State of the Region

The John R. Oishei Foundation is dedicated to advancing racial equity and sharing our insights with the community. Our recent strategic planning process emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequities by delving into data and understanding the nuanced conditions of our communities. Through various speakers, articles, and organizations, we gain valuable knowledge to help drive our mission forward.

Our Community Conversations for Leaders of Color (CCLOC) recently explored similar themes in the “State of the Region” series. Laura Quebral from the Center for Regional Strategies kicked off the series sharing highlighted regional statistics and investment priorities. 

The second event involved Anthony Armstrong from Make Communities and Franchelle Parker, Executive Director of Open Buffalo, who presented their “Opportunity in the Queen City” research, which examines disparities in job opportunities, networks, and health outcomes, and focuses on identifying the challenges to financial stability and the underlying causes of financial hardship in our community.

A third session featuring Dr. Henry Louis Taylor from the UB Center for Urban Studies shared insights from his report, “The Harder We Run.” This study examines the impact of discriminatory policies on Black residents in Buffalo. Dr. Taylor’s research highlights issues such as racial segregation, underdevelopment, joblessness, low wages, limited education, and poor health outcomes on Buffalo’s East Side. 

By engaging with these diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses, we aim to implement effective strategies that address the root causes of racial inequity and foster a more just and inclusive community.