MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis chapter of the NAACP said the investigation into Stewart’s killing has lacked transparency.
In a news conference Tuesday afternoon they were also critical of the grand jury. They’re upset by how quickly they came back with their decision to not indict Officer Connor Schilling.
However surprisingly they’re standing by the Memphis Police Department with the hope of making a statement.
Speaking from the 12th floor at 201 Poplar, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong and the NAACP came together. They said they want to be a model for the rest of the nation.
“This watershed day for Memphis, we will remember this day that criminal justice reform has begun so Darrius Stewart did not die in vain,” said Dr. Stacy Spencer with New Direction Christian Church.
While each case is different, what happened back in July in Memphis, is similar to cases we’ve seen around the country.
From Ferguson to Baltimore and Florida, all cases erupted in violence.
On Tuesday, Armstrong and the NAACP stood shoulder to shoulder encouraging the public to have their voices be heard.
They asked people if they plan to protest to do it peacefully and respectfully.
“It does not mean a movement against the men and women who are on the police force. It means to work together and we can heal together because we must live together,” said Pastor Keith Norman, President of the Memphis NAACP.
Armstrong and other leaders said they are forming a coalition in the next few days.
“We have to do a better job at educating the public, and at educating each other,” said Toney Armstrong.
They plan to work with the community, educating them about the grand jury, the criminal justice system and their rights.
In a city known to have its differences leaders said if they work together they can create a better Memphis.