FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR Contact: Stan Coleman, BAAM Communications Coordinator, 716 390-2950
February 1, 2023
Who: Buffalo African American Museum (BAAM) and representatives from participating WNY organizations
What: “Together as One” Black History Month observance press conference
Where: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Downtown, Circle of Knowledge
When: February 1, 2023, 10:00 AM
What is believed to be the first ever coordinated effort in Western New York to observe Black History Month kicks off February 1, 2023, with a press conference. This coordinated effort, "Together as One", is led by the Buffalo African American Museum and includes the following participating organizations: Black Achievers Historical Museum, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and The Buffalo History Museum. Click here to learn more about each organization's programming for February 2023.
The project is an effort to centralize information about the various Black History Month plans of the participating organizations. Each organization will hold its own event throughout the month but interested parties will have a central information contact for dates, times, and places.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) was the Founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He started the celebration of Negro History Week on the second week of February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In February 1976 the celebration was extended to Black History Month and was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford.
Although this holiday is celebrated nationally all over the nation by organizations both large and small, in today's political climate, it is under severe attack. But here in Western New York there is a move to strengthen the observance of the holiday and all it means.
The idea is the brainchild of Clifford Bell, Chairman of the Buffalo African American Museum. The plan is to bring the community together as one to observe and celebrate the contributions of African Americans.
Now, more than ever, we need to come together as neighbors, community, and a nation. It is hoped that group participation will grow as more organizations join the effort.
For more information and a contact list, visit www.bfloafricanamericanmuseum.org
Click here to download the flyer in JPEG. Please share on social media and with your network!
