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A Note from the Chair

Thank you for your interest in the Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church. In 2001 the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, a not for profit organization was created to protect and promote the Michigan Street Baptist Church building as a beacon of freedom and to tell its story from its founding in 1845 to today and to inspire and educate future generations. With the help of community stakeholders, we tell the unique stories of the African-American experience in Buffalo, NY to enrich and illuminate the larger African-American narrative. In particular the Board focuses on the Church’s roles in the underground railroad, the formation of the Civil Rights Movement and other chapters of American history related to the struggle for individual liberties. The Church remains operating as a church as part of the "Light of the World Missions" and as a historic landmark, a beacon for the community in the revitalization process envisioned as part of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

We are fortunate that the Michigan Street Baptist Church is recognized and respected as an irreplaceable resource and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. Just as the doors of the church were open to anyone seeking refuge, we invite you to come to the Church and spend some time with us to learn about the courageous African American men and women who made this Church great. Educational programming is held periodically throughout the year and school groups in particular are encouraged to visit. As a Board we are invested in the future and have some ambitious plans for the Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church. We invite you to join us along our journey.

Lillie Wiley-Upshaw

Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition Chair

Board of Directors

Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, Chair

Rachel Henderson, Vice Chair

Tracy Jordan-Cardwell,  Secretary

Richard Berger, Esq.

Judge Robert T. Russell, Jr.

Miranda Hodge

Marguerite Lewis, Treasurer

Larry Goins

Loran Bommer, Esq. 

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