“Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood”29th Annual Community Walk

Imam Fajri Ansari -Masjid NuMan

On Saturday August 9th, 2025, Masjid NuMan hosted their 29th Annual “Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood” community walk. The walk began at the corner of Woodlawn and Fillmore Ave. at 11am and continued along Fillmore Ave to MLK Park. The activities took place from 12 noon until 5pm. Food was provided for participants in the walk. Also, provided were children’s games and live entertainment—Jomo Akono African drummers and Larry Salters E. The Roots Band.

The focus for this year’s event is protecting our environment, along with engaging our community for education, business, health, government, and culture— providing our neighbors with viable information and connect people with resources to improve their quality of life. The event was sponsored by: Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc.; Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre; Masten District Councilmember Zeneta Everhart; H.E.A.L International; Monarch of Infinite Possibilities, LLC; No Menthol Buffalo; and PUSH Buffalo. Attendees were provided with information booths and had people on hand to assist in many of the common areas of concern with residents. These are challenging times we are living in, which have historically required families to collectively come together to meet all challenges.

Several decades ago, before his passing Imam W. Deen Mohhamed—the son of the Honorable Elijah and Clara Mohammed—he challenged his supporters throughout the country to help build model communities. Being neighborly and building family communities as opposed to negative connotations connected with the term “hood” is a part of faith and duty. It also was the driving force which established the theme “Putting the Neighbor back in the Hood.”

Putting the Neighbor Back in the Hood began as a community walk in 1996 in Buffalo, NY. The initiative has grown to promote neighborly deeds and bring people together, celebrating the neighbors and community around Masjid Nu’Man. Celebrating Muslims and non Muslims alike. Putting the Neighbor Back in the Hood has been recognized and awarded by the City of Buffalo for improving community relationships. Last year was the first time making PNBIH a city-wide event, and it will continue to acknowledge and present awards to several unsung community servants throughout the various city council districts.

For contact information: masjidnumansite@gmail.com www.masjidnuman.org