THIS IS OUR CITY, AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO IT

Who Rules Buffalo?

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers - including those who play fathers roles 🤍 we’re thinking of you today!

#BUFFALO #NY You did that today - over 10,000 of you! #NOKINGS #NOKINGSDAY #EVER

Shoutout to everyone who sent us videos and photos! This post is only because of you 🤍 keep showing up. Williamsville & Amherst also had amazing turnout! We see you!

👑 TODAY IN BUFFALO: NO KINGS. NO MASTERS. NO TYRANTS. NO FASCISTS. ✊🏽

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP BUFFALO! We showed up to reject the idea of a government ruled by one. That’s not democracy. That’s not freedom & that’s NOT AMERICA!

We rallied to say loud and clear:
Immigrants belong here.
They are our neighbors, friends, family—and they help build this city every day.

Buffalo, you made your voice heard today. Let’s keep it going.
📣 NEXT PROTEST:
🗓 Saturday, June 21st
📍 Niagara Square
🕚 11AM
We’re marching to the ICE headquarters. Be there.

#NoKingsNoMasters #BuffaloProtests #ImmigrantsAreWelcome #DemocracyForAll #BuffaloDeservesBetter #NiagaraSquare #KeepShowingUp

🗳️ EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY, BUFFALO! 🗳️
Let’s build a better, more just Buffalo—vote @seanryanforbuffalo Sean Ryan for Mayor!

🗓️ Early Voting:
📍 June 14–15 → 9AM–5PM
📍 June 16–20 → 12PM–9PM
📍 June 21–22 → 9AM–5PM

🗳️ You can vote at any of the 11 Early Voting locations in the City of Buffalo.
📅 Election Day is Tuesday, June 24th — but why wait?

Let’s show up early, show out strong, and vote for someone who actually shows up for us.
Vote Sean Ryan. Because #BuffaloDeservesBetter 💙

#VoteEarly #SeanRyanForMayor #BuffaloVotes #ChangeStartsHere #LocalElectionsMatter

Tomorrow is BUSY—and it’s important to stay safe, thoughtful, and connected. 💛✨

From Juneteenth celebrations to the Allentown/Elmwood Arts Festival, plus the 4pm protest in Niagara Square, Buffalo is alive with activity—and we want you to show up safely and in community:

🛑 Before You Go:
• Tell someone your route & check in with a friend
• Bring water, a phone charger, a mask/bandana, basic meds, and an ID
• Write legal aid & bail numbers on your arm
• Secure your devices—use a passcode & disable FaceID

🛡️ While You’re There:
• Stick together—work in safety pairs or groups
• Record police from a safe distance & note badge numbers
• Protect fellow protesters—ask permission before sharing images
• Watch the signs—look for aggressive policing, kettling, bull-rushing
• If sprayed—rinse eyes with plain water
• Be cautious of “press”—don’t share names or joins interviews
• Cover your face—masks, bandanas, sunglasses help guard against surveillance

Buffalo—let’s honor Juneteenth, enjoy the arts, and demand justice—all while protecting each other.
Be careful. Stay cautious. And most importantly—stay in community. More tomorrow. 💜

Peaceful protest. Tomorrow. 4PM. Niagara Square.

Right now, it’s not the safest time in America. Imagine being more afraid of diversity than of dictatorship. That’s the reality we’re up against.

As we protest, let’s also take power into our own hands—early voting starts TOMORROW. 🗳️

Buffalo, we’ve endorsed Sean Ryan because the power structure has already bet on Scanlon to keep things exactly as they’ve been. We’re choosing new leadership, real solutions, and a seat at the table.

#VoteForChange #BuffaloDeservesBetter #SeanRyanForMayor #OurCityBuffalo #ProtectDiversity

📚 This Saturday at the Juneteenth Parade, we’re giving away banned Black books at our table. Come find us and grab one! ❤️ @juneteenthofbuffalofestival

We celebrate Juneteenth not just for the freedom it represents—but because Black history matters, especially in a time when they’re trying to erase it.

Buffalo, this is how we fight back—with knowledge, truth, and community. ✊🏾
Never forget. Always honor. Forever resist.

#Juneteenth #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory #BannedBooks #OurCityBuffalo #FreeTheBooks

The world feels heavy—so what can you do?

👉 Be an active participant in making it less terrible.

📢 Join a local org like ours.
✊🏾 Make a sign & show up to a protest.
📲 Share posts that speak truth.
📞 Call your legislator and demand change.

None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.

Shoutout to @blairimani ❤️

#Organize #Protest #ActNow #NoJusticeNoPeace #OurCityActionBuffalo

Buffalo’s developer darling Douglas Jemal is back — but not to finish his endless to-do list. Nope, he’s eyeing new deals while leaving old promises in the dust.

769 Best Street is just the latest in a long line of failed commitments.

Let’s not forget: Jemal’s a Trump donor who complains about the economy while sitting on millions and holding our properties hostage. He’s collected prime real estate across Buffalo, failed to follow through on key projects, and now wants even more — while whining about “costs.” We’re not buying it.

🗣️ As Janiya Capers from @pushbuffalo said: “They sell out our city, do nothing, and act dumb.”

Buffalo isn’t a playground for rich men with empty promises. Enough is enough.

📣 Hold the city accountable. Hold Jemal accountable.
#BuffaloDeservesBetter #StopTheSellouts #JemalFinishTheJob #NoToDeveloperWelfare

📰 Full article here: Buffalo News @thebuffalonews

NO KINGS. NO MASTERS. NO TYRANTS. NO FASCISTS.
📣 Protest this Saturday at 4PM.

We’re not the organizers, but we’re sharing in solidarity with those resisting violent crackdowns like what we’re seeing in LA. Buffalo is home to many immigrants and refugees — and we must show up for each other.

📍Also mark your calendar:
Saturday, June 21 at 11AM — we’re co-organizing a rally + march to ICE HQ. Bring your voice. Bring your people. Let’s move!

#BuffaloResists #AbolishICE #SolidarityForever #NoMoreFascism

BREAKING: The site for Buffalo’s new animal shelter — handpicked by Acting Mayor Scanlon — currently has a “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” sign inside.

You cannot make this up.

This space belongs to one of Scanlon’s top campaign donors: Ellicott Development. He’s rewarding Republican-aligned developers with city contracts while saying he stands for all of us.

Buffalo, it’s time to wake up. Fascist signals like this don’t just “slip through.” They are loud. They are intentional. And they are dangerous.

Vote June 24 for @seanryanforbuffalo . Our future is on the line.

#NoToFascism #BuffaloVotes #CommunityOverCorruption #MAGAIsNotWelcomeHere

The more we look, the more corruption we find.

Acting Mayor Scanlon has taken over $17,000 from just one paving contractor — Michael Vaccaro, owner of a company that was fined for violating labor laws and underpaying workers. Why is he so invested? Because he knows he’ll get that money back tenfold once contracts come rolling in.

This isn’t public service — it’s a pay-to-play scheme.

Buffalo deserves better than politicians who sell the city to the highest bidder.

🧾 Read more here @ipostnews
#BuffaloDeservesBetter #FollowTheMoney

BREAKING: Acting Mayor Scanlon plans to reward Ellicott Development—one of his biggest campaign contributors—with a city contract to house the new Buffalo Animal Shelter. All without public input, transparency, or accountability.

Let’s call it what it is: CORRUPTION. 🧩

After years of cries for change at the current Oak Street Animal shelter, @buffalocityshelteranimalallies the City only moved when Scanlon got called out. And where are they moving it? To a vacant building owned by Ellicott Development, who’s poured over $30K into his campaign.

📍Today, at this very location, MAGA signs were spotted inside. So we ask again…
Is this who you want leading Buffalo? A man backed by the same forces trying to “Make America Great Again?”

Buffalo deserves better.
We’re done with oligarchs. We’re done with shady backdoor deals.
We need leaders who serve people, not deep-pocket donors.

🗳 Vote June 24th. Early voting starts June 14th. Let’s show up.

#BuffaloVotes #NoMoreBackroomDeals #ScanlonSoldUsOut #NotForSale #BuffaloDeservesBetter #CorruptBuffalo #EndPayToPlay

Early voting starts June 14th. Primary Day is June 24th. 🗳️

You already know—we endorsed Sean Ryan for Mayor @seanryanforbuffalo because he’s consistent, capable, and aligned with our values.

This weekend, we hosted our 3rd annual Drag Brunch and babyyy it was a FULL HOUSE of engaged, joyful, gorgeous girls who came ready to celebrate and stay civically aware 💅🏽💖 From the performances to the conversations, it was nothing short of powerful.

Sean Ryan didn’t just show up—he brought a certificate of recognition and took time to speak directly to our community. That kind of presence matters. It’s not just performative—it’s participatory.

We’ll share more soon on why some candidates don’t align with our future—but today, just know this:

🌟 Our joy is political
🌟 Our drag is divine
🌟 Our vote is power

Let’s bring all that energy to the polls.

📍 See you June 14–24!

#BuffaloVotes #SeanRyanForMayor #DragBrunchMagic #VoteWithPride #QueerPower #LocalElectionsMatter #EngagedAndEmpowered

Drag Brunch 2025 = ✨ ICONIC ✨

Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed out for our 3rd annual Drag Brunch! The love was real, the energy was high, and the growth is undeniable 💕💅

💐 Huge shoutout to our sponsors—we couldn’t do this without your support.
👑 To our drag performers—you SLAY every time and bring the magic to the room. @cal_amari95 @damsel.n.disdress @theerickymoral_less
Our ICONIC DJs @dejiamj & @itskeelz ❤️
🙌 To our volunteers—you are the heart of this org, and your work powers the mission. @inspiredeventscollective @leejay____ @gcandthevoidz @rustbeltcowboy @stillxjill @truedatwiz @autumnolivia__ @monique.the.goddess

We’re so grateful for this beautiful community. Catch us next year even bigger and bolder! 🌈💗

#DragBrunch #BuffaloEvents #QueerJoy #LGBTQCommunity #ThankYou #3YearsStrong #CommunityLove #DragIsArt

✨TOMORROW✨ marks the 3rd anniversary of our iconic Drag Brunch and we’re bringing it right back to where it all started—@jackrabbitbuffalo! 💗

From day one, this event has been about joy, liberation, and community—and tomorrow is no different. We can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces, celebrate Pride, and TURN UP with the energy only Buffalo brings! 😌💕

To all our attendees: we promise to give a SHOW. Come ready to laugh, cheer, dance, and show out for the dolls. See you at noon sharp 💅💗

Let’s make this anniversary one to remember! 🥂🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 #DragBrunch #OCAB #Pride2025 #BuffaloEvents

This year marked Chris Scanlon’s very first time marching in Buffalo’s Pride parade—and it showed.

Pride is not a photo op. It’s not a moment for politicians to cozy up to communities they ignore the rest of the year. The roots of Pride are radical—a resistance to police violence, state surveillance, and systemic oppression of queer and trans people.

So why did Acting Mayor Scanlon choose to make his Pride debut side by side with law enforcement—while running on a platform to increase police presence?

A politician who takes money from MAGA donors, backs aggressive policing, and shows up to Pride for the first time in an election year is not an ally. It’s performative politics at its worst.

We won’t let Pride be watered down. We won’t forget its origins. And we will hold our leaders accountable—because the fight for queer liberation is far from over.

Carl Paladino once said:

“I just think my children and your children will be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option.”
Let that sink in.

Now ask yourself—what kind of vision does it signal when a man who says this endorses a candidate for mayor of Buffalo? What does it mean when that candidate accepts the support, rents office space from him, and says nothing to denounce these beliefs?

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon attended his first-ever Pride this year—but actions speak louder than photo ops. If your allies don’t believe LGBTQ+ people deserve equality and dignity, your attendance is just for show.

Buffalo deserves leadership that shows up because it’s right, not because it’s convenient. Silence is complicity. Let’s be bold about what our city truly needs—and who’s not it.

📢 Remember when we said we weren’t sure where Sean Ryan stood on restoring Humboldt Parkway? Well, now we do—and he’s standing with US, not against us.

@seanryanforbuffalo Sean Ryan made it crystal clear on social media:

🗣️ “Let me be perfectly clear – We need to restore the Olmsted vision for Delaware Park and MLK Park, and the only way to do that is to remove the highways as they currently exist.”

He admitted he missed the chance to say this on stage during the debate, but wanted to ensure the community heard him loud and clear afterward. For years, he’s worked to build community consensus on the 198. Now with the court decision on the 33, we’ve got a real shot—and he’s ready to lead.

Buffalo deserves a mayor who isn’t silent when it matters. We need bold leadership that puts East Side voices at the center of city planning—not on the sidelines.

👀 So while others cozy up to developers and dodge accountability, Sean Ryan just showed us what showing up for the community actually looks like.

#RestoreHumboldt #SeanRyanForMayor #BuffaloDeservesBetter #EastSideVoices #ReclaimOurParks #NoMoreHighways

🚨 19 DAYS TO THE DEMOCRATIC MAYORAL PRIMARY 🚨

Let’s be real: MAGA MONEY is fueling Acting Mayor Scanlon’s campaign—and we’ve got the receipts to prove it.

🔻 $2,500 from Randall Benderson, the developer moving HQ out of Buffalo with Scanlon’s support
🔻 $500 from ex-Congressman Chris Jacobs—who literally voted to overturn the 2020 election
🔻 OFFICE RENT paid directly to none other than Carl Paladino, the man who said Michelle Obama should “go live in a cave with gorillas,” that children are “better off not being gay,” and called homosexuality “not a valid option.”
🔻 No public denouncement from Scanlon. No surprise there.

Scanlon can raise nearly half a million for his campaign—but not a cent to improve Buffalo’s neighborhoods. Let’s talk about that.

Buffalo, we deserve a mayor that represents us—not billionaire developers, not GOP extremists, and definitely not Trump-endorsing bigots.

This isn’t just about a primary. This is about keeping Buffalo from becoming a local version of the national far-right takeover.

We’re dropping ALL the tea. Stay tuned.

#NoMAGAinBuffalo #BuffaloDeservesBetter #ByeScanlon #BuffaloElections #PrimaryDayJune24

Buffalo Pride felt GOOD AS HELL! 🏳️‍🌈💅🏾💖
We’re still buzzing from the love, joy, and power of this weekend — so here’s a little Pride reminder from your friendly neighborhood advocates:

1️⃣ Equal rights for others doesn’t mean less for you. It’s not pie. Calm down.
2️⃣ Trans people simply existing? Not a threat. Just facts.
3️⃣ To the homophobes: May you long enough to see the gurls, gays, and theys THRIVING in our prime LOL wait - YOU ALREADY ARE 😘

And listen — it was beautiful seeing the community come together, but let’s keep it real: not all support is real.

We see who shows up in public and who flips behind closed doors. If you’re a business or org out here waving a rainbow but treating LGBTQ+ folks like an afterthought? We’re watching. We’re calling it out.

Support isn’t seasonal. Do right by us year-round.

#BuffaloPride #Pride2025 #LGBTQRightsAreHumanRights #ProtectTransLives #NoRainbowWashing #OCAB #QueerJoyIsResistance #CommunityPower

Buffalo MAYORAL Updates — the race is ON. 🗳️
The Democratic Primary on June 24 will decide who holds the Democratic line for Mayor of Buffalo, and early voting starts June 14. This is your moment to shape the future of our city.

But let’s be real: questions are rising about Republican influence in this race. Major GOP players — including Carl Paladino — are throwing money and support behind Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, trying to blur the lines and make him look like a true Democrat. But receipts don’t lie.

Let’s talk campaign funds (Jan 12–May 19):
💰 Chris Scanlon - $490,449.27
💰 Senator Sean Ryan- $444,450.88 individual contributions during the filing period.
💰 Garnell Whitfield Jr. - $42,255.00
💰 Rasheed N.C. Wyatt - $13,450.00
💰 Anthony Tyson-Thompson is on the ballot but hasn’t filed a report.

There’s a lot at stake. Don’t sit this out — make a plan, spread the word, and vote like our future depends on it. Because it does.

#BuffaloVotes #BuffaloPrimary2025 #OCAB #NoGOPInOurDemocracy #PowerToThePeople #VoteLocal #BuffaloElections

BUFFALO, YOU SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✨

It was truly moving to see so many of you connect with our theme: Silence = Death. No Pride in Genocide. 💔💥
This wasn’t just a march — it was a statement, a celebration, and a call for justice, all rolled into one.

Big love to Jewish Voice for Peace @jvpbuffalo and Buffalo Community Calendar @buffalocommunitycalendar for walking with us and standing in solidarity. The energy was so real, so loving, and so powerful. 💖

Buffalo — you made us feel SEEN. Our message landed, our presence was felt, and we’re proud to have marched beside every single one of you.

keep resisting, keep loving, and keep walking in your truth. 🖤

#SilenceEqualsDeath #NoPrideInGenocide #BuffaloPride2025 #OCAB #ProtectTheDolls

HAPPY PRIDE, BUFFALO! 🌈💅🏽✨ WE ARE COMING OUT TODAY 😛

Our theme this year is straight to the point — and let’s be real, it’s the only straight thing coming from us today.

SILENCE = DEATH was born from queer resistance. It flipped the Holocaust-era pink triangle — once a mark of shame — into a symbol of radical visibility. Silence used to be protection. Now, it’s complicity. And we refuse to be silent when our lives, our rights, and our futures are on the line.

The first Pride was a riot. Never forget that. Pride is protest. It always has been. Today, we march for Palestine, for trans people (knowing that black trans women are the most targeted group), for our ancestors, and for every queer kid dreaming of safety, joy, and freedom.

Buffalo, let’s show OUT. Last year was the biggest turnout ever — can we beat that? We think so. Come march with us and our friends at Jewish Voice for Peace @jvpbuffalo and Buffalo Community Calendar @buffalocommunitycalendar . Pride Parade kicks off at 11AM sharp.

Protect trans lives. Free Palestine. Uplift the dolls. And celebrate with pride that resists, restores, and rebuilds.

#Pride2025 #BuffaloPride #SilenceEqualsDeath #FreePalestine #ProtectTransLives #BlackTransLivesMatter #OCAB #PrideIsPolitical #TheFirstPrideWasARiot #BuffaloNY

Intersect has been A BLAST 💥 today — what a powerful way to kick off Pride weekend 🌈✨!

We’ve been in full community mode — tabling, connecting, vibing, and even capturing some interviews with folks who’ve made this year’s festival so special, from organizers to tablers and everyone in between. Massive love to our incredible volunteers for holding it down all day — y’all are the heartbeat of this work! 💪🏽

Mickey and Jordan, this one is for you. Buffalo felt your love, and you’ll forever be a part of the fabric of this community. Thank you for pouring so much into creating something beautiful. We miss you, we love you, and we honor you today and always. 🤍

We’re here at Intersect until 7:30pm — pull up, talk with us, ask your questions, and be in community. And don’t forget: Pride March is tomorrow! Meet us no later than 10:30am. Walk with us. Celebrate with us. Let’s keep showing up, together. 🖤💛💜💙

DRAG ME TO BRUNCH: PRIDE EDITION 🌈
DJ’s:
Soft Miami @dejiamj & Auntie K @itskeelz

🌈 Come for the Brunch. Stay for the Revolution. TICKETS ARE GOINGGGG QUICK🌈

JUNE 7th @Noon @jackrabbitbuffalo
TICKET TIERS:
$25 – General Admission (Show Only)
$50 – Show + Brunch 🍽️
$100 – VIP Experience + Brunch 🌟 (includes priority seating, performer meet & greet, and a little surprise!)

You might end up wanting to stay just for the music 😮‍💨

For at least the second time since President Donald Trump took office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deported a migrant in defiance of federal judges — this time a Salvadoran man long held in detention in Western New York.

How the deportation happened
On May 1, ICE Buffalo informed Borowski that Melgar-Salmeron was set to be deported May 9.
On May 2, ICE Buffalo transferred Melgar-Salmeron from Batavia to Alexandria, Louisiana, where many deportation flights depart from.
On May 6, ICE New Orleans informed ICE Buffalo that Melgar-Salmeron was scheduled to be deported the following day.

In an affidavit filed Wednesday, Sukmanowski said Melgar-Salmeron’s deportation officer never got the email.

So, on May 7, at around 9:20 a.m., ICE New Orleans officers began boarding the deportation flight. Craig Lee, a deportation supervisor in that office, testified in his own affidavit that officers couldn’t locate Melgar-Salmeron and “assumed he was not at the facility.” ICE New Orleans then updated an internal database listing Melgar-Salmeron as a “no show” which Sukmanowski testified he later reviewed.

However, said Lee: “During the second roll call, the facility staff located [Melgar-Salmeron] in the facility and the flight officers escorted him onto the airplane.”

Then, at 9:52 a.m., the panel of Second Circuit judges ruled that Melgar-Salmeron should not be deported, allowing him to stay in the United States while his case continued.

At 10:08, according to Sukmanowski, the ICE Buffalo office received notice of the court’s ruling.

At 10:20 a.m., the flight to El Salvador including Melgar-Salmeron left the Alexandria airport.
Lee, in the New Orleans ICE office, claimed in an affidavit that his office wasn’t aware Melgar-Salmeron shouldn’t have been put on the flight.

In other words: A communication breakdown caused the wrongful deportation.

“The three-judge panel at the Second Circuit isn’t having it,” Borowski said. “[ICE] is claiming it wasn’t deliberate but this is happening repeatedly and it didn’t seem to ever happen under the Biden administration.”

READ MORE @ipostnews

The Buffalo Common Council @bflo_cc has approved Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon’s $622 million city budget for 2025–26, incorporating several amendments aimed at addressing the city’s $70 million deficit.

Among the notable changes:
1. Property Tax Circuit Breaker: A proposed relief program for low-income residents whose property tax obligations exceed a certain percentage of their income. Implementation would require state legislation.

2. Overtime Spending Cuts: Reductions in overtime budgets for the Police and Fire Departments, with the police overtime budget decreased by $200,000 and the fire department’s by $800,000. (The fire department deserved better!)

3. Event-Related Public Safety Costs: A recommendation for large-scale event organizers to reimburse the city for public safety expenses incurred during their events.

4. Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Funding: Restoration of support for cultural and anti-violence initiatives, ensuring that the budgeted $400,000 is fully utilized.

5. Council Representation on Buffalo Parking Authority: A call for the Common Council to have representation on the Buffalo Parking Authority to enhance transparency and oversight.

6. Despite these amendments, the budget includes an 8% property tax increase set to take effect on July 1. Councilmembers Rasheed Wyatt @councilmemberwyatt and David Rivera @cmdavidrivera voted against the budget, expressing concerns about the burden on taxpayers and the need for more substantial fiscal reforms.

The full article here: Buffalo News Article.

What are your thoughts Buffalo?

F/ACT UP LIVE - Why Sean Ryan? Listen for more

Sean Ryan’s @seanryanforbuffalo response to this week’s @thebuffalonews question is giving very FACTUAL, very REAL as no lies were told. DONT FORGET TO JOIN US 6pm this evening on F/Act Up LIVE. Right here on Instagram!

QUESTION to answer above ⬆️ : For many years former Mayor Byron Brown’s administration inflated revenue projections, deflated spending projections and relied on one-time revenues to plug budget holes when spending and revenue didn’t add up at the end of the year.

Now, with a structural budget deficit entrenched and reserve funds depleted, the city is looking at years of double digit million dollar deficits without a significant increase in revenues or ignificant austerity measures put in place.

As mayor, what would be your plan to bring things back in line and provide city residents with a more consistent and predictable future in terms of delivered city services and tax bills?

Do you want to know WHY we endorsed @seanryanforbuffalo Mayor? Well tomorrow at 6pm you have the chance to ask us all the questions and get all the answers LIVE on F/Act Up right here on Instagram.

See you 🔜

We’ll also share our plans for Intersect Pride, Drag Brunch & all things June! 🩷❤️🧡💛💜💙🩵

Five years! 🖤
Since the world watched a man’s breath stolen beneath a knee. Since a daughter lost her father. Since a community buried its heart and rose up screaming: enough. Today marks five years since George Floyd was murdered... on camera, in daylight. His death ignited a global uprising, but the system that killed him still stands. Rebranded. Repackaged. Still deadly.

Five years of promises with no protection. Five years of platitudes with insignificant progress. Five years of “reform” with no real reckoning.

George’s family has lived five years without him. His daughter, five birthdays without her dad. Despite widespread calls for systemic change, Black communities remain under daily threat from state-sanctioned violence.

True safety isn’t surveillance or force - it’s housing, healthcare, healing, education, opportunity, and dignity.
George Floyd’s life mattered. His future mattered. And the fight for justice in his name is far from over.

Today, as we remember George Floyd, we recommit ourselves to the work of creating a world where he would still be alive. We honor his memory by fighting for transformative change that values Black lives unconditionally. We will not rest until the systems that enable state violence against Black people are dismantled.

We honor him with action. We carry his name in our demands.

Report from @blklivesmatter
#GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #SayHisName

Tickets are flying for Drag Me to Brunch: Pride Edition and we seriously can’t wait to celebrate with all of you! If you haven’t grabbed yours yet—now’s the time. It’s gonna be a full house, full energy, and full of love.

Huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors who make this event possible:
Gold Sponsor: Hodgson Russ
Silver Sponsors: @glys_wny , @senatoraprilbaskin, Pilgrim-St. Luke’s @pushbuffalo
Bronze Sponsors: @secondchicbuffalo , @thepilateslab_buffalo , @heartfireyoga

Let’s brunch, dance, and show up in pride!
Get tickets here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drag-me-to-brunch-pride-edition-tickets-1355667821949?aff=ebdssbdestsearch LINK IN BIO!

ICE is ramping up targeted fear—not safety. In a coordinated effort across Buffalo, NYC, and Los Angeles, ICE agents have been surveilling and arresting immigrants outside courthouses, including Buffalo’s own immigration court. These are people seeking safety and justice—yet they’re met with criminalization and trauma.

@ourcityactionbuffalo & @ourcitybuffalo stands firmly against this cruelty. Buffalo is a city of immigrants, and our communities deserve dignity—not raids and intimidation. Read more here and stay informed:
Investigative Post Article @ipostnews
#ProtectImmigrants #BuffaloForAll

The growth OCAB has experienced this year has been nothing short of incredible—and it’s all thanks to you. We’re now a community of over 7,000 followers, have reached over 1 million people since January, and continue to grow through your love, shares, and most importantly—your donations. Your support powers our advocacy, our organizing, and our ability to show up where it matters most.

Special thanks to our powerhouse exec team, Amber @amber_allison_ & Harper @harpersebishop , who chose to mark this season of impact with Buffalo specific tattoos—because this city, and this work, lives on us forever.

Ps it was a bet that made our executive director had to put a chicken tattoo specifically 😅🫶🏽

We see you. We thank you. Let’s keep building.
#OCAB #PowerToThePeople #BuffaloStrong #GratitudeInAction

Erie County Sheriff D.J. Granville is once again at the center of controversy—According to Investigative Post, the County may provide Granville with $25,000 in legal support for a lawsuit stemming from a car crash where he was allegedly driving drunk in a county-owned vehicle. That crash already cost taxpayers over $60,000, and yet he was never criminally charged.

Why was this kept quiet? Why are we paying to defend someone from consequences of their own reckless behavior—especially when that behavior involved public property and serious risk to others? These are the kinds of abuses that erode any trust left in the system. The people deserve transparency and real accountability—not hush-hush protection of those in power.

This isn’t just about one man—it’s about a system that shields itself while everyday folks are held to a different standard. We have to ask: who is the law really protecting?

Full article: Investigative Post – Hostile Takeover
#SheriffAccountability #BuffaloDeservesBetter #OCAB https://www.investigativepost.org/2025/05/19/hostile-takeover-of-union-by-granville-supporters/

Should communities have oversight of their own police department?

In a city still grappling with the legacy of police violence, every mayoral candidate said yes — except one. Acting Mayor Scanlon said he does not support giving a citizen oversight board the power to discipline police officers.

Meanwhile, Senator Sean Ryan — OCAB’s endorsed candidate — supports legislation that would allow the public to elect members of a police oversight board. Other candidates echoed calls for stronger transparency, accountability, and direct public involvement.

Scanlon’s refusal to support real community oversight is more than disappointing — it’s disqualifying.

Buffalo deserves a mayor who stands with the people, not above them.

#CommunityOversightNow #OCABEndorses #PeoplePower #BuffaloDeservesBetter

How do we actually prevent crime in Buffalo?

We hear “more police” all the time—but let’s be real: policing isn’t prevention. Community care, youth programs, housing, jobs—that’s what stops harm before it starts.

Let’s talk real solutions. Buffalo, what does safety look like to YOU? Drop your thoughts below.
#CommunityFirst #PreventionNotPunishment #BuffaloSafety

Listen, we know it’s Sunday, and you probably wanna do anything but knock doors before you gotta go back to work tomorrow. But, here’s a couple of hard truths: 1. The Bills aren’t playing. I know, we’re upset about it, too. 2. Early voting for the June Democratic primary is less than 30 days away. We are running out of time.

And this race is close, like hella close. If we don’t get out on doors and have meaningful, issue-based conversations with our fellow Buffalonians about why Sean Ryan is the best candidate, we’re going to be stuck with the same old political machine running the show for the next....well...honestly, let’s not think about it.

Instead, meet us at The Merry Shelley, located at 1122 Hertel Ave, today at 12pm. No experience is required

Why else should you attend?!

For the free OCAB swag and post-canvass party, of course.

At 3pm sharp, when the canvass ends, we’ll have pizza, wings, and cold drinks at The Merry Shelley for everyone who participates. DJ M will also make sure the vibe is right. Whether you are able to canvass a short time or the whole time, you are invited to hang out after with us.

We can’t wait to see you!

We’re at it again on May 20th as we take action in Buffalo as part of a national day for housing justice‼️ We will call out Trump-era housing cuts and DC based developer Douglas Jemal, who was pardoned by Trump in 2021 and continues to profit from Buffalo’s public subsidies while exploiting workers and tenants. This action will uplift tenant power and community control of housing. Bring your signs, your voice, and your solidarity!

Douglas Jamal is exploiting workers and tenants with OUR money!

That ain’t right! We need you to show up and show out on Tuesday, May 20th at the Richardson Complex at 12pm to let him know enough is enough. Buffalo is NOT for sale‼️

RSVP at Mobilize link: https://www.mobilize.us/ourcityactionbuffalo/event/788384/

Get ready to strut, sip, and scream with joy — Drag Me To Brunch: PRIDE EDITION is coming June 7th, 12–4PM and it’s gonna be legendary!

We’re serving up a full plate of fierce performances, mouthwatering food, and unapologetic celebration. Expect lewks that SLAY, lipsyncs that give you LIFE, and enough joy to make you dance in your seat (or on the table — we won’t stop you) - @jackrabbitbuffalo might though 😅

This isn’t just a brunch — it’s a whole movement. A celebration of liberation, queer power, and community love.

Mark your calendar. Bring your friends. Come as you are. Leave louder, prouder, and full of brunch and bliss.

Let’s make this one for the books — because pride is power and joy is resistance.

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WHO RULES BUFFALO?
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOCAL POWER STRUCTURE

Check out our new report: Who Rules Buffalo? A Field Guide to the Local Power Structure & our sister report, Who Rules Buffalo? A Field Guide for Organizers!

Read them now!

DRAFT!!!! Who rules Buffalo !!!!DRAFT!!!! (1).png

Who Rules Buffalo A Field Guide, 2024 (1).png

Our City Action Buffalo (OCAB) is a broad coalition of Buffalo residents who have come together to disrupt the political status quo in our city through movement and people-centered politics and co-governance structures. We work to change systems and to shape policies to ensure racial, social, and economic justice for all Buffalonians.

About Our City Action Buffalo

We create change by championing issue-based campaigns that shift power from the few to the many, and electing leaders who believe that community members have a right to be engaged, involved, and act as decision-makers, governing with instead of for.

Learn More

Current Campaigns

It's been a busy year so far! We helped block funding for ShotSpotter, widely-criticized surveillance tech used by the police; we're leading the fight for fair maps; and we endorsed winning-candidate Jen Mecozzi for school board.

Learn More

HOW YOU CAN HELP

No matter your skill set or availability, there are always opportunities to get involved! Join us in the fight to make OUR CITY reflect what we, the residents of Buffalo, need and want.

Get involved

Past Campaigns

We've been involved in everything from fights for fair housing to India Walton's historic mayoral run.

Learn More

Get to Know Us

Meet our Leadership Team & Board and learn more about becoming a member.

Our Team

OCAB IN THE PRESS

Support OCAB!

Whether it's via rocking our gear or attending our events, you're supporting the mission!

Shop Now

Get inspired.

We're forever indebted to the thinkers and dreamers leading the way and helping us all envision a more just future. Check out the OCAB bookshelf and suggest books you love!

Follow us on social!

We try to keep this website updated, but for the most recent info, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube and Facebook.

CONTRIBUTE NOW TO THE PEOPLE'S VICTORY FUND!

We've seen up and close and personal over the past few years how every level of government impacts the daily lives of the people, how school board decisions to foster transphobia, state legislatures approval of extremist abortion bans, and so on, cause direct harm to all of us.

That’s why we can't afford to give up ground at any level of government, not when so many lives are at stake. When we fight together, we win together!

DONATE TO THE PEOPLE’S VICTORY FUND RIGHT NOW!

THIS IS OUR CITY, AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO IT

Follow us on Instagram

WHO RULES BUFFALO?
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOCAL POWER STRUCTURE

About Our City Action Buffalo

Current Campaigns

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Past Campaigns

Get to Know Us

Support OCAB!

Get inspired.

Follow us on social!

CONTRIBUTE NOW TO THE PEOPLE'S VICTORY FUND!

Contact Us

ADDRESS

EMAIL

THIS IS OUR CITY, AND WE HAVE A RIGHT TO IT

​

Follow us on Instagram

WHO RULES BUFFALO? A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOCAL POWER STRUCTURE

About Our City Action Buffalo

Current Campaigns

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Past Campaigns

Get to Know Us

Support OCAB!

Get inspired.

Follow us on social!

CONTRIBUTE NOW TO THE PEOPLE'S VICTORY FUND!

Contact Us

ADDRESS

EMAIL

WHO RULES BUFFALO?
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOCAL POWER STRUCTURE