Protestors march against Ferguson decision

Hazel Joplin said she's never participated in a Battle Creek protest, but felt compelled to participate in Monday's silent march downtown in protest of the lack of an indictment in the police shooting of Michael Brown.

About 75 people joined Joplin, marching from New Harvest Christian Center to First United Methodist Church. In August a Ferguson, Mo., police officer, Darren Wilson, shot and killed unarmed African American teenager, Michael Brown. Last week a grand jury declined to indict Wilson in the shooting. After the announcement, community members said they didn't know what to say in response to the verdict, but knew they needed to do something.

"Many of us were saying in many ways that we were speechless that a verdict could come out in Ferguson like it did," said the Rev. William Wyne of Second Missionary Baptist Church.

Wyne said it was important to the group to respond in a positive way that still expressed its discontent with the decision.

Pastors of churches in downtown Battle Creek and members of the Urban League of Battle Creek, Voices of Peace, the Calhoun County Democratic Black Caucus and the local chapter of the NAACP marched with community members Monday morning.

Vice Mayor Lynn Ward Gray spoke to the crowd and City Commissioner Andy Hemboldt also was in attendance. Officers from the Battle Creek Police Department provided security for the protesters as they marched.

Joplin, 74, said she marched in support of a struggle she said is happening across the country. Although she said the verdict did not make her upset or angry, Joplin said she has realized things need to change.

The Battle Creek resident said demonstrations and marches have made a difference in the past, and that her positive participation could make a difference in the community.

"Because I can't go to Ferguson, I'm just in Ferguson somewhere else," Joplin said. "It can happen anywhere. The closer something happens, the closer it is to you, the more concerned you are."

Several people spoke once the group gathered at First United Methodist Church.

Lorraine Hunter, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, told the crowd she felt for the parents of Michael Brown.

"I felt that was awful," she said. "Everyone should be treated as a human being."

Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker also addressed the crowd, asking for patience and cooperation in tough situations. Blocker said he wants the community and the department to work together to understand the problem.

Knowing Brown's killing is a national controversy, Wyne said Blocker didn't hesitate to participate in the silent march activities.

"Some would say I have no place here, others would say this is right where I should be," Blocker told the crowd.

Al Digennaro, a member of Voices of Peace, said there have to be ways to make the situation better and improving police-community relations is a good start.

"It won't happen here because of our community relations, background, the current chief," Digennaro said. "They are committed to, I think, making sure they treat everybody fairly, with respect."

Others weren't so sure.

Carey Whitfield, of the Calhoun County Democratic Black Caucus, said recognizing difference for good instead of bad starts in the homes of every community.

"Being black comes with a lot of negative connotations," Whitfield said. "We need officers to not be so fearful of the color of our skin that they aren't so quick to pull the trigger."

Call Olivia Lewis at 966-0581. Follow her on Twitter:@TheWrittenPeace