2022 Virtual Black History Month Talks

Speakers: Diane Cookfair & Rev. Eugene Pierce 

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Many of us know that Jesse Clipper was the first African American soldier from Buffalo to die in World War I.  But who was Jesse Clipper the man? What was his life like? A deep dive into his life story reveals that there is far more to this Buffalo hero than is commonly known.  For example, before he moved to Buffalo, he was a nationally known vaudeville star! And it turns out he was doing heroic things long before he died serving his country. 

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Watch the recorded lecture now!

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Speaker: Sharon Holley

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From the African American Cultural Center to Zawadi Books - explore the people and places unique to Buffalo’s Black History with Sharon Holley. Sharon is a member of Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York, President of the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation, and a Board Member for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. 

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Watch the recorded lecture now!

Speaker: Lee Pettigrew

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Join long-time WUFO MIX1080 AM and POWER 96.5 DJ, Lee Pettigrew, for an evening as we dive into Radio History.

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Mr. Pettigrew will dive into the history of Radio and how the industry got it start, as well as its lasting impact on the entertainment industry worldwide. Locally, WUFO has been one of the most important radio stations in the Black Community. Mr. Pettigrew will detail how WUFO got its start and the importance it has in Buffalo history. 

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Watch the recorded lecture now!

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Speaker: Lillie Wiley-Upshaw

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Buffalo was an active node on the underground railroad in part due to the city's proximity to Canada and the anti-slavery sentiment in the city. Many brave African-American , White men and women risked their lives to oppose slavery. Learn about some of the untold stories of the abolition movement in Buffalo from Lillie Wiley-Upshaw Chair of Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition and Co-Chair of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission.

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Watch the recording now!

Speakers: Colonel Cummings & Steven Tedesco

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Colonel Cummings retired from the army and now conducts outreach and public education as an advocate for the World War II African American Women’s Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Her efforts resulted in a monument at Fort Leavenworth Kansas, a Blue Plaque dedication at the King Edward School, Birmingham, England, an award-winning documentary, the Six Triple Eight, and media coverage reaching millions of audiences worldwide. She will be joined by Steven Tedesco of the Buffalo & Erie County Naval park who will share a new exhibit at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park.

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Watch the recorded lecture now!