Challenger Community News May 15, 2019

I N S I D E R O C H E S T E R : A K O M A TO H O S T A N N U A L S C H O L A R S H I P C O N C E R T C E L E B R AT I O N Page 2

May 15, 2019 | FREE

The Spirit of Dance Robin Hibbert Has Been Awarded The WNY Choreographer’s Initiative Grant From Dance Force For Her Award Winning Choreography. Page 5 Photo by: Yves Richard Blanc

PLAY BALL!

Ed Parson Softball Opener May 19th Page 12

VOICES

We Need A Malcolm X Day! Page 11

PROJECT W.I.T.T.

“Dream Makers, Not Dream Breakers!”

Page 10

ENTERTAINMENT

Flashy Girl & Billie Essco to Host Buffalo’s First Sneaker Ball Page 8

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

2

INSIDE ROCHESTER

AKOMA Gospel Choir

Akoma to Host Annual Scholarship Concert Celebration AKOMA, Rochester’s African American Women’s Gospel Choir has been in existence for 24 years. In addition to honoring and praising God through vocal mu-sic and the spoken word, AKOMA also engages in community service, the focus of which is our scholarship fund. Named after the organization’s adopted mother, Nona Patterson Chambers , the fund provides a financial gift to young Rochester area African American female high school graduates who will attend college the fall after their graduation. Since 1996, a cadre of recipients have shared in a portion of the 149,500 raised on behalf of the NPC Scholarship Fund.

AKOMA’s annual scholarship concert celebration “I’m Saved,” will be held on June 8 beginning at 6 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street. The purpose of the annual concert is to honor and praise God; to thank the community for blessing Akoma’s ministry; and to recognize present and past scholarship recipients. We look forward to seeing you there! Dr. Arlette Miller Smith is founder and artistic director. Miss Gloria Brooksis Executive Director of music. For more information go to www.okoma.org

World of Inquiry Senior Raises Awareness for Cancer and Culturally Relevant Music in City Schools through Concert Downtown School 58 Students Partner with Rochester Professional Musicians to Create First Annual CHORDS (Concert to Honor Our Rochester Diversity) Concert

P

erforming Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel and Jazz songs of their choosing under the mentorship of local Rochester professionals including Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jimmie Highsmith and R&B artist Blake Montel, School 58 high school students are preparing for a concert “unlike anything Rochester has ever seen.” CHORDS: Concert to Honor Our Rochester Diversity is the brainchild of senior Anthony Lynch who wants to put School 58 on the map musically. He explains that there is so much hidden talent at World of Inquiry. CHORDS is Anthony’s senior capstone project and spotlights School 58’s strong commitment to providing students opportunities to be “crew not passengers” in their learning.

More than 40 School 58 students in grades 9-12 are preparing to take the stage on the night of May 17 at Martin Luther King Memorial Park (5-8p). The lineup includes a dance team, group and individual vocalists, rappers and instrumentalists. A $2/person suggested donation will be collected at the gate and all proceeds will be donated to University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute.

CHORDS is focused on Honoring Our Rochester Diversity by intentionally creating spaces for youth passions that are often seen as extra or even irrelevant in schools as well as society. By celebrating urban youth culture as well as the accomplishments of Rochester’s professional urban musicians, the concert honors not only the diversity of people across Rochester, but the diversity of talent as well. World of Inquiry Principal Sheelarani Webster highlights the importance of this work for RCSD: “World of Inquiry School 58 and RCSD are deeply committed to the concept of Ubuntu.

The translation is ‘I am because we are’. Anthony’s project captures this essence, as he builds and celebrates community across Rochester.” Partnering with Warner Graduate School of Education, this project aims to understand the important roles music and social networks can play in urban youth’s identity development and future success. Lead Project Mentor, Associate Professor of Teaching and Curriculum April Luehmann, highlights the importance of this work: “Honoring diversity brings incredible beauty into the world. This work is not easy in a society that holds deficit perspectives of whole groups of people, including groups to which many urban youth belong.

Nurturing the passions youth care most about in and with our community is one powerful way to change the narrative.”

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

Thursday, May 16 ENTERTAINMENT: Rocheser Lilac Festival, 7 p.m., Highland Park, saxophonist Maceo Parker and his band bring their legacy of soul and funk music. Earlier at 4 p.m., it's Vanishing Sun; Corey Wong follows at 5:30 p.m.

Rochester City School District “Bloomin Arts” concerts are scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Rochester’s 10th Annual Ride of Silence Bike Ride The ride will take place on Wednesday, May 15. Rochester Police Chief La’Ron Singletary is scheduled to lead the cyclists along the designated 9 mile route, which starts Downtown at Parcel 5. The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event that honors and memorializes those who have been injured or killed by motorists while bicycling on public roadways. It also seeks to raise awareness that we all must share the road. Cyclists are asked to arrive at Parcel 5 at 5:30 p.m. for on-site registration. The slow-paced ride will start at 7 p.m. sharp, Bike helmets are required, and participants should expect to ride at a maximum speed of 10 MPH.

The journey begins with a single step.

Start Smart with Rochester Pre-K

Register today!

FREE

The Strong and Sesame Workshop Partner for a Sesame Street 50th Anniversary Celebration

classes beginning September 2019 for all city residents.

The Strong National Museum of Play and Sesame Workshop are teaming up to present a celebration of Sesame Street's 50th anniversary at The Strong museum on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. The weekend of festivities will commemorate the 50 years that Sesame Street has enriched children’s lives.

The weekend includes meet and greets with Walkaround Abby Cadabby on Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and Sunday from 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. All Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration activities at The Strong are included with general museum admission fees.

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

If your child turns 3 or 4

by Dec. 1, 2019, register today!

Learn more!

Start Smart

rocprek.org or (585) 262-8140

3

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

AREA BRIEFS Applications Being Accepted for Taking It To The Streets Festival

Kirkwood

Citizen Action of NY Endorses Kirkwood for Erie County Legislature Citizen Action of NY, a statewide social justice organization that fights against oppression in housing, climate and education policies, has endorsed Duncan Kirkwood in the race for Erie County Legislature District 2.

Currently in Buffalo, Duncan has served as a leading voice in the effort to push local lawmakers to support the “Good Cause Eviction” legislation in Albany that would expand tenant rights. Duncan’s video has been shared nearly 500 times across the state of NY through various social media and email outlets.

He was contracted by Move On (a national progressive organization) to organize progressive leaders and volunteers across the county to help democrats take back control of congress. Citizen Action of NY is a statewide organization that fights for progressive causes.

“It is an honor to receive an endorsement from an organization such as this,” remarked Duncan Kirkwood.

Peacemakers In The Mall

Buffalo Peacemakers, an anti-violence group, has been given an expanded role in security efforts at the Walden Galleria and now have a regular presence in the mall. The new arrangement, announced in March, between the Peacemakers and Pyramid Management, operators of the mall, is a paid one.

The 31st annual Taking It To The Streets Rally and Festival will be held August 17 & 18 in the entire Martin Luther King Park.Vendor applications are now being accepted. Shelter space, stage participation, and ad book applications are also available. For more information call now 716-891-4760, 716507-1931 or 716-400-6749.

Anita O. Williams is president and founder.

Volunteers Needed for Bailey Avenue Clean Up

Calling all business owners, block club leaders, community and organizations! The University Masten and Lovejoy Districts will be holding a Cleanup of Bailey Avenue.

On Saturday May18, 9 a.m. – Noon. Meet ups at the following district locations in University District: Varsity heater 3165 Bailey Ave;Lovejoy District: Bank of America parking lot corner of Bailey / E. Delavan Ave. and Masten District: Chicken of the Sea Plaza corner of Kensington / Bailey. To get involved call George Johnson at (716 )818-3410. Light breakfast and lunch will be served.

New Members of Parent Congress Two new parent groups have been added to the Parent Congress to help increase parent participation. The Buffalo School Board added Most Valuable Parents (MVP) and the community Health Workers Association. Members of the Parent Congress meet with Superintendent Cash monthly. .

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes to Deliver State of the District Address Hon. Crystal Peoples-Stokes will deliver the State of the Disrict Presentation on Thursday, May 16 on UB South Campus, Hayes Hall, 3435 Main Street from 6-7:30 p.m. Lawmakers passed the fiscal year 2019 $175.5 billion budget on April 1st, fully funding state government for the next fiscal year. Majority Leader Peoples- Stokes will share results from the budget and ensuing legislation, its impact and how it will be put to use in the 141st Assembly District as well as the City of Buffalo.

Black Nurses

Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes

Community Activist and Former Erie County Legislator Grant to Receive Two Prestigious Awards On Friday, May 17 Betty Jean Grant Grant will be presented the Director's award for her work with Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) and the Erie County Legislature to introduce a local law to address fair housing issues in Buffalo and Erie County. Even though former Legislator Jean Grant had retired before the law was approved by the now Democratic majority and signed into law by the county executive, HOME officials believed that Mrs. Grant should be applauded and recognized for her leadership on this initiative. The annual dinner and awards ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the Shea's Seneca Theater, 2188 Seneca St., in So. Buffalo.

On Saturday, May 18 at noon, Mrs. Grant will be honored by the American Betty Jean Grant Association of University Women as the association's 2019 Woman of the Year for her tireless work to uplift, promote and empower women through her We Are Women Warriors group. The luncheon will take place at Classic Banquet Hall, 2421 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY. Both events are open to the public. For ticket information, please call Betty Jean Grant @ 716602-5877.

Buffalo Common Council’s Designation Of “Linwood Lafayette Urban Devlopment Assistance Area” Challenged Lawsuit alleges that Councilmembers’ finding that the Gates Circle area is “at significant risk of deterioration & blight,” and inclusion of Gates Circle and Delaware Ave. right-of-way as part of the UDAA, are arbitrary and fraudulent Daniel Sack, a long-time Elmwood Village resident and advocate, has filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court seeking to nullify the Buffalo Common Council’s April 16, 2019 creation of the “Linwood Lafayette Urban Development Assistance Area” at the site of the former Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital. The Common Council and TM Montante Development LLC (“Montante”) - whose initial plans for a $13 million mixed-use residential and commercial project at the former hospital campus called “Lancaster Square” were approved by the city in 2016 - are the respondents/defendants.

The case is assigned to the Hon. Mark A. Montour, Justice of the Supreme Court, is scheduled to be heard in court at 9:30 a.m. on June 26, 2019.

The issue at the heart of the lawsuit is whether the Common Council is unlawfully and fraudulently using Article 16 of the New York’s General Municipal Law in an effort to bail out Montante from apparent financial complications at the site. The petition argues that the enhanced tax incentives and financial assistance available once a city designates an Urban Development Assistance Area [UDAA] are meant to be used in a very narrow situation: as an incentive to private businesses to correct or prevent blight and deterioration of city-owned property. The use of Article 16’s financial benefits to jump-start Montante’s private redevelopment of the Gates Circle site contradicts the clear policy and purposes of the statute.

Arthur J. Giacalone, petitioner/plaintiff Daniel Sack’s attorney, explains the reason his client has chosen to challenge the creation of the Linwood Lafayette UDAA in court: My client is strongly in favor of development at the former hospital site at Gates Circle, and believes that affordable housing should be there and in every Buffalo neighborhood. But he insists that we must be a city of laws. Article 16’s financial benefits are intended to benefit the areas of the City of Buffalo hurt by blighted city-owned properties. The residents and taxpayers of Buffalo are being deceived by its lawmakers when they declare that a portion of one of our city’s most prestigious neighborhoods “at risk of deterioration and blight,” and treat the Gates Circle right-of-way itself as city-owned property “appropriate for urban development.”

Mary Eliza Mahoney

In 1879, Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first registered Black nurse when she graduated from a training program in New England. The program was so difficult that only three students out of the entire class of 40 graduated.

And Mahoney was one of them (along with two White nurses).

Effectively, Mahoney proved that African Americans could not only become nurses, but that they could do the job with excellence, compassion and efficiency. The world of nursing would never be the same.

Mahoney went on to coestablish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908. And in recognition of her contribution to the nursing profession, in 1936 the American Nurses Association instituted the Mary Mahoney Award, to be awarded to nurses who go above and beyond when it comes to integration and equal opportunities for minorities in the field of nursing.

Harriet Tubman

Her name is synonymous with the Underground Railroad and women’s rights activism, but Tubman was also a nurse who served the Union Army. In 1908 she also created the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, which specialized in caring for elderly African Americans.

Sojourner Truth

Born into slavery in 1797, she’s known mostly as an abolitionist and women’s rights activist, but Truth was originally a nurse for the family she served. Later in life she was instrumental in advocating for funding for essential nurse training programs.

4

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS Racism Report...

A British radio host announced he’s been fired following uproar over a controversial photo he tweeted comparing the new royal baby Archie ,to a chimpanzee.

New Report: Race Relations Are “Generally Bad”

AWARDS: Pictured above, Karima Amin and Baba Eng, conference co-organizers, present awards to (from top) The Challenger (accepted by Carone Crump and Bill Peoples of Umoja Inc. Above,organizers pose with keynote speaker Dr. Henry Louis Taylor Jr. The regional conference was highly successful.

PHOTOS PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY

SUCCESS for PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO

By Karima Amin

The weekend of May 3 and 4, 2019 will long be remembered as the time of a very successful hosting of PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO’s REGIONAL CONFERENCE. Attendees came from across the State of NY to participate in an event that focused on Mass Incarceration’s impact on Families and Communities. Our local theme, “Changing Criminal Injustice,” with an eye focused on reducing recidivism, took a closer look at legislation coming out of Albany that has brought us to our present condition with the stats that I have written about before.

The USA has the highest incarceration rate of any other country in the world. 2.4 million people are imprisoned at this time.

Our panelists, on Friday evening, shared data that was both interesting and heart wrenching as well as strategies for gathering the people-power that is needed to challenge the powers that be. Soffiyah Elijah, Executive Director of the Alliance of Families for Justice, opened our eyes to strategies that work to engage our lawmakers. Our Saturday Keynote Speaker, Dr. Henry Louis Taylor, Jr., Founding Director of UB’s Center for Urban Studies, took us on a journey with a “follow-the-dots” analysis from Slavery to the 13thAmendment to Harry J. Anslinger to Herbert Hoover to Cointelpro to today. Eyes were opened and minds were elevated.

This 9-hour conference resulted in fruitful networking and camaraderie as attendees heard from various prisoner justice advocates.

Due to the upcoming Holiday, Prisoners Are People too will meet on Monday, May 20 at 7 to 9pm at the CAO Rafi Green Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue, @ the corner of Glenwood.

Our 14thAnniversary is coming soon. SAVE THE DATE, June 24, 2019. We’ll have a video to show from the Regional Conference.

A new report produced by the Pew Research Center reveals what many Blacks in America knew and what a majority of Americans now acknowledge: “that race relations are generally bad,” with many holding the belief that “the country hasn’t made enough progress toward racial equality.”

The study, “Race in America, 2019,” illustrates the deep fissures between Black and White Americans, as well as between Democrats and Republicans.

About 70 percent of Black people say race relations are terrible, with half saying they think it’s unlikely that Blacks will eventually have equal rights with Whites. Black people are particularly disillusioned about the country’s racial progress. More than 80 percent of Black adults say the legacy of slavery affects their position in America today, including 59 percent who say it affects it a great deal. A plurality of Americans (45 percent) say the country hasn’t gone far enough in fostering the conditions for Black people to enjoy equal rights with Whites. Thirty-nine percent say it’s been about right and 15 percent say the country hasn’t gone too far. Black adults stand on the other side of the chasm and are by far the most likely to say the country hasn’t gone far enough— 78 percent, compared with 37 percent of Whites and 48 percent of Hispanics.

The divisions are most stark when respondents’ political party affiliation is taken into consideration. While 64 percent of White Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say the country hasn’t gone far enough in giving Blacks equal rights with Whites, only 15 percent of Republicans and those leaning Republican say the same.

About a third of White Republicans (31 percent) say the country has gone too far, compared with five percent of White Democrats.

-Barrington M. Salmon

Jasmine Rand is the founding attorney of RAND LAW, L.L.C., a Miami-based civil litigation firm. Known for her representation of the Trayvon Martin & Michael Brown families, Rand excels in the civil rights arena. In addition to her dynamic legal practice, Rand is an adjunct law professor at the University of Miami, School of Law, and is annual teaching faculty in Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. Rand frequently appears as a national legal analyst on CNN, MSNBC, & HLN, & numerous Keynote Speaker world Television networks & has broadcast in Jamaica, Colombia, and Japan.

Jasmine Rand

5

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

D

WNY’s Breast Care Experts

Black women are at greater risk of dying from breast cancer. Get screened and be sure to follow up.

Schedule your appointment with our experts today.

716.631.2500 | windsongbreastcare.com | Williamsville

eat to live

The Spirit of Dance: Robin Hibbert Awarded WNY Choreographer’s Initiative Grant

ancer Robin M. (Rama Tueye) Hibbert has been awarded the WNY Choreographer’s Initiative Grant from Dance Force for her award winning choreography. She is probably one of the most uniquely talented artists to have ever been selected in addition to possibly being the first African American.

It was her friend and fellow artist, the iconic singer/ songwriter Drea D’Nur, who encouraged her to apply. Receiving the news that she had won left her stunned.

“I was shocked!" She said, “because I didn’t think the panel would understand my art form. I couldn’t believe a Black artist like me…an elder…had left a footprint.”

It was the artistic dancing Robin created called “ASPA” (African Steps Part American), which premiered in the production of Drea’s blockbuster production “Spirit of Nina Simone,” that landed her the long overdue honor.

Robin admitted that had she entered a “totally traditional (African) piece” she would

It Matters...

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to take the time to educate yourself and spend just one day with our experts to make sure you’re making the best decision for you and your family.

Find out why it matters. Download the cancer checklist at www.RoswellPark.org/Challenger

not have stood a chance. But she was still able, through the videos she submitted and the grant she wrote, to show the importance of African drum and dance.

“Africa as the foundation of everything we do,” she said.

Surely Nina’s spirit was with her throughout the process.

What few people know is that years ago Robin actually had the opportunity to work and perform for Nina Simone with the Gemini dance Theatre directed by the late Mr. Steve Porter. It is one of her most cherished memories.

-The Dance JourneyBorn and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Robin has danced and performed since the tender age of 8. Her entire family, including her brother and mother, still reside there.

She was trained in a broad variety of dance techniques including ballet, jazz, modern, tap, traditional West and South African dance, which would come to benefit her later in life.

At the young age of 17, she came to Buffalo to begin college.

Robin is a dancer with degrees, three to be exact, in Psychology, Human Services (with a concentration in Early Childhood and Geriatrics) and a special major in Dance – all from the University at Buffalo.

She has worked as a bouncer, certified trainer and private body guard and for the NYS Division for youth.

She currently works as a certified Dementia Practitioner and activities director. She is also a Teaching Artist for Young Audiences; a position she’s held since 2009, and is one of the most sought after instructors in the program. In addition she sits on the organization’s executive board.

Throughout her career choices, Robin never stopped dancing.

Her dance journey has been impressive; one which began at such prominent institutions as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her study of modern dance techniques are equally as impressive and she has studied the “Dunham” dance technique with the late Pearl Reynolds as well as performed and studied with the late Dr. Pearl Primus the “Pioneer of West African Dance” (she was Dr. Primus teaching

"I’m a weaver. It’s all about weaving the story, weaving the movement, weaving the notes …so at the end the story is allowed to unfold"... assistant at UB). She has also performed and toured with the late Babatunde Olatunji and the United Ballet Du Senegal.

-Connections & MovementLocally Robin is well known for her dancing and choreography. She has been called the “Keeper of Cultural Traditions” and her love for African culture and its preservation is evident. She has received extensive knowledge and training from numerous master drummers and dancers from West and South Africa including her mentors Alassane Sarr and the late Emile (Mbopha) Latimer also

-Robin Hibbert

Baba Ramon Sylla, M’Baye Diagne and Snyder Haynesworth.

“Often when I’m dancing, people say, ‘oh why are you dancing so hard?’ I’m having a (spiritual) conversation.

I’ve never been a dancer who moved like anybody else in Buffalo.”

Robin stopped dancing on stage a few years ago and is concentrating on choreography and instructing. She has perfected a style of teaching and communicating that allows her students to develop and understand that it’s not Continued Page 10

6

FAITH & FAMILY

IT'S A FAMILY REUNION AT MIRACLE MISSIONS Overseer Dr. James A. Lewis, III & Lady Zandra A. Lewis With Miracle Missions Full Gospel Church 406 Sycamore Street Cordially invites you to join us for our Family & Friends Day Celebration. Special invitation extended to the J.W. Loguen Choir Sunday, May 26 11 a.m., 406 Sycamore Street, Buffalo, and Sunday 5 p.m at 1301 Genesee Street. Come and experience a spirit filled worship with fellowship and fun! To confirm attendance and/or additional information call (716) 830-4916

Free "Breakfast at Metro"

All are invited to join us for our Community “Breakfast at Metro”. Please come and dine at Metropolitan UM Church, 657 Best Street, Buffalo on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Our Special Guest Speaker will be Ahlea Howard, Coordinator, Human Trafficking Programs, International Institute of Buffalo. A member of the Western District of NY Human Trafficking Task Force. Pastor Angela Stewart is Pastor.

We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the LORD. Trusting in His Holy Word, He never failed me yet!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

First Shiloh Baptist Church “Women’s Weekend”

First Shiloh Baptist Church will host its annual Women’s Weekend “Reaping the Harvest” from May 17 – May 19.

The three-day celebration will include: •Friday, May 17 at 6 p.m. “Family Fun Night” •Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. “Purposeful Women of Faith Awards” Breakfast •Sunday, May 19 at 10 a.m. “Worship Service” •The 2019 “Purposeful Women in Faith” award recipient Categories are: •Women in Missions Award •Women in Ministry Award •Women in Music Award •Turn Around Award •Women in the Community Award •Naomi Award The Family Fun Night and Worship service are free to attend.

Guests may attend the breakfast for a donation of $25 due by May 8.

Contact First Shiloh Baptist Church for tickets. For information, contact chairperson Tanya Staples at (716) 847-6555 or firstshilohmail@gmail.com.

Matsiko World Orphan Choir to Perform at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior On Monday May 20 the Matsiko World Orphan Choir will perform at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior 26, Brunswick Blvd. at 7 p.m.

Matsiko is a Ugandan word for “hope” and embodies both the children and the songs they sing. The international Children’s Network ( ICN) began its choir program in 2008 with the first US tour of the Matsiko Children’s Choir.

This choir was the first step toward bringing children together from the various countries like Peru and Liberia and now India who share their lives and culture through song and dance across the united states in which ICN provides sponsorship.

Through Matsiko thousands of children will be reached with the hope of a brighter future. Proceeds generated by the choir tour and merchandise sales go directly to support the ICN’s worldwide programs, including life changing educational sponsorship that affords orphaned children a chance at a university degree. The choir continues annually with new children auditioning and performing every year and love to share the gift of life, love and hope that they’ve receive through the support of sponsors. The performance is a free will offering.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

Black Episcopalians Host Regional Conference Here

NEW BISHOP The Public Consecration of The Right Reverand Frederick A.Gelsey of One In Christ Church, will be held On Saturday, May 25 at 940 Broadway.

The Celebration will begin at 12 noon in the sanctuary of The One In Christ Fellowship of Churches, Buffalo, New York.

Bishops, Ordained Clergy, and Ordained Diaconates are to be vested in full Convocation Dress at 11 a.m.

Your prayers and best wishes for the new Bishop are requested.

DID YOU KNOW...?

On May 24, 1993, Eritrea achieved independence from Ethiopia after a 30-year civil war.

The Bishop James Theodore Holly Chapter of The Union of Black Episcopalians located at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Buffalo, New York held their Northeast Regional Conference on Saturday, May 4 at the Conference and Events Center in Niagara Falls, New York.n The Conference opened up with an emotional video about racial injustice in the Episcopal Church several years ago. It featured Thomas Ashford, Warden Emeritus, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls and was narrated by its Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Helen Harper.

The focus of the Conference was Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s strategic vision of Becoming Beloved Community. Under the theme “Black Church, White Church, One Church”, the attendees participated in roundtable discussions structured around the four quadrants of the Beloved Community labyrinth: Telling the Truth; Proclaiming the Dream; Practicing the Way of Love; Repairing the Breach.

The Conference encouraged participants to engage in discussion around the interrelated commitments of the Beloved Community labyrinth in an effort to respond to racial reconciliation, justice and healing within the Episcopal Church.

The highlight of the Conference was the Luncheon presentation of the Bishop Holly Chapter“Racial Healing and Transformation Award” to recently retired Bishop R. William Franklin of the Diocese of Western New York. Bishop Franklin was instrumental in organizing the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination and was supportive of the Chapter’s efforts in planning this Conference and encouraged the Commission’s support of the Conference as well. Rev. Jonathan Staples, Pastor of First Shiloh Baptist Church, was the Luncheon Keynote Speaker and the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop Provisional of the Diocese of Western New York, brought closing remarks.

A Eucharist was held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at the close of the Conference under the leadership of Worship CoChairs, Rev. Helen Harper and Rev. Steve Lane, Priest-in-Charge of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. The Sermon was delivered by Northeast Regional Director, The Rev. Canon Dr. Lynn A. Collins.

Wayne A. Blassingame, President of the Bishop Holly Chapter, was assisted in the planning of the Conference by Michael Hughes and Kim Greene, Co-Chairs; Hon. Rose H. Sconiers, Conference Dean; Ann Burroughs, Registrar/Treasurer/Program Designer; Josephine Cross, Dispatch of Business; Deacon Lillian Davis-Wilson and Herman Wilson, Activity Co-Chairs and Paul Nevergold, Transportation Chair.

WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK WORSHIP THIS WEEK

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

-Tao Te Ching

FAITH & FAMILY

7

CHAMPION! Right to Left. Steve Hoskins III, Dion Anderson, Sister Timothy Howard, OSP and Sister Noreen Smith.

Sister Timothy Howard Receives Champions Award Sister Timothy Howard received the Champions Award at the NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo's Scholars Awards Banquet recently. Sister was assigned to teach in Buffalo in 1969. She teaches on NativityMiguel's St. Augustine Campus.

As of September 2, 2019 she will have been an Oblate Sister of Providence for 69 years.

The Oblate Sisters, the first successful religious order established by women of African descent, was founded by Mother Mary Lange and has been serving those in need for 190 years.

According to WNY Catholic, Sister Timothy is a part of Black Catholic history. She learned about the faith in St. Frances Academy, the oldest school for Black Catholic children in the United States.

She is faithfully following in the footsteps of Black sisters who inspired her to a lengthy ministry of bringing the message of God's love to her students. Sister Timothy and Sister Noreen Smith, who also works at NativityMiguel, are the only remaining Oblate Sisters in the Buffalo diocese. Congratulations Sister Timothy! Photo A. Dorcely

8

Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

GOODNE$$ Presents “A Loss 4 WORDZ”

Therapeutic Poetic Healing

Sneaker Ball Hosts Courtney Hill aka Flashy Girl and Billie Essco

Get Ready For Buffalo’s First “SNEAKER BALL” with Hosts Flashy Girl and Billie Essco!

O

Saturday May 18 Beau Fleuve Music & Arts presents Buffalo's first Sneaker Ball with hosts sneaker culture influencer Flash Girl (Courtney Hill) and artist Billie Essco at Imagine Events Center 71 Military Road. The dress code for the evening will be formal attire in which guests will finish off their outfit with a pair of fashionable/custom/creative pair of sneakers. The event will call for fun-filled night of music, arts, fashion and urban philanthropy featuring art installations for photo opportunities, live paintings by emerging artists, custom sneaker exhibits and silent auctions. There will be key performances by the students of Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology and Billie Essco with music by DJ Lil Gabby.

“I’m excited to host and be part of the first Sneaker Ball held in Buffalo," said Flashy Girl who spoke with the Challenger about her participation. "It’s all about paying it forward...I’ve been part of the sneaker culture for over twenty plus years and traveled across the country supporting the movement. It’s a great opportunity to give back and raise money for youth programming that’s vital to the community.”

The silent auction and raffles will consist of Buffalo Bills autographed memorabilia, Albright-Knox, Burchfield-Penney Arts Center, The Cellar, Scuffed Up, Paul Robeson Theatre, Zawadi Books, Black Monarchy and more! All proceeds will benefit the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Foundation, the not for profit organization who's mission is to curate music and arts educational programs for inner city youth in WNY. The organization also provides opportunities for scholarships, internships and summer time employment for high school and college students.

The Next Generation Festival of the Youth will be a beneficiary as well. It’s a platform that Beau Fleuve will be providing to all musicians, artist, poets, entrepreneurs under the age of 18 to showcase their talent at their 3rd Annual Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Festival on Sunday August 25th.

Beau Fleuve Music & Arts recently just announced its proposed development plans for it’s Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Center which will serve as a multi-use facility in the east side of Buffalo. Founder and chairman Lindsey Taylor presented the plans at One Region Forward's 'Champions For Change' Idea Summit this past Saturday in front of an audience of community stakeholders.

Taylor has been creating engaging events all year to support his endeavors for Beau Fleuve Music & Arts. “ The Sneaker ball is a unique fundraising event that speaks directly to the demographic we serve and gives everyone a chance to come out, have a good time and engage in a creative way to benefit the youth of our inner-city” said Taylor.

Limited $20 advance tickets will be available online only at beaufleuvesneakerball.eventbrite.com. The event will start at 6 p.m. sharp. For more information on the foundation go to beaufleuvemusicarts.com n

ETTA JAMES TRIBUTE

The extraordinarily talented Marsha McWilson will perform an Etta James Tribute live, Saturday May 18 at the Seneca Casino for three shows: 12 noon – 1 p.m., 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.

Don’t miss it!

ON STAGE *UJIMA COMPANY PRESENTS PASSING STRANGE, May 3-26 @ the Theatre, 429 Plymouth Avenue, Thurs., Fri., Sat. @ 7 p.m. ; Sun 4 p.m. Lorna C. Hill Director, Michelle Thomas Music Director; Tickets & Reservations ujimacoinc.org. or 716-281-0092; $30 general, $25 Seniors, $15 students. *PAUL ROBESON THEATRE at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Ave. pesents "Three Sistahs” directed by Renita Shadwick; May 3 – May 26 Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sunday matinee at 4p.m. with audience talkback after the production on Sundays.

For more information call 8842013. Tickets can be reserved at the box office 884-0279 or picked up in person at 350 Masten Ave. Need a Coupon ?

Visit us online at AACCBUFFALO.ORG

*GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC will perform on Tuesday June 11 at 6 p.m. at Artpark Amphitheater, 450 S. Fourth St., Lewiston. Also appearing will be Galactic, Fishbone and Miss Velvet & The Blue Wolf. Tickets are $19-$24 general lawn, $38$45 general admission at Artpark box office, tickets.com, artpark.net, 888-223-600. *THE O'JAYS: THE LAST WORD TOUR JUNE 18 Artpark, 450 S. Fourth St. Lewiston Gates open at 5 p.m., Show starts at 6:30p.m. Tickets $17 - $47 Order by phone 1-888-223-6000 or @ Artpark Box Offfice 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mon.-Fri.

“A Loss 4 Words,” an adults only Therapeutic Poetry Healing where poets unite and recite, will poetically navigate through the grieving process with lyrical prose, dance and storytelling; vocally using poetry as a form of therapy.

The event will take place at the Rafi Greene CAO Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue.

Vonetta T. Rhodes-Osi will be the co-host the Saturday, June 18 session from 6-9 p.m.

Admission is free.

Please come out and bless the mic! If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to natural causes, diseases, domestic violence, suicide or homicide - this Is the healing event for you.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS POETRY SLAM

What: Know Your Rights & Poetry Slam When: Sunday May 19th at 5:00pm Where: Raq's Solidarity Space 322 Amherst Street, Buffalo NY 14207 Co-Hosted by: Buffalo Anti Racism Coalition & Buffalo Save The Kids Contact: bfloloverg i r l @ g m a i l . c o m As part of the National Week of Action Against Incarcerating Youth 2019, and in honor of the birth of Malcolm X, community members of all ages are invited to come out to this FREE workshop on how to handle encounters with the police. Also, there will be staged readings from Save The Kids' anthology, written by incarcerated youth.

9

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

Edreys Wajed Solo Exhibition " Check Out My Melody" at Argus Gallery Opening Reception: Friday May 24, 6-9 p.m.

On View thru June 21 Saturdays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment Contact 716-432-0420 or go to eleventwentyprojects.org

TO ADVERTISE: advertising@ thechallengernews. com

Check Out My Melody is an artistic improvisatory interpretation of soulful music onto paper and canvas. Typically recognized for his clean, hand drawn graphic lines, in this body of work Edreys Wajed display an evolution of his creative process and has added a twist to art viewing with bringing it alive with innovative Augmented Reality technology in a further collaboration with Twisted Rope a local digital development and tech company.

Viewers are encouraged to download the AReverywhere app prior to attending the show for the full experience!

Drawing upon his prodigious career as a hip hop producer and performer, Wajed intentionally pulls from plush, memory-rich, Edreys Wajed work from solo body-moving songs and show Check Out My Melody at samples, translating the the Argus Gallery music into visual soundscapes. This collection boasts raw new styles, from fluidly drawn ink and graphite portraits bursting with intense emotion, to several repetitive, rhythmic and dancing storytelling lines; to larger-sized, brightly choreographed abstract paintings. The Artist is also part of a current group show at Burchfield Penney.

Check Out My Melody at Argus Gallery is a visual collision of where standard handwritten sheet music slams into the disruptive, vandalizing quality and flare of colorful urban street art.

Learn more about the artist www.edreys.com

CO N T E M P O R A RY P O R T R A I T U R E On view at The Center through June 2, 2019

Bruce Adams, Patti Ambrogi, John Baker, Julia Bottoms, Tricia Butski, Jack Edson, Patrick Foran, Barbara Hart, John Opera, Cristiano F. Lopes Pereira, Joe Radoccia, Henry Schmidt, Chuck Tingley, Edreys Wajed, and Gary L. Wolfe. For more details, visit www.BurchfieldPenney.org.

Above Edreys Wajed (b.1974), Road to the Riches (detail), 2019; ink on Bristol Paper; Courtesy of the Artist.

n! oo gS in os

Cl On view F E B R UA R Y 2 – M AY 2 6 , 2 0 1 9

albrightknox.org

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853–1890). Portrait of Postman Roulin, 1888. Oil on canvas, 25 9/16 × 19 7/8 inches (65 × 50.5 cm). Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Buhl Ford II, 1996.25. Image courtesy of the Detroit Institute of Arts. | This exhibition was co-organized by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Detroit Institute of Arts in honor of the hundredth anniversary of Mr. Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s birth. The exhibition and catalogue have been generously underwritten by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

10

Generations

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

Pre-K Program Art Show

Dr. Eberely, Principal at MST High, stands with youth.

"I'm a Dream Maker, Not a Dream Breaker" YES! African American male students from MST High school are changing attitudes and increasing their grade point averages. The highest one? Congratulations to Avery Warren with a 97% average!

There are others improving as well, Na'Seem Bonds, who had been failing the last two marking periods took his GPA up by 21 points through a community based program called Project W.I.T.T. (Wisdom in Troubled Times). The newest innovative workshop series entitled "SPEAK LIFE TWICE"™ seems to be working. The school principal, Dr Eberely, loves the program!

About 40 plus students experience these highly motivationalsessions during their lunch time. While eating they are being fed words of wisdom and given an understanding of the times they are living in. They are being intrinsically motivated to change negative "Stinkin’ Thinkin’" attitudes and given the tools to improve their academic performance!

The girls are our Queens and the boys are our Kings. We create an atmosphere where they are celebrated not just “tolerated." The goal of this program? To continue to empower small groups of students and watch them transform an entire school!

Their positive attitudes are contagious as they invite other students to join in. "We will protect one another by strengthening our weakest link!"

Speak Life Twice ™ Would you like to help us?? for more info about Project W.I.T.T.'s life changing programs, contact Rev. Gene Coplin, P.O. Box 392, Buffalo, NY 14205 or 716906-0375 or project-lee@hotmail.com

SPIRIT OF DANCE continued from page 4 so much “how” but “why” African and other ethnic groups dance the way they do.

Her last on stage performance she said, was with Drea D'Nur four years ago.

“People ask me ‘Robin why did you stop?’ And I tell them, the culture has become such a pathology of lies schemes and scams… there is no reciprocity among us. People want to take but they don’t want to give.. It’s my job to share the blessing…It’s a shame that we don’t have a community that works together.”

One of the stipulations of the newly won grant is that she provide opportunity for dancers to experience and learn. She has carefully chosen five dancers from different genres who will be mentored under her and her mentor, Alassane Sarr, a 4th generation griot from Senegal. The grant also allows her to travel, study and share.

“I have always been a dancer,” she reflected. “Dance is a nonverbal form of communication, so I had to be able to express and demonstrate what I’m trying to tell. I’m the dancer who weaves the movements thru the musical notes where the story is going to come out in the end. I’m a weaver. It’s all about weaving the story, weaving the movement, weaving the notes …so at the end the story is allowed to unfold, causing one to insperience (spiritual intercourse) a return to that which is in all things.”- a.b.

(Robin acknowledges her advisors, Celeste Lawson and Wendy Pierce and her mentor Alassane Sarr; also the "elders of the Village” including Miss Barbara, Janet Reed, Sis. Karima, Sharon Holley, Yonne Brown, Frances Hare, Mama Charlene, Sis.Alnisa, Baba Emile Latimer and Gey Lyons. She also paid high respect to “the generation who keeps her relevant” including Drea D’Nur, Rishon Odell Northington, Will Holton, Naiheem Shabazz, and her” business husband” Ras Jomo Akono.)

Over 130 pieces will be on display at Buffalo City Hall until June 7th. The 52nd Annual Prekindergarten Art Show “Pre-K Picasso”, began with a reception on Monday, in the lobby of City Hall. PreK students performed several songs for entertainment.

Parents, local dignitaries and school officials attended.

The art show will run now through Thursday, June 7th, and will include over 130 pieces of student created art work.

Lenny Lane, founder of F.A.T.H.E.R.S. organization.

the

TOY GUN EXCHANGE

Camp Joy

Among those pictured is Dr. Cash (center) and Mayor Brown, to his right.

MAYOR BROWN SEEKS READING RULES CHAMPIONS, KICKS OFF SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Buffalo, N.Y. – Mayor Byron W. Brown recently announced his 18th annual Reading Rules! Summer Reading Challenge in the library at the Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center. He was joined by Buffalo School Administrators, students, as well as the Department of Community Services and Recreational Programming, the Buffalo Police Athletic League, and Reading Rules! event sponsors.

Last year, a record number of over 2,000 students, in grades K-12, successfully completed Mayor Brown’s summer reading program. Mayor Brown started Reading Rules! in 2001 when he was a New York State Senator to help increase literacy in the Buffalo and Western New York area. During his tenure as Mayor, over 16,000 Champion Readers in Buffalo have completed the challenge since 2006.

Between the months of June and August, students are required to read seven books at or above their grade level and complete seven book summaries by August 9, 2019. Parents can find more information and register their children using the online participation form on the city website, www.buffalony.gov.

Approximately 30 were toy guns collected from youth in the week long F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Toy Gun Exchange. The first exchange was held at Masten Boys and Girls Club 397 Northland Street, April 23. The second took place April 26. There was much support from different groups such as Peacemakers, SNUG, MVP, the Buffalo and Cheektowaga Police Departments, Erie County DA’s office, Erie County Sheriff's Dept., Teens in Progress, WAVE, City of Buffalo Youth Dept. , and the City of Buffalo Crime Prevention Initiative. Special thanks to Candice Moppins Executive Director of the Delavan Grider Community Center! You can still turn in toy guns anytime at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Avenue Monday thru Saturday 12 -7p..m.

Spring Collection 2019 Bulk Trash Sunday Schedule

South May 19 Delaware June 2 North June 9 University June 16 Each property is limited to an area for trash that is 12feed long, 3 feet wide, 3 feet high.

Excessive amounts of trash are subject to a fine. No TV’s computers, tires, paint, construction/demolition debris or other hazardous materials allowed. If you do not know your Council District, or have any questions, please call 311.

The Lutheran Church of Our Savior Camp JOY 2019, at 26 Brunswick Blvd will be held July 8 through August 16. The camp is open to boys and girls, kindergarten through 6th grade.

Camp JOY is a structured summer day camp program with enrichment activities that develop and stimulate the mind and the body. Camp Fee is $200 (before May 1 and $250 after May 1) Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (breakfast & lunch served daily). Enrollment limited and accepted on a first come first served basis. Call 716 885 1108 for details on how to register.

Salvation Army Summer Day Camp Join us at 960 Main Street for a summer of fun and learning!

The Camp offers daily activities including a variety of sports, leadership challengers, educational adventures and field trips for children ages 5 -12.; with well-trained counsel, registration is open until June 28. For more info please contact James McNeil at 716 888-6231.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

We Need A Malcolm X Day

By Toure

I

think we should seriously consider a national holiday celebrating the life of a man who indelibly changed America: Malcolm X. What ideals would be celebrated on Malcolm X Day, May 19, his birthday? Many. Malcolm’s not a static intellectual figure — his mind journeyed throughout his life, he held firm to his principles but was also strong enough to re-evaluate his beliefs and change when he deemed change is right. He was far from a flip-flopper who moved because it was politically expedient — and thankfully not an intellectual mule who refused to change when he uncovered new information and perspectives. Malcolm was intelligent and bold enough to be open-minded. His courage to be a truth seeker is part of what we’d celebrate — his willingness to reconsider his principles, to be protean, to challenge himself and be willing to grow and thus embody the transformative potential of American life. We would celebrate not just his willingness to journey but also his journey itself, which concludes with militancy being defeated by humanism and with racial hatred being defeated by globalism and multiracial acceptance.

Malcolm ended his life rejecting anti-whiteness and nationalism in favor of a bold multiculturalism that was and is still willing to welcome anyone into his international interfaith anti-oppression movement: to judge by creed and not by race. He grew to understand it took all types to make the human family complete and explicitly rejected racial hatred and espoused a universal law of justice. He was a man who challenged the status quo in necessary ways, who was a public intellectual activist and a proponent of voting rights who believed in using the electoral system to achieve meaningful change. And more, Malcolm was someone who saw himself as a global citizen, traveling and taking his critique of America to the rest of the world and treating America like the global citizen it is.

This country is special in part because we are composed of people who relatively recently came from somewhere else and Malcolm fully embraced the diasporic nature of Americanness and thought of himself as a member of the world community. All of this would be celebrated on Malcolm X Day. Surely some will not be able to wrap their heads around support-

ing a Malcolm X federal holiday because they will get stuck on the image of Malcolm as violent.

This misunderstands several things. King was, at a time, considered dangerous and was hated too and, more importantly, Malcolm merely proposed that oppressed people had a right to armed self-defense — an inherently American principle. King, who preached steadfast non-violence, represents America as it wishes it were, while Malcolm symbolizes America as it is. Malcolm never equated self-defense with violence for its own sake and he never fomented violence. He was wiretapped and followed inside and outside the United States by the FBI, the CIA and the NYPD for years and years — if he had incited violence, even in a private conversation at home, he would surely have landed in legal trouble. Indeed, the FBI noted its difficultly in neutralizing him because he did not conspire to break laws and lived by a stringent moral code. A New York police officer surveilling him went to his bosses and told them they should be helping Malcolm — such is the righteousness of his positions to someone who truly listened.

Malcolm was a man unreservedly committed to the cause of liberating Black people by any means necessary and his fierce but loving advocacy helps move the country forward as much as King’s Gandhi-ist movement. We cannot separate Malcolm from his era in that he conveyed the righteous anger of the Black masses during his time but linked it to an articulation and a brilliance that was inspiring as well as a geopolitical, economic, spiritual and religious strategy. Malcolm was angry because we were, but instead of sparking riots he incited deep self-pride and linked the civil rights struggle to human rights. His militant advocacy was as stunning as it was necessary, to force the issue and imbue millions with the confidence and spirit and strength needed to overcome. He knew power gives up nothing without a demand and inspired millions to not accept victim status and imbued them with the agency to force America to become as democratic as it claimed to be. Malcolm is the true father of Black Power (and its son hip-hop), which deeply inspires Continued Page 15

"The Monkey's Got A Hockey Stick" By Nanette Massey

W

hite Fragility by Robin DiAngelo has enjoyed a run on the New York Times Best Seller List for nearly nine months. Many White people have told me it was a real tough-love kind of read for them. DiAngelo submits that she and her fellow white people have been mostly insulated from the full brunt of racial stress. “We consider a challenge to our racial worldviews as a challenge to our very identities as good, moral people. Thus we perceive any attempt to connect us to the system of racism as an unsettling and unfair moral offense.” She adds, “White solidarity is the unspoken agreement among Whites to...not cause another White person to feel racial discomfort by confronting them when they say or do something racially problematic.” Thus we are all forced to take great pains making it clear we are not connecting the listener himself, per se, to the racism we are talking about.

That whites feel deserving of and entitled to this kind of mollycoddling is the essence of white fragility.

In my workshops and lectures, I try to drive home that racism steals from everyone, not just us non-Whites. Let’s dissect the case of the Black Amherst Youth Hockey player jeered by White opponents with monkey sounds during a January game.

It was immediately reported to the local and state league bodies, and bolstered by video online. Then it languished (“was being investigated”) on the desk of David Braunstein, region-

“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 Printed In Canada

al president of the N.Y. State Amateuer Hockey Association.

Braunstein and the association, loathe to break the unspoken agreement with White parents, chose to gamble on running out the clock on the season. He might make parents (gasp!) uncomfortable. They may misconstrue him as questioning the very moral identity of their families. Two months later, and the day before the matter was reported on the pages of the Buffalo News, the league cancelled their playoff games all together.

Braunstein’s reward for his steadfast allegiance to the white fragility rules of engagement? His head presented on a platter.

After nineteen years, he announced his resignation to the press giving no reason. It was easier for Braunstein to step down, to cancel the playoffs, than to call one specific team of white kids to task for their actions and categorically disturb the racial status quo. Think about that.

Brian Dillard of Memphis is not surprised by the episode or its handling. He experienced such treatment as a Black hockey player for Bishop Turner and Bennett High Schools before graduating in 1984 and expected no quarter from the presiding referees, whom he places blame with for this incident. “At the very least, that’s unsportsmanlike conduct. They even had the power to call the game.” The referees, too, impelled the tacit white fragility rules of engagement.

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

P: 716 881.1051 F: 716 881.1053

11 VOICES CAO Head Start Does Exceptional Work Everyday!

DearEditor, CAO Head Start, does exceptional work on an everyday basis!Staff show up, ready, dedicated and enthusiastic to work with our children and families. What was reported in the Buffalo newspaper on April 25th, 2019 is just a snippet of what has occurred over the last year and since then has been corrected. What was not reported was the years prior that CAO Head Start met or was above the national average with class scores.

CAO Head Start, does exceptional work everyday! The class room dynamics over the years have changed dramatically. The circumstances and adversities our families are faced with everyday are met with caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and dedicated staff who are willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of our families.

CAO Head Start, does exceptional work everyday! The people who are looking to discredit our agency, program, staff, and services have no clue as to how passionate and dedicated we are to the families and communities we serve. There is always room for improvement within every agency or organization. The way things are currently being handled are unjust and unethical to everyone involved. The front line workers, children and families are the ones who suffer most. The motives and intent of information displayed is a clear exaggeration to make CAO, Head Start staff, children and families look less than, and certainly another way to emotionally break down the spirit of an entire community.

WHEN A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IS BEING UNETHICALLY SCRUTINIZED IT HURTS MORE THAN THE ORGANIZATION; IT HURTS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY! CAO Head Start, does exceptional work everyday! How many of these people who are trying to discredit CAO, have ever stepped foot into a Head Start class room? Imagine being 2 teachers in a class room with 6 children with severe trauma and behavioral issues. Imagine those same two teachers trying their absolute best to comfort 6 children with behaviors and keep 8 other children safe & calm, while keeping the class room together and focused for academics, & skill building. Now Imagine These same class rooms being met with all sorts of supports systems, team meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, from different content areas within our program, that provide onsite trainings, professional development Social & Emotional Support, coaching, social groups, team meetings, and the list goes on.This is just a snippet of the awesomeness head Start provides everyday!

Many of our families live with adversities, poverty, lack of resources, low-income, in violent communities but are yet so resilient. Our children and families continue to get up daily making efforts to better themselves in a city with rankings as the 4th worst poverty rates for children. So ask yourself, does reading these articles make the families and communities we serve, feel important? Is this a positive external factor for a family who has so many adversities to hear? What examples are we setting for the community? Do you really think that families want to hear and see negative things displayed about one of the organizations that help them most? What are these articles proving? Nothing at all If you really care about people, humanity, human service work and the communities WE serve, I ask you to please stop! This is very disheartening for everyone! This is not the way! This is not the answer! You are hurting the very people you say, you want to protect! And let’s not forget, CAO of WNY and Head Start does exceptional work everyday!

We stand behind our work, our agency, our programs and our leaders! -From A Concerned Member Of The Community And Proud

dear editor

Employee of CAO of WNY Head Start

• 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.

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

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

12

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

Clawed to Death

Ed Parson Softball Pitching First Ball

Season opener kicks off Sunday may 19 with naming ceremony in honor of the late James Hartley

by Renata Toney

The Ed Parson Memorial Softball League is back in full swing Sunday, May 19, 11 AM at the field named in honor of the sports legend. To start the season, two diamonds will be officially named with signage to honor Commissioner James Hartley who passed in 2017. “The public is invited to a celebration of Mr. Hartley’s invaluable contributions to the league.

The naming ceremony will include remarks, a City of Buffalo proclamation and balloon release,” said Commissioner Demetrius Richards. “Mr. Hartley’s family will be on-hand to toss the first ball.”

Hartley’s affiliation with the league spans over decades--in 1962 his uncle took him to his first game. He went on to later coach some of its championship teams and managed the league for more than 20 years.

Games for the 12-week season will start at 11 AM each Sunday on Fillmore Avenue, just south of the Kensington Expressway. Come on out for food, laughs and down-home family fun.

Sonya Fields and A.C. Brown return as deputy commissioners. The season will culminate with two weeks of playoff games and the popular annual major league championship throwdown. Many thanks to Daren ‘Doc’ Thomas for his ongoing support with photography. “We also extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to The Challenger and Al-Nisa Banks for your unrelenting support of the league that spans over decades,” said Commissioner Demetrius Richards.

Founded in 1959, Ed Parson, Sr. launched the Sunday Morning Memorial Softball League with a bold vision to design a local African American baseball and basketball alliance. With the financial backing of the late Marshall Myles, a prominent East Side socialite and businessman, they recruited the city’s most versatile all-high players forming some of the most powerful squads in the region.

Renata Toney is a Challenger contributing writer, rrrenata@aol. com

On May 12, 2019, the Toronto Raptors of Ontario, Canada made it into the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in the Franchise’s history. As a ball bounced ever so slowly on what seemed to be every inch of the rim once the final buzzer had sounded. Time stopped!!! You could cut the anticipation with a knife as a country waited for the ball to go through the net to give birth to a new chapter in Raptors’ NBA history. Kawhi Leonard a.k.a.

The Claw had struck again and this time the Philadelphia 76ers were the ones left wounded by this Raptor’s “Mother’s Day Miracle”! Leonard’s less than stellar performance for the night did by no means overshadow what he has accomplished during the series in the conference semifinals.

Averaging nearly 35 points per game this Raptor attacked like Raptors Kawhi Leonard makes unforgettable a T-Rex. He was hav- winning shot ing a subpar shooting night on this night though. But for a guy that doesn’t do much barking, his bite... correction.. his Claw got longer as the game went on. And when it came time to show hisvalue from the controversial trade that occurred last summer. No bigger imprint would be left on this game than that of the CLAW!!!! -A. Dorcely

Africans Dominate Boston Marathon!

Lawrence Cherono of Kenya and Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia battled to the tape in the Boston Marathon with Desia just two seconds behind. Cherono came in first place, Desis second and Kenneth Kipkemoi, another Kenyan was third, nine seconds back. The top Ameriaxan was Sott Fauble in seventh. In the women’s race, Workmesh Degefa of Ethiopia ran away from the field taking the lead by defeating her closest opponent, Edna Kiplagat of Kenya by 42 seconds. Jordan Hasay of the United States, came in third.

Check Out Our SPORTS PAGE ONLINE at thechallengernews. com

ANSWER THE CALL START A CAREER IN THE BUFFALO POLICE DEPT.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

MAY 22, 2019

BUFFALO POLICE EXAM JUNE 29, 2019

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.BUFFALONY.GOV / CALL 716-851-9614

-NOTICE OF NAME CHANGENotice is hereby given that an order entered by the Supreme Court, Erie County, on the 3rd day of May, 2019, bearing Index Number I 2019600161, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Frank Hanif. The city and state of my address are Buffalo, NY; the month and year of my birth are February, 1988; the place of my birth is Buffalo, New York; my present name is Frank Anthony Slauson.

LEGAL NOTICE Project No.KA-17-15 COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Erie County Holding Center Kitchen Floor Replacement & Kitchen/Laundry Domestic Hot Water Upgrades PROJECT NO. KA-17-15 Sealed bids for General Construction work for the above project will be received by Erie County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on June 5, 2019, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project.

Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw

Request for Proposals for Architectural Partners North Buffalo Community Center May 10, 2019 INTRODUCTION/VISION: McGuire Development Company, LLC in partnership with Impacto Consulting Associates, LLC (“McGuire”), issues this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) seeking a qualified architect and engineer team (“A/E Team”). The services requested will support McGuire’s redevelopment of the North Buffalo Community Center located at 203 Sanders Road, Buffalo NY 14216 (the “Center”), which may involve a new-build community center as well as affordable senior housing.

This RFP requests an A/E Team to provide the following services: •Design/layout of a new community center with the integration of 3-4 levels of affordable senior housing above the community center •Narrative/outline preparation for conceptual construction estimating purposes, •Consultation on and compliance with all on HCR and low income housing design guidelines, and •Budget estimate for full design services.

The conceptual design phase will guide program refinement, initial layout direction, and construction cost to support McGuire in assessing project feasibility. Weekly meeting participation, as needed, for the selected A/E Team will begin immediately following award.

SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Scope of Services and Responsibilities to be defined as per Standard AIA Owner/Architect Agreement B-133 are as follows: •Schematic Design •Design Development •Construction Documents •Construction Administration *Services requested will include ALL engineering services such as: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site/civil, structural, technology, and others identified as necessary for this project.

THE CLIENT: On April 16, 2019, McGuire acquired site control of this City of Buffalo land parcel where the Center is located and as the Designated Developer, McGuire is looking to assess feasibility of redeveloping the parcel. McGuire seeks to form a development team that will work in partnership with the City of Buffalo and the North Buffalo Community Center’s board of directors to realize the following vision for the project: •Demolition of the existing structure (excluding the gymnasium) and the creation of approximately 80 residential units suitable for senior residents •Consideration of massing and design in context with the surrounding neighborhood •Retention of greenspace •Minimizing impact of parking on and offsite •Community engagement and collaboration with program operators in establishing building layout and program •Meaningful participation from certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) workforce participation Desired Building/Site Program Features: •Continued operation of the North Buffalo Community Center on the entire main level of the site & gymnasium •Community integration and economic diversity •Common lounge, dining hall, library •Parking/park-and-ride drive up access •Creation of greenspace on the site •Private secure apartment access •Room for growth in attendance to take advantage of the 125 person capacity •New kitchen facility TIMELINE: The deadline for submission of proposals is 5:00 PM on May 24th, 2019.

Respondents shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the proposal to: lhicks@mcguiredevelopment.com McGuire Development Attention: Lisa Hicks, Assistant Director, Development & Finance 455 Cayuga Road Buffalo, New York 14225 A comprehensive list of questions regarding this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) must be submitted in writing to the designated contact within the timeframes set forth in the RFP Schedule. Copies of questions and responses will be issued to all respondents as an Addendum to this RFP as set forth in the RFP Schedule. Respondents are responsible for ensuring successful delivery of their response.

Issued May 10, 2019 Questions to Proposa May 17, 2019 Submissions May 24, 2019 Award May 31, 2019 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: McGuire reserves the right to reject any or all of the proposals submitted in response to this RFP. McGuire reserves the right to terminate this RFP process at any time. Those submitting proposals do so with the understanding that McGuire will not pay for or reimburse any expense incurred in the preparation of proposals. McGuire reserves the right to seek clarification from a respondent at any time throughout the RFP process for the purpose of resolving ambiguities or questioning information presented in the proposal.

FORM OF PROPOSAL: The RFP response should provide the following information: 1) Cover letter stating interest in project with signature of duly authorized principal 2) Resume experience for similar projects completed or on track for completion in less than a year.

3) A/E Team composition, roles of team members, and resumes for the key personnel assigned to this project.

4) Provide five (5) references with contact information, associated project, A/E Team’s role in that project.

5) McGuire requests that respondents offer pro-bono services for the preliminary conceptual design and narrative preparation work.

6) Provide a fee structure, as a percentage of the hard cost of construction, for the A/E Team’s architectural and engineering services for full design services associated with this project based upon an estimated $18 million hard construction cost budget, which including Profit, Insurance Premiums, and Overhead. Note that this proposed fee is for McGuire’s conceptual budgeting purposes.

7) Provide an estimate of reimbursable expenses associated with full design services.

8 )Please provide your firm’s sample standard certificate of insurance listing current policy limits, deductibles, and policy terms for the following coverages: (1) Commercial General Liability (must include blanket contractual liability coverage); (2) Automobile Liability; (3) Umbrella Liability; and (4) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability.

13

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019 Advertisement for Bids May 10, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE US BANK V. HILL NOTICE OF SALE COUNTY COURT ERIE COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff against KAREN J HILL A/K/A KAREN HILL, ET AL, et al Defendants Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein, Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street Suite 1800,Rochester, NY 14614 Attorney (s) for Plaintiff (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 13, 2018, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Foreclosure Alcove 1st Floor, at 92 Franklin St., in the County of Erie, State of New York on June 4, 2019 at 9:00 AM. Premises known as 5 Wood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211. Sec 101.73 Block 5 Lot 17.

All that tract or parcel of land, situate in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $39,183.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 804915/2017.

Andrew Z. Lepore, Esq., Referee

VERJC277

First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo E.B. Green Tower Restoration One Symphony Circle Buffalo, New York 14201

EBONYBLACK AND PRETTY LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/25/19 Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 170 Manhattan Ave 1033, Buffalo NY 14215-1033 Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLC’s under NYS LLC ACT. April 10,17,24 May 1,8,15

LEGAL NOTICE Project No. 2019-814-01 COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Erie County Court Building2019 Exterior Repair & Waterproofing Project No. 2019-814-01 The County of Erie is seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E & Testing services for Exterior Repair & Waterproofing of EC Court Bldg, 25 Delaware Ave. Weathering has caused caulk, mortar joints, and seals to deteriorate and resulted in cracked and spalled stone veneer at various areas. This will be a phased project, beginning with the West facade. Qualification statements and proposals must be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, June 6, 2019. RFQ/ RFP submission instructions may be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw/

LEGAL NOTICE

RFP#1927VF

COUNTY OF ERIE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 95 FRANKKLIN ST. BUFFALO, NY 14202 County of Erie, New York Request For Proposals The Erie County Department of Health is seeking proposals from organizations to conduct Comprehensive Cancer Prevention Outreach Implementation. The RFP# 1927VF can be found at: http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can be obtained by contacting Michelle Wysocki at 716-858-2990.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Michelle Wysocki.

Prospective proponents, or their representatives, shall not make contact with or communicate with any representatives of the County, including employees and consultants, other than the designated person in regard to any aspect of this proposal.

Final sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Health at 95 Franklin St, Room 950, Buffalo, NY 14202 by 4:00 pm (EST) on June 6, 2019.

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

Gale R. Burstein MD, MPH, FAAP Commissioner of Health

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center /

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

(716)818-3410.

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.

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BUFFALO, ONE SYMPHONY CIRCLE, BUFFALO, NY for the EXTERIOR RESTORATION OF THE E.B. GREEN TOWER Sealed bids for the First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo: E.B. Green Tower Restoration, will be received until 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the offices of Flynn Battaglia Architects, PC, 617 Main Street, Suite 401, Buffalo, NY 14203 (Attn: David Bond), where they will be opened and read publicly. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Bidding and Contract Documents and must be accompanied by references of similar projects and a bid security in the form of a Certified Check, Bid Bond or Bank Check in the amount of (10%) ten percent of the bid amount.

Work must be performed by contractors with no less than five years successful experience in completion of similar projects for State, National or locally registered landmarks. Contractors must submit a list of completed projects, including project name, address, owner and consultant. (Similar projects to be listed on

the Bid Form).

The successful bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Bond each for 100% of the Contract amount.

The completion date for this project is November 15, 2019.

This project is being funded in part by a grant administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993.

Under Article 15A, Executive Law, it is the policy of the State of New York to encourage participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in State-funded projects.

The following goals have been set for this project: 17% Women Owned and 13% Minority Owned businesses. The Contractor, by bidding on the contract, acknowledges understanding and support of this policy and pledges to fully cooperate with the First Presbyterian Church in meeting NYS requirements as set forth in the Bidding and Contract Documents.

•Effective Monday, May 13, 2019, Bid Documents may be examined free of charge at The Copy Store, 49 Court Street, Buffalo, New York 14202. Bid Documents may be purchased at the same location. Each request must be accompanied by a certified check in the amount of $14.00 (non-refundable) for each set of drawings and specifications. Cash or personal Checks will not be accepted.

•There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the project location: First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, One Symphony Circle, Buffalo, New York.

•Questions after the pre-bid meeting must be submitted in writing no later than the end of the business Friday, May 24, 2019 attention LaLuce Mitchell at Flynn Battaglia Architects, PC. Email (lmitchell@flynnbattaglia. com) or fax (716-854-2428) are acceptable.

•All Addenda, if any, will be sent via email after the May 21 meeting.

Please provide email contact information.

First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity organization. All qualified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) suppliers, contractors and/or businesses will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual preference or Vietnam Era Veterans status.

LEGAL NOTICE

Project No.2018-816-02

COUNTY OF ERIE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL Erie County DPW Rath BuildingSocial Services 3rd Fl Renovation Project No. 2018-816-02 The County of Erie is seeking qualification statements and proposals from interested firms to provide A/E design and construction services for the Rath Building-Social Services 3rd Floor Renovation. Qualification statements and proposals must be received by the County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 until 2:00 PM local time on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. RFQ/RFP submission instructions may be found at: www. erie.gov/dpw/

LEGAL NOTICE

Pro #CAP-9-19 REBID

COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Rehabilitation & Reconstruction of North & South Main St. PROJ# CAP-9-19 REBID The Department of Public Works (DPW), Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for mill & overlay, partial reconstruction & new drainage project in Evans/Angola, NY. Sealed proposals received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Rm 1404, Buffalo, NY at 10 am EST, Friday, May 24, 2019.

Bid deposit of $225,000. required with bid submittal. Minority workforce, MBE/WBE participation, Apprenticeship goals, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply. Pre-let meeting scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2019 at 11 am EST, DPW, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http:// www2.erie.gov/dpw

EMPLOYMENT

Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach.

For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

LEGAL NOTICE Project No. KA-17-14 COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Erie County Health Lab Building 17-AA & BB RTU Replacements PROJECT NO. KA-17-14 Sealed bids for Mechanical Construction work for the above project will be received by Erie County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on May 31, 2019, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/ WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw

LEGAL NOTICE

Project No. 2019-852-01

COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ERIE COUNTY HOME FUEL TANK REMOVAL PROJECT NO. 2019-852-01 Sealed bids for: General Construction work for the above project will be received by Erie County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, New York 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on May 30, 2019, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project.

Additional information must be found at: www.erie.gov/dpw

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!

Buffalo Job Finder

Career Fest

Buffalo Job Finder will host a Career Fest on Thursday, May 16 from 10 am – 3 pm in The Buffalo News lobby at Scott and Washington Streets downtown. For questions or more info call Linda Moskal at 716-849-4514 or email at lmoskal@ buffnews.com. Also more information at buffalojobfiinder.com.

LEGAL NOTICE Project No. 2019-999-01 COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Domestic Water Backflow Preventer Installations Rath Building, Jesse E. Nash Health Center, and Lancaster Sign Shop PROJECT NO. 2019-999-01 Sealed bids for: Plumbing Work for the above project will be received by Erie County’s Commissioner of Public Works, Suite 1400, Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202 until 10:30 AM local time on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. MBE/WBE, Apprenticeship program, and Local and Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply to this project. Additional information must be found at: www. erie.gov/dpw

LEGAL NOTICE

PROJ#CAP-141.208-19

COUNTY OF ERIE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDERS 2019 Capital Overlay Contract B PROJ# CAP-141.208-19 The Department of Public Works (DPW), Division of Highways, seeking sealed bids for road mill & overlay project. Sealed proposals must be received at the DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY at 10 am, Friday, May 24, 2019. Bid deposit of $100,000. required with bid submittal. Minority Workforce, MBE/ WBE participation, Apprenticeship goals, and Local & Disadvantaged Workforce requirements may apply.

Pre-let meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2019 at 11 am, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1404, Buffalo, NY. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http://www2.erie.gov/dpw

14

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS 3-WAY advertising@thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS

CLEANING SERVICE

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

SOPHIA CLEAN & CLEAR CLEANING SERVICE (716) 370-3862

PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612

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

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

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

BARBERSHOPNY.COM

BOOKS ZAWADI BOOKS 1382 Jefferson Ave. 716-903-6740

BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118

CLEANING SERVICE

SISTER DIANE'S CLEANING SERVICE

(770 )256-3271 Diane.Shakir@gmail.com Independent Contractor

MON 5/6

EVE-5-1-5

EVE-0-6-1

EVE-6-1-9

EVE-9-3-4

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

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

MID-9-1-2-7 EVE-7-5-8-0

MID-3-1-2-3 EVE-3-2-7-5

MID-0-1-0

04-30-31-37-39

MID-5-2-8

01-06-10-14-23

TUES 5/7

WED 5/8

MID-4-8-6

MID-9-6-7

01-03-04-16-21

LOTTO

07-19-24-31-34

4018

022

064

648

ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

GET PAID! GET PAID FOR OPINIONS! Up to $500 Per Week!

Work 1-4 hours per day only!

Text the word moreinfo to 31996

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

THURS 5/9

MID-0-4-0

EVE-4-6-6 MID-9-0-1-0 EVE-6-6-7-7 06-13-20-25-34

FRI 5/10

MID-5-8-2

EVE-6-2-3

MID-2-7-4-0 EVE-1-6-3-1 06-07-18-28-33

01-22-36-44-49-59 #41

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR)

BARBER SHOPS MASTERS TOUCH 1283 E, Delavan (716) 322-5641

TAKE 5

HOT TIPS

AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire

WIN 4

SUN 5/5

876-069-483-349-189-467-162-321-435-678-023-132455-791-017-844-679-010-536-809-546-896-468-901084-365-800-103-785-457-960-529-186-657-350-954689-955-467-809-074-657-906-671-978-010-743-234680-468-089-902-325-561-635-278-435-780-108-657562-178-930-354-763-469-012-757-689-208-645-785454-678-612-579-905-436-809-675-680-100-534-768985-324-354-184-903-327-289-946-034-594-501-543-402 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855

MAY Vibes

579-143-182-243409-374

“It’s In The Stars”

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

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

GAMMA’S MAY PICKS

542-893-659-757-783-492 BEST MAY DOUBLES 776-001-557-338 BEST TRIPLE 888

sign of complete financial support from the 888 Auniverse. money is flowing in your direction!

SAT 5/11

MID-8-8-9

EVE-5-1-6

MID-1-8-3-7 EVE -1-7-1-9 06-07-18-28-33

20-30-39-45-46-53 #44

996

515

140

Challenger Hits MIDDAY 0-1-0 ZR ( straight) ZR , Ma Ruth , Best May Doubles(box) 5-2-8 Taurus (box) 4-8-6 Hot Tips, ZR , Luckie Duckie (box) 9-6-7 ZR, Ma Ruth, Number Book(box) 5-8-2 Tarus (box) EVENING 5-1-5 Hot Tips, Luckie Duckie (straight) 6-1-9 Luckie Duckie (box) 9-3-4 Ma Ruth (box) 5-1-6 ZR (box) LUCKIE DUCKIE

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

648*123*104

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

Madam Ozlla's Spring Predictions 298-144-999-250-740133-184-981-707

WIN 4 2019 *1027 1590 *1928 5711 * 6502 1342 * 0907 3333*1971* 1931 *8938-1610-2001-6543

EVENTS

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15,2019

“Dance is for everybody…”

-Alvin Ailey

On Going Community Dance Classes MONDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon – 1p.m.; FREE ages 55+ 832 -1010.

Urban Line Dancing w/Cherie: 7-8:30p.m. Pratt Center.

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS B.O.S.S. Detroit Stepping Pratt Community Center.

WEDNESDAYS: Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 11 a.m. - 12 noon. FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010.

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 2009702.

DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Line Dance Class w/ Joan Harris, Metropolitan Church, 657 Best St, noon 2 p.m.; $3.

Wednesday May 15 Mobile Mammography Coach in Niagara Falls: 8 a.m.- 12 noon 1710 Calumet Ave. and 1-4 pm Doris Jones community Center, 3001 9th Street; hosted

by NFHA; for more info or appointment call 632-7465 select option 3.

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

Thursday May 16 Greater Utica Heights Block Club Meeting: 5:45-7 p.m. Dorothy Collier Center, 118 Utica St. Majority Leader PeoplesStokes to Deliver State of the 14 1st District Address: UB South Campus, Hayes Hall, 3435 Main Street, 6-7:30 p.m.

Yoga & Jembe Every Thursday at Juneteenth headquarters 1517 Genesee 5:30 p.m.

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

Job Fair & Open Interviews 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at BETC, 77 Goodell St. call 211 or 311 to get started today Saturday May 18

Urban Line Dancing /Cherie: 6-:7:30 p.m. St. Philips Fernhill @ Grider

Greater East Side Field of Dreams Block Club Annual Neighborhood Street Cleanup: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Meet in area of 188 Detroit St.

THURSDAYS Line Dance Classes with Willa Jackson, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee st.

895-2727.

Beau Fleuve Music Arts Sneaker Ball and Silent Auctionstarts 6 p.m. at Imagine Events Center 71 Military Road tickets $20 on eventbright

FRIDAYS Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor Chicago Steppin’: 7-8:30 p.m. Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. SATURDAYS Mike's Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance: 11 to 1 PM, Delavan-Grider Center, 877 E. Delavan.380-5100 . $5 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.10a.m.-12 noon.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

OMG Dinosaurs at the Buffalo Zoo 11 "life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs" that will be located throughout the zoo's campus go to buffalozoo.org for details.

Sunday May 19 Know Your Rights & Poetry Slam: 5 .p.m. Raq's Solidarity Space 322 Amherst Street, CoHosted by: Buffalo Anti Racism Coalition & Buffalo Save The Kids. Contact: bflolovergirl@ gmail.com Monday May 20 Imagine LaSalle Initiative Public Information Session on Design of Future Ralph C. Wilson Jr Centennial Park: Northland Workforce Training Center 5:30 p.m., hosted by Marnetta Malcolm .

Tuesday May 21 Miss Betty’s Dirt Cheap Yard Sale: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 974 Jefferson Ave. Clothing, furniture, kids toys & more! Rain or shine, 887-8333 or 436-8065.

15

MALCOLM X DAY continued from page 11 all identity freedom movements that follow it.

I bet in many minds Malcolm’s “violent” image would make him a less viable candidate for a holiday than, say, Nelson Mandela, who could easily get his own day if only he were American. Interestingly, Malcolm and Mandela are more similar than some may realize: yes, Mandela is an inspiring racial reconciliatory and a drum major for peace in South Africa, but in his pre-prison years he believed in the necessity of armed struggle. Think of Malcolm not as an intellectual thug but as a Mandelaesque figure who advocated righteous and political-minded self-defense when that was necessary and later grew into peaceful humanists.

It is possible to think of American history in terms of pre- and post-Malcolm. He’s not just the model of ideal blackness for many in the generations that follow him, but he’s also

the model of masculinity for millions of men and the ultimate public intellectual as freedom fighter. That is part of why Malcolm X Day is already celebrated in Washington and Berkeley, Calif., and why streets in Harlem, Brooklyn, Dallas and Lansing, Mich., bear his name and why schools in Newark,

N.J., Chicago and Madison, Wis., are named after him.

It’s time he had his own day.

Touré @Toure (Excerted from an article by Touréwho is also the author of five books, including I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon and the co-host of MSNBC's The Cycle.

Wednesday May 22 Miss Betty’s Dirt Cheap Yard Sale: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 974 Jefferson Ave. Clothing, furniture, kids toys & more! Rain or shine, 887-8333 or 436-8065.

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

Thursday May 23 Miss Betty’s Dirt Cheap Yard Sale: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 974 Jefferson Ave. Clothing, furniture, kids toys & more! Rain or shine, 887-8333 or 436-8065.

Yoga & Jembe Every Thursday at Juneteenth headquarters 1517 Genesee 5:30 p.m.

Pop-Up Exhibits Architecture & EXHIBIt Tours Kids Activities & much more

Visit BUFFALOHISTORY.ORG for more information.

16

images of us

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 15, 2019

Exhibit Now Open:

Telling the Story:

Enslavement of African People in the United States Buffalo & Erie County Public

LIBRARY www.BuffaloLib.org

Downtown Central Library 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY (716) 858-8900

Meet Ligia Owner, ligiahubert

MATTIE KING HOLT WAY! The Trailblazer Street Sign Ceremony in honor of

Mattie King Holt at Fillmore and Utica was a huge success. A tremendous outpouring of love and support was shown by the community and the countless people she has fed for more than 50 years at Mattie’s Restaurant on Fillmore Avenue. The event was a class act for a classy lady and a well deserved, if not long overdue, honor. CONGRATULATIONS MATTIE!!!

“The Allstate MWEE program surrounded me with an incredible group of entrepreneurs sharing the same will to grow our businesses. I built an amazing company in Guatemala and I know that past experience combined with the tools, education and network from this program will make it work once again!”

-Ligia Hubert, 2017 Graduate