Whether you realize it or not, Buffalo and Western New York have played a significant part in American history.

From becoming the very first electrified city in the late 1800s to the Erie Canal being a catalyst for growth in the Midwest decades earlier, Buffalo's contribution to America cannot be denied.

One set of historical events in Buffalo had a significant part in the fight for the freedom of American slaves before, during, and after the US Civil War.

Western New York played a major role in the Underground Railroad as a final stop before escaped slaves made it to Canada in search of freedom. Conductors on the Underground Railroad, such as the famed Harriet Tubman, led hundreds of people across the Niagara River into Ontario.

By Google Maps/Earth
By Google Maps/Earth
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Broadrick Park in Buffalo, which is unofficially called the Foot of Ferry by many, was one of those spots that was the last stop before freedom. Whether people took the Black Rock Ferry across the river or attempted to make the 1/4 mile swim across, if you found yourself on Buffalo's west side, you were on freedom's doorstep.

Broderick Park Renamed Freedom Park To Honor Contribution To The Underground Railroad

People trying to figure out the best way to honor the historical significance of this park is now over, thanks to a new law passed by the Buffalo Common Council.

This renaming signifies a significant step towards honoring the Park’s legacy as a beacon of freedom. We acknowledge the importance of preserving history and are committed to recognizing the sacrifices made by those who sought freedom through this route.
-David A. Rivera, Niagara District Common Council Member and Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader

Broderick Park is now known as Freedom Park. Freedom Park seeks to truly recognize the contribution Buffalo has made to freedom and liberty in America.

Now, even though Broderick Park is no more, officials have also pledged to ensure that Broderick Park's namesake, Michael Broderick, and the Broderick family are also given an honorable way to recognize their contributions to Buffalo.

Buffalo's 48th Juneteenth Celebration, Parade, and Festival

Western New York celebrates its 48th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival on June 17, 2023, in Buffalo's MLK Park Neighborhood. The Grand Parade starts on Genesee Avenue and travels one mile before turning into the historic MLK Park where the festival takes place. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery after the end of the US Civil War.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

Photos From The 2023 'Cans for Candy' Halloween Event

On Tuesday, October 31, 2022, Power 93.7 WBLK and the William-Emslie YMCA teamed up with several community partners to host Cans For Candy, an annual family-friendly indoor trick-or-treating event inside a safe and well-lit building. Several hundred children who were encouraged to bring one (1) canned good or non-perishable food item to benefit Feedmore WNY descended upon Buffalo’s Emslie Neighborhood to enjoy a night of safe trick or treating. 

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice

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