About the Foundation
A community-led effort to build a living memorial and healing center rooted in restoration and long-term empowerment.
Our Mission
To create a sacred space of remembrance that fosters healing, unity, and education, transforming a site of collective pain into a beacon of community strength and social progress.
Our Vision
We envision a world where the memory of those lost serves as a catalyst for systemic change, where community bonds are unbreakable, and where peace is built through shared truth and active remembrance.
The 5/14 Memorial Commission
The 5/14 Memorial Foundation was established to carry forward the vision of a living memorial created in response to the events of May 14, 2022. Working in close alignment with the 5/14 Memorial Commission, the Foundation is responsible for advancing the project from concept to reality, leading fundraising efforts, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Living Memorial & Healing Center.
The Foundation builds on the work of the Commission, which was formed in October 2022 by Governor Kathy Hochul and then-Mayor Byron W. Brown to guide a community-centered design process. Through public meetings, surveys, and ongoing engagement, the Commission ensured that residents, families, and stakeholders played a direct role in shaping the vision for the memorial.
Community-centered purpose
That process led to the selection of Alligood Song Architecture's design concept of the 5/14 Living Memorial and Healing Center. The Foundation now carries that vision forward, focusing not only on construction, but on creating a space that serves as an active resource for healing, education, and community engagement.
As a newly established nonprofit, the Foundation is also building the capacity needed to operate and sustain a space of this scale. Its work extends beyond the physical structure, supporting programming, partnerships, and initiatives that ensure the memorial remains a living, evolving part of the community for generations to come.
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Location
Situated on Jefferson Avenue, honoring place, history, and the community at the center.
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Timeline
In early development, guided by community input and a transparent, evolving process.
Purpose
Created to honor lives lost, support healing, and provide a space for community connection, learning, and shared use.
Design
Designed by Alligood Song Architecture, chosen for its human-centered, healing-focused approach.
The Memorial
Project
The 5/14 Living Memorial and Healing Center is a space for remembrance, healing, and community connection.
The Memorial
Project
The 5/14 Living Memorial and Healing Center is a space for remembrance, healing, and community connection.
GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
Rev Mark Blue, Chair
BUFFALO CHAPTER NAACP PRESIDENT
Zeneta Everhart, Vice Chair
MASTEN DISTRICT COUNCILWOMAN
Lisa Hicks, Treasurer
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY PRESERVATION CORP.
Mo Sumbundu, Secretary
GOV HOCHUL’S 5/14 COMMISSION LIASON
Chad Houston
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Garnell Whitfield
FAMILY MEMBER
Fragrance Harris Stanfield
SURVIVOR
Leah Halton-Pope
ELLICOTT DISTRICT COUNCILWOMAN
Tiffany Gaines
CURATOR BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER
Steven A. Carmina
PRESIDENT CARMINA WOOD DESIGN
Dr. Norm Lewin
BUFFALO ARTS COMMISSION
Sandra Brown
NEW MT. ARARAT TEMPLE OF PRAYER
Larry Stitts
OWNER GOLDEN CUP COFFEE
Dr. Amitra Wall
PROVOST & VP, ACADEMIC AFFAIRS SUNY BUFFALO STATE UNIV.
Diane Colgan
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS.
Danielle D’Abate
ATTORNEY, O’BRIEN & FORD
The Memorial
Project
The 5/14 Living Memorial and Healing Center is a space for remembrance, healing, and community connection.
The Memorial
Project
The 5/14 Living Memorial and Healing Center is a space for remembrance, healing, and community connection.
Location
Situated on Jefferson Avenue, honoring place, history, and the community at the center.
Timeline
In early development, guided by community input and a transparent, evolving process.
Purpose
Created to honor lives lost, support healing, and provide a space for community connection, learning, and shared use.
Design
Designed by Alligood Song Architecture, chosen for its human-centered, healing-focused approach.
5/14 Commission
The 5:14 Commission is the founding political body behind the establishment of the foundation. It provides direction, legitimacy, and oversight, ensuring that the vision is anchored in public interest and guided by structured leadership.
The Commission is chaired by the Governor, supported by appointed members who represent key sectors and interests. Together, they shape policy direction, approve strategic initiatives, and ensure alignment between governance and execution.
Its role extends beyond oversight. The Commission drives decisions that influence the foundation’s long-term impact, while maintaining transparency through documented proceedings and accessible records of every meeting.
Transparency
Archive
The Foundation is committed to absolute fiscal and operational transparency. Access our publicrecords and meeting outcomes.
DOCUMENT NAME
2023 Annual Impact Report
Board Meeting Minutes - Q3 2024
Foundation Bylaws & Charter
Historical Preservation Audit 2024
TYPE
Annual Report
Meeting Minutes
Governing Document
Technical Report
ACTION
Remember. Reflect.
Stay Involved.
Get updates on remembrance events, community progress, and ways to support as we continue forward together.