Episodes

  • Bridging Education and Community

    Bridging Education and Community
    Feb 9 2026
    Leanthony Freeman joins What’s Next to share his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. Freeman will also be a panelist at the upcoming Sankofa Conference. 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. An episode focused on education, purpose, and building stronger communities.
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    55 mins
  • Education, Health, and the Work Ahead

    Education, Health, and the Work Ahead
    Feb 4 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • Looking Back So We Can Move Forward

    Looking Back So We Can Move Forward
    Feb 2 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • Roots, Healing, and Connection

    Roots, Healing, and Connection
    Jan 26 2026
    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. They reflect on the importance of understanding historical roots, reclaiming Black identity, and fostering self-love and community support. A conversation about healing, connection, and building community through shared history.
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    55 mins
  • Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep

    Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep
    Jan 21 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa

    Reflecting on Dr. King, Building Toward Sankofa
    Jan 19 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • Producer’s Pick feat. A Tour of Providence Farm Collective, Charisma DuBois and Alicia Stark

    Producer’s Pick feat. A Tour of Providence Farm Collective, Charisma DuBois and Alicia Stark
    Dec 17 2025
    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.
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    59 mins
  • A Legacy Rebuilt: Renewing the African American Cultural Center

    A Legacy Rebuilt: Renewing the African American Cultural Center
    Dec 15 2025
    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.
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    55 mins