Justice and prayers for Goodson’s family
Over 20 years ago, I was blessed to hear Pulitzer Prize-winning author and activist Alice Walker read from one of her many incredible novels. In between her reading, Walker discussed how she had been recently looking for a home when she saw a young Black boy walking down the road looking so carefree and happy. She decided to buy a home close by because she felt that if this young Black boy could seem so at ease walking down that road, this was a place she wanted to live.
Oh, what a different world this would be if all of us could feel this happiness and safety where we live.
Our neighbor, son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, 23-year-old Casey Goodson, found out that this happiness and safety was not available to him Dec. 4, 2020.
Casey was shot and killed by Franklin County Sheriff ’s Officer Jason Meade while Casey was taking a meal to his family. Casey was traveling just like the young Black boy in Alice Walker’s story. Meade has been charged with two counts of murder. There were no body cameras worn.
Dear Columbus neighbors, please pray for Tamala Payne, grandmother Sharon Payne and the family and friends of Casey Goodson Jr. that they may have justice. Give them the strength to endure the trial of Jason Meade. Do not allow Casey Goodson, a young man with so much promise, just like so many of our children and grandchildren in Columbus, to be forgotten.
Our home of Columbus will never truly live up to its potential until all Black residents can walk down their streets safely without the threat of violence. This city belongs to all of us, including our beautiful and beloved Black neighbors.
Betsy Poling, Columbus