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

Who Rules Buffalo?

On May 14, 2022, a white supremacist came to Buffalo and took 10 lives at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue—our neighbors, our elders, our loved ones. This act of racial terror was fueled by hate and aimed to divide us. But those we lost were people full of love, purpose, and legacy. They deserved to live. They deserved to grow old with us.

In the face of that pain, Buffalo stood together. We grieved as one. We organized, we remembered, and we continue to fight for justice. As we mark this solemn day, today makes 3 years since and we ask you to pause and say their names. Carry them with you. And know that our collective love, care, and strength will always outlast hate.

Say Their Names

Margus D. Morrison, 52
Andre Mackniel, 53
Aaron Salter Jr., 55
Celestine Chaney, 65
Heyward Patterson, 67
Katherine Massey, 72
Pearl Young, 77
Ruth Whitfield, 86
Roberta Drury, 32
Geraldine Talley, 62
We remember you. We honor you. We carry you.

#BuffaloStrong #SayTheirNames #514Forever #RestInPower #RestlnHeaven

From OCAB to Buffalo:

As we approach May 14th, we hold close the weight and memory of that devastating day in our city’s history. Today, on May 13th, we ask that you take a moment to prepare yourself—mind, body, and spirit—for tomorrow.

Grief moves differently for all of us. Some may want to gather in community. Others may need solitude. Some may find comfort in distraction, others in prayer, protest, or stillness. @coloredgirlsbiketoo & @agentsforadvocacy are hosting an event starting at noon. Check it out - we plan to pop out.

However you move through the day, let it be with intention. Drink your water. Make space for your feelings. Make a plan that honors what you need.

And remember: you are not alone. Buffalo is strong not because we never hurt, but because we always show up—for each other.

We’re with you.
With care and solidarity,
Our City Action Buffalo

Why aren’t we fighting to restore youth services, housing support, and programming? Why is a gun range the priority for a community long denied investment?

Almost 3,000 signatures collected by Liberation for One, Liberation for All @lola.buffalo716 —and still no public hearing on turning a former community center into a police gun range in a majority Black neighborhood.

And the push isn’t even being led by the Council member from the district, but by Council Member Leah Halton-Pope, who says a hearing is “coming.”

Buffalo deserves better. We demand transparency and care, not more police firepower.
#EastSideDeservesBetter #BuffaloVoicesMatter

Buffalo’s housing crisis has taken a troubling turn. In a recent investigation by I’Jaz Ja’ciel @ijaz.jaciel for Investigative Post @ipostnews , it’s revealed that 13 landlords and brokers in Buffalo are accused of illegally rejecting tenants who rely on Section 8 housing vouchers. This discriminatory practice not only violates state law but also exacerbates the city’s affordable housing shortage, disproportionately affecting low-income families and communities of color.

The Housing Rights Initiative conducted a year-long undercover operation, uncovering a pattern of landlords and real estate agents refusing to accept Section 8 vouchers—a clear violation of New York State’s fair housing laws. Despite these legal protections, the investigation highlights systemic issues that hinder access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations.

This isn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of housing inequality in Buffalo. From the mismanagement of the Buffalo Billion projects to the stagnation of Black homeownership rates, the city’s housing policies have consistently failed its residents.

It’s time to demand accountability and equitable housing policies. Join us on May 20th 12pm-1pm as we take action in Buffalo as part of a national day for housing justice! We’ll rally at two coordinated sites: the Hyatt Regency and the Richardson Olmsted Campus. 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 worker organizing, tenant power, and community control of housing. Bring your signs, your voice, and your solidarity. Buffalo is not for sale!

Haven’t got Mom anything for Mother’s Day yet? Get her something unforgettable—like tickets to DRAG ME TO BRUNCH: Pride Edition!

Treat your mama (or yourself!) to a fabulous afternoon full of glam, performances, good food, and fierce vibes. It’s the perfect pre-summer (PRIDE MONTH) celebration you didn’t know you needed.

Sunday, June 9 | 12–3 PM
@jackrabbitbuffalo

Big love to our sponsors: @hodgsonruss, @heartfire_yoga, @pushbuffalo, and Legislator April Baskin for making this iconic event possible! There’s still time to sponsor too 😏

Tickets going fast! Grab yours now:
link in bio or Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/drag-me-to-brunch-pride-edition-tickets-1355667821949?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, we couldn’t be here without you - literally! 🤍

This is long overdue, but at least it’s finally on the schedule. After what our community endured—especially following 5/14—Buffalo deserved this investment a long time ago.

Applications are now open for $10 million in funding for East Side business and property owners.

Don’t miss this opportunity!
More details in the article: https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/gov-hochul-applications-open-for-10-million-for-east-side-business-property-owners/

East Side, apply now!

Help Elect Sean Ryan for Buffalo — Join Us for Canvassing with Our City Action Buffalo!

The Buffalo Mayoral Primary is fast approaching, and we need all hands on deck to turn out Democratic voters! Direct voter contact is the most effective way to make an impact — so grab your walking shoes and join us for a canvass to help elect Sean Ryan as Buffalo’s next mayor!

📍 Meeting Point: 1122 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216

We’ll kick things off with a quick training at The Merry Shelley on Hertel, where you’ll receive everything you need: a targeted list of voters, a script, and campaign materials — to have meaningful conversations at the doors.

No prior experience? No problem! We’ll make sure you’re prepared and ready to go.

Bring a friend, dress for the weather, and let’s hit the streets to help #BuildABetterBuffalo!

📊 Buffalo’s $622M Budget: A Balancing Act Amidst a $70M Deficit

Buffalo faces a significant fiscal challenge with a projected $70 million deficit for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon’s proposed $622 million budget aims to address this gap through an 8% property tax increase, a new 3% hotel bed tax, and the creation of the Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority, which involves selling four city-owned parking ramps to generate immediate revenue .

While these measures have been included in the state budget, concerns persist regarding the reliance on one-time revenue sources and the long-term financial stability of the city . The Buffalo Common Council held a single public hearing on April 29, limiting residents’ opportunities to voice their opinions on the budget .

The final budget must be adopted by May 26. It’s crucial for the community to stay informed and engaged as decisions made now will impact Buffalo’s financial health for years to come.

DRAG ME TO BRUNCH is this years title for our annual Drag Brunch fundraiser, and this year’s theme is bold, beautiful, and urgent: Pride Edition — dedicated to trans rights. 💖💙🤍 Hosted at @jackrabbitbuffalo

🎤 Featuring Stellar Drag Talent:
Queens: Winter Storm @cal_amari95 & Damsel N Disdress @damsel.n.disdress
Drag King: @theerickymoral_less

You’ll laugh, cheer, dance in your seat, and maybe even shed a tear of joy as our performers serve up lewks, lipsyncs, and love — all in support of liberation and community power.

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

More info coming soon! TICKETS AT THE LINK IN OUR BIO! Early bird tickets available now for a limited time only‼️

🚨 PROTEST TODAY IN BUFFALO 🚨
The Supreme Court just sided with discrimination—refusing to block bans that strip protections from transgender people and limit LGBTQ+ rights. This decision opens the door for powerful leaders, including our President, to disregard the safety and dignity of trans lives. We won’t be silent.

Chief Justice John Roberts is in Buffalo TODAY. Let’s show up and make it clear:
Trans people deserve protection. There is NO LGBTQ+ without TRANS people!

WHERE: In front of the Hyatt Hotel, 2 Fountain Plaza
WHEN: Today at 4:30 PM

Bring your signs. Bring your voice. Let him see Buffalo stands for equality.
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #ProtectTransLives #BuffaloForJustice

Thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza are on the brink of starvation, the United Nations warns, as Israel’s blockade of food, water, and essential supplies stretches into a third devastating month.

While OCAB is rooted in local work here in Buffalo, we can’t ignore injustice wherever it happens. Our commitment to human dignity doesn’t stop at city limits. The struggle for life and liberation is global—and we must speak on it.

According to UNICEF, over 9,000 children have already been treated for acute malnutrition this year alone. The situation has only worsened since a full blockade was imposed in early March.

Where is our humanity? This isn’t about politics—it’s about survival. Every person deserves access to the basics of life. We reject any stance that normalizes suffering and call on others to do the same. Another reason we will fill a @buffalocommunityfridge this month!

Big thanks to one of our favorite local poets, @poet_jillian_hanesworth, for using her voice in @the_challenger_news to uplift the work of an organization striving to make real change in a city that deserves so much more. Poetry has a unique power—it breathes life into our experiences, challenges, and hopes, allowing truth to be told with creativity and purpose.

The collective action was organized “To stand in solidarity, to stand stand side to side with one another, to fight against billionaire developers like Jeremy Jacobs and his family, Douglas Jamal and others,” Emily Terrana with Our City Action Buffalo said.

The bottom line is that there is a serious issue with an oligarchy in this country where the rich and powerful have too much say, whether they donate red or blue. The power is within us - THE PEOPLE!

Thanks to all organizers that spoke yesterday. To each resident who showed up. To all signs made. We will keep pushing action in the ways that we can to create change, awareness and be impactful in political education.

Read our report “WHO RULES BUFFALO” to start learning more the oligarchy locally and let’s ensure they know who has real power. 2/3

We’re out here protesting because Buffalo’s rich and powerful have gone unchecked for too long. If you see corruption, speak up. Call the oligarch tip line at (716) 325-2075. All calls are confidential. #MayDayStrong #OurCityActionBuffalo

Delaware North, owned by billionaire Jeremy Jacobs and his family, is a multinational corporation that controls stadium concessions, restaurants, hotels, and national park amenities. The Jacobs family has used their money to buy influence—including donating $50,000 to Trump’s inauguration and recent campaign contributions to WNY’s most fervent supporter Rep. Nick Langworthy—securing millions of dollars in tax breaks from the communities where it operates, including Buffalo.

Thank you for showing up today! KEEP SHOWING UP! Post 1/3

Our City Action Buffalo Fights Back Against Billionaire Takeover on TODAY! May Day Protesters to Visit Billionaire Trump Donors to Launch Local Oligarch Campaign with @fight_oligarchy_club
WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 2025. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Delaware North Headquarters (located at 250 Delaware North in downtown Buffalo)

TODAY, We will protest at the corporate headquarters of Delaware North. We’ll stand side by side with organized labor, immigrant rights organizations, faith-based leaders, and community members in an informational picket to protest and raise awareness about the company and its owners’ support of Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda and anti-immigrant policies. The Delaware North building also houses the Western New York offices for ICE, an agency that is terrorizing and disappearing members of our community.

Join us as we begin to expose Buffalo’s power elite who are part of Trump’s fascist agenda. It’s our city — time to take it back.

Thursday, MAY 1st other known as May Day, OCAB will lead a large-scale protest targeting Delaware North and the Jacobs family — major political donors to Donald Trump and owners of Buffalo’s ICE Field Office headquarters.

Community members will rally to expose the Jacobs family’s role in funding anti-immigrant policies, profiting from public subsidies, and undermining labor and immigrant rights across the region.

The action will include an informational picket, chant-led marches, speeches from impacted community members, and highlight OCAB’s “Who Rules Buffalo?” report.

This May Day action comes as part of a broader global mobilization for labor rights and against corporate oligarchy.

Recent research/reporting from @littlesisgram also provides additional information on the ties between the Jacobs family, Delaware North, and the Trump administration. Read more on there website!

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

After months of intensive, collaborative deliberation, grounded in our values, OCAB and its members came to a collective decision: New York State Senator Sean Ryan is the best choice for Buffalo Mayor in this moment.

We do not endorse lightly. We endorse when a candidate clearly demonstrates competency, an understanding of the people’s needs, and a willingness to co-govern with all of us. Sean Ryan demonstrates those traits, has a strong track record of public service rooted in justice, and has an established commitment to the people of Buffalo.

Sean Ryan has shown up for working-class people across this city, from his early work at Neighborhood Legal Services and PUSH Buffalo to his current leadership as a state senator advancing affordable housing, union rights, and environmental stewardship.

Sean Ryan’s mayoral campaign platform reflects many of the values that ground OCAB: Transparency & Accountability, Fiscal Stability & Economic Justice, Labor, Housing, Public Education and Human Rights.

As Sean Ryan accepts our endorsement, we expect that he will carry this truth with him: this is our city, and we have every right to it.

The downhill spiral is happening with CyberTank but we’re here to tell you about our May Day Protest Against Delaware North and the Jacobs Family.

This May Day, Our City Action Buffalo (OCAB) will re-release our “Who Rules Buffalo?” report and protest at the corporate headquarters of Delaware North. From 12pm to 2pm on May 1st, we’ll stand side by side with organized labor, immigrant rights organizations, faith-based leaders, and community members in an informational picket to protest and raise awareness about the company and its owners’ support of Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda and anti-immigrant policies. The Delaware North building also houses the Western New York offices for ICE, an agency that is terrorizing and disappearing members of our community.

More info? LINK IN BIO

Cariol Horne punished again—for protecting community during a crisis.

On Christmas Day 2022, amid a deadly blizzard in Buffalo, former officer and activist Cariol Horne witnessed police making two women sit on the freezing ground during a looting investigation. Concerned for their well-being, she intervened, asking officers to allow the women to stand. For this, Horne was allegedly pushed by an officer and later charged with harassment.
WGRZ

This incident echoes her past: in 2006, Horne was fired for stopping a fellow officer from choking a handcuffed Black man. It took 15 years for her to be vindicated and have her pension reinstated.

Buffalo, we must ask: Why does standing up for justice result in punishment? Horne’s experiences highlight systemic issues within our institutions. It’s time to support those who protect our community and demand accountability from those who abuse their power.

#JusticeForCariol #BuffaloStrong #DutyToIntervene #StandWithCariol

Read more @thebuffalonews

It took years for notorious slumlord Chuck Dobucki to finally be arrested — and that’s a problem. No one should have to suffer in unlivable conditions while the system drags its feet.

Let this be a warning: slumlording will not be tolerated. Tenants deserve dignity, accountability, and safe, healthy housing. Buffalo is watching, and we’re not backing down.

@wkbw for full story : https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/long-overdue-notorious-landlord-chuck-dobucki-arrested

Thanks for showing up yesterday Buffalo. This is what community looks like. Happy Easter 🐣

Buffalo showed up today—rain, fog, and cold couldn’t stop us. Buffalo stood in power for immigrants being denied due process. This fight is far from over.

To our allies: your presence matters. Show up, speak out, and stand with us—because for many, showing up comes with real risk.

#50501Movement #HandsOff #Resist #SolidarityInAction

ICE, hands off our students.

13 international students at UB have had their visas revoked by ICE — with no clear explanation. This is xenophobia in action. This Saturday(4/19) and Monday (4/21), we’re showing up loud and clear to demand justice and accountability.

Join us:
4/19 — 1–3PM, Niagara Square
4/21 — 1–3:30PM, Founders Plaza (UB North)

When they target one of us, they target all of us. Protect immigrant students. Protect our community.

#HandsOffOurStudents #AbolishICE #justiceforimmigrants

If this were any regular resident, the consequences would’ve come fast. But when it’s law enforcement? It’s cover-ups, silence, and delay.

Five BPD officers are now on administrative leave in connection to an alleged cover-up involving the Erie County Sheriff’s Chief as an investigation continues into their actions responding to a series of crashes exactly one year ago.

Chief Daniel “DJ” Granville was in his county-owned pickup truck late at night on April 11, 2024, when he hit seven vehicles on three different West Side streets. A lawsuit claimed he was “impaired” at the time, though he was not administered a breathalyzer test and no criminal charges were filed.

No one is above the law.
No one should be protected from consequences because of a badge.

Buffalo deserves transparency. More on @wkbw

Due process is a right — not a privilege.
But right now, that right is being denied to many, especially immigrants.

Let’s be real: if you were stopped today and asked to prove your citizenship, could you? Most of us don’t carry our passports around. Without due process, any one of us could be taken, detained, or deported — and who’s to say the government’s response would be the same if it were you?

Ban off our bodies. Off our books. Off of us.

Late night thoughts with @ourcityactionbuffalo

OCAB will be showing up and speaking out at @bflo_cc Buffalo’s upcoming budget hearing—April 29 at 5:30PM at Council Chambers —and we’re calling on our neighbors to do the same.

Buffalo’s budget should reflect the real priorities of its people. We can’t afford a budget filled with inflated projections or one that overlooks community needs. Let’s make our voices heard loud and clear.

Join us on April 29 at 5:30PM at Council Chambers. Show up. Speak up. Let’s shape a budget that works for all of us.

Over the past three+ months, the OCAB Mayoral Endorsement Committee has been working hard to develop and implement a transparent and open process for our members. Thank you to almost 40 members involved in our endorsement process!

‼️OFFICIAL MAYORAL ENDORSEMENT COMING SOON ‼️

These clips were taken throughout our endorsement committee journey, and we’re excited to share more soon, including a voter guide to help you stay informed and engaged.

Community speaks the loudest here. Members truly run OCAB.

#OCABVotes #CommunityPower #VoterGuideComing #EndorsementProcess

TODAY. NIAGARA SQUARE 4:30pm ‼️ @eqnybuffalo @cleanairwny @ourcitybuffalo @glys_wny @newprideagenda will be there in solidarity! Let’s talk policy.

“Our City Action Buffalo is proud to stand with Equality NY because we believe that equality is not a talking point—it’s a demand. We are in this fight to ensure New York stands for all of us, and that includes showing up for trans lives, queer liberation, and community power at tomorrow’s rally. This is just one of many actions we’re taking to build a state where everyone—especially trans and queer people—can live safely, visibly, and with dignity.”

Community made it happen.

The state won’t appeal the Kensington Expressway ruling—thanks to the East Side Parkway Coalition @espcoalition , @nyclu and @wnyyouthclimate others who took action. This is what happens when people demand to be heard.

#KensingtonExpressway #CommunityWins #EastSidePower #EnvironmentalJustice

Buffalo’s Fired Up with Over 27,000 voters who’ve already signed petitions for mayoral candidates—more than turned out in some recent primaries than previous mayoral elections. The people are paying attention, and this race is heating up.

Let’s keep the momentum going as we’ll be releasing who is receiving our endorsement after months of behind the scenes work. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s make this election count!

#BuffaloVotes #MayorsRace2025 #CivicPower

Read more @ipostnews

It’s clear the media no longer speaks for the people. Malcolm X said it best: “If you’re not careful, the newspaper will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving those who are doing the oppressing.”

This isn’t just about newspapers anymore—it’s news outlets, social media, and the constant stream of propaganda shaping narratives against truth and justice.

We must think critically, stay informed, and stand on the right side of history. Silence and complacency only serve the oppressor. Thanks for your piece @rickfrausto

We’re keeping the momentum going—join us again on April 15th at 5PM in Niagara Square for another powerful rally. Let’s turn protest into ACTION. @eqnybuffalo Let’s talk policy change.

#NeverGoingBack #QueerLiberationNow #OCAB #EQNYBuffalo #OutInTheStreets #CommunityPower

New Member Orientation: April 17th at 7pm
Join us for our New Member Orientation on Thursday, April 17th at 7pm at the Liberated Wellness Center!

Email info@ourcityactionbuffalo.com to register!

Buffalo’s Budget Needs Your Voice—NOW

The ACTING Mayor has proposed a $622 million budget with an 8% property tax increase—a burden placed heavily on us, the residents, while the city’s wealthiest developers and elites continue business as usual. The Common Council @bflo_cc is currently accepting public comments, due by April 28th.

Let’s be clear: Buffalo’s deficit isn’t the community’s fault. While a modest annual property tax increase might be reasonable, it should be incremental and not the only revenue solution. The city must look to those with the deepest pockets—not just everyday residents—to close this gap.

Take action: Submit your public comment and demand accountability from those truly able to shoulder the cost.

Want to learn how to make your voice count? Join OCAB’s next orientation on April 17th. We’ll equip you with everything you need to fight for a truly inclusive Buffalo.

#BuffaloBudget #TaxJustice #OCAB716 #PeopleOverProfits #BuffaloDeservesBetter #BudgetForThePeople

So now immigrants are tax paying residents? This is just sickening.

How can we protect each other? #Buffalo #NY

Buffalo, it’s time to show up-AGAIN.

Join us on TUESDAY, April 15 at 4:30 PM in Niagara Square for the Equality New York Rally with @eqnybuffalo @cleanairwny @lola.buffalo716 @ourcityactionbuffalo @ourcitybuffalo & many more!

We’re not just rallying-we’re organizing. This is your chance to learn about critical policies moving through Albany right now that impact LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, data privacy, trans equity, and more. The next step? Showing up again to push these protections forward at the state level.

We need NY State to step up and shield our communities.
From funding LGBTQ+ programs to protecting queer art and youth-we’re fighting on all fronts. More info in Linktree in bio.
This is the moment. Be loud. Be visible. Be there.
Bring your signs. Bring your voice. Bring your people.
#EqualityNewYork #BuffaloRallies #ProtectLGBTQRights #AlbanyAgenda #TransRightsAreHumanRights

Join @buffalostate’s Africana Studies Program @buffalostateafricana for “Black Buffalo Speaks” — a student-led conference designed to build bridges and spark conversation between Buffalo State students and the Buffalo community.

This powerful event will feature dynamic discussions, community voices, and student-led programming. Our very own Leighton Jones @leejay____ is slated to deliver the keynote address — you won’t want to miss it! FREE PUBLIC EVENT!

Date: April 19th
Time: Doors open at 10:30 AM
Location: Bulger 215, Buffalo State University

Let’s come together to learn, connect, and celebrate Black voices in Buffalo.
Scan the QR code to RSVP or use the link in our bio.

As an organization deeply committed to local issues, we stand firmly for workers' rights. It’s not enough for a cultural institution like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum @buffaloakgartmuseum —which has benefited from union support—to now retaliate against union workers.

Buffalo is a union town.
And union-busting has no place here.

We stood in solidarity with AKG union workers during Saturday’s rally after they were laid off—13 unionized Visitor Experience Associates gone in one sweep.

In the AKG’s own policies, they ask that the community hold them accountable.
This is that moment.

That’s why we’re calling on Director Janne Sirén to listen—not just to us, but to the museum’s own values. You can’t ask for community engagement and then ignore your workers.

We believe in people power. We believe those most affected must be heard.
We’re not just asking—you need to listen to us.

#BuffaloUnionStrong #StandWithAKGWorkers #OurCityAction #WorkersRights #ListenToUs

We couldn’t just make one post—these signs deserved their own spotlight!

Buffalo, you showed up and showed out. The creativity, the power, the truth in every message was undeniable.

More to come…
Keep resisting. Keep rising.

#BuffaloUnited #HandsOff #PowerToThePeople #OurCityAction

The signs said it all:
HANDS OFF our rights.
NO to oligarchy.
STOP the hate.

From handmade posters to powerful chants, today’s rally was a reflection of collective rage, love, and resilience. Every sign told a story—of resistance, of truth, of a city that refuses to back down.

Buffalo is loud. Buffalo is clear. We want justice, not control. Solidarity, not silence.

Keep your hands off our people. We’ll keep our fists raised for each other.

#HandsOff #StopTheHate #BuffaloUnited #ourcityactionbuffalo

Photographer: @brndnwtsn 📷

Today, OVER 4,500 people filled Niagara Square to show that Buffalo is UNITED—for LGBTQ+ rights, for workers, for immigrants, for justice.

Crowds like this don’t happen every day. When they do, they speak volumes. This is impact. This is love in motion. This is what happens when community shows up.

Standing on business is resistance.
Hope is resistance.
And Buffalo? We’re doing both.

#BuffaloUnited #Hope

HANDS OFF!!!

Tag us with pictures from today’s RALLY! More coming. Thanks for showing up Buffalo!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered on this day April 4th—because he dared to speak truth, organize power, and demand justice.

Before his life was stolen, he called on us to speak up, show up, and do more. That call still echoes. And tomorrow, we answer it.

We’ll see each other at the rally—not just to protest, but to empower each other and get the work done in our community.

Justice doesn’t rest. Neither do we.
April 5th—be there. #MLKLegacy #KeepShowingUp #OurCityActionBuffalo

The @buffaloakgartmuseum AKG has now removed gay art. They took down Fèlix Gonzàlez-Torres’ “Untitled” (Double Portrait) without notice—no explanation to staff or the public. Meanwhile, art institutions nationwide are quietly ending their DEI programs. So we have to ask… Does the AKG also have an anti-DEI position?

As we know it, the AKG is anti-union. Our rights—workers’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, artistic freedom—are at risk. When institutions erase, retaliate, and silence, we must ask the hard questions. We must stand up. We must fight back!

Tomorrow, OCAB will chant:
✊ You can’t silence us.
🏳️‍🌈 Gay people aren’t going anywhere.
🌍 Immigrants are here to stay.
⚧️ You can’t disappear trans people.
🎨 Art is free and should be free—just like expression. Bring your own creativity of signs.

Join us tomorrow, April 5th, for a full day of action.

📍 11 AM – Buffalo United Rally at Niagara Square
📍 6:30-7:30 PM – Rally at AKG Elmwood Entrance Fundraiser, standing with AKG workers fighting back against retaliation.

We are loud. We are here. And we are not backing down. Will you stand with us? #AKGAccountability #WorkersRights #ArtIsResistance #youcantsilenceus

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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!

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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

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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!

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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

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