The New York Legislature convened on May 14, 2025, to commemorate the tragic anniversary of the Buffalo mass shooting that claimed the lives of ten Black individuals at a Tops supermarket three years ago. The session was marked by powerful speeches from lawmakers who emphasized the ongoing impact of racism and gun violence in the state and across the nation.

Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes led the discussion, reflecting on the deep pain felt by the community and the need for continued remembrance and action against hate. She highlighted the resilience of the Black community, stating, "In all this killing, hating, and destroying, we're still here." Her remarks were underscored by a poignant recitation of Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise," which resonated with the themes of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Several legislators echoed her sentiments, calling for a united front against racism and gun violence. They pointed out that the Buffalo shooting was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of racial hatred that has plagued the nation. Assemblymember Anderson described racism and gun violence as "diseases" that require urgent attention, while others urged for legislative action to prevent future tragedies.

The discussions also touched on the need for allies to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities. Lawmakers emphasized that true progress requires collective action and a commitment to addressing the root causes of hate. They called for a cultural shift that promotes understanding and compassion, rather than division.

As the session concluded, the resolution to honor the victims was adopted unanimously, reinforcing the commitment of the New York Legislature to combat hate and support the affected families. The legislators left the chamber with a renewed sense of purpose, vowing to ensure that the memories of those lost in Buffalo would not be forgotten and that their fight for justice would continue.