The Centenarians are, top row from left: Irene Breckenridge, 102; Artie Bell Brown, 101; Thelma Onelia Arrington Hickmon, who turns 100 Aug. 2; Amanda Pugh Jackson, 102, and Mamie Lang Kirkland, 107; bottom row, Pearl Lewis, 103, Mary Lee Jones Reid, 101; Margaret Richardson, 100; Brunette Washington, 102 and Lottie Bell Williams, 102.
At left, Mary Lee Jones Reid stays close to her church family. At right, Brunette Washington sold women's undergarments door to door.
At left, Lottie Bell Williams designed hats and purses. At right, Margaret (Margie) M. Richardson couldn't stay away from Buffalo.
At left, Mamie Lang Kirkland is one of the longest-living Buffalonians. At right, Pearl Lewis is a former jewelry salesperson.
At left, Thelma Onelia Arrington Hickmon worked as a shoe salesperson. At right, Amanda Pugh Jackson has lived around the United States.
At left, Irene Breckenridge who spent her life surrounded by family. At right, Artie Brown, who sewed made-to-order dresses.
Ten African-American women in the Buffalo Niagara region contributed their unique stories to “The Centenarians: We Have a Story to Tell,” a living history project. All have lived at least 100 years.
The Centenarians are, top row from left: Irene Breckenridge, 102; Artie Bell Brown, 101; Thelma Onelia Arrington Hickmon, who turns 100 Aug. 2; Amanda Pugh Jackson, 102, and Mamie Lang Kirkland, 107; bottom row, Pearl Lewis, 103, Mary Lee Jones Reid, 101; Margaret Richardson, 100; Brunette Washington, 102 and Lottie Bell Williams, 102.
