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Our Story: Born from Tragedy, Fueled by Empowerment

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On May 14th, 2022, our Buffalo community was deeply scarred by the devastating TOPS Grocery Store Shooting. This horrific act claimed the lives of ten individuals and left lasting wounds on many more. In the face of such senseless violence, we knew that while the pain might never fully vanish, it could serve as a catalyst for change.

From the ashes of that tragedy, the Buffalo Black Caucus emerged—initiated by the 5/14 Remembrance Alliance under the inspiring leadership of Zeneta Everhart. Zeneta, a respected community leader and a mother who endured personal loss when her son was injured in the attack, envisioned an organization that would not only honor the memory of those we lost but also mobilize our community toward healing and growth.

Today, we are more than a memorial. We are a movement dedicated to transforming grief into empowerment. Our focus is clear: to mobilize our community to build and secure wealth, equip ourselves with the tools for fulfilling lives, and reclaim the areas—like financial literacy, civic engagement, education, and healthcare—where Black communities have long been divested.

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Our Mission

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To empower the Black community in Buffalo by creating pathways to economic strength and personal fulfillment. We are committed to:

• Wealth Building: Providing education and resources that help individuals achieve financial literacy and build sustainable wealth.

• Empowerment Tools: Offering programs that develop essential skills for leadership, civic engagement, and community activism.

• Holistic Growth: Addressing systemic inequities in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity to ensure every member of our community can thrive.

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Our Vision

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We envision a future where Buffalo’s Black community stands united, resilient, and prosperous. Our goal is to:

• Dismantle Systemic Barriers: Create an environment where structural inequalities no longer hinder progress.

• Celebrate and Build Wealth: Foster a culture that not only remembers our past struggles but also builds tangible, intergenerational wealth.

• Cultivate Empowered Leaders: Equip future generations with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to lead and transform our community.

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What We Do

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At the Buffalo Black Caucus, our work is grounded in education, empowerment, and advocacy. We offer a range of dynamic programs and events that include:

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• Wealth Building & Financial Literacy Workshops: Tailored sessions that provide actionable strategies for managing finances, investing, and achieving economic independence.

• Civic Engagement Initiatives: Programs designed to boost community participation in local governance, ensuring that every voice is heard in the decisions that shape our future.

• Social & Economic Justice Forums: Roundtables, panel discussions, and keynote sessions that confront systemic issues like economic disparities and inequitable access to education and healthcare.

• Cultural Celebrations & Networking: Events that honor our rich heritage and foster connections, collaboration, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.

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Join Us in Transforming Tragedy into Triumph

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The Buffalo Black Caucus stands as a testament to our community’s strength and resilience. By coming together, we honor those we lost on 5/14 and commit ourselves to a future where every individual has the opportunity to build wealth, achieve personal fulfillment, and contribute to a thriving, just society.

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Together, let’s transform pain into power, and adversity into opportunity—ensuring that our collective future is as rich and vibrant as the heritage we celebrate.