Buffalo, NY – As part of Buffalo’s Black History Month festivities, Mayor Byron W. Brown today recognized local African Americans who have made significant contributions to the Buffalo community. The annual awards ceremony took place in the lobby of Buffalo City Hall. This year’s award categories were as follows: Arts, Business, Community, Education, Law, Youth.
“Congratulations to this year’s Black History Month Award recipients,” said Mayor Brown. “It’s always a pleasure to recognize the contributions Black Buffalo residents have made throughout our City’s history. Our community has been shaped by countless African American leaders who have, and continue, to fight for equity and inclusion. This month, let’s continue to celebrate our city’s powerful history, while reaffirming our efforts to continue to build a place where everyone can thrive, across both racial lines and different backgrounds.”
He continued, “Throughout the month of February, we continue to highlight a number of outstanding African Americans, including the participating vendors who are hosting retail pop-ups on Saturdays at the Broadway Market, in partnership with Buy Black Buffalo. Today I ask all residents to celebrate Black history month year- round, by supporting all of our great Black-owned businesses and restaurants in Buffalo.”
At today’s event, Mayor Brown recognized the following awardees for their outstanding work in the following categories.
The Arts
Naila Ansari Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo State University in Theater and Africana Studies
Community Service
Shantelle Patton Co-founder of The Dopeness Project
Youth
Steven McDuffie and the Bennett Highschool Football Team
Education
Dr. Jamie D. Smith Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Chief Academic Officer, Senior Vice President of Education, and the Dean of the Roswell Park Graduate Division of the University at Buffalo
Daphne Ross Chief Impact Officer for Say Yes Buffalo
Ministry
Pastor Pamela Taylor Co-pastor of New Life World Harvest Restoration Center
Evangelist Bruce Warrick Licensed Evangelist and Founder of the “Trust God” ministry
Business
Shannon LaMar Johnson M&T Bank Business Banking Relationship Manager
Melanie Minor M&T Bank Cybersecurity Analyst and Business Owner
Family
Dennis Wilson Teacher, Business Owner and Restauranteur
Rhonda Wilson Founder and CEO/President of Buffalo Black Nurses Incorporated.
Law
Cavette Chambers City of Buffalo Corporation Counsel Cavette Chambers
Law Enforcement/Military
Lieutenant Andre Lloyd Buffalo Police Department
Today’s special event at City Hall also featured music by Nia Badger and Saxaphonist, Will Holton. Mayor Brown also reminded people to support the special “Black History Month at the Broadway Market” celebration. Every Saturday throughout the month of February, Buy Black Buffalo retail vendors will be on site at the historic Broadway Market, located at 999 Broadway, showcasing their unique products and items, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete list of Buy Black Buffalo retailers, go to www.buffalony.gov or BroadwayMarket.org or Facebook/ BroadwayMarketBuffalo.
