On Saturday August 9th 2014, 18 year old Michael Brown from Ferguson, Missouri was shot to death by a Ferguson police officer. The family and community were outraged and hurt by this death and found a variety of ways to express their emotions. Many in the city started looting local stores and peaceful protests turned violent. One act that struck media outlets in a more positive light on the case was when universities around the nation started their "Don't Shoot" protests. These protests consisted of students and sometimes younger children gathered around for a protest with their hands up in the air. This was the last gesture shown by Michael Brown before being gunned down by police. Each university would hold this gesture for a photo and later post it to social media and other media sources to raise awareness on police brutality. Many news outlets reported about these students efforts on bringing light to the issue at hand. This type of protest had so much influence that even celebrities began to form their own A-list groups for a don't shoot photo as well. Some news channels were even reporting that people from difference countries joined in the protest. I personally participated in the Kennesaw State NAACP's Don't Shoot silent protest. This just shows that if you have the right number of people who care about the same issues you do, then together you can make a difference and together you can move a nation.
For more information on the Michael Brown case and protests click the link below.
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/riot-police-tear-gas-pro-democracy-demonstrators-hong-kong
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ReplyDeleteThis is a sure way citizens can help to generate much attention on any issues or events. The Michael Brown story did captivate our country. People watched as many aspect of the tragedy came to light. You are right, where several are gathered mountains can be moved. The photo gesture and "Don't Shoot" is exactly an effective way to convey the message.
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