Photography by Tafawa Hicks
Guest Curated by Michelle D. Hare
Starting in 1974, the former photojournalist for The Challenger, Arthur “Tafawa” Hicks spent 30 years in Buffalo capturing the essence of life in the East Side of Buffalo. Documenting Jefferson Avenue was integral to Hicks’s practice. Jim Bell Cleaners, Scottie’s Steak House, Pine Grill, and Henry’s Hamburgers formed the core of the preeminent hub, the soul, and the focal point for Black Buffalo during this time.
From children who played hockey in a parking lot to the families who enjoyed the culture of Juneteenth celebrations to the civic leaders who fought tirelessly for justice and equality, Tafawa’s camera was present. He captured the dichotomy of flourishing Black businesses, political mobility, and social unity versus a community plagued by intense segregation, and damaged neighborhoods, as well as social and economic disinvestments. His lens vividly captured the struggles, disparities, achievements, beauty, and resilience of Buffalo’s Black community.