ATLANTA — In hopes that his story will never be forgotten, civil rights leaders and lawmakers in Georgia have designated February 23 as Ahmaud Arbery Day.
Arbery, whose tragic death two years ago sparked reform of Georgia’s laws and continued advocacy for racial equality, is officially remembered each year on the anniversary of his death, today’s Ahmaud Arbery Day.
Arbery was jogging through the Satilla Shores neighborhood of Brunswick on February 23, 2020 when he was pursued and killed by three white men who claimed they suspected him of committing a crime.
Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, stood at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta on Wednesday to adopt the resolution declaring her son’s namesake day.
The presentation comes just a day after the three men were convicted of hate crimes in a federal trial that found them guilty of killing Arbery because he was black. They were also convicted of murder during a state trial in November.
“Mr. Arbery was a well-known athlete before he died senselessly because of the color of his skin,” read Rep. Sandra Scott, the resolution’s sponsor. Arbery will long be remembered for his love for family and community.”
The resolution highlights that Arbery’s death last year led to the Georgia legislature’s decision to repeal laws written in the 18th century to arrest the state’s citizens.
The law now prohibits bystanders from holding someone and using deadly force. However, owners of retail and hospitality establishments are the only people who are not law enforcement and have the power to arrest citizens on suspicion of theft. Every state still has some form of citizen arrest laws, which vary from state to state.
A new hate crime law was also signed into law in June 2020, imposing additional penalties on anyone who willfully commits a “hate” crime based on race, gender, sexual orientation, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability. The new law also requires law enforcement officials to document it as a hate crime for data collection and statewide and national reports.
“Law changes are just the beginning,” Cooper-Jones said on Wednesday. “Next we need to change the minds and perceptions of black men in this country. My son was killed because someone else is noticing black men, my black son.”
Cooper-Jones spoke about the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, which was established last year to raise awareness and advocate for the mental well-being of black boys.
“We believe in giving young black men opportunities to educate themselves, start a business, just build a life…something Ahmaud didn’t have the opportunity to do,” Cooper-Jones said. “Justice is guaranteed to every child, regardless of the color of their skin. His socio-economic situation is secure and has equal opportunities to achieve his dreams.”
The foundation plans to award six $3,000 college scholarships this year to seniors at Arbery’s alma mater, Brunswick High School.
“As we all know, nothing brings my son back, but I know that God wants us to lend a ministry to improve the lives of other young men like Ahmaud,” Cooper-Jones said. “I am honored to serve others in this way in recognition of my son’s life. Let’s always remember Ahmaud Arbery.”
Several events commemorating Arbery are planned across Georgia. As part of the annual Ahmaud Arbery Day, the community is encouraged to “Run with Maud,” 2.23 miles annually, to advocate for racial equality using the hashtag #IStillRunWithMaud.
