Celebrating the Criterion Newspaper's 100-Year Anniversary

For Immediate Release:*
Contact: Brenda Alesii, 716-861-7288

March 31, 2025

Senator April Baskin Salutes 100-year History of the  Criterion Newspaper

Buffalo, NY - For decades, the Black press has been a force for change, truthfully reporting stories about  communities that were often met with indifference by the white-owned media or even  totally ignored.

Some 100 years ago,  Frank Merriweather, in an effort to illustrate how Black America has played a role in our society, founded the Criterion newspaper, still in business from their E. Utica Street location in Buffalo.

Senator April N. M. Baskin recently honored the family - Frank Merriweather III, his daughter, Khadija Merriweather, and her son, Nehemiah Merriweather – in a State Senate Chambers ceremony.

“With the current  White House administration’s efforts to erase Black history and the disturbing instances of news censorship in this country, the work of responsible journalists to tell those stories is more vital than ever.  Fortunately, we still have  Black-centered publications like the Criterion available to us.” said Baskin. “The Merriweather family has achieved an incredible milestone.”

“The Buffalo Criterion Newspaper, Inc., would like to thank the community at large that supported our efforts over the past 100 years. The founders, Frank E.  and Carmelita Merriweather, Sr., believed that the “Pen is mightier than the sword,” Frank Merriweather III said.

###

*Additional photos available upon request.