AKRON, Ohio — The Power, Justice and Love MLK Weekend offers a series of free events focusing on social justice in the lead-up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The series is intended to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday while highlighting injustices Black Americans face in Akron and nationwide, organizers said in a release.
The series is presented by Freedom Bloc and St. Ashworth Temple Pastor Robert DeJournett, pastor of the family of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was unarmed when Akron police fatally shot him.
The series also coincides with the release of a Justice for Jayland Walker website and petition. The website and petition call for specific changes, outlining 10 actions organizers want from city government and law-enforcement officials.
Last June, Walker was driving with a broken license-plate bulb and taillight when police pursued him, leading to a chase, police said. During the chase, police said Walker shot at them.
When he finally stepped out of his still-moving vehicle in an Akron parking lot, police said they interpreted his movements as threatening and shot him multiple times.
An investigation is now being led by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Photo card from Jayland Walker’s funeral. (Courtesy of the Walker family)
Since the shooting, protest groups have called for police reform and issued demands, among them, creation of a board to provide police oversight, which Akron voters approved in November through a charter amendment.
Power, Justice and Love MLK Weekend events include:
A Gospel Festival, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at the Goodyear Theatre, 1201 E. Market St. in Akron. The festival features J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise, along with local choirs. General admission is free. Contact Akron Urban League for more information.
The Justice for Jayland Symposium, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Goodyear Theatre, 1201 E. Market St. in Akron. The event features a panel discussion on public safety, trauma and mental health in Akron today. Admission is free. Send an email for more information.
Youth Day of Doing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday on Jan. 16 at sites around the city, including Joy Park and Mount Zion Baptist Church. The day includes a forum for young people to provide community service and engage in dialogue about the current and future state of the city. Contact Akron NAACP for more information.
Participating organizations also include Akron NAACP, Akron Public Schools, Akron Urban League, Guys & Gals Community Partnership Inc. and Minority Behavioral Health Group.
