A newly formed commission, a local response after the death of Sonya Massey, has made a change in leadership. Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost at the SIU School of Medicine will continue in that role.
“We are pleased to announce that JoAnn Johnson and Shadia Massey, cousin of Sonya Massey, have agreed to serve with Dr. Kruse as the new co-chairs of the commission,” said Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter.
The change follows a Sept. 16 listening session which brought forward members of the public. Complaints were also raised about Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, who was originally named as a co-chair.
McJunkins, a leader in the Black community of Springfield, is pastor of the Union Baptist Church has resigned from the commission. Allegations have been made of sexual misconductinvolving McJunkins. He has denied the claim.
“The co-chairs have been committed to listening and learning first, even while others are pushing for immediate action,” said McJunkins in a county-issued statement. “One of the things we have consistently heard is that it is important to have the Massey family represented in the leadership of the commission. “My transition makes a way for that.”
“This change in leadership comes after a successful September 16th listening session in which more than twenty county residents spoke out about their hopes and concerns for the commission,” said Sen. Turner. “As we have been from the beginning, we will continue to be responsive to community voices in this process.”
A news release said Nina Harris, previously selected as a co-chair, has completed her commitment and her time with the commission will end as new leaders join. “My intention was always to volunteer and be present for the construction phase of the commission,” said Harris. “I’m proud of our work so far, and I’m grateful to Shadia and JoAnn for answering the call to lead.”
Sonya Massey was shot and killed in her home this summer by a former Sangamon County deputy, who now faces First Degree Murder charges. The former sheriff, Jack Campbell, resigned after public pressure.
When the commission was formed, it was described as being committed to leading a process for the community to listen, learn and act.
It was also announced that new commission co-chairs will need some time to transition into the leadership position, review the commission structure and member selection. In light of this, the co-chairs will delay the announcement of additional commissioner names and the previously scheduled September 30 hearing.
“In the last few weeks I’ve heard the stories and personal experiences of many who want to assure that the commission is built to truly listen to the citizens of Sangamon County,” said Dr. Kruse. “This work is urgent, but as I heard at the listening session, the hard work of reform, cultural change and anti-racism can be seemingly slow. We will move forward in a way that is responsive to the community.”
