The name Michael Brown Jr. from Ferguson, Missouri will forever be connected with the movement that brought to light the social injustices that continue to permeate our communities throughout today’s America. Racial profiling and use of excessive force by police have brought people from all walks of life to the streets to stand up and say enough is enough. The time for change is now.
The November 24 grand jury decision not to indict the officer that killed Michael Brown caused the sustained unrest and protests in Ferguson and the St. Louis region to morph into a movement nationwide and the world. The mood of the country with respect to Ferguson is somber and on edge at the same time.
The community unrest will be around as long as the injustice is not dealt with. The federal investigation is now looked to for justice. Only justice will bring peace to the family of Michael Brown Jr. and the Ferguson community.
Led by the Department of Justice, we have the real opportunity to make very specific policy changes that include a national mandate for police body cameras; national police training standards; and a national jobs program. Nonetheless, policy changes alone only scratch the surface of the much larger issues of social and economic injustices in today’s America.
State legislative bodies have the opportunity to change laws that will mandate independent investigations and mandate an independent prosecutor for police-involved shootings. Wisconsin law requires an independent investigation for police-involved shootings; but not without a hard fight for reform.
It is my prayer that in the weeks and months ahead, our community and communities across the country will seek to live together peaceably, work together with respect, and engage in creating positive ways to improve social and economic justice for all people.
Darlene Green is Comptroller of the City of St. Louis.
