A Month of Black History Culture and Celebration

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the rich history, artistry, and contributions of African Americans. AARP New York is proud to collaborate with Friends Inc. @ Dorothy J. Collier Community Center to present a series of inspiring events in Buffalo, celebrating culture, education, and community. Here’s what’s happening:

* There will be in-person registration at the venue.

1. “Running on Faith: Freedom Seeker Stories” by Celeste Lawson
When: February 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Where: Mt. Aaron Baptist Church, 538 Genesee St., Buffalo, NY

A fully staged performance created to honor the history of the Underground Railroad and the Juneteenth holiday. Celeste Lawson was a featured poet for National Poetry Month in 1997 and National Library Week in a program sponsored by the American Urban Libraries Program and the American Academy of Poets.

2. Local African American Art Exhibit
When: All February during DJCCC hours
* The viewing is open from Tuesday, February 18 - Friday, February 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Dorothy J. Collier Center | 118 E Utica St in Buffalo, NY 14209

Title: “Our Humanity”, At the Intersection of Arts & Community, An Intergenerational Art Show

The exhibit features local artists, creative elders and emerging artists presenting outstanding artwork, vibrant, compelling pieces, compact visual storytelling; art and artifacts enriching us in a heritage of culture, community and creativity. At the intersection of the Arts and Community, Our spirits are uplifted. The artworks resonate with our collective experience, and heartfelt appreciation for creative and resilient African American Arts, culture and heritage.

3. Jazz Night with Soul Food
When: February 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Where: Dorothy J. Collier Center | 118 E Utica St in Buffalo, NY 14209

Celebrate African American culture with an evening of live jazz, traditional soul food, and remarks by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

4. Medicare, Medicaid and Long Term Care & Financial Literacy Workshops
Where: Dorothy J. Collier Center | 118 E Utica St in Buffalo, NY 14209

In a two part-series, thought leaders from the Center for Elder Law and Justice will present on issues affecting older adults and their financial and health care planning.

* Both workshops are from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. There will also be time for Q&A.

• Workshop Part 1 – Understanding Medicare, Medicaid and Long-Term Care
• When: February 18, 2025

This presentation will cover Medicare parts A-D, hospital observation status, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) rehab coverage, and homecare. It will also include the following aspects of Medicaid: community programs vs. long-term care Medicaid, eligibility requirements, transfer rules, the Medicare Savings Program.

• Workshop Part 2 – Legal Issues for Older Adults – Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxies and Wills
• When: February 25, 2025

This presentation will cover advance directives including Health Care Proxy and what it does and does not provide, why it's a good idea to attach a Living Will to a Health Care Proxy. For the Power of Attorney, the presentation will cover the powers that can be given to agents, the importance of modifications, how agents can best assist the principal and avoid the conflicts of interest that often arise with Powers of Attorney. It will also cover the probate process, why it's important to have a will and executor, transfer-on-death deeds and the challenges of wills.

Speaker Biography:

Thomas Warren is a Staff Attorney with the Center for Elder Law and Justice's Health Care Advocacy Unit. He has worked at CELJ since September 2021, spending time in both the Health Care Advocacy Unit and Elder Abuse Unit. In that time, he has represented clients in Medicare and Medicaid, financial exploitation, housing, and other matters. He graduated from SUNY Buffalo Law school with a Juris Doctorate in May 2021.

These events provide opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the incredible legacy of African Americans. Don’t miss this chance to engage with your community and deepen your understanding of Black history.

With the support of AARP New York, these events are designed to foster connection, education, and cultural pride. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay Connected with AARP New York:
Discover more events and opportunities to engage with AARP New York and your community by visiting aarp.org/local.

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