Legal Services of Central New York is devastated by the white supremacist attack in Buffalo this past weekend. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, the Buffalo community, and all those traumatized by this horrifying event.
The Black community in Buffalo is no stranger to trauma. This includes historic racism like redlining, health-related racism like high rates of childhood lead poisoning, and socioeconomic racism like a food desert existing in historically Black neighborhoods. This trauma was compounded when one of the only supermarkets serving the Black community was the target of racist violence.
Let’s be clear. White supremacy and racism are not mental illnesses. White supremacy is a well-defined system of oppression with historic roots in our country. The attack was planned. It was executed out of fear and hate.
Legal Services of Central New York believes we build stronger, safer communities by advocating for more resources and policies that protect Black and Brown communities. We recognize the need to dislodge deep-seated racist ideologies that exist in our service area and beyond. We must acknowledge racism and work to dismantle the systems supporting it.
Please consider donating to one or more of the amazing community organizations leading efforts to ensure Buffalonians can eat, heal, and prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again. A list of community resources complied by Black Love Resists in the Rust can be found here.