'We can have joy in our community': Color Run uplifts Buffalo's East Side

The Color Run rolled out Saturday afternoon at the Johnnie B Wiley Pavilion on Jefferson Avenue. The event is designed to uplift Buffalo's East Side Community.

Franchelle Parker, executive director of Open Buffalo, says events like these are important for many reasons.

"We see that there's an uptick in violence that's happening in our community, so we want to let our young people know that they're safe, they're heard, that there's resources available in the community and we can also have a good time," said Parker. "We can laugh, we can have joy in our community."

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The event also educates families on physical and mental health.

"It's good to learn about your health and this helps," said 12-year-old Dakyrah McCloud. "I'm glad I'm here for the first time. I want to learn about it.

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Tiffany Lewis, founder of Confident Girl, says the rainbow colors share a deeper meaning.

"The colors represent diversity, strength, and unity," Lewis says. "For us to be a collective force together, we have to stand strong together and we have to showcase our vibrancy throughout the world."