3/6/2024
Madison, WI
March 6th, 2024, the ninth anniveresary of the murder of Tony Terrell Robinson, Jr., 19, by Madison, WI police officer Matt Kenny. Robinson was Kenny’s second victim, his first being several years earlier. Ronald Brandon was intoxicated, and possibly suffering from mental issues, when Kenny and another officer was called to the scene of a disturbance. Brandon did have a pellet gun, not a lethal weapon nor life-threatening to Kenny or others. This didn’t stop Kenny from shooting Brandon dead, no questions asked. When Kenny encountered Robinson, who was unarmed, Kenny shot him seven times in three seconds. Kenny was not charged in either shooting. Empowered by his badge and protected by the blue brotherhood, to Kenny remains at-large to kill again.
Tonight was an event to unveil the mural honoring Tony Robinson’s life. It was originally installed on State Street in 2020, and will now reside at McPike Park. The mural was made possible with support from Marquette Neighborhood Association and grants from the Madison Arts Commission and the Wisconsin Arts Board.
It was also to bring attention to the group, In Pursuit of Justice, who states, “We believe justice is long overdue.” They blelive, “There is no time like the present to tackle the injustices in our own community - that’s why we’re demanding that Matt Kenny be held accountable.” You can donate to their campaign here.
It was clear family and friends are still reeling from Tony’s death. But energy has been turned toward honoring his life and working to bringing Matt Kenny to justice. Tony’s grandma, Sharon Irwin, has been relentless in pursuit of justice, and the prosection of Matt Kenny for the murder of Tony. Irwin has said people think she’s a “raging lunatic”. But through my lens, my eyes, over the years, I see and hear a grandmother who is tired and angry with a system that allows officers of the law like Matt Kenny to go free while another young Black man has been murdered by an organization that is supposed to serve and protect.
This gathering was different than past ones I’ve attended. There were less people in attendance. The only march planned was from McPike Park to where Tony was killed, no banners or signs. The small group did shut down Willy street while people waited for 6:38pm, the time Tony was murdered by Matt Kenny. Sharon Irwin danced in the street to Tony’s favorite song, “In the air tonight” by Phil Colins, vacillating between calm and rage.
Having been there for the first march the day after Tony was shot, after all these years, I still experience the same feelings of sadness, fear, and anger. As a parent myself, I can imagine my rage if my daughter were murdered by the police when I hear Sharon Irwin speak about being tired and trying to find some peace in one breathe and the exasperation and fury with an unjust system in the next.
Don't ever forget. And say his name, “TONY TERRELL ROBINSON!”
