Business owners, community organizers and residents of the East Side of Buffalo will come together April 27 to discuss creating a business and cultural district for the community at “Black Business Boom: A Community Conversation.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at The Foundry, 298 Northampton St., Buffalo. It is part of an independent study of MSW students Promise Bruce and Katie Leonard, who are working with Elizabeth Bowen, assistant professor of social work.

Jefferson Avenue was a thriving black business district before the displacement of Humboldt Parkway after construction of the Kensington Expressway. While the revitalization of Buffalo has brought new opportunities to the city, they are not benefiting traditional neighborhoods in the inner city, the students say.

The aim of the event is to produce an action plan to resist gentrification and support black businesses on Jefferson Avenue and throughout the city.

The conversation will be facilitated by Alexander Wright of the African Heritage Food Co-op.

Light refreshments will be provided.

For further information, contact Promise Bruce.