Buffalo NY tops commemorative supermarket plans unveiled, marking its second anniversary

Buffalo, New York is taking steps to commemorate the tragic events of the horrific mass shooting that took place at a Tops supermarket nearly two years ago. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced plans to create a permanent memorial to honor the victims and support the East Buffalo community affected by the incident.

The memorial, recently unveiled at a press conference, will feature interconnected stone pillars and arches, as well as a glass-enclosed building for exhibitions and events.

“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 support those who have been hurt,” Hochul said.

Governor Hochul added, “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.

During the press conference, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown also expressed his feelings regarding the victims of the Top Supermarket massacre.

“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,” Brown said.

Additionally, the memorial design, created by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood, was selected from 20 submissions to the commission.

The project, with an estimated cost of $15 million, received significant state and city support. New York State allocated $5 million, while the City of Buffalo pledged $1 million. To close the remaining funding gap, a one-year campaign will be launched.

A significant contribution to the memorial comes in the form of a sculpture titled “Unity for the Honor Space,” created by Buffalo artist Valeria Cray and her son, Hiram Cray. He is currently a faculty member at Corning Community College, State University of New York. The sculpture is part of the larger memorial, titled “Seeing Us.”

Throughout the model selection process, victims’ families were actively consulted, ensuring their voices and perspectives were heard. » said Reverend Mark Blue, Chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission.

He said: “What happened on 5/14 was an act of senseless violence and an act of hatred. I intend to ensure we have a memorial that families and communities can be proud of.

As Buffalo prepares to commemorate the lives lost in the Tops Supermarket massacre and the resilience of the East Buffalo community, the memorial stands as a symbol of remembrance, healing and unity.

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Hunter Gilmore

Hunter Gilmore is a journalist, producer and screenwriter who brings a wealth of experience in television production, print/digital media and content writing. Fueled by a burning passion for media, Hunter thrives on bringing visions to life through her compelling storytelling, creativity and strategic prowess.