The Criterion featured on WKBW Channel 7 In Black History Tribute for its 100th Anniversary
Photo from 7 News WKBW
On Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026, Channel 7 featured the Buffalo Criterion Newspaper, telling the story of the oldest Black newspaper in West ern New York. It was a special feature describing the impact of the Criterion for the past 100 years, giving the history of the Criterion told by Frank Merri weather III, the public relations director of the Criterion, who was joined by his daughter, Brandye Merriweather.
He gave the history of our most revered newspaper. This columnist was honored to join them in the discussion as part of the Criterion for the past 45 plus years as the author of the Eye on History column. Brandye Merriweather created a visual poster of her grandparents, the Late Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. and Evelyn Merriweather as well as her great grandparents, Frank E. Merriweather Sr. and Carmel ita Merriweather. The Merriweather Library is named after the publisher. Mr. Frank Merriweather is also featured on the Freedom Wall among 28 Civil Rights leaders.
The poster that Brandye created really told the story of how her family started the paper many years ago. They laid the foundation. The Criterion still stands today while many newspapers are going out of business and laying off hundreds of people. It stands strong and it continues to tell our story of our community.
Frank Merriweather gave credit to all of his siblings and those family members who worked hard to keep the Criterion going. Today, the young people put in long hours to keep the paper going with dedication and very hard work and long hours. He described how the writers and other staff members contribute also each week Columnist Frank Gist a member of the family, Pat Freeman, the “Mighty Oba” and so many other writers who contribute to the Criterion newspaper.
Taylor Epps, Channel 7 news report er did the interview. Taylor is a member of the African American Journalists Association. She often does interviews around the city on significant events and people who make a difference. Her interviews are inciteful and important. Mr. Frank Merriweather gave the his tory of the Criterion and described how his family continues to work hard and put in many hours to bring the Criterion to the community each week.
This columnist would like to encour age readers to go to the website of Channel 7 to read the entire interview. Go to https: www.//wkbw.com/black history-buffalo-criterion. The interview will be repeated also on channel 7.