Watts Riots: We Must Reflect on the Lessons of the Past … That We Have … and Haven’t Learned From

PARKS’ PLACE-As you all know by now,  St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch announced the Ferguson, Missouri grand jury’s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the August 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown. 

This case has captivated the nation’s attention and has had us discussing and confronting difficult topics such as law-enforcement in a post-September 11 world and the perceived militarization of police, how we navigate through racial micro-aggressions and stereotypes, community disenfranchisement, and more. 

I’m not here to deliberate the forensic evidence the grand jury was provided with or the inconsistencies of the testimonies or even address Officer Wilson’s ‘demon’ comment. 

I simply want to give my condolences to the Brown Family. My family's hearts are filled with grief at the loss of this young life during a contact with the Ferguson Police Department.

Although, the grand jury chose not to indict, there is still a federal investigation ongoing and the prospects of civil litigation. This phase has come to a conclusion, but there is still a need for activism to ensure that the deep-seeded distrust that exists between the community and the police is addressed. 

The Brown shooting may be the latest spark to highlight a wide divide in police and community relations, but it is clear these raw feelings have taken many years to develop. I hope that a peaceful and long-term strategy can be created that addresses real solutions. The safety and future of our communities demands a thorough evaluation, transparency and collective efforts. All should join the Brown family's request for peace and that their son's life be remembered by meaningful acts and positive change. 

I can’t tell you what to do, or how to exercise your right to peacefully assemble, but burning and damaging buildings, toppling and igniting police cars, and especially blocking the freeway is a crime and very unsafe. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself as a martyr to express the dissatisfaction you may feel with the verdict. You will need to be here to bring the change you want to happen. Learn about your rights and how the LAPD is here to help here.   

Reaction to judge or jury decisions is not new to Los Angeles. Today, I introduced a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Watts Riots (which began on August 11, 1965) and asking that the Cultural Affairs Department, with the assistance of the Human Relations Commission and in consultation with the Mayor's Office as well as the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, be directed to report, in 60 days, with recommendations, a financial plan, and a scope of activities, including a list of those tapped to work on this effort, to appropriately mark and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Watts Riots / Rebellion, including securing grants and other funding to cover the cost. 

I’m nearly a year early, but since I’ll be out of office at that time, and given the undeniable effect this event has had on my life and career, and the effect it continues to have in this city, I find it’s imperative for us to acknowledge and reflect upon the lessons of the past that we have, and haven’t, learned from.

I’m betting there was some interesting discussion around the Thanksgiving table Thursday.

Tuesday, it was my pleasure to take part in two fantastic turkey giveaways. In the morning, I was at Jackson Limousine’s 32nd Annual Turkey Giveaway. It’s always fun being a part of this amazing event.

 

(Bernard Parks is Los Angeles Councilman for the 8^th Council District. He is also  former Los Angeles Police Chief. He can be reached at [email protected]) 

-cw

 

 

 

 

CityWatch

Vol 12 Issue 97

Pub: Dec 2, 2014