Several events in Springfield, including a bridge dedication, will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey on July 6 and throughout the month.
Among the other public events on July 6 is a balloon release at 2868 S. Hoover Ave. at 10 a.m.
Those attending should bring their own balloons.
Massey lived in a rental house in the block when she was shot by then-Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson after she called 911 for a purported prowler.
Grayson was charged with five counts, including first-degree murder. His trial starts in Peoria County on October 20.
The pedestrian bridge over Clear Lake Avenue and Jefferson Street will be dedicated to Massey at 3:30 p.m. on July 6.
The Springfield City Council unanimously approved to rename Jefferson Bridge the Massey Memorial Bridge on Sept. 17, but it hasn’t been formally dedicated.
Scheduled to speak is Mayor Misty Buscher, Sunshine Clemons of Black Lives Matter Springfield, activist Teresa Haley and members of Sonya Massey’s family.
Four artists, all from Springfield, have been selected to paint murals on the bridge.
They are Nigel Carrington, Ozell Taylor, Lawanda Chillis and Austin Wells, who did the original Massey mural a year ago.
Springfield Art Association has donated $200 to cover paint for the project, said Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory. The bridge is in Ward 2.
Here are other events honoring Massey:
(This story has been updated with new information and to update an earlier version that included an inaccuracy.)
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Remembering Sonya Massey: Bridge dedication, balloon release will mark anniversary of her death
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal- Register / State Journal-Register
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