BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The sentencing of the Tops mass shooter on state charges brings a sense of legal closure to one aspect of the case against Payton Gendron.
But as we get more removed from the horrific events of May 14, 2022, many are wondering about plans for a permanent memorial to the victims of the Tops mass shooting as a way to honor the ten lives lost and three injured in the racist attack.
"Even though much time has passed, the memories are still there," said Reverend Mark Blue, Buffalo NAACP President, and head of the May 14 memorial committee on WBEN Thursday.
"When people drive down Jefferson Avenue and drive past Tops, the images
are still there. They'll never be taken away from our minds."
Blue expects the process on a memorial to start later this month. Eleven individuals have been selected to serve on the memorial committee by both Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
"One of the things we have to do is make sure we take our time. We only have one chance to do it right. It is my goal, as I lead this team, that we are considerate of the families in which the monument will be erected."
A location for the monument has not yet been selected.
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Blue wants the monument to be both reflecting and healing.
"I want it to be a working monument where families can come to reflect and be encouraged at the same time."
There is currently no timeframe for the project.
"My hope is that we can end racism. That is one of the things that can help bring the healing that needs to happen. Once something has been done, it's hard for people to un-see it. I hope and pray that through this monument people will see again and have hope. Remember racism has brought this upon us. We need to end the white supremacy movement that has flooded America."
Blue said Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan made a profound statement and captured the very essence of racism and systemic racism in America in her pre-sentencing remarks Wednesday.
