DELLWOOD, Mo. – Friday marked 10 years since Michael Brown was shot and killed in Ferguson. The death of Brown sparked national attention towards policing and court systems nationwide.
A large crowd gathered to mark the occasion from Normandy High School, where Brown graduated from months before his death, to Canfield Drive, where his life ended. Numerous people joined Brown’s father in remembering his son’s life.
Michael Brown Sr. says he now devotes his time to the Chosen for Change organization, which aids family members who are coping after personal tragic experiences.
Another organization attempting to help with the healing is the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. The group broke ground on a major new shopping center near Dellwood, which is also close to where the unrest occurred 10 years ago.
The 16,000-square-foot plaza will transform a vacant lot into a vibrant, multi-use center.
“This is a part of the Urban League’s commitment to rebuild Ferguson, Dellwood, and the west Florissant area…(it) shows that St. Louis is still moving forward, that we are still concerned about Ferguson and Dellwood, and we are still committed to making sure the area is rebuilt,” Michael McMillan, president and CEO of Urban League, said.
After Brown’s death, many businesses were looted and set on fire. Now, community leaders say the plaza will serve as a beacon of renaissance, hope, and unity for where it is most needed.
“Ten years ago, it was really devastating. Today, it’s really a symbol of we’re still coming back, still progressing, (we) still got work to do, but today is a great day for the city of Dellwood,” Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones said.
McMillan added, “Success breeds success, hope breeds hope, and when people see investment and stability, it attracts more investment and stability.”
