Historically Speaking

Published by The Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier , P.O. Box 63, Buffalo NY 14207

http://home.adelphia.net/~aanylh/

Sharon Holley and Madeline Scott, Editors

Volume 30    Number 1   April 2006  

 

FAMILY HISTORY DINNER, 2006

The 29^th Annual Family History Dinner will be held at The New Golden Nugget , 2046 Fillmore Avenue, on Friday, May 5, 2006.  The event is scheduled for 6:45 P.M.  The presenters for 2006 are Sharon Amos and Fern Beavers.  They will present a “History of St. John Baptist Church,” Buffalo, NY.  Tickets for the event are $20 per person.  Advanced reservations are required and can be made by sending payment to Mrs. Madeline Scott, 5 Coronation Dr., Amherst 14226.

Six persons, or groups, will receive the William Wells Brown Awards for their contributions to the preservation of African American History.  This year’s awardees are Zola Crowell; Wanda Davis, Ph.D.; Sheila Martin, Ph.D.; Trinity Baptist Church Historic Museum Committee; Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples; and the African American Heritage Study Committee of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church.

 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

 For our Association, the year 2005 has been a very exciting and fruitful year. The 100^th Anniversary of the Niagara Movement brought to the attention of the public Buffalo’s rich African American past.  The Association was busy all year with our own programs, and co-sponsoring programs with other groups such as the Uncrowned Queens, Rededication Program of Talbert Hall at U.B. and their January Niagara Movement Celebration at Sheas Buffalo. The African American Studies Department at the University of Buffalo requested our co-sponsorship of their July press conference to celebrate the Centennial of the Founding of the Niagara Movement.  For the third year we have been a co-sponsor of the McKinley High School Conference on African & African American History & American Diversity. We have cosponsored with Canisius College and other colleges and organizations, the speaking engagement of author/filmmaker S. Pearl Sharp, March 30 – April, 1.  Ms Sharp held workshops for high school students, college students, and 2 public events at Canisius.  As President of the Association, I was asked to be the chair of this 4 day event.  I was also invited to be the Speaker for the WNY Coalition of Blacks In the Courts at their 16^th Annual Commemoration of the Life & Works of Dr. Martin Luther King.

The October Conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH) was a huge success for ASALH, not only in terms of attendance, but also financially.  Our membership responded to the call and our organization was able to write numerous grants to get underwriting to finance special workshops for local students and educators.  In addition, we were able to provide 27 volunteers to work at the conference.  We have been advised that this was one of their most successful conferences.  Our only regret was that many of us were unable to leave the conference to attend the Induction of Mary B. Talbert to the Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls.

Another of our accomplishments was establishing the first award named for Joyce E. Allen, the person who actually started the annual celebration of Black History in WNY.  The first “Joyce E. Allen Award” was given in February, 2006, to Raymon Black, a contractor who built and/or built additions to ten Buffalo African American Churches.  Over 125 persons attended this event.  We are open for suggestions for the 2007 awardee.  Community organizations and/or individuals are encouraged to make nominations

We were very encouraged by the February Carter G. Woodson Contest having an increase over previous years of children submitting essays.  Our microfilming preservation work continues with the latest completion of the David Collins papers and photo’s.  Mr. Collins was Masten District Councilman for many years.  St. Luke AME Zion is in their 100^th year of existence (1906).  Their historic photo albums have been put on CD’S and the papers from the Church are currently being sorted and prepared for microfilming.

 I would especially like to thank the membership for their continued support of the Association.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             Madeline O. Scott

The winners of the 29^th Annual Carter G. Woodson Essay Contest received certificates and cash prizes at the awards ceremony and programs held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the North Jefferson Branch Library and Center for Local African American History and Research., 332 E. Utica St.  The theme for this year’s program was, “A Solute to African American Youth in Western New York.”  First, second, and third place essays in the three categories are printed in this newsletter.

The Saturday program  included; a welcome by library branch manager, Sandra Bush; presentation of awards by Mrs. Madeline Scott, president of the historical association; and a presentation about Carter G. Woodson by Mrs. Sharon Holley.  Co-sponsors of the contest included; the Lit-Mus Study Club, the Buffalo NAACP Branch ACT-SO Program, the BECPL Extension Services Dept., and the North Jefferson Branch Library.

First, Second, & Third Place Finishers in the 3 Categories

GRADES 4 - 6

1st Place, Grades 4-6

Alexandrea Ozoria

Houghton Academy – grade 6

An African American youth I would like to solute is Nicole Rhynes.   Nicole Rhynes is my best friend and classmate.  We have gone to school together for about four years now.  She is twelve years old.  What can I say about  Nicole?  She is amazingly optimistic, kind and happy.  Nicole is very generous and gives to her community every time she is able.  On Christmas she went around her neighborhood collecting papers to recycle.  With the money she earned she bought gifts and sent them to charity.  That Christmas she brought many children happiness.  As a matter of fact she is always helping those in need.  Every holiday she gives and gives to those less fortunate than herself.  On Thanksgiving Day she and her family went to the homeless shelter and fed the people.  Nicole is an excellent friend with citizenship to match.  She always displays kindness, generosity, and selflessness not only during the holidays but every day of her life, and keeps a smile on her face every step of the way.  It is because of these qualities her friends and I think she should be saluted.

I think Nicole should be honored because of her generosity and good nature.  Nicole is always giving and showing an example of how people should be.   Most people are selfish and cynical.  It’s a wonderful thing to see a person who gives without regret and selfish thought.  All it takes is one good thought, and one good idea to change  someone’s life.  For every person she helps there is one good thought.  Something that can help them move forward and make things better for themselves and others.  This is why I think she should be honored.  So in a way Nicole is always changing someone’s life with every small thing she does for others.  It may not seem like much now but in the future a person she had helped ten years from today may be doing better.  They could have a job, a family, they may even own stocks or a business!!  Small things lead to big changes.  Even with the most unlikely people.

Nicole Rhymes does for everyone and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Even if the person had went through the worst of days, she can find a way to make things better for them.  It is needless to say she is loved in her community.  Her kindness, generosity, and good nature makes her more than worthy of being saluted as an African American, but a United States  citizen as well.

 

2nd Place, Grades 4-6

Juanee’Tah Perry

International School #45 – grade 5

 Brandon Prims is an 18 year old African American boy who is being saluted because he's respectful, responsible, helpful, and funny.  In the Sunday Baptist Church in Lockport, New York, he helps everybody in church. When we are in church he goes to the bigger church and teaches the kids that are 12 years and up about Jesus. Brandon helps the community by making sure he has all of his kids for church. When we are in church we sing some songs and when we're on the bus he sings songs.  He also helps the church community by making sure everybody is on the bus.  Brandon always cleans the church every time somebody makes a mess. When he cleans up everybody calls him the "cleaning maid," but it doesn't make him mad.  When the bus comes to our house he comes in and is always dressed nicely because he wears a tuxedo.   When it's time to go home we go on the bus and Brandon cleans it when everyone is off.  Every time he's at church he thinks nobody likes him, but we tell him that everybody likes him.  Sometimes when it's time to go home he goes downstairs to get the little kids.  If you want to know how long I have known Brandon Prims, I'm going to tell you about 7 months.  I know him because we go to the same church.  I think I'm going to tell you a little more about Brandon Prims.  If you ask me if he's mean, I'm going to tell you that he's nice.  He is always nice to the kids that go to church.  Brandon has one brother named Joshua and he is nice just like Brandon.  You might get mixed up because they look exactly alike.  He is always bringing snacks in the afternoon every time we get off the bus.

 

3rd Place, Grades 4-6

Jamilia Williams

Hamlin Park School – grade 6

 My sister Nyisha Jacobs is an outstanding African American youth.  She is 20 years old.  I think she is outstanding because in her days in high school she never got suspended and she was always on the honor roll.  She went to Turner Carroll High School.  She won many awards.  She won a presidential award for excellence.  She was a member of the National Honor Society.  She received many honors for getting good grades.

She joined the Crusaders Drill Team.  She was a member of the Crusaders for seven years.  She went to Miss Barbara’s School of Dance for five years.  She took tap dancing.  She graduated from Turner Carroll.  Her class was the last class to graduate from there because they closed the school.  Now she is still going to school.  She goes to Bryant and Stratton Business Institute four nights a week.   She is studying Human Resource Management.

She has a nice job.  Many young people do not work and go to school like Nyisha.  My sister Nyishe even lives in her own house now.  She is good at doing hair and she used to work at a hair salon.  This is why I think my sister Nyishe Jacobs is an outstanding African American youth. 

GRADES 7 - 9

1st Place, Grades 7-9

Marina Akaic

CCS Saint Monica – grade 8

 

 I strongly feel that I, Marina K. Akaic, have made positive contributions to my community.  I am a fourteen old African female attending eighth grade at Catholic Central School, Saint Monica Scholars campus.

I live with my six sisters, and my mother.  I have made and will continue to make a good contribution to Western New York by attending school regularly and by becoming a great leader and not a follower.  I believe that I can become a great leader because I set a good example for my younger sisters.

In school I try my very best to get along with everyone, even if they dislike me.  I don't gossip about people and try my best to stay out of trouble.  I follow all the rules at school.  I do my homework almost everyday.  Sometimes I don't understand how to do it but I still try my hardest.  I come to class everyday prepared and ready to learn something new.  I participate in everything that I can participate in at school or my community.  I joined the basketball, softball, volley ball, and track teams.  I also participate in the Girls Scouts and Project Truth.  I try to get along with my team mates and I usually do.  I help any of my team mates that need help.  When the coach is busy helping someone else I try to help with the rest of the team.  I let the coach know a few days before the game, or practice if I can't make it to the game or practice so she can have time to find someone to take my spot.  I don't have to worry about that much because I always try to make it unless it's emergency.  I'm not really an "A" student but I try to be.  I ask my teacher and classmates for help if I need it.  I also help my classmates out if they ask me.

I attend church every Sunday and any other time they're having a special function.  I'm a Christian and so is my whole family.  The church that I go to is called "His Dwelling Place" church.  I attend every special and regular event to support my church.  I help out at my church by helping the bible study teacher.  I'm involved in an After-School Program at Holy Cross church.  I also praise dance for them.  I learned how to set up for service at my school.  That's why I can help set up, and prepare at my church.  I made a very good contribution to my family because I love them so much that's why I will do anything for them.  I help out my single mother with the house work, shopping, and the kids.  I help my mom out with the cooking, laundry, and cleaning.  I thank God everyday before I go to bed for my mom, sisters, and everything in my life.  I get up every day and wake up my sisters.  I get them ready for school and take them to their day care and bus stop. When one of my sisters lost her bus pass, I stayed home with her.  When one of my other sisters lost her bus pass on our way home the driver wouldn't let her in so I got off with her and we walked home.  I taught my littler sisters how to pray before meals and bed. When any of my sisters are having any trouble with anything they'll come and talk to me because I'm a very trustful person.

I keep my community nice and clean.  I volunteer as a counselor at the Bell Center to help kids with their homework or anything they need help with.   I help with fund raising at my community and school. When we're having a bake sale, I'll bring in some cookies or cupcakes.  If we're having a car wash to fund raise, I'll bring in some cleaning supplies.  I volunteer at day care when I'm not too busy.  I read stories to the little kids. I also play games with them and help them with anything they need help with.  I help out at a retirement home.  I go over there to play bingo with them and other games.  I donate clothes, shoes, toys, and supplies to the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross.  I really enjoy all my community service that's why I will continue to do them, one of these days I will volunteer for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program.

2nd Place, Grades 7-9

Queenosob Hashi

City Honors School -  grade 9

 What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Hero"? A tall, slightly built man coming out of an apartment building that's on fire, dripping with beads of sweat, carrying a scared little girl in his arms? How's about a social worker who had just saved a teen boy from the brink of death by adopting him herself? Take a soldier who had just come to his hometown after a war and received a Purple Heart for his brave work. It is usually these people who you see on the cover of your local newspaper the next day.

Her name is Naima Robertson and she is my hero. Thanks to her, three families that had come from Kenya had found a peaceful place to live. Two children from these families are my new best friends. Even though most of them don't know a word of English, they all know who had brought them here.

Naima herself was born to Kenyan immigrants who had no choice but to come to Buffalo in the 80's. At an early age, she had shown an interest in helping refugees by joining in the Amnesty International club and other similar organizations. At the age of twenty, she went to visit Kenya herself to retrieve her mother's sister and children. When she reached there, she was struck with grief to find out that both of her aunt's children were dead long before she had arrived due to famine. Her aunt was never found.

From there on end, Naima was determined to help the needy in Kenya. She set up drives in the neighborhood to collect money so that she could still help the people she knew but couldn't bring to the U.S. by providing them with food and clothing. Even thought I didn't know her at the time, I volunteered in the drives. I was so touched by her ambition that I gathered up the courage one day to ask her for some help. I wanted to find my neighbor's daughters who were said to be in Kenya but couldn't get out because of the lack of immigration papers needed to get to America. Without hesitation, she told me that she would do whatever she can to help me find them. Even though that I figured she was an honest person, I never knew that she would live up to her promise. Two years later, I met them at the Buffalo Airport on July 17th, 2005. When our eyes met for the first time, we did nothing but cried nonstop for quite a while. Even though I had never met them in my life, I knew that it was them.

Sometimes, when I pass by her house, I can't help but wonder how. How did one young girl accomplish all this happiness for me and many others? How in the name of God did she do it? How dare is she not recognized as a sign of hope and relief. Despite all the hard work she did, Naima never asked for anything. I couldn't put her on the front of a newspaper but the least I could do is honor her through this essay.

3rd Place, Grades 7-9

Alise Dixon

Highgate Heights School #80 – grade 8

 My name is Alise Dixon and I am thirteen years of age. 1 should be saluted for the contributions 1 have made at school, home, and in my community as well.

In my community, I’ve done lots of things.   We had neighborhood clean-ups and we went around cleaning yard's, mowing and raking lawns, planting flowers, and we even cut dead branches off trees.  We organized block-club parties in the spring and summer for the kids. We had clowns, swimming pools, basketball and football games, face paintings, and things like that.

At school, I am in the book club.  In book club we are reading a book called Addy Learns A Lesson.  I am also in the school choir. We had our Winter Concert in December. It was a great success. We are currently working on the song “'Miracles,”  by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

At home, I sometimes baby-sit my younger brother, Anthony.  He's a good kid and very fun to be around.   I also take care of our puppy Noeraga.  I walk him so he won't use the bathroom in the house and I also clean up after him when I take him out for walks.  I feed him and give him fresh water everyday so he can grow up and be strong, and I also play with him so his joints and bones get strong enough so that he can grow.  I also do lots of chores around the house.  I wash dishes after meals, clean the living room, bathroom, and dining room twice a week, and make sure my dog doesn't tear up or use the bathroom in the house.

I think all of my contributions make me a better student, daughter, older and younger sister, and an overall better person.  I made a lot of bad decisions, good decisions, and mistakes, but I’ve learned from them all. I’ll make many more and correct them.   I think this is what makes my contributions at home, school, and in my community so good, and also what makes me so.....well...Me!

GRADES 10 - 12

1st Place, Grades 10 - 12

Breauna Crumpler

Amherst Central High School – grade 12

 Jessica Adams is a 17 year old African American high school student at Amherst Central High School. She balances a job and her education pretty well. This youth may sounds like the average high school student, but she is anything but average.  Jessica devotes hours of her time to her church youth group, going on church trips, conferences, and many other church oriented events.  She is an extraordinary person.  In this day and age many youths and juveniles do not belong to any organizations, and in my opinion this has attributed to the high crime rates among youths.  Jessica Adams is a true role model. She is setting higher standards for today's youth to follow.  She, with her great contributions to her church and community, is setting a precedent.

One example of the generosity of Jessica and other members of her youth group occurred in 2004, when they volunteered their time to clean an elderly woman's home.  Her home was infected with cat feces and completely covered in filth.  Many people would have refused the task or given up pretty easily, but Jessica and her youth group completed the job, and maintained a good attitude about the whole thing.  She also volunteered in 2005, with her youth group, at a local soup kitchen. They served soup to the homeless, and other hungry people in need. Jessica once said," I've seen people on television volunteer at soup kitchens, and say that it truly felt good to do it, but you have to do it to truly know how good they really felt. It makes you feel like you did something really good, and it gives you a sense of purpose."  Jessica Adams truly is an extraordinary person.

Many youths don't have productive places to go after school, so they resort to local gangs, or other negative alternatives.  Jessica is leading by example, by showing that there are good alternatives for youths to turn to after school.  Jessica has helped organize group camping trips for youths who don't necessarily belong to her church.  Jessica has genuinely tried to assist today's youth by not only leading by example, but also by creating other alternatives besides "the streets."

Jessica Adams has done so much for her church and community.  She has assisted many youths by giving productive alternatives to the everyday struggles that the inner-city neighborhoods create.  She has set a precedent  She has shown many juveniles that getting involved in church and community events can truly help your mind and soul.  She has contributed so much to her community and church through her volunteerism.  Jessica Adams is truly an outstanding African American youth in Western New York.

2nd Place, Grades 10 - 12

Cierra Belton

Amherst Central High School – grade 10

Western New York should be known as more than a place with the greatest number of drug offenders. In this generation it is hard to stay focused with the constant peer pressure to be something you are not. More importantly, it is hard to simply survive. The murder rate of youth increases each year. For many tomorrow is never promised. It is important that the youth of WNY, like myself recognize that change is possible.

My name is Cierra Belton, and I am a sophomore at Amherst High School. Just like an ordinary teenager, I too have been confronted with peer pressure on a daily basis. The choice to give into peer pressure is an important choice. I believe it is important to be an individual, and to make your own choices.

One choice teenagers have is to get involved in youth organizations. I am active in an organizational club known as the Zeta Archonettes. As Archonettes, twenty other girls and I serve the community. We do a lot of community service, to help meet the needs of the less fortunate throughout WNY. For example the Archonettes annually participate in the Breast Cancer walk. This event takes place around the downtown Buffalo area. I believe it is essential to help others in order to make a difference in the community.

I strongly believe in being active outside of the community as well. I am the co-captain of a step team, which participates in various step shows. By being on this step team I am able to avoid the peer pressure associated with alcohol and drugs. Because I believe so strongly in making good decisions, I helped with the youth at my previous church, First Centennial Missionary Baptist Church (MBC). For my accomplishment at First Centennial MBC I have received the "Outstanding Youth" award. Nevertheless, I do not credit myself for all of my accomplishments. I am grateful for the support of family members such as my mother and uncle. It is important to have support systems consisting of friends and family that act as motivators. For instance, Oprah Winfrey is not one of the richest women in the world because she slacked off in her life goals. Oprah was an advocate. She set goals that were both accessible and achievable, and she embraced her support systems. Oprah is an example to all African American teenagers, that change is possible and achievable.

Every teenager has dreams which they wish to accomplish. It is important to not let the issues of peer pressure and jealousy hinder a dream. In order to assure the success of a dream, teenagers should become active in their communities. A person will never know the difference they can make in another person's life, without first accomplishing their own dreams. It is important to be an advocate for yourself and those around you, and to know that change is possible if desired.

3rd Place, Grades 10 - 12

Cha Vu

Hutch-Tech High School – grade 11

An African American youth who has made a contribution to Western New York In either school, church, family, or community is Rosh-Neke Thomas. Rosh-Neke was born in Williamson, West Virginia, during the year of 1988. She is seventeen years old and is currently a junior attending Hutchinson Technical High School.

At the age of fourteen, while attending Lincoln, Academy #44, she won the Jesse Ketchum award in 2003 for academic excellence.  Now at the high school, she is involved in many extracurricular activities including Band, jazz, concert, vocals, Newspaper staff, Sergeant at Arms in the junior council, and homeroom representative in the student council.  She is a very successful individual who is liked by many people.  She is easy to get along with and she helps others when needed.  People know her for her kindness, respectiveness, religious and moral values, her hardworking abilities, reciting poetry, and last, but not least, her singing abilities.  She is gifted with such a beautiful voice and she uses it to the best of her abilities.  She sings in the Chapter Youth Choir of Western New York every Saturday from 4-6 PM, and performs every other Saturday at her church.

During her spare time, she likes to sing and read.  She helps her parents cook when they need a helping hand.  She knows how to make their famous traditional, legendary family pound cake that is one of a kind.  It's a family secret recipe, so she didn't tell me what was in it.  She often offers to clean up old neighborhood yards and voluntary does her own yard.  She also volunteers at the park and occasionally assists the elderly neighbors with groceries and household gardening.

She is not only a good and hardworking child and student, but she is also a friend that you can count on and relate to.  I come to her for advice when I need it because her words are very soothing and kind.  She is someone who I can always count on. Not only does she set high standards for herself in the academic field, but she also is very successful.  She puts 100% of her heart into everything and gives everything her best shot.  That is why I chose Rosh-Neke Thomas as an African American youth who has contributed to our society in Western New York.

 

NAMES OF COLORED PEOPLE , BUFFALO, NY  JULY 1, 1832

FROM DIRECTORY FOR THE CITY OF BUFFALO

This information was provided to AAHA president  Madeline Scott by Pat Kavanagh, Historian for Forest lawn Cemetery.