BUFFALO, N.Y. — Going down to the first floor of the Buffalo History Museum is a new exhibit called "Say Their Names, Honor Their Legacies." It highlights 12 African-American pioneers in Buffalo.
"Yes, we are honoring people here this month because we've identified that it's Black History Month, but Black history within itself is American history," Dr. Barbara Nevergold said.
From men to women, each honoree has a special story. It's all thanks to three individuals: Dr. Barbara Nevergold, Dr. Peggy Bertram, and Yves Blanc as the photographer. The exhibit is presented by the Uncrowned Queens Institute.
Dr. Peggy Bertram is the founder and president. For every honoree she pauses to glance at, she can't help to think, "When our community leaders are gone, so will their stories."
"We sat with them. We saw these people. It was more than just writing about them and taking a photograph, and that story has yet to be told. What did that do for the community?" Bertram asked.
This exhibit will be on display at the museum until April 14. Dr. Bertram believes this is a great way to remember Black history in Buffalo.
She plans to have a public reception on Feb. 25 for every honoree on display.