When police officers patrolling protests in Ferguson were seen wearing “I am Darren Wilson” bracelets, State Rep. Sharon Pace said the issue needed to be brought up to police leaders immediately.
She and other political leaders and clergy were able to do that through the new “Joint Community Relations Group” – about 50 political leaders, clergy and police officials who have been meeting weekly for six weeks to discuss “tactics and strategies” to support Ferguson.
At a Wednesday press conference at Greater St. Mark Family Church, the group presented themselves to the public and said they aim to “get out the facts” regarding Ferguson through their Facebook page, as well as meeting with residents.
Among the group members are State Reps. Rochelle Gray and Courtney Curtis, clergy from about five denominations, Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson, Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson, and St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson.
“There’s a lot of work being done behind the scenes,” said Patricia Bynes, Democratic Committeewoman of Ferguson Township, at the press conference. “Not everyone’s on the ground.”
Bynes, who has been on the ground since unarmed teen Michael Brown was shot and killed on Aug. 9, said being part of the group is a way to get people’s voices heard.
Pat Washington, communications director for St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley’s office, said the Department of Justice is supporting the group by offering resources. However, DOJ representatives are not leading the group.
State Rep. Rochelle Gray said the group has been concerned about the way protesters have been arrested in Ferguson. They will be observing the police during this coming weekend of protests, which is being called Ferguson October. People from around the country are expected to come to St. Louis for the protests, which start on Friday at 3 p.m. in downtown Clayton.
The group aims to “protect people’s rights” to protest this weekend, said Zacheriah Davis, president of the advisory council for Clergy United.
“We should not approach this weekend with negative thinking,” Washington said. “We expect a safe weekend with productive dialogue.”