John,
On August 9, 2014, the body of Mike Brown was stolen from us in Ferguson, Missouri by police officer Darren Wilson. After stealing his life, police desecrated his body and traumatized the Black community of Ferguson by leaving it on the ground for 4 ½ hours. The entire police state, assisted by mainstream media, conspired to assassinate his character, alleging that he was deserving of his own death.
But the oppression of Black people and theft of Black life has never been quietly swallowed. It has always been met with resistance. The people of Ferguson and St. Louis rose up. For months… and years…
As the United States government tacitly declared Ferguson a war zone, sending in troops, tanks, tear gas, rubber bullets, and guns, courageous folks from Ferguson and greater St. Louis stood them down. Inspired by the courage of local leaders, the steadfastness of Mike’s family, and the enormity of Mike’s spirit, freedom fighters from around the nation and the globe convened in Ferguson. This “call” to Ferguson pulled together #BlackLivesMatter activists, who had been awakened by the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on July 13, 2013. Organizers in Ferguson and St. Louis continue to suffer state-driven repercussions.
Today, in the midst of #BlackAugust, we invoke the tremendous Spirit of Mike Brown, we offer our deep gratitude to Ferguson organizers, and we recommit ourselves to Black resistance, which is the only path to Black freedom.
We ask you to support the continuing work in Ferguson and St. Louis by:
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Honoring Mike Brown today and every day.
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Donating to the work of St. Louis Action Network, which has been a beacon of hope and resilience for our larger movement.
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Donating to Lezley McSpadden’s organization that is dedicated to her son Michael Brown.
#BlackAugust #Resistance #FergusonUprising
Black Lives Matter Global Network
