NYABPsi Official Statement on Buffalo, NY Mass Shooting – New York Association of Black Psychologists

On Saturday, May 7, 2022, an 18-year-old White teen, Payton Gendron, drove four miles from his hometown, and entered a TOPS Friendly Market in a predominately African American neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, with the intent to kill African Americans. He shot thirteen victims, killing ten.

The New York Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists denounces the systemic pattern of racism, hatred, and violence perpetrated against people of African descent and in society at large. The New York Association of Black Psychologists denounces white supremacy and domestic terrorism. We stand in unity and solidarity with the Buffalo community and with those directly impacted by this unspeakable act of violence and hate.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this tragedy. We realize that there is also an indirect impact of this act of violence and hate on all African Americans, on all BIPOC communities and people around the globe, and on all caring human beings who want to live in a better world.

The NYABPsi will continue to:
1. Monitor this horrific event as further details emerge.
2. Coordinate healing efforts through the Association of Black Psychologists and other organizations, and
3. Seek ways to aid and assist in the healing of this community.
NYABPsi offers a list of resources for those directly and indirectly impacted:

Ways to Donate to Support the Victims and Their Families
How You Can Help Buffalo Shooting Victims and Families – This Fast Company article lists five donation funds for victims and their families. GoFundMe – GoFundMe has organized a collection of verified fundraisers to support victims and their families. Black Love Resists in the Rust – This Buffalo-based organization promotes mental health and provides access to fresh foods for black and brown communities in Buffalo.

Mental Health Resources for those Impacted by the Shooting
New York Office of Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Health, NAMI Buffalo Mental Health Advocates of Western New York AddressingCommunity Grief and Trauma in the Wake of the Tragedy in Buffalo(video recording from the New York State Office of Mental Health.)
Wellness Collaborative of New York-IPA Regional Peer Network:-Emily Childress, Statewide RPN Peer Coordinator, [email protected]-Maura Kelley, Western New York RPN Peer Coordinator, [email protected]

Resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Coping After Mass Violence For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence (En Espanol)Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators (En Espanol)Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom: A Resource for Educators Talking with Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence Talking to Children about Mass Violence Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after Mass Violence Psychological Impact of Mass Violence Racial Injustices and Trauma: African Americans in the US: NCTSN Position Statement Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Espanol)Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Espanol)The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Espanol) (for responders)