By: Pride David, Media Communications Major
Unleash your creativity and sharpen your literary skills at our community's hidden gem – the Just Buffalo Writing Center!
The Just Buffalo Writing Center is located in downtown Buffalo at 468 Washington Street and can be accessed by the train by getting on at the Utica Station (towards downtown/Canalside) and getting off at Lafayette Square Station or taking the #8 bus headed downtown (picks up at Main and Ferry). It is a free after school creative writing space where young writers, artists, and thinkers from ages 12-18 can come together to find community and inspiration through the literary arts.
The center provides one-on-one feedback, workshops, and platforms for young writers to share work and talents. It's open Tuesdays and Thursdays, with doors opening at 3:30 to come and warm up and have snacks and drinks. These events can also be watched and participated virtually on Zoom.
Ms. Farinacci, BAVPA’s beloved librarian, recommended the writing center because of my interest in writing and fiction reading. I immediately felt at ease the first time I went to the writing center. Everyone was welcoming, and it felt that everyone was like a family to one another.
Pride David speaking at JBWC
Workshops are my favorite part about coming to the writing center because I can connect with other writers and work on specific writing skills, such as prose or character development for my stories. Recently, I spoke at a student event with a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Jhumpa Lahiri, and another youth ambassador to talk about her book, "Whereabouts," and the discussion left me feeling more inspired as a reader and a writer.
Pride David alongside Pulitzer Prize-winning Jhumpa Lahiri
On November 28th, JBWC will host an open mic night from 5-7pm. All are invited to attend, including all art forms of artists, storytellers, playwrights, poets, comic artists, storytellers, orators, and songwriters. You can come to perform or be inspired by your peers in our wonderfully creative space.
It will be a creative and inspiring night, and I'm excited to see you there! Lastly, you can also sign up for our Just Buffalo Writing Center newsletter by clicking here. Subscription to the newsletter will keep you up to date with all amazing events and exciting ways to be involved in the writing center.
Happy writing, friends!