About two years ago Christopher Byrd fell into a conversation with Michael Miller of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, the organization which helped to save the hulking East Side vestige of Buffalo’s more prosperous days from the wrecking ball, and which continues to seek the means to rehabilitate and reinvigorate the building. Like Miller, Bird has a strong affinity for the struggling Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, and the two discussed the need for an umbrella organization that would unite the voices of the neighborhood’s various community and church groups. Thus Broadway Fillmore Alive (broadwayfillmore alive.org) was born, co-founded by Byrd, Miller and housing activist Michele Johnson. AV recently met with Byrd at the Broadway Market to ask him about his group and its aims:

Peaze (pronounced “peace”) is the inspired promoter of S.K.O.Z. Crew, a young dance collective that’s been reaching out to inner-city youth. Standing for “Showing. Kids. OptionZ,” S.K.O.Z. borrows liberally from hip-hop and rap style, but mixes in a message from a higher power. For members, dance becomes an outlet for aggression and a facet of overall lifestyle change. Artvoice spoke with Peaze and crewmembers Bobby (“U Know U Luv It”), O (“Snake Eyes”), Tye (“Yung P.R.O.F.E.T.”) and Carman (“C”), and got to witness some impromptu moves on the street.