A N “ AT T I T U D E O F G R AT I T U D E ” B R I N G S G R E AT T H I N G S ! ! H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !
November 21, 2018 | FREE |
Tataianna Devers
PHOTOS BLACK WNY
Nathan Wright
PROFILE
Doug Ruffin Takes a Bow: Maryland’s Gain is Buffalo’s Loss Page 9
LOCAL
Dr. Mumbi Seraki: Kenyan Talk Show Host to Speak Here Page 3
HONORED
Roswell Dedicates New Facility in Honor of Carl Thomas Page 3
VOICES Ras Jomo: Keep RasTafari Community Involved in the Cannabis Legalization Discussion Page 15
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, N.Y. PERMIT NO. 164
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Program to Focus on Frederick Douglass and the Rochester Recognized as a "Smart City"! Black Church Former Rochester Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. will be the featured speaker at a special community-wide program celebrating the Black Church and Frederick Douglass at 4 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street in Rochester. "The general emphasis will be to highlight the connection between Frederick Douglass and the Black Church and to inspire the Black Church to continue to persevere and lead the struggle for social justice in the greater Rochester community," said Aenon's pastor Dr. Jonathan J. H. McReynolds, explaining why his church is sponsoring the event. "During these times of political disenfranchisement, poverty and educational failure, it is imperative that we recapture the spirit of Frederick Douglass toward social advancement," McReynolds said. The theme is "The Unabating Legacy of Frederick Douglass and the Black Church." Noting the many local events that have already occurred during Rochester's year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass's birth, McReynolds added. William Johnson "It is appropriate for an aggregate of the Black Church of our community to pause and celebrate the contributions of Douglass." In addition to Johnson, other notable community leaders and organizations will be participating in the program which will include selections by Aenon's Mass Choir.
The City of Rochester is being recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum, an international non-profit, for its efforts to become a “Smart City”. By leveraging technology and data to create and improve access to jobs and keep pace with the digital age, Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced rccently\tssszscities across the globe – and four in the United States – to receive the “Smart21” designation. “Smart Cities are the wave of the future and I am proud that Rochester is leading the way,” Mayor Warren said. “Initiatives like Kiva Rochester, the Climate Action Plan and the Youth Employment Services office are helping us create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities. I would like to thank the Intelligent Community Forum for recognizing our work.” The Intelligent Community Forum is a think tank that helps communities use information technology to tackle their most pressing challenges and enrich their quality of life. For more about the “Smart21” designation, visit www.intelligentcommunity.org.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
AREA BRIEFS
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Roswell Dedicates New Facility in Honor of Carl Thomas
Ora Lee Delgado
Community Tribute to Ora Lee Delgado A community tribute to Ora Lee Delgado will take place on Saturday, November 24 from 2 - 5p.m. at the Merriweather Library. The Tribute will pay honor to her in music, poetry, and dance as well as in her own words. A special interview that was done with Mrs. Delgado by columnist Eva Doyle will be shown, where she talks about her work with our youth. The community is invited to give testimony about the impact of her work as Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Institute for close to 30 years. The Langston Hughes Institute was located at 25 High Street for many years. It was the Center of Arts, Culture, History, Dance, and it gave many of our poets, artists, and others their start.
Santa Workshop & Toy Drive A Santa Workshop & Toy Drive will be held on Saturday December 8, at the Community Health Center, 34 Benwood Ave., from 4-7p.m. Come out and support a great cause and shop with Santa’s vendors, gift drive honoring homicide victim Lakendra Tillman’s five children, four girls ages 14, 13, 12, 7 and one boy age 9. Bring a gift and get entered into a drawing. Preferable gift cards. Prize will be a night Lakendra Tillman’and her children out for two movie passes and dinner. Drawing will be held that night by one of Lakendra’s children. Courtesy of Made For Her Jewels. For more information contact Felicia Jones, business owner of Made For Her Jewels, at 716-387-1852.
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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has dedicated a new facility on its campus in honor of Carl Thomas, a Buffalo resident and community leader who served as Roswell Park’s Chief of Public Safety for the past 15 years and was recently named to a new role at the cancer center: Chief Organizational and Community Liaison. The Carl Thomas Public Safety Training Center will be used to provide training in various aspects of safety, customer service and law enforcement for Roswell Park staff. The dedication ceremony and naming of the center were a surprise to Chief Thomas, who joined Roswell Park as an environmental services team member in 1976. He steadily rose through the ranks after being named an officer with the center’s Public Safety team two years later. Chief Thomas’ new role allows him to focus on an area he is passionate about: community engagement. “Carl has been one of the most recognizable and passionate ambassadors for Roswell Park’s mission, so we wanted to find a fitting way to acknowledge all his contributions to our patients, our families, our employees and our community” says Candace S. Johnson, PhD, President and CEO of Roswell Park.
Dr. Mumbi Seraki: Kenyan Talk Show Host to Visit Here The Juneteenth Festival, The Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee,The African Conscious Workshop and Project Access To AFreeKa will be hosting the renowned Dr. Mumbi Seraki to the Merriweather Library on Monday November 26, from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Her address will be a part of her 2018 U.S. Building Bridges tour. Dr. Seraki, described as “a charismatic and strong African woman on a mission for a better Africa,” hosts the Mumbi Seraki Show out of Nairobi, Kenya. The Dr. Mumbi Seraki Show is one of Africa's most highly rated online TV talk shows with a huge following across sub Saharan Africa and among Africans living in the Diaspora. She holds a PhD from the University of Nairobi in African Women Studies. Her research focuses on the evolving self-image of the African people with a special focus on African women. Her Masters was in Human Resources Planning from Webster University in Geneva, Switzerland, where she developed the expertise of helping people identify their purpose and prepare for their careers. Her undergraduate degree was also in human resources and international business, from Loyola University of Chicago. Dr. Seraki worked for the United Nations for close to 7 years in Geneva, Switzerland before returning to Kenya to join the national broadcaster. the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) for a popular TV show Afternoon Live for 3 years before moving to Nation FM, a national radio station, to host the popular breakfast show State of the Nation. Her life and career are committed to restoring the stolen identity of Africa and shining a spotlight on the mental and spiritual colonization that still oppresses her people. She is committed to changing the narrative around the beautiful and diverse continent of Africa while encouraging more home-grown conversations about her destiny and future. For more information call Ras Jomo at 716 948 – 5738.
“The Weeping Time”
The Largest Sale of Enslaved Africans in American History One of the largest sales of enslaved Africans in U.S. history took place on March 2 and 3, 1859 in Savannah, Georgia. To satisfy his creditors, Pierce M. butler sold 436 men, women and children from his Butler island and Hampton plantations near Darien, Georgia. The breakup of families and the loss of home became part of African American heritage remembered. On the first day of the auction, the skies darkened and torrential rain began falling. The rain continued throughout the two days, stopping only when the auction had ended. The simultaneity of the rain storm with the auction led to these two days being called "the weeping time." Enslaved Africans came primarily from a region stretching from the Senegal River in northern Africa to Angola in the South.Europeans divided this stretch of land into five coasts: •Upper Guinea Coast: The area delineated by the Senegal and Gambia Rivers •Ivory Coast:Central Liberia •Lower Guinea Coast: Divided into the Gold Coast on the west (Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana), the Slave Coast (Togo, Benin, and western Nigeria), and the Bight of Benin (Nigeria and Cameroon) •Gabon Nearly half the enslaved Africans sent to the Americas werefrom the Angolan coast.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Mommy and African Origins of Me Yoga Healing Plant Medicines The mindful Center LLC is offering a “Mommy and Me Yoga class . This class is a very interactive and incorporates yoga, mindfulness and play. Our certified children’s yoga instructor is trained to create a fun environment using songs, stories and movement to exercise, be present and bond with your little one. You are encouraged to bring a yoga or exercise mat, a bottle of water and an open mind. This class is for children ages 3-12 and the adults that love them. The fee is $15 per person and takes place on Friday, November 30 at 289 Summer St. For more information please contact Gizelle @ 716310-9954
HOLIDAY SHOPPING Black Friday, November 23 · Small Business Saturday, November 24· Cyber Monday, Nov.26,
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is native to the forests of western Africa. The Bantu tribe used its bark as a male aphrodisiac, and the herb has been used in conventional medicine to treat impotence. Yohimbe contains alkaloids that stimulate the brain, but they are toxic in high doses. The castor bean (Ricinus communis), from which we obtain castor oil, was listed in the Ebers papyrus. The plant is believed to be native to eastern Africa and is cultivated today in hot climates around the world. The seeds are toxic but oil from the seeds is not. Castor oil is used as a base in cosmetics and as a laxative; recently, researchers have been exploring the castor bean’s effectiveness as a contraceptive. Aloe (Aloe vera) is native to eastern and southern Africa. Legend has it that Cleopatra attributed her beauty to aloe vera gel, which comes from the leaves. At the base of aloe leaves, one can find a yellow sap that, when dried, yields “bitter aloes,” which are strongly laxative. Aloe gel is a powerful healer of burns and wounds, and research shows that the gel contains aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system. Senna (Cassia senna) is native to tropical Africa and was first used medicinally by Arabian physicians in the ninth century. Then, as now, its medicinal value comes from its strength as a laxative. Senna causes the muscles of the large intestine to contract and prevents fluid from being absorbed. Visnaga (Ammi visnaga) provided the Egyptians with a remedy for kidney stones. Today, the herb still is used to ease the pain of kidney stones and is the source of a drug used to treat asthma. Visnaga derivatives have a powerful ¬antispasmodic action on the bronchial muscles.
Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ is the fastest-selling book of the year at Barnes & Noble Becoming,” the new memoir by former first lady Michelle Obama, is the fastest-selling book of the year, according to Barnes & Noble. It has now officially had the best first week of sales of any book in 2018, and is among the fastest sellers in Barnes & Noble history,This is definitely the must-have book of the holiday season. “Becoming” sold more than 725,000 copies on its first day, according to Penguin Random House. That figure includes all formats and the Spanishlanguage version, which is available in paperback. The instant success of the former first lady’s memoir did not catch anyone off guard. Presales of “Becoming” were higher than any other book in the past three years. “Becoming” was also the No. 1 mostsold book on Amazon.com for the week ending Nov. 11 — two days before the book was available.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Architect Robert Coles Inducted Into WNY Business Hall of Fame
BUFFALO PITCH COMPETITION Architect and activist Robert Coles was one of two living members of the Western New York Business Hall of Fame’s 2018 class. Mr. Coles, pictured with Business First Editor Jeff Wright and Publisher John Tebeau, was inducted on Nov. 1 at the Buffalo History Museum. In 1963, Mr. Coles established his own firm — Robert Traynham Coles, Architect, P.C. He went on to design more than 100 structures across Western New York, as massive as the Alumni Arena complex at UB and as personal as his own family’s home on Humboldt Parkway. He also earned the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award by the American Institute of Architects for contributions to U.S. architecture and social justice. The Buffalo History Museum hosts the Western New York Business Hall of Fame as a permanent exhibit. Founding sponsors are Evans Bank, Freed Maxick CPAs, Hodgson Russ LLP, Walsh Duffield Cos. Inc., the Buffalo History Museum and Buffalo Business First Restaurateur and philanthropist Russell Salvatore was the other 2018 living inductee.
Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 24, 2018 is Small Business Saturday® – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please join the Small Business Administration and organizations across the country in supporting your local small business by shopping at a small business.
GBUAHN Hand Delivers Thanksgiving Turkeys to Families in Need CEO Raul Vazques and the staff of The Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN) delivered hundreds of Thanksgiving turkeys on Tuesday to some of the organization’s most disadvantaged members. GBUAHN provides health care coordination services to the most medically underserved individuals in Western New York. Many of GBUAHN’s members do not have the resources to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner complete with a holiday turkey – and they all are Medicaid recipients. GBUAHN is coming through to make sure our families have a fresh turkey for their holiday meals.
Buffalo Focuses on Creating Career Opportunities with Two Events CSS Construction, Sinatra Companies, The City of Buffalo and Home Depot will present a COMMUNITY CAREER DAY on Thursday, November 29 at the Resource Center, 347 East Ferry Street. A press event twill place at 10 a.m. to update the community on Jefferson Avenue Development and Update a career opportunity collaborative. From 6-8 p.m. a Jefferson avenue Development Home Depot Career Fair will be hosted by CSS Construction, Sinatra and Company, and the City of Buffalo.
Key Bank Selects East Side Site For New Full Service Branch in Buffalo KeyBank, a Fortune 500 company with Regional Headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., has selected a site for its new branch on Buffalo’s East Side. This new, full service branch will be known as KeyBank’s East Delavan Branch. It will be located at 756 East Delavan Avenue, near the intersection of Grider Street and East Delavan Avenue. Pending regulatory and governmental approvals, construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2019. The branch is tentatively set to open in Spring 2019. This new branch is part of KeyBank’s five year, $16.5 Billion National Community Benefits Plan. Following KeyCorp’s acquisition of First Niagara Financial Group in 2016, KeyBank pledged to open a new branch in a low-to-moderate income (LMI) census tract in Buffalo to address community concerns about branch presence and access, specifically pertaining to LMI populations.
HATE IN AMERICA PHOENIX – More than 2.4 million crimes, whose victims suspect were motivated by hate, were committed across the United States in the five years between 2012 and 2016, according to a News21 analysis of the federal National Crime Victimization Survey, which interviews tens of thousands of Americans annually.
wednesday, November 28th 5:30-8:30pm
THE FOUNDRY SUITES AT
1738 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, NY 14207
Join us on November 28 at The Foundry Suites where 10 diverse entrepreneurs from the city of Buffalo will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $5,000.
WATCH THE EVENT RSVP to attend at buffalopitchkbbb.eventbrite.com This event is generously supported by The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and presented by the KeyBank Business Boost & Build program in New York. This program is designed to stimulate economic growth in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.
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FAITH & FAMILY
City Church: New Name for Ministry with a Fresh Vision City Church, formerly known as Evangelistic Temple COGIC , has embarked on a re-branding initiative of the ministry under the leadership of Elder Kenya K. Hobbs, Pastor. Since taking over as pastor of the small congregation located at 84 Rickert Ave., on Buffalo’s east side, Hobbs has been actively working to cast a new vision for the nascent ministry. Pastor Hobbs says the church will focus its efforts in two critical areas impacting the African American community in Buffalo, literacy and workforce development. “We believe the church has an obligation to address both the practical and spiritual needs of people. If I’m having trouble reading, then how can I learn about this great God or fill out a job application for that matter?” Hobbs ponders. City Church seeks to develop and strengthen people through sound biblical teaching coupled with practical principles for growth and advancement in every foundational area of their lives. Hobbs along with his wife, Evangelist Dianna Hobbs, founder and CEO of the internationally recognized Empowering Everyday Women Ministries, Inc. a not for profit, 501(c)3, will lead this effort. City Church will share the good news of the Gospel message to a generation of people looking for leadership that places a high priority on investing their time, talents and treasure towards equipping people for real life. “We are intentional in our focus to operate a church that looks forward to helping people and families to thrive and grow both spiritually and naturally,” said Pastor Hobbs. “The Bible says in Jeremiah 31:3, ‘With loving kindness have I drawn thee,’ and we recognize that the greatest agent of change for any community is love.”
We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the LORD. Trusting in His Holy Word, He never failed me yet!
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Walls Memorial SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH HOLIDAY BAZAAR Celebrates 70th Just in time for the holiday season, the Second Baptist Church Anniversary Women’s Ministry presents their Fifth Annual Holiday Bazaar Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church celebrated their 70th anniversary November 18 with 10:30 a.m. morning worship service and 4 p.m. Celebration Service with Rev. Xavier Hunter will be at St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Baptist Church, 455 Glenwood Ave. For more information, contact Walls Memorial at 716 886-6527 or visit us on Facebook.com/WallsMemorialAMEZion “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Lamentations 3:23
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on Saturday, December 1 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at The AJ Phillips Fellowship Hall, 18 Church St., Lackawanna. Vendors will be offering a full array of unique gifts to help you find that “special” selection for the holidays. For more information contact Mrs. Sonja Melvin, Ministry Chairperson, at 716-646-1875 or Second Baptist Church Office at 716-826-4940. Rev. Mark E. Blue is pastor.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
FAITH & FAMILY
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
With the Name of God the Gracious the Merciful
The Straight Path
-A Message of Divine GuidancePeace be unto you. In Previous articles, we started off with recognition as to who we are as a people. Now let us turn to our purpose. We were not merely just chosen, the reason was and still is in (Deuteronomy 7:7-11) and (10:17-22) - to represent the one true and living God in a society that was and is still corrupt with the worship of other gods. (Jeremiah 10:1-10) To be more precise, to establish the constitution and ordinances of the kingdom of the one true and living God. (Exodus 20: 1-21). We were the first to receive those laws. In the book of (Zechariah 1: 1-6) there is an example of one of many appeals to adjust our behavior and a reminder that the law of God is permanent. Then came Yehshua (The Hebrew name of Jesus) – “Seek you first the kingdom of God.” This was an enlightenment to a condition similar to the ones we are facing but instead we chose others above us by way of the ballot box (Matthew 6: 25-34). Let us visit (John 17) in its entirety. Here a description is given of two worlds. For those of us that follow God’s rules, we live in the kingdom of God. For those of us who follow otherwise, they are of “this world.” At the time of Yeshua (Matthews 15: 21-28), he made a statement that holds true, even until now - a statement of beautiful example. To those of us who have read the scriptures, you would notice that there is no mention of elections. There is the gathering of 70 known elders that were empowered by God Himself (Numbers 11:16-17), but this was not an election. The one true and living God (Deuteronomy 32:39) is our ruler who provides for us and sustains us. He also know us, all of us by our names, yet we still prefer to put someone in charge who cannot do anything themselves without God. These things that the Most High is continuously creating from our conception to our birth and onwards: nights to rest, days to seek his bounties, trees, animals, etc. Which one of your leaders that you put in charge can do that? They cannot help themselves. (Deuteronomy 32: 1-18). It is not that we did not fulfill His instructions because His Prophets and messengers have done so, but to those of us who did not we need to pick up where they left off. (Deuteronomy 17:15-20). Stop following the dictates of our oppressors. They have called us everything except the truth. There is no mention in the scriptures of a nation referred to as African American or black, yet we still accept it. (Psalm 83: 1-9). Think of our purpose and let us move forward. They are not here to help, but to punish us when we disobey God. (Deuteronomy 28:49-52) (Jeremiah 12:1-17).
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New Study Reveals White Evangelicals’ Troubling Beliefs On Race And Immigration
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new study has unearthed several telling facts about what white evangelical Protestants really think about America’s growing diversity. The findings, published recently by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), suggest many White evangelicals don’t see eye to eye with Protestants of color on issues concerning race, immigration and President Donald Trump’s effect on White supremacists. This racial gap could have lasting repercussions as American evangelicalism becomes more diverse. PRRI found that unlike members of any other major religious group, most White evangelicals said immigrants represented a threat to America’s customs and values. Fifty-seven percent said that immigrants threatened American society, while 43 percent said immigrants strengthened American society. Protestants of color expressed much greater support for immigrants. About 63 percent of Hispanic Protestants and 67 percent of Black Protestants said that immigrants strengthened American society. Nikki Toyama-Szeto, exec-
utive director of the progressive Christian group Evangelicals for Social Action, told HuffPost she believes the Bible consistently calls Christians to welcome strangers and extend hospitality to foreigners. She suspects some White evangelicals aren’t reaching the same conclusion because they aren’t aware of “how close their own immigration stories are.” “With the exception of first nations people and enslaved African Americans, everyone else immigrated or sought asylum in this country,” Toyama-Szeto wrote to HuffPost. “[Many White evangelicals] are not aware of the circumstances of Grandpa Joe, and how their family stories might be very similar to the stories that are being played out in the news. PRRI’s survey was conducted among a random sample of 2,509 adults in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., online and by telephone, between Sept. 17 and Oct. 1. While statistics about W hite evangelical Protestants are easy to find, it’s harder to pull out data about evangelicals of color. PRRI and other re-
St. Philip’s Celebrates A Talented Twenty!
From Mark Pearce’s or Gerald Seals’ Art to Arnold Sims’ Jamaican Rum Punch produced and bottled by Arnold for the holiday, or Dalea Moncrieffe’s Ginger Beer and Max Daye’s wire sculpture---you name it, we have it! Join St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, November 25 immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service, upstairs Parish Hall from 11:30- 1:30p.m. Among twenty additional talents on display (for low bid, take home) are Jeanette Garr’s Coconut pineapple cake, Raon Moncrieffe’s special egg nog, Connie Eve’s jewelry collection pieces, Marilyn Sifontes’ quilt, and formerly of St. Philip’s, Buffalo; student Mateo Alexander’s art, Joyce Robinson’s Exotic Purse of Brown Paper Bags Gone Wild, (formerly of St. Philip’s- now Atlanta) having just been accepted as an American Craft Counselor and much, much more. Additional talent on program includes Lyne Westbrook on the flute and Antonio (Tony) Thompson, drummer. A gift to all who wish to attend will be scheduled for early December. What’s in your will? Consistent with your insurance policy? Elder care? Do you have one? Nancy McCulley, Attorney retired, will host your discussion on Sunday. December 2 from 11:30- 1:30p.m. at St. Philip’s. Come learn and share. The event is free. While you sip fresh hot country cider and nibble chicken nuggets and sauces, enjoy Lynn on the Flute, and the Clarke/ Merriweather Three Generation Presentation. Need a ride? Special help? Just call ! This program event is sponsored by The Stewardship Committee, Peggy Johnson, chairperson. For details or questions call 864-7956, Constance Eve is event coordinator.
search groups identify evangelical Christians by asking respondents if they describe themselves as “born-again” or “evangelical Christian.”
This question helps researchers separate out white evangelical Protestants as a religious group. huffingtonpost.com
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Nathan Wright & Tataianna Devers
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2018 Barber & Beautician of the Year
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n 1982, 13 year old Nathan Wright walked in on his dad as he was preparing to give both of his brothers a hair-cut. Nate, who was always competitive, was shocked because his father had never cut hair before so he immediately decided to challenge him and made a bet that he could do a better job. His brothers cheered him on to go for it despite knowing that Nate himself had never cut hair before either, let alone held a pair of clippers in his young hands. His father took the bet, handed him the clippers and Nate cut the ever-popular early 80’s Duck Tail style for both of his brothers. “I had never picked up a pair of clippers in my life, so I did the cuts based on visualization. … and I did a pretty good job!” It was at that moment Nate fell in love with cutting hair and he never looked back. “I used to eat, sleep and breathe barbering…I would cut everyone’s hair from my brothers, cousins, friends, neighbors, church members, family friends… my father let me keep those clippers and I would put them in my back sack and ride my bike around the city going to whomever needed a hair-cut, ” he recalled smiling about the memories of being a determined youth. “At first I started out doing hair-cuts for free and when I was 14 years old I started charging $1. At 15 I felt like the cuts were getting better so I charged $2 eventually working my way up to $5" he chuckled. One of 9 children, he learned time management early as he juggled high school studies, sports, music and art between cutting heads and constantly perfecting the precision of his barbering skills. He graduated from McKinley High in 1988 and decided to enter barbering college the very next day, enrolling in the now defunct and formerly well-respected Peter Piccolo School of Hair Design. After passing the board examination at 19, Nate worked at Hair Flair 2000 for his first professional gig moving on to Salon V in Allen Town before embarking on his own business venture. -Class ActIn June of 1999 at the age of 30 he had his grand opening for Class Act Barbershop. By then he had a very established upscale clientele on his roster and 17 years of consistent non-stop hard work of men’s grooming under his belt. His dream had come true and at that time making a little history as likely the first Black owned male grooming business in the Elmwood area. “I wanted to diversify my client base and I knew the area would bring me more clients. I gained a lot of experience through my barber education on how to cut any texture of hair so I could cater to clients of all backgrounds with the common thread of them all being high end business professionals.” Timing was everything and Nate’s plan worked. He was able to keep his clients and upgrade his service just the way he wanted and to whom he wanted on top of bringing Black Excellence to Allentown, at a time when the area had very few Black owned businesses and not necessarily 100% open arms to diversity. -Biggest CheerleaderOutside of his own self-motivation, and full support of his family, Nate credits his late aunt Kathy Jones who he called aunt Kat, for inspiring him to use his skills and make the move to become an entrepreneur. At the age of 16 his aunt made it official. “My aunt Kat got me my very first official pair of clippers, they were Wall Clippers with the little light on it, a top of the line starter pair,” he fondly recalled. He also credits his Uncle Pete who was instrumental during his early maturing in barbering helping him get clients from his job. And as for his clients? “ My clients are the real stars of my show, coming in consistently every week or every two weeks. They are the stars who have been supporting me since 1989, and are most important to me and the survival of my business.” From working with high end business professionals, celebrity musicians and even his honorable mention as groomer for Buffalo’s own Joe Public Live and Learn album and one of his cuts appearing in the 93’ Sports Illustrated Super Bowl edition, over the years one of Nate’s most important A-1 rules for success has been consistency from the moment you walk through the door and sit in his chair and all that happens thereafter. Most importantly he never falters from his “by appointment only” rule and has not taken a walk-in for over 25 years.
ataianna Devers has always had a knack for doing hair. Her first “customers” were close friends when she was 14 years old. It wasn’t long before people around the neighborhood recognized her talent. “They would just show me a picture of the hair style they wanted” Tataianna recalled, and she would make it happen! She graduated from Burgard Vocational High School where she studied business, but hair was always in the picture. She went on to attend and graduated in year 2000 from the Continental School of Beauty Culture . Like many stylists, she started off doing hair in her home while holding down a full time job. At the time, a young mom of two, she kept her eyes on the prize. “My day job was in customer service, doing hair was my side hustle!” said Tataianna. But it was the “hustle” she loved, and eventually, “I made a vow to work my passion !” With her cosmetology license in hand and years of experience under her belt, she developed her craft even further working in a number of local salons. “My first salon job was with Isaiah Watkins at Planet Ice on Kensington Avenue.” She also worked at Infinity by Beverly R., Str8Honi Hair Salon, Signature Cutz Salon owned by Kenny Harris of Signature Cutz Barbershop, New Look Beauty Salon owned by the late Kimberly Watkins, JC Penny’s Salon Boulevard Mall location and Upscale Beauty . She ultimately launched her own “Diva Enhancement by Miss T,” working mainly by appointment only. Tataianna , who specializes in hair coloring , silk presses and short cuts, also promotes natural hair as well as restorative hair care. Now over 15 years into her craft, her work speaks for itself. Word of mouth and social media are currently her main sources of advertisement. She has only been in her present location in the rear of The New Clipp House Barber shop at 543 East Ferry and Humboldt since June. Building a new venture takes time, and she is currently looking for hair stylists, braiders, make up artists, estheticians and a nail tech and massage therapist. It has been a leap of faith for Tataianna. Her loyal clientele is steady and clearly impressed by her work. They describe her in such glowing terms as, “one who does excellent work!” “very professional “ and “an amazingly talented beautician…phenomenal!” Young, creative and with lots of ideas, she’d like to see local barber and beauticians come together not only to support one another, but to do things like sponsor hair shows, career expos, seminars and community give-back events. -Complete SurpriseBeing nominated and selected as the Cosmetologist of the Year, she said, was a complete, surprise. But this is not Tataianna's only honor. She is constantly working to improve her craft and early this year was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the “Women Walking In Footsteps of Greatness” and is an ambassador for “Divas In Business,” founded by Trish Drake-Wright out of Columbus, Ohio. She also was honored as Women of the Month in September 2017 for her involvement in Women Succeeding Successfully Empowerment group founded by Tamee Ebo of Buffalo, NY and completed the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Allstate Minority & Women Emerging Entrepreneurs Program. In May of 2017 she graduated from Bryant & Stratton College where she received her Associates Degree in Business with a 4.0 average every semester as well as perfect attendance. In addition to running her own shop, she hopes to also be able to “one day come from behind the chair” and educate and teach. -“Miss T” When Tataianna walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma at Burgard she already had two young children who walked with her. For a lot of people, that would have been it in terms of future career goals. But she did not let that stop her. “Miss T,” strong and determined, has always held fast to her dreams and worked hard to make them a reality. Today at 41, she is the proud mom of four children and one grandchild. Her eldest son, Jaequan also known as MackMillz,is currently making his mark in the rap/entertainment world. “I would like to thank my clients for trusting in my craft and passion for healthy hair services, and a host of family and friends who always encouraged me to be great! Also Dhannayia Johnson
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Entertainment
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
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Doug Ruffin Takes A Bow: Maryland’s Gain is Buffalo’s Loss…
uffalo’s long time community producer and filmmaker Doug Ruffin will be taking bow from his hometown - at least for now. That’s right. If you’ve heard it through the grapevine that Doug is making an exit, it’s true. Our community is losing one of its most motivated and dedicated documentary filmmakers to the District of Maryland. This is no sudden leap, Doug has been back and forth from Maryland for quite a while and as he frankly put it “I feel
like I’ve run my course in Buffalo.” His move is motivated by finding out what new stories and opportunities are out there. Doug is the son of Donette & Douglas Ruffin, Sr. and a graduate of B.U.I.L.D. Academy and Bennett high-school. For the past 25 years since completing his bachelor’s degree in communication arts from the New York Institute of Technology, Doug wasted has no time putting his natural talent, education and passion to work for his community. Aside from his accomplishments in television and radio Doug’s independent side shines a brighter light on his core passion . The body of work he has created will leave a legacy of important documentaries telling the story of Buffalo’s African American community. One of his most notable films in 1997 , which was also his very first film project, was a documentary about the BUILD Organization (“B.U.I.L.D. – Of the Community & For The Community”). Other films include, Model Cities, The St. John Baptist Church 80th Anniversary, Dan Montgomery’s Buffalonians Committee and a documentary profile on WUFO
S AT U R D AY D E C E M B E R 1 @ 8 P M
radio DJ’s. Doug has produced community based television programs on the public access channel like BCTV Tonight, Buffalo’s Community Affairs Magazine show, AmeriCorps Magazine and the Doug Ruffin Show where he hosted on air interviews with local entrepreneurs and community figures. He is the founder and curator of The Community Images Multimedia Traveling Exhibit on Buffalo’s African American Community. On a community level he has served on the Board of Directors of various organizations such as the Juneteenth Festival, Inc., The Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, The Western New York Minority Media Professionals, The Dr. Martin Luther King Student Awareness Tour and The B.U.I.L.D. Academy Alumni Association. With years of experience in television and radio Doug talked about why he decided to create an independent multimedia company. “Back in 2007 I thought about not wanting to work for someone else anymore and wanted to launch myself into a true business so I wrote a real business plan with the help of the city’s entrepreneurial program. Urban Legacy Filmworks is my official company and umbrella for what I do overall.” His latest and last documentary film , set for a summer 2019 release, is a project titled “67: Buffalo Uprising” which takes a look back on the impact of the 1967 Buffalo Riot, which took place in the city’s cold spring section. “The film will contain photos and never before seen newsreel footage as well as interviews & reflections with community icons like Ted Kirkland, George K. Arthur, Karima Amin, Eva Doyle and others, ” said Doug, who despite wanting to retire, decided after viewing riot footage a friend sent him that he had one more film in him to do and this was it. “I did research for the project through the archives of the Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo State archives as well as local papers like the Buffalo News, the Challenger, the Criterion and the Courier Express.” Ted Kirkland was the first person he interviewed for the project. “I use to interview him in the past on his career and recalled he mentioned the riots, so he was the first person I went to about what was going on at that time.” With a full time job at the post office since 2015 (he will be transferring his position to Maryland ) and working as an On Air Personality and host on WUFO radio for his show The Neo Soul Movement, Doug has never had investors or other
producers to help make his projects come to fruition. “Most people are surprised to find out that I’ve funded all of my own projects," he said, “despite the fact that all of them are done on the City of Buffalo and things that historically occurred. I literally shot a marathon of interviews in one week
to get the bulk of the work done for this particular project and that was on my vacation.” He plans to edit his “67: Buffalo Uprising” film once
he settles in Maryland . Doug is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, The Prince Hall Masons and Shriners. He has been the recipient of various awards and accolades including The Uncrowned Kings, The Black Achievers in Industry, Men of Distinction, The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Class of 2004 and Eva Doyle's Eye on History award. He will be missed. –L.H.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
– A SALUTE TO WNY’S –
OUTSTANDING BARBERS & BEAUTICIANS
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By 1942, This Woman Owned & Operated The Largest African American Beauty Salon In The World!
orn in Edward, Mississippi in 1912, Rose Meta Morgan grew up in Chicago. By 1942, she owned and operated the largest #African American beauty parlor in the world. After attending Morris School of Beauty, Morgan rented a booth in a neighborhood salon and began working full-time. In 1938, she styled the hair of singer/actress Ethel Waters and impressed her so much that Morgan was invited to New York City as Waters’ guest. Awed by the city’s glamour, Morgan moved there and within six months had established enough customers to open her own beauty shop. Soon, she hired five stylists and signed a ten-year lease on a vacant, dilapidated mansion. By 1946, the Rose Meta House of Beauty had a staff of 29, including 20 hairstylists, three licensed masseurs, and a registered nurse. Morgan opposed notions of beauty, which hold that kinky hair is bad, believing there is beauty in everyone. She began marketing her own line of cosmetics and staging fashion shows. With her ever-increas-
1960s, she added a wig salon. Over time, she employed and trained over 3,000 people. In 1965, Morgan was one of the founders of New York’s only #black-owned commercial bank, the Freedom National Bank.
Rose Morgan
ing success, Morgan bought a new building. By the time she opened a flagship salon, in Harlem, in 1955, Rose Morgan and her House of Beauty were household names across Black America—not to mention the extra notoriety she attained after she wed boxer, Joe Louis. When she opened in her newly purchased building,10,000 people were in attendance, including the mayor of New York City. The Rose Morgan’s House of Beauty also housed a dressmaking department and a charm school in addition to the existing salon facilities. In the early
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
– A SALUTE TO WNY’S –
OUTSTANDING BARBERS & BEAUTICIANS NAPPY CORNER By Althea
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QUO VADIS Carl Johnson, one of Buffalo’s “legends ,” has been in the business of barbering for 42 years. Currently located at Quo Vadis at 886 Kensington, he started his career at JV’s Barbur Shop in 1976. Carl opened his own establishment, Brothers Johnson on E. Ferry, in 1980 and served there until 1984. He's pictured with his customer Fred who has been a client for “a mighty long time…at least 40 years!” The other professional “legends” who work along with Carl include Mr. Billy, Joe and Marlin . Check thenm out!
Promise HAIR STUDIO Over 15 Yeas of Experience as a Stylist & Educator
Tina Jones Owner
3833 Harlem Road Cheektowaga, New York 14215
716.348.9713
Winter Hair Care Tips
se “protective styles” to your advantage. You don’t have to put your hair in braids in November and leave them in untilMarch, but winter is also not the time to do a shampoo and go out every day either. Winter wind, cold and dry air suck moisture out of your hair leaving it brittle, weaker and more prone to breakage. How to protect your hair in the winter? 1. Choose a protective hair style 2. Try a deep conditioning treatment 3. Upgrade to “richer” hair butters & oils 4. Never air dry your hair 5. Avoid winter fabrics After shampooing your hair for hydration in the winter, putting layers of product in your hair would be beneficial. Products like aloe vera, detanglers and leave-in conditioners work in this first step. Upon hydrating your hair, put a layer of oil to each strand to seal in the hydration. Recommended oils to use for natural hair in the winter are coconut, avocado and jojoba. Using additional winter products for natural hair stops some of the “frizz” and helps protect the hair. When layering products try ‘’Protective Styling.” Twist, braids, Bantu Knots and Up Do’s will all work to partially cover strands of your hair that will all have minimal exposure to the elements. Keeping hair in place and untangled is helped by using any protective styles. In the winter breakage happens quickly from your collars, hats, and scarves (wool or synthetic). They are drying and create friction contributing to breakage. A heavy oil should be applied like castor or coconut oil. You should also put a silk or satin scarf, bonnet or do-rag under your hat to keep the oils in your hair and not on your hat or scarf. Moisturizing your hair in the winter will benefit from
a weekly or bi-weekly deep condition. You can make a conditioning mask from scratch or use profesAlthea sional deep conditioners. To help improve the effectiveness of your deep conditioner add avocado, coconut, jojoba, peppermint or eucalyptus. See you next month for more tips!!!! Stay Happy and Nappy!!!! Althea is the owner of Hair To Go Natural located at 727 Main Street downtown. She may be reached by calling 716/883-2000 or Instagram “hair-_2go.” Natural hair is still trending strong not just here but all over the country. Look forward in the New Year for her continued “Nappy Hour’’ series once a month at the Salon which consists of enlightening conversations about your hair, products, health, diet and hair demonstrations.
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
– A SALUTE TO WNY’S –
OUTSTANDING BARBERS & BEAUTICIANS
MASTERS AT WORK... Barbers at the Masters Touch Barber Shop on E. Delavan taking care of business . masterstouchbarbershopny.com
This illustration is from a News Paper article from 1861
The Evolution of the Black Barber During the 19th century, Black-owned barbershops had mostly prominent, white clientele. It was difficult for a Black man to approach a Black barber for a shave or haircut using the same instruments he used on the white customers, even in the north. The shops were run by either enslaved Africans or “waiting men” or by freedmen and were competition for the White barbers. The rationale used by the Back barbers was considered economic necessity. As long as the White men continued to patron the Black barbershops, the barber’s family had stability and the ability to provide for his family in a middle-class household. The profession was also attractive to the black barber because the conditions of working inside were much better than the fields or backbreaking labor. After the civil war, freed Afri-
cans used this skill as a means to create wealth. Because of their willingness to serve, and their new found pride as business owners, Black owned barbershops flourished. However some racist, conservative hites who saw that blacks were becoming wealthy due to barbering and other trades decided a boycott was in order. Some Whites began to grow beards in protest. They'd rather go unshaven than to see Blacks become wealthy. But this boycott did little to stop the progress of Blackowned barbershops. Thus after Emancipation, the Black-owned barbershops were eventually opened to serve Black clientele. That was the beginning of the barbershop as a sanctuary for Black men. In 1934, Henry M. Morgan established Tyler Barber College, the first national chain of barber colleges for African Americans, in Tyler, Texas. The colleges spread until nearly 80 percent of all Black barbers in America were trained at Morgan’s schools. The placement of Black barbershops has been so significant in Black history that legendary authors Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, Amiri Bakara and Richard Wrightall made reference to the ‘Black man’s sanctuary’ in their works. Vassar College history Professor Quincy Mills has written “Cutting Along the Color Line” which takes a deep look at the history of bBack barbershops.
Readers are Leaders!
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS August Wilson's King Hedley II is on stage at the Robe-
son Theatre now thru Dec. 2 at the Paul Robeson Theatre inside the African American Cultural Center 350 Masten Ave. Directed by Ed smith, 884-2013 or www.aaccbuffalo.org
ON STAGE AT THE SENECA NIAGARA CASINO:
•JAY PHAROAH Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. Bear’s Den Showroom Tickets start at $65
SHE'S BACK! Buffalo’s Own, Foxie Brown and The Blues Boys, will be performing at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway, on Saturday, December 1 from 12 noon to 3p.m. The cost is free. There will be free gifts from Foxie See you there!.
Old School Fundraiser
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n Old School Fundraiser Affair will be held at Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 1670 Main St., on Friday, November 23 from 9p.m.- 1a.m. Presented by Brothers Helping Brothers, chairpersons are Mr. Sylvester Johnson, Pastor Arthur Boyd and Mr. Dane Smith. The fundraiser is for the former CoCaMo Fats, known today after 12 years as Rev. Darieck Foster of Second Chance Church, 381 E. Ferry St. who needs a life saving kidney replacement. Tickets are $20 and can be delivered at no charge. Only cash will be accepted - no credit cards or checks. Tickets are available at GROUP Ministries, 1333 Jefferson and E. Utica or see Sylvester Johnson or call GodFather Promotions at 716-602-8150. There will be free finger foods, cash bar, 50/50 raffle every hour, and a silent auction. There will also be a singing MC, Mr. Allen “Funk” Carrier and music by DJ Cook. Join us for a chance to help save a life! We’re calling on all friends past and present to purchase tickets for this affair.
•THE DRIFTERS HITS & HOLIDAY SHOW Tuesday, December 11 at 2 p.m. Seneca Niagara Events Center Tickets start at $35
Dr. Ysaye Barnwellto Appear in Buffalo!
Dr. Ysaye Barnwell, Ph.D. MSPH is a commissioned composer, arranger, author, actress & former member of the African American female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock. Meet the artist on Wednesday, November 28, 7p.m. at the Paul Robeson Theatre, 350 Masten Ave., Buffalo. Experience the gifts of Ysaye Barnwell at two community events. Community Sing on Thursday, November 29 at Buffalo State College’s Jacqueline Vito LoRusso Alumni & Visitor Center, 667 Grant St.
Who Killed Carl?
A $4,000 reward has been offered for information in the fatal beating of Carl Davis, 71, in July in his North Buffalo apartment. Crime Stoppers and the Buffalo Police Department are offering the reward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 867-6161 or share a tip through the “Buffalo Tips” app.
LEGACY
MR. HENRY RETIRES AFTER 67 YEARS OF BARBERING Every year since we began our “Barber and Beautician of the Year special edition, we’ve featured our most senior barber, Mr. Henry Boyd. This year when we went by his 565 Jefferson Avenue (at Broadway) location for our annual chat and photo we were met with a locked door and a hand written sign that read: “ “ We were able to track Mr. Henry down and learned that he was recovering from a car accident that happed several months ago. “I’m doing fine now,” he said, “but I had to give it up (barbering) after the accident….I would probably still be barbering… but the Lord knows best, I just came on out.” He says he’s taking it easy these days and occasionally stops by and visits with his friend Jene Reed at Woody’s and Manuel’s on E. Delavan. He officially retired at age 88 after 67 years in business. He charged $1.25 for his first haircut. “I gave all my barbering tools to my grandson who is a barber in Indiana,” he said, adding that his son, the Rev. Henry Boyd pastor of Open Praise Baptist church, moved the rest of his property into his garage. However some of the iconic images he had on his wall, remain at the Broadway Avenue building. Mr. Henry will turn 89 next June 5. -a.b.
REVISITING: 2013 BARBER OF THE YEAR
Willie Ray Folmar, our 2013 Barber of the Year, gives 11-year-old Isaiah Rivers the “Royal Ray” treatment (left) during a recent Saturday afternoon appointment at Charlie B’s Unixex on Broadway at Jefferson. Ray, who has been barbering for 41 years, has worked at a number of shops including United Hair Styles with the late, great Paul Blake, Metropolitan with the iconic Leon Gresham, and Keystone prior to coming to Charlie B’s (which is owned by Joe Bush). Reflecting on his very first job, he said it was in 1977 and he made about $4 or $5. And while he appreciates all of the support he’s had along the way, he said that Paul Blake was basically his greatest mentor. Also pictured (right) is Ray and barber Duran Lynch, who was also at work on another satisfied customer during our visit. -a.b.
Assemblywoman PeoplesStokes Being Considered for Top Albany Post It was announced last week that Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes is on the shortlist of candidates to be selected to become the next Assembly majority leader in Albany. That decision will be made solely by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
The SQUIRE App Could Change Your Barber Experience Forever!
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ale graduate and style conscious entrepreneur Songe LaRon, CEO of the innovative barber app called SQUIRE were all smiles with his partner Dave for their $650K win at the 43 North Pitch Competition back in 2017, and they want to make sure everyone knows about this great app that could change one's barber experience forever. SQUIRE Technologies is a free mobile app that allows customers to book and pay for a haircut or shave in just three taps with a mission is to keep you looking sharp, hassle free. A New York based company, Songe and his partner Dave met in Harlem and developed a friendship that blossomed into SQUIRE. With a three tap experience for customers using the app, they can find a barber in their city, book an appointment and pre-pay for both service and tip, making it a total flawless and cashless experi-ence. With the growing demand for male grooming services, Barbers benefit greatly from joining the SQUIRE community, as it improves operations, increases revenue and helps manage scheduling. For both barber and customer, the app gives them a transparent window to research and get to know their prospects. A true experience where everybody wins! Songe and Dave describe themselves as “Scrappy Diverse Hustlers” and it’s clear their tech savvy moves have kept them in business, currently in their 4 year with a balanced app star rating on a steady climb, changing the game in barber bookings around the globe . “We noticed that barber shops all over the country experience the same pain points, namely long wait times, inefficient scheduling, and inconsistent payment methods. After years of experiencing these frustrations, we decided to create a solution” they said. If you visit their website you’ll also will find ULTRA a place where stories, profiles , highlights and inspirations of all things barber culture are going on and where Buffalo can be found in the mix! You can download the SQUIRE app on your mobile device and visit them online to sign up
SPOTLIGHT
Jean Reed started barbering in 1952 in Sommerville, TN. He came to Buffalo in 1957 at age 18 as a self-described “folk singer” (he sang with the Melody Masters). He eventually opened his own barber shop on Peckham and Jefferson). “ I did barbering and worked at the Chevy Plant on E. Delavan at the same time - 32 years of barbering and 32 years at Chevy” says Jean who is licensed in three states, Tennessee, Ohio and new York.. At 81 years young he’s still barbering – currently at Woody’s and Manuel’s Afro Styles (both Luther Woodson and Manuel have passed on). “I came here about 7 or 8 years ago…and I’m the only one left now,” said the former committeeman. One of his regular clients is former NYS Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve. Reed’s hours are Tuesday thru Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop in and check him out . The walls of shop display a visual Buffalo Black history lesson! -a.b
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GENERATIONS
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
NATIONAL Stacey Abrams Ends Historic Gubernatorial Run
Imagination Playground Comes to the Inner City! Imagination Playground, an “innovative breakthrough playspace concept” was recently unveiled at the Delavan Grider Center. The bright blue foam blocks of various unique shapes and loose parts are designed to empower children to design their own course of play. The playspace is also valuable to children’s learning and development, imagination, logic/mathematical skills problem solving and social/emotional development. The Imagination Playground is one of 16 signature play products that longtime national partners The CarMax Foundation and KaBOOM! will grant to communities across the country this year to help make play more accessible to children and communities. The national nonprofit dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most.
HUGE 50% OFF SALE PLUS 30% �
Saturday December 1 11-Spm & Sunday December 2 Noon-Spm LAYAWAY AVAILABLE
Louis Kallinikos & Sons
"Chnilddren are the fruit of life!"
NNPA--The State of Georgia’s Democratic Gubernatorial nominee has ended her historic run for governor in a controversial political race that has captured the attention of the country. In a press conference held last week at her Kirkwood headquarters, Abrams acknowledged GOP candidate and former Secretary of State Brian Kemp will be Georgia’s next governor but failed to concede the race. “I will not concede because the erosion of our democracy is not right,” she stated. Abrams announcement comes days after post-election lawsuits demanding that all votes be counted in the face of voter suppression tactics used by the Secretary of State’s office. Kemp, who was the Republican candidate for governor, failed to step down from the office while running for office, which was a clear conflict of interest. During the campaign, it was reported Kemp’s office had removed 300,000 registered voters from the rolls in Georgia, 70 percent of which were voters of color. -Nsenga K. Burton/NNPA The Georgia legislature’s reinstatement of the exact match rule, which had previously been ruled unconstitutional in a previous lawsuit, resulted in the removal of voters from the rolls for missing a hyphen or leaving out a middle initial. A recent lawsuit found that those reasons could not be used to remove voters from the rolls or to discount provisional or absentee ballots. Kemp declared victory on election night, stepping down from office two days later to begin what he called his transition to the Governorship. Abrams refused to concede insisting all absentee and provisional votes should be counted, filing several lawsuits. The former Democratic leader of Georgia’s House of Representatives needed an additional 17,000 votes in order to force a runoff with Kemp but decided to end the election in order to work on reforming the voter registration and participation process in Georgia. In her speech, she criticized the voting process and the state of Georgia’s mismanagement of the gubernatorial election, saying she will be filing a major lawsuit against the state of Georgia for the “gross mismanagement of this election and to protect future elections from unconstitutional actions” in the coming days. The voter protection crusader says she will continue fighting for reform as a private citizen announcing the launch of Fair Fight Georgia, an operation that will “pursue accountability in Georgia’s elections and integrity in the process of maintaining voting rolls.”
Is the FBI Under-reporting the Surge in Hate Crimes? NNPA Newswire
The FBI has released it’s 2017 hate crimes statistics which revealed a 17 percent increase in incidents since 2016. In 2017 there were 8,493 victims and 6,307 known offenders. By comparison there were 7,509 victims and 5,727 known offenders in 2016, according to the data. “This report is a call to action – and we will heed that call,” Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said in a statement. “The Department of Justice’s top priority is to reduce violent crime in America, and hate crimes are violent crimes.” The report contrasts with the prior year when there were 6,036 single-bias incidents, or occurrences where the perpetrator has one bias against a community or group. By comparison, in 2017, there were 7,106 single-bias incidents reported. According to the FBI, “58.1 percent were motivated by a race/ ethnicity/ancestry bias, 22.0 percent were prompted by religious bias, 15.9 percent resulted from sexual-orientation bias and 1.7 percent were motivated by gender-identity bias.”
NAACP Urges Senate Rejection of Farr Nomination The NAACP released the following statement in reference to President Trump's nomination of Thonas Farr to the U.S. District Court of North Carolina. Senate leadership has now sent President Trump’s nominee to a life-time appointment as a judge to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, attorney Thomas A. Farr, to the floor for a vote. The NAACP strongly opposes this nomination. The full Senate is expected to vote on the nomination as early as the week of November 26. Thomas Farr poses a serious threat to civil rights, especially since he would preside over a jurisdiction with a large AfricanAmerican population. Even among dangerous Trump nominees, Farr stands out for his decades-long crusade to disenfranchise African Americans. He learned how to intimidate Black voters from segregationist Senator Jesse Helms and helped turn North Carolina into ground zero for voter suppression tactics. His nomination is a travesty. His confirmation would be heresy.
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VOICES
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
Coalition for Open Government Calls for Public Input in Final Body Camera Policy Dear Editor: The Buffalo Police Department on September 1, 2018 ended its pilot project utilizing police officer body cameras. The Police Department has operated body cameras under a draft policy that was issued without any public discussion or debate. Before any final policy is implemented it is important for there to be a community discussion regarding how body cameras will be used and how video footage will be made available to the public. The University at Buffalo Law School Civil Liberties and Transparency Clinic in a report written on behalf of the Buffalo Police Advisory Board, made the following recommendations: The Buffalo Police Department (BPD) should engage meaningfully with the public and consider changes to its draft policy before rolling out body cams citywide at significant cost to the taxpayers. Specifically, we propose that the BPD’s body-worn camera program should not be rolled out until: (1) BPD publishes its proposed final policy publicly, including on its website, (2) BPD supplies a meaningful opportunity for the public to comment, (3) BPD considers whether to modify the policies to address public concerns, and (4) BPD reports back to the Common Council about the changes it made or didn’t make in response to public comments. After BPD publishes its proposed final policy (item #1 above), it should allow enough time for community members to provide input in writing, in person at community forums, and perhaps through an online forum or commenting process. The BPD should play an active role in these public comment events; the presence and participation of BPD leadership is essential to making community forums meaningful, both in person and online. The Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government wholeheartedly supports the recommendations stated above. The Buffalo Police Department has a tremendous opportunity to engage the public and build trust by developing a final body camera policy through a transparent process. Issuing a final policy without engaging the public in any way will create distrust and suspicion, which in the long run will harm relations between the Police Department and the community. Paul W. Wolf, Esq. President Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government, Inc.
The Community Watchdog... Rod Watson’s report on the “subsidy tour” in the Nov. 15 Buffalo News was super writing on “some of Buffalo’s most notorious taxpayer handouts” ( tax breaks) given to developers. The tour included One Canalside, the $32 million Benderson Development initiative which qualified for $5.9 million; Campus Walk, the $25 million Greenleaf & Co. student Housing project next to Buffalo State received $2.6 million in tax breaks. Both initiatives received the breaks under the state’s 485- A Program designed to help convert old buildings into viable entities. The tour ended with a visit to School 77 on Plymouth Avenue as an example how tax credits can be used to benefit the community by turning it into a viable community hub for the working and middle class. Thanks to PUSH and the Our City Coalition for organizing that important tour! Congrats to John Washington for educating so many! Rod Watson: 'Subsidy Tour'
“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” - John Russwurm, Freedom’s Journal. 1827 America’s 1st Black Newspaper
Printend In Canada
Looking Forward As 2018 draws to a close, I am already thinking about our agenda for 2019. This year was quite busy….filled with triumphs and losses, but we have persevered. PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO will hold its last public meeting for the year on Monday, November 29. Anticipating a slew of Holiday activities in December, especially for Kwanzaa, monthly meetings will be suspended until January, when plans for our April conference will move into full swing. We participated in two retreats this year. Western New York individuals with incarcerated loved ones joined others from across New York State at Powell House in Old Chatham, NY and Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY to discuss issues held in common and plans to dismantle NYS policies that negatively impact prisoners and their families. Long-held political prisoners were released this year, after more than four decades. Herman Bell and Robert Seth Hayes came home. Our letters Karima and prayers were answered. Our assistant, Dani Johnson, went to Cuba, to take a look AMIN at the prison system there. Her report was a welcomed eye-opener. We participated in the recently held Prison Abolition conference, sponsored by the Buffalo Anti-Racism Coalition and Canisius College. I urged four people with incarcerated loved ones to share stories of their lived experience at this conference. Their willingness to be honest and vulnerable helped to humanize “the prisoner.” Dani Johnson, Baba Eng and I participated as workshop leaders. Governor Cuomo signed an executive order this year, giving parolees the right to vote. We believe that this made a major difference in the voting outcome in Erie County. As I reported last month, Baba Eng’s “SafeHome” is showing itself to be a success at the Community Health Center of Buffalo. 2018 was a year of faith and fruition. We believe in the miracles that result from faith and hard work. Our last meeting for this year will feature a film, PRISON SONG, starring Mary J. Blige and Q-Tip. In this movie, a young Black man, growing up with a father in prison and a mother who ends up institutionalized, winds up in prison himself. But in the end he is strong enough to fight for his dignity and prison reform. Join us for the last meeting of the year at the CAO Rafi Greene Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue@ Glenwood, 7:00-9:00pm on Monday, November 29. Need more information? Call BaBa Eng, 716-491-5319 or E-mail Karima Amin, karimatells@yahoo.com. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Hua Hu Ching
by Lao Tzu
Ten The ego is a monkey catapulting through the jungle: Totally fascinated by the realm of the senses, it swings from one desire to the next, one conflict to the next, one self-centered idea to the next. If you threaten it, it actually fears for its life. Let this monkey go. Let the senses go. Let desires go. Let conflicts go. Let ideas go. Let the fiction of life and death go. Just remain in the center, watching. And then forget that you are there.
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Keep RasTafari Community at the Table for Counsel in the Cannabis Legalization Discussion By Ras Jomo Akomo
I would like to submit information in support of: - Sealing the records of those convicted of minor Marijuana related offenses - Insuring the access of small business, micro-business and community cooperative entry into the legal opportunities that will be available (especially for our black and brown community) - Utilization of all tax revenues that are reinvested should carry a Repair The Nation law that disproportionally include the hiring , investing and training of all persons in communities that have carried the cross for so many years. - Include the Rastafari community in Ras Jomo counsel and even in research on surviving in the Western world while under cultural and spiritual (religious) persecution as it relates to cannabis use. The systemic and generational damaged caused by the socalled “war on drugs” has retarded our community specifically and the greater community at large. There has been an overcriminalization of a race which has been fueled by disproportionate target policing. 70 -80 % of marijuana possession arrests have been from African American and Hispanic communities. In Erie county, 76% of the arrests of low level Marijuana possession were with people of color, while we are on 18% of the county population and so called drug use is roughly equal across racial lines. If marijuana becomes legal, it is only right to seal the records of those who have been convicted. I would also like to sensitize readers to the RasTafari family who use cannabis as a Healing Herb and not as the common term “drug.” RasTafari have been righta ll along in terms of their cultural, spiritual, medicinal, and dietary use and historic knowledge of the properties of this plant. Long before NY State legalized medicinal marijuana, the Rastafari for generations, have cultivated and lived with healing knowledge of the many uses and benefits of Cannabis. I propose that special consideration be given to those who have been severely persecuted for their spiritual (religious) and cultural reality about the powers of this herb, commonly called the Healing of the Nations in the Rastafari lingua. Indigenous and ancient cultures have passed information to their generations and the laws that this state has enforced disproportionately have violated our human and religious rights. I would ask that all revenue generated as per section 99 of this Bill should contain a law or agreement that helps to restore and repair the affected communities. It can be a Repair the Nation law that disproportionately reinvest monies to the same communities and ethnic groups in similar proportion to arrest and conviction and also, all state needed services contain the same rules to hire, train and do business with the said communities. Please keep Rastafari members at the table for counsel ! (Ras Jomo delivered the above comments at a statewide public hearing in City Hall Monday related to allowing adult use of marijuana, known as the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA-bill no.A.3506C) sponsored by Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes. The popular radio personality, show producer and community activist represented ProJect Access To AFreeKa Cultural Organization.)
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
AT THE POINT BY
GREGORY L. GAMBLE II
profile: Outstanding Teen Swimmer Makaila Hall
S
Destined for Greatness!
ometimes, you can look at a young adult, and see the gleaming yet subtle radiance of greatness that they exude. You can see the potential that higher powers have endowed upon them to fulfill a greater purpose. Makaila Hall, a 14-year-old swimmer from Buffalo is the most recent example of this type of experience. A 9th grader at Buffalo Public School 156 Frederick Law Olmstead, she swims for both the Buffalo Public School Swim Club and Velocity Aquatics Swim Club, in (5) different events; the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard butterfly, and her most prominent event the 100-yard breaststroke. This past Sunday at Sweet Home highschool, I had the opportunity to watch Makaila in action at the SHAQ 2018 open swim meet where club Velocity Aquatics competed. At the start gun,7 poised focused swimmers launched form their starting blocks, competing to see who was the fastest and also looking to beat their fastest individual times. Makaila Hall found an advantage among all the other swimmers, her muscular 5’4” frame staying in the air for almost a half second longer covering far more distance than she would have, had she entered the water a half second sooner and like an epiphany, you’ve witnessed a glimpse of greatness. Makaila has been swimming for about 4 years now. She started in 5th grade where she swam for the modified team at Olmstead. Cameron and Jacqueline Hall are the proud parents of Makaila and were also both student-athletes in high school. Makaila is the youngest of two. Her father Cameron Hall recalled “we found out that she might actually be good at this, so we made the adjustments to keep her involved.” Those adjustments included 3 day weekends for swim meets, 2 hours of swim practice 5 days a week and a financial commitment on aquatic gear. But Makaila has proven to be more than just good. Makaila Hall is on her way to being great. In the 7th grade, she took a swim test to prove that she was capable of competing at the varsity level and passed. Typically, varsity swimmers have to be in 9th grade or higher. Currently, as a 9th grader, she competes at the varsity level in heats with swimmers ages 13 and over. This past October, Makaila broke a 28-year-old record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:11:39, followed by breaking her own record in November in the same event with a time of 1:10:72. She’s made it clear that she looks up to Alize Allen, a Buffalo Public School standout swimmer who holds 9 out of 11 school and city pool records and received a full scholarship to Canisius College where she swam during the 2016-2017 season. In 2017, USA Swimming, the governing body for the sport of swimming in the U.S., found that 64 percent of African-American children have low or no swimming ability. They also found that black children and their parents are three times more fearful of drowning than white children and their parents. Despite these odds, Makaila has found a way to achieve in the sport. She isn’t alone. Her best friend, Melhea Gachetti, is an 11th grader and standout swimmer at City Honors who has been swimming for 8 years. Makaila has made the connection between superior academics and superior athletics and understands they are a vital piece in becoming an elite student-athlete. In asking Makaila about her academics, her face lit up with a humongous smile as she replied “For the first time in my life, I’m on the honor roll and have a 90 average. I really want to go to college to swim and I understand that I have to be an excellent student to do so, and I’ve started studying more and preparing for that. I want to keep getting good grades," she said. Outside of swimming, Makaila is a very involved student. She has participated in the University at Buffalo Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), the National Grid Engineering Camp, and is apart of Olmstead’s Student Council as the Community Relations representative. “I’m motivated and determined. If I set out to accomplish something, I want you to know that I’m going try and accomplish that goal,” she said. The Community believes in you Makaila and is in FULL support your aspirations with the hopes you will go far beyond your dream of swimming at the Division 1 level. You have Odds2Beat! So be diligent, be excellent, execute and BE GREAT!
Can the Bills Run the Table in Final Six Games?
C
an the Bills run the table in final six games? That’s the most asked question of me during the Bills bye week. The answer is No! They can’t win due to the fact the General Manager miss-mongered our roster and was forced to bring in Matt Barkley at QB, where Tyrod Taylor would have won some of our earlier losses (i.e. Houston, and possibly Chicago) that would have the Bills in serious contention for a playoff spot. Bills General Manager Brandon Beene and Head Coach Sean McDermott were very poor in building this team and it’s going to show once again in last six games. The Bills beat the Jets last week but the Jaguars will bring pressure to Matt Barkley and he will remember who he really is and turn the ball over multiple times against the Jaguars. You will see in coming weeks why Matt Barkley was home watching the NFL games like the rest of us. The Bills best defensive players are currently Shaq Lawson, Matt Miliano, Jerry Hughes, and a very steady Tre Davious White, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. These guys continue to step their game up and make key plays week after week. It’s a shame their tremendous defensive plays have been over shadowed and wasted by a sorry offense. Zay Jones continues to improve and impress with his ability to run excellent routes and get open. He seems to have fully recovered from Knee surgery and has a bright future with the Bills. The game in Houston was his coming out party with superb route running and use of his speed to get open and caught what could have been the winning TD in a devastating loss to Texans. Colin Kaepernick’s attorneys have all the examples they need to prove his case of collusion against him by the NFL owners. There are too many terrible starting g QB’s in the league and Kap did not get a call from Jacksonville, Buffalo, Denver, NY Giants, Jets, Miami, and now Washington (Alex Smith broken his leg) are in desperate need of a franchise QB. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson made his debut on Sunday and led his team to an impressive win over Cincinnati Bengals. Something is seriously wrong when most people outside of NFL teams felt he was the best QB in the draft? Jackson was taken last in the first round with the 32md pick. The Bills passed on him along with franchise QB’s DeShaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes. The Bills drafted an obscure QB out of Wyoming, who was not even a good college QB and put up terrible stats against quality college opponents. Josh Allen has also shown in college to be injury prone. It’s no surprise Josh has a serious elbow injury and Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota has a similar elbow injury and reinjured it on Sunday and is out indefinitely. The Bills need an experienced General Manager that can bring in quality starters on the offensive line and keep Head Coach Dean McDermott on the right track. No more Peterman experiments (starting players that are not NFL ready or quality)! The Bills front office right now is a reactive administration instead of being proactive. The Bills play the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game which will be dominated by defenses. I expect plenty of turnovers by both teams and the Bills beating a deflated Jaguar team after a heartbreaking loss to the Steelers. The Jaguars should have picked up Tyrod Taylor instead of keeping inaccurate throwing and turnover machine Blake Bortles. How is Bortles still starting in the NFL? My prediction: The Bills will win another ugly game 13-10. Follow me on Facebook, twitter:
Bills Report
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting quotes for Ellicott Trail Project #D034681 in Batavia, NY for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE Pre-bid meeting will be held on 11/28/18 at 3:30pm at MCI Offices.Documents can be obtained by contacting rmullen@markcerrone.com, Phone 716282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Quotes due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 by 12/10/18 at 2:00pm. Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation is strongly encouraged.
LEGAL NOTICE BIDS REQUEST FOR BID Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting quotes for the Intersection Safety Improvements project in Concord, NY for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE Pre-bid meeting will be held on 11/28/18 at 3:30pm at MCI Offices. Documents can be obtained by contacting cganje@markcerrone.com, Phone 716-282-5244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Quotes due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 by 12/4/18 at 12:00pm. Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation is strongly encouraged.
School House Commons 1005 Grant Street Buffalo NY, 14207 One bedroom apartments. Must be 62 years and over Heat, water, stove, appliances are included. Residents are responsible to pay the electric. •Off Street Parking • Washers & Dryers on Premises • Pets allowed
(716)447-1334
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see you at the events! ROOMS
ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.
BARBER OF THE YEAR continued Giving Back In addition to his business Nate is also an advocate for barbering education and gives back as an active board member for The Buffalo School of Barbering a program through Buffalo Public Schools Adult Learning Division. His “Barbering Internship” program was recently NYS approved and has been made an official part of the school’s curriculum. He’s also serves on the board for the Nationally accredited Council on Occupational Education (COE) for the school. Next Level At 50 years young, Nate has plans for a future revamping and expansion of his current location, making more space for future skilled barbers that meet the Class Act criteria. Nate is also in the early planning stage of developing the first Class Act Barbershop Franchise to continue growing the success of his business outside of the borders of Buffalo to keep his legacy alive. When asked what his fondest business memory has been thus far he reflected back to June 1st 1999. “My grand opening day, It was a dream come true. I had realized my vision from the age of 13. The people who appreciate and patronize it, to this day I am grateful for and knowing I am of value to them means a lot to me” Nate says. The barbershop, he continues, gives him the platform to help people not only through being part of their lives with regular grooming but through being an ear to listen or hold conversation, sharing information, encouragement. “ It’s a passion and a joy that God called me to do and equipped me with the gift to do it. This truly is a ministry for me.” Congratulations Nate, our 2018 Barber of the Year! -L.H. Class Act Barbershop and Men’s Grooming Facility is located at 78 Elmwood Ave Hours of Operation Hours of Operation Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat., 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. T. 716 563-0595
EMPLOYMENT/HELP WANTED
BEAUTICIAN OF THE YEAR continued at the SBDC, Alecia Taggert-Powell and Davina Moss-King for seeing in me what I didn’t see in myself. Last but not least my sister in Christ Ayanna Moore for her prayers and comforting words .” Her children, her mother, Barbara Pegues, her father Andre Devers and grandmother, the late Ethel Cobb, have given her great support. “My family really encourages me to keep going,” she said. “This is my passion.” Congratulations Tataianna, our 2018 Cosmetologist of the Year! A.B. (Tataianna can be reached at divaenhancementbymisst@gmail. com)
JOBS
LEGAL NOTICE
Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC 716-856-5627
www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace. Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.
LEGAL NOTICE
NFTA Procurement Invitation to Bid
4832 - DRUG AND A LCOHOL TESTING S ERVICES Download Bids from www. nfta.com LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT : COUNTY OF ERIE Index No. 807996/2016 Hon. E. Jeannette Ogden JOHN PREVITY and MILTON KOUTSANDREAS, Plaintiffs, v. 49 HOPKINS, INC. and NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 23, 2018, and filed October 24, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction in the Foreclosure Alcove located on the First Floor of the Office of the Clerk of the County of Erie, located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, on December 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., all that certain parcel of land situate in the City of Buffalo, County of Erie and State of New York, SBL: 133.17-1-7, together with the buildings and improvements thereon, the premises commonly known as 49 Hopkins Street, Buffalo, New York 14220. The amount of the judgment is $274,737.96, plus costs and disbursements in the amount of $2,485.00 and attorneys’ fees in the amount of $24,644.99, all with interest, plus advances made by plaintiffs until the date of sale, pursuant to the Judgment. The premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Dated November 14, 2018 Arcangelo J. Petricca, Esq., Referee Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Deborah J. Chadsey, Esq. Kavinoky Cook LLP 726 Exchange Street, Suite 800 Buffalo, New York 14210 (716) 845-6000
We are raising the bar on wages.
All Amazon’s US employees now earn at least $15 an hour and up to $16 for nights and weekends.
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I T PAYS TO A D V E RT I S E
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 11/11
advertising@thechallengernews.com LAW OFFICE OF DARIA L. PRATCHER, PC “Everything Real Estate” 523 Main Street (716)541-8574 PRATCHER & ASSOCIATES Franklin Muhammad (Pratcher) Attorney 1133 Kensington Avenue (716) 838-4612
AUTO BEN’S Downtown Tire
50 Sycamore (cor. Elm) (716) 856-1066 or 894-1483
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
BARBER SHOPS MASTERS TOUCH 1283 E, Delavan (716) 322-5641
BARBERSHOPNY.COM
BOOKS ALIVE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 2275 Fillmore Ave. (716) 837-1118 ZAWADI BOOKS 1382 Jefferson Ave. 716-903-6740
CLEANING SERVICE
SISTER DIANE'S CLEANING SERVICE
(770 )256-3271 Diane.Shakir@gmail.com Independent Contractor
ELECTRICAL EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330
TUES 11/13
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TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MEREA WORLD Transportation Service Specializing in Round Trip & Over Night Trips Text or call 716 939-8892
UNISEX
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F& S Fashions
2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742
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The Universe is boosting your thoughts to a very positive level so yous can continue attracting good things in your life
Midday
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
WEDNESDAY NOV. 21
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©2018 New York Lottery
Athletic Greats Gathering: 8 p.m. Arthur’s Pub, 596 Genesee St. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)427-0566. FRIDAY NOV. 23
D.A.D.S. Program 3 on 3 Thanksgiving Turkey Jam Tournament: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. YMCA, 2564 Delaware Ave. 563-1834 or 951-9585.
do the right thing.... “Dance is for everybody…”
-Alvin Ailey
On Going Community Dance Classes MONDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 12 noon. – 1p.m.; FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Martha Mitchell Center, 175 Oakmont, 5:307:30 p.m. WEDNESDAYS Hustle for Health Urban Line Dancing with Phyllis Caver at Gloria Parks: 3242 Main St. 11 a.m. - 12 noon. FREE for ages 55+ 832 -1010 Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702. DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood. 5:30-7:30 p.m. THURSDAYS Line Dance Classes with Willa Jackson, Instructor, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee st. 895-2727. FRIDAYS Beginners/Intermediate Line Dance Classes Every Friday 6pm Bethel AME Church Hall 1525 Michigan @ E.Ferry Ernestine, Instructor Chicago Steppin’: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St. SATURDAYS 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 DJ Dave Urban Line Dancing, Baptist Manor, 276 Linwood.10a.m.-12 noon.
WEDNESDAY NOV. 28 Meet The Artist, Dr. Ysaije Barnwell: 7 p.m., Paul Robeson Theater inside the African American Cultural Center, 350 Masten Avenue. “KeyBank Business Boost & Build Buffalo Pitch Competition” : 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Foundry Suites 1738 Elmwood Avenue. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566. THUSDAY NOV. 29 Community Sing Featuring Dr. Ysaije Barnwell: 7 p.m. Buffalo State College’s Alumni l& Visitors Center, 667 Grant Street. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566. FRIDAY NOV. 30 Mommy and Me Yoga Friday, November 30 at 289 Summer St. For more information please contact Gizelle @ 716-310-9954 SATURDAY DEC. 1 Will Holton’s “The First Day of Christmas Holiday Smooth Jazz Concert”: Tralf Music Hall.Doors open 7 p.m. Showtime 8 p.m.852-2860; Tickets $20-$40 Ticketmaster. Shop Till You Drop Holiday Bazaar: 12 noon – 4 p.m, Second Baptist Church, 18 Church Street, Lackawanna; hosted by Women’s Ministry; 646-1875 or 826-4940.Baptist Church
as
Community Tribute to Ora Lee Delgado: 2 - 5p.m. Merriweather Library. hosted by columnist Eva Doyle.
The New York Lottery last Wednesday revealed the identity of the winner of the state's largest lotto jackpot in history.Sixtyseven-year-old Robert Bailey, a retired federal government employee from Harlem, was presented with a ceremonial check for $343.8 million at Resorts World Casino in Jamaica, Queens. "A family member gave me the numbers over 25 years ago,
l Bull
SATURDAY NOV. 24
Harlem Winner Of $343.8 Million Powerball Jackpot Comes Forward
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Old School Fundraiser for Rev. Foster of Second Chance Baptist: Metropolitan Entertainment Complex, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Tickets $20 e at GROUP Ministries 1333 Jefferson or t 716-602-8150.
Wednesday Dec. 5 The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566. Thursday Dec. 6 The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St (716)4270566.
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Struggling with a gambling addiction? Call the HOPEline 1-877-846-7369 or text HOPENY (467369). You must be 18 years or older to purchase a lottery ticket. NYLResponsiblePlay.com
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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 21,2018
WELL DESERVED! Oliver C. Young, Esq., Principal Court Attorney for the NYS Supreme Court, 8th Judicial District, retired on October 31, 2018 after 38 years of service. His duties included supervising the District’s legal staff, conducting legal research for the judges of the District, serving as a matrimonial referee for uncontested divorce actions brought in Erie County and the processing of motions and petitions brought by inmates seeking legal relief. In retirement, Young expects to be quite busy working with the Bar Association of Erie County, the New York State Bar Association and serving on the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority. On October 24 court staff and friends held a reception to recognize Young for his accomplishments. CONGRATULATIONS! PHOTO PRINCESS PHOTOGRAPHY
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