Source: Scott Olson / Getty
W itness to History turns to Ashely Yates , one of the most critical organizers of Ferguson, Missouri’s 180-day resistance movement that began following the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. , an unarmed, Black teenager. On August 9, 2014, two days before he was to start college, Brown was shot down in the street by (now former) white cop, Darren Wilson. His body was left in the middle of the street for hours, as though he was a piece of forgotten trash. He was not. He was a beloved son, family and community member and after decades of police and government corruption, the people of Ferguson said enough–and the world responded.
Looking back to look forward
Urban One’s original iOne podcast is co-produced and hosted by our colleague and Ferguson leader, Tory Russell . Russell initiated the 2014 uprising. His leadership in Ferguson and St. Louis County remains vital, central. So little has changed since Michael Brown was killed.
In this episode, Tory and Ashely remember the brave young people who protested day after and day and night after night in Ferguson. They remember the brutality visited upon them by local and state police, the National Guard and federal officers, including agents of the FBI. The same FBI that caused the death of Black Panthers, who two generations ago, also stood up against police and state violence.
Source: JOSHUA LOTT / Getty
They remember the teargas–how i t was used repeatedly against nonviolent protestors.
And they remember Bassem Masri, a young Palestinian man who supported the uprising, body and heart, spirit and mind. In November of 2018, Basset was found dead on a bus. His death was ruled a suicide, an alleged overdose. Many still find the the official story questionable . He was one of at least five Ferguson protesters to die suddenly and suspiciously in the wake of the uprising.
But during the uprising, Bassem ensured the support of his people who were living in Palestine. They taught the protesters how to survive tear gas attacks.
Yet as Ashley and Tory look back on the trauma the police caused in 2014, Tory and Ashley look squarely into the face of today. They add their views on the current election cycle, and all the work that still needs to be addressed– from the corners to the Capitol, and all points in between.
Leaving home
Ashley moved to Oakland, California not long after the uprising ended.She loves her work supporting young people living in the East Bay. But the journey from Ferguson wasn’t easy.
Thrust into a media spotlight—where she never sought to be—Ashley was uncomfortable. Her preference was speaking with the people of her community. But her leadership was impossible to ignore, even by President Obama. Ashley was invited to join an historic private meeting in the Oval Office with him. She was invited to present at a United Nations meeting in Switzerland. She was invited to Brazil for an international gathering about state violence and Black people.
But as incredible as those experiences–and others–were, Ashley felt the pressure that comes when you stand on the global stage. It made the target on her back even bigger.
The fierce urgency of joy
All of her experiences led her along the path she travels today. Ashley intentionally sought ways to heal. She sought to fully appreciate that she–like us all–are worthy of healing. We are deserving of care. Ashley claimed spaces of joy to balance all the spaces of hurt, and wants all of us to. For the leading organizer, that does mean doing movement. work. But it also means hold sacred space and time immersed in that which brings her peace. She heals in the vast and stunning natural world of California. And she’s writing again. But now just for herself.
The University of Missouri graduate underscores that we must all find ways to prioritize our health, physical and mental. Ashley herself took a year away from movement work to do just that. And after a year of intensive therapy, she was able to return. Ten years after Ferguson, Ashley Yates is able to continue supporting others as they work for justice. It’s work they do, as Ashley does, from a place of wellness and joy.
SEE MORE:
The post Witness To History: Ferguson Leader Ashley Yates’ A Call To Healing, Joy And Resistance appeared first on NewsOne .
Local News
Comments / 0