SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Massey Commission for Sangamon County has announced a series of events they’re hosting to remember Sonya Massey on the one-year anniversary of her death.

According to the commission, these events are specifically grounded in their mission to increase safe and equitable access to services and address systemic racism, as well as restoring trust between the public and the institutions that serve them.

“Sonya’s passing sparked a broader reckoning across Sangamon County and renewed urgency for reimagining how institutions serve and protect all residents,” the commission said in a news release.

The following events will take place on the one-year anniversary of Massey’s death, July 6, and over the course of the days following:

• Balloon Release
  • Date: July 6
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: 2868 S Hoover Street, Springfield
• Sonya Massey Memorial Bridge Dedication
  • Date: July 6
  • Time: 3:30 p.m.
  • Location: 1415 E Jefferson Street
  • Details
• Sunday Funday
  • Date: July 6
  • Time: 5-10 p.m.
  • Location: Unique’s Bar & Grill at 1231 E Cook Street, Springfield
• Healing Circle
  • Date: July 7
  • Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. & 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Thrive Center for Wellness at 435 W Washington Street
  • Virtual Option: Register here, include the date, time and format you’d like to register for (in-person or virtual) in the comments
• Levitt Amp Concert Dedicated to Sonya Massey
  • Date: July 10
  • Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
  • Location: 4th & Jackson next to Governor’s Mansion
  • Details
• Healing Circle
  • Date: July 17
  • Time: 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: SIU Survivor and Recovery Center at 401 N Walnut Street
  • Virtual Option: Register here, include the date and time you’d like to register for in the comments
• Wear Purple
  • Community members are encouraged to wear purple throughout July, especially on July 6, as a sign of solidarity, remembrance and support
• Plant a Purple Flower
  • Individuals are invited to plant a purple flower at their home or in their yard in an act of remembrance

All of these events are open to the public.