Earlier today, I took my dog for a walk over to Community “Sol” Jammin’ at Mass Ave Park on the city’s West Side. I wanted to check out the music, drumming, food, etc., presented by People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH). I also wanted to see the progress of the Massachusetts Avenue (MAP) Farmhouse (see here).
After watching the drummers do their thing, I took my dog towards the back section of the property where there was a 3-on-3 basketball tournament underway.
As I watched the games, I noticed that there was another sporting event underway to the left of me. Earlier in the day, I learned that a handball tournament was scheduled to take place during the festival, but I assumed that it was being held at a nearby school. I had no idea that a handball court, complete with a custom-built wall, was set up at the park! Before long, I was transfixed, watching teams participating in a handball tournament. I briefly spoke to one of the players who told me that he was from The Bronx. I talked to another player who told me that professional handballs could be purchased at K-Mart. Handball is a sport that I have only seen being played in NYC. I had no idea that there was a handball scene in Buffalo.
Community “Sol” Jammin is such an awesome event that attracts people from all over the West Side. From the boisterous playground to the family cookouts, to the ice cream truck… the event is a special slice of life that has got to be experienced firsthand.
“This was a big weekend for Push Buffalo and the Crossroads movement,” said Aaron Bartley of PUSH. “Saint Rodriguez brought handball back to the West Side. The Community “Sol” Jamm is, in fact, ‘the jam’, with food, music and fun for all ages.”