BUFFALO – Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Byron W. Brown, and the 5/14 Memorial Commission are inviting the public and qualified businesses to submit design concepts for the 5/14 Memorial. The Commission officially released a Request for Submissions (RFS) and seeks individuals of all ages and backgrounds to submit ideas for design concepts.
“We will never forget our ten neighbors in Buffalo who were senselessly slaughtered solely because of the color of their skin, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the East Buffalo community as it continues to heal from this horrific, racist act of terror,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m Thankful to Mayor Brown, members of the May 14th Memorial Commission and the public for their continued efforts to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost as well as those in the community impacted by this tragedy.”
“Since the beginning of this process, our goal has been to create a living memorial that honors the lives taken and the lives impacted by this terrible act of hate. I look forward to seeing all the design concepts submitted by the public,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m proud of the work the 5/14 Memorial Commission has done to plan a memorial that reflects the wishes of the families and our community.”
There will be two parts to the 5/14 Memorial RFS. The first part is an open submission to identify broad concepts and potential lead designers for the memorial. A short list of respondents will be created from Part 1. The shortlist of candidates will move forward to Part 2 of the process. The 5/14 Memorial RFS Part 2 requires the short list of respondents to submit their final designs with considerations for the actual site conditions and professional cost estimates.
“We’re really excited about the progress we’ve made so far, and we look forward to seeing the design ideas come in,” said Reverend Mark Blue, Chairman of the 5/14 Memorial Commission. “I am grateful to the public for participating in our community engagement events and for participating in our survey.”
Applicants can start submitting their design concepts beginning November 1st and ending on December 1st. Applicants can learn more about the RFS process and find a link to submit design concepts at 514memorial.com.
The 5/14 Memorial Commission was established in the fall of 2022 by Mayor Brown and Governor Hochul. It consists of eleven members including residents, local artists, faith-based leaders, and business leaders.
The memorial planned by the mayor and the governor should not be confused with the memorial planned by Tops Friendly Markets. The Tops memorial is a different effort spearheaded by the grocery store and aims to put a memorial on their property. For updates on that memorial reach out to Tops Markets.
5/14 Memorial RFS Timeline
- The 5/14 Memorial RFS Released to Public: October 3rd.
- Q&A Submission Period: October 3rd – October 23rd
- Deadline for Submitting Questions: October 23rd.
- Answers for Q & A posted 514memorial.com: October 30th.
- Design Submission Period Begins: November 1st.
- Design Submission Period Ends: December 1st
- The Part 1 submissions will be reviewed and the shortlist to be invited to participate under Part 2 of the process will be selected by January 23, 2024.
- Additionally, the 5/14 Public Participation Survey is still open throughout the month of October.
For more information about the 5/14 Memorial Commission, the 5/14 Memorial RFS, and the 5/14 Public Participation Survey visit www.514memorial.com. The survey can be found at https://wnysurveys.com/514memorial or scan the QR code.
