For the third time on Saturday, East Side Bike Club hosted a Solidarity Ride to remember and honor the victims the 5/14 Tops racist shooting. Members of bike riding groups joined ESBC to ride as one, a stand of unity in the face of a horrible act two years ago.
We came together as we always do, at the head statue at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and took a group ride over the AKG Art Museum where riders were able to visit the Before and After Again exhibition.
Before and After Again is an exhibition of artwork, prose, and poetry by the Buffalo-based artists and cultural producers Julia Bottoms, Tiffany Gaines, and Jillian Hanesworth. Their works respond to the tragic slaying of ten Buffalo residents at the Tops Friendly Market.
These works were created out of dialogue with members of the community, including those families directly affected by the tragedy, in consideration of their deep humanity and resilience in the face of systemic racism and unspeakable violence. It is a must see installation that is free to view.
Our ride continued over to the new Honor Space at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson. That installation includes seasonal flowers, honor bollards, and a beautiful sculpture area that provides space for reflection, remembrance, and honor.
We were over 100 cyclists strong on this very important ride and are grateful for all the other bike organizations who chose to join us for a very important riding day on our riding calendar.
