Ferguson: Michael Brown’s Memory Honored

By Kenya Vaughn

Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American

“I just want to give love to my family and my friends – my new friends and my world,” Michael Brown Sr. told the crowd. “Y’all are my world.”

His remarks were the briefest by those selected to speak in honor of his son Michael Brown Jr.’s life on the first anniversary of his death.

At 18 years old, Brown was killed before he could truly live.

 Yet the phenomenon of prolific unrest that his death incited reignited the conversation on the broken relationship between law enforcement and the Black community – and assured he will never be forgotten.

As the sun beat down at the very spot where Michael Brown Jr.’s life ended at the hands of former Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, the commemoration and silent march served as a reminder that the fight was not over.

“This year has been so hard. No accountability, no justice. And police are still killing us,” said Erica Garner, daughter of Eric Garner.

She was in attendance, as were the family of Oscar Grant  – who was killed by an Oakland transit cop on News Year’s Day 2009.

Erica has become an activist in the wake of her father’s death – which took place a mere three weeks before Michael Brown Jr. was fatally shot by former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. 

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His death was captured on video, though the New York police officer who administered the chokehold that ended his life would not face criminal charges.

His death was captured on video, though the New York police officer who administered the chokehold that ended his life would not face criminal charges.

“It’s a crisis that’s going on. People like Sandra Bland, Sam DuBose – that shouldn’t happen,” Erica said. “We’re being killed on camera. Females are dying in jail cells with no explanation.”

As hundreds piled into the Canfield Green Apartments, acknowledgement was given by Michael Brown Sr. and others for starting a movement from the ground up – and refusing to let Michael Brown Jr’s death get swept under the rug.

“I’m not speaking to nobody but the street brothers,” said Anthony Shahid, who has worked closely with the Brown family since Michael Brown Jr.’s death. “I want to give acknowledgement to them for starting this up. If it wasn’t for these youth in these streets, none of us would be out here.”

To read entire story, pick up a New Journal and Guide, August 13 – 19 edition at our various locations.