May 15th 2024.
It's hard to believe that it has already been two years since the tragic shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo. The memories are still so vivid, as if it happened just last week. Today, as we remember the lives lost in this senseless act of violence, we also gather to witness the unveiling of the final design for the memorial that will honor the ten victims, all of whom were Black.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the plans for the memorial, which will feature interconnected stone pillars and arches, as well as a windowed building for exhibitions and events. At the news conference, she emphasized the importance of supporting the East Buffalo community and honoring those who were affected by this tragedy. She expressed her gratitude to the Mayor, Reverend Blue, and the members of the 5/14 Memorial Commission for their efforts in creating a lasting tribute to those we lost.
As the city of Buffalo commemorates this solemn anniversary, we also get a glimpse of the final design for the memorial. It will be a place for remembrance and reflection, a place to honor the victims and show our support for the community. The commission received 20 submissions for the design, and the one created by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood was chosen. The state of New York has contributed $5 million towards the $15 million project, while the city of Buffalo has pledged $1 million. A fundraising campaign is also underway to raise the remaining funds.
Mayor Byron Brown expressed his pride in the work done by the 5/14 Memorial Commission and thanked the organizations and businesses that have supported this project. He also acknowledged the pain and sorrow that still lingers in the city as a result of this racially motivated attack. The commission consulted with the families of the victims throughout the design selection process to ensure that their wishes were honored.
The official title of the memorial is "Seeing Us," but it is also known as the "Unity for the Honor Space." It includes a sculpture created by Buffalo artist Valeria Cray and her son, Hiram Cray, a faculty member at the State University of New York Corning Community College. Rev. Mark Blue, the chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, emphasized the importance of creating a memorial that the families and community can be proud of, and one that will serve as a reminder to reject hate and violence.
As we remember the lives lost and the community impacted by this tragedy, we also reflect on the perpetrator, Payton Gendron, who is currently serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole. He has pleaded guilty to state charges of murder and hate-motivated domestic terrorism, and is also facing separate federal charges. The families of the victims continue to seek justice and healing, and this memorial will serve as a symbol of their strength and resilience in the face of hate.
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