As we mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Michael Brown Jr. and the weeks of civil unrest that followed, many are wondering what’s next on the agenda for progress and reform. This past weekend was an opportunity for everyday people to speak up and speak out about the injustices they face daily.
The Ferguson Commission has released its calls to action, and a number of other groups have highlighted what is desperately needed to move the region forward. But is this enough?
We know what the problems are, and we know how the problems came into fruition. What we don’t know is how to solve them. We need everyday people to share ideas, even the most far-fetched, because we as a region are truly in a state of an emergency.
Whether you plan to protest, register people to vote, or give back to your community by helping people in need, let us pay it forward and make a difference in each of our communities.
Many have asked about the occasional violence and looting. As a leader in this community, I expect that people will focus on one cause: demanding a higher level of accountability and transparency from our elected officials and law enforcement.
A great deal has changed since Ferguson, yet much still remains the same. The Missouri Legislature has yet to fix Missouri’s cancerous student transfer bill, many municipal leaders still don’t understand that poor people shouldn’t have to fall prey to policing for profit, and the homicide rate in St. Louis continues to rise.
As we mark the one-year anniversary, we must not be bamboozled by additional promises and excuses for the limited progress that has taken place. We as a community must all help to solve the problems of the region and commit ourselves to ensuring a brighter future for our neighborhoods.Â
John Gaskin III is one of the youngest members of the NAACP National Board of Directors. He is a Ferguson native and an active member of the St. Louis County Branch of the NAACP.
