BUFFALO, N.Y. — Black History Month is a month dedicated to focusing on the contributions of African-Americans to the United States.
But the recognition goes far beyond February. It's something Saladin Allah is committed to doing all year.
"A lot of these stories are wrapped in trauma. These are stories often times our elders don't want to talk about. Because of that, these stories aren't shared with the next generation, and a lot of our next generation is ill-equipped," Allah says.
He's giving tours to the younger generation at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center so they can be equipped to deal with a society Allah says is similar to the past.
"Educators aren't really sure what's really age appropriate. A lot of times, students have not been in a museum space before, so we teach them what's appropriate, what's not appropriate," Allah said.
They're busy and booked. Tours and speaking engagements will be hosted at the center.
"About that, oftentimes not talked about part of the underground railroad. People hear about enslaved people traveling North, but what happened after that?" Allah said.
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor and Broadway Market are also hosting special events. Dive deeper into knowing about the Colored Musicians Club, Rev. Edward Nash, and more. Don't forget to stop in the Broadway Market to shop with local black vendors. There are 34 of them to choose from.
"It should inspire us as parents, guardians, and community members to take ownership in telling our own histories. When you talk about history, it's exactly what it is. It's his-story. It's not her-story, and it's not the story, and it's definitely not our story," Allah said.