Atlanta, Georgia, July 27, 2025
News Summary
At a recent town hall event in Atlanta, families affected by police violence gathered to share their stories and advocate for justice. Organizers aimed to foster community awareness and support for families seeking accountability from law enforcement. Prominent cases highlighted included Jaylin McKenzie and Roger Fortson, underscoring the tragic impact of police violence on communities. The event reflects a broader movement for justice and calls for reform within law enforcement agencies.
Atlanta, Georgia – Families of individuals who lost their lives due to police violence gathered on Sunday afternoon at a town hall event in the Atlanta Liberation Center. The gathering aimed to provide a platform for those seeking justice for their loved ones and to raise awareness regarding the impact of police violence on communities across the state.
Among the families present were those of Jaylin McKenzie, Eric Holmes, and Jimmy Atchison, who shared their stories in an effort to connect with others affected by similar tragedies. The event began at 2 PM at 344 Candler Park Drive NE and focused on highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice faced by families impacted by law enforcement actions.
Ashley McKenzie, the organizer of the event and mother of Jaylin McKenzie, expressed that the purpose of the town hall was to foster community awareness and create connections among grieving families who often feel unheard in their pursuit of justice. Jaylin McKenzie was shot and killed in a police encounter during a routine traffic stop in Memphis in 2022, at the age of just 20 years old.
The event drew attention not only to the stories of those affected but also included participants like Chantemekki Fortson, whose son, Senior Airman Roger Fortson, was killed in 2022 during a police incident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Roger was shot in his home by Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran at the age of 23, adding to the increasing number of families grappling with loss as a result of police violence.
The town hall was designed to create a supportive environment for families who believe their loved ones did not receive justice and to provide them with a platform to voice their experiences. The stories shared aim to illuminate the broader issues surrounding police violence and its ramifications on communities, urging collective action and advocacy for change.
The gathering is part of a larger movement across the nation to address police violence and the need for reforms within law enforcement agencies. Families attending the town hall emphasized the importance of unity in their struggle for justice and the need for community support to demand accountability from law enforcement.
As families come together to share their experiences, the event serves as a reflection of the persistent fight for justice while raising awareness about the broader systemic issues that lead to such tragic outcomes. The shared stories not only create a sense of community but also inspire advocacy for meaningful changes in police practices and policies to prevent future tragedies.
The town hall in Atlanta represents just one of the many efforts underway to address the complex and painful realities surrounding police violence, with a focus on bringing attention to individual stories that contribute to the larger narrative of injustice faced by marginalized communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the town hall event?
The town hall event aimed to provide a space for families affected by police violence to share their stories, raise awareness about ongoing struggles for justice, and foster a sense of community among those who feel unheard in their pursuits.
Who organized the event?
Ashley McKenzie, the mother of Jaylin McKenzie, organized the event to connect families and bring attention to the issues surrounding police violence.
Where was the event held?
The event took place at the Atlanta Liberation Center, located at 344 Candler Park Drive NE in Atlanta, Georgia.
What kind of stories were shared during the event?
The stories shared included personal accounts from family members of individuals who lost their lives to police violence, such as Jaylin McKenzie and Roger Fortson, highlighting the emotional impact and calls for justice.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta Liberation Center, 344 Candler Park Drive NE, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Date and Time | Sunday afternoon, starting at 2 PM |
| Featured Families | Families of Jaylin McKenzie, Eric Holmes, Jimmy Atchison, and Roger Fortson |
| Purpose | Raise awareness about police violence and provide a platform for families seeking justice |
| Organizer | Ashley McKenzie, mother of Jaylin McKenzie |
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Additional Resources
- Governing: Atlanta Police Say Youth Programs Are Driving Down Gun Violence
- Google Search: police violence atlanta
- Georgia Recorder: Atlanta Police Foundation Ordered to Comply with Open Records Requests Over Cop City Documents
- Google Scholar: Atlanta police violence
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Father of Unarmed Man Killed by Atlanta Police Officer Demands Appeal After Murder Charge Dropped
- Encyclopedia Britannica: police violence
- The Guardian: Cop City Legal Case and Police Foundations
- Google News: Atlanta police officer charges
- 11Alive: Atlanta Deacon’s Family Seeks Justice in Tasing Death
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