Mourners gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church to memorialize all of the lives lost from the 2022 blizzard in Buffalo. Residents came together to call the names of their loved ones, but also call on their local officials to do more for those grieving. Community members and activists are united together through what they call a 'collective trauma.'

"We look to the one year anniversary, we know that's a really difficult moment," director of 'Our City Buffalo' Harper Bishop said. "This time of year is difficult for anyone, but to know that there are people who will be, you know, experiencing that and retraumatized even by snow is heartbreaking."

With flowers in one hand and a sign in the other, participants display the names of those who have lost their lives in the 2022 blizzard.

"For me, it was very important to be here," participant Cassandra Eubanks said. "I've got a lot of friends who lost family members during this storm, and we're here just keeping their memories alive."

Heavy hearts filled Niagara Square, calling the names of their loved ones, but also issuing a call for action. Participants are asking officials to do more for the families in mourning, and prepare the city of Buffalo to avoid another life being taken away.

"Just bringing public acknowledgment and a public moment is incredibly important," Bishop said. "As we talked to victims' families and loved ones, they said it was really touching and important to them that that step take place."

Organizers hope that sharing the stories of the families, will not only continue their legacy, but spark change.

"We still have power, our voices, our power," Eubanks said. "When we come together, we can change things. We need more of that."

Residents say seeing the community come together once again proves the strength and unity Buffalo continues to represent.

"We saw how Buffalo can come together," Bishop said. "It lives up to its moniker, the City of Good Neighbors. It did during the storm. And we love that we love that neighbors are helping neighbors. How touching it is once again that the community comes together and holds the space for them.”