Friends, activists and local leaders will start saying goodbye to a long time civil rights leader in Buffalo Friday.

Frank Mesiah spent nearly two decades as the president of Buffalo's chapter of the NAACP. He died two weeks ago at the age of 89.

Calling hours for him will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church on Goodell Street in Buffalo.

Mesiah's funeral begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

After his passing, Mesiah was spoken of as an icon in the Queen City.

"He stood for the little person, to make sure that everything was done in order for them to receive rights and to receive fair and equitable treatment,” said Reverend Mark Blue.

The NAACP plans to honor Mesiah at an awards dinner next month, with the group's national president expected to speak.