Stay the Course

Michael Brown's mother Lesley McSpadden and other protesters react after hearing the grand jury decision in the fatal shooting of her son in Ferguson, MO.

Strengthened Resolve

Dear ABFE Family,

We at ABFE are disappointed, saddened, and angered by the decision of the Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown. Our hearts go out to the Brown family and the entire Ferguson community. We are now reminded of how the legacy of Jim Crow, "separate-but-equal" and similarly dehumanizing policies and practices challenge both our expectations and our confidence in the judicial process.

Yet, even through this pain, we ask that you stay focused and encouraged. We all must strengthen our resolve to fight for racial equity and justice.

Our experience dismantling institutional barriers compels us to move forward with urgency in our work in support of Black communities. It takes a village. So, be vigilant with your investments in Black men and boys specifically, and ensure that your grantmaking reforms systems that oppress and de-value people.

Our legacy demands that we stay the course. This is why we do what we do here at ABFE.

Turn it up ...and stay tuned.

In solidarity,

Susan Taylor Batten

President & CEO

Get Connected

For information about current protests, calls for action, and demands for justice at the federal level, visit FergusonAction.org or Ferguson National Response Network .

Read one of the many statements and opportunities for action issued since the Grand Jury decision:

The Results Are In: An Open Letter from Protestors on the Grand Jury Decision
Letter to President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, a petition generated by ColorOfChange.org in the wake of the decision
A statement from the Center for Social inclusion on Ferguson and the radicalized cycles of poverty and criminalization

Advocate for quality policing that is accountable to the community it serves in Ferguson by supporting Organization for Black Struggle and also in your own community.

Join the national movement to fight back with Black Lives Matter

Please let us know how you are responding to needs in Ferguson--and elsewhere--by sending an email to Edward Jones, Director of Programs, at [email protected].