ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)– Supporters and critics of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson are both calling for “justice” this weekend during public events.
A two day weekend rally for Wilson is scheduled in Imperial at Gators South Beer and Wine Garden. Organizer John McWherter said the “campaign is not only to support Darren Wilson, but the future protection of all of our law enforcement officers who protect and serve all, regardless of race, creed or color.
Demonstrators who want Wilson arrested for the August shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson plan protests at the St. Louis Rams football game Sunday in downtown St. Louis. Groups may also show up at Cardinal baseball games in hopes of keeping their complaints about racial profiling, police harassment, and inequality visible.
“Some people may be upset, but things are more important than football,” said supporter Umar Lee of North St. Louis County. “The lives of our young people are more important than football; justice is more important than football,” he said.
McWherter and others say the judicial system must be allowed to follow its course before anyone judges Wilson’s actions.
St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson promised he will have extra officers, both in and out of uniform, patrolling downtown before and after the games this weekend. Security inside the stadiums is handled by the individual teams. Spokesmen for both the Cardinals and the Rams said they did not expect any problems but would stay in touch with local law enforcement.
Next weekend on Saturday September 27 the 100 Black Men group will join forces with other organizations to hold a “Community Empowerment Summit” at the Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Drive, Ferguson. The public event runs from 9:30 am to 4pm.
A panel of teens and police officers will discuss issues that helped to fuel the fire sparked by the shooting of Brown. Police departments plan to be on hand to recruit potential officers and sessions will be held on how to be an informed voter and what your rights are. For information contact 100 Black Men at 314-367-7778.
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