Uncrowned Community Builders

Ronald Howard Fleming was a community activist and founder and publisher of the Buffalo Fine Print News, a weekly newspaper on the Buffalo's East Side. He was born on October 16, 1944 in Lackawanna, New York. He was one of seven siblings; three brothers, Cleveland E. Jr., Carl and Stanley and three sisters, Theora Lilly, Elizabeth Rutherford and Claudia White. Ron attended Lackawanna High School and graduated from East High School in Buffalo, New York, where he was an All-High football player. A tight end and linebacker, he went on to play football for Howard University and Virginia Union University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1968. That same year, he signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers Football team; however an early injury sidelined his promising NFL career.

Returning to Buffalo, he worked as a line officer for M&T Bank and founded the Fine Print News in 1970. He later worked as a photo and video consultant. He was producer and host of the public affairs program "Building a Decent Future" on WKBW-TV from 1975 to 1981. He also was producer and host of "The Fleming Report" on radio station WUFO from 1988 to 1997.

He was a candidate for the Fillmore Common Council seat several times. He also ran as a candidate for Erie County Legislature. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his community work including: the Black Achievers in Industry Award from 1490 Enterprises Inc. in 1995; an award from Families Helping Families in 2000; and the Marine Corps Community Service Award and the Navy Recruiting Service Award.

He was past president of the Broadway Area Business Association, the NU-Buff Sportsmen's Club and the Fillmore Councilmatic District Block Club Coalition, and past president of the board of the Block Clubs Buffalo and Erie County. He also was a member of Grassroots, United Neighborhoods and the Wincrest Sportsmen's Club, and was corresponding secretary for the Buffalo Chapter of the National Football League Retired Players Association.

Mr. Fleming and his wife of 39 years, the former Carolyn Cook, have three sons, Ronald II, Solomon and Nimrod; six daughters, Jasmin, Jade, Jewell, Janicka, Jafrica and Jamaica. Mr. Fleming died on July 2, 2010.