Celebrating the 2nd Annual
Together as One as part of
Black History Month 2024

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

Visit the Central Library Downtown Buffalo for an exhibit celebration of our region's black history, presented by the Buffalo African American Museum.

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PR Contact: Joy Testa Cinquino, testaj@buffalolib.org, 716-858-7182
Organization Contact: Anne Conable, Conablea@BuffaloLib.org, 716-858-8050
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/Event Time: M-Th 8 a.m.-7 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.

 

February 1 - March 3 | A Royal Tribute Exhibit
Features Black and Brown dolls curated by local doll collector and expert Lisa Jacobs-Watson. Thirty to fifty dolls are displayed to express themes of perseverance, empowerment, pride, and creativity—and that girls and women can do anything.

Thursday, February 1, 5:30 p.m. | A Royal Tribute Opening Event
Free and open to the public of all ages. The guest speaker is Buffalo native Zandra A. Cunningham, who was recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the youngest and most successful business owners in America. Zandra created and offers a full line of plant-based skincare products now available through major retailers such as Target.

 

Fridays, February 2, 9, 16, 23, Noon - 1 p.m. | Black History Month Speakers Series
Programs celebrating local Black history and culture, presented by partners in the Together as One collaborative exhibit; speakers to be announced.

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Sunday, February 25, 2 p.m. - 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.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides visitors with an immersive connection to the calming and restorative power of plants. Through our living collections and imaginative programming, we create memorable experiences that inspire curiosity about our natural world. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes everyone to engage with our gardens, historic conservatory, and each other.

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PR Contact: Shaunna Rospierski srospierski@buffalogardens.com 

Organization Contact: Erin Grajek egrajek@buffalogardens.com 

Can you host a field trip for a school: Yes, contact Amanda Johnston, ajohnston@buffalogardens.com

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Program Website: https://www.buffalogardens.com/products/free-community-nights

Location: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens - 2655 South Park Ave. Buffalo, NY 14218

Entry Fee (if any): Free

Event Time: 5-8pm

Is Registration/reservation required OR is your venue walk-in? Community Nights are completely free of charge. Free online reservations are encouraged to help partners to plan their programming, but are not required. Walk-ins will be welcomed. buffalogardens.com 

 

Community Night - From Soil to Soul: A Celebration of Buffalo’s Black Heritage, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 5-8pm
Sponsored by Assemblyman Pat Burke

February's Community Night will welcome the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the Buffalo History Museum, and the Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum to highlight and share some of Buffalo's Black stories from then and now. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the brand-new Orchid Exhibit at the Botanical Gardens during February and March featuring thousands of stunning orchids highlighted with dazzling lights. 

 

Community Nights offer free admission to the Botanical Gardens on the first Wednesday evening of each month in 2024.  Each date will feature a different theme, activities, and local partnership celebrations from 5-8pm. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the Botanical Gardens, fun scavenger hunts and experience activities, information tables, programs, performances and more from local partners. 

Visit the Buffalo Museum of Science to view “Celebrate Black History Month,” an exhibit highlighting some of the many scientific accomplishments of Black Americans throughout our country’s history.

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Cost: Adults: $19, Children 2-17: $16, Seniors 62+, Students & Military with ID: $16, 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 presents Phyllis Thompson’s new exhibition, Evolving Memories, a survey of work from Thompson's 50-year career as an artist and educator. Evolving Memories traces four aesthetic and conceptual threads rooted in the 1970s and 1980s that run through much of Thompson’s work. The themes embedded in nearly five decades of work come from Thompson’s childhood memories, experiences with family and friends, and imagined histories with ancestors the artist has only met through photographs. Thompson’s memories are supported by artifacts she has collected, spaces she has lived in, and places she has visited. Evolving Memories is on display January 26–March 1, 2024, with an opening reception on Friday, January 26, 5:00–8:00 pm.

 

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 shelter house at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Buffalo, NY, to view the exhibit "Making of a Monument". This exhibit highlights the incredible process spearheaded by founding members of the Buffalo African American Museum​, from the artist search to construction and the official unveiling. Also check out the free self-guided mobile audio tour of MLK Jr. Park, narrated by Mr. Clifford Bell.

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PR Contact: Catie Stephenson, Catie@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

Cost: Free

Contact: Zhi Ting Phua, Director of Engagement and Inclusion, (716) 838-1249, ext. 31 or zhi@bfloparks.org

Visit the Burchfield Penney for Open Studio this Winter Recess February 21 -23, 2024 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Head to the Museum ™ Studio classroom on the First Floor for these special drop-in art-making workshops for all ages. Each day will feature a different hands-on art project inspired by the work of Black artists from the Center’s art collection. Check out burchfieldpenney.org/events for more information.

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/

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In preparation for a November 2024 retrospective exhibition curated by Tiffany Gaines, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is searching for the work of local artist Wilhelmina Godfrey!

Born in 1914 in Philadelphia and raised in Buffalo, Wilhelmina Godfrey was an artist of exceptional skill and vision, working in media that included painting, printmaking, and textiles. The upcoming exhibition, Wilhelmina Godfrey: I am what I am, is an exciting opportunity to bring unknown examples of the artist & educator’s work in our community to light. Individuals who may have known the artist or own a work by Wilhelmina Godfrey are encouraged to contact curator Tiffany Gaines at gainestd@buffalostate.edu or 716-878-5806. It is through this research that we aim to preserve and bring long-overdue recognition to the significance of Godfrey’s career. Learn more at burchfieldpenney.org.

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Join Open Studio during Winter Recess this February! This special drop-in art-making workshop will be provided for all families and students looking for some fun art-making during winter break. Open Studio Winter Recess will be on February 21 - 23, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

 

Each day, we will embark on a creative journey, delving into the inspiring works of artist Wilhelmina Godfrey. Our projects are thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of this remarkable artist, offering a hands-on opportunity to connect with her artistic vision and express your own creativity.

 

Open Studio welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels to join the fun and express their creativity. Whether you are an experienced artist or a beginner, our Open Studio is the perfect place to learn, create, and connect with other like-minded individuals in a relaxed and supportive environment.

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Event 1: Open Studio: Weavings inspired by Wilhelmina Godfrey

Event 2: Open Studio: Landscape painting inspired by Wilhelmina Godfrey

Event 3: Open Studio: Printmaking inspired by Wilhelmina Godfrey

 

Website: burchfieldpenney.org/events

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
SUNY Buffalo State University Students (with ID): FREE | Burchfield Penney Members: FREE

Event Date: February 21, 22 and 23, 2024

Event Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Walk-in available. No registration is required. All materials will be provided.

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

This Black History Month, witness a remarkable chapter in American art history at the "The Highwaymen: Black Artists of the Florida Coast" exhibition, open through April 28, 2024, at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University in Western New York. The exhibition features 21 paintings by the original Highwaymen and their descendants, celebrating the ingenuity of 26 African American artists who, in the face of 1950s-1970s racial barriers, showcased their vivid Florida landscapes by selling them roadside. This unique event invites visitors to explore a significant and resilient facet of Black heritage in the arts.
 

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
Additional digital content here | CREDIT: Al “Blood” Black (b. 1947) Untitled (Orange Sunset), n.d. oil on Upson board with artist made frame, 24 x 35-1/2 in. Collection of Ray and Selina McLendon

 

Event/Program Website: https://castellaniartmuseum.org/events/cam-public-tours
Exhibit/Activity location: Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University
Entry Fee (if any): free 
Opening Hours/Event Time: Saturday, February 3 / 1-2 p.m. | The Highwaymen: Black Artists of the Florida Coast Public Tour with Curator, Michael Beam
More information here: https://castellaniartmuseum.org/events/cam-public-tours 

 

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 Uncrowned Queens Institute will debut a new exhibit at The Buffalo History Museum on Jan. 31, "Say Their Names: Honor Their Legacies," which shares the stories, wisdom and insights of Buffalo’s community elders. The exhibit will feature portraits, biographies, and oral history interviews that capture the stories of a group of Buffalo’s senior community builders. Buffalo's Uncrowned Queens Institute works to preserve the histories of African American women and men across the country. The exhibit will be displayed within the Museum’s Penfold Portico on its lower level through April 14.

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PR Contact: Brian Hayden, BHayden@buffalohistory.org

Exhibit Dates: January 31 - April 14, 2024

Location: The Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216

Entry Fee: Pay As You Wish

Opening Hours: Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; M&T Third Fridays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (September-May)

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.