Commemoration of Michael Brown Jr.'s Death

Ferguson, Mo. marked the 10th anniversary of the shooting death of Michael Brown Jr., an unarmed Black teenager, by a White police officer, Darren Wilson. The tragic event, which ignited nationwide protests and significantly contributed to the Black Lives Matter movement, was remembered through a series of commemorative events on August 9. Friends, family, and community leaders gathered to honor Brown's legacy and reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice. The day began with an "All Roads Lead to Ferguson" Unity Walk, spanning approximately four miles from Normandy High School, where Brown attended, to the site of his death on Canfield Drive. This poignant march was followed by a community memorial service at the location of the shooting, where religious leaders, activists, and family friends addressed the crowd. U.S. Representative Cori Bush emphasized the lack of justice for Brown's family and the broader community, stating, "There has still not been change, not enough for Black folks to feel it." Michael Brown Sr. led the Unity Walk, placing blue roses at the memorial site, which was adorned with teddy bears, flowers, and wooden signs shaped like fists, symbolizing victims of police violence. The gathering served not only as a remembrance of Brown but also as a call to action for continued advocacy against systemic racism and police brutality, highlighting the enduring impact of his death on the community and the nation.