Challenger Community News

MARCH IS NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. CELEBRATE!

March 24, 2022 | FREE | thechallengernews.com | Community News

ENTERTAINMENT

Afro Horn at Asbury Hall!! Page 10

Rochester Man Says All He Got For Federal Building’s Design Was a Trip to Burger King… Page 2 Page 8

Advocates Protest Hochul's 'Betrayal' on Proposed Bail Reform Changes Page 3

FOUNDERS EXHIBIT

Panel Discussion Explores Early History of the Langston Hughes Center Page 3

2020 Census Called ‘Worse Undercount’ In Decades As Bureau Misses Millions Of Blacks And Hispanics Page 5

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

Black Business Marketplace is Back!

Levon Jones

Our Black Business Marketplace series is back! This one is called the Black Empowerment Marketketplace.

Hosted by Community Justice Initiative and the Nation of Islam.

It will be held on Saturday, April 30 at Montgomery Center, located at 10 Cady Street. The vendor fee is $35, but is FREE to the public. For more info contact Diallo Payne, 585- 6902206#CJI Villager.

All He Got For Federal Building’s Iconic Design Was a Trip to Burger King…

Applications Now Leon Jones Continues His Fight Fo r

Justice and Recognition!

By Rev. Markeisha M. Jackson "Can you imagine looking at something you made and not given your credit and recognition. And when you tell everyone you designed a building they think you're insane. I understand the same, that America eats it's young. Sometimes they work outside the rules that's how they won, still I WON!" Those were the words from Levon Jones.

After viewing the film he produced, cast scouted and directed, it captured my awareness and passion that our foundation is adamant on injustices.

In 1972 when Levon was 9, the Rochester City School District held a 4th grade Restaurant and Building contest, and he won.

But that was just the start of decades of frustration.

In April of 1974, with Kevin's original drawing the construction began on the iconic First Federal Plaza building with its round top. Then in August 1976 WDKX the African American Radio Station, announced the Grand Opening and now 12 years young Levon Jones' name was never mentioned. He said all he got was to eat at Burger King Midtown - not even at the Changing Scenes Restaurant.

In fact he never got any credit for it until November 2021, when the 7th Judicial Monroe County Judge John J. Ark on record of the claim acknowledged him as the Original Architect Designer. He thanked Mr. Levon Jones for the original design of his building - the historical fifth tallest building standing in Rochester New York, 28 Main St. the First Federal Plaza Building. The claim is still active and public record.

Being Accepted for Rochester Community University Mayor Malik D. Evans today announced that applications are now being accepted for the next cohort of the Rochester Community University designed to help residents learn how to advocate for themselves and their neighborhoods.

Administered by the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) in partnership with the Bureau of Planning.

The program’s sessions take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, April 7 to May 26 and will be conducted via Zoom at any of the four Neighborhood Service Center locations.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, March 25.

"Our history did not begin in chains, it will not end in chains."

-Malcolm X

Buffalo Bills Getting Serious for 2022 NFL Season

A

fter that heartbreaking loss to Kansas City it looks like General Manager Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott have rolled up their sleeves and along with CFO Jim Overdorf created money to pay free agents like Von Miller, OJ Howard, DaQuan Jones, Rodger Saffold, Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, and Shaq Lawson.

This tells me the Buffalo Bills are in Super Bowl or bust mode in 2022. This philosophy almost worked in 2021 for Buffalo but has worked the past two years for Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams respectively. The process is to bring in good veteran players like Von Miller, who still has something left in the tank on the field and to bring a winning attitude to your locker room.

The Bills are finally able to release over paid Star Lotulelei along with Cole Beasley, Daryl Williams, A.J. Klein, Jon Feliciano and not resign over the hill edge rushers Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes. It’s a “win now” attitude coming out of One Bills Drive and not making Super Bowl LVII is going to be unacceptable.

Bills nose tackle Tim Settle should plug up the middle on running plays allowing Tremaine Edmunds and rest of defensive front to stop the run. I also see future Hall of Famer, and two-time Super Bowl Champion & MVP Von Miller making key plays on passing situations and his valuable football knowledge helping to improve Shaq Lawson and rest of defensive unit.

Bills edge rusher Von Miller is a student of the game said,” What they’re doing here is very special and Bills are going to win a Super Bowl with or with out me.” “I have always been a big fan of the Buffalo Bills; I thought I was going to be drafted by them back in 2011.” Yes, Bills picked Marcell Dareus in that 2011 draft; It’s a breath of fresh air to see star players in the league wanting to come to Buffalo and play for the Bills. You have a star player leaving Los Angeles to come to Buffalo along with tight end O.J. Howard coming over from Tampa Bay to be apart of an upcoming Super Bowl run. Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips said, “I came back because we have the best QB in the league, best wide receiver in league, best safeties in league, just signed future Hall of Famer Von Miller, why would I not come back?” Jordan also said,” Bills have a family atmosphere and very special bond with teammates and organization.”

“You’re playing for more than money here glad to be back in Buffalo.”

Bills also made a trade with Cleveland Browns picking up back up QB Case Keenum for a 7th round draft.

For more Bills update follow me on FACEBOOK, Instrgram, Twitter: @georgeradman, RADIO: Pro Talk Plus on WLGZ HD2 The Beat 105.5FM every Saturday morning 7 AM – 8 AM; Sunday mornings on WHTK 1280 AM FOX Sports What’s Going on

The Experience.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

AREA BRIEFS

THIS IS WHAT JUSTICE LOOKS LIKE…Congratulations to Myles Carter, the promising young community activist, businessman and former candidate for Erie County Sheriff has finally been liberated from bogus charges stemming from his participation in the June 2020 Black Lives Matter protests on Bailey Avenue. The demonstration took place in the wake of the choking death of George Floyd. Buffalo City Court Justice Diane Wray dismissed the charge of disorderly conduct just two hours and 15 minutes into Carter’s bench trial earlier this month. Judge Wray ruled that prosecutors failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. It was the second time that the case against the 32 year-old for the same incident (he was tackled from behind by police while he was being interviewed by WIVB-TV) ended in his favor. In July of 2020 the Erie County DA’s office dismissed charges against Carter of obstruction of governmental administration, as well as disorderly conduct.

“No Excuses” Forum

The next We Are Women Warriors “No Excuses” forum will be held Thursday, March 31 from 5-8p.m., at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. The remaining forums will take place on the last Thursday of each month. There is no charge for admission, and refreshments will be served.

Queen Viola Hill

Services Set For the Amazing Viola Hill Homegoing Services will be held for the amazing Viola Hill on Thursday, March 31 at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Ave. There will be a wake at noon followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. Pastor George F. Nicholas will officiate the service. Mrs. Hill was born April 26 1918.

She made her transition on March 22, 2022. She was 103 years young.

“Conversation & Coffee” Sessions With Dr. Williams

Meet with interim school superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams and discuss Buffalo Public Schools during a listening tour at the following locations. All sessions will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. : •North Park Community School, Monday, March 28 •Antioch Baptist Church, Wednesday March 30 •Southside Elementary School, Thursday, March 31 •International Prep School, Monday, April 4 •Merriweather Library Thursday, April 7 Sessions will also be held at True Bethel Baptist Church and the Delavan-Grider Center. The dates will be announced soon.

Learn more at www.buffaloschools.org

Advocates Protest Hochul's 'Betrayal' on Proposed Bail Reform Changes Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to roll back portions of the state’s landmark bail reform laws were the subject of an angry rally at the State Capitol Monday, with some speakers comparing the plan to other civil rights setbacks, including the creation of Jim Crow laws in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The protesters gathered at the Capitol, chanting “Hell no to Cuomo 2.0.”

A memo that Hochul confirms comes from her office proposes that the state budget include 10 changes to the state’s 2019 criminal justice reforms, that included an end to most forms of cash bail.

The plan makes some offenses, including all gun related crimes, once again eligible for bail.

If someone is released without Advocates protest Hochul's proposed Bail Reform Changes. bail after being accused of a crime and is arrested for a second offense, then they would have to post bail to avoid being incarcerated until their trial date.

Hochul is also proposing that judges be allowed to incarcerate defendants pre-trial if they deem them to be dangerous.

Marvin Mayfield, an organizer with the Center for Community Alternatives, says advocates were caught unawares.

“Surprised doesn’t even cover the emotions that we felt,” said Mayfield. “Blindsided, bamboozled, betrayed, all of those came to mind.”

He said that Governor Hochul said earlier this year that she was waiting for more data before attempting to change the laws, but so far there has been no new or conclusive evidence linking the criminal justice reforms to rising crime rates.

Crime is also up in other states across the country who have not changed their bail laws. Mayfield said the criminal justice reforms in New York are being “scapegoated.”

“We want to let the public know that bail reform is working,” Mayfield said. “There is no data that says that it has contributed to any uptick in crime.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie are firm opponents of any amendments to cashless bail or the “Raise the Age” statute.

Founders Exhibit, Panel Discussion Explores Early History of the Langston Hughes Center In conjunction with the exhibition, FOUNDERS, the Burchfield Penney will present a panel discussion Friday, April 1 at 5 PM with co-founder of the Langston Hughes Center for the Visual and Performing Arts James G. Pappas, and former teaching artists Amon Ra Ptah Hotep Imhotep (Deyne Wajed) and Betty Pitts Foster as they re- FOUNDERS: Among those pictured, seated from left, are panelflect on their involvements ists James Pappas; seated on table 8th from left Betty Pitts Foster and experiences during the and standing 11th from left Amon Ra Ptah Hotep Imhotep (Deyne early years of the center. This Wajed). Photo Credit: Langston Hughes Center for the Visual and Arts Staff (Detail from 1971 Informational Leaflet); Courevent is free with museum ad- Performing tesy of James G. Pappas. mission.

The exhibition Founders, currently on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, explores the early history of the Langston Hughes Center and its artist founders. Opening at its High St. location in 1971, the center offered a diverse range of educational workshops, exhibitions, and performances that bought access to the arts and training opportunities to Buffalo’s inner city. Later renamed the Langston Hughes Institute, the organization continued to serve the community for several decades, cementing an enduring legacy that lives on throughout Buffalo’s communities today.

The exhibit will be open for viewing prior to the panel discussion.

To learn more about the event and panelists, visit: https://burchfieldpenney.org/events/ event:04-01-2022-5-00pm-founders-panel-discussion/

-Warrior Queen -

Nefertiti

Our history did not begin in chains. It began with kings and queens, like Nefertiti the Great Royal Wife (chief consort) of Akhenaten, an Egyptian Pharaoh. With her husband, she reigned during what was arguably the wealthiest period of Ancient Egyptian history.

Nefertiti’s name means “the beautiful woman has come?” Later, she added to her name to make her full name, Neferneferuaten. Her new full name translated to “beautiful are the beauties of god Aten, a beautiful woman has come.”

Nefertiti had six daughters. Despite having no sons, the art of Amarna (above) depicts the royal couple as having a strong, loving relationship.

Nefertiti is renowned and unique because she was often depicted in a variety of roles. These roles included driving chariots and battling enemies.

Some scholars suggest that Nefertiti is actually the pharaoh to follow Akenaten’s rule. Studies show that she may have renamed herself Smenkhkare.

If true, Nefertiti would have been among other female rulers like female the pharaoh Hatshepsut.

Hatshepsut ruled Egypt like a king. It is believed that they even wore the iconic ceremonial false beard!

WINTER HOURS @ MANNA FOR DINING IN & TAKE OUT!

Tuesday through Friday 9AM - 6PM • Saturday and Sunday 11AM-4PM Closed Mondays TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL (716) 253-2100

or ORDER ONLINE at www.mannacarryout.com • DoorDash Location 633 Northland (Between Fillmore Ave. & Grider St.)

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HEALTH MATTERS

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

Colored Girls Bike Too FREE FOOD A HEALTHY COMMUNITY IS A WEALTHY COMMUNITY HerStory Month PANTRIES From Gala to HoneyCrisp to GrannySmith Eat More Apples! Celebrating and the Spring Equinox FREE FOOD at BFNC PANTRY

Every Thursday & Friday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. @The Fruit Belt Neighborhood House - 76 Orange St. Buffalo, N.Y.

The Bread of Life Food Pantry The Group Ministries Bread of Life Food Pantry 1335 Jefferson Avenue, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Monday & Wednesday. For more information call (716)259-8030.

The St. Philips Food Pantry

St. Philips Episcopal Church Food Pantry Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please ring bell for service (lower button) and bring your ID. If you have questions or need assistance, call 716 833-0442.

FIRST FRUITS FOOD PANTRY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UMC Located on the East Side, at Lincoln Memorial Church, 641 Masten @ Northland, First Fruits Food Pantry is open Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 10a.m.-12 .

"Fighting food insecurity & meeting the needs of people."

Free Bread Pantry

Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. is Free Bread Pantry Day at the Dorothy J. Collier Center., 118 E. Utica.

The forest not only hides man's enemies but its full of man's medicine, healing power and food.

-African Proverb

N

o matter where you shop these days there will always be one fruit you can find in abundance in the produce isle. APPLES! Nowadays there are so many varieties to choose from there is no reason why you can’t find one to enjoy as part of your regular fruit intake.

Beyond the phrase and more like a healthful tip, “an apple a day keeps the docLeah tor away” Hamilton has some truth to it as studies show apples can assist in prevention of certain chronic health conditions.

According to Medical Medium Anthony William “Eating two apples or more a day can aid in the prevention of colon, liver, breast, prostate and lung cancer and can also dramatically decrease the risk of a stroke… (Apples have) many undiscovered properties that support liver health.”

(You can read more of MM guidance in his book Liver Rescue found on medicalmedium.com ) Granted, you can’t just eat one apple here and there and think that will do the trick.

Think about how abundantly they are grown and harvested with over 7,500 varieties throughout the world and roughly 100 varieties that are grown commercially in the United States.

There’s a good reason for all them apples! And it’s up to you to take advantage of their availability to reap the countless benefits that they naturally provide.

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The apple has loads of soluble fiber, high antioxidants and vitamin c, pectin and powerful flavonoids along with the balanced glucose in apples play a key role in the defense they provide .

Here are some benefits of apple eating you may or may not know: *Lower high cholesterol and blood pressure. * Improve your gastro intestinal health *Relieves constipation and helps expel gas *Improves digestion * Increases over all immunity and fights viral matter in the body. *Strongly detoxes the liver and speeds up liver regeneration process. *Helps fight cataracts. *Fights cardiovascular diseases and protects the heart. *May help prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementia type diseases. *Defends against a variety of cancers and cancer cell growth. * Helps control type 2 diabetes. *Aids in weight loss *Helps produce saliva and whitens teeth I’m sure there’s more but that should be enough to inspire you to bring home a big bag of apples for the whole family.

Be sure to select your apples carefully, no nic’s bruises or odd rotten smells. Make sure the skin looks vibrant and the fruit is firm. If you can afford organic buy organic and avoid harmful pesticides that can affect your health or compromised system or pre-existing condition.

If you must buy conventional (non organic) apples clean them well. Try soaking them in water with teaspoon of baking soda for about 15 minutes, or spraying with a mix of vinegar and water. With either method rise well and gently wipe dry.

The most common apples found in most markets ( even more varieties at farmers markets) include: Pink Lady (dense tangy sweet), Empire ( sweet crisp), Fuji ( sweet juicy), Gala (sweet mild),

Colored Girls Bike Too will be celebrating women’s month and the spring equinox on March 26 with a bike ride that reflects on what this month means to you as Black women and women of color as we “unapologetically take up space by bike in the streets of Buffalo” The bike ride meet up on Saturday is at Black Monarchy 1p.m., located at 527 West Utica. The destination is the foot of Ferry at 1:30p.m. It was inspired Golden Delicious (mild bal- by Harriet Tubman and her anced), Granny Smith (tart ability to attain freedom for acidic subtly sweet), Honey- herself and her community. crisp (sweet tart aromatic), Colored Girls Bike to is conMcintosh(sweet, tart), and tinuing that legacy through Red Delicious (dark red mild) their movement by bike! The So while you choose to be end point is back at Black well and live your best life Monarchy at 3p.m. for givealso consider choosing to aways and shopping.

Eat More Apples!

Go to @coloredgirlsbiketoo Follow me on Instagram @ on Instagram or facebook for KH-35134_2022_KHFP_AwarenessCampaign_BuffaloChallenger_M blackgirlsjuice716 more info and to register.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

National

2020 Census Called ‘Worse Undercount’ in Decades as Bureau Misses Millions of Blacks and Hispanics

T

Pictured above repurposing and placement for 230 Pratt Street, (bottom right).

C&R Housing Reaching out to Community Stakeholders

(C & R Housing released the following statement regarding the proposed 230 Pratt Street Warehouse project.)

C&R Housing Inc. is currently looking for investors that are interested in joining our team to redevelop the former Iroquois Brewery. The property is considered prime real estate due to its location, size and historic tax credits.

230 Pratt warehouse is ideal for high end apartments with mixed use space for businesses, restaurants or a microbrewery.

The warehouse is considered commercial/industrial space and sits on 1.43 acres with 93,000 square feet of space. It is located less than five miles from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Roswell Park, Canalside, the Inner and Outer Harbor, Larkinville, the Historic Underground Rail Road, Black Musicians Club, Jesse Nash House and many other downtown historic landmarks and nightlife.

We intend to keep the historical character of the building which was built in the 1800’s as the former site of the Iroquois Brewery. The building is constructed of brick with 20’ – 30’ ceilings, with ample room for indoor parking.

We have already raised $25,000 and are asking for matching donations to help us reach our goal. https://gofund.me/17835c05 info.crhousing@gmail.com

Council Member Wyatt to Host Town Hall Meeting with New Police Commissioner University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt will be holding a Town Hall Meeting on March 24th at Frederick Law Olmsted at Kensington School #156 (319 Suffolk St.) at 5:30 pm. to introduce the public to the new City of Buffalo Police Commissioner. The Town Hall allows for the Commissioner to address police concerns and aims to build better communication.

“Looking forward to this town hall meeting, this will be a great way to introduce the community to the new commissioner,” said University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt. “I anticipate robust dialogue and hope we can answer any concerns the community has.”

Council Majority Leader David A. Rivera also added, “I am very encouraged that Commissioner Gramaglia is making such an effort to engage the community so far in advance of his first 100 days in this position.”

For any concerns or questions regarding this meeting or any item under discussion, please contact the Central Staff Office at

(716) 851-5105 or email councilstaff@buffalony.gov

he COVID-19 pandemic and an administration that appeared to sabotage accuracy led to a consequential undercount in the number of Black, Hispanic, and Native American residents during the 2020 U.S. Census.

Further, census officials admitted that they overcounted white and Asian residents.

The bureau reported the overall population as 323.2 million.

“The undercounting of Black, Latino, Indigenous and other communities of color rob us of the opportunity to be the directors of our fate, reducing our representation and limiting our power while depriving policymakers of the information they need to make informed decisions about where the next hospital will be built or where the next school should be located,” said Damon Hewitt, the president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “In addition, the undercount exacerbates underfunding of our communities because Census data is used as the basis for hundreds of billions of dollars of federal, state, and local appropriations each year,” Hewitt said.

The census population count determines how many representatives each state has in Congress for the next decade.

It also decides how much federal funding communities receive for roads, schools, housing, and social programs. Hundreds of billions of dollars are at stake each time the census occurs.

Robert L. Santos, the bureau’s director, displayed little regard for the undercount of minorities. He said the 2020 results were consistent with recent censuses.

“This is notable, given the unprecedented challenges of 2020,” Santos said in a statement. “But the results also include some limitations — the 2020 census undercounted many of the same population groups we have historically undercounted, and it overcounted others.”

“We remain proud of the job

we accomplished in the face of immense challenges,” Mr. Santos said.

“And we are ready to work with the stakeholders and the public to leverage this

enormously valuable resource fully.”

Terri Ann Lowenthal, a leading expert on the census and consultant to governments and others with a

stake in the count, told the New York Times that the results were “troubling but not entirely surprising.”

Continued Page 12

NO MORE TEARS. Prior to the No More Tears awards gala March 12, founder Tina Sanders was surprised with the unveiling of a street sign in honor of the No More Tears Organization at the corner Genesee and Bissell. Later that evening a capacity crowd was treated to a memorable event featuring inspiring motivational guest speaker LaRoy Hall.

City of Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller- Williams, Senator Tim Kennedy, Assembly Woman Crystal People-Stokes and all council members from all the city districts signed a Certificate of Recognition for each of the honorees. Homicide families came from as far away as Chicago, Philadelphia, Mississippi and Alabama to support the efforts of No More Tears. Photo by Tracey Mullen

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FAITH & FAMILY

Invade Heaven Prayer Call!

Join Evangelist Bruce Warrick and Trust God Ministries every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-6:30 A.M. for “Invade Heaven Prayer Call.” Dial In Number: 3392096984; EVANGELISTBRUCE82@ ICLOUD.COM, 716-2382471,WWW.TRUSTGODMINISTRY16.COM

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY THE DOROTHY J. Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica, offers Bible Study every Thursday from 12 noon - 1 PM both in person and zoom.

The link to join ZOOM is https://us)@web.zoom. us/j/87418112708 Or for more information call the center at (716)882-0602.

"GOD CAN DO ANYTHING BUT FAIL." -African American Proverb

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

St. John AME Pre-Women’s Day “Power It Up Worship Service” St. John AME Church in Niagara Falls, Rev. Makeeda Brooks Pastor, will host a PreWoman’s Day "Power It Up" Worship Service Wednesday thru Friday March 23-25 at 7 p.m. nightly. “Women of Faith, Walking In Divine Authority” is the theme.

The Wednesday speaker is Co-Pastor Celes- From left: Co-Pastor tine Booze of Potter’s House Christian Church; Rev. Bethany Thursday Rev. Karen Hardaway of Trinity Baptist Church will speak; and on Friday, Rev Lora Allen of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church will be the guest speaker.

St. John is located at 917 Garden Avenue in Niagara Falls.

Join us in person or watch virtually on facebook live. For more information go to wwwfacebook.com/StJohnAME or www.StJohnAMENF.org

Booze, Rev. Hardaway,

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

A new ministry developing within the next few months is currently interviewing for a Youth Leader or Youth Pastor, Musician and Praise and Worship Leader. If you are interested please send an email to WaytoGodMinistriesWNY@ gmail.com.

Please Join the Family & Friends Group Prayer

(There's power in unity & agreement) Saturdays @ 8 AM • Sundays @ 5 PM Call 339-209-5791 Access code not needed Host Sister Rhonda Mingo

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

Buffalo Native Patrice Funderburg Making Outstanding Career Strides! atrice Funderburg, a Buffalo native, was recently chosen to be P honored during the coveted “I Am Queen Charlotte” event, a major a citywide initiative that celebrates the lives, stories, and contributions of outstanding Black Women community leaders in Charlotte, N.C. where she and her family currently reside.

She is Executive Director of the Center for Community Transitions where “Building People, Not Prisons,” is more than just the agency’s tagline. It’s how Patrice actually models her path to leading transformative change within the Charlotte, North Carolina community — lowering recidivism, improving access and opportunities to sustainable employment, and disrupting the generational cycle of poverty to prison.

“Ancestry”

Honoring the strong women of our family whose love and hope for the future made our “best lives” possible.

Rubie “Morgan” Carlis (Mother)

Barbara “Hunt” McKelvey (Mother)

Albertha “Mingo” Hunt (Maternal Grandmother)

Mary Beatrice “Moses” Morgan (Maternal Grandmother)

A justice advocate and activist, last year Patrice was recognized and honored by the Charlotte Ledger as one of the area’s “40 Over 40” local unsung heroes who are doing great things in the community.

Patrice attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU); earned a BS, Human Resource Management from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an MS, Organizational Communication & Development from Canisius College. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated A graduate of Leadership Charlotte Class 35, she has over 20 years of corporate human resources experience, and her star continues to rise!

Married to JaMarr Funderburg, she is the mother of two beautiful daughters - Nia and Imani. This lovely and accomplished young woman is the daughter of proud parents Barbara Clark of Charleston, S.C. and Richard Clark of Buffalo.

Congratulations Tricie!

Elzinay “Selmon” Carlis (Paternal Grandmother)

Mattie “Holcomb” McKelvey (Paternal Grandmother)

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

GIRLFRIENDS: Left to Right: 1st Row: Leisha Gordon, Brenda Chavers, Melissa Archer, Dr. Yvonne Minor Ragan, Nadine Clifford, Rhona Osborne, Diane Cadle. 2nd Row: Tanika Blanc, Inez Jones, Joyce Ford Quick, Dr. Parmalier Murphy,Shonda Brock 3rd Row: Dr. Kathy Wood, Shaina Clifford, Kimberly Trammel, Shayla Quick. Not pictured: Mona Baskin, Laura Harris, Cecelia Henderson, Michelle Machazire, Francesca Mesiah, Pamela Murphy, Dr. Emmekunia Nylander, Marissa Washington.

Photo Princess Photography

GIRLFRIENDS GATHER!

The Buffalo (NY) Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc., a national historical social club of African American Women, gathered together recently at The Buffalo Club.

The organization, based on friendship, is also engaged in civic and community support. Annual scholarships are awarded as well donations to nonprofit organizations.

Girl Friends / Buffalo Chapter was founded in 1967.

The Girl Friends, Inc., if not the oldest, is one of the oldest social organizations of African American women in the United States. It was founded in New York City in 1927 by Eunice Shreeves, a student at Cheyney Normal School for Teachers.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

Celebrate the "New Season" : Reflections of Real Estate and Tips for Current Sellers Let's begin with thankfulness, courageously on our "Journeys" and now anchoring our focus with dreams of expectations of the "New Horizons."

First and foremost, thank you "Buffalo Challenger" for allowing me to share information for our communities, Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls and throughout many other areas in WNY. Countrywide the housing market from 2021 to present is experiencing a momentum, where homes are selling sooner, at higher prices, speaking of no inspections and cash offers.

At this time we have an overflow of buyers coming into WNY.

-My StoryAs a single parent, I entered into the banking and lending arena many years ago.

The desire to have a place for my family was indeed important. My desk was in front of the office where the public would enter. In just minutes wholeheartedly, I whispered, "I'd like to own my own home."

Within a breath, a realtor walked up to my desk and asked "do you know anyone interested in purchasing a home?" I smiled saying yes. Of course in the 70s and 80s homes were very affordable. My house was $11,000, single home.

My mother Ella L. Roberts owned her home, a mantra for generational wealth and living.

Tips for current owners desiring to market their home and investment properties De-cluttering: Remove personal items,

collectibles, memorabilia and photos. Clear any countertop and for large items, rent a storage unit or a moving pod. Remember the viewers are new, so do your best to eliminate any distractions. Doing this will attract more viewers and potentially increased assets as a result of the sale.

Painting and touch ups: Neutral colors, soft grays,beiges or creams.

This offers a great impact and is quite affordable.

Most viewers will actually notice and experience how living can be comfortable, warm,spacious and peaceful. Home staging is another vehicle to explore. It goes along with the paint touch up. Again this is a winner with regards to pricing your property for the market.

Consider enhancing as needed: Kitchen, appliances, bathrooms,entry doors, floors, lighting (inside and out), windows,curb appeal, roof,exterior of house and garage. System upgrades for HVAC, electric and water heater.

Security systems and solar panels for energy efficiency are a plus. Explore more as you may desire.

Gap in Black-White Home Ownership Addressed WASHINGTON – With the gap in homeownership between Black and White families wider today than when housing discrimination was rampant decades ago, the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is launching a “Revive the American Dream of Homeownership” campaign NAREB reports that as of last summer, the Black homeownership rate was 44.6% compared to 74.2% for Whites, a gap of 29.6%.

In 1960, before Civil Rights and Fair Housing laws were enacted, there was a lower 27-point gap between Black homeownership (38%) and White homeownership (65%), “It is a travesty that in 2022, some five decades past the Civil Rights movement, there has been very little progress in Black homeownership,” said Lydia Pope, NAREB’s

President. “It is time for us to act."

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

AFRO HORN Explores Musical Connections Between the Caribbean, America, Africa, and Latin America

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overs of African and world music should find themselves at Asbury Hall (Babeville) on March 25 for a one of a kind sound experience presented by .9Mile Collaborative.

Afro Horn, a band conceived and led by Francisco MoraCatlett, will take center stage at 8p.m. and Buffalo should be so blessed to have them.

Francisco Mora-Catlett and his New York-based jazz ensemble AfroHORN, draws from the metaphor of the Afro Horn (an instrument so mythically potent that it simultaneously unites and empowers the African diaspora through the sounds of jazz) in Henry Dumas' short story "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

Born of Mexican and African-American parentage (prominent artists Elizabeth Catlett and Francisco Mora), MoraCatlett's Afro-Horn came to life “in Sun Ra’s home, during his tenure with the Arkestra in the late 1970s."

For this forthcoming and anticipated journey through diasporic sound under the Asbury Hall rooftop, Mora-Catlett brings together Aruan Ortiz on piano, Alex Harding on bari-

tone saxophone, and tenor saxophonist JD Allen and Rashaan Carter – contrabass. MoraCatlett, himself on drums, is augmented by the master Afro-Cuban percussionist Roman Diaz.

Together, they explore the musical connections between the Caribbean, America, Africa, and Latin America – highlighting moments of congruency between each other.

Asbury Hall (Babeville) is located 341 Delaware Ave. Show is Friday March 25 at 8pm.

Tickets $25 general admission, $18 students/seniors, $15 Hallwalls & CMC members .

Visitors must show proof of vaccination upon entry, in addition to remaining masked throughout. More info at hallwalls.org

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

CELEBRATE WOMEN!

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022 ON STAGE

STEW Presented By Ujima Co.at Lorna C. Hill Theatre

Directed by Curtis Lovell runs through March 27 showing Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 4pm. Tickets are $10/$20/$30 visit ujimacoinc.org to purchase tickets online.

Outstanding Artist Showcase at the Foundry

Featuring live performances and vendors onsite. From 6pm -9pm March 24 at the Foundry, 1738 Elmwood Ave. Advanced tickets $30 and $35 at door. Info at topepenterprisesinc.com.

BackPack Mafia Beat Battle Season Three

The Beat Battle season 3 at Top Gun Motorcycle Club 142 Dutton Ave. March 25. Get Advanced tickets $17 at backpackmafial716.rsvpify.com or $20 at the door.

Art On View

ATTICA NOW

Caldode Cultivo; Attica NOW is on view thru April 8 at Buffalo Arts Studio in TriMain Center, 2495 Main St. Suite 500 Tuesday—Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10a.m.—2p.m. Free

"In These Truths"

On View Until June 5 Albright Knox Northland 612 Northland Ave. Friday 127pm Sat. & Sun. 10am -5pm Show curated by artists Edreys Wajed and Aitina Fareed Cooke. albrightknox.org Pay what you can.

Black Lunch Table

Afrotecture(Re)Collection

On View until May 21 the work nationally known African American Artist Heather Heart UB CFA Gallery 201 Center for the Arts ubartgalleries.buffalo.edu . Free

At Burchfield Penney

On View Extended until May 1st *James G. Pappas: Relative to Music, , *Founders *Kurt Treeby: Loss Projection, *The Lifetimes of Themes Retrospective *New Installtion, a mural by Muhammad Zaman. Info.@ burchfieldpenney.org

The public is invited to join roundtable sessions designed, to bring diverse groups together to foster candid conversations: Saturday, April 2 - Two virtual roundtable conversations The People’s Table – 11 am -1 pm – open to the public.

The Artist’s Table – 2 pm – 4 pm - designed for artists of the African diaspora. (lunch will be provided) Sunday, April 3 Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon from Noon -3 pm. at the Merriweather Library. Learn how to contribute to Wikipedia, focusing on Black artists hailing from or living in the Buffalo metropolitan area.This is a hybrid event; though the event will take place over Zoom, the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY, will provide computer stations for this event. To register and learn more, go to https://burchfieldpenney.org/events/event:04-022022-11-00am-black-lunch-table/

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PROSE &POUR HAPPY HOUR!

Review

Smokey Robinson:America's Greatest Living Poet

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n these increasingly distressed times, the mellifluous voice of William “Smokey” Robinson is a balm more vital than ever. Now 82, “America’s greatest living poet,” remains not only one of the key architects of the Motown s o u n d or “the sound of y o u n g America,” but the sound of more than the last half century of American music itself. And from the ecstatic reaction of the sold out crowd this past Friday at the Seneca Niagara Events Center, the man hasn’t lost his touch.

Dapper, fresh and clean in a silver suit, Robinson exuded suave magnetism from the minute he appeared from behind the curtain with his 1981 hit “Being With You,” even taking the opportunity to kiss a lucky female fan who approached the stage. “I Second That Emotion” and “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” followed to the delight of the crowd--which spanned generations and knew all the words.

Taking his jacket and tie off, Robinson set off a “Quiet Storm” ( not only one of the greatest lovemaking songs of all time but also the namesake of entire subgenre of romantic r&b ) which was an especially sumptuous performance both vocally and instrumentally while a more stripped down “Ooo Baby Baby” still set hearts aflutter.

Then it was time for a little history lesson with a Temptations medley of “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Get Ready” and “My Girl.”

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The common note between the trio? They were all penned or co-penned by Robinso.

Sharing some fun anecdotes about colleagues like Stevie Wonder kept the nostalgia fuel burning through “The Tears of a Clown,“ a cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Just to See Her” before the showstopper that was “Tracks of My Tears.”

Robinson sang only accompanied by guitar for the first half giving the heartbreaking lyrics even more gravitas before the full band came in to end the 1965 classic with a dramatic crescendo. at Seneca Niagara Events The finale of “Cruising” Smokey Center photo / Matt Bauer seemed to come to a frightening, premature end when an up to the fly soul of Silk Sonaudience member chosen to ic‘s (aka Bruno Mars and Ancome on stage fell off. “It was derson.Paak) “Leave the Door just too much tequila,” Rob- Open” --- a potent reminder inson joked after checking to of the fertile legacy of classic see that she was alright and soul music and Smokey Robthe night ended with a singing inson’s incalculable influence competition between the two on it. sides of the center as Robinson bid a very grateful adieu Support The Arts before the house lights came

It's official! Join Solar for a live "Take A Solar Moment" Podcast & "Prose & Pour" Happy Hour this Thursday, March 24 and every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Je Ne Sais Quoi Restaurant, 1633 Hertel Avenue. See you there!

Street Legacy Photo

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

House Passes Crown Act Banning Discrimination Against Black Hairstyles

National

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he United States House of Representatives last Friday passed the Crown Act. Crown stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, and the act prohibits "discrimination based on an individual's texture or style of hair." The bill now goes to the Senate.

The legislation states that "routinely, people of African descent are discriminated against and deprived of educational and employment opportunities" for wearing their hair in natural or protective hairstyles .

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J. who introduced the bill in the House, argued that it is necessary because there are people in positions of authority "who think because your hair is kinky, it is braided, it is in knots or it is not straight and blonde and light brown, that you somehow are not worthy of access to those issues."

“No one deserves to face discrimination based on their choice to wear their hair in a natural style or one that reflects their cultural heritage, yet it still happens to far too many people every single day,” said local Congressman Brian Higgins.

“Approval of the CROWN Act ensures that this form of race-based discrimination is illegal across the United States and that those who violate these basic rights are held accountable".

According to a 2019 study, Black Americans overall are “disproportionately burdened by policies and practices in public places, including the workplace, that target, profile, or single them out for their natural hair styles.” Other findings show that 80 percent of Black women believed that they had to change their hair from its natural state to “fit in at the office,” and that they were 83 percent more likely to be judged harshly because of their looks.

- “Monumental” “The passing of the Crown Act is monumental,” said Althea Little, proprietor of Hair to Go Natural on Main Street in Buffalo.

"Why should we have to be told how we should wear our hair? It’s a blatant form of

Betty Jean Grant and Attorney McLeod at first court hearing.

Images/styles Courtesy of Hair To Go Natural. discrimination!”

Althea, who specializes in natural hair grooming , added that many of the chemicals we use to try to conform to what others want us to look like are unhealthy - and may even cause cancer- all the more reason we should be as natural as possible.

-Locs & FrosLast year Lion Blyden and the Buffalo UNIA-ACL held its 2nd annual Locs & Fros Convention, a much anticipated event where Black hair, Black beauty and Black culture is promoted and celebrated.

Recent passage of the Crown Act, he says, is right on time, and fits into a movement that large numbers of Black women - and men - have already embraced; acceptance of self. .

“They used to make our women wrap their hair and/ or shave it off. We’ve gone through decades of processing, dying, straight ironing, perming….all trying to ‘participate’ and appease others,” the dreadlock wearing Garveyite continued. As far as the Crown Act? “We’ll accept them finally accepting us….” he concluded.

-Second Time AroundThe Crown Act was created

in 2018 by four Black women: Esi Eggleston Bracey, Kelli Richardson Lawson, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, and Adjoa B. Asmoah.

This is the second time the Act has passed in the House, and it died the last time it went to the senate. But organizers are optimistic about the bill passing this time and has a coalition of 91 partners - including the National Urban League - to get it passed.

They are also asking everyone to email and or write to their legislators and urge them to support the legislation.

Even President Biden has issued a statement in support of the bill.

But regardless of what happens in the Senate the fight to end hair discrimination will continue.

Declared founding member Richardson Lawson: “We will always fight for an end to hair discrimination, and it is going to happen in the Senate this year.

I believe words have power.

We will also continue fighting in all the states to pass the legislation. We will continue until every Black person in this country has the right to wear their hair however they choose.”

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CONFIRMATION HEARINGS: JUDGE JACKSON STANDS STRONG. Race and crime were front and center during the second day of the historic Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Tuesday. Some of the most contentious moments came from lines of questioning from Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, who pressed Judge Jackson about her sentencing of child pornography offenders and past public statements – attempting to tie the federal circuit judge on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to critical race theory. More than 100 Black law students and public defenders have descended in Washington, D.C. this week to rally in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as she undergoes a days-long Senate confirmation hearing process in hopes of becoming the nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court justice — and the first with a public defender background.

CENSUS Continued from page 5 “Overall, the results are less accurate than in 2010,” she said.

The bureau estimated that the 2020 census incorrectly counted 18.8 million residents, double-counting some, wrongly including others, and missing others entirely, even as it came extremely close to reaching an accurate count of the overall population.

Trump also attempted to add a citizenship question to the census, further muddying attempts at an accurate count.

Many experts complained that more time was required and called the count unreliable. Some called on then-incoming President Joe Biden to order a recount.

“This is the worse census undercount I’ve seen in my 30 years working on census issues,” Arturo Vargas, CEO of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials Education Fund, said during a news conference.

“I can’t even find the right word. I’m just upset about the extent of the undercount that has been confirmed by the post-enumeration survey,” Vargas said.

“This is a major step back.

Activist Betty Jean Grant Back in Court April 5

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he case against community activist Betty Jean Grant continues Tuesday, April 5 in Buffalo City Court, Part 6, Judge Andrew Lotempio's courtroom.

Mrs. Grant is being accused of violating state election law as the result of an incident inside the polling place at the DelelvanGrider Community center last Oct. 28., 2021.

“I still can’t figure out why they’re bothering to prosecute this lady when on film, you have at least one other person in clear violation and they do absolutely nothing about it. Instead they’ve decided to go after my client.

“I just can’t figure it out,” continued McLeod adding that “it makes no sense” for the DA to take it this far instead of moving forward and attempting to resolve the issue.

“I find it a bit unusual,” said the former City Court judge.

Will the judge dismiss the charges against her? Or will this travesty of justice and a waste of taxpayers money continue with a trial date set? Community support is needed! See you at the courthouse!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

I'm Just Sayin'

by Darvin Adams

Traumatic Brain Injury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as "a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.”

Military service members and Veterans are at risk of brain injury from explosions experienced during combat or training exercises. Depending on the severity of the injury to the brain, servicemembers may experience changes which may include being dazed, confusion up to loosing consciousness.

Circumstances following a TBI can range from headaches, irritability and sleep disorders, nausea/vomiting, fatigue problems with speech and or dizziness or loss of balance (vertigo).

Sensory symptoms, may include blurred vision, tinnitus (ringing of the ears) a bad taste in the mouth and ability to smell.

Cognitive problems – mental symptoms are as follows: loss of consciousness, memory or concentration problems, mood changes, depression and anxiety, difficulty sleeping and or sleeping more than usual.

While most people with TBI have symptoms that resolve within hours to weeks, some may experience persistent symptoms that last for several months or longer. The V.A. is researching methods to detect and monitor and treat veterans with TBI. To all my fellow veterans if you had while in the military or in civilian life received any type of head injury and you feel that any of the conditions that I have listed then I suggest strongly that you go see your doctor immediately. Veterans, it is vital that you take care of your mental health just like you would your physical health.

Call a buddy or call a loved one to ride along with you.

It is very important take the steps necessary to maintain a healthy brain. So please, drop the stigma! Go see a

doctor and get checked today for heathier tomorrow!

VOICES

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Setting Aside Cannabis Licenses For Ex Offenders This writer agrees with the reporter, Chris Churchill of the Albany Times Union Newspaper, who wrote an informative oped last week about some state lawmakers' push to assist, beyond expungement, former drug dealers to benefit from the recent approval to permit the sale of recreational marijuana. Those who were incarcerated for illegal drug dealing in the past, should indeed be helped by having access to registration and the acquiring of set aside licenses to even the playing field. What I don't agree with is that there were and are many low income individuals in our community who could have dealt drugs but who chose not to break the law. What about them? They should not be penalized for choosing not to deal illegal drugs or those who did but who were not caught or arrested.

Let's be fair and set aside a batch of licenses for all who were impacted by the devastation that Crack, Heroin, Marijuana and other illegal substances that destroyed our communities of color and their young men over the past several decades. Let's assist those who did not go to legitimate jobs without discriminating against those that did not stand on street corners peddling away our young mens future and aiding them down that road to nowhere or worse, jail or death!

And while we are at it, let's use some of the billions of dollars that now drug dealing NYS will collect, to fund neighborhood community centers to help them remain open in the evening and to hire our minority youth, especially the ones who cannot afford the licenses and fees to compete in the now, legal, cannabis market. Some of those resources should be used to subsidize tuition and other expenses so that needy youths can be trained at the Northland Workforce Training Center without going into debt, in their pockets or getting expensive, student loans.

The Psychological Chains of Slavery Right in Your Face

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oday, more than ever, it becomes necessary to understand that African people were forcibly brought to America and then forced into a system of chattel slavery, without any agreements whatsoever.

Chattel slavery was different than any other kind of slavery and subservience that had been engaged in by human beings up to the point of Europeans creating it and then applying it to African people. Chattel slavery is built on the false notion that those enslaved are not human. That is a sociopathic idea that Europeans came up with to justify the enslavement of African people, their brutalization, rape, murder and years of oppression and exploitation that no other group of people in human history had been subjected to. You really have to understand the psychosis of that thinking, these are the truths that must be preserved.

My People, that is what allowed the enslavement of African people to continue for so long and just change faces and images over the years to neutralize the outrage at a system that no human being should ever be subjected to.

So, now the conversation that is being had all over the country is whether or not the truth can be taught in our classrooms. Yes, whether the truth of American history can be taught to our children and some of the children who look like those people responsible for the enslavement of African people. What they are actually talking about is putting the psychological chains of slavery back on the minds of generations that are now here with us.

Yes, again, legislation has been passed in some states and is pending in over thirty nine states to restrict what can be taught in our classrooms to our children, making it a crime to teach the truth of American history.

When you put that together with the legislation that restricts our right to vote and even goes so far as to make it a crime to give a bottle of water to someone standing in line to vote after a long day's work or a long ride to the polls, and you can see that there is an ongoing movement in this country to roll back the hands of time and undo all the progress that Black folks and our allies have made over the last four centuries.

That is the same maniuplation of the truths that caused a Supreme Court to go along with the false argument of Black people being only three fifths human. That is why it is so important during Women's history time that we remember and make our collective voices heard on these issues.

I mean just ask yourself the question, why was it so important to the people who enslaved Black people and took land from our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers, to stop us from speaking our languages? Why was it so important for them to stop the indigenous people , The Sioux, the Cherokee, the Blackfeet, from speaking their native tongues? I mean they punished all of us with death on the plantations and in the so called Indian Boarding Schools.

Could it have been that the power of our culture was in our languages? Could it be that the principles of truth telling and the principles of representative and participatory democracy were also in our languages? Well, real history says that those principles were practiced before our contact with the Europeans.

I say, yes it was. That is exactly why they did not want us speaking our languages back then and why they don't want the truths of our history taught today, because Black, Brown, Red, and yes, Yellow people had all the real principles of humanity woven in and throughout their languages. These are our truths, that is why all over this country and in every fascist regime in the world where dictators, tyrants and want to be enslavers want to dumb down the masses, dictate what can be taught and even what words we can use in the public space.

My People, these truths are right in our faces, right now and we must accept the reality that these are attempts to push us back into enslavement on any level, from first shackling our minds, to attempting to restrict and suppress our voting rights, to an attack on our educational rights about what is taught in our children's classrooms and all the other issues that confront our communities today. It is all connected, and each part of it is as important as the other.

Power Belongs to The People…All The People!

Prisoners Are People Too

by Karima Amin

My articles have been few and far between during Covid, but our work has never ceased. Our trips to various prisons have been curtailed, but our daily conversations with people who have incarcerated loved ones have never diminished. Our mission is clear: "Education and advocacy since 2005."

We plan to resume our monthly meetings on the last Monday of the month beginning with this one on Monday, March 28 at the CAO Masten Resource Center, located at 1423 Fillmore Avenue at Glenwood in Buffalo, from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Your mask is required!

Mighty Oba Leaves The Beat Dear Editor: I have informed The Beat 105.5FM that I will be leaving Pro Talk Plus effective March 19th, 2022. I would like to thank the station, DJ Bacspin, The Radman and the listeners for the opportunity.

-The Mighty Oba

Tao Te Ching -43The gentlest thing in the world Overcomes the hardest thing in the world.

That which has no substance Enters where there is no space.

This shows the value of nonaction Teaching without words, Performing without actions: That is the Master’s way.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

BFNC’s Chandra Redfern:

What Does It Mean To Reimagine Community?

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he Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers (BFNC), with over 125 years of serving the Buffalo community, continues to adjust their services to fill the changing community needs in Buffalo and Niagara County.

What began as an effort to help immigrant communities living on Buffalo’s Eastside rise out of poverty has been redesigned to help a new generation of residents.

BFNC continues to lift individuals out of poverty by providChandra Redfern ing affordable housing, services to help community members with mental health challenges, senior services and youth programs and services that help to create a pathway to their success.

When Chandra Redfern became CEO in July 2021 her focus was on reimagining community.

Recognizing that BFNC’s roots were in creating a safety-net of services for Buffalo Eastside neighbors there was an immediate look at how the agency could build upon its history.

“The history of two of America’s oldest settlement houses, the Neighborhood House in the Buffalo Fruit Belt and Westminster Community House on the East side of Buffalo, tells the story of how caring neighbors took care of newly arrived immigrants when there was an economic need.

Community leaders and volunteers saw the need and worked with community residents to uplift and provide a path forward with the life tools needed,” states Redfern.

“As we enter another phase of Unlocking Potential & Enriching Lives, we are developing a foundation of outreach and connecting community partners to assist us in creating a larger safetynet to fill the changing and growing needs of our community."

The CEO respects the history and understands there are lessons of care that can be built upon.

She explains that the community leaders who assisted Buffalo immigrants always began with asking the residents what projects can we work on together? The spirit of resilience was recognized and respected.

“As we reimagine community, we believe it is important to listen to the residents about their plans for building their success. We want to know how we can assist. The community needs are great; but history has shown significant progress can be made when caring minds work together to make an impact. Our agency has embraced this challenge and recognizes that innovation is essential, and we must develop new programs and services to meet the current changing need," states Redfern.

BFNC’s foundation for Reimagining Community include Affordable Housing: .Embracing Technology, Youth Services, Financial Services, Care Management Providing Community Access to Services that help residents overcome life obstacles and being A Good Neighbor which includes creating a new food pantry in the Buffalo Fruit Belt that now includes a variety of grocery needs to help Fruit Belt neighbors and Buffalo residents. To learn more at www.bfnc.org.

Follow our stories on Facebook: @ buffalobfnc on Instagram and LinkedIn. -Jennifer Parker

Transform your passion into your business

JOIN THE PRIDE. At Westminster Community Charter School, supportive teachers meet all students where they’re at—whatever their needs may be— helping each of them grow through individualized instruction and preparing them to attend the high school of their choice. Our school community is currently accepting new students in grades K through 8.

To schedule a special tour of Westminster, call us at 716 816 3450, or apply today to become a Lion by visiting WestminsterCCS.org.

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A P P LY AT W E S TM I N S T E R C C S .O R G

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

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The Raptors and a King!

his almost sounds like a fairytale or a Disney movie. It’s definitely a tale of such. What I’m speaking of is a Toronto Raptors’ game that was supposed to take place prior to the shutdown. This game was also the last contest I was scheduled to cover before the Pandemic. So I’m thankful to the Raptors’ Communication Department for allowing me to see this full circle in a manner of speaking as protocols begin to ease.

Since we last touched base All-Star weekend has taken place and Toronto has played twelve games with a record of seven wins and five losses. The Lakers on the other hand haven’t done so well. Even while LeBron “King” James is having one of his best statistical seasons to date. Los Angeles also lost to Toronto on March 14th. Less than a week later a rematch took place Friday, March 18th at Scotiabank Arena.

The game got off to a fast pace offensively with a relatively unknown player in Wenyen Gabriel for the Lakers and the Raptors’, Scottie Barnes making their presence felt early and often. The Lakers are up 12-5. But this lead is dwindled down by the Raptors quickly.

The difference in the Arena was apparent. Even Drake had taken his court seats.

A. Dorcely I knew I was back at Jurassic Park. The ooos and aaaas for the home team were chilling at first, after experiencing a game without all the fans in the building. But don’t think for a second that Lakers’ faithful’s were absent from this game.

Los Angeles was able to win the first two quarters. Toronto was ahead at end of the third King James surrounded by Raptors photo A. Dorcely with the score 89-88. At this point the feeling of an instant classic was in the air. Role players being impactful, All- Star players displaying their qualifications.

We pick up in the 4th quarter with 8:58 to go. Coach Frank Vogel had just called a timeout perhaps to quiet the crowd. The Raptors had just taken the lead 96-95 subsequent to Russell Westbrook’s wide open air ball shot. He took a few seconds to think about shooting it. Afterwards, jeers were followed by cheers as Toronto came down court and Precious Achiuwa hit a three pointer. 5:59 ensuing a series of plays including a thunderous one handed dunk, a basket surrounded by three defenders and a block by the King, the Lakers were now up 102-101.

At 3:03 a slam by Scottie Barnes caused an uproar as he gave the Raptors the lead 107-105. The fans from this point were standing to watch the rest of the game. I wish I could write out every sequence, but I have to cut to the end. There was 26.1 left in the game. The Raptors made it ahead 116-113 because of a Gary Trent's step back jumper which caused the Lakers to call a timeout.

Out of the pause in play King James took a deep three to tie the game and missed awfully.

When Russell Westbrook got the rebound on the left sideline, you could hear the fans screaming for him to shoot it and misses everything hitting the right side of the backboard. The game should be over. But on the inbound Russell steals the ball and hits an unbelievable three after he made sure that his feet were completely behind the arc for what I call a resurrection of sorts. Talk about coming full circle in a fairytale movie ending. Left with .4 on the clock the Raptors try for a tip in play to no avail. The Lakers unfortunately were able to win in overtime 128-123. King James scored 36 points and Westbrook, ended up with another triple-double. Raptors Scottie Barnes finished with 31 points and 17 boards and Gary Trent added 23 points. Barnes mentioned in the postgame press conference that he didn’t expect this outcome. “I thought we had it.”

RISE UP RIGHT

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome to Rise Up Right, Thank you for your continued support! Let's Rise Up....

NCAA March Madness!

This event was the second most exciting event I have attended since becoming a sports journalist in 2018. The atmosphere was electric. The loyal fans of these phenomenal teams traveled to cheer on their teams loud and proud. The talent that was on display was nothing short of phenomenal and all of the games that were played were legitimate "dog fights" except for one.

The teams displayed at KeyBank Card enter for the first and second round of the March Madness were the Providence Friars, the Vermont Catamounts, the New Mexico State Aggies, the Arkansas Razorbacks, the Richmond Spiders, the Connecticut Huskies, the South Dakota State Jack rabbits, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. These 4-13 and 5-12 matchups definitely lived up to the March Madness name.

The first round saw two upsets as the New Mexico State Aggies knocked off the Connecticut Huskies 70-63 as Teddy Allen set a Key Bank Center record with 37 points. The other upset special saw the Richmond Spiders defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes 67-63. Jacob Gilyard torched there Hawkeyes for 24 points as they moved on to the second round. The Providence Friars would break a 21 game win streak held by the South Dakota State Jackrabbits who hadn't lost the game since December 15th winning their first round match up 66-57.

The first round would finish up with what I call an instant classic as "whoa pig soouey" the Arkansas Razorbacks would defeated the Vermont Catamounts 75-71.

The second round matchups were very interesting as the Key Bank Center fans got to see its first blowout as the Providence Friars would devour the Richmond Spiders 7951. Noah Horchler would have a sensational performance putting up 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

Oh how sweet it is..... To be one of the teams in the Round of 16. The later game would carry a big fight feel as the Arkansas Razorbacks would battle their way to victory over the New Mexico State Aggies 53-48.

The highlight reel Teddy Allen was held to 12 points as Arkansas Jaylen Williams would drop a double double scoring 10 points and grabbing 15 boards. "Whoa pig soouey" The NCAA will be holding another March Madness tournament event here in 2026.

What a phenomenal sports spectacle it was. (Read on thechallengernews.com ) Join the Rise Up Family Sports Network for a look at all the daily sports shows. Tune into the WUFO sports report every Sunday at 6pm, and every Monday and Wednesday night at 10pm for the late night version on Power 96.5FM radio and the Rise Up Unlimited Radio Station on WDAP Radio on Speaker.com Saturdays at 8pm. Also tune into Public Access Channel 1302 for the Buffalo Bills Edition of Rise Up Early Show airing next week.

Tap into the Apollo Media Center and Power 96.5FM apps on any Google Play Store.

16 LEGAL NOTICE Bid

CLASSIFIEDS

Invitation to Bidders Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 PM on March 29, 2022, at the office of The Krog Group, LLC located at 4 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127, Attention: Scott Castilone, Senior Project Manager. Tel. 716-667-1234, for the NIAGARA STREET STUDIOS – BID PACKAGE #1 (“Project”). Faxed and emailed bids will be accepted as long as they are submitted on the Krog Bid Form. Bids received on any other format will be rejected.

Questions during the bidding period must be emailed or faxed to Scott Castilone at: scastilone@kroggrp. com or 716-667-1258 (fax) by March 17, 2022. The Krog Group, LLC will not accept or respond to questions from prospective bidders received orally.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The Krog Group, LLC recognizes the need to take action to ensure that minority and womenowned business enterprises (M/ WBE’s), and minority and women employees and principals are given the opportunity to participate.

Accordingly, The Krog Group, LLC fosters and promotes the participation of such individuals and business firms and to use good faith efforts to attain the diversity and workforce utilization goals stated therein.

The NIAGARA STREET STUDIO – Bid Package # 1 (“Project”) includes: Previously Awarded Contracts: •C-101 Earthwork and Site Preparation •C-109 Precast Concrete Wall Panels •C-112 Steel Joist and Metal Deck Current Contracts Bidding: •C-102 Asphalt Paving •C-103 Exterior Concrete Flatwork •C-104 Site Utilities •C-105 Site Work Combined Bid •C-106 Landscaping •C-107 Concrete Foundations •C-108 Concrete Flatwork •C-110 Masonry •C-111 Structural Steel / Misc. Metals •C-113 Steel Erection •C-114 Millwork •C-115 Sound Insulation •C-116 Membrane Roofing •C-117 Doors / Frames and Hardware •C-118 Aluminum Doors / Windows / Glazing •C-119 Metal Studs / Drywall / Acoustic / Metal Panels •C-120 Ceramic Tile •C-121 Concrete Polishing / Sealing •C-122 Flooring •C-123 Painting •C-124 Specialties •C-125 Overhead Doors and Dock Equipment •C-126 Acoustic Door Package The Contract Documents may be obtained at Avalon Document Services and the following websites and/ or companies: Avalon Document Services http://www.avalonbuff-planroom. com/ 40 La Riviere Drive, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 995-7777 The Construction Exchange of Buffalo and WNY, Inc. http://conexbuff.com/online-planroom/ 2660 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14227 (716) 874-3435 Krog Drop Box Link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ a4a36i19dbu8lvo/AAATUmUpW5DuY7A_VpLJIJbMa?dl=0 Complete sets of the Bid Documents may be obtained at the office of Avalon Document Services, 40 La Riviere Drive, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Bidders are to provide an active email address, street address (no PO Box Numbers), phone number, and contact name. Partial sets or sections of the Contract Documents are not recommended. The failure or omission of any bidder to receive

or examine any form, instrument, or document shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation in respect to his bid.

Any bidder who is preparing a bid based upon the Contract Documents available at various service agencies, is responsible for obtaining the addenda from the hosting service. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve any bidder from any obligation under this bid as submitted. All addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract Documents.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bridge Deck Washing (209 Bridges) FA-5763.40-22 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for bridge washing, various locations.

Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10 am local time, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Certified check in the amount of $15,000.00 bid deposit is required.

Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 9:00 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY; or online. NYSDOL, Davis Bacon Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and DBE goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: // www2.erie.gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Bridge Deck Sealing (32 Bridges) FA-5763.39-22 Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids to clean and install protective sealer on bridge decks and concrete surfaces including, crack and joint repair, various locations. Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 10 am local time, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Certified check in the amount of $18,000.00 bid deposit is required. Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 9:30 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY; or online. NYSDOL, Davis Bacon Wage Rates, NYS Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and DBE goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: //www2.erie. gov/dpw see On Line Bid Retrieval.

LEGAL NOTICE

BID

WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center Addition & Renovations Bids will be received by RP Oak Hill Building Co., Inc. for the WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center Addition & Renovations Project on 4/7/22 at 2:00pm. Please fax bids (716822-4367) or email (bids@rpoakhill. com) prior to 2:00 pm. The scope of work includes demo, abatement, concrete, masonry, steel, millwork, roofing, glass/glazing, doors/frames/ hardware, carpentry, flooring, painting, specialties, HVAC, plumbing, fire sprinklers, electrical, site work, landscaping , etc. The contract documents may be examined at Construction Exchange or can be purchased at Avalon Printing, (P: 716-9957777). This project is prevailing wage and has a PLA. ***W/M/DBE & SDVOB participation is encouraged.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Celestine Hicks Wylie as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; Maurice Wylie as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; Albert Mogavero as heir at law and next of kin of Standford T. Wylie; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated June 12, 2017 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Closing Room of the Erie County Clerk's Office located on the first floor of 92 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 on April 20, 2022 at 10:00AM, premises known as 181 Floss Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, State of New York, Section: 90.82 Block: 4 Lot(s): 40. Approximate amount of judgment $108,496.89 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 813796/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Eighth Judicial District.

Michael Kuzma, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: February 23, 2022 Mar. 17, 24, 31 Apr. 7

SEALED BIDS for the South Long Park Pavilion Project, 16' wide x 24' long x 9' high post frame open with vaulted hipped roof, will be received by the Village of Williamsville at the Office of the Village Clerk until 9:00am local time on Thursday March 31, 2022, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

South Long Park Pavilion project description: 16' wide x 24' long x 9' high (at eave) post frame open pavilion with vaulted hipped roof. Roof framing assumed to be engineered scissor trusses with 6:12 top pitch, 3:12 bottom pitch and 12" eave and gable overhangs on 4 sides (vented soffit in eaves only). The frame shall be clad in painted steel siding and roofing with a minimum 40-year warranty, Village Parks Committee to select colors. All headers shall be wrapped in color matched aluminum. Ceiling shall be color matched aluminum soffit panels. The pavilion shall include a minimum 5" cast-in-place concrete slab on grade.

A sketch of the proposed pavilion and a site plan prepared by Village staff are included for reference.

Successful bidder will work with the Village DPW to coordinate installation of the Pavilion in concert with the Village's Sports Court project which will be run concurrently. It is possible that some or all of the site preparation may be facilitated through the assistance of DPW staff, however for the purposes of this bid solicitation, the Village requests that site clearing, earthwork immediately surrounding the pavilion, and all borrow materials (subbase stone, etc) be included as line item values separate from the base scope described above.

Successful bidder shall also include all engineering (including dimensioned construction documents stamped by a NYSPE)to include treated posts, trusses, purlins, foundations, etc. with sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the Building Code of New York State and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the Village Building Official.

The project shall be completed prior to November 1st.

Our workers shall be fully licensed and insured and shall be remunerated based on prevailing wage rates in accordance with Village municipal purchasing standards. Permits are the responsibility of the Village.

Should the successful bidder encounter unforeseen underground obstacles, the removal of such obstacles shall be by Village DPW at no expense to the contractor. The Village will make suitable truck access to the building site.

SEALED BIDS for the South Long Park Sport Court Relocation, will be received by the Village of Williamsville at the Office of the Village Clerk until 9:00am local time on Thursday March 31, 2022, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

South Long Park Sports Court project description: Provide Paving and equipment installation for a new Basketball and Tennis Court measuring 60-ft wide by 215-ft long including Sports Court Markings and Striping for multiple games. The Tennis Court shall include a 10-ft high, black enamel coated chain link fence (with gates) on 3 sides with the fourth side connecting to a 20-ft wide, 16-ft high cast-in-place concrete handball wall.

A full set of construction documents prepared by Tredo Engineers (dated 5/27/21) shall be the basis the contract.

The successful bidder shall be responsible for: •Excavation & Backfill for New Handball Wall Foundation •Form and Cast New Concrete Handball Wall •Fine Grade Stone subbase for new asphalt paving •Asphalt Paving - Binder: according to the plans and specs. Roll to a smooth even finish. (assume 151 mobilization for Binder) •Asphalt Paving - Top: according to the plans and specs. Clean and tack the binder prior to paving. Roll to a smooth even finish. (assume 2nd mobilization for Top) •Supplemental Paving for relocated walkway south ofTennis Court •Sports Court Markings & Surfacing: Stripe & color surface the new courts as shown on plans.

•Fencing around Tennis Court •Install Sports Equipment including (4) Basketball nets and (1) adjustable Tennis net with light (furnished by Village) •Coordinate with Village DPW The Village DPW will be responsible for: •Site Demolition •Site Electric •Site Plumbing (water fountain) •Site Drainage Improvements/Modifications •Site Grading within+/- 1" for Sports Court subbase o Line & grade for edge of pavement •Installation of Water fountain •Topsoil and Seed The relocation of the existing Park Shelter and the installation of the proposed Park Shelter are both excluded from this contract.

All workers shall be fully licensed and insured and shall be remunerated based on prevailing wage rates in accordance with Village municipal purchasing standards. Price shall be based on performing work Monday thru Friday during normal working hours (7am to 5pm). Permits are the responsibility of the Village. Should the successful bidder encounter unforeseen underground obstacles, the removal of such obstacles shall be

by Village DPW at no expense to the contractor. The Village will make suitable truck access to the building site.

LEGAL NOTICE

BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

220001 - SECURITY SUPPORT SERVICES Download Bids from www.nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE RFP The NFTA is issuing this Request for Proposals for Project No. 31LS2206, Metro – Church Street Station Rehabilitation, due on April 1, 2022.

Website for information www.nftaengineering.com LEGAL NOTICE Transportation providers and other interested parties are hereby notified that the Center for Self Advocacy, Inc. located at 1021 Broadway Street Buffalo, NY 14212 is applying for a federal grant of up to $120,000, under Section 5310 of Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code, for expanding our existing 5310 peer-to-peer mobility program to better enhance access to public and private transportation within Erie and Niagara counties to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The purpose of this notice is to invite private for-profit bus, taxi, ambulette operators and other interested parties to participate in the development of a proposed grant project and in the provision of enhanced transportation services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Please contact Samuel Mattle, Executive Director, via mail or email (smattle@center4sa.org) within 15 calendar days of this public notice to request a copy of the proposed project. Comments on proposed project must be submitted to Center for Self Advocacy within 15 calendar days after receipt of proposed project information.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS YOUTH SERVICES under WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT March 23, 2022 The Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board, Inc. is accepting proposals for services to youth in the following categories: OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT. IN-SCHOOL YOUTH SERVICES UNDER THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT. A signed and electronically submitted proposal with the subject clause RFP for Out-of-School Youth Services and/or RFP for In-School Youth Services must be received at info@ becwib.org no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, April 15, 2022 in order to be considered. Those interested in submitting a proposal, or proposals, may download the RFPs at www. workforcebuffalo.org.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

220003 - WATERBOURNE TRAFFIC PAINT Download Bids from www.nfta.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY CITY OF BUFFALO CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) AVISO DE DISPONIBILIDAD CIUDAD DE BÚFALO INFORME ANUAL CONSOLIDADO DE DESEMPEÑO Y EVALUACIÓN (CAPER) Puede encontrar una copia completa de este documento en español en el sitio web de la Ciudad: https://www.buffalony.gov/324/ Consolidated-Plan-Documents ‫رفاوتلاب راطخإ‬ ‫ولافاب ةنيدم‬ ‫دحوملا يونسلا ءادألاو مييقتلا ريرقت‬ (CAPER) ‫ةغللاب راطخإلا اذه نم ةلماك ةخسن حاتت‬ ‫ينورتكلإلا عقوملا ىلع ةيبرعلا‬ ‫ىلع ةنيدملل‬: https://www.buffalony.gov/324/ Consolidated-Plan-Documents Pursuant to Section 104 (d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, and fulfilling the requirements of 24 CFR Part 91, the City of Buffalo’s Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Byron W. Brown, will make the CAPER covering the period between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 available for review in room 920 City Hall and on the City’s website as of Friday March 11, 2022 at: https:// www.buffalony.gov/324/Consolidated-Plan-Documents.

The CAPER is submitted annually to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It provides information to measure the City’s progress in meeting goals and priorities identified in the Annual Action and Strategic Plans for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, Emergency Solutions Grant, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs. It also serves as an evaluation tool and begins the process of setting goals for the next year. Persons wishing to comment on the CAPER must do so in writing

by Monday March 28, 2022. Comments may be mailed to the Office of Strategic Planning, 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, Attn: Crystal Middleton, Director of Planning and Zoning or emailed to: cmiddleton@buffalony.gov. Persons who require assistance to review the report or require the document in a language other than English, please email Crystal Middleton, Director of Planning and Zoning at: cmiddleton@buffalony.gov.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP County of Erie Request for A/E Qualifications & Proposals Municipal Capital Program Management The Erie County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways is seeking proposals from Architect/Engineer firms for Municipal Capital Program Management. The RFP#2022Program Management can be found at: http://www2.erie.gov/dpw/. All correspondence, communications and/ or contact with the County in regard to this proposal shall be in writing to Darlene.Svilokos@erie.gov by April 6, 2022. Sealed proposals are due to the Department of Public Works at Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Suite 1400, Buffalo, NY 14202 by 2:00 PM, local time on April 13, 2022. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

LLC'S Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Notice of Formation of Flawed Bi’Design, LLC Articles of Org. filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on Feb. 5, 2022. Office in Erie County. SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 32 Canton St. Tonawanda, NY 14150. Any lawful purpose February 17,24 March 3,10,17,24 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Redemption1 LLC Art. of Org. were filed w/Sec of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/22/2021. Office location: Erie County SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 141 Burke Drive, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: any lawful activity.

February 17,24 March 3,10,17,24 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company 2 R.A.W. LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/18/22. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 418 Monroe St, Buffalo, NY 14212. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

March 3,10,17,24,31 April 7 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Community Wellness Works, LLC. Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: 9/9/2021. Office of the LLC: 2869 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, Erie County, United States of America. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 2869 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225.

Purpose of LLC: Personal Services March 10,17,24,31 April 7,14 Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company Nursed2Health LLC Date of filing of Articles of organization with the NY Dept of state 02/11/2022 office of the LLC: 182 Johnson Street Buffalo NY 14211 Erie County United States of America NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 182 Johnson Street Buffalo NY 14211, Purpose of LLC Personal Services March 10,17,24,31 April 7,14

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center

BETC 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org

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ADVERTISERS!

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project No. M3104-C, comprising a contract for Construction Work, Rehabilitate Buildings Deteriorating Surfaces, Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden (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 Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 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 $68,400 for C).

All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond pursuant to Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 for C. Designated staff are Jessica Cook, Jessica Hoffman, and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862.

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 NYScertified 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.

XX Project commenced design before January 1, 2020. Not subject to provision. _____Project commenced design on or after January 1, 2020. Subject to provision.

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 11:30 a.m. on March 30, 2022, at 2990 Wende Road, Alden, NY. Phone the office of Allyson Youdsavage, (716-937-4200) a minimum of 72 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 72 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 Statecertified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for 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

EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING FOR A CAREER THAT MATTERS? The Community Access Services Criminal Justice Initiative is hiring linkage and navigation specialists.

Join our team of dedicated professionals and help individuals residing in the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision plan for life after incarceration. Learn more by visiting our career page at caswny.org/employment 3297 Bailey Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 (716) 852-5969 Community Access Services (CAS) is a non-proot organization helping communities of color in Buffalo and Erie County access healthcare.

CLASSIFIEDS

participation of MWBEs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

Article 17-B of the New York State Executive 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: 3% for the C trade contractor, based on the current availability of qualified SDVOBs. Trades with 0% goals are encouraged to make “good faith efforts” to promote and assist in the participation of SDVOBs on the Contract for the provision of services and materials.

The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available for viewing and downloading from OGS Design & Construction’s plan room hosting service, Bid Express. Vendors wishing to view and/ or download bid documents must complete a one-time registration for the Bid Express service. There is no cost to register for Bid Express.

Registration along with viewing and downloading of documents can be accessed at the following link: http:// www.bidexpress.com For questions about downloading obid documents, please send an email 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: h t t p s : / / o n l i n e . o g s . n y. g o v / d n c / contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp.

OGS Design & Construction Group

17

EMPLOYMENT

Buffalo Museum of Science Public Programs Coordinator F/T

Oversee Museum public programs and camps, including program development, seasonal staff, camp schedules, and following Dept. of Health policies. Facilitate inquiry-based programs and community programming. 2 yrs relevant experience and valid Driver's License req'd.

Resume and cover letter to careers@sciencebuff.org or BMS, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY, 14211.

EOE

HIRING If you love working outside and making a difference, we need you!

We have the following positions available: District Foreman – FT Permanent Small Engine Mechanic – PT Permanent Seasonal Position Openings: Golf Course Maintenance Worker Golf Course Pro Shop Staff Mower Park Maintenance Worker View full job description and application online at www.bfloparks.org/jobs/

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND EVENTS

Director of Marketing and Events has responsibility for developing compelling, comprehensive communication, marketing, and events strategy that strengthens the Buffalo Zoo brand and drives revenue and attendance.

This position will lead a team (Marketing Manager, Assistant Manager - Events, Social Media Coordinator, Graphics Coordinator and Marketing Associate); including resume review and interviewing, writes/delivers performance evaluations, and oversees scheduling for the team.

To apply, send resume and cover letter in Word document or PDF by email to: buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org No telephone calls. Position open until filled. Full Job Posting - https://buffalozoo.org/about/#careers Education/Experience: •Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

•Minimum 5-7 years’ experience marketing and communications.

•Minimum 2-3 years’ experience planning and implementing successful large-scale events.

Compensation and Benefits: Full-time, exempt position. Starting salary $65,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits: health, life, long term disability insurances, dental, vision, 403B plan, annual leave time, holiday, and sick time. Benefits available after successful completion of 60 days worked introductory probation period. Sick time available upon hire.

Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Complex Director in Residence Life Office Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Complex Director in Residence Life Office.

For a full job description and to apply: http://jobs.buffalostate.edu/postings/5994

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

18

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 3/13

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50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483

BAKERY Taste of Supreme 100% Gluten Free Vegan Goodies Contact the Supreme Bakers

(585) 285 - 5496

www.tasteofsupreme.com Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B #44

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

HONEY

MID-4-2-6

EVE-6-0-8

MID-15-17-26-31-33 EVE-05-24-30-32-36

Local Raw Honey Retail / Wholesale Rochester Public Market 280 N. Union St. BLDG. B

www.davisnaturalhoney.com (315 )730-5780

IMMUNITY SUPPORT VITALITY USA FREE CATALOG (716) 249-4800

FLEA MARKET 1870 FILLMORE (near Kensington) Thursday & Friday 12-5 pm Saturday 9-5 PM Sunday 12-5 PM JEFF MOORE (716) 361-4900

MID-8-9-9

EVE-2-9-9

MID-3-5-0-5 EVE-9-2-2-2

MID-3-3-3-5 EVE-7-2-2-2

MID-01-23-25-38-39 EVE-05-32-33-34-35

HOT TIPS

WED 3/16

MID-3-7-8

THURS 3/17

FRI 3/18

4018

022

EVE-0-9-5

EVE-1-0-5

MID-1-6-2

EVE-1-8-6

EVE-6-9-8

MID-6-1-2-9 EVE-5-0-2-8

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

MID-1-5-4-7 EVE-2-2-5-4

MID-0-3-7-5 EVE-9-5-8-1

064

986-568-853-578-312-468-014-065-768-981-852-679254-756-801-645-580-234-532-791-065-990-456-435468-015-076-974-240-198-513-546-809-507-433-354760-919-512-891-558-001-064-247-091-547-910-104504-657-678-807-978-029-135-897-461-689-201-107456-578-646-230-856-789-086-657-651-890-219-345234-256-789-310-856-792-876-429-654-423-157-910443-167-578-918-953-546-478-213-637-819-924-965476-578-768-098-034-567-978-101-432-553-679-807 168-985-678-198-256-890-054865-732-855-648-514-996-202-

MARCH VIBES

874-254-594-890347-123

MID-1-3-2

MID-10-11-16-25-38 MID-02-18-20-25-32 MID-17-19-32-33-36 MID-10-24-28-31-38 MID-02-09-12-19-28 EVE-05-08-36-38-39 EVE-08-13-16-32-34 EVE-04-14-19-26-28 EVE-06-13-21-29-32 EVE-15-20-21-22-36

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) Daily Vibrations

MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS!

SAT 3/19

MID-2-4-2

34-42-48-51-56-59 +06

698-679-943-001-202-147-001-

Davis Honey

MID-1-3-9

EVE-5-7-1

MID-0-6-1-8 EVE-3-6-5-5

TUES 3/15

LOTTO

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

MON 3/14

“It’s In The Stars”

Aquarius -496-235-165-579 Pisces - 056-362-237-694 Cancer - 482-372-895-718 Aries - 289-946-034-594 Taurus -258-231-026-695 Gemini-495-257-694-508 Leo-345-213-157-201 Virgo 385-291-431-170 Libra -247-723-179-501 Scorpio - 453-253-571-597 Sagittarius - 389-701-234924 Capricorn:893-275-342-506

648

05-06-17-18-19-35 +57

996

Challenger Hits MIDDAY

515

140

"By the time a fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed."

-African (Ashanti) \ Proverb

Dorothy J. Collier Community Center News Do You Have Concerns About Falling?

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activity.

"A Matter Of Balance, " a program sponsored By Erie County, is designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. The classes are being held at the Collier Center, 118 E. Utica Street on the following Fridays : March 25, April 8,22,29 and May 13,20, 27. Call to register at (716)882-0602 or email friendsincdccc@ gmail.com

8-9-9 Duckie (box) 3-7-8 Duckie (straight) 2-4-2 Quick$, Duckie (box) 1-6-2 Duckie (box) 1-3-2 ZR, March Vibes, Taurus, Leo, Duckie(box) EVENING 6-0-8 ZR, #Book (box) 5-7-1 ZR, Leo (box) 1-0-5 Libra (box) 6-9-8 ZR (box)

CASH$$-356

190-093-142-534-

quick money 857-521-406-9961 189-809-444 THE NUMBER BOOK 886-980-422 708-469-801-066 It's Coming!

322-522-355 781-980-194-580 800-592-390 805-075-467-890 394-833-924 579-944-357-909 127-909-418 680-434-680-073 743-133-202- 335 -2015-4444927-313-466 678-456-708-286 1871-0978 124-550-098 230-110-781-009 511-005-201 920-536-580-697

1027

584 - 049-012 360-211-842

075-356-579-498

GAMMA’S MARCH PICS 302-176-743-435-165-270 BEST TRIPLE 666

134-431--143-

648*123*104

980-422-809-981989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102581-752-319-408-378352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524

GRANDMA'S MARCH - DOUBLES

662-788-919-322 Madam Ozlla's Predictions 140-143-133-392-320-965-843 5037-2156-3034-1342

19

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THURS. MARCH 24

“A Salute To Women” Lunchime Movie Series at the Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson 12 noon.

“Hidden Figures”

TO BE FEATURED IN OUR 'VETERANS PROFILE" SEND YOUR PHOTO, BRANCH OF SERVICE, TIME SERVED, RANK ETC. TO: editorial@thechallengernews.com or mail to : The Challenger News Veterans Profile PO Box 474, Bflo 14209

SUN, MARCH 27

Book Release Small Keys Open Big Doors

Curtis Paige will release his debut motivational book Small Keys Open Big Doors book signing event on 7 from 6-8p.m. at 3035 Genesee Street.

Info at booksbycurtis.com

MON. MARCH 28

Prisoners Are people Too Monthly Meeting: Monday, March 28 at the CAO Masten Resource Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue at Glenwood 7 to 9 p.m. Your mask is required!

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dance Fitness at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main St. Buffalo. 12p.m. - 1p.m. FREE for ages 55+ HustleforHealth. com to RSVP or 716 8321010 x 211

WED. MARCH 30 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing at Gloria Parks Center 3242 Main 11a.m.- 12p.m. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832-1010 x 211 to RSVP or HustleforHealth.com

FRI. APRIL 4 FISH FRY FRIDAY @ DOROTHY J COLLIER CENTER -EVERY FIRST FRIDAY! 118 East Utica Price: $12.00

Book Club

For more information about the Center’s In-Person and Zoom Book Club every Wednesday from 12 noon -1 p.m.

The book being read is “Between The World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. For more information or to register call (716)882-0602 or email dorothyJcolliercenter@gmail.com

Celebrating “HERSTORY”

In Honor & Appreciation of Women Everywhere During Women’s History Month!

1413 FILLMORE AVE.

�

Qua 1ty Daycare Center 1495JeffersonAve.

Safe, Clean, Organized Responsive & Educational

886-1495

Erie County Contracted Year Round Progrl!ms

nannysnook.org • Infant, Toddler, Preschool & School Age Child Care Provided • NYS Licensed • 20 Years of Quality Child Care Service!

EXPANSION WILL BE COMPLETED IN SPRING OF 2022!

COVERAGE FOR THE THINGS YOU CARE FOR n Coverage you can customize to meet your needs n Vacant/Occupied Properties n Renters Insurance n Surety Bonds

Toni DuBois

Your Local Independent Agent 1439 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14209 ToniDuboisagency@gmail.com

We Are Here for You!

TONI DUBOIS A G E N C Y

Call 716-931-5200 today!

For Home, Auto, Life and Business.

Call about our Certified Defensive Driving Classes!

African Consciousness Workshop

Every Monday 4-6 p.m., Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave. “Where we learn About Our Glorious Past & Present African Family.” (716)400-8644 Bro. Shango or kmtflix@gmail.com

20

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 24, 2022

HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH TO OUR HISTORY-MAKERS! AT BUFFALO COLLEGIATE, WE TEACH OUR STUDENTS THE POWER OF WOMEN BY RECRUITING POWERFUL WOMEN. JOIN THE PRIDE AT BUFFALOCOLLEGIATE.ORG/CAREERS.

Seats still ope n in 4th!

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES 4–9 AT BUFFALOCOLLEGIATE.ORG.