Buffalo unveils memorial honoring victims of 2022 supermarket shooting

by Daniel Johnson

May 15, 2024

Governor Hochul said during a press conference unveiling the design of the permanent memorial that it represents a further dedication to the support of the East Buffalo community.

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Nearly two years after a white teenager carried out a racist shooting at a Buffalo Tops supermarket, plans to commemorate the attack were announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The memorial will feature interconnected stone pillars and arches and a glass-enclosed building where exhibitions and events can be held.

As the Associated Press reports, Governor Hochul said during a press conference unveiling the design of the permanent memorial that it represents a further dedication to the support of the East Buffalo community. “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.

Hochul continued, “Today’s unveiling of the final design chosen by the 5/14 Memorial Commission is the culmination of numerous 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 of honoring the lives and legacies of those we have lost and the community affected by this tragedy.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown also said during the news conference that he was proud of the work being done by the May 14 Memorial Commission.

“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.

Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood created the design for the mural, which was selected from 20 submissions to the 5/14 Memorial Commission. The state of New York contributed $5 million to the $15 million project, and the city of Buffalo will contribute $1 million. A year-long campaign is expected to fill funding gaps.

Buffalo artist Valeria Cray and her son, Hiram Cray, a faculty member at Corning Community College at the State University of New York, created a sculpture called “Unity for the Honor Space” for the memorial, officially titled “Seeing Us.”

According to the Rev. Mark Blue, chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, the families of the victims were consulted as the design was selected. “What happened on 5/14 was an act of senseless violence, and it was an act of hate,” Blue told the P.A.. “I intend to ensure we have a memorial that families and communities can be proud of.” »

As BLACK BUSINESS As previously reported, Payton Gendron is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for his role in the attack after pleading guilty to charges of murder and hate-motivated domestic terrorism. Gendron also faces separate federal charges and could face the death penalty if convicted in that case, in which he has pleaded not guilty.