Kayla Reed, a St. Louis native, was deeply impacted by the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a decade ago. The incident sparked widespread protests and civil unrest, leading Reed to become an organizer in the movement for racial justice.
Over the years, the aftermath of the Ferguson uprising has seen significant changes in the fight against systemic racism. Reed now serves as the executive director of Action St. Louis, a Black-led political activist group she co-founded in 2014. She emphasizes that the goal is not just legislative change but the fundamental dismantling of a system rooted in anti-Blackness and white supremacy.
The impact of Michael Brown's death extended beyond Ferguson, giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement and inspiring a new generation of activists across various racial justice movements. Multiracial coalition-building has been instrumental in addressing common issues faced by communities of color and advocating for genuine democracy and economic equity.
Looking back a decade later, Ferguson has made strides in police reform, with a more diverse police force and improved community relations. However, the city remains under federal oversight to ensure ongoing changes in policing and municipal court systems.
Despite progress in some areas, the fight for racial justice continues as incidents of police violence against Black Americans persist. Recent deaths like those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have reignited calls for national policing reforms, yet legislative action remains elusive.
As the nation grapples with racial injustice and the upcoming election, the future of racial justice in the United States remains uncertain. Activists like Reed and organizations continue to push for systemic change and a more equitable society for all.
