Imperial Market Delivers In Grand Style With Its Neighborhood Community Day.

By Betty Jean Grant

Betty Jean Grant

Time and time again, many individuals on the Eastside have complained the current business owners of our neighborhood stores, supermarkets and restaurants take our hard-earned money from our patronage, but they do not circulate those funds with other businesses, especially with the black stores and restaurants, whose presence has been the stabilizing force in the black community for generations!

That allegation, whether true or not, was not the focus last Saturday, when the owner of Imperial Market, known simply as “Sam,” treated his store customers and the residents of Buffalo to a fantastic Neighborhood Community Day. This writer counted at least nine bounce houses, three d-jays, one host named Nate Boyd and tons of hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. There was no restriction on the food, which was good because I saw one hungry teenager walking around with a plate containing 3 hamburgers and two hotdogs!

The children who were there were excited, and one could see they were having the times of their lives. Grand mothers were there with grandchil dren, from infants to young adults, eating, dancing or just running around, having a good ole time! Sam, the owner, and our beloved videog rapher, Nate Boyd, who served as host, kept things in order. I can only speak regarding the time I was there, but I can tell you this: I did not hear one harsh word or witnessed a fight among the huge number of teens who were there to have a good time.

During my two hours stay at the gathering, I videotaped a portion of my visit. Some of the people who watched my video posted negative comments regarding the attire of some young ladies, the music that was being played or the manner of their dancing. My take on these concerns: The music is played daily on our local radio station, the dancing is done in their homes, and we know the provocative clothes are worn everywhere, sometimes, even to church!

So, to Sam, the owner of Imperial Market, Nate Boyd, and to all the vol unteers, I say “Congratulations!” You guys put on one heck of a Neighbor hood Community Day!