by 
A Reflection from Marie Moy, a CCDA member in Buffalo, NY who works for the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition. @ecrjc716
“I don’t know how to explain how I feel. It’s like there is a weight on my chest preventing me from breathing deeply. Buffalo is the “City of Good Neighbors,” and Buffalo is one of the most segregated cities in the country, and I’m seeing both truths on display. Resources have poured in to help the people who are now without the only grocery store within miles, but, there is also a heightened sense of distrust.
I am reminded of two CCDA heroes this week, Dr. John Perkins and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Love is the final fight, it’s the only thing that can drive out hate. However, that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of conflict. As Christians, we need to step up and speak out against the vitriol that is driving the evil, hateful ideologies that are behind racial violence. We are the love that conquers hate, because we are the embodiment of the One who conquered it all.”
Additional Resources to support Buffalo from CCDA Member, Steve Strand
- Voice Buffalo: Right now, we are on the ground, ministering to families, ensuring people have access to food, mental health counseling, and preparing for the collective grieving and healing process that lies ahead.
- FeedMore WNY and the Resource Council of WNY:
- The Jefferson Street Tops location was in a food desert, meaning residents currently have few, if any, options for healthy, fresh foods. FeedMore WNY and the Resource Council of WNY are working together to distribute food to families in the community while the store remains closed.
- Anyone who is looking to donate food and resources may drop them off at the FeedMore WNY warehouse located at 91 Holt Street, Buffalo, NY 14206 from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 8 AM to noon on Saturday. FeedMore WNY and the Resource Council of WNY currently are requesting donations of nonperishable protein items, shelf-stable fruits and vegetables, beverages, and snack items. Toilet paper and related personal care products, as well as diapers, are also in need. Consider forwarding this message to your friends and family.
- Buffalo Rising offers additional suggestions in their story: How to help a community rocked by tragedy
- Community Resource Document in Response to Tragedy at Tops on Jefferson Ave in Buffalo, NY
Resources for your Journey
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Accessing Change: Gun Violence Response and Prevention for Everyone – Dr. Jer Swigart, Rev. Dr. Gilford T. Monrose, Rev. Hope A.J. Christensen, Michael Martin$5.00 -
Practicing Nonviolent Communication in an Election Year – John Mark Bowers, Tannia Lascano$5.00 -
Reducing Gun Violence Toolkit$5.00 -
Reimagining Violence in Scripture$10.00 -
How can faith leaders engage in efforts to reduce violence?$5.00 -
Cultivating Healing Spaces: Strategies for Wholeness and Wellbeing on a Community-Level$5.00 -
A Church-centered Approach to Gun Violence in America’s Cities$5.00 -
Moviendo hace Adelante Transformación del Vecindario$5.00 -
Exploring Effective Trauma-Informed Responses to Violence$5.00
