MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hundreds of people hit the streets in East Memphis to protest Ferguson’s decision not to indict a police officer who shot and killed an unarmed teen.
It was a stark contrast to what happened in Ferguson Monday night.
While people in Memphis were very heated, they were peaceful. Protestors said they weren’t looking for violence, but rather justice and change, like getting police officers to stop using excessive force and racial profiling.
More than 350 people stood on the corner of Poplar and Highland for several hours Tuesday night. Their voices echoed as they waved signs.
“A lot more people should be angry. Everybody should be angry,” EJ Friedman of Memphis said.
Protestors were of all ages and backgrounds.
“We should get justice. Everyone is equal,” 11-year-old Leif Love-Cloys of Memphis said.
They demanded justice for Ferguson teen Michael Brown.
“I put myself in the shoes of the people in Ferguson. Mike Brown could have been my friend,” organizer Sha’ona Coleman said. “The justice system I’m supposed to have my faith in, to make sure justice prevails, I don’t.”
During the protest, nearby businesses locked up, and police stood close by to make sure things didn’t get out of control, but there were no clashes, disturbances, or arrests.
“I fought through the crowd. They welcomed me with open arms, so again, I applaud them for that,” MPD Director Toney Armstrong said. “These young people can make their voices heard. They can do it in a passionate way, but they can still do it in a peaceful way as well.”
Protestors said their demonstration wasn’t about violence, it was about fighting for something they believe in.
“I believe in this. I’m fighting to the end,” Dunetra Merritt of Memphis said. “We need peace and justice for everybody.”
Armstrong said the momentum is building. More people are pulling permits for protests against Ferguson’s decision.
He’s hoping Tuesday’s protest sets an example, and demonstrations continue to stay peaceful.
