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!

Press Conference Thursday Will Unveil Buffalo Common Council Resolution in Support of the For the People Act

Published June 9, 2021

Sponsoring Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo Sr. joins Open Buffalo and other concerned community stakeholders in calling on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring critical voting rights legislation for a vote in the U.S. Senate.

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.

Youth Action Leaders Aim to “Save Our Children”

Published May 10, 2021

On Saturday, May 8, Open Buffalo’s Youth Action (YA) hosted a “Save our Children” Community Town Hall. The YA leaders wanted to raise awareness around the narrative that labels missing children of color as “runaways” and how amber alerts are racialized.

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!

Apply For the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program!

Published April 5, 2021

We are now accepting applications for the 2021 cohort of Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders.

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.

Justice Fellows Application Now Available

Published January 29, 2021

DEADLINE: Friday, February 5, 2021

Welcome to the application for the Open Buffalo Justice Fellowship Program.

We are delighted that you are interested in being a part of our change-maker family! The Justice Fellowship Program is an intensive leadership development program designed to empower residents in Western New York with the skills and resources required to drive organizations and institutions toward equity, inclusion, and long-term systems change.

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, Inc. Statement on use of name/phrase 'Open Buffalo'

Published December 12, 2020

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. 

A Summer Youth Journey into the World of Civics

Published October 5, 2020

Though training, diligence, and teamwork, Open Buffalo youth workers engaged and empowered thousands of people this summer.

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 Awarded $10,000 by New York Immigration Coalition to Support REMAP NYS 2020

Published July 15, 2020

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. 

A Black Woman Defied the Odds

Published June 19, 2020

Juneteenth 2020 - A message from E.D. Franchelle Parker

 

With 10,000-Plus Masks, OB Offers Support And Solidarity

Published May 30, 2020

Open Buffalo Exceeds 10,000 Reusable Masks Distributed with MLK Park Pop-Up Today.

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.