Melting Pot. Embracing the Karen People

By Anna Ireland

Walking down Grant Street, it is easy to see the impact that Karen refugees have made on our city in the short time since their arrival.  As I pass the Lin Market, a newly opened Karen store, I smile at an emerging Karen woman, who gives me a cheery wave.  Posted on the window are notices for events at the Karen church, a congregation of about five hundred that meets every Sunday.  For the last three years, the Karen have hosted two annual festivals which they have opened to the Buffalo community, “The Wrist Tying Ceremony” and “Happy Karen New Year.” READ MORE...