By Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson
Senior Pastor, First A.M.E. Church of Seattle
Members of the United Black Clergy, Seattle Branch of the NAACP, A Phillip Randolph Institute and other ministers and community-based organizations, gathered on the corner of 23rd and Union on Tuesday November 25, 2014, to march in protest of the grand jury’s decision to not indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
As marchers, being escorted by Seattle Police, began the unified procession we noticed another group of marchers walking in unison towards our march. These marchers, from Garfield High School, had met and decided to walk out of school to stand in solidarity with their slain peer in Ferguson, MO. They wanted their voice to be heard of their dismay and anguish at yet another killing of a black youth.
I stood in amazement as I watched these hundreds of young people marching towards the 23rd and Union starting point to join us. They were determined and wanted their presence known. My heart was warmed and my sense of pride was filled with joy as these young people marched with signs held high and marching in solidarity. These young people proved to be the energy of the march.
With marching chants of: “Hands up, don’t shoot” and “Black males matter” the movement walked boldly to the Federal Building in downtown Seattle, where several community leaders and clergy along with young people, gave their speeches and expressions of protest but, yet in still, promise that a better day is going to come.
I simply write this reflection to commend the youth of our community who are showing that they are raising their voice with conscience, conviction, and commitment to make the world in which we live a better place. May the fight for justice for Michael Brown continue until we as a nation prevail with justice for this tragic situation.
