that the Attorney GenMajority Leader eral will exercise due process and exPeoples-Stokes pediency in her deliberations. We continue to support our Attorney General, the first woman, and the first African American woman to be elected to this position, as she launches this investigation. We request that she be allowed the appropriate time to complete her investigation rather than undermine her role and responsibility as the chief law enforcement officer of the state of New York.

“Our democracy demands that we be diligent and expeditious in our search for truth and justice. This matter deserves no less degree of care.

We collectively request that all complaints involving sexual misconduct or otherwise be made with the Attorney General of the state of New York. We respectfully want to honor all situations simultaneously and believe the Attorney General is best equipped to do just that.”

Chairwoman Baskin Issues Statement on Suit Brought by New York State Attorney General Against the Sheriff’s Office Chairwoman April Baskin issued the following statement regarding the suit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James against the Erie County Sheriff’s office: “At last week’s meeting of the Erie County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, I pushed back against Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard’s claims that reports of sexual misconduct by sheriff’s deputies and jail staff were false. I stressed that his administration’s failure to report accusations to the New York State Commission of Correction made discovering the truth nearly impossible. I want to thank New York State Attorney General Letitia James and the Commission of Correction for taking these allegations seriously. The Erie County Legislature has been working to hold the Erie County Sheriff’s Office accountable, and I fully support the Attorney General in this suit. It is a shame that Sheriff Howard must be sued in order to do the right thing, but I am grateful to have an ally in Letitia James.”

New Court Date For Buffalo 5 March 22 The Buffalo 5”will return to New York State Supreme Court on Monday, March 22nd.

FREE THE BUFFALO 5! The community is asked to call

D.A. John Flynn (716) 858-2424 Extension 1, and ask him to NOT oppose the Motion To Vacate Indictment 41-413.

A Black Hisory Month Tribute to Shayla

I

t gives me great pleasure to write this article about our daughter Shayla Harrod, we are so proud of her recent accomplishments and wanted to share with you in honor of Women's History month.

Just some quick background about Shayla, she was born in 1986 in Baltimore, Maryland we moved here when she was starting elementary school. Shayla was a good student and she graduated from high school at Villa Maria. One thing about Shay is she has always been very independent. She Wanted to learn things on her own and always liked fixing things around the house.

I will get back to that in a moment. A fond early memory of her personality is that she had found a cat in the neighborhood in Maryland where we lived and she called him her "friend cat." Always friendly and Katie Nichols kind she would look for the cat whenever HARROD she would play outside. She had a flip side though and a few days later she was heading out the door with something in her hand. I stopped her and asked (she was no more than 5) what is in your hand? A pair of scissors?!..."Get back in here!" Well, she said somebody messed with her friend cat. Actually to this day you don't want to get on her bad side LOL! But it is that tough personality and sharp wit that brings me to why I am writing about this young lady. Shayla currently works for NAPA Auto Parts as an Assistant Store Manager at the new University Plaza location. She was hired after working nine years at AutoZone as a Commercial Parts Manager at their Union Road Store.

Because of her reputation for taking excellent care of the large Commercial customers such as North Town as well as the Small ("Mom & Pop") Shayla auto repair shops NAPA was trying for two years to bring her into their Store.

The District managers at NAPA kept hearing that Automotive shops all around town would not buy from anyone but AutoZone because this woman named Shay, "knows EVERYTHING to help our business." Even when she took maternity leave, her Automotive Customers would just wait to purchase, until she got back. NAPA recruited her very intensely when she returned to AutoZone and their offer was very good. Shayla was recently chosen to begin Manager Training (to prepare for Managing an entire Store)out of a field of 118 people in several states. That number was reduced to 60 and Shayla was picked out of only 2 employees in this region to join the Managment Program.

She likes that NAPA employees treat each other like family, the hours are better and she is closer to home now. Shay can spend more time with her son Xavier (14) and his little brother Solomon (18 months). If that wasn't enough, Shayla also owns her own Auto Repair Shop in Blackrock (R & SReincarnation Auto Clinic 170 Grace Street Buffalo) which has been a great hobby of hers... to work on and fix cars.

Just want to say, along with the rest of our family, Congrats Shay!! You make us all proud of your hard work and accomplishments! Matter of fact, I have to go now and make an appointment...I need my brakes checked LOL! Maybe we will see you up at the University NAPA Store one day!

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

For BPS Student Athletes… Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

“I’m not gonna lie to you… I lost hope," said Tony Hunter, Father of 3 active children, including 18 year-Emmerson High athlete, Jayda.

Her father has spent a lot of time on gym bleachers, cheering for Jayda consistently since 4th grade. But when news reached the family that a recent Section 6 decision allowSABIRAH ing spectators at sports events included all MUHAMMAD schools except Buffalo Public Schools, they were devastated. Superintendent Kriner Cash was citing Covid 19 precautions as the reason for his decision to disallow spectators. “I was frustrated at watching all these other areas on WNY Athletics all the time, where private schools and suburban schools have spectators. All the Superintendent could say was that ‘It’s not safe.’ Well, my question is, why is it safe for everybody else, but not safe for us?”

Tony Hunter wasn’t the only Buffalo parent in despair, after initially raised hopes came crashing down. What he didn’t know, was that help was just a community coalition away. From our unique position of outside occupation, Buffalo parents know full well that our children get nothing we don’t fight for. Word got around quickly that our majority Black district was the only one excluding parents from sports events, and parent advocates gathered immediately in the hallowed halls of the Mount Olive Baptist Chruch. There, the familiar sting of exclusion was emphatically voiced by clergy, parent advocates, and community members at a March 5th press conference.

Bishop Michael Badger, member of the Urban Think Tank touted “Some of the lowest (Covid) infection rates in all of Erie County.” He called the ban “Just another example of a system that should educate children first, but has become an employment system which caters to the needs of adults first.” Aymanuel Radford, who is a former athlete and sports coach announced a petition drive to demonstrate support for parent spectators. He was also disturbed about the exclusion of the media from end of season games. “The coverage that the media gives allows our children to get better opportunities,” he said, adding that high school seniors treasure those last home games and the ability to look up into the stands and see their parents. Robert Chapman, father of a City Honors Junior stressed the need for normalcy and equality, the lack of which contribute to underlying mental health issues. He cited the loss of exposure for Buffalo athletes without media coverage, and insisted that 30 individuals (two spectators per athlete) could certainly distance themselves responsibly in a spacious gym. Keisha Lawrence, Aunt of Bennett High School senior DeMario James reported that she had hired a

videographer to compile highlights for him.

In an impassioned and forceful appeal, “We The Parents” Co-Chair Duncan Kirkwood acknowledged a litany of ills facing parents and students in the era of Covid; mental health issues, isolation, rising rates of depression and suicide. He also cited advantages enjoyed by suburban schools in spite of pandemic related concerns: an active effort for in-person or hybrid learning, high quality sports coaches and more.

“Black families in Buffalo,” he said, “are getting the short end of the stick. We can at least give our families moments.

It might seem trivial – to see your child play basketball… but that’s an important moment. The last game of organized sports – the last moment when you’re with your teammates and can perform at the highest level in front of your family…that means something to our community, to our parents and to our families. Don’t take that away. Especially when 5 minutes in every direction, families are getting to do that.”

DPCC (District Parent Coordinating Council) President Wendy Mistretta punctuated the “marriage of convenience” between the District and its students in just a few words: “We know we have a right to public education,” she said…

“But frequently it feels like public education feels they have a right to us.”

At the close of the press conference, “We The Parents” Co-Chair Sam Radford reported being told by a School Board member that suburban schools get concessions because those parents and communities are pushing, making an argument on behalf of their children. Factually though, Buffalo parents have sustained the most organized, consistent and passionate advocacy on behalf of our children of any in the region. Factually, Buffalo parent advocacy has been a trailblazing beacon for the entire nation. This most recent campaign is one more in an endless, exhausting effort to compel those who have colonized our schools to, in Bishop Badger’s words: “fight for our children like they fight for theirs.”

That’s clearly not the intention, but we can report that the community’s intentions have triumphed once again. Tony Hunter and other parents of seniors have been granted the ability to join their children for final, precious moments as a result of the community effort to sway administrators. It appears that parents of other grade level athletes and even some media outlets have also been allowed in to cover games, though at the time of this writing there hasn’t been an official announcement of a policy change. But we can also relay Tony Hunters’s report that his daughter Jayda had one of her best games of the year! She rocked. And her parents know that – because they were right where they were supposed to be.

11

Exonerate Garvey - It's Time!

M

By Dr. Karl Rodney

arcus Mosiah Garvey led the largest organization ever formed by black people for black people, for the empowerment of black people, just over 100 years ago.

The organization had one goal – the liberation of Black people wherever they were, instill self-pride, self-respect, and self-actualization.

We are experiencing today the continued assault of racism and white supremacy in the open, and the continued drive to oppress people of color. An insurrection in the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was on TV for all of us to see.

We imagine 100 years ago how dangerous Garvey must have been seen by the power structure; he was a threat in their eyes.

Add to this the proven record of racism and fascism by the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, then known for his orchestrated practices in the abuse of power.

We agree with the Garvey family that Marcus Garvey was a marked man and that Hoover and the system, unable to deter him and the growth of the organization, would seek to destroy him – and so it was. In 1923 Marcus Garvey was brought up on false charges, tried and convicted in 1925 A legal team engaged by the Garvey family in reviewing the case has found that an empty envelope presented by a perjured witness offered no real evidence against Garvey. Since then, millions of people have protested worldwide about the injustice. Evidence has been presented before Congressional Committees and thousands of petitions have been signed and sent to the White House, but with no success.

President Obama got thousands of petitions on his desk to exonerate Garvey but left office with not a whisper about the Garvey pardon.

For a man whose message of self-respect, Black pride, selfreliance and economic independence of black people that is the foundation of the black political awareness that led to the election of the first Black President, Obama’s neglect was difficult to understand.

Dr. Julius Garvey, a Board Certified Cardiothoracic and Vascular surgeon states – “Basically what we’ve tried to do is get an exoneration because he was not guilty of a crime”. We agree with Dr. Garvey and so do millions around the world. The fight for Garvey must go on until justice is done and his name is cleared.

Garvey inspired a new vision of self-respect and self-confidence for an entire generation of Black people, and we must claim him as our hero, in as much as Jamaica has done, and we must continue to clear his name. (Reprint: The Carib News)

Taking A Closer Look at the COVID-19 Vaccines Submitted by Roswell Park- Part 1 of 2-Part Series There’s so much information — not all of it reliable — circulating about the two vaccines currently authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fight against COVID-19.

When gathering information to help you make informed decisions about vaccination for yourself and your family, it’s important to follow the science and weigh your own personal risks and benefits.

How the vaccines were developed The two vaccines available so far, made by Moderna and a collaboration between Pfizer and BioNTech, have been administered to millions of people in nearly 100 countries so far. It appears that the availability of the vaccines is already driving a significant reduction in new COVID-19 cases across the United States.

People understandably have questions about these vaccines and how they affect people who get them. Some have

asked whether the vaccines were properly developed and tested and have questioned whether regulatory steps were skipped in the name of making them available quickly.

This speed was the result of need and opportunity. The whole world shut down for the better part of the last year due to the pandemic. Scientists and researchers — some of the brightest in the world — had a mandate to turn their time, attention and resources to developing and testing a vaccine.

Given the urgency of the situation, and its worldwide impact, Pfizer and Moderna took advantage of a new vaccine technology that is novel to the field, allowing the vaccines to be rapidly developed for testing in clinical trials, confirms Brahm Segal, MD, Chair of Internal Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Roswell Park.

The world’s leading researchers had already been working on a new kind of vaccine that uses only a small piece of a virus’ genetic information. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines

were both developed using this approach and do not contain any live virus. Rather, they include the information needed to help your body fight and develop immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. Despite false information you may have seen circulating on social media, the vaccines will NOT change your DNA, will not give you COVID-19, and there is no evidence to support that they will interfere with someone’s ability to have a baby.

“The regulatory scientists at the FDA followed all the normal steps in testing and giving the emergency use authorization for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines,” Dr. Segal says. “Their interest is in the health of our citizens, and the review given to both these vaccines has been to the same standard as any other vaccine or medicine.”

Next: The long shadow of history

The Divine Solution is the Only Solution. Trust your intuition. Stay open. Quiet the mind…

12

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

The Buffalo Bills offseason are becoming more interesting to watch as Brandon Beane has made some quiet but impactful moves over the last week or so. The Bills general manager has had to make some moves that have Bills Mafia excited to see what's next and a few moves that stunned some others. One of those impactful but stunning moves was the release of John Brown. This move came to pass for multiple reasons. The biggest reasons were because of the drop in salary for every NFL team to 182.5 million this year and because John "Smoke" Brown is turning 32 and has been injury-prone.

The bills would have taken a 9 million dollar cap hit if they kept Brown. The decision was tough but had to be made based on all of the unfortunate circumstances. The Bills did make some moves that pleased the majority of Buffalo Bills fans as they signed Matt Milano to a 4 year 41.5 million-dollar contract with a 7 million dollar signing bonus and 20 million of that guaranteed when he signed the contract. Matt Milano will have to get better with his tackling abilities especially against the run. The bills also signed linebacker Andre Smith, offensive tackle Daryl Williams and offensive guard Jon Feliciano whose extension is worth up to 17 million over the next three seasons. March Madness is starting early with the Bills offseason moves. For more Buffalo Bills news keep reading the best challenger sports articles here with Rise Up Right!

Buffalo Sabres News The Sabres may be in for more serious letdowns as Jack Eichel's latest injury may be a season ending injury. This injury comes at the worst time as the Sabres captain and his team

In Other Sports News Maia Chaka becomes the first Back female official in the NFL and the second overall female official for the league. Maia was actually an XFL football official before coming to the NFL. She also was a health and physical education teacher at Renaissance Academy in Virginia Beach since 2006. From the many reports, she also has been a phenomenal leader in the community and for her family. Maia Chaka, welcome to history where legends are made. Myself and the many of football watchers can’t wait to see you on Sundays and any other day that you will be officiating. CONGRATULATIONS......

Rise Up Right Sports and Community Awards The time has come where the Rise Up Right Sports and Community Awards have to be presented.

The winners of the 1st annual awards are David and Angelita Allen-Bellamy, Pat Freeman, Muki Hawkins, Dominique Calhoun, and Tawan Slaughter.

Next week, the explanations for these winners will give you a clear view of what these phenomenal people have done in the city of Buffalo.

For more sports talk and news follow me on Facebook @Andre Robinson or D'Andre Torch Robinson. Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for a look at all the daily sports shows. Download the OnPoint Network on any TV, Phone, or Tablet. Check out our website at www.riseupfamily4life.com therealtorch716 or riseupfamilyseven16 on Instagram Tune in to Power 96.5 FM Wufo Sport Report on Sundays at 6PM with Muki Hawkins, DeWitt Lee III and myself "The FireStarter"

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) requests responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Landscaping Services at Various Housing Developments from qualifying companies.

The project scope, content of proposal, and vendor selection process are summarized in the RFP that describes the terms and conditions under which the BMHA will select a firm for these services. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 pm (EDT), Thursday, April 1, 2021.

If you are interested, please contact Arnitra Chester at rfpresponse@bmhahousing.com or BMHA Website at bmhahousing.com.

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Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE Action to Foreclose a Mortgage INDEX #: I2019600448 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-WFHE3, ASSETBACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WFHE3 Plaintiff, vs MATINA ILAHEEN RAHMAN S HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYED L. RAHMAN, Z.S. (FULL NAME REDACTED AS DEFENDANT IS A MINOR) AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OF SYED L. RAHMAN, SYED UR RAHMAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYED L. RAHMAN, UNKNOWN HEIRS F SYED L, RAHMAN, IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOEN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIRN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVERS, WIDOES, HUSBANDSS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CIVIL RECOVERIES BUREAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK, FSB, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, DISCOVER BANK, THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED,ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 1804 WILLIAM STREET BUFFALO, NY 14206 SBL #: 112.58 - 4 - 29 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to

ARD STAND RTED GE POSTA PRESO U.S. PAID LO, N.Y. BUFFAT NO. 164 PERMI

Let's Rise Up!

answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Erie. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises.

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS OF SYED L. RAHMAN Defendant In this Action.

The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. James Bargnesi of the County Court of the State of New York, dated the Eighth day of February, 2021 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie, in the City of Buffalo. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Syed L. Rahman (who died on October 7, 2018, a resident of the county of Erie, State of New York) dated the May 26, 2006, to secure the sum of $52,000.00 and recorded at Book 13293, Page 5402 in the Office of the Erie County Clerk, on the June 2, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed December 3, 2018 and recorded on December 10, 2018, in the Office of the Erie County Clerk at Book 13880, Page 6929; The property in question is described as follows: 1804 WILLIAM STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14206 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: February 18, 2021 Gross Polowy, LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 69387

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

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Mayor Brown Shares Updates to Buffalo’s Response to COVID-19 Page 3 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164

Thank you for reading this weeks sports highlights

are trying to bounce back from their season woes. The Sabres have now lost 10 games in a row after the Penguins shut them out 3-0 Saturday night. The Sabres have six wins in 26 games played this season. As it stands currently, the Sabres are the worst team in the NHL. There is a lot of noise being made about the Sabres management. There were rumors just a couple weeks ago about the Sabres possibly being sold. What are the Sabres going to do? Kevyn Adams and Ralph Krueger have some questions that need to be answered.

HEALTH

Beyond COVID-19: Tips for Health & Longevity Page 5

ROCHESTER

Legislator Lightfoot Offers Important Information for Residents Page 2

UPDATE: CORONAVIRUS IN THE DIASPORA Page 4

Felicia Stanley Jason Rowe Keyon Lee

Black Tie History Extra For Black vagan 2020 Awar za Names dees Page 9

LOCAL

New Trial Date Set Sis. Jeannie ’s Attacke for Crime Assaul r in t Page 3 Hate

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

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PLEASE MAIL YOUR PAYMENT AND COMPLETED FORM TO: The Challenger Community News, P.O. Box 474, Buffalo, NY 14209.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

LLC'S Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Rosy's Garden, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/22/2020. Cty: Erie. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 450 Clinton St, suite 3 Buffalo, NY 14204. Purpose: diverse range of custom and original products.

February 4,11,18,25 March 4,11 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company GOLD DIAMOND HOMES, LLC. Art of Org filed with the SSNY on 1/20/2021. Office: Albany 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, 2316 DELAWARE AVE UNIT 172 BUFFALO,NY 14216. Purpose:Any lawful purpose.

February 18,25 March 4,11,18,25

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company NataniaBParker, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/15/21. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

March 18,25 April 1,8,15,22 Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: NRG Officiating LLC. Date of filing of Art. Of Org. filed Secretary of State (SSNY) 9/28/20 office of the LLC: Erie County. SSNY designated as process agent. Process Service Address: 84 Avery Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose of LLC: any lawful act or activity.

March 11,18,25 April 1,8,15 Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: RNCW of LLC. Date of filing of Art. Of Org. filed Secretary of State (SSNY) 1/26/21 office of the LLC: Erie County. SSNY designated as process agent. Process Service Address: 61 Treehaven, Rd, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose of LLC: any lawful act or activity.

March 11,18,25 April 1,8,15 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Formation of BNNY Associates LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/17/2021. Office loc.: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to 303 W. Lancaster Ave., #290, Wayne, PA 19087. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

March 11,18,25 April 1,8,15

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Isaiah & Lula B Enterprise LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: Sept. 30, 2020. 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: 72 Verplanck St., Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose of LLC: merchandise

reseller.

February11,18,25 March 4, 11, 18 Notice of Formation of a Limited Liability Company 1339 Jefferson, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/11/21.

Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1339 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

February11,18,25 March 4,11,18 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company The P.Wave Music Production LLC, Art,of Org. Filed with the SSNY on 1-5-21 office:Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of The LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of Process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 1967 Wehrle Drive, suite 1#086 Buffalo NY 14221, Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose March 4,11,18,25 April 1,8 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Primordial Waters Live, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the NY Dept of State on 12/23/2020. Office in Erie County.

NYSS has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at 955 Glenwood Ave, Buffalo NY 14211. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLCs under NY Limited Liability Company Act. March 11,18,25 April 1,8,15 Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Cerebral Kingdom LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 7/17/2020.

Office: Monroe County. URS Agents LLC designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to URS Agents LLC at 3675 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 350 Duluth, GA 30096. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

March 11,18,25 April 1,8,15

COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK County of Erie, New York RFP RELEASE The Erie County Department of Social Services is seeking proposals from qualified agencies to provide after hour detention programs. The RFP #2021-025VF can be found at http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

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

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Social Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 804, Buffalo, New York 14202, by 4:00 p.m. (EST) on April 12, 2021.

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

Marie A. Cannon, Commissioner of Social Services NAME CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Supreme Court, County of Erie, on the 25th day of February 2021, bearing Index Number 802236/2021, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, grants me the right to assume the name of VaDAHL ULYSEE HILL. My present address is 196 North Street, Apartment 3a, Buffalo, New York 14201.

The date of my birth is January 23, 1993. The place of my birth is Niagara Falls, New York. My present name is VaDAHL ULYSEE BULLARD. NAME CHANGE

Notice is here by given that an order entered by the Supreme Court Erie county, On the 17th day of August 2020 bearing index number 600186/2020, a copy of which may be examined of the office of the clerk, located at 92 Franklin street Buffalo New York grant me the right to assume the name Shaniya Ann Alexander. The city and state of my present address are Buffalo,Ny the months and years of my birth is may 2012.

The place of my birth is Buffalo, NY. My present name is Shaniya Ann Mayes.

LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Erie County Health Lab CC Renovations – Phase 2 PROJECT NO. 2021-885-01 Separate sealed bids for: General, Roofing, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Construction work for above project will be received

by County’s Commissioner of Public Works in Suite 1400 of the Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/ WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw. Attention is called to COVID bid procedures on the County’s website.

LEGAL NOTICE The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 12NG1901 NFIA - West End Security Fence Bid No. E570 due on April 1 at 10am. www.nftaengineering.com LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Town of Amherst Contract Compliance & Administration Department RFP #202103 Emergency Rental Assistance Sealed proposals for the above mentioned project in the Town of Amherst, NY will be received by the Contract Compliance & Administration Office in the Municipal Building, Williamsville, NY 14221 on or before 3:00 PM local time on April 8, 2021.

Specifications may be obtained via email to khalton@amherst.ny.us or examined at the Contract Compliance & Administration Office of the Town of Amherst between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM through the due date, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

By Order of the Town Board Town of Amherst, New York Lynda L. Juul Director of Finance March 17, 2021

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /BETC

716-856-5627

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company Name of LLC: 716Artists, LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/26/2021. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 154 Blaine Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

March 18,25, April 1, 8,15,22

The Pike Company and LECESSE Construction actively encourage participation from M / WBE certified firms.

Notice of Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company

Contact Kathy Rooney, Diversity & Community Engagement Manager, to discuss potential opportunities.

PR Creations and Vending, LLC. The Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 7/10/2020. Office: Erie County. The SSNY is the designated agent to receive service of process.

A copy of process should be mailed to: PR Creations and Vending, LLC, 141 Calvin Ct North, Tonawanda, NY 14150. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

March 18,25 April 1,8,15, 22

1.800.264.7453 | www.thepikecompanies.com | info@pikecos.com

EMPLOYMENT Handyman Position Experienced Handyman needed for properties in Kensington Bailey area.

Transportation Needed.

Please contact (716) 836-5607 for more info.

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /BETC

716-856-5627

•HR Benefits Specialist: A broad knowledge of retirement, life and medical insurance plans, leaves and the ability to explain these plans and policies to employees. Associates Degree, Bachelors preferred with 5 years’ experience in Benefits Administration. Full Time 38k – 48k •HR Assistant: Perform day-to-day HR task, such as clerical duties, record keeping, receptionist duties, data entry and preparing a variety of complex documents and carrying out secretarial functions. Associates Degree w/2 yrs. exp. or equivalent combination of education and experience. Full Time $14 - $16 per hour •Data and Assessment Coordinator: Tech-savvy, exp. with compiling and generating high level reports that produce data driven outcomes. Extremely organized with a great attention to detail. Associates degree with a minimum of 2 years related exp.

Full Time $18 - $23 per hour.

•Program Coordinator (Req. #1233): Developing, coordinating and implementing programs, activities, events and social initiatives, educational projects and youth mentoring programs for both the Center Services Senior program and the Sport.

P.L.US youth sports program. Associates degree, minimum 3 yrs. exp. supervising senior and youth sports activities (Pratt Community Center) MUST have valid NYS Driver’s license. Full Time $13.73 per hour.

•Teacher III The incumbent of this position assists in performing educational work that ensures a healthy, safe facility and a conductive educational climate for infants/toddlers. Bachelors or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education with 2-3 years’ experience teaching preschool age children. Full Time $15.23 per hour.

•Certified Teachers (Req. # 1057): Primary Function of this position is to ensure quality academic and enrichment programming is provided to school aged youth. Part Time evening opportunities $20 per hour. BS in Elementary or Secondary Education with one-year exp. working with school age children. NYS Teacher’s Certification.

•Maintenance Associate: Exp. in janitorial work, ability to learn repair person skills that would involve carpentry and plumbing. High School diploma or GED required. Part Time (Req. 1202) & Full Time $12.50 per hour.

•Job Developer: Initiates and maintains ongoing professional contact and relationships with a variety of company and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies to promote the services of the CAO E&T department for client placement.

Combination of education and experience, Associates degree preferred. Full Time 35k – 40k •Community Crisis Specialist: Performs community outreach work and assists in providing services to customers and families. Associates Degree in Human Services or Social Services w/one year related exp. Full Time $15 per hour.

Apply now on our website http://www.caowny.org

Apply now on our website http://www.caowny.org

To Advertise Email: advertising@thechallengernews.com

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

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community calendar •Coalition for Economic Justice Membership Meeting

The Coalition for Economic Justice will host a virtual Membership Meeting Monday, March 22nd, at 6pm. The event is taking place over zoom. To receive the zoom login information check out our facebook event at https:// fb.me/e/27D4lWZsW For more information please reach out to Holly at Holly@ cejbuffalo.org •Erie County Stay Fit for Meals for Seniors: Feel free to call the Dorothy Collier Community Center with any questions you might have or to place an order at 716.882.0602. The cut off time for orders is every Wednesday by 11 AM so that your order will be ready for the following Monday @ 10 AM. EBT cards accepted. *Choose Healthy WNY Virtual Workshops every Wednesday Now thru April 17 from 11-11:30 a.m. Call the Dorothy Collier Community to sign up at 8820602

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 18, 2021

Harriet Tubman Legacy Project Announces Virtual Harriett Tubman 5K Walk/Run

T

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Now Through March 31 Find the above Exclusive Challenger News, Zawadi Books And Dorris Records Merchandise Available On Eatoffart.Com Your Purchase Will Not Only Help Support The Three Longstanding Jefferson Avenue Businesses, It Will Also Support CULTRUE Inc., A Non Profit Formed By Edreys and Alexa Wajed That Focuses On Supporting Underserved Young Artists And Creatives With Mentorship, Scholarship Changing the Narrative of Starving Artist to Thriving Artists! Get Your Merch Now through March 31 .

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he Harriet Tubman Legacy Project held a press conference at The Freedom Wall on E. Ferry and Michigan last Wednesday March 10 to announce the Harriet Tubman Virtual 5K Walk/Run event.

The date of the announcement of the Inaugural Harriet Tubman Walk/Run was significant in that March 10 is national Harriet Tubman Day. The American holiday was made into law in 1990 to honor the woman that led hundreds of enslaved Africans to freedom and served as the “conductor” of the underground railroad.

The Harriet Tubmam Legacy Project is the brainchild of Faustenia L. Morrow and is comprised of local professionals dedicated to upholding the legacy and local ties of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Buffalo, New York.

Last weeks announcement outlined the guidelines and registration information for the virtual walk/run, culminating in a symbolic walk down Michigan Avenue – now known as Harriet Tubman Way. Speakers included Faustenia L. Morrow, Erie County Legislature Majority Leader April N. M. Baskin, Dewitt R. Lee, III (Canadian Harriet Tubman Day Committee ), Petrina Bursie (5K Race Director), Tashana Dixon (5K Race Coach), Kent Olden (3rd great grandnephew of Harriet Tubman), and others. The committee is looking for at least 100 5K registrations in honor of Harriet Tubman Day 2021. The fee is $35.

Proceeds will benefit the Omega Mentoring Program.

The Harriet Tubman Legacy Project was established by Ms. Morrow as a means of preserving the legacy of Harriet Tubman in modern times. Comprised of local professionals committed to the cause, the Harriet Tubman Legacy Project provides education of and exposure to the importance and impact of the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Western New York.

For more information on the Harriet Tubman Legacy Project, or to register for the inaugural virtual 5K walk/run, please visit our website at www.harriettubman5k.weebly.com.

For more information about the Harriet Tubman Legacy Project, please contact harriettubmanlegacy@gmail.com.

Registration Deadline April 16 How does a virtual 5k Work?

This is YOUR race! Choose your favorite route and run/ walk it on your time!

Virtual running works exactly the same as any other type of running but the difference is that the entered race can be run at any location, at any pace, inside or outside.You can complete your 5k at your own pace anytime between March 26 and April 30 2021. Submit your results between March 26 and April 30 All you have to do is register and be able to time your run or walk over a measured distance of 5k (3.1 miles) COVID 19: Tips for staying safe If you are running with a small group , remember to keep your distance and wear a mask! Avoid high foot traffic areas.

Try to avoid touching traffic buttons directly with your hand (use a sleeve or your elbow) . If you decide to wear a mask while you run be sure to wear one that allows proper oxygen flow.

You Don’t Know My Story " Faith During A Pandemic" Symposium a Success!

Women Against Violence Everywhere (WAVE Buffalo Inc.),held their annual “You Don’t Know My Story, A Virtual Empowerment Symposium.” This year’s theme was "Faith During A Pandemic." The event took place via Zoom and Facebook live by way of Elim Christian Fellowship online streaming. Street Legacy Photo by Darin Adams

Need help with small business PPE expenses?

Apply for a Grant from the ECIDA! ELIGIBILITY

✓ B us i nes s or nonpr ofi t m us t be l oc at ed i n E ri e Count y ✓ M ax i m um of 50 em pl oy ees ✓ M us t be l oc at ed i n a Hi ghl y Di s t r es s ed A r ea Cens us Tr ac t OR be mi nori ty - , wom enor v et er an- owned ✓ M us t dem ons tr at e fi nanc i a l v i ab i l i ty pri or t o M arc h 7, 2020 ✓ M us t doc um ent bei ng negati v el y fi nanc i al l y af f ec t ed by COV ID - 19 s hut down

For information, call: (716) 856-6525 ext. 126 or visit www.ecidany.com

Blanc Photographie

The Community’s Portrait & Event Photographer.

716.319.8979 • Facebook: Blanc Photographie • Instagram: @blanc_photographie

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •MARC H 18,2021

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Y A D s.org O T Y arter h c o APPeL l uffa nrollb www.

Deadline April 1

ONE-ON-ONE HEALTHCARE SUPPORT. Free on-site HIV, STI, hepatitis C and pregnancy testing, and connection to medical care, insurance and more.

3297 Bailey Ave., Buffalo, NY 14215 • 716.852.5969 • CASWNY.org •