New African American Heritage Guide to Buffalo unveiled:

Highlights for locals and visitors to explore in new tourism booklet

For Immediate Release

June 10, 2025

Contact: Michelle Kearns, kearns@visitbuffaloniagara.com, 716.907.4866

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new edition of the African American Heritage Guide to Buffalo — a travelers' guide to local Black history, culture, food, festivals and creative community — was unveiled Tuesday, June 10, at a press conference at the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church, 511 Michigan Ave.

The guide is a celebration of Buffalo's Black community, past and present. It honors the trailblazers who shaped the city's civil rights legacy and shines a light on Buffalo's artists, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders. The free publication includes highlights from the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor and Freedom Park, as well as restaurants, retailers and Black-owned businesses.

“This guide is an invitation to see Buffalo more deeply —as a place where Black culture has taken root, flourished and continues to evolve,” said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “We're proud to help elevate these stories and experiences so more visitors can connect with the spirit, resilience and creativity that define Buffalo's African American community.”

Published by Visit Buffalo Niagara, the “African American Heritage Guide” is a curated resource for exploring Buffalo through the lens of its Black history and culture. Featuring voices from the community, it offers insight into historic landmarks, contemporary cultural hubs, dining, arts and more. Find the brochures at the VBN office, 403 Main St., the Michigan Street Heritage Corridor headquarters, 129 Broadway, the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, and a variety of other outlets. The digital version is available at https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/where-to-find-the-african-american-heritage-guide-to-buffalo/. People are encouraged to contact info@visitbuffaloniagara.com for information about carrying the guides at local businesses and attractions.

Edited by Buffalo native and journalist Sandy White, the new edition brings together storytelling, photography and the voices of local experts to present Buffalo as a destination steeped in history and alive with contemporary culture.

“I have a strong connection to Buffalo, having grown up here,” said White. “As a journalist, I've traveled the country and know how unique and vibrant this city is. Look at Black Buffalo through these pages and you will see a rich tapestry with history, culture, defiance, resilience, artistic expression and passion for our beloved community. Creatives here are creating. You feel it, hear it and see it. There's an appreciation and celebration of culture that takes root, blooms and flourishes. Artists showcase compelling new narratives — unapologetically.”

Their work connects to the rich stories of the past and sheds light on the present. Follow the guide and learn about trailblazers, artists, musicians, chefs, poets, photographers, filmmakers who are writing the next chapters now.

This new publication aims to expand the way both visitors and locals experience Buffalo by pointing them toward places they might not otherwise explore. It's both an educational resource and an invitation to engage with the city's Black community — past, present and future.

Visit Buffalo Niagara is the official destination marketing organization for Buffalo and Erie County, promoting the region as a premier destination for tourism, meetings and sporting events. By showcasing the area's culture, attractions and hospitality, VBN drives visitor spending and supports economic growth throughout the community.