Standing Strong...

In a few days, African Americans, from all over the City of Buffalo will come together in remembrance of the May 14, 2022 Massacre. This Mother's Day will mark the first anniversary of the tragedy that will forever change the East Side of Buffalo; a tragedy that seems to be an everyday event throughout the nation of "mass shootings."

The weekend will host many events celebrating the lives of our ten fallen relatives, friends and loved ones, and the three survivors of gun shot wounds. But the question remains, what about the other survivors that were present? The ones, who continue to suffer the invisible scars of that day? Have the powers that be forgotten them? Or continue to make false promises of some sort of compensation? While we the people come out and pay our respects to the families on that day, it is also likely to bring out useless “politricksters “ fighting to get back in front of the lights and cameras to make false claims of how “change” has come to a community still neglected.

I call on all the residents of the Eastside, please come out and show your solidarity to everyone that was in the Tops Market that fateful day – including the survivors, many of whom feel - and have been - forgotten.

Let us stand strong together in honor of those we lost to the hatred wrought by the evil mindset of wWhite supremacy and racism. Let's remember the Jefferson 10 and all the survivors of the May 14 massacre; a day we will never forget; the day the devil came and raised hell on the East Side of Buffalo.

I'm just sayin'...

are you registered to VOTE?

Remembrance Events

In addition to the City of Buffalo's "5/14 Remembrance Weekend: Reflection, Healing & Hope" events, a number of other commemorative activities have already taken place or are being planned.

A two-day "Pursuit of tRuth Conference was hosted by the Whitfield Family in honor of their beloved mother, Ruth Whitfield and the nine other victims in the May14 massacre. The family of Pearl Young recently sponsored a Food & Soup Giveaway, feeding some 300 people in her memory. A special 5/14 commemorative event hosted by the Pappy Martin Jazz Collective will take place next weekend May 19 with headliner Charenee Wade Quintet and featuring Curtis Lundy UMOJA performing an original musical suite commissioned to commemorate May 14, 2022.

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Educational Day of Healing & Restoration

The Buffalo Public School District in conjunction with BOCES and Buffalo Toronto Public Media are hosting an “Educational Day of Healing & Restoration” for school age students. The event will feature a Virtual Healing Circle, book readings, uplifting messages from special guests.

Beyond Hate: A Panel Discussion 9 a.m. until Noon a Hall at Roswell Park Cancer Center featuring A Conversation with New York Times Bestselling author, professor, and anti-racism activist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Panelists: The Most Reverend Michael Curry Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States; Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College; John B. King Jr. Chancellor of the State University of New York; and Mayor Byron W. Brown. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Seating is limited. Reserve a spot via Eventbrite.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Community Gathering for Reflection Healing and Hope Noon to 4 p.m. at the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion featuring prayer, healing related activities, community resources, expressionists, food, and vendors.

Embracing Buffalo – Healing Moments, with Music and the Arts” hosted by the WNY Peace Center’Saturday,May 13, 7 -9p.m. at the 1272 Delaware Ave. Carriage House Featured honored guests will include: Dr. Sabrina N’Diaye , a social worker, storyteller, peacebuilder, and activist Dena Adler, Art Therapist, who will facilitate individual and collective healing; Dr. Carol Penn, MD, dancer/choreographer of Movement is My Medicine.

Canisius College features Rev. Bryan N. Massingale, Saturday, May 13 , at 7 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center. Free and open to the public. Presented as part of the city’s “5/14 Remembrance Weekend Earlier on Saturday, May 13, “Turning Trauma into Triumph,” The day-long event includes conference sessions, a reading by Poet Jillian Hanesworth, a musical performance by Drea Dnur, African drummers and more.

5K Run and Marathon sponsored by Lt. Aaron Salter Memorial Scholarship Foundation 8 a.m. @ Canisius College ending at Delaware Park. 5K run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Park. $35 5K, $80 half marathon, $320 for 4-member relay team. To register or volunteer tbflo5145k.com

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Moment of Remembrance 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue. The moment of remembrance will be led by Mayor Brown and followed by church bells chiming at 2:28 p.m.

Memorial Church Service for Healing and Hope featuring Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta Georgia. The worship service will take place at 6 p.m. at Elim Christian Fellowship 70 Chalmers Avenue.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

Commemorating 5/14 and Honoring The Pappy Martin Jazz Collective's Annual Betty Carter Birthday Celebration at True Bethel Baptist Church 907 E. Ferry Street Friday, May 19 at 7p.m. Headliner Charenee Wade Quintet; Opener Curtis Lundy UMOJA performing an original musical suite commissioned to commemorate May 14, 2022 Saturday, May 20: 1p.m. Musicians' Masterclass Workshop led by

Lundy