Effort to preserve history of the nation’s oldest public all-girls high school underway

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Janay Reece

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Founded in 1844, Western High School in Baltimore is one of the only all-girls public schools in the United States.

For Black History Month, WJZ sat down with nine women who were among the first to integrate the all-girls school.

Monique Cox is the president of the Western High School Foundation and a 1993 graduate of the school. Part of her role is to organize and preserve the archive room.

It is a room tucked away inside the school, and it is filled with over 180 years of artifacts like shoes, dresses, photos, letters and yearbooks.

One yearbook stands out from the rest. Inside, only nine Black women were pictured.

“The first nine to integrate Western High School in 1955,” Cox explained.

“This is Anne Todd Jealous,” Cox explained. “In 2015, she spoke about her experience, you know, being part of the first nine, and it was traumatic for her. You know, we’re not going to sugarcoat that experience at that time.”

“It was traumatic, and she had to heal from that experience to even visit this building,” Cox continued

Although it is a tough story to tell, Jealous’s photo sits among the now thousands of women who paved the way for the legacy to come.

“We want their history, their legacy, to be a story for our young ladies, to learn from — learn perseverance, to learn to stand on your ground, to learn to advocate for yourself,” said Cox.

Preserving the space is a small part of a bigger project.

Brittany Horne-Baugh is Western High School’s principal.

She said in June 2026, Western will move out of its current building into a temporary “swing” space for two years, as Baltimore City Schools works to rebuild its walls and put history on full display.

“Consider it that the light has been passed on to us, and we must carry that torch,” said Horne-Baugh.

Carolyn O’Keefe is the vice president of the Western Foundation and explained that they’re working with local archiving experts to learn how to properly preserve the items in the archive room before and after the big move.

She wants to make sure students— both past and present—will be a part of its future in a new archive space that’s meant for research inside the soon-to-be school building.

“The new space will also have space for students to actually come in and do their own research and do their own stories,” said O’Keefe. “They will learn digital categories, and they will learn how to digitally save and preserve historic pieces.”

O’Keefe’s hope is that a new archive room inside the new Western High will be a place where students and the community can come in and learn about the women who went to the school.

“That’s exactly what we’re trying to teach these young ladies…these scholars, to learn those transferable skills,” said Cox.

“These stories are so important because our young women don’t often travel in and out of the archives room, but they do get on Instagram,” said Horne-Baugh.

“They do watch the news, so they will hear about the history, not only just seeing the portraits that are lining these four walls, but this will become embedded in also that charge and that call to action when they know the shoulders that they’re standing upon, and they know will walk through these hallways,” Horne-Baugh added.

The Western Foundation is also working to identify many of the students who have not been identified in the archive room. Many of them may still have roots in Baltimore.

Their goal is to raise at least $161,000 to help with the cost of storing valuables in a safe, museum-quality, temperature-controlled space for the next two years, and once the new building is complete.

“We’re so excited about the new era that Western is entering,” said Cox.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Fire chief to be recognized at State of the Union address for Helene efforts

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Shelly Garzon

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    BAT CAVE, North Carolina (WLOS) — A local fire chief from western North Carolina will be recognized Tuesday night at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., for his leadership during and after Hurricane Helene.

Chief Steve Freeman of Bat Cave Fire and Rescue is being honored for what community members describe as a crucial role in helping residents navigate the storm and its aftermath.

“I had a near-death experience during the hurricane where God pulled a post back just enough for me to get my head freed,” Freeman said.

From residents to first responders like Freeman, Helene changed countless lives across western North Carolina. As the storm approached, Bat Cave Fire and Rescue worked around the clock to get the community ready.

“We went door to door asking them to evacuate. If they didn’t want to evacuate, at least write down their names and next of kin on that pad so we would know who was there,” Freeman said.

Colleagues said the chief’s commitment to serving others — even while facing his own hardships during the storm — is what sets him apart as a leader.

“We had no idea he was that concerned for everybody else. He didn’t even allude to the fact that he was in such dire straits,” Assistant Fire Chief Ronald Sobin said.

After Helene, Bat Cave was without power for nearly 40 days. Despite the prolonged outage, Freeman and his department continued working daily to help residents return to their homes and land on their feet.

Freeman said the recognition in the nation’s capital reflects the collective effort of his department and the community.

“It’s very humbling for this honor, and it’s really not me – it’s all God, and if it weren’t for God and the community and all my members coming together, everybody… It’s just overwhelming, and it’s great to be getting the recognition for the community. It’s really not about me,” Freeman said. Freeman has served the Bat Cave area for 36 years. He said helping others has always been at the heart of his work.

“It’s just the fact of helping the neighbors, everybody in the community. It’s been that way from the start. You kind of get it in your blood, and it’s just the great benefit of being able to know you can help somebody in their time of need,” Freeman said.

The State of the Union address is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Cobb officials say they understand concern in case of young man found hanging from tree in park, reiterate ‘no indicators’ of foul play

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Jonathan Raymond (11Alive), Alvieann Chandler, Reeves Jackson

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    COBB COUNTY, Georgia (WXIA) — Officials in Cobb County came forward Monday to address a case about a man’s death that has generated concern on social media and in the community.

A young Black man, 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga, was discovered last week dead at Fair Oaks Park; Chairwoman Cupid said Monday he was found “in a horrific manner, hanging from a tree.” The death has been ruled a suicide, and both Cobb Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell reiterated that finding in a press conference.

But they also promised transparency and more information from the case forthcoming, as soon as they are able to meet with Bassinga’s family to first give them a private case overview. They said there’s been a delay in that so far because a family member of Bassinga’s has had to travel in from out of the country.

Speaking of Bassinga’s death and the circumstances in which he was found, Chairwoman Cupid said “this is a violent manner that has caused many to think of the days of slavery and of Jim Crow, and this type of violence shown toward African Americans, particularly men, during that historical time has caused many to respond to what is occurring with great disbelief.”

She said she wanted to “say that I hear you, I understand, and we are sensitive to that here in this county.”

“We want to see the truth of the matter first for the family, who is deserving of understand that as they go through their own grief at this time, but it’s also important for our community to know the truth,” Cupid said. “But I don’t want us to lose the thought that it’s also important to our men and women in law enforcement for them to be able to identify and convey the truth.”

Chief Ferrell said that from the evidence collected to this point, there are “no indicators that another person was involved in this incident.” He said, however, the investigation remains active “and we will continue to evaluate all the evidence thoroughly.”

Ferrell said that evidence will include videos, phone data, witnesses and additional physical evidence from the scene “that has not been shared up to this point because we have not had time to sit down with the family and talk to them about that.”

He estimated a meeting with the family can happen now in the next day or so.

Last week, family members who spoke to 11Alive confirmed Bassinga was the individual found dead on February 18 at Fair Oaks Park. He had been reported missing on February 15.

The discovery of Bassinga, in the deeply unsettling manner he was found, led to a number of social media posts and community members expressing skepticism that there would not have been foul play involved. One resident told 11Alive’s Sefenech Henok “do I believe throughout the history of this country that that young Black man did that to himself? I’m going to say no.”

The family at that time said “online speculation is the least of our worries.”

“We are focused on burying our son and am happy to have found him,” the family said last week.

Chief Ferrell meanwhile stressed Monday there investigation has not uncovered “one piece of evidence so far that would indicate anyone else was there” when Bassinga died.

“I do understand when information is limited that speculation grows, the social media commentary can certainly amplify the uncertainty, but our responsibility is not really to respond to speculation, it’s to follow the evidence and communicate and verify facts,” the chief said.

But he added he understood that “this case has created an emotional response, I recognize the historical sensitivities surrounding circumstances like this and I do not dismiss the weight that carries — the concerns being expressed in our community are real and I know they deserve to be acknowledged.”

Chairwoman Cupid said she appreciates “the heart that our community has, not only as a chairwoman but being a mom of two young Black men.”

“We appreciate that heart and concern,” she said. “I’m asking for them to also appreciate the process that our men and women in law enforcement need to have to be able to bring clarity to everyone with respect to this, I know that they are doing this with a great deal of thoughtfulness and sensitivity.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Travel agency offers advice for tourists considering trips to Mexico

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Chris Hoffman

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Unrest in Mexico between the government and the cartels has led to dozens of deaths. For travelers, many flights are now being canceled in and out of Mexico.

Travel agencies said that in the last year or so, there has been apprehension about traveling to Mexico. News like this isn’t going to help the situation.

According to the U.S. Department of State, people are advised to exercise caution in Mexico. It’s recommended for any international traveler to have an agent.

“(Someone) who stays abreast of all of these situations and can help you monitor to see whether it’s safe to go through with your trip or whether you might want to think about going somewhere else,” AAA East Central spokesperson Lynda Lambert said.

Shadyside Travel says they booked a trip for someone on Monday morning. The agency said Cancun is popular and there are ways to be safe and still have a good time. It’s advised to go to all-inclusive resorts and to not leave them at night.

“If they want to go out during the daytime and shop or sightsee, we recommend doing that on a group-organized tour,” Shadyside Travel’s Joe Weigler said.

If you have booked a trip and you are now changing your mind, it will cost you if you don’t have travel insurance.

“Which is why we always recommend taking trip cancellation insurance,” Weigler said.

AAA said the State Department has a state traveler enrollment program. It allows the country to know where you will be and when you will be there.

“And they will keep you informed of any pertinent information you need to know in that country or in that area of the world,” Lambert said over Zoom.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Video shows man abandoning 2 dog outside Humane Society

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Shelley Bortz

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    EIGHTY FOUR, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A man is set to face charges after two dogs were tied to the front door of the Washington Area Humane Society.

The shelter’s camera captured a vehicle pulling into its lot. Two men got out of the vehicle, but one man tied the dogs’ leashes to the front entrance before driving away.

Investigators said for nearly 60 minutes, the dogs stood outside the door, exposed to the cold, without food and water.

”Some people are under the impression that they’re doing the right thing by bringing them here to the shelter, but unfortunately, it’s still a violation of PA state law. That is still abandonment,” said Gretchen Grasser, an officer with the Washington Area Humane Society.

Both dogs eventually chewed themselves free. They were found along Lynwood Avenue in Eighty Four, about a half mile away from the shelter.

“Those dogs were found on a road in the area,” Grasser said. “I believe they were found within a half-hour, forty-five minutes of them breaking loose, so that was good and they are now here with us.”

Shelter officials say both dogs appear healthy and in good spirits. One of the men seen in the security footage turned himself in. Charges are pending.

“He did the right thing and called in and identified himself to us, but it was explained to him that you broke the law,” Grasser said. “That’s not something we’re going to tolerate happening here.”

Grasser added that if a pet owner can no longer care for their animal, there are legal and safe ways to surrender them.

“Obviously, contact a shelter,” Grasser said. “You want to speak to staff, make sure we have room to take that animal. And if we don’t have the ability to help you at the time, staff is going to direct you to different routes you can take.”

Both dogs are being evaluated and cared for at the shelter until they’re available for adoption.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘This is the home of a hero’: Community strives to reopen historic home in Oberlin

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Rob Powers

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    OBERLIN, Ohio (WEWS) — Wilson Bruce Evans was a man who helped define an era and an area. Born a free African American in North Carolina, Evans settled in Oberlin, Ohio, seeking more freedoms and equality. He wanted to build a new home.

He started by building a house. And over 170 years later, it still stands today.

“This is the home of a hero,” Carol Lasser says. “Someone who inspires us to be our better selves.”

Carol is the executive director of the Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society, a group working to restore the house and reopen it to the public as a historic site and educational center.

Evans was instrumental in Ohio’s underground railroad effort. The people who lived in the house handed down a pursuit of racial justice like they handed down the house itself. As it grew stronger, so, too, did the movement in Oberlin. Historical Society Trustee Nancy Wall tells News 5, “That’s the core of this house: Strength. Strength through adversity.”

Phyllis Yarber, vice-president of the Society, wants to make sure young people today know what happened in this house, in their city and in their community.

“We died,” she said. “We fought in the Civil War. And we helped move people to freedom.”

The house itself has seen better days. There’s a plaque outside that highlights its past. The Wilson Bruce Evans Home Historical Society concerns itself with the house’s future. The goal is to have renovations completed by Black History Month in 2027. Grants and donations are helping make sure the funds keep coming in.

If you’d like to help, visit evanshhs.org

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Nuns thank firefighters for clearing trees toppled during the blizzard

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Dave Carlin

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — New York City firefighters were out in force on Monday clearing downed trees in the streets, including one that fell near a convent on Manhattan’s West Side.

A group of nuns showed them the utmost gratitude.

Chainsaws and hatchets were used to remove two trees from one block of 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen. The first snow-laden one, which was more than 30 feet tall, crashed onto the street Monday morning. Security video shows a nearby adult and child barely escaped unharmed.

At the convent of the Sisters of Life, the gratitude was so strong, the nuns took to the sidewalk with food and drinks for the firefighters of the FDNY’s Ladder 4.

One nun told CBS News New York that kind of kindness brings out the best in people.

“I think that was really sweet for the nuns to come out and offer them a hot beverage or to show their appreciation, of course,” one passerby said.

Firefighters did not want to be interviewed on camera, but said it was the first tree removal of the day and would probably not be the last.

Sure enough, just a few hours later on the same block, but closer to Ninth Avenue, a second tree came down, crushing the awning of Flex Bar.

On a ladder removing snow from the awning at the time was bar manager Giovanni Craybel, who escaped unharmed.

“I literally feel like I just cheated death,” Craybel said, later adding if he was sure he was OK, “No, I’m fine. I’m fine.”

“Always we need to be careful, especially in this weather,” Hell’s Kitchen resident Elvin Nieto said.

It was a block full of thankful residents, with many saying they feel blessed to have tireless firefighters around when they need them most.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

NYC files what it says is a landmark lawsuit against solar panel installation company accused of fraud

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Mahsa Saeidi

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — One year after a CBS News New York investigation looked into a local solar installer, New York City has filed what it calls a landmark lawsuit against Radiant Solar and its owner, William James Bushell.

Investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi has more on what the case could mean for the hundreds of homeowners who claim they were misled.

The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, or DCWP, alleges clients were steered into expensive solar deals that didn’t deliver promised savings.

“We know that CBS has done really groundbreaking work in identifying this fraud and bringing it to the department’s attention. When I came into this job, one of the commitments I made to the mayor and the people of the city is that we were going to take companies to court if they were ripping off New Yorkers. That’s exactly what we’re doing with Radiant Solar,” DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine said. “We’ve identified several hundred victims of the scheme. We think there might be more out there.”

Levine said the case aims to get money back to victims. Those already locked in loans are wondering if they will be canceled, and, if so, when.

Saeidi went to the listed address for Bushell, but no one answered the door. In 2024, the owner of Radiant Solar’s then-attorney accused one homeowner of “peddling his lies to CBS.” However, his new attorney, Andrew Lustigman, has taken a different tone.

“While our clients take the allegations seriously, they dispute the allegations, many of which are from years ago,” Lustigman said. “While no longer in operation, Radiant Solar served its customers throughout New York City guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, and consumer protection. It utilized licensed and trained professionals and provided clear disclosures about performance, financing, and warranties. When issues arose, it worked to make things right for its customers. Unfortunately, the repeal of federal tax credits for solar installations made continuing the business unsustainable.

“While our clients remain committed to vigorously defending against the allegations, they are equally committed to continuing to cooperate with DCWP to address any concerns. Out of respect for the legal process, however, we will not comment further on the specifics of pending litigation at this time,” Lustigman added.

Most people don’t climb onto the roof as panels are being installed, but Arthur Klein did. A Queens homeowner with decades in construction, Klein watched the crew from Radiant Solar work on his house in 2021 and realized something was wrong.

“Southern exposure is where we get the most sunlight, and I point out that he’s setting up the panels in the wrong direction,” Klein said. “It really got me upset.”

Klein said he made the workers redo the work, which led to extra holes in his roof.

For other clients, problems surfaced after the crew left.

“It started by a drip, and the sheetrock start coming down,” Bronx homeowner Erold Williams said.

In 2024, Williams told CBS News New York the company drilled into his roof after he said he asked them not to. Williams said his ceiling collapsed, and he was on the hook for repairs.

“I live on a fixed income,” Williams said.

Williams’ case is now part of something much bigger. Saeidi recently went back to his home and spoke with his son, Ian, who discussed the toll the situation has taken on his family.

“Okay, for one thing, my father’s ill,” Ian Williams said. “This bill is like accruing interest against him. His credit rating has fallen from 800 to 600.”

The family is not paying the solar loan. Ian Williams said they were promised “We’d be paying a zero electrical bill.”

Instead, they say their electric bill is several hundred dollars per month.

Brooklyn resident Lorna Wynter, another Radiant Solar customer, said the same thing.

“That’s $900 worth of electric in two months and I have solar panels,” Wynter said.

She also claims she received a solar loan she wasn’t aware of.

“There was no discussion about me paying for any solar panels. I wasn’t aware that I was getting a loan until I got the welcome letter,” Wynter said. “I’m hoping for some relief. I’m hoping [for] some answers.”

Today, Klein’s electric bill is close to zero, but only because he says he has the expertise to catch and correct mistakes, himself.

“They now have this added burden of paying for something that doesn’t work and it’s heartbreaking,” Klein said. “People on a fixed income, this is … this is … it’s life-changing.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

State Farm faces scrutiny over total loss claim denial for couple

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Larry Seward

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A South Florida couple said a fender bender crash almost ripped away their fully covered car. Consumer advocates said what happened is an auto insurance pitfall that could cost you if you’re not prepared.

Patricia Haddon and Barry Rebo are retired, in their 70s, and struggled to turn the page on a collision with their insurance company over a punctured tire, bumper damage, and pressure to give up Rebo’s 2007 Lexus SC 430, a hardtop convertible.

“We really felt like we were bullied into options that were not real options, ignoring our requests for estimates, excetera,” Haddon said.

One day after Thanksgiving, Rebo crashed his Lexus on Interstate 95. However, he could still drive it if not for a flat front tire. So, he and his wife called their auto insurance provider, State Farm. The couple has full coverage and pays premiums on time, Haddon and Rebo said.

They did not expect what happened after calling the insurance company to file a claim.

“No one was returning our calls, and then when we finally got a hold of somebody, they were from the total loss department,” Haddon said. “She told us (the Lexus) was a total loss.”

That declaration was a red flag signaling trouble to Haddon.

“A State Farm representative said that they sent (the Lexus) to the body shop and that the body mechanic himself was the one who determined it was a total loss. (Later) A State Farm supervisor confirmed that the agent who told us that was the party who determined it was a total loss.”

The agent informed the couple that the repairs would exceed the car’s value, estimating costs at over $12,000, according to Haddon.

“We asked for an explanation and to see the paperwork supporting the total loss determination, but the agent became confused and increasingly aggressive. When she realized we would not accept the decision, she threatened to end the call. Despite repeatedly requesting a second estimate, State Farm ignored our appeals and continued to email us that the car was totaled.”

Under Florida law, vehicle owners must surrender the title of any car, truck, or SUV deemed a total loss within 72 hours. However, owners or insurance companies can purchase a salvage title, keep the vehicle, and resell it—with restrictions on salvage title sales.

CBS News Miami asked State Farm for an explanation on Rebo’s case.

“Due to our customer privacy policy, we cannot discuss claim specifics,” a State Farm spokesperson said in an email to CBS News Miami.

The spokesperson added that the company would review the situation and provide appropriate assistance.

The Consumer Federation of America advocates for better protection for auto insurance consumers.

“If you’re dealing with an older car that’s been in a minor crash, try to get an independent adjuster or auto body shop to assess the damage,” said Michael Delong of the Consumer Federation of America. “Insurance companies often direct customers to their own preferred shops, which may be biased. Don’t just take the insurance company’s word for it.”

Haddon, a retired psychotherapist familiar with managing insurance claims, kept a binder full of receipts, emails, texts, and logs of phone conversations with State Farm agents.

Three months after the crash, State Farm finally agreed to an independent inspection, Haddon said. The new estimate came in at under $7,000.

“It feels like a win,” Haddon said, “but it was a battle we shouldn’t have had to fight.”

Delong agrees. He also warned that pushing back against your auto insurance company will not always work.

“If you push back against the insurance company, they may dig in their heels,” Delong warned. “They might drag out the process, hoping you’ll get discouraged and give up. Or they may propose going to court if no agreement is reached.”

The Consumer Federation of America offers tips to save money on auto insurance.

If you believe your insurance company is treating you unfairly, file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

6 years after Ahmaud Arbery’s killing, runners honor his life on Atlanta’s BeltLine

CNN Newsource on February 24, 2026

By Leondra Head

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Six years after 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while jogging in a Brunswick, Georgia, neighborhood, supporters gathered on the Atlanta BeltLine to honor his life with a run in his memory.

Arbery was killed on Feb. 23, 2020, after three white men told police they suspected him of burglary and pursued him in their trucks before fatally shooting him. Arbery was unarmed.

On Sunday, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation partnered with the South Fulton Running Partners for a 2.2-mile run along the BeltLine — a symbolic distance representing the day of his death, Feb. 23. The Atlanta event coincided with runs held in Brunswick, where Arbery lived.

For many participants, the tragedy remains personal.

“When Ahmaud Arbery was killed, it hit close to home,” said Michael Coerber, who ran alongside his teenage son. “As a runner myself and a father of a son who’s African American, I realized the things he would be dealing with in life.”

This marked the third year Coerber’s son has taken part in the Atlanta tribute run.

“It is such a horrendous thing that happened,” said Caleb Coerber. “The fact that she had to go through the horrible thing of losing her son, I feel for Ms. Wanda. It’s a very tragic event.”

The run is now in its fifth year, organized in part by the South Fulton Running Partners, a social running club that has honored Arbery annually since 2020.

“We all run in different neighborhoods and different places,” said J.R. Hughes of the South Fulton Running Club. “The tragedy hit us because that could have been anyone of us.”

Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said her son loved running and often jogged through his neighborhood.

“It’s very important we remind people of the tragedy that happened,” she said.

She described her son as “a happy kid” who enjoyed lifting weights and taking pride in his appearance. “He ran almost every day,” Cooper-Jones said.

Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael were both sentenced to life in prison in connection to Arbery’s killing. William “Roddie” Bryan, who recorded the fatal encounter, was sentenced to 35 years on federal hate crime charges.

“I will be forever grateful for those convictions,” Cooper-Jones said. “But those convictions did not bring Ahmaud home” .

Arbery’s death drew national attention and became part of a broader reckoning over racial justice in 2020. Months after his murder, Georgia lawmakers repealed the state’s citizen’s arrest law.

Six years later, runners on the BeltLine say continuing to lace up in Arbery’s name ensures his life — and the lessons from his death — are not forgotten.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.