Buffalo unveils design for memorial honoring Tops shooting victims

Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and the May 14 Memorial Commission unveiled the final design for a memorial honoring the victims of the racially motivated Tops shooting of May 14, 2022. The design, named “Seeing Us” by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood, was chosen from 20 entries. Hochul also announced an additional state investment of $4.1 million, bringing the state’s total contribution to $5 million for the construction of the memorial.

The proposed memorial includes ten interconnected pillars inscribed with the victims’ names and a raised memorial walk. The design process included public meetings and community surveys. Mayor Brown and Rev. Blue emphasized the importance of the memorial in honoring the victims and supporting the East Buffalo community.

The cost of the permanent memorial is estimated at nearly $15 million, with fundraising efforts underway. Following the attack, Governor Hochul announced $50 million in targeted investments for community needs, as well as an additional $10 million on the one-year anniversary. The state will continue to collaborate with various partners to meet long-term community needs.

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