Gun shots. Tear gas. SWAT. Tanks.
What residents once knew as Ferguson, Missouri, is now becoming a war zone as protestors fight for justice for 18-year old Michael Brown who was unarmed yet gunned down by an officer a week ago after suspicion of robbery from a nearby market.
What is being deemed as a result of racism has caused the streets of the St. Louis suburbs to become a state of emergency as countless officers try and defend themselves against protestors who are simply just asking for answers; Why are we killing each other? Why is racism still alive? Why is the power of authority being abused? Why another innocent teenager?
As the world keeps a close eye on their televisions, newspapers and news feeds, entertainers and musicians of just about every genre have come to the light searching for the same answers and most of all, asking our communities, how can we prevent this from happening? How can we all change ourselves and generations to come for the better so that we don’t keep killing each other? Black, white, blue or purple. Big, small, round, or tall. How can we raise awareness and gain justice?
While attending a charity flag football event held by R&B singers Chris Brown and Quincy at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, St. Louis rapper/native Nelly was sure to utilize the moment, grab not just the microphone, but rather the undivided attention of the audience to let them know, we need to educate ourselves. He said if anyone could understand the injustice which was going on in Ferguson are the people of LA.
As he spoke, just about everyone in attendance; fans and celebs; raised both hands in the air and in sync shouted, “DON’T SHOOT”. An obvious hurt and concerned Nelly took to fans to not “preach”, but instead speak knowledge on what’s been going on in his hometown and what’s unfortunately, an issue spreading from city to city.
I was fortunate enough to take a walk with Nelly for an exclusive interview off the field, he discussed what do we have to do to make things better in his home town… Education and not aggression should be the strategy to help future generations.
Watch below to hear his thoughts below. We hope that more celebrities and artists use their voice to influence awareness and change as he did. To view more highlights watch the SKEETV wrap up here.
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