BUFFALO, N.Y. — Just before the start of Buffalo’s first Juneteenth in two years, community leaders announced plans to renovate the Freedom Wall at the corner of East Ferry Street and Michigan Avenue.

The Freedom Wall is an art installation featuring paintings of 28 civil rights leaders from the past and present. The project is a collaboration between the Albright Knox Art Gallery, African American Heritage Corridor and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

What You Need To Know

  • Juneteenth in Buffalo is set for its first in-person celebration in two years

  • Ahead of the festival, community leaders announced renovations to the Freedom Wall

  • The wall is set for new sidewalks, lighting and railings

"This is a wall that turns both heads and hearts for all those who visit," said Kimberly Minkel, NFTA executive director. "It’s an outdoor museum that brings people together and now the surrounding streetscape will provide a true gathering space."

With $734,000 in state funding, the wall is set to get lighting, new sidewalks and rails to lean on. 

"The power of this wall is something we all feel. And the importance of the icons of the Black community speaks to the history of its struggle and perseverance," said Minkel.

Construction is set to begin this summer.