The people of Ferguson, Mo. and beyond came together to honor Michael Brown, the teen killed by police officer Darren Wilson.
According to USA Today, on the anniversary of his death, the city was swarmed with family, friends and activists from all over the world to honor the fallen teen. On Aug. 9, 2014, Wilson killed the teen after he was accused of stealing from a local grocery store. Conflicting reports told the story of Brown having his hands up during the altercation which led to chants of "Hands Up Don't Shoot" and "Black Lives Matter" by protestors. Social media also played a big part in the awareness of the case as many posted photos of Brown's lifeless body left on the street for more than four hours. His death also sparked riots in the small town and proved to show another wave of people of color dying by the hands of police officers.
In Nov. 2014, Wilson wasn't indicted on murder charges, but a Department Of Justice report in March revealed racial bias tactics were made by the Ferguson Police Department. The findings showed the planing of African American arrests for petty crimes were made to increase revenue in the city. The police chief, city manager and municipal judge were all replaced as the city tried to improve its image. Since Brown's death, his parents have continued to speak out on police reform with the families of Sean Bell, Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice.
Michael Brown Sr. led a march Saturday morning throughout the city with the family of Vonderrit Myers, who was also killed by a police officer last year. The march was peaceful as protesters spoke with officers in the street about the current racial climate in Ferguson and the rest of the country. Ferguson Mayor James Knowles says the town is changing and will launch job fairs and Back to School fundraisers in Brown's honor.
Unfortunately, not everyone was respectful in honoring the teen. A Facebook group called "Police Officers" posted an offensive photoshopped memorial mocking his death. The image was shared thousands of times before it was deleted.
Many also slammed the New Yorker profile that ran earlier this week on Darren Wilson, who seemed to be dismissive over his actions. Wilson told the New Yorker he and his family live in anonymity and only go to businesses that are "like-minded" and dine in places that "aren't a melting pot."
Check out photos from the march and throughout the city above.
Source: USA Today | Photo Credit: Twitter
