"The killing of Michael Brown has forever left a void in the hearts and lives of his parents, family and friends, who lost a son and a loved one much too soon. The killing of Michael Brown has also brought to light many of the unfortunate blemishes - criminal justice disparities, volatile police-community relations, unemployment and economic inequities - that tarnish our great nation and that prevent us from being the best of whom we can be.
This tragedy has exposed the persistent state of emergency that grips not only Ferguson, but our nation as a whole. We have a state of emergency tied to the unjust killings of Black people and the dismal economic conditions of urban communities across America, where hope is often replaced by fear and where, for many, the American Dream has become a figment of yesteryear.
Whether the grand jury decides to indict Officer Darren Wilson, we must remain ever-vigilant in our quest for and journey toward accountability, justice, and reform. We will absolutely continue to demand justice for Michael Brown and his family throughout this process. We must also remain committed to restoring hope, jobs and safety to the communities that need it most. As a former mayor, I keenly understand that the function of government is to uphold the rights of citizens in every town, city, and state. The declared state of emergency in Ferguson and the surrounding St. Louis area must serve to protect both the lives and well-being of citizens and their rights to speak & assemble peacefully.
Anything less is another injustice."
