Statement on the Buffalo Massacre

May 18, 2022 – TORONTO

Over the weekend, what should have been a casual errand to the supermarket for many, became a monstrously tragic event for 10 Black shoppers who were tragically murdered; three others were injured.  This was racially motivated violence rooted in anti-Black hate and white supremacy. We empathize with the pain their family and friends feel at this time.

The heinous event in Buffalo, New York is a sad reminder that anti-Black racism is still deeply rooted in the fabric of many societies, including our own. We also recognize that this gruesome massacre has yet again shaken the Black community here in Canada and have left many in our community and membership feeling scared, hopeless, frustrated, and a range of other emotions.

At the AFP Greater Toronto Chapter, we are committed to doing our part to address racial inequities and in creating lasting systemic change. For this reason, the Board of AFP-GTC feels it is important that we stand in solidarity with Black communities across our country, who are mourning the senseless loss of innocent lives.

We also urge our friends and stakeholders in the sector to take a moment to reflect on the events of this past weekend and step up to acknowledge this trauma and lend your support to help the Black communities around you to heal. Moreover, we ask you to commit to doing your part in dismantling all forms of racism.

We invite you to join 20 Black-led and Black serving community organizations at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday, May 19 at 6 p.m. EST for a vigil against anti-Black hatred and terrorism in remembrance of the victims of Buffalo, as we mourn their loss, and celebrate their lives.

In solidarity,

AFP-Greater Toronto Chapter, Board of Directors