It is well documented that Buffalo, NY, is one of the most segregated cities in the country.
For this reason, finding a black-owned business was easy and difficult at the same time. The majority of shops are located in the same area, the East Side, but they are mainly businesses (salons) that provide services I wouldn't need.
One wonderful part of Buffalo, though, is that there is a growing population of refugees, especially on the West Side. Supported by four major service organizations, they are bringing unique food establishments, art, and urban gardens to the neighborhood.
With my $10, I visited the West Side Bazaar. There are a half-dozen stands and food stalls there, all owned and operated by people working with the support of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) to grow their businesses. I tried Abyssinia's Ethiopian Cuisine. I ordered a Beef and Rice, wanting to stay a little plain for my first visit, but it was anything but plain.
Because of this dish, and my experience, I will return, with friends especially, but also because I know there is a story in every stall, and I want to hear all of those stories. This project was great in that I went into a new establishment and I was given the opportunity to see another side of my city that I knew existed but had not experienced. I hope that there is an opportunity to recreate this project, maybe even in Buffalo.
For this reason, finding a black-owned business was easy and difficult at the same time. The majority of shops are located in the same area, the East Side, but they are mainly businesses (salons) that provide services I wouldn't need.
One wonderful part of Buffalo, though, is that there is a growing population of refugees, especially on the West Side. Supported by four major service organizations, they are bringing unique food establishments, art, and urban gardens to the neighborhood.
With my $10, I visited the West Side Bazaar. There are a half-dozen stands and food stalls there, all owned and operated by people working with the support of the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) to grow their businesses. I tried Abyssinia's Ethiopian Cuisine. I ordered a Beef and Rice, wanting to stay a little plain for my first visit, but it was anything but plain.
Because of this dish, and my experience, I will return, with friends especially, but also because I know there is a story in every stall, and I want to hear all of those stories. This project was great in that I went into a new establishment and I was given the opportunity to see another side of my city that I knew existed but had not experienced. I hope that there is an opportunity to recreate this project, maybe even in Buffalo.
One Large participant: MR
Name of black-owned business: Abyssinia Ehtiopian Cuisine
Location: Buffalo, NY
Race/ethnicity of participant: Caucasian
