Final design for memorial honoring Tops shooting victims unveiled

May 13—A final design for a memorial honoring the victims of the May 14, 2022 Tops shooting in Buffalo has been unveiled.

"Seeing Us," designed by Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood, was chosen from 20 submissions and was one of three finalists chosen by the 5/14 Memorial Commission.

Gov. Kathy Hochul also announced an additional state investment of $4.1 million toward siting, design and construction of the memorial, bringing the total state commitment to $5 million.

"As we approach the solemn two-year anniversary of when our neighbors were senselessly slaughtered solely because of the color of their skin, we rededicate ourselves in supporting the East Buffalo community, remembering those we lost, and supporting those who were injured," Hochul said. "Today's unveiling of the final design chosen by the 5/14 Memorial Commission is the culmination of many meetings and conversations with the families of those impacted as well as the community. I thank Mayor Brown, Reverend Blue and the members of the Commission for their efforts in taking on this heavy task to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost and the community impacted by this tragedy."

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown added, "The second anniversary of the 5/14 racially motivated mass shooting is just hours away. It is, and will always be, a somber mark in our city's history. Our city and region continue to mourn the lives that were taken by an out-of-town white supremacist on that day. I am proud of all the work the 5/14 Memorial Commission has done to create a memorial that reflects the wishes of the families and the community. I also thank the organizations and businesses that have helped us in this process."

The final design proposes 10 interconnected pillars, inscribed with the names of victims and survivors, each with a unique arc and height, faced with stone. It also features a sweeping support building which operates 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 that began last year, which included public meetings and a community survey. The 5/14 Memorial Commission community survey gave the public a chance to share their thoughts and feelings about the characteristics and elements included in the 5/14 Memorial.

Twenty design submissions were accepted from Nov. 1 through Dec. 18, with those designs narrowed down to three finalists. The 5/14 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 begin a yearlong fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to break ground. Hochul previously announced an initial investment of $900,000 and has announced an additional $4.1 million. Brown announced earlier this month that the City of Buffalo would contribute $1 million toward the Memorial.

Following the May 14, 2022 white supremacist terror attack at Tops Friendly Markets, Governor Hochul announced $50 million of targeted investments as part of the State's ongoing efforts to address the immediate needs of the community. The Governor announced an additional $10 million investment on the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting. New York State will continue to coordinate with the federal government, city, county, philanthropic and business partners, and grassroots leaders to address long-term needs in the community.

Those lost during the May 14th mass shooting are Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Margus D. Morrison, Andre Mackniel, Aaron Salter Jr., Geraldine Talley, Katherine Massey, Roberta A. Drury, Heyward Patterson, and Celestine Chaney. The injured survivors are Zaire Goodman, Jennifer Warrington, and Christopher Braden.

5/14 Memorial Commission Chairman Reverend Mark E. Blue said, "I have said it from the beginning of this process, that we have just one time to get it right. We have reviewed the submissions. We have spoken with the families, and I am confident that we have made a good choice. What happened on 5/14 was an act of senseless violence and it was an act of hate. It's my intent to make sure we have a memorial that the families and the communities can be proud of."

The commission was established in October 2022 by Hochul and Brown in response to the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in May of 2022. The 5/14 Memorial Commission consists of 11 members, five appointed by the governor, five appointed by the mayor of Buffalo, and a chair jointly appointed by both. Buffalo NAACP President Reverend Mark E. Blue serves as chair of the commission with other members including family members of victims and survivors, residents, local artists, and business leaders. For more information about the 5/14 Memorial Commission, visit www.514memorial.com.