2025Together as One:
The Journey Continues

The African American Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit multipurpose cultural arts and education institution supported through public funds. The African American Cultural Center stands firmly committed to promoting a positive sense of self among the community it was founded to serve. Its programs and services are still structured to motivate personal growth, stimulate untapped potential and facilitate a better understanding of cultural diversity among all people.

 

PR Contact: Leah Angel Daniel, LeahD@aaccbuffalo.org, 716-884-2013

Organization Contact: Leah Angel Daniel, LeahD@aaccbuffalo.org, 716-884-2013

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes, Patricia Wideman, africancultural350@gmail.com, 716-884-2013

Event/Program Website: www.aaccbuffalo.org

Exhibit/Activity location: 350 Masten Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

Entry Fee (if any): Free and Open To The Public

Opening Hours/Event Time: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm

No registration required, walk-in allowed during opening hours

BBAM empowers our youth to excel and go forward by exposing them to the accomplishments of the heroes of our past aiding in their desire to advance our cause through technology. The Museum permanently houses standing exhibitions and archival resources that enlighten, educate, motivate and inspire not only the black community, but the wider population by focusing attention on the educators, businesspeople, social advocates, clergy and public figures who built Buffalo’s past and who plan the city’s future. 

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Cost: $10/adult, $5/student, group rates available

Opening hours: 11am-4pm, by appointment only

Location: 1490 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo, NY 14208

Contact: (716) 884-1490

Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries have more than 3.2 million reading materials including traditional books, eBooks, Audiobooks, DVDs, and more. There are 37 libraries and two mobile vehicles serving the Erie County region. Many libraries are offering Black History Month free programs including the Black Doll exhibit, music concerts, speakers, movies, art workshops, displays and more.  See programs here: https://tinyurl.com/BHMLibrary25 . 

 

Over 400,000 residents have free library cards.  Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries have resources for borrowing including youth sports kits, CPR kits, chrome books, and hotspots.  The libraries also offer music, TV and movie streaming, as well as career fairs, and family history research guidance. Libraries  have public computers, WiFi, hundreds of onsite and virtual programs annually for all ages and links to community groups and resources in an effort to support a society of lifelong learners. Follow the Library System on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Blue Sky, Pinterest, and Flickr. For library locations, hours, and programming information, call 716-858-8900 or visit http://www.buffalolib.org 

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PR Contact: Joy Testa Cinquino, testaj@buffalolib.org, 716-858-7182
Organization Contact: Carol Kowalik-Happy, kowalik-happyc@buffalolib.org, 716-858-7158
Field Trip Contact: Dan Lewandowski, Lewandowskid@BuffaloLib.org, 716-858-6900

Website: www.BuffaloLib.org
Location: Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo
Entry Fee (if any): Free
Opening Hours: M-T 8 a.m.-6 p.m., W-Th 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Fr-Sa 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Su 12-5 p.m.
Is Registration/reservation required: No registration required

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January - March | Exhibit: “Say Their Names, Honor Their Legacies”
Initiated by the Uncrowned Queens Institute and originally displayed at the Buffalo History Museum, this stunning portrait display spotlights significant history makers in Buffalo, who are recognized as pioneering community builders. Captured by photographer Yves-Richard Blanc.

 

February 1 - March 1 | Together as One Black History Partners Exhibit
Coordinated by the Buffalo African American Museum, this collaborative exhibit celebrates places and people important to Buffalo’s Black history, including the Michigan Avenue YMCA, the Michigan Street Baptist Church, and the Nash House Museum.

 

Wednesdays in February, 3-5 p.m. | Black History Month Movie Matinee 

Free movies located in the Ring of Knowledge. 

February 5 – The Forge (2024) - PG 

February 12 – Crooklyn (1994) - PG-13 

February 19 – Respect (2021) - PG-13 

February 26 – Jumping the Broom (2011) - PG-13 

 

Sunday, February 2, 2-3:30 p.m. | Music of Billie Holiday and Lester Young 

The Buffalo Jazz Collective offers a concert of standards that were originally recorded in the mid-to-late 1930s by Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra featuring Billie Holiday and Lester Young. Selections will include "He Ain't Got Rhythm,""Mean to Me,""Now They Call It Swing," and more. Featuring vocalist Alex McArthur, Elliot Scozzaro (tenor sax and clarinet), Mark Filsinger (trumpet), George Caldwell (piano), Paul LaDuca (bass) and John Baon "drums).  We are grateful for the support of the Music Performance Trust Fund and American Federation of Musicians Local 92 that makes this concert possible. 

 

Wednesday, February 5, 6-7 p.m. | A Presentation by Don Jones 

Don Jones is the Founder and CEO of Verite Capital Partners, a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities. Beginning his career as a retail porter, Mr. Jones ascended through the ranks of the retail industry, ultimately holding management and executive roles at prominent companies such as Target, Macy's, IKEA, and The Gap. 

In January 2024, Mr. Jones was honored with the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award from Felician University. This esteemed award recognizes individuals who embody the principles and legacy of Dr. King. Mr. Jones was selected for his exemplary ethical leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to civic and social responsibility, serving as a living testament to Dr. King’s ideals. 

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Saturday, February 8, 1-2 p.m. | Greetings from Guinea 

A high energy, interactive performance highlighting the music, dance, songs, history, and a variety of traditional instruments and costumes from Guinea. Mohamed Diaby is an acclaimed musician from Guinea, West Africa, with 25 years of experience as a teacher of Guinea-style African drum and dance. 

 

Sunday, February 23, 2-3:30 p.m. | Black History Month Concert: Carol McLaughlin Big Band 

Jazz standards and favorites with a Big Band sound! Presented with the support of the Music Performance Trust Fund and the Buffalo Musicians’ Association, Local 92. 

 

Saturday, March 1, 2-3 p.m. | The Grosvenor Room Presents: Celebrating the Say Their Names, Honor Their Legacies Project with Dr Barbara Seals Nevergold 

Join the Grosvenor Room as we celebrate the addition of the Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies video archive to the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Digital Collections.  These videos capture first person interviews with elders of the African American Community in Western New York. 

 

Our presenter, Dr. Nevergold, is a founder of The Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women which is dedicated to acknowledging the lives of African American men and women whose contributions and accomplishments, mostly undocumented, were instrumental in building a vital community. The Grosvenor Room is honored to serve as a steward of this important collection to share with the community now and in generations to come! 

Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens during the month of February to celebrate several important black horticulturists, botanists, and agriculturists through their exhibit, Roots & Blooms: Celebrating Black Horticultural Heritage. Visitors will learn about several important figures like Dr. George Washington Carver, Edmond Albius, and Dr. Marie Clark Taylor and their contributions to the plant world. The exhibit is included with regular admission and tickets can be purchased online at buffalogardens.com.  

 

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that welcomes all to enjoy its living plant collections, breathtaking conservatory, and educational programming. Opened in 1900, the Botanical Gardens is located within a park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Support for the organization is provided by public funds from Erie County; the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; members; donors; and friends.   

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PR Contact: Shaunna Mooney, smooney@buffalogardens.com, 716.827.1584 ext 219 

Organization Contact: Amanda Johnston, ajohnston@buffalogardens.com, 716.827.1584 ext. 223 

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes, Education Department, education@buffalogardens.com, 716.827.1584 ext. 730 

Follow us on social media: @buffalobotanicalgardens 

​Event/Program Website: https://www.buffalogardens.com/events/roots-and-blooms/

Exhibit/Activity location: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave. Buffalo, NY 14218  

Entry Fee (if any): Included with Admission 

Adults - $18 | Seniors (62+) - $16 | Students (13+ with ID) - $16  | Kids 3-12 - $9.50 | Kids 2 and under - Free | Members - Free 

Opening Hours/Event Time: Open Daily, 10:00am-4:00pm 

Visit the Buffalo Museum of Science to Celebrate Science: Black History Month.

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Cost: Adults: $19, Children 2-17: $17, Seniors 62+, Students & Military with ID: $17, Museum Members: FREE

Opening hours: February 1 – February 29, 2024, 10am – 4pm. Open Wednesdays until 9pm

Location: 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211

PR contact: Amy Biber Collson, abiber@sciencebuff.org

Organization Contact: Gabrielle Graham, ggraham@sciencebuff.org

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes, request online at https://www.sciencebuff.org/educators/educators-reservation/ or email museumreservations@sciencebuff.org or call 716-896-5200

Buffalo Arts Studio is committed to creating cultural connections in our community through exhibitions, public art, and educational programs. We also provide exposure and affordable studio space for local visual artists. Buffalo Arts Studio is a catalyst for self-empowerment and for the cultivation of new ideas and actions to enhance our region.

 

Cost: FREE

Location: Buffalo Arts Studio is located at 2495 Main Street, Suite 500, Buffalo, NY 14214.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm, and Saturdays, 10:00 am–2:00 pm

Organization Contact: Shirley Tokash Verrico, Visual Arts Director, (716) 833-4450 

Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Plaza at MLK Jr, Park in Buffalo's east side to admire the newly enhance aesthetic lighting and projections. While you are there, also check out the free self-guided mobile audio tour of MLK Jr. Park, narrated by Mr. Clifford Bell: www.bfloparks.org/audio-tours.

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PR Contact: Catie Stephenson, Catie@bfloparks.org | Tori Claflin, Tori@bfloparks.org

View virtual exhibit and video series featuring “Making of a Monument” online here: https://www.bfloparks.org/parks/martin-luther-king-jr-park/

Website: https://www.bfloparks.org/parks/martin-luther-king-jr-park/

Location: MLK Jr. Park, MLK Monument Plaza, Best St and Fillmore Ave

Hours: This is a public park and is open from dawn to dusk

Cost: Free

Visit the Burchfield Penney for Wilhelmina Godfrey: I am what I am, on view through March 30, 2025. Born in 1914 in Philadelphia and raised in Buffalo, Wilhelmina Godfrey was an artist of exceptional skill and vision. Working in painting, printmaking, and textiles, her practice continuously evolved throughout her career of over fifty years. Godfrey’s lifelong contributions as an artist, writer, scholar, and educator earned the admiration and respect of many, cementing her legacy within the local arts and African American communities. Wilhelmina Godfrey: I am what I am is a retrospective look at the artist’s massive portfolio and the development of her work from representative figuration to abstraction.

PR Contact: Julia Norris at norrisjl@buffalostate.edu

Organization Contact: Julia Norris at norrisjl@buffalostate.edu

Can you host a field trip for a school: https://burchfieldpenney.org/learn/school-group-tours/​

 

Website: burchfieldpenney.org/exhibitions/exhibition:wilhelmina-godfrey-i-am-what-i-am/

Activity location: Burchfield Penney Art Center, Museum™ Studio, 1st Floor

Entry Fee (if any): Adults: $10 | Seniors (62 & over): $8 | Children ages 10 & under: FREE | Students (with ID): $5 | Burchfield Penney Members: FREE

Honor Your Ancestors by Researching Them: Beginning Genealogy. Learn the basics for beginning to research and document your ancestry.
 

PR Contact: Sonia Walker – bgsad@gmail.com
Organization Contact: Sharon Holley
Exhibit/Activity location: Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library 
Entry Fee (if any): Free
Opening Hours/Event Time: 11:00 – 1:00
Is Registration/reservation required OR is your venue walk-in? Walk-In

The Castellani Art Museum (CAM) at the center of the Niagara University campus is dedicated to the enjoyment and educational potential of artistic creativity. As a major resource for the visual arts in Niagara County, the CAM's permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of mainly modern and contemporary art. The museum is committed to the professional care and preservation of this artwork.

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PR Contact: Jess Minicucci jminicucci@niagara.edu 
Organization Contact: Ellen Owens ellenowens@niagara.edu 
Can you host a field trip for a school: Case-by-case basis – contact Evan Wright / evanwright@niagara.edu and please fill out this form

 

Event/Program Website: https://www.castellaniartmuseum.org/events/currents 
Exhibit/Activity location: Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
Entry Fee (if any): $10/Adult, $5/Child. Free for Members, EBT card holders, and NU students.
Opening Hours/Event Time: February 29, 2024 / 5:30–7:30 p.m. | BIPOC Perspectives: Cultural Representation Roundtable
More information here: https://www.castellaniartmuseum.org/events/currents

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site is a premier destination for regional, national, and international visitors. Visitors understand the essence of the issues faced by Theodore Roosevelt and how these issues remain relevant today. Interpretive themes include immigration and urban poverty, race and social equality, environmental conservation, big business and labor, and the role of the U.S. in global affairs.

 

The Site also talks about the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and Bookert T. Washington and the invitation the new president sent to Booker T. Washington from Buffalo inviting him to dine at the White House in 1901. The TR Site is a unit of the National Park Service, the only NPS location in Western New York.  Since its inception, the Site has been managed by a local board of trustees, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation, through a cooperative agreement with NPS.

 

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00am-5:00pm. 

PR/Organization Contact: Spencer Morgan, Executive Director, 716.884.0095 (o). smorgan@trsite.org 

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes. Please contact Mark Lozo, Education Director, 716.884.0095, mlozo@trsite.org. The TR Site fulfills NYS grades 4, 8, 11/12. The TR Site does have funding in place to arrange and provide FREE fieldtrips including transportation to the TR Site for all 4th grade field trips. All other age field trips are currently still handled on a case-by-case basis and open to all ages.   

 

Additional digital content: 

https://www.trsite.org/ 

https://www.trsite.org/explore/social-issues-of-trs-day 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsRKVlXViYw&t=15s 

https://www.trsite.org/explore/educator-resources 

https://www.nps.gov/thri/index.htm 

https://savingplaces.org/distinctive-destinations/theodore-roosevelt-inaugural-national-historic-site 

Celebrate Science: Black History Month posters viewable inside or outside of Darling Education Center https://www.tifft.org/

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PR contact: Amy Biber Collson, abiber@sciencebuff.org

Organization Contact: Gabrielle Graham, ggraham@sciencebuff.org

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes, request online at https://www.tifft.org/schools-and-groups/program-request/ or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org or call 716.825.6397

View exhibit panels online at: https://www.sciencebuff.org/exhibits/celebrate/

Exhibit/Activity location: Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203

Entry Fee (if any): FREE

Opening Hours/Event Time: Trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Restroom access in Herb & Jane Darling Environmental Education Center is open Wed – Sun 10am – 4pm.