Officer in Buffalo supermarket attack honored at funeral

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — The retired police officer who was shot and killed while trying to stop the gunman in a racist attack at a Buffalo supermarket May 14 was awarded the department's medal of honor at his funeral Wednesday, as the country processed another massacre at a Texas school that killed 19 children and two adults.

Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia also posthumously promoted Aaron Salter to lieutenant, saying his actions — firing multiple times at the shooter, striking his body armor — bought precious time that allowed others in the store to escape.

"Aaron bravely fought evil that day," Gramaglia said at The Chapel in Getzville, where law enforcement officers from U.S. and Canadian departments filled a dozen rows.

Services were also held for Pearl Young, a 77-year-old grandmother, great-grandmother and substitute teacher who was devoted to her church.

Salter and Young were among the 10 Black people killed when a white gunman wearing body armor and a helmet-mounted camera targeted shoppers and workers at Tops Friendly Market, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, on a Saturday afternoon. Three others were injured in the attack, which federal authorities are investigating as a hate crime.

ONGOING

◆ Christian Women's Job Corps' (CWJC) FREE TRAINING for computer, job and life skills: Our 2022 Fall Session begins August 30 through November 17 on each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants receive a free laptop upon completion of the fall courses. Limited seating, reserve your space early by calling (662) 722-3016 or reach.todd@outlook.com

◆ International Friendship House has free English as a Second Language classes Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 – 11:00 am, at Calvary Baptist Church, 405 N. Jackson Street, Starkville. Contact traceynash102399@ hotmail.com for more information.

◆ The Peter's Rock Family Worship Center Church Of God In Christ is excited about the growth of our local city. Nevertheless, we are concerned about the needs in our local communities and overall city. We have been inspired and encouraged to reach out and address the needs of our community. Our church is hosting in–house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon in our sanctuary. We take this opportunity to invite Community Leaders, Pastors, Educators, Parents, Christians, and concerned citizens to come and be a part of our in- house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon. You can call our office @ 662-323-5119 or contact Mrs. Alfaye Brown, Coordinator @ 662-312-7860 to confirm your attendance and for more information.

JUNE 3, 2022

◆ Purpose for Praise Youth Department presents the Glow up Friday, June 3 @ 7pm. The guest speaker will be Evangelist Rachel Moody. This special event is hosted by Minister Jahliyah Jordan and Sister Amiyah Baker. (662) 722-0061. Please come join us for this special event! Pastor Petro Jordan, the Youth Dept., & the rest of the Purpose for Praise Church family would love for you to attend

JUNE 6, 2022

◆ Friends of the Starkville Library is hosting its monthly book sale on Monday, June 6, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Starkville Public Library. New features this month are a large collection of sports books, including several by John Wooden, impressive collection of Bible commentaries, devotionals, study books, two giant print Bibles, and leather cover Bibles, a special collection of summer reading and summer activities for children. Prices range from 50 cents to $3.