The grand jury decision in the case of Michael Brown was decided last night (November 24) in front of the nation. As anticipated, the decision was made to not indict Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Brown, causing public outrage in both Ferguson and around the country.
The Hip Hop community subsequently weighed in both on the streets and through social media. Legendary producer and activist Q-Tip took to the streets in New York’s wave of protests while also hitting up Twitter to vent his frustration.
“No value for black life,” he said in reaction to the decision. “But they extrapolate our magic, sweat, our voice our fire… And leave us stripped of our right to exist.” Numerous emcees quoted other activists and artists. Nas relayed a KRS-One quote from the Boogie Down Productions song “Who Protects Us From You?” saying: “You were put here to protect us, but who protects us from you?”
The grand jury consisting of nine whites and three blacks found that Darren Wilson should not stand trial in the shooting death of Michael Brown. The decision comes after months of deliberation. Protesters in Ferguson have been protesting in the city for 108 days. Michael Brown’s parents, Lesly McSpadeden and Michael Brown, Sr. released a statement shortly after the grand jury verdict was announced.
“We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” the parents said. “While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.”
View all related tweets to the grand jury decision below:
No value for black life. But they extrapolate our magic , sweat, our voice our fire… And leave us stripped of our right to exist
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) November 25, 2014
“You were put here to protect us, but who protects us from you?” – KRS One — Nasir Jones (@Nas) November 25, 2014
I am so fucking angry…….
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) November 25, 2014
The Crowd is attacking “Police Cars”. It’s the system the hate! Officers they cud be attacking YOU but they are not. #Think #DontShoot
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) November 25, 2014
Sending my prayers out to the family and friends of Mike Brown. Praying for all the people out there in Ferguson. No justice out here!!!
— Big K.R.I.T. (@BIGKRIT) November 25, 2014
I’m heartbroken over the news of no indictment in Ferguson. Let’s all pray for peace.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 25, 2014
I feel really bad for the family of Mike Brown. To my brothers & sisters in Ferguson my heart is with you & I will join you soon. — Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 25, 2014
WOW. WTF. Prayers go out 2 the brown family. SMH
— YG (@YG) November 25, 2014
Like I said before: I am not shocked that the grand jury did not indict #DarrenWilson. VERY FEW cops are ever indicted in fatal shootings. — rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) November 25, 2014
A tragic decision to prevent the open airing of the evidence in the killing of an unarmed black youth, shot down by a cop with a gun. — Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) November 25, 2014
“can u believe not guilty, them filthy, crackers tried to kill me…” – Ice Cube from the song “Tear This Muthafucka Up” #Ferguson — Mutulu Olugbala (@M1deadprez) November 25, 2014
They meet our tears with tear gas. #no justice, it’s just us — STIC of dead prez (@STICRBG) November 25, 2014
America has clearly sent a message to black people. — DAVID BANNER (@THEREALBANNER) November 25, 2014
RELATED: Killer Mike, Big K.R.I.T., Pharrell React To Ferguson Decision
