Buffalo, What’s Next?

Emmanuel Kulu, founder of the Ancient African Antiquities Research Institute of America and creator of the Sankofa Conference, joins What's Next to discuss this year's theme, Know Thyself: A Call to the Diaspora. As the conference approaches, Kulu reflects on the importance of historical awareness, cultural identity, and reconnecting across the African diaspora. A conversation about knowledge, self-discovery, and the responsibility to understand who we are in order to shape where we are going.

British journalist and historian Zeinab Badawi joins What's Next to discuss her six-year project, The History of Africa, a sweeping 20-part series and companion book spanning 30 countries and centering African voices in the telling of the continent's story. As the virtual guest speaker for the Sankofa Conference, she reflects on why reclaiming history matters now more than ever. We also hear from community builder Juweria Dahir and her son Gerbriel Sharif, a young historian, as they discuss remembering African history beyond narratives of struggle and strengthening connections across the diaspora.

Bill O'Connell, the new Executive Director of Neighborhood Legal Services, discusses his path to the organization and the systemic challenges facing public benefits programs, along with his vision for expanding access to justice. We also continue our preview of the Sankofa Conference with Talia Johnson-Huff, founder of MWBE Constructors Inc. and creator of the Black Business Curriculum.

Chantele Campbell of BestSelf Behavioral Health joins What's Next to discuss the importance of mental health in the Black community, addressing the impact of housing, workforce challenges, and other social determinants. She also highlights the role of open dialogue and Mental Health First Aid training in reducing stigma. We also hear from Kinya Baker, a registered social worker and educator participating in the upcoming Sankofa Conference, who shares her work supporting refugees and fostering empathetic conversations through Shade of Humanity Consulting. A conversation about mental wellness, empathy, and strengthening community connections.

As Buffalo prepares for the Sankofa Conference, Anthony Pierce and Selam Debs join What's Next for a conversation centered on culture, identity, and accountability. A conversation about learning from the past to build a more just future.

Leanthony Freeman joins What's Next to share his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. Freeman will also be a panelist at the upcoming Sankofa Conference. The conversation continues with conference host Shantelle Patton of the Brown Bag Minority Business Directory, who discusses the importance of self-reflection, community, and creating space for honest dialogue. An episode focused on education, purpose, and building stronger communities.

The Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center marks 60 years of expanding access to education and job training for underserved communities. Executive Director Ben Hilligas reflects on the center's mission and impact in a conversation with Jay Moran. We also hear from Syntyia Taylor of Buffalo Black Nurses, who discusses the importance of representation, patient advocacy, and health education as she prepares to serve as a panelist at the upcoming Sankofa Conference. A conversation about access, equity, and empowering communities through education and care.

Dr. LaGarrett King joins What's Next to discuss the upcoming Sankofa Conference in Buffalo on February 28 and why history remains essential to shaping the future.

As Buffalo prepares for the first annual Sankofa Conference, Marcus Watson and Nubian Goddess join What's Next to explore the relationship between continental Africans and African diasporans. They reflect on the importance of understanding historical roots, reclaiming Black identity, and fostering self-love and community support. A conversation about healing, connection, and building community through shared history.

Buffalo Prep has spent more than three decades expanding college access for underrepresented students across Western New York. On this episode of What's Next?, Jay Moran sits down with David Johnson, the organization's incoming Executive Director, to discuss Buffalo Prep's mission, the systemic barriers students continue to face, and how long-term academic and mentoring support can change outcomes. Johnson also reflects on his own journey, and the role mentorship has played in shaping his leadership.

As the community marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this episode of What's Next highlights the annual MLK Day of Service and the impact of service-driven leadership.

On this episode, we highlight three standout conversations. First, we return to our tour of the Providence Farm Collective. Then, we continue Ekua Mends-Aidoo's conversation with Charisma DuBois of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology. And we close out the episode with Alicia Stark from Child and Family Services.

The African American Cultural Center has completed phase one of its renovation, marking a major moment for this historic East Side institution. Interim dance and drum director Robin Hibbert, Board Chairwoman Thembi Duncan, and Executive Director Leah Angel Daniels join Jay Moran to discuss the challenges of rebuilding, the community's response, and what lies ahead as the center prepares for new programs and its upcoming Kwanzaa celebration.

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is partnering with Buffalo's Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor to preserve local stories and family histories. In this episode, Dr. Doretha Williams shares an update on the community curation project and why documenting everyday lives matters.

On this episode of What's Next?, we explore two ways Western New York communities are responding to need and opportunity. Jennifer Rizzo Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, joins us to unpack recent shifts in U.S. immigration policy, including the review of hundreds of thousands of recently admitted refugees and the pause on asylum applications. She also shares upcoming events at the Institute, from a Meet the Ambassador series to a regional Model UN conference, designed to foster cultural understanding and engagement. We also hear from Alicia Stark of Child and Family Services about their Adopt-a-Family program. She explains how the annual initiative supports over a thousand people each year, providing everything from winter boots and books to essential household items, and how community support is critical as local needs continue to grow.

Mayor elect Sean Ryan begins building his new administration, and co-chairs Dr. Marie Cannon and Trini Ross join us to discuss the work behind the transition. With more than a thousand applications for leadership positions, they outline the team's focus on inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement. We explore the key issues shaping Buffalo's future, including housing, public safety, and financial stability, and how Ryan's vision aims to address long standing inequities with fresh, community driven solutions.

This week on What's Next? we highlight two organizations strengthening connection, access, and belonging across Western New York. First, Tim Chen of Grassroots Gardens Western New York returns to discuss the expansion of their school garden network, now reaching thirty-five schools with the support of the Buffalo Bills Foundation. He reflects on the educational and community benefits of gardening, the importance of local leadership, and the challenges created by federal funding cuts. Then, Niagara Pride leaders Ron Pia Chesney and Sherry Fossett return to share the organization's evolution from a small meetup group to a nonprofit offering festival, youth and senior programs, scholarships, and legal support for the LGBTQ community. They speak about the growing demand for safe, affirming spaces and the obstacles that come with sustaining community-driven work. A conversation about resilience, visibility, and the power of grassroots leadership.

Buffalo's East Side is growing, creating, and healing in ways that deserve the spotlight. On this episode of What's Next?, we explore two community-driven forces shaping that future. First, we dive into REACH East, a marketing accelerator designed to elevate local entrepreneurs. Program founder Tamara Zantell and entrepreneur Zandra Cunningham share how the initiative invests directly in East Side businesses through hands-on mentorship, strategic marketing training, and funding that builds long-term visibility and resilience. Then, author, counselor, and animator Dorian Withrow Jr. joins us for a powerful conversation about mental health, creativity, and emotional truth. He reflects on the realities of grief and suicide in the community, the importance of connection, and how writing and animation can become pathways to healing and understanding. A conversation about growth, care, and the future of Buffalo's East Side.

On this episode of What's Next? we speak with Terry Abrams, curator at the Niagara History Center, about the often-overlooked consequences of the Erie Canal on the Haudenosaunee people. Abrams traces the history of dispossession that accompanied the canal's construction, beginning with the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794, which affirmed Seneca territory, and the Treaty of Big Tree in 1797, which drastically reduced it. He also examines the environmental impact of the canal, including the spread of invasive species, and the cultural and economic adjustments Native communities were forced to make as the region transformed. Through his exhibit and public talks, Abrams invites audiences to reconsider a familiar chapter in American history and confront the deeper, more complex legacy of the Erie Canal.

On this episode of What's Next? we speak with Dr. LaGarrett King following his “Black Boy Joy, Black Girl Magic” conference, which brought together nearly two hundred attendees to examine the history of Black childhoods and the creativity and resilience of Black youth.

On this episode of What's Next? we sit down with Tom Ulbrich, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York, and author Megan Gorman about her latest book, All the President's Money.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the life of Ely S. Parker, Tonawanda Seneca leader, engineer, and Civil War officer who helped draft the surrender at Appomattox.

We return to the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) for part two of our tour. We hear contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo, high school senior Lillyan Goines, former student Teira Newell, adult learner Giselle Akal, and Senior Program Director Charisma DuBois.

On this episode of What's Next?, we explore how cooperative businesses are driving change in Western New York. Jay Moran speaks with Andrew Delmonte, Executive Director of Cooperation Buffalo, and Terra Dumas of Farmer Pirates Compost.

On this episode of What's Next we explore leadership and opportunity in Buffalo's education landscape with Jennifer Mecozzi, a candidate for re-election to the Buffalo School Board's West District, and Gina Burkhardt, the President and CEO of Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology.

On this episode of What's Next?, we focus on advocacy and community support for those facing trauma and health challenges in Western New York. We sit down with Judy Torres, Director of Domestic Violence Services at Hispanic United of Buffalo, and Sharon Sanford of the Sadie Strong Project.

On this episode of What's Next?, licensed clinical social worker Carolyn Kirkwood shares her path from foster parent to therapist, and how her work at Kirkwood Therapy is helping break generational cycles through culturally informed care.

On this episode of What's Next?, we explore how literacy and storytelling are shaping stronger, more connected communities as we are joined by Tara Schafer of Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Randall Hoak from Erie County Senior Services, and Phil Davis and Monique Cunningham of FBE Productions.

Today we spotlight two local efforts driving community wellness in Buffalo: Clean Mobility Buffalo's East Side Forward: Full Charge Ahead with Kim LaVare, and Food is Medicine Symposium with Beth Machnica and Purnima Mohan.

Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, joins Jay Moran to discuss how national policy shapes refugee resettlement and what it means for families arriving in Western New York.

Today on What's Next? we hear from Dr. Allana M. Krolikowski, the new CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center, on her vision for advancing health equity in Buffalo. We also celebrate Niagara Pride's fifth anniversary and preview Storytelling With Courage.

On today's episode of What's Next? we hear from Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, about how the Presidential Determination is shaping refugee resettlement and the impact on local agencies. Later, host Naila Ansari Catilo sits down with Leighton Jones from Our Action City Buffalo and Jon Torrey, professor at Buffalo State University, to talk about the effects of a recent bill on local communities.

Today, we return to the fields with Providence Farm Collective to see how they're moving forward and staying strong after recent funding cuts. Then, we speak with Andrew Delmonte from Cooperation Buffalo and Terra Dumas, co-founder of Farmer Pirates Composte. And later, Carolyn Kirkwood of Kirkwood Therapy joins us.

On today's show, we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Tribute Garden at Isle View Park, a space created to honor victims of intimate partner violence and to bring awareness to the issue across our community.

On this episode of What's Next? We hear from Dr. Jennifer Roberts, a Buffalo native and University of Maryland professor, then team visits Providence Farm Collective for a tour of their site. And we close with Duncan Kirkwood, Director of the Center for Resiliency.

Today we sit down with filmmaker Stephen Rosenthal and actor Stephen McKinley Henderson to discuss their new documentary, It Is Up to Us. The film explores the impact of racism on society and why a deep understanding of history is essential for our future.

On today's show we speak with Maria Ta, the new Executive Director of Ujima Theater, Della Moore and her work with the African American Center for Cultural Development, and we speak with Latino filmmaker Rocco Anastasio.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, What's Next? spotlights leaders shaping the future of Buffalo. Today we sit down with Buffalo School Board candidate Talia Rodriguez. She shares her vision for educational equity, with a focus on multilingual learners and students with neurological differences.

On today's What's Next? we mark a major milestone with People Against Human Trafficking of Western New York. Executive Director Julie Palmer joins Jay Moran to reflect on ten years of fighting exploitation and to share details about their upcoming Gala on September 25. Then we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to El Batey.

On this episode, we're switching things up! Jay Moran sits down with Executive Producer Charles Gilbert to talk about what's new on What's Next?

On today's show, we return from our summertime hiatus with a breakdown on the One Big Beautiful Bill. A sweeping new law that supporters call historic prosperity, but critics say will deepen hardship for working families.

On today's episode, we focus on the mental health stigma surrounding Black men. We welcome back Cheney Brockington, licensed master social worker and an Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition board member, and Deja Middlebrook, co-owner of Walking Through Solutions LLC.

Southern Fried is one of the largest spoken word and performance poetry competitions in the world. Founded in 1993, it's rooted in storytelling, soul, and Southern hospitality.

On today's show we bring in another voice from this year's Buffalo mayoral election. We welcome Anthony Tyson Thompson, a Buffalo native leader and one of the five candidates on the Buffalo Democratic primary ballot.

On today's show, we're joined by conductor and educator Jaman Dunn-Danger, a Black, queer artist leading Joshua's Boots, a work by acclaimed composer Adolphus Hailstork this weekend at First Shiloh Baptist Church.

On today's show, we explore the upcoming Remembrance Conference 2025, a two-day joint event hosted by the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, and the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.

On today's episode, we welcome three members of Buffalo's Solutions Not Suspensions Coalition, which aims to shed light on the long-standing problems with the suspension system affecting Buffalo Public Schools students and families.

On today's edition of Producer's Picks of the Week, we bring you two segments from episodes that aired this week.

On today's edition of Producer's Picks, we bring you segments from three standout previous episodes.

On today's episode, we welcome back India Walton, and we take a look at Buffalo State's Post-Production Diversity Initiative, which aims to increase representation in the post-production media field.

On today's show we welcome back two familiar voices from Niagara Pride: President and Co-Founder Ronald Piaseczny, and Programming Chair Sherry Fossett. Niagara Pride is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQIA2S+ community across Niagara County and Western New York. Their mission? To create a region where everyone, individuals and families alike, can feel safe, supported, and celebrated in every space they occupy, from home to workplace, places of worship, and beyond. This grassroots organization is working hard to make Pride more visible and more accessible, especially in rural communities that often get overlooked. Ronald and Sherry join Jay Moran to share what's coming up — including the Pride Flag Raising Across Niagara County on May 30, and Niagara Pride's participation in the Buffalo Pride Parade on June 1.