My name is Corey DuWayne James Butler, the only son of Niagara Falls, New York's Artist GLORIA "Uhuru Love" BUTLER. Gloria Gwendolyn Roundtree Daniels Butler, is my mom, ( Gloria G.R.D. Butler ) and was the first black art teacher in the Niagara Falls, New York's School System. She ( Gloria Butler ) taught at local NIAGARA FALLS, NY schools including North Junior High School, 5th Street School, 10th Street School, 13 Street School, 24th Street School, 39TH Street Elementary School, 60th Street School, Gaskill Junior High School, Ferry Avenue School, LaSalle, and the old Niagara Falls Senior High School, ( now newly named the Niagara Atrs & Cultural Center, NACC ). Gloria Butler was a significant black artist, educator, and civil rights activist from Niagara Falls, New York. In 1965, Gloria became actively interested in the Civil Rights Revolution; she adopted the name Uhuru Love, in Swahili and English meaning "freedom (is) love" , and began planning for her revealing art exhibition called UHURU UWEZO meaning "freedom is power." In this year, GLORIA G.R.D BUTLER also became the proud recipient of an honorary Doctorate, known for her vibrant 1960s artwork promoting natural talent, and fine art on a professional level. Gloria Gwendolyn Daniels was married to the late Elbert James Al Butler, Al Butler was a Niagara University basketball superstar from East High School on a full Athletic scholarship, before getting drafted into the National Basketball Association in his junior year of studies by the Boston Celtics. A professional in his own right, Al Butler received two degrees, four New York State teaching certifications, numerous trophies, awards, and honors, and was a Monroe Community College guidance counselor for 28 years before retiring. There is a prominent mural of Gloria G.R.D. Butler that was completed by artist LaShonda Davis in the Fall of 2020 at Main Street and Depot Avenue as part of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area's Northend Murals.

Photo: Alana Adetola Arts Photography, LLC

Gloria "Uhuru Love" Daniels was born in Niagara Falls, New York and graduated from Niagara Falls Senior High School with honors, and the State University College at Buffalo; received a B.S. in Art Education and an M.S. from State University College at Buffalo Graduate School of Art Education. From 1961-1968, she taught art education in the Niagara Falls School District, the Adult Education Center, the Niagara Arts Center, the Griffon Manor Youth Center and the International Center and Girls Club. In 1958, she began exhibiting her work, however it was in 1962 that her work attracted wide recognition and now exists in many private collections, museums, and galleries throughout the nation. In 1965, she became actively interested in the Civil Rights Movement and adopted the name Uhuru Love; Swahili and English words meaning "freedom (is) love". It was also this year that she began planning an art exhibition called Uhuru Uwezo, which means Swahili "freedom (is) power" in Swahili, and she also received an honorary Doctorate.

My mother passed away on January 6th, 2026 in Buffalo General Hospital ( room 803 ) due to a severe stroke on the left side of her brain and underline health conditions. I am seeking funds to help with her cremation and furneral expenses plus a July 11th, 2026 art exhibit to display her work and honor her legacy along with celebrating the long life God blessed her with. She would be proud of me, her family, & friends being part of celebrating her life. Your support is greatly appreciated, and I would appreciate it if you would share this campaign with your friends and family.