BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — Racial justice continues to be at the forefront of discussions across the country. And that’s especially true in Beavercreek where activists are pushing for change and honoring the life of John Crawford III.

What You Need To Know

  • On the sixth anniversary of his death, nearly 200 people gathered to commemorate John Crawford III

  • As part of the event remembering his life, his initials were spelled out in human form, with names of other victims of police written on them

  • Many delivered speeches, including his father John Crawford Jr.

“Say his name—John Crawford,” the crowd of nearly 200 people chants as they marched through Fairfield Crossing in front of Walmart, the location where Crawford III was shot and killed by Beavercreek police six years ago. 
 
“No justice—no money.”

John Crawford Jr.

Among those marching, was his father John Crawford Jr. When asked if time really heals all wounds, he said, "No. That's my short answer. No, it hasn't gotten any easier."
 
One of the reasons the pain continues to linger for the Crawford family is because they feel justice has not been served. No charges were ever filed in his death, and no arrests were ever made. 
 
Through the tough times over the past six years, the Crawford family has leaned on the support from the community to get by. Events like the commemoration of Crawford’s life continue to display that. 

“It’s a bittersweet situation for my family,” Crawford Jr. said. “Obviously the bitterness is we lost a life, senselessly. But in the midst of it, hopefully we can effectuate some change.”
 
One of the organizers for the commemoration, Talis X, said Crawford was a very good friend of his — one that changed his life for the better. While he continues to mourn the loss of a loved one, he’s happy to see so much love and support in his memory.
 
“He was effective in my life, in my change, and I’m going to keep coming out,” Talis X said. “We’re going to continue to lift his name—it’s a beautiful thing." 

 During a demonstration, his initials were spelled out in human form as several speakers urged the crowd to continue to push for justice, not only for Crawford III,  but for people killed unjustly across the country. 
 
“I’m grateful that people are waking up, collectively waking up,” Crawford Jr. said. “Because that’s what it’s going to take inevitably to have change.”

The Crawford family has an active lawsuit against Walmart for financial compensation. But Crawford Jr. said no amount of money will ever bring back his son.