Evelyn Patterson Merriweather
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather had served as publisher of The Buffalo Criterion, Western New York’s oldest African American newspaper, since 1995. Mrs. Merriweather joined her husband, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., working alongside him at the newspaper, in the early 1960’s. In becoming actively involved, she learned every aspect of the newspaper business, as well as the mechanics of job printing, and became an efficient linotypist and computer typesetter.
The daughter of the late Charner and Foddie Patterson, Mrs. Merriweather was raised in the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, now pastored by Bishop Lee Allen Spight, Sr. A product of the Buffalo Public School system, she attended School 31 and was a graduate of Hutchinson Central High School. Upon graduating, Evelyn was employed in the NYA Program for young people (a federal government job program). Later, she worked as a Bookkeeper for the White House Sausage Company, on William near Michigan Ave., where Mr. Luther White was proprietor. She went on to work at the Curtis Wright Aerospace Plant, where she was employed for several years.
In 1946, Evelyn Patterson married Frank Merriweather, Jr. They became the loving parents of five children: Carole Ann, Evelyn Patti, Frances Jill, Frank, III, and Bruce. They also have twelve grandchildren; as well as five great grandchildren.
Following the death of Mr. Merriweather on May 22, 1995, Mrs. Merriweather assumed the leadership of The Criterion. Under her guidance, The Criterion has moved into its third generation, making it the oldest black business in Erie County – now in its 99th year.
The Criterion continues to embrace the goals set by its founders in 1925 – the late Frank E., Sr. and Carmelita Merriweather, which are to inform the Black community on issues vital to its survival: including issues of health, education, employment, housing, religion, social / sports entertainment; championing human and civil rights; and encouraging participation in the political process.
As publisher of The Buffalo Criterion and a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Mrs. Merriweather honored the “Credo of the Black Press” followed by hundreds of Black newspapers across the nation. The Credo states: “The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person, in the firm belief that all are hurt, as long as anyone is held back.”
Mrs. Merriweather has been honored by several local organizations for her contributions to society and her work in the community:
In 1994, Mrs. Merriweather was lauded by the Urban Women’s Political Studies Group, for “Special Recognition and Service to the Community”;
In November of 1995, the Buffalo Urban League lauded the Merriweather Family with its Family Life Award;In 1996, Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival, Inc. recognized Mrs. Merriweather for “Service to the Community”;
Also in 1996, The Africana Research Museum of New York International Institute, Inc. presented Mrs. Merriweather with the “Clifford Bell Community Service Award” for “Industrial Perseverance” (Dec. 13, 1996);
On April 12, 1997, Mrs. Merriweather was the recipient of the St. Peter Claver “Isaiah Richardson Memorial Award” in “Appreciation for Support, Dedication, and Service to the Community”;
On February 23, 2002, Woodie and Dorothy Durham, Founder/President of Families Helping Families Foster Parent Network, honored Mrs. Merriweather during their 6th Annual Black History Celebration, with the “Sojourner Truth Award”, in “recognition of her invaluable service, leadership, and strong commitment in bringing families and communities together”; Mrs. Merriweather and The Buffalo Criterion were honored on April 23, 2002, by The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Center, Inc.’s “Spring ‘Thank You’ Breakfast Community Service Award”, for “steadfast help in communicating the mission and programs of the BFNC, Inc. to consumers and readers across the WNY community”.
New York Senator Byron W. Brown presented Mrs. Merriweather with the “2004 Black History Month Community Service Award” on February 27, 2004, for “Outstanding Service and Continuing Support of the Buffalo-Niagara Region’s African American Community”.
On December 29, 2005, the Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee paid “Special Tribute” to Mrs. Merriweather as an “Elder” in the Buffalo Community.
The Black Resource Publishing Magazine (Buffalo, N.Y.) honored Mrs. Merriweather in its Black History Edition – in February, 2005.
The Merriweather Family, and the Buffalo Criterion were further honored with the naming of the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library, in honor of the late editor and publisher Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., which opened April 1, 2006.
In January, 2009, The Concerned Citizens to Keep Dr. M.L.K., Jr.’s Dream Alive (Bessie Patterson, Chair) lauded Evelyn Merriweather and the Buffalo Criterion with a Community Service Award.
On April 1, 2009, Van Taylor of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, American Federation of Musicians Local 92, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Buffalo Criterion in recognition of Valuable Contributions to the “Concert From the Heart” Benefit Concert for the Food Bank of WNY and The Buffalo City Mission, held March 17, 2009.
Mrs. Evelyn Merriweather was among 33 Outstanding Women honored on March 6, 2010, by Eva M. Doyle, Founder and Sponsor of “The Power of Women” Women’s History Month Program, also themed “A Rose Is Still A Rose”.
On March 6, 2010, Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant, 7th District, presented a Certificate of Merit to Evelyn Merriweather, a 2010 Honoree of Women’s History Month: “It is with Great Pride that We Recognize Your Achievement. Your outstanding dedication to your community is duly noted.”
In March 2012, Mrs. Eva Doyle dedicated the Annual Roses Program to Evelyn Merriweather along with three other women.
On February 19, 2017, the Bennett Wells Post and Auxiliary #1780 honored Mrs. Merriweather and the Merriweather Family in celebration of Black History Month. Also in 2017, the Victorian Committee presented the Community Angel Award to the Buffalo Criterion for “Your Health Education for Women In the Community”.
Evelyn Patterson Merriweather had entered into eternal on November 12, 2021.