On May 21, Selwyn Jones gathered at the Massachusetts State House, marking the fifth anniversary of his nephew George Floyd’s murder. This event was not just a commemoration but a rallying call, as Jones has devoted himself to the quest for justice since that tragic day. Floyd’s death ignited a global movement, leading to significant changes and the convictions of former Minneapolis police officers involved in his death.
At the event, Jones was joined by Lynn Currier of Skweda Solutions and families from the Coalition of Judiciary Accountability. This coalition includes 16 men wrongfully convicted in Massachusetts, advocating for an independent review of their cases. They seek to establish a commission focused on wrongful convictions, breaking away from the current system overseen by County DAs.
Following Floyd’s death, Jones co-founded the nonprofit Justice 929, a group dedicated to law reform and civil rights. The organization addresses various issues, including locating missing persons, countering gun violence, and supporting youth, while also providing assistance to those wrongfully convicted. In line with these efforts, Jones has developed the MYTH app, designed to record police interactions and send panic alerts to emergency contacts.
Speaking to the Banner before the rally, Jones expressed frustration over the slow pace of change. He noted that innocent people continue to lose their lives at the hands of police, calling for a more robust effort to prevent further tragedies.
The commemorative event coincided with ongoing discussions about George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, specifically regarding its design. On the same day, the Department of Justice rejected police reform settlements previously agreed upon by Minneapolis and Louisville following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed his commitment to continuing police reforms in his city.
The program at the State House was orchestrated by Currier, a noted youth advocate and anti-racism activist. She has founded multiple initiatives, including the Haitkaah Social Justice Project and The Boston Arts Project. Her efforts express a strong dedication to social justice, supported by her educational background in psychology and film production.
Among the speakers was Carla Sheffield from the Better Opportunities support organization, alongside her daughters Zyariah Sheffield and Nikia Ramsey. They highlighted the pain of losing their son and brother, Burrell Ramsey-White, who was killed by Boston police in 2012. Nikia Ramsey criticized attempts to tarnish her brother’s name, emphasizing that their story represents a broader national crisis.
Citing alarming statistics, she pointed out that police killed 1,247 people in the U.S. in 2024 alone, with Black and brown individuals disproportionately affected. “Massachusetts isn’t exempt,” she urged. “We must stop pretending that systemic racism ends at our borders.”
Wayne Dozier shared an emotional reflection on his grandson, DJ Henry, who was shot by police fifteen years prior. He drew a connection from the struggles faced by Black Americans throughout history, noting that their sacrifice in wars contrasts sharply with the injustices they face upon returning home.
Another heartfelt contribution came from Jen Root Bannon, whose brother was shot while in a mental health crisis. She voiced her frustration over the limitations of qualified immunity, highlighting how the system failed to protect her brother.
Leonna Abraham Brandao addressed the challenges confronting Massachusetts’ incarcerated first-time offenders. She pointed out the epidemic of mental illness and addiction in the U.S., arguing that prisons are not an appropriate solution for these issues.
Hank Houghton shared his harrowing journey of spending 44 years in prison before being cleared of a wrongful charge through DNA testing. Having lost his entire family during his incarceration, he expressed deep frustration with the correctional system’s failings. Since his release, he has engaged in significant advocacy work and emphasized the need for systemic change regarding life sentences in Massachusetts.
Retired UCC Minister and social justice advocate Jonathan Tetherly also spoke, sharing his experiences as a chaplain at the Hampden County Jail. His contributions highlight the church’s ongoing commitment to social justice causes, which include support for abortion rights and workers’ rights.
Jabir Pope, who endured 38 wrongful years in prison and has been featured in a prominent Boston Globe story, also addressed the crowd. While he spoke of the irreparable damage caused by wrongful conviction, he shared a unique perspective, having revived a singing group during his time in prison. Along with his friends, he performed their song “Freedom,” which reflects themes of overcoming personal struggles.
Devon McNeil, another former inmate, shared how he transformed his life after incarceration. Now mentoring youth in the inner city, McNeil aims to redirect his past experiences into positive outcomes for others.
As the rally unfolded, Jones, representing the rallying cries of those affected by violence and systemic injustice, reminded the audience of the critical need to continue the fight for justice. “Without a fight, you can’t win a war,” he stated passionately. After making his points, he headed to his next destination in Minneapolis, signaling that the journey for justice is far from over.
The Boston gathering drew positive attention and support, illustrating the broadening base of advocates for change. Schoolchildren cheered from a passing bus, affirming that the fight for justice resonates across generations. Through his advocacy, Jones has made significant strides, but he remains acutely aware that substantial work remains to reshape a fair and just society.
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