Sonya Massey's cousin among new co-chairs announced for Massey Commission

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - New co-chairs have been announced for the Massey Commission, the citizens' commission created following the killing of Springfield woman Sonya Massey by a former Sangamon County deputy.

Former deputy Sean Grayson was charged with murder after body camera video showed he shot Massey in her home on July 6.

One of those new co-chairs is the cousin of Sonya Massey.

The Massey Commission was announced by Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter and State Senator Doris Turner on Aug. 16 following Massey's death in July of this year.

The new co-chairs will lead the Massey Commission with current co-chair Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of SIU School of Medicine and CEO of SIU Medicine.

“We are pleased to announce that JoAnn Johnson and Shadia Massey, cousin of Sonya Massey, have agreed to serve with Dr. Kruse as the new co-chairs of the commission,” said Andy Van Meter.

“This change in leadership comes after a successful September 16^th listening session in which more than twenty county residents spoke out about their hopes and concerns for the commission,” said Senator Doris Turner. “As we have been from the beginning, we will continue to be responsive to community voices in this process.”

During the listening session, participants previewed the Massey Commission co-chairs’ draft mission, values and areas of focus. Participants then discussed the commission’s leadership, member selection, scope and authority.

“The co-chairs have been committed to listening and learning first, even while others are pushing for immediate action,” said Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, who will end his time as a co-chair. “One of the things we have consistently heard is that it is important to have the Massey family represented in the leadership of the commission. “My transition makes a way for that.”

Nina Harris, previously selected as a co-chair, will step down from the commission as the new leaders join. “My intention was always to volunteer and be present for the construction phase of the commission,” said Nina Harris. “I’m proud of our work so far, and I’m grateful to Shadia and JoAnn for answering the call to lead.”

As the new co-chairs will need time to transition into the leadership position, the co-chairs will delay the announcement of additional commissioner names and the previously scheduled September 30 hearing.

“In the last few weeks, I’ve heard the stories and personal experiences of many who want to assure that the commission is built to truly listen to the citizens of Sangamon County,” said Dr. Kruse. “This work is urgent, but as I heard at the listening session, the hard work of reform, cultural change and anti-racism can be seemingly slow. We will move forward in a way that is responsive to the community."