08/30/2026
Sometimes God changes the format without changing the purpose.
We waited for hours. Schedules were colliding, the clock kept moving, and people started saying, “He probably isn’t coming.”
But Patterson Communications Group stayed on the phone with the road team, kept working every angle and refused to give up.
And then T.I.P. pulled up. 👑
By the time he arrived, we had approximately 15 minutes. And if I have to choose between a 15-minute interview with T.I. inside a booth or giving my people 15 minutes to meet him, speak with him and share the vision of the 5/14 Living Memorial & Healing Center, I’m choosing my people every single time.
He greeted 5/14 Memorial Foundation members and their families, listened to what is being built here in Buffalo and left us with words that carried real weight:
“The men and women from this community should be building this memorial. Invite me back when it’s built.”
We heard you, King. 👑
Because this is about more than constructing a building. This is about Buffalo investing in Buffalo—our people, businesses, contractors, workers and leaders putting their time, talent, influence and resources back into the city we call home.
A special thank-you to Cheryl Patterson Patterson Communications Group. Nobody sees everything that happens behind the scenes because Cheryl works through the moving pieces and makes it look easy. Your hard work made this moment possible.
Thank you to my girl Sheila Brown, who was in Atlanta handling business at WIGO and still orchestrated everything from miles away. She opened the legendary WUFO to us on an unscheduled Saturday and arranged for two incredibly hospitable DJs to welcome and support us. That is ownership. That is leadership. That is love for Buffalo. 🤎
BCC, I love our team 🧡
Thank you to the 5/14 Memorial Foundation, Council Woman Zeneta Everhart 🤎 for keeping us laughing and supplying Mentos and violet mints 😂💜, and the MWBE Constructors, Inc. team for being onsite and ready.
To my 🔥 COHORT, I love y’all! Stay Tuned!! 👀😘