Demonstrators in Ferguson are hitting the stores this Black Friday not to shop, but to protest.
According to Reuters, protesters in the Missouri town are targeting major retailers today to vent their anger after the grand jury decision on Monday.
A large group of about 75 protesters began by flooding into a Walmart near St. Louis early Friday morning, marching peacefully and chanting “Hands up, don’t shoot!” shocking both staff and shoppers. After being told to disperse by a group of police officers, they proceeded to a nearby Target store to continue the demonstration.
These peaceful demonstrations come after a grand jury announced Monday that Officer Darren Wilson would not face any criminal charges for killing unarmed Black teen, Michael Brown. The Justice for Michael Brown Leadership Coalition immediately began organizing “No Justice, No Profit” campaign calling for citizens to boycott businesses throughout the holiday weekend.
“Until this nation begins to place value on Black lives, there will be no value placed on business,” said coalition member Dacia Polk.