The Akron Urban League grieves with the community for the senseless killing of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man whose body was riddled with 60 bullets by several Akron Police officers. WE empathize and offer our condolences to Jayland’s family, who described him as a sweet and kind young man who never caused any trouble. WE stand with the family and community and demand transparency from the Akron Police Department. WE urge the Akron Police Department to act swiftly and release all information about his death to ensure justice for Jayland and his family.

Unfortunately, Jayland Walker joins a long list of Black men and women killed by the police. According to data collected by Mapping the Violence, Black people are still killed at a higher rate than any other group. Nationally, Black people comprise 13 percent of the US population, yet they account for 27 percent of those killed by police in 2021. The National Urban League and its’ affiliates are supporters of the Justice in Policing Act, which is a comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, end racial profiling, change the culture of law enforcement, empower communities, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives.

“Our prayers are with the Walker family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. We join them and the community to seek truth, justice, accountability, and harmony in this disturbing incident. We encourage protesters to engage peacefully. As more details unfold and the body-worn camera footage is reviewed and released, we urge for prompt justice for Jayland’s family. The officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker need to answer for this brutal loss of life,“ said Teresa R. LeGrair, President & CEO of the Akron Urban League.

“The AUL board of directors stand in solidarity with the Akron community in seeking justice, truth, and transparency about the circumstances surrounding Jayland Walker’s shooting death. We must not forget that racial justice is non-negotiable and has to be sought after every single day,” said Atty. H Alan Rothenbuecher, Akron Urban League Board Chair.

The Akron Urban League fights for you.