Bradford R Watts

A Buffalo native of the historic East Side, Bradford Robert Watts, Community Relations and DEI Manager at People Inc attributes all he is and will ever be to God's favor on his life. The only child of Robert and Eloise Watts who instilled a strong work ethic in him at an early age. His father a product of Seneca Vocational and a veteran of the Navy was an entrepreneur and extrovert in the community with a knack of engaging with people of all walks of life and cultures. 

His mother was a staunch advocate for educational excellence as one of the first African-American woman to graduate with her MSW from UB School of Social Work. Eloise, who as a child had polio, attributed it to giving her an inner strength to overcome the odds physically, mentally and spiritually. She was the first woman of color in a leading position of Social Work at Roswell Park for over 30 years. Watts was considered a miracle baby born despite the physical challenges of Eloise with curvature of the spine. He credits his parents with providing a loving home and family environment to express himself and be his best at everything he would venture to do. Educated in catholic schools as a child he recalls spending weeks in schools run by nuns, learning to box, and an inspirational teacher in 6th grade having him explore black history. As his parents worked he spent amazing times with his grandparents and attended church with them on Sundays. His Grandfather Luther was a Deacon and Trustee of historic Pilgrim Baptist Church and his Grandmother, Iola sang in the choir. He then attended City honors for the last two middle school years at the suggestion of his 6th grade teacher. Watts graduated South Park High School and attended Morehouse College, graduated Buffalo State College with a Bachelors in Broadcasting and Master of Communication Arts from Buffalo State and UB Multidisciplinary Studies program. 

During those years he became a single father to his daughter Monique, that became his champion cause to achieve and believe he could inspire her to be her best as their favorite song by Earth, Wind and Fire stated, "Keep Your Head To The Sky!" Watts attributes his gift of mission and finding his joy in finding his wife Wanda whom he has been married to for 22 years. In that time, he was a lecturer, and Adjunct professor for Buffalo State College and ECC, a videographer at Channel 7 News. But it wasn't until he gave his life to Jesus Christ that he found his true calling and mission field when he joined People Inc. as a DSP/Team Leader while working between the two SUNY schools. All of the things his mother told him about being an African American male labeled as a disciplinary or "troubled child" began to resonate in his spirit during his training and learning about institutionalization of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities and many were of color. He spoke with then CEO, Dr. James Boles about this and he was interviewed by two amazing people at the agency. His supervisor to this date Kevin Horrigan and Now CEO, Rhonda Frederick for Community Relations and that's when Jesus took the wheel!!! Watts has been at People Inc. for 18 years and loves his job as community relations and DEI manager, according to Watts," It is a joy to meet people from all walks of life, talent and abilities; the leadership, employees, families, community, and especially the people that receive services have all been all part of this Spectacular Journey!" Watts is a community Chaplain and co-associate Pastor with his wife under the leadership of Bishop Marion and Harriet Richey of the Dayspring Church of God of Prophecy in Buffalo. He says, "it makes my calling seamless with my job." He further states, "I get to volunteer with organizations in so many communities, speak with various chambers of commerce and civic groups. I have amazing talented colleagues and people that volunteer with me all year long, smile, say hello and tell The People Inc. Story which is a part of my testimony to the power and plan of God." 

In addition, Watts serves as Chair of The Parent Network of WNY, Co-Chair of the National Federation of Just Communities of WNY(NFJC), active board member of the Buffalo Urban League, and representative of VOICE Buffalo for People Inc. In his community he works with his block club Jes Breathe and committee member of Fillmore Forward for East side community and business development and stability initiatives. Watts always likes to take the opportunity to lift up all that are in service and greet everyone he meets with a smile and salutation of Hello or his emails with Greetings! Watts's daily prayer is to grow more spiritually able to discern, and be attuning to the design and plan God has for him to serve. He is a Buffalo resident born and raised in the city's eastside, where he remains to this date. 

Watts graduated from South Park High School, he has a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in Broadcasting. He holds a Master's Degree in Communication from Buffalo State College through Multidisciplinary studies at the University of Buffalo. He is now retired from SUNY academics and continues to serve youth, adolescents, adults, and seniors as a mentor and servant of Jesus Christ. Watts loves spending time and traveling with his wife, watching sports with his father and grandson, ice skating and cocoa with his granddaughter, hearing his daughter sing, seeing all his family and loving and laughing each day the good Lord grants him. It's the journey and sometimes the sojourn, but definably "Where hello can take you and where our world opens up, hopefully it opens us up to LOVE!