Achievements

Naila Ansari Catilo, associate professor of theater and Africana studies, and Erin Barr, assistant professor of history and social studies education, appeared on Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s NPR program Group Chat on Friday, March 13, for a conversation exploring the cultural and historical themes surrounding the film Sinners and the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The episode examined the intersections of Irish and African American cultural history, including discussions of Irish dance traditions and the shared historical experiences between the two communities. Barr, whose research focuses on Irish American political activism in nineteenth-century America, contributed historical context to the conversation.

The program also featured Tony Davoren, music educator and host of Welcome Kind Stranger, who contributed to the Irish dance choreography for Sinners, along with champion Irish dancer Kevinah Dargan and community voices from Buffalo’s Irish cultural scene.

Through conversations that bridge film, history, and contemporary culture, Buffalo State faculty help bring scholarly insight to public media audiences across Western New York and Toronto, highlighting the university’s role in connecting academic expertise with regional cultural conversations.

To check out the episode, please use the following link: https://www.btpm.org/2026-03-13/irish-culture-explained-film-history-buffalos-st-patricks-day.