LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville activists gathered in solidarity for Sonya Massey, the 36-year-old mother who was shot and killed by Illinois police earlier this month.
Cities across the nation organized in solidarity for Massey on Sunday for the national day of mourning. Community leaders in Louisville held a unity prayer and vigil that hosted nearly 50 attendees.
"Until people look at why the lives of Black women are undervalued in America, we will continue to be here again and again and again," said author and activist Hannah Drake.
Activists then marched at Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville. Jefferson Square Park is the historic block where protests were held for Breonna Taylor in 2020.
"We chose here because this is where we started with the Breonna Taylor movement," Metro Council member Shameka Parrish-Wright said. "This is where we've been even 20 years before when Adrian Reynolds and other folks were being murdered senselessly, whether in jail or by the police."
"Fast forward four years, and it happened again? It's heart wrenching," said Terra Leavell, owner of 1619 The Gathering Place. "It's actually tragic, it has to stop."
On July 6, Massey called 911 to report a prowler and two deputies arrived at her home near Springfield, according to authorities.
An autopsy report shows a gunshot hit under Massey's left eye.
Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson was charged with first-degree murder and was fired from his job.
"It's sad what happened to Sonya," activist Rosie Henderson said. "It shouldn't have happened and we're tired of being out here. We're tired of saying names."
"I came out here for one thing and it was change and it was justice," Bruce Sweeney, another activist, said.
Activists had a call to action.
"Vote," Sweeney said. "And then we'll really see. Then we'll really make change. Don't think that your vote doesn't matter. All votes matter."
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey released a statement on Thursday.
“Sonya Massey was a mother, friend, and neighbor. She should be alive today. After calling 911 for help, Sonya was killed, unarmed, in her home at the hands of a police officer — we’ve seen this before in Louisville, Ferguson, Minneapolis, and now Springfield, Illinois. Black Americans are disproportionately profiled, targeted, and killed by police, and Sonya Massey’s death is another heartbreaking reminder that we need real justice and reform. No one should have to fear for their life when calling for help. I hope to see swift action taken to bring Sonya justice, and my prayers are with her family and loved ones as they grieve this incredible loss,” McGarvey said in a statement.
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