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.
Buffalo, NY (December 12, 2020) - Open Buffalo has learned that a group of individuals is planning anti-mask and anti-closure rallies using as an event name and/or slogan the phrase “open buffalo.” The rallies are to protest New York State and Erie County’s COVID-19 guidelines and rules pertaining to citizen protections against the debilitating and deadly disease.
Though training, diligence, and teamwork, Open Buffalo youth workers engaged and empowered thousands of people this summer.
Open Buffalo proudly joins coalition to defend crucial “50-A” public records reform across NY State.
Buffalo, N.Y. (July 15, 2020) – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for racial justice throughout the country, Open Buffalo stays on course with its 2020 civic initiatives to increase voter rolls and census participation, particularly for youth and underrepresented populations.
By: Todd Geise
Juneteenth 2020 - A message from E.D. Franchelle Parker
Open Buffalo Exceeds 10,000 Reusable Masks Distributed with MLK Park Pop-Up Today.
Open Buffalo demands transparent investigation and swift police policy reforms in the wake of violent encounter captured on video.
Buffalo, N.Y. (April 30, 2020) – Open Buffalo and FB Community Land Trust have teamed up to help already struggling city neighborhoods being further impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. Protective masks, nutritious food, and home disinfectants are among the products residents will receive.
I recently stumbled across a clip online of doctors from Cuba arriving in Italy, ground zero of the global pandemic right now, to help. I breathed a sigh of relief that help was on the way for the people of Italy and it gave me a sense of hope during these very challenging times. Humanity is stepping up in magnificent ways. Healthcare workers are teaching us all what it means to be brave — from the receptionist, to maintenance to administration.
Full participation in this year’s Census will support vital quality-of-life services for you and your neighbors.
Open Buffalo cultivates leaders to create an equitable and sustainable society where justice triumphs over exploitation.
An Emerging Leaders Alumni Spotlight with Tanvier Peart, Class of 2017
In her March 2019 message to the community, Open Buffalo Executive Director Franchelle Parker challenges readers to evaluate what principles drive them to be resilient change-makers.
Have you been waiting for Open Buffalo's next Emerging Leaders program? Now is your chance.
On Thursday, January 9, members of the community joined Open Buffalo staff and board members for a Sankofa Celebration. Sankofa is a word from the Akan tribe in Ghana that refers to reflecting on the past period in order to look ahead and advance to the future.
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.
The Massachusetts Avenue Project is hiring a full-time Youth Education Director. The Director will work with a diverse population in sustainable food production and marketing. Apply by Jan.1, 2020.
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?
Do you want to help end poverty in Buffalo? Develop valuable nonprofit skills and experiences? Give back to the community? If so, consider applying for Open Buffalo's NYIC VISTA position today!
Join this expansive movement to build opportunities, break down obstacles, and create a better you!
As part of Buffalo’s renaissance the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor features a host of landmarks in local and national black history.
The FB Community Land Trust will buy five properties to transition low- and middle-income families into first-time homeowners.
We are building a movement of young people ready to lead our region in a direction that creates social, economic and ecological equity for all.
Open Buffalo's Eric Walker returns from the ACENY conference to report progress toward realizing New York's clean, sustainable energy future.
This year marks the beginning of early voting for New Yorkers. OB staff and volunteers have launched an initiative to educate voters about important changes to voting rights and access to the polls.
Eric Walker, OB Climate Strategist, shared his perspective on New York's energy future at the ACENY fall conference.
In early September, 100 individuals came together for Open Buffalo’s Justice Leadership Institute (JLI), the organization’s largest ever training event.
The 2019 Open Buffalo Training Team is ready to facilitate a powerful community workshop for 100 community members at the first Justice Leadership Institute!
Young Audiences of WNY seeks applicants for Master Teaching Artisits in their Fall and Spring ArtWorks program.
Open Buffalo's Justice Leadership Institute launches the first weekend of September! Join us and you can find power in your personal story, make change in your community, and gain organizing skills.
Check out the video recap of our 2019 'Restoration & Reclamation' event in April.
Key elements of Open Buffalo's 2019 state legislative agenda succeed – community power in action
2018 Democracy Fellow Michelle Jones continues to share her fellowship multimedia project on domestic violence with the Buffalo community, spreading a message of hope through Public Art!
Open Buffalo's second annual Movement Morning was an occasion to celebrate the transformative impact of the organization’s last five years, and to look with anticipation to our course forward.
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.
On April 20, 2019, Buffalo residents came together in MLK Park to commemorate 420 Community Day in a new tradition of service and celebration.
Support Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders, Community Empowerment, and a better Buffalo! Enjoy a hot breakfast, an inspiring update on Open Buffalo's community impact -all this in an hour's time!
For the first time, alums from all Emerging Leaders' classes (2015 - 2018) gathered to connect with new folks and celebrate how the program continues to transform Buffalo's leadership.
Spread economic opportunity & justice in Buffalo! Build community power & resilience! Help end cannabis prohibition!
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.
Organization continues to push for statewide marijuana policy to repair and invest in communities on the frontline of the war on drugs
On Monday, January 7, Open Buffalo stood on the steps of Buffalo City Hall with local allies speaking in support of the Fair Elections for New York campaign.
Open Buffalo honored 35 outstanding individuals and marked two milestones for the Leadership Development division as a whole: graduating our 100th Emerging Leader and 1st class of Democracy Fellows.
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.
Emerging Leader Kenyana David on The Public Good to discuss entrepreneurship and her consultancy for women-owned firms, 81 Eighteen.
Over 100 residents from the city of Buffalo attended the Second Annual Anti-Gentrification Summit to begin conversations on creative resistance, community-driven development, & solutions-based policy.
F.B. Community Land Trust talks on The Public Good about the growth of community-controlled economy and innovative policy solutions for affordable housing in the Fruit Belt neighborhood.
What if we all gave on one day? We can! On November 27, 2018, our community will come together for #GivingTuesday to sustain Open Buffalo's work of education and empowerment.
Meghan Maloney de Zaldivar of the OUR CITY Coalition is invited on The Public Good to discuss the coalition's mission, policy platform, and the upcoming Anti-Gentrification Summit.
The Our CITY Coalition held a press conference to kick off November as Anti-Displacement Month, with upcoming events dedicated to inspire the Buffalo community to build a prosperous city for all.
Democracy Fellow Bernadette Giles shares her community project on women's professional development with The Public Good.
In solidarity with our partner, the New York Immigration Coalition, Open Buffalo opposes the unraveling of federal protections for the rights of migrant children.
The federal administration continues its attack on immigrant communities, but you can speak up against its policies!
Open Buffalo welcomed the return of Climbing PoeTree for a free community performance that inspired and energized all in attendance.
F.B. Community Land Trust receives the coveted “Voters Choice” award at IGNITE! Community Pitch Fest for their innovative work against displacement and towards neighborhood solutions.
OB Executive Director Franchelle Parker spoke up for policy solutions to the gender pay gap that disproportionately afflicts Black women.
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.
On the Buffalo Bus Tour, Open Buffalo's Emerging Leaders traded the classroom for an opportunity to learn about the city on the road and on foot.
Democracy Fellow Michelle Jones discusses her project, From the Inside Out, on The Public Good.
Thirty leaders hail from a number of neighborhoods in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, and each one is committed to bringing about real change in our communities and breaking the cycles of oppression.
Open Buffalo was proud to participate as a partner with BAS, and in support of incredible visual artist Muhammad Z. Zaman (2018 Open Buffalo Emerging Artist).
Have you heard? Open Buffalo has officially moved into the historic Jefferson Avenue corridor!
Democracy Fellow Mike Zak talks with the Public Good about his fellowship project, curriculum development for a youth training program with Gro-operative on Buffalo's East Side.
During Fearless Cities summit, Community Organizer India Walton led an engaging and informative workshop titled “Strategies for Reclaiming Land for Communities.”
Buffalo Arts Studio is proud to present a special Summer 2018 project titled "Connections," providing an opportunity to meaningfully link artists with communities.
Calling Buffalo-based visual artists, illustrators, and designers! El Museo is looking for you to be a part of our new project Your Utica Station. Deadline to apply is July 31.
Next Generation United is looking for 10 orgranizations to compete for funding for community impact projects and programs.
Find out how mentoring an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader makes a meaningful contribution toward a stronger and more resilient community.
Nicole Hallett is featured on The Public Good to discuss her research on widespread violations of wage and safety laws in Buffalo.
Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders are dynamic community leaders, representing a diverse range of identities and from every corner of Buffalo. This installment features Andrea Gonzalez, a 2017 graduate.
Democracy Fellow Andrew Marcum talks with the Public Good about his project to increase civic and community engagement among folks with disabilities in Buffalo & Erie County.
May 15 fundraiser was a time to take stock of progress and lay groundwork for an even brighter future.
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.
The Partnership for the Public Good and Open Buffalo release report revealing widespread violations of wage and safety laws in Buffalo.
Ten cities will work together on strategies to fight displacement and build inclusive, prosperous cities.
Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders are dynamic community leaders, representing a diverse range of identities and from every corner of Buffalo. This installment features Jillian Hanesworth, a 2017 graduate.
Be a part of Western New York's day of giving - an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.
OB Justice & Opportunity partners advocated for creation of new entity, which will make recommendations on how community-police relationships can be improved.
Community groups applaud reform, reiterate longstanding call for
full-scale community policing program.
Land trust will empower Fruit Belt residents to determine and design the future of their neighborhood.
Are you resolved to make a difference in 2018? Apply today to become a Champion for Change with One Region Forward!
Next Generation United seeks interest from nonprofits that could use a grant of up to $4,000 to advance their work in the Buffalo and Erie County community.
Reception & silent auction will feature photos taken by members of Buffalo's social justice community.
Two dozen individuals graduate, empowered and inspired to improve Buffalo.
PPG has written a new report for the Open Buffalo Innovation Lab titled “Affordable Housing Strategies for the City of Buffalo.”
Local housing advocates and experts have responded to presentations of the City of Buffalo’s draft Housing Opportunity Strategy that were made to various groups this week.
New Buffalo Report Shows Stark Marijuana Arrest Disparities.
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.
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.
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!
Weekend was not only a time to bond with fellow participants, but also an opportunity to reflect and meditate on the reasons why we feel called to fight for the betterment of Buffalo.
Tell your elected officials: We want gender equality in our city. We need the Buffalo CEDAW ordinance to secure the rights of all people of all genders in this great city.
Statewide NY Renews coalition pushes for legislative reforms to advance climate and community justice.
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.
Throughout the two-day festival, we talked to community members about tangible paths to systemic reforms.
Democracy Fellows will receive instruction in community-based skills, work directly in the community, and develop a community project that will be presented at the end of the fellowship.