Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Darius Pridgen knew a lot of eyes and ears would be focused on his May 15th service and sermon at True Bethel Baptiist Church.
The church is not far from where the mass shooting of shoppers at Tops' Jefferson Avenue supermarket took place 19 hours earlier.
"I had to lock my emotions in my office," recalls Pridgen, who is now Bishop at True Bethel. "It was the most difficult Sunday I've ever handled."
Four years ago, Pridgen wore two very intertwined hats.
Pridgen was lead pastor at True Bethel - one of Buffalo's largest Black orientated religious organizations and, a major influence on the East Side.
But, at the time, Pridgen was also Ellicott District councilman and Buffalo Common Council president. Pridgen retired from the council three years ago.
His voice...his words matter.
They still do.
To Pridgen, that May15th service and sermon - and others that followed - was about healing, love and peace.
Yes, Pridgen was mad and angry that the incident took place im Buffalo. He's still mad and angry, truth be told.
"I never expected that level of violence and hate to come to Buffalo, or anywhere in Western New York," Pridgen said.
Not only was True Bethel's May 15th service packed, it was being live streamed and Pridgen knew many, including those from outside the region, would be watching and listening.
"At that moment, I felt like I was not only Buffalo's pastor but I was pastor for all of Black America," Pridgen said.
That Pridgen - and others like Rev. Mark Blue, Rev. Michael Chapman and Pastor Dwayne Jones - all from other East Side congregations - were preaching love and healing is widely credited for Buffalo not seeing violent outbursts like what was happening in other cities.
"It was calming and reassuring," said Herbert Bellamy Jr., a Jefferson Avenue businessman and civic leader.
Yes, Pridgen was grieving inside, but he also knew there were 10 other Buffalo families who were even more angry, confused, hurt and sad.
"They were, and are, grieving at a much higher level," Pridgen said.
To this day, Pridgen said he is still wrestling with his emotions when it comes May 14th, 2022.
"It is something that will never go away," Pridgen said.
