Uprising was ‘eye opening’ say Ferguson protesters

The People’s Tribune interviewed Derrick Givens and Torriuan Gibson, of FM Photography. They are in the frontlines of the Ferguson, MO protests.
People’s Tribune: How did the Ferguson uprising change you?
Derrick and Torriuan: It was eye opening. Before it happened, we were already on the move toward developing a team of our own for change. The incident sped up the process. It was shocking that something like this would occur in our cities. It has been happening around the world, but not here. Once we got involved and saw how many people were involved, we knew we had to push our word out. We could see how CNN switches stories. Being out in it and seeing what’s on TV are two different stories. I learned to do more research, to go to multiple sources. It opened our eyes to a lot of stuff happening around the world—from police brutality to the way they move with the system.
PT: What is the mood of people?
D&T: Everyone is waiting for the verdict. A lot of people are on edge. What they are laying out in the newspaper about Mike Brown taking the gun is totally different from what eyewitnesses say. I don’t know what is going to happen; I think it will be a terrible outcome not just here, but around the country. A lot of people will react in their own personal way. If Darren Wilson was to get sentenced, that would be weight off the world’s shoulders. People would believe there’s some type of hope in the system.
PT: What is your vision of a different society?
D&T: First there needs to be justice. Then we can move forward, making the community better after this tragic incidence. I want everybody to have equal rights. They should change the laws, stop pulling Blacks over. I should not have to take off my hat when I’m driving so they won’t think I’m a thug or have drugs. I want to see change. Ferguson needs to rebuilt. It needs to be led by less negativity; it has to be all positive. We have a long way to go. We need to organize and figure out the next step. The youth are feeling there is no hope for the future. They’ve got to see that there can be a better future, but it will take organization and positivity. There’s so much work to be done. The FM movement will press positivity and organize events. We’re planning a homeless charity thing, give them food and clothes and try to get people out and try to speak positive words for a more positive future.
As far as racism, it seems it has come back alive. We were protesting peacefully, walking by the Pizzeria. People in the restaurants were treating the protesters with negative gestures like they didn’t understand why people were out. That’s where we are with racism and ignorance. There should be a way to enlighten some of these people and convert them over. Eventually it will hit home to them too. It’s not affecting their lives now. It will come soon.
You can contact Derrick and Torriuan at 314-695-6923 or 314-299-8740.