AMVETS Post 24 Receives Large Donation of Books
By Jewelean Magee
Mr. George K. Arthur, Jr. made two large donations of books from his father’s collection to the Johnetta R. Cole AMVETS Post 24’s book lending library.
Last year, Mr. Arthur saw an article published the “Buffalo Criterion” newspaper about the post was in need of books and got in contact with Mr. Jerry Bowman, the post historian and curator of the book lending library.
Dad had a lot of books, jazz and blues music CDs. He was also into photography. His books were al ways on politics.” Said Mr. Arthur.
The late George Arthur Sr. was a Korean War veteran, and later became a councilman for the Ellicott District, a councilman at large, and President of the Buffalo Common Council.
Mr. Jerry Bowman was happy on both occasions to receive the donations of books, and felt that it is important to get the books into the hands of young people and adults in the community to encourage them to pick up a book and read. When the person is finish reading the book. To pass it on to someone else.
“Other cultures are saying that slavery didn’t exist or never happened. But the books that I am giving out are saying otherwise. We as veterans are here to combat the “critical race theory.” Said Mr. Bowman.
The Post members need more book donations from the community written by black authors on a variety of topics including health and beauty, the arts, music, politics, and much more.
People that would like to donate books can contact Mr. Jerry Bowman at 716 335-8272 to make arrangements for pickup and drop off.
The Bennett-Wells Post No. 1780, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post and Auxiliary Unit No. 1928, Jesse Clipper Post No. 430 joined forces to place 470 flags on the graves of Veterans buried in the “Field of Valor” at the St. Matthew’s Cemetery.
Pictured from left to right: Commander Henry Jernigan, Bennett-Wells Post No. 1780, Service Officer, Ventura Colon, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post No. 1928, Commander Johnny Sanabria, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Post No. 1928, and Past Commander Rev. Eugue L. Pierce, Jesse Clipper Post No. 430.