The Boston community is invited to join clergy and community leaders Tuesday evening for a public forum following a grand jury’s decision not to indict a Ferguson, Missouri, police officer on criminal charges after fatally shooting a black teen over the summer.
The “Forum on Ferguson” will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 12th Baptist Church in the city's Roxbury neighborhood.
Violence and looting were reported almost immediately following the decision not to indict Darren Wilson, the white police officer who fatally shot unarmed teenager Michael Brown, according to NBC News.
Church and city leaders in Boston say they had months of preparation to help the community understand what the indictment means, and are asking people who want to protest to do so in a non-violent and respectful manner.
"I'm feeling confident that we have enough organizations, mobilize and collaborating to avoid that kind of violence that we saw early on right after this story broke, so I think we're better prepared this time," Boston NAACP President Michael Curry said.
Marty Walsh said he understands the grand jury's decision was difficult for everyone involved, adding that he anticipates public demonstrations and that the community is welcome to join him and other clergy and community leaders at the forum.
