Two Carrboro Aldermen are organizing a conversation and vigil in honor of Michael Brown at 6:30 on Wednesday night at Carrboro Town Hall.

Protests occurred across the country after a grand jury’s decision not to indict the police officer who fatally shot unarmed Ferguson, Missouri teen Michael Brown. Demonstrators in Ferguson set fire to buildings and cars.

“I think it’s easy to say this is an isolated event or to focus on things like, ‘why are they burning the buildings’ or ‘why are they setting the car on fire?’ I think those are distractions,” said Alderwoman Michelle Johnson, one of the organizers of the event. “I think we are here because of institutional and cultural racism and unjust policies and laws.”

Johnson and Alderman Damon Seils heard about the grand jury’s decision together and wanted to organize a local conversation about race, justice and policy. Johnson and others will speak at the event.

“Sometimes people jump to ‘what are we going to do about this?’ and the problem solving before we actually understand the problem,” said Johnson.

Johnson said the conversation is complex and she hopes it will continue long after Wednesday’s event.

You can hear Johnson’s full interview with WCHL’s Elizabeth Friend here:

If it rains, the vigil will move to Carrboro Town Commons underneath the gazebo.

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