NATCHEZ — Members of a civil rights organization brought a national issue to the streets of Natchez Wednesday as they peacefully protested recent events in Ferguson, Mo.

A grand jury declined Monday to indict white police officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed, black 18-year-old whose fatal shooting sparked weeks of sometimes violent protests and inflamed deep racial tensions.

Although the events of Ferguson did not occur in Natchez, the Natchez National Action Network felt it was a national issue that couldn’t be ignored.

“What took place in Ferguson is larger than Ferguson,” said Natchez NAN President Phillip West standing in front of the United States Courthouse on Pearl Street. “It’s a national issue, and Ferguson only represents a problem in this country that has existed throughout the history of this country.”

West said residents must object to injustices that occur, especially in the criminal justice system.

“Some of the mindset that existed during slavery still exists, where people don’t view others as equal human beings,” West said.

The nearly 20 protesters that gathered for two hours held various signs at the protest throughout the event.

“Law enforcement officers should be trained and have a proper mentality to understand that it’s equal justice under the law regardless to race, creed or color and regardless to economic situations,” West said.

Organizers asked the protesters to honor Brown with a moment of silence.

West said he does not condone the actions of Ferguson residents participating in radical protests, such as rioting, but he understands their anger.

“I lived through the ’60s,” West said. “I don’t think it’s right, but at the same time I understand why some people do what they do. Many times people become hopeless because they see these kind of things happening over and over again.”

Natchez NAN member and coordinator Jacqueline Marsaw said what occurred in Ferguson can happen anywhere.

“We want to bring awareness to the community, because something like this could happen to anyone’s child,” Marsaw said.

In Ferguson Monday, Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said the jury of nine whites and three blacks met on 25 separate days over three months, hearing more than 70 hours of testimony from approximately 60 witnesses, including three medical examiners and experts on blood, toxicology and firearms.

Thousands of people have since rallied in other U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York, to protest Monday’s decision, leading marches, waving signs and shouting chants of “Hands Up! Don’t Shoot,” the slogan that has become a rallying cry in protests over police killings across the country.

 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.