SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Sonya Massey Commission has been formed in response to the killing of Sonya Massey and Earl Moore, Jr., and the injuries sustained by Gregory Small, Jr. 

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, and State Senator Doris Turner announced on Friday the formation of a citizens' commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations.

"Since Sonya Massey's death, I've been dedicated to ensuring our community trusts those elected to serve and those called to provide service," said Senator Turner. "I hope the Sonya Massey Commission honors her life by finding solutions to advance our community."

The Massey Commission will be comprised of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and no elected officials. The Commission will thoroughly examine the underlying causes leading to Sonya Massey's death.

The Commission is co-chaired by Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, pastor of Union Baptist Church; and Nina Harris, chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Dr. Jerry Kruse said, "The people of Sangamon County must now engage in meaningful and sustained actions to address the issues related to these events. The Massey Commission will guide the process to engage the community; to hear, respect and understand all voices; to begin a process to develop mutual trust; to repair fragmented and inequitable systems, and to ensure safety for those in need of help. We will begin the work for equity, justice and fairness in our county."

Pastor T. Ray McJunkins added, "As the pastor of Union Baptist Church and a co-founder of Faith Coalition for the Common Good, I've learned that times like these call for pastors and healers as much as the times call for policy and action. The legacy of Sonya Massey and the work of this Commission can set a table for both. My hope is that the work of this Commission creates space for Sangamon County to be able to move toward what the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the beloved community – a community governed by a shared commitment to equitable policies and systems for all."

The Massey Commission is funded by Sangamon County and strives to produce a report within a year outlining findings, recommendations, and what actions to take.

The proposed changes will be presented to local and state governments, law enforcement agencies, and the public to foster immediate change in practices.

The Massey Family and Attorney Ben Crump said, "The establishment of the Sonya  Massey Commission is a critical step toward ensuring that no other family suffers the same devastating loss. We applaud the creation of this Commission, which is charged with rigorously examining the  policies, practices, and responses that have too often led to horrific  injustice and tragedy. Efforts like these go beyond addressing past injustice –– they help create a future where the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves is one of trust and mutual respect, and where every individual is treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. We are confident that this Commission will help us honor the memories of Sonya Massey and all those who have suffered at the hands of unjust and all-too-often-fatal practices, ensuring that their legacies are signified by lasting and meaningful change."

If you want to serve on the Massey Commission, you can click here and fill out an application by August 30. The Commission will begin its work in September through a series of listening sessions.

This addition comes following the presentation of the Sonya Massey Act by Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and Sonya Massey's family.

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