In November 1974, five young scholars and community leaders came together to establish an organization focused on the collection, preservation and dissemination of Buffalo and Western New York’s African American history.  Dr. Monroe Fordham (deceased), Dr. Shirley Harrington (deceased), Mr. Frank Mesiah (deceased), Mr. Melvin Watkins and Dr. Lillian S. Williams’ vision resulted in The Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc.