Today marks the second anniversary of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and for many, it is also a day to celebrate another victory for the family who sought justice for their slain son. 

Yesterday morning, the jury in the federal hate crimes trial found William “Roddie” Bryan, George McMichael and Travis McMichael guilty on all counts. All three men were convicted of interference of rights and attempted kidnapping. The McMichaels were also found guilty of an additional firearms charge for using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

Wanda Cooper-Jones, Arbery’s mother, stood 10 feet away from Travis McMichael and held strong as the jury read the verdict. Arbery’s father Marcus Arbery was silent as his attorney placed a hand on his shoulder for support. The two immediately addressed the media, thanking the jurors. Cooper- Jones spoke harshly against the Department of Justice, reminding everyone that they attempted to enter a plea agreement instead of letting the world hear just how hateful these men were.

Monday evening, Cooper- Jones addressed the media, saying she will continue to fight for her son’s justice by making sure the state Attorney General continues to pursue charges against Ware County District Attorney George Barnhill. She said she plans to attend the trial for former Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson. No trial date has been set yet.

Johnson recused herself from the case because Gregory McMichael used to work in her office. The case was turned over to Barnhill, who wrote a letter saying that no investigation was necessary, as the men acted in self-defense. He later recused himself, acknowledging that his son also worked with Johnson. Johnson was indicted in September 2021 on charges of violation of oath of a public officer and obstruction of a police officer. As alleged in the indictment, these charges are related to the investigation surrounding the shooting death of Arbery.

Meanwhile, the Liberty County community came together on Feb. 19 for the second annual Unity in the Community run/walk for Arbery. The event held at James Brown Park drew hundreds of supporters who walked 2.3 miles in memory of the Brunswick native who was killed on Feb. 23, 2020.

“It is important to get everyone involved in their community and make change and bring peace,” event organizer Marcello Page said Saturday. “There are so many communities that are divided, and we wanted to make sure our community is safe and united and everyone is supporting each other. We don’t want any events or bad things to happen here.”

Page said it was important for people to support unity because a divided community can’t work on breaking down barriers and improving quality of life.

Arbery’s father was at the event, where many spoke about the legacy of his son and the tragedy that took his life.

“His memory will live on,” Marcus Arbery said. “And this shows how people really cared about his life. You have people here who loved him as much as his family did.”

The somber father said he felt it was important to come to the event and speak loudly against the racism and hatred he said took his son’s life. He attended every day of the federal hate crimes trial.

The three men, already convicted of murder in the state’s criminal trial, are now convicted, proving that hatred and race were the main reason they hunted down and killed Arbery.

Marcus Arbery said the evidence presented by the prosecutors highlighted just how much hatred and racism the three defendants had in their hearts toward African Americans.

He pledged to keep fighting for his son.

“I’m not going to stop until God calls me home,” he said. “My son lost his life because he was a Black man, and I want the world to know that.”

“Never has an incident stirred the emotions of Georgians like the murder of Ahmaud Arbery,” said state Rep. Al Williams before the walk. “The last time it was stirred like this was when Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.”

The City of Hinesville and the Liberty County Board of Commissioners had approved proclamations declaring Feb. 19, 2022, Ahmaud Arbery Day.

A copy of the city’s proclamation was given to the family after Councilmember Keith Jenkins read a portion of it to the crowd. County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette read the county’s proclamation and also gave a copy to the family.

“Ahmaud Arbery lost his life tragically to be a movement,” Lovette said. “Let us live out our lives from this day forward to be a movement.”

“Our hearts go out to the Arbery family,” said Liberty County Sheriff William Bowman. “That tragedy reached out and touched a lot of people in this country. We always fight for justice, and everybody knows freedom is not free. Somebody has to pay. Somebody has to lead that way. Our thoughts and our prayers are going to be with the family and also our country. This is the time to come together, not just during a tragedy but all the time.”