Black Men Gathered In MLK Park For Unity And Progress

While it seems like there is always a ton of stuff to do in the summer, fall in Western New York is also an extremely active time for the 716. Not only are kids getting back to school, and election season is underway, but it's also prime time for gathering and protests.

While the federal government shutdown is going into its third week and the people all over the nation are protesting against the government, a group of men in Buffalo gathered in a historic spot to call for unity and partnership in Western New York.

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Dubbed the Gathering of 1,000 Black Men, the 30th anniversary of the Million Man March on Washington, D.C., saw hundreds of Western New York men meet at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Buffalo's east side.

According to the Challenger News, Kenneth Simons, who is the pastor of the Cold Spring Bible Chapel on Northland Avenue, called for men to connect and show up for Buffalo with an ultimate goal to strengthen the economy in our neighborhoods and revitalize our communities.

It’s time for us to uphold the charge given to us and be accountable as protectors and providers our families and communities... This is going to be a day of solidary and atonement for all of men. We’re squashing hate and raising up love. We’re going to change the city…. No longer will we allow religion and politics to divide this community.
-Pastor Kenneth Simons, who spoke with the Challenger News

This event wasn't just for men, as entire families gathered at the park. On the other side of MLK Park, there was a group of women offering prayers and support for Buffalo.

This event was filled with unity and positive energy, which many people who were in attendance are hoping will help propel Buffalo forward.