A Special Announcement

This Columnist attended a very special program on Monday, June 10, 2025, at the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church. The occasion was the unveiling of the Buffalo Niagara’s African American Heritage Guide. It was a press event held at 10 am. I attended the event along with Frank Merriweather, III, Director of Public Relations for the Criterion newspaper. I would like to thank Mr. Brian Hayden, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for Visit Buffalo Niagara along with Sandy White, filmmaker, and editor of the Visit Niagara Guide for inviting me to attend this very important event.

This is a beautiful guide to the many events, people, and places in Buffalo who contribute to the history and culture of the African American community. Ms. White noted the following in her comments in the beginning of the guide: “Look at Black Buffalo focused on these pages, and you will see a rich tapestry with history, culture, defiance, resilience, artistic expression, and passion for our beloved community. There is an appreciation of culture, that takes root, blooms and flourishes. Discover the artists, musicians, chefs, poets, photographers, filmmakers, businesses, and community leaders who are writing the next chapter of our story now.”

This guide is an excellent resource for families, visitors, and community members looking for a listing of local activities—the finest restaurants, businesses, churches, festivals, health centers, public art with so many colorful murals that tell our story, and numerous cultural events that make up the African American community. This Columnist just had an opportunity to read through the guide. There were many people involved in producing this guide. Next week, in the Eye On History column, I will do a detailed review of the guide and acknowledge many of the people who contributed to this wonderful publication.

It was appropriate that the guide was introduced in the African American Heritage Corridor, a place where the history of African Americans continues to be told everyday under the direction of Mr. Terry Alford, Executive Director of the of the African American Heritage Corridor. I invite you to read my Eye On History column for more information and how you can get a copy of the guide. You will want to keep this guide close by and share it with as many people as possible!!