While the grand jury decision last fall to not indict Ferguson, Mo. police officer Darren Wilson following the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown sparked often hostile protests around the nation, Tacomans chose to walk and talk.
Police around the nation, including Seattle, wear riot gear and fire tear gas to control protestors, but Tacoma officers helped block traffic so local protesters would be safe during their uphill march in rush hour traffic. Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell and Mayor Marilyn Strickland led the march, which was organized by Deputy Mayor Victoria Woodards.
The protests around the nation have silenced, but discussions continue. Make no mistake. Racism, structural and individual, exists and Tacomans want it gone. Forums are in the works to step toward that day.