“A Black Tie for Black History” Annual Event to Honor Six Outstanding Difference Makers

Buffalo’s annual Black Tie For Black History Extravaganza, hosted by the Buffalo Funk Fest Inc., will celebrate its 15th year of honoring local “Difference Makers” in the community on Friday, February 24 from 7-11 p.m. at The Metropolitan Entertainment complex.

The 2023 outstanding honorees include Gwen Curry, Rev. Arthur Boyd and first Lady Michelle Boyd, Oswaldo Mestre Jr., Kareema Morris and Mark Talley.

According to founder and coordinator Marnetta Malcolm, the gala started from a conversation with Greg Pratchett in 2008. “We discussed a need to have a Black Tie event for Black History because none existed. The idea to honor Difference Makers made sense because so many people in the community do amazing things but are never recognized,” she said. “It has been a honor and a privilege to give this event and I will do my best to always give this event - the community deserves it!"

The Metropolitan Entertainment complex is located at 1670 Main Street. Donation is $40 and tickets are available at Doris Records. Net proceeds will benefit Buffalo Funk Fest 2023. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Big Poppa and DJ Papa Trini.

Black Tie for Black History sponsors include Dr. Catherine Collins, Attorney John Elmore, Buffalo United Front, the Friends of Broderick Park, Power 96.5. FM WUFO and The Challenger Community News.

-Difference MakersGwendolyn Curry is the Director of Grant Lady Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to provide expert non-profit development and grant writing services. The foundation’s goal is to train the next generation of grant writers by way of grant writing classes and one-on-one mentoring, so they can “turn visions into dollars.”

A graduate of Canisius College, Ms. Curry has written and awarded over $65 million for her clients.

Kareema T. Morris is Founder & Director Of Bury The Violence Foundation Inc. Since 2008 she's been an innovative thought leader in search and rescue of missing persons which prompted her to assist other families in need of locating a loved one. Kareema maintained a 100% Success Rate on her search and rescue organization & evolved into being a resource for families who've experienced homicide. She's ministering to the community. In November 2022 USA Today Nominated Kareema as one of The Women Of The Year to be announced in March 2023.

Rev. Arthur Boyd and First Lady Michelle Boyd. With the mind-set to help others, in 1991 Rev. Boyd, founded an outreach ministry called GROUP Ministries where he is the President/CEO. (GROUP is an acronym for God Recognizes Our Ultimate Potential.) Joined in the ministry with his wife Michelle, who works side by side as Vice President of GROUP Ministries, Inc. GROUP, a multi-ethnic, multi-faceted, not-for-profit, non-denominational coalition servicing youth and adults with addictions, persons released from prison, those afflicted and affected by HIV and AIDS, mild mental health issues, and services 70 plus families monthly through their food bank.

Mark Talley is the founder of Agents for Advocacy which was founded in response to the tragic events of May 14, 2022, in Buffalo, NY in which his mother, Geraldine C Talley, was killed in the attack. Born and raised in Cold Springs and Masten Park districts, Mark saw first hand the trials and tribulations growing up in low socioeconomic conditions. He graduated from Buffalo State College in 2015 with a double bachelor’s in Urban Planning and Economics. Mark’s organizations are dedicated to combatting systemic racism and promoting socioeconomic equality in order to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race or background.

Oswaldo Mestre, Jr. is the Chief Service Officer & Director of Citizen Services for the City of Buffalo. Appointed by Mayor Byron W. Brown in 2006, Director Mestre is a senior-level administration official who plans, coordinates and evaluates citywide engagement programs and opportunities. .Upon appointment, the Director was tasked with developing it's first municipal call center, now known as the 311 Call & Resolution Center for constituent complaints to address non-emergency quality-of-life issues. Mr. Mestre also serves as the chief liaison to the city's Board of Block Clubs, Inc. He has been recognized nationally, most recently by Engaging Local Government as one of their 2021 "Top 100 Local Government Influencers." Mr. Mestre received his undergraduate education from the University of Buffalo, through the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP). His major area of study was Architecture and Public Policy & Administration.