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Billboard erected in honor of James Scurlock

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OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - A billboard has been erected in honor of James Scurlock in the area of 70th and Dodge.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska says a local group of activists leading Justice for James, local donors and an anonymous artist led the charge for the billboard.

Scurlock was fatally shot on May 30 during protests in the Old Market in the wake of the George Floyd death in Minnesota. He was only 22 years old.

"The ACLU was honored to be selected to assist with this effort as it aligns with our long standing commitment to advance racial justice," said Danielle Conrad, Executive Director of American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska. "We are hopeful that this effort will evoke additional dialogue and complement these ongoing efforts in Omaha and beyond as we work together to ensure lasting social change and justice for Black Nebraskans and Nebraskans of color."

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine has called for a grand jury investigation into Scurlock's death. He originally said there would be no charges against Jake Gardner, the man accused of shooting Scurlock. Attorney Frederick Franklin has been assigned as the special prosecutor in the case.