MAYOR SEAN RYAN HONORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH PAN-AFRICAN FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AT CITY HALL
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mayor Sean Ryan today marked Black History Month with a Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony at Buffalo City Hall, his first flag-raising event as Mayor.
Mayor Ryan was joined by New York State Senator April Baskin, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera, members of the Buffalo Common Council, faith leaders, and community advocates. The program also featured remarks from community leader Bessie Patterson, longtime organizer of Buffalo’s Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.
Students from Hutchinson Central Technical High School presented the colors, and local performer Alaina Jones sang both the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem.
During his remarks, Mayor Ryan highlighted Buffalo’s deep ties to Black history and culture. He emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s Black history, while also noting that Black history is alive and evolving to shape Buffalo in the modern day.
Mayor Ryan encourages residents to continue celebrating Black History Month by attending local events throughout February, including Black History Month at the Broadway Market, which begins this Saturday and runs every Saturday throughout the month. The celebration features live music and more than 25 Black-owned small businesses, alongside the Market’s longtime vendors.
Additionally, City of Buffalo-sponsored Black History Month programming includes a free President’s Day screening of Shirley, a film honoring the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black candidate to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States, and she maintained deep Those interested in attending may reserve seats at this link.
The free public screening will take place on Monday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. at North Park Theatre, located at 1428 Hertel Avenue. Admission and popcorn are free, but seat reservations are encouraged.