A grand jury’s decision Monday night not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown sparked protests around the nation in cities like Oakland, California, New York and Philadelphia. In Wilmington, local leaders hope the focus on issues raised in Ferguson can help further efforts to combat crime and violence in Delaware’s largest city.
Nnamdi Chukwuocha, who represents Wilmington’s 1st District on the city council, was saddened to hear the news that police officer Darren Wilson won’t be indicted for the death of Michael Brown. But he says, his constituents weren’t expecting different news.
“This is what they expected, justice will never be served in issues like this,” he said. “This unfortunately isn’t the first instance and it won’t be the last, and for us to think about what are the root causes that create this kind of environment?”
Wilmington City Councilwoman Sherry Dorsey Walker echoed that sentiment.
“I can honestly say that I’m not surprised by the fact that the grand jury chose not to indict,” said Dorsey Walker.
Dorsey Walker says that many of her constituents in the 6th District are praying for Brown’s family…especially some younger people in her district who expressed deep frustration over the grand jury’s decision…yet overall people are more concerned about the violence that’s happening right in their neighborhood. So the Councilwoman is hoping that this event will help unite people to create positive change.
“I really am hoping that people can come together, that Ferguson can create a sense of community for people,” she said.
Dorsey Walker adds that police here in Wilmington, unlike in Ferguson, have a better relationship with the local community. She sees that as an asset when it combating crime and other issues.
“We have a very very strong base here in the city of Wilmington, with the Wilmington community policing officers, with the faith based community, with various members of city council who are working diligently to try to make a difference in our communities,” Dorsey Walker said.
But Dorsey Walker and Chukwuocha concede that the number of shootings remains too high and are looking for solutions beyond policing. Dorsey Walker says it begins with even little things like her work on a recent initiative to put additional solar powered lighting in trees in downtown Wilmington in an effort to make the streets safer at night.
