After the late night announcement from Missouri that the grand jury investigating the shooting of African-American Michael Brown did not render homicide charges against White officer Darren Wilson, the town of Ferguson began to burn.
Activists and leaders among Pittsburgh’s Black community universally condemned the behavior, but had anticipated it—and said they understand it.
“There is a problem with the justice system, not just here or in Ferguson, but across the country, and it will take systematic change, city by city to address it,” said Citizens for Police Accountability Executive Director Brandi Fisher. “I think the reaction was fully expected and understood. People react to injustice. When you have frustrated and angry people they’re going to react. I don’t advocate tearing up your own community. I don’t agree, but I understand.”
Richard Garland of the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health said the stage was set for the verdict—and the community reaction—from the beginning.
About Post Author
