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BuffaloNiagara AFRICAN AMERICAN GUIDE

Events Dining History Shopping Nightlife Attractions Contents Introduction...... 1 Black Buffalo History...... 2-4 A Culture of Festivals...... 5-8 The Spoken Word Curcuit...... 9 Cultural Institutions...... 10-13 Historic Sites & Landmarks...... 14-17 Food for the Soul...... 18-19 Shopping Stops...... 20-21 Houses of Worship...... 22-24 The Night Scene...... 25 Itineraries...... 26-33 Family Reunion & Group Event Planner...... 34-35 References & Acknowledgements...... 36

AfricanBuffalo American A Quilt of American Experience

Buffalo is an heirloom quilt stitched with the tenacity and triumph of the African American spirit. The city was a final stop on the freedom train north from slavery and the Jim Crow South. In its heyday, Buffalo represented hope and self-empowerment for black Americans, and a better life for generations to come. The weight and wonder of this rich legacy flows in blues riffs and jazz notes through the city. Black frontiersman Joseph Hodges was one of Buffalo’s earliest non-white settlers. Local griots - oral historians - know that conductor Harriet “Mother Moses” Tubman led bands of runaways through the Niagara region. Abolitionist William Wells Brown lived on Pine Street in Buffalo and helped fugitives cross the water into Canada Harriet Tubman when he worked for the Lake Erie Steamship Co. Frederick Douglass spoke to a full sanctuary at the Michigan Street Baptist Church. In 1905, W.E.B. DuBois, with other black leaders, planned the Niagara Movement and Booker T. Washington addressed crowds in Buffalo. Mary B. Talbert campaigned for anti-lynching legislation from her home on Michigan Avenue. Buffalo is where jazz legends like Dizzy Gil- lespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong jammed with local musicians at the Colored Musicians Club. Grover Washington Jr. Writer Ishmael Reed and pop R&B icon Rick James hail from Buffalo. “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin (and her sisters) sang in a Buffalo church choir where her father served as a pastor. Buffalo is where the late Grover Washington, Jr. cultivated the smooth in his sax. Cleveland Witherspoon invented the electronic car starter here. The vibrations of the African American experience are palpable in Buffalo. Catch the rhythm and realize the whole American story is right here.

1 Black Buffalo History A Last Stop Before Freedom

Underground Railroad river crossing re-enactment

Frederick Douglass In 1997, the Michigan Street Baptist Church In 1816, there were 16 black residents became an official historic site when New (nine listed as slaves) included among a York State Governor George Pataki signed Buffalo population of 400. By 1828, that the Freedom Trail Program Act at number had grown to a community of about the church. 60 who, shortly thereafter, organized the Vine Street African Methodist Episcopal Proximity to Canada made Church and the Michigan Street Baptist Buffalo an important Church. Along with the Colored Presbyterian Underground Railroad Church and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, station. The city was pivotal these churches became the cornerstones of in abolitionist and turn-of- activity dedicated to building a free life in the-century “race relations” the urban North. movements. At the beginning of the Civil War, the African American population in Buffalo In , on the at the numbered about 500; most were fugitive foot of Ferry Street, a plaque marks where slaves or their descendants. Proximity to other runaways crossed treacherous water to Canada – and to points West – made the city salvation. an important Underground Railroad station. At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo was pivotal in abolitionist and turn- black people flooded into the city from of-the-century “race relations” movements. Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia, from In 1843, the high point of the National Negro Tennessee and the Carolinas. During this first Convention, hosted by the Vine Street AME wave of the Great Migration, they found Church, was a debate between statesman plentiful work in the steel mills and factories and Rochester publisher Frederick Douglass and as domestics. And nearly as soon as and minister Henry Highland Garnett on they arrived, they founded businesses, whether or not the institution of slavery established services and organized social should be overthrown by force. groups to support their segregated In 1845, the congregation of the communities. Michigan Street Baptist Church erected its There were black-owned hotels, own building at 511 Michigan Avenue. It still nightclubs, funeral parlors, cleaners, drug stands as the oldest property in the region stores and restaurants in Buffalo. The city built and continually owned by African was home to nine black newspapers, of Americans. During the peak of Underground which The Buffalo Criterion, founded Railroad activity, the church harbored tired during this period, is still a vital source of runaways before they crossed the border community information. into Canada.

2 3 Already established were a grocery As the population increased, cooperative, a Negro Businessman’s League, the network of support for life in the an American Colored Worker’s League and the urban North increased in proportion. The Michigan Avenue YMCA, which was built in evolution of this network – defined by a 1926 by a black architect named John R. Brent. strong sense of family, faith and cultural Buffalo also emerged as a place where tradition – forms the heartbeat of the African Americans gathered to chart their -day city. Buffalo is more than 37 collective future. In 1905, it was the site of the percent African American and nearly 50 first meeting of theNiagara Movement. percent people of color. In 1920, Dr. Theodore Kaakaza, a South During the summer, almost every African physician; Cornelius White, a window glorious weekend in Buffalo offers a washer; Alfred Boykin, a grocer; and Arthur celebration of African American culture Lewis, publisher of the Buffalo American and heritage. Each December the African newspaper formed a local branch of the American community comes together Universal Negro Improvement Association. in one of the few collective weeklong During the time that UNIA Local No. 79 was Kwanzaa celebrations in the country. active, Marcus Garvey made a number of Within Buffalo’s African American visits. community, there is a genteel glow During the second wave of the Great of Southern/African tradition and Migration, beginning from about 1940, new American wisdom. The light fills its masses of African Americans fled Jim Crow clubs and churches and celebrations of and flowed into the Queen City. As families self-love carried from grandmothers and relocated and sent back for other family generations . members and friends, the black population Strong ancestral spirits hold the grew to 75,000. soul of the Buffalo legacy safe - with steady and persevering pride. Mary Burnett Talbert Mary Burnett Talbert was one of the most committed, versatile and tireless champions of social and political reform for race relations, anti-lynching and women’s rights. Born in Ohio in 1866, she graduated from Oberlin College before moving to Little Rock, Arkansas to teach. When she arrived in Buffalo in 1891 - as the bride of prominent real estate broker William H. Talbert - she already had earned distinction as the first black high school principal in the state of Arkansas. In 1899, as a member of the Michigan Street Baptist Church, Talbert helped found the Phyllis Wheatley Club, the city’s first affiliate of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC). She also played a pivotal role in the advent of the Niagara Movement. In 1905, she opened her Michigan Avenue home to W.E.B. DuBois and 27 others for a secret planning meeting of the famous civil rights summit. By 1910 Talbert was lecturing nationally and internationally. In 1916 she became president of the NACWC, and during her two terms was instrumental in the restoration of the Frederick Douglass Home in Anacostia, Maryland. She also was president, vice president and director of the NAACP, and as chairman of its Anti-Lynching Committee lobbied nationally for passage of the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill. During World War I, she assisted with war loan drives, and became a Red Cross nurse with the American expeditionary forces in France. A year before her death in 1922, Talbert became the first African American woman to receive the prestigious NAACP Spingarn Award. She rests today in Forest Lawn Cemetery and Garden Mausoleum.

3 Freedom Crossing

The Niagara River was often the last crossing for people escaping slavery in the United States. From the early 1800s until the end of the Civil War in 1865, thousands of people passed through Western New York as they traveled to freedom in Canada. The Underground Railroad, a secret network of people who assisted those escaping slavery by providing money, food, clothing and temporary shelter, made the journey possible. The dramatic and heart-rending stories of the people who risked their lives for freedom, as well as the lasting heritage of their ancestors, can now be experi- enced at Freedom Crossing, the Regional Underground Railroad Interpretive Center, on the campus of Niagara University in nearby Lewiston. Freedom Crossing tells the story of the Underground Railroad in Buffalo Niagara through historic photographs, artifacts, stories, audio stations, and art. Brochures and maps are available to Underground Railroad sites throughout the area such as the Michigan Street Baptist Church and Murphy Orchards. Freedom Crossing, located inside the Castellani Art Museum, is part of the New York State Heritage Trails initiative. The interpretive center is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.freedomcrossingniagara.com or call 716-286-8293. MY BUFFALO Ruben Santiago-Hudson When I came home to Buffalo after receiving my college education, it was then I saw that Buffalo has amazing architecture - if you just stop and take the time to notice it. Many great architects - like Frank Lloyd Wright - built homes in Buffalo. You can find any style from a Cape Cod to a California bungalow to great mansions made with marble imported from Italy. It’s important that these buildings are preserved so that visitors can come to Buffalo and appreciate its architecture. When I visit Buffalo, now, I always point out my favorite buildings to my wife - especially places like the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Lafayette Square building and the huge wooden homes lining Humboldt Parkway. Buffalo has great opportunities to enjoy nature in places like and Como Park; the hills and streams surrounding the area are beautiful. And Buffalo is in a great location. I like its proximity to places like Darien Lake, Niagara Falls and Toronto. And I have to admit: Buffalo’s snow is a highlight. I love it! Tony Award-winning actor and screenwriter Ruben Santiago-Hudson premiered his life story as told in “Lackawanna Blues” at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. He appeared with Halle Berry on the ABC-TV movie “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and on Broadway in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.”

4 5 A Culture of Festivals From jazz to soul-stirring Gospel, in Buffalo there’s a celebration to appeal to every generation, and every personal interest. The city is convenient to get to, affordable to visit and only 20 minutes away from the magnificent Niagara Falls, making it an ideal location for a family reunion or group meeting.

March Harriet Tubman soldiers rode into Galveston, Texas with Holiday Celebration Five Fifty Banquet Hall news of the Emancipation Proclamation. 550 Genesee Street, Buffalo Today the annual Juneteenth Festival 716-602-5877 of Buffalo is among the largest in the An annual affair that gives the community nation. The two-day celebration of family, time to reflect on the contributions of culture and tradition draws more than Harriet Tubman while ultimately trying to 100 vendors from Canada and the Eastern achieve the goal of attaining a national seaboard, and often features Universoul holiday for her. If successful, she would Circus, the country’s only African American be the first female and the second African owned and operated circus. Other festival American so honored. On March 10th, events include the annual 5K Run and the date of her death, members of the Juneteenth Festival Parade, main stage community sing, dance, recite poetry and and cultural performances by local and perform dramatizations at the institute in regional groups, a basketball competition, commemoration. food court, job fair, book fair - and much more. June July Juneteenth Festival Queen City of Buffalo Jazz Festival Martin Luther King Jr. Park Colored Musicians Club Best Street and Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo 145 Broadway, Buffalo 716-891-8801 716-855-9383 www.coloredmusiciansclub.org Since 1975, Buffalonians have celebrated This one-day outdoor event hosts live local, the historic day in June 1865 when Union national and international jazz perfomers.

5 Jefferson Avenue Arts Festival Harriet Tubman Jefferson Avenue between Annual Retreat East Utica Street Bus Excursion from Buffalo to Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, NY & East Ferry Street, Buffalo 315-252-2081 716-882-7594 or 716-883-4367, ext. 11 A celebration of Harriet Tubman’s life, A celebration of community and creativity commitment, courage and sacrifice. This founded by a group of civic-minded family-oriented event leaves Buffalo and women with a vision for economic travels to Tubman’s home in Auburn, New development and reinvigoration of York – with videotaped history lessons Buffalo’s East Side. The two-day block along the way. The Auburn visit includes party starts with a parade and showcases a tour of the home and a ceremony at the visual artists from Buffalo, Rochester and gravesite of “Mother Moses,” as well as Syracuse. (Sculptures by Valeria interactive history exhibits tracing African Cray-Dihaan, a founder of the event, are American history from Ancient Africa a part of the permanent collection of the through the Escape to Freedom. The tour Albright-Knox Art Gallery.) The event also chronicles the history of the Underground features vendors, food, cultural exhibits, Railroad in Western New York. entertainment by local performers and children’s activities. Taking It to the Streets Rally Weekend Masten District Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Buffalo Jazz Festival 716-891-4760 / Steps of the Buffalo Science Museum Email: [email protected] 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo 716-228-5307 Two-day open air event, with Gospel singing, preaching, free non-perishable Two consecutive Sunday afternoons food, clothing give-away, drill, step, drama celebrating the American institution of teams, job fair, career readiness, vendors, jazz with old school, new generation health fair, kids zone, senior activities, and “Buffalo Cool” jazz. Alumni include national & local recording artists, radio DJ Toronto’s Nick “The Brownman” Ali, appearance, national music promoter, free Serious Young Musicians, Maggie Brown book giveaways and family reunions. (daughter of legendary Oscar Brown Jr.) and many more. Presented by bassist James “Pappy” Martin and the Love Supreme School of Music.

Gospelfest Martin Luther King. Jr. Park, Buffalo 716-855-1569 Each summer, a host of church choirs from Buffalo and surrounding communities come together to make a joyful noise under the sun! The one-day event traditionally includes sermonettes by local pastors, vendors, and performances by local and regional Gospel artists.

Juneteenth Festival

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August Pine Grill Jazz Reunion Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Buffalo 716-884-3620 or 716-884-2013 www.africancultural.org During the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Pine Grill Nightclub was the jazz hot spot in the City of Buffalo. Jazz icons graced its stage and people from all walks of life met there. Everyone knew it was the place to be and be seen. Eventually, the Pine Grill Nightclub closed its doors and was demolished. Its reign, however, became a Buffalo legend. So, for two weekends each August since Pine Grill Jazz Reunion 1989, the African American Cultural Center presents the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion to honor the local, national and international artists who carry the legacy of jazz forward. The free concerts celebrate the legacy of jazz. From year to year, the Pine Grill Jazz Reunion is a highly anticipated Buffalo summer tradition that draws together thousands of Buffalonians, past and present, and attracts new visitors, to bring alive old memories and make new ones under the Buffalo summer sky. Freedom Crossing Monument

Freedom Crossing Monument Lewiston Landing Park Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14063 The Freedom Crossing Monument was a project of the Historical Association of Lewiston. It was funded by Niagara River Greenway funds (with Town and Village of Lewiston cooperation) as well as private foundation funds (Margaret L. Wendt Foundation and the KeyBank Foundation). It was sculpted by local artist Susan Geissler, who has a national reputation for excellence. The monument depicts a scene from a novel, Freedom Crossing, by local author Margaret Goff Clark. The heroine of the story is Laura Eastman who helps Underground Railroad Conductor Josiah Tryon, a Lewiston tailor, to assist an enslaved family to freedom in Canada. Laura Eastman is a fictional character, but Josiah Tryon was very real. He helped countless enslaved people find their freedom.

7 and churches each of the seven nights August Buffalo Caribbean of the Nguzo Saba (seven principles of Islands Festival Kwanzaa). It allows people in all areas of LaSalle Park, Buffalo / 716-892-1377 the community the chance to participate The Buffalo Caribbean Islands Festival is an in the ceremony. Each year, since 1981, authentic Caribbean carnival presented by Kwanzaa founder Maulana Karenga has Buffalo’s Caribbean Islands Organization, been a part of the collective celebration in De Mas Camp. The three-day event Buffalo, which is among only a few of its features a grand parade, a “Taste of the kind in the country. “First Night Kwanzaa” Island” party with Caribbean food, live (Umoja/Unity -December 26), is a much- music, and vendors; cultural, health and anticipated event traditionally held at educational exhibits, a late night Boat the Langston Hughes Institute Center Fiesta aboard the Miss Buffalo II and a late for Cultural History and Arts Education. night party on the waterfront. It is a spiritually uplifting evening filled with African drumming, libations to the December ancestors, children reciting the Nguzo Saba Buffalo Kwanzaa and families joining together to celebrate

Celebration their heritage. Various community locations 716-578-3571 The Buffalo Kwanzaa Celebration is held at a different community centers

MY BUFFALO Shane Depree

Q: What happens at Verve Dance Studio? A: Verve Dance Studio is a place to learn about the art of B-boying, Hip Hop culture and to educate the community as a whole. We have classes for breaking as well as other urban dances. We also have a monthly dance competition called Battle @ Buffalo. Q: Tell us more about Battle @ Buffalo – what is that? Is anyone welcome? A: Battle @ Buffalo is the city’s first all-ages urban dance competition that happens the last Saturday of every month. People from all walks of life come to the school to compete, dance in open circles, observe, talk or just chill out. All B@B events are kid-friendly and anyone is welcome to come and have fun! We partner up with New Era Caps once a year on the last Saturday in August to throw Under The Lights. The event is a special bigger edition of the regular monthly B@B. The main attraction to the event is a 32-crew B-boy Battle, as well as a 16-person All Styles Battle. We also have live music acts, a graffiti exhibition and an interactive art tent where kids can create pictures and paintings on the spot. The event also has between 4-6 different world renowned special guest judges and DJs every year. Q: Describe Buffalo’s B-boying and Hip Hop culture in three words. A: Fresh, New, Flavor. Shane Depree is the founder of Verve Dance Studio, where he teaches B-boying, the dance element of Hip Hop culture. www.vervedancestudio.com

8 9 The Spoken Word Circuit Buffalo has an impressive and progressive open mic circuit, and has earned a reputation for outstanding regional and bi-national slam fests. If you’re an aspiring poet or veteran wordsmith, bring your best lines and sign in at one of these venues.

Just Buffalo Readings Literary Center Em Tea Coffee Cup Café 617 Main Street, Suite 202A, Buffalo 80 Oakgrove Avenue at Hughes Street, 716-832-5400 / www.justbuffalo.org Buffalo / 716-884-1444 At Just Buffalo, our longest standing www.emteacoffeecupcafe.com commitment has been to the community Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm of writers who practice the literary arts. We support writers by providing venues in Additional Venues Njozi Poetry Regional which they can present, discuss, publish, Slams (with cash prizes) and improve their work. The Center has Spoken Word Workshops hosted readings by Ishmael Reed, 716-553-9491 / [email protected] Grover Washington, Jr. and Buffalonian Featured periodically throughout Lucille Clifton, among others. the year. For a schedule, contact [email protected]

Lucille Clifton at Just Buffalo Literary Center

9 Cultural Institutions Buffalo is among the few northern urban centers able to boast of two long-standing African American cultural institutions and two African American theater companies.

African American Paul Robeson Theatre Cultural Center, Inc. at the African American 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo Cultural Center 716-884-2013 / www.africancultural.org 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo [email protected] 716-884-2013 www.paulrobesontheatre.com Founded in 1956, the African American The Paul Robeson Theatre is the oldest Cultural Center, Inc. is a not for profit African American theatre in Buffalo multipurpose cultural arts performance Niagara. Founded in 1968 - and named for and education agency dedicated to the the multi-talented Harlem Renaissance development of urban Buffalo to its actor and scholar Paul Busti Robeson - highest potential. The organization serves it remains dedicated to nurturing and as a protectorate of the African American showcasing the artistic talents of African experience, a promoter of diversity American playwrights, directors, actors, education, a stronghold of cultural and stage technicians. heritage, and a champion of African Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm American youth in the City of Buffalo. Friday - Saturday, 10 am - 6 pm The African American Cultural Center Closed Sunday* program includes: *During PRT Productions, the Box Office opens at 3 pm on Sunday • AACC Dance and Drum Performance Company • Pine Grill Jazz Reunion • Jumpin’ Jambalaya Summer Program • AACC Cultural Enrichment Program • Educational Directives for After School

Ujima Company, Inc. 545 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 716- 883-0380 / www.ujimatheatre.org Ujima Company, Inc. is a professional theatre company dedicated to the development and presentation of work by African-American and other Third World artists. Of all the theatre companies in Buffalo, Ujima supports the longest-standing acting ensemble. It is among the most heralded and awarded arts Paul Robeson Theatre organizations in the region.

10 11 Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., editor & Library publisher of The Criterion newspaper 1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo 716-883-4418 which is the oldest minority newspaper in upstate New York. Designed by a local African American architect, Robert Traynham Coles, the Monday - Thursday, Noon-8 pm 20,000 sq. ft. facility incorporates a circular Friday - Saturday, 10 am-6 pm design, with interconnected interior spaces Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm to bring to mind an African Village. Some Closed Sundays from Memorial Day of the library features include an African Weekend to Labor Day. American Resource Room, a technology lab, 150-seat auditorium and an African motif in the block façade. The carved doors of this facility are a work of art as well. Designed by local sculptor Valeria Cray-Dihaan, the design features West African Adinkra symbols. This building was completed in 2006 and replaces the nearly 80-year-old North Jefferson Branch Library and has been renamed after Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library

MY BUFFALO | BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Robert Traynham-Coles

Robert Traynham Coles was born on August 24, 1929 and is a native of Buffalo, NY. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 1953. In 1955, he completed a Master of Architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1963, he opened his firm, Robert Traynham Coles, Architect, P.C. It is the oldest African-American owned architectural firm in New York State and the Northeast.

In 1974-1976, he served as American Institute of Architecture’s (AIA) Deputy Vice President for Minority Affairs. Coles received the AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Citation in 1981 for his contributions to the cause of social justice in the profession. This citation is the 75,000 member AIA’s second highest award. Coles says one of his greatest accomplishments to the field of architecture was his guest editorial in Progressive Architecture Magazine in July 1989, “Black Architects, An Endangered Species.” The local work of his firm includes such major commissions as the Health, Physical Education & Recreation Complex at the University at Buffalo’s Amherst Campus, Alumni Arena at University at Buffalo’s North Campus and the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library in Buffalo, which houses the largest reference collection of African American material in Western New York, just to name a few.

When asked what he likes most about Buffalo, his response is, “Lake Erie, where I have been sailing since 1964.”

10 11 Langston Hughes Institute Center for Cultural History & Arts Education

Langston Hughes Institute Muhammad School Center for Cultural of Music History & Arts Education 617 Main Street, Suite 105, Buffalo 136 Broadway, Buffalo 716-881-5088 716-844-8831 Email: [email protected] The Langston Hughes Institute Center for www.muhammadschoolofmusic.net Cultural History and Arts Education is a Muhammad School of Music (MSOM) non-profit organization that has been a has been enriching the community with catalyst for the development, preservation music since 1999! The school serves and promotion of African American youth and adults from Buffalo, Niagara heritage in the City of Buffalo since 1968. Falls, the surrounding suburbs, Toronto, Its gallery features the work of Buffalo Ontario (Canada), in addition to students and regional African American artists. who travel into Buffalo from all over the The facility is a central gathering place for country. MSOM also provides violin classes cultural and community events, including at numerous schools throughout the the much anticipated annual “First Night City of Buffalo and community outreach Kwanzaa” (Umoja) celebration. programs. The MSOM Chamber Players and Maestro Henri L. Muhammad have performed nationwide and have appeared in several television, radio, newspaper, and magazine features, as well as CD and video recording projects. MSOM and Henri L. Muhammad have been the recipients of numerous awards and recognition, and have entertained the company of artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jadakiss, Beverly Johnson, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Herbie Hancock, Stephanie Mills, and Bill Cosby.

12 13 El Museo Francisco Buffalo City Ballet Co. Inc. Oller y Diego Rivera Tri-Main Building, Suite 351 91 Allen Street, Buffalo 2495 Main Street, Buffalo 716-578-3782 / 716-464-4692 716-833-1243 www.elmuseobuffalo.org www.buffalocityballet.org Featuring fine art by Latin-American, Buffalo City Ballet Co, Inc. was established African American, Native American in 1972 as Buffalo Inner City Ballet to and other artists of color. provide young people of color with Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm opportunities to develop skills in classical dance, including ballet, tap and jazz. Its founding mission is to identify and Feel the Flavor refine talents through instruction and public performance. Check out a video on Buffalo’s authentic African-American, Hispanic and Native American cultures and heritage

Buffalo City Ballet Co. The Niagara Movement

The Niagara Movement began when scholar W.E.B. DuBois called for opposition to Booker T. Washington’s position that African Americans accommodate segregation and accept legalized white supremacy. (Washington was founder and president of the all-black Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and at that time regarded as the nation’s official Negro spokesperson.) DuBois, the first African American to earn a doctoral degree from Harvard, recruited a group of well-educated black professionals he called “The Talented Tenth.” He urged this group to create a formal platform for equal rights. A summit was planned for Buffalo in July of 1905. The first Niagara Movement meeting was held in the Erie Beach Hotel in Fort Erie, Ontario. The Declaration of Principles authored by DuBois as a result of this meeting became the basis for the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

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Historic Sites

&The AfricanLandmarks American experience as it relates to Buffalo is as broad, deep and symbolic as the Niagara River that Underground Railroad passengers crossed to freedom in Canada. Throughout the city and Buffalo Niagara region, historic safe houses, land markers, scenic locations and cultural institutions give testimony to this history and its relationship to the America that exists today.

Michigan Street Baptist Church

Michigan Street Baptist Church 511 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo 716-854-7976 The Michigan Street Baptist Church has been a central part of the history and culture of the African American community in Buffalo for more than 150 years. It is one of the oldest properties in Buffalo Niagara continuously owned, operated and occupied by African Americans. The building was erected in 1845 by its African American congregation, and became a legendary Underground Railroad station, providing final sanctuary for hundreds of freedom seekers before they crossed the border to freedom in Canada. It was a central meeting place for abolitionists and later for anti-lynching activists during the early 1900s. Over the years, Frederick Douglass, William Wells Brown, W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, among other great historical figures, have graced its sanctuary.

14 15 Colored Musicians Club Broderick Park 145 Broadway, Buffalo / 716-855-9383 Foot of Ferry Street, Buffalo www.coloredmusiciansclub.org Located at the foot of Ferry Street on The Colored Musicians Club was the scenic Niagara River, a plaque in the established as Local No. 533 in 1917 and park pays tribute to the men and women chartered in 1935. The Union Hall is still who crossed the water from that point to located at 145 Broadway. During the ‘30s, freedom in Canada. ‘40s, and ‘50s, any musician that visited Buffalo had to check in with the Colored Musicians Club. , Art Blakey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald are among the jazz legends who jammed there. In 1999, the Colored Musicians Club was designated a historic preservation site. Currently, the Club promotes research and the preservation of jazz in Buffalo. Members offer free jazz lessons to community Broderick Park youth, and hold a jam session at the club on Sunday evenings. Buffalo and Erie County Open rehearsals: Naval Park & Military Park Monday-Tuesday, 7 - 9 pm One Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY Wednesday, 7 - 10 pm (716) 847-1773, [email protected] Thursday, 8 - 11 pm Houses an African American Sunday Night Performance,8:30 pm Soldiers exhibit. followed by Jam Session starting at 10:000 pm

The jazz cats at the Colored Musicians Club are always happy to have an audience at one of their rehearsals Monday through Thursday starting at about 8 pm. There’s also a live performance in the club each Sunday at 8 pm - followed by an old fashioned jam session at 9:30. A small donation at the door is appreciated.

14 15 Buffalo History Museum Forest Lawn Cemetery 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue, 1411 Delaware Avenue at Delavan, Buffalo Buffalo 716-873-9644 716-885-1600 / www.forest-lawn.com www.buffalohistory.org Featuring the final resting sites of several This National Historic Landmark was famous African Americans, the cemetery built in 1901 during the Pan-American includes the gravesites of Mary B. Talbert, Exposition and now houses the Buffalo Reverend J. Edward Nash, President Millard History Museum. The research library Fillmore and Seneca Nation orator includes a large repository of genealogical Red Jacket. information and the museum features exhibits and an extensive collection Nash House of artifacts, manuscripts, books 36 Nash Street, Buffalo and photographs that chronicle the 716-856-4490 / [email protected] development of the Niagara Frontier. The former residence of Rev. J. Edward Nash, the pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church. Many of Rev. Nash’s sermons and letters that are a crucial part Jefferson Street of Buffalo’s African-American community Heritage Gallery 607 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo history were written here and are on 716-854-8392 display for viewing. The Jefferson Street Heritage Gallery is a structure that was built around 1860. Its contents include many parts of the city of Buffalo. It includes such contents as antiques and research papers. There is a collection of Iroquois beer bottles from the 1950s, a 1930s Pepsi vending machine, a vintage Orange Crush vending machine, a jukebox with 45 rpm records from the 1930s, and two RCA Victrola record players- one electric, the other manual crank. It also includes information about the Little Harlem Hotel where such entertainment greats as Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughn, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra performed and dined. Nash House

16 17 Legacy House Bed & Breakfast

Legacy House Legacy House 58 Linden Park, Buffalo 716-812-7165 The Legacy House Bed and Breakfast is a quaint 3900 sq. ft 1920 brick colonial centrally located 10 minutes from downtown Buffalo, a short 2-3 minute walk to the Buffalo Museum of Science, and the Historic Olmsted designed Martin Luther King Park.

This prime property can accommodate 2-3 overnight guests as a Bed and Breakfast. Amenities include private bath, cable TV, wireless internet and continental breakfast. Country-style breakfast available upon advance request. The Legacy House is also available to host indoor and outdoor receptions for up to 50 guests.

For additional information and pricing please contact Ms. Rashaun King at 716-812-7165.

Rev. J. Edward Nash and the Nash House Tall, distinguished and diplomatic, Reverend Jesse Edward Nash provided spiritual and civil rights leadership in Buffalo for more than half a century. The son of freed slaves, he arrived in the city from Virginia in 1892, at age 24, to take the pulpit of the prominent Michigan Street Baptist Church. During his 60 years as pastor there, Rev. Nash helped to plan and implement the Niagara Movement and hosted both W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, among other African American leaders, at his church. He also was a catalyst for the formation of Buffalo branches of the National Urban League and the NAACP. In 1999, members of the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation opened the house at 36 Nash Street where Rev. Nash formerly lived with his family. The opening led to the discovery of a remarkable collection of his personal papers and mementos that had connections to historic civil rights leaders and the civil rights movement. The collection included corres- pondence between Nash and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Sr., his old classmate and nationally noted pastor of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church during the early 20th century. The Nash House has been restored by the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit coalition whose mission is to preserve and restore the historic sites along Buffalo’s Michigan Street corridor. The house includes a public museum on the upper floor, and research and office space on the lower level. The historic Nash Papers are also available for viewing by historians, researchers and visitors.

17 FoodFrom genuine for Southern the soul Soul food, to satisfying Jamaican roti to exquisite Pacific Rim cuisine and sinful homemade four-layer chocolate cake, Buffalo offers dining from throughout the diaspora of the African American experience.

The Café at Masten & Eaton F Doctor Bird’s 230 Masten Avenue, Buffalo Caribbean Rasta-Rant V 716-883-2311 3104 Main Street, Buffalo Southern cuisine 716-837-6426 Monday - Thursday, 12 pm - midnight Monday - Thursday, 11:30 am - 9:45 pm Friday and Saturday, 12 pm - 4 am Friday - Saturday, 11:30 am - 11 pm Sunday, 1 pm - 12 am Em Tea The Caribbean Coffee Cup Cafe F Experience VT 80 Oakgrove Avenue at Hughes Street, 2897 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo Buffalo / 716-884-1444 716-838-5131 www.emteacoffeecupcafe.com Tuesday - Thursday, 12 pm - 10 pm Coffee, tea, smoothies, light fare, Friday and Saturday, 12 pm - 4 am pastries and desserts Sunday, 2:30 - 10 pm Open mic poetry (call for times) Doctor Bird’s Caribbean Corner V Freddie J’s BBQ F 195 Grant Street, Buffalo 842 E. Delavan Avenue, Buffalo 716-551-0570 716-892-7454 Bar-B-Que, Caribbean and African cuisine Monday - Thursday, 10:30 am - 10 pm Friday - Saturday, 10:30 am - 11 pm Call for hours Garris’ Bar-B-Que F 200 William Street, Buffalo 716-854-4005 Barbecue Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 8 pm Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm

18 19 Gigi’s Restaurant F 257 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo Fraternal & 716-883-1438 Masonic Old-fashioned soul food Monday - Sunday, 6 am - 10 pm Organizations Ingram Brothers Catering Alpha Phi Alpha 110 Fox Street, Buffalo Fraternity 716-308-6780 Rho Lambda Chapter PO Box 971 / Buffalo, NY 14215 Old-fashioned soul food Monday - Sunday, 6 am - midnight Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Lucy Ethiopian Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter Restaurant F PO Box 1861 / Amherst, NY 14228 388 Amherst Street, Buffalo Alpha Kappa Alpha 716-877-5829 Sorority www.lucyethiopianbuffalo.com Gamma Phi Omega Chapter Tuesday - Wednesday, 10 am - 10 pm PO Box 3231 / Buffalo, NY 14240 Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 11pm Kappa Alpha Psi Sunday, 11 am - 10 pm Fraternity Buffalo Alumni Chapter Mattie’s Restaurant F PO Box 2676 / Buffalo, NY 14240 1412 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 716-597-0755 Phi Omega Chapter Soul food specialties, featuring PO Box 1193 / Buffalo, NY 14215 “the Best Breakfast in Town” Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Monday, Wednesday, Theta Sigma Chapter Thursday, 7 am - 3 pm PO Box 583 / East Amherst, NY 14216 Tuesday & Friday, 7 am - 7 pm Saturday, 7 am - 5 pm Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Kappa Upsilon Zeta Chapter Sunday, 7 am - 4 pm PO Box 900 / Buffalo, NY 14205

F Delta Sigma Theta The Oakk Room 1435 Main Street, Buffalo Sorority Buffalo Alumnae Chapter 716-771-2773 PO Box 625 / Buffalo, NY 14215 Wednesday - Thursday, 4 pm - 12 am Friday - Saturday, 4 pm - 1 am Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

Pandora’s Sports Bar & Eta Rho Sigma Chapter Restaurant F 188 Jewett Parkway / Buffalo, NY 14214 2261 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo 716-883-1438 716-803-1335 Master Craftsman Wednesday, 4 pm - 12 am Lodge #110 Thursday, 2 pm - 12 am 248 E. Utica Street / Buffalo, NY 14208 Friday, 11 am - 12 am Iconic Lodge #88 Saturday, 4 pm - 12 am 453 Porter Avenue / Buffalo, NY 14201 Paramount Lodge 248 E. Utica Street / Buffalo, NY 14208 St. John’s Lodge 17 Kingsley Street / Buffalo, NY 14208 F Family Friendly V Vegetarian Friendly T Take-Out only

19 Shopping Stops Black Buffalonians have deep roots as entrepreneurs and shopkeepers. Today, African American-owned businesses in the Queen City offer everything from women’s wear, men’s fashions and cool urban threads, to eclectic collectibles to rich ancestral clothing and cloth, jewelry, art, oils & incense.

Clothing &Accessories Walden Galleria Mall New Era Cap One Walden Galleria, Cheektowaga 160 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 716-681-1903 / www.waldengalleria.com 716-604-9000 Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 9:30 pm Sunday - Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm

Pamela Inc. African/ 3142 Main Street, Buffalo Afrocentric 716-725-6215 Afrika / Bead-It Women’s clothing & accessories Fashion Outlets Niagara Falls USA Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5:30 pm 2064 Military Road, Niagara Falls Saturday, 11 am - 5 pm 716-297-5638

Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 9 pm United Men’s Fashion Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm 3082 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo 716-837-0100 Monday - Wednesday, 10 am - 6:45 pm Thursday - Friday, 10 am- 7:45 pm Saturday, 10 am - 5:15 pm

20 21 Allen Street Connection 81 Allen Street, Buffalo / 716-884-9481 Handcrafted silver; Afro-centric clothing Shopping Stops and accessories Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm

Flight 104 102 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 716-882-1925 Clothing, art, jewelry Tuesday - Saturday, 12 pm - 6 pm

Gift/Specialty Shops Doris Records 286 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo How Bazaar! 716-883-2410 How can you take a whirlwind trip to Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 10 pm India, Burma, China, Ethiopia and Peru Talking Leaves Books in just 30 minutes? By making a stop at 3158 Main Street, Buffalo the West Side Bazaar on Grant Street 716-837-8554 / www.tleavesbooks.com in Buffalo, where immigrants from Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, around the world sell colorful wares 10 am - 6 pm and traditional foods from their home Wednesday - Thursday, 10 am - 8 pm countries.

951 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo West Side Bazaar 716-884-9524 / www.tleavesbooks.com 25 Grant Street, Buffalo 716-464-6389 Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 9 pm www.westsidebazaar.com Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11 am - 6 pm Zawadi Books Friday, 11 am - 7 pm 2460 Main Street, Buffalo Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm 716-903-6740 Specializing in books and materials by and about people of African descent. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm

21 HousesFrom its earliest of African WorshipAmerican community, Buffalo churches have forged the spiritual faith, and harnessed the social and political strength needed to build a free life in the urban North. Today, houses of worship of all denominations and faiths populate the city. Their leadership still provides, in addition to spiritual sanctuary, an array of programs and services that address the needs of the African American community. Baptist Antioch Baptist 1327 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo 716-895-0198 Sunday worship at 10:30 am Calvary Baptist 1184 Genesee Street, Buffalo 716-895-3642 Sunday worship at 10 am Mt. Olive Baptist First Shiloh Baptist 15 Pine Street, Buffalo 716-847-6555 New Zion Baptist Sunday worship at 10 am 318 High Street, Buffalo Friendship Baptist 716-883-2250 402 Clinton Street, Buffalo Sunday worship at 10 am and 5 pm 716-847-1020 St. John Baptist Sunday worship at 9:45 am 184 Goodell Street, Buffalo Humboldt Parkway 716-852-4504 Baptist Sunday worship at 10 am 790 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo 716-896-4363 True Bethel Baptist Worship services Tuesday-Friday at 11 am 907 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo 716-895-8222 Macedonia Baptist Sunday worship at 7:45 and 9 am 237 E. North Street, Buffalo

716-886-3489 True Bethel Baptist Mt. Olive Baptist 472 Swan Street, Buffalo 701 E. Delavan Avenue, Buffalo Sunday worship at 11 am 716-895-7494 Sunday worship at 9:45 am Apostolic Greater Emmanuel New Hope Baptist Temple Church 543 Richmond Avenue, Buffalo 151-161 Richmond Ave. Buffalo 716-883-0821 716-882-2700 Sunday worship at 10:00 am Sunday worship at 11 am

22 23 Greater Refuge Temple St. Luke AME Zion 943 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo 314 E. Ferry Street, Buffalo 716-886-2199 716-883-0961 Sunday worship at 11 am AME & Walls Memorial AME Zion AME Zion Bethel AME 455 Glenwood Avenue, Buffalo 1525 Michigan Avenue, Buffalo 716-886-6527 716-886-1650 Sunday worship at 11 am

Centennial AME Zion Lutheran 127 Doat Street, Buffalo The Lutheran Church 716-897-2533 of Our Savior – Sunday worship at 10:30 am Missouri Synod 26 Brunswick Boulevard, Buffalo Delaine-Waring AME 716-885-1108 680 Swan Street, Buffalo Sunday worship at 11 am 716-842-6747 Sunday worship at 10:00 am Resurrection Lutheran 3 Doat Street, Buffalo Durham Memorial 716-892-2489 AME Zion Sunday worship at 10:15 am 174 East Eagle Street at Michigan, Buffalo 716-856-4943 Sunday worship at 11 am

MY BUFFALO Ishmael Reed “My parents came to Buffalo with nothing, with less than $25 in their pocket, but through hard work and discipline they were able to raise themselves up, educate their children and lead a middle class life. Although I attended Buffalo public schools, I didn’t learn about Buffalo until I left. I didn’t begin to explore the richness of Buffalo’s history until I left. I wasn’t aware of the significance of Buffalo’s architecture until I left. Nor was I familiar with the importance of Buffalo’s black history and culture. In connection with a novel I wrote, which includes scenes from 19th Century Buffalo, I found out about historical figures like William Wells Brown, the anti-slavery lecturer and Underground Railroad conductor from Buffalo who wrote the first novel by an African American man. Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington were also visitors. I now realize how significant the Michigan Street Baptist Church was as a hideout on the Underground Railroad. St. Luke’s Church, which is now Durham Memorial is also a historical site that deserves landmark status. The Colored Musicians Club was a mecca for visiting jazz musicians. This is where discovered local jazz great Wade Legge. I’ve learned about Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first woman architect in the United States, who designed the Lafayette Hotel. When I come back, I’ll stop at Gigi’s on East Ferry for some great soul food and great atmosphere. I love that place. Buffalo’s historic waterfront is also worth a visit.” Ishmael Reed is the author of nine novels, six plays, one opera libretto, seven books of poetry, and six books of essays, and he is the editor of numerous anthologies and magazines. His most recently published poetry collection, New and Collected Poems, 1964-2006, was listed as one of the four best books of poetry published in 2006 by The New York Times Book Review.

23 MY BUFFALO Virginia DeBerry “There are so many unexpected things to do in Buffalo. After I’ve been home for a visit and mention that I’ve been to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - which is the coolest place to go on a Sunday afternoon, by the way - people are always surprised. ‘You have an art museum in Buffalo?’ they say. Well, yes, a world class art museum. And a great symphony orchestra. And a wonderful zoo. Our City Hall is pretty spectacular too. There are great performing arts venues in Buffalo as well, like Shea’s Buffalo. People know we have a football team and a hockey team and chicken wings-and snow, but they are always surprised to hear we have so much culture. Recently, on a trip home for Mother’s Day, my mother and sister and I went to the Museum of Science to see a production of Mi’ Nonno Galileo. Students from Bennett Park Montessori had written and performed an Italian language opera. What a wonderful and delightful moment that was. It was the most charming thing I had done in Buffalo in 20 years. One of the songs had a line that said ‘To be what you can be, you have to dream beyond what you can see.’ It renewed my faith in schools, that they can be innovative and creative and challenge children. That was a special and uniquely Buffalo experience and reminded me once again, ‘Buffalo is just not what so many people think it is’.” Virgina DeBerry is a product of the Buffalo Public Schools, a graduate of the University at Buffalo and a former Buffalo English teacher. She is the co-author (with Donna Grant) of Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made, Far From the Tree, Better Than I Know Myself, Exposures. Gotta Keep on Tryin’ , What Doesn’t Kill You, and Uptown. Non-Denominational Episcopal New Mount Ararat St. Philip’s Temple-Prayer Episcopal Church 983 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo 716-885-7755 15 Fernhill Avenue, Buffalo 716-833-0442 Seventh Day Sunday worship at 8 am and 10:30 am

Adventist Emmanuel Temple 300 Adams Street, Buffalo Independent 716-856-6044 Bethesda Full Gospel World Harvest Sunday worship at 11 am International Church Of God 1365 Main Street, Buffalo In Christ 716-884-3607 Good Samaritan Sunday worship at 9:30 am C.O.G.I.C. Elim Christian 265 Leroy Avenue, Buffalo Fellowship 716-833-5388 22-25 Central Park, Buffalo Sunday worship at 11 am 832-7698 Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. Sunday worship at 9 am 572 Clinton Street, Buffalo 716-855 2031 Sunday worship at 11:30 am Muslim Masjid Nu’man Pentecostal Temple 1373 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo C.O.G.I.C. 716-892-1332 618 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo 716-852-5502 Muhammad Mosque #23 Sunday worship at 8 am & 11 am 230 Moselle Street, Buffalo 716-335-2292 Catholic Meetings on Sunday at 11 am St. Martin De Porres 555 Northampton Street, Buffalo 716-883-7729 Sunday worship at 8 am & 9:30 am

24 25 The Night Scene Buffalo’s night scene reflects a diverse array of entertainment options. Here are some top spots for an evening out on the town. Humboldt Inn The New Golden 487 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo Nugget 716-884-6430 2046 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo 716- 834-3967 Urban adult Dancing, bar, live jazz on Sundays Urban adult, jazz, R&B, oldies Monday - Sunday 12 pm - 4 am Dancing, bar, food Monday - Thursday, 4 pm - 10 pm Lee’s Lounge Friday - Sunday, 4 pm - 2 am 1261 Fillmore Avenue, Buffalo The Old Arthur’s Pub 716-893-9077 596 Genesee Street Urban adult, R&B 716-854-3640 Monday-Sunday 10:30 am - 4 am Urban adult, R&B, Bar, dancing, food Mike’s Lounge Monday - Wednesday, 3 pm - 2 am 694 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo Thursday & Friday - 3 pm - 4 am 716-883-1344 Saturday - 2 pm - 4 am Sunday - 1 pm - 12 am Urban adult, nightclub, dancing, food Sunday, 2 pm - 4 am Monday - Saturday, 4 pm - 4 am The Colored Musicians Club and Museum Because of its central location - and role as a railroad hub – Buffalo became a popular stop for touring musicians. In 1917, in response to being shut out of the white musicians’ Local No.43, the city’s black musicians organized Local No. 533 (Colored Musicians Club) and established its Union Hall at 145 Broadway. Members and officers were installed in early 1918, but the Colored Musicians Club was not chartered until July 31, 1935. During the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, any musician that came through Buffalo had to check in with the Colored Musicians Club. Jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald are among the many that graced its stage. And Buffalo legends played with the greats: Wade Legge played piano with Dizzy; George Holt played trumpet and saxophone with Lenny Lewis, Cozy Cole and Jimmy Lunceford; and Albert Riding played trumpet with Billy Eckstein and Count Basie. The Colored Musicians Club stands today in its original location - complete with peep hole, corner bandstand and a new musuem in its lower level. In 1999, it was designated an historic preservation site. Its members are still among the most talented and versatile musicians anywhere. They give free jazz lessons to community youth and hold weekly Sunday night jam sessions. 25 Itineraries City of Good Neighbors: A Buffalo Day Trip

The city of Buffalo offers its guests a mix of heritage, cultural and entertainment options. Begin your tour with breakfast at b Mattie’s Restaurant, (1412 Fillmore Avenue). After breakfast, proceed south on Fillmore Avenue and turn right on Northampton Street where you will arrive at the c Buffalo Museum of Science (1020 Humboldt Parkway). For more than 140 years, the Buffalo Museum of Science has provided Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum learning experiences for its visitors by showcasing scientific collections and national traveling exhibits. From the museum, turn right onto Visitors will steer their way through a West Parade Street. Turn right onto Best myriad of impeccable Pierce-Arrow and Street. Turn left onto Route 33 West. Exit Thomas Flyer vintage cars. at Goodell Street. Turn left on Michigan Return north on Michigan Avenue. Avenue/Harriet Tubman Way and look for Turn left onto Goodell Street. Turn right the d Michigan Street Baptist Church onto Main Street for lunch at one of the (511 Michigan Avenue). Built in 1845, it many restaurants in the neighborhood. is the oldest structure in Western New Around the corner and within York that was built for and continuously walking distance are g El Museo occupied by African Americans. It was a (91 Allen Street) and an assortment of legendary rest stop on the Underground specialty boutiques. El Museo is dedicated Railroad. It was also a meeting place for to the exhibition of art by Latin, Caribbean, 19th Century abolitionists. African American and other artists of Next, take Michigan Avenue, color. After a tour of the shops, turn right turning right onto Broadway and then on Elmwood Avenue and arrive at right onto Nash Street. Arrive at h Albright-Knox Art Gallery e The Nash House (36 Nash Street). (1285 Elmwood Avenue). The Albright- Reverend J. Edward Nash, Sr. was the Knox enjoys a worldwide reputation as pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist an outstanding center of modern art. Or, Church from 1892-1953. Reverend Nash’s enjoy an afternoon at the i Buffalo Zoo statewide and national reputation allowed (300 Parkside Avenue). Continue north on him to host national civil rights leaders like Elmwood Avenue past the Albright-Knox Booker T. Washington and many others. and turn right onto Nottingham Terrace. A wealth of speeches, notes and letters Turn right onto Amherst Street and right have been preserved highlighting Buffalo again on Parkside Avenue. Enter the Zoo Niagara’s importance to the nation’s civil parking lot at Jewett Parkway. rights movement. For dinner try any of the great From the Nash House, proceed number of restaurants on nearby Hertel south on Nash Street. Turn right onto Avenue. Greek coffee shops, Italian William Street. Turn left onto Michigan restaurants, pizza and chicken wings Avenue until you arrive at the f Buffalo can all be found along this friendly Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum neighborhood strip. (263 Michigan Avenue).

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27 Queen City of the Lakes: A Buffalo Day II Start the day off with breakfast at Need more time at Canalside? We b Gigi’s Restaurant (257 E. Ferry Street). don’t blame you. Canalside pays homage After a soulful feast, go west on Ferry to Buffalo’s heritage, while offering Street until you arrive at c Broderick some 800 events, ranging from outdoor Park. Slaves gathered here to cross the yoga to crafts for kids to free Thursday at Niagara River to freedom in Canada. Canalside concerts by national rock acts. Leaving Broderick Park, turn From Canalside, make your way to right onto Niagara Street into downtown Tifft Nature Preserve, one of the largest Buffalo. Turn right onto South Elmwood urban nature preserves in the United Avenue. Cross Church Street to the Lower States. From Erie Street turn left onto Terrace and turn right on Erie Street. Bingham Street (directly under highway Continue on to d Canalside, overpass). Turn left at Church Street, Buffalo’s revitalized waterfront district. followed by another left onto 190 South. There you’ll find the Erie Basin Marina Bear right towards Route 5/Lackawanna. Gardens, Buffalo & Erie County Naval Exit at Tifft Street/Fuhrmann Boulevard. & Military Park, boat cruises, kayaking, Turn left onto Tifft Street. Make an places to grab a bite to eat (or just an ice immediate left onto Ohio Street. cream cone) and so much more. Walk the Arrive at i Tifft Nature Preserve e Erie Basin Marina Gardens, which have (1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard). This 264-acre the distinction of being one of 25 All- habitat features walking trails, a 75-acre American Rose Selection test gardens in freshwater cattail marsh and attracts over the United States. Specialty annual flowers 200 species of birds annually. include over 200 worldwide varieties. Departing from Tifft, go right onto Stroll along the beautiful banks Ohio Street, then left on Fuhrmann Blvd. of the Buffalo River and visit the Take Route 5 West to Ridge Road Exit. Turn f Buffalo and Erie County Naval & left on Ridge Road. Then make a left on Military Park. It is the largest inland South Park Avenue and arrive at the naval park of its kind in the United States j Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens and home to the guided missile cruiser (2655 South Park Avenue). Take a stroll USS Little Rock (which houses an African through the most intact Frederick Law American Soldiers exhibit), the destroyer Olmsted landscape and arboretum in the USS The Sullivans and submarine, USS country. Exotic horticultural treasures from Croaker. different climates can be found in the The g Spirit of Buffalo is docked Victorian tri-domed conservatory, one of nearby. Sail back in time aboard this classic only two crystal palaces left designed by 73 foot topsail schooner. This beautiful Lord & Burnham in an Olmsted-designed schooner with its magnificent red sails is park. available for private charters, public cruises, A short walk away, you’ll find children’s pirate adventures and educational 1) Our Lady of Victory Basilica and excursions. Join the crew and hoist the red National Shrine (2760 South Park Avenue). sails, or sit back, relax and see the city in a This Roman Catholic church is an exquisite new way. Or paddle your way down the combination of Italian Renaissance and Buffalo River to Silo City, Buffalo’s grain French Baroque styles. You’ll be amazed elevator district, with BFLO Harbor Kayaks. by this architectural masterpiece. Make a lunch (or snack) stop at For dinner, try the Caribbean h Liberty Hound restaurant. Sit outside on fare at nearby 1! Curly’s Bar and Grill the decks while sampling their fish tacos or (647 Ridge Road). local craft brews.

28 29 Tracy Street 7th Street

E. Tupper Street Maryland Street Fell Alley Busti Avenue Spruce Street Niagara Street N. Johnson Park S. Elmwood Avenue Cherry Street Whitney Place

Trenton Avenue S. Johnson Park < One Way \

\ > Efner Street p p m m Virginia Street a r a - r Prospect Avenue f - f n O O

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Franklin Street y r Pearl Street u b Genesee Street Carolina Street s

Georgia Street W.Chippewa Street A E.Chippewa Street Rabin Terrace

Visitor N.Oak Street Exit 8 Center Cary Street 266 Busti Ave Elm Street

Ash Street Niagara Street S. Elmwood Avenue

Village Ct W. Huron Street

7th Street Delaware Avenue Genesee Street

Pine Harbor Walk 384 Sycamore Street E. Huron Street

W.Mohawk Cypress St Street W. Mohawk Street

Pearl Street

Franklin Street

Lasalle Washington Street Minor Street Park Jerge Drive Elm Street Buffalo Ellicott Street Pine Street N t Staats Street i S E. Mohawk Street agara Niagara 4th Street Court Street

Blossom Street Convention Oak Street W. Genesee Street

7th Street Center Niagara Broadway Square Nash Street Perkins Drive

S. Elmwood Avenue Court Street ayette Niagara Street Laf Sq uare Arsenal Mark Street L Place a f Harbour Pointe ay William Street ett e Sq W. Eagle Street uare W. Genesee Street

4th Street Clinton Street

Church Street Eagle Street Avenue Delaware Bingham Street

Pearl Street Ojibwa Dr E. Eagle Street Rivermist Dr Lower Terrace Church Street

Ellicott Street N. Division Street Upper Terrace

Pine Street

Rivermist Dr Lakefront Boulevard Cathedral Park S. Division Street Exit 7 Charles St W.Swan Street Elm Street WaterfrontCircle Minnie Gillette Drive Keeler Ct Michigan Avenue Delmar Mitchell Drive Ora Wrighter Drive Wilkeson Way Burt Flickinger Swan Street Athletic Center S. Division Street Drive Erie St King Peterson Seneca St Franklin Street Erie Washington Street Basin N Swan Street Marina Y (Metro Rail Route - No Auto Traffic) S La Riviere Dr Coca-cola Erie St T e H Field Perry Blvd R Myrtle Ave Erie St U Main Street W Seneca Street Lake AY Butler Pl Marine Drive

Marine Drive Upper Terrace Erie Templeton Terr Elmira Pl Erie St Carroll St Erie St Carroll St Marine Drive Pearl St i Exchange Street Chicago St B Carroll St U N. Carroll Pl

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Main Street

Perry St Washington Street

Perry Street Scott Street

Bessemer St

E. Market St W. Market St

First Niagara

Center Perry Street

Elk Terminal

Chicago St

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Illinois St B Louisiana Street

Baltimore St

Mississippi St U

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W A Y 29 You’ll Fall For The Falls: Niagara Lewiston Itinerary III After breakfast at the b Towne Restaurant (186 Allen Street) you’ll be ready for a day of fun in Niagara Falls. Start on Allen Street and turn left on Elmwood Avenue. Turn right onto Church Street and immediately onto the New York State Thruway/I-190 North towards Niagara Falls. Proceed to the Robert Moses Parkway North/Buffalo Ave. Exit. Continue towards Niagara Reservation State Maid of the Mist Park entrance. Proceed to the Visitor Center and purchase tickets to one of the world’s great tourist attractions, The church gave shelter to runaway c The Maid of the Mist. This world- slaves and conducted them to freedom in famous cruise will take you to the very Canada. Today, an Underground Railroad heart of the thundering Horseshoe Falls. sculpture stands in the front of the church. It’s a fantastic journey through crashing Take some time to reflect on the water and alongside massive rocks. tales of the people who risked their lives Next, visit the d Cave of the for freedom and the lasting heritage of Winds. You’ll take an elevator to the base their ancestors at f Freedom Crossing, of the American Falls, where you’ll be led the new Regional Underground Railroad by a tour guide on a series of twisting and Interpretive Center located inside the turning trails and catwalks that will bring Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara you a mere ten feet from the billowing University Campus. View contemporary torrents of the Bridal Veil Falls. Feel the works that possess themes of slavery, rushing water looming above, dousing personal and political freedom, spiritual you with a generous spray as you face the values and racism. thundering Falls head-on. Rainbows are For some afternoon excitement, visible day and night. take a ride on the g Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours (115 S. Water Street). Going back towards South Fifth, turn left on Center Street and drive to the end of the street. Turn left on South Water Street and look for the Jet Boat dock. Passengers six and up will enjoy an hour-long whitewater adventure through the Niagara Gorge. To end your day, take a tour of Cave of the Winds h Murphy’s Orchards, a historic safe house on the Underground Railroad that Have lunch at one of the assortment of remains virtually unchanged from the eateries in the Park before departing for mid-1800s. Follow Center Street until it historic Lewiston. From Niagara Street, becomes Ridge Road. Turn left on Ewings turn left onto Rainbow Blvd. North and Road, make another left on McKee Road continue onto Robert Moses Parkway before turning right on West Creek Road. North. Exit at Lewiston/Artpark. Turn left Make a left on Ide Road, then turn right on on Center Street before taking a left onto McClew Road to arrive at Murphy’s Orchard South Fifth. Turn left onto Cayuga Street (2402 McClew Road). The barn that and look for the e First Presbyterian harbored slaves in its secret hideaway still Church of Lewiston (505 Cayuga Street). offers a profound experience for a visitor.

30 31 31 Follow The North Star: A Day Trip To Canada Start your day with breakfast at b EM Tea Coffee Cup Café (80 Oakgrove Avenue), then onward to the and Canada. Follow East Delavan to Main Street. Go right onto Main until you reach Humboldt Parkway. Take a left and merge onto Route 198/Scajaquada Expressway. Follow the 198 to the New York State Thruway/I-190 South. Follow the signs to the Peace Bridge. After a toll and Customs check, make an immediate right Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens onto Goderich Street and go two blocks to Queen Street. Turn right and proceed three blocks to the Niagara Parkway, one of the The Follow the North world’s great scenic drives. Drive by Star exhibit chronicles the story of slaves 657 Niagara Boulevard. Its basement who fled the United States into Canada via is said to have a tunnel used by the the Niagara. Next, visit d Salem Chapel Underground Railroad for smuggling British Methodist Episcopal Church slaves escaping from the United States. (92 Geneva Street). Through its association with Harriet Tubman, Salem Chapel played an important role in the abolitionist movement in Canada. Visit the lovely village of Niagara- on-the-Lake via the QEW South and Route 55. Spend the afternoon visiting wineries and enjoying the specialty shops, or see a production at the internationally- acclaimed Shaw Festival. Shaw offers a dazzling variety of live theatre, from George Bernard Shaw to Oscar Wilde. e Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautifully preserved 19th century village that Butterfly Conservatory is worthy of a visit based on its rich atmosphere. There are several wineries close by that offer free tours. There are Continue on to the St. Catharines also many excellent restaurants for lunch Museum. Return to the Queen Elizabeth or dinner. Way (QEW) via Goderich Street and Return to Fort Erie and the Peace proceed toward Toronto. Exit at Route 89 Bridge via the scenic Niagara Parkway. This Glendale Avenue. Turn right on Glendale. lovely stretch of road will take you through Go left on York Avenue. Follow York, then the charming village of Queenston, make a right on Route 55/Niagara Stone past the extraordinary f Niagara Road. At the first left, turn onto Steward Parks Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Road/Route 86. Make a left on Carlton Conservatory, and into downtown Street. Take Carlton past bridge to Welland Niagara Falls, Ontario. Stop and walk Avenue. Arrive at c St. Catharines through Queen Victoria Park and along the Museum (1932 Welland Canals Parkway). edge of the Niagara Gorge before heading south along the Parkway. Follow the signs to the Peace Bridge and back to Buffalo.

32 33 33 Family Reunion & Group Event Planner

Underground Railroad tour led by Kevin Cottrell of Motherland Connextions

Visit Buffalo Niagara 716-852-0511 or 888-228-3369 www.visitbuffaloniagara.com WUFO 1080 AM Gospel / 716-834-1080 Visit Buffalo Niagara offers a variety www.wufoam.com of FREE services to help you plan your next convention, reunion or meeting in Wwws 1400 AM Buffalo, from arranging site inspections, Classic Soul, R&B / 716-843-0600 to coordinating press coverage to finding www.am1400solidgoldsoul.com hotel rooms and meeting space. WBLK 93.7 FM Motherland Connextions Hip Hop and R&B / 716-644-9393 716-282-1028 www.wblk.com www.motherlandconnextions.com

Underground Railroad tours and Community excursions. Kevin Cottrell, Founder and Station Master Organizations Buffalo Urban League Tradition Keepers - 716-250-2400 Black Storytellers of www.buffalourbanleague.org Western New York NAACP 716-834-8438 or 716-886-1399 716-884-7242 / www.apollo3.com/naacp Karima Amin and Sharon Holley, Master Storytellers Organizational Media Resources The Challenger Association for the Study of Classical African PO Box 474, Buffalo Civilization (ASCAC) 716-881-1051 176 Texas Street, Buffalo / 716- 896-1430 www.challengercn.com Bro. Modell Gault Al-Nisa Banks, Publisher and Editor Afro-American Historical The Buffalo Criterion Association of the Niagara Frontier 625 William Street, Buffalo 716-882-9570 / www.buffalocriterion.com 716-834-4982 / www.aahanf.org Francis Merriweather, Editor Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold, President

34 35 Black Capital Network Harriet Tubman 300s PO Box 234, Buffalo 716-896-7016 716-881-6066 / www.thebcn.com Velma Ferguson, President Provides public relations, marketing National Black MBA and technology to support business Association Inc. advancement. Western New York Chapter The Buffalo Association 585-939-1341 / www.nybmba.org of Black Journalists The association fosters and enhances job 716-849-5598 performance among members by offering Dedicated to getting more balanced networking opportunities, professional media coverage of minorities and workshops, and seminars. increasing minority representation at both staff and management levels. Trent Communications 142 N. Pearl Street, Buffalo Buffalo Genealogical www.trentcomm.com Society of the Provides not-for-profits and growing African Diaspora [email protected] businesses with cost effective public relations services. Sonia Walker, President Uncrowned Queens Buffalo Quarters Historical Society 716-832-7928 PO Box 1542, Central Park Station, www.uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com Buffalo, 716-834-2584 African American Women Community Builders of Western New York Lillion Batchelor, Founder and President Daughters of Creative Sound Karima Amin / 716-834-8438 facebook.com/Daughters.Of.Creative.Sound An African American women’s drum and percussion group. They perform at many public venues and private celebrations. Uncrowned Queens The Uncrowned Queens Institute is devoted to promoting and preserving the stories of African American leaders and community builders for future generations. The name, Uncrowned Queens, was derived from a poem by Drusilla Dunjee Houston: America’s Uncrowned Queens. Written in 1917 to honor African American Women, this poem conveys the essence of the Uncrowned Queens Project: acknowledging the contributions and accomplishments of hundreds of unsung heroines. The Institute creates a legacy of African American women’s excellence by profiling the leadership of African American women throughout the century. This legacy of excellence is maintained through the Uncrowned Queens’ award winning techno-pedia– a unique and dynamic multimedia resource at www.uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com The one-of-a kind media collection of women’s stories is accessible both nationally and internationally and provides the opportunity for participants to update their stories as new data is retrieved from family histories. Co-Founders Peggy Brooks-Bertram, Ph.D. and Barbara A. Seals Nevergold, Ph.D. established the project in 1999. They have initiated numerous projects as a part of the Uncrowned Queens Institute, highlighting both oral history and educational curricula, along with the production of a television program titled Uncrowned Queens: Illuminations. They also Introduced the Uncrowned Kings Project, celebrating the community building of African American men.

35 References Strangers in the Land of Paradise Western New York Heritage Lillian Serece Williams, Indiana University Volume 5, Number 4, winter 2004 Press, 1999 The Challenger The African Village Directory of Buffalo, NY Al-Nisa Banks, Publisher and Editor (2002 Edition) PO Box 474 Compiled by Sonya J. Rice 716-881-1051 African American Experience The Buffalo Criterion in Western New York Francis Merriweather, Editor Sharon Holley, Afro-American Historical 625 William Street Association of the Niagara Frontier 716-882-9570 African Americans and the Rise of Buffalo’s Uncrowned Queens Post-Industrial City, 1940 to Present - Vol. I: African American Women Community An Introduction to a Research Project Builders of Western New York Henry Louis Taylor Jr., 1990 www.uncrownedcommunitybuilders.com Buffalo’s Blacks - Talking Proud Eva M. Noles, 1986

Disclaimer The Buffalo Niagara African American Heritage Guide offers a sampling of cultural events and activities, as well as business and personal services and resources in Buffalo and is not intended to be a complete listing. Visit Buffalo Niagara makes no representation, warranties, recommendations, endorsements or guarantees regarding the vendors, enterprises or services listed in or referred to herein. Visit Buffalo Niagara is not responsible for errors, omissions and information, which may no longer be applicable because of the time element. The materials in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission by Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Acknowledgement Text and information compiled by Outside the Box, 716-362-0230. We would also like to thank the following community consultants: Al-Nisa Banks, Publisher and Editor, The Challenger; Sharon Holley, Extension Services Administrator, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library / Co-Founder, Tradition Keepers - Black Storytellers of Western New York; and Enid Wright, Juneteenth of Buffalo, Inc. Board of Trustees. Special thanks to Kevin Cottrell, Founder/Station-master, Motherland Connextions; Agnes Bain, Executive Director, African American Cultural Center, Inc.; Jennifer Parker, President, Black Capital Network; Carlanda Meadors; El Davis; Buffalo historian Eva Doyle. Printed in cooperation with funding from the County of Erie.

Photography Photography courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara, African American Cultural Center, Angel Art Ltd., George Arthur, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo Inner City Ballet Co., Cass Clarke, The Challenger, Colored Musicians Club, Erick Frick, David Gordon, KC Kratt, Lewiston Council on the Arts, Simba Mlee, Motherland Connextions, Niagara Parks and Judson Price.

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