Lydia Glenn

News Editor

lmg5921@psu.edu

Osaze Osagie was a Black State College resident who was shot three years ago by State College police while completing a mental health check. 

In March of 2019, State College police went to Osagie’s apartment because Osagie’s father was worried about his son’s mental health and his erratic behavior. 

When police entered the apartment, Osagie allegedly confronted them with a knife and ignored commands to drop it. Then a police officer opened fire on Osagie and killed him. 

Recently, Ezra Nanes, the Mayor of State College declared March 30 “A Day of Unity Remembering Osaze Osagie” 

In a Tweet dedicated to the proclamation Nanes stated, “I have proclaimed today 3/20/22 to be A Day of Unity Remembering Osaze Osagie. Today out hearts are with the Osagie family. It takes every one of us, the whole of our community to bring about healing. Attached is the proclamation I issued in the spirit of respect, and compassion.” 

In honor of Osagie, State College’s 3/20 Coalition hosted a variety of events. They also educated the community on the Black Lives Matter movement, bias in the United States education system and much more. 

The proclamation Nanes put forth acknowledged that Osagie suffered from mental illness and that it is the duty of the community to ensure that those afflicted receive the help they need. 

“Osaze Osagie’s name reminds us that far too many black families must bury their loved ones because of our society’s failings. We ask ourselves – Can we open our hearts just a little bit wider, to think of the things that we can improve in our society and in ourselves?” wrote Nanes. 

Nanes also acknowledged the contributions of local governments, civic groups and community members for their efforts and initiatives toward greater “inclusion, justice, equity, fairness and support.” 

“I, Mayor Ezra Nanes, call on all members of government and the people of State College to recognize March 20, 2022, as a Day of Unity, Remembering Osaze Osagie and pledge to ourselves to continue the work together in the spirit of kindness, compassion, empathy, respect and unity,” the proclamation reads. 

Mayor Nanes’ proclamation will hopefully bring the State College community together and allow citizens to become educated about Osagie’s case, mental health and the Black Lives Matter movement.