Activists and Leaders React to Ferguson Grand Jury Decision

Leaders offer comfort and counsel to a hurting public.

Black America Grieves - African-Americans around the nation were heartbroken when they learned that the grand jury in Ferguson did not indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. Leaders and activists share their pain, but urge everyone to honor his parents' wishes, remember that the Department of Justice still has its job to do and to keep hope alive. Justice may still be served. — Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick)     (Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

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Black America Grieves - African-Americans around the nation were heartbroken when they learned that the grand jury in Ferguson did not indict police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. Leaders and activists share their pain, but urge everyone to honor his parents' wishes, remember that the Department of Justice still has its job to do and to keep hope alive. Justice may still be served. — Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick)  (Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. - While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change,” the family said in a statement. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen. …Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference    (Photo: EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI/LANDOV)

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Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. - While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change,” the family said in a statement. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen. …Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference  (Photo: EPA/MARTIAL TREZZINI/LANDOV)

President Barack Obama - First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law.  And so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make. There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction. But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully. Let me repeat Michael’s father’s words:  “Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer.  No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.” Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes.       (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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President Barack Obama - First and foremost, we are a nation built on the rule of law.  And so we need to accept that this decision was the grand jury’s to make. There are Americans who agree with it, and there are Americans who are deeply disappointed, even angry. It’s an understandable reaction. But I join Michael’s parents in asking anyone who protests this decision to do so peacefully. Let me repeat Michael’s father’s words:  “Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer.  No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.” Michael Brown’s parents have lost more than anyone. We should be honoring their wishes.   (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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Attorney General Eric Holder - Michael Brown’s death was a tragedy. This incident has sparked a national conversation about the need to ensure confidence between law enforcement and the communities they protect and serve. While constructive efforts are underway in Ferguson and communities nationwide, far more must be done to create enduring trust. The Department will continue to work with law enforcement, civil rights, faith and community leaders across the country to foster effective relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve and to improve fairness in the criminal justice system overall. In addition, the Department continues to investigate allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices by the Ferguson Police Department.   (Photo: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images)

Photo By T.J. Kirkpatrick/Getty Images

Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) - The Ferguson Grand Jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown is a miscarriage of justice. It is a slap in the face to Americans nationwide who continue to hope and believe that justice will prevail. This decision seems to underscore an unwritten rule that Black lives hold no value; that you may kill Black men in this country without consequences or repercussions. This is a frightening narrative for every parent and guardian of Black and brown children, and another setback for race relations in America. My heart goes out to Michael Brown's loved ones and to the loved ones of all the Michael Browns we have buried in this country.    (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) - The Ferguson Grand Jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown is a miscarriage of justice. It is a slap in the face to Americans nationwide who continue to hope and believe that justice will prevail. This decision seems to underscore an unwritten rule that Black lives hold no value; that you may kill Black men in this country without consequences or repercussions. This is a frightening narrative for every parent and guardian of Black and brown children, and another setback for race relations in America. My heart goes out to Michael Brown's loved ones and to the loved ones of all the Michael Browns we have buried in this country. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri)  - "I am very disappointed that even with video and audio evidence, a grand jury in New York could not bring themselves to indict a group of police officers for what is obviously to the human eye a crime. You have killed someone. You have taken a life. So that infers to me that the grand jury apparently did not value that young's man life and that's a tragedy."    (Photo: UPI/Bill Greenblatt/LANDOV)

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Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) - “From the beginning of this tragic case, I have repeatedly expressed my grave concerns about the local investigation into the police killing of Michael Brown, Jr. Today…sadly, we see that those concerns were well-founded. The grand jury’s decision to not indict Officer Darin Wilson is extremely disappointing, but not unexpected.Two days after Michael Brown was killed, I contacted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to request the urgent assistance of the Department of Justice. I am thankful that the attorney general and his staff responded with great speed and strength. He has assured me that the ongoing federal investigations will be extensive, vigorous, and will follow the facts, wherever they lead. The pursuit of justice for Michael Brown, Jr. and his family is not over.While I share the anger and frustration of so many in our community, I ask everyo...

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee - My continued sympathy goes to Michael Brown’s family for their loss and for the people of Ferguson, Missouri. No family should experience this loss and my plea is to ask for peaceful and nonviolent protest. We know that the voices of the people must be heard but we should adhere to the message of nonviolence and change through the legal process. Many questions of fact remain unanswered in the killing of Michael Brown. Therefore I intend to continue to press the Department of Justice to continue their vigorous review of this case. The DOJ has launched a federal probe into possible civil rights violations that may have been committed.  I am hoping through this investigation there will be a full public airing of these matters. We appreciate Attorney General Holder for announcing this investigation with the speed necessary.   (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Gett...

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee - My continued sympathy goes to Michael Brown’s family for their loss and for the people of Ferguson, Missouri. No family should experience this loss and my plea is to ask for peaceful and nonviolent protest. We know that the voices of the people must be heard but we should adhere to the message of nonviolence and change through the legal process. Many questions of fact remain unanswered in the killing of Michael Brown. Therefore I intend to continue to press the Department of Justice to continue their vigorous review of this case. The DOJ has launched a federal probe into possible civil rights violations that may have been committed.  I am hoping through this investigation there will be a full public airing of these matters. We appreciate Attorney General Holder for announcing this investigation with the speed necessary. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Gett...

Judith Browne Dianis, Advancement Project - The legal system has failed again to hold someone accountable for the loss of life of an unarmed young Black man. In places throughout the United States, innocent lives are being lost at the hands of those who are supposed to serve and protect us. Mike Brown, Eric Garner and John Crawford are just a small portion of those killed by the police, while countless others have been harassed, injured and criminalized unnecessarily. Efforts for sweeping change will not stop until there is relief for communities of color.   (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)

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Judith Browne Dianis, Advancement Project - The legal system has failed again to hold someone accountable for the loss of life of an unarmed young Black man. In places throughout the United States, innocent lives are being lost at the hands of those who are supposed to serve and protect us. Mike Brown, Eric Garner and John Crawford are just a small portion of those killed by the police, while countless others have been harassed, injured and criminalized unnecessarily. Efforts for sweeping change will not stop until there is relief for communities of color. (Photo: Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) - "It's extremely alarming to me. Unlike Ferguson, in this situation everybody in the world had a chance to see what happened. How do you lose your life over selling loose cigarettes? I know for a fact that this is going to cause people to continue to take these incidents and take them from a moment to a movement that's going to last for a very long time. It is very important that the Congressional Black Caucus be a significant part of that movement. We cannot allow our sons, young people, fathers, brothers to be slain like this and we don't have the right to remain silent."    (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) - I am disappointed in the grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Wilson for taking the life of Michael Brown; however, we must respect that decision. The Department of Justice will continue its review of this incident and the entire Ferguson Police Department, and I am confident that investigation will bring us closer to the justice that Brown’s family and the entire Ferguson community deserve. We must all remember that this is first and foremost about the death of a young man, and the loss of a bright future. While I understand the emotions that have brought protestors into the streets, our goal now should be preventing cases like this one from ever happening again by encouraging dialogue with the police forces sworn to protect our communities and transforming the practices and culture that led to the shooting. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Mayor Kevin Johnson - "We hope that prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch will release the full transcript and audio proceedings of the Grand Jury as he promised in September. This will ensure that Michael Brown's family, as well as the community and the American public will have a greater understanding of what happened on August 9. As leaders of cities across the country, we are committed to working with our communities to ensure that this tragedy is never repeated," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. "There is an understandable feeling of discontent in the community, and there will no doubt be protests. Our hope is that any demonstrations that occur will be peaceful and nonviolent so that we can begin to heal from this difficult time.     (Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

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Mayor Kevin Johnson - "We hope that prosecuting attorney Robert McCulloch will release the full transcript and audio proceedings of the Grand Jury as he promised in September. This will ensure that Michael Brown's family, as well as the community and the American public will have a greater understanding of what happened on August 9. As leaders of cities across the country, we are committed to working with our communities to ensure that this tragedy is never repeated," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. "There is an understandable feeling of discontent in the community, and there will no doubt be protests. Our hope is that any demonstrations that occur will be peaceful and nonviolent so that we can begin to heal from this difficult time.  (Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

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Cornell William Brooks, NAACP - The death of Michael Brown and actions by the Ferguson Police Department is a distressing symptom of the untested and overaggressive policing culture that has become commonplace in communities of color all across the country. We will remain steadfast in our fight to pass the End Racial Profiling federal legislation. And we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters and uphold that their civil rights not be violated as both demonstrators and authorities observe the “rules of engagement.” The grand jury’s decision does not mean a crime was not committed in Ferguson, Missouri, nor does it mean we are done fighting for Michael Brown, Jr. At this difficult hour, we commend the courage and commitment of Michael Brown's family, as well as local and national coalition partners.   (Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

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Cornell William Brooks, NAACP - The death of Michael Brown and actions by the Ferguson Police Department is a distressing symptom of the untested and overaggressive policing culture that has become commonplace in communities of color all across the country. We will remain steadfast in our fight to pass the End Racial Profiling federal legislation. And we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters and uphold that their civil rights not be violated as both demonstrators and authorities observe the “rules of engagement.” The grand jury’s decision does not mean a crime was not committed in Ferguson, Missouri, nor does it mean we are done fighting for Michael Brown, Jr. At this difficult hour, we commend the courage and commitment of Michael Brown's family, as well as local and national coalition partners. (Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

Marc Morial, National Urban League - We are of course indescribably disappointed. We are disappointed in the grand jury’s decision. We are disappointed in St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch’s focus more on the media’s reaction to this injustice than to the loss of Michael Brown’s life. We are disappointed that this does not reflect the best of what our nation can be. This is not a proud day for America. We uphold the justice system and legal structure that has helped to guide the course of America and many of the rights we all enjoy today. But nothing is perfect. When we abandon the very foundational tenet of justice for all, we abandon a core part of who we are as a nation.   (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) 

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Marc Morial, National Urban League - We are of course indescribably disappointed. We are disappointed in the grand jury’s decision. We are disappointed in St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch’s focus more on the media’s reaction to this injustice than to the loss of Michael Brown’s life. We are disappointed that this does not reflect the best of what our nation can be. This is not a proud day for America. We uphold the justice system and legal structure that has helped to guide the course of America and many of the rights we all enjoy today. But nothing is perfect. When we abandon the very foundational tenet of justice for all, we abandon a core part of who we are as a nation. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) 

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Rep. Karen Bass (D-California) - Even though the process has ended locally, I will continue to insist that the United States Department of Justice conduct its own investigation to determine if the Ferguson police violated Michael Brown's civil rights. I understand how many of us are upset by tonight’s announcement. My heart goes out to Michael Brown’s parents, who are grieving the loss of their son while calling on protestors to channel their frustration to create positive change. Let us honor their wishes and answer this injustice with peaceful protest — lifting our voice in unison in a chorus for justice and free from additional violence. (Photo: UPI/Kevin Dietsch /LANDOV)

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Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) - I know this [is] hard. I know this is difficult. Do not succumb to the temptations of violence. There is a more powerful way. …Only love can overcome hate. Only nonviolence can overcome violence. (Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Thurgood Marshall College Fund)

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Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)  - As this long and complicated process continues, let us not forget that at its core, a family and community has lost a young man – Michael Brown. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents and those who loved him as they grieve their loss. And while I know their loss is heightened by many unanswered questions surrounding his death last August, I hope that good can come out of this tragic situation.”  (Photo: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Corbis)

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Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina)  - As this long and complicated process continues, let us not forget that at its core, a family and community has lost a young man – Michael Brown. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents and those who loved him as they grieve their loss. And while I know their loss is heightened by many unanswered questions surrounding his death last August, I hope that good can come out of this tragic situation.” (Photo: T.J. Kirkpatrick/Corbis)

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Melanie Campbell - The prosecutor appeared to serve as a defense attorney instead of prosecuting attorney seeking justice for an unarmed 18-year-old teenager. Further, the prosecutor’s reckless decision to release the grand jury decision at 9 p.m. is a critical example of his mishandling of this case. We urge the U.S. Justice Department to continue its full federal investigation in the wrongful death of Michael Brown, as well as its investigation of excessive police misconduct in the Ferguson Police Department and hope they bring civil rights charges against Officer Wilson.(Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images)

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Melanie Campbell - The prosecutor appeared to serve as a defense attorney instead of prosecuting attorney seeking justice for an unarmed 18-year-old teenager. Further, the prosecutor’s reckless decision to release the grand jury decision at 9 p.m. is a critical example of his mishandling of this case. We urge the U.S. Justice Department to continue its full federal investigation in the wrongful death of Michael Brown, as well as its investigation of excessive police misconduct in the Ferguson Police Department and hope they bring civil rights charges against Officer Wilson.(Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images)

Damon K. Jones, Blacks in Law Enforcement of America - It is time for the Department of Justice to be more proactive in investigating and if necessary prosecuting cases of questionable police shooting and police criminality.As a national organization of black law enforcement professionals, we will continue to demand critical and fair accountability of those police officers that cross the line. We will also demand that local, state, federal officials, police administrations and politicians recognize and correct their failure to address this ongoing problem.   (Photo: Damon K. Jones via Twitter)

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Damon K. Jones, Blacks in Law Enforcement of America - It is time for the Department of Justice to be more proactive in investigating and if necessary prosecuting cases of questionable police shooting and police criminality.As a national organization of black law enforcement professionals, we will continue to demand critical and fair accountability of those police officers that cross the line. We will also demand that local, state, federal officials, police administrations and politicians recognize and correct their failure to address this ongoing problem.  (Photo: Damon K. Jones via Twitter)

Barbara Arnwine, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - What happened in Ferguson, Missouri raises serious questions about how communities of color nationwide are treated by our criminal justice system. We call upon elected officials and law enforcement to establish policies and procedures that will put an end to bias against people of color. Police brutality, especially against minority communities, is a national crisis and requires a national response. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Barbara Arnwine, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law - What happened in Ferguson, Missouri raises serious questions about how communities of color nationwide are treated by our criminal justice system. We call upon elected officials and law enforcement to establish policies and procedures that will put an end to bias against people of color. Police brutality, especially against minority communities, is a national crisis and requires a national response. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Lily Eskelsen García, National Education Association - For the sake of our children and the future generations to come we must not let today’s decision be an end but the beginning of a larger conversation on social justice and fighting intolerance and racial disparities in our society.   (Photo: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)

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Lily Eskelsen García, National Education Association - For the sake of our children and the future generations to come we must not let today’s decision be an end but the beginning of a larger conversation on social justice and fighting intolerance and racial disparities in our society.  (Photo: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)