April Newsletter

Patrick Lyoya - Three Years Later

On April 4, 2022, Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Grand Rapids resident and Congolese immigrant was murdered by Christopher Schurr, an officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD). What began as a traffic stop purportedly conducted for license plate issues ended with Patrick’s horrific and stunning death. While this is far from the first incident of brutality and abuse by the GRPD, Patrick’s murder is one of the most heinous and egregious examples of police violence.

Patrick was a father of two who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and gained asylum in the United States. He was active in the immigrant community and spent much of his time helping newer immigrants become established in Grand Rapids. He was a member of the community and Christopher Schurr shot him, point blank, in the back of the head.

The outcry reverberated nationwide but justice has not been delivered. This wasn’t some crime hidden from view. Patrick’s murder was recorded clear as day, yet for three long years Grand Rapids and Patrick’s family have been deprived a trial and closure. The State, the police, and the courts have drawn things out and waited patiently while the outrage and clamor over Patrick’s death quieted down. The time for the trial is finally upon us. It begins on April 28, 2025.

With the start of the trial rapidly approaching, the GRPD chooses to focus not on reflection and self-improvement, but on propaganda. The GRPD and Investigation Discovery will be airing a docu-series centered on the GRPD. They claim “total transparency” but this is nothing more than an attempt to make the GRPD seem like they care about the people and distract us from holding them accountable.

The people have not forgotten and our demand for justice remains just as strong as it was three years ago! We cannot remain and will not remain silent! The Grand Rapids Alliance will be hosting a rally and sign-making event on April 27, 2025. This is your chance to make it clear that police violence will not be tolerated in Grand Rapids! It is time for accountability, it is time for the community to have a seat at the table, and it is time to demand community control of the police!

Community control now!

Finding Our Stride

With the surge of new members and interest The Grand Rapids Alliance has been soul-searching. We’ve created three new committees that will allow us to be more responsive in our work. We’ve also begun to formalize our bylaws and identify how best we can serve our community.

Most importantly, we’re happy to report the election of new executive officers! Our very own Mitchell has been elected as executive co-chair alongside the existing co-chair, Eduardo. Mitchell has been with the alliance for two years now and his leadership has proven invaluable! Sheldon, a new member with just a few months under her belt, has been elected secretary! Despite her short tenure, Sheldon’s willingness to lean into our work has shown she has what it takes to help keep us organized and on-track!

Congratulations to Sheldon and Mitchell!

A Successful Screening

On March 1, 2025, The Grand Rapids Alliance hosted a screening of Citizen: The Jilmar Ramos Gomez Story. The chapel at Fountain Street Church was packed with nearly 100 attendees! The screening was followed by a panel interview including Gema of Movimiento Cosecha, activist Jeff Smith, and our own rock-star co-chair Eduardo!

The director, Jose, was also in attendance and spoke on the film-making process.

Other Ways to Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to protest and the Grand Rapids Alliance encourages everyone to get involved however they can! If you’re not comfortable marching, here are some other ways to show support and solidarity!

Send us designs for pins and stickers! We’re gearing up to sell pins and stickers at events as a form of fundraising and we could use the help of interested artists and community members. Just email your designs to [email protected].

Make a donation! Even a $5 donation can help us get flyers, masks, and a other supplies to keep showing up and doing so safely. Donations can be made via Venmo at @GrandRapidsAlliance.

Share our social media! Help us reach a bigger audience by sharing, re-posting, or engaging with our social media! You’ll find all our socials on the final page of this newsletter.

Keep us informed! Send us a message via social or email if you know of a protest or event that you think we should be at.

Upcoming Events

Community Announcements & Opportunities

The Grand Rapids Alliance is committed to standing in solidarity with our friends in the fight for social justice. We encourage you to connect with, engage, and support other organizations. We’re all in this together.

Know of other events that we should feature in our newsletter? Connect with us on our socials to let us know!