The Western New York Peace Center presents our 58th Annual Dinner

"Defending Democracy: Demanding Our Rights Together"

Join us on November 10th 2025 for our 58th annual dinner featuring music, basket raffles, dinner, and a panel discussion!

Meet Our Defending Democracy Panel

Craig G. Mokhiber, International Human Rights Lawyer and Activist. Craig Mokhiber is an American human rights lawyer who served over three decades with the United Nations, including as Director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Since joining the UN in 1992, he worked in conflict and crisis zones such as Gaza and Afghanistan, advocating for international law and accountability. Widely recognized for his principled stance, Mokhiber has been a strong voice for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights worldwide.
Franchelle C.H. Parker, Founder and Executive Director, Open Buffalo. Franchelle Parker is the founder and Executive Director of Open Buffalo, a civic organization dedicated to advancing racial, economic, and ecological justice in Buffalo, New York. She has led numerous grassroots campaigns, trained hundreds of community leaders, and advocates at the intersection of systemic racism and climate equity.
Dr. Shannon Seneca, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies, University at Buffalo. Dr. Shannon Seneca is a Haudenosaunee environmental engineer and Assistant Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University at Buffalo. She was the first Native American woman to earn a PhD in engineering from UB and has extensive experience in groundwater remediation, environmental health, and Indigenous-led research.
Dr. Shyam Sriram, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Canisius University. Dr. Shyam K. Sriram is an assistant professor of political science at Canisius University, where he directs the Political Science Program and serves as faculty advisor for student civic engagement initiatives. He specializes in refugee resettlement, American politics, and religion and politics, combining scholarship with praxis through courses that integrate community-based work. He recently published the book Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.

Award

This year we are very proud to honor Macklin Leader with our Emerging Leaders Award! Macklin has recently become our Grant Writer at Large at the WNY Peace Center but they have been an integral part of grassroots organizing for several years within the community.

Congratulations, Macklin!

Tickets

Dinner Ticket (Regular) - $100
Dinner + Regular Membership - $135
Table for ten - $900
Student/Limited Income Tickets - $65
Organizational table (includes one dinner ticket) - $125

You will receive an emailed receipt and ticket with a QR code.

Dinner menu:

Harvest Salad (Boston Bibb & Mixed Greens w/ Bleu Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Golden Raisins, Honey Glazed Pumpkin Seeds, & Marinated Apples, Choice of Two Dressings)
Herb Focaccia & Butter
Plated Dessert
Chicken option: Boursin Crusted Chicken Breast (Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce, Garlic & Herb Whipped Potatoes, & Seasoned Broccolini and Carrots)
Vegan option: Balsamic grains & roasted vegetables in season

Membership

*For membership only, select "Purchase ticket", select "No thanks, I'd just like to donate", and choose your membership.

Advertisement

Please send ad in JPEG format to office@wnypeace.org.

$75 for 1/4 Page Ad
$100 for 1/2 Page Ad
$175 for a Full Page Ad
$280 for Inside Cover Program Ad (limit 2, first come first serve)
$350 for Back Cover Program Ad (limit 1, first come first serve)
$40 for Business Card Ad
$20 for Well Wishes (limit 100 words)

Contact WNYPC for more information: office@wnypeace.org or (716) 332-3904

WNY Peace Center's 58th Annual Dinner

Defending Democracy: Demanding Our Rights Together

Team Members