In the hours after he was killed by Atlanta police officer Kiran Kimbrough, the police department released a statement describing Deacon Johnny Hollman as the aggressor in the incident that would lead to his death.
Now, Hollman’s family is determined to reclaim the narrative which they believe the city has purposefully painted to portray him as an instigator rather than a victim.
What About The Deacon? is a short documentary film produced by JustEldredge Media in partnership with the Hollman family to set the record straight on what happened the evening their father, grandfather, uncle and family patriarch was killed.
Director Eldredge Washington opens the film in an interview with the deacon’s daughter, Arnitra Hollman, on the steps of the county courthouse after a meeting with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
“I’m very optimistic, I’m very hopeful, and I’m encouraged that we will see justice, and that we will get it in our lifetime,” Arnitra tells the camera.
Read More: ‘Release the Tape!’ Johnny Hollman’s Relatives Bring Emotional Pleas to City Council
Hollman served as a deacon at Lively Stones of God Ministries, where he was known for always trying to guide young people down the right path.
Last month, just shy of the two-year anniversary of Hollman’s death, a Fulton County grand jury declined to charge Kimbrough with one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of simple battery and two counts of violation of oath by a public officer.
What happened to Deacon Hollman?
On the evening of Aug. 10, 2023, Hollman, 62, was bringing dinner to his wife after Bible study when he was involved in a minor traffic accident at the corner of Cunningham Place and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard SW. He called 911 and waited over an hour, despite being just around the corner from his home.
When officer Kimbrough, 23, arrived on the scene, he determined that Hollman was at fault in the accident and issued a traffic citation. Hollman refused to sign.
On the officer’s bodycam, Hollman can be heard telling Kimbrough “OK, I’m gonna sign the ticket” right before a physical altercation begins.
The officer can be seen wrestling Hollman to the ground and telling him to put his hands behind his back while Hollman repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe.” Kimbrough used his department issued Taser on Hollman multiple times. Hollman then became unresponsive.
After handcuffing Hollman, the officer called for a supervisor and EMS, who tried and failed to revive him at the scene.
Later that evening, the deacon was pronounced dead at Grady Hospital. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Hollman’s death a homicide.
Looking for justice
In addition to pursuing criminal charges against the officer, the Hollman family took to the streets and Atlanta City Council chambers to protest the treatment the deacon received on the night he was killed.
A few months later, Kimbrough was fired by the Atlanta Police Department for failing to have a supervisor on the scene before proceeding with a physical arrest. His termination was upheld by the Atlanta Civil Service Board earlier this year.
Read More: APD Must Now Report All Deadly Force to Citizen Review Board
Last year, the city of Atlanta settled a federal lawsuit with the Hollman family for $3.8 million.
A spokesperson for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office told Axios Atlanta that Willis is reviewing the case to possibly present the case to a different grand jury.
Join Capital B Atlanta, the Hollman family, and community activists for a screening of What About the Deacon? at Auburn Avenue Research Library on Sept. 27. Immediately following the screening will be a panel discussion moderated by Capital B Atlanta criminal justice reporter Madeline Thigpen.
