Épisodes

  • Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep

    Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep
    Jan 21 2026
    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.
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    55 min
  • Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa

    Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa
    Jan 19 2026
    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.
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    55 min
  • Producer’s Pick feat. A Tour of Providence Farm Collective, Charisma DuBois and Alicia Stark

    Producer’s Pick feat. A Tour of Providence Farm Collective, Charisma DuBois and Alicia Stark
    Dec 17 2025
    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.
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    59 min
  • A Legacy Rebuilt: Renewing the African American Cultural Center

    A Legacy Rebuilt: Renewing the African American Cultural Center
    Dec 15 2025
    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.
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    55 min
  • Digitizing History: A Smithsonian–Buffalo Collaboration

    Digitizing History: A Smithsonian–Buffalo Collaboration
    Dec 10 2025
    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.
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    55 min
  • Refugees, Families, and the Power of Support

    Refugees, Families, and the Power of Support
    Dec 8 2025
    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.
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    55 min
  • Building Buffalo’s Next Chapter

    Building Buffalo’s Next Chapter
    Dec 3 2025
    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.
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    55 min
  • Gardens, Pride, and the Power of Local Leadership

    Gardens, Pride, and the Power of Local Leadership
    Dec 1 2025
    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.
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    55 min