Karibu News, Buffalo’s multilingual and multicultural periodical, is celebrating its one year anniversary. Founders Rwandan Asylee and journalist Rubens Mukunzi set out to establish a paper that would embrace the refugee communities of Buffalo that are flourishing on the East and East Sides of the city. The refugee populations have not only brought welcome diversity to Buffalo, they have also managed to curb this city’s yearly population loss. With the influx of refugees has come a resurgence of certain neighborhoods, which now have myriad ethnic shops, markets and even restaurants. “Karibu” translates to “Welcome” in Swahili.
Over two dozen issues were printed, with many of the articles printed in multiple languages—including French, Arabic, Burmese, and Swahili. Mukunzi, who started the paper with a micro business loan from Westminster Economic Development Initiative, Inc. is the owner, publisher and ad salesman, too.
“I founded Karibu to create and connect community for these populations—including myself—who are continuing to come to Buffalo, and seek to make lives for ourselves here,” said Mukunzi. “We are welcomed, yes. And, we want to get to know the city, the people, our new culture, and more. We want to be a part of things, and make ourselves heard. We welcome everyone to join us—both at our event and in reading our paper and website. Together, we will continue and expand the positive things that are going on in Buffalo—for all of us.”
On Saturday, August 27, Karibu News will be hosting its one year anniversary celebration at Concerned Ecumenical Ministry, 286 Lafayette Avenue (5:30pm – 8:30pm). Tickets are $20.
All are welcome. Those who cannot pay will not be turned away as long as there is capacity.
Guests to the event will be treated to food by the West Side Bazaar, performances by Devi Bollywood Dance and Burundian traditional dancers, among other acts.
To purchase tickets, visit the Facebook event page.
