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.