What Does Buffalo Need to Support Its Next Generation?

What does it mean to let a community tell its own story? Aitina Fareed-Cooke, Robin Lazzara, Ekaete Bailey, and Luqman Muhammad discuss Black Joy on the East Side, a community-led storytelling project documenting the people, organizations, creativity, and everyday experiences of Buffalo’s East Side. With more than 30 collaborators, the project aims to balance negative portrayals by highlighting the community’s strengths and allowing residents to define their own neighborhoods. They also discuss creative writing workshops, music, and an upcoming public celebration designed to bring residents together.

After spending 27 years in prison for a crime, he says he did not commit, Valentino Dixon is sharing the story of his wrongful conviction, exoneration, and the artwork that helped bring attention to his case. Dixon created more than 1,000 drawings while incarcerated, including golf course artwork that attracted national media coverage. He discusses his upcoming five-part documentary, Prism and Castle, the conditions he witnessed at Attica, and plans for a new series, Prison Picasso: Inside Attica. This is a conversation about justice, resilience, art, and finding purpose after incarceration.

How can communities create more opportunities for residents, and what motivates people to participate in our democracy? Denise Harris discusses her leadership at the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, including free career training in health care and technology, student support services, and efforts to connect graduates with employers. Then, John Torrey examines Black voter participation, young people's political engagement, and the issues influencing voters, including affordability, jobs, housing, and government accountability. These conversations explore the importance of investing in communities and creating pathways for people to shape their futures.

Buffalo voters face decisions about the city’s future and the policies that affect working families. Larry Rubin, chair of Buffalo’s Charter Revision Commission, explains 11 proposed charter changes, including measures involving council vacancies, civilian police oversight, and public input. Then, Cori Marquis of the Working Families Party discusses candidate endorsements, year-round community organizing, and policy priorities such as housing, health care, childcare, and immigrant protections. These conversations explore how local government and political organizing can shape the communities we live in.

What does it take to build stronger communities and create opportunities for the next generation? Raúl Russi reflects on his Buffalo roots, his pioneering career with the Buffalo Police Department, and his leadership of the Acacia Network, highlighting the importance of culturally competent healthcare and civic engagement. Then, we visit Providence Farm Collective with Kristin Weltman-Weiss and Hamadi Ali to explore farmer training, access to land, and efforts to help new farmers establish independent operations. Together, these conversations examine community leadership, cultural identity, and the future of local food security.

How can Buffalo prevent gun violence and create safer opportunities for young people? Dina Thompson, Max Anderson, and Megan McNally discuss Project RISE, a state-funded initiative that brings together 17 organizations to address the conditions contributing to violence. From mentoring and restorative practices to mental health services, workforce development, and youth programming, the conversation explores how community partnerships can make a difference. The guests also discuss reported program outcomes and the need for sustained investment in grassroots organizations working to build safer communities.

How can small businesses access major contracting opportunities, and how can children learn to overcome challenges? Talia Johnson-Huff discusses the Training Day Conference and how minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses can prepare for contracts, build partnerships, and grow. Then, author Duncan Kirkwood explores grit and resilience through his book, A Kids’ Book About Grit, and why helping children navigate setbacks can make a difference in their development.

How can families help people rebuild their lives after incarceration? Jon Monsalve joins Jay Moran to discuss the Osborne Association’s Kinship Reentry Housing Program in Buffalo, which provides financial assistance and support services to eligible families. Then, Dior Lindsay-Virgil discusses Osborne Buffalo’s efforts to keep families connected during incarceration through video visits, transportation assistance, and youth mentorship. Together, these conversations explore family reunification, successful reentry, and the support communities need to help people move forward.

Henri Muhammad discusses his lifelong commitment to music education, the impact he has made on thousands of students, and his October 16 benefit concert supporting the Muhammad School of Music. Then, Sara Kasen explores Thank You for Thinking of Me, a documentary about Diana Davis, her family, and the lasting consequences of Buffalo’s 2020 protests. Two conversations about the power of the arts, community, and the human stories behind the headlines.

How can Buffalo communities build greater financial stability and create pathways to economic opportunity? On this episode of What’s Next?, Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, discusses the growing financial pressures facing working families, the importance of accessible community services, and the center’s upcoming Building a Way Forward event featuring economic empowerment advocate John Hope Bryant. Bryant joins the conversation to discuss financial literacy, credit scores, homeownership, and strategies for building wealth and strengthening communities.