Assembly Resolution No. 2174
BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes
COMMEMORATING the two-year Anniversary of the mass
shooting at Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New
York, on May 14, 2024, and honoring the victims,
survivors, families, and community at large in wake
of this devastating tragedy
WHEREAS, The very principles of American freedom, and the safety and
security of every American at home and abroad were challenged by the
unspeakable atrocities committed in the East Side of Buffalo, during a
sunny afternoon on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at a Tops grocery store
located on historic Jefferson Ave; and
WHEREAS, As we mark the two-year anniversary of this senseless
massacre, Buffalo is conducting an array of events to honor those who
lost their lives and to uplift the community, including the 5/14 Blue
Flag Initiative in honor of the lives taken during the 5/14
racially-motivated mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue; this
initiative is sponsored by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and
is a collaboration between the Mayor's Office, the City of Buffalo
Common Council, Buffalo Public Schools, and local artists Brandon Watson
and Brendan Bannon; the initiative calls for the creation of blue
cyanotype-design flags that will be hung along the Jefferson Avenue
corridor, and members of the public were invited to attend one of
several cyanotype flag-making workshops at various locations throughout
the community; and
WHEREAS, Other events in honor of the anniversary of this profound
tragedy include the Tragedy and Triumph 5K, sponsored by Legacy 5.14
Inc., benefitting the 5/14 Memorial Scholarship which awards
scholarships to 10 college-bound seniors from Buffalo high schools, and
on May 14, 2024, the community will gather for a remembrance ceremony at
the Tops supermarket; additionally, church bells will chime at 2:28
p.m., the moment the 123-second rampage began; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, as we remember this horrific day, we honor the
10 innocent people who were killed: Roberta A. Drury, Geraldine Talley,
Celestine Chaney, Katherine Massey, Pearl Young, Ruth Whitfield, Margus
D. Morrison, Andre Mackneil, retired Buffalo Police Lieutenant Aaron
Salter, and Heyward Patterson; and
WHEREAS, In addition, we honor the survivors: Jennifer Warrington,
Zaire Goodman, and Christopher Braden; and
WHEREAS, The May 14th Memorial Commission was established by
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Byron Brown to combat racism in all
forms and work towards a future where hatred and bigotry are a thing of
the past; the Commission, led by Buffalo NAACP President Reverend Mark
Blue, will have a leading role in uplifting the East Buffalo community;
and
WHEREAS, For all New Yorkers, the images of this horrific domestic
act of terrorism rekindles heartbreaking memories and causes us to pause
and reflect on our daily lives; and
WHEREAS, The very heart and soul of America was once more shaken to
its core and this tragedy stands as a reminder that such senseless acts
of violence will not destroy the honorable values that America stands
for; and
WHEREAS, The power of human compassion and the strength and spirit
of the American people were revealed in Buffalo as we learned of the
immediate and heroic outpouring of service and concern for the victims
of this act of terrorism and in its aftermath; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body cannot express sufficient gratitude
to those devoted first responders, including police officers, Erie
County sheriff's deputies, and FBI agents, as well as paramedics and
firefighters, who inspire us all by carrying out their sworn duties with
great courage and bravery; and
WHEREAS, The combined and coordinated efforts of these individuals
and their swift response are a testament to the spirit of unity and
fellowship in the face of adversity which characterizes the best of
America; and
WHEREAS, The people of the State of New York stand steadfast in
their solidarity with Buffalo, New York, honoring all of whom were
victimized by the city's worst mass shooting on Saturday, May 14, 2022,
and standing resolute in our obligation to condemn racism, domestic
terrorism, and all forms of hatred; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the two-year Anniversary of the mass shooting at Tops
Friendly Supermarkets, and to extend to the people of Buffalo the
sincerest best wishes and heartfelt prayers of all New Yorkers; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to survivors and families of the victims of this horrific
act of domestic terrorism.
