Brian Higgins: “As the Nation recognizes Black History Month, I rise to pay tribute to a special history in my western New York…”

“As the Nation recognizes Black History Month, I rise to pay tribute to a special history in my western New York community. This Friday marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Buffalo's historic Colored Musicians Club. The club's origin stretches back to 1917 when a group of African American musicians sought to create its own safe haven in a then-segregated community. They banded together, organized, and started Local 533 of the American Federation of Musicians. Some of the world's most prolific jazz musicians have performed at the club. The likes of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald all impressed crowds in the building near the corner of Broadway and Michigan. Through the years, the Colored Musicians Club has become an important community and cultural center, featuring a museum to educate new generations of the club's key role in Buffalo and our country's history. As this landmark celebrates a century of work, we support its continued success and celebrate the example it sets in advancing the coming together of community and culture. ____________________”