MTSU Students Gather to Protest Michael Brown Case Verdict

Disgruntled students rallied in front of the Student Union Building on Tuesday, November 25 in protest of the St. Louis grand jury returning a no indictment verdict for Officer Darren Wilson late last night.

On August 9th, Michael Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed black man, was shot and killed by Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.  Wilson was found innocent by a grand jury last night. This verdict has prompted protests and rallies nationally, including on MTSU campus.

Around 12:30 p.m., almost 300 students gathered together to mourn Brown and protest racial profiling in law enforcement. The crowd came together peacefully, baring signs that read things such as “Blue Believes in Justice” and “Would You March with Dr. King,” sharing their ideas for improving justice standards.

The rally lasted for approximately an hour and consisted of around 17 students and organizers speaking out against violence toward and within the black community.

“We have to recognize who we are, stop fighting one another, and stand up,” De’Sean Keys, NAACP Middle Tennessee Region Vice President,  said. “Once we recognize who we are as a nonviolent people and vote for our brothers, we will be put on an unstoppable level.”

Although different protests, causes and ideas were shared, the crowd was unified and passionate about standing against the mistreatment of the black community. After voices were heard and tears were shed, the group ended by praying hand-in-hand for their community, the justice system, and Brown and his family.

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To contact news editor Meagan White, email [email protected]