#MikeBrown was killed 10 years ago today.
And the police immediately disparaged his name. You probably remember seeing "the convenience store video" but you didn't see *all* of the footage.
It's time to reopen the case.https://t.co/zIRbp0ZIZm pic.twitter.com/g7VpLLBGuL
— deray (@deray) August 9, 2024
Michael Brown’s body remained on the street for four hours in the summer heat after he was fatally shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014. The incident sparked outrage in the neighborhood and led to protests that turned violent, with looting and the burning of a QuikTrip convenience store. The Black Lives Matter movement grew stronger in response to the shooting.
for @stlmag I talked to Annissa McCaskill of @StlChange about the anniversary of the Ferguson Commission https://t.co/K3bFDRFZez
— Devin 🌱 Thomas O'Shea (@devintoshea) August 8, 2024
The FBI opened an investigation into Brown’s death, and eyewitnesses claimed Brown had his hands raised when the officer fired. The Missouri State Highway Patrol took control of security in Ferguson to ease tensions following public outcry over the militarized police response. Police identified the officer involved as Darren Wilson and released surveillance video showing Brown stealing cigarillos from a convenience store, which upset protesters.
"The Ferguson Uprising will forever be rooted in tragedy and loss. But that loss yielded a clarity to which many of us still hold tight today." https://t.co/1NR4BaFbx2
— Sabrina Vourvoulias (@followthelede) August 9, 2024
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency, imposed a curfew, and called in the National Guard to restore order. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Ferguson, assuring a thorough investigation as a grand jury began hearing evidence against Wilson. In November 2014, the grand jury decided not to indict Wilson, igniting another round of violence, including the burning of buildings and police cars.
A decade after Michael Brown Jr.'s killing in Ferguson, community members say there's still work to be done in addressing persistent inequities and policing.
The latest from a community panel hosted by @stlpublicradio and @NPR by STLPR's @MadisonEHolcomb: https://t.co/Kif0IBUPhL pic.twitter.com/TEiucNSvT6
— Brian Munoz (@brianmmunoz) August 8, 2024
In March 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would not prosecute Wilson but released a report finding racial bias in Ferguson’s police and court systems. Police Chief Tom Jackson resigned following the scathing report. Ferguson’s first municipal election since Brown’s death saw an increase in Black representation on the City Council.
Governor Nixon signed legislation limiting the ability of cities to profit from traffic tickets and court fines.
Michael Brown’s impact on community
Ferguson hired a new municipal judge and interim city manager, both of whom were Black.
The Ferguson Commission released a report addressing the systemic issues contributing to the unrest. In 2016, Ferguson reached an agreement with the DOJ requiring sweeping reforms to its policing and court systems. Delrish Moss, a former Miami police officer, was appointed Ferguson police chief.
A federal judge approved a wrongful-death lawsuit awarding Brown’s parents $1.5 million in 2017. The events following Michael Brown’s death marked a significant period of social and political upheaval in Ferguson and contributed to a nationwide conversation on race and policing. The protests gave way to politics and policy changes, with a new generation of leaders emerging to address racial disparities in the area.
Ten years later, Michael Brown’s family continues to call for justice as progress toward ending police killings remains slow. The Ferguson Police Department has undergone changes, with increased African American representation and training under a federal consent decree. However, the issue of police use of force against unarmed Black Americans persists, with over 1,100 people shot and killed by police in the last 12 months alone.
Michael Brown Sr. started a foundation to channel his grief into activism and community support, advocating for systemic change in policing practices. Despite the hurdles, the Brown family remains committed to their cause, hoping that one day, meaningful progress will be made in the fight against police excessive use of force.
- Go.”Timeline of events in Ferguson, Missouri, after a police officer fatally shot Michael Brown”.
- NYTimes.”Ferguson 10 Years Later: How Protests Gave Way to Politics and Policy”.
- CNN.”A decade after Mike Brown’s death, his family still calls for justice as progress toward ending police killings remains slow”.