Michael Brown Sr.
Essential Question
What does “Ferguson and Beyond” mean?
Themes from Truth Testimonies
- Structural Poverty
- Militarization of Police
- Unjust legal System
Description
Truth Teller Mike Brown Sr. is the father of Michael Brown Jr., the youth who was fatally shot by police officers in Ferguson, Missouri on August, 9, 2014. His son’s killing spawned a social and political movement against police brutality throughout the nation, including birthing a generation of social justice community activists who are working tirelessly for criminal justice reform and transformation.
Learning Opportunities for Community Leaders and Educators
Explain to participants that they will view Mike Brown’s testimony and that you will pause the video for a “stop and discuss” process at points where questions emerge. Allow for discussion and continue viewing his story.
Guiding questions (Stop & Discuss)
- How do you understand the difference between an event and a social movement?
- How would you categorize the national events that followed the police shooting of Michael Brown Jr?
- Why do you think the murder of Michael Brown Jr. led to a global outcry?
- How do you think these events affect how we talk about policing?
- What is Mike Brown Sr.’s wish for all individuals who have suffered or come into contact with police brutality in their communities?
Extension
- In groups of 2-3 participants, create a public service announcement that describes a conversation between Black parents and their children and what should be done when coming in contact with police officers. The groups will also make another public service announcement that describes the same conversation between White parents and their children when coming into contact with police officers. The groups must draft and complete a script that role-plays both scenes. The group will then act out the scripts they created.
- Create a Concept Map of all the groups, organizations, and actions that formed following the shooting of Michael Brown Jr. to illustrate Ferguson and Beyond. Be sure to show how groups, organizations or actions grew out of other efforts.
Resources
Michael Brown Anniversary: Police Shoot Suspect in Ferguson, Missouri