Albany Boot Camp Primed Re-Entry Support Team for 2024

Published December 4, 2023

There is no other better example of building together and creating community than a passionate community-focused, service training.

A message from Open Buffalo in the wake of anti-Black mass murder in Jacksonville

Published August 28, 2023

Open Buffalo reaffirms our commitment to teaching anti-racism, love, and justice.

Emerging Leaders Applications are Open!

Published May 4, 2023

The Emerging Leaders Program is changing the face of leadership and decision-making in our communities. It is distinguished by its unique focus on leadership for justice and social change, as well as our community of alumni and mentors.

Request for Proposals: Marketing/Advertising Team Sought For Community Based Green Energy Project

Published February 17, 2023

Heart of The City Neighborhood Inc. (HOCN) and Open Buffalo seek a communications team to shape branding, public relations, and marketing for a community-based 2.5 year campaign focused on green mobility in Buffalo’s East Side.

Job Alert: Open Buffalo Seeks to Hire Credible Community Messengers

Published September 29, 2022

The goal of the Credible Community Mentor position is to provide support and resources for youth returning from the juvenile justice system.

One Month Later: Recovery, Resources, and Resolve

Published June 15, 2022

One month after the May 14 Tops terrorist attack, Open Buffalo provides an update on the ongoing recovery efforts and offers gratitude for widespread support.

Open Buffalo statement on the Buffalo Massacre

Published May 18, 2022

Open Buffalo stands steadfast to our commitment to achieve racial equity in Buffalo.

Youth Action Hosts Successful "Save our Children" Forum

Published November 24, 2021

On November 20, Youth Action held a youth-led Q&A with four panelists from the community and the City of Buffalo.

“Save Our Children” town hall coming Nov. 20

Published November 17, 2021

OB Youth Action teams up with Project Mona’s House to address crisis of missing children in Buffalo.

Color Run Was a Fun First for Open Buffalo Youth Action

Published August 2, 2021

The Color Run, hosted by Open Buffalo’s Youth Action on Saturday, July 31, was an engaging, fun-filled event for the community.

Youth Action Recognizes Pride Month

Published June 21, 2021

June is the month to celebrate all the obstacles that were overcome by the LGBTQ+ community and for allies to show their support and acknowledge that our differences are what bring us closer together as people.

Youth Action Team Commemorates Juneteenth 2021

Published June 17, 2021

Let us teach the ignorant the truth and importance of this day, as we walk, shout and rejoice our Independence Day. Fist up!

Pop Up Cookout/Photo Booth Creates Space for Education and Connection

Published June 4, 2021

Average citizens stopped by Jefferson and Utica to share their experiences and explain how their lives could be changed by the passage of bills like Clean Slate and the For the People Act.

Open Buffalo Seeks "Freedom Summer" Fellow Applicants

Published June 2, 2021

The Open Buffalo Freedom Summer Fellowship is an intensive leadership development program designed to: empower residents in Western New York with knowledge of the history of the original Freedom Summer; register and engage with voters; and work on winning the For the People Act on the national level.

OB Youth Action Speaks Out On Disappearance Of Saniyya Dennis

Published May 6, 2021

Youth leaders call on public officials and community members to do better for missing persons and their families.

"Know Your Rights" Cookout Celebrates Passage of MRTA and Educates Public

Published May 3, 2021

On Saturday, May 1, Open Buffalo hosted a “Know Your Rights” Cookout at Martin Luther King Jr. Park for the community to celebrate the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and learn what work still needs to be done!

Open Buffalo Proudly Welcomes Passage of MRTA

Published April 1, 2021

Recently Enacted Marijuana Reforms Represent Significant Racial Equity Advancement for the People of New York State.

Open Buffalo Statement on Mass Shootings in Georgia

Published March 19, 2021

In the aftermath of this week's shooting rampage that took eight innocent lives in the Atlanta area -- yet another national tragedy authored by a hate-filled man with a gun -- Open Buffalo mourns and stands in solidarity with all those impacted directly or from afar.

New Community Restoration Project looks to advance justice at state level

Published February 16, 2021

On February 16th, 2021, Open Buffalo along with the Emerging Leaders class of 2020 launched the Community Restoration Project to push for equitable cannabis legalization, "clean slate" criminal justice legislation, and progressive tax reforms.

STATEMENT FROM OPEN BUFFALO TO N.Y. GOV. CUOMO AND LEGISLATORS: CANNABIS POLICY MUST REINVEST IN COMMUNITIES HISTORICALLY HARMED BY BIASED AND UNJUST ENFORCEMENT

Published January 6, 2021

Buffalo, NY (January 6, 2021) – With New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo having just announced a proposal that would allow recreational cannabis use throughout the state, Open Buffalo once again demands that legalization of this plant be done with racial justice and community repair in mind.

Open Buffalo Statement: Police Secrecy Puts Public Safety at Risk

Published September 16, 2020

Open Buffalo proudly joins coalition to defend crucial “50-A” public records reform across NY State.

Open Buffalo Statement: BPD Beating Video Inflicts Pain Far and Wide

Published May 13, 2020

Open Buffalo demands transparent investigation and swift police policy reforms in the wake of violent encounter captured on video.

Open Buffalo Statement on Yet Another Religious-based Hate Crime

Published December 30, 2019

In the last days celebrating Hanukkah, we were saddened and heartbroken to learn of yet another hate crime in our country, this time at the New York City area home of a Rabbi while celebrating the seventh night of Hanukkah with dozens of guests. 

Should We Commemorate Thanksgiving?

Published November 28, 2019

There's a duality about Thanksgiving that's deeper than excess vs. hunger or being 'a part of' vs. 'apart from'. Knowing its history, should we celebrate Thanksgiving or should we commemorate it?

Justice Leadership Institute Equips Leaders with Hope and Tools to Become Changemakers

Published September 20, 2019

In early September, 100 individuals came together for Open Buffalo’s Justice Leadership Institute (JLI), the organization’s largest ever training event.

Open Buffalo Trainer Team Ready for Justice Leadership Institute!

Published August 26, 2019

The 2019 Open Buffalo Training Team is ready to facilitate a powerful community workshop for 100 community members at the first Justice Leadership Institute!

Just Released: 420 Community Video!

Published July 9, 2019

Check out the video recap of our 2019 'Restoration & Reclamation' event in April. 

Open Buffalo Celebrates Advancement of Justice, Reconciliation and Community Protection in NYS

Published July 1, 2019

Key elements of Open Buffalo's 2019 state legislative agenda succeed – community power in action

Mentoring Matters: Guide an Emerging Leader

Published May 22, 2019

Mentoring is a special partnership between two people based on commitment to the mentoring process, common goals/expectations of the partnership and mutual trust and respect.

Coming Soon: "Reclamation & Restoration" 420 Community Day

Published March 30, 2019

Spread economic opportunity & justice in Buffalo! Build community power & resilience! Help end cannabis prohibition!

Open Buffalo Embodies Call to be ‘Agents of Change’ at NYSABPRL Caucus Weekend

Published February 18, 2019

Open Buffalo calls on state lawmakers to prioritize vulnerable communities, featured as presenters at the Caucus Weekend of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.

Open Buffalo welcomes Mayor Brown's new marijuana stance, continues larger cannabis justice agenda

Published February 18, 2019

Organization continues to push for statewide marijuana policy to repair and invest in communities on the frontline of the war on drugs

Open Buffalo Statement on Proposed "Public Charge" Rule

Published December 10, 2018

Open Buffalo firmly opposes the Trump Administration's latest anti-immigrant policy proposal for "Public Charge" Rule as an explicit attack on low-income immigrant families and communities of color.

Open Buffalo Statement on Changes to Flores Settlement Agreement

Published November 5, 2018

 In solidarity with our partner, the New York Immigration Coalition, Open Buffalo opposes the unraveling of federal protections for the rights of migrant children. 

Raise Your Voice against the Attack on Immigrant Families!

Published October 23, 2018

The federal administration continues its attack on immigrant communities, but you can speak up against its policies! 

Buffalo Police Advisory Board on the Public Good

Published October 2, 2018

Members of the Buffalo Police Advisory Board go on The Public Good to discuss residents’ top concerns about policing collected from community forums and next steps to improve policing in Buffalo. 

OB's India Walton Talks Marijuana Reform on The Public Good

Published May 3, 2018

OB's Lead Organizer India Walton discusses disparities within marijuana enforcement in Buffalo and the fight to make marijuana the lowest level enforcement priority (LLEP) for Buffalo police. 

Open Buffalo's Danielle Johnson Named to New Community Police Advisory Body

Published March 8, 2018

OB Justice & Opportunity partners advocated for creation of new entity, which will make recommendations on how community-police relationships can be improved.  

PPG, Open Buffalo Welcome Disbandment of BPD's "Strike Force"

Published February 9, 2018

Community groups applaud reform, reiterate longstanding call for

full-scale community policing program.

For Immediate Release: Buffalo Advocates Join Assemblymember to Call for an End to Marijuana Prohibition in New York

Published November 14, 2017

New Buffalo Report Shows Stark Marijuana Arrest Disparities.

Media Advisory: National Scholar Dr. Marc Lamont Hill to Engage Hundreds in Buffalo this Thursday

Published October 24, 2017

Hill is a well-respected authority on culture, politics, and education, as well as the author of a New York Times Best Seller.

Hill is a well-respected authority on culture, politics, and education, as well as the author of a New York Times Best Seller.

People Power: Joining Forces to Address Gentrification in Buffalo

Published October 18, 2017

The summit stressed the interconnectedness of several problems in Buffalo, including police violence, the school to prison pipeline, lack of community control over resources, and racism.

"Youth Community Builder" Essay Contest!

Published September 11, 2017

As part of Open Buffalo’s annual Justice & Opportunity Series, we are hosting a competition for Buffalo high school students who want to make a difference in their community!

"Poetic Justice: Creative Space" Kicks off Justice & Opportunity Series

Published July 22, 2017

We welcomed a warm and engaged crowd of poets, musicians, spoken word artists, and community-minded souls for an evening of expression, healing, celebration, and movement-building.

On the Scene at Juneteenth 2017

Published June 18, 2017

Throughout the two-day festival, we talked to community members about tangible paths to systemic reforms.

“Life Stories: Restoring Justice” A Success!

Published May 27, 2017

From the day that Prisoners Are People Too, Inc. was launched, it has provided a platform for formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones to tell their stories.

After Policing Death, Community Demands Information, Transparent Investigation, and Policy Reform

Published February 8, 2017

Concerned people of Buffalo demand and deserve a swift and painstakingly transparent inquiry into the death of a civilian after an encounter with the Buffalo Police Department.

Allies Host "No Ban. No Wall. Rally for Immigrant, Refugee & Muslim Solidarity"

Published February 1, 2017

Open Buffalo joins a host of community allies in rallying in support of our immigrant, Muslim, and refugee neighbors and loved ones.