Buffalo Branch NAACP

There's A Lot Going On
2020-06-16 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | NY
From COVID-19 to heightened racial tensions, you may be feeling a range of emotions right now: tired, exhausted, angry, sad, overwhelmed. You are not alone. In times like these, it’s important to have a safe space where you can talk honestly about how you’re feeling without judgment. YAAC invites you to come to express your emotions and discuss how we as a community can support each other.
Finding a balance between staying informed on breaking news and protecting your mental health.
Register on eventbrite.com for meeting I.D. and Password

July General Body Meeting
2020-07-21 20:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | NY
The General Body Meeting is where the branch membership goes over the initiatives of the Buffalo NAACP.

General Body Meeting
2020-08-17 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Come learn about the Buffalo NAACP Branch and how you can get involved.
When: Aug 17, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqduGtqDsiGdRVMBOM4l0C7n00GMvgPKM9
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Race, Family, and Identity
2020-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Join us for a virtual conversation with Buffalo-native author and diversity consultant E. Dolores Johnson for a discussion of her memoir, Say I’m Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hosted by Claudine Ewing of WGRZ- Channel 2
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Leadership Society, in partnership with Buffalo State College, Cradle Beach, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Buffalo Alumnae Chapter, and the NAACP, invites you to a compelling conversation on race and identity with famed author and Harvard-educated business executive E. Dolores Johnson. The daughter of an interracial couple, Johnson will discuss her parents’ secret marriage in Buffalo in the 1940s, the search for her own identity and what it means to grow up black in America.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Say I’m Dead is the true story of family secrets, separation,

courage, and trans-formation through five generations of interracial relationships. Fearful of prison time—or lynching—for violating Indiana’s antimiscegenation laws in the 1940s, E. Dolores Johnson’s black father and white mother fled Indianapolis to secretly marry in Buffalo, New York.
When Johnson was born, social norms and her government-issued birth certificate said she was Negro, nullifying her mother’s white blood in her identity. Later, as a Harvard-educated business executive feeling too far from her black roots, she searched her father’s black genealogy. But in the process, Johnson suddenly realized that her mother’s whole white family was—and always had been—missing. When she began to pry, her mother’s 36-year-old secret spilled out. Her mother had simply vanished from Indiana, evading an FBI and police search that had ended with the conclusion that she had been the victim of foul play.
Praise for Say I’m Dead:
“With unflinching honesty, E. Dolores Johnson shares an enthralling story of identity, independence, family and love. This timely and beautifully written memoir ends on a complicated yet hopeful note, something we need in this time of racial strife.” – De’Shawn Winslow, author of In West Mills
If you would like to read Say I’m Dead before the event, you can purchase the book here
: https://www.amazon.com/Say-Im-Dead-Family-Secrets/dp/1641602740
To learn more about E. Dolores Johnson’s story, you can also visit her website: https://www.edoloresjohnson.com/

Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Small Business Federal, NY and Local Certification Webinar
2020-09-01 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Learn to grow your business through federal, state, and local minority-owned business certifications. SCORE Buffalo Niagara and the NAACP Buffalo Branch presents a webinar on SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, New York State’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification and the Erie County/City of Buffalo Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise certifications.
When: Thursday, September 1, 2020, 10:00 AM to 11:30
Where: At your computer/digital device
How: Via Zoom video Conference (Link will be notified prior to the event)
Join Us for this valuable online Webinar featuring:

Jennifer Talarico, Business Opportunity Specialist, SBA Buffalo District Office
Janique S. Curry, Principal/CEO, J. S. Curry & Associates LLC
Arba Cooper, Certified Mentor and former Chair SCORE Buffalo Niagara

(Note: If you attended the recent Women-owned Business webinar, we encourage you to attend this session, as you will learn additional valuable information)

September General Body Meeting
2020-09-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Come and learn about the initiatives of the Buffalo NAACP Branch. Learn about ways that you can help and contribute.
Click Here to register for the meeting
or copy and paste this link
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkfuChqT4oGd23F326z4-Ku2FhJbrICwyg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

October General Body Meeting
2020-10-12 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | NY
Come learn about the initiatives of the Buffalo NAACP Branch. Learn about how you can get involved and help advance the fight against injustice.
Click here to register for the meeting
or copy and paste this link into the URL
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrfuitpzMrGtExVrT103jDHpyuNcJTkI59
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Election 2020
2020-11-09 17:00 - 22:00 UTC | NY
Only current NAACP members are allowed to vote.
Register in advance for the election at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tduyoqj4vHdEPqSbyr3l76tNqi0VFrmre
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining for your turn to vote.

December Meeting
2020-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | NY
We will be talking about the latest updates from the Buffalo NAACP to the general body.
We will also be swearing in the executive committee for the new year.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwocu6ppzwtEtF7rM5MzCdyGyaXxeEWzPOR
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

January 2021 Meeting
2021-01-11 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | NY
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 11, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlc-mpqjopHNFSmmbm0Qw3Odi8vPAQ-Sdz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Buffalo NAACP Health Committee: COVID-19 Vaccine and the Community
2021-01-21 18:30 - 19:45 UTC | NY
A Three-part Community Health series is designed with panelists representing medical professionals, and community advocates. Each session will have panelists address specific topics, followed by questions and answers from the community. Each session focuses on the COVID-19 Vaccine.

1) Lorraine Braithwaite-Harte NAACP N.Y.S. Conference Health Chair, 1st Vice President Brooklyn NAACP Brooklyn
2) Dr. George Matthews, Kaleida Health, Buffalo General Medical Center, Chief of Service, and Cardiologist
3) Dr. Camille A. Jones, MD, MPH, Internal Medicine, Cincinnati Ohio
4) LaVonne Ansari, Ph.D. CEO/ Executive Director of Community Health Center of Buffalo

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtdO6rrDsoH9IJPvjMZJp0DH-9lUgFtEYe
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Buffalo NAACP February General Meeting
2021-02-08 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | NY
Hi there,
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Feb 8, 2021, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuceivqjItGNNULja6t2XghcELJuPIIVw5
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

COVID-19: Behavioral & Emotional health
2021-02-18 18:30 - 19:30 UTC | NY
A Three-part Community Health series is designed with panelists representing medical professionals, and community advocates. This session focuses on the COVID-19 Virus and Behavioral & Emotional Health
Reverend James Lewis will be hosting
Our Panelist will be:
Dr. Kenyani Davis, Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Center of Buffalo
Dr. Yogesh Bakhai, Chief of Service of Psychiatry at ECMC
Michelle Wnek, MS, CASAC, Outreach Coordinator at WNY Independent Living
Kelly Wofford, Executive Director of Front Seat Life LLC

Register Here:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkdumvqzIpGtBiOv4Kpw8ieoMTADzeRlNq

March General Body Meeting
2021-03-08 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Mar 8, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuceivqjItGNNULja6t2XghcELJuPIIVw5
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

COVID-19: Maternal and Pediatric Health
2021-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
A Three-part Community Health series is designed with panelists representing medical professionals, and community advocates. This session focuses on the COVID-19: Maternal and Pediatric Health
Karl Shallowhorn, President of Shallowhorn Consulting LLC, will be hosting
Our Panelist will be:
Sarah Berga, MD Director of Women’s Health Program Development for Kaleida Health. Prof. &Chair of OBGYN at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB
Fred Archer, III, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Niagara Street Pediatrics
Jaquann Newton, a mother sharing her experience of giving birth during the COVID19 pandemic

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMkdumvqzIpGtBiOv4Kpw8ieoMTADzeRlNq
Zoom :979 1075 9304 PC: 786751

April General Meeting
2021-04-12 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: April 12, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuceivqjItGNNULja6t2XghcELJuPIIVw5
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

May General Body Meeting
2021-05-10 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Come learn about the latest initiatives by the Buffalo NAACP
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuceivqjItGNNULja6t2XghcELJuPIIVw5
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

June General Body Meeting
2021-06-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY

UNCF Walk for Education
2021-08-21 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main St, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
A fundraiser to support College Scholarships Distributed Across the USA
The United Negro College Fund awards more than 10,000 scholarships through 400 programs each year to help students at HBCUs, as well as colleges and universities across the United States. HBCUs admit students without reference to race or ethnicity.
When: Saturday, August 21st
Time: 8:30 AM – Check-in 9:30 AM – Walk
Where: Explore & More
Walk to and from the Erie Basin Marina Lighthouse.
Register Here:
https://secure2.convio.net/uncf/site/Donation2?idb=1383461020&10661.donation=form1&df_id=10661&FR_ID=2851&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=34522&PROXY_TYPE=22

COVID19 and the Community 2022
2022-01-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
A Five-part Community Health series designed with panalists to address specific topics, followed by questions and answers from the community. Each session focuses on the COVID-19 Vaccine

Click here to register for the Zoom Call

Buffalo NAACP 54th Annual Medgar Evers Awards Dinner
2022-10-22 17:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, United States
Purchase Your Tickets Here Sponsorship and Journal Ad Information
On October 22nd 2022 at the Buffalo Convention Center, the Buffalo Branch of the NAACP will be honoring 4 individuals/organizations who meet the criteria of our 4 categories:
Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award: This award is given to an outstanding individual championing and speaking of the rights of the underclass or making the public aware either through the written or electronic press.
Daniel Acker Community Service Award: This award is given to an individual or individuals exemplifying outstanding volunteer community involvement. This involvement could include the betterment of the community as a whole.
Rufus Frasier Human Relations Award: This award is given to an individual or organization that has done a significant amount of volunteer service for the betterment of human or race relations.
Youth Award: This award is given to a youth who has demonstrated significant assistance to the community involving but not limited to youth associations, school, churches, community-based organizations and has exemplified excellent judgment in helping others. Volunteer activity other than that required for school credit will be strongly considered.

Erie County Climate Action Showcase
2023-03-18 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY

Buffalo NAACP 55th Medgar Evers Gala
2023-06-24 17:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, United States
BUY YOUR TICKET HERE
Welcome to our 55th Annual Medgar Evers Awards Gala. Join us as we honor the community’s pillars and unify under the theme of this year’s event, “Moving Forward Together.”
This past year has been a trying one, and we must Unify and realize our true strength as a Community. So let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and rejuvenate for work to come.

56th Medgar Evers Awards Gala
2024-06-22 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, United States
Creating Champions for Change

Individual Tickets Table Purchase
Journal Ad Purchase
Sponsorship
Awards Criteria

We at the Buffalo NAACP wish to honor champions for change in the community through our 4 awards.
Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award: This award is given to an outstanding individual championing and speaking of the rights of the underclass or making the public aware either through the written or electronic press.
Daniel Acker Community Service Award: This award is given to an individual, group, or organization exemplifying outstanding volunteer community involvement. This involvement should include the advancement of the community as a whole.
Rufus Frasier Human Relations Award: This award is given to an individual, group, or organization that has done a significant amount of volunteer service for the advancement of human or race relations.
Youth Award: This award is given to a youth who has demonstrated significant assistance to the community involving but not limited to youth associations, school, churches, community-based
organizations and has exemplified excellent judgment in helping others. Volunteer activity other than that required for school credit will be strongly considered. This award is offered to a youth who is currently enrolled in grades 5 though 12.

57th Medgar Evers Awards Gala *SOLD OUT*
2025-06-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, United States
https://buffalonaacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/57th_annual_medgar_evers_awards_gala_promo-1080p.mp4
Rising Together… The Time is Now

Individual Tickets Table Purchase
Journal Ad Purchase
Sponsorship
Awards Criteria

We at the Buffalo NAACP wish to honor champions for change in the community through our 4 awards.
Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award: This award is given to an outstanding individual championing and speaking of the rights of the underclass or making the public aware either through the written or electronic press.
Daniel Acker Community Service Award: This award is given to an individual, group, or organization exemplifying outstanding volunteer community involvement. This involvement should include the advancement of the community as a whole.
Rufus Frasier Human Relations Award: This award is given to an individual, group, or organization that has done a significant amount of volunteer service for the advancement of human or race relations.
Youth Award: This award is given to a youth who has demonstrated significant assistance to the community involving but not limited to youth associations, school, churches, community-based
organizations and has exemplified excellent judgment in helping others. Volunteer activity other than that required for school credit will be strongly considered. This award is offered to a youth who is currently enrolled in grades 5 though 12.

58th Annual Medgar Evers Awards Gala
2026-06-20 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY, United States
Buffalo Branch · National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
NAACP
58th Medgar Evers Awards Gala
Honoring Our Heritage… A Legacy of Peace, Power, and Advancement

📅 June 20, 2026
⏰ 5pm Reception · 6pm Dinner
📍 Buffalo Convention Center
🏛 153 Franklin St, Buffalo NY

Black Tie or Cultural Attire Encouraged
Purchase Tickets
$100 per person · Table of 10 for $950

🎟Individual Ticket$100per person
🪑Table of 10$950save $50
📅DateJune 20, 2026Saturday
📍VenueConvention Center153 Franklin St
👗AttireBlack Tieor Cultural Attire

Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship Levels

Your sponsorship directly supports the Buffalo NAACP's mission of civil rights advocacy, community empowerment, and social justice. All sponsors will be recognized during the event.

Premier SponsorGold$15,000✦ 1 Buffalo NAACP 1-Year Membership✦ 30-second video played during the event✦ Full Page E-Journal Color Advertisement✦ 30 Dinner Tickets included

Platinum SponsorSilver$10,000✦ 1 Buffalo NAACP 1-Year Membership✦ Full Page E-Journal Color Ad✦ 20 Dinner Tickets included

Community SponsorGood Trouble$7,500✦ 1 Buffalo NAACP 1-Year Membership✦ Full Page E-Journal Color Ad✦ 15 Dinner Tickets included

Supporting SponsorBronze$5,000✦ 1 Buffalo NAACP 1-Year Membership✦ Full Page E-Journal Color Ad✦ 10 Dinner Tickets included

Add-On Opportunities
Celebration Sponsorships
Two sponsorships available per category. All Celebration Sponsors recognized during the event.

VIP Reception$2,5002 available
Entertainment$2,5002 available
Photo Booth$1,0002 available
Sweets & Treats$7502 available
Celebration Elevation$5002 available

Donations are NOT tax deductible · Inquiries: naacp@buffalonaacp.org · 716-884-7242

Become a Sponsor

Advertise With Us
E-Journal Advertising

Place your advertisement in the official 58th Annual Medgar Evers Awards Gala E-Journal and reach our entire community of attendees and supporters.

Full Page Color Ad7.5 × 10 inches$500
Half Page Color Ad7.5 × 5 inches$300
Quarter Page Color Ad3.75 × 2.5 inches$200

Deadline for All Ads
June 5, 2026
Submit to naacp@buffalonaacp.org · Checks payable to NAACP Buffalo Branch · 163 Broadway St, Buffalo NY 14204

Honoring Excellence
Awards Presented at the Gala

Each year the Buffalo Branch NAACP honors individuals and organizations whose commitment to justice, equality, and community service exemplifies the spirit of Medgar Evers.

⚖️Medgar Evers Civil Rights AwardPresented to an outstanding individual championing and speaking of the rights of the underclass, or making the public aware either through the written or electronic press.

🤝Daniel Acker Community Service AwardGiven to an individual, group, or organization exemplifying outstanding volunteer community involvement — including efforts that benefit the entire community.

🌍Rufus Frasier Human Relations AwardAwarded to an individual, group, or organization that has done a significant amount of volunteer service for the advancement of human or race relations.

⭐Youth AwardGiven to a youth in grades 5–12 demonstrating significant community assistance through associations, schools, or community organizations, exemplifying excellent judgment in helping others.

Submit a Nomination
The Buffalo Branch NAACP is accepting nominations from members of Buffalo and surrounding regions. Nominations must be submitted in writing, not to exceed 2 pages, and must include both the nominee's and nominator's full contact information.
⚠ Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026 — 11:59 PM
No extensions will be granted.
Email to naacp@buffalonaacp.org or mail to: NAACP Buffalo Branch · 163 Broadway St · Buffalo, NY 14204 · Questions? 716-884-7242

Reserve Your Seat Today
Join Us for an Evening of Honor and Legacy
Be part of the 58th Annual Medgar Evers Awards Gala — celebrating the individuals and organizations who carry forward the torch of civil rights, justice, and community advancement in Buffalo.
$100 / person · $950 / table of 10
Get Your Tickets

Sponsorship Info
Auction items available throughout the event · Donations are not tax deductible
