BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Michigan Street Baptist Church in Buffalo is uncovering pieces of history as restoration work continues on the first church built by Black Buffalonians, which played a foundational role in the civil rights movement.
“When I’m sitting here, I’m just reminded and feel the presence of the people that just would have called this church their home,” said Lillie Wiley-Upshaw, chair of the Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition, the nonprofit organization that owns and cares for the historic church.
Built in 1849, the church has remained largely structurally unchanged, preserving its historical significance for future generations…