© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
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?

Reclaiming History, Reclaiming Ourselves

Published February 11, 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 323" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Reclaiming History, Reclaiming Ourselves", then photos of Anthony Pierce and Selam Debs with their names underneath.

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. Pierce reflects on his journey of self-discovery, his passion for African culture, and his role in the conference’s opening ceremony. Selam Debs, a Black Ethiopian anti racism educator based in Canada, discusses the shift in public interest in anti-racism work since 2020 and the responsibility of white allies to understand and confront their histories. A conversation about learning from the past to build a more just future.

What's Next? 2026
Stay Connected
Latest Episodes
  • Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor
    On this episode we highlight three conversations heard on previous episodes. We revisit conversations with Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford, and Syntyia Taylor.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 338" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivots", then a photo of Kelly Diane Galloway with her name underneath.
    Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors
    Human trafficking remains a hidden crisis impacting vulnerable communities across the country. In this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Diane Galloway, founder of Project Mona’s House, shares her journey and the mission behind her organization.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 337" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathways", then photos of LuAnne Brown and Asantewa Holley with their names underneath.
    How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway
    On this episode of What’s Next?, Luanne Brown of the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network and Asantewa Holley of the Northland Workforce Training Center discuss how their programs are helping individuals access job training, transportation, and family support services.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 336" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Homeownership in 2026 Barrier Breakthroughs and the Path Forward", then photos of Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens with their names underneath.
    Homeownership in 2026 Barriers Breakthroughs and the Path Forward
    Buying a home in Buffalo is getting harder. Rising interest rates, low inventory, and higher loan amounts are putting pressure on first time buyers, especially working-class families and non-native English speakers. Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens from Five Star Bank break down what’s changed and share practical strategies to navigate credit, financing, and the path from pre-qualification to closing.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 335" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households", then a photo of Michael Casciano with his name underneath.
    Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households in WNY
    NOCO President and CEO Michael Casciano discusses how the company is expanding energy efficiency programs to help low- to moderate-income households in Western New York reduce energy costs.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 334" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Women in Power and the Path Forward", then photos of Karen King and Lisa Chimera with their names underneath.
    Women in Power and the Path Forward
    As Women’s History Month continues, this episode of What’s Next? focuses on leadership, representation, and the ongoing push for gender equity in government. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, along with efforts to address disparities in pay, representation, and mental health support.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 333" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Storytelling Connects Community and Academia", then photos of Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery with their names underneath.
    How Storytelling Connects Community and Academia
    The University at Buffalo’s Indigenous Studies Department is preparing for its annual Storytellers Conference, centered on the theme Life, Breath, Justice for Our Future. On this episode, Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery discuss the purpose and impact of the conference, highlighting the importance of storytelling, language, and intergenerational dialogue in Indigenous communities.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 332" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools", then photos of Dina Thompson and Andy Prinzing with their names underneath.
    Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools
    In this episode of What’s Next?, Dina Thompson of the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and training director Andy Prinzing speak with contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo about how restorative justice can help address the root causes of student behavior, strengthen relationships in schools, and significantly reduce suspensions.
  • Honoring Women’s Voices on What’s Next
    In recognition of Women’s History Month, this episode of What’s Next? revisits powerful conversations with women making a difference across Western New York.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 330" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Neighborhood Centers Are Supporting Buffalo Families", then a photo of Chandra Redfern with her name underneath.
    How Neighborhood Centers Are Supporting Buffalo Families
    Neighborhood centers have long supported families across Buffalo, but community needs are growing. On this episode of What’s Next?, Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, discusses rising demand for services including food access, childcare support, and programs for older adults.