Wanda Cooper-Jones On Honoring Ahmaud Arbery’s Legacy Through Activism And Empowerment
As we mark five years since the tragic murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, his mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, continues working to keep her son’s legacy alive through the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.
From changing laws in Georgia to creating programs that uplift Black boys and men, Wanda shares navigating life after her son’s death, and how she is dedicated to turning her grief into activism.
In this interview, Her Agenda discusses Wanda’s resilience, the foundation’s work, and how she is ensuring that Ahmaud’s story continues to inspire change. During the interview, Wanda emphasized the importance of mental health and how that can empower us not just as a community, but worldwide.
She shared her optimism for a future where her grandchildren can carry on the important work her son’s foundation is making and create a bigger impact. You can visit the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation website at ahmaudarberyfoundation.org to find ways you can help, as they are always looking for supporters and sponsors.
Her Agenda: Your journey from a grieving mother to an activist has touched so many people. What was the turning point when you decided to channel that grief into founding the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation?
Wanda Cooper-Jones: I lost Ahmaud in February 2020, and it was 74 days before there was an arrest for the [men] who took my son away from me. After we finally got the arrests, we pushed for change in Georgia, repealing the citizen’s arrest law and passing a hate crime law in Ahmaud’s name. I knew his tragic death would lead to many changes in the state, and as I thought about those changes, I realized I had to do something to ensure his name and legacy would live on. That’s when I decided to found the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.
HA: Now you’ve done some incredible work with this foundation so far. And particularly, you are creating space for Black boys, Black men, to engage in physical activity and speaking to the importance of mental health. Why do you think it’s so important just to speak on mental health for Black boys? And why is it so crucial in today’s times?
WCJ: Sure, that’s a very good question. Ahmaud actually was having some mental challenges at the time that he was killed. He found running [to be] an outlet to help channel those challenges. So in the community, in the Black community, mental health was something that we didn’t talk about. But that’s something that we all, as Black Americans, encounter at some point of our lives. And I knew that that was very important to me to make sure that I can create a space where boys that look like Ahmaud will have those kind of resources.
HA: From your experience, what are some of the unique challenges you think Black women face when advocating for justice? And how can we create more spaces for Black women to be able to lead, heal and empower each other when it comes to those tough challenges and battles?
WCJ: Sure. I had the chance to meet with Breonna Taylor‘s mom, Tamika Palmer. In speaking with her, she said that she thought that getting justice for Black women was very hard and different from fighting for justice for Black men. And what we discussed is that we all must have a voice in this. If we see something, say something. And most of all, we have to stand together because, you know, change comes in numbers. And if we stand for the same thing, then we will bring about change.
HA: How do you personally find moments of peace and strength amidst your activism?
WCJ: Good question. Prayer first. I pray about almost everything. Like I shared earlier that there [were] 74 days without any arrests in the death of my son. And I had to find who God really was and also know that if I believe that he’s going to bring me through this. So I continue to pray, and that’s basically my foundation.
HA: I really do appreciate you for showing up, fighting and, you know, just being there for your family and other people who may be experiencing this. But with the foundation, you’re working tirelessly to ensure that his name is not forgotten. How do you envision the future of the foundation?
WCJ: When I founded [the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation] in 2021, we started by awarding academic scholarships to students at Brunswick High School, where I graduated in 2012. One of the requirements [for recipients] was [that they] had to be Black and registered to vote. I think many young Black men don’t take advantage of voting, so I wanted to encourage that through the scholarship. In July, we took about 45 boys to Rock Eagle for a retreat, and we planned to do the same [in] September. The retreat included social justice classes, a manhood walk, and a mindful thinking session. I think all three […] are crucial for the Black community. It’s unfortunate but also fortunate that I’m able to bring these opportunities to our community and not just ours, but [with] plans to expand them worldwide.
