Is There A Ferguson Near You? Diversity Lessons Michael Brown Taught Us All

Most of the cameras have gone home replaced by horrific stories of ISIS beheadings, ebola outbreaks and back to school activities filling the headlines.  But there is still so much we do not know about the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown six times, his motives and his predispositions that caused him to react in such a violent manner.  

The cameras might be gone, but the US Federal Justice Department hasn’t.  Yesterday they announced that they are launching a full scale investigation of the entire Ferguson Police Department that will probe into current and past police activities in this suburban St. Louis city of 21,000. Their findings will be followed by all of us who care about social justice and equal rights in America.

The larger question remains, “Is There A Ferguson Near You?”  Why, since the beginning of our country over 230 years ago are racial tension. violence and distrust such heavy clogs in the wheels of progress and cultural collaboration? And most importantly what is needed to push us past the angry and evil linchpins that keep popping up in Ferguson, Fresno and the Framinghams of our country?

Joining us to discuss these weighty issues are Monalisa Smith, President, CEO and Founder of Mothers for Justice and Equality and Community Activist and Blogger, Candelaria Silva-Collins.