LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the BUFFALO
CRITERION

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those illustrious journalistic entities which have diligently and
consistently, year after year, recorded the history of their communities
and brought local news and news of the larger world to their readers;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 90th Anniversary of the BUFFALO CRITERION; and
WHEREAS, The BUFFALO CRITERION was founded in 1925, by Frank E.
Merriweather, Sr. and his wife, Carmelita Merriweather; and
WHEREAS, Established to provide a voice to the Western New York Afri-
can-American community, the BUFFALO CRITERION is the oldest continuously
published African-American newspaper in Western New York; and
WHEREAS, The Merriweathers, through the BUFFALO CRITERION, contributed
freely to the progress of the community and initiated the first Black
political movement in Buffalo, assisting members of any political party;
in addition, early newspaper issues focused on picturizing minority
activities in the Black community when no other medium would do so; and
WHEREAS, Published continuously for the past 90 years, the BUFFALO
CRITERION was also the first central city publisher in Western New York
to own a complete newspaper plant with linotypes, newspaper presses,
stereotyping equipment, photo engraving equipment and news cameras; and
WHEREAS, Frank E. Merriweather, Sr. was succeeded by his son, Frank E.
Merriweather, Jr. in 1959; under his able leadership, the BUFFALO CRITE-
RION continued to inform the Black community on issues vital to its
survival such as health, education, employment, housing, religion,
sports entertainment, human and civil rights, and encouraging political
participation; and
WHEREAS, Today, the BUFFALO CRITERION is in its third generation of
publication with Evelyn Merriweather as Publisher, Frances Merriweather
as Editor, Patti Ferguson as Associate Editor, and Frank E. Merriweath-
er, III as Photo-Journalist and Public Affairs Director; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, for the Merriweather family's steadfast commit-
ment to the local community, the Buffalo & Erie Public Library is named
after Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., and a portion of William Street in
Buffalo was renamed as the Frank E. Merriweather, Sr. Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, Past issues of this illustrious newspaper create a historic
record of the history of African Americans in Buffalo and the Western
New York area; and
WHEREAS, Our newspapers provide a tremendous service to citizens
across the State of New York by keeping them informed about current
events; the democracy of our State and Nation is strengthened by a
responsible citizenry which is actively engaged in reading and kept
abreast of news affecting their lives; and
WHEREAS, As the BUFFALO CRITERION moves into the future, it carries
with it the legacy of a distinguished journalistic history and an
outstanding record of growth and achievement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the BUFFALO CRITERION; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the BUFFALO CRITERION.