CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO THE DEPT OF JUSTICE.
Signatures will be delivered on Wednesday, August 27.
A new coalition called Hands Up United has formed around the events in Ferguson, MO that is working for accountability in the case of the police murder of Michael Brown and for new policies at the national level to reduce police brutality.
According to their website, HandsUpUnited.org, the coalition includes “local organizations leading on the ground in Ferguson, such as Organization for Black Struggle, Missourians Organizing for Reform, Empowerment, and others. The National Demands reflect demands developed by organizations such as Freedom Side and Dream Defenders.”
They are calling for a nationwide student walk out on Monday, August 25, the day of Michael Brown’s funeral which would have been his first day of college if he were alive. The website states: “Youth in Ferguson are calling for a student walkout to honor Mike Brown and protest police violence and racial profiling. On Monday, August 25th, stage a walkout on your campus. Commit to walking out for Mike Brown and create an event to invite others to join you.” Click here for more information about the walkout.
On Tuesday, August 26, they are calling for rallies across the world under the banner of “Take to the Streets. Demand Justice for #MikeBrown.” There are already events planned in more than 50 countries. See the map by clicking here.
Here is the vision:
We are striving for a world where we deal with harm in our communities through healing, love, and kinship. This means an end to state sponsored violence, including the excessive use of force by law enforcement. We are committed to an America that comes to terms with the trauma of its painful history and finds true reconciliation for it. Mass incarceration and the over criminalization of black and brown people must forever end, leaving in its place a culture that embraces our histories and stories. This means an end to racial bias and white supremacy in all its forms.
Our dreams are directly linked with those resisting militarism, war, and state repression around the world. We will achieve this new beloved community hand in hand, step by step, in global solidarity with all people committed to lasting peace and full justice.
Helping out:
The Hands Up United lists ways that people can join and support the effort from organizing local events to coming to Ferguson if you have particular skills that are needed to donating money or supplies. Click here to visit the website and scroll down the page to find out what you can do.
The demands:
The murder of Michael Brown and its aftermath have exposed the ongoing crisis of police-on-black crime. As we work toward justice for the Brown family, we must also address the ongoing systemic problems of police practices in black, brown and all oppressed communities. We come together as diverse organizations to speak with one voice, so that the greater St. Louis area can become a model for justice for all across the United States.
Local Demands
- Swift and impartial investigation by the Department of Justice into the Michael Brown shooting
- Immediate arrest of Darren Wilson
- County Prosecutor Robert McCullough to stand down and allow a Special Prosecutor to be appointed
- Firing of Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson
- Immediate De-escalation of militarized policing of peaceful protestors
- Ensure the rights of people to assemble and peacefully protest are protected
- Hold law enforcement officers accountable for excessive use of force on peaceful protestors
- Immediate release of individuals arrested for exercising their right to assemble and peacefully protest
National Demands
- Obama to come to Ferguson to meet with the people whose human rights have been violated by aggressive and militarized policing, including the family of the victim – Michael Brown.
- Eric Holder to use the full resources and power of the Department of Justices to implement a nationwide investigation of systemic police brutality and harassment in black and brown communities
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and safety of our communities by requiring front facing cameras in police departments with records of racial disparities in stops, arrests, killings, and excessive force complaints
- Immediate suspension without pay of law enforcement officers that have used or approved excessive use of force. Additionally, their names and policing history should be made available to the public.
The website also features a section for live updates and sharing media.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION TO THE DEPT OF JUSTICE.
Signatures will be delivered on Wednesday, August 27.