14-05-2025
Buffalo marks 3 years since Tops tragedy with day of service and remembrance
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Wednesday marks three years since the mass shooting at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue that claimed 10 lives and forever changed the lives of three survivors. In response, the community is coming together to transform a day of tragedy into one of unity and healing.
The '5/14 Day of Service & Remembrance,' organized by the Clementine Gold Group, began this morning with volunteers participating in acts of service across Buffalo. Starting at 9 a.m., participants wrote notes of encouragement, delivered care kits to East Side neighbors, and helped beautify the community.
5/14 victims to be honored 3 years after shooting
'It's obviously a tragic event, but we also know that we want to honor our community members in a way that lifts this into a different space,' said Ekua Mends-Aidoo, president of the Clementine Gold Group. 'Ultimately, one of the things we wanted to do was make sure that we're never forgetting this. So, we are connecting it back to these folks through service and a celebration of life through a community gathering afterwards.'
At 2 p.m., Tops will host a remembrance ceremony near the 5/14 Honor Space, a memorial established at the Jefferson Avenue store to honor the victims. During today's events, the Kaleida Health Fair at Tops will be closed and re-open on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Following the ceremony, a community gathering will be held on East Utica Street, between Jefferson and Dupont, from 3 to 7 p.m. The event will feature live music, wellness activities, art, and food, offering a space for reflection and connection.
'We wanted to make sure that we got in touch with as many family members as possible,' Mends-Aidoo said. 'When we spoke to them, we talked about how we could honor their loved ones through acts of service in a way that truly resonated with who they were.'
As Buffalo continues to heal, days like today stand as a testament to the city's resilience and commitment to never forgetting the lives lost.
For more information on today's events, click here.
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