2013-J625

Honoring Buffalo, New York's Michigan Avenue corridor in celebration of Black History Month

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2013-J625


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Buffalo, New York's Michigan Avenue
corridor in celebration of Black History Month

WHEREAS, February has been designated as Black History Month in our
Nation to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the Black commu-
nity; this joyful month-long celebration is held across New York State
and America to fittingly note the contributions of African Americans
throughout history and in all fields of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Buffalo, New York's Michigan Avenue corridor in celebration of Black
History Month; and
WHEREAS, African Americans resided in the City of Buffalo as early as
the 1790s; since then, their contributions have left tremendous land-
marks which assisted in the formulation of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, The proposed district location to be recognized starts from
East Ferry to Masten Avenue, then continues south to Woodlawn Avenue
onto Michigan Avenue and ends at Swan Street; and
WHEREAS, There have been some notable examples about these locations,
including: the Michigan Street Baptist Church which was organized in
1836 and built in 1845, and was considered a major part in the aboli-
tionist movement as a stop on the Underground Railroad; the Langston
Hughes Institute, an organization which has provided continuous services
to the Western New York community since 1968 along with being a central
gathering place for cultural and community events; the Colored Musicians
Club that began in 1917 when African Americans were prohibited member-
ship to the whites-only American Federation of Musicians local chapter;
and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) which was founded in Buffalo in 1905 by Mary B. Talbert, who
secretly hosted black political activists including W.E.B. Du Bois,
John Hope and nearly 30 others around her dining room table for the
first meeting of what would eventually become the Niagara Movement, a
forerunner to the NAACP; and
WHEREAS, African Americans reflect a proud legacy of courage and dedi-
cation that has helped to guide our Nation's success and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the Afri-
can American community for preserving for future generations its centu-
ries-old traditions that benefit us all and add to the color and beauty
of the tapestry which is our American society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Buffalo, New York's Michigan Avenue corridor in celebration of
Black History Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted at events commemorating Black History Month throughout the State
of New York.

actions

  • 26 / Feb / 2013
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 28 / Feb / 2013
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 28 / Feb / 2013
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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