- Protesters march outside Ferguson police station Sept. 25, 2014.
AN OPEN LETTER FROM FERGUSON PROTESTERS
September 26, 2014
We write to reflect on the hiring/firing of PR consultant Devin James and the actions of Chief Jackson, all occurring on Thursday, September 25th. On Thursday, September 25th, the City of Ferguson fired Devin James, the man hired to manage public relations for the City in the wake of Michael Brown’s murder at the hands of Officer Darren Wilson.
- Ferguson PR assistant Devin James, hired then fired after criminal record exposed.
Mr. James was then fired because it came to light that he was convicted of reckless homicide in 2004. It has come to our attention that the City of Ferguson knew about this previous conviction but hired him in an attempt to ‘give Mr. James a second chance.’ In a world where African American men are systematically placed into the criminal justice system and then denied employment based on past charges, we actually applaud the thought of city’s original intent in hiring Mr. James, though we questioned his public relations tactics at times.
However, firing Mr. James once the news of his previous conviction came to public attention, despite knowing of this record before hiring him, is yet another example of the lack of integrity and sense of honor in City leadership. If the City of Ferguson was going to give Mr. James a ‘second chance,’ then they should have done so without reprieve, and stood by Mr. James once this news became public. We can only suspect that the City of Ferguson planned to hide this information from the public – another cover-up and an intentional pattern of secrecy displayed by City leadership. Whether or not we agreed with Mr. James’ approach, we believe this once again displays the corroded moral fiber of the leadership in the City of Ferguson we have seen for over 48 days now.
On the same day of Mr. James’ termination, a video of Chief Thomas Jackson reciting a scripted apology to Michael Brown’s family and to protestors was released (see above). The video did more harm than good. The apology was 48 days too late, should have occurred in person, and should have been authentic and heartfelt. A 6 week old scripted video is unacceptable and disrespects the depth of pain in this community.
Protestors decided to peacefully protest these and other actions of Chief Jackson’s outside of the Ferguson Police Department on Thursday night, the site of peaceful assemblies and civic actions since August 9. During this time, in an unnecessary act of clear provocation and intimidation, officers ripped down the banner that protestors had displayed at their protest site.
Ferguson police chief Thomas Jackson just before police attacked protesters, who were protecting him.
On Thursday evening, Chief Jackson came to the sidewalk in front of the Ferguson Police Department parking lot to speak with peaceful protestors angry with him and with the police. He was criticized for his apology and for his actions since August 9, 2014. Upon being asked to march with the protestors, Chief Jackson agreed. He crossed the police line and began marching. Several peaceful protesters marched very closely to him to ensure his protection and peace amongst the crowd. People marching included peaceful protestors and members of the media.
- Michael Brown
Chief Jackson told the police officers lined up to stand down. Less than 90 seconds after the march began, a few police officers ran into the group of protestors from behind and began grabbing people. Seconds later, nearly all of the police officers present stormed the crowd of protestors, most of them in riot gear.
(Click on https://vine.co/v/OZKAFBFFqH3)
During this brief but peaceful march, lawful protestors also report a staff member of Faracai Pizza North, who was inside the business after it had closed for the evening, came outside of the establishment. During this time, he pointed a gun directly at peaceful protestors, another act of threat and intimidation, this time at the hands of a fellow citizen. At the time of this letter, we have heard he has not been arrested.
Prior to the violent officer interruption of this peaceful march, Chief Jackson was not harmed in any way. There is video that proves this fact. Video evidence also shows police officers storming the peaceful protestors unprovoked.
Beginning of police confrontation with Ferguson protesters Sept. 25, 2014.
The guilty police officers kicked, grabbed, shoved, and hit peaceful protestors with their hands and batons. Seven peaceful, lawful protestors were arrested. One of these protestors was Joshua Williams, an area 18-year-old active in peaceful assemblies. Police officers beat and choked Joshua and slammed him into the ground before arresting him.
He was denied medical treatment.
- Joshua Williams
Another peaceful protestor, Coco, was picked up and slammed into the ground repeatedly before being carried off by several police officers, her body limp.
Police officers arrested Umar Lee, a citizen journalist, and hit his head on concrete before arresting him.
Despite carrying out these atrocious human rights violations, the police continued to threaten and intimidate lawful protestors. Peaceful protesters were told that if we remained on one side of the street (leaving one lane open) the people arrested would be released. The arrested protestors were, apparently, also told this. Several of them had their phones with them while they were held in vans behind the Ferguson police station.
Umar Lee
Despite promises, no one was released from custody. Officers then said that if we got out of the street, they would release the protestors. Again, protesters who had been arrested were apparently told the same thing.
We complied again. And again, no one was released.
Arrested protesters were eventually transferred to another jail. Several were still denied medical treatment. As of the writing of this letter, only one arrested protestor has been Arrested protesters were eventually transferred to another jail. Several were still denied medical treatment. As of the writing of this letter, only one arrested protestor has been released.
Police attempted to hold the unlawfully arrested and abused protestors hostage in undeserved lockup, and promised their freedom in exchange for the rest of us leaving the protest site. Based on the injustice of this exchange and lack of grounds for the arrests, we peacefully refused.
Woman is arrested by Ferguson police Sept. 25, 2014.
Chief Jackson’s actions and the failure of those of the men in his charge to follow orders have caused further injury, unnecessary harm and detainment, and put more lives at risk. Given the unprovoked brutality present throughout this crisis and displayed once again last evening, we conclude that none of these police officers should be working in law enforcement anywhere, until they can do so in a professional manner, follow orders, and truly protect and serve all those who step foot in Ferguson. It is an issue of public safety and basic respect for human dignity.
In Protest,
Ferguson
Note: This was written and edited by several protesters during the morning after the events.
Police allowed Mike Brown’s body to remain in the street for 4 hours as his blood turned black, and relatives and neighbors pled with police at least to cover him. No charges have yet been brought against killer cop Darren Wilson for this cold-blooded execution.
