AKRON, Ohio — As Americans celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, a series of events will be held in Akron that will also reflect on the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker by police officers last year.
Power, Justice and Love MLK Weekend is being described as a "peaceful, weekend-long community collaboration in Akron." Robert DeJournett, the Walker family’s pastor at St. Ashworth Temple in West Akron is one of the rally's organizers, with the Freedom BLOC serving as the presenting sponsor.
Friday's events include corporate community dialogue, where organizations including The United Way of Summit and Medina Counties and Summa Health will lead discussions on social justice, mental health and the greater Akron community. A gospel concert will be held at the Goodyear Theater starting at 6 p.m. with free general admission. VIP tickets can be purchased for $20.
The MLK to JFJ: Justice for Jayland Symposium will then take place at the Goodyear Theater on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will feature panel discussions on the current state of public safety, trauma and mental health in the city of Akron. Bobby DiCello, legal counsel for the Walker family, is scheduled to be one of the panelists.
For Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, organizers are planning "A Youth Day of Doing" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at selected sites throughout Akron, including Joy Park and Mount Zion Baptist Church. In addition to community service projects, youths will discuss the future of Akron.
Power, Justice and Love MLK Weekend comes as Akron community leaders plan to launch a new "Justice for Jayland" website and petition, which will call for "meaningful change from City of Akron government and law enforcement leaders, and outlining a list of 10 actions the community demands from its officials."
Some of those demands will include:
- A public apology to the Walker family, acknowledging that the officers who shot Jayland used excessive and illegal force.
- Installation of dash cameras in all police vehicles.
- A requirement that all Akron police officers wear body cameras (BWCs) that run continuously from the beginning to the end of their shifts.
Click here for more information on Power, Justice and Love MLK Weekend.