Black History by Bike with Terry Alford

Buffalo’s Black history is rich, layered, and often under-told. On this moving and meaningful ride, we trace the stories of resilience, resistance, and cultural pride—from the canal to Jefferson Avenue.

Led by Terry Alford, Executive Director of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, this tour begins at Canalside, where Black workers helped build the canal and Black Buffalonians later used its routes as part of the Underground Railroad. From there, we’ll explore key historic sites, including the Union Block, Michigan Street Baptist Church, and the former Colored Musicians Club, all the way to the Jefferson Business District and Freedom Wall.

Along the way, we’ll uncover the contributions of abolitionists, entrepreneurs, artists, and everyday people who built community under challenging conditions—and fought for justice across generations.

This ride is a tribute to the power of memory, place, and progress—and a chance to see the city through a vital and inspiring lens.

About the Guide

Terry Alford serves as Executive Director of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. Terry has held key roles in public health and community engagement (including leadership at Roswell Park and Cicatelli Associates), and has been instrumental in heritage-driven initiatives—like the development of the radio show Our Story on WUFO Power 96.5. As a native Buffalonian, he blends strategic leadership with personal connection to guide tours and interpretive experiences centered on Buffalo’s rich African American history, from early abolitionism to the jazz and civil rights eras.