Ferguson Commission member speaks out
As the Ferguson area erupted after the grand jury decision came down, Felicia Pulliam, one of the people tasked with healing the community was watching. “It was difficult to watch but I recognize if for what it was — more pain, grief and frustration than anger. So, it plays out in a big dramatic, unfortunately destructive way,” said Pulliam, who is a member of the Ferguson Commission.
In mid-November, Governor Jay Nixon signed the executive order appointing Pulliam and the 15 other members of the Ferguson Commission. The commission will be releasing a report. It will include recommendations on racial relations, the relationship between law enforcement and citizens among other issues. “I’m excited about working with them because their hearts and their minds are in the right place and they’ve got enough talent and skill, determination, just sheer stamina to get the job done. It will be tough, it will be long but we’re all there together,” said Pulliam.
This week the commission had its first meeting as protests are still happening in Missouri. Hundreds of protesters just reached Jefferson City after a week-long walk from St. Louis. Pulliam said she’s excited they marched. “It’s our responsibility as an American citizen to be engaged. It doesn’t work when people stay home,” said Pulliam.
Pulliam said she’s confident everyone can move forward in a positive way after the unrest in Ferguson, but she said real change is a collaborative effort that’s going to take the entire community. “The commission can’t force the change, we can’t be the change, but we can certainly lead the change and I”m absolutely confident that the commission is in a position to do that,” said Pulliam.
