February is Black History Month. As a way to honor and celebrate past and current achievements, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission (MSAAHCC) is preparing to roll out a series of discussions, exhibitions, tours, and supplemental programming.
“We are proud of the excellence and look forward to highlighting the rich stories of a community that became a neighborhood that included freedom seekers and leaders who contributed to a culture of activism and musical culture that impacted the African American experience in America,” stated MSAAHCC Executive Director, Terry Alford. “2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the Corridor and the Buffalo Community. There are many renovation projects taking place in the Heritage Corridor as we continue to build a world class tourist designation.”
All of the MSAAHCC events and programs during Black History Month will be oriented towards the continued growth and prosperity of four anchor historic cultural institutions located within the Corridor (lead image) – Michigan Street Baptist Church, the NASH House Museum, The Historic Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum, and the WUFO Black Radio Collective.
“With the purchase of 136 – 146 Broadway Avenue and adjoining properties in Buffalo, New York, the Corridor Commission is developing a new headquarters and visitors center (learn more). There’s more to come! We ask the community to watch the growth as we continue to develop a heritage experience for local and national visitors,” stated Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission Board.
The 2023 Black History Month Schedule Includes:
BLACK HISTORY THROUGH ART SERIES
Fridays at the Nash Lofts | 163 Broadway Ave | 5 PM – 8 PM
There are stories of African American history in photographs and paintings. Join us for a light reception and brief story telling from Buffalo talented artists followed by Q&A.
Friday, February 3, 2023 – Equal Justice Lynching Memorial Photo Exhibit by Stephen Gabris – Musical selection by Curtis Lovell. Stephen will share his experience visiting this moving museum.
Friday, February 10, 2023 – Alexa & Edreys Wajed
Friday, February 17, 2023 – Charlotte Cardwell
Friday, February 24, 2023 – Community Pop-Up Exhibition – Artists (All mediums) invited to share their art that tells a piece of African American History.
THERE ARE STORIES TO TELL: BLACK HISTORY MONTH TALKS
Tuesdays at the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library | 1324 Jefferson Ave | 6 PM – 7 PM
The Buffalo African American Community has many stories to tell – unknown stories that provide valuable pieces of the Black History Legacy.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 – Freedom is Not Free: Letters from African American WWII Soldiers to Rev. Nash (pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church) – Lillie Wiley- Upshaw, Racheal Henderson, and Sharon Holley
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – Dr. Barbara Nevergold, Co-Founder of the Uncrowned Queens Institute tells the little-known story of Andrew J. Smitherman, a newspaper publisher who was a survivor and a major figure in the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. After fleeing to Buffalo, he established the Empire Star, a black community newspaper.
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 – WUFO 1080 Radio Sounds of the Civil Rights Movement – Sheila Brown and Senior DJ Lee Pettigrew
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – Colored Musicians Club Stories
STREAMING: The talks will also be streamed live. Register to get a zoom link emailed to you and tune in from home.
Michigan Street Heritage Corridor PODCAST on WUFO 1080 Mix 96.5
Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm
Listen to our Black History Radio Salute – Quotes from Great African Americans – features on WUFO Mix1080 Power95.6 Radio.
Month of February
Black History Month Tours – DISCOUNTED TOURS** IN THE CORRIDOR
Call (716) 322-1002 for details
For further information, visit www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org.