UN MOMENTO 8/25 ONWARD! WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING AND RESISTING FASCISM

UN MOMENTO JUSTO POR LA PAZ  Victoria Ross  El coraje es el poder de la mente para superar el miedo. / Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear. – Rev. Dr. Martin King What a challenging, truly scary time we are in! Federal agents are ever more indistinguishable from criminal kidnappers, both visually and behaviorally. The president is breaking the law regularly. His illegal acts far outpace those of his first term; and unfortunately, he doesn’t have people around him that put on the brakes. The targeting and firing of people whose employ was passed in Congressional budgets, the attempts to overturn birthright citizenship, the flagrant violations of the emoluments clause (which prohibits federal employees from accepting funds, gifts, and/or titles from foreign countries without specific Congressional approval) – all are highly illegal and have generated resistance and push-back both in the streets and in the courts. The enabling of Israel’s genocidal activities is also clearly criminal, the war crimes rampant and virtually comprehensive (also likely killing off the hostages). However, the resistance and pushback is alive and well, including in WNY! Thanks for whatever part you’ve already played; whether it’s supporting DEI events at your children’s school; joining us at events or in the streets; or contacting our governmental representatives to lobby them to stand up to the Fascism, Racism, and Warmongering. We do have a more powerful force: PEOPLE POWER!!  Here are a few more ways to push back: · Join local Labor Day parades on Monday, 9/1: 10am-2pm, Warren Spahn Way, Buffalo 14220; or 9am at 65 Niagara Square. Recognizing and defending workers’ rights is the epitome of People Power! · Come Party in the Park on Sat, 9/6, 11am-2pm, at a community resource fair; outdoors at Massachusetts Ave Park & indoors at the Boys & Girls Club, 370 Mass Ave; sponsored by NYS Assemblymember Jon Rivera, who has been one of the most responsive legislators, fighting for human rights. · Attend a WNYPC Power to the People Taskforce training – Medical (CPR and/or Stop the Bleed); or Protest Safety (De-Escalation & Peacekeeper trainings, which prepares one for de-escalation of all kinds, and increases your own and others’ safety at events, even if you aren’t a volunteer event marshal). See Registration QR Codes in an ad in this publication, or go to wnypeace.org · Igniting Hope Conference Weekend – Community Day Friday 9/19; Igniting Hope Saturday 9/20. Go to Buffalo Center for Health Equity to register. · WNYPC’s Latin American Solidarity Committee continues exposing I.C.E. at its Monday 9/29 Coffeehouse 7pm-9pm at Canisius University Science Hall (on Main near Delavan; park on Main or in lot). E.C.E. and the Immigration Courts feature local immigration lawyer Julie Kugel on challenging I.C.E. actions. (And Oct 27, international human rights lawyer Julia Hall will talk about I.C.E. and the “war on terror,” re human rights from Guantanamo Bay to prisons in El Salvador). Check out wnypeace.org for more events, campaigns, and ways to support each other. Millon de gracias! Solidaridad! #sisepuede – #juntos!  Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Photography Politics Sports Technology UN MOMENTO 8/25 ONWARD! WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING AND RESISTING FASCISM September 5, 2025/ UN MOMENTO JUSTO POR LA PAZ  Victoria Ross  El coraje es el poder de la mente para superar el miedo…. Read More Un Momento 7-25 I.C.E. vs. the Community August 5, 2025/ By Victoria Ross La injusticia en cualquier lugar es una amenaza para lajusticia en todas partes/Injustice anywhere is a threat… Read More FINDING THE WONDERFUL IN THE TERRIBLE – A RECIPE FOR HOPE September 1, 2024/ Lo maravilloso y lo terrible están uno al lado del otro, y están íntimamente conectados. The wonderful and the terrible… Read More Load More End of Content.

UN MOMENTO 8/25 ONWARD! WAYS TO KEEP LEARNING AND RESISTING FASCISM Read More »

POLARIZATION HURTS US ALL

By Angelica Aquino Unrest of the soul and intellectual polarization is at par with both domestic and international policies agenda setting and implementation. For the past five years, pre and post pandemics, I have observed a social polarization at the level of the soul where microaggressions are weaponized by power structures and individuals to create a chilling effect on dissent and freedom of speech. Now, the water cooler and the coffee machine have been moved to Teams (the communication tracking device). It is a great tool to help create workflows and communicate, but also it lends itself to a platform of power and control. Personal dissatisfaction and the shift to WFH and hybrid models have created a new level of digital surveillance and civic engagement to a tribal level. I have witnessed firsthand the territorial battles of working in a cross functional “holistic environment” with vulnerable populations. One vivid example is the level of professional and personal dissatisfaction of so legal, health and social services providers working together representing disfranchised and vulnerable communities. Some advocates are concerned about social justice issues and how these are used as shields not to build but to divide. The erosion of individual constitutional rights and entitlements by administrative policies and codification of rules and regulations translates into often fragmented holistic cross functional teams with competing legal, medical and social issues in very complex matters from civil law to the cross section of criminal law and procedure. It is very alarming to see the high levels of ‘tribalism” and “classism” by those entrusted to advocate and represent the most vulnerable from unaccompanied minors to elder abuse. Such behaviors are used to attack and demean other team members and ultimately ridiculed. There ought to be more constructive and respectful conversations and common ground where we can build alliances, not resorting to bullying and disrespect. Polarization hurts us all. It is degrading and dehumanizing. This is a call to reflection, stand up and let those who in the name of “jest” mocked others with memes and nicknames. The silver lining of the “remarks in jest” is a true commitment for introspection and boundary definition. An opportunity to be the true agent of change without taking the bait of microaggressions. Communicate, organize and reflect. Our humanity is our common ground, build it up! Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Photography Politics Sports Technology POLARIZATION HURTS US ALL September 5, 2025/ By Angelica Aquino Unrest of the soul and intellectual polarization is at par with both domestic and international policies agenda… Read More FREEDOM OF SPEECH:BEDROСКТО OUR DEMOCRACY August 5, 2025/ By Angelica Aquino One of the greatest rights we have as citizens is our freedom of speech, a true bedrock… Read More WE ARE ALL AMERICANS: RESPECT FOR FREEDOM AND INDIVIDUALITY September 2, 2024/ The current air of contempt and division that reigns in some circles of our American Society is problematic and worrisome…. Read More Load More End of Content.

POLARIZATION HURTS US ALL Read More »

La Doña of the west side football: a legacy of love and family

Talia’s Corner, by Talia Rodriguez  She stands there—clipboard in hand, about five-footsomething—La Doña, as I call her. The boss. Catherine “Coach Cat” Rivera has given over 20 years to empowering Buffalo’s youth through football and the foundation of family values. And season after season, she earns that title. The Westside Bulls are more than just a football team. They’re a neighborhood legacy—built on a shared love for sport and a commitment to shaping the next generation. Within that love, a structure has grown that supports local business, culture, and family. This year, Macho’s wife—his partner in life and legacy—is running things on her own. The neighborhood, and far beyond it, mourned the loss of Macho. But love… some of us know it, some of us show it, and some of us live it. In a powerful act of love—for Macho, for the game, and for the community they built—she chose to lead the league; like she was born to. She’s not alone, either. Her entire family is engaged. Her granddaughters cheer on the sidelines. Her grandson plays on the field. This is what it looks like when a family becomes the backbone of a movement. Football here isn’t a pastime, it’s a lifeline. A safe, structured space where youth channel their energy into purpose. On the West Side, where cricket, soccer, and volleyball also thrive, football remains generational commitment neighbors are proud to sacrifice for.  Now, with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) reshaping the future of sports, communities like ours are poised to benefit. Latinos are one of the fastest-growing fan bases in American sports—and football is no exception. • Over 31 million U.S. Latinos identify as NFL fans, a number growing every year. • Latino NFL viewership rose by 24% in recent years, outpacing other demographics. • Nearly 70% of Latino NFL fans stream games on mobile, smart TVs, or online making them among the most digitally engaged fan bases. • Latinos are 40% more likely to follow NFL players and content on social media. Latinas now represent nearly half of all Latino NFL fans. They’re passionate, loyal, and influentially driving family sports decisions and fueling the next generation of fans. These aren’t just stats—they’re opportunities. The Bulls aren’t just teaching football. They’re building brands. Helping youth understand their value, own their narratives, and show up with pride—in cleats, on camera, and in life. This is what it looks like when football becomes a platform for real growth—on and off the field. The Ralph Wilson field is their home turf. And they need your support. If you are a member of Facebook, follow the Westside Bulls to stay connected and witness their journey unfold. Better yet—show up and show out, westside style. Cheer from the sidelines. Bring your family, your friends, your love for the game; because this isn’t just football. It’s a living legacy story of leadership, sacrifice, and love that echoes far beyond the final whistle—no matter who’s holding the clipboard, hoop earrings or not. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Photography Politics Sports Technology La Doña of the west side football: a legacy of love and family September 4, 2025/ Talia’s Corner, by Talia Rodriguez  She stands there—clipboard in hand, about five-footsomething—La Doña, as I call her. The boss. Catherine… Read More MEET OUR LATINA BUS DRIVER September 1, 2024/ “Public service is a calling that involves giving of oneself for the greater good. At 21, I had the privilege… Read More REMEMBERING ANNA LEE July 22, 2024/ What can a well-pleated skirt suit and a can-do  attitude achieve? For my grandma G (as I affectionally called her),… Read More Load More End of Content.

La Doña of the west side football: a legacy of love and family Read More »

Scroll to Top