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Black History Month in Upstate NY: Historical sites, monuments and more
Updated Feb 09, 2021;
Black History Month extends through the month of February and in recognition, we take a look at some of the rich history embedded in Upstate New York. Many homes and towns in the state were a part of the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved Black people to freedom in neighboring communities and Canada.
This list includes historical greats like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass to maybe lesser known, but none less notable folk like the inventor of the potato chip, a peg-legged tap dancer, a Pulitzer prize winning author, two Grammy-winning artists and one Oscar-winning movie inspiration.
WBFO s Thomas O Neil-White reports.
Leading the tour was Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Chairwoman Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, who said this showcase is not only part of Buffalo’s history, but a part of American History, too.
“It’s just incredible that we have these structures so we can continue to tell these stories,” she said “And yes, it’s important because these folks had an impact, not only on things locally, but nationally. We know that Mary Talbert hosted the first meeting of the Niagara Movement, which was a precursor to the NAACP. And she, herself, was a member of the church.”