Superheroes Appeared at C-District Police Station for Kids
by Jewelean Magee
On April 25, 2026, The Johnetta R. Cole Am Vets Post 24 and the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation presented a “National Superheroes Day” with this year’s theme as “Finding the superhero in you.”
The kids and adults came out in the rain and enjoyed food, fun, games, various contests, color ing pictures and won awards for wearing their superhero costumes. They were greeted by Marvel Comics character “Black Panther” portrayed by Mr. Robert Johnson, and told the kids that his superpower was the ability to draw upon knowledge, strength, and experience from every Black Panther before him. He is also a master hand to hand combat and martial artist, proficient tactician, inventor and has genius level intelligence and utilize vibranium suit and equipment.
Ms. Marietta K. Bates also portrayed Marvel Comics character “Okoye” spoke about being the general of the Special Forces for the African nation of Wakanda and called Dora Milaje, and she carries a vibranium spear. With her abilities, she is a master martial artist and a hand-to-hand combatant, master technician, strategist, and a field commander.
Ms. Monica Lynch portrayed the character “Captain Under dog” talked on her superpower was “Always protecting people and giving them the inspiration to do well. Ms. Veronica Johnson represented a group of women that were “sheroes” in the com munity during WW II. These women were called “Black Rosies” who worked in the defense plants across the country.
Three of the “Black Rosies among many that worked at Curtiss Wright Plant as riveters. Theirs names were Mrs. Evelyn Patterson Merriweather, and Mrs. Mary Patterson Harris, and Mrs. Ruth Hunter Bowman Their special powers were keeping America safe from Germany and Japan.
Debbera Ranson, Thelma Jones, and Marietta Bates.
Buffalo Police Officer Andrea Anderson explained to the kids about being a police officer and that police officers are super heroes because they protect the community from all types of harm in the city. Ms. Anderson is also the host of the “Choco late Goddess “radio program on WUFO 1080 every Saturday from 8am -9am. She went on to tell the kids that she is a real estate agent and former Army veteran. Mr. Lawrence Dupre, Erie Coun ty Legislator for the first district, paid a visit to this event. When asked by two of the kids “What are your superpowers?” he replied that “I have the ability to move objects, with my assistant Ms. Marietta K. Bates. She is the one who keep things and objectives in order, and everyone has a superhero inside of them.”
Mrs. Linda Gray and her granddaughters Starr and Makay la enjoyed the event and said, “I the event and to see my granddaughters have fun.” Ms. Margo Warr brought her granddaugh ters Kenya and Kamela to the event. The girls are having a good time, and I support activities like this.”
There were commu nity organizations that came out and supported “National Superhero Day and brought kids with them. Such as Ms. Beverly Newkirk of “It takes a Village Action Organization located on the second floor of the Buffalo & Erie Co central Library, Ms. Sabrina Cobb-Walls of Eternal Life Ministries located at 1166 Jefferson Avenue, and Ms. Trinisha Brown founder of “Queens in Training” located at the Apollo Media Cen ter1346 Jefferson Avenue. Ms. Monica Lynch CEO and founder of the Ber nard and Eric Resource Center located at 730 Columbus Parkway.
Finally, the kids were asked about who were their “everyday superheroes. They answered that their parents, grandparents, other family members, teachers, armed forces veterans and more were their heroes.
A special” thank you” goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Sitthisak Chanso mone for coming and supporting this event. A heartfelt “thank you and appreciation goes to Chief Thelma Jones for the love and the use of C-District Police Station for this event. The committee that put on “National Super hero Day” will always be heroes that shine every day