Tallahassee, FL – Over 30 students rallied on the Florida State University (FSU) campus, Oct. 29 to protest the recent shooting of Corey Jones, a 31-year old African American drummer from Lake Worth, FL. Corey was murdered by plainclothes police officer, Nouman Raja, early on Oct. 18 while parked on the side of the highway waiting for roadside assistance after his car had broken down. The rally was called for by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at FSU, and was joined by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at FSU, Jennicet Gutiérrez from La Familia, as well as supporters representing the family of Corey Jones.

The protest opened up with some chants from SDS organizer Regina Joseph, including “No justice, no peace, no racist police,” and “Being Black is not a crime.” Students held signs with messages including “Jail Nouman Raja and all killer cops,” “Stop Police Terror,” and “Justice for Corey.”

Ruthie White, cousin-in-law and a relative of Corey and a FAMU faculty member, represented the family of Corey Jones at the rally. When asked how people can support the family she answered, “Just by supporting things like this, rallies and speaking out. Some people are afraid to speak so just come and be a body and be a supporter and they can sign petitions and they can go to the media and show their support for the people that have died as well as the organizations that are trying to get justice.”

The family of Corey Jones has been active in calling for answers and transparency from the Palm Beach Gardens Police, holding their first rally of 300 people outside the police department on Oct. 22. The family is also asking for people to support a gofundme to help pay for the costs of Corey’s funeral.

Jamal Pitts, a member of SDS, spoke to Fight Back! about why he attended the rally, “I’m here today to talk about the injustice within our police system and say rest in peace to the life of Corey Jones, one of the most recent victims of this horrible police brutality.”

Katherine Draken, a member of SDS and organizer of the rally, spoke to the crowd. “People have fought throughout history for justice, and we are continuing that struggle. That fight is far from over, we have such a long way to go and we the people here are the ones who are taking part in that struggle right now. We are the ones who are going to change the system.”

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