A local rally protests police brutality, shows support for Ferguson residents and pushes for a ‘Mike Brown Law’ requiring cops to wear cameras.
Above: Shanita Jackson, one of the organizers of the rally against police brutality, holds a sign while surrounded by other protesters. Photo by Basil Soper.
Early Sunday evening, as the Big Love festival was winding down nearby, about 100 people gathered in front of the Asheville Art Museum. The crowd ranged from young to old, many wearing red shirts and holding signs.
A lack of accountability from the police and systemic racism were two of the major issues highlighted by the shooting of unarmed teenager Mike Brown and ensuing protests in Ferguson, Mo. Local rallies against police brutality and in support of Ferguson residents have been organized around the country. Shanita Jackson, who helped organize the Asheville rally, said she was angry and couldn’t remain idle.
“Anything is better than sitting in front of your TV and yelling and crying,” Jackson said. “There’s so much fear that I’m honestly sick of feeling.”
“Black parents give their children ‘the talk’ and the talk isn’t sexual, it’s about what to do when you come across a policeman,” she continued. “I think that talk is necessary, but it’s sickening that it’s necessary. I know so many people in Asheville and Henderonville feel the same way.”
Protesters circulated a petition for a “Mike Brown law” that would require local, state and federal law enforcement to wear a camera as part of their uniform. Jackson also said she wanted more education about police brutality and for law enforcement to have more extensive training, because “obviously something is falling short there. In the future I want relations between the police and everyone to be better. They can’t walk around with the power trips that they have.”
Corinne Hines, who was handing out red ribbons, said her family was personally affected by a police shooting.
“I have a niece and nephew who are growing up without a father,” she said. “If the cops had cameras on their uniforms, maybe his side of the story would have been told too.”
Santos, a local musician who attended the rally, said recent events had given him a lot to think about.
“I’m trying to process Jordan Davis, Oscar Grant, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin,” he said. “When is enough enough? What kind of world am I going to give my children?”
The effort precedes the organizing of a larger Peace Rally 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 in Triangle Park.
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