2020/21 ANNUAL
HIGHLIGHTS Established in 1975 and in service to the Western New York community for more than 45 years, Just Buffalo Literary Center’s programming— including the BABEL author series and Writing Center for teens—is ranked among the best in the nation and provides direct benefit to more than 150,000 people each year. Based in Buffalo, NY, the organization is committed to the region’s underserved communities and centering racial equity and justice in its programming as the region’s largest literary arts center.
REACH 192,200 21,400 5,668
CELEBRATING
the legacy of prominent Black writers who have called Buffalo home, whose voices shape history, inspire radical change, and influence current and future generations
DRAWING INSPIRATION
from Buffalo’s history as a gateway to freedom along the Underground Railroad
CHALLENGING
our community to grapple with racism and inequities through literature, to find pathways to a more equitable future
through literary articles, information & news
2021 Project included the BABEL virtual appearance of Ta-Nehisi Coates, and participation totaled:
through website, e-newsletter & social media
adults through readings, presentations & publications including BABEL
1,010
youth at the Writing Center from 36 different schools
350
collaborating partners including businesses, community-based nonprofits, funders, media, schools & all levels of government
220,438
Total reach through all programs and activities
2,700 ADULTS 445 STUDENTS 100 WRITERS & ARTISTS 18+ PARTNERING ORGANIZATIONS Hope Blooms From Shattered Roots was presented by Just Buffalo Writing Center in connection with the Civil Writes Project. The digital collection featured work by young writers and artists living in WNY. Just as the journey towards justice must be a collective effort, this collection featured collaborations between young artists and activists from a variety of organizations and projects around the city, and beyond.