Remembering the May 14th Tops Shootings

Dear Jacobs School community,

For medical campuses across the United States, spring is a time of celebration with commencements, white coat ceremonies and reunions underway. However, for the Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, it is also a time of solemn reflection, as we remember the tragic racially motivated shooting that occurred on May 14, 2022, at the Tops Friendly Supermarket a few miles from our downtown building.

During this time of year, we keenly feel the profound impact that act of violence had on our Western New York community. The fact that all those killed in the attack were Black serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted racism that continues to plague our society. This tragedy not only highlights the specific targeting of marginalized communities but also underscores the broader impact of racism and gun violence on all communities, leaving lasting scars on individuals and families alike.

The resulting grief, stress, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from such tragedies leave indelible marks on our lives, reverberating throughout our community. They remind us of the urgent need to address the interconnected issues of racial injustice and gun violence. These experiences are not isolated but are part of a larger pattern of systemic inequities that must be confronted with commitment and action.

Yet, amidst this pain, resilience emerges. Our students, residents, faculty and staff embody the best of humanity, leading with a public health approach to address gun violence—prioritizing prevention and holistic knowledge. However, we recognize that gun violence cannot be addressed without also confronting the systemic racism that contributes to its prevalence, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

In response to adversity, our Jacobs School community united and formed valuable partnerships, like the one with Michigan State University, leading to the inaugural Remembrance Conference held in East Lansing, Mich. this past February. This conference provided a platform for meaningful discussions among medical students and faculty and initiatives focused on reducing firearm injuries and fatalities through a public health lens.

Looking ahead, the conversation continues with the 2025 Remembrance Conference, hosted by the Jacobs School right here in Buffalo from May 16-18. This conference will further our efforts to address gun violence and promote health equity through education, training, research and advocacy.

As we move forward, nurturing these partnerships and advancing a public health approach will be integral to addressing gun violence. Our Jacobs School community has a unique opportunity and responsibility. By advocating for the well-being of individuals and communities, while actively confronting systemic racism and promoting racial equity, they contribute to a safer, more just society.

Through education, training, mental health screening, intervention, research, data collection, advocacy, policy change and trauma-informed community engagement, we can make significant strides in preventing gun violence and promoting well-being.

Together, let us build a brighter future—one where empathy triumphs over hatred and our commitment to healing transforms tragedy into hope. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In solidarity, we uphold our commitments to health equity, racial justice and creating safer and healthier communities for all. Together, we forge a more resilient and equitable future.

Warm regards,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA
Dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science
Vice President for Health Sciences
University at Buffalo