Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart Announces New Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club Reading Nook at Villa Maria College

Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart

Buffalo, N.Y. - Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart and Villa Maria College on Monday announced Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club Reading Nook in the college’s new Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence, made possible thanks to $50,000 in Urban Initiative Funding secured by Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre as well as $25,000 secured by Legislature Chair Tim Meyers.

 Councilwoman Everhart and her son, Zaire Goodman, formed Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club in 2022 after Zaire was injured by gunfire in the May 14, 2022 racist mass shooting at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue, in which the gunman killed 10 individuals, all Black, and wounded two others. They formed the club to promote the education of young people on issues related to racism, diversity, and Black history, hoping to foster acceptance and understanding among the next generation. Since then, Councilwoman Everhart and Zaire have collected tens of thousands of books and distributed them to members of the community, as well as held public readings, essay contests, and other events to promote education on these issues.

 Villa Maria College agreed to host the Book Club Reading Nook in the new Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence, which officially opened April 2, 2025, in order to further the institution’s values of inclusivity and acceptance.

 “Zaire and I are thrilled to have a special, dedicated place to promote the values of inclusivity and empowerment that our book club represents,” said Councilwoman Everhart. “I hope this space reminds all students and visitors about the importance of education, particularly when it comes to issues like racism, diversity, and the Black experience. I thank my alma mater Villa Maria College for hosting this space for the club, Erie County for providing the necessary funding, and everyone else who made our dream a reality. Together, we will help foster an attitude of empathy, awareness, and acceptance among the next generation.”

 “Villa Maria College is proud to be the permanent home of the Zeneta and Zaire’s Book Club Reading Nook in the new Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence,” said Villa Maria College President Dr. Matthew Giordano. “The book club embodies the College’s mission and values that education can transform lives and create a more equitable society.  The opening of the reading nook is special to the College not only because Zeneta is deeply committed to community engagement and educational equity, but she is one of our most prestigious alumni.”

“Zeneta and Zaire took the darkest day of their lives and turned it into rays of hope for thousands of children across Western New York,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “Reading opens minds to a wider world and is the best antidote to hatred and bigotry. I remain incredibly inspired by the tenacity Zeneta and Zaire have shown, and the opening of their new Reading Nook in the Scott Bieler Center for Academic Excellence will continue to propel this vision forward. Thank you to Legislator Lawrence Dupre for securing the funding to make this a reality, and thank you to Villa Maria College for their dedication to this cause.”

 “As we recognize the third anniversary of the terrible tragedy of May 14, I’m heartened to see the new reading nook open for Zeneta and Zaire’s Book Club,” said Deputy Elections Commissioner Howard Johnson. “This tremendous resource will benefit our community by encouraging education and conversations about racism, diversity, and acceptance. I’m proud to have sponsored the funding to help make this special space a reality, and I thank Councilwoman Everhart, Villa Maria College, and Legislators Dupre and Meyers for their efforts on this important project.”

 “Supporting the Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club Reading Nook is about investing in a space where ideas, identity, and community come together,” said Erie County Legislature Chair Tim Meyers. “I’m proud to have helped move this project forward, and I want to recognize Council Member Everhart for her unwavering commitment to meaningful change. Her leadership continues to shape a stronger, more connected community—and this Nook stands as a lasting example of that impact.”

 “I’m proud to support the Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club Reading Nook, a space focused on education, healing, and inclusivity,” said Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “Zeneta and Zaire’s dedication to opening up conversations about tough issues is truly powerful. I’m grateful to Villa Maria College for hosting this important project, and I’m excited to see how it helps make our community stronger.”

“Zeneta & Zaire’s Book Club has become a powerful initiative for healing, education, and community empowerment in the City of Buffalo,” said Acting Mayor Christopher Scanlon. “I want to commend my colleague in government, Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart and her son, Zaire, for turning pain into purpose and for creating a lasting space at Villa Maria College that will inspire learning, promote diversity, and uplift future generations across the City of Buffalo." 

“Education is the foundation upon which we can build a more accepting and inclusive society,” said Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski. “By teaching young people about tolerance, racism, and Black history and experiences, Councilwoman Everhart and her son Zaire are working to build a future free of the vile hatred we saw on May 14. I commend my colleague, as well as Legislator Dupre and Villa Maria College, for creating this space dedicated to celebrating our shared humanity.”

For media requests or information on this and all Common Council topics, please contact Buffalo Common Council Senior Legislative Assistant Tim Fenster.