On the anniversary of Michael Brown's death, Ferguson, Mo. looks a little different today than it did a year ago. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the father of Brown, Michael Brown Sr., led a march in honor of his son, who died in a confrontation with St. Louis police officer Darren Wilson this weekend last year. In the 90 degree heat, children played in the streets, police officers handed out popsicles, and protestors took rides in state patrol ATVs.
According to reporter Jack Witthaus, no one in the neighborhood could remember the last time a march had passed through. Michael Brown Sr. led the march, with about 100 people, from Canfield Green Apartments, where his son was shot, to Normandy High School, his son's alma mater. When he died, 18-year-old Brown had just graduated from high school a few days before.
The march started with a group prayer at the memorial site; Michael Brown Sr. has been organizing this and other events (like yesterday's event to feed the homeless and tomorrow's silent walk) through his family's nonprofit. After the prayer, the group marched the five miles to Brown's school, with Da Warehouse Warriors Youth Marching Machine leading the way. "It means a lot," said the mom of two girls in the drumline. "This is a teaching moment to the kids to always stand up for something."
Michael Brown Sr. places stuffed animal at roadway memorial for son in #Ferguson. @kmoxnews pic.twitter.com/9GA67mSPZx
Michael Brown Sr. with parents of Vonderrit Myers Jr. In #Ferguson before march. @kmoxnews pic.twitter.com/CrKHFAasHd
"Chosen 4 Change": Michael Brown Sr. with friends & family, preparing to march from the site of Michael Jr.'s death. pic.twitter.com/3RXFe9TOBg
At a one-year anniversary march for Michael Brown, the atmosphere was different http://t.co/rqSxPiuiwP pic.twitter.com/Tu0gMUvO8b
Michael Brown Jr. memorial parade on the move to his alma mater, Normandy HS @LBPhoto1 photo 8/8 pic.twitter.com/aokaD4CjFi
Michael Brown Sr. surrounded by core supports including Brother Anthony Shahid & Zaki Baruti @wileyprice56 photo 8/8 pic.twitter.com/4K2hLjOGQI
The @RevSekou grounded with VonDerrit Myers Sr. in St. Louis on August 8. @LBPhoto1 photo pic.twitter.com/ig9BC1ob00
#UnitedWeFight at VonDerrit Myers Jr. march, Shaw neighborhood, St. Louis @LBPhoto1 photo 8/8 pic.twitter.com/NCNJg0NMaF
Michael Brown Sr. led a peace march from Canfield to his son's alma mater. @wileyprice56 photo 8/8 pic.twitter.com/eYDouT5V9X
Chief Jon Belmar of @stlcountypd on the streets of Ferguson. This is what protest policing is supposed to look like. pic.twitter.com/eWPmi308d8
Michael Brown, Sr. arrives at Normandy HS, ending march on eve of anniv. of death of #MikeBrown. pic.twitter.com/kkQBbP8HRl
The demonstration went on throughout the afternoon. No injuries or health-related incidents were reported.
[via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
