BAEC Bulletin | September/October 2022 | 15
FROM THE ERIE INSTITUTE OF LAW
Two Buffalos BY HUGH M. RUSS, III Shortly after May 14, I was asked to participate in a podcast about the legal implications of the racist murders. The first question - “describe Buffalo for our listeners” - caught me off guard. I scrambled, and I tried to capture the reality many face on a daily basis. “There really are two Buffalos,” I said, “one for the haves, and one for the have-nots.” I proceeded to explain that the division was largely racial (Black- White) and geographic (East side vs. the rest of the city). I related that the shootings had occurred at the only grocery store on the predominately Black East side of Buffalo. To reveal this reality to listeners around the country disturbed me. I felt as if I were exposing a hidden secret, something shameful. In the weeks that have followed, I have considered our role in creating and sustaining the two Buffalos. And, I began to wonder whether ways exist to unite the disjointed parts. Some of this musing - along with discussions involving Anne Noble and Jill Bond - involved our planned transformation for the Erie Institute of Law. We have a program of seminars scheduled for the fall, and we are actively planning other educational programs and activities. I would request that you stay tuned, as things are evolving rapidly. Remembering Bishop Desmond Tutu’s proverb (how do you eat an elephant? Small bites), I have been trying to think of simple ways in which we can cross the divide, places where a bridge already exists. I recently met a friend for lunch on Food Truck Thursday at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The BNMC has created a park-like area with tents where people can gather, eat and drink, and even play corn hole. The area allows all BNMC employees to mix and mingle, from C-Suite to
maintenance. During my lunch, I learned that the vast majority of hourly workers at the BNMC, Kaleida, UB Medical School, and Roswell are people of color. In other words when we go to one of the BNMC facilities, which is increasingly more frequent, at least for me, the two Buffalos are likely to personally interact. Pay attention. Be aware. Talk to those who help you. Be grateful. The other small bites we all seem to be taking right now involve our cheering for the Buffalo Bills. I have seen more Bills shirts downtown in the last few weeks than I have ever. (I have even seen some interesting Bills tattoos - but I will save that discussion for later). Bills fans cut across all racial lines and income levels. If I am at the stadium formerly known as the Ralph (especially if I have been tailgating), and the Bills score, I hug and high-five everyone around me. It doesn’t matter what they look like or where they live. When the Bills win, everyone is my long-lost out- of-town relative in for a wedding. Let’s celebrate. I know I am not alone. Why can’t we live with that same spirit of mutual interest on a daily basis? We all share the same dream. While there may be two Buffalos, we don’t have to accept it. •
HUGH M. RUSS, III Dean Erie Institute of Law
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