Scenes From Ferguson We Must Not Overlook

As Ferguson’s story continues to unfold, the images from those on the ground paint a haunting picture.

John Michael Davis

The shooting of unarmed 18-year-old Mike Brown has prompted more than a week of protests in Ferguson, Missouri, where police have continuously used rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters. (Scott Olson / Getty)

After teenager Michael Brown is fatally shot by a police officer on August 9, eyewitness accounts report that he had his hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

'78 were arrested overnight in Ferguson, more than double the total reported by authorities.'

The police arrive at a candelight vigil in Brown’s honor on August 10, prompting violence and destruction that spills over into the next week. (AntonioFrench)

After tear-gassing an Al-Jazeera America news team attempting to cover the protests, the police dismantle their equipment. (KSDK)

St. Louis Alderman Antonio French is arrested just after capturing footage of protesters around the city. (AntonioFrench)

Ferguson police fire rubber bullets into a crowd of peaceful protesters. (PolarbearProductions)

Around the country, activists and allies implore Hands up, don’t shoot,” echoing Mike Brown’s alleged gesture before he died.

Though the marchers are largely peaceful, a faction begins breaking into and attempting to loot stores around Ferguson, prompting many of the original protesters to guard the buildings themselves. (AntonioFrench)

On August 16, after a week of demands, Ferguson police release the name of Brown’s killer, Darren Wilson, to the public. 

Nearly every night, protesters are met with tear gas and rubber bullets, provoking mixed narratives from national media coverage.

On August 18, police arrest 90-year-old Hedy Epstein during the day.

That night, dozens of people are arrested.

In an early-morning press conference, Missouri Highway Patrol Captain Ron Johnson advises residents to protest before nightfall.

Families around Ferguson keep their kids entertained and content amidst school closures and continued unrest.

On Tuesday, police fatally shoot a man in St. Louis. Protesters gather into Clayton, where Alderman French assures them that they will not be met with the same level of aggression.

John Davis is an intern at In These Times.
The text is from the poem “QUADRENNIAL” by Golden, reprinted with permission. It was first published in the Poetry Project. Inside front cover photo by Golden.
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