Masjid NuMan Celebrates 30th year of “Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood” Community Walk
Imam Fajri Ansari and grandson, Noah
On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, Masjid NuMan will celebrate 30 years of “Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood” community walk. This year’s theme is “From Roots to Resources.” Lineup will start on Woodlawn Ave, behind the Buffalo C-District Precinct, at the corner of Fillmore Ave.
The walk will begin at 11 am along Fillmore Ave and end at MLK Park. Outstanding community service awards will be presented at noon, followed by food and entertainment until 5 pm. Keeping with our theme, from “Roots to Resources “ a community resources tent will host information tables to assist and connect residents with invaluable Buffalo and WNY services throughout the day.
Entertainment will include Jomo Akono, African drummers, and dancers. Larry Salters “R-Roots” Band, Henri Star Muhammad and Muhammad School of Music students, and the Isaiah Timothy Trio, up-and-coming young artists featured around Western New York.
This year, we will also host the United States Chess Federation TD Archangel 8 Chess Club Tournament, beginning at 2 pm, for 3rd-8th grade students. Contact knightsof64@ yahoo.com for registration (no walk ins). The tournament will be held under the resource information tent.
Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood began as a response to a call by Imam W. Deen Mohammed (the son of the Hon. Elijah and Clara Muhammed) to help build model communities where you live. Thirty years ago, the neighborhood in the vicinity of our Masjid (Mosque), located on E. Utica and Fillmore Ave was experiencing the effects of drugs, crime, and violence— like many urban centers around the country infested with the crack/ cocaine epidemic.
Being from the “Hood” was more a badge of honor for toughness and survival than being a neighbor. Hence, the concept “ Let’s help by putting the Neighbor back in the Hood” came about. Members from the Masjid, along with community residents, began by cleaning up what is today the Box Ave. playground and other areas where blight and garbage were being dumped. We assisted neighbors with food donations and seniors with housing and safety concerns.
This year will be our third year making this a citywide initiative, and we will honor outstanding and often unsung community servants from across the City of Buffalo and Western New York. We invite you to come for a walk with us and bring your family and friends to share in the celebration of “Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood.”
We also invite you on the following day, Sunday, August 9th, to share with us a relaxing and family setting, Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood Boat Ride from 4-6 pm, Buffalo Harbor Cruise, 79 Marine Dr. Contact 315-417-1712 for tickets or pickup at Ansar Fragrance located at 1367 Fillmore Ave. Tickets are $40.00 and include live music.