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What's Next? | Producers' Pick feat. Marcus Watson and Rashawn Smalls

We revisit two standout conversations. Starting with Jay Moran’s talk with Marcus Watson, an Associate Professor of African Studies and Individualized Studies at Buffalo State University. They discuss his intro to Africana Studies courses, as well as his work in the Peace Corps while in South Africa, shortly after Apartheid. Then, Thomas O’Neil-White sits down with Rashawn Smalls, the program manager for Tobacco-Free Erie and Niagara through CAI Global. The two talk about what it means to advance tobacco-free communities, including eliminating secondhand smoke and creating overall healthy environments.

What's Next? 2024
Latest Episodes
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • (CORRECTION) 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.
  • 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.
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  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.