CORRECTION: The original headline stated that the protest will happen regardless of the verdict; there will be no verdict. Instead, the grand jury will be deciding whether or not to hold a trial against Officer Darren Wilson. Also, the march will be the day after the grand jury’s decision, not the day of.
The shooting of Michael Brown ignited massive protests throughout the city of Ferguson, Mo. File Photo/The Cougar
It’s been a few months since unarmed black teenager Michael Brown was killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. The killing sparked outrage in the streets of Ferguson, Mo., igniting protests and increasing racial discussions across the nation. Now, as the decision whether to hold a trial against Wilson looms, protesters across the country – including Houston — are organizing a push for less police brutality.
A Houston grassroots movement is planning to march at 5 p.m. at MacGregor Park the day after a decision is made on the future of Officer Wilson.
“The goal of this protest is to bring Ferguson to Houston,” said Rene Arias, one of the founders of the organization.
“While many organizations have done a pretty good job making Ferguson relevant here in Houston, we want to end mass incarceration and criminalization of minorities. We want this movement to be a nationwide event, keeping the Ferguson situation at the forefront.”
The organization meets to share readings and discuss opportunities to participate in protests against police brutality in the Houston area.
“We formed this group because of recent events of police brutality across the nation,” Arias said. “A few of us met at a National Event of Silence held for Michael Brown and other events that have been held relating to police brutality in minority communities.”
While many are expecting Wilson not to be charged for his actions, the protest will take place regardless of the decision that’s made.
“If Wilson is not going to trial, we will have mass protest against it,” said UH alumnus and co-founder Treasje Mitchell. “We will still be unified, and we’re still going to push for something to be done. If he is held accountable, it’ll be a celebration. Finally, it will show that our voices are being heard.”
While the protest is for all Houstonians, Mitchell said she believes it’s important for students to participate in the protest.
“The youngest generation is the most important generation because they will make the changes that we all want to see,” Mitchell said. “You must participate, educate, and know what you’re talking about before you can make any changes.”
Arias also attributed student participation to the fact that many are from areas where police brutality is an issue.
“We’ve seen some UH students at some of our events in the past,” said Arias. “A lot of them come from neighborhoods where police brutality is a problem, and they’re excited to be active participants in making changes.”
UH alumnus and protestor Remington Alessi said he is hoping that students will see the importance of participating.
“If students consider systematic racism to be a problem, it’s certainly worth participating,” said Alessi. “Police brutality is not new, and it will only begin to change when citizens are vocal about the changes that must be made.”
The organization has been active on social media to get more Houstonians involved. The hashtags #IndictAmerica and #turnuphtown lead online readers to more information about the protests and the group’s philosophies and movements.
“There will be no sense of normalcy in this country until justice is served,” said Arias.
Students can learn more about how to get involved by joining the organization’s Facebook event page, #IndictAmerica: Protest for Mike Brown.
STFU
Today’s grand jury announcement will mean that justice is served regardless of the decision. If the grand jury no-bills the officer…justice is still served. Justice means that due process was given and the facts of the case have dictated the decision. Justice does not mean…that person A was shot so the only way justice can be served is if person B goes to jail.
The youth of this country need to stop following the leader and start being the leader. Think about what is going on and apply common sense. Pick your martyrs carefully. Think about the issues you are protesting and ask is this really something that needs to be changed? does this really affect me or anyone for that matter? Don’t let these silver tongues goad you into fighting their fight. Don’t be used as a pawn in someone else’s game. If it really is an issue for you, think before you act. Nothing is accomplished by violence and destruction. Open a dialog with the opposition. Host public forums for discussion. Use the court system if you have to. These are all more persuasive options that stealing TVs and throwing Molotov cocktails.
That would only be true if we lived in a perfect world..and the criminal justice system is far from perfect.. Nice try though..
This is what MOST are doing.. the right thing. The looting is a handful of people. Stop focusing on what the media has blown up. You ARE an “Innocent_Bystander” because it’s obvious that you are priviledged. It’s nice that you pointed out the right way to do go about handling this issue. Personal question for you, besides the grand jury bs and justice speech… Do YOU really feel the cop was justified? I would rather be morally right than “politically correct”.
Let me correct that first sentence for you Kayla:
It’s been a few months since the unarmed black teenaged thug, Michael Brown, viciously attacked and attempted to steal an officer’s gun and was killed by Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson.
why are you mean?
Not mean, accurate.
You are the type to act out of fear. That’s how cowards operate… out of fear. Kill them before they kill me. You are so afraid, so I paint the picture of the other person as an evil thug. Just as you do others from other countries… i.e. labeling them “terrorist”.
I do enjoy liberals fantasies about me. They are all rather humorous, and tend to describe what the liberal is feeling. Do you need me to give you a definition of “thug”?
Most redneck police officers are cowards. How can you protect the community if you are so damn afraid of getting beat up by a teenager? Police Officers have back-up… what’s the problem? If it wasn’t for guns, some people would be hiding in caves.
A 320 pound 19 year old is not a harmless teenager, especially when viewed via the video of him beating on a shop owner that is half his size. Michael brown was a criminal and a bully and received what he asked for.
and since we want to participate in name calling… I will call you an internet thug, a coward who hides behind his computer posting his inner most thoughts.
Everything I posted is dead-on accurate, based on the details of this shooting. Everything you posted is a delusional fantasy. Do you understand the difference?
Remington Alessi is an idiot. Free clue, dude. Justice was served when Michal Brown was killed by Officer Wilson. The lesson Brown should have taught you is… If you decide to do a beat down on a cop and try to steal his gun, you will probably be shot dead. Your parents should have taught you something similar when you were young.
Ferguson looks lovely in that picture. We should definitely bring that to Houston.