Statement from Atlanta-Ferguson Solidarity Committee

As organizers of last night's march in solidarity with protesters in Ferguson, MO, we would like to express our utmost thanks and awe to all of the brave people who showed up and put their safety on the line. While we did not necessarily plan for the group to march onto the downtown connector, we are pleased to have participated in this historical moment. We also would urge others to consider why demonstrators in LA, NYC, St Louis, Seattle, Ferguson, and elsewhere have chosen the same tactic. While some have chosen to highlight the vandalism and clashes with police in Atlanta last night, we would like to urge everyone to remember that Michael Brown's life can never be replaced - unlike some broken windows. We condemn the militarization of the police at last nights protest, and at the use of force by supposed "nonviolent" demonstrators against angry, frustrated youth in the crowd. We will be helping to coordinate further demonstrations in light of this immense tragedy. Check atlfergusonsolidarity.wordpress.com for updates and announcements and also #Shutitdownatl and #atltoferguson on social media.

- Atlanta-Ferguson Solidarity Committee