Memorial to be built in honor of Buffalo Massacre victims unveiled

As residents of Buffalo, New York, mark two years since a self-proclaimed white supremacist fatally shot 10 Black people at a grocery store, the final design for a permanent memorial was unveiled to honor those killed in what President Joe Biden called for Tuesday. “an unacceptable act of racial hatred.”

The memorial, titled “Seeing Us,” is made up of 10 interconnected arched pillars bearing the names of those killed in the attack at a Tops store on Buffalo’s East Side. The project will include a new building that New York Governor Kathy Hochul said will serve as a central hub for education, exhibitions and other community events.

The memorial will also feature an elevated, park-like “memorial walk” on the roof of the new building, leading visitors to a viewpoint overlooking the monument.

“This tragedy shocked us, it devastated us, it pushed us beyond our limits. But it did not break us. On the contrary, it revealed a strength that runs deep in the veins of this city,” Hochul said at a news conference Monday to unveil the proposed memorial that a committee of community residents, including relatives of those killed in the massacre, selected from 20 submissions.

Those killed in the May 14, 2022 attack were Ruth Whitfield, 86; Roberta Drury, 32; Aaron Salter Jr., retired Buffalo police officer, 55; Heyward Patterson, 67; Young Pearl, 77 years old; Geraldine Talley, 62 years old; Célestine Chaney, 65 years old; Katherine “Kat” Massey, 72; Margus Morrison, 52; and André Mackniel, 53 years old.

On Tuesday morning, Biden and first lady Jill Biden marked a milestone in Buffalo’s recovery from the shootings by issuing a statement that they are “firm in our commitment to ending all forms of racial hatred” and were inspired by some loved ones of those killed who “turned your pain into purpose” by demanding that Congress do something about gun violence and racism.

“Jill and I join the people of Buffalo in honoring the memory of the 10 souls who were stolen from us in an unconscionable act of racial hatred against the Black community on this day 2 years ago. I often think of the “I know how painful these birthdays can be, and I want them to know that they remain in my prayers,” Biden’s statement said.

The president further said he was committed to continuing to take historic executive actions to “counter hate-fueled violence in all its ugly forms,” ​​and noted that in June 2022 he signed the bipartisan bill for Safer Communities, the first major element of federal gun reform. legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years.

“I know we still have much work to do, but I am optimistic that we can prevent future senseless acts of gun violence like the one that struck the soul of your community – and much of that is due to resilience .you showed it in the face of this unthinkable anguish,” Biden said.

Hochul said the new memorial “will show future generations what these people stood for and the depth of their families’ love.” This will last forever.”

The memorial was designed by architects Douglass Alligood and Jin Young Song.

The governor announced the state would invest $5 million to build the memorial and launch a yearlong fundraising campaign. The city of Buffalo is also contributing $1 million toward the construction of the memorial.

Mayor Byron Brown announced the creation of a new committee to raise an additional $9 million for construction.

“I hope that with this 5/14 memorial we can offer some sense of healing, peace and hope for the future,” Brown said.

Payton Gendron, the teenage gunman who committed the mass shooting, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to 15 counts, including 10 counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder hate-motivated murder and domestic terrorism. In January, federal prosecutors announced they would impose the death penalty on Gendron.

“Two years ago, a shadow fell over our beloved Buffalo, a shadow created by hatred, pure evil and a despicable act of violence, a racially motivated mass shooting right at the Tops supermarket that tore apart the heart of this community,” Hochul said.

Hochul, who grew up in Buffalo, added: “I want all families to know that we will never let you carry the burden alone. We stand with you and we will never be defeated by hatred. but stand up stronger in the face of it. This is who we are as Buffalonians, this is who we are as New Yorkers. »

Zeneta Everhart’s son, Zaire Goodman, worked at the Tops store and was one of three people injured in the attack.

“My son’s journey to recovery is a testament to the resilience of our community, but it is also a stark reminder of the scars left by that tragic day of 5/14,” said Everhart, a member of the 5/14 Memorial Committee. who won the Buffalo City Council election in November. “As we honor the memory of those we have lost and continue to support those who have been injured and are still recovering, let us not forget the deep wounds that still linger in our city and our community. The unveiling of the final design of the memorial is not about simply erecting a monument; it’s about weaving the threads of our collective grief and resilience into a tapestry of remembrance and hope. May this memorial be a beacon of unity and justice, reminding us all that we are stronger together in the face of. racism, hatred and violence. »

A second memorial, titled “Unity,” will also be unveiled Tuesday in front of the Tops store where the Buffalo mass shooting occurred.

A moment of silence will be held at 2:28 p.m. ET, marking the moment the massacre unfolded, followed by the ringing of bells, officials said.