(WAND) — This year marks five years since Jelani Day's death.
The Illinois State University graduate student was last seen on Aug. 24, 2021. Just days later, his body was found in the Illinois River.
For Jelani’s mother, Carmen, and her family, remembering Jelani has its joys.
“Jelani was just. He was just; he was the life. He just brought life in the room,” Carmen said.
But it also comes with heavy grief.
“He didn't get hit by a car. He wasn't sick, hitting his shot some. He disappeared. We couldn't even find him. And then when we find him, we find him in some water. I can't even see him. He's unrecognizable,” Carmen said.
The coroner determined Jelani’s cause of death was drowning, but how Jelani ended up in the river remains unsolved.
Carmen said she and her family are left with a pit of pain and unanswered questions.
“They implied that he got out of his drove, [as] I said, drove his car down 63 miles, got out of his car, walked three miles to a river, took his clothes off and got in a river and drowned himself. Number one, why would someone drive 63 miles away to do all of that?” Carmen said.
It’s been five years. For Carmen Day, her son’s name is more than a headline.
Now, we’re looking back at the life of Jelani Day — the son, the graduate student and the young man. His family refuses to let him be forgotten.
“Justice looks like the individuals involved being held accountable. Justice looks like laws created to help missing and brown, Black males and their families,” Carmen said.
Through the Jelani Day Foundation, Carmen is fighting for those changes.
Last Saturday, the nonprofit hosted the fourth annual Jelani Day Gala.
The foundation also worked to push legislation, Senate Bill 3932. If a body is found in Illinois and remains unidentified within the first 72 hours, the FBI would have to be notified.
For now, Carmen says she’s taking it one day at a time, holding her memories close to her heart.
“If he hugged you. Jelani had the strongest grip, the tightest hugs. Jelani cracked my back every time he hugged me, and it felt good. I miss it,” Carmen said.
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