Hochul, Brown, 5/14 Memorial Commission unveil final design for memorial honoring victims of Buffalo Tops shooting

Monday May 13, 2024 4:00 p.m.

Governor announces additional state commitment of $4.1 million

√ “Seeing Us,” chosen from 20 submissions, is the result of a months-long public engagement campaign that helped guide the design process; see the renderings here

Governor Kathy Hochul, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and the May 14 Memorial Commission, along with families of those lost and injured and other community stakeholders, unveiled the final design of a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the Tops shooting in Buffalo on May 14, 2022. “Seeing Us,” designed by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood, was chosen from 20 submissions and was one of three finalists chosen by the commission .

Hochul also announced an additional state investment of $4.1 million for siting, design and construction of the memorial, bringing the state’s total commitment to $5 million.

“As we approach the solemn second anniversary of the senseless slaughter of our neighbors solely because of the color of their skin, we recommit ourselves to supporting the East Buffalo community, remembering those we have lost and supporting those who have been hurt,” Hochul said. said. “Today’s unveiling of the final design chosen by the 5/14 Memorial Commission is the culmination of many meetings and conversations with the families of those affected, as well as the community. I thank Mayor Brown, Rev. Blue and the members of the commission for their efforts in taking on this difficult task to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost and the community affected by this tragedy.

Brown said: “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 companies that helped us in this process.

The final design features 10 interconnected pillars, bearing the names of victims and survivors, each with a unique arc and height, clad in stone. It also includes a large support building, which serves as a central hub for education, exhibitions, community activities, gatherings and events. Visitors will also find an elevated memorial walk on the roof of the support building.

The final design follows a public engagement campaign launched in May 2023, which included public meetings and a community survey. The 5/14 Memorial Commission’s community survey provided the public with an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about the features and elements included in the 5/14 Memorial.

Twenty design submissions were accepted from November 1 to December 1. 18, with these designs narrowed down to three finalists. The 5/14 Memorial Commission worked with the families of the victims and injured, and ultimately chose the final design with their input.

The permanent memorial is expected to cost nearly $15 million. The commission will now launch a year-long fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to begin work. Hochul previously announced an initial investment of $900,000 and announced an additional investment of $4.1 million. Brown announced earlier this month that the city of Buffalo would contribute $1 million to the memorial.

Following the shooting in Tops, Hochul announced targeted investments of $50 million as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address the community’s immediate needs. The governor announced an additional $10 million investment on the first anniversary of the shooting. A press release states: “New York State will continue to coordinate with the federal government, city, county, philanthropic and business partners, and local leaders to meet the long-term needs of the community. »

The losers on May 14 were Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter Jr., Geraldine Talley, Katherine Massey, Roberta A. Drury, Heyward Patterson and Celestine Chaney. The injured survivors are Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington and Christopher Braden.

May 14 Memorial Commission Chairman Rev. Mark E. Blue said, “I have said from the beginning of this process that we only have one time to get it right. We have reviewed the submissions. We spoke with the families and I am convinced that we made a good choice. What happened on May 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. of.”

Congressman Tim Kennedy said, “Our city continues to mourn the loss of the 10 beautiful souls who were stolen from us on 5/14. We have come together as a community to support the families who have lost their loved ones, and it is only fitting that we come together once again to announce the selection of a permanent memorial that will honor the life of love, of dedication and kindness carried out by each of the victims of this perverse act. We will continue to honor their memory, as they deserve.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Our community and families continue to heal as we approach the second anniversary of a tragic day in Buffalo history. We are a strong and resilient community, the city of good neighbors, and we will continue to need ongoing support. I commend Governor Hochul, Mayor Brown, Rev. Blue and the members of the 5/14 Commission for their efforts in selecting a memorial project to properly honor the lives and memories of those we lost to of a senseless act of domestic terrorism. . I can’t wait to help and see the final product.

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope said, “As we approach the second anniversary of the racially motivated massacre of 10 innocent lives in our community, this memorial will not only commemorate their tragic loss, but will also remain resolute in our collective commitment to fight racism, hatred and bigotry. As we continue to fight racism in our country and move forward, may this memorial shine as a symbol of remembrance, strength and solidarity against prejudice and violence. I express my gratitude to Governor Hochul. , Mayor Brown and the dedicated members of the 5/14 Memorial Commission for their dedication to this memorial.

Council Member Zeneta B. Everhart said, “As we approach two years since the 5/14 attacks, I reflect not only as a Masten District Councilwoman or as an elected leader, but as a as a mother who has felt the heartbreaking pain of gun violence. This journey to recovery is a testament to the resilience of our community, but it is also a stark reminder of the scars left by that tragic day of May 14, as we honor the memory of those we have lost and continue to support those who have been hurt. and while we are still recovering, let us not forget the deep wounds that persist in our city and our community. Unveiling the final design of the memorial is not just about erecting a monument, it is also about weaving the threads of our collective grief and resilience. into a tapestry of memory and hope. May this memorial be a beacon of unity and justice, reminding us all that we are stronger together in the face of racism, hatred and violence. I also want to thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Brown, and the members of the commission for our shared dedication and commitment to honoring the memory of those we lost on 5/14.”

Commemorative Commission of 05/14

The 5/14 Memorial Commission was created in October 2022 by Hochul and Brown. It is made up of 11 members: five appointed by the governor, five appointed by the mayor and a jointly appointed president. For more information about the 5/14 Memorial Commission, visit www.514memorial.com.