The growth of this middle class has led to substantial increases in the incomes of those in the upper levels of this stratum. Black influence and power is also increasing. Most apparent is the rise in black political power. The president of the Buffalo Common Council is an African-American, and so, too, are three of its 13 members. Likewise, blacks have been elected to the New York State Assembly, the Erie County Legislature, the Buffalo Board of Education and various judgeships.
Blacks have a presence outside of politics, as well.
African-Americans have become an important segment of life on the Niagara Frontier. Race and class divisions are still strong here, but it is no longer possible to ignore the concerns of the black community. Meanwhile, the black organizational structure is growing increasingly stronger. There are other types of institutions that make Black Buffalo fairly unique. The Challenger, for example, is a weekly newspaper keeping Black Buffalo informed.