May 14 Memorial Commission unveils design for Buffalo memorial – Finger Lakes Daily News

Governor Kathy Hochul, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and the May 14 Memorial Commission, along with families of those lost and injured and other community stakeholders, unveiled the final design for a memorial Monday permanent honoring the victims of the racially motivated May 14th. , 2022 Headshot shooting in Buffalo. “Seeing We”, designed by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood, was chosen from 20 applications and was one of three finalists chosen by the Commission. Governor 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 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. » Governor Hochul said. “Today’s unveiling of the final design chosen by the May 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.

The final design features ten 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 that 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 starting 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 18, 2023, with these designs narrowed down to three finalists. The May 14 Memorial Commission worked with the families of those lost and injured on May 14, 2022 and ultimately chose the final design with their input.

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

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