Buffalo Voices to Bring Three Days of Storytelling, Literacy and Youth Publishing Opportunities to Buffalo
Buffalo native, author and publisher Trunnis Goggins II will return to the community where he grew up to present Buffalo Voices, a three-day celebration of storytelling, literacy, authorship and community connection taking place September 18–20, 2026, in Buffalo, New York.
Presented by Veritas Publishing House and 4P Group LLC, Buffalo Voices will bring together local families, young writers, published authors, educators, community leaders, literary organizations and supporters of youth development.
A central feature of the event will be an opportunity for selected Buffalo-area children to become professionally published authors.
“This is not simply an opportunity for children to participate in a writing activity,” said Goggins. “We want young people to understand that their ideas, experiences and imaginations have value. Selected children will have the opportunity to work toward becoming true published authors and to see their stories developed into professionally published books.”
Buffalo Voices is being created as a way for Goggins to give back to the community that helped shape his life.
“Buffalo will always be a meaningful part of my story,” Goggins said. “I grew up in this community, and Buffalo Voices is one way for me to return, invest in young people and help create opportunities that may change the direction of a child’s life. Every child deserves to know that their voice matters.”
The three-day project is expected to include:
Author presentations and community conversations;
Youth writing and storytelling activities;
Information about writing, publishing and book development;
Opportunities to meet published authors;
Book signings and literary activities;
Opportunities for selected children to pursue professional publication; and
Engagement with schools, youth organizations, libraries, families and community partners.
Veritas Publishing House is an independent publishing company committed to helping authors share meaningful stories involving resilience, transformation, purpose, leadership, faith and personal growth. Through its publishing houses and imprints, Veritas works with both adult and youth authors to professionally develop, publish, distribute and promote books in the United States and international markets.
Buffalo Voices organizers are currently inviting schools, youth organizations, mentoring programs, literacy organizations, homeschool associations, libraries, parent groups and community agencies to share the opportunity with children and families throughout Buffalo and Western New York.
Organizations may also recommend young people who demonstrate an interest in writing, storytelling, poetry, journalism or creative expression.
Because space is limited, families, educators and youth organizations are encouraged to express interest as early as possible. Additional information regarding venues, the three-day schedule, registration and the youth-author submission process will be announced as details are finalized.
Businesses, foundations and community organizations are also invited to support Buffalo Voices through sponsorships, youth transportation assistance, refreshments, books, printing, educational materials and funding for youth publishing opportunities.