5/14 Memorial Commission requests submissions for design concepts of permanent memorial

Next step in public engagement campaign; see request for submissions here

Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Byron Brown, and the 5/14 Memorial Commission announced a request for submissions for design concepts of a permanent memorial. 

The commission seeks individuals of all ages and backgrounds to submit ideas. The request for submissions will include a two-step process: The first part is an open submission to identify broad concepts and potential lead designers for the memorial. A short list of respondents will be chosen to submit their final designs, with considerations for the actual site conditions and professional cost estimates.

"We will never forget our 10 neighbors in Buffalo who were senselessly slaughtered solely because of the color of their skin, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the east Buffalo community as it continues to heal from this horrific, racist act of terror," Hochul said. "I'm thankful to Mayor Brown, members of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, and the public for their continued efforts to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost, as well as all those in the community impacted by this tragedy.”

Brown said, “Since the beginning of this process, our goal has been to create a living memorial that honors the lives taken and the lives impacted by this vicious act of hate. I look forward to seeing all the design concepts submitted by the public. I’m proud of the work the 5/14 Memorial Commission has been doing over these past few months to create a memorial that reflects the wishes of the families and the community.”

Submissions will be accepted Nov. 1 through Dec. 1. The part 1 submissions will be reviewed, and the individuals shortlisted to participate under part 2 of the process will be selected by Jan. 23, 2024. The request for submissions can be viewed here.

5/14 Memorial Commission Chairman the Rev. Mark E. Blue said, “We’re really excited about the progress we’ve made so far, and we look forward to seeing the design ideas come in. I am grateful to the public for participating in our community engagement events and for participating in our survey.”

Earlier this year, Hochul, Brown and the 5/14 Memorial Commission announced the start of the public engagement campaign, which included public meetings and a community survey. The 5/14 Memorial community survey is still open and gives the public a chance to share thoughts and feelings about the characteristics and elements included in the 5/14 Memorial. It will be open until Nov. 1. For more information about the 5/14 Memorial Commission and the 5/14 survey, visit www.514memorial.com.

The 5/14 Memorial Commission was established in October 2022 by Hochul and Brown in response to the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in May of 2022. The commission consists of 11 members, five appointed by the governor, five appointed by Brown, and a chair jointly appointed by both. Buffalo NAACP President Blue serves as chair of the commission, with other members – including family members of victims and survivors, residents, local artists, and business leaders.