BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The massacre at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue last year was so tragic, that it left a void in the community. This year, community leader Marnetta Malcolm decided to do something about that.
"We need something to revitalize and engage the community. Something that is uplifting," Malcolm told WBEN.
She remembers the grief that overshadowed Buffalo's East side last summer. "I didn't want to have another summer of that."
She came up with "Jefferson Avenue Friday Night Live" with music, food trucks, vendors and community resources, every Friday from June 2 through August 18.
The response was positive, right from the start.
Malcolm, who also runs Buffalo Funk Fest, which honors the legacy of Rick James, knows a thing or two about booking bands. But she said this has to be about more than music. There has to be information and resources as well.
"We have to think collectively about how we can change the community. We've seen what individualism has done to this area. It hasn't worked. We're trying to do something different. Let's give it a chance." She added, "I'm getting lots of positive feedback."
The event is not just for the community. Malcolm made it clear that it is for everybody. "It's for Buffalo. That's how we are going to grow together. This is about building relationships and partnerships that people can trust."
Friday Night Live is taking place in the Jefferson Avenue Plaza on the corner of Jefferson and East Utica, near Tops Market from 5:30pm to 9pm every Friday.
How hard was it, when she approached people to help? "It wasn't very hard at all," she said. "Still, it's a challenge because it's never been done before." Malcolm said the support from sponsors has been tremendous.
To reach Marnetta Malcolm, you can email her at: MarnettaMalcolm@gmail.com or reach her through the Buffalo Funk Fest Foundation on Facebook.