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W I S H I N G O U R R E A D E R S P E A C E , L O V E & P R O S P E R I T Y T H I S H O L I D AY S E A S O N !

November 22, 2017 | FREE |

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HOLIDAY

National Day of Mourning: No Thanks…No Giving… Page 11

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Captain Singletary Earns International Recognition Page 2

NATIONAL

Minister Farrakhan Warns Trump at Fiery D.C. Press Conference Page 4

WNY LAW CENTER:

One of Buffalo’s Best Kept Secrets! Page 7

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

INSIDE ROCHESTER

Captain Singletary Earns International Recognition Rochester Police Captain LaRon Singletary has been named an International Association of Chiefs of Police "40 Under 40" Award winner. “I am honored to congratulate Captain Singletary, whom I have known since he was a young officer,” said Deputy Mayor Cedric Alexander, a former Chief of the Rochester Police Department (RPD). “It gives me great pleasure to see that he has now distinguished himself, and his Department, among his law enforcement peers on an international level.” Captain Singletary, 37, is a 17-year Captain Singletary veteran of the RPD. He was born and raised in Rochester and is a graduate of John Marshall High School. He currently works in the Administrative Services Division and has held positions as patrol officer; crime prevention officer; public information officer; aide to the chief of police; investigative sergeant in the Professional Standards Section; patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant; and staff duty officer. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy for law enforcement professionals.

Zola Brown Receives Prestigious ABC Award

Zola Brown, 1199 SEIU National Benefit Fund Rochester Area Coordinator and past Vice-president of 1199 Rochester, was awarded the prestigious 2017 Lena Gantt Award for outstanding community service by Action for a Better Community (ABC) "for her extensive efforts to advocate for social and economic justice." A second generation union activist, Zola Brown is dedicated to assisting economically disadvantaged community members. The award was presented at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on October 19 during ABC’s 14th Annual Signature Luncheon.

Quick’s Mane Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and Giveaway Quick’s Mane Event Barbershop is hosting its 5th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Donations can be dropped off at 537 Dewey Avenue in Rochester before Thanksgiving Day. The giveaway will take place at the same location, 537 Dewey, on Thanksgiving Day from noon until the food is gone. Please join us in our effort to make sure everyone gets a home cooked meal this Thanksgiving!

Mayor Warren Invites Community to Lighting of the Liberty Pole Mayor Lovely Warren invites the community to the lighting of the Liberty Pole holiday kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. This year's lighting is presented by Sharp Notions and supported by iHeart Media. The event continues with a family parade to the season opening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Ice Rink for fireworks, free ice skating, kid crafts inside the lodge and more. "I invite you to take in these events and see why Rochester is the place to be during the holidays. I want to thank Sharp Notions and iHeart Media for their generous support of this event," stated Mayor Warren.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

BILLS UPDATE

By George Radney

Bills Head Coach And GM: A Classic Study In How To Dismantle A Playoff Contending Team…

ills Head Coach Sean McDermott lost Sunday's game by starting a quarterback with no prior NFL experience and it showed with five interceptions in the first half. I have never seen a team start a player who was not qualified to play at this level. There were so many fans wanting this kid Nathan GEORGE Peterman to RADNEY start over crafty veteran Tyrod Taylor. Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott had the nerve not to name Tyrod Taylor starting QB for next week’s game against Kansas City Chiefs. It’s my opinion that Sean McDermott has lost the locker room with most veteran players and is going to have a hard time of winning them back. It started with Marcel Dareus being traded and most people asked how you can trade one of the best run stuffers in the game? It’s no accident the Bills defense has not been the same since he was traded. The Bills are still paying his salary and our defensive unit has lost its mojo and can’t stop any team from running the football. This has been the dismantling of a playoff contending team by its own Head Coach and General Manager. This can only happen in Buffalo New York where you have ownership without NFL experience and lacking basic common sense when it comes to dealing with players and their contracts. The Pegula’s are paying an awful lot of people no longer working or playing for the organization. Marcel Dareus is the latest player who is being paid by the Bills while he plays football for the Jacksonville Jaguars. There is no other owner in the league that would agree to trade a player owed $32 Million by his organization and allow him to play for another team. Marcel would have to finish out this year and next before I considered trading him. Marcel was the heart and soul of Bills defense and rest of players are seeing an organization not wanting to win. It was sadly clear on Sunday when Tyrod Taylor was benched in favor of a kid with no NFL exSUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

perience at all and did not belong on the football field. Our best offensive line is sitting on the bench. Seantrel Henderson should have replaced Jordan Mills at right tackle weeks ago along with John Miller at guard, Ryan Gory at center, and Dion Dawkins in place of Richie Incognito. Bills center Eric Wood should have been cut before the season started but this organization signed him to a two year extension. Bills former GM Doug Whaley left Bills in good shape with quality veteran players, but this new organization is trying their best to tear it down and build from scratch. Bills will lose in Kansas City due to inability to stop the run and will be beaten again 30 – 14. Follow me on twitter/Facebook at Georgeradney@georgeradman and thechallengernews.com

Baobab Film Series The Baobab Cultural Center is located at 728 University Avenue Rochester

The Film for Friday, November 24, 2017 is "Buck and The Preacher" at 7 p.m. At the end of the Civil War, African-American ex-soldier Buck is looking for places in the West where former slaves can settle. But an unprincipled man named Deshay is working with his ruthless gang of outlaws to try to stop Buck's work and keep the people working as slaves in Louisiana. When Buck meets a con man in disguise who is calling himself the Preacher, the two men band together to stop Deshay and his gang. VISIT OUR WEBSITE!! Email: baobab.center@yahoo.com Website: https://www.baobabcultural.org/

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

AREA BRIEFS Retirement Celebration to Honor Buffalo’s First African American Female Firefighter A retirement celebration in honor of Ellen Pauletta Peoples, Buffalo’s first African American female firefighter, will be held on Thursday, November 30 at 6 p.m. at The Landmark on Pearl, 318 Pearl Street. Firefighter Peoples is retiring from the Buffalo Fire Department after 26 years of service! Donation is $45 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information or to RSVP call Utopian Euphoria at (716) 507-8696.

The Winner of the Race for Sheriff Should be Officially Finalized This Week When the polls closed on election night Nov. 7 unofficial results had Republican incumbent Sheriff Timothy B. Howard leading Bernie Tolbert by 3,850 votes. Howard claimed victory in his bid for a 4th term. Tolbert congratulated him on his “apparent” win. He used the word “apparent” beSherif f Howard Bernie Tolbert cause there were still some 8,000 absentee ballots that had not been counted, and the Tolbert camp remained hopeful that a victory was possible. The final tally isn’t expected to be completed until sometime this week. At press time these were the available results: Tolbert ran an impressive race, winning every council district in the city. For example he received the most votes out of Delaware (5,204,) followed by Masten (4,143), University (3,866), and Ellicott Ellicott (3,364). He also won Lovejoy, Niagara, and North and South. Howard on the other hand only received 133 votes in the predominately African American Masten. Although South District cast the most votes for Howard (2,481), Tolbert still won that District, but only by 256 votes. The final unofficial election results in the City gave Tolbert a total of 27,971 votes and Howard 7,173. Howard beat Tolbert in the rest of the county – but it was far from a landslide. Tolbert still managed to win Amherst (14,490 his biggest win), Aurora, Cheektowaga, Lackawanna and the Town of Tonawanda. -Mayoral and Legislative RacesBy now the results of the city-wide Nov. 7 General Election are well known. *Mayor Byron Brown won his 4th historic term as Mayor of the City of Buffalo. *Barbara Miller Williams who ran unopposed, easily won reelection to represent Legislative district 1. *Newcomer April Baskin was also victorious in the November election for Legislator of the 2nd District.

If Your Want to Sit on The Police-Community Relations Oversight Committee You Have Until Dec. 1 to Apply! Last month, Niagara District Council Member David A. Rivera, chair of The Buffalo Common Council’s Police Oversight Committee, announced plans to create an advisory body made up of Buffalo residents to advise the Police Oversight Committee on community-police relations. To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to Council Member David Rivera, Chair of Police Oversight Committee, 1504 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202 Fax: 716-851-4970 Email: darivera@city-buffalo. com

OUTSTANDING!

Nine outstanding citizens were honored with the Stop Bullying Prison Prevention Award November 17 at CRUCIAL Community Center. The awardees include (top row l-r) Kenny Simmons, Captain Steve Nichols, Rev. Eugene Coplin, Demone Smith, Eva Doyle, Dr. Frederick A. Gelsey Sr., (bottom right l-r) Pastor James Giles, Dr. Willie Underwood, and Walter Johnson.

Shop Small November 25!

Judge Rejects City’s Arguments to Dismiss Wrongful Death Case in Fillmore Avenue Tragedy

ive years after the tragic death of Ida Murphy, her children were finally able to feel some sense of justice after Erie County Supreme Court Justice Joseph R Glownia last Friday rejected all of the City of Buffalo’s arguments to dismiss the case. Justice Glownia will schedule a trial to begin in April of 2018 if the case is not settled. Mrs. Murphy was tragically killed after 48 year old Issac Parker - innocent and unarmed - was pulled over by BMHA police in a classic “driving while Black” incident that resulted in police shooting him. A high speed chase ensued. Parker lost control of his car and crashed into several polls including a traffic light. One of the polls landed on Ida Murphy as she walked near Pikes Peak Market on Fillmore and Urban across from Antioch Baptist Church where she was a devoted member. Both she and the driver of the car, Issac Parker, died at the scene. The late Ida Murphy's three children were in the courtroom when their attorney, John V. Elmore, argued against the city’s motion to dismiss the case. Attorney Elmore Carpacio Murphy, the son of the late Ida Murphy, said that for first time since their Mother's death they are beginning to feel a sense of justice. Carpacio praised attorney Elmore who he said never backed down from the City of Buffalo and who extended an enormous amount of recourses and time “seeking justice for us. “

Buffalo Anti-Gentrification Coalition Holds Rally

he Buffalo Anti-Gentrification Coalition held a rally and press conference at City Hall Nov. 8, the day after the eletion, to demand that the City of Buffalo immediately implement a mandatory inclusionary zoning policy. In the wake of the City’s recent in-rem tax foreclosure auction, that saw vacant lots selling for over $50,000 and dilapidated homes selling for $90,000, the Coalition demanded that the City of Buffalo take bold action to address gentrification. According to housing activists, since February the Office of Strategic Planning has stalled on producing an affordable housing study and developing an inclusionary zoning policy that would guarantee affordable units are included in new housing developments in the City of Buffalo. The coalition released the following statement: "Gentrification is running rampant in Buffalo leading to displacement and rapidly increasing housing costs. While many local business and elected leaders talk in glowing terms of the City’s economic and cultural resurgence, Buffalo remains one of the poorest cities in the country. Low income and working class residents across the city who are struggling economically feel the pain of increased housing costs – rents in Buffalo are rising at the 3rd fastest rate in the U.S. In addition to its national poverty ranking, Buffalo remains one of the most racially segregated large cities in the country. The relative proliferation of subsidized market-rate housing development in Buffalo in recent year is directly contributing to the problem of housing affordability. Community groups and grassroots leaders are again sounding the alarm to the Common Council and the Brown administration - we need affordable housing, and we needed it a year ago." The group sought to meet with Mayor Brown. At one point they shouted in front of his second floor office, "come out...and meet the people that you left out." He told the Buffalo News that he decided not to come out and address the crowd because city officials had already scheduled an upcoming meeting with one of the groups. "My thought is that they wanted to put on a show," he said.

Inoculation Introduced to America by An Enslaved African Few details are known about the birth of Onesimus, but it is assumed he was born in Africa in the late seventeenth century before eventually landing in Boston. One of a thousand people of African descent living in the Massachusetts colony, Onesimus was a gift to the Puritan church minister Cotton Mather from his congregation in 1706. Onesimus told Mather about the centuries old tradition of inoculation practiced in Africa. By extracting the material from an infected person and scratching it into the skin of an uninfected person, you could deliberately introduce smallpox to the healthy individual making them immune. Considered extremely dangerous at the time, Cotton Mather convinced Dr. Zabdiel Boylston to experiment with the procedure when a smallpox epidemic hit Boston in 1721 and over 240 people were inoculated. Opposed politically, religiously and medically in the United States and abroad, public reaction to the experiment put Mather and Boylston’s lives in danger despite records indicating that only 2% of patients requesting inoculation died compared to the 15% of people not inoculated who contracted smallpox. Onesimus’ traditional African practice was used to inoculate American soldiers during the Revolutionary War and introduced the concept of inoculation to the United States.

NATIONAL + WORLD

- Briefs -

Minister Louis Farrakhan Warns Trump at Fiery D.C. Press Conference: "I'm not running From You" By Shaheem Reid

President Mugabe

Hope and Uncertainty in Zimbabwe as Mugabe Resigns Robert Mugabe, the world’s longest serving leader, has resigned as president of Zimbabwe with immediate effect after 37 years in power, ushering in a new era for a country as uncertain as it is hopeful. The man who ruled with an autocrat’s grip for so many years finally caved to popular and political pressure, hours after parliament launched proceedings to impeach him. He had refused to leave office during an eight day crisis that began when the military took over last week. Robert Mugabe had been Zimbabwe’s leader, either as prime minister or president since the fall of Rhodesia 's regime in 1980. A teacher before he became a politician, Robert Mugabe founded ZANU, the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union to struggle against British colonial rule. He served a decade in prison for his political activities before escaping. ZANU under his leadership was one of the major players in the chimurenga , the peoples war against Rhodesia’s apartheid government. Mugabe led the guerrilla forces against the White rule of Rhodesia and came out of the bush to sign the Lancaster Agreement which laid down the conditions under which the white minority government was dissolved and became prime minister when ZANU-PF won the 1980 election. A hero of national liberation, he once proclaimed: “Our resources are ours…our gold is ours…our platinum belongs to us…not America, and not Britain.”

'Black Death' Plague

An outbreak of the "Black Death" -- also known as pneumonic plague -- has been described as the "worst in 50 years." The disease has already killed more than 171 people in Madagascar alone, with thousands more confirmed cases across the east African country.

On Thursday (Nov. 17) in Washington D.C., the Honorable Minister Farrakhan held a press conference at the Watergate Hotel, the very location where a series of events catalyzed the last president to get impeached, Richard Nixon. MemMinister Farrakhan bers of the press and Nation of Islam gathered to hear the message promised to be directed at Trump. "This is not a hate-filled message from some radical madman," Farrakhan said as he began at the podium. "This is a message of divine love." The powerful and polarizing leader also said that he would be issuing a "warning" and delivering "guidance." "This message is not from Louis Farrakhan, this message is from the Honorable Elijah Muhammad through Louis Farrakhan," he said. "It is a final warning. It is a final call to Black people that you must change the way you think and act." Farrakhan said Blacks have to come together because they, especially the youth, are now and have been targets of several presidents. "I knew enough to know Ronald Reagan didn't have no love for Black people," he said. "Reagan ain't never loved us." He then accused the former President of planning "war games" against Black people as early on in his career as when he was a governor. "This has continued for six presidents," the Minister fired. "'Tricky Dick' was before you. You caught more hell under the Clinton administration and you thought he was the first Black president." He soon directed his attention to the subject at hand. "When Mr. Trump was elected, the onion was being peeled back and White civility was gone," the Minister asserted. "They are angry and they are killing us. ... A war is brewing. Are they planning war? Is it against Black youth and Black people? Yes!" Farrakhan condemned the current president for wanting Afghanistan's natural resources and for calling NFL players who kneel in protest "sons of bitches." He defiantly told those in attendance and the viewers watching the livestream that he knows the U.S. government has been plotting to assassinate him, as well. "I come to you, no Army, no Navy," he said to Trump fearlessly. "These brothers that are around don't carry weapons. If you want to kill us, we are here. I'm not running from you. I'm running to you. You may say, 'This is not the usual press conference.' No, it's not," he confirmed with a grin. The Minister did admit that at one time this country was great and that "America needs to reflect on her sins." He added, "Who is bold enough, strong enough to tell America that 'you have been wrong for a very long time?" Farrakhan did have praise for one president however, Barack Obama, whom he compared to a biblical figure. And he chastised Trump for not showing respect, saying, "Barack Obama, you called him a weak president because he's not like you or his predecessors. He's like Jonah, a reluctant prophet."

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis The Rev. Jesse Jackson has announced that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jackson, 76, described in a letter to supporters how he was diagnosed with the disease and also said that the same disease afflicted his father. According to NBC Chicago, Jackson was diagnosed in 2015. PRAY FOR PEACE.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

Buffalo Advocates Join AssemblyWoman to Call for an End to Marijuana Prohibition in NY PROUD VETERANS: Members of the Jesse Clipper American legion post #430 pose with Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes (in red) and Warren Galloway,AAVM chairperson.

“Honoring Our Heroes”: The African American Veterans Monument is a Fitting Tribute to Veterans of Color By Paulette Woods

On Veterans Day, November 11 at 8:30 a.m., a ceremony was held to unveil the African American Veterans Memorial to be placed at the Buffalo Naval Park. This monument, the first of its kind in the country, will honor Black Veterans who served in all 12 of American’s wars and conflicts. Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes, who spearheaded this project, is also honoring her decreased dad who was a Korean War Veteran. Paul Woods, this writer’s father, is a 94-year-old WWII veteran who drove in from Angola, New York to see honor being given to Black Veterans. These men fought for freedom around the world, while they themselves suffered racism in the military and when they returned home. Warren Galloway, a Vietnam Veteran, who is Chairman of the AAVM committee, was not welcomed when he returned from Vietnam. This memorial serves as his welcome home. For so many reasons, the history of the Black Soldier has not been told. We see movies like ” Saving Private Ryan,” a WWI story that shows no Blacks in the war effort. No Tuskegee Airmen who guided the Bombers to Berlin and Tokyo. No Blacks like my dad in the Liberation of the Philippines. The Jesse Clipper American Legion Post#430 showed up in full force. We represent Black soldiers who served in a time of warmale and female. Our brother American Legion Post Bennett Wells joined us. Henry Curtis III is Past Commander of Jesse Clipper. I am on the AAVM committee. I am so grateful to Crystal PeopleStokes and the many elected officials from the city, county, state and federal level i.e. (Lt. Gov. Kathy Hohcul, Mayor Brown, Bishop Darius Pridgen, and the many organizations supporting this effort). The AAVM committee will need financial support from all of them to open this monument next year. It is my prayer that this effort will unite people everywhere in recognition of the service, scarifice and love of country shared by African American servicemen and women.

On November 14th, the Partnership for the Public Good released a report highlighting marijuana prohibition enforcement practices in Buffalo and their disparate impact on communities of color. The report, Advancing Racial Equity and Public Health: Smarter Marijuana Laws in Western New York,shows that marijuana prohibition in Buffalo has been largely enforced in communities of color and that the harms of prohibition—including increased barriers to higher education, housing, and employment opportunities—have been born almost entirely by Buffalo’s Black and Latino residents. The report shows that from 2012 to 2016, people of color represented 76% of the arrests for low-level marijuana possession, despite being 18% of Erie County’s residents. In the City of Buffalo, Black people—especially youth—are 7 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White people. These extreme disparities in arrests exist despite government data showing that young White people use marijuana at higher rates. This event also highlighted legislative solutions to end the marijuana arrest crusade. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which was reintroduced in June 2016 by Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, would legalize marijuana for adult use in New York and reclassify or seal records for prior marijuana arrests. Advocates across the city of Buffalo are joining Assm. Peoples-Stokes in calling for an end to marijuana prohibition and signing on to the Start SMART NY campaign to tax and regulate marijuana. his report includes extensive analyses of marijuana arrest data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

RESILIENCY: Life Can Be Difficult, Don’t Give Up!

ne of the roles I had while serving in the military was to be an MRT or Military Resilience Trainer. Basically, I taught soldiers how to be more resilient so they wouldn’t consider suicide. But what I have found is, a lot of the things that I trained soldiers on could help everyday working people as well. Over the next few weeks I want to go through some of those resiliency skills, and hopefully help someone out. Think of resilDuncan iency as the ability to bounce back. KIRKWOOD The first thing that every person can do every day is what we call “Hunt The Good Stuff” or like your grandma used to say “Count Your Blessings.” Basically everyday identify three things that happened that were good. It sounds simple but this is incredibly important!!! It creates a spirit of gratitude and this is a big step in building resiliency. Think of resiliency as a water in your cup. And think of setbacks in life as spilling some water out of that cup. EVERYONE has set backs in life (don’t be fooled by social media). If your cup is low (meaning you have low resilience) and you have a setback or a “spill” – bringing your cup closer to being empty, you are more at risk to hurt yourself or others. I know that talking about mental health is something that sadly, is a taboo in our community. However, if this article helps one person it is worth it. So, step one, Hunt the Good Stuff. Next, I want address the most difficult part of the training to teach – the concept of ATC (Activating Events, Thoughts, and Consequences). Often, people think that when something happens it causes their reaction. That is not true. There is something that happens between an event, and your reaction to that event. You get to decide how you feel about that event. So if someone cuts you off in traffic, you don’t instantly start cursing. You have to decide to be angry about it. Working on controlling your thoughts after an activating event will help to shape your consequences. An activating event is just another way of saying something happens. If you are always in a reactionary mode, meaning you don’t control your thoughts, you will always be having spills out of your “cup.” However, if , after something happens, you make the choice to not let it ruin your day or not to give it your energy, your cup remains full. These are just a couple nuggets that I hope will help. More resiliency tips to come! Peace and Love.

FAITH & FAMILY

A Divide Between Young People and Christianity? According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 19 percent of Blacks under 30 are unaffiliated with a religion, compared with just 7 percent of Blacks aged 65 and older. The statistic represents a growing divide between young people and Christianity and raises concerns about its importance in the future

Zion Missionary Baptist Church November Prayer And Fasting Zion Missionary Baptist Church is once again hosting the “Repositioning the Body of Christ Through Prayer and Fasting” Monday mornings for the month of November. Please join us on the last November date , Monday November 27. For more information

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

"All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner" Metropolitan United Methodist Church is hosting an "All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner" Saturday, November 25 from 1 - 4 p.m. It's Thanksgiving weekend, and you know you are going to be tired of turkey and dressing! So change your menu and come on over to Metropolitan, 657 Best Street and feast on something delicious and different. The cost is only $10 per person and you can eat-in or take-out. Meals will include spaghetti, salad, dessert, bread and drink. We have tickets - get yours today or just stop by the church and join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. For more information please contact the church at (716) 891-5652. Angela R. Stewart is Pastor.

Holiday Musical Celebration St. John Business & Leadership Academy will host a Holiday Musical Celebration Saturday, November 25 from 12 Noon – to 2 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell Street. Featured gospel artists include •Union •Reverend Moe Badger •Latosha Payton – Elim Christian Fellowship •Living Waters” – Fred Jamison •Minister Wynetta Hall-McElveen

Deceased African American Veterans of WNY Exhibit at Our Savior Lutheran Church The 13 panel exhibit of Deceased WNY African American Veterans will be available for public viewing the church social hall at Our Savior Lutheran Church located at 26 Brunswick Blvd. The schedule for viewing will be Sunday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.; Monday Nov. 27, Tuesday Nov.28, and Wednesday Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This exhibit is a result of a project of the Erie County Chapter of Links, Inc., who began collecting the names in 2013.

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

yet!

H.E.A.P. Outreach Sites in District 1 Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) Outreach Sites throughout the 1st Legislative District for the 2017-2018 H.E.A.P. season. The outreach events will be held throughout the H.E.A.P. season at various locations in District 1 on Wednesdays from November 29, 2017 to January 17, 2018. A partial list of the events are as follows: •Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm True Bethel Charities 594 Winslow Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14211 •Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm Old First Ward Community Center 62 Republic Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 •Wednesday, December 6, 2017 – 10am to 2pm Moot Senior Center 292 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14204 •Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm George K. Arthur Center 2056 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14211 •Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm Dorothy J. Collier Center 118 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14209 •Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm William-Emslie YMCA 585 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206 •Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm Hispanics United of Buffalo 254 Virginia Street, Buffalo, NY 14201

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

FAITH & FAMILY

Western New York Law Center: One Of Buffalo's Best Kept Secrets!

Organization provides legal services to residents from foreclosure cases to cbankrupcy and more. And it's all free!

By Nanette D. Massey

f your house was possessed by the city and sold at September's InRem auction, do you know you might have money due to you? That's right. The Western New York Law Center wants you to know that all proceeds beyond satisfying the back taxes and user fees belong right back in your pocket. It's true. And it's the WNYLC's job to give you the legal help you need free of charge. "For a lot of people, this can be a game changer," says Connie Joyce, the center's Community Outreach Communicator. Many of these auctioned properties are in newly high demand areas where selling prices of over a hundred thousand dollars are not unheard of. The difference between that and what was owed, "that's money that can be used to pay debts, find a new place to live, to give somebody a fresh start." In December, WNYLC will be sending out a mass mailing to all those whose homes were sold. Enclosed you will find contact information and first steps to follow to get the process moving in your favor. You do not want to toss this out as junk mail, trust me, so be alert for it. Congress established the LSA Act of 1974. It set aside money to fund local organizations tasked with the purpose of providing equal access to justice in civil matters for low-income people. Western New York Law Center is Erie County's manifestation of that 1974 law. Here you can receive help with consumer legal matters related to bankruptcies, foreclosures, wage garnishments, i.d. theft, default judgements, and more. Attorney Keisha Williams contends primarily with bankruptcy and foreclosure interventions. She sees a lot of cases where homeowners are served with an action and simply don't respond. Feeling overwhelmed and powerless, all they know is they can't afford

private legal help. She recalls the story of a veteran we'll call Bob who lived in a house owned, on paper, by his deceased mother. He came to WNYLC when the house was scheduled to be sold out from under him with only two weeks to go. CPLR 3408 is a 2010 statute that entitles any person living in the foreclosed home a final settlement conference with the lien holder. Sorting through the paperwork, Ms. Williams noticed that no such conference had occurred. She petitioned to stop the sale of the house and scheduled the conference. In the ensuing time, WNYLC helped Bob through the proper channels of Surrogate Court to acquire the deed. Then they introduced him to the Mortgage Assistance Program. NYS-MAP provides loans of up to $40,000 to qualified homeowners at risk for foreclosure. The interest rate for this loan? Zero. And the loan only becomes due down the line when the owner sells the house. Once the settlement conference date came around, Bob had all his ducks in a row. He went from within two weeks of having nowhere to go, to being a full-fledged homeowner himself. This is the kind of hands-on help The Center provides for homeowners feeling at the end of their rope. "Zombie foreclosure" is the term used to refer to abandoned lots where no one is quite sure anymore who is responsible for the property. East Buffalo jargon would refer to these as "bandos." "You could lose your fire insurance given your proximity to a vacant house," explains Kate Lockhart, The Center's point person for these matters. "They bring down the value of other area homes and there's a whole domino effect." She tells the story of a South Buffalo home in an area that flooded frequently. "The neighbors were draining the house themselves because it caused such a problem." The WNYLC went on the hunt for the property's owner.

Sometimes that trail is quite the web to unravel, as banks sell and otherwise transfer that mortgage debt over and over again. Additionally, what often what happens is the bank will reflexively send a foreclosure notice, then back away after assessing the property not worth their effort to pursue. Not realizing this, the owner will have already vacated the property to avoid the humiliation of that impending 11th hour summons tacked to the door by the sheriff's department. Such was the case with this South Buffalo house. The Center tracked down its owner, an investor living in California who believed his claim to the property to be long gone. With WNYLC's help, the investor transferred the house to Habitat for Humanity as a donation---and a tax write off. The street now has a tax generating property protecting the vitality and value of the neighborhood. Ms Lockhart and WNYLC were also instrumental in helping another woman we'll call Sandy. Sandy too was lost in the maze of a mortgage that had been transferred many times. She wasn't getting anywhere on her own trying to track down the final lien holder, and lived in constant fear of the sheriff's knock. With WNYLC’S help, she found that indeed the bank had discharged the loan all together, and she no longer owned anyone anything. Sandy said she was finally able to sleep peacefully in her home for the first time in over six years. Continued Page 12

Entertainment

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

Laverne Clay: The Passing of a Great Thespian...

averne Clay, a highly regarded member of the Black theatre movement in Buffalo who dedicated much of his life to acting, directing and mentoring young performers, took his last bow on November 10 when he died of complications of congestive heart failure. He was 87 years young. Veteran actress and founder of Ujima Theatre, Lorna Hill, called him a “cultural icon” whose name in the theatre community is “a household word.” Paul Robeson Theatre Artistic Director Paulette Harris lamented his passing as the end of an era. “He was truly an educator in the arts…he gave us so much history on his journey.” He also was very serious about his craft. “Lavern was really big on you studying your craft and doing whatever was required to have a good presentation on stage.” The Paul Robeson Theatre, she continued, was his “home,” having directed more plays at the legendary inner city theatre than anywhere else. The last play he directed on stage at the Robeson Theatre she recalled, was Fetch Clay Make Man, a production about Stepin’ Fetchit and Muhammad Ali. “I saw him about a week before he passed,” continued Ms. Harris. “His mind was so sharp…he still memorized his lines from August Wilson’s “Jitney” which was performed on stage at the Studio Arena Theatre.

Laverne Clay Directs in 2009. On stage at the Paul Robeson Theatre are actors Cynthia Maxwell and Roger Lamont Killion.

“Lavern and I go way back” said actor/director Ed Smith. “He was very instrumental with the Black Drama Workshop. He was a gem…whatever I did in Buffalo Laverne was behind me and very supportive.” Ed, who currently resides in Dallas, Texas, was a former director of the African American Cultural Center. He is responsible for giving the Paul Robeson Theatre its name. “Laverne was the best actor in Buffalo, one of the best directors and a great brother…not a friend, but a brother.” Born July 19, 1930 in Camden, S.C. Laverne Clay moved to Buffalo with his family as a child and attended Buffalo Public Schools. He joined the Air Force when he turned 18. While in the service he witnessed his first theatre production. It was an inspiration that lasted a lifetime. While attending the University of Oregon he performed in his first production. Lavern’s list of credits are im-

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pressive, from appearing on the stage of the Studio area Theatre and Geneva Theatre in Rochester to performing for Ujima Theatre productions and the Off Broadway production of Purlie Victorious. His Paul Robeson stage credits are many. Clay retired from Roswell Cancer Institute in 1986 after working there for 33 years as a radiation tech. He leaves to cherish his memory three children - a daughter Renee Clay King and two sons, Mark Clay and Keith Clay Sr.; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as a host of cousins and friends Services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home on Genesee Street. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. “May his beautiful, creative soul rest forever in the Eternal Fields of Peace”

ON STAGE Marsha McWilson Christmas Concert

*Marsha McWilson will give a Christmas show to be remembered on Saturday, Dec. 9th from 6-10 p.m. at Niagara Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, featuring Vegas entertainer Richie Derwald and the vocal harmony group Steadfast. Proceeds go to struggling families to help with tuition assistance. Get your tickets today. Last year was packed-- it's going to be a fun night of music! https://marshachristmas. brownpapertickets.com/ Also visit www.marshamcwilson.com and www.markwebermusicblog. *Queen City Comedy Jam presents Mo’nique, Nephew Tommy and Friends at Kleinhans music Hall, Saturday, Jan. 6. Tickets @ Kleinhans Box Office and Doris Re-

*Chaka Khan Sat., Jan. 27 @ Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center . *Robin Thicke Sa.t, Jan. 06 @ Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE!

‘INSIDE THE RAINBOW”: Vivian “Cookie” Jackson (third from left) poses with supporters.

FOR THE CHILDREN: The children who attended last Thursday's meeting could not have been more excited! Pictured above (from left) Jereick Williams, Jamar Williams, Jermaine Williams, Jalisa Williams, Jalai Williams, Xzarir Prizel, Zyon Prizel.

Vivian “Cookie” Jackson is still working to make her dream of building “Inside The Rainbow” - a roller skating rink for inner city kids. The site would also house a banquet facility, ice cream parlor and diner. An impressive turnout of community supporters last Thursday at the CRUCIAL Center got a chance to see a preliminary concept of “Inside the Rainbow” and hear more about the dream from Ms. Jackson and Steven Carmina of Carmina, Wood, Morris Architects. After the meeting Mr. Carmina told the Challenger that he believes Inside The Rainbow will be “a great boost” for the area. “It will become a beacon for this community,” he said, adding that it will give inner city kids the same type of recreational opportunities that suburban kids have. “It was a great turnout” he said of the meeting, “...very encouraging.”

Eva Doyle to Host Tribute to Fats Domino Columnist Eva M. Doyle will host a tribute to the Late Rock N' Roll Great Antoine "Fats" Domino on Saturday, November 25 at the Merriweather Library from 2 - 5 p.m. The program will feature a testimonial to the legendary singer and piano player led by George Scott from the Colored Musician's Club, Jeff Miers Pop Music Critic from the Buffalo News, and Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant. The audience will also be invited to participate. This will be followed by a film featuring Fats Domino performing such hits as Blueberry Hill, Walking to New Orleans, My Girl Josephine, Blue Monday and so much more. Fats Domino made his transition on October 24 at the age of 89. Admission to this event is free and open to the public. For more information call 847-6010.

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GENERATIONS Body Cams Don’t Matter? After a series of high-profile police shootings, police departments across the nation turned to body cameras, hoping they would curb abuses. But a rigorous study reports the New York Times, shows that they have almost no effect on officer behavior. The 18-month study of more than 2,000 police officers in Washington found that officers equipped with cameras used force and prompted civilian complaints at about the same rate as those who did not have them.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

April Baskin Thanks Voters November 7th formally confirmed newcomer April Baskin victorious in her campaign for the Erie County Legislature’s 2nd District seat. Baskin ran successful five-month campaign in which she crisscrossed the city of Buffalo to speak with voters about the issues important to them and spread a message of unity that reverberated throughout the community. "I am humbled and deeply honored to serve as the next Legislator for the 2nd district. I'm pleased that my message of building bridges and uniting the district to address our tough issues has resonated with voters and I want to thank them for trusting me. I also want to thank the voters and all my neighbors of District 2. I would also like to thank all the committee members of the Erie County Democratic Committee, the elected officials that supported me, and my family and close friends who supported me along this journey. Their support made my efforts possible!” Baskin added, “I want to congratulate my opponents on a hard fought race. It is clear that all three of my opponents care deeply about our community and I look forward to working with all of them to help solve the difficult issues facing the 2nd District. My victory this month is not the end of my mission but rather it’s just the beginning. I look forward to taking my seat in January and working hard on behalf of my constituents.” Baskin plans to have an open door policy at her district office which will be located on Main street in Buffalo near Filmore Ave. and Amherst St., a central point of District 2 where she can effectively begin to build bridges within the district's rich diversity and be an accessible advocate of fairness for all residents within the district. Baskin looks forward to sharing more info regarding her community office ribbon cutting celebration soon.

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Buff City Hoops Seeks Volunteers and Teams for 4th Annual Season The Buff City Hoops 4th Annual Basketball Tournament will be held again next summer in Masten Park on Best Street, August 18, 2018. Organizers are in the planning stage of lining up the participants, coaches referees and teams that will be participating. This friendship building youth sports activity was put together by it founder, Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant, to fill the void left by the Gus Macker Tournament when they lost the contract to hold their decades old tournament in the City of Buffalo. If you wish to volunteer as a coach at next year's tournament or have a team that you wish to have participate, please call Betty Jean @ 602-5877 or Esther Smothers @ 697-6034. Ms. Cecelie Owens, Founder & CEO of Girls Sports Foundation, is the Commissioner of Basketball for Buff City Hoops. All expenses relating to the tournament, including purchasing reversible jerseys, trophies, guest presenters, awards & prizes, breakfast and lunch plus refreshments will be paid for by the organization and there is no admission fees that youths have to pay in order to participate. Buff City Hoops has applied for the 501-C3 status that will allow all donations to be tax deductible. Corporate, government and private sponsors are needed to keep this well-attended event free for the young boys and girls in Buffalo & Erie County. BAK, USA, International, ECMC, Evergreen Inc., University of Buffalo E.O.C., Buffalo Councilmembers Ulysees Wingo and Rasheed Wyatt and Council President Darius Pridgen, have been the proud sponsors for the past three years and Hoops organizers are looking forward to their continuing support for the 2018's tournament as well. Volunteers for next year's tournament are being recruited now. Please call the individuals at the numbers listed above for more information. Donations are needed and can be mailed to: Buff City Hoops, P.O. Box 1614, Buffalo, NY 14215.

VOICES

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

Buffalo Schools at the Crossroads:

Are You Smarter than a 3rd Grader?!

’ve written about standardized tests in previous articles, but given the State’s mandate that the Buffalo School District either turn over BUILD Academy to an independent receiver or close the school and re-open it as a new school, this is a good time to revisit the problem of high stakes testing. The State’s determination was based upon the failure of the school to make “demonstrable improvement” since being placed on the “persistently DR. BARBARA struggling” list two years ago. BUILD Acad- NEVERGOLD emy was given twelve specific performance indicators as achievement goals. BUILD students demonstrated improvement in 4 of the 12 key indicators but not in the other eight. The latter were all test-based indicators. Ultimately, student performance on the State’s standardized English Language Arts and Math tests did not achieve proficiency levels required by the State Education Department. As a school board member and educator, I have followed the high stakes testing debate for some time. There are numerous reasons why we should question the validity of using these tests as a principal accountability measure of our children’s capability and a determinant of the future of our schools. The tests 1) are not developmentally appropriate – reading levels are far above the grade level being tested 2) are not diagnostic; they don’t provide information that helps the teacher target individual student learning needs 3) are not differentiated by student need as almost all children take the same test, regardless of their cognitive ability or their English language proficiency; it’s a one size fits all approach 4) encourage teaching to the test at the expense of time for other subjects 5) demoralize and frustrate children. In addition, test results are being used to grade schools and to evaluate educators, even though statistics experts dispute the validity of this methodology. Few parents/community members have an idea of what the tests are like. The ELA Tests are principally made up of long reading passages. The paragraphs in the articles are numbered and students are given multiple choice questions or are asked to write short answer responses. The multiple choice questions give four possible answers. Students need to reference the article to select their answer. The passages are lengthy and educators, who have evaluated the reading level of these passages, have found them to be two to three or sometimes four levels above the reading level of the students being tested. The following is a test question from the 2017 3rd grade ELA test. “Excerpt from Astrophysicist and Space Advocate Neil deGrasse Tyson” by Marne Ventura

DISCOVERING THE NIGHT SKY 1. The lights in the planetarium dimmed. Nine-year-old Neil sat in the darkness and stared up at the huge domed ceiling. The audience grew silent. A voice boomed, "We are now in the universe, and on a high, curved ceiling here are the stars:' 2. It was Neil's first visit to the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He had seen the night sky many times from his home in the Bronx. He had seen a few stars and the moon. But tonight, was different. On the ceiling above him, he saw countless stars, planets, and constellations-groups of stars that form shapes. 3. Not long after this, Neil and his family took a trip to Pennsylvania. Away from the lights of New York City, he was able to see the stars more clearly. He realized the stars he had seen on the planetarium ceiling were not just part of a show. They were real. He wanted to know more about them. Neil felt like the universe was calling him.” This passage continues for another 8 paragraphs for 11 paragraphs in all, over 800 words. The questions based on the reading asks the students to select the most appropriate answer, based on specific paragraphs that they are directed to reference, as in the following: In Paragraph 3, when the author says that "Neil felt like the universe was calling him," she is referring to how (A) he heard the booming voice inside the Hayden Planetarium on his first visit (B) he was delighted by seeing the stars inside the Hayden Planetarium (C) his experiences looking at the stars made him want to learn more about astronomy (D) he wanted to spend more time in the countryside because he could see more of the sky Paragraph 6 of the passage supports paragraph 3 by showing that Neil (A) saw the same things at home that he saw at the planetarium (B) wanted to return to Pennsylvania to use his new binoculars (C) continued his interest in learning about the universe (D) tried to share his interest in stars with his parents. To answer the second question, students must look back at paragraph 6 and in addition, they also need to re-read paragraph 3 to find the correct answer. Until recently the tests were timed, and students had to complete then within a set time-frame. So, are you as smart as a 3rd grader? I can only provide a small snap shot of the ELA test here, but readers can make a firsthand assessment about the suitability of the ELA and the Math exams for all children, not just children of color as well as the use of test results to make determinations about school closure. The State Education Department released a sampling of the 2017 tests in August and you can find these questions and rationales used for grading each test at https://www.engageny.org/resource/ released-2017-3-8-ela-and-mathematics-state-test-questions Barbara Seals Nevergold is the President of the Buffalo Board of Education but the views expressed here are her personal opinion and are not an official Board Statement.

Do We Need More Security In Our Churches? Dear Editor: Time and time again we hear the phrase, "it can't happen here." We all hope and pray that it does not, but like at Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, in Charleston, and more recently at First Baptist Church, Sutherland, Texas, it could. In a country where we are witnesses to too many of these honor stories, we seem to be seeing an increased attack to our most holy buildings. I say this unfortunate fact because 1 think we have come to a point where Church leaders must begin to seriously re-evaluate security in our churches. In most of our churches, when you walk in, the only way most people (in the instance of an emergency) know how to leave, is the same way they entered. I would venture to say that most Pastors, Rabbi's, Imam's, etc. have (as of this date), failed to have in place an emergency exit plan for their congregants.. I hope it never happens here, but emergency plans, if not in place, must be implemented in our house of worship. Just in case. -Roger Jackson

dear editor

“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

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National Day of Mourning "Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered at noon on Cole's Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving holiday. Many Native Americans do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. To them, Thanksgiving Day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of their people, the theft of their lands, and the relentless assault on their culture. Participants in a National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience." Text of Plaque on Cole's Hill Most school children are taught that Native Americans helped the Pilgrims and were invited to the first Thanksgiving feast. Young children's conceptions of Native Americans often develop out of media portrayals and classroom role playing of the events of the First Thanksgiving. The conception of Native Americans gained from such early exposure is both inaccurate and potentially damaging to others. Therefore, most children do not know the following facts, which explain why many American Indians today call Thanksgiving a "Day of Mourning". Traditional hospitality and generosity have and continue to be constant Tribal virtues to be practiced at all times. Before the Pilgrims arrived Plymouth had been the site of a Pawtuxet village which was wiped out by a plague (introduced by English explorers looking to grab a piece of the New World land) five years before the Pilgrims landed These Native peoples had met Europeans before the Pilgrims arrived. One such European was Captain Thomas Hunt, who started trading with the Native people in 1614. He captured 20 Pawtuxcts and seven Naugassets, selling them as slaves in Spain. Many other European expeditions also lured Native people onto ships and then imprisoned and enslaved them. These expeditions carried smallpox, typhus, measles and other European diseases to this continent. Native people had no immunity and some groups were totally wiped out while others were severely decimated. An estimated 72,000 to 90,000 people lived in southern New England before contact with Europeans. One hundred years later, their numbers were reduced by 80%. It was the English Captain Thomas Hunt's expedition that brought the plague, which destroyed the Pawtnxet. . The nearest other people were the Wampanoag. In modern times they are often simply known as the Indians who met the Pilgrim invasion, their lands stretched from present day Narragansett Bay to Cape Cod. Like most other Tribal peoples in the area, the Wampanoag were farmers and hunters. Ironically, the first official "Day of Thanksgiving" was proclaimed in 1637 by Massachusetts Governor John Winthrop. He did so to celebrate the safe return of English colony men from Mystic, Connecticut. They massacred 600 Pequots that had laid down their weapons and accepted Christianity. They were rewarded with a vicious and cowardly slaughter by their new "brothers ... "

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Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

It’s Just Around the Corner...

e are approaching year’s end and we will have our last monthly meeting on November 27. By now, everyone knows that we have our regular meetings once a month on the last Monday. We do not meet in December, as the winter holidays tend to make regular meetings difficult. There is no doubt that local issues are inextricably linked to state issues, and they are massive. When we take time

to think about criminal INjustice issues, the list of concerns can be daunting. Feeling that these issues are insurmountable leaves us feeling that we can do nothing to make right what is wrong. We encourage you to believe in hope and victory. We were nearly victorious in advocating for Bernie Tolbert to be our next Sheriff. He did well in the recent election and he might have won if we had started our efforts sooner. During 2017, we have

engaged our readers and attendees with monthly programs that centered on: parole reform (Lobby Day in Albany); political prisoners (Jalil Muntaqim, Robert Seth Hayes, and Herman Bell); organizing for liberation (Black Panthers, Attica Rebellion 1971, and Black August); and reentry (Fonz Carter, Entrepreneur, Thearthur Duncan,

Lawyer and Wayne Oates, Social Worker); and restorative justice (“Life Stories: Restoring Justice” and continuing RJ training in schools and with neighborhood youth in conjunction with My Brothers’ Keeper). During 2018, we anticipate continuing to highlight the above-mentioned subjects. They will be further illuminated by our membership in the NYS Prisoner Justice Network, #FREEnewyork, and the Alliance of Families for Justice. We will move forward with information regarding Y.E.S.T…Youth Education for Social Transformation, mental health treatment in prison, and a recently organized campaign demanding bail reform. Our next regular meeting will feature a film

about Kalief Browder, an African American male who went to prison at age 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack. He was held at Rikers Island for almost 3 years, awaiting trial. Most of that time was spent in solitary confinement. He committed suicide 3 years after his release at the age of 22. Kalief’s story is important and it relates to three of our 2018 initiatives: juvenile justice, bail reform, and mental health. As always, the public is welcomed to join us on Monday, November 27, 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Rafi Greene CAO Community Center, 1423 Fillmore @ Glenwood. For more information: Karima, 716-834-8438, karima@prp2. org; BaBa, 716-491-5319, g.babaeng@yahoo.com.

WNY LAW CENTER continued over six years.

Some weeks ago, The Challenger reported that a lawsuit is moving forward against the City of Buffalo in response to complaints about traffic checkpoints being disproportionately set up east of Main Street and WNYLC is one of the legal entities involved. "These checkpoints are directly harming Buffalo's low-income communities of color," says Keisha Williams. "How many people have lost their license because they couldn't afford to pay tickets issued at these checkpoints?" The claim is that the checkpoints have a disparate effect on a particular group given their uneven distribution throughout the city. East side residents who have an account to share about their experience at one of these checkpoints are urged to call the special hotline number set up at (646)680-8906. The suit is in need of stories that will help give specific anecdotal might to its claims. This is only a sampling of the legal help available to the public at no charge through the Western New York Law Center, probably one of Buffalo's best kept secrets. In part two we will talk more about consumer debt legal counsel.

NEW BUSINESSES LLC -LEGAL NOTICENOTICE of FORMATION of a DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC, T- N-T Rental Properties, LLC Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: June 5, 2017. Office of the LLC: 82 Stonham Way Williamsville, NY 14221 Erie County. Contact: Theodore Brinson (716) 444-1278. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 82 Stonham Way Williamsville, NY. Purpose of LLC: Rental Assistance and Property Management. No specific duration attached to LLC. Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20 -LEGAL NOTICENOTICE of FORMATION of a DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC, RET Freedom LLC, Date of filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Dept. of State: August 9, 2017. Office of the LLC: 1000 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204 Erie County. Contact: Timothy Hogues (716) 818-6637. The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. NYSS may mail a copy of process to the LLC at 1000 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204. Purpose of LLC: Rental Assistance and Property Management. No specific duration attached to LLC. Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20 -LEGAL NOTICE-

ADMalcolm Construction Management LLC. Art of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/17. Office: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 212 Wallace Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20

-LEGAL NOTICENOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Ximi Underneath filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on the 1st day of November, 2017. Office location: Erie County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served upon him or her to: 33 Weber Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity. Nov. 15,22,29 Dec.6,13,20 -LEGAL NOTICENOTICE OF FORMATION OF A DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Name of LLC: Pleasant Ride Transportation, LLC. Articles of Organization November 7, 2017 Office of LLC: Erie County.The NY Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. Mail to : 120 Easton Ave. Buffalo, NY 14215.Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLC under NY Limited Liability Company Act. NOV. 15,22,29 DEC. 6,13,20

JOBS

Buffalo Employment and Training Center / BETC • 716-856-5627

www.workforcebuffalo.org The BETC is here to help with your job searching needs. We have free services to all jobseekers looking to find better paying work, an exciting new career, or wanting to upgrade skills to become more marketable. in today’s marketplace. Orientation Times: Monday – Thursday, 10 am or 2 pm.

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

Email legals & classifieds to: advertising@thechallengernews.com • Deadline Fridays @ 5pm

Certified Nurse Assistant Recertification Training

EM P LOY M EN T

The UBEOC is offering a 6 week Certified Nurse Assistant Recertification Training Program beginning January 2018. The class runs from 9a.m.-2p.m. on Thursdays & Fridays and is designed to update the credential of healthcare professionals. Students learn the hands-on skills necessary to provide excellent patient care and sit for the CNA examination. In addition, the UBEOC will be offering a 9 week Certified Nurse Assistant Program for those who have never been certified. This program will begin in March 2018. For more information call 645-1900

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF EVANS INVITATION TO BID The Town of Evans invites bids for the demolition and controlled demolition, with and without asbestos abatement, of structures on the following residential properties located within the Town of Evans, New York: 1035 Eden-Evans Center Road SBL #235.07-3-6.2 9112 Newcomb Road SBL #236.00-4-5.12 540 Adams SBL #250.12-1-36 532 Adams SBL #250.12-1-38.1 139 Rosewood SBL #250.17-7-3 511 Roanoke SBL #250.11-4-6 9430 Peach Street SBL #250.08-6-25 371 Pleasant SBL #250.14-6-36 9396 Jamestown SBL #250.07-4-21.1 9406 Jamestown SBL #250.07-4-26.1 680 Beach Road SBL #235.09-1-41 6794 Gates SBL #192.20-9-28 The project generally consists of demolition for the complete removal and disposal of the unsafe structure(s) and foundation on each property, including work to render the properties safe, including but not limited to fill, grading, and seeding. Sealed bids labeled “BID ENCLOSED: DEMOLITION OF 12 PROPERTIES will be received by the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Evans, 8787 Erie Road, Angola, NY 14006, during regular business hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.) until 11:00 AM (Local Time) on Friday, December 1, 2017 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids submitted by fax or email will not be accepted. A copy of the bidding documents may be obtained from or examined at the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Evans, 8787 Erie Road, Angola, NY 14006 after November 17, 2017. Questions regarding this project are to be emailed to Vincent Gugliuzza at vgugliuzza@townofevans.org no later than November 22, 2017 to allow time for responses prior to the receipt of bids. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond from a domestic carrier licensed to do business in the State of New York in the amount of not less than five (5%) of the amount of the bid submitted. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order Nos. 11,246 and 11,375 which prohibit discrimination in employment regarding race, creed, color, sex, or national origin. The successful bidder must be an equal opportunity employer, must meet all appropriate State and Federal standards, and comply with all relevant governmental regulations. Attention of the bidder is called to conditions of employment to be observed and the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract. Funding for this project comes in part through an Empire State Development Corporation grant administered by the Restore New York Committee Initiative. Under New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and 5 NYCRR Part 142-1444, the State of New York is committed to providing Minority and Women Owned Business (MWBE) equal opportunity to participate in government contracts. In accordance with Article 15A of the Executive Law, this project includes a goal of thirty percent (30%) Minority and Women Owned Business participation. The successful bidder may be required to furnish reports showing the participation of various business enterprises of subcontractors and suppliers on the contract. Bidders will be required to comply with Code Rule 56 of the New York State Department of Labor as well as New York State prevailing wage and supplement requirements on this project. A Statement of Non-Collusion and Performance and Payment Bonds will be required for this project. The Town of Evans is exempt from the payment of sales and compensation use taxes of the State of New York and of cities and counties on all materials, equipment, and supplies sold to the Town of Evans pursuant to this contract. The sales tax exemption is extended to the Contractor, Subcontractors, and their suppliers. All bids shall be binding for a period of forty-five (45) days after the bid opening date. The Town of Evans reserves the right to reject any and all bids for any reason whatsoever and to waive any informalities in any bid. By Order of the Town Board of the Town of Evans Lynn M. Krajacic Town Clerk - Town of Evans

Hiring:

Hotel PositionsDaytime/Overnight Valet Room Attendant For more information visit UnilandEmployment.com

REQUEST FOR BID

Mark Cerrone, Inc. is requesting proposals for the Buffalo State College Neumann Hall Asbestos Abatement Project in Buffalo, NY for all scopes of work detailed in contract documents. Optional MWBE Pre-bid meeting will be held on 12/20/17 at 3:30pm at Mark Cerrone Office. Documents can be obtained by contacting mbull@ markcerrone.com, Phone 716-2825244, Fax 716-282-5245 or iSqFt®. Bids due electronically or in person at 2368 Maryland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 by 01/09/18 @ 10:00am. Certified Minority, Woman, and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprise participation is strongly encouraged. ROOMS

ROOMS FOR RENT: Delavan-Humboldt area, Bailey-Delavan. $325$480. Everything included. (716)818-3410.

I T PAYS TO

Data analysis position at Via Evaluation open. Must have experience using Microsoft Excel & college degree. FT. EOE. Send resumes by 11/30/17 to komani@viaeval.com For more info:www.ViaEvaluation.com

Director The International Graduate Programs for Educators Office at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Director. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

LEGAL NOTICE RFP

LEGAL NOTICE

Research Associate

JOB ALERT

LEGAL NOTICE NAME CHANGE Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the Supreme Court, Erie County, on the 8th day of November, 2017, bearing Index number I2017/600312, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Darnell Jeffrey Lynch. The city and state of my present address are Buffalo, NY; the month and year of my birth are February, 1964; the place of my birth is Buffalo, New York; my present name is Darnell Jeffrey Wilson.

Engineering/Planning Service Request The Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation (ILDC) is requesting proposals from qualified engineering and/or planning firms experienced in infrastructure/ utility master planning and conducting environmental impact statements. The project’s focus is the Bethlehem Steel Redevelopment Area (property known as Business Park I and portions of Business Park II), located in Lackawanna, NY. A detailed Scope of Work will be provided as a guide for improvements. Proposal packages are available at the ILDC office, 95 Perry St., Ste. 403, Buffalo, NY 14203 or by visiting the ECIDA website, www.ecidany.com Proposals are due January 19, 2018. Questions: jcappell@ecidany.com.

HELP WANTED

Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo

ADMINISTRATOR OF FACILITIES & COMMUNICATION

Coordinate calendars, direct routine maintenance, manage information technology platform. Degree in public or business administration or Associates Degree in building maintenance. Half Time Position. Must work Sunday mornings and some evenings. Salary Range $17,000 - $17,500 Application Deadline: 12/14/2017 Letter & Resume to:

Applications@buffalouu.org

Director of Libraries The Butler Library at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Director of Libraries. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Instructional Support Technician The Engineering Technology Department at Buffalo State, State University of New York, seeks candidates for the position of Instructional Support Technician. For a full job description and to apply: https://jobs.buffalostate.edu.

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

Minority & Women Business Enterprises Needed Savarino Companies, LLC is seeking certified MWBE participation and construction bids for the renovation of the former Public School 57 at 243 Sears Street in the City of Buffalo. For a full job description and access to plans and specifications: www.savarinocompanies.com/bidding.cfm ?id=86

ADVE RT I S E 500 Seneca Street, Suite 508 •Buffalo, New York 14204• Ph. 332-5959 F. 332-5968

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY NUMBERS SUN 11/12 MID-7-7-9

3-WAY

MON 11/13

MID-3-4-6

EVE-5-5-6 EVE-9-4-4

MID-4-9-9-0 MID-0-2-6-1 EVE-0-8-5-7 EVE-1-1-0-4

WIN 4 TAKE 5

06-19-21-25-27

06-18-26-27-29

WED 11/15

TUES 11/14

MID-1-7-5

MID-5-0-2

EVE-9-6-4

EVE-0-2-0

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

MID-3-4-8-6 EVE-6-7-8-7

06-07-18-35-37

01-05-15-22-23

THURS 11/16 MID-5-8-2

EVE-5-7-8 MID-0-0-3-4 EVE-5-0-5-0 08-19-23-26-37

SAT 11/18

FRI 11/17

MID-8-5-4

MID-5-1-0

EVE-4-0-2

EVE-4-7-0

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

MID-5-1-3-3 EVE-0-4-8-0 16-17-19-30-35

08-17-19-35-39

07-14-31-48-54-57 #46

28-35-37-39-53-54 #57

LOTTO

HOT TIPS

4018

022

064

648

996

515

advertising@thechallengernews.com

ATTORNEYS

ELECTRICAL

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

EMPIRE ELECTRIC (716) 634-0330

AUTO

2372 Genesee St. (716) 894-3742

BEN’S Downtown Tire

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

Colston Mobil Auto Repair

140

716 E. Ferry (Near Fillmore)

(716) 896-3910

Zakiyyah’s Rundown (ZR) 981-253-679-350-156-847-605-580-470-547-491-165-990-256035-068-475-176-970-370-198-513-522-809-507-647-350-760919-513-891-558-047-060-307-491-507-912-107-047-311-567239-865-791-085-473-165-789-247-567-543-136-705-892-965135-679-510-460-570-153-268-393-803-118-030-637-326-479 MA RUTH SPEAKS THE TRUTH! SURE HITS! 242-000-111-777-989-123125-436-515-600-349-675652-986-568-853-578-168

NOVEMBER Vibes 289-163-654-890529-236 quick money 189-809-444 886-980-422 322-522-355 800-592-390 394-833-924 127-909-418 927-313-466 124-550511-005/201

“It’s In The Stars”

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

THE NUMBER BOOK

GAMMA’S NOVEMBER PICKS

793-563-867-296-243-738

NOVEMBER Best Triple - 666 NOVEMBER Special Doubles 556-911-255-677

100 NUMBER OF THE MONTH

Positive thoughts are neessary to bring to reality the outcome you desire

BAIL BONDS

Challenger Hits

GIST BAIL BONDS

Midday

3-4-6 Ma Ruth Speaks (box) Number Book (straight) 1-7-5 Leo, Scorpio (box) 5-1-0 Libra (box)

Evening

5-5-6 Nov. Doubles (straight) 9-4-4 Number Book (straight) 0-2-0 Luckie Duckie (box) 9-6-4 Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Number Book (box) 5-7-8 Ma Ruth Speaks (straight) 4-7-0 ZR(box) ZR (straight)

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

DOCTORS

LUCKIE DUCKIE

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

648*123*104*820

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

3-Way Winning Numbers Last Year

11/30/2016 Evening 11/30/2016 Midday 11/29/2016 Evening 11/29/2016 Midday 11/28/2016 Evening 11/28/2016 Midday 11/27/2016 Evening 11/27/2016 Midday 11/26/2016 Evening 11/26/2016 Midday 11/25/2016 Evening 11/25/2016 Midday 11/24/2016 Evening 11/24/2016 Midday 11/23/2016 Evening 11/23/2016 Midday 11/22/2016 Evening 11/22/2016 Midday

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

2016

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

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

DOG TRAINING DOGMAN’S K -9 Obedience Training

1963 Fillmore Avenue (716) 807-8163

FASHION F& S Fashions

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOMEOWNER;

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

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

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

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

WEDNESDAY NOV. 22 Hustle for Health Senior Program : Gloria Parks, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm. FREE Line Dance Fitness for ages 55+ 716 832 -1010. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566. Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702. THURSDAY NOV. 23 FOXIE BROWN LINE DANCE CLASSES: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Schiller Senior Center, 2057 Genesee St. 4442046.

THURSDAY NOV. 23 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. 24 Chicago Steppin: Every Friday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center 422 Pratt St.

AMAZON

SATURDAY NOV. 25 Community Conversations: "Let Me Love You" Part II hosted by Duncan Kirkwood & Alexnder Wright, 1-4 p.m. Rafi Greene Center, 1423 Fillmore. Bring Teens. We have to heal. Mike’s Smooth Urban Ballroom Dance Classes: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Delavan-Grider Community Center, 877 E. Delavan. 380-5100. $5 SUNDAY NOV. 26

WHEN YOU SWITCH AND GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY J7 PRIME.

Political Awareness Discussions: 2:30-5 p.m. @ Merriweather Library; open to public. MONDAY NOV, 27 African Consciousness Workshop Documentary Series: “Black America Since MLK – Still I Rise” (Part 3); 6-8 p.m., Merriweather Library, Jefferson @ Utica, 883-4418. Free.

SEE YOU AT THE EVENTS

ENJOY THOUSANDS OF MOVIES AND TV SHOWS FOR A WHOLE YEAR.

Hustle for Health Senior Program : Gloria Parks, 3242 Main St, NOON - 1pm. FREE Line Dance Fitness for ages 55+ 716 832 1010 TUESDAY NOV. 28 B.O.S.S. Buffalo’s Own Smooth Steppers Detroit Style Urban Ballroom, Every Tuesday 7-8:30 p.m. The Pratt Center, 422 Pratt St. WEDNESDAY NOV. 29 Hustle for Health Senior Program : Gloria Parks, 3242 Main St. 11am - 12pm. FREE Line Dance Fitness for ages 55+ 716 832 -1010. The Durham Central City Baby Café . Info and support for pregnant and breastfeeding moms 5:30 – 7:30 pm 200 Eagle St. (716)427-0566. Urban Line Dance Classes: St. Phillips, 15 Fernhill ; 6-8 p.m.; Cheri & Darel 200-9702. THURSDAY NOV. 30 Retirement Celebration to Honor Ellen Pauletta Peoples Buffalo’s First African American Female Firefighter: 6 p.m. at The Landmark on Pearl, 318 Pearl Street. Donation is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. For more info or to RSVP call Utopian Euphoria at (716) 5078696EAP OUTREACH:

For MetroPCS store locations near you, visit www.metropcs.com/find-store. Find us on Facebook, at MetroPCS

877-8metro9 metropcs.com

Valid only for purchases between November 16 and 30, 2017. The year of Amazon Prime has a $99 value. Requires activation on an unlimited high-speed data plan. Additional Terms and Conditions apply. See sales associate for details. You must redeem your Amazon Prime membership code and agree to the Amazon Prime Terms to qualify for Amazon Prime membership by December 31, 2019. Your Amazon Prime membership automatically renews for the membership fee in effect at the time of renewal plus applicable taxes. You may cancel at any time by visiting Your Account and adjusting your membership settings. Valid credit card required at time of registration if Amazon does not have one on file. Amazon Prime membership codes cannot be transferred or resold. For more information about Amazon Prime, visit amazon.com/prime. Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. All Amazon ®, ™ & © are IP of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. General: Coverage and services not available everywhere. Rates, services, coverage, and features subject to change. MetroPCS features and services for personal use only. Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See store or metropcs.com for details, coverage maps, restrictions and Terms and Conditions of Service (including arbitration provision). MetroPCS related brands, product names, company names, trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties of T-Mobile USA, Inc. ©2017 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

IMAGES OF US!

Challenger Community News • t hec hallengernews.com •November 22, 2017

Someone I know has Alzheimer’s … and the best way I can help them is to call the WNY Alzheimer’s Association. – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

CARL R. ALLEN MEMORIAL SCHOLASHIP LUNCHEON:

Pictured above are scenes from the First Annual Carl R. Allen Memorial Scholarship Luncheon hosted by the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists Oct. 14. Les Trent, senior correspondent for Inside Edition was the keynote speaker. Kara J. Brown was honored as the recipient of the 2017 Carl R. Allen Memorial Scholarship. The afternoon also featured a video history of BABJ and a spirited panel discussion on the topic “Journalism in the Age of Fake News: Is the News Still for you?” Rod Watson is President of the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists.

If forgetfulness is becoming a problem, it could be a sign of disease. If you have questions, call the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for answers, services and support.

800.272.3900 | alz.org/WNY

READERS ARE LEADERS! Local authors hosted a book signing and discussion at the "Rafi" CAO Building, 1223 Fillmore Ave. Nov. 11. Pictured above (standing L-R) Keyon "Keyz" M. Lee author of "Tears of Our Children"; Robin Dettman, of Rochester; Jesse F. Key author of "Rise Higher," Ted Kirkland, author of "Spirit & Soul" Vols. 1 and 2; and Melvin Watkins, professional photographer. (Seated) Kamal and Mrs. Kirkland.

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.