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Jayland Walker's life remembered as family marks anniversary of fatal shooting by police
A promise that was kept by the family of Jayland Walker three years ago continues as the yearly memorial for Walker was held at Hardesty Park on June 27.
"It represents that we're going to continue even with justice served, continue being there to hold the family. The Walker family is very dear to this community, along with all the other victims who have been killed by police over the last 25 years," said Ray Greene, the founder and executive director for Freedom Bloc.
Last year the theme at Walker's memorial was lanterns; this year it was flowers.
Walker was a quiet, peaceful, funny guy, said his friends and former wrestling coach at Buchtel High School.
He was 25 when he was killed by Akron police following a car chase that began in the city's North Hill neighborhood early June 27, 2022, and ended in Firestone Park. Police later released body camera footage that showed the pursuit and Walker being shot by eight officers.
Around 50 supporters showed, including the Walker family and family attorney Bobby DiCello. Members of the community talked about the importance of justice and about the life of Jayland, including Akron NAACP President Judi Hill and Imokhai Okolo, a criminal defensive and civil rights lawyer.
"We're going to keep using our voice," Hill said. "I am because I love justice, I love righteousness, and I believe that we have a God that serves us all. Make sure your voices are heard, make sure we continue to do the work, it's a lot."
Okolo said, "Police like to argue. I know people like to argue, (police) got the power to argue more, they got the power to lock you up, so please just be careful when talking to police. Justice for Jayland in my mind means, it's justice for Black lives. There are so many Black and oppressed lives in this country, who have not got their justice."
After their speeches, people gathered in a line to give Pamela Walker, Jayland's mother, and his sister Jada a flower and a personal message.
Jada gave thanks to the community and for their support.
In October, the city of Akron announced that it will pay the Walker family $4.85 million as part of a settlement in the federal lawsuit that sought $45 million in damages for Walker's death.
The city stated in a news release with attorney DiCello that they will pay the Walker family in four installments over the next four years and will examine police policies and procedures.
Walker's family filed the lawsuit a year after Akron police officers shot Walker.
Alisson Toro-Lagos is a reporter for the Beacon Journal. She can be reached at atorolagos@ Bryce Buyakie contributed to this report. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jayland Walker family marks third anniversary since shooting by police
