State College Mayor Ezra Nanes declared Monday, March 20, the Osaze Osagie Day of Remembrance in the borough.

Osagie was a Black State College resident who was fatally shot four years ago by State College police responding to a mental health check. No officers were charged following the shooting.

Since the incident, the 3/20 Coalition has hosted educational events related to the Black Lives Matter movement, bias in the U.S. education system, and more. On Sunday, March 19, the 3/20 Coalition hosted a protest and march from the State College Municipal Building to Osagie’s apartment. A memorial will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 20, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza.

Nanes’ proclamation briefly described Osagie’s personality and acknowledged the events that unfolded in March 2019.

“Osaze Osagie suffered from mental health illness, a condition burdened by stigma and often misunderstood in our society,” Nanes’ proclamation reads. “Whereas, on March 19, 2019, Osaze’s parents, fearing their son had stopped taking his medication and was in a state of crisis, called the State College Police Department for help and to request the issue of a 302 Mental Health Warrant. Tragically, during the police response to Osaze’s home on March 20, 2019, Osaze was shot and killed.”

Nanes acknowledged the 3/20 Coalition’s work to seek justice for Osagie and his family. He also mentioned the two scholarships that are named in Osagie’s honor.

“I call upon public officials, educators, and residents of our broader community to observe this day with appropriate programs and educational activities to remember and honor the life of Osaze Osagie, who remains a beloved member of our community,” the proclamation continued.

Last year, Nanes proclaimed March 20 the “Day of Unity Remembering Osaze Osagie.”

Osaze Osagie Day of Remembrance was officially signed on March 6.