ABFE Remembers Sonya Massey: A Philanthropic Call for Lasting Change
Sonya Massey’s tragic death at the hands of police in Springfield, Illinois, after calling 911 for help, serves as a harrowing testament to the urgent need for profound systemic reform and underscores ABFE's mission to combat systemic racism. In her final moments, she sought safety but was met with violence, revealing the deep and unfortunately common threat of police brutality and racial disparities that persist in our society. This tragedy highlights the critical importance of ABFE's work as we strive to address and rectify these injustices with renewed urgency from the sector.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of ABFE’s 10 Imperatives, which developed through the collaboration of over 60 Black philanthropic leaders, provide a crucial framework to eradicate racial disparities and promote systemic equity.
The pursuit of justice in Sonya Massey’s case and the call for full prosecution of Officer Grayson are critical. We urge for sweeping reforms to dismantle discriminatory structures and address the deep-seated inequities within our systems. This fight aligns with our commitment to ensure that those most affected through these cycles of violence and Black trauma are integral to developing effective solutions.
As we honor Sonya Massey, we remember others lost to police brutality: Sandra Bland, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Michelle Cusseaux, Tamir Rice, Elijah McClain, Philando Castile, Rayshard Brooks, Botham Jean, Ahmaud Arbery, Daunte Wright, Jacob Blake, and Alton Sterling. We also honor the unspoken names; the countless Black lives whose trauma remains undocumented and not listed.
These are not just names; they are the echoes of our collective sorrow and anger, and they drive our collective action and push forward.
The philanthropic sector must forge ahead with unwavering commitment, using our collective resources and networks to fight for their justice and make change in their honor. We must continue to boldly make good trouble, confront the systems and individuals perpetuating this violence against Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, and stand united in our fight for justice and equity.