The Massey Commission was announced on August 16, 2024, by Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and State Senator Doris Turner. It is a citizens' commission established in response to the tragic killing of Sonya Massey by a former Sangamon County deputy in July 2024. This Commission is a direct response to many thoughtful comments from members of the community voiced after the tragic death of Sonya Massey. The commission is committed to leading a process for the community to listen, learn and act.
In September, Massey Commission co-chairs Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, pastor of Union Baptist Church and Nina Harris, chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion will be selecting the the rest of the commissioners who submitted applications online by August 30, 2024. The county received 204 applications before the deadline.
Before the full slate of commissioners are selected and hearings begin, the co-chairs are inviting the public to attend and speak at the first listening session on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe Street in Springfield, Ill. Read more here. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and speakers will be asked to sign up when they arrive.
The public can attend in person or view a live stream of the meeting that will be provided on September 16, 2024 at 6 p.m.