Current:Home > reviewsAs Sonya Massey's death mourned, another tragedy echoes in Springfield -TradeCircle
As Sonya Massey's death mourned, another tragedy echoes in Springfield
View
Date:2025-04-16 19:57:13
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. − Even if she didn't know her, Lisa Clanton said she felt a connection to Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot by a law enforcement officer in her home on July 6, in a case that has sparked cries for racial justice across the country.
Sean Grayson, the sheriff's deputy who shot Massey while responding to her 911 call, was fired and charged with first degree murder. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired in the aftermath of the incident, and Illinois residents continue to call for further investigation of Massey's death.
Speaking at a memorial service for Massey at a local church, Clanton said she saw herself "reflected in her in that dire situation."
"We're Black women," Clanton said Wednesday at Springfield's Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, which was founded in 1895. "She called for help. Unfortunately, help did not come to her. Quite the opposite, she lost her life to someone who was supposed to protect and to serve."
About 100 people gathered for the service, which featured civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who also represents the Massey family. Massey's mother, Donna Massey, was present, along with Jeanette "Summer" Massey and Malachi Hill-Massey, Sonya Massey's children.
Wednesday also marked the 116th year since the start of the Springfield Race Riot, in which at least eight people were killed and more than 100 injured after one Black man was accused of sexually assaulting a white woman, and another was accused of murdering a white man.
Clanton, 46, said the church, and faith, linked her with and Massey, 36, who she called "my sister in Christ."
Both grew up in the Baptist tradition and Clanton said she well understood Massey's directive at Grayson just before he shot her in the face −"I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
"She was rebuking an evil presence that she recognized in the sheriff deputy," Clanton said. "He was confused and didn't understand cultural reference."
Sonya Massey:Race, police and mental health collided in her death
Town marks 116 years since Springfield Race Riot
This week, President Joe Biden announced he intends to use the Antiquities Act to make the site of riots along local railroad tracks a national monument under the National Park Service.
Fittingly, Sontae Massey, Sonya's first cousin, explained at Wednesday's memorial service that the family had ties to William Donnegan, an elderly Black man and one of the city's best-known citizens, whose throat was slit and body hung during the riot.
Crump, reciting a long list of Black victims who had been shot by police or others in authority, cautioned that it was time for Springfield to stand up for Massey.
"We can't be scared," Crump said. "We have to speak truth to power."
Recalling a quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Crump said the coward will ask the question, "Is it safe?" Whereas expediency, he said, will ask the question, "Is it politically correct?" Vanity will ask, "Is it popular?" he said.
"Conscience comes along," Crump said quoting King, "and asks the question, Is it right? My brothers and sisters, it is the right thing to do to stand up for Sonya Massey. It's the right thing to do to speak up for Sonya Massey. It is the right thing to do to fight for Sonya Massey."
After the service concluded, Pleasant Grove pastor, the Rev. William DeShone Rosser, said the evening struck "a 10 out of 10."
"Everything I had in mind came about and more," Rosser said. "The choir lifted us and got us inspired. (Ben) Crump preached tonight, and he touched our spirits, touched out hearts."
Clanton said as result of Massey's death, the Springfield community was brought together, evident at rallies and gatherings supporting the Massey family. Clanton said she took part in a rally at Comer Cox Park on a National Day of Mourning for Massey on July 28.
"She gave her life," Clanton said of Massey. "Hopefully to move us forward, to call for reform, everything from the sheriff retiring to reform in hiring practices to transparency in background checks."
veryGood! (784)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- HGTV's Christina Hall, Josh Hall file for divorce after almost 3 years of marriage
- The Top 40 Amazon Prime Day 2024 Pet Deals: Save Big on Earth Rated, Purina, Blue Buffalo & More
- Longer lives, lower pay: Why saving for retirement is harder for women
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Sheriff’s deputies fatally shoot 2 people while serving a warrant in Georgia
- John Stamos Jokes Son Billy's Latest Traumatic Milestone Sent Him to Therapy
- Shop Prime Day 2024 Beauty Deals From 60 Celebs: Kyle Richards, Sydney Sweeney, Kandi Burruss & More
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Water rescues underway in Arkansas after a new wave of storms across US and Canada
Ranking
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Climate change is making days (a little) longer, study says
- Forest fire at New Jersey military base 80% contained after overnight rain
- Amazon Prime Day Deals on Cute Athleisure & Activewear That Won't Break a Sweat, up to 58% Off
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Massachusetts lawmakers reach compromise deal on gun bill
- Christina Hall Shares Glimpse Into Family Time Amid Josh Hall Divorce
- Homeland Security inspector general to probe Secret Service handling of Trump rally
Recommendation
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Whoopi Goldberg Shares Cheeky Story Behind Her Stage Name
Rural Nevada judge who once ran for state treasurer indicted on federal fraud charges
Christina Hall Shares Glimpse Into Family Time Amid Josh Hall Divorce
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Rescued at Sea After Losing Control of His Boat
Afghanistan floods blamed for dozens of deaths as severe storms wreak havoc in the country's east
Democrats consider expelling Menendez from the Senate after conviction in bribery trial