Treidler, Adolph]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Early Twentieth Century (1900-1925)]]> Treidler, Adolph]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Early Twentieth Century (1900-1925)]]> Treidler, Adolph]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Early Twentieth Century (1900-1925)]]> Treidler, Adolph]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Early Twentieth Century (1900-1925)]]> Treidler, Adolph]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Early Twentieth Century (1900-1925)]]> Twain, Mark, 1835-1910--Manuscripts]]> Gift of the author to the Buffalo, N.Y., Young Men's Association Library (1885,1887). Presented in response to a request for a manuscript from a library official, James Fraser Gluck.

Manuscript was received in the following installments:

Title page sketch, Chapters 12 1/2-14, Chapters 22-30, Chapters 38-42 (487 leaves) in November 1885
Chapters 31-27 (209 leaves), circa 1886
Mark Twain's "Notice to Reader," Chapters 1-12 1/2, Chapters 15-21 (665 leaves) in July of 1887, unknown/lost to library when Curator James F. Gluck died unexpectedly while this installment was in his possession. This portion of the manuscript was recovered in 1992 and was found to include previously unpublished material.

The following passages were never previously published:

Images 401 – 433 ; Pages 198 – 214
Images 743 – 851 ; Pages 309 – 363
Images 1181 – 1185 ; Pages 527 – 529
Images 1283 – 1325 ; Pages 579 – 600

Additional information about the manuscript's history can be found here:
Huck Finn Manuscript

]]> Twain, Mark, 1835-1910.]]> Rare Book Room of the B&ECPL (repository)]]> eng]]> Late Nineteenth Century (1875-1900)]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970]]> African Americans--History]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]>
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.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]> New Hope Baptist Church (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)]]> Congress of Racial Equality]]> Oral History]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Mental health]]> Hospital Administration]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard (videographer)]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Beta Sigma Chapter]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]> Boy Scouts of America.]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> African American nurses--Interviews]]> Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970]]>
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."]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> 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]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> eng]]> African American judges]]> Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> New York (State). City Court (Buffalo)]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Buffalo news (Buffalo, N.Y. : Daily)]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Great Migration, ca. 1914-ca. 1970]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]> Buffalo (N.Y.). Board of Education]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> Buffalo (N.Y.). Common Council]]> Education--New York (State)--Buffalo.]]>
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".]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]> African Americans--New York (State)--Buffalo]]> African American veterans--Interviews.]]>
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.]]> Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.]]> Blanc Photographie (videographer)]]> Blanc, Yves-Richard]]> eng]]>