Columbus Community Responds to Illinois Police Shooting of Sonya Massey

 By Janell Williams

The July 6 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey by Sean Grayson, a deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois, has sparked nationwide outrage, resonating deeply in communities far beyond the incident's location.

In Columbus, local advocate and CEO of Boyz 2 Men Development Inc. (https://boyz2mendevelopment.org/), Shawna Love, spoke out about the need for systemic change.

Founded in 2016, Boyz 2 Men Development is an organization that fosters youth through comprehensive programs and services. Their next initiative will be discussed at the upcoming #Project 2025 event at South Columbus Methodist Church located at 1213 Benning Dr, Columbus, GA 31903 on Monday, Aug. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, called the police about a possible prowler and was shot three times in the head.

“This tragedy touched our hearts in such a way. We need to make sure that we understand how to interact with law enforcement safely. I think this is one of those things we need because, you know, we have a lot of things going on in the community right now,” Love said. “To me, all things like this make the black and brown community not trust our officers.”

Massey, whose death has prompted protests and calls for justice, was unarmed when police shot her during a response call and is another example of excessive force used by law enforcement against African Americans.

The incident has galvanized activists and concerned citizens alike, uniting them in the call for a more just and equitable society.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic murder of Sonya Massey. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Columbus native Kiara W. "We must come together to address such violence and work towards a safer environment for everyone."

"This makes it very hard for people, especially young people like me, to keep believing that there are good cops out there. There's so much corruption that we don't know what to believe. It's like we have to try so hard to prove that all Black people aren't criminals, but there's not much proof that all cops aren't criminals either," said resident Jamar A.

Unfortunately, for Columbus residents, this story sounds familiar.

More than 20 years ago, lifelong Columbus resident Kenneth Walker, 39, was shot and killed by Muscogee County Deputy David Glisson, when Glisson stopped Walker and his friends on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2023, while in search of a group of young criminals.

Because these senseless deaths keep happening, community members have organized meetings to educate youth on how to remain safe when interacting with law enforcement.

Still, there is a broader need for police reform. 

“It (excessive force) causes a sense of distrust because officers are supposed to (protect and) serve. It’s on the cars.”

City officials have pledged to review and improve local law enforcement practices. 

“There was a program that we (Boyz 2 Men) did with the local NAACP where we taught youth how to deal and interact with the police. I think it’s time to bring that back,” Love said. “Hopefully, we can see a day when such a program is not necessary.”

As the investigation into Massey’s death continues, the Columbus community remains steadfast in its support, hoping to contribute to a broader movement for justice and reform.

For more information about other Black people who have died at the hands of law enforcement, read Kadir Nelson’s “Say Their Names”: https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2020/know-their-names/index.html and Alia Chughtai’s “Know their Names: Black People Killed By The Police in the US”: https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2020/know-their-names/index.html.