Three local organizations came together Sunday with supporters to honor and celebrate the birthday of the late Gregory Johnson Jr.
During the event, called “A Celebration of Life: Justice for Gregory Johnson,” San Jose community members celebrated what would’ve been Johnson’s 33rd birthday by marching from city hall to Backesto Park for a barbecue.
The event was organized by social activist groups Black Liberation and Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Outreach, Human Empowerment Radical Optimism (H.E.R.O.) Tent and Justice for Gregory Johnson Jr.
“We want to do something that was a lot more lively and fun for the community to celebrate his life and real birthday celebration and that's something we wanted to establish as an annual thing,” said Lou Dimes, president of B.L.A.C.K. Outreach.
Johnson was a 20-year-old SJSU student when he was found dead in the Sigma Chi fraternity house basement on Nov. 22, 2008. The University Police Department and Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office ruled the case a suicide.
Johnson’s parents called his death a hate crime and a murder and have been advocating for a reexamination of the case.
“We will be taking space later, but we intend to do it peacefully and we intend to do it in a way that honors Gregory Johnson Jr,” an independent volunteer medic who goes by the alias Flower for safety purposes said. “We wear yellow because that was his favorite color and his favorite flower was sunflowers so we're all here to honor him in some way.”
During the first portion of the day, participants marched through the streets holding signs and chanting for Black pride and justice for Johnson.
Passing drivers honked in support of the march and some rolled down their windows to stick fists out in solidarity.
“I was happy to be a part of [the march] and to help out Mrs. Johnson with whatever she needs,” said Leland Pama, a communications senior.
The group made their way to Backesto Park where members of H.E.R.O. Tent provided food, snacks and groceries for participants.
“[This event is] just another way for the community and people that support it just to see the story in a different light and get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,” Pama said.
Magazines, markers and other art supplies were also provided by H.E.R.O. Tent to add an additional aspect to the event and allow participants to express themselves.
Leftovers from the barbecue were given to unhoused people around the San Jose area.
“It's a celebration of a life that was taken too soon because at the end of the day he was a happy person, and he was more than a victim,” said Cristopher Acosta, political science senior.
