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  • From Celebration to Movement: Juneteenth Then & Now

    From Celebration to Movement: Juneteenth Then & Now
    Jun 19 2026
    Juneteenth has grown from a community celebration into a national holiday, but what happens when culture goes mainstream? This week on Group Chat, we explore the evolution of Juneteenth, from its growing presence in pop culture and corporate America to the deeper conversations about freedom, identity, and community. We also shine a spotlight on Buffalo’s historic 50th Juneteenth Celebration, discussing the legacy of the event, its impact on the community, and what freedom means in 2026.
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    54 Min.
  • What Can Africana Studies Teach Us About Juneteenth?

    What Can Africana Studies Teach Us About Juneteenth?
    Jun 17 2026
    What does Juneteenth represent, and why has its significance grown in recent years? On this episode of What’s Next?, Dr. Marcus Watson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Buffalo State University, discusses the history of Juneteenth, its significance in the American story, and why understanding this history remains important today. The conversation also explores the cycles of racial progress and backlash throughout American history and the role education, culture, and community engagement can play in fostering greater understanding and healing.
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    55 Min.
  • How Can Juneteenth Inspire Action Beyond Celebration?

    How Can Juneteenth Inspire Action Beyond Celebration?
    Jun 15 2026
    On this episode of What’s Next?, contributor Saladin Allah speaks with Charlynn Rivera of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Danessia Scott-Warren of the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope about social justice, community engagement, advocacy, and civic participation.
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    55 Min.
  • What Can We Learn from One Survivor’s Journey to Healing?

    What Can We Learn from One Survivor’s Journey to Healing?
    Jun 10 2026
    For many men, conversations about trauma, abuse, and emotional well-being remain difficult due to stigma and societal expectations. On this episode of What’s Next? TaJuan Williams, author of Doscriosta, shares his personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and discusses the challenges of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and unresolved trauma. The conversation explores men's mental health, the generational impact of toxic masculinity, and the importance of creating safe spaces where men can seek support and healing without shame.
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    55 Min.
  • How Is Western New York Addressing Gaps in Mental Health Care?

    How Is Western New York Addressing Gaps in Mental Health Care?
    Jun 8 2026
    A new partnership between Jewish Family Services of Western New York and ECMC is helping individuals with serious mental illness and substance use challenges successfully transition from hospital care back into the community. On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the Adult Critical Time Intervention (CTI) program and how it works to reduce homelessness, prevent rehospitalization, and connect individuals with essential services including housing, transportation, nutrition, and behavioral health treatment. The conversation also examines the importance of addressing social determinants of health and the role collaboration plays in supporting long-term recovery.
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    55 Min.
  • Where the Money Go? Part III: What Has Changed?

    Where the Money Go? Part III: What Has Changed?
    Jun 3 2026
    In the final installment of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, the focus shifts from promises to outcomes. The conversation examines whether the investments and commitments made after the tragedy have translated into meaningful change for Buffalo’s East Side. Topics include poverty, homeownership, employment, food access, mental health support, and the lasting effects of decades of disinvestment. Community leaders and residents also discuss the need for transparency, accountability, and coordinated efforts to address the systemic challenges facing the community.
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    56 Min.
  • Where Did the Money Go? Part 2: Where Did (Or Didn’t) It Go?

    Where Did the Money Go? Part 2: Where Did (Or Didn’t) It Go?
    Jun 1 2026
    Part two of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series examining the aftermath of the May 14 Tops mass shooting focuses on the distribution and impact of millions of dollars raised to support Buffalo’s East Side. The episode explores questions surrounding transparency, accountability, and long-term community investment while examining how funding was distributed to recovery efforts in the years following the tragedy. Survivors and community members also reflect on the ongoing challenges of accessing promised mental health and financial support.
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    55 Min.
  • Where Did the Money Go? Part 1: How Can We Help?

    Where Did the Money Go? Part 1: How Can We Help?
    May 27 2026
    In part one of a three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, What’s Next? examines the nearly 100 million dollars pledged to support Buffalo’s East Side and the families impacted by the tragedy. The episode explores how state and federal funding, corporate donations, and community fundraising efforts were distributed, while also examining the challenges survivors faced in receiving support and the lingering questions surrounding accountability and transparency. The conversation also looks at the emergency response efforts created after the shooting and the ongoing work to rebuild trust within the community.
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    55 Min.