Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – On the second anniversary of Sonya Massey‘s death at the hands of a now-former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy, what was once a county-appointed commission has officially morphed into something new.

Members and staff of the Massey Commission say the Massey Community Action Network has officially been formed.

In a news release, it’s referred to as, “a new community-driven organization created to advance implementation of the Massey Commission’s Calls to Action.”

They say they see needs to educate, organize, advocate, collaborate, and, have “sustained civic engagement.”

Sonya Massey’s cousin Sontae says in the news release he wants to make Sonya’s legacy, “meaningful.”

“The formation of the Massey Community Action Network is about making sure Sonya’s life continues to inspire meaningful, systemic change,” said Sontae Massey, in a news release.  “The Commission gave our community a roadmap, and the Massey Community Action Network exists to make sure that roadmap becomes reality. We believe Sonya is smiling down on us as we commit ourselves to building a community where accountability, compassion, and justice are more than ideals, they are reality. The Commission gave us the vision. Now it’s our responsibility
to deliver the change.”

The news of the formation of the Massey Community Action Network also comes as the man convicted of shooting and Sonya Massey, Sean Grayson, is seeking to be released from his 20-year prison sentence as he suffers from cancer that is both growing and progressing.

Any groups that want the network to talk to them, or want to be affiliated with the network, are being asked to CLICK HERE.