BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced five additional members have been appointed to the May 14 Memorial Commission.
The five additional members that have been appointed are:
- Julia Bottoms, Visual Artist, Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Fragrance Harris Stanfield, Assistant Customer Service Manager, Tops Friendly Markets
- Zeneta Everhart, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for New York State Senator Tim Kennedy
- Steven A. Carmina, President, Carmina Wood Morris
- Tiffany Gaines, Curatorial and Digital Content Associate, Burchfield Penney Art Center
The commission was established in October 2022 in response to the mass shooting at the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue. 10 people were killed and three others were injured. As Western New York mourns with the families who lost loved ones, 7 News wishes to honor their memory. You can learn more about each of the victims here.
The commission, which now consists of 11 members, will develop and advise a plan to build a physical memorial in East Buffalo to memorialize the life and legacy of the victims. The state and city also announced the intention to make financial commitments to the project and explore securing additional private contributions.
When the commission was established, Buffalo NAACP President Reverend Mark E. Blue was named as Chair and five initial members were appointed:
- Diane Colgan, Senior Vice President Tops Friendly Markets
- Jonathan Dandes, Buffalo Niagara Partnership
- Dr. Norm Lewin, Buffalo Arts Commission
- Larry Stitts, Jefferson Ave Business owner
- Garnell Whitfield, Former Buffalo City Fire Commissioner
The commission will focus on the following topics:
- Siting and Acquiring Land
- Community and Family Engagement Plans
- Architect Selection and Design Concepts
- Fundraising
- Memorial Maintenance and Area Beautification
