The result of an upcoming grand jury decision in Ferguson has prompted numerous calls for citizen safety and peaceful demonstrations. In Springfield, organizers hope to embody a unified community in Saturday’s peace rally.
The event is being conducted by the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Minorities in Business (MID).
In a news release, NAACP president Cheryl Clay said the impending decision of whether Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson will face charges for fatally shooting 18-year-old Michael Brown is a part of the reason for the event. But Clay also reminds that there are issues of violence across the board that she hopes will be remembered Saturday.
“We hope to stand united for peace,” she said. “United against domestic violence, which also plagues our community, and united against all forms of hate.”
Participants are asked to arrive at the corner of Boonville and Commercial at 10 a.m. A march will proceed south on Boonville to the corner of Boonville and Chestnut, where a short rally will take place.
Mayor Bob Stephens, Clay and others will share messages of hope and healing. Stephens said he is encouraged by a continuing dialogue in Springfield over issues of race and the need for a deeper level of understanding among all citizens. That dialogue began during Missouri State University homecoming festivities in October, when silent protestors were met with some negative reaction and reported racial slurs. A subsequent meeting on campus amongst hundreds of students and university staff sought to improve the culture. MSU President Clif Smart has called the dialogue healthy, saying it will ultimately bring positive change to the school.
Speaking on Saturday’s peace rally, Smart said, “Gail and I believe in this cause and want to support our community's ongoing efforts to promote peace and civil conversations,” Smart said. “We appreciate opportunities like this that allow us to come together to foster unity.”
Members of the Greater Springfield Race & Faith Collaborative are also expected to attend. The group organized a Unity March to the Square in August 2013 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” About 1,500 people participated in what some described as a pivotal moment in Springfield’s movement toward embracing increased diversity.
Back in Ferguson, many churches have said they plan to offer prayer, shelter, food and a sanctuary for protesters, residents, students and others affected by potential unrest.
At least 600 potential protestors are said to have participated in meetings on how to protest peacefully following the grand jury's announcement.
