CHALLENGER COMMUNITY NEWS

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INSIDE ROCHESTER

Councilmember Martin Leads Colleagues In Calling For Ending “Penal Slavery” of Incarcerated People in New York State Prisons

Resolution Seeks to Provide Labor Protections for Incarcerated People In NYS

Rochester City Councilmember Stanley Martin, with the support of fellow Councilmembers Mary Lupien (Vice President, East District), Kim Smith (At-Large) and Jose Peo (Northwest District), has called on the Governor and State Legislature to pass legislation ending the penal slavery of incarcerated people in New York State.

“In New York State prisons, incarcerated workers are forced to work in inhumane conditions with unfair wages, while private corporations profit from their labor — this is modern day slavery and it must be abolished,” Councilmember Martin said.

In a memorializing resolution signed May 1, Councilmembers urged the state to pass the “No Slavery in New York Act” and the “Fairness and Opportunity for Incarcerated Workers Act.” The two pieces of proposed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, aim to provide labor protections and fair wages to incarcerated workers, allowing them to become financial contributors to their families and community.

“We must end slavery in the United States once and for all,” Council Vice President Lupien said. “No exceptions.”

Incarcerated workers are paid very little for their labor, which is used to generate profit for state-run and private entities. Yet, it is incumbent on these workers to pay for some food, clothing, toiletries and phone calls to loved ones throughout their incarceration.

The memorializing resolution was Sponsored by Councilmember Martin and Co-Sponsored by Councilmembers Lupien, Peo and Smith, and will now be forwarded to the full City Council for their consideration. “I believe there is a direct correlation between New York’s high incarceration rates and profits from prison labor,” Councilmember Smith said. “I’m proud to cosponsor this human-centered resolution abolishing the prison labor exception within the 13th amendment.”

“I believe there is a direct correlation between New York’s high incarceration rates and profits from prison labor,” Councilmember Smith said. “I’m proud to cosponsor this humancentered resolution abolishing the prison labor exception within the 13th amendment.”

The 13th Forward Campaign and Citizen Action’s Family and Friends of Incarcerated Workers Committee, along with other activists in this space, have long been working to end penal slavery and asked Councilmember Martin and her colleagues to help champion this cause locally.

State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, aim to provide labor protections and fair wages to incarcerated workers, allowing them to become financial contributors to their families and community.

VISUAL STUDIES WORKSHOP PRESENTS THIS MOMENT 2: REVOLUTION RECKONING REPARATION BOOK LAUNCH

The VSW Press In This Moment 2: Revolution Reckoning Reparation Book Launch and Community Discussion hosted by Asbury First United Methodist Church continues the kickoff of the 2nd Series with the launch of chapbooks Thursday June 1 from 6:30-8:30p.m. at Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Avenue featuring:

•Ian J. Wilson, M.D. – Founder/Co-curator of WALL/ THERAPY; Essay by Erica Bryant; Photographs by Quajay Donnell •Rev. Myra Brown – Pastor, Spiritus Christi Church ;Essay by Chris Thompson; Photographs by Jackie McGriff. VSW Assistant Curator, Hernease Davis, will moderate a discussion with artists involved in the project. All guests will receive a complimentary copy of the newly released chapbooks at the event. This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is encouraged .Live Event Streaming at twitch. TV ASL Interpretation will be provided. The primary goal of the ITM chapbook series is to elevate the contributions, experiences and images of local Black leaders, photographers and writers. The series was created by Curator, Amanda Chestnut, and project coordinator, Jeanne Strazzabosco.

Councilmember Stanley Martin

AREA BRIEFS

First of Its Kind Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Victims of 5/14 Massacre

Lawsuit

Mark Talley Pens New Book: "5/14: The Day the Devil Came to Buffalo"

Mark Talley, the son of Geraldine Talley whose life was taken during the May 14, 2022 Tops Massacre, has penned a new book entitled "5/14: The Day the Devil Came to Buffalo."

It was released on Amazon Monday, the first anniversary of the massacre.

"The book goes into detail regarding the relationship between my mother and I, and how I felt after 5/14,” he told WBEN last week, “ some of the trials and tribulations I had to go through during my 20s when I had severe partial complex epilepsy and everything regarding the immediate aftermath of stuff we have to deal with behind the scenes after the terrorist attack."

He said the book is not a “self-help” book. “There’s no way of overcoming this grief, no way of overcoming pain,” he continued. The hope he said is that his words/story can help somebody.

Mark Talley is the founder and director of Agents for Advocacy. He was inspired to create this charity after his mother, was killed in the Tops shooting.

He will be doing book signings in June at Fitz Book and Waffles. More details will be made available on Agents for Advocacy's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Hon. James McLeod to Deliver Keynote Address at SUNY at Fredonia Commencement

Fredonia alum Honorable James A.W. McLeod will deliver the 2023 Morning Commencement address at SUNY at Fredonia this Saturday, May 20 in the Steele Hall arena. He is the great nephew of educator, Mary McLeod Bethune. The Hon. McLeod graduated from State University College at Fredonia and then attended the University at Buffalo Law School, where he earned his J.D. Degree. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in March 1975. He began his legal career by becoming the second African American attorney in Buffalo history to be hired as an associate attorney with a major law firm. McLeod was elected to the bench in 1999, then re-elected in 2009 and 2018. He retired in 2019. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

For Attorney John V. Elmore, representing the families of three of the victims killed in the May 14, 2022 Tops massacre and one of the survivors, is somewhat personal.

During a recent Saturday morning talk show on WUFO Radio, he revealed that he experienced his first mass shooting during his senior year at Olean high School when a sniper – a classmate – opened fire.

One of the respondents on the scene was Olean’s first African American fire fighter , his father, who was shot in the head and crippled for the rest of his life.

According to John it was the first mass shooting in a school recorded by the FBI. Recalling the impact it had on his family and himself, he said that things were different then. “Back then I couldn’t do anything,“ he told radio host Sam Radford. “But now we’re in a position to do something. God works in mysterious ways.”

On May 12, just two days shy of the anniversary of the racist-fueled shooting at Tops Market, the Law office of John V. Elmore, along with his partner/daughter Kristen Elmore-Garcia, Matthew P. Bergman, founding attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center, J. Adam Skaggs and Leigh Rome of Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence held a press conference where they announced the filing of a wrongful death lawsuit in response to Payton Gendron's racially motivated attack at Tops Friendly Markets. Ten people were killed, all of them Black, and three people were injured.

According to the lawsuit, Gendron livestreamed his murderous rampage on Twitch, hoping to inspire future acts of mass violence. The ability to livestream his attack was a major factor in convincing him to go forward with the massacre, the lawsuit says.

"No one deserves to lose their life at the hands of another, especially when that person was motivated by false and hateful content fed to them online," said attorney Elmore-Garcia. "The combination of racist rhetoric on social media and the availability of combat-style gear created a deadly situation that should never happen again."

The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of survivor Latisha Rogers, 34, who was working customer service at Tops and called 911 in the midst of the horrific attack; and the families of the following three victims, all of whom were killed in the massacre:

•Andre Mackneil, 53, a father of five who was at Tops to buy a birthday cake for his three-yearold son's birthday party.

•Katherine "Kat" Massey, 72, a community activist and retired teacher.

•Heyward Patterson, 67, a deacon at State Tabernacle Church of God and a retired security guard. During the press gathering media also had an opportunity to hear from family members of two of the victims: Adrienne Massey, Barbara Massey-Mapps, Leandra Elliott and Shawanda Rogers. It was an emotional 30 minutes for the women as they recounted the pain of losing their loved ones to hate-filled violence. The tears flowed as they told about the impact it had on their children, grandchildren, families and their personal struggle to live normal lives in the wake of such pain, still raw a year later.

Attorney Elmore pointed out that their grief, pain and suffering is an example of what’s going on with many families in the wake of the killings, “yet we do not have a Grieving Families Act in New York State.” He called on Gov. Hochul to reconsider signing a new bill before her.

-One of A Kind-

Malcolm X Day May 19

Malcolm X Day is observed on May 19 every year in the United States. It is used to show appreciation for Bro. Malcolm, who was a civil/human rights leader. Malcolm X, (original name Malcolm Little, Muslim name el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz), was born May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was an African American Muslim minister who was a vocal advocate for Black empowerment. Malcolm X is credited with raising the self-esteem of Black Americans since he reconnected the people with their African heritage. He was assassinated Feb. 21, 1965 at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, NY.

Malcolm X Day serves to appreciate and celebrate the works he did in his time and the impact he had on society. May 19 has been an official holiday in the municipality of Berkeley, California since 1979, with city offices and schools being closed. It has been an official state holiday in the state of Illinois since 2015, and it has also been observed in Missouri since 2019.

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The 144-page complaint is described by Attorney Elmore as “one of the first lawsuits of its kind” to hold social media and other manufacturers responsible based on manufacturing and design.

Remember Malcolm!

Mark Talley

Hon. James McLeod

Malcolm X

alleges that social media platforms' algorithms, which highlighted violent racist and antisemitic material, radicalized gunman Payton Gendron and inspired attack on a predominantly Black community

From Left: Adrienne Massey, Barbara Massey-Mapps, Leandra Elliott and Shawanda Rodgers.

FAITH & FAMILY White Rock Missionary Baptist to Celebrate First Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Groomes

White Rock Missionary Baptist Church, 480 E. Utica St. will celebrate the First Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Julius Groomes, “A Pastor After God’s Heart” on Sunday, May 28 at the 11 a.m. service with guest Pastor James C. Blackburn Jr. of Greater Hope Baptist Church in Buffalo and at 4 p.m. featuring guest Pastor Sedrick Hamner of Reset Church in Atlanta.

Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner at The Metropolitan UM Church

The Metropolitan UM Church located at 657 Best Street, Buffalo will host its annual Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinners on Friday, June 9 from 11 a.m. until sold out. Dinner includes halfchicken, potato salad, green beans, bread & dessert for take-out only. Delivery available for 5 or more dinners.Ticket Cost: $14. Please, contact the church office at (716) 891-5652 for more information or to purchase tickets. Pastor Angela R. Stewart is the pastor.

Potter's House Church Annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast

The Potter's House Church will host their Annual Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, May 20 at 9a.m. at the Sheraton Niagara Hotel, 300 Third Street, Niagara Falls, Pastor Mark Sanders is the speaker. Tickets are $30 for adults and $35 at the door; youth tickets are $25 and $30 at the door. For additional information call 716-285-3445.

Humboldt Parkway Baptist To Celebrate Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend and Mrs. Jason Keith

The congregation of the Humboldt Parkway Baptist Church will celebrate the Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend and Mrs. Jason C. Keith on Sunday, May 21 at 11 a.m. The morning speaker will be Reverend Michael Roberson of the Evangelistic Temple and Community Church.

Our celebration will culminate with a Grand Formal Celebration Banquet at 4 p.m. at Banchetti by Rizzo's, 550 N. French Road, Amherst.

Please join us and get your ticket which is $40 by calling Michele Palmer at 716-896-4363 or Jackie McMillan at 716308-3121 (text/leave message). -Submitted by Mrs. Carol B. Melson , Publicity.

Rev. Julius Groomes

Services Set for Sherrill Earl Colston Accomplished Businessman, Civic Leader

Sherrill Earl Colston, one of the Black community’s premier business/civic leaders, passed Thursday May 11, 2023. Arrangements for his service are as follows:

•Visitation Friday May 26 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church on E. Delavan Ave. 6-8 p.m.

•Wake Saturday May 27 at 11:00 a.m. followed by Home Going Service at Noon.

For decades Colston Enterprise MOBILE Gas Station graced the corner of Fillmore and E. Ferry; a gleaming symbol of successful Black entrepreneurship and pride. One year Mr. Colston was the only Black Mobile dealer to be the keynote speaker at the industry’s national convention in Las Vegas. He served on and chaired a number of boards in the community. At press time no additional information was available.

American Baptist Women's Ministry Spiritual Retreat

The Buffalo/Niagara County Chapter of the American Baptist Women's Ministry is hosting a spiritual retreat from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20 at the Rev. Bennett Smith Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Street. Registration is $30 and begins at 8:30 a.m. A continental breakfast and full lunch will be provided.

We invite the community to join us for a day of prayer and spiritual enlightenment. For further information contact mabaskervill@earthlink.net. Mrs. Geraldine Rhodes-Daniels, Chapter President.

Urban Christian Ministries Fundraising Dinner

Urban Christian Ministries will host a Fund Raising Dinner, Saturday, May 20 from 4 -8p.m. at Randall Baptist Church, 6301 Main St., Williamsville. Reservations are required. Call 716-882-9472. Free-will offering will benefit Afterschool and Summer programs on Buffalo's East Side.

ATTENTION FAMILY CAREGIVERS!

Do you or someone you know care for a family member with memory impairment living at home? Perhaps you would love a break to do errands, attend YOUR doctor’s appointments, go to lunch with a friend, or relax?

The Metropolitan United Methodist Church located at 657 Best Street (corner of Herman), Buffalo will offer respite services with trained volunteers, supervised fun activities, crafts, music/ singing, and lunch for your loved one – all at NO CHARGE. Metro’s Circle of Love Respite Program will be held the 2nd Friday of each month from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of WNY.

Applications Are Now Being Accepted.

Interested? please contact Lynelle Reed at (716) 891-5652 or metroumchurch@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. Lynelle Reed, Coordinator, Angela R. Stewart, Pastor.

Remembering PFC David Evans Jr.

PFC David Evans Jr., a member of the 977th Military, Police Company in Fort Riley Kansas was tragically killed on May 25, 2003 in the line of duty in Diwaniyah Iraq. According to military officials, PFC Evans Jr. was killed in an explosion at a facility which contained Iraq ammunition.

David Jr., AKA "little David" "Usher" was born to Esther E. Macklin and David Evans Sr. on November 18, 1984. He attended Buffalo Public School #53 and #11; was part of the Macedonia Boys Scouts; gradu ated from Kensington High School in June 2002 where he was a star athlete and member of the Kensington Track team. He enlisted in the US Army immediately after graduating from Kensington. By all accounts, he was well on his way of making his dream of working for the FBI a reality.

He is the recipient of several distinguished awards including a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart which is the highest Award bestowed by the Military. Upon his death a scholarship was set up in his memory which is currently not active but the family hopes to see it active in the near future.

David gave his life to the Lord under the pastorate care of Rev. Paul J. Walker of True Vine Christian Center in Buffalo. He will be remembered for his bright smile that lit up the room, laugh, kind heart, soul, loyalty, diligence and dedication. He died as a solider in the U.S. Army but now he serves as a solider for the Lord.

Community Center Seeks Volunteers!

Friends Inc @ Dorothy J Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica St., is a great asset to our East side Community and the more help we have, the more effective we will be AND WE NEED YOUR HELP! Volunteers are a driving force behind the work that we do and we would love to have you come and volunteer with us. Join us in our mission to provide quality services that educate, encourage, empower and support healthy, happy community members and a safe, stable, supportive community. Call (716) 882-0602.

God Bless You!

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

-Tao Te Ching

HEALTH MATTERS

Diabetes in the Buffalo Public School System: “A Community Conversation: Know Your Rights”

A federal court approved a landmark settlement that will ensure children with diabetes in New York City receive the care they need to fully participate in school and schoolrelated activities.

It was filed in 2018 by the National Diabetes Association on behalf of parents who were fed up with the New York City’s Department of Education (DOE) violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parents of students with Type 1 diabetes alleged the DOE systemi-

cally failed to provide basic and appropriate care for their children.

The question is “What’s going on in the Buffalo School System?”

Dear Parents:

My name is Akua Kamau Harris: “If you have a child in your family or know someone with a child who is diabetic attending Buffalo Public Schools, there is an important conversation we must have, and it cannot wait! Tell everybody you know who has a child that is diabetic attending

Buffalo Public Schools, about this important Community Conversation!

WHY THE URGENCY?”

In an article by Mary Caffrey, Executive Editor of the American Journal of Managed Care written, May 22, 2017, she stated: “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds Black Children twice as likely as White children to die from diabetes disease, and three times as likely as Hispanic children.

Our children should not be dying from diabetes! The CDC has declared that diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. It is ranked number 7 in causes of death in the US and the world.

PLEASE ATTEND THIS MUST HAVE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION ON:

Monday, MAY 22 from 5:307 p.m. at the CAO MASTEN RESOURCE CENTER, 1423 FILLMORE AVE.

Let us together make sure our children are receiving the services they deserve! Light Refreshments will be served!

See you there! Mother Akua Kamau Harris Phone: (716)587-1099

Free CPR Training

June 1 Through June 7 In Recognition of National CPR/AED Awareness

Strickly Business Safety Solutions, LLC, and their cosponsors are offering FREE CPR training class to the WNY community. Deadline is May 31. Limited space. For questions call (716) 335-2523 or register at tinyurl.com/ FREECPRTraining2023.

The schedule is as follows

June 1 Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan

9:30am

June 2 Northwest Buffalo Center 155 Lawn Ave.

9:30am

June 3 Bennett - All High Stadium 2885 Main St. (50 Students) 9:30am

June 4 The Chapel 520 66th St. (Niagara Falls) 1:30pm

June 5 (Mon.) Gloria J Parks Community Center 3242 Main St. 1:00pm

June 6 (Tues.) The Packard Court Community Center .4200 Pine Ave. (Niagara Falls) 4 pm

June 7 (Wed.) The William Emslie YMCA 585 William St. 9:30am

New Moon Watch May 19 ‘Black Moon’

This month’s New Moon May 19, is known as the “Black Moon.”

This new moon is a time of good luck. A time to rest, quiet self-reflection, and a fantastic opportunity for manifesting. A Black Moon’s meaning is associated with prosperity and good fortune. Black Moons are a unique and magical time because they’re rare. Black Moons are intensified New Moons, which are lovely for manifestations, creativity, new chances, and opportunities. This lunar cycle is connected with increased intuition, spiritual growth, and self-awareness. During this time, you can connect with your higher power and gain clarity on your life’s purpose. Allow new opportunities and experiences into your life. Black Moons show you what limitations are holding you back. Release these limiting beliefs to make way for new beginnings in your life!

At the new moon, the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned in space, with the moon in the middle. The moon's night side directly faces us making it invisible.

Mrs. Frances Nash's Garden Basket

Michigan Street Corridor and Buffalo Go Green present Mrs. Frances Nash’s Garden Basket a full farmers market on the Corner of Michigan and Broadway every Tuesday from 3 - 6 PM during the months of June through October.

They also hold community conversations to learn about what you are looking for in a farmers market so attend and lend your voice. The next scheduled conversations are set for May 19 6pm at Pratt Willert Community Center and June 10 at 11am Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Stop by this season and enjoy the farmers market in the corridor.

Black Church Food Security Network Conference

Join The Food Access and Wealth Building Mission May 21 from 1:30-3pm at Fellowship World Church 878 Humboldt Pkwy. for Black Church Food Security Network Conference with keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Heber Brown. Space is limited to 2-3 representatives. You must RSVP at Moniquedurant@aol. com or for questions call 716 883-0529.

MAY

•Spring Service Days The Tool Library and Norfolk Ave Block Club #1 - Spring Service Days 2023. William L. Gaiter Parkway Spring Cleanup and Tree Stewardship, Saturday, May 20th. Meet at 10am @ the corner of Norfolk Ave and E. Delavan Ave. (1016 E. Delavan). For info call: 716-510-1745 or visit https://thetoollibrary.org/service/

•Animal Adventures at Saturday Academy May 20th 10am -1p.m. Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School at 1 Martin Luther King Park . Animal petting zoo, pony rides, rock climbing wall, Grown Folk-Line Dancing, Henna Art, Bingo and more family friendly activities. Breakfast and lunch will be served . Event is Free

•AFRO D ECOLOGY FEST Health Wellness Roots Arts and Culture. at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, 641 Masten Satuday May 20th and Saturday May 27 12-4pm Food, vendors with DJ Ras Muata.

JUNE

•Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live, EVERY FRIDAY EVENING starting June 2 and continuing until August 25 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jefferson & E.Utica Street Shopping Plaza. FREE! DJ's, food trucks, family entertainment, dancing and vendors & more To become a sponsor or for more info on how to participate go to the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation facebook page.

•The University United Festival Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 Now accepting vendor applications. Deadline May 22. (716) 245-8332 or via email at mread@buffalony.gov

•Juneteenth Festival BUFFALO all day Saturday June 17 & Sunday June 18, MLK Park www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com, (716)891-891.FREE

• Niagara Falls Juneteenth Community Fair & Arts Festival Saturday June 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To sign up to be a vendor, artist or musician go to Info@theNACC.org or call (716)282-7530

•WUFO BLACK MUSIC CONFERENCE & AWARDS June 23,24,25, Millennium Hotel and Resort, 2030 (716) 834-1080 email info@wuforadio.com

•Family Fishing Day June 24 & 25, 10 a.m.-3p.m. Broderick Park, Foot of Ferry Underground Railroad)

•NAACP 2023 Medger Evers Awards Dinner, Saturday , June 24, Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. For tickets and more information email naacp@buffalonaacp.org or call (716)884-7242.

•JULY

•HEALING BY THE WATER Broderick Park Summer Freedom Celebration Music, Food, Vendors July 7-September 7, Foot of Ferry near Niagara St. FREE

• 28th Annual Pappy Martin Legacy- Masten Jazz Festival, July 23 and July 30 from 2pm - 8pm, MLK Park (Buffalo Museum of Science – Side Lawn) 1001 Humboldt Parkway

Sunday, July 23: 6pm: Headliner: Buster Williams Quartet / Opener: Various Acts Monday, July 24: 1pm: Musicians' Masterclass Workshop led by Nasar Abadey

AUGUST

•Westy’s Sycamore Family & Friends Annual Reunion August 4 Meet & Greet, 419 Monroe 6-9pm; August 5 Reunion Cookout MLK Park Noon-8PM For Info: (716)783-0099; (716)602-8119; (716)892-8311; (716)247-0258 FREE

•Pan Afrikan Festival Saturday, August 5, hosted by A.B.O.V.E. @ Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave. Rochester, 11am - 8 p.m. Visit PANAFFESTIVAL.ORG

•35th Annual Taking it to the Streets FREE August 19th & 20th, 11am-park closing MLK Park. For shelters/participate/vend/sponsor call 716-507-1931/716-400-6749.

SEPTEMBER

• “Honoring Our African American Military Heroes and Sheroes” Parade ” & Mini Stand Down, Saturday, September 2 hosted by Debbera M. Ransom and The African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation, kickoff 2 p.m. Jefferson between Riley and Dodge For more info email: aavaccbuffalo21@gmail.com or call 716-563-2536.

To List Your Upcoming event email editorial@thechallengernews.com

•51st Annual Black Achievers Awards Dinner, Saturday, September 30 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street. For more info visit www.buffaloblackachievers.org

SUNDAY'S REMEMBRANCE

“Ancestors Never Die Until There Is No One To Call Their names.”

-African

Proverb

In Loving Memory Geraldine Talley• Celestine Chaney • Heyward Patterson • Ruth Whitfield • Roberta A. Drury • Andre Mackneil• 53, Pearl Young age 77• Aaron Salter • Katherine Massey • Margus D. Morrison

5/14

continued from page 3

Elmore and his partners agree that it will not be an easy battle. But their goal, he said, is to stop the carnage and protect the community. “We don’t want it to happen again.”

The complaint, which was filed with State of New York Supreme Court, County of Erie, alleges that the May 14 shooter, Peyton Gendron was radicalized by the algorithms driving the social media products he used, which fed him increasingly racist, anti-Semitic, and violence-inducing content. These addictive algorithms, in turn, maximized his engagement with the platforms and the corresponding advertising revenue to the companies. These radicalized posts also provided the training, access to equipment, and expertise to plan and execute the massacre.

Those named in the lawsuit are Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook; Snap, Inc.; Alphabet, Inc., Google's parent company; Discord, Inc.; Reddit, Inc.; Amazon.com, Inc., which operates the Twitch livestreaming service; RMA Armament, an Iowa-based body armor manufacturer; Vintage Firearms, a retail gun store located in Endicott, N.Y.; MEAN L.L.C., a custom firearms manufacturer in Woodstock, Ga., which sells the MEAN MA Lock; and Paul and Paula Gendron, Gendron's parents.

"Gendron was motivated to commit his heinous crime by racist, antisemitic, and White supremacist propaganda fed to him by social media companies," said Attorney Bergman. "These posts led him down a rabbit hole of increasingly radical sites, where he was indoctrinated in White supremacist replacement theory and violent accelerationism. This horrible crime was neither an accident nor coincidence, but rather the foreseeable result of social media companies' intentional decision to maximize user engagement over public safety."

"I and my law partner, Kristen Elmore-Garcia, have been working with the families of this senseless, racially motivated hate crime for the past year," said attorney John V. Elmore. "Peyton Gendron has pled guilty to these murders, and is no longer a

danger to society. However, the social media platforms that radicalized him, and the companies that armed him, must still be held accountable for their actions. Our goal, on behalf of our clients, is to make this community and our nation safer and prevent other mass shootings."

Gendron, a White male who was 18 at the time of the attack, was fueled by White supremacist ideology. He drove more than 200 miles to carry out a murderous rampage that specifically targeted Black people.

Gendron's motive for targeting and attacking Black shoppers and employees was clear. The weapons used in the attack and recovered from his vehicle - a bolt-action rifle, a shotgun and an AR-15 assault rifle - were marked with phrases and symbols commonly used by White supremacists.

The lawsuit alleges that, shortly before 2:00 p.m. on May 14, 2022, Gendron invited several other users to a chat room on the Discord platform, where he posted a link to a live stream, as well as a personal statement and personal diary, which he had written to justify his violence and inspire future shootings.

Approximately 22 minutes into the Twitch livestream, fueled by the knowledge that other users were watching him in real-time, Gendron stepped out of his car and began shooting. Gendron's livestream on Twitch lasted approximately 24 minutes and was viewed by roughly two dozen other Twitch users. Twitch stopped the livestream approximately two minutes after the violence started, when the massacre was mostly complete.

While only a small number of people viewed the livestream in real-time, video of the massacre was subsequently re-posted on other numerous online platforms, including 4chan, kiwifarms. net, Facebook, and Reddit, along with many other social media platforms.

are you registered to VOTE?

2023 WINNERS! Pictured above, the 46th Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest winners Ja Mere Curry, Leighton Palmer, Sumaita Sabu, Syeda Jena, Tamia Jones, Muhibullah Mowaz (not shown). Sharon Holley is Chairperson.Congratulations!

BRICK COMMUNITY DAY!

BRICK Buffalo Academy Charter School is partnering with the King Urban Life Center to host the first annual BRICK Community Day on May 20th from 2 to 5 p.m. at 945 Genesee Street. The event will feature food, a live DJ, bounce houses, and local community vendors!

BRICK Buffalo Academy will be opening this fall and is currently accepting applications for kindergarten and 1st grade! On site applications and enrollment will also be available! For more information on the event, please contact Lacole Brumfield at (716) 308-2885 or lbrumfield@brickeducation.org.

Elevated Drill & Dance Team Showcase

Elevated Drill & Dance Team will showcase their dance & drill tribute to some of your favorite artists with special guest on Saturday, May 27 at the Varsity Theater 3165 Bailey Ave. from at 3-7 p.m. The show is hosted by Julian Russell, “The Mayor” with guest DJ Rob Nass. General admission is $23.18. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. For more information email ewaydrillteam2@gmail.com.

Summer Youth Basketball!

Summer Youth Basketball at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center, 3242 Main St. will start in June.

•Every Wednesday beginning June 14 Boys Varsity Basketball

•Every Thursday beginning June 15 Girls Varsity Basketball

•Every Friday beginning June 16 Boys J.V. Basketball League

All games played at the Gloria Parks Center between 5 and 9 p.m. For more information text Kevin Ferguson at (716)400-4159.

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. African Proverb

Art & Entertainment

Buffalo’s Next Generation of Filmmakers Release Feature Length Movie LEVI: Opens May 28

Eula Banks will be making a major directorial debut this month. The 25-year-old creative is one of the visionaries behind the Buffalobred film, Levi. The crime-drama, set to premiere May 28th at the North Park Theatre, is the first feature films Banks has been a part of. Known for her insightful visual work, the rising creative was sought after by actor, writer and executive producer of the film, Khalil Carr. This duo, along with co-writer Taiyana James and assistant director Thomas Rivera, is the driving force behind the execution of the highly anticipated film - a significant and impressive undertaking for a group of young people.

“I got that script February 27th,” Banks said. “We started doing the casting call a week and a half later…the script was dope.”

For Banks, the timing of Levi was perfect. With a few short films already under her belt and an eagerness to create, the young filmmaker was all in. Her directorial debut is also the blossoming of sown seeds. The gifted proud graduate of Performing Arts High School comes from a lineage of storytellers and was often referred to by her late grandmother’s name, Eula - which she now uses as her artist moniker. Working in photography and videography since 2018, Banks short films and portraiture turns it’s lens toward Buffalo’s music and arts community. From documenting the George Flloyd protests downtown to touring with rapper, Benny The Butcher, her work stands out as a fresh, unique, and socially conscious look into the city’s creative community - a sure reason Carr handpicked her for his film.

“I believed her creative vision would make this come to life even more,” Khalil explained about choosing Banks as the director. “I knew that I could write it, I could executive produce it, I could fund it, but somebody else…has to make the characters move, act, bring emotion. I followed Eula for some time on social media and I knew that her creative passion to make film, her comments on film were so intricate, and so important, and critical to film. I knew that if she came to my film she would bring that same energy and that same passion.”

Motivated to create more opportunities and collaborations with artists of color, specifically in film and theatre, Carr co-wrote Levi with close friend Taiyana James. After writing over 90 pages of script, Carr and James moved in on their work swiftly. First with bringing on Banks and shortly after, Thomas Rivera as assistant director. All 4 creatives are not only connected by their overlapping friend groups and interests, but also by Buffalo State College - Carr is a current junior, Rivera is a graduate, and James will be a student this

Fall. Utilizing the resources at the school, their organized budget and a laid out plan, the crew began production.

“I saved a bunch of money. I wanted to executive produce this and I funded the whole film, and I did it because I wanted to make dreams come true. Not only mine, but Taiyanna’s, Eula’s, Tommy’s, the actors’ because there's a lot of people who has been on this film that has never done film before. So this is a first for a lot of people…I need to bust this door down in order for everybody to walk though it. For Black creatives, all creatives. I knew it had to be done,” Khalil shared.

Levi’s entrance into the local filmmaking space is evidence that Buffalo’s emerging visual art and music renaissance is influencing the next generation. In the last 5 years, a handful of local films with Black leading characters have garnered attention across the City of Buffalo; Conflicted, G.O.D Givers Of Death and The Come Up just to name a few, but Levi possibly has the youngest cast and crew we have seen, and even more uniquely, have used social media to amplify their voices and

their story. From rap challenges, to Tik-Tok styled videos, the 20-somethings crew have maintained a buzz around the film for almost a year online.

The trailer for the film, released last month - first on social media, then on YouTube, gives more insight into the movie’s synopsis. Levi (played by Carr), an innocent teenager has to get involved in his father’s crime business after his father’s death. With one part of him trying to take on his father’s business and the other part just being a kid, Levi has to make a decision what to pursue when his new school friends Nico and Chyna learn too much of his father’s crime business.

With a multi-generational, diverse cast, the support of the city’s creative community, and their youthful energy, the kids behind the Levi film are highlighting the talents of Buffalo’s next generation and challenging the city’s film industry to provide more opportunities.

To attend the Levi premiere, buy a ticket on Eventbrite and follow @Levithefilm on Instagram to learn more about the cast and crew!

Ujima Company presents Cullud Wattah, Opens Friday May 12 and runs for three weekends. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. “pay what you can” ticket on Thursday May 25 only, with the final two performances being Friday May 26 and closing on Saturday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. Go to ujimacoinc.org for tickets.

Pictured under the Northpark Theatre marquee l/r Thomas Rivera (Assistant Director), Eula Banks (Director), Khalil Carr (Writer & executive producer) Taiyana James(Writer & executive producer) Photo by James Timothee

ON STAGE: THEATRE

ON STAGE: MUSIC Writer Erin Sharkey Book Tour for "A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing from Soil To Stars" Comes to Buffalo

The Pappy Martin Jazz Collective's Annual Betty Carter Birthday Celebration at True Bethel Baptist Church 907 E. Ferry Street Friday, May 19 at 7p.m.FREE with headliner

Charenee Wade Quintet. Renowned double bass player Curtis Lundy UMOJA opening with an original musical suite commissioned to commemorate May 14, 2022.

A Musicians' Masterclass Workshop led by Wade and Lundy will take place the next day, Sunday, May 20 also at True Bethel at 1 p.m.

What are the politics of nature? Who owns it, where is it, what role does it play in our lives? Does it need to be tamed? Are we ourselves natural? Join editor Erin Sharkey for her book tour in Buffalo for A Darker Wilderness. The tour kicked off May 15 at Unity Church of Buffalo, and continues on May 23 at UB Food Lab Hayes Hall room 403 at 6p.m., May 24 at Burning Books 420 Connecticut Street 7p.m. and May 25 at Just Buffalo Literary Center, 468 Washington Street at 7p.m.

In A Darker Wilderness, a constellation of luminary writers reflect on the significance of nature in their lived experience and on the role of nature in the lives of Black folks in the United States. Sharkey will read and reflect on this remarkable project. The book is available at burningbooks.com and milkweed.org and soon to be avaiable at Zawadi Books.

The Clover Group: Real Estate Management Firm Accused of Race-Based Housing Discrimination in Development of

Senior Complexes

By Geoff Kelly/Investigative Post

The Clover Group — one of the region’s biggest real estate development and management firms — has been accused in a federal lawsuit of discriminating against Black people in the way it selects sites to build apartment complexes for senior citizens.

A former employee claims that Clover executives routinely evaluated racial demographics when considering where to invest in new projects. If the surrounding area was more than 20 percent Black, the former employee claims, the company would reject the site — even if it met the firm’s other criteria related to property values, income levels and age demographics.

The whistleblower, Peter Rizzo, surreptitiously recorded Clover executives using the terms “Canadians” and “the Canadian factor” as a code for discussing the number of Black people living in proximity to a proposed development site.

In the recordings — which are quoted in the lawsuit and can be heard at investigative post.org — the executives explain to Rizzo that building in communities they considered “heavily Black” was “tough” because there might be an “issue with residents paying their rent.”

The lawsuit alleges that Clover and its executives:

•“intentionally engaged in illegal race-based housing discrimination by refusing to develop housing in or near Black neighborhoods.”

•commented “on the number of ‘Canadians’ or ‘shvartzes’ (a Yiddish racial slur)” living near potential building sites. •were warned that their practices violated state and federal fair housing laws.

•fired the whistleblower “in a blatant and illegal act of retaliation.”

Rizzo was fired in January after just six months with the company. He said Clover told him he was being let go because

the company was having financial trouble. In his lawsuit, Rizzo claims he was fired because he objected to Clover’s “racist and illegal” practices.

“Clover knows what they’re doing is wrong,” Rizzo told Investigative Post. “They didn’t bat an eye when I let them know that this is illegal. They know it’s illegal.”

Clover’s president and CEO, Michael Joseph, refused to comment, as did the executives Rizzo recorded. But a public relations firm Clover hired sent a statement describing Rizzo as “angry and disgruntled” and his allegations as “meritless, baseless, and misleading.”

“Clover does not make business decisions on the basis of any unlawful criteria,” the statement continued. “The company intends to defend itself vigorously.”

The PR firm also noted Joseph’s “extensive philanthropic activities,” including financial support for programs “that benefit primarily African American communities right here at home.”

Investigative Post spoke to current and former Clover employees who requested anonymity because they feared retaliation. They corroborated Rizzo’s allegations.

Joseph founded the Clover Group in 1987. The company says it currently manages about 7,000 rental units in seven states. The company website advertises more than 50 apartment complexes marketed to senior citizens.

It has 11 such properties in Western New York. All but one are located in predominantly white ZIP codes with a Black population lower than 20 percent. Eight of the 11 local projects are located in Zip Codes Census that are 97 percent or more white.

In all but two locations, the surrounding Black population is lower than 10 percent.

The one senior housing complex in Clover’s portfolio that is

located in a community that would qualify as “heavily Black” by the company’s standard is the Jill Joseph Tower, just west of Main Street in Buffalo’s University District. The 14214 ZIP code in which it is situated is 32 percent Black.

Last Wednesday, University District Council Member Rasheed Wyatt said he was “appalled” by the allegations.

Wyatt said he frequently receives complaints from the complex’s residents — “many of whom are African American,” he noted — about poor living conditions. He said he’d tried to work with Clover’s management team to get their complaints addressed, to little avail.

“Now I’m understanding why [their issues] have not gone addressed,” Wyatt said.

Joseph, his wife and Clover have been prolific donors to politicians and political parties, giving at least $660,000 over the past 20 years — mostly, but not exclusively, to Democrats. Andrew Cuomo received $222,449, more than any other candidate.

Joseph was chair of Mark Poloncarz’s transition team when Poloncarz was preparing for his first term as Erie County executive in 2010. Over the years, Joseph and Clover have donated $34,000 to the Poloncarz campaign.

Clover’s local projects have benefited from taxpayer subsidies, including $1.67 million in property tax abatements issued by local industrial development agencies and $11.8 million in low-interest loans from the state.

Joseph is the long-time chair of the board of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, which has been sued at least 15 times in the past eight years for race and gender discrimination in the workplace. He also serves on the AKG Gallery’s board.

Wyatt called on Roswell Park and the AKG Gallery to remove Joseph from their boards, a sentiment echoed by one of Rizzo’s attorneys.

“I think those groups should take action,” said Nate McMurray of Advocates for Justice, the firm representing Rizzo in his lawsuit.

Rizzo’s lawsuit asks the court to affirm his contention that Clover’s practices violate both federal and state law. He also asks for $15 million for back and future pay lost, as well as “pain and suffering and punitive damages.”

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

national

MLK’s Famous Criticism of Malcolm X “Just Not True”

Jonathan Eig was deep in the Duke University archives researching his new biography of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. when he made an alarming discovery: King’s harshest and most famous criticism of Malcolm X, in which he accused his fellow civil rights leader of “fiery, demagogic oratory,” appears to have been fabricated.

“We’ve been teaching people for decades, for generations, that King had this harsh criticism of Malcolm X, and it’s just not true,” Eig told The Washington Post.

The quote came from a January 1965 Playboy interview with author Alex Haley, a then-43-year-old Black journalist, and was the longest published interview King ever did. Because of the severity of King’s criticism, it has been repeated countless times, cast as a dividing line between King and Malcolm X. The new revelation “shows that King was much more open-minded about Malcolm than we’ve tended to portray him,” Eig said. Some of the phrases added to King’s answer appear to be taken significantly out of context, while others appear to be fabricated.

In remembrance of Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik elShabazz) who was born on May 19, 1925 and was assassinated on February 21, 1965. Ossie Davis eulogized him by saying: " If you knew him you would know why we must honor him. Malcolm was our manhood, our living black manhood! This was his meaning to his people."

•Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince (children's book) by Alliah L. Agostini

•Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists by Leah Penniman

•Brave Enough To Be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing by Toni Collier

•By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners by Margaret A. Burnham

•Daddy Dressed Me (children's book) by Michael and Ava Gardner

•Disruptive Thinking: A Daring Strategy to Change How We Live, Lead and Love by T.D. Jakes

•Eating While Black: Food Shaming and Race in America by Psyche A. Williams-Forson

•Symphony of Secrets (a novel) by Brendan Slocumb

•We Want Our Bodies

Back: Poems by Jessica Care Moore

•When Broadway Was Black: The Triumphant Story of the All-Black Musical That Changed the World by Caseen Gaines

“No New Jail!” The People’s Voice Won’t be Silenced

By The Grace of The One True and Living God, giving us strength and protection from the time of our Ancestors, over 150 Black, Brown, White and Indigenous people filled the Dr. Eva Doyle Auditorium of our Frank E. Merriweather Library, on May 11th at 6 in the evening. The “No More Jails” event was organized so the community could have the opportunity to say to our County Legislators: “No New Jail!” And despite the agents of the sheriff's office, planted in the audience to try to disrupt our event, the People's Voice was heard. “No New Jail!”

The planning and organization of this event was started by Partnership for The Public Good, Prisoners Are People Too, Inc., Free The People of Western New York with Geo Hernandez and Christian Parre, along with Jerome Wright and Steve Hart of H.A.L.T and Black Love Resists in the Rust, Showing Up for Racial Justice, and students from the U.B. Law Clinic, with Nan Haynes, retired attorney and Reverend Eugene L. Pierce, Executive Board member of P.R.P.2 joining the call. This initiative was the appropriate follow-up to the Community’s push at the Erie County Legislature on May 9th where the community was able to convince our county legislators to put the brakes on the granting of 2.5 million dollars to Sheriff Garcia. Instead, the Sheriff was given $750,000 for a feasibility study that includes input from our community and that is where we are at now; talking about what the community needs and what is feasible in terms of a correction to the problems at the Holding Center and the Alden Correctional Facility.

One of the main agreements that arose during last week’s meeting was that it is not the building, that is the major problem, although we certainly don’t want our people at the Holding Center having to live under the worse conditions. What we discovered again is that the problem is the culture of the jail that has existed from Tim Howard and thirty-two deaths over a period of years with rampant brutality and even sexual abuse to now, with two deaths and continuing brutality under this new sheriff and more charges of sexual abuse. As a result, our concern shifts from the building to the problem of who works in the building. We found, through testimony of a White attorney who regularly goes into the Holding Center, that he sees White deputies walking around sporting their White supremacist tattoos and acting out of that ideology against the Black and Brown prisoners who are mostly kept in the worst parts of the jail.

These are the realities and conversations that need to be had in the “Needs Assessment” for our community to determine how we proceed to ask our legislators to spend any money that should be coming to our community for any kind of problem solving or improvement.

There is much on the table, my people, so please stay tuned and come out and join us at our next community forum at the Merriweather Library. This is your money we are talking about and it is the lives of all of our people, Black, Brown White and others that is at stake. Be an active vocal stakeholder!!!

Let Us Remember...

Dear Community Partners,

As we come to the close of a weekend of remembrance for May 14:

Let our prayers tonight be with the families in our beloved community, Whose circles were tragically broken. Let the voice of Survivor’s trauma and needs be amplified, Even if not by them spoken.

Now that speeches have been given by speakers, And the heavenly choirs have sung. Now that prayers have been offered by preachers, And church bells across the city have rung.

Let us pray for the calm of peace, love, and grace, That they are our bedtime cover.

And as the City of Buffalo returns to a quiet place, Let our humanity continue to bond us to one another.

If we are blessed with the gift of tomorrow, and awaken with morning light, Let us arise with purpose, commitment, vigor, and might.

Transformational change in our community requires perseverance, it will not come overnight.

Let us not rely solely on hope but be strengthened to tirelessly fight.

Let us be intentional and deliberate, As there is much planning and work to be done still.

Let us remember ..“Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will.”

-Frederick Douglas

VOICES

Reflections on 5/14 One Year Later Not Much Has Changed

By INDIA WALTON

During an interview I was asked how I felt about all the support Buffalo was getting after the tragic events of 5/14. I said, “I want to see what happens when the cameras leave.”

One year later my reflection on my previous statement is “Not much.”

This past weekend I experienced so many emotions. Sadness, grief, anger, and frustration; coupled with hope, love, warmth, and resilience. I watched as the parade of dignitaries were escorted to the fronts of churches and thanked for their leadership. While they sat under tents and listened to one another congratulate themselves on a job well done, I stood among the crowd of onlookers from the community. My five foot frame didn’t allow me to see much, but my maternal ears allowed me to hear a lot, and my compassion made me more concerned about those who were left out than those who were invited in. The general sentiment was that after a whole year, not much has changed.

The Friday prior to the media spectacle- the city had a Clean Sweep of Jefferson Avenue, but on the blocks where the neighbors live, there is still waist-high grass on vacant lots with a sprinkling of dilapidated houses whose peeling paint and broken windows are a reminder of how far we have yet to go. There was a quote saying this Clean Sweep is a continuation of the city’s fight against “crime and blight”. I say our fight must be against poverty, substandard housing, underemployment, food insecurity, and disinvestment if we are truly interested in improving conditions on the East Side. Many of the homes on the residential streets surrounding Tops Market on Jefferson are well maintained. It’s apparent that people are doing their best with what they have. And what they have isn’t much. Being one of the poorest districts in one of the poorest cities means that for the great majority, there is no full service grocery store (outside of Tops). It means that your sidewalks are more than likely dangerous, broken and filled with debris, it means there are few businesses and even fewer city investments into the neighborhood.

One in three households in Masten District earns annual income less than $20,000 and nearly half of all residents, renters and owners are housing cost burdened. These issues are not new to any of us. We know that as soon as the cameras are gone, so will the sentiments of any semblance of caring.

Even the promised millions in investments for the East Side are likely to line the pockets of developers and major donors to established politicians while we the people squabble over the crumbs that fall from the table. In a little over a month we have an opportunity to stand up to the status quo and demand more. Elect a council person who is going to fight for and be accountable to YOU. Primary day is June 27th. Early Voting starts Juneteenth weekend!!! Make sure your voice is heard. Do you want more for your neighborhood, or more of the same?

The Healing Continues

Dear Editor:

After a most horrific event, what emerged was a more caring community - a community that recognized that we live in a richly diverse city. A city that includes residents who make up a historically forgotten community that despite the ultimate tragedy, rose stronger to meet adversity together as a family.

The Buffalo community embraced the challenge to not only assist in filling the needs of so many, but also provided care to assist with the healing.

The healing continues. We continue to grow ever resilient as a community as we embrace the many cultural and ethnic differences that make our city great. The tragic events of 5/14 will forever serve as a chapter of our community's story, but this tragedy will not solely define us. Our story continues to be celebratory of all those who have preceded us and whose shoulders we stand upon today.

Yours in the movement, Thomas Beauford Jr., President & CEO Buffalo Urban League

Terry Alford, Executive Director, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor

“Ancestors Never Die Until There Is No One To Call Their names.”

-African Proverb

NOTICE

The bond resolution, a copy of which is published herewith, has been adopted by the Erie County Legislature on May 4, 2023, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which the County of Erie, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution of New York.

Robert M. Graber

Clerk of the County Legislature RESOLUTION NO. 68, 2023

BOND RESOLUTION DATED MAY 4, 2023

A BOND RESOLUTION, DATED MAY 4, 2023, OF THE LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK (THE “COUNTY”), AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY (A) TO UNDERTAKE THE FINANCING OF A PORTION OF THE COUNTY’S $250,000,000 AGREED-UPON FIXED SHARE OF THE COST OF THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW STADIUM COMPLEX (AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES AND AMENITIES) ON COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY IN ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK (COLLECTIVELY, THE “PROJECT”), WITH THE PROJECT TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN COORDINATION WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK (ACTING THROUGH ERIE COUNTY STADIUM CORPORATION) AND THE BUFFALO BILLS ORGANIZATION (ACTING THROUGH BILLS STADIUM AND EVENTS COMPANY, LLC); (B) TO ISSUE UP TO $150,000,000 OF SERIAL BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE COUNTY FOR SUCH PURPOSE; AND (C) TO EXPEND AVAILABLE COUNTY FUNDS FOR THE BALANCE OF THE COUNTY’S SHARE OF THE COST OF THE PROJECT, AND DELEGATING THE POWER TO ISSUE SUCH OBLIGATIONS TO THE COUNTY COMPTROLLER.

(Introduced) April 4, 2023

(Adopted) May 4, 2023

WHEREAS, Buffalo Bills, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Bills”) owns the National Football League member club currently known as the Buffalo Bills (the “Team”); and WHEREAS, the Erie County Stadium Corporation (“ECSC”) and the State of New York (the “State”), finding that the expenditure of public money for the acquisition, construction, lease, improvement, equipping, operation and maintenance, financing, and long-term use of a multi-purpose stadium and related infrastructure (collectively, the “Stadium”) as a venue for hosting the Team’s home games in Orchard Park, New York, and a broad range of other civic, community, athletic, educational, cultural, and commercial activities serves a public purpose, has authorized the design, construction and development of the Stadium in the County (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Stadium Development and Construction Coordinating Agreement (the “SDCCA”) dated as of March 29, 2023 among ECSC, the County and Bills Stadium and Events Company, LLC (an affiliate of the Bills and herein referred to as “StadCo”), and an array of related documents, the Stadium is to be constructed by the County and then conveyed to ECSC, with ECSC and StadCo to be the parties to a lease governing the long-term use of the Stadium;

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT

RESOLVED, by the Legislature (by the favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of all the members of the Legislature) as follows:

SECTION 1. The County’s agreement to participate in the design, development, construction, financing and implementation of the Project, in accordance with the terms of an array of Project-related agreements as to which the County is either a party or a beneficiary, and that are listed on Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the “County Agreements”), is hereby explicitly reauthorized and reaffirmed in all respects, and the terms of such County Agreements are hereby re-approved, ratified and incorporated fully herein by this reference. Any specially-capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the same meanings as in the SDCCA. The County Agreements call for the County to contribute $250,000,000 toward the total cost of the development of the Project (the “County Share”), and such agreed-upon expenditure is hereby explicitly reauthorized and reaffirmed, in accordance with the terms of the County Agreements.

SECTION 2. The overall plan of financing of the Project as a whole is set forth in detail in the SDCCA and in the other County Agreements, and is hereby confirmed, incorporated herein by this reference, and explicitly affirmed and re-authorized. The plan for the contribution and financing of the $250,000,000 County Share of the overall cost of the Project shall involve (A) the County’s issuance of up to $150,000,000 of bonds, notes or other County obligations (the “Obligations”) for such purpose, with the issuance of such Obligations (in any amount up to and including $150,000,000) being hereby specifically authorized, and with such Obligations to be supported by the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the County to pay the principal of such Obligations and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable and (B) the expenditure of available funds of the County (in an amount at least equal to $100,000,000) to cover the remainder of the $250,000,000 County Share of the overall cost of the Project, with such expenditure being hereby specifically affirmed and re-authorized.

SECTION 3. The period of probable usefulness for the Project, for which the Obligations herein authorized are to be issued to finance a portion of the County Share, within the limitations of subparagraph 11(a)(1) of §11.00 of the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (the “Law”), is 30 years.

SECTION 4. The temporary use of available funds of the County, not immediately required for the purpose(s) for which the same were borrowed, raised or otherwise created, is hereby authorized and (to the extent that such use has already occurred) is hereby ratified, pursuant to Section 165.10 of the Local Finance Law, for application toward the County Share of the overall cost of the Project. The County intends to finance, and the County Comptroller, as the chief fiscal officer of the County (the “Comptroller”) is hereby authorized to advance, such amounts as are necessary to pay all or any portion of the County Share of the total cost of the Project in accordance with provisions of Section 1 hereof and the County Agreements, prior to the issuance of the Obligations, out of any available funds of the County on an interim basis, and in accordance with the funding schedule that is set forth in the SDCAA. The County reasonably expects to reimburse up to $150,000,000 of any such expenditures (to the extent made after the date hereof or within 60 days prior to the earlier of (A) the date hereof or (B) any earlier expression by the County of its intent to reimburse expenditures toward the County Share of the cost of the Project) with the proceeds of the Obligations, to the extent consistent with the financing plan for the Project as set forth in the SDCAA. This resolution shall constitute the declaration (or reaffirmation) of the County’s “official intent” to reimburse up to $150,000,000 of the expenditures authorized in this resolution with the proceeds of the Obligations, as required by United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2.

SECTION 5. The Obligations shall contain the recital of validity prescribed by §52.00 of the Law and the Obligations shall be general obligations of the County, payable as to both principal and interest by general tax upon all the taxable real property within the County without limitation as to rate or amount (subject to certain statutory limitations imposed by Chapter 97 of the 2011 Laws of New York). The faith and credit of the County are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on the Obligations as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year in the County budget sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Obligations becoming due and payable in such year and, to the extent not paid from other sources or charges, there shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property of the County a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Obligations.

SECTION 6 Subject to the provisions of this resolution and of the Law, and pursuant to the provisions of §21.00 relative to the issuance of bonds having substantially level or declining annual debt service, §30.00 relative to the authorization of the issuance of bond anticipation notes or the renewals thereof, and of §§50.00, 56.00 to 60.00, 62.00, 62.10, 63.00, 164.00 and 168.00 of the Law, the powers and duties of the Legislature relative to authorizing the issuance of the Obligations in the form of notes, or the renewals thereof, relative to providing for substantially level or declining annual debt service, relative to prescribing the total amount of Obligations to be issued hereunder (subject, however, to an overall limit of $150,000,000), relative to prescribing the terms, form and contents and as to the procedures for the sale and issuance of the Obligations, and relative to executing any agreements for credit enhancement, are hereby delegated to the Comptroller. Without in any way limiting the scope of the foregoing delegation of powers, the Legislature, to the extent permitted by Section 58.00(f) of the Local Finance Law, is hereby specifically authorized to accept bids for the Obligations that are submitted in electronic format. In the absence or unavailability of the Comptroller, the Deputy County Comptroller is hereby specifically authorized to exercise the powers delegated to the Comptroller in this resolution.

SECTION 7. When this resolution takes effect, the Clerk of the Legislature shall cause the same (or a summary thereof) to be published, together with a notice in substantially the form prescribed by Section 81.00 of the Law, in the Buffalo Challenger and the Lancaster Bee, which are newspapers having general circulation in the County and published in the County. The validity of the Obligations may thereafter be contested only if the Obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the County is not authorized to expend money, or the provisions of law which should have been complied with at the date of the publication of this resolution (or a summary thereof) are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within 20 days after the date of such publication, or if the Obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the State of New York.

SECTION 8. Prior to the issuance of any Obligations, the County has or will have complied (to the extent not accomplished already) with any applicable provisions prescribed in Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, all regulations promulgated thereunder by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and all applicable federal laws and regulations in connection with the environmental quality review process relating to the Project (collectively, the “Environmental Compliance Proceedings”). In the event that any of such Environmental Compliance Proceedings are not completed, or require amendment or modification subsequent to the date of adoption of this resolution, the Legislature will re-adopt, amend or modify this resolution prior to the issuance of the relevant Obligations, to the extent required and acting upon the advice of counsel. It is hereby determined by the Legislature, on the basis of the Environmental Compliance Proceedings that have taken place to date with respect to the Project, that the Project will not result in a significant adverse impact on the environment.

SECTION 9. The Comptroller is hereby authorized to covenant, in the name and on behalf of the County and for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the Obligations, that the County will not make any use of the proceeds of the Obligations, or any funds reasonably expected to be used to pay the principal of or interest on the Obligations or any other funds of the County, and will not make any use of the facilities to be financed with the proceeds of the Obligations that would cause the interest on the Obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or subject the County to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code, and that the County will not take any action or omit to take any action with respect to the Obligations, the proceeds thereof or any facilities to be financed thereby if such action or omission would cause the interest on the Obligations to become subject to federal income taxation under the Code or subject the County to any penalties under Section 148 of the Code. SECTION 10. For the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners from time to time of the Obligations, the County agrees, in accordance with and as an obligated person with respect to the Obligations under Rule 15c2-12 promulgated by the Securities Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Rule”), to provide or cause to be provided such financial information and operating data, financial statements and notices, in such manner, as may be required for purposes of the Rule. In order to describe and specify certain terms of the County’s continuing disclosure agreement for that purpose, and thereby to implement that agreement, including provisions for enforcement, amendment and termination thereof, the Comptroller is authorized and directed to sign and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the County, the commitment authorized by subsection 6(c) of the Rule (the “Commitment”) to be placed on file with the Clerk to the Legislature, which shall constitute the continuing disclosure agreement made by the County for the benefit of holders and beneficial owners of the Obligations in accordance with the Rule, with any changes or amendments that are not inconsistent with this resolution and not substantially adverse to the County and that are approved by the Comptroller on behalf of the County, all of which shall be conclusively evidenced by the signing of the Commitment or amendments thereto. The agreement formed, collectively, by this paragraph and the Commitment, shall constitute the County’s continuing disclosure agreement for purposes of the Rule, and its performance shall be subject to the availability of funds and their annual appropriation to meet costs the County would be required to incur to perform thereunder. The County Comptroller is further authorized and directed to establish procedures in order to ensure compliance by the County with its various continuing disclosure agreements, including the timely provision of information and notices. Prior to making any filing in accordance with the agreement or providing notice of the occurrence of any material event, the Comptroller shall consult with, as appropriate, the County Attorney and the County’s bond counsel, the County’s municipal advisor, or another qualified independent special counsel to the County The Comptroller, acting in the name and on behalf of the County, shall be entitled to rely upon any legal advice provided by the County Attorney or such bond counsel or other special counsel in determining whether a filing should be made.

SECTION 11. The Comptroller is hereby specifically authorized to act, on the advice of bond counsel at the time of the issuance of the Obligations, to designate such Obligations, if applicable, as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” in accordance with Section 265(b)(3) of the Code.

SECTION 12. The Comptroller is further authorized to call in and redeem any outstanding Obligations that were issued pursuant to this resolution (at such times and in such amounts and maturities as may be deemed appropriate after consultation with the County officials and the County’s municipal advisor), to approval any related notice of redemption, and to take such actions and execute such documents as may be necessary to effectuate any such call(s) for redemption pursuant to Section 53.00 of the Law, with the understanding that no such call(s) for redemption will be made unless such notice of redemption shall have first been filed with the Clerk of the Legislature.

SECTION 13 This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the County Executive.

EXHIBIT A

(COUNTY DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE PROJECT, AS TO WHICH THE COUNTY IS EITHER A SIGNATORY OR A BENEFICIARY)

Black Restaurant Week Deadline May 31

Black Restaurant Week 2023 will run from June 11-18 during the week of Juneteenth. Discover and support some of Buffalo’s best Black-owned food businesses! Last year the event had a record-setting number of participating businesses. The number is expected to be surpassed this year. Registration will continue until May 31, 2023. For more information email BRW@BULYPNY.org or visit them online at blackrestaurantweek716.com

Let’s Talk Business!

Desiree L Parker is the CEO and founder of DLP Consulting WNY. She is hosting a 3-part series for “The Business of the Business.” Desiree owned her first business at the age of 21, holding the title of the Youngest, African American Female Franchise Owner. While it was a big title, it did not come with any additional assistance. She learned some very expensive “on the job” lessons. Including that business, she has accumulated over 30 years of professional experience in business development, management, and finance with documented success. Desiree often recalls the lack of mentorship while running her franchise, which gave her the passion to offer services to others that she wishes she had access to. Her goal is to share with other business owners, everything she learned along her journey in fractions of the time it took. Desiree’s services include Bookkeeping, Business Consulting & Coaching, Employee Relations, LLC Formation, Notary Services and Tax Preparation for personal and business. In an effort to educate and empower her clients, Desiree decided to offer a seminar on the Business of the Business. Many businesses start off as a hobby and develops into a business. Some forget about the formal part of the business, and that’s where she comes in. The seminars will be held the next 3 Wednesdays, from 5:00pm -7:30pm. $129.99 for all 3 sessions or $49.99 for one session.

•Wednesday, May 24th - "Getting Started Right, Moving Forward, Goal Setting"

•Wednesday, May 31st - "Bookkeeping, Taxes, Payroll"

Wednesday, June 7th - "Advertising, Promotion, Branding"

Registration required ~ Seating limited Parker's Place, 1339 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208 Reserve online @ www.dlpconsultingwny.com by 5/19/23

Desiree L Parker

“BIG J” AT WORK! Long time Entrepreneur Extrarordinaire Jason Maclin of Chopafellaz…4 locations, Chopafellaz Unisex Salon, Chopafellaz Legends, Sinclair’s Salon and Spa and Chopafellaz in the Village. Call 1-716-903-4993 or email Chopafellaz@msn.com

SUPPELEMTANL SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Erie County. U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, -against- JAMAL DALLAS, AS POSSIBLE HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELAINE DALLAS; UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW OF THE ESTATE OF ELAINE DALLAS, DECEASED, NEXTOF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO IS DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST IN AND TO THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT; COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF ERIE COUNTY, INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (WESTERN DISTRICT); MARIE A. CANNON, COMMISSIONER OF ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES; "JOHN DOE" AND "JANE DOE" SAID NAMES BEING FICTITIOUS, IT BEING THE INTENTION OF PLAINTIFF TO DESIGNATE ANY AND ALL OCCUPANTS OF THE PREMISES BEING FORECLOSED HEREIN, Defendants. Index No. 809131/2020. Mortgaged Premises: 41 Deerfield Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 Section: 90.70 Block: 5 Lot: 34.

To The Above Named Defendant(s): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. If you fail to appear or to answer within the aforementioned time frame, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT. THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a Mortgage to secure $52,087.00 and interest, recorded in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on June 18, 2007 in Book 13356, Page 375, Control Number 2007130079, covering the premises known as 41 Deerfield Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14215. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Erie County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, New York 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

May 4, 11, 18, 25

LEGAL NOTICE Bid Agency

Advertisement for Bids

May 15, 2023

Roycroft Campus Corporation

31 South Grove Street East Aurora, New York 14052

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION OF SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS FOR RESTORATION WORK at the ROYCROFT PRINT SHOP, 21 SOUTH GROVE STREET, EAST AURORA, NY for TOWER RESTORATION – PHASE 1 MASONRY

Sealed bids for the Roycroft Print Shop Tower Restoration Phase 1Masonry will be received until 11:00 am, Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the Roycroft Campus Power House, 39 South Grove Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 (Attn: Curt Maranto), where they will be opened and read publicly. Mailed or currier delivered bids should be sent to Roycroft Campus Corp., 31 South Grove St., E. Aurora, NY 14052, in advance of the bid date, and clearly marked “Print Shop Construction Bid.” Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Bidding and Contract Documents and must be accompanied by references of similar projects. 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).

This project is being funded by a grant administered by Erie County, New York. The Contractor, by bidding on the contract, acknowledges and pledges to fully cooperate with the Roycroft Campus Corporation in meeting County requirements as set forth in the Bidding and Contract Documents.

• Effective Monday May 15, 2023, Bid

Documents may be examined via the Online Plan Room at Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY, 2660 William St.., Buffalo, New York 14227; (716) 874-3435. Documents may be purchased at the same location.

• There will not be a pre-bid meeting. However, all work is exterior, and contractors are welcome to visit the project site to view the area of work at their convenience: Roycroft Print Shop, 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora, New York.

• Questions must be submitted in writing no later than the end of the business Thursday, May 25, 2023, attention Michael Meyer, RA at Flynn Battaglia Architects, PC. Email (mmeyer@flynnbattaglia.com ) or phone (716-854-2424) are acceptable.

• All Addenda, if any, will be provided via the Online Plan Room at Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY. Please provide email contact information.

This project is supported in whole or in part, by federal funds awarded to the County of Erie through the American Rescue Plan Act. As such it is subject to all federal rules and regulations pertinent thereto, including, but not limited to, federal policy of encouraging the participation of minority and women business enterprises as sources of suppliers, equipment, construction, and services.

The Roycroft Campus Corporation 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.

PROBATE CITATION

File Number: 2021-4227

SURROGATES COURT-ERIE COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

By the grace of God, Free and Independent

TO: EISHAWN CAMP, MORIAH CAMP, if they be living, and if they dead to their heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributes, if any such there be, all of whom and all whose names, ages, and places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the Petitioner(s) and cannot after due diligence be ascertained, and HON. LETITIA JAMES, Attorney General of the State of New York, and to JENNIFER G. FLANNERY, Erie County Public Administrator.

A Petition having been filed by IRMA CAMP, who is domiciled at 25 CAMBRIDGE AVENUE, BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14215.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED to SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Erie County, at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 on June 6, 2023 at 930 o'clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Ferron Marshall Camp, Sr. lately domiciled at 271 Northampton Street, Buffalo, New York 14208 admitting to probate a will dated June 8, 2016 (a codicil dated n/a) a copy of which is attached, as the Will of Ferron Marshall Camp Sr. deceased, relating to real and personal property and directing that:

Letters Testamentary to Irma Camp

Dated, Attested, and Sealed April 29, 2023

Hon. Acea Mosey- Surrogate

Linda C Novotny - Chief Clerk

Rashied H McDuffie, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner 594 Winslow Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211

May 4, 11, 18, 25

LEGAL NOTICE

City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency

Request for Proposal – Release

Date: 3/24/2023

The City of Buffalo (“City”), through the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (“BURA”), is seeking proposals through the federal HOME Investment Partnership Program to assist in the development of affordable housing projects in the City of Buffalo. Through this program, activities have been undertaken to enhance ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts. For the funding period covered by this application the City will assess proposals received that address the goals outlined in the City's Consolidated Plan.

Applicants must be incorporated for-profit or non-profit entities to undertake affordable housing activities within the boundaries of the City of Buffalo.

It is the policy of BURA, that all local Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE’s) be encouraged to submit proposals. BURA continues to ensure that all locally owned M/ WBE’s are afforded the maximum opportunity to participate as Applicants or Sub-Applicants in the provision of goods and services for BURA. BURA encourages the award of at least thirty percent (30%) of the total dollar value of this project directly or indirectly to M/WBE’s.

Proposal Submission Deadline: May 19, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Request for Proposal submissions are due to:

Yvonne C. McCray, Director of Housing City of Buffalo Urban Renewal

65 Niagara Square Room-315 City Hall Buffalo, N.Y. 14202

RE: City of Buffalo HOME Investment Partnership Program RFP Submission (No. 2023-1H)

A full copy of the Request for Proposal can be picked up in 315 City Hall or 920 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square Buffalo NY 14202, the Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo NY 14203 and http://www.citybuffalo.com/BuraBids or http://www. city-buffalo.com/bids .

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY COURT :COUNTY OF ERIE

IN THE MATTER OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY PROCEEDING IN REM PURSUANT TO THE IN REM PROVISIONS OF THE ERIE COUNTY TAX ACT AND THE RESOLUTION OF THE ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE AS SHOWN BY ITEM 4E-26 (2023) PAGES 173-222 OF THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF SAID LEGISLATURE FOR THE YEAR 2023

PETITION AND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE OF TAX LIENS BY THE COUNTY OF ERIE BY ACTION IN REM

IN REM NO. 171

INDEX NO. 2023-600169

Please take notice that on the 4th day of May, 2023 the County of Erie pursuant to law, filed with the Clerk of the County of Erie a list of parcels of property affected by unpaid tax liens held and owned by the County of Erie which on such date had been due and unpaid for a period of at least two years after the date on which the unpaid tax liens were sold. Such list contains as to each such parcel (a) a brief description of the property affected by each tax lien, (b) the name of the last known owner of such property as it appears on the latest tax roll in the hands of the Director of Real Property Tax Services or a statement that the owner is unknown if such be the case, (c) a statement of such tax liens upon such parcel of property including any tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie which shall have been due for less than two years, together with the interest and penalties due as of the list date and (d) a statement that the amount required to redeem any such parcel of property, and the amount to be recovered by the County of Erie, includes all tax sale certificates owned by the County of Erie and affecting such property, together with all interest, penalties, additions and expenses as in this act provided, and also includes an “in rem fee” of $500.00 per parcel to cover the presumptive cost to the County of Erie for reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees, abstracts of title and other disbursements in connection with such foreclosure pursuant to law.

The above-captioned proceeding was commenced to enforce the payment of delinquent taxes which have accumulated and become liens against certain property. The parcels to which this proceeding applies were identified on the List of Delinquent Taxes which was filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office on the 4th day of May, 2023. Take further notice that the ownership by the County of the tax sale certificates set forth on the List of Delinquent Taxes is conclusive evidence of the fact that the taxes, assessments and other legal charges represented thereby have not been paid to the County.

EFFECT OF FILING: All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes are hereby notified that the filing of said List constituted the commencement by the County of Erie of a proceeding in the County Court to foreclose each

of the tax liens therein described by a foreclosure proceeding In Rem. Pursuant to Section 11-7.0 of the Erie County Tax Act, the filing of such List of Delinquent Taxes constitutes and has the same force and effect and is deemed to have given the same notice of such foreclosure proceeding as the filing and recording in the Erie County Clerk’s Office of an individual Notice of Pendency of a Tax Foreclosure Action and of the filing in the County Court of a separate and individual Complaint by the County of Erie against the owners of the real property proceeded against and described in the List of Delinquent Taxes.

NATURE OF PROCEEDING: This proceeding is brought against the real property only and is to foreclose the tax liens described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. No personal judgment will be entered herein for such liens/taxes or other legal charges or any part thereof.

PERSONS AFFECTED: This notice is directed to all persons having or claiming to have an interest in the real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes. Such persons are hereby notified further that a duplicate of this Petition and the List of Delinquent Taxes has been filed in the Erie County Clerk’s Office and the Office of Real Property Tax Services and will remain open for public inspection up to and including the date specified below as the last day of redemption.

RIGHT OF REDEMPTION: Any person having or claiming to have an interest in any such real property and the legal right thereto may on or before the 5th day of July, 2023 redeem the same by paying the amount of all such unpaid tax liens thereon, including all interest and penalties and other legal charges which are included in the lien against such real property, computed to and including the date of redemption.

Payments shall be made to: Director of Real Property Tax Services, Rath Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York, 14202, by CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, BANK CHECK or MONEY ORDER.

In the event that such tax liens are paid by a person other than the record owner of such real property, the person so paying shall be entitled to have the tax liens affected thereby satisfied of record or to receive an assignment of such tax liens evidenced by a proper written instrument.

LAST DAY OF REDEMPTION: The last day of redemption is hereby fixed as the 5th day of July, 2023.

SERVICE OF ANSWER: Every person having any right, title or interest in or lien upon any parcel of real property described in the List of Delinquent Taxes may serve a duly verified Answer upon the attorney for the Tax District, as set forth below, setting forth in detail the nature and amount of his or her interest, and any defense or objection to the foreclosure. Such Answer must be filed in the office of the County Clerk and served upon the attorney for the Tax District, Margaret A. Hurley, Esq., Lippes Mathias, LLP, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700, Buffalo, New York, 14202, (716) 884-3135, on or before the 26th day of July 2023.

FAILURE TO REDEEM OR ANSWER: In the event of failure to redeem or answer by any person having the right to redeem or answer, such person shall be forever barred and foreclosed of all his or her right, title and interest and equity of redemption in and to the parcel described in the List of Delinquent Taxes and a judgment in foreclosure may be taken by default.

DATED: May 4, 2023

ENFORCING OFFICER:

SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ.

Director of Real Property Tax Services

STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE CITY OF BUFFALO

ss:

being duly sworn, depose and say: I am the Director of Real Property Tax Service for the County of Erie. I have read this Petition and Notice, which I have signed, and I am familiar with its contents. The contents of this Petition and Notice are true to the best of my knowledge, based upon the records and tax roll of the County of Erie, in the hands of the Department of Real Property Tax Services. I do not know of any errors or omissions in this Petition.

SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ.

Director of Real Property Tax Services

Sworn to before me this 4th day of May, 2023.

Notary Public: Amy Honan No. 01HO6348829

Notary Public, State of New York

Qualified in Erie County

My Commission Expires Oct. 3, 2024

ATTORNEYS FOR TAX DISTRICT: Margaret A. Hurley, Esq. Lippes Mathias, LLP 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1700 Buffalo, New York 14202 (716) 884-3135 May 18, 25 June 8, 15, 22, 29

LEGAL NOTICE Bid

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the Village of Gowanda Sidewalk Improvements

Contract 5 will be received by the Village of Gowanda, New York at the office of the Village of Gowanda, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York 14070 until 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Local Time on Monday, June 5, 2023 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. College Street, St. John’s Street and Aldrich Street

The work includes the installation of approximately 13,200 square feet of 4” and 6” sidewalks on College Street, St. John’s Street and Aldrich Street, including removal of existing sidewalks, 10 ADA ramps, place new sub-base, set forms, pour concrete and finish and restore site.

The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications and other contract documents may be examined at the following location:

Village of Gowanda, 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York, 14070

This contract will be funded wholly or partially with federal funds, and as such, is subject to all federal rules and regulations pertinent thereto, including, but not limited to, federal policy of encouraging the participation of minority and women business enterprises as sources of suppliers, equipment, construction and services.

Copies may be obtained at the offices of the Village of Gowanda located at 27 East Main Street, Gowanda, New York, 14070 upon the payment of $25.00 for each set. Checks shall be payable to the Village of Gowanda. Village office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; and Friday from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Noon); phone number (716) 532-3353.

The full deposit, less any postage costs, will be refunded for a complete set returned in good condition within forty-five (45) days of receipt of bids. No refunds will be made for sets returned later than forty-five (45) days after the receipt of bids.

Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or certified check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within forty-five (45) days of the date of the receipt of bids.

I, SCOTT A. BYLEWSKI, ESQ.,

The Village of Gowanda reserves the right to waive any informality and to reject any or all bids.

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

COUNTY OF ERIE OFFICE OF HEALTH 95 FRANKLIN STREET BUFFALO, NY 14202 County of Erie, New York Request For Proposals

The Erie County Health Department is seeking proposals from mental health providers to conduct mental health services and lease space at 608 William Street in Buffalo. The RFP# 2023-037VF can be found at: http://www.erie.gov and a complete copy of the package can be obtained by contacting Joseph Abdulla at joseph.abdulla@erie.gov.

All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with joseph.abdulla@ erie.gov. 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 Health Department Attn: Joseph Abdulla at 95 Franklin St., Buffalo, NY 14202 by 4:00 pm (EST) on May 22, 2013.

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

Dr. Gale Burstein

Commissioner of Health

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for the Replacement of Boilers at 279 and 305 Perry Street, BMHA

Job No. 21-28-CF (REBID) Formal

Bid Solicitation will be available at the Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204 between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday (Please contact Yaritza Vazquez Lopez at yvlopez@ bmhahousing.com) and at the Construction Exchange. Sealed bids will be received until 11:00am, local time, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned. A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 10:00AM on site at 305 Perry Street, Buffalo New York 14204. Perspective offerors are strongly advised to attend the scheduled pre-bid meeting. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid, which fails to conform to the essential items, required by the contract documents and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.

LLC'S

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

Soul Natured, LLC filed Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State New York (SSNY) on 3/30/2023. Office is in Erie County SSNY is the designated agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail any copy of process to 48 Christian Dr, Buffalo, NY 14225.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

April 20,27,May 4, 11, 18,25

COUNTY OF ERIE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

2023 OVERLAY B PROJ# CAP-365.523-2023

Department of Public Works, Division of Highways seeking sealed bids for highway mill and overlay.

Sealed proposals will be received at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY 14202 by, and opened at, 11:00 am local time, Friday, June 2, 2023. Certified check in the amount of $115,000.00 bid deposit is required with the bid submittal. Pre-let meeting scheduled Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:00 am local time at Rath County Office Building, DPW, 95 Franklin St, Room 1419A, Buffalo, NY. NYSDOL Wage Rates, NYS

Vendor Responsibility CCA-2 A/B/C, Local Minority, & Disadvantaged Workforce goals, NYS Apprenticeship, and MWBE goals may be required. Plans and additional bid submittal information on the Erie County website at: http: //www3.erie.gov/ dpw see DPW Bid Retrieval.

LEGAL NOTICE

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING RECONSTRUCTION OF PINE STREET, CAP-CR6 & MAPLE STREET CR241, PIN 5764.22

Erie County Highways (DPW) have announced that a Public Information Meeting will be held to describe the existing conditions and objectives of both the Pine Street and Maple Street corridors from the Aurora Village line to Route 20A, as well as the proposed upgrades for these two reconstruction projects.

The Open House style meeting will be held at the East Aurora Middle School, 430 Main Street, East Aurora, NY 14052 on May 31, 2023, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Participants are welcome to view displays, including drawings and project facts, starting at 6:00 PM. Staff from Erie County and its engineering consultant will be on hand to answer questions and receive public input.

Comments may be submitted in writing on forms to be supplied at the meeting, email to the Managing Engineer, or by letter from interested persons through June 30, 2023.

Further information on the project may be obtained from:

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for the Fridge and Stove Contract at Various Developments, BMHA Job No. 23-15-CF

Formal Bid Solicitation will be available at the Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204 between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday ( Please contact Yaritza Vasquez Lopez at yvlopez@ bmhahousing.com) and at the Construction Exchange.

Sealed bids will be received until 11:00am, local time, on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids received after the stated time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after specified closing time. All bid forms must be filled out and returned.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday: May 18, 2023 at 10:00AM at the 320 Perry Street, Buffalo New York 14204. Perspective offerors are strongly advised to attend the scheduled pre-bid meeting.

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

Dated: May 11, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for BMHA Job No.23-13-CF (Frederick Douglas Tower Roof Repair) The Pre-Bid Conference will be held on A pre-bid meeting will be held on Friday: May 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM on-site at 515 Clinton Street, Buffalo New York 14202. Formal Bid Solicitation will be available at the Capital Improvements Office located at 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204 between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday ( Please contact Yaritza Vasquez Lopez at yvlopez@bmhahousing.com) and at the Construction Exchange.

Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 am, local time, on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Capital Improvements Office, 320 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York 14204. Bids will be opened and publicly read aloud immediately after the specified closing time.

Job Posting

Date: 5/9/2023

Job Title: Bass Player

Job Site: St. John Baptist Church and Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church

Days: Sundays Worship Service and one (1) hour rehearsal weekly

Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Salary: To be negotiated

Requirements: Demonstrated experience playing bass instrument with church choir, playing spirituals and gospel music

Submit Applications / Resume to: St. John Baptist Church 184 Goodell Street Buffalo, New York 14204

Attention: Human Resources Department by May 24, 2023

Or email to: sjbc@stjohnbaptistbuffalo.org

Jury Specialist (Full-Time) United States District Court Rochester, New York

The United States District Court for the Western District of New York is seeking Jury Specialist. Jury Specialists ensure that jury selection and management are smooth and efficient processes, which has an important impact on public perception about jury service. To apply, please visit: www.nywd.uscourts.gov/employment-opportunities

MINISTER OF MUSIC NEEDED

Minister of Music needed for rehearsals and 11:00 Sunday service at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Niagara Falls. Please call 716.282.3655.

Mr. Daniel

Borcz, P.E., Managing Engineer C&S Companies

141 Elm Street, Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: (716) 847-1630

Email: dborcz@cscos.com

Contract Documents are available at Construction Exchange, or via email by contacting. The BMHA reserves the right to reject any bid which fails to conform to the essential items required by the contract documents, and to reject any and/or all bids submitted.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITYCOMPANY

Designs at Noon by Shelanise LLC filed Articles of Organization with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/21/23. Office location: Erie County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 331 Jersey St Apt 9, Buffalo, NY 14201. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

April 20,27,May 4, 11, 18,25

Health Homes Care Coordinator

Enhancement Navigator

Notice is hereby given that a license, number pending, has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider and wine at retail in a bookstore cafe under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 431-433 Ellicott Street, Buffalo NY for on premises consumption.

Aaron Bartley FITZ Books and Waffles, Inc.

May 18, 25

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

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

Provide life and employment skills to Participants & work with TANF participants In meeting their goals. Resume and cover letter to WNYIL, Inc, 3108 Main St Buffalo, NY 14214 employment@wnyil.org

EEOC

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS

875-579-103-076-423-568-909-096-534-546-789-358219-765-187-890-919-953-542-438-910-680-194-234567-891-908-026-436-580-178-356-217-678-910-065843-468-451-742-457-689-310-978-543-467-470-246897-148-326-168-985-678-198-256-890-054-679-943001-865-732-855-678-909-096-567-897-456-789-234545-457-689-856-789-035-076-546-789-678-903-456810-174-567-190-954-345-469-754-526-876-069-483349-189-467-162-321-435-678-023-132- 455-791-017-

MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS!

168-985-678-198-256-890054-698-679-943-001-202147-001-865-732-855-648514-996-202

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

Sagittarius389-701-234-924

Capricorn:893-275-342-506

980-422-809-981989-970-990-080-800515-996-390-196-102-

581-752-319-408-378-

352-126-189-444-886514- 332-522-112-432421-423-154-039-524119-616-719-593-655-

-97-127-111-019-200120-339-303-889-900 007-013-590-698-888

Yvette Johnson

Army National Guard

13 June 1996 - 28 Oct. 04

Fort Jackson SC

Member of AMVETS Post

J.A.B.0. Adams Post #1925

WATCH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

THIS SUNDAY! You can watch the replay of the Excellence In Education Awards Gala on Sunday, May 21 on WKBW-TV Channel 7 at 12p.m. and on WBBZ-TV Channel 67 at 5p.m. The Excellence in Education Awards was created by Terrance Heard, Buffalo Public Schools Board Member and founder of Friends For A Better Buffalo pictured above with his lovely wife Nina.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRI. MAY 26

NEW GRADUATES! Pictured above are the No Paces Safety Club LLC’s newest graduates of the 18-hour New York State CCW/Pistol Permit Qualification Course. Pictured from left, Jay Young, John Williams, Donnell Taylor, Joe Wooley, Marquita Crouch, Val Wooley, and Darvin Adams . The Qualification Course includes Firearms Safety, Concealed Carry Permit Requirements, Concealed Carry Permit Requirements, Conflict Management and De-escalation, Developing A Home Defense Plan , Two-plus Hours of actual pistol range Qualification and more. Go to No Paces Safety Club LLC Facebook Page for more information regarding the next class.

SAT. MAY 20

BRICK Academy to Host First Annual BRICK Community Day 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 945 Genesee Street.

Good for the Neighborhood Event 10 a.m. to noon, Mt. Olive Church, 701 E. Delavan Ave., family fun. PLANT SALE AND FREE

SAT. MAY 20

PLANTS GIVE AWAY EVENT, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 1698 Genesee St., Free food, kids activities, live art hosted by Groundwork Market Garden

MON. MAY 22

Diabetes in the Buffalo Public School System “A Community Conversation Know Your Rights 5:30-7:00 PM, CAO 1423 Fillmore See pg.6

WED. MAY 24

Line Dance Fitness, 11 a.m. Gloria Parks Center, 3242 Main St.; Seniors 55+ Free (716)832-1010 or hustleforhealth.com

Public Meeting Notice: Board of the Westminster Community Charter School 6:00pm. 24 Westminster Ave.

FREE DANCE CLASSES!

Hustle for Health Line Dancing with Jazzy T 12pm at Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E Delavan Ave,

EVERY MONDAY

Line Dance Class, Dorothy Collier Community Center, 118 E. Utica, BEGINNER 11a.m.-12p.m.; ADVANCED 12-1 p.m. (716)882-0602.

EVERY TUESDAY

Line Dance Fitness, 11 a.m. Gloria Parks Center, 3242 Main St.; Seniors 55+ Free (716)832-1010 or hustleforhealth.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Master Gardener Program Plant Sale Great Prices8:30 AM - 3:00 PM sponsored by CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION of E.C. First Presbyterian Church, One Symphony Circle.

“Fantasy is what people want, but reality is what they need.”

-Lauryn Hill

RG&E is Rochester

RG&E has been at Rochester’s service for 175 years. Rochester is in our name, and our more than 800 local employees are proud to power our communities every day.

Powering our communities goes beyond reliable electric and natural gas service –we’ve invested more than $11 million in local businesses through economic development grants while supporting community organizations and assisting customers in need.

RG&E is here for Rochester – today, and in the future.

We’re building the clean energy workforce of the future. To join us, visit avangrid.com/careers.