In a moving memorial service held at Springfield's Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Lisa Clanton expressed a deep connection to Sonya Massey, the woman fatally shot in her own home by a law enforcement officer on July 6. The tragic incident, which has ignited nationwide demands for racial justice, led to the firing and charging of Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson with first-degree murder. Following the incident, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired, leaving Illinois residents calling for a thorough investigation into Massey's death.

Clanton, speaking during the memorial service attended by approximately 100 people, spoke about the shared experiences between herself and Massey as Black women. She highlighted the heartbreaking reality that Massey had called for help only to lose her life to someone who was meant to protect and serve. The service also featured civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Massey family, as well as Massey's mother, Donna Massey, and her children, Jeanette "Summer" Massey and Malachi Hill-Massey.

Coincidentally, the memorial service took place on the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, a dark chapter in the city's history where racial tensions resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injuries to over 100 individuals. Clanton mentioned that her connection with Massey extended beyond shared experiences as Black women, as both grew up in the Baptist tradition, and she understood Massey's defiant words to Deputy Grayson, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," as an appeal to a higher power against injustice.

Sontae Massey, Sonya's first cousin, drew a poignant connection between the family and William Donnegan, an elderly Black man who was brutally killed during the Springfield Race Riot. Crump, in his address, recited a sobering list of Black victims who have been shot by police or others in positions of authority, urging the Springfield community to stand up for Sonya Massey. He emphasized the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for justice, reminding the congregation of a quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Following the conclusion of the service, Reverend William DeShone Rosser, the pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, hailed the evening as "a 10 out of 10," expressing satisfaction with the uplifting choir and the powerful sermon delivered by Crump. Clanton spoke about the positive change that has resulted from Massey's tragic death, as rallies and gatherings supporting the Massey family have brought the Springfield community together. She echoed the need for reform, including changes in hiring practices and increased transparency in background checks within law enforcement.

The memorial service for Sonya Massey not only paid tribute to an innocent life lost but also served as a rallying cry for racial justice in Springfield. As the community continues to demand answers and seek reform, the memory of Sonya Massey will inspire a commitment to fighting for equality and holding authorities accountable for their actions.