Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier

In November 1974, five young scholars and community leaders came together to establish an organization focused on the collection, preservation and dissemination of Buffalo and Western New York’s African American history. Dr. Monroe Fordham (deceased), Dr. Shirley Harrington (deceased), Mr. Frank Mesiah (deceased), Mr. Melvin Watkins and Dr. Lillian S. Williams’ vision resulted in The Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc.

The Association’s primary mission is “to preserve historical sources that pertain to Afro-Americans in Western New York and to promote research and scholarship that has to do with the life and history of Afro-Americans in New York State.” AAHANF conduct activities for the advancement of public knowledge by locating and preserving primary source materials pertaining to the history.