The Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History & Nature
                         (C-SAAHN)
        Sponsored the following presentation:
Downtown Library 2009 - 2010 Noon Hour Lecture Series
"Imagining Buffalo Niagara in the 21st Century"

Presented by: Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, President/CEO
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Feb. 9, 2010

See also: The Buffalo News: Buffalo: Not Just 'Any Place in America' Includes video

Audio version

Buffalo Niagara in the 21st Century is a region in transition.  With this, comes many challenges–but also great opportunities.  To seize these opportunities we must take stock of the realities that shape our region today and lock elbows in an effort to create the future we desire.

Consider these facts:
·         Today, Buffalo is the third-poorest city in the United States.

·         Nearly one in three adults living in the City of Buffalo read at or below a fifth grade level and 40% of children entering kindergarten in the Buffalo Public Schools do not meet minimum benchmarks for language and literacy skills.

·         We live as one of the most segregated regions in the country—with 90% of Caucasians living in Buffalo Niagara passing their days without coming into contact with someone from a different ethnic background.

·         20% of the world’s freshwater flows by our shores.

·         Our architectural heritage is world class.

·         We continue to rank as a top cultural destination among mid-sized cities.

Collaboration and leadership are imperative if we are to defeat these challenges and maximize the opportunities.  The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is actively pursuing those opportunities that help us carry out the wishes of our many donors past and present by investing in those organizations doing the best work to bring progress to our region.

Community Foundation President and CEO Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker will present her perspective on our region in the 21st Century and the Community Foundation’s role in making it a better place.  Specifically she will speak to the organization’s efforts to:

·         Increase self-sufficiency for low-income individuals and families

·         Reduce racial and ethnic disparities

·         Enhance and leverage our region’s significant natural, historic and architectural resources

·         Strengthen the region as a center for arts and culture


Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History and Nature

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