About This Video
I visited the Tops on Jefferson Ave in my hometown, Buffalo, NY in late August. The site made national headlines in May of 2022 after an 18-year-old gunman went on a shooting spree in the store, killing 10 people and wounding 3 others. I just so happened to know the security guard who worked there many years ago, and he told me someone had filled in for him that day. The store has since reopened and is very clean and peaceful, and a memorial is being built outside the store. The store was eerily quiet and very friendly and placid.
Background & Context
Walking through Tops on Jefferson Ave in Buffalo, I was hit by a wave of emotions. This was the site of a devastating mass shooting last year that shook not just the city, but the entire nation. I knew the security guard who usually worked there – a good man who was lucky to have that day off. Returning to the store now, it’s peaceful, clean, and slowly reclaiming its place in the community. A memorial is being built outside the store, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and a testament to our resilience. These are stories that need to be told, to remember, to heal, and to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Key Takeaways
- The impact of gun violence on communities is deep and long-lasting
- The resilience of communities in the face of tragedy is inspiring
- The importance of mental health awareness and intervention
- The need for stronger gun control measures
- The power of remembering and honoring victims of violence
About Kevin Ross
Kevin Ross is a music and broadcast industry veteran with more than
30 years of firsthand experience spanning radio programming, on-air
talent, record promotion, voice work, publishing, and digital media.
He has worked every side of the business — from the air studio to
the boardroom — and built one of the longest-running digital platforms
dedicated to Black radio and music industry coverage.
30 Plus Years In is where that experience lives on video.
