AKRON, Ohio – More than six months have passed since Akron police shot and killed Jayland Walker. While the community waits for the investigation to close, it moves toward healing.
Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, was shot 46 times by eight officers as he fled from his car in Akron the night of June 27. The shooting drew national attention and led to days of protests in the city demanding justice and police accountability.
Robert DeJournett, Walker’s cousin and pastor at St. Ashworth Temple in West Akron, said he has continued to grieve and experience trauma, but he wants to move forward.
“Something good must come out of this tragedy,” he said. “Everything changed since Jayland was killed.”
Coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, DeJournett, as well as a number of local activists and organizations including the Akron NAACP and the Akron Urban League, have planned a weekend of events in honor of the civil rights activist. They also plan on discussing the impact of Walker’s death.
“The whole purpose is for the public to connect in a meaningful way and participate in a conversation about the current state of Akron as it pertains to policy and procedures for public safety and policing,” he said.
“Power, Love and Justice Weekend” runs Friday through Monday at the Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St. The weekend kicks off Friday evening with a gospel concert featuring local artists.
On Saturday, the community is invited to a free Justice for Jayland symposium that features a panel with local and national activists to discuss public safety, trauma and mental health. On Monday, the weekend is ending with a Youth Day of Doing inviting young people across the region to participate in community service.
“Where do we go from here?” DeJournett said. “Where do we go from here with justice for Jayland, with police accountability, with police violence and Black on Black violence, trauma and healing? I know there are good police, but there’s some bad apples out there. So how do you weed those out and correct that?”
He said he and Walker’s mother, Pamela, have grown anxious while waiting for results from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which will determine whether excessive force was used by officers during the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, BCI spokesperson Steve Irwin said in a statement. Once complete, it will be referred to Summit County prosecutors. The office has requested that the Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecution Section handle the case at the conclusion of the investigation.
“We’re just in a pattern of waiting and waiting,” DeJournett said. “The community is really wanting to know what’s happening.”
He added that he missed his cousin, and he is still demanding justice for his death by having police held accountable.
“Jayland was the ideal son for everyone,” DeJournett said. “I had the chance to do his eulogy. I said it then and I’ll say it again; anyone would want him to be their son. … Before passing judgment, think about it. What if your loved one was shot 46 times?”
To participate in “Power, Love and Justice Weekend” events, attendees are asked to register at dejournettconsulting.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please call 330-289-2706.
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