Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor

The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor (The Corridor), is a national African American Heritage destination that includes four historic sites that tell the stories of a Buffalo neighborhood that became the heart of the African American experience. The Corridor is a neighborhood that included freedom seekers and leaders who contributed to a culture of activism and musical culture that impacted the African American experience in America. It is an American story of freedom, advocacy, and creativity.

The Corridor is a collaboration between five nonprofits who are leading the effort to reinvigorate the neighborhood through history and culture. The museums and historic sites include:

The Historic Michigan Street Baptist Church - The first and only structure built by freedom seekers for the African American community in the city of Buffalo. The 1849 structure, currently undergoing renovations became known as an Underground Railroad station for freedom seekers traveling to Canada. The stories of courage, perseverance and human rights advocacy will inspire.

The Nash House Museum - Paving a foundation to the Civil Rights Movement was Rev. Edward J. Nash, pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church for 62-years, a spiritual leader and civil rights activist. The Nash House Museum, the former home of the Nash Family, tells the impact of community leaders in the development of a thriving African American neighborhood. Reverend Nash helped establish the YMCA and Buffalo Urban League. All exhibits in the museum belonged to the family.

The Historic Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum - The only continuously running, all-Black operated club in the United States. The Colored Musicians Club Union, local 533, was established in 1917 and one year later the club opened, becoming a popular musical afterhours gathering place for well-known musicians and locals. Designated as a historical landmark and historic preservation site, its history is one of triumph over adversity, pride in African American heritage, excellence in performance, and inclusiveness.

The WUFO Black Radio Collective - Established in 2018, the WUFO Black Radio History Collective is the first Urban Radio Museum in the country. It is dedicated to the stories of community, the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and Gospel music. WUFO 1080AM began broadcasting on November 2, 1962, with famed Cleveland Disc Jockey Eddie O’Jay, the first on-air personality playing a rhythm & blues format. WUFO has provided the nation with popular Black Announcers and Disc Jockeys such as Frankie Crocker, Gary Byrd, and Jerry Bledsoe.

Together, the historic sites represent over 185 years of profound history, having impacted the Abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights movement, and the sounds of jazz and voices of Black radio. Collectively, the group stands at the intersection of history and progress. The Corridor leads efforts in partnership with the historic sites to beautify the neighborhood, advocate for policy changes, engage the community, and continue to share Buffalo’s rich African American history.