Nov. 9, 2014
Ferguson Protesters Prepare to Remain Peaceful Following Grand Jury AnnouncementFor the second day in a row, demonstrators have gathered for insight on how to maintain peace and calm with emotions on high – guided by The Don’t Shoot Coalition and other organizations as an extension of Ferguson October.
“I urge as many white people as possible to go to jail,” said protester and organizer Lisa Fithian. “It’s really important for you in here to see what it feels like to lose your privilege.”
“That’s right” and “uhh huh” echoed across the gym as Fithian delivered cold hard facts about how she feels the atmosphere will change when demonstrators return to the street following the grand jury’s announcement.
“There are going to be white people in the community who come out armed that don’t support our cause,” Fithian said. “If you are a white person and you see a bunch of white people coming, then you need to meet them at the front of the line.”
Applause came from black and white attendees. As was the undivided attention that was given to Fithian and McPhearson, the resolve and resilience among the group was striking.
Fithian reinforced the importance of them working as a team to get in the mindset to keep their wits and a peaceful mindset in the worst case scenario.
“We have to make a choice to take a risk,” Fithian said. “If we’re prepared and organized, there is nothing they can do to stop us."
And even as she mentioned the potential for arrest and bodily harm by opposing forces – the group seemed up for the challenge of creating a narrative of peaceful demonstration in the wake of a non-indictment.