We mourn Sonya Massey and the tragic loss to her family and loved ones at the hands of the Springfield, Illinois Sheriff Deputy Sean Grayson. Advocates for Youth President Debra Hauser shared this statement.

“Sonya Massey called the police for help, and instead they murdered her. This horrific killing is yet another example why young people have called for the abolition of police – they do not make us safer, and all too often commit violence and harm against Black youth. 

Violent escalation is never justified, and no one should fear for their own safety in their own home. All too often the police respond to mental health issues with deadly force. The past decades have seen countless killings of Black people and little progress toward change, as funding for arming police and building “cop cities” continues to rise. 

Young people have the right to lead healthy lives. But this right is violated every day by institutionalized violence against people of color. We must, as advocates for youth health and rights, work for an end to police violence. Advocates for Youth remains steadfastly committed to working alongside youth activists and young leaders to build a better future, one rooted in reproductive and racial justice.”