BLM memorial rededication kicks off week of events to mark anniversary of Osaze Osagie’s death
At State College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, a community-created Black Lives Matter memorial displays photos and names of Black people killed by the police. At the forefront, written in bold, is the name Osaze Osagie — the man fatally shot by State College police three years ago.
Founded in the wake of Osagie’s death, the 3/20 Coalition is honoring the late 29-year-old in the days leading up to the three-year anniversary of his death with a series of events that kicked off Monday with the rededication of a Black Lives Matter memorial.
The “Reflect & Respect” event allowed community members to clean up the memorial and remake signs, contribute small weather-proof items and paint rocks to honor Black people who have been killed by law enforcement.
3/20 Coalition Chair Tierra Williams said the rededication was meant to ensure that victims of police brutality are not forgotten and that their spirits are able to calmly “rest in power.”
She said it was the perfect way to kick off the seven days of action because it allowed for participants to cleanse the area from trash and debris and provided community members with COVID-19 concerns with a safe way to pay their respects.
“This past year the memorial was taken away by the borough and that was really upsetting to everyone, so it was important to us to start this week by rededicating this space and reclaiming it,” said Williams, who is also a Ferguson Township Supervisor.
The memorial was rebuilt this summer after borough officials said it was unintentionally removed as part of routine clean up.
Williams emphasized that the names that line the memorial — from George Floyd to Breonna Taylor — don’t even scratch the surface of the number of Black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement, which is why she encourages community members to continue to participate in this week’s events to understand exactly what the coalition is fighting against.
Osagie was killed by a State College police officer on March 20, 2019 after three officers arrived at his apartment to serve a mental health warrant. The three officers present at the scene were cleared of wrongdoing after accusing Osagie of running toward them with a knife.
At a State College Borough Council meeting earlier this month, Mayor Ezra Nanes issued a proclamation declaring this March 20 the Osaze Osagie Day of Unity and asking the community “to continue to work together in the spirit of kindness, compassion, empathy, respect and unity.”
In addition to events being held by the 3/20 Coalition, Osagie’s family will hold a remembrance service in honor of Osaze on Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Albright Bethune United Methodist Church in State College, according to a news release from the State College chapter of the NAACP.
“So much has happened over the past years,” Iyunolu Osagie stated in the release, “and on this occasion, we would like to thank all those who have supported us, who have been there for us in so many different ways and who have played a part in making beauty out of ashes.”
The 3/20 Coalition planned a “Draw for Justice” event at 3 Dots Downtown for Tuesday evening. Below is a list of events for the rest of the week.
Wednesday: ‘Youth and Mental Health: From The Lens of Blackness’
On Wednesday, an online panel will navigate current issues facing Black Americans, including bias in the U.S. education system and mental health challenges, as well as how community members can advocate for change locally. The Zoom link can be found here.
Thursday: The Osaze Art Exhibition
The 3/20 Coalition encourages individuals to take a tour of an art exhibition dedicated to Osagie’s life at the Schlow Centre Region Library on Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
Maria Burchill, head of adult services at the library, said the exhibition, “Osaze’s Community,” invited participants to recall Osagie’s life and struggle through poetry, song and visual art and focuses on raising awareness of mental health conditions.
“The purpose of the exhibition is to inspire mental health and social justice conversations, while honoring the life lost,” Burchill said. “That’s why the community should come out and look at it — because it’s powerful.”
The exhibition is free to the public and will be displayed at the Betsy Rodgers Allen Gallery until March 31. All proceeds go to a fund set up by Osagie’s family.
Saturday: ‘Complacency Kills’ protest
The 3/20 Coalition is calling on the community to protest Osagie’s killing by marching to his apartment where he was shot by police to show solidarity and unity. The march will begin at the Allen Street Gates on Saturday at 1 p.m.
“This is not ‘Happy Valley,’ for all and we want to acknowledge that and remember it until we get the justice that we believe we deserve,” Williams said. “We’re still going to keep screaming, ‘No Justice, No Peace.’”
Sunday: 8 Hour Celebration
The seven days of action will culminate with an eight-hour celebration on Sunday, the very first recognized “Osaze Osagie Day of Unity.”
Williams said the celebration will include 3.2-mile walk/run, a free community lunch, a moment of silence, a poetry slam and a concert at Allen Street Gates.
More information about the seven days of action can be found on the 3/20 Coalition’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 4:26 PM.
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect the correct date of a remembrance service in honor of Osagie. It will be held Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Albright Bethune United Methodist Church in State College.
