© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
What’s Next?

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

Published January 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST
Ways To Subscribe
Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 317" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep", then a photo of David Johnson with his name underneath.

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.

What's Next? 2026
Stay Connected
Latest Episodes
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 316" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa", then photos of Faustenia Morrow & Rev. Ahmad Randall (left) and Rhonda Wilson (right) with their names underneath.
    Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa
    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.
  • Producer’s Pick feat. A Tour of Providence Farm Collective, Charisma DuBois and Alicia Stark
    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.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "A LEGACY REBUILT" in white text and "RENEWING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER #314" in black text over the red and then an african image on the right over the black.
    A Legacy Rebuilt: Renewing the African American Cultural Center
    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.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "TDIGITIZING HISTORY:" and "#308" in black text over the red and "A SMITHSONIAN-BUFFALO COLLABORATION" in white text over the black.
    Digitizing History: A Smithsonian–Buffalo Collaboration
    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.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "#312" in black text over the red and . white text reading "REFUGEES, FAMILIES AND THE POWER OF SUPPORT" over the black. photos of the episode's guests at the bottom of the image.
    Refugees, Families, and the Power of Support
    On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore two ways Western New York communities are responding to need and opportunity. We are joined by Jennifer Rizzo Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, and Alicia Stark of Child and Family Services.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "BUILDING BUFFALO'S NEXT CHAPTER" in white text and "#310" in black text over the red and, then photos of Dr. Marie Cannon and Trini Ross at the bottom right corner of the image over the black.
    Building Buffalo’s Next Chapter
    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. 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.
  • Gardens, Pride, and the Power of Local Leadership
    This week on What’s Next? we highlight two organizations strengthening connection, access, and belonging across Western New York: Grassroots Gardens Western New York and Niagara Pride.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "ENTREPRENEURS & RISING #309" in black text over the red and "COMMUNITIES HEALING" in white text over the black, then photos of Tamara Zantell, Zandra Cunningham, and Dorian Withrow Jr. at the bottom of the image.
    Entrepreneurs Rising and Communities Healing
    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.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "THE HAUDENOSAUNEE AND THE ERIE CANAL:" in white text and "#308" in black text over the red and "A HIDDEN HISTORY" in white text over the black.
    The Haudenosaunee and the Erie Canal: A Hidden History
    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. 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.
  • Background from left to right: red, then a vertical, thick white stripe in the middle, then black. from left to right: WN logo in the top corner, "FROM RESILIENCE TO RECOGNITION" in white text and "DR. LAGARRETT KING ON BLACK HISTORY EDUCATION #307" in black text over the red and then a photo of Dr. LaGarrett King on the right over the black.
    From Resilience to Recognition: Dr. LaGarrett King on Black History Education
    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.