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Education, Health, and the Work Ahead

Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 321" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Education, Health, and the Work Ahead", then photos of Ben Hilligas and Syntyia Taylor with their names underneath.

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.

What's Next? 2026
Latest Episodes
  • 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.
  • British journalist and historian Zeinab Badawi joins What’s Next to discuss her six-year project, The History of Africa. 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. We also hear from Kinya Baker, a registered social worker and educator. 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 shares his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. 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.
  • 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.
  • Buffalo Prep has spent more than three decades expanding college access for underrepresented students across Western New York. 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.
  • 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.