Family demands firing of officer who killed Matthew Zadok Williams
The family of Matthew Zadok Williams (Zadok) gathered outside of the Office of Dekalb County CEO, Michael Thurmond on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. They were joined by activists, organizers, and community members demanding that Sgt. Devon Perry be fired for the murder of Zadok, which occurred April 12, 2021. That sentiment was echoed by the public-at-large, in the form of a Color of Change petition (bearing 38,000 signatures), which the family had arranged to deliver to Mr. Thurmond. Instead of being met by the CEO, the Williams Family was turned away at the door, as Dekalb County Sherriff's Deputies informed them that the CEO was not in the building. Neither was there any representative from his office who could receive the petition, they further iterated.
Read full storyChristmas brings food, shelter and more for many in Woodruff Park
It was an amazing sight to see so many smiles from homeless residents on Christmas Day! Hundreds of men and women came from every side of Woodruff Park in Downtown, Atlanta to receive gifts prepared by various community organizations and families. One family, dressed as Santa's Elves, gave out gift bags filled with socks and undergarments. Another young man, with the help of his father and best friend, distributed hygiene kits. The hygiene kits, consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo and lotion, were a big hit among the residents in need. Other residents woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon being cooked on a grill that was set up at the east end of the park. It was a welcome surprise for those who are struggling with homelessness and food insufficiencyThe highlight of the day was the mutual aid provided by The Atlanta Justice Alliance. On any given Saturday, from 11am-2pm, the group can be seen providing hot lunch, snacks, coffee and water to the residents who call Woodruff Park "home." Since Christmas fell on a Saturday this year, they wanted to make the mutual aid for that day extra special. With help from their regular volunteers and some new recruits, they did just that. In addition to a catered meal, The Atlanta Justice Alliance also provided some of the hottest commodities amongst homeless residents: tents and sleeping bags. Living without a permanent home is an arduous journey, often made worse by lack of temporary accommodations. Because of the lack of availability of shelter programs, the streets are flooded with residents sleeping outdoors. Tents give our homeless residents the smallest modicum of privacy and make it possible for them to remain mobile with their "shelter," while providing the simplest covering with which to battle the elements.
Read full storyFamily and friends gather to remember the life of Jarvis Lykes
On Friday and Saturday, December 17-18, 2021, the family of Jarvis Lykes, gathered with community members, activists and organizers from around the country to remember his life. The family used the commemorative weekend as an opportunity to speak out against gun violence in the community, particularly police brutality. The events, which began with a motorcade each day, were the brainchild of Jarvis's mother, Kathy Scott-Lykes. Kathy has been a fierce advocate for her son since the day of his death; and also advocates for justice for other families who have lost children as a result of police brutality. In partnership with several community organizations, including Justice for Georgia, Georgia Moms United and the Georgia Reform Coalition, Mrs. Lykes coordinated rallies at the end of each day's motorcade. At Friday's rally, held at the Fourth Street Baptist Church, keynote speakers included Jacquelyn Johnson, mother of Kendrick Johnson and Kimberly Handy- Jones, mother of Cordale Handy (killed by Police in Minnesota in 2017).
Read full storyWhat Happened to Jimmy Atchison??
George Floyd. The name is now synonymous with police brutality and the senseless killing of unarmed black men. His murder was recorded on video, for the world to see after police showed up on the scene to investigate a rather minor alleged crime. This unjust abuse of power set off nationwide protests. Just imagine if there was no video or police body cam footage. Would the average citizen have reacted in the same manner? Now, this is what brings us to the case of Jimmy Atchison. If there was video of the murder, then his name might have been what people would associate with police brutality- in Atlanta and around the country.
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