'Accountability is on the way': Jayland Walker family hopes to keep memory alive, spark change

It's been two years since the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker , and family members, Akron residents and other community members gathered at St. Ashworth Temple Thursday evening in his memory.

"I'm very thankful for everyone that comes to do this every year. I don't want anyone in this community or anywhere to forget my son," said Walker's mother, Pamela Walker.

Walker was a quiet, peaceful, funny guy, said his friends and former wrestling coach at Buchtel High School.

He was 25 when he was killed by Akron police following a car chase that began in the city's North Hill neighborhood early June 27, 2022, and ended in Firestone Park. Police later released body camera footage that showed the pursuit and Walker being shot multiple times by eight officers.

Just moments before Walker's memorial, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, announced she had introduced a bill in Congress that aims to improve relationships between law enforcement members and the communities they serve. In a news release, Sykes mentioned the Walker case, along with others, as an impetus for the bill.

"I said, 'Go girl,'" Akron NAACP President Judi Hill said after hearing the news about Sykes' bill.

Hill said the only way to create systemic change is by continuing the conversation and not forgetting past events.

The Walker family attorney Bobby DiCello was present for the memorial. He said he still keeps his promise to the family that they are more than just a case he worked on.

"I come back because I want to build a community of survivors," DiCello said. "It's really rewarding to be a part of something bigger than a case."

During DiCello's speech, he said he can promise that "a day" will come.

"I can't get into the details right now, but you all will hear about it, where this case and the impact of the Walker family will be revealed, and the changes it will bring to the city of Akron will be discussed, shared, and implemented because of the Walker family," DiCello said. "Accountability is on the way."

When Walker's mom and sister went up to the podium, they began to chant "justice for Jayland." Pamela Walker held her fist up.

Afterward, everyone gathered at the front of the church and lit lanterns with messages written on them.

Instead of balloons for his memorial, Robert DeJournett, a pastor and a cousin of Walker, thought to release lanterns instead.

"We wanted something memorable; lanterns light up, people will be able to see them wherever they are," DeJournett said.

Chants broke out soon after the lantern release, and nearby neighbors stepped out to show support.

The family plans to have an event every 27th of June for Walker.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'Accountability is on the way': Jayland Walker family hopes to keep memory alive, spark change