BUFFALO, N.Y. — Wednesday marks three years since an upstate teenager drove 200 miles from his home in Conklin to Buffalo to carry out his plotted racist massacre at a grocery store. Ten people lost their lives that day: Aaron Salter, Andre Mackneil, Celestine Chaney, Geraldine Tally, Heyward Patterson, Katherine Massey, Margus Morrison, Pearl Young, Roberta Drury and Ruth Whitfield. Three others were shot and survived.

There’s been a lot of anger along the Jefferson Avenue corridor. People there always said that after the cameras went away, so would the spotlight on the lack of food, community centers, youth programming and infrastructure improvements. While those have been slow to come to fruition, community groups are pushing forward, making change. Today, it’s as simple as getting folks on two wheels.

“In Buffalo, you know, about 65% of jobs have to be accessed by some sort of vehicle," said Kim LaVare, managing director of Clementine Gold Group. "And we know that on the east side, there's probably about 30% of folks who have access to a vehicle regularly.”

Kim LaVare and Ekua Mends-Aidoo run the Clementine Gold Group.

“We are tenants at the exchange at Beverly Gray, where there are a lot of young folks who have started businesses, maybe on the side, are moving into full-time entrepreneurship as well," Mends-Aidoo said. "And we work together.”

Their goal is to lift up the East Side and shine a spotlight on the good happening if you take the time to stop and look — or take a ride.

“We'll be opening our first e-bike library," LaVare said. "So that you'll be checking out ... similar to how you check a book out of the library. You get your card, and you can check it out.”

There will be 75 bikes, of all sizes, available for free. Training courses and, eventually, routes for kids to get to school and community centers will be mapped out. STEM will also eventually be utilized.

“The kids are going to learn all of the things like physics behind bikes and the mathematics and understanding those things while building the bikes," LaVare explained. "And then they'll get to keep them.”

The pair works on projects at the state and federal levels, too. They say change is happening.

“It's tough because there's there has to be a balance in that. But at the same time, there's a reality to that as well,” Mends-Aidoo said. "I think we look at that as ... an opportunity to really look for ways that we can put resources here, whether that's at the state or federal level. To really make sure that we're not forgetting what happened here on that day, but also, what needed to happen prior to that day as well.”

The Clementine Gold Group is asking everyone to get involved in their community in honor of those Buffalo lost.

The following events are taking place Wednesday:

• Volunteer at Home Beneath Our Feet’s All-Inclusive Sensory Garden: Home Beneath Our Feet’s goal is to create a fully equipped, All-Inclusive Sensory Garden that allows space for adults and youth alike to learn and relax. They will have a variety of beds that will stimulate each of the senses. There will also be garden beds specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility.
  
  
• Donate to Agents for Advocacy- Agents for Advocacy was founded by Mark Talley in honor of his mother, Geraldine Talley, whose life was taken on 5/14/2022. Agents for Advocacy’s mission is to create a world where every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background, can live free from fear and inequality. Your contribution helps provide essential resources such as food, housing assistance, and health care access to those in need, bridging the gap between privilege and disadvantage.
  
  
• Donate Goods to the Pantry at Community Access Services: Located at 3297 Bailey Ave, the Community Access Services pantry offers a three-day supply of food for eligible community members in the 14215 zip code. You can give back to the community by making a donation.
  
  
• Show Gratitude to HighPointe’s Nursing Staff: Create thoughtful gifts for the dedicated nursing staff at HighPointe Long Term Care Facility. Volunteers will help assemble small care packages or tokens of appreciation to honor the compassion, hard work, and heart these caregivers bring every day.
  
  
• Spread Joy with Flowers at HighPointe in honor of Ruth Whitfield: Help brighten someone’s day by creating floral arrangements for HighPointe Long Term Care Facility residents in honor of Ruth Whitfield. Volunteers will assemble beautiful bouquets to be delivered to elders in care — a simple, heartfelt way to bring color, connection, and cheer to those who need it most. No experience needed.
  
  
• Help Clean Up the Jefferson Business Corridor: Join community members in giving some extra care to the Jefferson Business Corridor. Volunteers are needed to help pick up litter and beautify the area — supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming environment for all.
  
  
• Lend a Hand at the Kat Massey Pocket Park Clean-Up: Help honor Kat Massey's legacy by showing some love to Kat Massey Pocket Park during our upcoming clean-up day. Volunteers are needed to pick up litter, tend to the garden, and help refresh this meaningful community space.
  
  
• Mulberry Street Garden Clean-up and Planting Day: Volunteers are needed to help refresh garden beds, pull weeds, plant new flowers and vegetables, and prepare the space for a vibrant growing season. It’s a great way to give back, connect with neighbors, and help a beloved green space thrive.  
  
  
• Volunteer to Distribute Food at the Day of Service & Remembrance Block Party: Help support neighbors during a community block party by volunteering to distribute boxes of food to families and residents. Help is needed from 3-5 p.m. to assist with setup, organizing, and handing out food with care and kindness.
  
  
• Help Fill a Community Fridge: Volunteers are needed to help stock and maintain community refrigerators. These fridges provide free, fresh food to neighbors in need.
  
  
• Join GObike’s Ride to School Day: Students and families from Tapestry Charter School, Olmsted School, and Bennett Park Montessori are invited to ride together in a fun, safe group bike commute to school, supported by GObike.