Activists and protesters from all over the world
gathered Saturday morning in downtown St. Louis to participate in a
march, part of Ferguson October, and show that they stand united against
police brutality and racial disparity. The rally started at 10 AM local
time and the protesters began marching through the streets shortly
after 11 AM. Crowd estimates range anywhere from 1,200 to over 3,000.
Organizers of the march had estimated as many as 8,000 participants to
be at the event. One thing is certain — people traveled from far and
wide to be in St. Louis Saturday.
Prior to the rally, I spoke with Jasmine Falls, a
nurse and labor representative from St. Louis, She informed me that
roughly 200 nurses, some traveling from as far as California, were
participating in the march. Beside the National Nurses Organizing
Committee and the California Nurses Association, Jasmine also pointed
out that representatives from the Chicago Teachers Union were taking
part in the rally and march. Ms. Falls is currently the only labor rep
for the 890 union nurses in the St. Louis area. At this moment, only two
area hospitals have unionized nurses, but Jasmine is hoping that will
change.
Organizations from New York, Oakland, Kansas City
and other large metropolitan areas sent representatives to stand in
solidarity with the Ferguson protesters. Nations that have suffered
through oppression also had people show up for the march. A number of
Palestinians attended the march and rally. The same was true of South
Africa. Activists from both parts of the world were active and loud
throughout the day. Legal observers were on the ground to ensure there
were no issues between police and marchers. Amnesty International made
sure to make their presence known.
One scene-stealer during the march was a large,
paper-mache puppet of Michael Brown. The artist’s concept was to make a
likeness that wasn’t seen as degrading or exploitative. Basically, the
idea was to show Brown with his hands raised, but on a very large-scale.
The concept worked, and the large puppet made a huge impact during the
march and at the post-march rally.
During the post-march rally, which took place in St.
Louis’ Kiener Plaza, I was able to sit down and talk to a couple of
educators from Berea College. The had traveled with their students from
Berea, Kentucky to be at the Weekend of Resistance. Monica Jones, the
director of the school’s Black Culture Center, and Dr. Alicestyne
Turley, an assistant professor and director, both expressed admiration
for the young people in Ferguson. They stated that it was amazing how
much tireless energy they’ve exhibited in the seeking justice for Brown
since he was killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson on August
9th. Both women were impressed with the determination many young
activists have had in organizing and energizing others to get behind
their cause.
A number of people got up to speak at the post-march
rally. St. Louis music artist Tef Poe started things off with a
rallying cry. A number of other activists from Ferguson, who have
tirelessly protested these past two months, also took turns speaking.
The family of VonDerrit Myers were also present. Myers was shot and
killed by a St. Louis police officer earlier this week. St. Louis police
claim that Myers, 18 at the time of his death, shot at the off-duty
police officer after the officer tried to conduct a ‘pedestrian check.’
The officer shot at Myers 17 times, hitting him with at least six shots.
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