Buffalo for Africa peace rally

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New Yorkers filled Niagara Square in a cry for peace overseas.

The group "Buffalo for Africa" hosted its third annual peace rally Monday night.

Local leaders and refugee organizations banded together against violence and to raise awareness of the Darfur genocide in Sudan.

The United Nations estimates more than 450,000 people have been killed there since the conflict began in 2003.

"Today marks the United Nations International Day of Peace. We have students from all over and we really want to raise awareness and diplomacy and, peace begins at home. And how important is it to learn about other cultured, accept and tolerate," said Christina Sullivan, Buffalo for Africa director.

Students from Canisius College and several local high schools joined the demonstration.