African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo
Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970
African Americans--History
Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.
Eva M. Doyle is a retired Buffalo Public School teacher with 30 years of classroom experience. She received a Masters' Degree in Elementary Education. She also studied at Capella University toward a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. She received an Honorable Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters during the 148th graduation ceremony of Buffalo State College. She lectures and writes extensively on African and African American History throughout Western New York. Mrs. Doyle is a Columnist for the oldest Black Newspaper in Western New York - the Buffalo Criterion. Her column Eye on History is now 44 years old. It began in the Challenger and has been published in the Buffalo News and in several national newspapers. She has also been the host of her own radio show for 14 years at the only Black-owned and operated radio station in Western New York, WUFO 1080. For the past five years, she has created Billboards around the city to introduce African American history to the entire Western New York area. Mrs. Doyle has been active with the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists (BABJ) and has served as the Vice President of Print of this organization for several years. She is also a member of the Buffalo Retired Teachers Association, and ASCAC - The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations. Mrs. Doyle published her 12th book in November 2021. It is now available on Amazon.com. Her Eye on History Billboards can be seen around the city. She has received numerous awards for her work including being named New York State Distinguished Woman of the Year by State Senator Tim Kennedy and honored by Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes. She also was named the Buffalo Citizen of the Year by the Buffalo News. Mrs. Doyle has introduced over 100 Essay Contests for youth and adults. She is proud of being the Founder of the Romeo Doyle Muhammad Scholarship named in honor of her late husband, a Veteran of the Korean War. Every year she presents Scholarships to students of color who will attend college in the fall. On July 9, 2022, she presented Scholarships to four outstanding students at the 13th Annual Romeo Doyle Muhammad Scholarship Program. This award is always presented during the birth month of her late husband. Mrs. Doyle also created the annual Roses for Outstanding Women Awards where she has honored over 300 women in Western New York for their contributions to our community. Mrs. Doyle is the mother of three children, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of five. Her motto is: Learning is a Lifelong Process.
Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (publisher of digital)
Blanc Photographie (videographer)
Blanc, Yves-Richard
eng
New Hope Baptist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Congress of Racial Equality
Oral History
Lillian S. Williams was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and was raised in Niagara Falls, New York, where her family moved when she was four years old. She is the oldest of nine children of Ada L. Williams and the late James L. Williams, Sr. Committed to public education, Williams proudly acknowledges that she attended the public schools of Niagara Falls where she graduated with a New York State Regents diploma with four years' honors in mathematics, science, English, Social Studies, and Latin. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, where she majored in history. She is a dedicated teacher, scholar, and community activist. She formerly chaired the Department of African American Studies at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York and now is associate professor in the Department of African and African American Studies. Prior to coming to UB, she was an associate professor at the University at Albany, SUNY, where she taught in the Women's Studies Department and directed the Institute for Research on Women. Her passion is history and she especially is committed to preserving the records of African Americans. While still a graduate student, she was a founder of the African American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier and associate editor of its journal, Afro-Americans in New York Life and History. Williams spearheaded several projects for the organization that included hosting guests for its Sunday evening African American history radio broadcast series that brought renowned scholars to the Buffalo community. She organized the annual conferences for the AAHANF and participated in its community lecture series that was held at the North Jefferson Branch of the buffalo and Erie County Library. She is editor of the papers for the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, the oldest secular African American organization still in existence. Dr. Williams is the author of the highly acclaimed Strangers in the Land of Paradise: The Creation of an African American Community, Buffalo, New York, 1900-1925 published by Indiana University Press in 1999 and released in paperback in 2000. The monograph A Bridge to the Future: the History of Diversity in Girl Scouting which she prepared for Girl Scouts of America led to her current book project tentatively titled Blacks in Green: African Americans and the Girl Scout Movement. She is the biographer of turn-of-the-twentieth-century-Buffalonian and internationally acclaimed reformer Mary Burnett Talbert. Williams' other scholarly projects include historian consultant for the New York State Museum's permanent exhibition Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s, the New York State Archive exhibit The Union Preserved: New York in the Civil War; and associate editor of the Encyclopedia of New York State. Her parents stressed the importance of involvement in her community and a commitment to social justice. In pursuing this mandate, she served as a member of the mayor's technical advisory committee for the District of Columbia's Twenty-Year Comprehensive Plan, and she was an expert witness in a federal lawsuit that the NAACP litigated to challenge the at-large-councilmanic districts that disfranchised African Americans. She was a member of the board of directors of the Albany NAACP. She also served on the Education Committee of the Buffalo Urban League and the New York State Historic Records Advisory Board. Dr. Williams has received several awards for her professional and service contributions. She is the recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching; the Niagara County Black Achievers awarded her the Lifetime Achievement award (2000); and she was selected as a fellow in the 2001 National African American Women's Leadership Institute. Williams was elected into the initial class of 150 Fellows of the New York Academy of History, June 2007 and the Young Women's Christian Association of the Niagara Frontier selected her as the 2009 recipient of its Racial Justice Award.
Mental health
Hospital Administration
Ellen E. Grant Bishop is a Buffalo native who began her career as a nurse at Erie County Medical Center in 1968. Dr. Bishop then worked at Buffalo General Hospital for 15 years. When she left the General in 1988, she was vice president and administrator of its Community Health Center. Dr. Bishop was the first African American to be appointed Erie County Mental Health Commissioner. She served in this position, under the administration of Erie County Executive Dennis T. Gorski, for 12 years. In January 2001, Dr. Bishop was appointed chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center was the first woman to hold the title of CEO since the hospital was formed in 1895. Under Dr. Bishop's leadership a Women's Health Initiative that included a refurbished OB-GYN unit and a community services center was opened. Following her position at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Bishop has worked as a consultant with clients throughout the United States. Dr. Bishop serves on numerous boards, including St. Bonaventure University, the Western New York Healthcare Association, the Western New York Women's Fund, and the Black Women's Health Study at Boston University's School of Medicine. She is the past President of the New York State Association of Counties and the current president of the New York State Chapter Board of Directors of the National Association of Social Workers. Dr. Bishop has received numerous awards and citations and in 1996 received an Honorary Doctorate for Exemplary Community Service from Medaille College in Buffalo.
Blanc, Yves-Richard (videographer)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Beta Sigma Chapter
Boy Scouts of America.
Brother Felton L. Davis attended public schools in Willard, Ohio and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After completing Capitol High School, he attended Southern University where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Sigma Chapter. He is a Life Member with the Fraternity and celebrated on March 31, 2012 50 years as an Alpha man. After receiving a B.S. degree from Southern University, he served as an Ordnance Corps commission officer in the U.S. Army at various post around the world. He received his JD Law degree and earned his private pilot license during that time. After his military career, he received an MBA degree from Louisiana State University with an Internal Auditing specialty. Brother Davis did further studies to earn his NY State Certifications as a Mathematics teacher and as a School and District Administrator. He is currently an adjunct instructor of mathematics at both Bryant and Stratton College (Buffalo Campus) and Trocaire College. Brother Davis has taught Mathematics, full time or as a substitute, in public schools, including the Buffalo School District, Central School Districts of Orchard Park, Hamburg, West Seneca, and Amherst. Brother Davis is very involved in the community of Western New York. He is on the board of the Family Help Center and served on Board of the Buffalo Urban League for seven years (five as the Treasurer). In Boy Scouts, he serves as an Assistant Council Commissioner, the District Commissioner, Buffalo District, and the Unit Commissioner for units of the Buffalo District and the Red Jacket District. He has been awarded the District Order of Merit, the Commissioner of the Year, and the Silver Beaver while serving within the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also serves his Fraternity as the Eastern Region Boy Scouts of America Coordinator, as the Area Director, Area 1, NYACOA/District III, and as a Chapter President, VP, Treasure and an Alpha Advisor. Brother Davis is also a Life member of the National Black MBA Association and has served since 2000 as a Hospitality Ambassador at the Buffalo/Niagara Frontier International Airport. Brother Davis is a very active member of St. Bernadette R.C. Church and sings tenor with his church and a Community Chorale. He has had the honor of having an award named after him (the Felton Davis Award of Merit) by the New York Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 2011. Felton L. Davis was born in Willard, Ohio. He was an adorable little baby boy. He was raised by his mother Bea Davis and his aunt, Mrs. Margaret Davidson. Although he only had a mother figure in the household, he still had male role models. While growing up he had uncles, school principals, Sunday school teachers, scout masters and many more men who were all good examples in his life. During his childhood years he was introduced to the Boy Scouts who taught him many traits he uses today like citizenship, self confidence and courage. He also earned his Eagle Scout's badge. One of the challenges of his childhood was that he moved several times. He had to learn how to make friends and adapt to his surrounding in each of the three different states in which he lived during grades K-12. However, Mr. Davis always loved school. Reading was one of the things that helped him throughout his life. He went on to college at Southern University, and then transferred into the military. He served 20 years in the military and was a Major when he left active duty. He loved to do this and said he would do it even if it was a non-paying position. In the military he studied to attain his Masters in Business from Louisiana State University. In addition to his degrees, he has received numerous certificates in many things. For example he is a certified teacher, principal and pilot. Mr. Davis is very involved with the Buffalo community. He has been a substitute teacher at many schools including Amherst High School. He is also a district commissioner in the Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Felton Davis is part of many organizations like the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM), and the NAACP, just to name a few. Mr. Davis is also the Chapter President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His work does not stop there; he also is very involved with his church. Mr. Davis loves volunteering at the airport, helping with customer service, and he sells newspapers for Kids's Day, and helps raise funds for the March of Dimes. In spite of all of his work, many people would say that he is a very modest man. Felton Davis believes that since the role models he looked up to helped him along the way, he should assist people who need support. This is why I believe that Felton L. Davis deserves to be an "uncrowned king" of Western New York.
African American nurses--Interviews
Florence Hargrave Curtis, a native of Buffalo, is the daughter of the late Ashley S. and Annie Whitehead Hargrave. She began her education in the Buffalo Public Schools. She has an Associate's degree in Applied Sciences and Nursing from Erie Community College ; a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Studies in Chemical Dependence; and a Master of Arts degree in Culture and Policy Studies. She is the mother of one daughter, Dawn C. Roberts, and the grandmother of three, Alvin, Alicia, and John Roberts. Florence's fascination with her second great-grandmother, Landonia Epps, led to her most unprecedented scholarly achievement, Daughter Be Somebody - a book that traces her family's history from 1740 through 1997. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the determination of two families to break the shackles of slavery and overcome its legacy through knowledge and education. It is a powerful and dramatic source of genealogical information that warms the heart, brings tears to ones eyes, but most of all it takes the reader on a magnificent journey into yesterday. For Ms. Curtis, there is nothing about which she is more passionate than African American history. For this reason, she has written five other books. Three of these books are tools for the researcher to make their search a little easier and help knock down the brick wall that every historian confronts in his or her search. The other two, He Heard My Cry and Everlasting Memories are books of original inspirational poetry. Ms. Curtis has searched her maternal lineage back to 1066 AD and her paternal ancestry back to 1634 AD. For her, the search never ends for there are always new roads to explore and new visions of old materials to document. In addition to Daughter Be Somebody, she has written He Heard My Cry; Landonia Epps, a Paper Trail of Her Times and Travels; Halifax Country, North Carolina Coroner's Inquests 1841-1891; Everlasting Memories; and In the Footsteps of Our Forefathers, the Churches Where They Worshipped, the Graves In Which They Slumber. Her books have found a home at the Schomburg Center for research in Black Culture; Duke University's John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American Documentation; Virginia State University; Saint Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia; Halifax County, North Carolina Library; as well as other educational venues. Ms. Curtis has spoken at numerous universities and for many genealogical societies on the importance and value of family research. She notes, "I have searched the pages of the past for a glimpse into yesterday, to make sense of today, and to find meaning in tomorrow."
Description from Uncrowned Community Builders.
The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo
American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Local 533 (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Music--New York (State)--Buffalo
Big band music
Jazz
Anyone who has heard of the Colored Musician’s Club knows the name, George Scott. George’s name is synonymous with this iconic, historic organization in Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. George was a teen when he visited the Club for the first time and fell in love with jazz. He is a virtual encyclopedia, who is knowledgeable about Buffalo’s historic musicians, their national contemporaries, and the history of the Colored Musician’s Union and club. Denied access to unions of white musicians, Buffalo’s Black musicians created their own union, Local 533 in 1917. They purchased the building that houses The Club in 1935. George is an instrumental leader in the movement to preserve the historic musical treasures of Buffalo’s early Black community. A new museum and renovated club will open soon in the original location. George is the Chairman of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission and a board member of the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation. His band, George Scott’s Big Band is well-known throughout the region
African American judges
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc
New York (State). City Court (Buffalo)
Honorable Rose H. Sconiers, New York State Supreme Court Justice, is former judge of the City Court of Buffalo; former Executive Attorney of the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.; former Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Buffalo; and a 1973 graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law. She was admitted to the State Board in 1974, and to the United States Federal District Court in 1975. In addition, she is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Justice Sconiers is an emeritus member of the University at Buffalo Council and a past President of the New York State Association of Council Members and College Trustees. She was appointed by the Chief Judge of New York State to the Unified Court System Advisory Committee on Criminal Law and Procedure and the Jury Project. She also is a member of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities. Justice Sconiers is past president of the University at Buffalo Law Alumni Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the New York State Defenders Association. Justice Sconiers is the first Vice President of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; Assistant Presiding Officer of the Judicial Council of the New York State Bar Association; and a delegate to the National Conference of State Trial Judges of the American Bar Association. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Erie County Bar Foundation; a former member of the Erie County Bar Association Grievance Committee; and the past Chairman of the Lawyer Referral Service Committee and Law Day Committee. She also served on the Bar's Special Committee to Study the Feasibility of Creating a Police Civilian Review Board for the Buffalo Police Department; Practice and Procedure in City Court Committee; Judiciary Committee; and Ethics Committee. Justice Sconiers is a Past President of the Erie County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; past President of the Supreme Court Justices Association, Eighth Judicial District; past President of the Buffalo Chapter, National Bar Association; past Chairperson, Friends of The School of Architecture and Environmental Design at SUNY; past Vice-Chairperson, Women for Downtown; past President, Community Planning and Assistance Center for Western New York (CPAC); and past Chairperson of the 13th Street Multi-Purpose Center, Inc., in Niagara Falls, New York. Justice Sconiers is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Children's Hospital; the Board of Trustees of St. Mary School for the Deaf; and Board of Directors of the Buffalo Chapter, American Red Cross. The Honorable Rose H. Sconiers was elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church in 2018. At the first meeting of the Executive Council in Chaska, Minnesota October of that year, Justice Sconiers was elected to the Executive Committee of the Executive Council. Justice Sconiers has served with Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and helped develop the agenda for each meeting of the Council, monitored progress on Council initiatives and resolved, undertook work delegated by the Council and conferred and took action on extraordinary matters. Justice Sconiers was also elected at this meeting as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Mission within the Episcopal Church. This Committee is charged with overseeing the work of racial reconciliation and justice. Sconiers is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Diocese of Western New York Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination and Chair of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Racial Equity Roundtable. Justice Sconiers is married to Attorney Lester G. Sconiers and is the mother of a daughter, Lisa Rose, and son, Lester, Jr.
Buffalo news (Buffalo, N.Y. : Daily)
Irene was born Irene McLeish in Buffalo, New York on August 31st, 1939, ten minutes after her identical twin Lorine. Their parents were Aaron and Martha McLeish. The sisters had a close bond in this world, interrupted only by Lorine's passing in 2022. Irene and her sister had an older brother, Herbert, and a younger brother, Steven; both of whom preceded Lorine in death. Aaron and Martha raised their children at St. Philip's Episcopal Church. The twins graduated from Public School #74. When it was time for high school, Martha wanted her daughters to attend Bennett instead of East High School, where black students were assigned. She purchased and wore clothes particular to women who provided cleaning and household services to wealthier families. Martha appealed, in person, to the Buffalo School Superintendent to have her daughters enrolled at Bennett, saying that she did this form of day labor for a nearby family. Bennett High School became integrated just a pinch by the twins whose mother actually had her own household assistant. After graduating high school, Irene attended the University of Buffalo but left when her mother became ill. She then became a model and salesperson for Adam Meldrum & Anderson's (AM&As) department store. In 1962, she married a local drummer, Kenneth Greene, who was also raised at St. Philip's. The couple had 3 daughters, and Irene stayed home to raise them but didn't totally quit outside activities. She taught Sunday school at St. Philip's, crafts classes at her daughter's school, and ran the American Cancer Society's Annual campaign for her area. When her children were in school full-time, Irene decided she wanted to use her talents to contribute to the household income and returned to work. She returned to AM&As entering their management training program. After 12 years, she applied to the sales department at the Buffalo News, where her husband was employed. The News didn't hire her at first but did eventually call her back to become the first Black female outside salesperson. After 15 years, Irene retired when Kenny, her husband, had open heart surgery. Fourteen years later, on her birthday; Irene's husband succumbed to his heart issues. During this time of mourning, she was invited to join the board of the Bennett High School Alumni Association. What started out as a social group with meetings at members' residences, morphed into a much more diverse organization with Irene's leadership. She has served as vice president and president for the past 20 years. In that time, the group gained a dedicated room on campus and outfitted the school with uniforms, computers, scholarships, field trips, and a mentoring program. The Alumni Association also raises money at the bequest of the principal for projects. Irene has spent a lifetime being integral to the successful functioning of her beloved church. She has served as a vestry member and warden. She has chaired fundraising campaigns and the annual summer outing. Currently, Irene is Chair of the Food Ministry committee and volunteers at the St. Philip's food pantry. In mentoring young people at Bennett, Irene encourages students to decide on a goal and to work towards it; even when obstacles make achieving it very difficult.
Josephine Hunter Robbins was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Josephine completed her formative education in her home city. She completed studies for a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After moving to Buffalo, she earned both her Masters in Secondary Education as well as the Certification in Administration and Supervision from Buffalo State College. Mrs. Robbins began her career in 1956 as a science teacher. From 1956 to 1959, she taught in two public schools in Raleigh. She re-located to Buffalo, New York in 1960. Her teaching career in the Buffalo Public Schools spanned a 35 year period and included six years teaching junior high school science and ten years as an Administrator, with teaching assignments in science, chemistry and biology. This latter position was at St. Augustine's School/Fulton Academic Complex, a school for pregnant and parenting teens. Mrs. Robbins concluded her teaching career as the secondary principal at St. Augustine's/Fulton Academic Complex. She retired in 1995. She has been a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church since 1989. She has served numerous terms on the Vestry, including serving as Warden of the Parish. She has also served as the Superintendent of the Sunday school. She actively serves as a Lay Eucharistic Minister of the Parish. At the Diocesan level, she has served on the Diocesan Council, Episcopal Church Home Board, Board of Episcopal Community Services, Board of Ventures in Faith, Lay Episcopal Youth Council Advisor of the Central Erie Deanery, Urban Missioner Committee, and Diocesan Commission on Ministries. Her community involvement reflects the high level of her commitment to community service. Past community participation includes membership on the Infant Mortality Task Force, Erie County Health Advisory Board, National Youth Sports Program Advisory Committee, Erie County EEO Hearing Complaint Board, National Association Concerned with School Age Parents, Governor's Task Force on Teen Pregnancy, Buffalo Teachers' Federation, Buffalo Secondary Principals' Association, National Association for Secondary School Principals, National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Black Educators' Association, Western New York Coalition on Teen Pregnancy, St. Augustine's Community Center Board of Directors, Deaconess Hospital Family Planning Advisory Board, March of Dimes Advisory Board, and Board of Directors of Homespace, Inc. Mrs. Robbins is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter. She serves on the St. Philip's Community Center Board and volunteers for Women for Human Rights and Dignity. She has received a number of awards including, Community Service Award and the Angels for Service Award from Women for Human Rights and Dignity; Outstanding Community Service in Education Award; Humanitarian and Caring Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Great Lakes Region; and Woman of the Year Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Mrs. Robbins was married to the late James Edward Robbins. She has two stepchildren and five step grandchildren.
Linda Coppock was born the third child of Adam and Leila Jones of Buffalo, NY. A product of the Buffalo Public Schools, Linda graduated from Bennett High School before following her older brother to the HBCU Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. At Morgan State University, Linda set the groundwork for the remainder of her life, majoring in elementary education, and meeting her then-future husband, Michael "Mickey" Coppock. Mickey and Linda married in 1976 and soon completed their family with the arrival of son and daughter, Michael Jr. and Camille, in Newark, NJ. Linda also holds a master's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State College. While Linda's earliest career experiences were in Newark, she spent the bulk of her career with the Buffalo Public Schools, beginning in 1985 when the family moved from New Jersey to Buffalo, NY. Over the years, Linda taught various grade levels with the longest tenure spent at the sixth grade level. She was awarded The Apple for the Teacher Award and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa; an academic honor society in the United States. Linda also served as a Program Coordinator for the Buffalo Board of Education. Linda retired in June of 2015 with thirty years of service. Linda has participated in many organizations over the years. She currently is a Board Member for the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women, a docent at the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, a former board member of the YMCA, and a longtime member of her church for over 60 years where she has served in various capacities, most recently as Past President of the Usher Board. Linda is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for over 20 years with whom she has been extensively involved in chapter activities. She has chaired the 25th anniversary of the chapter; Xi Epsilon Omega. She was the fundraising chairman for 5 years and the former Recording Secretary for the 2006 Regional Conference that was held in Buffalo, NY. She has held the office of Public Relations, Corresponding Secretary, and Sergeant of Arms. She has logged considerable effort on chapter committees such as Enhancing Our Environment, Standards, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Impact Day. In 2016, Linda received The Outstanding Soror Award for her chapter. She has traveled to and participated in many Alpha Kappa Alpha conferences such as the Clusters, Regional and National conferences and presently is the chairman of Advocate for Connections and Social Justice Initiative in her chapter. Linda was married for 32 years until the passing of her late husband in 2008. She has raised two wonderful young adults whose success makes Linda feel successful in turn. Michael is the Global Director of Strategy of Business Operations for a notable company and Camille is a Marketing Strategy Director in the finance industry. Linda has traveled to England, France, Italy, Spain, Central America and many Caribbean Islands. She enjoys gardening, bike riding, and socializing with family and friends.
Buffalo (N.Y.). Board of Education
Mary Ruth Kapsiak began her career as a NYNEX Corporation Customer Service Representative employed in Business Marketing. She served as Chairperson of the Upstate Telephone Commercial Union and served on the Telecommunications International National Organizing Committee and was a member of the National Coalition of Black Trade Unionist. She has earned several degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, University at Buffalo; Certificate of Completion, Orton-Gillingham Method for Reading from the Gow School in South Wales, N.Y; Master of Science in Exceptional Education, from Buffalo State College; Master of Science, Reading, Canisius College; and completed her certification in School District Administration from Canisius College. She was a special education teacher and reading teacher at Community School #53 in Buffalo. Prior to her experiences at School #53, Mary Ruth was a reading teacher for grades pre-kindergarten through six at Broadway Village Elementary # 57 where she conducted assessments and evaluations while teaching the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching reading. In September of 2002, she worked as Adjunct Professor in Reading at Medaille College. Mrs. Kapsiak was appointed as Assistant Principal of Stanton Academy #31. In 2004, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Dr. Lydia T. Wright School of Excellence # 89. She ended her career with the Buffalo Public Schools as Supervisor of Elementary Education in 2006. On May 1, 2007, Mary Ruth was elected to the Buffalo School Board as Central District Representative. On July 2, 2007, she was sworn in as Central District Representative, and on the same day was elected President of the Buffalo School Board where she served as President from 2007-2009. She stepped down as President and became Vice President of Executive Affairs July 2009 and served in that position until July 2010. Mary Ruth was re-elected to the Board of Education on May 1, 2010 and served as Vice President of Student Achievement and as of May 2011 she became President of the Board. She served on the Board of Directors for the Erie County Association of School Boards for three years and was a representative on the Council of Great City Schools from 2007-2009, a member of The Council of Urban Boards of Education Diversity Committee. Area 1 Director of The New York State Caucus of Black School Board Members 2013-2016, Her professional associations include the following: Good Schools for All Advisory Board; Life Membership in the N.A.A.C.P, and served on the Executive Committee of the N.A.A.C.P., Membership in Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society; Vice President of the Metro Buffalo Alliance of Black School Educators; Member of The National Association of Black School Educators; Phi Delta Kappa Professional Organization; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter(Silver Star) and Life Member where she served as Vice President ,and President and has chaired several committees in the chapter; Member of the Erie County (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; She serves on The Board of Directors, Teach for America; The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Diversity Council Committee, Served on the Board Directors of the Character Council of Western New York, and was elevated as an Ambassador to the Character Council; serves on the Ethics Committee for The Board of Education, Advisory board for McKinney Vento (Homeless School Children, and The Special Education Advisory Council as S.A.G.E. Advisor. Mrs. Kapsiak is a proud member of the International F.& A.M. Masons & Order of Eastern Star, Incorporated, White Rose District Grand Chapter #9 of Niagara Falls, New York of Anointed Star Chapter #442. She recently contributed to Letters to Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, Her past affiliates include Board of Directors B.U.I.L.D. of BUFFALO, Incorporated, Buffalo Leadership Council, Board of Directors Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council of the Buffalo Urban League, Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, a member of the following Alumni: University at Buffalo Alumni Association, Canisius College Alumni, and State University College of New York at Buffalo Alumni Association.
Buffalo (N.Y.). Common Council
Clifford Bell was born on November 28, 1929, in Buffalo, New York as one of seven children to the late Emmett and Thelma Bell. Throughout his life, he has been known to the people of his community as Brother Bell. This nickname goes to the heart of Bell's philosophy and attitude toward God and his fellow man. "Brother Bell" has contributed to the Western New York Community as an activist, entrepreneur, public servant, author, business advisor, mentor, and as member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. Bell started two business ventures in Buffalo, having successfully owned and operated both a dry-cleaning service and a sporting goods store. He built upon his entrepreneurship savvy and used this knowledge to contribute to economic growth within the community and beyond. He has served as a Senior Advisor of the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College, as Director of the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation, and in various capacities as a business mentor. In 1998, as a representative of the Mayor of Buffalo, Bell led a delegation of 55 people to Lille, France to personally represent five Buffalo businesses in international trade. For over a decade, and what many may know him for, Bell served as a Council Member-at-Large. His service extends even beyond this position. He founded the Buffalo African American Museum, a traveling and growing exhibit showcasing local African American history. As a community activist, he provides leadership in stewarding the preservation of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To this end, he spearheaded the construction of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bust in MLK Park with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Bell has also assisted as chairman of the MLK Trust Fund's Celebration Committee for over 30 years. In February of 2021, he helped to create a collaborative exhibit and video series between the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the Buffalo African American Museum titled "Making of a Monument". This project chronicles the legacy of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bust. Brother Bell is an engaged member of his church, the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. He has served in numerous capacities at the church since 1955, including congregation president, Deacon Board chairman, and Evangelism Committee chairman. He is also a poet, publishing a book of poetry titled "A Full Life", which draws inspiration from his relationship with faith, family, and life. Among his numerous awards and distinctions are the NAACP's Medgar Evers Award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Seniors Award by the New York State Governor, Buffalo Urban League's Evans-Young Award, and recognition by the Erie County Legislature, New York Senate, New York State Assembly, U.S. Congress, and the Buffalo and Erie County Library for his years of public service. Of particular note, Brother Bell was recognized for the Congressional Record by the Honorable Brian Higgins on January 15, 2020. The Congressman said: "Brother Bell has lived a life of love, representing the best of our community and our country. We, as a nation, can learn from his example." Bell is also recognized as an Uncrowned King as part of the Uncrowned Community Builders. Clifford Bell has received the highly honored title of Paramount Chief of the African World, performing libation ceremonies in English, French, and Spanish. In 2021, Bell was honored by the Buffalo History Museum with the coveted Red Jacket Award. The Red Jacket Award is given annually "in recognition of quiet, continued, unbroken devotion to civic progress." In 1792, President George Washington presented Red Jacket with the medal after which the Museum's award is modeled. Brother Bell has been married to Helaine Tucker for over 66 years and they have two children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Bell believes in fairness and equity for all people, bringing his passion for civil rights to any challenge he has faced over the years. He continues to serve as an engaged community member treating all with fairness, living by his motto "This Bell tolls for the People".
African American veterans--Interviews.
Ronal Bassham was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the eldest of the six children of Thaddeus and Peggy Bassham. The Bassham family moved to Buffalo, New York when Ron was a child. He attended Buffalo Public Schools. In 1953, he left Emerson High School at the age of seventeen to enlist in the United States Air Force. Ron served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. For his outstanding bravery and service at Quang Tri, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal and the U.S. Vietnam Service Medal. He retired in 1975 after twenty-two years of honorable service to his country. During this tour of duty, he had the opportunity to serve on many continents including, but not limited to, Asia, Europe, South America, and Australia. After his retirement from the Air force, Ron was sure that he had more to give to the private and public sectors. He began a new career with Harrison Radiator in 1977 and in that same year helped to create the first successful Veterans committee in the history of the United Auto Workers union. Ron wanted to step away to provide opportunities for younger workers and retired from Harrison Radiator in 1995. You would think that all of the above was enough for any one person, but no, Ron has continued to be a community and union activist and during the 1990s helped to write the Living Wage Law for the City of Buffalo. This law has impacted the lives of thousands of citizens living and working in the City of Buffalo. Ron was busy in the 1990s and was instrumental with the Vietnam Veterans' Chapter 681, in opening the first Residential Post Traumatic Stress Clinic in Western New York. In October 2001, in recognition of his work with the United Auto Workers, Ron was elected to the United Auto Workers Hall of fame. In May of 2002, Ron had a large leadership role in the "Day of Honoring Event" that honored the minority service people of World War II. At last, these veterans received their long overdue decorations. In 2006, Ron was appointed by the federal government to be the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services Representative for Western New York. Ron is a member of at least thirty-five community groups. One of his favorites is the Niagara Military Affairs Council (NMAC). In 2005, the Niagara Falls Air Force Base was placed on the Department of Defense closing list. Ron and the NMAC were instrumental in saving this base along with 1000 jobs impacting the Western New York economy. In 2006, Ron's efforts to support veterans resulted in the Women's Residential Clinic, in Batavia, New York, providing support for female veterans suffering from PTSD. Plans are currently underway to build a larger clinic which was scheduled to have a ground-breaking in 2011 and open in 2012. He has also worked to establish the "Women's" Military Support Network of Western New York to assist women veterans at the Batavia and Buffalo Veterans Hospitals. In September 2008, Ron's Veteran Affairs Group of Buffalo's Black Chamber successfully introduced into legislation, the Veteran's Cold War Act. This law allows all honorably discharged veterans, who served between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991, to receive property tax reductions. They served this country and should not be forced to leave their homes. This act has also been extended to Erie County Veterans, thanks to Ron's advocacy. In 2009, Ron was instrumental in the opening of a veteran's section in Elmlawn Cemetery in Tonawanda, New York. The following year, his work resulted in the reconstruction of "The Veterans Monument" at Northland and Grider Streets in Buffalo. He has also advocated bringing the National Veterans Cemetery to Buffalo and the Western New York area by 2012. The closest federal veteran's cemetery at this time is located in Bath, New York, more than one hundred miles away. In 2017, Ron had the opportunity to address the historic disparate treatment of African American servicemen and women. He became a founding member of a group whose goal was to create an extraordinary monument to honor these men and women. When asked how he got involved in the monument project, Bassham wishes he could look back fondly on his 22-year Air Force career as a ground crewman. He said, "I'm proud of my service, but I am not proud of the way I was treated. Ronal and his wife Julia reside in Niagara Falls, New York. Ron is a father of eight children and numerous grandchildren. Ron is a living example of "the apple not falling far from the tree". He is the father of a 2000 Black Achiever in Industry Honoree and Uncrowned Queen, Joyce Wilson Nixon, NICYO Executive Director/CEO and proud sponsor of her father for the 1490 Community Organization's Black Achiever in Industry Honoree for 2008.
Florence Johnson is a graduate of Buffalo State College and holds a B.S. in Exceptional Education and Elementary Education as well as M.S. in Education. Presently, she served as project director for Student Support Services at Buffalo State College. In this role, she monitored the academic progress of 200 students who meet the criteria for low income and first generation attending a four-year college. Ms. Johnson established a "Summer Bridge Program" specifically designed to help in the retention of first year students at Buffalo State College. Chair of the National Council of Urban Boards of Education, Florence D. Johnson was a member and former president of the City of Buffalo Board of Education. She served for 25 years. She chaired the strategic planning committee for that board and is its delegate to the Federal Network Advocacy Association. She served on the Board of Directors of the National School Boards Association and in 1999 served as vice chair of the National Council of Urban Boards of Education. Listed in Who's Who in American Education, Ms. Johnson is the recipient of numerous awards for her work in education. She has been honored with the Jayne Kadey Award for Teaching Excellence; the Buffalo State College President's Award for Excellence; the New York State Governor's Award for African Americans of Distinction; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Edgar A. Love Scholarship Award; and the Education Award from the National Conference of Christian and Jews. She was selected to serve on the New York State Commissioner of Education's Advisory Board, and serves on the Council of Great City Schools representing the Buffalo Board of Education. She was an enthusiastic board member of the Olmsted Park Conservancy, and First Vice Chair of the Hamlin Park Taxpayers & Community Association. Among her many honors for her career include Buffalo Spree Magazine's 2006 listing as one of the Ten Most Powerful Western New York Women. Ms. Johnson has been an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church for 45 years. During this period she served as Director of Christian Education, teacher of the Sunday School Department, and worked in the Outreach Mission for the EPIC Board to disseminate information to teenage parents on effective parenting. She serves as a member of the Calvary Adult Choir and received the Network of Religious Communities Award - Inter Religious Ecumenical Award. Ms. Johnson is married to Mr. George Johnson and has two sons, George, Jr. and Isaac.
Reverend Pierce spent his early childhood in Laurel, Mississippi, where he suffered under the policy of strict racial segregation. He attended schools that were inferior to those of white students. He lived in the "Colored Projects" on the other side of the tracks. Reverend Pierce had to drink from the water foundation marked "Colored Only. "When he attended the movie theater, he had to sit in the balcony. He was not allowed to use the public library or sit at the lunch counter at downtown restaurants. In 1950, he relocated to Buffalo, New York, hoping to improve his way of life. He was shocked that racism also existed in Buffalo, but he remained there to assist his uncle in caring for his ailing Aunt. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Buffalo, then earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State College and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Buffalo. In 2002, Rev. Pierce was licensed and ordained as a Minister of the Gospel. Rev. Pierce was an exemplary and devoted leader in the U.S. Army for 18 ½ years. He has served in the Regular Army, Active Reserve Component, and National Guard. Rev. Pierce was a member of the Military Police Corps and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class E7. He continues to serve in the American Legion Jesse Clipper Post No. 430, where he was Post Commander from 2013-2014-2021-2022. During Army Basic at Fort Hood, Texas, Pierce's fellow trainee was Elvis Presley. His first overseas assignment was in Gelnhausen, Germany. His Company Commander was 1st Lt. Colin Powell, the future Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pierce is the founder and first Executive Director of the B.U.I.L.D. Halfway House. As President of the Pilgrim Baptist Church Housing Corporation, he was instrumental in constructing Pilgrim Village, an eighty-unit low-income housing development located north of the Medical Corridor between Michigan Avenue and Ellicott Street. In 1970, Reverend Pierce relocated to Cheektowaga, New York. In 1971, Rev. Pierce was alerted by his family that something was afire on his front lawn. Rev. Pierce observed that a cross was burning. He instructed his family to remain inside while he armed himself with a pistol and exited his house through the garage. Three men were standing in front of the cross. He ordered them to extinguish the burning cross and leave his property immediately or be shot. They chose the former. In 1974, he was arrested along with seven members of the B.U.I.L.D. Organization for demonstrating against police brutality in Buffalo. In 1977, he was arrested in Cheektowaga for demonstrating against employment discrimination. His efforts in the struggle for racial justice in Cheektowaga resulted in two misdemeanor convictions, both of which he refers to as his "badges of honor." Also, in 1977, his home had to be protected by the F.B.I. for a year due to threats received by his entire family. Upon investigation, the federal government determined that the Town of Cheektowaga was guilty of employment discrimination, and Cheektowaga was ordered to reform its hiring practices. This paved the way for hiring the first African American in Cheektowaga. He was a Plant Security Officer at the Bethlehem Steel Plant in Lackawanna, where he served as President of Guards Local 2332, AFL-CIO. Rev. Pierce retired in 1997 as Deputy Superintendent of the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, New York. He served as Commissioner of The Erie County Conditional Release Commission. Rev. Pierce also served as Chairperson of The Erie County Community Advisory Board. Memberships: American Correctional Association American Academy for Professional Law Enforcement Lambda Alpha Epsilon (Professional Criminal Justice Fraternity) Buffalo State Alumni Association University of Buffalo Alumni Association Saint John Lodge, Free and Accepted Mason United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 3-3 Disabled American Veterans, Post No. 150 American Legion Jesse Clipper Post No. 430 Buffalo Genealogical Society of the African Diaspora He has received several Outstanding Service Awards from the community: Award of Excellence from Group Ministries, Inc.; Two Black Achievers Awards, Martin Luther King. Jr. Award; Labor Unionist of the year; Boy Scout Leader of the Year; Buffalo Branch, N.A.A.C.P., Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award, Southern Christian Leadership Outstanding Service to The Community and American Legion Jesse Clipper Post 430, Legionnaire of the Year Award. Rev. Pierce gives God the Glory for all of his accomplishments. He has been married sixty-four years to his beautiful wife Sharon, his rock. She has walked beside him and encouraged his many pursuits. He is the proud father of four children: Darwin, Eugene Jr., and Denothras. His hobbies include photography and fishing.
African Americans in medicine
Velma was born in Buffalo, New York on October 6, 1933. She is the eighth child of eleven children born to Ernest and Isabell McGriff. She attended public school 12 and graduated from Hutchinson Central High School. at the age of 18 years old, she married James (Dave) Ferguson on November 25th, 1950. She is the mother of three children, six grandchildren eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Velma was employed from 1953 to 1996 at Buffalo General Hospital, as a Supervisor in Cardiac Angiology, Department of Medicine. She retired in 1996. While working at Buffalo General, she attended Bryant & Stratton College and the University at Buffalo. After retiring from Buffalo General, Velma worked another decade as a bus aide supervisor beginning in 1996. She was a supervisor of bus aides. She often personally worked on the routes that had students, who were considered the most disruptive. She developed special relationships with those students and modeled behavior management for the other bus aides. She was the supervisor of bus aides. Velma became a member of The Harriet Tubman 300's Inc. in 1976. The organization was formed in 1975 to preserve the legacy of its namesake, Velma has held a 51-year tenure as the longest-tenured member as well as the oldest member of the organization. She is still an active member serving as President. In 1996, the Harriet Tubman 300's co-sponsored a historical marker at Freedom Park (formerly known as Broderick Park) in Buffalo's Black Rock district. The marker denotes the site as a former "Underground Railroad River Crossing" into Canada. In 1979, Velma co-founded the Buffalo Chapter of the Cousins, an affiliate of the largest Black Family Ancestral Groups in America. It boasts over 3500 cousins. Velma was awarded the Black Achiever Award in 1995. She is a lifetime member of St. Luke/Durham Memorial AME Zion Church, 17 E. Eagle Street in Buffalo. She is grateful to be a two-time cancer survivor and enjoying life.
Oral history
African American physicians
Winford A. Quick, M.D. is the Medical Director at the General Motors Corporation, Powertrain Division's Tonawanda Engine Plant. His responsibility is to provide quality medical care to the 1,800 plus employees at the facility. Dr. Quick was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, School of Medicine form 1979 to 1983. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, providing on-the-job, occupational medicine experiences to residents in that department. The son of an A.M.E. Zion minister, Dr. Quick was born and raised in Morehead City, North Carolina. Dr. Quick earned a bachelor's degree in biology, while on a football scholarship, from Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina in 1966. He earned a M.S. Degree in Air Pollution Toxicology from the School of Pharmacy of Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1969. In 1973 he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. He completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine at the Deaconess Hospital of Buffalo and Women's and Children Hospital of Buffalo from 1973 to 1976. From 1977 to 1982, Dr. Quick worked as an evening staff physician at the Jesse Nash Community Health Center. Following 10 years of private medical practice in Buffalo, Dr. Quick joined the Medical Department of the General Motors Corporation in 1981. Dr. Quick is a former member of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine Admissions Committee and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Buffalo Urban League. He is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Grace Manor Nursing Home. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St. John Christian Academy. He is also a board member of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and was recently appointed to represent Buffalo and Erie County on the New York State level with the United Way. He donates many hours in efforts to decrease teenage pregnancy and increase the awareness level of teens to sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. Dr. Quick has received numerous awards and honors including: the Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding and Dedicated Service presented by the Student National Medical Association; citation awarded for outstanding service on the Medical Admissions Committee, School of Medicine, University at Buffalo 1978-81; Award of Recognition for his continuing humanitarian work, which positively influences children, strengthens families and empowers communities to improve the quality of life for all children and adults, New York State Division for Youth, 1995; Humanitarian Award, Lakeside Family & Children's Services, Spring Valley, New York, 1995; Black Achiever in Industry Award, 1490 Enterprises, Inc., 2000; and Student Choice Award, Best Evening Seminar Speaker, Upward Bound Programs, SUNY, 2002. Dr. Quick is a member of the National Medical Association, American Occupational Medical Association, American Medical Association and the local and state medical societies. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Grand Boule, where he served as Grand Agogos and as a member of the Centennial Book Committee. Dr. Quick is married to Joyce Ford Quick, a retired educator and an Uncrowned Queen. They have a son and daughter and a granddaughter and grandson. They reside in East Amherst, New York. Dr. Quick and his family are active members of St. John Baptist Church in Buffalo, where he serves as a Deacon and Mrs. Quick as a Deaconess.
A native of Louisiana, Dr. Seals Nevergold moved to the East side of Buffalo, New York in 1947 with her parents, the late Clara Ellis Seals and Rev. Willie B. Seals, seven brothers and sister. She is a graduate of the Buffalo Public Schools and Buffalo State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in French Education. She is also an alumnus of the University at Buffalo with Masters of Education degrees in French Education and Counseling Education. In 1986 she earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at UB in Counseling Education. Dr. Seals Nevergold also studied French at Laval University in Quebec, Canada and at the University of Dijon in Dijon, France. Dr. Seals Nevergold began her career as a French teacher in the Buffalo School System. She also worked as a guidance counselor in the system. Subsequent positions have included: Executive Director of Niagara Frontier Association for Sickle Cell Disease, Inc.; Vice President for Children's Services at Friendship House of Western New York, Inc.; CEO of Planned Parenthood of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc.; and Regional Director for Berkshire Farm Center. Dr. Seals Nevergold retired as the Director of Student Support Services at the University of Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center. She has also held adjunct instructional positions at Empire State College and the University at Buffalo. Beginning in the Fall of 2006, Dr. Nevergold and fellow co-founder, Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, of the Uncrowned Queens Institute began working full-time on the establishment of the Uncrowned Queens Center for Excellence at the University at Buffalo. From 2006 to 2010 the Uncrowned Queens Center for Excellence at the University at Buffalo enhanced the work of the Institute by giving it a home and supporting the extension of the numerous programs developed and implemented by the Institute. The Uncrowned Queens Institute, founded in 1999 by Drs. Seals Nevergold and Brooks-Bertram, promotes the collection, preservation and dissemination of the individual histories of women, women's organizations and women's collective history; and to teach and educate women on the use of technology to preserve and disseminate their histories. Dr. Nevergold was appointed an at-large member of the Buffalo Board of Education in 2012. She served as the President of the Board from July 2013 to July 2014. In May 2014, she was elected to a five year term. She has served as President of the Board from 2014 - July 2019. She is an active participant in many of the District's task groups and committees. Dr. Nevergold also serves as the 2015-17 Treasurer of the NYS Conference of Big 5 School Districts and having served as that group's President for a one year term. She was re-appointed President of the Big 5 for 2018-2019. She was a member of the Resolutions Committee of the New York State School Boards Association. She was elected to serve on the Executive Board of the Council of Great City Schools for a three year period from 2016-2019. She also co-authored Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady (SUNY Press, 2009). The book (which is also in audio book form) features a compilation of letters and poems written to First Lady, Michelle Obama from 100 women throughout the United States and Africa. A play of the same name was co-authored by Dr. Robert Knopf, Dr. Bertram and Dr. Seals Nevergold. Dr. Seals Nevergold has received numerous awards including: the Williams Wells Brown Award in recognition of her efforts to preserve local African American history; the UB Star Award 2001 for outstanding work on the Pan-American Exposition centennial celebration; the Excellence in Education Award from Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; the Community Service Award from the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club; the Community Service Awards from the Community Action Organization and the Buffalo Chapter NAACP (2006). She and Dr. Brooks-Bertram were also recipients of the Brotherhood-Sisterhood Award for Education from the National Conference for Community and Justice (2005) and the Keeper of the Flame Award from the National Women's Hall of Fame (2006). Dr. Seals Nevergold is a life-member and "Silver Soror" of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 1987. She has served the Sorority, as a member of Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter, in several capacities, including many years as Ivy Leaf Reporter and Corresponding Secretary. In addition, she is a former member of the Erie County Chapter of the Links, Inc. She has served on the Christian Education Ministry and is active in other activities at her church, St. John Baptist Church. Dr. Seals Nevergold is married to Paul R. Nevergold and they have two adult children, Alanna Elizabeth Nevergold Marrow and Kyle Robert and four grandchildren, Naia Ellison Reese Marrow, Cameron Josef Nevergold, Nahri Elizabeth Ann-Marie Marrow and William James Nevergold.