Over 1,000 People Participated in the 5/14 Memorial Survey

Governor Kathy Hochul, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, and the 5/14 Memorial Commission announce a total of 1,300 surveys for the 5/14 Memorial were completed by residents both in Buffalo and Western New York.

“The racially-motivated mass shooting that occurred at the Jefferson Avenue Tops was an act of hate and white supremacy. Its impact will be felt for years to come,” said Mayor Brown. “That’s why it’s important to make sure the memorial we create both honors the lives taken, and honors the survivors and wishes of the community.”

The 5/14 Memorial Commission circulated a survey both in Buffalo and across Western New York to allow residents a chance to express their feelings and thoughts about the design and theme of the 5/14 Memorial.

Preliminary results from the survey were shared on the commission’s website last year and now the final results have been processed and will be available on the website after the public meeting.

“We have one time to get this right, and a key part of that is public engagement,” said 5/14 Memorial Commission Chairman Pastor Mark Blue. “Throughout the fall and summer months of last year the commission engaged the public with meetings and through the survey. We’re very pleased with the results.”

As part of this process, the commission met with many of the family members of those who died during the mass shooting. During those conversations, the families expressed their desires and visions for the 5/14 Memorial. The commission plans to incorporate the families’ visions into the development of the memorial.

The 5/14 Memorial Public Engagement Meeting for the Survey Results will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 16th at the Stanley Makowski Early Childhood Center 1095 Jefferson Avenue.

For more information about the 5/14 Memorial visit https://www.buffalony.gov/1609/ 514-Memorial-Commission.