Ten Years Later: Remembering Michael Brown and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice in St. Louis
On this day ten years ago, the St. Louis region was forever changed when Michael Brown, Jr., an unarmed black male, was killed by a white officer in Ferguson, MO. This tragic event sparked difficult conversations about racial inequities that continue to plague our community to this day.
“My heart is with the Brown family and our entire regional community as we continue to mourn this loss, ten years on,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “In the decade since Michael was killed, St. Louis has had to confront uncomfortable truths about our relationship with the police and local government. Our focus remains on creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. While we have made progress, there is still much work to be done.”
Progress Made in Economic and Racial Justice
In the years following the release of the Forward Through Ferguson report, the City of St. Louis has implemented several key improvements in the areas of economic and racial justice. These include:
Addressing critical needs through family and community stability, institutions and organizations, and systemic policies and practices
Establishing the Economic Justice Action Plan, a collaborative effort between the Mayor Jones administration and the St. Louis Development Corporation to create a vibrant and just economy for all residents
Implementing effective alternatives to jail time, fines, and fees for municipal ordinance violations through the Cities Addressing Fines/Fees Equitably (CAFFE) Program
Establishing the Office of Financial Empowerment, which offers financial empowerment classes to assist those charged with not having car insurance and helps individuals address outstanding tickets to avoid arrest
Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be done to achieve true economic and racial justice in St. Louis. The City remains committed to creating a more equitable and thriving community for all its residents.
