More than 1,000 peaceful protesters took part in a “weekend of resistance” that began with a silent march through the streets of St. Louis and ended with a sit in at St. Louis University. This was the latest in a series of planned acts of civil disobedience in light of the August 9 shooting of Michael Brown, reports The Herald Democrat. Brown was a black teenager who was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.
Protestors were met by police in riot gear, but were eventually allowed to continue their march towards St. Louis University. As they approached the college, campus security and police officers tried to prevent the protesters from entering. The New York Times reports that Cornel West, professor, author and activist, was among the protesters. According to the Herald Democrat, one protester shouted into a megaphone saying, “I am a student. I have my I.D. and I have a lot of guests.” At that point, security officers stepped aside and the crowd entered the St. Louis University campus.
Protesters said their demonstration was intended to end white supremacy and address systemic problems people face regardless of race. They also noted that the march to the campus had taken place on Columbus Day and referred to Columbus as “the first looter.” Protesters said they were reclaiming the college campus.
Although the number of protestors has since dwindled, as of 2:45 am CT, the Herald democrat reports the sit in was ongoing.
