Massey Commission co-chairs announce listening session: Monday, September 16, 2024 at Union Baptist Church

Massey Commission co-chairs announce listening session: Monday, September 16, 2024 at Union Baptist Church

The Massey Commission, which was established as a community response to the murder of Sonya Massey on July 6, will kick off with a listening session to understand the public’s hopes and concerns before finalizing its formal mission and goals.

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, announced a listening session at Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., Springfield, Ill., on Monday September 16, 2024, beginning at 6 p.m. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

During the listening session, speakers will be given an opportunity to speak for up to three minutes. They can express their interest in speaking when they arrive at the meeting. The scheduled listening session will occur before the full slate of commissioners are named and official commission hearings begin.

The three co-chairs are reviewing the applications that were submitted by August 30, 2024 by local residents interested in serving on the commission.  Approximately 200 applications were received and are being reviewed. The full 12-member commission and public hearing dates will be announced later this month.

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.