Atlanta’s local hip-hop community rallies around family of Deacon Johnny Hollman

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Feb. 2 was Deacon Johnny Hollman’s birthday and the first one his daughter Arnitra spent without him.

“We did go out to the cemetery, we did put flowers down. We went to the memorial site,” she said.

Atlanta’s hip-hop community rallied together Saturday to hold a benefit concert at Bonfire ATL for Hollman’s family.

“The reason this event is so important is because we are trying to get the arrest of former Officer Kiran Kimbrough and also this tow truck driver from S&W, Eric Robinson,” said Hollman.

The beloved father and deacon was killed in August of 2023 during a traffic stop. Hollman initially refused to sign a ticket when first asked. As seen on body camera video, Officer Kiran Kimbrough takes him to the ground, and tases him multiple times. He loses consciousness and dies shortly after.

“It’s very heartbreaking to not have him here, because my daddy should be here with us. His life should not have ended over a traffic ticket,” said Hollman.

Arnitra said she would often play the song ‘Dance with my Father’ and dance along with her dad. Now that is only a memory. She played that song at his funeral.

“I literally was dancing with my mother, sister and my cousin when I should have dancing with my daddy ,” said Hollman.

Advocates, community leaders and artists all banded together to support the family. Many supporters, reflected on the body camera footage they saw.

“I didn’t want to watch it anymore after seeing it, realizing like wow we are still going through that?” said Mike Beezy, artist and supporter.

Most recently the family filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, and Kimbrough who was fired. Kimbrough denies any misconduct and is appealing his termination. Arnitra Hollman said ultimately they want justice and they want it soon.

“We want to see charges filed. We want to see an indictment. We want to see an arrest,” she said.

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