Gail Wells was a legend in the Buffalo area, founding both the African American Students Organization at Buffalo State University, and the Black Student Union at the University of Buffalo where she attended college back in November of 1967, after growing up in Harlem, New York, and later going on to become a teacher for 29 years while also being an Urban Planner.
AASO is a student run organization that is focused on providing educational, cultural, and recreational activities to their fellow students at Buffalo State University.
The organization holds general interest meetings every Thursday afternoon at 12:15 p.m. in the Roar 2 Success lounge of Bengal Hall Room 118.
AASO got its start from The Black liberation Front Board receiving funds from the school’s United Student Government after a long battle that featured Wells.
On top of her determination and grit, Wells was known for her character and involvement within the Buffalo community, which was highlighted by her founding Freedom Gardens.
Freedom Gardens is a non-profit organization that works with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The organization’s goal is to educate, stabilize, and enrich communities like Buffalo, New York, where their gardens are located.
Further, they help members of their communities be more self-sufficient and be one with earth. They also help combat climate change with one garden at a time in a series of steps.
They plant seeds to end food segregation, embrace land ownership, and create wealth for families in need of assistance.
Doing this, they are growing BIPOC resistance and resilience as a path to heling and liberating their respective communities.
Freedom Gardens has already raised over $48,000 in donations and look to continue their beloved work in helping under privileged Western New Yorkers.
Wells tragically passed away on June 4, 2024, at the age of 88. While she is no longer here to build the organizations and community that is near to her heart, her lasting impact has made it to where Western New York area will continue to do so in her honor.
