Ferguson unrest to be discussed by panel of UB and community leaders

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo will host a program, “What Ferguson Can Teach Us: Working Together for Justice and Community Safety,” on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 12:15 p.m. in room 145a of the Student Union on the UB North Campus.

The program is the work of University at Buffalo graduate student Andrew Tabashneck, who last November with two other UB Law School students traveled to Ferguson, Missouri, in response to an emergency request from the National Lawyers Guild for legal observers after a grand jury decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson.

“Observing the peaceful protests in Ferguson inspired me to put together a program where community members and law enforcement could sit down together and discuss the underlying issues that go beyond Ferguson,” said Tabashneck, who is in UB’s dual degree program in the Law School and School of Social Work. “As we rise above our own personal prejudices and biases, we must work together to strengthen our community so every child can grow up in a safe environment.”

Teresa Miller, UB vice provost of equity and inclusion, will provide opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Diane Elze, an associate professor in UB’s School of Social Work. Panel participants include:

• Curtis Alford, program director, Urban Christian Ministries
• Valerie Dobson, University Police officer
• Sam Magavern, co-director, Partnership for the Public Good (PPG)
• Joshua Sticht, University Police deputy chief of police
• John Washington, community organizer, People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH)

Organizers will provide lunch and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tabashneck at astabash@buffalo.edu