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May 23, 2018 | FREE thechallengernews.com

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23 DAYS UNTIL JUNETEENTH!

The 43rd Annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival is Coming! 716-891-880� www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com Page 15

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

s k t c a o r r ready! e B THE GRADUATES! Congratulations to the Young Women's College Prep Charter School celebrating its first Senior Class this year with 96% of the students being accepted into college. YWCP is Rochester's only all-girls public school. The school opened in August 2012 with one class of 7th graders. Today, it educates more than 350 girls in grades 7-12. Out of this first graduating class, 66% of the students have attended YWCP since 7th grade. The school's first senior class will celebrate commencement on June 23rd at Nazareth College's Arts Center. To learn more about the school, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.youngwomenscollegeprep.org.

ROCHESTER SET TO CELEBRATE 20TH ANNUAL MAAFA DAY OF REMEMBRANCE The 20th Annual Maafa: Day of Remembrance will be hosted by The Maafa Celebration Committee in collaboration with The Baobab Cultural Center, Inc. Saturday, June 9 from Noon-2:00 p.m. in Durand Eastman Park, Rochester, NY at the shoreline. The theme is “We Are Because They Were..” Brother Jerome Underwood will be the guest speaker. The event will be marked by a libation ceremony, guided imagery, the casting of flowers, and more. Local warriors Bishop Gregory Parris and Audrey Smith will be honored. This event is free and open to all who desire to honor those African souls lost in the Middle Passage and the New World. Donationsare gratefully accepted. Everyone is asked to wear white, and to bring a lawn chair and flowers for the libation ceremony. In case of inclement weather the gathering will take place at the Baobab Cultural Center,

728 University Avenue. For more information contact Diane Sheffield-585-313-3685 or Djed Snead-585-748-7727.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

AREA BRIEFS Larry and Jacqueline Stitts to Receive the Eye On History Award Larry and Jacqueline Stover- Stitts ,owners of the Golden Cup Coffee Cafe will receive the Eye On History Award for their outstanding service in business. The Golden Cup Cafe and Roastery is located at 1323 Jefferson Avenue at the corner of East Utica street. The Eye On History award is given to individuals who make a difference in our community. The awards program will be held on Saturday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at the Golden Cup Cafe. Eva M. Doyle is the founder of the Eye On History Award. Call 847-6010 for more information.

Urban Family Practice Open House Urban Family Practice has opened a new office on Buffalo’s East Side, in the Jefferson-Utica Plaza. The purchase has kept primary care in a neighborhood where choices for family medicine care are few. An open house on June 2 will offer residents a chance to tour the facility and more. (See their ad page 24)

SOFT BALL LEAGUE KICK OFF! The Ed Parson Memorial Softball League officially kicked off its 12-week season Sunday, May 19. Pictured are Deputy Commissioner A.C. Brown, Commissioner Demetrius Richards and Deputy Commissioner Sonya Fields. Games start each Sunday at 11 AM on Fillmore Avenue, just south of the Kensington Expressway. People of all ages are invited out for family fun. League management rescheduled the tribute to the late James Hartley to this Sunday, May 26 at 11 AM due to the wet conditions on the field.

THEY DID THE RIGHT THING!

Democratic Party Endorses Judge McLeod in His Bid for Re-election to City Court

few months ago the question on the minds of many supporters of City Court Judge James A.W. McLeod, was whether or not the Democratic Party was going to endorse him in his bid for re-election to City Court. That question was answered in the affirmative when he received the party’s support Monday evening. The good news comes on the heels of an unprecedented, politically motivated yet smear campaign attempt to cast a negative light on Mr. McLeod’s character. Judge McLeod now has the endorsement of the three parties - Democratic, Republican and xxxxx as well as the Unity Party endorsement. Judge McLeod “Clearly with the Democratic Party endorsement it will help ensure that I win the Primary and as a result retain my seat,” he told The Challenger. Thanking the community he said, “It was the pressure and push back from the community that made it happen…without it who knows what they would have done? We were unified and pushed forward, and it shows what we can accomplish if we are united.” Judge McLeod has served with distinction and honor in Buffalo City Court for 19 years. “I’m seeking re-election as the most qualified candidate,” he said.

HONORING THOSE WHO DIED IN BATTLE! Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while fighting in American wars. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. On May 28, Memorial Day from 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. the American Legion Jesse Clipper Post #430 will conduct a Memorial Day Service at the Jesse Clipper Square at the corner of Michigan Avenue and William Street. The Jesse Clipper Park is named after the first African American soldier from Buffalo to die in Members of the Jesse Clipper post #430 WWI. The City of Buffalo has made the Jesse Clipper Square a part of the William Street redevelopment project, which includes the redesigning the Jesse Clipper Square to the original design created by an African American architect. The monument was erected to honor all African American Military veterans from WWI through Afghanistan. The Jesse Clipper American Legion Post #430 invites the commuity to join us for this momentous occasion of a ribbon cutting for the new park. The program will include: Posting of the Colors- by the Maritime Charter School Color Guard ; the Hutch Tech Junior ROTC ; Placing of the Wreath -by Gold Star Mother Ann Davis and more. The park dedication -and ribbon cutting will include City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, City of Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz,, Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, New York State Senator Tim Kennedy, City of Buffalo Comptroller Mark Schroeder, Majority Leader Erie County Legislature April Baskin, Legislature Barbara Miller- William, Former Legislature Betty Jean Grant (Valor for Valor Committee), Former City of Buffalo Council President George K. Arthur, George Scott, President of the Colored Musicians Club ,Local 533, Henry Jernigan, Commander Bennet-Wells Post # 1780.

Baskin Responds to Erie County Clerk’s Attack on Immigrants GETTING READY FOR SUMMER WATER FUN! The Main water pipe busted at the MLK water feature last summer, and 60% of the spray heads were not operating because of the broken line. Most of us did not know because we saw water spraying in the air. The Coalition to Save MLK Park is happy to report the construction phase to correct the problem has been completed. Parents and the children will enjoy our splash pad this summer knowing it's working at full capacity, with NO standing water which is a NYS health hazard.- Photo & Text by Sam Herbert

Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns held a press conference last Thursday and said if New York State moves forward with legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, the county's Auto Bureau will not go along. "This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” said Erie County Legislature Majority Leader April N.M. Baskin. “Attacks on immigrants have been on the rise since the 2016 presidential election. The fact that this latest attack is coming from an elected official is especially troubling. Denying residents the ability to gain formal state identification in defiance of state law will harm our entire community, and perpetuates systemic inequality. I call on Michael Legislator Baskin P. Kearns to do the job that he was elected to do and to stop playing politics with the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The Tragic, Forgotten History of Black Military Veterans In the week after the last presidential election, the Equal Justice Initiative, of Montgomery, Alabama, released a new report—a fifty-three-page addendum to their last “Lynching in America,” an unprecedentedly thorough survey of American racial violence and terror between 1877 and 1950. Drawing on small-town newspaper and court archives, along with interviews of local historians and victims’ descendants across the South, “Lynching in America” tallied four thousand and seventy-five lynchings, at least eight hundred more than any previous count. The new report, “Lynching in America: Targeting Black Veterans,” concludes that, during the same period, “no one was more at risk of experiencing violence and targeted racial terror than black veterans.” The susceptibility of Black ex-soldiers to extrajudicial murder and assault has long been recognized by historians, but the topic has never received such comprehensive standalone treatment. In the aftermath of Trump’s victory, it seems eerily relevant. “Lynching in America,” the report, which is available online, was compiled by E.J.I. attorneys and research fellows.

Civil War Casualties By the end of the Civil War, roughly 179,000 Black men (10% of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Army and another 19,000 served in the Navy. Nearly 40,000 Black soldiers died over the course of the war— 30,000 of infection or disease. Sep 1, 2017 Are you registered to VOTE?

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Deep In The Heart of Upstate New York Supremacists Attack Black Family New York State troopers arrested two people after a woman and her son reported that a group yelled racial slurs and forced their car off the road before damaging the woman’s car with baseball bats and cookware. Natia Shim said that she was taking her son, a soon-to-be graduate, to fill out job-application forms when the attack happened. As the mother and son drove in Colonie New York, a suburb of, Albany (the state’s capital), they noticed a green truck trying to force their vehicle off the road. “They tried to run us off the road, saying, ‘You niggers, get the f--k out of our country,’” Shim told WNYT-TV. “And we were, like, distraught because we didn’t know exactly what was going on.” The truck eventually rammed Shim’s vehicle onto the shoulder, where, Shim and other witnesses say, three men and two women began attacking her car with sticks bats and, according to one witness, a frying pan. As the group yelled racial slurs, screamed “We are the

CELEBRATION FOR AN AFRIKAN KING”

On Tuesday, May 8 the family of the late Lonnie B. Harrell and the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. held a poetic celebration of life honoring Brother Harrell. About 40 people gathered at the Centers’ 34 Benwood location and shared spoken word poetry and stories about the entrepreneur, artist and poet often referred to as "The Love Doctor." Lonnie’s smooth romantic lyrics and his beautiful old school singing made his performances always an unforgettable experience. His wife Willie Dean opened the program with a moving poem dedicated to her husband of over 50 yrs. His daughters also gave touching remembrances of a father they cherished and held in high esteem. It was a wonderful program for a much deserved and truly missed member of this community!

white supremacists!” and smashed the car windows, Shim’s son managed to call 911, but the suspects got away. New York state police began investigating the entire May 10 episode and later arrested 51-year-0ld Kristen Wright and 50-year-old Phil-

lip Quandt Jr.Jethro and Ellie Mae were charged with one count each of criminal mischief in the second degree, a felony; and reckless endangerment in the second degree and menacing in the second degree, both misdemeanors, according to the state police.

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

NOTICE

The resolution, a copy of which is published herewith, has been adopted by the County Legislature on the 10th day of May, 2018 and the validity of the obligations authorized by such 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. Robert M. Graber Clerk of the County Legislature RESOLUTION NO. 108 - 2018 BOND RESOLUTION DATED: MAY 10, 2018 BOND RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK, AUTHORIZING VARIOUS CAPITAL PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE 2018 CAPITAL BUDGET OF THE COUNTY, STATING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST OF SUCH PROJECTS IS $68,902,423, APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR, INCLUDING THE EXPENDITURE OF $23,522,769 EXPECTED TO BE RECEIVED IN STATE OR FEDERAL AID, AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $45,379,654 BONDS OF THE COUNTY TO FINANCE THE BALANCE OF SAID APPROPRIATION; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING ANY AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND/OR THE STATE OF NEW YORK TO BE EXPENDED TOWARDS THE COST OF CERTAIN OF SUCH CAPITAL PROJECTS AS INDICATED HEREIN, OR REDEMPTION OF ANY NOTES AND BONDS ISSUED THEREFOR OR TO BE BUDGETED AS AN OFFSET TO THE TAXES FOR PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID NOTES AND BONDS. (Introduced) May 10, 2018 (Adopted) May 10, 2018 RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF THE COUNTY OF ERIE, NEW YORK (by the affirmative vote of not less than two thirds of the voting strength of said Legislature), AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The County of Erie, New York (herein called “County”), is hereby authorized to undertake the various capital projects as described in column A of the attached schedule, each as more fully described in column G of the attached schedule and the duly adopted 2018 Capital Budget for the County. To the extent that the details set forth in this resolution are inconsistent with any details set forth in the 2018 Capital Budget of the County, such Budget shall be deemed and is hereby amended. For each of the specific objects or purposes, classes of objects or purposes and combinations of objects or purposes, as specified in column A-1 of the attached schedule, the respective estimated maximum costs, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, are set forth in column B of the attached schedule, and said respective amounts are hereby appropriated therefor pursuant to the duly adopted 2018 Capital Budget for the County. The plan of financing includes the expenditure of $23,522,769 in State and Federal aid expected to be received, the issuance of $45,379,654 aggregate principal amount of bonds of the County and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale of such bonds to finance the balance of said appropriations, and the levy and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the County to pay the principal of said bonds and notes and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable. Any amounts received by the County from the United States of America and/or the State of New York and local source revenues are hereby authorized to be expended towards the cost of the applicable specific objects or purposes, classes of objects or purposes or combinations of objects or purposes or the redemption of any notes and bonds issued therefor or to

5 be budgeted as an offset to the taxes for the repayment of the principal of and interest on said notes and bonds. Section 2. Bonds of the County in the respective principal amounts set forth in column C of the attached schedule are hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, constituting Chapter 33-a of the Consolidated Laws of the State of New York (herein called the “Law”) to finance said appropriations. Section 3. The respective periods of probable usefulness for said specific objects or purposes, classes of objects or purposes and combinations of objects or purposes for which said $45,379,654 bonds herein authorized are to be issued, within the limitations of §11.00 a. of the Law, is set forth in column F of the attached schedule. Section 4. The County intends to finance, and the Comptroller of the County is hereby authorized to advance such amounts as are necessary to pay the costs of the respective specific objects or purposes, classes of objects or purposes and combinations of objects or purposes described in Section 1 hereof, prior to the issuance of the bonds or bond anticipation notes herein authorized, out of any available funds of the County on an interim basis, which respective amounts are reasonably expected to be reimbursed with the proceeds of debt to be incurred by the County pursuant to this Resolution, in the respective maximum amounts of bonds herein authorized. This Resolution is a declaration of official intent adopted pursuant to the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2. Section 5. 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 and 168.00 of said Law, the powers and duties of the County Legislature relative to authorizing the issuance of any notes in anticipation of the sale of the respective amounts of bonds herein authorized, or the renewals thereof, relative to providing for substantially level or declining annual debt service, relative to prescribing the terms, form and contents and as to the sale and issuance of the respective amounts of bonds herein authorized, and of any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds or the renewals of said notes, and relative to executing agreements for credit enhancement, are hereby delegated to the Comptroller of the County, as the chief fiscal officer of the County. Section 6. Each of the bonds authorized by this Resolution and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of the sale thereof shall contain the recital of validity prescribed by §52.00 of said Local Finance Law and said bonds and any notes issued in anticipation of said bonds shall be general obligations of the County of Erie, payable as to both principal and interest by general tax upon all the taxable real property within the County. The faith and credit of the County are hereby irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds and any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds or the renewals of said notes, and provision shall be made annually in the budgets of the County by appropriation for (a) the amortization and redemption of the notes and bonds to mature in such year and (b) the payment of interest to be due and payable in such year. Section 7. The validity of the bonds authorized by this Resolution and of any notes issued in anticipation of the sale of said bonds, may be contested only if: (a) such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which the County is not authorized to expend money, or (b) the provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of the publication of this Resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity, is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or (c) such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. Section 8. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the County Executive.

Challenger Community News â€˘ t hec hallengernews.com â€˘May 23, 2018

8 Calvary Set To Celebrate 98th Church Anniversary! Calvary C.M.E. Church, 1007 Ellicott Street, will celebrate its 98th Church Anniversary on Sunday, June 3. We will begin with our 10:30 a.m. worship service and conclude with a fellowship with Rev. George C. Woodruff and the Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church at 4 p.m. See you at Calvary! Rev. Brandon K. Baum is pastor.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinners The Metropolitan UM Church located at 657 Best Street,, will host its annual Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinners on Friday, June 1 from 12 Noon - 6:00 pm. Dinner includes half- chicken, potato salad, green beans, bread & dessert. Dine-in or take-out. Delivery is available for 5 or more dinners. Cost: $10 - presale and $11 June 1st. Call (716) 891-5652 for more information or to purchase tickets. Pastor Angela R. Stewart is the pastor.

”Prayer In The Park” Returns This Saturday! “Prayer In The Park” starts this Saturday ,May 26 and every Saturday following, in Martin Luther King Park at the MLK statue at Best and Fillmore from 9 to 10 a.m. Also beginning on May 26 will be “ A Get Together For the Lord” given by “Prayer In The Park” at 418 Hertel Avenue, Kingdom Ministries, from 5 to 8 p.m. The “Get Together” will be held the last Saturday of every month. Bring a dish, a song & praise! For more information contact Minister Wanda L. Strong Howard at (716)715-1969 or Sis. Barbara Johnson at (716)603-9564.

Fasting: A Means of Spiritual, Mental & Physical Rejuvenation A Series By Haj Dawoud S. Adeyola Part II In the early Christian traditions, fasting was customarily combined with prayer and purging of the mind of worldly matters in order to devote themselves to worship and avoidance of worldly concerns. The Pharisees, an early Christian sect observed fasting on Wednesdays and particularly on Fridays both of which involved the abstinence from eating meat. Ramadan Defined Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islâmic calendar and Muslims in all parts of the world are enjoined to fast the month as a religious obligation. This practice known as as-siyaam is one of the five 'pillars' or essential practices of al-Islaam. The month lasts for 29 or 30 days based upon the visual sighting of the hilaal (crescent moon). The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or arramadi meaning 'dryness' or 'scorching heat'. Fasting is waajib (compulsory) for adult Muslims except for those who fall under categories of either temporary or permanent exemptions. Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadaan is the fourth of five basic pillars or required physical acts of the Islâmic way of life. Above and beyond the abstention from food, drink and sexual relations which form the core of the fasting, is the real objective of cultivating self-restraint while adhering to the commandments of Allâh, the Almighty. This can only be achieved by keeping the remembrance of Allâh fresh and actively alive in the mind and heart of the fasting person. The Muslim is subjecting himself to this rigorous fasting from dawn until sunset for a consecutive month only because Allâh has made it quite clear that this what He has prescribed not only for the followers of the prophet Muhammad (sAa) but also for previous divinely sent Prophets and messengers: O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you so that perhaps, you may learn taqwaa TO BE CONTINUED

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Midnight Moonlight Dreamer

(My Husband and Friend) You are living in my dreams Longing in absence of you Strolling aimlessly alone Dreaming underneath the midnight moon I still love you. I can hear your love song I feel compassion. Your sweet soothing words, Soft tender touches. I know you are holding me but not with arms Feeling me but not with hands, Walking beside me, though your footsteps are not there. Even at night in my unconscious state You sit beside me until I awake With a husband like you I am never alone. When I feel lost it’s you I call. I lost all hope and was in awe of a scar so long so deep and raw But slowly my scar begins to heal I am so blessed, for one day I may reach happiness In my dreams I will walk with you, In your absence I close my eyes and you are there always. Love, Willa Dean-Harrell

This Day By Sharon R. Amos I sing of you My friend Mississippi’s loss Was New York’s gain This world was your muse Lyrical messages from the existential realms Dispensed with soul-stirring life embracing melodies From your hands Creations of antiquities That graced your community’s spirits With study you showed yourself A worthy student of the ages and the universe Each night I search the skies for your celestial body.

A Brother Of Love For Us All By Elaine Barthel

Our brother of love, compassion, artistry and peace Will live in our hearts forever. With song, beauty of words and inspiration He lifted our spirits when we were down. Who could imagine he was preparing to leave us A quiet transition to meet his Lord. But oh! Such a powerful force he was A brother of love for us all! With this being the first anniversary of his transition We continue to love and miss him But his joy and wisdom and love Will be in our hearts forever! Let us spread his love to his beautiful family And all we know! God Bless you, Lonnie. We love you.

My Friend (In Memory of Lonnie B. Harrell) I do believe that “God” has angels on earth. He sent me one in a friend when I was troubled, needed help and hurt. My friend listened when I needed ears to hear and was that supportive shoulder when I felt the weight of no more pain I could bear. My friend was the voice of reason when I would have just walked away showing and teaching from the Bible making my faith grow stronger each and every day. They say you are truly blessed if you have one friend indeed. My friend has always been there for me no matter how great or small the need. I could go on and on about how wonderful you were to the end. But most importantly I’m glad you were my friend. “Love Irma “The House of Randolph”

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

We Be A Family Dear Wan’ye, We be a family! Just you and me in the warmth of our home, happy, tusseling around, jumping in puddles, wandering about sunrises and stars with inquiry.

LIFE

We be a family!

Same brown eyes, like twinkling moons. Same plump cheeks, like tomatoes not grown too soon. Same cheery laughs and smiles, cuz our happiness is built in our own style. We be you, We be me, and that is all we need to be one family. We are i-love-you-i-miss-you’s squeezy hugs, high fives, and radio singing to the Jackson Five.

We are building blocks, messy art, musical instruments, and busy water and sand. We be family love as we walk with one kissing hand. Although it is just you and me, that is all we need. We be a family! Love, Mommy © vonetta t. rhodes

Stop Signs July 20th By Courtney Stokes She stands before you completely alone and taught to think before she speaks. She already has looked into her past to learn from her mistakes but her identity was erased her intellect deleted without a trace she can’t even taste the fabrication of a personality that comes out when she speaks cuz she was raised to bite her tongue til it bleeds. Her body, a false reality’s copy. Society courses through her veins, slits her wrist and it becomes colored with judgment as it touches the air, air she no longer has the desire to breath. She’s been drowning on her own tears becoming her own fears trapped in a box nihilistic and numb her own personal paradox she feels nothing yet everything! She began to find comfort in the sound track to the horror film in her mind, hits rewind just to find the monster that burdens her psychologically trapped in her mind and instead of hearing the racket of old memories she outta see, she’s ripping straight jackets off her thoughts that are soon to be, while her friends sip Hennessy she’s drunk of disorders two shots depression and a whole bottle of anxiety. Her chest is tightening her ears are ringing cold chills running down her spin

like her demons are fleeing the scene of their crime. Dizzy. Can’t think can’t breathe don’t try to touch her or she’ll scream “get off of me!” as her head bangs with the cacophony her guardian angel doesn’t even see doesn’t know what she needs neither does she doesn’t know why she’s not sure she wants her heart to continue beating. What happened? Why’d she walk to the river, stand on the bridge What happened? Why’d she send her goodbyes, pop those pills so she’ll die? WHAT HAPPENED? What happened?! They’ll all look to the sky What happen? As the ambulance arrives What happened? She’ll hear them all cry WHAT HAPPENED !? She crumpled. on July 20, 2017 being alive was just too much for her.

pearl of friendship By Gey like the joy the fisherman feels when he discovers a precious pearl such is the happiness that is mine upon finding a treasure of true friendship within u. (thank u, my friend)

By Kat Massey

WANTED

Old woman surveys her world in a Hefty bag. She shrugs and steps into traffic.

By Annette Daniels Taylor

ou can be shot with

hands up in the air You could be killed for your sneakers You can be shot for your silence You could be killed for speaking You can be shot crossing the street You could be killed for knocking on a door You can be shot for being her son You could be killed for being his daughter You can be shot at home You could be killed praying at church You can be shot at school You could be killed jumping double-dutch You can be shot in the playground You could be killed for making eye contact You can be shot for playing music too loud You could be killed for being different You are wanted you are being watched

Lessons Learned #1 By Annette Daniels Taylor

essons learned as bodies mend Junkies never remember their promises we need to cop Junkies will walk four and 3/4 miles carrying a used door so, we can sell it To cop We always need a quarter We always need money for the bus We need to cop We’re always going to quit tomorrow

Lessons learned as bodies ache All junkies have mama’s Some junkies had a nanny Some junkies still do Sugar and alcohol Feeling good Feeling nothing Feeling too much Feeling mad Wonder lightning Questions thunder Answer rains Revolutions hurricanes Standing in a doorway Swollen fingers bad skin Driving from a suburb Copping in a hood

“One thing poetry teaches us, if anything, is that everything is connected. There is so much history that we have not validated.” -Lucille Clifton

The Struggle Is Real By Evan Locke You have a special assignment my teacher said It’s to write a poem straight from your head The topic can be anything that you choose Like family, tv or what’s on the news. I was biting my nails thinking about what to write While eating my dinner and drinking a Sprite Why was I having such a hard time It shouldn’t be this hard to make words rhyme. I need to hurry and get this out of the way So I can go beat my brother in a game of NBA 2K I’m losing my mind and I just can’t deal All I know is the struggle is real. That’s it I’m going to bed I’m sad but I won’t show it Oh wait… I am a poet! (Evan, a 7th Grader, is the grandson of Lonnie B. Harrell)

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

K C A BL

The Sidewalk

E F I L

©2009 (verse 1) by Edreys Wajed Deals get made here, and drunks piss on me, Bottles get smashed and bodies bleed on me. I know all the kicks by the feel of the grips, I know the difference between Air Force 1’s and Stan Smiths or Timbs with the bubble-gum soles and lose laces, I can identify their bop, but I can’t make out faces.

A Block Party in Willert Park By Priscilla Y. Hill

Mortimer between William and Peckham Streets 50’s Buffalo on Saturday afternoons in July A celebration…not the Emancipation Proclamation Or Juneteenth either, just a celebration of colored folk coming from all over to this east side street. Mothers bringing their own food, setting up tables with Kool-Aid and iced tea Daddies playing cards or dominos sipping Old Grand Dad or Wild Irish Rose A lively local band playing all the oldies and goodies some jazz for the old folks and the blues for the rest of us DoDo Green impressing everyone with her husky sexy voice and blond hair Count Rabbit, a legend already, did part two whipping out the blues, sweating and crying Ooh the old ladies loving his music, bumping and grinding and smiling and swaying Others dancing the swing, twirling their partners around Little boys and old men peeking a look under their skirts, snickering and sweating Teens like me trying to sneak a slow drag sometimes escaping the stern gaze of our community mothers aunts and grandmothers Young boys playing handball on the Willert Park wall Children running around chasing each other, playing tag giggling at the older folk trying to get their groove on Then the sun starts to rest its glorious head behind the project buildings And us too, gathering up our stuff that memories were made of Our summer block parties came suddenly but were gone too soon when we played out the visible sculptures on the A.D. Court walls, on Spring Street depicting our past and present lives of families together, working, children playing jumping rope, reading and especially the black slave fleeing with her child or the Negro Union soldier returning home the daily rituals carved on the apartment doorways keeping our history alive Stuff that memories were made of But no one noticed…then

Reflection They probably Never heard of Emmet Till Or America’s bloody Lynching years So Black Lives Don’t matter much To them Whether it’s a Black Life taken At the hands of racists Or even their own. How can you Take a life For sneakers and A gold chain? Is the reflection Of you In the face of your Victim/your brother So full of pain Is the hatred of self So deep That it has driven us Insane? By Third Eye

jasper texas 1998 Lucille Clifton, 1936 - 2010 for j. byrd i am a man’s head hunched in the road. i was chosen to speak by the members of my body. the arm as it pulled away pointed toward me, the hand opened once and was gone. why and why and why should i call a white man brother? who is the human in this place, the thing that is dragged or the dragger? what does my daughter say? the sun is a blister overhead. if i were alive i could not bear it. the townsfolk sing we shall overcome while hope bleeds slowly from my mouth into the dirt that covers us all. i am done with this dust. i am done. (James Byrd Jr. was an African-American man who was murdered by three white supremacists, in Jasper, Texas, on June 7, 1998 . Byrd was chained at the ankles, tied to the bumper of a truck, and dragged to his death outside of Jasper, near Houston.)

Profile: Buffalo's Own Lucille Clifton Page 19

I’m the hardest thing in the hood, the glue of the block, I can’t speak but I can tell you about the number of shots, Because I preserve those hot shells and hold a couple of rounds, and get sprayed when the fire trucks are hosing me down. Hustlers are loyal to me because they know I can’t snitch, And they know I understand about rocks and bricks, Cracks and nicks, and barbecue chips in brown bags, Watching ashes blow away, as they’re taking a drag. See I’ve raised these youngins’ like they were my kids, And most times this is where life ends...on the SIDEWALK *The Sidewalk verse 1 is part of a 3 vs poem that will be published in full for Edreys Wajed’s forthcoming book of poetry entitled “a capella “ releasing April 30 on www.byedreys. com and also available for order on Amazon.com

My Poetry Is Deep… By Mack Neal My poetry is deep (how deep is it?) I mean deep like the debt that America owes us or deep like a grave or an in-da-streets slave or an industry slave/ or a new aged digital slave with computerized whips and chains but us BLACK MEN still die over whips and chains. They say-gang violence is the problem but you and me get shot down when we speak unity just ask our ‘’MARTIN LUTHER KINGS HAVE A DREAM ‘’ OR OUR MALCOM X’S OR OUR 2 PAC’ S WHO TOOK 9 SHOTS and stopped speaking thug life and tried to denounce blocks while Elvis stole black songs to make the jail house rock . They ship kilos and metro domes ( you know the army navy & cops ) to America’s households and we get knocked and go to jail from slanging little rocks meanwhile a catholic priest at confession asks a little boy to touch his ..... and we shocked. Dynamic dudes die from adversity and IT WAS A TIME when a BLACK MEN AND WOMEN couldn’t even learn at a university. It was a curse to be /ME BLACK MAN. NOWA-DAYS everybody wants to be that but its more to being Black than what’s on B.E.T & I bet that you watch shows to glamorize or demoralize ARRESTING me like the C.O.P.S & THE WIRE but the cops be wildin’. Who is going to put the wires on the cops to infiltrate the bad seeds before they proceed to do the devil’s deeds? And no Mr. President I will not fight for this racist nation that gave us Nathan and they still hate our faces. DONT LET THEM ‘’WILLIE LYNCH’’ YOU 1712! MY POERTY IS DEEP! (HOW DEEP IS IT? ) Mack Neal is also known as ‘’The Epileptic MC’’

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

IN THE SPIRIT Oh! Precious Spirit By The Lit-Mus Study Club Oh! Precious Spirit I need thee with me. As darkness threatens My fears increase And I search for That guiding light, That flicker of hope To warm my soul. Oh! Precious Spirit Guide me along The proceeding night. Have mercy on me To give me peace And joy I pray. Lead and show me Through the coming day. Oh! Precious Spirit This far you have led me Directed me on Over the hills, And down in the valleys. So fresh and green Such beauty You have never seen.

The Lit-Mus Club Study Club of Buffalo was one of the oldest African American lady’s music and literature study group in New York State. It was a part of the Empire State Federation of Women’s Club, Inc. in New York State. The poem ‘Oh! Precious Spirit,’ was dedicated to a club sister who passed away, Sister Mary Crosby Chappelle. The members felt this poem reflected her life serving the Lord. These are the names of the club sisters who are the authors and each contributed a portion to the writing of the poem: “Oh! Precious Spirit”: Sharon L. DuBard, Willah B. DuBard, Violet B. Hall, Carolyn B. Thomas, Freddie M. Thompson, Christine Lillard, Ingrid Jackson, Marilyn Foote-Kragbe’, Ruth L. Hollie, Amerion B. Carter, and Mary F. Kemp.

Oh! Precious Spirit In this hour of despair, I need the Lord To lead the way. Then, I should follow Only in you Lord With your infinite mercy Protecting and comforting me And always being there. Oh! Precious Spirit My heart truly knows You are only a prayer away. On bended knees As my spirit soars I send my praises to thee. Oh! Mighty God, May your healing blessings Be shown on me. Oh! Precious Spirit To impart that faith Of that silent night, I hope and pray To reach my goal, To use my God’s given gift And blessings, To witness and encourage The healing of some poor lost soul, Helping him find his way to you. Amen. ©December, 2003

Sistah Prayer Warrior By Patricia Navaroli She prays with Zeal. She prays with Zest. She prays everyday with Very little rest. She prays because She loves God the best. She prays for her Husband. She prays for her Daughters She prays for her Sons. She prays with love For Everyone. She prays with Amazing Grace She prays hoping to finish This race. She won’t stop praying until She sees His face.

There Will Come a Day By Helen McDonald There will come a day, you’ll realize you didn’t get away. You tell your lies “You shot because you feared your life” Killing in front of the children, and the wife. You say you thought it was a gun, but they put their hands up, got on the ground After all no gun was found. It’s not just the ones with a badge, its each one of you that shoots a gun Used a knife, or your poisonous tongue, that took a life. You will be convicted, you cannot escape. CONFESS-REPENT-CHANGE YOUR WAYS! Believe me there will come a day. You know what you did and your real motive why You took lives when they didn’t have to die Yes there will come a day. God has given us life, you have no right to take one. All lives matter to GOD! So know this, there will come a day When you must kneel ·before Him, then what will you say?

I’m Standing By Priscilla Green I wake up every morning, I kneel myself to pray I ask the Lord to help me, to make it through the day I’m Standing. I reach out for my Bible, to gain a word of strength It gives me reassurance, god is with me to the end I’m Standing. I race out the door with eagerness, no matter what the weather may be Rain, wind, snow or ail, I put all my trust I Thee I’m Standing. As I run out through the darkness, trying to stay right in the light I can hear my Heavenly Father, say, keep running don’t lose sight I’m standing. I’ll Lift Mine Eyes Unto The Hills From Whence Cometh All My Help My Help Cometh From The Lord, this confidence I’ve felt I’m Standing. As I face my peers and fellowman, to make my honest wage I face so many obstacles, it reminds me of old days I’m Standing. I thought that things have changed a lot, but I see we have a way to go But hold on to the Word of God, for this none thing I know I’m Standing. As I try to bear the weight of days in doing what is right Sometimes they try to set me up but I hold back, I just listen, don’t fight I’m Standing. ‘Cause Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning Light God knows just how much we can bear, Vengeance is His. Believe me He cares We’re Standing.

And when I Lay Me Down to Sleep, I thank the Lord My Soul He Keeps And If I Die Before I Wake, I Know My Soul The Lord Will Take Because He’s Standing. Because He’s Standing. Because He’s Standing!

THE JOURNEY OF US/US BLACK WOMEN By Shirley Sarmiento

TIME The pain I feel all the time Thinking of you, you’re on my mind Some days I wonder what if it was me instead of you Would you still be here? Time, that’s what everyone says Give it time I am tired of time It doesn’t fix my broken heart It doesn’t heal my pain Time doesn’t bring you back Time is so precious because you never know when its Time to go I don’t know how time works, but you can Lose a loved one in a blink of an eye. You disappeared so fast I couldn’t even say goodbye Come back, I said, come back I didn’t have enough Time By Maariyah Mustafa, Age 13 In loving memory of Naseer Alwakee February 12, 2001 – October 27, 2017

Master

This has been quite a journey a long struggle the quest for my own identity buy no means it has not been easy matter of fact one of the hardest things US BLACK WOMEN have ever done is to be here now in the presence was not an easy task finding our places locating our spaces in search of our own true selves has finally arrived We are us Black Women is me and my sistergirls don’t have to act look or be white ness anymore We have arrived and found us easy it has not been considering all the thoughtlessness US BLACK WOMEN have endured throughout the passage of time It has been an exhausting difficult journey for US BLACK WOMEN Steadfast and always fighting the fight keeping our dreams alive always in front of us holding on of course for dear life the need to feel the need to be never letting go of our own existence.

By Christopher L. Dyson There is no sound In the voice that surrounds us all Only the slithering movement as he wraps one hand around his staff and readies his whip with the other Nusquam Et Ubique Always there always watching There is no sound In the thickness of the midnight air There is no sound or even ears To tell it’s real

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Peace By Julio Jordan

To be positive and at peace, Doesn’t mean the nonsense will cease, It just means that through it all, You’ve found a release, A calm in your heart, Mind and your soul, A clearer way of thinking, Allowing your blessings to unfold, Turning a negative into a positive, Looking at your cup half full, Staying away from the drama, Not letting it pull, You into it, Just go the other way, Far from it all, Controlling your emotions every day, There’s a balance, We need the good and the bad, But the way we deal with it, Like being happy when life makes you sad, It’s all a choice, You decide what to do, For me it helps to move forward, It helps me get through, Wallowing in self pity, Doesn’t help us none, Stay focused on the outcome, You are far from done, Today might have been difficult, Tomorrow we don’t know, All we can do is have faith, Hoping the winds of change blow, In our favor, Change course and direction, But today this day, We must take heed of the lessons, Learn and prosper, Each day alive we grow, Remain optimistic, Even when you’re at the lowest of the low, Things will get better, No way but up from there, You’re a survivor, Who will always persevere, You’ve done it, Again and again, Your strength and courage, Have been your best friend, Never let you down, Even when the world was against you, Never let them see you frown, Patience is a virtue, Keep smiling, Remain positive in your heart, Set your mind free from negativity, Don’t let it break you apart, Your day is coming, Hope you see it, Believe it, If you want it so bad, Then go ahead and achieve it, Rise above your problems, Don’t remain beneath them, Be fair to yourself, Attitude reflects the outcome,

I believe in you, As I believe in myself, If you don’t believe in you, There’s no way no one else, Can free you, From those mental shackles, That negative energy, Will seek and attack you, You’ll run away from it, But won’t get far, Until you change your way of thinking, I know at times it’s so hard, I’ve been there before, Nearly drowned in my tears, But I weathered the storm, By conquering all my fears, Trust these words which I speak, From my heart they are true, Start seeing the good versus bad, Think positively, You’re long overdue!

Essence of Black By Antoinette Hall

BIRTH By Dr. Anthony Neal

This is how the story should be told. Australopiticus wakes and strolls Through the Garden of Eden. Teleological fruit is sweet but remains uneaten While building testaments to time and never receding. Then She gave birth to the Queen of Sheba. Then She gave birth to Imhotep. Then She gave birth to Chaka Zulu. Chased from the Garden of Eden, She was forced to walk among a den of thieves And adorn herself from the earth below: Twigs, branches, and leaves. But she still gave birth to Nelson Mandela. But she still gave birth to Kwame Nkrumah. But she still gave birth to Jomo Kenyatta. Kidnapped from her home; on the seas condemned to roam. Broken with the lash and tarnished with the whip ... Experiencing an eternity of sadness ship after ship.

B. Wells. And yet she gave birth to Marcus Garvey. And yet she gave birth to W.E.B. DuBois. Some of her sons were shown lying in the streets and hanging from trees. Some of her daughters were ridiculed and beaten to their knees. Some of her songs are sad but sound like caged birds singing! Some of her bells are muffled but somehow they keep on ringing. And somehow she gave birth to Martin Luther King, Jr. And somehow she gave birth to Fannie Lou Hamer. And somehow she gave birth to Malcolm X. And somehow she gave birth to Rosa Parks. And somehow she gave birth to Thurgood Marshall. And somehow she gave birth to Shirley Chisholm. Please perpetuate Her glory by telling Her story. Let the world know that each and every line is true Because we know her story by heart; she endured it all And she gave birth to me; and she gave birth to you.

The essence of Black, is the deepest force of life, that has been given to this world. The essence of Black, is the shadow of the past, of a proud people, and nation. The essence of Black, ("Birth" isf rom from Dr. has never given in to the Neal’s latest book of poetry, system, or society of the world And yet she gave birth to “Love Agnostic: The Eternal domination. Frederick Douglass. Protest: From 9/11 to The essence of Black, Charleston”) is the foundation of strength of And yet she gave birth to Ida a people, who has been chosen to lead a lost world. With an unmistakable character to love all people without malice of forethought. The essence of Black, represents a race of people, who has lived on the earth, and ate of the fruit of the vine That God has provided for all to be healthy. By Flexx Godd The essence of Black, is the essence of a surviving people, who has inner New beginnings It Flew 7 miles above your beauty to share kindness, New success head encouraging words, and spiritual Surrounded by a new View on Look up & Envision life enlightenment. From a new perspective old sights The essence of Black, Find peace in the pieces of The words I said to you is the generation who has fought your shattered dreams Said nothing about you to gain equal treatment in this Find love in what can never be But please look up system. Yet all those who stood See past the greens and browns found again up for our rights, has been Seek past the sky Reaching into the whiteout systematically eliminated from Find hope in what isn’t smeared across this life, to keep a strong people And clarity in knowing the blue canvas down! It doesn’t have to be what it is Look up The essence of Black, It...You Let your eyebrows raise in will always endure life’s trials, can be sooo much more suspicion of this and pressure. Look up new perspective We will continue to strive to Look up Look up reach our goals, dreams, and Look up Past your insecurities aspirations. Past your transgressions We will never give up the good Past your failures fight! Nor the struggle to be Past your past reconized as a free spirit. extend your wings and fly To rise to success in this life, Let your imagination soar to until God calls us home to be by new levels his side !

BLACK BUFFALO By Abiodun Oyewale Amidst the snow and cold climate There is a warmth here There is a love That only black people can bask in There is a coming together Of kindred spirits To make the sun shine Even on a snowy grey day Call it Kwanzaa Call it the Maafa Call it Sankofa Call it Juneteenth Black folks in Buffalo Are in Africa all year round Marcus and Harriet still live there And celebrate their love for freedom Here in Buffalo There is space to breathe Black And a reason to know That we are royal No matter where we go Like Imhotep said We still wear the crown In spite of what others might say We will find a way to master the day.

Airplane Mentality

No Opportunity Wasted (N.O.W.) By Eric Living in the NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) Helps me to smile. I learned to slow down/look around Enjoy things in the air And on the ground. No pushing, no fast paced life No Opportunity Wasted Means living in the here and NOW. It gives me a reason to smile. NOW I stop and pause Because there is a cause To enjoy every moment of the 7/24/365 That we alive.

I Am A Woman By: Kia Marlene I am a woman I am the prize Heaven in between my thighs Galaxies in my eyes Known to give the toughest man butterflies The strongest force there is, couldn’t be tore down if other energies tried I am a woman Whose womb is sacred just like the blood that flows from it Powerful A living library Occupied by the souls of my ancestors and predecessors Seraphic frequency A celestial being that operates out of love without thinking nothing of it I am a woman Who can nurture the souls of broken men Who can heal my own temple, Connect with the energy of the Mother Goddess and access knowledge just by using my intent I am a woman Who has the strength of a million males The softest touch like chinchilla tails I am the original so my soul is filled with many tales I am a woman A protector and provider Can still stand or be a rider Be a lover or a fighter Transform dark into lighter I am a woman Who operates more from the right brain than the left Who can create joy when nothing is left Who was able to make myself whole again when that man left I am a woman Who overflows with emotions Yes I cry oceans But I can alchemize my tears to give me vitality and turn them into the most magical potion I am a woman Whose heart is the sun radiating enough warmth to heat up nations and keep things in tune Whose soul can fill rooms Whose energy cause things to bloom Whose womb is connected to the moon And with every new cycle is a transformation and the chance for me to become anew I am a woman The divine The source The feminine Magnetism

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Earth The vessel that gives birth to Gods I can create universes and destroy illusions The universe dwells within me as I am it I am a woman and I am proud to be that

Bitter Black Woman By Cassandra Gilmore-Austin Bitter Black Woman don’t be so mean Bitter Black Woman try to observe the scene Wondering why the world is so unfair Trying to fit in where there is not a care Only to find out that there are bitter tears Finding things out that brought on anger and pout Trying to maintain your least doubt Bitter Black Woman you ask yourself why? Only to find out that you only tried Tried to be the good black woman that deserves to be loved But only to encounter the pain and turmoil of a dead dove Becoming numb Not to let go and only becoming one Keeping all the love you have bottled up within To safe guide your heart from all the ridiculous sin Wondering when it will all end So that you are able to breathe again Exhaling your deepest thoughts and letting go the devils torch Praying to God to watch over you and hoping that someday you won’t be so blue Bitter Black Woman don’t be afraid Try to keep the spirt that God has made Try to maintain positive thoughts Empower yourself to safe guide your heart Never settle for less, settle only for the best Bitter Black Woman be happy now Forgive those who are untrue and unclear For you will be blessed no matter what you fear!

JOY, PAIN, SUNSHINE & RAIN Dresses By CaTyra Polland She wants to leave but is afraid she tastes her blood often blood mixed with tears mixed with more blood her self esteem is valley low, so she stays she’s used to I’m sorry she knows it will happen again she remembers the angles of each room at times she lay on the floor or was slammed against a wall blood stains throughout the house identified as spilled wine medical bills in boxes underneath the bed she never wore makeup, now she has no choice hidden bruises mountainous lies she know pain well like the ocean knows waves like the sky knows clouds However, there are brief moments of joy, moments without pain Her dresses bring her joy She has loved dresses since her childhood She has 2 closets full of dresses She color coordinated her dresses like the rainbow When she is alone she admires her collection She actually remembers when she received each dress In fact it’s embedded in her memory Her dresses bring her joy but also immense sadness The dates she received the dresses are etched in her mind the dates document hospital visits prompted by her lover he would come to her bedside with a brand new dress each time She loves her dresses like her lover-with hesitation they are beautiful but dangerous appealing but damaging To accept the dress is to surrender The dresses are a constant reminder she knows pain well like the ocean knows waves like the sky knows clouds She knows pain well Like a well knows water Like a desert knows heat Daggers in heart Needles in spine She knows pain well...

Know Your Black Woman Self-Worth By Allie Freeman

By Shannon Spruill There is no one that will love you better than you. Your love for yourself will never fail Intimate knowledge of self, helps you push through Trust your reflection of beauty and self-worth Ban those negative thoughts about yourself And experience a wonderful rebirth. Perfection should not be your end result Reinforced self-worth should be your destiny Positive thoughts and an internal consult Grow and know your true identity. Rephrase your internal script about yourself When thinking negatively about who you are Return and ban those thoughts to an empty shelf And remember that you are a shinning star!

I believe in you black Woman The power you exude, the level of your truth In measure you are a power though you may stand aloof I believe there is still work to do Can we sit a while and just breath? Many of us are under siege Look around, who do you see? A few in corporate America, bursting through that ceiling graciously, intelligently Representation, giving pride to you and me Education, a high priority, Lawyers, M.D.’s, PhD’s, Masters, and BA degrees Effecting influence day by day. There is also a scenario unpleasant to see Black Woman struggling with minimal wage trying to raise families, difficult indeed That drug addicted sister, that suicidal, depressed forgotten one Needing our attention, advocacy, doing it alone That mother who is burying her child killed, jailed, gun, domestic violence While praying for strength all the while. Yet some of us are mean, evil, repeaters of gossip, unsisterly acts, back stabbers to be exact. How can we expect to win this war, this attack on our souls, our families, our intellect? It is much better to unite. The group is mightier than an individual plight. The challenge is to be kind, considerate, be there, advocate for rights. Make this day, a new beginning let the motto be, I will support my sisters, I will be free to fight the system, to make a better community. Practice a spiritual connection. Let it be !

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Emotion

I See YOU July 20th

By Karla Thomas

By Latise Hairston

I am an emotion… Wandering, searching, looking for a place To reside Caught up in the endless confusion And organized chaos of mental homelessness I am an idea Burning bright with originality Laying tracks to a new destination I am a demographic While I am photographic I am Not geographic, I’m telepathic I am an idea To find my way I must call on my Inheritance, my instincts Which makes much better decisions Than my intellect; my instincts Are that inner voice that is quiet Because it is only talking to me! Instincts guide my restoration from the inside out And wisely tell me that When I am betrayed, I have the unfinished Business of loving them any way I am an emotion Wandering, searching, looking for a place To reside

Sophisticated Lady

By Courtney Stokes

I see you. You black man. Dark and lovely. Full of life I see you child born of a woman wrapped in pain, I see you. Though the world sees you not. Invisible, devoid of humanitya figment of someone’s dark vision of you. But I see you. I see the soul that lives. The joy that breeds. The heart that pounds. The feet that run to your destiny with purpose. Laughter & joy. No more guilt and shame. I see you. Black & beautiful White & dewy Brown & Bronze Red & rich Yellow & Mellow I see you. I love you. Bright & Diverse Fierce & Faithful Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, Sons Rise up! Own the call to live, to love, to freedom. To exist wholly and boldly in your purpose. Feet walking, toes tapping, voice roaring. I seeee YOUUUUU!

Caught up in the endless confusion Of organized chaos called mental homelessness Seeking a castle that proffers safety, and inclusion, and embraces Non-judgmental, undeniable, genuine, Unwavering, ride and die, Wakanda love! I, am an emotion….

GEY LYONS

She stands before you completely alone and taught to think before she speaks. She already has looked into her past to learn from her mistakes but her identity was erased her intellect deleted without a trace she can’t even taste the fabrication of a personality that comes out when she speaks cuz she was raised to bite her tongue til it bleeds. Her body, a false reality’s copy. Society courses through her veins slits her wrist and it becomes colored with judgment as it touches the air, air she no longer has the desire to breath. She’s been drowning on her own tears becoming her own fears trapped in a box nihilistic and numb her own personal paradox she feels nothing yet everything! She began to find comfort in the sound track to the horror film in her mind, hits rewind just to find the monster that burdens her psychologically trapped in her mind and instead of hearing the racket of old memories she outta see, she’s ripping straight jackets off her thoughts that are soon to be, while her friends sip Hennessy she’s drunk of disorders two shots depression and a whole bottle of anxiety. Her chest is tightening her ears are ringing cold chills running down her spin like her demons are fleeing the scene of their crime. Dizzy. Can’t think can’t breathe don’t try to touch her or she’ll scream “get off of me!” as her head bangs with the cacophony her guardian angel doesn’t even see doesn’t know what she needs neither does she doesn’t know why she’s not sure she wants her heart to continue beating. What happened? Why’d she walk to the river, stand on the bridge What happened? Why’d she send her goodbyes,

pop those pills so she’ll die? WHAT HAPPENED? What happened?! They’ll all look to the sky What happen? As the ambulance arrives What happened? She’ll hear them all cry WHAT HAPPENED !? She crumpled. on July 20, 2017 being alive was just too much for her.

Softly as a summer morning Leaving footprints of sunrise diamonds, Your face reflects the warm Rubies and sapphires rays of RA. on Holy ground. Smiling eyes Warm my inner being I feel-Hear poly-rhythms Arousing beautiful memories Vibrating from the strings of Of The WAY in Afrika. your heart Dimples that smile Calling me to the WAY Like the length of the fertile Nile, On your birthday. A regal neck with rings of beauty -Royal St. Clair Sounding the arrival of a worldly-wise woman Afrikan body so feminine Queenly wrapped in a royal Kente gown As you nonchalantly stroll

Dear racist (take a walk in my shoes) Dear racist… I need for you to know That I hate that you exist And as I express my feelings toward you understand, this isn’t a death wish While I appreciate your transparency and that you choose to speak your mind I can’t comprehend why you believe That your race is superior to mine Although I’ve come to accept that we weren’t raised the same despite your visible ignorance, My values will remain. You can call me what you want & hate the color of my skin. But you can’t suppress my pride or the love I have within So far, I’m sure I’ve said some things that you may not comprehend and it’s not my intention to be condescending or to purposely offend I’ll always show respect to those who respect me. It doesn’t matter more or less if they’re white, black, blue or green I’m curious to know if it ever crossed your mind what you would do or how you’d feel if your race was left behind? What if because the color of my skin I believed I had more authority? What if you were forced to follow my lead? What if you were the minority? What if there were no such thing as “white privilege” Instead there was “black immunity” Would this cause a feeling of rage or separation in your community? What if only people of color were chosen to receive blessings? Would this incite a big debate Of why you don’t deserve to be given less? What if February was the only month That you could celebrate your beliefs? Do you think you’d feel somewhat cheated? Or, be overcome with grief? What if your children were only taught the history of my culture? Would you allow this to be all they learn? Or, try to educate them further? What if one day you awoke to a world composed of black everything? How would this effect your life? What would your quality of life even be? See, I often daydream. I close my eyes and I see Black sand on black beach

in a black park with black swings. Black birds flying high in the sky with black wings. Black Queens holding hands with Black Kings who are proud. Black businesses, with signs hanging that read “every race allowed!” Black schools that teaches the importance of black financial growth With black teachers, teaching black history that every child should know. There was black rain, black wind, black hail and black snow. With two financial brackets, black rich & black poor There were two levels of success Black less and black more. and the only place everyone shopped were black owned businesses & stores. There were two directions in which we could go, black lefts and black rights. There were black hours, black minutes and black seconds with black days and black nights. There was an abundance of black love which of course brought about black families, & fights. But here, we lived in a black America, with a black congress, in a black house with black rights. Although this was just a dream, one day It may become reality. Where we’ll all be able to live together, with peace, love and unity. These are my thoughts each time I encounter you And it’s not to cause further divide but to imagine you in my shoes “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.” We’re all created equal a nd we all should be treated the same. If one day you could open your eyes Perhaps you’ll be able to see that one day we could rise to the top and live the true meaning of our creed See, like Martin Luther king, I too have a dream. That one day we’ll be able to live with equality & unity! Laura Jackson Jr.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

The Man I Used To Know

The Revolution By Cynthia Chinn-Harbin

The revolution is here but our young African Kings lie in Babylons’ cold streets The revolution is here but our young mothers’ lives are wasted on vanities of the flesh The revolution is here but folks from distant lands benefit from the rights and privileges our ancestors died for Can we feel the tide? Can we hear the bell that tolls? Can we face another day of scuffling and grinding to make the lives of others better than our own? We used to chant, “When the revolution comes”* “When the revolution comes” When the revolution comes? The Revolution is here. (revised 2018) *When the Revolution Comes, The Last Poets

Micaela Apellaniz I want my papi and i’m not talking about The man I know today. I’m talking about the man i knew when i was innocent. When i didnt know what adultry meant. The man who i could lay on and he never let go ...my superman. I try so hard to find him.

Circles By Emci Kyng Cicles. Circles. Get a job and get an education They tell go to school, Circles. And get a degree, Don’t become another statistic But its a trap because if you pay In this nation. 10,000 For tuition Circles. You’ll come out owing that times three. Work Hard For less than what you’re Circles. Worth and you will see elevation. You want to own you a home? Circles. U got to get you a loan Life as a black male has you going If you ain’t got credit in circles The bank says you on your own. No matter how much you progress But I’m pushing past principles Or how clean that you dress That were placed upon my plate. You still End up at the same damn point. Using my words to welcome wisdom It seems pointless, that’ll make you great. How they pretend like they help Combing through the lies, but instead point you around the diameter Flat ironing the truth Knowing that it’s pointless Exposing this system’s scalp Like those broken number 2 pencils. And molding minds of the youth. Knowing that when you are pointless I’m over this hocus pocus you are useless Our people we need focus Like your old number 2 pencil. The government’s getting richer Knowing that when you are useless From burdens placed on our shoulders You stay in the box Really we are worth more Like a cracked number 2 pencil because WE did the work Knowing that they guide your life WE moved the boulders. Like a pen in a stencil. So now I’m going to Try to hold your future Rip the head off this beast, Like a witch holds a crystal. Tear the neck off his shoulders I think the Truth is crystal clear, Stab its heart while it sleeps Because we see year upon year Throw its body to vultures That speeches are given Send sniper shots towards this creep. Saying that change is near. I’m not trying to sound vulgar. They raise your wage Because we are stuck in these circles You grin from ear to ear. The struggle is universal Mission accomplished Everyone deserves a chance False hope is in the atmosphere. to spread their wings, We are running from something Because we are all towards some nothing from this earth bro. Got us going in spheres Or circles. They made up something called a l iving wage But there’s no price on life, So if they give you more money They plan on upping the price. The system raises your wage a dollar Special Thanks to photographer Ronnie Tillman for the Then raises the gas price two cover photos (the youth) and to Mavrik Creations for We aren’t designed to win the cover design and poetry section layout. Can you see what capital do?

It’s like he vanished like a bathbomb. He didn’t leave in silence. He left with a sizzle. Maybe when the water drains some him will still remain. And i can try and build another one. A better one ,and this time ill make sure he’s taught how to love. My papi, sperm donor. Proper term. He who helped bring me here. The man who my mother let put a ring on her finger, the promise of for better or for worse, you left in the worst way. Once upon a time i was his princess. i lived in a big castle built in his heart just for me. It seems like as time came i was evicted. Only i didn’t get the notice. Didn’t see the sign on the entry door saying love don’ t live here anymore.

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking… By Sanaa Jones When you thought I wasn’t looking You cleaned up after my brother and I And I felt loved. When you thought I wasn’t looking You did my laundry and Organized my clothes And I felt very special. When you thought I wasn’t looking You put clothes on our backs And shoes on our feet And I was very grateful. When you thought I wasn’t looking You put food on the table no matter what And I felt very thankful. When you thought I wasn’t looking You put money in my savings And I felt lucky. When you thought I wasn’t looking You listened to what I had to say And I felt important. When you thought I wasn’t looking You comforted me when I was feeling sad And I felt loved When you thought I wasn’t looking You always kept it “real” and told me the truth And I felt very trusted. When you thought I wasn’t looking I looked And I wanted to say thanks mom And ‘gamma’ for all those things you did for my brother and I When you thought I wasn’t looking… (Age 12)

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

WEDNESDAY MAY 23

Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing w/Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, 11a.m.-12. Free 55+ 832 -1010

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

Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702. THURSDAY MAY 24 Foxie Brown Line Dance Classes: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 444-2046. Durham Central City Baby Café Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566. FRIDAY MAY 25

208 Maple Rd. East Aurora, NY 14052

FORMATING WAITING LIST EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Unlawful discrimination. "This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov."

23 DAYS UNTIL JUNETEENTH

Opeing Reception Buffalo Soul, Rhythm & Blues Exhibit: 6-10 p.m. Main Street Gallery 515 Main Street Exhibit dates: May 23rd – May 29th. Chicago Steppin: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor. Hustle For Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver @ Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon. FREE for all ages 55+. 832-1010.

KMT FLIX MOVIE NIGHT @ THE CAO: Friday, May 25, 6-9 p.m., Historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke "Great & Mighty Walk." Free food. Africans are welcome! 143 Fillmore. FRIDAY MAY 25 Information Session For Veteran Burial Benefits: AMVETS Post No. 24 and AMVETS Post No.1925 co-hosts. Merriweather, Library, 1324 Jefferson 4:00 to 5:30pm. Free and open to the public. SATURDAY MAY 26 Mike's Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 to 1 PM, Saturdays, Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan Ave. 716-380-5100 class is $5 Larry and Jacqueline Stitts to Receive the Eye On History Award @ The Golden Cup Café 1323 Jefferson Ave. . Final Free Meditation Class: True Bethel Baptist Church from 11 am - 12:noon .Sponsored by Rest Alive LLC. MONDAY MAY 28 JESSEE CLIPPER POST 430 MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE: 11 A.M. Corner of Michigan Ave. and William St. (See Page 3) Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Buffalo. 12pm - 1pm. FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 WEDNESDAY MAY 30 Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St, Free 832 -1010 The Durham Central City Baby Café . 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566. Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Saturday June 2 Studio J’s 5th Year anniversary Recital: Shea’s 710.Theatre. FREE SKATE DON’T HATE: MLK PARK, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. hosted by Women Against Violence Everywhere and 716 Rollers. Dj’s, Clothing Giveaway, Vend0rs, speakers and more. marilynstvc@gmail.com

The 43rd Juneteenth Festival Inc. is Coming June 16 & 17! Pre Festival Events • Sankofa Week

Sponsored by Key Bank June 8th: Friday: The Flag Raising Ceremony: Location: Niagara Square (front of Buffalo City Hall). Time: 11:30-12 noon. The Liberation Flag will be raised.

June 9th Saturday: East High School 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Get Well Holistic Health Fair: Dr. Maat E. L. Lewis Breath and Meditation workshop, Black Social Workers Dr. Frances & Erin Moss LMHC. Yoga Meditation: Taminka: Youth/Family Activities & Science Black Panther Just Transition. June 10th: Sunday: WUFO 143 Broadway Avenue: 4:00PM – 8:00PM Between a Rock and a Hard Place Featured Artist NKulee Dube – free & open to the public June 11th: Monday: Frank A. Meriwether Library 5:30 – 7:30PM RBG African Conscious Workshop: Dr. Maat E. L. Lewis – Know Thyself Everyone Has a Sense of Spirit – Free and open to the public. June 12: Tuesday: 515 Main Street Gallery Key Bank Small Business Workshop- free and open to the public June 13th: Wednesday: African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Avenue 6:00 – 8:00 Black Arts I Buffalo – free and open to the public June 14th: Thursday: 5:30 – 8:30PM Street: Fundraiser (put your money where your mouth is) Poetry at the Landmark 318 Pearl Street. Pay what you can. June 15th: Friday –One Man Art Show, 515 Main Street, 600pm to 8:00pm: Praise and Worship in Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Best and Fillmore near MLK Jr. Bust) w/Sister Anita Williams from 6:00PM to 8:00PM

The Countdown to the Juneteenth has begun! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Interested volunteers can visit Juneteenth of Buffalo Headquarters, 1517 Genesee St., Bflo., NY, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday – Friday, to complete a Volunteer Application, or call (716) 891-8801 for more information. Peace and Love! Submitted by Jennifer Strickland – 5/15/2018

Shoreline Apartments 270 Niagara Street, Buffalo, New York Now Accepting Applications Income Limits Do Apply For more information please call (716) 852-2027 Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Section 8 assistance and Buffalo Public Assistance accepted.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

AT THE POINT With Greg Gamble

How Would My Dad Do It? 17 Year Old Noah Hutchins Hosts 1st Annual LTE All-Star Event

n 2018, as a part of the elite basketball community, 11 athletic scholarship offers on the table and counting, and a New York State Class A Federation Championship under his belt,

what is the motivating factor that would push 17 year old Noah Hutchins of The Park School of Buffalo to host an All-Star event that celebrates high school student-athletes in Western New York?

Noah’s answer: simply considering how his father Marcus Hutchins would do it. On April 12, Noah used his platform to celebrate the top girls players grades 9 – 12, 9th and 10th grade boys, and 11th

and 12th grades boys of Western New York in a basketball showcase event titled the LTE Showdown. LTE stands for Licensed To Eat, Eat being a phrase commonly used in the basketball community as a competitive term that encourages optimal performance. Much like his father, Noah wanted to exemplify his gratitude for those in his life by displaying an unprecedented amount of sweat equity into his event. Noah created and printed uniforms for each player, coach and judge in the event, created the teams, gathered coaches for the teams, created a judges panel, and organized the concessions volunteers. Even the order of events was a consideration of who would get the glory out of this event. “Well, we all know that everyone loves to see the boys play. So I figured that if I had the 9th and 10th grade boys play first, everyone would be there on time and would also wanted to see the 11th and 12th grade boys play. So I put the girls in the middle so that they could feel celebrated as well. I just wanted to be fair and make sure that everyone’s talents were being recognized,” said Hutchins and his plan worked to perfection, as the event was packed with over 500 spectators. In asking Noah’s father about how this came about, his sentiments were that Noah is, and has always been, business minded. Which, in 2018, for student-athletes, is an important aspect to college recruitment. The game of basketball is just as much marketing and showmanship today as it is about skill, talent and teamwork. For Noah, he’s embraced this idea masterfully. Creating the LTE brand and the slogan “Stay CLUTCH,” which means Stay Courageous Loving Unashamed Thankful Committed and Humble, he’s gained quite the following and support system and it shows. In 2017, during the basketball season, the Hutchins family endured crisis as a computer charger eruption lead to an electrical fire in the Hutchins household. Fortunately, no one was home, but they almost lost everything. Noah gained great insight from this as he states why he’s so motivated and what his motiva-

Noah Hutchins

tion for being a great studentathlete is. “All I know is that nothing is guaranteed. You never know what’s going to happen next and there is absolutely no time to waste. I am grateful and I don’t take anything for granted. I want to provide for my family and

accomplish all of my goals.” He exemplified this attitude of gratitude immediately following his event. Without prompt, Noah decided to donate half of the proceeds to the family of a recent homicide victim, Amir Jemes, for his funeral cost and the other half of the proceeds to his church organization for the homeless called Annette’s Helping Hands. Noah Hutchins continues to grow as a young adult and has become a great role model for our youth as he excels both academically and athletically. In his words, lets help Noah Stay CLUTCH!

Buffalo Golden Gloves

The Buffalo Golden Gloves Impresses at Nationals!

he 2018 National Golden Gloves tournament is in the history books and the Buffalo Golden Gloves team did not disappoint. Our ten fighter roster arrived in Omaha, Nebraska to compete with the best amateur boxers in the country. The goal was to leave with national titles, but more importantly, they wanted to leave with the respect of the boxing community...mission accomplished! The tournament a 5-day event, May 14 to May 19, included the championship bouts which took place on Saturday. In the first round of competition, the Buffalo Golden Gloves fought the top seeded boxers at the tournament. Although,not all of us won in the first round, we fought competitively. Jonathan Rodriguez (108lbs.), Samir Alowbali (114lbs.), and Lawrence King Jr. (178lbs.) were the only team members to advance in the tournament. Lawrence King Jr. dominated his opponents up to the semifinals, where he suffered a controversial loss to Atif Oberlton of Pennsylvania by judges’ decision 3-2 (Oberlton went on to win the national title). Jonathan Rodriguez also fought like a warrior and made it to the championship fight. He lost to Timothy Jerman of St. Louis 4-1 (also considered a controversial decision). The Cinderella fighter of the tournament was Samir Alowbali of Buffalo, New York. Alowbali has limited fight experience and in the National Tournament, he was not expected to advance. To the contrary, Alowbali fought like a champion. He replaced boxing experience with the heart of a lion and made it to the championship fight. He fell short of the title, losing to Saul Cano of Chicago 4-1. In 2018, the Buffalo Golden Gloves marched into the National tournament like a conquering army. They did not win the team title, but they represented our region well. I would like to salute the entire Buffalo Golden Gloves team for their effort and commitment. In 2019, they will be stronger, faster, and the nation is put on notice for their National Golden Gloves return!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

OPEN MIC in BLACK and WHITE” PROFILE: Rochester’s Corey Tanksley

ow Sistah Queenz and Gentle Kingz, put your hands together (clap) and please help me welcome to the page {stage} author of “B-Boy To Man, ” Rochester, New York’s Very Own Mr. Corey Tanksley !!!!

Corey Lamar Tanksley was born June 28th, 1971 in the “Flour City” of Rochester, NY. He gives credit to his father for his sharpness when it comes to getting dapper, dipped and all dressed up, a trait he developed very well. A first generation hip hop fiend, Mr. Tanksley left college in 1993 to pursue his dream of scoring a major record contract. Although a few Top labels flirted hard, the endeavor to get signed would ultimately prove fruitless . However Corey had many highlights with his god brother Lawrence Evans. They formed a group called “Three Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”; opened for several big names at the time, and secured a couple of independent underground hits. The group featured early production work by The Legendary DJ Green Lantern (who Mr. Tanksley co-produced songs with) who went on to both DJ and produced songs for the likes of Eminem, Jay Z, and Nas . Dj B-Swift was the second Dj for Three Over The Cuckoos Nest. They were also featured on certain Damage #51, a CD released by CMJ Magazine (college music journal - an industry heavyweight) to promote the best young unsigned/new artist. In 1997’ Corey turned his attention to the basketball court and nearly got signed to the Professional LaCrosse Bobcats of the CBA {continental basketball association} He became a father in 1999’ and two more baby daughters later Mr. Tanksley got real serious about supporting them by taking a number of odd jobs. Urged on by his god brother he started writing short stories, and went back to college where he obtained his Associates degree from Monroe Community College In 2008. Corey continued to study English and Creative writing at the College at Brockport. While there he also became a McNair scholar. After leaving in 2011’ he began several publications including for The Tocsin Magazine, The Minority Reporter, Break-Thru Magazine and Culture Shock. He also became a featured columnist/blogger for evizhen.com. B-Boy To Man, the debut novel of his four book series about Love, growth, respect, and hip hop was released to rave reviews in 2014’.That hard work finally paid off in 2015’ when Corey won the Roc Awards for best author. Besides hosting local events and putting together old school hip hop parties Corey had the distinguished honor of organizing the very first Black Authors Expo in the history of Rochester, NY. The Expo in 2017 has expanded to include authors from Buffalo, Syracuse, Toronto, Texas, New Orleans, Tennessee, Albany and celebrated its 4th year this month. , Mr. Tanksley is currently putting the final touches on his follow up novel B-Boy To Man; Sophomore Jinx and it’s scheduled for an October of 2018 release. He has spoken to many high schools and area colleges about his novel, the importance of making great choices and getting into college. A proud single father, Corey’s daughters are now teenagers: Cairo 19, Cadeeja 17, and Cierra 16. His interest includes spending time with his three girls, traveling, great movies and of course old school hip hop and R&B, classic television shows, last but not least the Dallas Cowboys. To follow and support Corey, you can find him on any of his social media platforms; Facebook and Instagram - Corey Lamar Tanksley or corey.tank00@gmail.com ... amazon.com/b-boy to man. If you or someone you know would like to be showcased please submit the following; photo, short bio, contact info, an original poem/song, links to audio or video to: shawndrell03@gmail.com ... in comments put: Open Mic in Black and White. Thank you readers for your time and attention, if you like what you’ve read/heard Than Be sure to catch me again soon to see which artist has the last spoken word.

Lucille Clifton, right, appears to be enjoying the creativity of the talented young artists from the Gloria J. Parks Community Center’s “Can You Hear Me Now” teen coffee house (conceived by Solomon Dixon and Da’Von McCune) during their March 27 performance at the Shea’s Smith Theatre. Photos of the young performers by Ronnie Tillman/ In Your Image Photography

The Challenger’s 2nd Annual Lonnie B. Harrell Poetry Edition Celebrates the Life and Works of Buffalo’s Own Lucille Clifton

ucille Clifton (June 27, 1936 – February 13, 2010), grew up to become one of the most important African American writers of the 20th century. A distinguished poet, writer, and educator, from 1979 to 1985 she was Poet Laureate of Maryland. Clifton was nominated twice for the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for poetry (she became the first author to have two books of poetry named finalists for one year's Pulitzer Prize). Her book, “Good Woman: Poems and a Memoir” was a finalist for that Pulitzer. Her work captures the essence of the intricacies of Black life. Born Thelma Lucille Sayles, in Depew, New York, she grew up in Buffalo on Purdy Street on the East side, the daughter of Samuel, a steelworker and Thelma, who worked in a laundry. She graduated from Fosdick-Masten Park High School in 1953. She attended Howard University with a scholarship from 1953 to 1955, leaving to study at the State University of New York at Fredonia (near Buffalo). In 1958, Lucille Sayles married Fred James Clifton, a professor of philosophy at the University of Buffalo, and a sculptor whose carvings depicted African faces. Lucille and her husband had six children together, which included four daughters and two sons. Writer Ishmael Reed (who also went on to become nationally renowned) introduced Lucille to Clifton while he was organizing the Buffalo Community Drama Workshop. Lucille Clifton wrote poetry of her own for twenty years before she was actually published. But with her first collections of poems, she quickly gained recognition that just kept growing over time. In 1966, Reed took some of Clifton's poems to Langston Hughes, who included them in his anthology The Poetry of the Negro. In 1967, the Cliftons moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Her first poetry collection, Good Times, was published in 1969, and listed by The New York Times as one of the year's ten best books. From 1971 to 1974, Clifton was poet-in-residence at Coppin State College in Baltimore, a Historically Black College. From 1979 to 1985, she was Poet Laureate of the state of Maryland. From 1982 to 1983, she was visiting writer at the Columbia University School of the Arts and at George Washington University. In 1984, her husband died of cancer. Lucille Clifton traced her family's roots to the West African Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin. Growing up she was told by her mother, "Be proud, you're from Dahomey women!" She cites as one of her ancestors the first black woman to be "legally hanged" for manslaughter in the state of Kentucky during the time of Slavery in the United States. Girls in her family are born with an extra finger on each hand, a genetic trait known as polydactyly. Lucille's two extra fingers were amputated surgically when she was a small child, a common practice at that time for reasons of superstition and social stigma. Her "two ghost fingers" and their activities became a theme in her poetry and other writings. Her mother, who had not been educated past grade school, was also an accomplished poet, writing in private until the day she was offered the chance to collect her work in a book. Samuel, Lucille's father forbade it – an incident that must have provided Lucille with the determination to succeed herself. In addition to her Pulitzer Prize nominations, she was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards honors including a National Book Award in 2000 for “Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems, 1988-2000”. In 2007, she became the first African-American woman to win the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, a $100,000 award that is one of American poetry’s signal honors. She received the Robert Frost Medal for lifetime achievement posthumously, from the Poetry Society of America. She produced a dozen volumes of poetry, as well as writing many well-received books of prose and verse for children that centered on the African-American experience. Her series of children's books about a young black boy began with 1970's Some of the Days of Everett Anderson. Everett Anderson, a recurring character in many of her books, spoke in authentic African-American dialect and dealt with real life social problems. Speaking to Michael S. Glaser during an interview for the Antioch Review, Clifton reflected that she continues to write, because "writing is a way of continuing to hope ... perhaps for me it is a way of remembering I am not alone." How would Clifton like to be remembered? "I would like to be seen as a woman whose roots go back to Africa, who tried to honor being human. My inclination is to try to help." Buffalo’s own Lucille Clifton, one of the most distinguished, decorated, and beloved poets of her time, was living in Columbia, Maryland when she passed at the age of 73.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE BID ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for Project No. 45462C, for Construction Work, Repairs of Conduits Through Levees, NYSDEC Region 9 Levees, Village of Lancaster, Various Locations, Region 9, 270 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo (Erie County), NY, will be received by the Office of General Services (OGS), Design & Construction Group (D&C), Division of Contract Management, 35th Fl., Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242, on behalf of the Department of Environmental Conservation, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, when they will be publicly opened and read. Each bid must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders and must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check, or bid bond in the amount of $30,700 for C. All successful bidders will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Material Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Sections 136 and 137 of the State Finance Law, each for 100% of the amount of the Contract estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000 for C. Designated staff are Jessica Hoffman, Carl Ruppert and Pierre Alric in the Division of Contract Management, telephone (518) 474-0203, fax (518) 473-7862 and John Lewyckyj, Deputy Director, Design & Construction Group, telephone (518) 4740201, fax (518) 486-1650. The substantial completion date for this project is 342 days after the Agreement is approved by the Comptroller. The only time prospective bidders will be allowed to visit the job site will be at 10:00 a.m. on May 25, 2018 at NYS OGS Wende Field Office, 2990 Wende Road, Alden, NY. For assistance pertaining to the site visit only, please phone Allyson Youdsavage (716) 937-4200. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, OGS is required to promote opportunities for the maximum feasible participation of New York State-certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of OGS contracts. All bidders are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy. OGS hereby establishes an overall goal of 30% for MWBE participation, 15% for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (“MBE”) participation and 15% for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (“WBE”) participation (based on the current availability of qualified MBEs and WBEs). The total contract goal can be obtained by utilizing any combination of MBE and /or WBE participation for subcontracting and supplies acquired under this Contract. The Bidding and Contract Documents for this Project are available on compact disc (CD) only, and may be obtained for an $8.00 deposit per set, plus a $2.00 per set shipping and handling fee. Contractors and other interested parties can order CD’s online through a secure web interface available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please use the following link at the OGS website for ordering and payment instructions: http://www.ogs.ny.gov/ bu/dc/esb/acquirebid.asp. For questions about purchase of bid documents, please send an e-mail to DC.Plans@ogs.ny.gov, or call(518) 474-0203. For additional information on this project, please use the link below and then click on the project number: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/ dnc/contractorConsultant/esb/ESBPlansAvailableIndex.asp. John D. Lewyckyj, C.S.I., C.D.T. Deputy Director, OGS Design & Construction Group

LEGAL NOTICE Nationstar v. Gutschall SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF ERIE INDEX NO. 813717/2017 Plaintiff designates ERIE as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 37 VINCENT AVENUE A/K/A 37 VINCENT STREET LACKAWANNA, NY 14218 District: Section: 142.24 Block: 2 Lot: 10 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER, Plaintiff, vs. KENNETH GUTSCHALL, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; RACHEL GUTSCHALL; CITY OF LACKAWANNA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, "JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12, “the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff the persons or parties intended being the tenants occupants persons or corporations if any having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff's Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $69,000.00 and interest, recorded on August 18, 2006, at Liber 13307 Page 5345, of the Public Records of ERIE County, New York, covering premises known as 37 VINCENT AVENUE A/K/A 37 VINCENT STREET LACKAWANNA, NY 14218. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. ERIE County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgcompany will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: December 21, 2017 RAS BORISKIN, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff BY: DANIEL GREENBAUM, ESQ. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675

EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED Network Analyst The RITE Services Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Network Analyst. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

LEGAL NOTICE ECENS PROGRAM #1816VF LEGAL NOTICE The County of Erie, New York is seeking Proposal Statements from qualified entities interested in providing nutrition services under the Erie County Elderly Nutrition Services (ECENS) program. Proposers’ interested in providing nutrition services under the ECENS Congregate Dining Program 1816VF are invited to respond to this request. The Requests for Proposals can be found at: http://www2.erie.gov/purchasing/ index.php?q=requests-proposalsamp-construction-bids and a complete copy of the packages can be obtained by contacting Timothy R. Hogues at 716-858-6046. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Timothy Hogues. Final, sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Senior Services at 95 Franklin St., Room 1335, Buffalo, NY 14202, by 4:00 PM, (EST), Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Timothy R. Hogues, Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Senior Services.

LEGAL NOTICE BID Buffalo City School District Advertisement for Bids Sealed proposals for the following project will be received at the office of Plant Services, 403 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. On Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following GENERAL prime contract: PROJECT 0006-018: GYMNASIUM, PLAYGROUND & RELATED WORK P.S. #6: Buffalo Elementary School of Technology Beginning Tuesday, May 29, 2018, bidding document packages may be viewed and purchased through Avalon Document Services online Planroom website at www.avalonbuff-planroom.com, under “Public Jobs,” or ordered by phone at 716995-7777. Owner can assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or other misinformation obtained via other bid document distribution resources. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the facility on Thursday June 7, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., please assemble at the main entrance. The Architect will be present. Eligible bidders are required to attend this walkthrough or another previously arranged and documented site visit with Architect and/or District personnel. Please note that required bid bond is 10%. The work will be subject to the equal employment opportunity requirements. Any questions regarding this project, please refer to Deborah Dennis-Young, Sr. Architect, 716816-3525. Paul McDonnell, AIA Director of Facilities Planning

LEGAL NOTICE BID INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for Project No. 10BL1735, BNIA – 485 Cayuga Backup Data Center Bid No. E-544 due on June 12, 2018 at 2pm. www.nftaengineering.com

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

NEW BUSINESSES LLC -LEGAL NOTICELEVEL UP TRANSPORTATION LLC. Arts of Org. filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/02/2018. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 7954 Transit Road # 252 Williamsville, NY 14221. Purpose: Any lawful purpose and any lawful activity. There is no specific date of dissolution. April 18,25, May 2,9,16,23 -LEGAL NOTICERest Alive LLC filed Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State on 3/21/18. Location of LLC: Erie County. The NY Secretary of State is designated as the agent of this LLC upon whom process may be served. NYSS shall mail a copy of process to Rest Alive LLC at: P.O Box 34, Tonawanda NY 14223. Purpose of LLC: Any lawful activity. No date of dissolution. April 18,25, May 2,9,16,23

LEGAL NOTICE BID

NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid

4781 - AIRPORT LOUNGE CONCESSION 4783 - PORTABLE SNOWMELTER 4790 - REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT Download Bids from www.nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE ECENS PROGRAM #1815VF LEGAL NOTICE The County of Erie, New York is seeking Proposal Statements from qualified entities interested in providing congregate dining nutrition services under the Erie County Elderly Nutrition Services (ECENS) program. Proposers’ interested in providing nutrition services under the ECENS Home Delivered Meals Program 1815VF are invited to respond to this request. The Requests for Proposals can be found at: http://www2.erie.gov/purchasing/ index.php?q=requests-proposalsamp-construction-bids and a complete copy of the packages can be obtained by contacting Timothy R. Hogues at 716-858-6046. All correspondence, communications and/or contact with the County in regard to any aspect of this proposal shall be with Timothy Hogues. Final, sealed proposals are due to the Erie County Department of Senior Services at 95 Franklin St., Room 1335, Buffalo, NY 14202, by 4:00 PM, (EST), Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Erie County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive any informality. Timothy R. Hogues, Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Senior Services.

Clinical Coordinator of Dietetics Center The Weigel Wellness Center at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Clinical Coordinator of Dietetics Center. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

LEGAL NOTICE BID INVITATION TO BID The NFTA is soliciting bids for ROOMS Project No. 10TB1708, MTC First Floor Metro Service Center ROOMS FOR RENT: Bid No. E-540 due on June 12, Delavan-Humboldt area, 2018 at 10 am. www.nftaengi- Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. neering.com (716)818-3410.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

LEGAL NOTICE

Bid

REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting bids for the following projects for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE Pre-bid meetings will be held interested firms at MCI Office. Documents can be obtained by contacting the associated estimator, Phone 716282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Bids due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305. Certified firms for associated goals are strongly encouraged. Triad Demolition Project at UB South Campus Project in Buffalo, NY. Contact: jmccune@markcerrone.com. Optional MWBE Meeting 5/23/18 at 3:30pm. MBE:19%, WBE: 11%, SDVOB:6%. Proposals due to MCI by 6/4/18 at 5:00PM. Niagara Co. NY 957A & Niagara Pkwy Removal and Reconst. Whirlpool St Project D263753 in Niagara Falls, NY. Contact: gbostard@markcerrone. com. Optional MWBE Meeting 6/6/18 at 3:30pm. MBE:12%, WBE: 18%. Proposals due to MCI by 6/18/18 at 5:00PM.

Answer the call.

Become a 911 Telecommunicator or Dispatcher

APPLY NOW: Application due: June 25, 2018

www.cityofrochester.gov/join911 Learn more at our 911 OPEN HOUSE: 321 W. Main St., June. 4, 2018, 6-8 pm

Time to sign up for summer camp! Have you registered your girl for Summer Camp yet? Financial aid available!

CAMP LIKE A G.I.R.L. GO-GETTER

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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 5/13

MID-9-4-5

3-WAY ELECTRICAL

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

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

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

2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

AUTO

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

BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

Colston Mobil Auto Repair

716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore)

(716) 896-3910

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

BAIL BONDS GIST BAIL BONDS

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

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

CONSTRUCTION SINGLETON CONSTRUCTION CONSULTLANTS INC. 110 Pearl St. Site 5B (716) 842-2197

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

FASHION F& S Fashions

FLORISTS

HAIR BRAIDING GERMA'S HAIR BRAIDING (716) 238-2862

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOMEOWNER;

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

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

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

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

MID-2-4-7

TUES 5/15

WED 5/16

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MID-4-9-8

MID-7-4-6-1 EVE-8-8-9-9

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01-03-16-33-35

02-21-27-34-35

09-19-20-28-30

THURS 5/17

MID-2-8-0

EVE-3-8-5

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018

Niagara Falls Singer Makes National Radio Debut on Tom Joyner’s Morning Show How did Marsha McWilson, a hairdresser and local singer from Niagara Falls, end up on the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, heard weekday mornings locally on WUFO 1080AM/96.5FM? While singing on the Tom Joyner “Fantastic Voyage Cruise” trecently in the Caribbean, McWilson was sought out by the show’s Jacque Reid for the “Inside Her Story” segment. During the interview, McWilson talked about losing 200 pounds, having babies even though she was told it was impossible, and her striking resemblance to the late singer Etta James, whom McWilson does a spot-on impersonation of at concerts around the country. McWilson was a hit on the show, with the interviewer saying she’d have to have her back for more since there’s so much to tell. Hear the interview here: https://youtu.be/_PaC1S8p7RA Though she travels often as a singer and an actress, you can see McWilson locally, in person, performing at Lewiston’s “Blue Monday” concert on July 9th (Hennepin Park Gazebo, Center St., Lewiston). Attenders are asked to wear blue as it’s the kick-off for the Blue Mondays annual concert series. She’ll also star in Artpark’s production of The Odyssey as Athena on August 4th and August 5th.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS!

*Pappy Martin Legacy Jazz Collective Presents: Celestial Jazz Series featuring SEAN JONES Saturday, June 2 at 8 p.m. Central Park United Methodist Church, 216 Beard Ave.R.S.V.P. https://www. eventbrite.com/e/sean-joneswith-curtis-lundy-legacy-pappy-martin-legacycelestial-jazzseries- tickets-45921349994 *Blackberry Daze on stae @ the Paul Robeson Theatre at the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue, now thru May 27 (May 20 sold out); Curtain 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday w/ audience Talk Back. General admission $30; Seniors (62+) $25; Students w/ID $22. Tickets & group reservations 8842013; www.aaccbuffalo.org

ON STAGE

METHOD MAN LIVE AT CANALSIDE! Thursday, June 7, 5 p.m.. Also coming in July, Arrested Development, Thursday, July 12. *Brian Freeman & Friends, Performing Live @ The Tralf Music Hall 622 Main St. Friday May 25. Tickets $30 @ Ticketmaster, the Tralf & Doris Records. Doors open @ 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.

*BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! The Legendary Oscar Alston’s Back to the Community Tribute Concert, Sunday, May 27, Schiller Park Community Center, 2057 Genesee St.; 8 pm.; $20. VIP $30. Featuring The Next Level of Niagara Falls, Uncle Willie, Thomas Hall of the Exotics & Denzel Ward. 222-2939.

•Coming up at the Helium: •Arnez J. - May 24 - May 27 30 Mississippi St.: 853-1211

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILES!

May 25, 1926 - Miles Davis, among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music, was born.

Meet Allison Urban Fruits and Veggies

“My experience with the Allstate MWEE program has been truly amazing! The classroom instruction and networking events have been very valuable for my growing business. I’ve built trusted relationships with my talented classmates and mentor and the guest speakers provided information that I was able to implement immediately. I highly recommend the class for those interested in growing their new business.” -Allison DeHonney CEO, Urban Fruits and Veggies 2018 Graduate

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •May 23, 2018