Post Classifieds
Peace and Love are all you need to enjoy Grant Street
By Colleen Young
On December 6, 2012
The Buffalo State community is invited to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season from 5
p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the second annual Peace, Love and Grant event.
Bonnie Smith, president of West Minister Economic Development Initiative, said that events
like Peace, Love and Grant are educating the greater Buffalo area about the growth of the West
Side's international community.
"The world has come to Buffalo," Smith said. "You don't see this anywhere else. Come shop
and tell everyone you know."
Grant Street's unique culture will be showcased Thursday night.
At the event, students will be able to catch a free trolley outside the student apartment complex
on campus, and then ride it down Grant Street. There, they can shop at dozens of stores that will
be open until 8 p.m.
"Come have a good time with food, fun, and shopping," said Meg Dee, Community Academic
Center director. "Learn what's available on Grant Street."
The evening will include activities for children such as holiday-themed movies, letter writing,
and arts and crafts at the Grant Street Neighborhood Center, located at 271 Grant St., according
to Councilman Rivera's Office, one of the event's sponsors.
At the Buffalo State Community Academic Center, located at 214 Grant St., everyone will have
the chance to meet Augustina Droze, a muralist whose work includes the murals on Elmwood
and at McKinley High School, according to Councilman Rivera's office.
Dee said that attendees will also be able to enjoy other art activities at the Center.
In addition, there will be music by local artists at Sweetness 7 Café to listen to and enjoy.
Dee said Santa will be available for photographs at the cafe, and a local business will have an
informational table set up.
"Buffalo First will have a table outside Sweetness 7," said Dee. "They support buying local and
they'll be promoting it, informing everyone about their upcoming events."
Sean Mulligan, Legislative Aid to Councilman Rivera said the local businesses on Grant Street
are committed to the community and encourage shopping local.
Those wishing to see some of the locally-owned shops can visit the new location of the West
Side Bazaar at 25 Grant St.
Dee said Santa will be in attendance at the Bazaar, where crafts and clothes from developing
countries will be sold.
Students will also receive 20 percent off at Westside Stories, located at 205 Grant St., according
to Councilman Rivera's Office.
One more recommended stop is at Global Villages, located at 216 Grant St. It's a place where
people can browse through authentic artisan crafts, according to Councilman Rivera's office.
"Global Villages will offer jewelry, pottery and clothing," his office said.
Mulligan said his hope is that Grant Street will be bright and eye-catching on Thursday, so that
people come to the event and experience the rich culture of the West Side community.
Dee said the Buffalo State Gospel Choir will be caroling along the street, merchants will put
lights in their windows and there will be food trucks parked along the road.
Students can also get started with their holiday shopping while the stores are open late.
"Get gifts you can tell a story with for your family members," Mulligan said. "The stores have
beautiful gifts, and you can learn where and how they're made."
Mulligan said students will notice that there is a lot taking place on Grant Street, and so many
different countries are being represented there due to the large refugee community settling on the
West Side.
"Students who see places on Grant Street are surprised and come back," Mulligan said. "They
continue to come and frequent the businesses."
With this being a busy time of year for everyone, students are welcome to come celebrate the end
of the semester at this event.
"Have fun, go shopping, and take a break from studying," said Dee. "Find out about local
businesses in this international community."
Mulligan said that students can come to the event to get into the holiday spirit and relieve stress
from school.
After a semester marked by crime on the far side of campus, Mulligan said that this event would
help students to get a well-rounded view of Grant Street.
"There isn't just crime. There are a lot of businesses and opportunities," Mulligan said.
He said that it's important for students to experience the environment surrounding their school.
"Students will be able to shop and enjoy a coffee, but also be a part of the community," Mulligan
said.
Mulligan said that businesses should see a large return on investment, which will in turn impact
the community.
Councilman Rivera said last year's event was a success and he hopes this year is too.
"We had a great time last year and we're looking forward to this year," Rivera said.
Colleen Young can be reached by email at young.record@live.com.
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