I wrote a blog following the death of Michael Brown called “The Tragedy in Ferguson.” I’ve substituted a few words here and there; the names change but not the message.
The protestors should come up with a specific list of demands. Otherwise, the people will have nothing to focus their energy on achieving. Here are a few suggestions:
- The hiring of more Black police officers: a minimum number to be established.
- Respect the parents’ wishes: peaceful protest only; no looting; honor George Floyd’s memory by peaceful and dignified marches and demonstrations.
- A fund should be set up in his name to create a scholarship for others.
- Develop community policing with more officers on foot and bicycles so they can interact with the citizens of Ferguson and get to know them as individuals.
- A Citizens Review Board to investigate allegations of police misconduct.
- The Mayor creates a Commission on Diversity and Tolerance.
- The city convenes inter-racial meetings with respected business and religious leaders of the community to discuss proposals for making their city better.
- A legal fund should be established for the family who may wish to file a wrongful death civil suit if no legal action is taken against the police officer or proves inadequate in scope.
- A memorial should be created to honor and remember what happened: a statue, a park, a room or building that tells the story of this tragedy for people, and future generations, to see.
- Convene meetings of concerned citizens and local leaders so that the community can explore ways to have a greater say in the participatory democracy of Minneapolis in areas such as education, jobs, and housing.
- A memorial should be created to honor and remember what happened: a statue, a park, a room or building that tells the story of this tragedy for people, and future generations, to see.
- Convene meetings of concerned citizens and local leaders so that the community can explore ways to have a greater say in the participatory democracy of Minneapolis in areas such as education, jobs, and housing.
These are just a few suggestions; surely there are others, best understood by the people of Minneapolis themselves. Such goals help bring positive sunlight to the dark night of tragedy surrounding us; it is not easy but it is possible–and desirable–to at least try.