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

Who Rules Buffalo?

The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is set to slash Medicaid funding by December 2026, with devastating consequences—especially in New York. It is anything but beautiful for communities like Buffalo. The cuts threaten tens of thousands of healthcare jobs, reduce care quality, and could cause over 50,000 preventable deaths annually. Vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and people with disabilities will lose access to vital care. Local governments will be forced to raise taxes or cut essential services. As one expert put it,

“The Big Beautiful Bill will not look beautiful to someone suffering and dying from chronic illness or to our local and state officials. It is a public policy failure with dire human consequences.”

We need care, not cuts. 🧡

📍Read more: @thebuffalonews article

The new “Three R’s” of education, according to extremists:
❌ Remove Reading
❌ Revile Writing
❌ Eradicate Arithmetic

From Kenmore to Congress, we’re seeing dangerous attempts to ban books, attack educators, and destroy public education — all while claiming to “protect” children.

Let’s be clear: censorship isn’t safety. Ignorance isn’t empowerment. And we won’t stand by while our kids’ futures are bulldozed for political points.

📚 Stand up for truth. Stand up for education. Stand up for our youth.

@adamzyglis - amazing work 🤍

#EducationMatters #StopTheBans #PublicSchoolsForAll

🚨 NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION 🚨
Ready to get involved and build power in Buffalo? Join us for Our City Action Buffalo’s New Member Orientation 💥

🗓 Thursday, July 17th
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 393 Delaware Ave
📩 RSVP: info@ourcityactionbuffalo.com

Whether you’re new to organizing or already plugged in, this is your chance to learn what we do, how we fight, and how YOU can be part of creating a city for the many, not the few.

Let’s move together. Let’s win together. ✊🏽✊🏿✊🏻
#OCAB #BuffaloPower #NewMembersWelcome #OrganizeToWin #PeoplePower

🔥 WHEN WE ORGANIZE, WE WIN! 🔥

Chris Scanlon tried to rig the game—and still LOST.
Sean Ryan is officially the Democratic nominee for mayor, and OCAB helped make that happen.

📣 100K+ reached online
📣 10K+ texts & emails sent
📣 1,500+ calls made
📣 Hundreds of doors knocked
📣 Two packed events
📣 We bird-dogged the hell outta Scanlon 👀

This is people-powered work—and your donations made it possible. As a C4 org, we don’t get corporate money or massive grants. It’s the $10, $20, $100 gifts from you that keep us in the streets, at the doors, and in the fight.

💥 Want to see City Hall actually work for the people? Help us finish the job in November.

👉 Donate now and invest in a Buffalo for the many, not the few.
#PeoplePower #OCAB #BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoMoreScanlon #VoteSeanRyan

🚨 ICE is targeting our neighbors 2/2 — Iranian asylum seekers who came to Buffalo LEGALLY in search of safety and freedom.

This is the story of an Iranian man who risked everything by speaking out against his government. He fled political persecution and torture, seeking refuge in the U.S. — a country that promises protection to those escaping violence and repression. Instead, he’s now facing possible deportation.

This is not justice. This is not what America is supposed to stand for.

Buffalo must protect those who come here to live freely and safely. We’re proud to see local leaders stepping up and speaking out — calling on ICE to stop targeting our neighborhoods and calling for real protection for immigrant families.

📢 Keep the pressure on. Call your local, state, and federal representatives and demand an end to these cruel deportation practices.

Read the full article: @ipostnews
#ProtectImmigrants #BuffaloStandsUp #AsylumIsAHumanRight #StopTheRaids #OurCityBuffalo #NoMoreICE

🚨 ICE is targeting our neighbors in Buffalo. This time, it’s our Iranian neighbors on the West Side. But let’s be clear—this isn’t new. Our immigrant community has been under siege: from Hispanic families to Haitians, Africans, and others, ICE has shown us time and time again that no one is safe.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera put it plainly:
“What we are witnessing… is the weaponization of immigration policy against people who pose absolutely no threat to public safety… To see our neighbors targeted simply because of where they were born or how they look is not only inhumane, it is un-American.”

Board of Education member Jennifer Mecozzi added:
“ICE has been posted on a block of the West Side for days now with sights set on a man who is seeking asylum and has an open case. This presence provokes fear—not just for those targeted, but for the entire neighborhood.”
💔 This is terrifying. These actions are not about safety—they are about intimidation, cruelty, and control.

Want to do something? Call your local elected officials—all the way up. Demand they stand with our immigrant neighbors. Demand transparency. Demand humanity.

📞 Silence is complicity. Action is love.

We demand transparency. We demand compassion. And we demand an end to the harassment of our immigrant neighbors. Buffalo is a city built with immigrants. We will not let fear divide us. ✊🏾✊🏿✊🏼

#BuffaloForAll #AbolishICE #ProtectImmigrants #WestSideStrong #ImmigrantRightsAreHumanRights

And SCENE 🎬 the ACTING mayor @mayorchrisscanlon will stop ACTING soon. HE’S OUT of the race for mayor officially & will NOT be showing up on the ballot in November. ITS OVER‼️

There you have it Buffalo. An update on where we currently stand.

& Let’s be real, Buffalo: Garnell Whitfield is no longer on the ballot because Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon made sure of that.

📍Now, Scanlon’s campaign and City Hall staff? Practically the same. He’s brought current city employees into his campaign. So we have to ask:
Are they supporting him because they believe in him—or because their jobs depend on it?

This is exactly the kind of political machine Buffalo’s been trying to move away from.

🗳️ Buffalo deserves real choice, not rigged politics. We deserve a mayor who works for the people, not for developers and career insiders.

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoToBackroomDeals #OurCityBuffalo #EndTheMachine

The feds are trying to deport a 20-year-old sickle cell patient—Anderson Contreras-Hernandez—over an alleged $90 theft. No conviction, but now ICE is threatening his life by attempting to move him from a hospital bed to detention. He has broken ribs, an enlarged spleen, and his doctors say this could be fatal. This isn’t justice. This is violence.

💥 This is the “criminal” they say is a danger? We see the truth. This is what ICE does every day—even in Buffalo.

👉🏾 Support justice for migrants families @jfmfofwny . Organizations fighting for immigrants are working daily— @jerichoroadbuffalo @thenyic some cases you hear about, most you don’t. But it’s happening, and it’s happening HERE.

Volunteer. Donate. Show up. Get plugged in.

Read more about this case @ipostnews
#FreeAnderson #AbolishICE #ImmigrantJustice #BuffaloSolidarity #OurCityBuffalo

VICTORY FOR SEAN RYAN 🗳️🥳 - Today, OCAB congratulates Sean Ryan on winning his 2025 Democratic primary election! 🎉

Senator Ryan has stood up for working-class people across this city in his successful primary campaign upholding ethics, transparency, and progressive values.

THE WORK ISN’T OVER‼️
OCAB will proudly continue the fight to build a better Buffalo by campaigning to elect Sean Ryan as our mayor this November.

We urge our members, friends, and neighbors to support Sean Ryan as he continues facing off against the Republican forces funding the campaign of Chris Scanlon, who has filed to run against Senator Ryan in the general election. 🗳️

I voted, did you? ☀️Couldn’t ask for better weather to VOTE in, Buffalo! 🗳️

Today is the Democratic Primary and the polls are open ‘til 9PM. Voting is a right that was fought for by us, and it’s one of the clearest ways to demand change. ✊🏾

It took me 5 minutes to cast my vote.
✨I did my part — did you do yours?✨

#BuffaloVotes #PrimaryDay #VoteToday #OurCityBuffalo #PowerToThePeople #DemocracyInAction #CuteAndCivic

🚨 TODAY is ELECTION DAY, Buffalo! 🚨

We’re pulling all the strings to get you the TRUTH. Acting Mayor Scanlon is backed by MAGA money and power—Carl Paladino himself said Scanlon grew up in his house and revealed plans to cut essential city staff. These aren’t just bad policies—they’re threats to our future.

Scanlon is the candidate of developers & fascists. We need leadership that represents the people, not power-hungry elites.

📽️ Watch the video. 📲 Share the truth.
🗳️ VOTE before 9pm.
Vote SEAN RYAN for a better Buffalo.

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoToMAGA #VoteSeanRyan #ElectionDay #OurCityBuffalo #PaladinoPuppet #GetOutTheVote

Today is ELECTION DAY BUFFALO! Polls open until 9pm VOTE @seanryanforbuffalo
📣 BUFFALO — TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🗳️ Join Our City Action Buffalo for our Election Night Watch Party:

🗓️ June 24th | 🕣 8:30 PM | 📍 393 Delaware Ave
Expect food, drinks, and good vibes as we celebrate our #PeoplePowered campaign!

📣 Buffalo — the moment is here! 🗳️

Join us @ourcityactionbuffalo for our Election Night Watch Party 🎉
🗓️ June 24th
🕣 8:30PM
📍 393 Delaware Ave

We’ve knocked doors, made calls, passed out flyers, and showed up in every neighborhood — now it’s time to come together, celebrate our work, and watch the results roll in! 🙌

There’ll be food, drinks, and community vibes. Whether you voted early or you’re hitting the polls tomorrow — come through!

Let’s celebrate people-powered politics and a vision for a better Buffalo 💙
#BuffaloVotes #SeanRyanForMayor #ElectionDayBuffalo #OCAB #PeoplePower #ForABetterBuffalo

Buffalo, turnout is still too low. Only 7,300 of you have early voted — that’s it. Election Day is TOMORROW and we’re asking: will we even hit 30,000 voters out of nearly 100,000 registered Democrats?

Let’s be clear: local elections shape our daily lives.
Here’s just a few reasons to care:
🚔 Police budget & oversight
🔥 Fire department funding & response
🩺 Public health & safety
🚍 Public transportation routes, frequency, and cleanliness
🏘️ Housing, development, and infrastructure

If you’ve ever said, “Buffalo deserves better” — this is your chance to demand it.

Join us tonight at 6PM at @fitzbooks to kick off Election Day with community, music, and motivation. Let’s celebrate, organize, and get the vote OUT.

🗳️ Polls open tomorrow from 6AM – 9PM
📢 VOTE for Sean Ryan @seanryanforbuffalo – a mayor for the people, not the powerful.

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #SeanRyanForMayor #OCABVotes #BuffaloVotes #ElectionDay2024 #NoMoreStatusQuo

🚨 Buffalo, let’s be clear: Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon is backed by Carl Paladino — a notoriously racist Trump mega-donor who once said Hitler is “the kind of leader we need today.” Paladino’s companies have funneled tens of thousands of dollars into Scanlon’s campaign.

And what does Scanlon say?
“I’ve known Carl Paladino a long time... I’ve been privy to his generous side.”
👀 Not once has he rejected Paladino’s endorsement or the MAGA money behind him.

We need a mayor who stands with people — not fascists, bigots, and developers.
Today is the LAST DAY to early vote 🗳️ and Tuesday is Election Day.

✅ Vote for @seanryanforbuffalo — a proven fighter for the people.
Your energy helps. Your voice helps.
Your VOTE matters.

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoToScanlon #ByePaladino #VoteSeanRyan #OurCityBuffalo #BuffaloVotes #RejectHate #LocalElectionsMatter

🚨 Juneteenth CEASE OF OPERATIONS: 65 Displaced, 23 in Wheelchairs.

On Juneteenth, a day meant to honor freedom and liberation, Buffalo City Hall provided a CEASE OF OPERATIONS to a CODE BLUE homeless shelter Sylvia’s House with 65 residents with just 24 hours’ notice — 23 of them wheelchair users. A week after moving in. Let that sink in.

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon claimed the building “wasn’t inspected.” But how do you prioritize paperwork over people’s lives? How do you let vulnerable residents — many with mobility needs — be pushed out into uncertainty without a plan?

Instead of offering shelter, resources, or long-term solutions, they chose erasure over empathy. That’s not leadership — it’s cruelty wrapped in PR spin, and a hard sell to voters that he actually cares. Spoiler: he doesn’t.

This isn’t oversight—it’s cruelty in action, and it exposes a devastating truth: Our city leaders are more invested in bureaucracy than humanity.

No backup plan. No compassion. Just this notice to be gone.

Buffalo deserves better.
We stand with every displaced person. And we vote for leaders who act with care, not cruelty.

Read more @thebuffalonews

🎥 This morning, a few of us from Our City Action Buffalo pulled up to Front Park to talk with seniors about something that matters: Acting Mayor Scanlon’s deep ties to Carl Paladino — a man known for his racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks.

We were met with curiosity and support from elders who genuinely wanted to know the truth before Tuesday’s Democratic Primary. But not long after, City employees showed up to protect their boss — moving us around the park, claiming it was “rented” and politics weren’t allowed.

Then Buffalo Police were sent to monitor us at the entrance. 🫨

This is what civic suppression looks like.

This is why we fight.

🗳️ Voting is happening now through June 22. Primary Day is June 24.
Let’s make it count and say NO to Scanlon and the Paladino-era politics he represents.

To learn more about the Scanlon/ Paladino connection, check out https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/politics/carl-paladino-endorses-chris-scanlon-mayor-of-buffalo/71-5a49450d-0ed1-49ce-a5e2-058ab936c652

We’re not going back, babes. The time for Jimmy Griffin and “Scanoots” Scanlon’s regressive reign is OVER!!

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoToScanlon #ByePaladino #VoteSeanRyan #OurCityBuffalo #CommunityOverCorruption #CivicPower

🔥 We caught up with OUR endorsed candidate for Mayor, Sean Ryan, after one of the final debates—and he’s fired up to lead Buffalo forward!

🗳️ Early voting is ON through June 22nd & Primary Day is JUNE 24TH.
Let’s show up BIG, Buffalo. We need a mayor with a plan and a heart for the people—not one backed by MAGA billionaires.

📣 Let’s get Scanlon OUT & put community IN.
Vote Sean Ryan for Mayor!

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #VoteSeanRyan #EarlyVoting #OurCityBuffalo #PeopleOverPolitics

Buffalo Black History on Juneteenth - Freedom Wall 🤍
The Freedom Wall is located a short distance north of the city, at the northern entrance to the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor. The wall stretches along portions of both Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street.

The wall is located across the street from the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. This church has been in operation since 1831, making it the oldest African-American church in Buffalo. Its location near the Canadian border made it a prominent stop along the Underground Railroad.

The wall is 300 feet long and features 15-foot tall portraits of 28 different influential Black Americans from throughout our history. These figures were prominent for a variety of reasons, but each has had an impact on Black history in this country

In fact, the 28 men and women featured here were chosen from more than 300 different figures nominated for inclusion. The figures painted on the wall include prominent national figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass. There are also many local figures such as Representative Shirley Chisholm, Bill Gaiter, and Reverand J. Edgar Nash, Sr.

Next to each portrait is a bit of information about the person featured. Buffalo is a city filled with public art.

“We don’t have the same advantages, yet we still find a way to prevail.”
That’s the story of Black resilience in this country — a story of brilliance, struggle, strength, and undeniable excellence.

On this Juneteenth, we honor the truth: Black people have always had to work twice as hard for half as much. Born into a system designed to limit us — and yet, we soar.

From stolen land and stolen labor to stolen credit for our contributions — they’ve tried to hold us down. But we are still rising.

💚❤️🖤 Freedom isn’t given — it’s claimed.

#Juneteenth #BlackLiberation #OurCityBuffalo #BlackExcellence #NoMoreBarriers #WeAreTheFuture #ReparationsNow #FreedomDay

BREAKING ✊🏽🏳️‍⚧️ A federal judge just BLOCKED Trump’s passport ban — transgender and intersex people can continue to get passports that reflect their true gender identity while the case moves forward.

This takes us back to our roots from earlier this year when we committed to bringing good news to the table. We’ll keep watching this case closely — and locally, we’ll continue exploring how to assist trans community members with name and ID changes here in Buffalo.

Because trans rights are human rights, and our people deserve dignity everywhere.

#Trans #people #matter #Liberation #now #Buffalo #TransRights #Protect #TransPeople #ACLU

🚨 Buffalo: ICE is expanding. 🚨

According to Investigative Post @ipostnews , the federal government is quietly adding new migrant detention centers in our region, signaling a ramp-up in deportations. Officials claim they’re targeting “criminals,” but we know the truth: many of the people being detained and deported have never committed a crime. Their only “offense” is seeking refuge and safety in a country that promised better.

Let’s be clear — labeling immigrants as murderers or criminals is a fear tactic, one meant to justify cruelty and cover up systemic injustice.

Buffalo is a city of immigrants. We believe in compassion, not cages.

We reject detention, reject ICE, and stand with our neighbors who deserve safety and dignity — not surveillance and separation.

🪧 Join us Saturday, June 21 at 11am in Niagara Square as we march to ICE headquarters. Let’s send a clear message: Not in our city. Not in our name.

#AbolishICE #BuffaloAgainstICE #ProtectOurNeighbors #ImmigrantsAreNotCriminals #SanctuaryForAll #BuffaloDeservesBetter

The campaign for Buffalo’s next mayor is EXTREMELY close and WE NEED YOU! Join us TONIGHT at Fitz Books for person-to-person outreach. We promise it’ll be quick, easy, and fun.

TONIGHT!!!!!!!!

Between now and Election Day, we’re doing ALL that we can to stop the Scanlon MAGA train in its tracks. Every call ☎️. Every door 🚪. Every person👩🏾‍🦼‍➡️we know, and the neighbors we need to know to WIN!!

We’ll be providing pizza from Extra Extra and drinks (and some dranks as well) while you reach out to your friends and family. Bring your laptop and phone - we’ll provide more instructions upon arrival!

🚨 BUFFALO: Don’t be fooled. Christopher Scanlon is the MAGA candidate in this mayoral election. 🚨

Carl Paladino is a known racist—and Scanlon’s campaign office is literally in Paladino’s building. That says enough.

But let’s go deeper:
Scanlon has been on Buffalo’s Common Council for 12 years. That’s over a decade of backdoor deals and protecting the same developers who are pricing us out and holding our city hostage. Just this week, he admitted Ellicott Development owns a plurality of city property.
Guess who helped make that possible? Scanlon.

Now that he’s being exposed, he wants to distance himself from MAGA ties. But the signs, the money, and the power structure backing him all point in one direction.

We cannot let Buffalo go backwards. We cannot let MAGA win here.
🗳 Vote early. Vote for Sean Ryan. Vote for a Buffalo that serves the people.

#BuffaloDeservesBetter #NoToMAGA #StopScanlon #VoteSeanRyan #BuffaloPolitics #NoToPaladino #PowerToThePeople

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Past Campaigns

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

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

Our Team

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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!

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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

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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

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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