AKRON, Ohio — Rev. Ray Greene said he has dedicated his life to helping underserved people in Akron through his organization, The Freedom BLOC. 

With his finger on the pulse of the city of Akron, Greene said he is well aware of the issues the city faces.

After Akron police officers shot and killed 25-year-old Jayland Walker, Greene said he has been helping protesters however he can.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron police officers shot and killed Walker on June 27 after a four-minute car chase

  • He was not armed when he tried to run from the car

  • Greene has called for change following Walker's death and days of protests that followed

  • Bianca Austin, the aunt of Breonna Taylor, was among protesters arrested in Akron

Walker was fatally wounded by police on June 27 in south Akron. The shooting took place after Walker led police on a four-minute car chase that was exacerbated when Walker fired a gun at the officers in pursuit, police said.

Authorities said Walker was not armed when he was shot by police after the chase. At a press conference on July 3, officials released body camera video that showed Walker tried to run from officers while wearing a ski mask and was shot. Officials said eight officers shot him roughly 60 times.

The shooting sparked days of protests, including one on Wednesday night. The protests have drawn activists from around the country, including the aunt of Breonna Taylor, Bianca Austin, who was arrested Wednesday night. Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police in Louisville, Ky. during a failed attempt to serve a warrant for someone who did not live there.

Greene said the protests in Akron won't stop until activists feel their voices have been heard.

“This is ridiculous. This is all about the mayor. He can fix this.” Greene said. “There is no peace in the city because Akron Police Department doesn't want peace in the city.” 

He asked people outside of Akron to call their representatives and ask them to support the George Floyd Act, which would establish a framework to prevent and remedy racial profiling by police at the federal, state and local levels.

“Everyone has a part to play in this,” Greene said. “It’s Akron today—it’s gonna be somewhere else tomorrow.”