Buffalo Pro Sports franchises continue the Practice of Segregated Economics

by Pat Freeman, The Mighty O’Ba

Pat Freeman, The Mighty O’Ba

The two major sports franchises along with the Bisons and Bandits con tinue the practice of seg regated economics here in Western New York. The hockey franchise’s previous ownership group tried to implement some programs in the communities of color but those were a long time ago. The current ownership group has been approached several times but refuse to market their franchises towards people of color.

They have only done a few things based on compliance to receive tax dollars from local governments so they can continue to operate as subsidized businesses. The following media outlets of color, The Buffalo Criterion, Challenger Community News, Power 96.5 FM, and 105 FM the Beat, all have credentialed media dedicated to covering these professional franchises, but ownership refuses to advertise with these businesses but continues to reap the benefits of year round coverage.

The consistent fail ure of these sports franchises to practice reciprocity goes unchal lenged because people in leadership positions continue to bow down to the almighty dollar rather than represent the interests of the people. This list includes organizations who represent those that have been left out for the very reason of their existence. Time and tenure give this writer the right to say that you have failed in your duty to bring this petition of fairness to the feet of those that continue to run subsidized businesses here without parameters.

The fact that the NHL and NFL have both been writing about this egre gious act and nothing has been done should not surprise anyone reading this article. The sad thing is here in Western New York, it would be quite easy for this ownership group to do the right thing, but they continue to act like this problem does not exist.