AFP 2025 - Social Justice Festival Recap
Buffalo State University’s Anne Frank Project proudly hosted its 17th Annual Social Justice Festival, Belonging Begins Here, on October 8–9. More than 900 students, educators, and community members came together for two days of hands-on workshops, story-building sessions, and dialogue. This year’s festival explored belonging not as a concept, but as a lived experience—shaped through the stories we tell, the relationships we build, and the spaces we nurture together.
Student Voices
“We practiced mindfulness through breathing exercises that helped us understand what it means to truly be present. It reminded me of how powerful it can be when everyone in a room feels seen.”
This year, our festival participants, created the Village Rules with Provost Dr. Amitra Wall, to guide how we show up together. These principles invited openness, respect, and creativity, setting the tone for the two-day experience. Among them: “We agree that all creative people must be celebrated,” “We agree that connection brings out your silly side,” and “We agree that acceptance paves the way for love.” The Village Rules reminded everyone that belonging begins with safety, acknowledgment, and genuine connection.
Participants engaged in 18 interactive sessions led by students, faculty, returning collaborators, and community partners. Highlights included the Social Work Department providing two interactive sessions for mental health and advocacy; Lorinda John’s Dreamcatcher workshop grounding participants in Haudenosaunee tradition; and Dr. Gehan Senthinathan closing out our festival with his Neuroscience of Belonging session, where participants explored the psychological and neural roots of prejudice and what pathways can bridge divides.
Student Voices
“This session taught me that even if we have different opinions or come from different backgrounds, that shouldn’t divide us. What really matters is how we treat and support each other.”
We were honored to screen part of the documentary It Is Up To Us, directed by Stephen Rosenthal and Stephen McKinley Henderson, whose presence enriched the post-film conversation. This event was presented in collaboration with the Africana Studies Department, using the film as a springboard to explore what a deeply connected, community-rooted Africana Studies program can look like here at Buffalo State.
Leadership from across campus also played a meaningful role in this year’s festival. Provost Dr. Amitra Wall, Dr. Kelly Frothingham (Dean of Arts & Sciences), and Dean Wendy Paterson (School of Education & Applied Professions) guided an interactive reflection session using the Sense of Community Index (SCI-2), prompting participants to examine how belonging can be cultivated intentionally at Buffalo State.
Student Voices
“Belonging is such an important topic because when we feel like we belong, we build strong, supportive relationships—and from that, we can inspire a better world.”
This year placed a strong emphasis on student leadership. Student volunteers welcomed guests, supported session facilitation, and modeled story-based learning practices throughout the festival. The AFP Rwanda student cohort shared stories and insights from their summer trip to Rwanda, helping attendees connect global learning to local action.
AFP 2025 reminded us that belonging is not something we enter—it is something we co-create.
Thank you to every presenter, volunteer, partner, student, and guest who helped shape two days of meaningful learning and connection.
We look forward to gathering again for the 18th Annual Social Justice Festival in Fall 2026!
Dates & theme to be announced in the spring.
2025 Social Justice Festival Photos
