5 Locations That Are Important to Black History in Buffalo

Black history is American History and Buffalo's contribution to this part of American History runs long and deep. There are so many people who have lived in Buffalo, and places within Buffalo, that made a significant impact on our country today.

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Since 1964, when President Gerald Ford changed Black History Week to Black History Month, we've celebrated the cultural impact that has been made on American society by all of these important people and places. Being that we live with so many treasures in our community, I think we may take some of these places for granted. Let's strive in 2022 to take full advantage of everything buffalo has to offer, including its contribution to black history.

Here are five Black History locations in Buffalo that you should plan to visit:

Broderick Park

The former location of the Black-Rock Ferry, Broderick Park in Buffalo was an important stop on the Underground Railroad as many African-Americans were considered fugitives by attempting to run from slavery. Being that this location is extremely close to Canada, many former slaves found freedom just 1,600 feet away from our shores.

The Nash House

This 1892 Queen Anne Victorian style home was the residence of Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr., Pastor of the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church from 1892 until 1953. Rev. Nash, and his wife Mrs. Frances Jackson Nash, hosted many people who had a major impact on American life including, but not limited to, Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., and Booker T. Washington.

Bethel AME Church

Originally founded by the Colored Methodist Society, The Bethel A.M.E. church came into existence in April 1831, making this congregation the first and oldest Black church in Buffalo.

Colored Musicians Club

This jazz club opened in 1935 and is the oldest continuously running African-American music association in the United States of America. The club has hosted the likes of Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald

Michigan Street Baptist Church

This brick church was constructed in 1845 and often served as the last stop for fugitive African-Americans escaping slavery on their way to Canada. Inside the church, you can still find many of the hiding spots that fugitives had to use to keep from being detected by slave catchers.

Do you know of any other historically significant locations in Buffalo that we should add?