In a pivotal moment on August 9, 2014, the nation watched as the city of St. Louis erupted in protests following the killing of an unarmed 18-year-old Black man named Michael Brown by a white police officer. The incident served as a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement, propelling it into the national spotlight in a way it had not been before.

Montague Simmons, now the director of strategic partnerships for the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), recalls how the community meeting he was leading dissolved as news of Brown's death reached the attendees. The response to this tragedy was different from previous cases, with people from all walks of life choosing to stand in solidarity and demand justice.

Social media played a pivotal role during this time, allowing the public unprecedented access to the unfolding events. Livestreams from the scene captured the frustration and anguish of not only the community but also the parents who were unable to reach their children. This raw, unfiltered footage ignited a visceral response among viewers across the nation.

However, as a full decade has passed since Brown's tragic death, his family, advocates, and lawmakers assert that justice has not been served. St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who took office six years after the incident, vowed to bring justice to the Brown family. However, Bell never brought charges against the officer, Darren Wilson, stating that an independent review could not prove Wilson's actions constituted murder or manslaughter under Missouri law.

This lack of accountability has left Brown's family disappointed and frustrated. They feel that their pain and tragedy were exploited for political gain, particularly by Bell, who endorsed Cori Bush in a recent election. Bush, now a U.S. Representative, emphasized that a decade without justice, accountability, and healing is a sobering reminder that much work remains to be done.

Since Brown's death, the killings of more Black men and women at the hands of law enforcement continue to occur across the country, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform. Advocates have been pushing for divestment from militarized police forces and investment in community resources, such as mental health professionals to respond to emergencies.

In response to the ongoing issue of police violence, leaders in Congress have introduced several legislative proposals aimed at addressing the disproportionate impact on Black Americans. These include the Helping Families Heal Act, the People's Response Act, and the BREATHE Act, all of which aim to bring about systemic change and ensure public safety is approached holistically and inclusively.

Reflecting on the past decade, Derrick Johnson, CEO and president of the NAACP, emphasizes that the movement to hold police accountable for their actions has come a long way. Grassroots organizers like Montague Simmons have been at the forefront, presenting a menu of reforms and engaging with elected officials. However, the fight for justice and an end to police violence is far from over.

As the nation marks the 10th anniversary of the Ferguson uprising, the call for justice and the protection of Black lives remains resolute. The legacy of Michael Brown continues to drive advocates and communities to demand change and build a world where no more lives are taken by police violence.