BUFFALO, N.Y. — It's nearly two years later — 10 lives were taken in the Tops mass shooting — and victims and families are still hurting.
"Whoever the designer is has to be an African American. They have to be a melanated Black man," says Grady Lewis, one of the few survivors of the deadly massacre. "It has to be. If not, it's going to be a smack in the face."
The 5/14 Memorial Commission announced three finalists, two of them from Western New York, that have been chosen for their design.
Kristen Locke with Beehyyve is one. They're a Chicago-based architectural company.
Jin Young Song is another. He's a professor at the University at Buffalo.
Then there's Ed Watts with Watts Architects and Engineers from Buffalo.
"What this community dealt with that day, our ideas, we can convey something that resonates with the community," Locke said.
Jin Young Song added, "I think that the design can give an insight into people's actions."
However, Ed Watts puts himself in the East Side's shoes. He says he can relate to residents' opinions.
"Being a Black man, I almost feel as if I could've been a target," Watts said.
2 On Your Side asked him if he feels more pressure on him to convey the ideas the community gives.
"I don't know. I haven't considered that. I think we want to bring all of our shared experiences," Watts said.
In front of the Tops parking lot, a tribute of remembrance is being built, but it isn't the designated spot for the 5/14 memorial. The Rev. Mark Blue, Chair of the 5/14 Memorial Commission, said they're still looking for that.
Residents also hope the memorial isn't rushed, comparing it to the MLK sculpture in Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
"That MLK is very disrespectful, so some respect has to be shown to these people," Grady said.
That's why Rev. Blue says they're choosing carefully for a finalist. That's because things cannot be undone.
"We only have one time to get this right. There's no do-overs."