Congratulations to the Criterion Newspaper

I would like to congratulate the Criterion for being honored at the annual Black Achievers Gala. The CEO of The Black Achievers is Mr. Herb Bellamy. This was such a well-deserved recognition. The words on the front of the Criterion states that: “The Powerful Voice of the Black People.” It goes on to state “The Buffalo Criterion is in the 100th year of educating, working, building the legendary Buffalo Criterion.” The Merriweather family is one of the most hard working families that I know. They cover the many events and news in our community. I have known the Merriweather family for many years.

I knew the publisher Mr. Frank E. Merriweather when I first joined the paper as a Columnist. I used to meet him at the Criterion press on William Street and sit and talk with him for many hours. I learned so much from him about the people in Buffalo, especially the political history of Buffalo. Mr. Merriweather always welcomed me. I have his biography and photo in one of my books so that our young people can learn about him.

I also learned a lot from his wife, the Late Mrs. Evelyn Merriweather, often speaking to her on the phone late at night. She is one of the Eye On History’s Honorees. I have the photo of her and many of her family members receiving the Eye On History Award in my files. My husband, Brother Romeo Doyle Muhammad took my articles to the Criterion every Tuesday. The first person I met after them was Frank E. Merriweather III, now the Public Relations director of the paper. I met him at the Langston Hughes Institute, located at that time at 25 High Street.

I am honored to be a part of the Criterion. The Merriweather Library is one of staples in our community!! It brings people together from the city. Now I am getting to know the younger family members, and they are doing an outstanding job. If you go to my Facebook page, you will see my statement on the Criterion. When I was teaching, I included the Criterion in my African American Curriculum Center. It was a center that had displays, information, and artifacts, which introduced students to our history in Western New York.

The Criterion always gives valuable information to our community from politics, to sports, health and current events. You must read the Criterion every week to keep up with what goes on our community. This Columnist nominated the Criterion for The Ethics in Business Award.

I got in touch with the organizers and wrote a letter to state the reasons why I was nominating the Criterion for this award. I hope that the Business in Ethics Association will follow through on presenting this award to the Criterion Newspaper!! The Criterion is deserving of this recognition!!