REACT/RESIST/REFORM Matched Donations

We are so excited to present an amazing opportunity for those interested in supporting the continued efforts of the WNYPC. The extraordinarily talented artist Amanda Besl created a special original portfolio of linoleum prints, ‘React’, ‘Resist’, and ‘Reform’, and is offering 20 limited editions of each. Resource:Art is hosting the sale of these works, which can be purchased on ArtFare, Facebook, and Instagram. They explain that Besl created these works “as a reaction to the current social justice crisis facing our nation.” We feel especially honored that all proceeds from the sale of these prints will be donated to WNYPC. You can find Amanda’s full artist’s statement on the project here.

This incredible support comes at a time when we are accepting *MATCHED* donations to the Father Joe Bissonette Fund for the WNY Peace Center. Through August, contributions of $100 or more can get you one of Amanda’s beautiful limited edition pieces (while supplies last), plus your choice of the #RESIST or #LoveIsLove lawn sign, AND have your donation matched!!! For more information and to contribute, please visit the fundraiser page on our website. We truly cannot do this work with you and are so grateful for your support!

We are also happy to report that first week of our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, was a huge success! We were lucky to have special Poet Jillian Hanesworth,and Shawnte Wilson of (A)typical Social Work(er) join us, as well as activist and PC Board member Valentino Dixon, and Union Theological Seminary alumnus Addie Pazzynski! We also went on an amazing virtual field trip to MACHU PICCHU (PERU) – next week we will be ‘visiting’ KENYA! Registration is still open for week 2 with a sliding scale of up to $25/week (with scholarships readily available)! is 100% online this year due to the public health crisis, but we offer games, recreation/physical activities, art projects, music, and mindfulness. Please register ASAP so that we can deliver packets with snacks, art supplies, etc. for use during camp.

We also urge you to make calls: to DA John Flynn’s office (716-858-2400) to urge the dropping of Myles Carter’s charges of obstruction and disorderly conduct for peaceful protest (he was tackled by police while being interviewed); and to our senators and reps (202-224-3121) for resumption and increase in aid to Yemen, and adoption of amendments to the NDAA that would decrease the military budget by 10% (not enough of a decrease, but we’d take it!). More info on each at our website’s homepage.

The fight for racial justice continues at Niagara Square. Our own Racial Justice Taskforce continues to work independently and is also connecting with those at the Square and elsewhere. There is still daily activity at Niagara/Liberation Square thanks to the WNY Liberation Collective.

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!

BUFFALO 5; CARIOL’S DAY OF ACTION; MARCH FOR…JUSTICE

Please join us on Friday at noon for the “Move for Justice” Rally, which will assemble in front of the Erie County Court Building (25 Delaware Ave) and then move to Niagara Square. Meet the Buffalo 5 – John Walker, Jr., Darryl Boyd, Floyd Martin, Darren Gibson, and Tyrone Woodruff – and show community support to get their indictment, No. 41-413 revisited by the Erie County District Attorney’s office. For more details, visit the event page on our website.

Later on Friday, join us at Lafayette Square from 3-5pm for the #CariolsLaw National Day of Action calling for an end to police violence and justice for our shero (and Board member) Cariol Horne. The march will assemble at Lafayette Square and then move to Niagara Square for a protest concert featuring Drea d’Nur at 4pm. #PassCariolsLaw #GrantCariolsPension #JusticeForCariol

On Sunday we will be at Amherst State Park (400 Mill St.) from 1-3pm where we will demand educational and economic racial inequalities be acknowledged in the suburbs and greater Buffalo area. All are welcome! Please note there is a parking lot off of Sheridan behind the Sisters of St. Francis building. Cohosted by @716protests and the WNY Peace Center.

The fight for racial justice continues at Niagara Square. Our own Racial Justice Taskforce continues to work independently and is also connecting with those at the Square and elsewhere. There is still daily activity at Niagara/Liberation Square thanks to the WNY Liberation Collective. Thank you also to everyone for your support of Deyanna Davis who was released this morning on bail.

A final reminder that our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, begins on Monday! Registration is still open with a sliding scale of up to $25/week, with scholarships readily available! Camp will be 100% online this year due to the public health crisis, but we offer games, recreation/physical activities, art projects, music, and virtual field trips to MACHU PICCHU (Peru) and KENYA; plus wonderful guest presenters (activists and artists from the Buffalo area, including Derek Middlebrooks of Nerds United, Poet Jillian Hanesworth, and Valentino Dixon)! Please register ASAP as we’ll be delivering packets with art supplies, etc. for use during camp.

We are, of course, still accepting *MATCHED* donations to the Father Joe Bissonette Fund for the WNY Peace Center. For more information and to contribute, please visit the fundraiser page on our website. We cannot do this work with you and are so grateful for your support!

Lastly, we are excited to share the IFCO/Pastors for Peace recording from the amazing event on Cuba’s response to COVID-19 for those of you who were unable to join us on the 29th.

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)! We update our Event Calendar often as we learn of new events, so please be sure to check back regularly!

And another reminder to pace yourselves – no one can do it all. Please feel free to reach out and let us know what kind of help you might need from the WNYPC.

Bissonette Matched Fundraiser for WNYPC; Racial Justice; Camp Peaceprints

In our continued effort to limit digital overload through these intense times, we are again highlighting just a few important items and special upcoming events, and then refer you to our website for details on our regularly scheduled events and ‘Helping Hands’ resource list (including updated campaigns and fundraisers!).

We are excited to announce the Fr. Joe Bissonette Fund for the Western New York Peace Center to sustain our ongoing work and prepare for even stronger social justice activism coming out of quarantine! In these challenging times, we know that this work is more important than ever. The WNY Peace Center struggles to discern and do its part and can only continue with your help. See our letter below our event listing for full details about this matched fundraiser!

Our 13th annual youth summer camp, Camp Peaceprints, is now less than ten days away! Registration is still open with a sliding scale of up to $25/week, with scholarships readily available! Camp will be 100% online this year due to the public health crisis, but we offer games, recreation/physical activities, art projects, and music; plus wonderful guest presenters (activists and artists from the Buffalo area); and field trips to Machu Pichu, Peru and Nairobi, Kenya! Please register ASAP as we’ll be delivering packets with art supplies, etc. for use during camp.

Of course we also want stress racial justice issues – this mountain of work is not done! The stories of Quentin Suttles, Deyanna Davis, Miles Carter, Cariol Horne, and so many others each give very important insight to the lack of racial justice and police accountability in Buffalo. Daily activities continue at Niagara/Liberation Square at 4pm. Additionally, our own Racial Justice taskforce will be meeting more frequently, including planned alternating meetings likely at the Square (maybe Wednesday evening?), Zoom meetings, and Speakouts for Ethical Police Officers. Please keep an eye on our Event Calendar for updates.

Lastly, we want to mention that our radio show, Talking Peace with the WNY Peace Center, is on indefinite hiatus due to administrative and COVID-19-related issues. We should have our most recent shows on our website before long. In the meantime, please check out the whole of yesterday’s Democracy Now! Daily Show featuring Dr. Cornel West, Angela Davis, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, with a special reading of Frederick Douglass’ historic speech “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” by James Earl Jones.

Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)! We update our Event Calendar often as we learn of new events, so please be sure to check back regularly!

*** And lastly, a reminder to pace yourselves – no one can do it all. Let us know what kind of help you might need from the WNYPC; please feel free to reach out!