Unpacked by AFAR · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The Michigan Street church, described as the oldest African American-built structure in Buffalo, was a crucial station on the Underground Railroad. It provided refuge for freedom seekers heading north, with many choosing to stay in Buffalo due to the perceived safety offered by the church. The church also hosted prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, and W.E.B. Du Bois, who spoke on human rights issues.
“So it is the oldest structure, African American built structure in the entire city.”
“The church has great history because it was one of the last stations of the Underground Railroad.”
“Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, William Trotter, Adam Clayton Powell Senior, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., so many other folks who spoke eloquently to the issues revolving around human rights, human dignity, civil rights, voting rights.”