Freedom BLOC

Issue 10, which was approved by voters in this week's elections, amends the city charter to create a civilian police oversight board in Akron.

A group of about 150 people marched across the north side of downtown Akron Monday calling for justice for Jayland Walker, an unarmed Black man fatally shot by Akron Police in June.

Leaders of Freedom BLOC and the Akron chapter of the NAACP are encouraging people to vote for a charter amendment on the ballot in November instead. They say the review board, proposed by Mayor Dan Horrigan, is only a temporary solution.

There are two different plans for a civilian oversight board that would monitor complaints against the Akron Police. One is a charter amendment going before voters in November, and the other is legislation approved by city council.

The move comes a day after advocacy groups held a press conference to discuss the proposed charter amendment.

A citizen-led petition to get a civilian review board on the November ballot is being reviewed, just as Mayor Dan Horrigan plans to propose a different structure to city council in the coming weeks.

The legal team spoke to members of the media Tuesday in response to new bodycam footage obtained by the Akron Beacon Journal that shows officers reportedly turning off their microphones after the shooting.

Dozens of activists marched down High Street to deliver a petition calling for reform and accountability to the police headquarters. The petition, created by Freedom BLOC and Color For Change, received 58,000 signatures nationwide, according to Freedom BLOC.

Freedom BLOC plans a week of events focused on social justice, housing and police accountability. There will also be tributes to Walker and other victims of police shootings.

Several organizations have crafted a list of demands, including asking police to stop using tear gas and rubber bullets.