ST. LOUIS — August 1st marks the day that Michael Brown Jr. graduated from high school. And this year, just days before the ten-year anniversary of his death, his father, Mike Brown sr., joined by supporters and community members, returned to this site where his son died to rebuild the memorial.

This very spot, where Michael’s body lay in the street for four and a half hours, remains a powerful symbol of the national outcry that followed. His death ignited a movement, birthing the ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’ campaign, initiated by Anthony Shahid, who expressed his frustration that little has changed in the past decade.

“And I’m giving you my opinion on what I see. Ain’t nothing changed in ten years; it’s way worse,” said Shahid.                

Off camera, Shahid referred to the tragic deaths of Sonya Massey, George Floyd and others who were killed by police. Mike Brown, Jr., shared his feelings as he reflected on the last ten years.

“10 years… just never forget that Mike Brown was dehumanized as a person. He had a family….People loved him. And we will always raise him up high,” said Michael Brown Sr., father of Michael Brown Jr.

Supporters brought teddy bears, candles, and flowers, while others wrote messages of hope and remembrance on the ground.  This event marked the beginning of the ‘All Roads Lead to Ferguson’ commemoration spearheaded by the Mike Brown Sr.  Chosen for Change Foundation.

“12 other states. We have impacted families who have lost children to the police brutality and violence that we serve. In our efforts to provide grief services, we do that for whole families,” said Melanie Randels, Executive Director of the Mike Brown Sr. Chosen For Change Foundation. 

As the ten-year anniversary of this pivotal moment in American history approaches, supporters of the community of Ferguson stand united, remembering the past and striving for a better future.