The Interfaith Center of New York extends our deepest condolences to the families of the 10 Buffalo residents who lost their lives to domestic terrorism and anti-black hate this past weekend. Our prayers are also for the three individuals injured, for those who witnessed the massacre, and for the wider community for whom challenges of structural racism were already substantial before a violent and radicalized White Supremacist opened fire in their local supermarket.
This mass shooting stands in a long line of others: 2012 at the Oak Creek gurdwara, 2015 at Mother Emmanuel, 2018 at the Tree of Life synagogue, 2019 at an El Paso Walmart, 2019 at mosques in Christchurch, 2021 at Asian-owned small businesses in Atlanta, and too many others. As a major anti-Black killing, however, this shooting occupies its own place in the unique history of racist violence in the US, going back to slavery, family separation, lynching, and Jim Crow.
As the Episcopal Church’s Presiding Bishop and native of Buffalo, the Most Rev. Michael Curry says “The loss of any human life is tragic, but there was deep racial hatred driving this shooting, and we have got to turn from the deadly path our nation has walked for much too long.” For Bishop Curry’s full statement click here.
As an organization that seeks to make our city safe from racism and religious bigotry, ICNY join members of the state and greater community in mourning these preventable deaths and shattering losses. Below are a few suggestions for taking action beyond prayer:
VoiceBuffalo has served the community in Buffalo for many years. You can donate both for food distribution and diapers and hygiene products here. You can find them on Facebook here.
Likewise, the Muslim Public Policy Council of Buffalo has worked with the Churches and the Community leadership to support the victims and their families. The Muslim Community, through Jami Masjid, has established a fund for “Tops Market Shooting Victims” to support the families of the victims. The money raised will support funeral costs and medical expenses. The link is here.
Governor Kathy Hochul is to propose a bill expanding the state’s existing ban on some assault weapons. Her proposal will also include changes that could be made to New York’s laws to address an expected ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that could strike down New York’s restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon. Let the Governor know your views about these proposals and contact the New York State Council of Churches office@nyscoc.org.