Media Advisory: ‘Humans of New York’ creator Brandon Stanton to speak at UB April 29

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Brandon Stanton, founder of the “Humans of New York” project, will speak at the University at Buffalo at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, in Alumni Arena as part of UB’s Distinguished Speakers Series.

He replaces actor James Franco, who is unable to appear due to a professional conflict.

As the founder of the street portrait blog Humans of New York (HONY), Stanton is considered a worldwide Internet phenomenon and one of today’s most influential storytellers. HONY has amassed over 17.7 million followers on Facebook and 6.8 million followers on Instagram.

His blog provides a worldwide audience with daily glimpses into the lives of strangers on the streets of New York City.  Over the past five years, it has also expanded to feature stories from more than 20 different countries.

Stanton’s gift for storytelling also has resulted in two bestselling books, “Humans of New York” (2013), which spent 45 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and “Humans of New York: Stories,” which shot to No. 1 on the Time’s bestseller list within two weeks of its October 2015 release.

At UB, he will candidly share his own personal story and the perspective he has gained since embarking on his journey to help others tell theirs.

Stanton is the Undergraduate Student Choice Speaker.

During his program, audio and/or video photography, as well as still photography, will be limited to the first five minutes of his lecture.

Working media may reserve tickets for the program by contacting Christine Vidal in the UB Office of Communications at 716-697-2935 or vidal@buffalo.edu no later than noon on Saturday, April 29. Reserved tickets may be picked up at the will-call window in Alumni Arena prior to the program. Media may need to show press credentials in order to be admitted to the program.