Voice Buffalo fights gun violence in East Buffalo with summer program

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Voice Buffalo is looking for ways to combat gun violence on Buffalo’s East Side by reintroducing the Midnight Basketball League summer program.

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Alia Williams is the Youth-Adult Organizer for Voice Buffalo.

She tells 7 News reporter Yoselin Person that she grew up on Buffalo’s East Side and knows what it’s like to be around gun violence.

“I’ve seen friends and family lose their lives to gun violence, so having the privilege of working for an organization that can do something like the Midnight Basketball League is something that I’m very passionate about it,” she says.

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The program is designed to keep young people safe and give them something to do.

The program aimed at 14-25 year olds is not a new concept.

“This originated in the 1990s and is a proven, evidence-based practice for reducing violence in areas similar to Buffalo,” she says. “There will also be educational workshops such as financial literacy classes and healing circles. »

Neighbors and mentors in this community say something like this is needed.

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“I think it’s a good thing for the city and will keep kids busy and off the streets.” We need more things like this here,” says one resident.

The program will take place every Thursday at the Resource Council of WNY from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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“We specifically chose the Cold Springs area because, for those who don’t know, in recent years, young people have died due to gun violence. One specifically being in this park right here,” Alia says.

Others who participated in summer programs while growing up on the East Side say it helped them become the young adults they are today.

Khalil Carr is one of them.

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He is the first young black film producer in Western New York and also the executive director of Buffalo Fashion Week.

“There are no resources for you, there is absolutely nothing. It’s basically starting from scratch to really get what you need,” says Khalil. “So I definitely think growing up here has been more about honing myself, developing myself to become a successful person or the man that I’m becoming.

The Midnight Basketball League will begin on July 18.