First public hearing for Massey Commission set as more than 200 people apply
The newly-formed Massey Commission will hold its first public listening session on Sept. 16.
According to a news release from Sangamon County Tuesday, over 200 people applied to be on the commission, a public response to the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in her home on July 6.
The commission, which goes before the full county board for a vote on Sept. 10, is being co-chaired by Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; the Rev. T. Ray McJunkins, pastor of Union Baptist Church and Nina Harris, chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
The co-chairs will vet the applicants, said Sangamon County spokesman Jeff Wilhite.
The session will be held at UBC, 1405 E. Monroe St., at 6 p.m.
Speakers will be given an opportunity to address the commission for up to three minutes.
The Massey Commission’s proposed mission, according to a statement released Aug. 16, is to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses and community relations, with the goal of creating "tangible, practical and equitable solutions for the betterment of all who call Sangamon County home."
It will look to produce a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations and proposed actions within a year.
Sean P. Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy, faces murder charges against Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two children who had called 911 about a possible prowler.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; [email protected]; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Over 200 people apply for newly formed Massey Commission in Springfield
