Dozens of family and friends visited Greater St. Mark Family Church in Ferguson on May 20 to celebrate the birthday of Michael Brown Jr.
Brown would have been 19-years-old, if not for his tragic death on August 9. Brown, who was unarmed, was fatally shot by a Ferguson police officer. His death sparked protest around the world and a new Civil Rights Movement.
The teenager, who was once widely referred to as the “gentle giant” and “Mike Mike,” was honored by Michael Brown Sr., family, friends and activists inside the church that served as a constant backdrop during last year’s unrest.
“Happy Birthday Mike Mike,” written in blue icing, decorated a massive cake, along with lit candles and a photo of Brown in his green and red Normandy High School graduation garments.
Many in attendance wore shirts that memorialize Brown. Printed across red and blue shirts read, “Happy Birthday Mike Brown, Chosen For Change.” Hugs and smiles filled the atmosphere alongside picture poses with a hands up, don’t shoot gesture. Red balloons were released into the air to honor Brown.
In a press conference on the morning of the birthday celebration, Michael Brown Sr. told press he wants people to know that his son “was loved, he was a good person, and he loved his siblings.”
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my son,” Brown Sr. said at the press conference. “And not a day goes by where I don’t think about helping other young men to go forward in life.”
This story is published as part of a partnership between The American and The Huffington Post.
