Honors
The Return of a Historic Tradition: Malik & Malika
The Malik and Malika tradition has been part of Buffalo Juneteenth since the very beginning. In 1976, the festival crowned its first King and Queen to honor Black excellence, leadership, and cultural pride. Today, the Malik (king) and Malika(queen) remain symbols of the community's future and the next generation of leaders.
The 2026 Malik is Wan’ye R.F. Rhodes-Carter.
A lifelong participant in Buffalo’s Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations, Wan’ye has dedicated himself to preserving community traditions, supporting youth, and helping carry forward the values that have shaped Buffalo’s Black community for generations.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing at SUNY Purchase College, Wan’ye is an accomplished student, writer, and emerging leader. As a Youth Ambassador with the Just Buffalo Literary Center, he has performed original poetry, contributed to published anthologies, and collaborated with fellow writers and community artists, including Buffalo Poet Laureate Aitina Fareed-Cooke.
A graduate of Leonardo da Vinci High School, Wan’ye graduated near the top of his class and distinguished himself through leadership, community service, and participation in programs including My Brother’s Keeper and Buffalo Public Schools Scholars for Social Justice.
As the 2026 Malik, Wan’ye represents the promise of a new generation—one rooted in history, committed to service, and prepared to help lead the community into the future.
The 2026 Malika is Alliah L. Agostini.
Alliah is the proud granddaughter of Buffalo Juneteenth founder Judson T. Price Jr.. Her lifelong connection to the festival has inspired a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the story of Juneteenth and Buffalo's role in celebrating it for the past 50 years.
An award-winning author, Alliah has written more than a dozen children's books, including The Juneteenth Story; The Juneteenth Cookbook; The Kwanzaa Story; Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince; and Oprah Winfrey: A Little Golden Book Biography. Through her work, she helps young readers explore history, culture, identity, and community.
A graduate of City Honors School, Alliah earned a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is founder and principal of Lemonade Stand Limited, where she provides marketing guidance to entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
As the 2026 Malika, Alliah represents the enduring connection between Buffalo Juneteenth's founding generation and the generations who will carry its legacy forward.
(L) Enid Wright, Marcus Brown, Betty Jean Grant, Michael T. A. Smith, Carrone Evon Crump, Ron Draffin, Darryl Gaiter Jr, Franchelle Parker, Kelly Dumas
New board members, new ideas anchor Juneteenth’s 50th year in Buffalo
By Sandra White and Melvin Bankhead III
BUFFALO — In a powerful and emotional gathering that blended reverence, reflection, and forward momentum, Buffalo Juneteenth officially launched its 50th anniversary celebration on April 18. At its Genesee Street headquarters, founders, elders, new board members, and community leaders united to honor the celebration’s history and share plans for its future.
Buffalo’s celebration of Juneteenth remains one of the largest in the nation. Five decades after its founding, it remains a symbol of Buffalo’s Black cultural pride and unity. This year, the celebration will run from June 5 through June 21. Featured events include the ceremonial flag-raising, 50th anniversary gala, parade, a two-mile run, cultural programming, Underground Railroad tours, and musical performances.
Carrone Evon Crump, president of the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, noted that the annual event is a celebration of the Black community’s past and future. “As we celebrate this historic 50th year, our theme calls us forward: Honoring our elders. Serving our community. Empowering our youth,” said Crump.
“It's not just a celebration. It is a responsibility.”
Michael T.A. Smith, co-chair of the Juneteenth parade and a new member of the board, emphasized that the success of Juneteenth isn’t the work of one person, but of many.
“We cannot do this alone. This celebration exists because of community—because people come together,” he said. Reflecting on the significance of the moment and the journey ahead, he referenced an African proverb about collective effort: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Patrick Cray, who co-chairs the parade with Smith, reflected on the legacy of those who built the annual celebration. “I’m thankful for all of our matriarchs and patriarchs… who paved the way for me to be here before you.”
Smith, who also serves as co-chair of Juneteenth’s new Youth Ambassador Program, reinforced the importance of youth leadership.
“We want young people to have a seat at the table… to help shape programming and engage their peers,” said Smith.
An example of this inclusion is the Youth Empowerment Zone, a new addition to this year’s festival.
“This will be more than a space,” said new board member Shola Clark, who created the idea. “It’s a safe, engaging, affirming environment where young people can be seen, heard, and inspired,” said Clark, who balances being a single mother of two teenagers while serving as co-chair of Juneteenth’s public relations team, managing editor for The Challenger News, and a dispatcher for the Buffalo Fire Department.
Festival organizer Marcus O. Brown added that volunteerism has been key to Juneteenth’s success.
“This year, we are calling on everyone with gifts and talents to join the celebration,” said Brown, a former festival president, “Volunteering for a couple of hours can make a difference.”
Join the Movement!
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Volunteer your time—even a few hours
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Support youth initiatives
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Participate in the Empowerment Zone
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Become a Sponsor
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Buy Tickets to the Gala!
To learn more or register, visit buffalojuneteenth.com