Extends provisions relating to the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor commission in Buffalo

2 Co-sponsors

• Timothy M. Kennedy
• Kevin S. Parker

BILL NUMBER:S4894

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 595 of the laws of 2007 amending the parks, recreation and historic preservation law relating to establishing the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor commission in Buffalo, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof

Purpose

To extend the enacting language for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor that will sunset on December 31st of 2013.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 3 of chapter 595 of the laws of 2007, amending the parks, recreation and historic preservation law relating to establishing the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission in Buffalo. Chapter 49 of the laws of 2012 is amended to read as follows: This act shall take effect immediately, provided that section two of this act shall expire and be deemed repealed December 31, 2013.

Justification

The proposed site for the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is rich in African American History. This area, previously known as The Michigan Street Preservation Area, has been nationally recognized for its unique cultural resources and historically significant buildings. This two block area has been center stage in the epic history of Buffalo's black community and includes:

*Michigan Street Baptist Church, located at 511 Michigan Street, was built in 1845 by Buffalo's free Blacks and later served as the last 'Station' on the Underground Railroad. The Church played a significant role in the Slavery Abolition Movement. Michigan Street Baptist Church also provided leadership in the national struggle for racial equality, which at the time was known as the Niagara Movement and spurred the eventual formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The Church has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

*The Home of Reverend Dr. Jessie E. Nash, located at 36 Nash Street, is a designated local, historic landmark, recognized for Reverend Nash's instrumental role in founding the Buffalo Urban League and local branch of the NAACP.

*Colored Musician's Club, located at 145 Broadway, is noted for hosting the giants of American Jazz (i. e. Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Bessie, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and many others) and is a designated local, historic landmark.

*The Home of Mary B. Talbert, one of the founders of the Niagara Movement, was located at 521 Michigan.

*The Little Harlem Night Club, located at 494 Michigan, has been designated as a local, historic landmark by Buffalo's Preservation

Board. The Little Harlem Night Club was lost to an unfortunate fire in early 1993, and the site has remained vacant ever since.

With the focus on revitalizing the Upstate Economy, the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor would serve as an important vehicle and force, providing the foundational momentum to create various economic opportunities and investments in Western New York.

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.