The most recent racist mass shooting in Buffalo has left yet another huge hole in the fabric of our country. We honor the memory of the ten people who lost their lives in an act of white supremist terrorism and hope for the healing of not only those wounded but also those who loved the victims, the communities that will suffer for their loss, and the national and global community that bears witness. Please remember to care for yourself during this continually challenging time.
We hold in our hearts the lives, love, and humanity connected with the names that follow—as well as countless people in the Black community who continue to be re-injured by these acts of horrific violence.
The victims:
Roberta A. Drury, 32
Margus D. Morrison, 52
Andre Mackneil, 53
Aaron Salter Jr., 55
Geraldine Talley, 62
Celestine Chaney, 65
Heyward Patterson, 67
Katherine Massey, 72
Pearl Young, 77
Ruth Whitfield, 86
Zaire Goodman, 20, was released from hospital after being shot in the neck; Jennifer Warrington, 50, has also been treated; and Christopher Braden, 55, is in stable condition after being shot in the leg.
According to reports, the gunman was motivated by the so-called “Great Replacement theory,” the racist conspiracy theory that populations with white European backgrounds are being “replaced” by people of non-White, non-European descent. We must do more to combat this type of dangerous rhetoric and ongoing anti-Black violence in our communities. It is up to each of us to redress past and present injustices, find ways to meaningfully engage in work to reduce racism, and collectively contribute to safer communities and workplaces for Black people. Please see the resources below for immediate ways to take action.
Resources:
UW President Ana Mari Cauce’s statement: https://www.washington.edu/president/2022/05/16/we-can-all-play-a-part-in-working-to-end-racist-violence/
Democracy Now! (For independent, up-to-date information and interviews): https://www.democracynow.org/topics/racism
Verified fundraisers for the victims’ families and those affected by the shooting: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/buffalo-mass-shooting-fundraisers
Feed Buffalo (all donations will be used to serve the communities affected by the shooting): https://www.feedbuffalo.org/
Racist Terrorism in Buffalo: How the Mainstreaming of White Supremacy Puts the Nation at Risk. Thursday, May 19, 1-2 PM PT. In this presentation, anti-racist educator Tim Wise examines how overt racism has increasingly penetrated American political discourse and has contributed to terrorist violence, most recently in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Charlottesville, El Paso and Charleston. Hosted by SpeakOut: The Institute for Democratic Education and Culture. Register here ($5-250 donation; proceeds go to Black Love Resists in the Rust).
Reading about and watching the coverage of these events can also be extremely painful. Please take care of yourselves. Please find wellness and mental health information at Mental Health America.
In community,
The I-TECH DEI team