John —
My heart is heavy today.
This Saturday’s attack in my hometown of Buffalo was a disgusting act of white supremacist violence and right-wing extremism. The victims were parents, aunties, neighbors — people who were loved and valued in our community.
Kat Massey, one of the victims, was a friend of mine and community pillar. She wrote a $10 check each month to the land trust I ran and regularly contributed columns to the local paper on how we can build a more just and equitable Buffalo. Her murder is an incalculable loss for all of us.
We’re in a moment of moral reckoning. This is not an isolated incident but the result of centuries of racial terror and systemic oppression. Prayers and thoughts are not enough. If we’re going to begin to heal, we need to beat back the racist ideology that gives rise to extremism — and demand that our elected officials not run from these issues, because they’re not going away.
Racism is baked into our political and economic systems. It’s why we still have the Jim Crow filibuster, which is standing in the way of common sense gun laws and voter protections. It’s why cities like Buffalo remain deeply segregated and why Black people in our country have been denied access to quality housing, health care, and food.
The Tops Supermarket where the shooting happened is in the heart of a Black, working class neighborhood in East Buffalo that’s seen decades of disinvestment. It’s one of the only places where people can buy fresh food, get their prescriptions, and where young people can find jobs.
In the face of unspeakable trauma, many residents will still have to shop there, because it’s the only place they can go.
There are plenty of ways you can help Buffalo during this difficult time. For those with money to give, consider making a financial contribution to grassroots and community-based groups doing the critical work to keep people safe, healthy, and fed:
I’m thankful to everyone who has shown love and support for our Buffalo community over the past 24 hours. We must stand up to white supremacy and racism in all its forms, so that our families can finally live with peace and dignity.
In solidarity,
India Walton,
NY WFP Senior Advisor
Former Candidate for Buffalo Mayor
