Friends and community members approached Jayland Walker’s family with flowers in hand as more than 50 supporters gathered in solidarity to honor the life of Jayland Walker, who was killed by Akron Police in 2022.
“He’s supposed to be here, and we shouldn’t have to have a memorial,” said Traci Person, who organized the memorial June 27 at Hardesty Park on the third anniversary of Walker’s death.
“We have to not necessarily just remember, but we have to acknowledge our pain, come together as a community to see what we can do to stop this from happening.”
Many in the crowd were dressed in white t-shirts that stated, “Justice for Jayland Walker” as they listened intently to each of the four speakers. The program ended with a call to action.
The recurring message was to come together as a community, take action, take responsibility and be proactive. Jada Walker, Jayland Walker’s sister, wiped away tears as she spoke to the crowd. She wore her own dark blue t-shirt with her brother’s portrait on the front.
Through tears and what she said was an overwhelming sense of gratitude, Jada Walker said she appreciated those who came to stand with her family as they remembered her brother.
“It’s going to take all of us. The police are not here to keep us safe, and we need to understand that,” said Ray Greene Jr., the executive director of The Freedom Bloc, “which means that we not only need to wrap our arms around all of these families, but we must wrap our arms around each other and protect each other from the unseen dangers that include the police department.”
Walker was shot dozens of times by Akron police officers and killed after a car chase and brief foot pursuit. Police fired a total of 94 rounds.
Those in attendance were invited to dedicate their flowers to the Walker family — each dedication was accompanied by kind words. A long line developed as many hurried to take their place preparing to embrace Pam Walker, Jayland Walker’s mother, and Jada Walker. Through tears, they accepted every single flower.
“I know it means a lot to them, I know it means a lot to him,” Akron native Desmon Bishop said as he pointed up to the sky. Bishop was one of the many who stood in line waiting to present the Walker family with a flower.
Bishop didn’t know Jayland Walker personally, but he said the impact of his passing pulled him to come and support the ongoing movement toward justice.
“When I look at him, I see my little brother,” Bishop said. “I felt like I was looking at my family member.”
Flowers continued to fill the hands of the Walker family, as one after another of their supporters slowly filed by.
