Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and State Senator Doris Turner have announced the formation of the Massey Commission, a citizens' committee created in response to the killing of Sonya Massey. This initiative aims to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations within the county.
The Commission, modeled after the community engagement efforts seen in Ferguson, Missouri, will be co-chaired by Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; Pastor T. Ray McJunkins of Union Baptist Church; and Nina Harris, Chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
“Since the morning of Sonya Massey’s murder, Senator Turner and I have engaged in a running conversation about the tragedy, its causes, and its consequences,” said Chairman Van Meter. “The consistent advice has been: Careful listening, absolute transparency, and a firm resolve to adopt best practices. Many of the thoughtful comments at Tuesday’s County Board meeting confirm the wisdom of this advice. We are confident the well-respected Co-Chairs we have recruited will lead an open, inclusive, and conclusive process. I am confident that all of my colleagues on the county board will join in providing the funding for this endeavor. The ultimate conclusions and recommendations of this commission will undoubtedly require implementation from various levels and units of government, and I am confident that the Sangamon County Board will do its part.”
State Senator Doris Turner echoed these sentiments, saying, “Since Sonya Massey’s death, I’ve been dedicated to ensuring our community trusts those elected to serve and those called to provide service. I hope the Sonya Massey Commission honors her life by finding solutions to advance our community.”
The Commission, composed of volunteers from diverse backgrounds with no elected officials, will investigate the circumstances that led to Massey’s death and focus on broader issues related to law enforcement and mental health. Dr. Jerry Kruse emphasized the importance of the community's role, stating, “The deaths of Sonya Massey and Earl Moore, Jr., and the harm done to Gregory Small, Jr., has shaken Sangamon County to its moral core. The people of Sangamon County must now engage in meaningful and sustained actions to address the issues related to these events.”
Pastor T. Ray McJunkins added, “Times like these call for pastors and healers as much as the times call for policy and action. My hope is that the work of this commission creates space for Sangamon County to be able to move toward what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the beloved community.”
Nina Harris also expressed her commitment to justice and equality, stating, “Through our collective strength and determination, we will overcome adversity and build a brighter future for all. Together, we will face these trials with resilience and unity.”
The Commission's work will be transparent and inclusive, prioritizing the voices of those most affected by these issues. A comprehensive report, including recommendations and proposed actions, will be produced within a year.
The Massey Family, alongside Attorney Ben Crump, expressed their support, calling the Commission a “critical step toward ensuring that no other family suffers the same devastating loss.”
Applications for the Massey Commission are open until August 30, 2024, with the Commission’s work set to begin in September through a series of listening sessions. Interested individuals can apply at SangamonIL.Gov/MasseyCommission.
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