Challenger Community News March 7, 2018

V O I C E S : R E T U R N P R I N C I P A L B A R T O N T O M C K I N L E Y H I G H ! Page 11

March 7, 2018 | FREE | ROCHESTER

Lyman-Torres is New Youth Services Commissioner Page 2

POLITICS

Will The Democratic Party Do the Right Thing and Endorse Judge McLeod?

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Lum Smith

Zandra

Amazing Teen CEO! Radical Women’s Night Out Celebrate The Arts! Page 9

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What Happened to the Missing CDC Scientist? Page 4

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

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Mayor Warren Names Daniele Lyman-Torres Iglesia Leads McQuaid to Victory!

Recreation, Youth Services Commissioner Basketball wiz Anthony Igle-

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ayor Lovely A. Warren has named Daniele Lyman-Torres, President of the Arc of Yates and an experienced executive in the Rochester area’s human service sector, as the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation and Youth Services.

“I’m excited to join Mayor Warren’s administration and begin the important work of helping the citizens of Rochester improve their lives through recreation, education and nutrition while having fun in the process,” said Ms. Lyman-Torres. “Helping people has been the driving motivation of my entire professional career, which makes the opportunity to work with the outstanding men and women of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services my dream job.”

Ms. Lyman-Torres’ brings more than 18 years of experience in the nonDaniele Lyman-Torres profit sector to the post.

Ms. Lyman-Torres has an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Monroe Community College; a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is pursuing her doctorate in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College.

The Department of Recreation and youth Services administers a suite of programs, social activities and support services with the goal of helping the citizens of Rochester reach their full potential through recreation, education, creative arts and employment readiness. The Department places a special emphasis on supporting youth in their formative years and manages the City’s R-Centers and Community Centers. DRYS also manages the City of Rochester Public Market.

Ms. Lyman-Torres lives in northeast Rochester with her husband Eric and their six children.

"Doology--Dress African in Honor of Sister Siti" On March 10 between 6-8 PM at 219 Hamilton Street, meet Minister Lawrance Lee Evans Sr. as he salutes the late Sister Siti Akanke (Mary Bailey). Come wear your African attire and bring a book about or by a Black woman. Meet a person who promotes academic excellence, spiritual (religious) tolerance and self-empowerment. Doology (as personified by Minister Evans' late grandmother, the late Madam MarSister Siti Akanke tha McMiller Jordan) as a solution to our many problems. Minister Evans is not only known for our African Mothers Day, but also for our Charles Riley Tutorial Program and Ministry School of Doology. Come converse with Minister Lawrance Lee Evans Sand find out why he is honoring Sister Siti Akanke. Wear your African attire. However, if there are reasons you cannot wear African attire, you are still welcome!

Annual Black Heritage Gala The Annual Black Heritage Gala will be held from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center Saturday, March 10. The event is being sponsored by the City of Rochester Black Heritage Committee. Tickets are $60 and may be purchased at City Hall, 30 Church Street Room 100 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information call 585-4289857 or go to Facebook: Black Heritage Rochester.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

sia led his team in points with 18 as McQuaid won a Section V. Championship on Saturday night 70-54 over University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men. Readers might remember Iglesia being a guest on Ellen DeGreneres talk show as a youngster demonstrating his basketball skills. He impressed viewers by dribbling a basketball in each hand along with putting them in between his legs and spinning basketballs on his index fingers to just name a few of the tricks he did on the show. That kid has grown up to be a sensational 5”7” 130 pound point guard for McQuaid. He had plenty of help in the win by tough defensive play from Josh Purcell, Kobe Long and Connor Zamiana. They are fun to watch and at times can be a run and gun or slow it down and play a half court game. It’s because Anthony Iglesia is their floor general controlling offense and makes adjustments on the court. Iglesia is worth the price of admission to George see him play. McQuaid plays Niagara Falls in RADNEY next round of playoffs at Buffalo State College on Saturday night. Hope you are able to see this basketball phenomenon in person, because he is worth the price of admission. Congratulations to his parents Gerald and Karen Iglesia for raising a very polite and level headed young man.

Baobab to Host Black Owned Business Marketplace The Boabab is hosting a black owned business marketplace on Saturday, March 10th, at 2:30p until 630p (suggested donation $3; there is presently a FB event active on this topic). The vendor fee is $35 for each vendor. The price is the same whether it is a food vendor, material merchant or a information vendor.

The plan is to make this a regular thing. Perhaps once a month at the Baobab. Rochester has great potential to see these types of things happen regularly, we simply must work HARD to bring these great ideas we have to LIFE. If you know of a vendor that sells awesome things and would be open minded to an event of this kind, don't hesitate to spread the word.

WORD. Email www.craigcarsonlaw.com

Phone: 585-880-1875 Fax: 585-612-7749

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

AREA BRIEFS

HOME Receives $900,000 Grant Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), Western New York's principal fair housing organization, was selected to receive a competitive federal grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fair Housing Initiatives Program.

The $900,000 grant, which will be dispersed over the next three years, will enable HOME to expand its enforcement of federal, state, and local fair housing laws to combat housing discriminaM. DeAnna Eason, HOME tion and patterns of entrenched Executive Director segregation that harm all Western New Yorkers. "HOME is grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve Western New York in this capacity. No one should be denied housing because of their membership in a protected class. This funding will allow HOME to continue to educate the community on its rights and responsibilities under the law and to promote fair housing for all people," said M. DeAnna Eason, HOME's Executive Director.

Rally In Support of McKinley High Principal Set A rally in support of McKinley High School Principal Crystal Barton will be held today (Wednesday, March 7) on the steps of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. Prior to the Board of Education meeting according to organizers. See "Voices" page 11.

Principal Barton

April 9 is Deadline to Apply for Firefighter Exam The deadline for submitting applications for the Buffalo firefighters exam is April 9. The exam, which is offered only every four years, will take place on May 1. The base pay for Buffalo firefighters starts at $35,000 a year and can range up to $68,461.

Qualifications include: must be 19 years old as of May 1; be a U.S. citizen; be a full-time Buffalo resident at least 90 days before April 9 and continue residency until appointment; and have a high school diploma or GED. There is a fee of $25 to take the exam. For more information and application contact the Human Resources Department, all city firehouses and community centers and online at www.city-buffalo.com

35th Gathering of ASCAC The 35th annual gathering of ASCAC-Ancient Kemetic (Egyptian) Studies will be held March 15-18 at Community College of Philadelphia, PA in the Winnet Student life Building. The theme is “Intellectual Warfare Against The Assault on African Humanity: African Answers for a New Reality.” For more information contact Bro Modell Gault of Buffalo, president of the ASAC Eastern Region. He may be reached at ASCACEASTERN@GMAIL. COM or (716) 896-1430.

Will The Democratic Party Do the Right Thing and Endorse Judge McLeod?

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here is a rumor going around that Judge James A.W. McLeod is not running for re-election.

At a Stakeholders meeting recently at the Delavan Grider Center a councilmember stood up at the end of the session and reminded citizens of the candidates who were running for City Court Judge in September– but the name of Judge McLeod – who happened to be at that meeting –was not included.

When that official was corrected, he apologized to Judge McLeod and said he was not aware of Mr. McLeod’s candidacy.

Others have falsely stated that the Judge is retiring.

So the “politricks” have clearly begun.

That is why it is so important that the community know the truth early in the game.

JUDGE JAMES A.W. MCLEOD IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION TO CITY COURT IN SEPTEMBER. AND HE’S RUNNING TO WIN! A key question today, is whether or not he will receive the same endorsement and support from the Democratic Party given every judge in his position, before him.

-Two Seats, Three CandidatesThere will be two seats for City Court on the ballot this year; Judge McLeod’s seat, which he is seeking to retain; and the seat vacated

by Judge Joseph Fiorella. The three persons running for those seats include Judge McLeod; Lenora Foote Beavers, an African American attorney; and Shannon Heneghan, a White attorney who was appointed by Mayor Brown to fill the seat left vacant by Judge Fiorella. She has served since January of this year. Some residents have already taken issue with Mr. Brown’s appointment because of her affiliation with Carl Paladino, who is known for his racially insensitive Judge McLeod exploits and derogatory remarks towards Black women..

-Served With DistinctionJudge McLeod has served with distinction and honor in Buffalo City Court since 1999.

Upon joining the City Court Bench, his advocacy with the Administrative Judge for the 8th Judicial District resulted in the appointments of Sharon Thomas, the first Chief Court Clerk; Clarence Charity, the first Deputy Chief Court Clerk; and Ana Le Grange, the first 2nd Deputy Chief Court – all African Americans who made Western New York History and were the first clerks outside of the New York City area who were Black.

Judge McLeod, who holds a J.D. Degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Law, created the first “young adult” court in Western New York dedicated to handling criminal cases for 16, 17 and 18-year-olds.

“I created this court in an effort to reduce their re-engagement in the criminal justice system and to hopefully get them through the system without getting a criminal record,” he said.

Based upon his experience, he became by appointment, the first African American male to be designated and serve as acting County Court Judge. In the history of the New York State Courts he is the only Black male to serve in this position.

He has handled over 30,000 civil and criminal matters in his career.

Judge McLeod’s community involvement is extensive and he has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Admitted to all New York State Courts, he served as former Confidential Law Clerk for State Supreme Court Justice Hon. Samuel L. Green, first African-American judge outside of New York City to be elected to a state judgeship.

“I’m seeking re-election as the most qualified candidate,” he said.

The Democratic party is expected to announce its endorsement very soon.

Services Held for Tonya Kita Harvey, Buffalo’s First Homicide Victim, Nation’s Fourth Transgender Person to be Murdered Services were recently held for Tonya Kita Harvey, 35.

Tonya, who was shot to death on Shepheard Street on February 6, was initially identified as a “man” by authorities. It was later revealed that the victim, who was transgender, was not only the city’s first homicide, but the nation’s fourth transgender homicide so far this year.

The Public reported that a local grassroots advocacy group, "Queers for Racial Justice,” held a press conference on the steps of City Hall where they called out the Buffalo Police and the Buffalo media for their ‘transphobic” way of reporting and recording of the event. Harvey’s mother, Arnester Harvey, was among those present. Friends and family also gathered there to honor the life of Tonya and to Tonya bring awareness to the violence against transgender people. Authorities say they are still investigating.

-ObituaryMark E. Harvey, affectionately. Known as Boo, was born on January 28, 1983 in Buffalo, N.Y. to the late Mark A. Vanoy and Arnester Vanoy. While attending high school and workContinued Page 13

"Dahomey Amazons"

Many are convinced the film's Dora Milaje warriors are based on a real life all-woman army in Africa, known as the Ahosi of Dahomey, or the "Dahomey Amazons."

Following is a list of a list of some of the most impressive female warriors from African History.

1) Kandake Amanirenas Kandake Amanirenas was the queen of the Meroitic Kingdom of Kush. She is best known for her role in leading the Kushite armies against the Romans in a war that lasted over five years. Eventually Amanirenas was able to strike a peace treaty with the Romans on extremely favorable terms.

2) Nandi (Mother of Shaka) Nandi is best known as the mother of Shaka Zulu however, history tells us that she was a great warrior in her own right. Nandi actually trained Shaka in the art of war and combat and was known to battle slave traders and bandits herself.

3) Seh-Dong-Hong-Be Seh-Dong-Hong-Be was the leader of the Dahomey Amazons during the reign of King Ghezo. She is best known for leading an army of 6,000 women against the Egba fortress of Abeokuta in 1851.

The Egba soldiers were initially taken by surprise not only did they struggle to fathom the idea of an all female military unit they were struck by the sheer skill and ferocity of Seh-Dong and her Amazons.

4) Queen Amina of Zazzau Continued Page 12

“Our history did not begin in chains. It will not end in chains.”

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NATIONAL + WORLD

What Happened to the Missing CDC Scientist?

Missing man allegedly told neighbor to delete his phone number a day before disappearance

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rising official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention left work early on February 12 feeling sick—and no one has heard from him since.

A nationwide search is still underway for Timothy Cunningham, a researcher and health expert for the agency. He was reported missing on February 14, and there is a reward of over $20,000 for anyone with information about his case.

Authorities dismiss reports as a "conspiracy theory that he may have been a "whistle blower who exposed that flu vaccines caused the flu epidemic.

Here is what we know so far: •Cunningham is a 35-year-old, Harvard University-educated epidemiologist—meaning he investigates patterns and causes of human disease and injury. He holds a master's degree and a doctor of science degree from the university's school of public health, and is a Morehouse College alumnus.

•He lives in Atlanta’s Bolton neighborhood. He's about 6 feet tall and weighs about 230 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

•Cunningham's online CDC bio lists him as a team lead of the State Chronic Disease Epidemiology Assignee Program in the agency's Division of Population Health. He's been working at the CDC's Chamblee campus in Atlanta.

•Cunningham has conducted research on health differences related to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender and geography. He's been deployed for numerous public-health emergencies, such as Superstorm Sandy, Ebola and Zika.

•The agency described him in a statement as "a highly respected member of our CDC family."

•Cunningham in July was also promoted to commander in the United States Public Health Service, family members told The New York Times.

•Cunningham’s friends and family describe him as "opinionated, positive and happy — and they noted his reliability," NBC News reported.

•Cunningham's sister, Tiara, told The Times her brother sounded "not like himself" the day he left work early. His father also recalled "some exchanges via phone as well as text that alerted me to be concerned about our son," NBC News reported.

•Tiara last spoke to Cunningham at about 7 a.m. that day.

They were close and spoke to each other on a near daily basis, according to reports. They'd ended that morning's conversa-

tion with, “Love you. I’ll talk to you later,” she told The Times.

•After Cunningham didn't respond to texts or calls, his parents asked extended family members to check on his home.

Those members observed that it seemed empty—the house and the garage were locked, and there were two open windows.

•Cunningham's parents, concerned, drove overnight from their Maryland home to Atlanta and arrived on February 14.

They entered using a spare key and found his phone and wallet, various forms of identification—including driver’s license and passport—as well as his SUV in the garage. His dog, Mr. Bojangles, was there unattended, which his family said would never happen.

•"My first mind is that something has happened especially considering the length of time he's been gone. Not having his phone, leaving his dog Bo alone, he just wouldn't voluntarily check out like that," his brother, Anterio Cunningham, told Fox5.

•“I feel like I’m in a horrible Black Mirror episode,” Tiara told The Times, alluding to a TV series that's drawn comparisons to the Twilight Zone.

•Cunningham was officially reported missing on February 14, according to a social media post from the city's police depart-

Timothy Cunningham

ment.

Police are continuing to search for Cunningham and have enlisted the help of friends, family and the Morehouse alumni network, which has utilized social media to spread the word nationwide.

“Let Them Eat HUD Secretary Ben Carson’s $31,000 Dining Room Set…” The New York Times reports that Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officials spent $31,000 on a new dining room set for Secretary Ben Carson's office in late 2017 just as the White House circulated its plans to slash HUD’s programs for the homeless, elderly and poor…

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Zandra Azariah! Buffalo’s Amazing Young CEO Featured on Good Morning America

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ounding like a typical teenager, 17-year old Zandra Azariah Cunningham described her experience on national TVs Good Morning America last week as “absolutely crazy!...The experience was surreal!”

But the teen entrepreneur, Girl’s education advocate and CEO is anything but “typical.”

Zandra launched exclusive deals and skin care must-haves on Good Morning America on February 28th. She and host Tory Johnson showcased Zandra’s award-winning all-American brand of natural skin care for teens and offered viewers of the nation’s favorite morning show exclusive Deals & Steals.

The response she said, was

great, with most of her sales coming from her home base and from the upstate region.

Fresh scented, plant-based and boldly packaged, Zandra Beauty offers 40 nutrient-rich natural skincare products for teen-sensitive skin. These products are an effective alternative to commercial products with yucky unhealthy ingredients, which is a key factor in the production process and the company’s mission to further the empowerment of girls through inspiration and education.

Each handcrafted product has words of inspiration colorfully printed on the packaging.

Products include: Hair & Body Soufflè - a moisturizing, nourishing and repairing formula made with skin-loving whipped oils; Sugar Scrubs - designed to exfoliate body and lips for a natural glow; Artisan Soap bars - especially handcrafted in small batches from a blend of Zandra's favorite botanicals and fair trade Shea butter, and a gorgeous range of Lip & Body Balms. Each collection is avail-

able in refreshing scents from Mint and Kumquat to Lavender and Lemongrass. All products are free of chemicals.

An inspiring teen CEO with an ambition to be an industry game-changer, Cunningham says, “At age nine, I began my passion for making my own skin care products as a result of my dad's refusal to buy my beloved lip balm!”

Fast forward 8 years, Cunningham operates her awardwinning skincare line from a lab in Buffalo, NY where she distributes to various retail stores globally, including partnerships with WholeFoods and Paper Source in the USA. Her company is projected to have a potential income this year of one million dollars!

And as CEO, she has built the award-winning Zandra company into a national beauty brand earning recognition The business, she says, is a family affair and acknowledges her mom, Tamara Lewis Cunningham; her dad, James Cunningham; her beloved “nana” Zandra Lewis and her youngest

Zandra Azairah Cunningham: CEO

brother, Josiah Cunningham.

She has two older brothers, in college, and an older sister, whose husband plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, resides in Cincinnati.

Zandra, a senior at the Buffalo Academy of Scholars, says she’s looking forward to college next year. Brown University she said, “the most diverse of the Ivy League schools," is her first choice.

Cunningham leads a number of philanthropy Zandra initia-

tives which focus on girl empowerment inspiration and education through the Zandra TLC Foundation.

No stranger to national exposure, in addition to her recent Good Moring America appearance, Zandra has been featured on Inc., Black Enterprise, USA Today, NPR, ABC Nightline, NBC Today Show, Nickelodeon, Harry Show, Steve Harvey Funderdome, Seventeen Magazine, and Girls Life Magazine.

Congratulations Zandra!

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FAITH & FAMILY

Nazareth Missionary Baptist o Honor Pastor Gentre L. and First Lady KittieGarmon on 30th Pastoral Anniversary The Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church will be honoring its pastor, Dr. Gentre L. Garmon and his wife, Mrs. Kittie J. Garmon on March 11 at 4:00 P.M. at the church which is located at 475 Berkshire Avenue at Suffolk. This Anniversary Service will mark Pastor Garmon's thirtieth year as pastor of the Nazareth Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Dennis Lee, Jr., the pastor of the Hopewell Baptist Church and President of the Baptist Ministers' Conference of Buffalo and Vicinity will be the speaker on this occasion and his congregation will be the afternoon guests. The community is welcome to attend and share in this worship experience.

Prayer Breakfast

The International Free Accepted Modern Masons Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star Daughters of District #4 Buffalo will host a prayer breakfast Saturday, march 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Hamlin House, 432 Franklin Street. The guest speaker will be Marquitta Whitehead of Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church. Tickets are $25.

It Takes A Village Graduation Planned It Takes A. village Action Organization will host its 13th graduation on Sunday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. immediately following the church service at Elim Christian Fellowship church, 70 Chalmers Street.

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Metropolitan All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner The Metropolitan UM Church, 657 Best Street is hosting an “All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner”. Saturday, March 10 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, eat in or take out. Delivery is provided for five or more dinners.

St. John Baptist Church to Host 91st Anniversary Prayer Breakfast

The St. John Baptist Church Prayer Breakfast Committee will host its 91st Anniversary Prayer Breakfast Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. family Life Center, 833 Michigan Avenue. For more information and tickets call the church at 852-4504. Overseer Michael Chapman, Pastor.

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club Scholarships

The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club are now accepting scholarship applications. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a college bound graduating high school senior. In addition $100 incentive awards will be presented to eighth grade students who were "most improved" attending a Buffalo Public or Charter School. The deadline for applications is April 16th, 2018. For scholarship applications and additional information contact the scholarship chair Jessie Ector at 716 896-4203 or jessieector@aol.com, Debra E. J. Thompson is President.

Macedonia Baptist Church Announces Trip to Lancaster, PA for "Jesus" Production Come join the Senior Ministry of the Macedonia Baptist Church for the first time stage production of “Jesus” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Departing Thursday April , 5th and re-turning Friday April 6th for more information contact the church at 886-3489

FAITH & FAMILY

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

MARCH IS NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

Kidney Foundation of WNY Plans Screening at Mt. Olive Baptist Church

The Kidney Foundation of Western New York will sponsor a Free Kidney Screening which includes blood pressure and BMI measurement and urine and blood glucose testing. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delevan Ave., Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To register, please contact Barbara Breckenridge at 716-512-7918 orbbreckenridge@kfwny.org.

-African Americans and Kidney Disease-

Due to high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and.heart disease, African Americans have an increased risk of developing kidney failure. African Americans need to be aware of these risk factors and visit their doctor regularly to check their blood sugar, blood pressure, urine protein and kidney function.

The facts: •African Americans suffer from kidney failure at a significantly higher rate than Caucasians – more than 3 times higher.

•African Americans constitute more than 35% of all patients in the US. receiving dialysis for kidney failure.

•Diabetes is the leading cause of. Kidney failure in African Americans being twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians.

•The most common type of diabetes in African Americans is type 2 diabetes.

•High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans, and remains the leading cause of death due to its link with heart attacks and strokes.

(Source: Balm In Gilead/Healthy Churches 2020. Visit www. healthychurches2020.org)

eat to live

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Best Foods and Drinks For Your Kidneys For those with Kidney disease, these foods and drinks below are just a handful of some to focus on, but are some of the best and most recommended.

They’re also great choices for those that are looking to take care of their kidneys without causing too much water loss within the body.

•Water Remember that water is the absolute best “cleanser” of all you can be consuming, no detox needed!

•100 Percent Cranberry Juice (preferably organic and only fruit and water-based) •Red Bell Peppers •Apples are another lower potassium fruit that also aid as a natural cleanser for the body.

•Mushrooms •Grapefruits •Oatmeal •Kale is What to Avoid High protein diets should be avoided, especially if they’re sourced from animal-based foods. It’s also advised to reduce your intake of foods rich in phosphorus if you have kidney disease. Animal foods contribute to inflammation while high phosphorus containing foods can cause kidney stones.

The American Kidney Fund advises a moderate amount of protein (40-50 grams) be consumed for those with kidney

disease, and one or two vegetables and fruits at each meal for overall kidney function and balance. Meat, dairy, eggs, and alcohol are some of the biggest foods to avoid.

(Source: One Green Planet)

Vascular Health Screening Saturday, March 17, 2018 8 am - 2 pm

Sisters of Charity Hospital 2157 Main Street, 5th Floor, Ambulatory Surgery Buffalo, NY 14214

Your vascular appointment includes the following health screenings*: • • • • • • •

Carotid Artery Disease Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Blood Pressure Screening Cholesterol Screenings Body Mass Index Pulse Oximetry

Screenings are FREE — registration is required.

To register, call (716) 447-6205 *Screenings are open to men and women over 50, who smoke or have one or more of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart/leg ailments, family history of heart disease, or prior stroke. Services are subject to availability.

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Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

ON STAGE DON'T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE, the smash musical, written by Micki Grant and directed by Carlos R.A. jones, is now on stage at the Robeson Theatre inside the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue . The show runs now thru March 25 (with performances already sold out March 11 and 23)! Get your tickets today! For more Information 884-2013. (Pictured left talented cast member Dee Paris) Photo by Jerome Shadwick

Dee Paris: She can't cope...!

"Dear Nina: A Sonic Love Letter" will be performed by Drea D'Nur and Rootstock Republic.

Drea D’Nur and Roots Republic Perform Dear Nina: A Sonic Love Letter March 8

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n March 8 at 7p.m. Buffalo’s incomparable emerging vocalist / pianist Drea D’Nur will be accompanied by the renowned string production, Rootstock Republic’s six-piece string ensemble to perform Dear Nina: A Sonic Love Letter at the Albright Knox Art Gallery auditorium. Dear Nina is a unique intimate and newly orchestrated songbook of iconic artist Nina Simone’s love songs, blues and protest music.

The performance is a creative spin off of Drea’s original stage show The Spirit of Nina (performed at Kleinhan’s Music Hall in 2017) where there will also be a number of new songs performed. It’s Drea’s first solo center stage performance with a string ensemble.

“I feel honored to be working with Rootstock Republic .They are a remarkable group of talented classically trained musicians who are aligned with Nina Simone’s level of excellence, dedication to music and just as inspired and influenced by her work as I am,” says Drea . Rootstock Republic, the string production company accompanying D’Nur. Is solely comprised of string players of color that focuses on changing the landscape of what it means to be a string player in the creative community on a global spectrum.

Rootstock, founded by another Buffalo native, Juliette Jones , who is also the principal violinist, said in a recent Spectrum News interview “We are so excited to premier the work in Buffalo at the Albright Knox.

The performance was curated to be an intimate experience so the audience should feel at home in the room with us ,” Jones continued. “Expect the same pow-

erful storytelling, but through the untapped lens of string-only orchestration that dynamically supports Drea’s uniquely ‘timbered, delicately nuanced and bold evocative voice.”

This anticipated performance will be a night to remember and a first of its kind for Albright Knox auditorium located 1285 Elmwood Ave. Tickets are priced at $50 general admission, $45 for Members , $25 for students and can be purchased online at albrightknox. org or by phone 716 270-8292.

Limited seat sare available and it’s advised to get your tickets before the show. Go to albrightknox.org events page for more details. Keep up with Drea at officialdreadnur.com and Roots Republic on rootsrepublic.com See You at the Show! -L.H.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

•Comedian Bill Bellamy at the Helium Comedy Club March16,17,18 Also coming up at the. Helium: •Lil Duval, April 13 – April 15 •LaVelle Crawford – May 10May 13 •Arnez J. May 24-May 27 30 Mississippi St.: 853-1211

ERIC MARTIN UNPLUGGED"

Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene will be the special guest when Grand Slam Promotions presents “Eric Martin Unplugged: The Retirement Party," Friday, March 30 at the Adams Mark Hotel 120 Church St. From 6 p.m. – 12 midnight. Donation is $45. For ticket information call 3083328. Tickets also available at Hair To Go Natural, 227 Main St. 883-2000 or Hair It Is Salon, 580 Elmwood call 4646807. Age 25 & older, causal attire . (Eric martin pictured above.)

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Don't Miss The Radical Women’s Night Out March 15!

Drea D'Nur and the Women’s Resistance Revival Chours

Celebrate Buffalo’s Artistic Diversity!

Celebrate Buffalo’s artistic diversity at the new locals open house, Burchfield Penney Art Center’s M&T Second Friday, March 9 from 5-7:30 p.m. Featured at the Burchfield Penney on the Campus of Buffalo State College , 1300 Elmwood Avenue: an art exhibit featuring Buffalo’s own immigrant and refugee artists; live music; workshops,; film screening; gallery tours; food, drink; and peformances by Buffalo String Works and the Women’s Resistance Revival Chorus. This event is free and open to the community.

The first of two Radical Women’s Night Out events in celebration of the current landmark exhibition on display at the Albright Knox, "We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women 1965-85" will take place on Thursday March 15 from 6-8p.m. at Albright Knox Gallery, 1285 Elmwood.

Come and Explore the timely themes of this exhibition more deeply through a spirited conversation about the powerful role art can play in creating change with artist Julia Bottoms, writer and disability activist Keah Brown and artist/educator Chanel Thervil.

The Conversation will be moderated by Albright-Knox Chief Curator Dr. Cathleen Chaffee. Event and museum admission are free.

Pre-registration is required; RSVP online at albrightknox.org / call 716 270-8292 or stop in and visit the Albright-Knox admission desk. See You There!

The Radical Woman’s Night Out Committee is encouraging people to come out to the Radical Women’s Night Out and to see the landmark exhibition as well. Pictured: Michele Agosto, Divitta Alexander, Tamara Alsace, LaVonne Ansari, Felicia Beard, Michelle Brown, Donna Brown, Sheila Brown, Valeria Cray, Karen Stanley Fleming, Karla Gadley, Alice Jacobs, Glendora Johnson-Cooper, Eunice Lewin, Brandye Merriweather, Daun Nicholas, Jennifer Parker, Rhonda Ricks, Trini Ross, Sundra Ryce, Rose Sconiers, Sonja Sirén, Toni Vazquez, Sandy White. Photo by MK Photo

There will be free transportation available from the DelavanGrider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave; the Broadway market, 999 Broadway; the Hope Refugee Drop-In Center, 248 West Ferry St. and the Buffalo State Community Academy Center, 214 Grant Street. Feel free to wear traditional cultural clothing!

Conversationalists: Pictured left are the featured Conversationalists for the Radical women's Night Out event (from left) Artist Julia Bottoms, (photo Tom Loonan); writer/activists Keah Brown; and artist/educator Chanel Thervil (photo Reid Beels).

March 8, 2018 7 pm Dear Nina: A Sonic Love Letter to Nina Simone with Drea d’Nur & Strings by Rootstock Republic $50 / $45 for Albright-Knox Members | www.albrightknox.org/dearnina

Support for this performance has been provided by HSBC Bank USA., N.A.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Diamond Girls Rock

Diamond Girls Rock is a mentoring program for girls between the ages of 10 - 18.

Orientation will be held on Tuesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. .at the East Delavan Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave.. For more information please visit our Face Book Page: www.facebook. com/diamondgirlsrock or email us @ Diamondsintheroughbflo@gmail.com

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

NEW EXHIBIT: Contrasts and Contradictions: A SideBy-Side Exhibition” opened at. El Museo Gallery, 91 Allen Street last weekend and is on exhibit thru March 24. The annual exhibit features work

by Buffalo Public Schools art teachers and their students and children. Gallery hours are Wednesdays thru Saturdays noon to 6 p.m. and by appointment. Elmuseobuffalo. org or (716)464-4692.

2018 CARTER G. WOODSON. ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS Pictured above are the 2018 Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Winners. 1st Row (l-r) Santana Simpson, Jaevon Coleman; 2nd Row (l-r) Joelle Rollerson, Maya Simmons, Jakye Amos, Jayla Keaton, Taylor Ross, Autumn Giordano. Not pictured, Da’Marion Miller. Congratulations to these outstanding youth! Photo by Melvin Watkins

2018 Winners 41st Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest Announced The winners of the 41st Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest received certificates and cash prizes at the Awards Program held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue. This year, students were asked to submit an original poem, verse or rap written about one or more persons featured on Buffalo’s Freedom Wall. The Theme: A Salute To Buffalo’s Freedom Wall. Winning poems will also be printed in Historically Speaking, the newsletter of the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier.

Grades 4-6 First Place – Jayla Keaton, Grade 6, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Second Place – Jaevon Coleman, Grade 4, Heritage Heights Elementary Third Place – Santana Simpson, Grade 5, School #74 – Claude & Ouida Clapp Academy Grades 7-9 First Place – Joelle Rollerson, Grade 9, Health Science Charter School Second Place – Jakye O. Amos, Grade 8, City Honors School Third Place – Autumn Giordano, Grade 8, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts Grades 10-12 First Place – Da’Marion Miller, Grade 11, Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School Second Place – Maya Simmons, Grade 12, Buffalo Seminary Third Place – Taylor Ross, Grade 12, Amherst Central High School Sponsors Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, Zawadi Books, Buffalo Public Schools. Program Committee: Sharon Holley, Chairperson; Dr. Sharon Amos, Sandra Williams Bush, Madeline Scott. Mr. W. Charles Brandy, President of the Association.

Malcolm’s Buffalo -Mosque#23 Connection The source of last week’s Feb. 28th edition story on Malcom X and the Buffalo Mosque#23 connection was mistakenly left out. The original article, an interview with Student Minister Dahveed Muhammad announcing “A Tribute to Pioneers Day” which was held Feb. 19 in Buffalo, appeared the February 16, 2011 edition of The Challenger and was written by Alnisa Banks. For more information about the Mosque contact Student Minister Dahveed Muhammad at 716-335-2292. Services are held every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1423 Fillmore Avenue and are open to the public.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Return Principal Barton to McKinley!

(Rally Set For Wednesday March 7 At 4;30 p.m. On The Steps Of City Hall in support Of Principal Barton. Community Urged To Attend.)

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL?

T

he Community Hour on Power 96.5 FM recently hosted guests seasoned educator Principal Crystal Barton and her attorney Mr. Robert Boreanaz. They addressed the issues surrounding Principal Barton’s being placed on administrative leave by the Buffalo School District in May of 2017.

Selected Readings From Kenneth and Sharon Holley In 2003 Dorothy L. Ferebee published How to Create Your Own African American Library: A Selection of Books That Belong in Every Home From Classic Novels To Children’s Stories To History and Biography, There were many listings in her book that stand the test of time and can still be acquired today. However, there are many that are no longer in print. This is often the case with African and African American titles. The time has now passed when Lerone Bennett’s Before the Mayflower and John Hope Franklin’s From Slavery to Freedom is on everyone’s required reading list, Although, they are still important books the list has been expanded.

We recommend the following books to start reading or collecting: •100 Amazing Facts About the Negro by J.A. Rogers. Also a new updated and expanded edition has just been published by Henry Louis Gates •Africa: Mother of Western Civilization by Yosef ben-Jochannan •African Origin of Civilization

by Cheikh Anta Diop •Autobiography of Malcolm X •Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams •Introduction to Black Studies

by Maulana Karenga •Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson •The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander •Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization by Anthony Browder •Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi •Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy Was the Offspring of the Egyptian Mystery System by George G.M. James

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.”

- John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal.

1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper

Principal Barton was alleged to have made an announcement indicating that same sex couples could not attend McKinley’s Senior Prom and was put on leave. Just to clarify for your readers, Principal Barton is on paid administrative leave and an acting principal is also being paid which adds up to two salaries for the same job in a financially struggling school district. The charges were dismissed but Principal Barton still remains on leave.

The purpose of this letter is to bring to light what is really going on at McKinley High School in the absence of their formidable leader, Principal Barton and to urge the Board of Educatoin to return her to her position.

The Superintendent wants to make it appear as if things are going quite well at McKinley in Principal Barton’s absence. This is absolutely not the case as evidenced in the “Vote of No Confidence” against the current Acting Principal at McKinley High School, Marck Abraham. This vote was issued by the Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) on behalf of the teachers at McKinley High School. There are many reasons why this vote was issued. Take a look at the data: how many staff members have left McKinley or taken a forced and/or voluntary leave of absence to avoid the current mess at McKinley? To make matters worse, teachers were directed by acting principal Abraham to reduce discipline referrals by 25% so I guess teachers are supposed to ignore most of the District Code of Conduct violations by students just as he does. Anyone with common sense would know that you must treat all students the same, consistency is one of the keys to having a well run school.

Soon after the BTF made public the fact that 75% or more of the teachers at McKinley called for a “Vote of No Confidence” in the current acting principal, the District decides to broadcast that Principal Barton allegedly misused $22,000 over a ten-year period. Every one that works for Buffalo Public Schools knows that all spending must be approved AND each year all school accounts are audited so how would it be possible for Principal Barton to misuse any funds?? Barton, her attorney said, has been able to recover duplicate receipts for every purchase and has turned those over to the district. If they want to investigate something, they should take a good, hard look at McKinley’s current expenditures in the absence of Principal Barton.

The news stories indicate that things are great at McKinley and students love going to school now. Of course some of the students are happy with Principal Barton’s absence. Why wouldn’t they be when they don’t have to go to class, they hang out in various areas of the school listening to their music, eating and playing. They have food delivered or send out for it and you would think they were at a picnic the way they behave during the school day, where education has become optional. Parents, log onto Infinite Campus and check your child’s attendance for EVERY class. There are students that have missed 200- 300 classes so far this school year when they are being sent to school every day. I know you wonder how this is possible??? It is possible because cutting classes has now become an every day occurrence with some students, and not just by the upper class-

Challenger Community News P.O. BOX 474 Buffalo, NY 14209 advertising@thechallengernews.com

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men either. Students run through the hallways like they are on a track field, they are rude, disrespectful and seemingly incorrigible. But this is what happens when there is no or limited leadership in a school building. Students are playing hide and seek throughout the building, gambling in the bathrooms, getting high in the bathrooms, snap chatting, Facebooking, anything and everything except focusing on their education. When the late bell rings at the change of classes there are still hundreds of students in the hallways with no intention of attending a class. The students decide if they are going to attend any or all of their classes and education is not optional, which is one value that Principal Barton stood for and imposed on every student at McKinley!

Teachers at McKinley High School do not feel safe, they feel as if their hard work is in vain because at least a 1/3 of the students have no interest in their education. All of the distractions throughout the building are too much of a temptation for these students and they basically do what they want specifically because there are no or limited consequences.

Parent Teacher Association president Samuel Radford stated in a Buffalo News article that the School District is improving because graduation rates are up, suspensions are down, but are they really?? We would agree that suspensions are down but this is often to the detriment of entire school buildings, not just McKinley. When students misbehave they are “counseled” and/or verbally reprimanded. Does this change the behavior??

Absolutely not. All it does is create environments much like the one at McKinley where students freely roam the building instead of going to classes, they are disruptive and disrespectful and this does not create a favorable learning environment.

Some of us have heard students tell adults in the building to “Suck my d….”, “Get the f*** out of my face”, and much worse. How many readers have to endure this type of behavior on their jobs?? But the bottom line is this: As educators, it is our job to help prepare students for college and/or a career. Due to the current situation at McKinley High School, teachers are failing miserably.

This is the problem; when one area is weakened the whole structure is subject to collapse and this is what is occurring at McKinley. We implore the members of the Buffalo Board of Education to do two things: return Principal Barton to her job, and take a closer look at the District Code of Conduct and the consequences of all offenses. Some students are far beyond the control of any school system and though it is very sad, it is also true. So is it fair to let these few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch?? I think not.

Lastly, think back to your own high school career and compare it to current high school trends. We live in a completely different world now and as such, we must face the fact that even though every child deserves a quality education, a public high school with 25 to 35 students in each class may not be the best option for some of our students. When students refuse to listen to authority figures and willingly ignore the class/school rules and the District Code of Conduct, perhaps a different educational setting should be sought for those students. Under Principal Barton’s watch, these many problems would not be occurring.

Finally, it is time for the Buffalo Board of Education to do what is right and return Principal Barton to her building which would allow teachers to get back to the business of educating those students . In the absence of compelling evidence in a non life threatening situation, how can the Board, in good conscience keep people away from their jobs??

-Concerned Teachers & Students at McKinley

• Published every Wednesday • News Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

• Ad Deadline: Friday 5 p.m.

• Classified Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m.

We respectfully submit that the opinions expressed on the editorial pages of this newspaper are not necessairly those of Challenger Community News Corporation or its advertisers.

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Why We Are Petitioning for a New King Statue Dear Editor: Following is the preamble, or introductory statement prepared by the Coalition to Save Martin Luther King Park, in reference to our petition currently being circulated calling for a new statue honoring Dr. King in Buffalo’s MLK Park: Whereas we, the people of the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, residents in proximity of Buffalo's Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, suffer dismay and embarrassment by the display and existence of an altered image purporting to represent the Honorable Martin Luther King, Jr., and; Whereas, our very legitimate criticism of the distorted image on exhibit arises out of the fact that it not only fails to exhibit any of the physical features of The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., but it is so distantly remote from his actual appearance that it suggests an insulting stereotyping. Most visitors and those who pass by have no idea as to who or what the huge black head represents, and; Whereas, the American people, in Washington D.C., are able to take great pride in the statues of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and so many other American heroes with that pride arising out of the thrill of viewing a likeness that serves as an accurate depiction of their idol, and; Whereas, we the people of Buffalo and Western New York have been robbed of the opportunity to experience the exhilaration and pride that a display of Martin Luther King Jr., should engender, We Therefore, by this petition, plead for the removal of the distorted image on exhibit in Martin Luther King Park that deliberately or negligently alters the image of the Rev. Dr. King Jr. and hereby petition for its immediate removal and replacement. It never looked like Martin Luther King Jr. since the 1983 unveiling.

Samuel A. Herbert saherbertl @ verizon.net

dear editor

Advertising /News/ Information/Inquiries adver tising@thechallengernews.com

Phone: 716-881-1051 Fax: 716-881-1053

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

RISE UP RIGHT!

W

Highlights in Sports

By Andre "The Torch" Robinson

elcome to “Rise Up Right”, where we ignite the flames that you already have for sports by highlighting the latest local, national, and international sports news. This week we will spark flames by starting off with one of the most controversial topics in sports today, The NCAA

who according to moneynation. com makes about 1 billion dollars. Can you believe that is only 10% of what college athletics make at 12 billion annually. Here is the issue with this: Universities, Athletic programs and the NCAA make copious amounts of money from TV and marketing but also from ticket

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sales. The players who play for these universities receive scholarships for their talents but most of the time they are left to scratch and claw desperately to obtain the daily essentials.

The question that looms large is should the NCAA be forced to pay the athletics for the talent they bring to these colleges?

NFL The Buffalo Bills hall of fame, four time AFC championship winning quarterback Jim Kelly released a statement last Thursday that has the football world, as we know it in utter shock.

Jim Kelly has confirmed that the squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) that he beat two years ago has resurfaced. I am asking that everyone please pray for Jim Kelly and his family.

The NFL Combine: Some of the best collegiate players show off their talents at their skilled position. Players to watch at the NFL Combine are Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, and Lamar Jackson. The players that I’ve mentioned all have the potential to be in the top five of this year’s 2018 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft order is as follows 1.Cleveland, 2.NY Giants, 3.Indianapolis, 4.Cleveland from Houston, and 5.Denver. Where will these athletes go in the NFL Draft?

NBA LeBron James averages a triple double for the entire month of February. This marks the first time, James has ever done this in his illustrious fifteen years playing in the NBA. On a side note, Russell Westbrook is on the verge of averaging a triple double for two seasons in a row.

In the western conference three teams have had the best records since New Year’s Day. The first team would be the Houston Rockets who have won 14 straight games. The second would be the Golden State Warriors and finally the third team (you guessed it) is the Los Angeles Lakers who have a record of 16-7 since the New Year’s and they were without Lonzo Ball for an extended period of times. Kudos to the Lakers. Will the Lakers be able to make a big enough push to the playoffs?

Make sure you continue to keep up with the latest in sports here with Rise up Right. For more great sports talk, follow me on these social media sites: •Andre Robinson and Rise up Family on Facebook therealtorch716 and riseupfamilyseven16 on Instagram •Watch Rise Up Sports Show every Tuesday at 6pm with the #JAWU Mash Up and The Informational Podcast Show on Thursday at 7:30pm on Facebook Live & Buffalo WNY RiseUp TV on www.citylinktv. com and The Informational Podcast Show on Thursday at 7:30pm

BLACK HISTORY/WARRIOR QUEENS continued

Amina was a Hausa Warrior Queen of Zazzau (now Zaria). She was known to be a fierce warrior with an intense love for the art of combat. Despite living in a patriarchal society Amina had lofty ambitions thus, As an adult, she refused to marry in order to avoid being subservient to any man. Under her leadership, Zazzau not only became a center of trade but she also expanded the reach of her Kingdom.

5) Nzinga Mbande Queen Nzinga Mbande, was the queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms (part of modern day Angola) during the 17thcentury. She came to power as an ambassador after demonstrating extreme skill and poise in the art of negotiation. One of her most notable achievements was successfully negotiating the return of the fortress of Ambaca from the Portuguese. .During her reign Nzinga showed that in addition to her diplomatic prowess, she was also an excellent warrior and military tactician defeating the far superior Portuguese army on several occasions.

6) Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa Yaa Asantewaa was the queen mother of the Edweso tribe of the Asante (Ashanti) in what is modern Ghana. She was an exceptionally brave fighter who, in March 1900, raised and led an army of thousands against the British colonial forces in Ghana and their efforts to subjugate the Asante and seize the Golden Stool, the Asante nation’s spiritual symbol of unity and sovereignty. Ya Asantewaa mobilized the Asante troops and for three months laid siege to the British fort of Kumasi. The British colonizers had to bring in several thousand troops and artillery to break the siege, exiling Queen Yaa Asantewaa and 15 of her closest advisers to the Seychelles. She lived in exile until her death in October 1921. Yaa Asantewaa’s War, as it is presently known in Ghana, was one of the last major wars on the continent of Africa to be led by a woman.

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

TONYA

continued from page 3

ing as a stylist assistant mark was struggling with his true identify. After graduation he realized that his struggle was real and in 2001. Tonya Kita Harvey was born. Tonya set free from bondage within, was not able to pursue the dreams she always desired. Her passion for fashion took her to several highly fashion driven cities such as Atlanta and New York City where she resided for many years. Bring a respected and loved member of the transgender community, Tonya showed others how to express and live with their inner selves.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her mother Arnester Vanoy; grandmother Joyce Vanoy; three brothers, Jemiere (Santasia), Brandon Vanoy and Christopher Helton; three sisters Britney Braswell, Branna Vanoy and Sharday Helton; one niece, three nephews, and host of uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

-Deadly YearThe Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in conjunction with the Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) analyzed known data surrounding the untimely deaths of transgender people and reported that at least 25 transgender people were killed in the United States in 2017, which makes this the deadliest year in at least a decade. People of color have disproportionately been the victims of these attacks.

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS Buffalo City School District Request for Proposals Sealed requests for proposals for the following project will be accepted at the office of Plant Services & School Planning, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202 until Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

Strategic Planning Services from Design Professionals for Buffalo Public Schools.

The RFP may be requested electronically via e-mail from Paul McDonnell at pmcdonnell@buffaloschools.org. A detailed description and RFP is also available on the New York State Contract Reporter at www.nyscr.ny.gov Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

LEGAL NOTICE COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NEW YORK

County of Erie, New York

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES PLAN

April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2023 The Erie County Department of Social Services requests public comments regarding its proposed Child and Family Services Plan. A public meeting will be held March 27, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., room 805, 95 Franklin Street, where comments and/or questions will be welcomed. The Plan will also be available for public review, upon request, from March 1, 2018 through March 23, 2018, by contacting Carrie Godfrey, ECDSS, at 716-858-6086, or via email at Carrie.Godfrey@erie.gov.

-PUBLIC NOTICEI, Harley El, whose address is 816 East 48th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11203 proclaim my Free National Name as MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA according to the rules and usages of such MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA. The Moorish Science Temple of America deriving its power and authority from the Great Koran of Mohammed to propagate the faith and extend the learning and the truth of the Great Prophet of Alli in America. To anoint, appoint and consecrate missionaries of the prophet and to establish the faith of Mohammed in America.

LEGAL NOTICE

BID

REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting quotes for the Citywide Mill & Overlay project in Buffalo, NY for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE Pre-bid meeting will be held 3/7/18 at 3:30pm at MCI Offices. Documents can be obtained by contacting cganje@markcerrone.com, Phone 716-282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Quotes due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 by 3/12/18 at 2:00pm. Buffalo/Erie County Certified Minority and Woman Owned Business Enterprise participation is strongly encouraged.

LEGAL NOTICE Bid NVITATION TO BID

The NFTA is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for - BNIA Airfield Signage Replacement – Runway 5/23 and Taxiways A and DProject No.31BA1716. Proposals are due by 2:00 pm on March 28, 2018 www.nftaengineering.com

NEW BUSINESSES LLC

legal Notices

-LEGAL NOTICEThe La’Verdad Cafe/Deli LLC. Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/25/2018. Office: Erie County: SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 115 Gold Street, Buffalo, New York 14206.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Latest date upon which the LLC is dissolved.

Feb.14,21,28 March 7,14,21 -LEGAL NOTICEExtensions of Essence LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/27/17.

Off. Loc.: Erie Co. SSNY design. as agt. upon whom process may be served. Reg. agt. upon whom and at which SSNY to mail process: Extensions of Essence, LLC 48 Homer Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Feb.14,21,28 March 7,14, 21 -LEGAL NOTICEName of LLC: DTP Holding LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept of State: June 08,2017 The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served.

NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at: 7954 Transit Road,Williamsville New York 14221 Purpose of LLC: Buying, Selling, Renting and leasing real estate. No specific duration attached to LLC Feb.21,28 March 7,14,21,28

LEGAL NOTICE ST0X Fiile #51878 Plaintiff Barlow

LEGAL NOTICE BID

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Lovette Barlow a/k/a E. Barlow Lovette a/k/a Lovette Evans a/k/a Lovette E. Barlow, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 4-4-2016 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Foreclosure Alcove of the Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 on 4-10-2018 at 9:30AM, premises known as 68 Sears Street, Buffalo, NY 14212. 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 and State of New York, SECTION: 112.45, BLOCK: 2, LOT: 15. Approximate amount of judgment $50,316.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #806114/2015.

Margaret A. Murphy, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-086242-F00 51878

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid 4775 - BOND COUNSEL Download Bids from www. nfta.com

LEGAL NOTICE STOX File5 #51879, Plaintiff Stief “NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF ERIE The Bank of New York Mellon f/k/a The Bank of New York successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association as Indenture Trustee for GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-LT1, Plaintiff AGAINST Janet L. Stief, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 2-2-2018 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Foreclosure Alcove of the Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, on 4-102018 at 11:00AM, premises known as 184 Maurice Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. 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 and State of New York, SECTION: 122.36, BLOCK: 4, LOT: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $57,088.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #800131/2013. Terri L. LoTempio, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-056852-F00 51879”

LEGAL NOTICE BIDS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job #18-03-CF, LaSalle Courts Apartments The Prebid Conference will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 10:00 AM local time, with all potential bidders assembled at the Capital Improvements & Development Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204; the project walk-through may be held/scheduled after the meeting.

Sealed bids will be received until 3:00 PM, local time, Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned.

Sets of contract documents may only be obtained at the Capital Improvements Office at 320 Perry Street, with a deposit of $100 per set.

Only certified company checks, bank checks or money orders made payable to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will be accepted. This deposit is refundable upon return of complete sets of documents within 14 calendar days after the bid opening. Failure to comply with this time limit will constitute forfeiture of the deposit.

The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.

Dated: March 6, 2018

EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Provide peer support to individuals with lived mental health experiences BA or BS with experience working with mental illness. Candidates that possess lived Mental Illness experience; encouraged to apply. Bi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Resume and Cover Letter to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC FACILITATED ENROLLER

for Genesee Region. Medicaid experience preferred Resume and Cover Letter to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

I T PAY S TO A D V E RT I S E

Community Development Coordinator: manages largescale community development projects and multi-stakeholder neighborhood planning efforts; assists with grants targeted towards commercial corridor revitalization, affordable housing, civic engagement, and community capacity building. (Full-Time) $15.00/hour (benefits after 90 days) Please send a resume & cover letter to Roseann Scibilia - r.scibilia@ udcda.org and Darren Cotton d.cotton@udcda.org BENEFITS ADMINISTRATOR

Responsible to the day-to-day Operations of WNYIL’s group benefits Programs. Must possess the knowledge of all federal and state benefit regulations.

BS with 3-5 years of related experience. Resume and Cover Letter to WNYIL, Inc. 3108 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org EEOC

ROOMS

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included.

(716)818-3410.

3 & 4 Bedroom Townhomes For Rent ST. JOHN TOWNHOMES

Scattered Site Buffalo, New York 14204 •Amenities Include: Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher,Washer & Dryer and Central A/C •Income Eligibility Based on 50%-60% of the Buffalo/ Niagara HUD Income Limit •Located in the Historic Fruit Belt of Buffalo Within Walking Distance of the New Medical Corridor For More Information or Application, Please Contact St. John Townhomes Office 818 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo, 14203

Telephone: (716) 856-2101 Fax: (716) 845-6648 TDD Relay: 711

To Advertise, Email:advertising@thechallengernews.com

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /

BETC • 716-856-5627 www.workforcebuffalo.org

The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable in today’s marketplace.

Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday,10 am or 2 pm.

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

advertising@thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS

ELECTRICAL

LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

AUTO

2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

BEN’S Downtown Tire

FASHION F& S Fashions

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

FLORISTS

Colston Mobil Auto Repair

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

716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore)

(716) 896-3910

ART GALLERY Main Street Gallery Lodina Clyburn 515 Main Street Lodina@gmail.com

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

A-1 Bail Bonds 855-2514 or 854-2128

BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118 ZAWADI BOOKS 1382 Jefferson Ave. 716-903-6740

DOCTORS RAPHA FAMILY MEDICINE Frances IIozue MD 2200 Main St. (716) 200-4122

HAIR SUPPLY MAIN HAIR & BEAUTY SUPPLY 3067 Main St. (716) 862-4247

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOMEOWNER;

Free Roof Check, Lead Test, All Home Repairs, Payment Plans, Everyone Approved 380-3459

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

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892

ELDER CARE BENTON'S DOMESTIC HOUSEKEEPING (716) 717-6155 Find Us on Facebook bentondomestic@aol.com

TO ADVERTISE

881-1051

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

Challenger Hits

532-791-065-990-456-435-468-015-076-974-240-198-513-546809-507-433-354-760-919-512-891-558-001-064-247-091-547910-107-432-304-567-729-865-790-085-333-465-789-423-567543-196-745-890-965-435-679-510-764-570-152-468-392-843256-434-627-467-019-690-054-623-467-896-786-578-967-910

1-3-3 Quick Money ( box) Lucky Duckie (box) 2-9-1 Virgo (straight)

MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 890-219-345-476-578-768242-000-111-777-989-123125-436-515-600-349-675652-986-568-853-578-168

MARCH Vibes 874-254-594-890347-123-435-479897-148-326 quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550-098 511-005/201

“It’s In The Stars”

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

THE NUMBER BOOK

GAMMA’S MARCH PICKS

302-176-743-435-165-270

MARCH Best Triple - 666 MARCH Special Doubles 662-788-919-322

140 NUMBER OF THE MONTH

Keep your thoughts to a very positive level so that you can continue attracting all good things into your life,

Midday

Evening

7-5-6 ZR, Ma Ruth Speaks, February Vibes(box) 4-9-8 Number Book (straight) 4-6-0 Hot Tips (box) 9-8-8 ZR(straight) 4-1-3 Virgo, Lucky Duckie (box) 9-6-8 ZR, Ma Ruth (box) LUCKIE DUCKIE

133-202- 335 -2015-4444-1871-0978 134-431-143

648*123*104*820

980-422-809-981-989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102-581-752-319-408378-352-126-189-444-886-514- 332-522112-432-421-423

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year 2017

03/15/2017 Evening 03/15/2017 Midday 03/14/2017 Evening 03/14/2017 Midday 03/13/2017 Evening 03/13/2017 Midday 03/12/2017 Evening 03/12/2017 Midday 03/11/2017 Evening 03/11/2017 Midday 03/10/2017 Evening 03/10/2017 Midday 03/09/2017 Evening 03/09/2017 Midday 03/08/2017 Evening 03/08/2017 Midday 03/07/2017 Evening 03/07/2017 Midday

7-8-3 0-9-6 0-4-2 9-0-0 4-9-9 1-1-1 4-0-0 7-3-3 5-4-3 8-8-4 3-5-1 1-8-5 5-3-3 2-0-6 6-6-7 1-3-8 7-7-1 4-7-4

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018

Common Council News Special Finance Committee Meeting

A Special Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at 11 a.m.. in City Hall ,65 Niagara Square, in the Committee Council Conference Room 1417

Police Oversight Committee Meeting

The Common Council Committee on Police Oversight will meet on Tuesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. in the Council Chambers, 13th Floor, City Hall.

For further information on either of these meetings , please call Clayton 8. Hoyt at 851 .6699 or email choyt@city-bufflo.com.

Genealogy Society Hosts Judy Scales-Trent Talk At the March 10th meeting of the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora (BGSAD), Judy Scales-Trent will discuss her book, A Black Man’s Journey from Sharecropper to College President. It documents the life of her grandfather William Johnson Trent. Judy Scales-Trent is a retired University at Buffalo law professor. Her talk begins at 11:30 am in the William E. Miles Room at the Frank E. Merriweather Library.

From 11:00 am --1:00 pm, member storyboards, digital media presentations, scrapbooks, and albums that document their ancestors with census, marriage, birth, land, military, and death records will be on display. The public is invited to attend.

Tai Chi Classes Underway If you suffer from aches and pains and want to strengthen muscle tone and joints, Tai Chi is a wonderful opportunity to learn self healing. It is a low impact exercises that will improve your overall health including balance and mobility. Tai Chi is a gentle exercise geared towards improving functioning of mind, body and spirit. It's never too late to get started at any age. Groups are invited. Classes begin at the Community Health Center, located at 34 Benwood, in Buffalo, at 6:00 p.m., on Monday and Thursday. For more info call 716-876- 7218, or stop by to say hello and view a Tai Chi demonstration!

Bennett Wells Haddock Fish and Shrimp Dinners Sale The Bennett-Wells American Legion Post #1780, located at 1356 East Delavan Avenue (cor. Courtland) is selling a Haddock Fish and Shrimp dinners on March 9, March 16 and March 30 from 12 noon to 6:45 p.m. The cost is $10 for fish or shrimp dinners; $15 for combination dinners; and $7 for fish sandwiches w/slaw. A side order of fries is $2. Eat in or takeout! To order call 449-6668.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 7

THURSDAY MARCH 15

Rally In Support of McKinley High Principal Crystal Barton: 4:30 p.m., steps of City Hall downtown prior to the Board of Education meeting. See story page 11.

Foxie Brown Line Dance Classes: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 444-2046.

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, 12pm - 1pm. FREE for ages 55+ 716 832 1010.

Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St427-0566.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702.

THURSDAY MARCH 8 FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 4442046.

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

FRIDAY MARCH 9 Celebrate Buffalos Artistic Diversity: New Locals Open House, Burchfield Penney Art Center’s M&T Second Friday, 5-7:30 p.m. Free & open to the public.

Chicago Steppin’: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor SATURDAY MARCH 10 Genealogy Society hosts Judy Scales-Trent Talk : 10th meeting of the Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora 11:30 a.m. in the William E. Miles Room at the. Merriweather Library Jefferson & Utica.

Free & open to the public.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 14 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. 12pm - 1pm. FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS! SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS! SEE YOU ATTHE EVENTS!

The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566.

FRIDAY MARCH 16 Chicago Steppin’: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E. Ferry Ernestine, Instructor SUNDAY. MARCH 18 Golden Gloves NYS Semi Finals: 359 Ganson St. 2 p.m. doors open ; 3 p.m. Bout; tickets @. Doris Records, Carubba Collision, online @ Ticketfly. com SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS! SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

16

IMAGES OF US

WOMAN'S HISTORY MONTH AWARDEE: Former County Legislator Betty Jean Grant (3rd from left) was honored with the well deserved "Woman of Courage, Compassion and Commitment" Award by the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library during its 9th annual local kickoff of Women's History Month last Thursday. Proudly posing with Mrs. Grant is (l-r) Legislator April Baskin, City Court Judge James A.W. McLeod, (Mrs. Grant), City Court Judge Debra Givens, judicial candidate Lenora Foote Beavers, School Board member Paulette Woods and School Board Member Sharon Belton-Cottman.

PHOTO RONNIE TILLMAN/Made In Your Image Photos

HONOR FOR A KING: Pictured above are scenes from the Annual City-Wide MLK Celebration at Kleinhans in January. Honorees (top), School Superintendent Dr. Cash, who gave the keynote address (bottom left). PHOTOS RONNIE TILLMAN/Made In Your Image Photos

A n s w e r i n g y o u r q u e s t i o n s a b o u t c r e m a t i o n a n d b u r i a l . . .

“How many people can be buried in a cemetery lot?”

If you have any questions about cremation or burial, give us a call at (716) 885-1600.

Most cemeteries allow 1 or 2 burials in a single grave. At Forest Lawn, we recently changed our rules & regulations to allow up to 4 burials in a single grave, w hich can include 1 casket plus 3 urns or a total of 4 urns.

For example, if a couple chooses side-by-side casketed burial in 2 graves, there’s room for them and up 6 other members of their family. This can represent a significant cost savings for the family. But more importantly, it can make it possible for you and your dearest loved ones to remain together forever.

1411 Delaware Ave ● Buffalo, NY 14209 forest-lawn.com

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •Marc h 7, 2018