Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Event Flyer
Atlanta- The family of Deacon Johnny Hollman Sr., along with supporters, will March for Justice on Saturday, September 23 starting at Noon from Dean Rusk Park, at 350 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, concluding at Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Organizers are demanding the release of the body camera footage of the officer who tased and killed him.
The March for Justice aims to honor the legacy of the esteemed Deacon Johnny Hollman Sr., a beloved member of the community who dedicated his life to service and family.
“My father is a true son of Atlanta. He grew up in Bankhead Courts and he was respected throughout our community. As a family, we called for this March because the video should be released so Atlanta can truly be transparent. We are asking for Atlanta to turn out for our family.” – Arnitra Hollman, oldest daughter of Deacon Johnny Hollman.
Deacon Hollman was a husband, father, and grandfather.
On August 10th, Deacon Johnny Hollman Sr, age 62, had just finished bible study and left his daughter’s on the way home to take his wife to dinner when he was involved in a minor car accident. He called 911 and waited for over an hour for police to arrive. When Officer Kiran Kimbrough arrived, he decided that Deacon Hollman was at fault and issued him a traffic ticket.
Deacon Hollman asked to see a sergeant.
Officer Kimbrough then ignored him and told him he would take him to jail if he did not sign the ticket. Deacon Hollman told Officer Kimbrough he would sign the ticket, but the officer still grabbed him, took him to the ground, and began tasing him. Deacon Hollman tells the officer “I Can’t Breathe” as many as sixteen times.
Deacon Hollman was pronounced dead at Grady Hospital.
Deacon Hollman’s inhumane and illegal treatment was all captured on Officer Kimbrough’s body camera. But the City of Atlanta has not release it to the public.
“It’s illogical to think that a deacon coming from Bible study in a car accident would end up dead. The family is calling for complete transparency so the citizens of Atlanta can see how inhumanely their father was treated and take action.” said Mawuli Davis, the family’s attorney.
The Hollman family invites everyone of goodwill who shares their passion for justice to join this meaningful march.
Participants are encouraged to bring signs, banners, and wear clothing that reflects their commitment to justice.
For more information, please contact Zakia Tookes at [404]-668-0670 or via email at [email protected]. Follow social media pages for updates and join the conversation using the hashtag #MarchForJustice, #J4J, #JusticeforJohnnyHollman, and #SayHisName.
