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14
An Open Letter From Ferguson Protestors:

We write to reflect on the hiring/firing of PR consultant Devin James and the actions of
Chief Jackson, all occurring on Thursday, September 25
th
.

On Thursday, September 25th, the City of Ferguson fired Devin James, the man hired to
manage public relations for the City in the wake of Michael Browns murder at the hands
of Officer Darren Wilson. Mr. James was then fired because it came to light that he was
convicted of reckless homicide in 2004.

It has come to our attention that the City of Ferguson knew about this previous conviction
but hired him in an attempt to give Mr. James a second chance. In a world where
African American men are systematically placed into the criminal justice system and then
denied employment based on past charges, we actually applaud the thought of citys
original intent in hiring Mr. James, though we questioned his public relations tactics at
times.

However, firing Mr. James once the news of his previous conviction came to public
attention, despite knowing of this record before hiring him, is yet another example of the
lack of integrity and sense of honor in City leadership. If the City of Ferguson was going
to give Mr. James a second chance, then they should have done so without reprieve, and
stood by Mr. James once this news became public. We can only suspect that the City of
Ferguson planned to hide this information from the public another cover-up and
an intentional pattern of secrecy displayed by City leadership. Whether or not we
agreed with Mr. James approach, we believe this once again displays the corroded moral
fiber of the leadership in the City of Ferguson we have seen for over 48 days now.

On the same day of Mr. James termination, a video of Chief Thomas Jackson reciting a
scripted apology to Michael Browns family and to protestors was released. The video
did more harm than good. The apology was 48 days too late, should have occurred in
person, and should have been authentic and heartfelt. A 6 week old scripted video is
unacceptable and disrespects the depth of pain in this community.

Protestors decided to peacefully protest these and other actions of Chief Jacksons outside
of the Ferguson Police Department on Thursday night, the site of peaceful assemblies and
civic actions since August 9.

During this time, in an unnecessary act of clear provocation and intimidation, officers
ripped down the banner that protestors had displayed at their protest site.

On Thursday evening, Chief Jackson came to the sidewalk in front of the Ferguson Police
Department parking lot to speak with peaceful protestors angry with him and with the
police. He was criticized for his apology and for his actions since August 9, 2014. Upon
being asked to march with the protestors, Chief Jackson agreed. He crossed the police
line and began marching. Several peaceful protesters marched very closely to him to
ensure his protection and peace amongst the crowd. People marching included peaceful
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protestors and members of the media. Chief Jackson told the police officers lined up to
stand down. Less than 90 seconds after the march began, a few police officers ran
into the group of protestors from behind and began grabbing people. Seconds later,
nearly all of the police officers present stormed the crowd of protestors, most of them in
riot gear.

During this brief but peaceful march, lawful protestors also report a staff member of
Faracai Pizza North, who was inside the business after it had closed for the evening,
came outside of the establishment. During this time, he pointed a gun directly at
peaceful protestors, another act of threat and intimidation, this time at the hands of
a fellow citizen. At the time of this letter, we have heard he has not been arrested.

Prior to the violent officer interruption of this peaceful march, Chief Jackson was not
harmed in any way. There is video that proves this fact. Video evidence also shows
police officers storming the peaceful protestors unprovoked. The guilty police officers
kicked, grabbed, shoved, and hit peaceful protestors with their hands and batons. Seven
peaceful, lawful protestors were arrested.

One of these protestors was Joshua Williams, an area 18-year-old active in peaceful
assemblies. Police officers beat and choked Joshua and slammed him into the ground
before arresting him.

He was denied medical treatment.

Another peaceful protestor, Coco, was picked up and slammed into the ground
repeatedly before being carried off by several police officers, her body limp.

Police officers arrested Umar Lee, a citizen journalist, and hit his head on concrete before
arresting him.

Despite carrying out these atrocious human rights violations, the police continued to
threaten and intimidate lawful protestors. Peaceful protesters were told that if we
remained on one side of the street (leaving one lane open) the people arrested would be
released. The arrested protestors were, apparently, also told this. Several of them had
their phones with them while they were held in vans behind the Ferguson police station.

Despite promises, no one was released from custody. Officers then said that if we got out
of the street, they would release the protestors. Again, protesters who had been arrested
were apparently told the same thing.

We complied again. And again, no one was released.

Arrested protesters were eventually transferred to another jail. Several were still denied
medical treatment. As of the writing of this letter, only one arrested protestor has been
released.

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Police attempted to hold the unlawfully arrested and abused protestors hostage in
undeserved lockup, and promised their freedom in exchange for the rest of us
leaving the protest site. Based on the injustice of this exchange and lack of grounds for
the arrests, we peacefully refused.

Chief Jacksons actions and the failure of those of the men in his charge to follow
orders have caused further injury, unnecessary harm and detainment, and put more
lives at risk. Given the unprovoked brutality present throughout this crisis and displayed
once again last evening, we conclude that none of these police officers should be
working in law enforcement anywhere, until they can do so in a professional
manner, follow orders, and truly protect and serve all those who step foot in Ferguson.
It is an issue of public safety and basic respect for human dignity.


In Protest,


Ferguson

Note: This was written and edited by several protesters during the morning after the events.