Uncrowned Community Builders

Herbert L. Bellamy, Sr. was born on April 23, 1931 in Burgaw, North Carolina. His parents were Mattie Henry Bellamy and Prince A. Bellamy. Herbert was one of twelve children. He attended Burgaw Public Schools and graduated from Pender County High School. In later years, he also attended Dale Carnegie Institute to further his education. In 1951, Herbert served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1952.

Mr. Bellamy moved to Lackawanna, New York where he met his future wife, Irene Parham. They were married in June 10, 1951. The couple had six children. They settled in Lackawanna, where Herbert literally ââ?¬Å?peddled his way to success.ââ?¬ He started as a bicycle liquor deliveryman in 1954. Eleven years later, he had ridden his way into his own business, the first of 12 that he founded. His businesses created jobs in a community where hope had become a memory and opportunity was only as close as the next government check.

Mr. Bellamy founded 1490 Enterprises, Inc., a not-for-profit community center in 1969. he served as president until 2002, when he was succeeded by his son, Herbert L. Bellamy, Jr. He took a blighted, inner city warehouse and turned an eyesore into an oasis for the entire community. It presently houses many agencies and programs, feeds over 150 seniors a day and is a gathering point for the elderly. As owner and manager of Bellamy Enterprises, Mr. Bellamy has provided housing as well as employment. He believed that if you provide jobs for individuals, you have solved 95% of their problems. The housing complex on Jefferson Avenue, 1490 Manor and the senior citizen housing, stands as a testament to this community and city. Each year 1490 Enterprises, Inc. sponsors the ââ?¬Å?Black Achievers in Industry Awards Dinnerââ?¬, which honors many community leaders.

Mr. Bellamy received over 150 awards and honors including the first Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award, Man of the Year, Canisius College Presidentââ?¬â?¢s Award, the Buffalo Urban League Family Award and an honorary degree from Canisius College. He was the first African American civil service commissioner, first director and vice president the Downtown Nursing Home. He served as Councilman-at-Large for the City of Buffalo for nine years. Mr. Bellamy also served on many boards; Canisius Board of Regents, Western New York Liquor Retailers, Bethel Head Start Program and others. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP. In 1990, Bellamy was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as a member of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. He also served as a Director of Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority in 1994.

In 2001, a section of Jefferson Avenue between East Delavan Avenue and East Ferry Street was designated as ââ?¬Å?Herbert L. Bellamy Way.ââ?¬

Mr. Bellamy served as a trustee at the Price of Peace Temple Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Bishop Leroy Anderson and was a member of St. John Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Bennett W. Smith and Rev. Michael Chapman. Mr. Bellamy served diligently with the late Rev. Smith and Rev. Michael Chapman until his health began to decline.

Mr. Bellamy died on March 8, 2006.