Chattanooga’s African American Community Responds To Ferguson
Mahmood Abdullah a Chattanooga business owner says he understands where the anger is coming from but feels rioting is not the solution.
"That’s the only way I think they can put over their frustrations, I am not saying many, not saying all, you know just tear up what is not their’s anyways, the way I look at that many people you shouldn’t destroy buildings and all that but many of them look at it what do they have to gain anyway, even in the black community blacks don’t own noway."
Former Chattanooga Police Officers say they are concerned by what is happening in Ferguson and ask those who are upset here in the Scenic City to express themselves peacefully.
Napoleon Williams, Former Chattanooga Police Officer,"Keep cool heads not to do nothing real crazy its our city, we love this city, I can remember when Dr King got killed 1968 we were on 12 hour shifts that was something in this city, Jesse Jackson came here."
Father Brian Merritt spent close to a month on the ground helping in Ferguson and believes only when there is open communication can the healing begin.
"Of course we say that some violence is acceptable and what we call rioting is unacceptable but violence itself is merely just a symptom of something deeper, spiritually wrong."
Merritt added that he wished he could have been surprised by the grand jury verdict and feels law enforcement receive too much support when courts and juries are involved.
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher told news 12 that he’s, "confident our community members will not use this or any occasion as an excuse for violence."
He also asks for "restraint, respect and tolerance" over the coming days.
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