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What’s Next?

What’s Next?

By: BTPM NPR
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What’s Next?  uncovers and discusses the issues and topics pertinent to marginalized and underrepresented populations of Western New York and Southern Ontario.Days after the racist shooting in Buffalo on May 14, 2022, the show tasked itself to be a champion for social equity and justice. "What’s Next?” amplifies voices from all parts of our shared community to celebrate our individuality as well as our commonalities.Listen to the one-hour broadcast Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am on BTPM NPR, with rebroadcasts on Sundays at 6pm. It is also available on-demand through our website, the BTPM Listen app, on our YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.We encourage our listeners to join the conversation by using the “Talk to Us” feature in the BTPM Listen app. By using this in-app feature, listeners can send audio recordings directly to the newsroom. You can also reach the production staff by emailing us at WhatsNext@btpm.org.Ⓒ Western New York Public Broadcasting Association 2026 Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • From Celebration to Movement: Juneteenth Then & Now

    From Celebration to Movement: Juneteenth Then & Now
    Jun 19 2026
    Juneteenth has grown from a community celebration into a national holiday, but what happens when culture goes mainstream? This week on Group Chat, we explore the evolution of Juneteenth, from its growing presence in pop culture and corporate America to the deeper conversations about freedom, identity, and community. We also shine a spotlight on Buffalo’s historic 50th Juneteenth Celebration, discussing the legacy of the event, its impact on the community, and what freedom means in 2026.
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    54 mins
  • What Can Africana Studies Teach Us About Juneteenth?

    What Can Africana Studies Teach Us About Juneteenth?
    Jun 17 2026
    What does Juneteenth represent, and why has its significance grown in recent years? On this episode of What’s Next?, Dr. Marcus Watson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Buffalo State University, discusses the history of Juneteenth, its significance in the American story, and why understanding this history remains important today. The conversation also explores the cycles of racial progress and backlash throughout American history and the role education, culture, and community engagement can play in fostering greater understanding and healing.
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    55 mins
  • How Can Juneteenth Inspire Action Beyond Celebration?

    How Can Juneteenth Inspire Action Beyond Celebration?
    Jun 15 2026
    On this episode of What’s Next?, contributor Saladin Allah speaks with Charlynn Rivera of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Danessia Scott-Warren of the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope about social justice, community engagement, advocacy, and civic participation.
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    55 mins
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