Under the Radar Initiatives

Squeaky Wheel/Buffalo Media Resources is presenting a new lunchtime series - local documentaries on important but "under the radar" initiatives! The free programs are scheduled at the downtown Central Library on Thursdays in February and March.

First up on February 3rd from Noon-1 p.m., "Building on the Past for our Future" by Diedie Wang, highlighting the work of Preservation Buffalo Niagara. Fred Schrock of PBN will speak following the video. 

All of the videos have been produced through Channels, Squeaky Wheel’s production initiative that matches local filmmakers with grass roots activists to document stories that significantly impact the Buffalo region, but are underreported by the mainstream media. A presentation and discussion following the screening will be led by a member of the group that produced the video – someone closely involved with the issue or story at hand.

SCHEDULE + VIDEO DESCRIPTIONS:

February 3 (noon - 1 PM)

Building on the Past for Our Future by Diedie Weng; presented by Fred Schrock from Preservation Buffalo Niagara 

This short film that focuses primarily on the East Side of Buffalo aims to promote a conversation about low-income communities' efforts and struggles in revitalizing neglected historical neighborhoods by valuing the people and the place as assets.

February 10 (noon - 1 PM)

Unseen Tears: The Impact of Native American Residential Boarding Schools in Western New York by Ron Douglas; presented by Ruchatneet Printup from Native American Community Services of WNY

Western New York Native American communities are presently attempting to heal the wounds and break the cycle of inter-generational trauma resulting from the boarding school experience. Unseen Tears documents testimonies of boarding school survivors, their families, and social service providers.

February 17 (noon - 1 PM)

Growing Green in Buffalo by Meg Knowles; presented by Diane Picard from the Massachusetts Avenue Project

Growing Green youth participants are followed throughout the year as they plant tomatoes, build a straw-bale green house, and educate themselves and others about growing and eating healthy foods in their community.

February 24 (noon - 1 PM)

Raising Literacy, Lifting Communities by Loren Sonnenberg; presented by Deborah Porter from Read to Succeed Buffalo and Chris Gibas from Literacy Volunteers

This video illustrates how low literacy negatively impacts the lives of many Buffalo residents and documents the positive effects had by this organization that works to empower communities by improving literacy.

[no screening March 3]

March 10 (noon - 1 PM)

Prisoners Are People Too by Doug Ruffin; presented by Karima Amin from Prisoners are People Too 

Compiled interviews with reformed offenders and prison justice workers highlight the often overlooked issues facing prisoners and previously incarcerated individuals.

March 17 (noon - 1 PM)

Refugees: Buffalo's Next Generation by Brett Williams and Scott Murchie; presented by Brian Brown-Cashdollar from Journey's End Refugee Services

Documenting the issues faced by refugee students, this video also shows how the Refugee School Impact Program work closely with families and schools to help bridge the existing cultural and linguistic gaps.

March 24 (noon - 1 PM)

'Round the Clock: Buffalo's Workers and the Fight for Economic Justice by Christine Zinni; presented by Micaela Shapiro-Shellaby from Coalition for Economic Justice

Conveying the human dimension of what it takes to make the city work, 'Round the Clock focuses on the struggles of four workers: Betty (Bus Aide) Abraham (Sanitation Worker) Michael (EMT--Emergency Medical Tech) and Annie (Nurses Aide) to obtain a just wage.