A permanent memorial honoring the 10 Black victims of a racist mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket has been announced. The design, called “Seeing Us,” features interconnected stone pillars and arches, as well as a windowed building for exhibitions and events. The memorial was selected from 20 submissions to the 5/14 Memorial Commission, established after the shooting in 2022. New York state has committed $5 million to the $15 million project, with Buffalo contributing $1 million and a fundraising campaign expected to make up the difference.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the design at a news conference, emphasizing the importance of supporting the East Buffalo community and honoring the victims of the attack. Nine shoppers, aged 32 to 86, and a retired Buffalo police officer working as a security guard were killed in the shooting, with three store employees wounded. The Rev. Mark Blue, chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, stated that the families of the victims were consulted during the design selection process, ensuring that the memorial reflects their wishes.
The gunman, Payton Gendron, is serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty to state charges of murder and hate-motivated domestic terrorism. He also faces federal charges and could potentially receive the death penalty if convicted, though he has pleaded not guilty in that case. As the second anniversary of the shooting approaches, Tops Friendly Markets will dedicate a memorial near the store and hold a moment of silence at the time of the attack. A sculpture called “Unity for the Honor Space” created by Buffalo artist Valeria Cray and her son will be featured at the memorial site, along with 10 granite bollards.
The memorial serves as a tribute to the victims of the tragic shooting, honoring their lives and the impact of the senseless violence. The community and elected leaders involved in the project are dedicated to creating a space that the families and communities affected by the tragedy can be proud of. By providing a place for remembrance and reflection, the memorial aims to bring healing and support to those who were impacted by the attack. The design of the memorial, with its interconnected pillars and arches, symbolizes unity and resilience in the face of hate and violence.
The announcement of the memorial design comes as the community prepares to commemorate the second anniversary of the shooting. The unveiling of the memorial design and the dedication of the “Unity for the Honor Space” sculpture by Valeria Cray and her son highlight the importance of remembering and honoring the lives lost in the tragic event. As the fundraising campaign for the memorial continues, the support and commitment of New York state, Buffalo, and the community ensure that the project will come to fruition and serve as a lasting tribute to the victims of the shooting.
