On Monday afternoon students at Antioch College joined other students across the nation by walking out of their classrooms in what they call a show of solidarity with residents of Ferguson, Missouri over the death of Michael Brown. The 18 year old was killed in a confrontation with a police officer on August 9th.
Organizers of the national movement say the event coincided with the first day Michael Brown, of Ferguson, was scheduled to attend college. Antioch College Student, Eric Rhodes helped get the word out about their event.
“It’s not just Ferguson that’s hurting," the college student said. "This problem doesn’t really know sort of local borders. It’s been a problem for a long time.”
During the walkout, the names of more than 30 African Americans killed by police were read aloud. The list included the name of 22-year-old John Crawford who was killed by police at a Beavercreek Walmart.
“We’re gathering here also to raise awareness around the John Crawford case which we believe needs investigation at the federal level as well," said Rhodes.
Organizers says the efforts to raise the Crawford case to the federal level will take place Wednesday, August 27th with a protest at the Federal Building in downtown Dayton. They claim Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's office shouldn't handle the investigation because of his ties to the Miami Valley.
DeWine says a grand jury will soon convene in the case.
