The candidates for mayor of Buffalo competing in the Sept. 12 Democratic primary will debate the issues in a forum in the Burchfield Penney Art Center, 1300 Elmwood Ave.

Mayor Bryon W. Brown, city Comptroller Mark J.F. Schroeder and Erie County Legislator Betty Jean Grant will field questions on critical issues ranging from education to economic development to workforce diversity and making sure all segments of the city share in Buffalo’s growth.

The debate will be moderated by Al Vaughters of WIVB-TV, with questions posed by members of the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists. Audience members also will be able to submit written questions. The debate will be broadcast live on WNLO-TV, Ch. 23, and also may be live streamed.

This free event is sponsored by the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists in cooperation with the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the SUNY Buffalo State Communication Department, and with support from the Buffalo Branch NAACP, the Buffalo-Niagara Chapter of the National Acton Network and Concerned Clergy of Western New York.