media adding more tension to what seemed to shatter the hidden , yet ignored racial lines . Verbal assaults were made at officers ; tears flowed uncontrollably while mothers held tight to their sons . As the sun went down again , the world mourned what seemed to be another young , black man gunned down by police . Through the eyes of those who were frustrated , justice and fairness took a backseat , making way for vandalism and rioting to begin flooding the streets of this community . Broken glass , burning buildings and skies filled with tear gas seemed to have increased visibility on this issue that on an ordinary day would be swept under the rug . At this moment in time , the world was now watching St . Louis .
If you had blinked for even a second or flipped through numerous news articles and pictures there would be no doubt you were reliving a moment in the Civil Rights Movement . Racial slurs were no longer mentioned among familiar faces for they were being expressed in their truest form across the internet and televisions . Whether friend , foe or complete stranger , relationships were being tested and brought into question . People were looking over their shoulders and forming bonds with skin colors that mirrored their own . The occasional Facebook “ unfriend ” option had been used more than ever . For the elders this was simply a flashback to days and harsh memories left behind . Whereas for the youth , this was an eye-opening glimpse into a mindset those before us had once fought to destroy .
Weeks of rioting , peace conferences and pleas from community officials graced platforms and cameras while the community still waited for some form of fairness to be shown . Investigations began , promises were made and the Ferguson / St . Louis residents picked themselves up and began moving forward again . Though no arrest had been made for the police officer in question , protests continued as the grand jury was being summoned . Questionable faith wavered regarding the Prosecutor ’ s ability to be fair as budding , young social activists joined the ranks with experienced civil rights leaders to ensure this would not be another case where the black man would be painted as the villain and the white man walked free .
JUSTICE TAKES CENTER STAGE
September and October come and go as countless witnesses , evidence and testimonies are placed in front of the grand jury . Anticipation and worry finds their way to the surface as November gradually peaks around the corner . The fear of no punishment for the officer once again becomes a cloud hovering over the community ’ s head . More flowers were laid and candles lit at the spot Michael Brown was slain as the promise of a decision was due to come any day . After a long summer of tactical training and meetings , police officers across the region were preparing for what could be another replay of the summer riots . Businesses were boarding up windows , protests continued while the nation sat on the edge of their seats for the decision that could right so many wrongs or once again shatter what little faith was left in the justice system . Feelings of faith and doubt were sprinkled throughout as some held on tight to hope for a change
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