Plenty of Inspiration at “Art & Activism”

Published June 5, 2017

Buffalo Arts Studio and Open Buffalo moderated a panel discussion between painter Julia Douglas, Professor Henry Louis Taylor, author Gary Earl Ross, poet Bianca McGraw, and filmmaker Korey Green. 

Emerging Artist Series Kicks Off with Julia Douglas' "Tinted"

Published June 2, 2017

On April 28, 2017, we were proud to help Buffalo-based visual artist Julia Douglas celebrate the opening of her first solo exhibition, titled “Tinted.” 

“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.

West Side Promise Neighborhood Leadership Program Launches June!

Published May 24, 2017

The program aims to raise up new leaders on Buffalo's West Side and empower residents on the West Side to have a voice in the West Side Promise Neighborhood coalition.

Mentor an Emerging Leader this Fall

Published May 23, 2017

Mentors play an important role in supporting the new leaders of Buffalo!

Released Today: Health Equity and the Path to Inclusive Prosperity in Buffalo

Published May 8, 2017

New Profile of Buffalo Highlights Dramatic Inequities and Opportunities to Reverse Them

PUSH Buffalo Seeks Community Energy Specialist

Published March 30, 2017

Position will lead community education, research, and planning efforts with the goal of developing a replicable participatory planning process and producing a comprehensive community energy plan.

Tell Cuomo: NY Needs to Lead on Climate

Published March 17, 2017

It is unacceptable for New York to forgo aggressive climate action as President Trump works to dismantle vital climate and environmental protections. Support the Climate & Community Protection Act.

Help Launch Buffalo's First Community Land Trust!

Published March 3, 2017

A fund has been established to assist the residents of the Fruit Belt community so that they will have a say in the building and revitalization of their community.

Apply Today to Become a Buffalo Community Youth Fellow!

Published March 1, 2017

The Community Youth Fellowships will support dynamic activists aged 18-25 who want to implement a project of their own design that advances human rights.

African Heritage Food Co-Op Joins Open Buffalo Network

Published February 23, 2017

This co-op is an answer to the lack of black food store ownership in the black community. It is an attempt at giving ownership and control to those that live in the community. It is an effort to allow the dollar to circulate in the community.

Become a 2017 Emerging Leader!

Published February 21, 2017

The Emerging Leaders program is a distinctive social justice curriculum aimed at building a stronger Buffalo.

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.

Building a Beloved Community

Published January 31, 2017

Fruit Belt Community Land Trust Fundraiser Coming Friday, Feb. 3.

Open Buffalo (Once Again) Calls for Carl Paladino's Resignation or Dismissal

Published December 27, 2016

Buffalo needs leadership that understands and fights for the needs of all — regardless of race, class, or gender.

Buffalonians Rally to Demand Inclusionary Zoning in City Green Code

Published December 20, 2016

By linking the production of affordable housing to the production of market-rate housing, Inclusionary Zoning is a powerful tool to combat Buffalo's affordable housing crisis.

The 2016 Emerging Leaders Class Graduates

Published December 17, 2016

The 2016 Emerging Leaders are 24 dynamic community leaders, representing a diverse range of identities and from every corner of Buffalo.

Inspiration & Enlightenment with Climbing PoeTree

Published December 5, 2016

Climbing PoeTree is a duo of longtime “soul sisters” whose voices and rhythmic creations have touched justice movements around the globe.

OSF Seeks Applicants for Community Youth Fellowship in Buffalo!

Published December 2, 2016

The Community Youth Fellowships will support dynamic activists aged 18–25 who want to implement a project of their own design that advances human rights in underserved communities.

New Report Urges Buffalo Policing Reforms

Published November 18, 2016

Calls for Collaboration, Communication, and Community-Building

VISIONS Showcases Community Work, Supports Emerging Leaders

Published November 12, 2016

This week, we were proud to recognize the work of our first social justice-themed photography class, “VISIONS: A Photographic Journey in Social Justice.”

OB Staff and Partners Talk "No Boundaries"

Published October 14, 2016

Franchelle Hart (Open Buffalo) and Steve Peraza (Partnership for the Public Good) discuss the content of the special-edition "No Boundaries" newspaper.

Pitch Your Social Innovation Project to NGU

Published October 12, 2016

NGU seeks interest from local nonprofits that could use a grant of up to $5,000 to advance their work in the areas of education, financial stability, and/or health & wellness.

Free Special Edition Newspaper Advocates for a Renaissance in All Buffalo Neighborhoods

Published October 11, 2016

In collaboration with Open Buffalo, Rise Collaborative debuts the first issue of "No Boundaries" - a special-edition, free newspaper carrying stories from typically underreported areas of Buffalo.

"VISIONS" to Culminate in Exhibition & Auction

Published October 5, 2016

Social-justice themed photography class will culminate in Nov. 11 exhibition and silent auction, hosted by CEPA Gallery and Open Buffalo.

Emerging Leaders 2016 Kicks Off!

Published October 4, 2016

Open Buffalo kicked off the 2016 session of Emerging Leaders on Friday, Sept. 9, officially marking the 2nd year of the program. 

CEJ to Hire a Transit Riders Union Organizer

Published September 15, 2016

If you are an organizer, and want to change the way we get around WNY then you should apply!

Hart Receives Women in Leadership Recognition

Published August 30, 2016

The Women in Leadership recognition is given out every month thanks to a partnership between the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of New State Women, Inc. and Channel 7 WKBW-TV.

“Can You Hear Me Now 716?” Held at Burgard

Published August 16, 2016

Town Hall Meeting in Buffalo’s Masten District Served as an Open Forum for Local Residents and Law Enforcement

Mentor an Emerging Leader this Fall!

Published August 8, 2016

Looking to help change your community? Do you have a few extra hours a week? How about serving as a mentor for the Open Buffalo emerging leaders program?

Peacemakers Strengthen Bonds with Restorative Justice Peace Circle

Published August 8, 2016

On August 3, Buffalo Peacemakers gathered in a Peace Circle that invited honest self-revelation and healing.

First Justice & Opportunity Week Wraps up

Published July 25, 2016

Between July 18 and 22, Open Buffalo held its first “Justice and Opportunity Week” — five days of free community discussions, performances, and workshops throughout the city of Buffalo.

“Justice & Opportunity Week” Kicks off

Published July 18, 2016

Open Buffalo Partners Outline the Agenda for Week of Citizen Empowerment, Report on Results of Groundbreaking Community Policing Survey.

OB Partners Unveil Preliminary Data from Community Policing Survey

Published July 18, 2016

Conducting brief, in-person interviews, surveyors engaged a truly diverse cross-section of the city population – men and women of different races, ages, genders, and class statuses, who reside in neighborhoods that span over thirty zip codes.

Justice & Opportunity Week -- Come out, Get Involved

Published July 12, 2016

Five days of community education and empowerment brought to you by the Open Buffalo movement. With featured guest D’Artagnan Scorza, Ph.D., the nationally renowned Founder and Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute (Inglewood, CA).

Campaign Corner: 2,000 Surveys in the Books, J&O Week Coming

Published July 5, 2016

During the week of July 18, we will be kicking off our first-ever “Justice & Opportunity Week” to educate, inspire, and mobilize Buffalo.

Apply to be a 2016 Emerging Leader!

Published June 27, 2016

The Emerging Leaders program is a distinctive social justice curriculum aimed at building a stronger Buffalo by preparing new leaders in our city.

Partner Spotlight: Paul Perez

Published June 27, 2016

A longtime supporter and ally, Perez recently sat down with Open Buffalo to share a picture of the city, through his eyes.

"Hidden Histories" Presented by NYCLU Teen Activist Project

Published June 23, 2016

For "Hidden Histories," TAP participants researched culturally significant sites in Buffalo and created the historic markers that they deserve.

“Land Trust, Not Land Rush” Puts Spotlight on 200-Plus Vacant Lots in Fruit Belt

Published June 22, 2016

At Press Event/Community Cookout, Allied Groups Outline Proposal for Community Control and Revitalization of Hundreds of Vacant Lots in the Historic Fruit Belt Neighborhood.

Juneteenth 2016: Sun, Solidarity, and Surveying

Published June 19, 2016

On two hot and sunny June days, Open Buffalo staff and volunteers joined hundreds of others at Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival in MLK Park on June 18 and 19.

Friends, Allies Convene for OB Open House

Published June 10, 2016

The open house marked the opening of our new space and was an opportunity to welcome the new additions to our staff.

First-Ever "West Side Emerging Leaders" Kicks Off

Published June 9, 2016

The program, modeled after Open Buffalo’s Emerging Leaders program, will include 15 dynamic, passionate leaders from Buffalo’s West Side.

Justice Works 2016 Coming in July -- Sign up Today!

Published June 9, 2016

Citizen Action of New York would like to invite members of the public with a love of social justice to consider attending this year's Justice Works.

Op-Ed: "Low-income New Yorkers take brunt of climate change"

Published June 7, 2016

None of us has the luxury of thinking climate change is someone else's problem, not even Albany.

Open Buffalo Welcomes Angie Estevez Prada for Summer

Published June 6, 2016

Estevez Prada will work with Open Buffalo through June and July through a Cornell University High Road Fellowship.

Partner Spotlight: Venezia Appleby

Published May 18, 2016

Lifelong Buffalonian Venezia Appleby is an Assistant Director of Respite Quality for People Inc., a board member of Just Buffalo Literary Center, and an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader.

PSC Taking Public Comments on Clean Energy Standard Plan

Published May 17, 2016

We are asking organizations that care about the transition to a renewable energy future to spread the word about these hearings and the public comment period.

Starting a Business? Apply for a Spot at the Foundry

Published May 17, 2016

The Foundry is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports small business growth and hands-on education.

Reserve Your Place at CommonBound 2016!

Published May 13, 2016

Hundreds will converge on Buffalo this July for national conference about visionary solutions and strategies that put people and planet first.

Harper Bishop Joins the Open Buffalo Team

Published May 4, 2016

Bishop brings wealth of experience to new role as Economic and Climate Justice Coordinator.

WNYCOSH Hires Program Director

Published May 4, 2016

Brian Brown-Cashdollar is coming back to WNYCOSH.

After 10 years of working with the refugee community in Buffalo, Brian is coming back to 

AG Schneiderman Joins Local Allies to Talk Climate Justice

Published April 21, 2016

On the Eve of Earth Day, Local Grassroots Organizations Host New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for a Community Conversation on Climate Justice.

Hart and Ali Featured on The Public Good Radio Show

Published April 21, 2016

Open Buffalo's Franchelle Hart and Shareef Ali II were recently interviewed on The Public Good Radio Show.

Youth Forum on Climate Justice Elevates Young Voices

Published April 12, 2016

An incredibly diverse group of 75 children and teens in a series of workshops, activities, and theater games connected to climate change and climate justice.

MAP is hiring for many positions this summer

Published April 6, 2016

MAP is THE place to get involved in addressing food insecurity issues in Buffalo!  And NOW is the time to get involved!

“Crossroads Collective” Set to Create a New Economy on Frontlines of Climate Change

Published March 17, 2016

Collective's kickoff effort is a campaign to pass NY Renews climate justice reforms in Albany.

PUSH Buffalo Elevates Rahwa Ghirmatzion to Deputy Director

Published March 15, 2016

In her new role, Ghirmatzion will oversee the organization’s programs and day-to-day operations.

Partner Spotlight: Karima Amin

Published March 1, 2016

Karima Amin, Founder/Director of Prisoners Are People Too, discusses her life's many phases and her mission to empower some of Buffalo's most vulnerable souls.

Community Policing Survey Hits the Streets of Buffalo

Published February 25, 2016

Survey kickoff gathering was packed with energized residents, ready to make changes in our city. 

Campaign Corner: Economic Justice Allies Under a New Name

Published February 23, 2016

Resident groups within the Fruit Belt, along with HRED Table allies from across Buffalo, have adopted the name "Community First Alliance."

Yemerz Hatosh: Resurrection of the Goddess “YEHO”

Published February 20, 2016

An original short story by Queen Akilah YOHE-RA.

Campaign Corner: J&O House Parties, Survey, Training on Tap

Published February 17, 2016

The Justice and Opportunity (J&O) table's Community Oriented Policing campaign continues to gain momentum in the new year.

Free Clinics Here to Help This Tax Season

Published February 14, 2016

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic provides representation, advice, and referral services to low-income taxpayers who have disputes with the IRS or cannot afford to pay federal income taxes that are owed.

Buffalo-Niagara: How are We Really Doing?

Published February 12, 2016

PPG is delighted to release a policy brief by Lawrence Brooks outlining some of the key points from his book Buffalo Niagara; Diagnosis and Prescription for Change.

PPG Releases New Report on Employment and Race in Buffalo

Published January 19, 2016

Coalition of labor, community, and religious organizations commissioned the PPG to produce a comprehensive study on racial employment inequality in the Buffalo-Niagara region. 

PPG Releases 2016 Community Agenda at Merriweather Library

Published January 15, 2016

PPG's "Community-Oriented Policing" focus area correlates with Open Buffalo's Community-Oriented Policing campaign.

“Mind the Gap” Press Conference Highlights Need to Battle Pay Discrimination

Published December 16, 2015

Taxpayers, advocates declare support for enforcement of new Pay Equity Policy before ECIDA Board meeting.

Powerful & Diverse New Campaign Launches to Push New York State to Lead on Climate

Published December 16, 2015

“NY Renews” campaign for good jobs, healthy communities, and 100% clean energy launches with support from over 40 community, labor, and environmental groups.

First-Ever Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders Honored Saturday

Published December 12, 2015

Community-builders from all sides of Buffalo made up leadership development program’s inaugural class.

Campaign Corner: High Road Table Moves Forward

Published December 1, 2015

In addition to our expanding table, we have empowered various subcommittees to move research and strategic planning along.

Campaign Corner: Organizing, Outreach on Community Policing

Published December 1, 2015

Community Talks will be a means of hearing about individuals’ experiences and interactions with police. 

Julie Algubani, Emerging Leader

Published November 24, 2015

Julie Algubani, a local parent, activist, and Emerging Leaders participant, sits down for a Q&A with Open Buffalo.

Make N.Y. Minimum Wage a Living Wage

Published November 22, 2015

In a well-stated Nov. 22 opinion piece, essayists Fred Floss and Sam Magavern explained the wisdom of gradually increasing New York state's minimum wage to $15. 

Patricia Elliott, Emerging Leader

Published November 22, 2015

Profiling Patricia Elliott, a local change-maker who has enrolled in Open Buffalo's social justice school -- Emerging Leaders.

BaBa Eng of PRP2 Featured in "The Very Same House"

Published November 19, 2015

Canisius College student David Goodwin recently produced a short (12 minute) documentary film about recidivism, entitled "The Very Same House: Recidivism in Buffalo."

Buffalo Youth Shine Through Video Art

Published November 18, 2015

Two vibrant new pieces of Buffalo youth artwork demand your attention.

Help to Shape PPG's 2016 Community Agenda

Published November 16, 2015

PPG Community Agenda is a blueprint to help realize their shared vision of a just, sustainable, and culturally vibrant Buffalo.

OB High Road Partners Take on Gentrification, Speculation in Fruit Belt.

Published November 16, 2015

Today, a group of 19 High Road Economic Development Table partner organizations spoke with one voice.

Back to Basics' Re-Entry Expertise Tapped in Recent Story

Published November 13, 2015

Recent news story titled "Advocates: Immediate Support Crucial For People Let Out of Federal Prison Early" featured Pastor James Giles and George BaBa Eng of Back to Basics Outreach Ministries

CEJ Brings National Day of Action to Buffalo

Published November 10, 2015

"This week was yet another exciting week for the movement to raise wages and expand workers' rights across the country."

Coming Together to Promote Peace

Published October 26, 2015

"Now we can gather at the Ray of Light Mural site and in the spaces of the Buffalo Arts Studio to provide Peace and Healing Circles to the community."

Campaign Corner: Community and Police -- Building Bridges

Published October 13, 2015

Our recently formed Justice & Opportunity Table has been convening since August.

Campaign Corner: Putting Buffalo on the High Road

Published October 13, 2015

Open Buffalo’s High Road Economic Development table continues to develop strategies to ensure that local development takes into consideration the needs of all.

Partner Spotlight: Stacey Robinson

Published October 8, 2015

Stacey Robinson is a Buffalo transplant, a powerful visual artist, and an Open Buffalo partner. In this interview, he discusses his journey, his work, and his vision for the Queen City.

Open Buffalo supports City of Buffalo Opportunity Pledge

Published October 5, 2015

Mayor Brown thanks the leadership and staff of Open Buffalo for joining individuals and organizations across Buffalo in signing the pledge.

"Ray of Light" in the News

Published September 18, 2015

Inspired by the memory of Ms. Jerald "Dee Dee" Goldsmith, the Ray of Light will serve as an artistic beacon of peace in the community surrounding Masten Park.

Partygoers Bring Skateland Mural Closer to Completion

Published September 18, 2015

The Skateland Mural Raising Party was an open, inclusive, outdoor/indoor, family-friendly, community-wide celebration of diversity.

OB Emerging Leaders off and Running!

Published September 14, 2015

Participants learned how to build campaigns for positive social change from the ground up, using their heads, hearts, and hands.

VOICE-Buffalo Settles into New Home

Published August 20, 2015

We are pleased to spread the news that our partners at VOICE-Buffalo recently started a new chapter at a new office space in the Tri-Main Center.

Partner Spotlight: Rev. Kirk Laubenstein

Published August 18, 2015

Amid the ongoing fight for economic justice, Rev. Kirk Laubenstein recently sat down with Open Buffalo to discuss his path to activism, the Fight for $15, and more.

Only 2 Weeks Left to Apply for Emerging Leaders

Published August 10, 2015

Open Buffalo’s Emerging Leaders Program is a brand new leadership development training school which aims to build a stronger Buffalo by preparing new leaders in our city.

Open Buffalo Reports Successes and Priorities

Published July 28, 2015

Allied grassroots activists converged on Massachusetts Avenue Park Tuesday morning for a press conference and community cookout.

Open Buffalo Adds Its Voice to the #CanCarl Campaign

Published July 14, 2015

Many in Buffalo are fed up with school board member Carl Paladino, and rallied to fight the systemic racism permeating our city and schools. 

Peace Circles Underway in the Erie County Correctional Facility

Published July 14, 2015

Karima Amin, Founder/Director of Prisoners Are People Too, Inc., reports Restorative Justice progress in  the Alden correctional facility.

A 'High Road' Infusion for Open Buffalo

Published July 9, 2015

High Road Fellows Caro Achar and Lauren Lang speak about their backgrounds, their interests, and what drew them to spend a summer embedded in Buffalo's social justice movement.

Pastor Giles featured on "The Public Good"

Published July 8, 2015

Pastor James Giles of Back to Basics, Buffalo Peace Makers and Voice Buffalo discusses community policing in Buffalo with Sam Magavern on the Public Good.

Elisabeth Preisinger Joins Open Buffalo Staff as Program Associate

Published July 1, 2015

The Open Buffalo Program Associate is part office manager, part events coordinator, part executive assistant, part community liaison, part social networker and full-time agent for change.

Open Buffalo Coalition Calls for Immediate Passage of Fruit Belt Parking Legislation

Published June 18, 2015

Coalition of residents, community groups, and labor allies calls for immediate passage of Fruit Belt parking legislation (A.7574-A / S.5306-A)