Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The YMCA has long served as a source of pride for Black Buffalonians. This Black History Month, the William-Emslie YMCA is encouraging its members to celebrate their culture and recognize important historical figures.
Danielle Roberts is Vice President of Community Impact for YMCA Buffalo Niagara. She's introduced a way for the youth at the William-Emslie YMCA to recognize their inspirations.
"The youth have been posting those who have influenced them, in Black history or it could be even someone in their family or their community who is inspiring them," Roberts says. A poster featuring some of those inspirations is displayed prominently as you enter the building.
Former President Barack Obama, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, comedian Whoopi Goldberg, and even the current Librarian for Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden are the faces that greet YMCA visitors.
Both youths and adults will take part in a nationwide YMCA initiative on Friday, Feb. 23rd called "We Wear Black" day.
"We Wear Black day is aimed to bring awareness to the achievements of those in Black history but also to show that we are standing in solidarity with other organizations who are standing against racism and discrimination in our community," says Roberts.
The YMCA has been fighting back against racial barriers in Buffalo dating back to the days of the Michigan Street YMCA which was built by John Brent, Buffalo's first Black architect. That building was demolished in 1977 but was replaced by the William-Emslie YMCA at 585 William Street in Buffalo. The new YMCA was also built by a Black architect, Robert T. Coles.
The Michigan Street YMCA attracted attention from important civil rights figures during its day. The senior members of the William-Emslie YMCA remember those visits. "Jim Brown came through that YMCA, W. E. B. Du Bois came through that YMCA," says Roberts.
Important Black historical figures are featured on the walls of the Y's senior center in the form of portraits that were drawn by a 94-year old member of the Y.
The William-Emslie YMCA is celebrating Black history in other ways, too. On Tuesday, Feb. 27th the Y will host a blood drive in conjunction with Sickle Cell Warriors of Buffalo. Roberts says it's important to encourage members of the community to participate.
"There is a shortage of blood. A lot of times people feel eerie about, specifically in this community, not trusting or not wanting to give blood. But I encourage people to come out and try to do their part to help the community with that blood drive."
Though Black History Month is a time to put increased attention on events like the blood drive and We Wear Black day, Roberts says the celebration of Black culture should not be contained to one month out of the year.
"Black history is American history and we should spend time celebrating the achievements, the accomplishments, the contributions that Black people make each and every day to our community."
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