Sykes Speaks at "Justice for Jayland Walker" March

Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) marched with members of the Akron community to demand justice for the death of Jayland Walker and call for increased accountability from the Akron Police Department.

"Throughout America, we struggle with issues of police misconduct,” Sykes said. “This struggle is compounded by a resurgence of racial divisions and tensions that have plagued our country since slavery. Guided by faith and courage, we can never give in to the evils of intolerance and exploitation.”

Wednesday’s march was organized in response to the decision by a special grand jury last month not to indict the eight Akron police officers involved in the killing of Jayland Walker. Walker, an unarmed 25-year-old Black man, was shot at more than 90 times by police officers in June 2022. According to an autopsy by Summit County Medical Examiner Lisa Kohler, Walker suffered 46 gunshot entrance or graze wounds.

In the aftermath, Akron citizens overwhelmingly passed Issue 10, which established the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board. While an important step, Senator Sykes emphasized more work is necessary to repair trust between the community and police.

In addition to adopting de-escalation policies, training for officers on responding to mental health incidents, and additional oversight and transparency, Senator Sykes also stressed the importance of the ongoing investigations into the shooting. Recently, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) issued a letter to the United States Department of Justice requesting an investigation into the patterns and practices of Akron police officers, while the law firm representing Walker’s family announced last July that a United Nations group plans to investigate the case.

“I am proud today that here in Akron we continue to fight, to demonstrate, to challenge, to demand change,” said Sykes. “We will not get the changes we seek without a fight! This coalition, this march, is keeping the spotlight on Akron and on the changes we demand. I am proud to acknowledge that the citizens of Akron have joined in the fight for justice!”