The design of the 05/14 memorial revealed | wgrz.com

BUFFALO, NY — New York State Governor Kathy Hochul joined several local leaders, as well as members of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, to announce the final design of the memorial.

The memorial will be called “Seeing Us” and will contain 10 interconnected pillars bearing the names of the 10 people who were shot and killed in a racially motivated mass shooting at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue on May 14, 2022.

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The memorial, which will honor the 10 victims and keep their memory alive, will also include a new building that will serve as a center for education, exhibitions, community activities and events.

“As we approach the second solemn anniversary of the senseless slaughter of our neighbors solely because of the color of their skin, we recommit to supporting the East Buffalo community, remembering those we have lost and support those who have been injured,” the governor said. Hochul said.

The final design was chosen following meetings with victims’ family members, survivors, residents, local artists and business leaders. Several public meetings and a community survey were also held so the public could share their thoughts on how this memorial would best represent our community.

The memorial was designed by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood.

“The second anniversary of the May 14 racially motivated mass shooting is just hours away. It is, and always will be, a dark mark in our city’s history. Our city and region continues to mourn the lives that were taken that day by an out-of-town white supremacist. I am proud of all the work the May 14 Memorial Commission has done to create a memorial that reflects the wishes of families and the community. I also thank the organizations and businesses that have helped us in this process,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

“I’ve said from the beginning of this process that we only have one time to get it right. We’ve reviewed the submissions. We’ve spoken with the families and I’m confident we’ve done the right thing. good choice. What happened “5/14 was an act of senseless violence and an act of hatred. I intend to ensure that we have a memorial that families and communities can be proud of,” said Rev. Mark E, Chairman of the 5/14 Commission. Blue.

The state is also investing an additional $4 million, bringing its contribution to $5 million toward the construction of the memorial. The city of Buffalo announced last month it would contribute $1 million. The commission is also working to raise additional funds for the project.

The commission does not yet know where the memorial will be built.

The May 14 Memorial Commission was created in late 2022 by Hochul and Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown to plan a memorial that honors the lives lost that day, as well as the impact on the community.