'She said she would change the world': Sonya's Massey's family remembers her one year later

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - For the last year, Sonya Massey's name has become known across the nation. The body camera video capturing her death has been shared thousands of times on social media and garnered responses from then-President Joe Biden and Governor JB Pritzker.

Immediately following Massey's death, her family took on the role of seeking justice and ensuring the truth was told.

Her mother, Donna Massey, and cousin, Sontae Massey, sat down with WAND a year after her death to talk about how life has changed since her passing.

For Donna, it has been twelve months of hard days. While she has heard from people around the world who have watched the video, she does not want to remember her daughter that way.

"She was so caring and very smart," said Donna. "I miss her so much because that was my best friend."

Donna said that as a kid, Sonya was the type of kid who would not laugh when someone else fell down. Instead, she would scold the kids who were laughing, get a band-aid, and help whoever fell to their feet.

"She was very sensitive about these types of things and really caring," said Donna. "She was really, really smart. She taught me a lot more than I taught her."

Donna showed up at rallies and court dates from the beginning. She is hopeful that people remember who Sonya truly was, not what they see on social media or hear from defense attorneys.

Sontae Massey was also quick to call for justice for his cousin. He says he intentionally stepped into the spotlight after her death to make sure justice was served.

"Sonya, everything she said came to fruition," said Sontae. "She said she would be famous, and she said she would change the world. So I am continuing the work that she sought out for in the beginning."

Sontae is the Associate Director of the Massey Commission, which is part of the activist role he has taken on since her death. He said his family has been able to endure the tragedy of Sonya's death largely due to the widespread support they have received.

But he says the fight is not over. There is still legislation to be passed, changes to be made, and justice to be served.

For the family, justice means this never happening again.

Sontae said the family will continue to support legal action against Sean Grayson. Even with the trial moving to another city, the family plans to continue the fight.

"We want anything that makes sure that he is not allowed on the street again," said Sontae. "Anything less would not be justice. I think that the savagery of what happened can't go on and unchecked. We have to do something about it."