Geraldine Pointer and Martin Sostre Mural Funding Obtained Community Input Day Scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th 6pm to 8pm at the Merriweather Library
The Justice for Geraldine and Martin Campaign will be hosting a mural community input day at the Merriweather Library on Tuesday July 15th from 6pm to 8pm. The discussion will ask neighborhood residents to provide ideas and feedback on how a mural depicting Geraldine Pointer and Martin Sostre may be illustrated. Funding for this mural has been obtained through the Arts Services Inc. of Western New York and with the assistance of the non-profit Social Justice Community Education Project. The Justice for Geraldine and Martin Campaign seeks to exonerate and teach about former political prisoners Geraldine Pointer and Martin Sostre who were framed by the Buffalo Police on July 15, 1967.
Purpose Statement
Political prisoner and pro se attorney of Boricua descent, Martin Sostre, opened Buffalo’s first radical bookstore, the Afro-Asian Book Shop, at 1412 Jefferson Avenue in 1965 on the city’s East Side. This pioneering space quickly became an educational and political hub where Black Buffalonians could learn about Black history, culture, and liberation movements. Geraldine Pointer, who managed Sostre’s second location, East West Bookshop at 289 High Street, also worked alongside Sostre at the Afro-Asian Book Shop, contributing to its mission of empowering Buffalo’s Black community through knowledge and political awareness.
As the bookstores gained prominence and began shaping Black political consciousness, local law enforcement intensified surveillance that targeted Sostre and Pointer. Their arrests occurred on July 15, 1967, at the Afro-Asian Book Shop, just two weeks after the Buffalo Rebellion, a local uprising in response to police brutality, housing segregation, and racial inequality. Police charged Sostre with narcotics possession, inciting a riot, arson, resisting arrest, and assault. Pointer faced charges of selling narcotics and interfering with an arrest. Dubious evidence framing Sostre and Pointer included a later recanted police informant’s testimony. Despite the questionable evidence, Sostre was convicted by an all-white jury and sentenced to 31-41 years in prison, and Pointer received a 7–15-year sentence. During her imprisonment, Pointer lost custody of her five children but was reunited with them after two and a half years. Sostre was granted executive clemency in December 1975 after nine years in prison and was released in February 1976. Sostre and Pointer’s arrests deprived the community of a significant educational and cultural resource, halting the momentum of the Afro-Asian Book Shop’s role in promoting Black empowerment and social justice in Buffalo.
In light of the tragic May 14, 2022, racially motivated massacre at Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue (just 0.3 miles away from 1412 Jefferson Avenue), a mural honoring Martin Sostre and Geraldine Pointer would provide both a symbolic and practical uplift for the Cold Springs neighborhood and the East Side of Buffalo. It can be a beacon of resistance against hate and injustice, showing the neighborhood’s commitment to healing and solidarity. Through these avenues, the mural can help transform a painful recent history into resilient action honoring Sostre, Pointer, the Afro-Asian Book Shop, and the strength of Buffalo's East Side community in the face of hardship.
Importance of a Mural in Cold Springs Honoring Sostre and Pointer
Preserves Collective History: A mural would commemorate Sostre and Pointer’s contributions to Black liberation and resistance against injustice. This mural would celebrate Sostre and Pointer and complement other local public art projects honoring Black liberation, helping preserve their legacy for future generations.
Promotes Healing Through Art: A mural can act as a shared, positive focal point in a space recently marred by tragedy, allowing the community to reflect on resilience and uplift amidst grief.
Builds Community Identity and Pride: Highlighting Sostre and Pointer’s legacies serves as a reminder of the strength and history of Black Buffalonians, helping residents connect with and take pride in their roots. This connection can foster resilience and a positive community identity, vital in the face of tragedy.
Fosters Political Consciousness and Counters Historical Erasure: Like bookstores, a mural can inspire critical thinking and awareness of civil rights issues. By memorializing their struggle, it resists the erasure of local Black history and oppression narratives.
Encourages Community Involvement: A collaborative mural allows residents to participate in the design and creation, embodying “power to the people.”
Educates and Inspires: A mural centered on Sostre and Pointer’s contributions to Black liberation can spark conversation and awareness about racial injustice and community resilience. It can be a call to action, inspiring young people and others to learn about their history and take pride in their community’s enduring legacy of resistance and empowerment.