The rallying cry that has rang out in Ferguson, Missouri, and around the country, since the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager by a white police officer is “No Justice, No Peace!” While this has become a catchy refrain, one that resonates with an almost intimidating familiarity that attaches itself to the heartbeat of all of us in the affected communities, it’s message remains unclear.
This slogan begs the question of what is meant by, “No justice, No Peace!”
But first, what is the definition of “justice” as it is used by the demonstrators who march each night in support of the family of young Michael Brown? Does this slogan suggest that if the grand jury fails to issue an indictment against Officer Darren Wilson, there will be no peace? If so, we could all be in serious trouble.
As sad as it sounds, there exists a strong possibility that the grand jury, made up of nine whites and three blacks, could meet and still find the officer innocent of any wrong doing. Its 12 members could hear the evidence, presented by the same establishment that has cultivated an environment that allows a police officer to feel justified in the use of excessive force resulting in the unnecessary death of this young black teenager, and hold the officer blameless.
Would this be considered “No Justice”?
Reality suggests that, based upon the laws of the State of Missouri, the actions of Officer Wilson could fall within the scope of those laws. If that proves true, the attitude displayed day-in and day-out by law enforcement officials in Ferguson is not a Ferguson problem – it’s a Missouri problem! That would explain why other municipalities throughout the state exercise the same “couldn’t-care-less” approach in their dealings with black residents.
Be it the hallowed streets of Jefferson City, the state’s capital, or the blighted corners of some neglected areas of North St. Louis, black lives are devalued by a system of laws that justify the negligence of a lone policeman in Ferguson against the life of an unarmed teen, or a pair of policemen in St. Louis against the life of a dazed knife-wielding man. All blacks are at risk throughout the state. If this kind of legislation that gives unmetered firepower to the cop on the street is allowed to remain, no grand jury would be able to return an indictment against the Darren Wilson’s of police agencies across the state.
It is the fervent prayer of the pastors of the Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America that the entire community – government, clergy, law enforcement, and citizens alike – come together in search of a “No Peace!” alternative before the findings of the grand jury are announced. I am afraid that if we wait until after a finding in favor of Officer Wilson’s rash decision to employ lethal force when a Taser gun or a baton would have rendered young Brown incapable of inflicting harm upon Wilson or anyone else, it may be too late to thwart additional unnecessary bloodshed in the streets of Ferguson and Missouri.
Bishop Jesse Battle is diocesan for the Episcopal Diocese of Mid-America. Email bishopjessebattle@gmail.com.
MCU hosts forum at the Rock
Metropolitan Congregations United is hosting a public meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 at St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Catholic Church, 1118 N. Grand Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The agenda: Medicaid Expansion, need for Community Learning Centers, appeal to register congregation to vote. Organizers say St. Louis County Executive candidates Steve Stenger and Rick Stream have committed to participate. Visit http://www.mcustl.com.
