On the first anniversary of the May 14, 2022, massacre in Buffalo, PEF joins in solidarity with the Western New York Area Labor Federation, whose president shared this message with members:
Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings,
On the anniversary of the racist, white supremacist massacre that occurred at Tops on Buffalo’s East Side, I wanted to share a brief message. I was deeply honored to serve as a member of the 5/14 Remembrance Committee and with partners from across the City of Buffalo, the following events are planned today: At 2 p.m., there will a Moment of Remembrance at Tops on Jefferson Avenue, followed by church bells at the time of the attack 2:28 p.m. Later in the evening, all are invited to a Memorial Service for Healing and Hope:
WHERE: Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Ave.
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHO: The service will be led by Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant from the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
As the President of the WNY Area Labor Federation, I am committed more than ever to making clear that our movement is not neutral in the face of hate and racism. In the same way we are pro-union, we also must be anti-racist, and we will not shy away from hard discussions about the realities our members of color live each day.
In every corner of New York State, and in every state in the country, the AFL-CIO is dedicating itself to the ideals of racial and social justice. We know that solidarity extends far beyond our workplaces—it requires honesty about the issues we face, investment in one another, and the collective action of standing together in the fight for justice everywhere.
Finally, I will say directly to our brothers and sisters who still carry the heavy heartbreak and trauma of May 14, 2022: I see you, the WNY labor movement stands with you, and may we as survivors one day find peace.
In solidarity,
Peter De Jesús Jr.
President, WNY Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO