Akron-area activists discussed the Justice for Jayland movement and organized demonstrations in response to alleged crimes committed by members of law enforcement at a Students for a Democratic Society event Monday. 

The activists spoke to a small gathering of students and community members in the Student Center Governance Chambers. Panelists included representatives from the Akron Bail Fund, The Freedom BLOC and JUST614.

Event topics included organizing demonstrations following the 2022 police shooting of Jayland Walker to the impact of the 2023 Akron mayoral election. 

Panelists offered attendees personal stories from getting detained by police during protests to finding their passion for activism and touched on how activist groups plan to tackle burnout and mental health challenges. 

“There are many challenges … being able to find a balance of many personalities alongside how people grieve,” said Dee McCall, a community organizer with The Freedom BLOC, when talking about mental health and activism. “Last summer we saw the mental health decline in everyone. We set up, this year, more organizers and front liners to have mental health time … Chaos constantly comes and you must take care of your team.” 

Panelists also talked about different ways to organize. 

Simple actions such as talking to neighbors or coworkers about current events, partaking in surveys or sharing concerns with community leaders are ways to demonstrate activism. 

Raymond Greene, executive director of The Freedom BLOC, said it is important to remember that someone’s career and responsibilities may be impacted by demonstrations.  

“The revolution is something that is long term – it’s long-lasting,” Greene said. “It’s going to affect your personhood, possibly your job … protests are a moment of time that have the potential to destroy your life if it’s not built right.” 

SDS members in attendance voiced their concerns over Kent State students’ lack of concern for social justice issues. Members and panelists discussed ways students can successfully organize on campus and join activist groups in neighboring cities. 

When discussing effective ways to address social justice issues, Greene offered insights on how students can send a powerful message while organizing. 

“It’s not our job to change everybody’s mind,” Greene said. “It’s our job to give people information that changes their heart.”

SDS has events planned for the rest of the semester. More information on these can be found on their Instagram page.

Erin Sullivan is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].