BRRAlliance

The Black Rock / Riverside Alliance (BRRA) is committed to the overall betterment of the Black Rock, Riverside, Grant-Amherst, and West-Hertel Neighborhoods of Buffalo New York. We believe that the road to a brighter tomorrow begins with the informed and educated individual citizen. We strive to provide the educational resources, training materials, and basic logistic support to allow individuals and groups to work with us and each other to achieve the following goals:

- Revitalize and preserve these vibrant, historic communities.

- Actively combat urban blight.

- Work towards the beautification of our neighborhoods and city.

- Bolster private economic development.

- Increase commercial desirability

We strive to complete these goals in an effort to lessen the burden placed on the government by developing self-sufficiency among residents and to improve the overall quality of life in these communities.

We along with our volunteers create community programs to an economically impoverished area in Buffalo, NY.

Along with our head gardeners, we manage four community gardens to provide fresh produce, a green play space for kids and safe area for an abundance of community activities. We are always looking for volunteers to have a work day in our garden to weed, water or harvest vegetables.

We also help manage, have made and continue to plan substantial improvements in line with our community vision in Market Square Park, a historic green space in the heart of Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood.  These improvements have included general enhancement of the grounds, additional seating, a concrete staging area for live music and other performances, and public art installations.

We have a variety of events that we host including but not limited to; 

-Spring Speaker Series, which focuses on environmental education

-REALLY REALLY FREE MARKETS, a space for individuals to bring in loved items they no longer need to give them away for free

-Art displays and art-related community events

-Holiday Tree Lighting and Teddy Bear Parade party, giving local kids free teddy bears, pictures with Santa and desserts

-The River Rock Run 5K, which helps highlight awareness of our prime Buffalo waterfront

-Outdoor events for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the area alike, such as the Vintage & Maker Markets and Music by the Murals concert series held in Market Square Park

We are an organization that is almost entirely volunteer ran. We are always looking for volunteers to help us with our events, community gardens or even just office work.