BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — 5/14 A memorial committee asked the East Side community how and where to permanently commemorate the 10 victims of the murders at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue. I am looking for the opinion of
Some hope the commission could consider attaching a QR code to the memorial statue.
“They can see everything that happens, and that’s what I’m trying to present to you,” says resident Lynn Crumpler. “Because even after we leave, there will be recognition of what happened to our community.”
May 14th Memorial Committee Chairman Reverend Mark Blue said the project will take time.
This funding comes from city, state and metropolitan campaign funds.
“Then we plan to launch a capital campaign to raise funds that we can sustain on a regular basis,” he says. “But we need to know from the community what you want and where you want it.”
Some suggested to the commission that the vacant lot across Tops Street be considered for the memorial.
“You could even have a garden with beautiful flowers,” says resident Sharon Doyle. “You can think of things to do in that space.”
Doyle hopes more community members will attend these meetings, as there is only one meeting left.
“When this happened, people were getting all sorts of things they offered for free. So maybe when they gave us something to make our community better , you should be able to give an opinion,” she says.
Some, like Jonathan Fulcher, got a little emotional during the conversation, stating that the community continues to witness cycles of oblivion.
“For 20 years, this has looked more or less the same. There has been a lot of investment in the Waterfront. hmm,” he says. “And I think this is a great opportunity to give people within this community something positive.”
A final meeting is scheduled for August 15 at 5:30 pm at the Stanley Makowski Early Childhood Center on Jefferson Avenue.
That day is also the deadline for responding to the survey.
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