The Messenger: Special Edition

M The Messenger

Wichita High School East 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211 ehsmessenger.com Volume 123 December 12, 2014

Special Edition

Michael Brown, 18, was shot and killed by Officer Darren Wilson while police attempted to apprehend Brown for robbing a local convenient store, Aug. 9, 2014. The events surrounding this situation have sparked not only national debate but have had a global impact.

From demonstrations honoring Brown at East High, Wichita and around the country to rioting and looting within Ferguson, MO, there is no end to the impact this 90 second altercation has had on all of us. lashayalawriephotographer

Ferguson, Mo. Six months ago, if you heard about this town you would have most likely not care or disregarded it completely; however, this town is now recognized world-wide for the death of a local teen by a police officer while being apprehended and recent race riots.

In this issue of “The Messenger,” we have worked tirelessly to provide you with not only the facts of the case but also a variety of opinions written by your own classmates.

The decision to have all editorials written by guest writers was made in the beginning of our planning sessions. We want you to realize that it’s not just journalists that care about this and are being affected by it; it’s also people you see everyday in the halls and sit next to in classes that have very strong emotional ties as well.

When our staff made the decision to publish this special edition, we agreed that all opinions would be balanced and no information would show bias towards one side.

The reason for this issue is solely to inform readers and encourage our audience to form their own opinion based on facts.

The white space surrounding this letter represents those strong opinions, the strong voices of millions of men, women, and children we will never hear because of oppression in their countries or the simple fact that they do not have the education to accurately portray their ideas.

When reading through this, many of you will probably disagree with some of the paper’s content but realize that is a good thing; part of forming a strong opinion is addressing all sides and acknowledging the counter opinions and respecting them regardless of your stance.

We hope this issue of “The Messenger” not only enlightens you but also provides insight to the opinions and situations we are experiencing at East High. We would be remiss not to use these situations as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and our society as a whole.

With a heavy heart,

editor-in-chief

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Guilt on both sides Blame is in the eye of the beholder As I listen to interviews and read articles one thing becomes very apparent, no one has a clear-cut idea of what really happened between Michael Brown and Darren Wilson.

What we do know is that Michael Brown is dead and Darren Wilson is not in jail. According to the witnesses, Michael Brown is either the victim or Michael Brown is the offender.

This is exactly why I am “neutral”.

When I say “neutral”, I don’t mean that I don’t have an opinion. It is just that because of all the different ways Michael Brown and Darren Wilson’s confrontation could have happened I cannot assign blame to one single person.

Based on the facts, Michael Brown broke the law and stole cigars from a convenience store while Darren Wilson killed an unarmed young man.

However, stealing does not mean that Michael Brown should have died. Whether Dar-

ren Wilson was the aggressor or Michael Brown was, the two stories are complete foils of each other.

There are no set in stone facts, and because of that, blame cannot fall to just Brown or Wilson.

I personally believe that Darren Wilson shot to kill an unarmed male and that deserves punishment; I also believe that if Michael Brown would have listened to Darren Wilson when either he asked him to get out of the street nicely or aggressively the whole situation could have ended differently.

It falls on us to educate ourselves and it falls on our parents to teach us how to handle situations with the police. The fact that we have to act a certain way around the police is sad but that is how the world we live in works.

We have to learn from this and act accordingly so there are no more lives lost.

paytonmorganguestwriter

Nathaniel Faflick, sr.

Do you believe that Officer Wilson should have been indicted on one count of firstdegree murder?

“I believe that the Grand Jury saw all the evidence and based off that evidence they made their decision. Because I have not seen every single piece of that evidence, I have to, as a citizen of the United States of America and as a believer in our court system, I have to trust they made the correct decision.”

What was your initial response to the jury’s verdict?

“It’s really tragic whenever someone loses their life, and I believe that all humans do feel that way regardless of the situation. At first I was really sad because I thought, “wow I can’t believe this person died and the person who killed him will have no penalties,” but then as I continued to grow

Aug. 9

more aware of the situation and how it occurred, I felt like there was more to the story.”

Do you think that your opinion has been swayed by what you have heard your peers say?

“Yes, it was. It made me sad to feel as if I couldn’t talk about this issue because certain people said that white people can’t understand racism because they’ve never struggled with it themselves. But I do know I have been given a privileged life and I know that’s because of the hard work my parents put in. Both of them started out as teachers, so through their hard work both of them continue to move up through the public school system. I believe that when people say it’s a race issue it didn’t have to be, but because it was made a race issue that’s why things got worse.”

•11:57 a.m.: Robbery of cigars is called in at a local convenient store •11:53 a.m.: Police see Brown with a friend outside •12 p.m.: Wilson calls in to see if police need assistance in apprehending Brown •12:02 p.m.: Wilson calls in for backup •12:03 p.m.: Wilson reports shots fired

Do you believe that racism is still a prevalent issue within America?

“I believe that it’s getting better and we’ll never be perfect, but we can strive towards that.

There will always be racist people, there’s always going to be prejudice on some group on some level. There will be a continuation of different values of different people based off of characteristics and I don’t think that’s okay. But I don’t think it’s possible to have every human value the same life of every human on the same level. “ Do you agree with the response of both protestors and the police force?

“No, I think there was an overreaction in their response and the looting and burning

Aug. 10

•Citizens participate in candlelight vigil for Brown, however, peaceful protests quickly turn violent •Police respond by using force to calm protestors •Two police injured; 32 citizens arrested

of buildings of small business owners in the city, it only hurts themselves. That’s not the way to get things solved.

If they disagreed with the court verdict they should have peacefully protested. I believe the police force overreacted too. I don’t think that tear gas was necessary, and I’m not sure what incited the violence that occurred on the night of the verdict. But I believe both sides overreacted and things should not have gone the way they did.”

What would you like to see happen moving forward in Ferguson, MO? “I would like for the protests to be done peacefully. I believe their voices will be heard and I do believe there are different ways to go about that without

Aug. 11 - Aug. 12

•FBI opens civil rights investigation •Unrest continues, police respond with tear gas •Brown’s mother calls for peace •Police Chief Thomas Jackson refuses to release the identity of police officer that shot Brown •Riots and unrest continues

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being violent. For the family of Michael Brown, I have incredible sorrow. I fully support them in their request for all officers to begin wearing cameras across America because that’s one way we can get to the truth of what happened.

What would you like to see happen moving forward at East High?

“I love that East High students have the opportunities provided to them that when they do feel strongly about a social injustice that they do have the opportunity to speak out against it and they’re encouraged to do so by administration. For East High students, I also think that we can all learn from this situation.”

Aug. 14

•President Barack Obama speaks out against violence of both police and the protestors •Governor Jay Nixon allows state highway patrol to take over and puts Captain Ron Johnson in charge of city security •Officers are instructed to remove tear gas masks and armed cars

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NOT GUILTY Voices express concern for jury’s verdict Against Officer Darren Wilson killed 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9, 2014.

After this incident, Ferguson erupted into protests and law enforcement responded with a heavily militarized (yet legal) course of restoring order to the city.

While we waited for the Grand Jury decision, a No Fly Zone was enacted, the local KKK members became active, and the media butchered the fundamental details of the altercation between Brown and Wilson.

Officer Wilson was not indicted.

However, a critical look at the case raises a plethora of doubts towards the competency of this ruling.

Initially, Wilson states in his police report to have received multiple potentially fatal punches to the face. Yet, the medical examination has shown one bruise to the face and one cut to

the neck.

If these hits were so fatal, wouldn’t there be more indication?

Second, the narratives have been split in two; one exists from Wilson and another from the parents of Brown and witness testimonies.

The autopsies on behalf of St. Louis indicate a close range firing, whereas the private autopsy indicates distance in the shooting.

Additionally, journalists and other independent sources note a distance of 130 or so feet, yet the St. Louis police report notes 35 feet. But who is to be trusted?

A legal system where prosecutor Robert McCulloch has a favorable bias towards the police department and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kathy Alizadeh is so incompetent as to distribute unconstitutional laws to the Grand Jury during deliberation?

Only a fraction of a percent of cases is overturned for indictment. Yet, is this a situation clear cut and reasonable enough to absolve Darren Wilson of any wrongdoing when we lack enough insight to the basic details of what happened?

After the trial, Officer Wilson expressed no remorse for his actions on Aug. 9, saying he would repeat the actions. The apathy towards the loss of human life he expresses raises doubt into if he should have ever wielded the authority of a Law Enforcement Agent.

Despite whatever the Grand Jury has agreed upon, I still have doubt towards the legal system involved in this trial.

means that the state must be able to prove that the act was premeditated.

There is absolutely no evidence that suggests that Wilson planned Brown’s murder, and for that I do agree with the decision to not indict Wilson on the charge of first degree murder.

Instead, he should have been tried for involuntary manslaughter since that fits the circumstances much better.

Also it is not as if Wilson has not received any punishment; he has resigned from his job and has received and continues to receive countless death threats daily.

I am not saying that killing someone because they robbed a store is acceptable; however, it is the reasonable doubts and details of the indictment and case that people are ignoring.

More people are focused on shoving their opinions down everyone else’s throats than taking into account all the facts.

Black lives do matter, but so do White lives.

Human life matters.

The real disconnect in this situation is that no one knows all of the details, yet people will curse you for denying their opinions when these opinions are based simply on speculation.

Nobody is really listening to anyone or trying to comprehend the facts, but instead, just waiting for the next opportunity to speak and make their case to others.

jorgebanuelosguestwriter

In favor of There’s no point writing a summary of the altercation that ensued back in August between Michael Brown and Officer Darren Wilson, because, honestly, doesn’t most of humanity already know what happened?

At least everyone thinks they know and that’s the problem right there.

Everyone has assumed they know all the facts, in perfect order, every action that unfolded.

No one aside from Brown and Wilson know exactly what occurred, but what I find the most absurd is that people are outraged that Wilson wasn’t indicted for first-degree murder.

In Missouri first degree murder is defined as, “knowingly causing the death of another person after deliberation upon the matter.” This

Editoral policy

“Messenger” is published in print once a month, except during vacations, by the communications department of Wichita High School East, 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211. The Journalism department can be reached at (316) 973-7275 or by email at smartin2@ usd259.net.

“Messenger” staff will publish news, entertainment, features and sports in an unbiased and professional manner and serve as a public forum for the students of Wichita High School East.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to room E144 or by email, and

Aug. 15- Aug. 16

•Officer that shot Brown is identified as Darren Wilson •Video of robbery is released •Governor Nixon cites looting and declares state of emergency in Ferguson •Implements a city wide curfew

Aug. 17- Aug. 20

•Brown’s family releases private autopsy showing Brown was shot six times in the front (two shots to the head) •St. Louis Grand Jury begins hearing evidence

samanthamitraguestwriter

must be signed, legible and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters to conform to “Messenger” style. Baseless accusations, insults, libelous statements, obscenity, and letters which call for a disruption of the school day will not be considered for publication.

“Messenger” is the official student magazine of Wichita High School East and it is distributed free to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not the Board of Education, Wichita High School East administration, faculty, or adviser.

Aug. 25 - Sept. 3

•Brown’s funeral is held; thousands attend •Justice Department opens a civil rights investigation •Searches to see if Ferguson police have a history of discrimination

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Sept. 25 - Oct. 13

•Police Chief Jackson releases public apology to Brown’s family for not only Brown having been shot but also for the four hours his body lay in the street •”Weekend of Resistance”

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With another voice

Explanations of opinions prove vital to opposing sides Lydia Mamalis, sr.

Do you believe Officer Wilson deserved to have been charged with first degree murder? Why? “Yes sure. Well, I thought it was unjust because most cases, it’s probably only like 14 percent, don’t go to trial and so seeing all the public reaction to this, it seems like it at least deserved to have an actual trial.”

What was your initial response to the jury’s verdict?

“I think my first reaction to the original incident is still true. I’ve just become more educated through my peers and the information they’ve share with me and the articles I’ve read.”

Was your opinion swayed at all by the

opinions of your peers?

“At this point, the issue has really kind of become isolating for me because I have a very strong opinion on the subject and I’ve kind of almost lost friends just over fights about this.”

So this has negatively affected you in some way?

“Well, in some way, but at the same point, I think everybody deserves basic rights to trial and jury so if I have to lose friends over my beliefs, then so be it.”

Do you think your race has had any impact on how you’ve perceived these events?

“Well, I obviously don’t understand the struggle firsthand but I think it’s impor-

tant to empathize with other people.”

Do you agree with the way protestor’s reacted to the jury’s verdict?

“I think it’s important to keep in mind that there have been a lot of peaceful protests as well as violent ones and a lot of the reasons the violent ones happened is just because they do get more attention.”

How has this entire Ferguson issue impacted your life?

“I think it has made me a lot more socially aware than I was even three months ago.”

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from the events in Ferguson?

“I think I already realized there was

they were white. I think sometimes the whole issue of “what would I do in the situation?” is overlooked because people make drastic claims. My peers have made drastic claims that are not supported by evidence, and I would rather support my claims by evidence.”

Do you agree with the way protestors reacted to the jury’s verdict?

“It depends on the protesters that we’re talking about. If we are talking about the protesters that were essentially outlined by the media, then no I do not agree with the way that they acted.

I only agree with a certain amount of protesters. There were protesters for instance where “Hands up, don’t shoot” was the mantra, and that “black lives matter.” Yes, of course black lives matter, it was not an issue of black lives not mattering. It was an issue of if someone is not going to kill you, then you can’t kill them just because you’re a cop. That’s the issue that should be addressed and protested, not the issue that Wilson is a racist, the justice system is racist, and that everything is racist. I think the situation arose due to circumstances and socioeconomic classes and the inequalities between those. Race should not be the focus of protests; it should be protests against the system being against lower socioeconomic classes.”

Moving forward, what would you like to see happen in Ferguson and to Officer Wilson?

“In Ferguson, I Monday, Dec. 1, I proudly took a lead on the protest don’t think there for Michael Brown. I and many other East high students is really much hope for anything laid down on the front lawn for four and a half minutes happening. to represent the body of Michael Brown that was left Everyone there is cold and unarmed for four and a half hours. already overtaken Seeing people come out to protest made me feel by emotion and good, especially seeing other races besides African are on the side Americans. It was chilly outside but it was not going to that believes he stop me. Unfortunately, it did stop some people. should have been If we don’t stand for what we believe in, justice will indicted. I believe he should have never be found. Experiencing the protest made me been indicted, but believe that a lot of the members of my race (African not for the same Americans) did not care about what was going on, or issues. People are what will continue to go on. The way we view the world overcome with can change, but change starts with you. emotion and say they refuse to live in a country where our voices don’t somebody disagrees with you, they’re matter. At that point, they already have not wrong, and are not necessarily their decision made. Moving forward on the complete opposite side of the for Officer Wilson, I don’t think there spectrum whereas certain people is much hope either. This guy had his think that I am a white supremacist life ruined by a split second decision because I do not think he should have that he made. He will probably have to been indicted for first-degree murder take a different name moving forward because I do not agree with them. Or if because of the many people overcome I don’t participate in the protest at East by emotion that won’t even consider High, then they think that I am a racist. his side of the story. I have sympathy I want people to realize that is not it at for him in that regard.” all. I have reasoned through the deciMoving forward, what would you like sion and I have differing perspectives to see happen within East High? from many. I would like to see people “Within East High, I would like to see realize the importance of trusting relipeople being taught to respect other able sources.” people’s opinions and realize that if

Charles Schillings, sr.

Do you believe Officer Darren Wilson deserved to have been charged with first-degree murder?

“No. I do not believe it was first-degree murder because first-degree murder is premeditated, and it was not a premeditated decision. At that point, he was acting per his job details to prevent the harm of a citizen. He was being attacked, which is proved within the evidence that I’ve seen and have looked at personally. He may have used too much force, but since he was the one being wronged initially, he should not be charged with first-degree murder. If anything, he shouldn’t have been charged with first-degree, but should have at least been tried for voluntary manslaughter which would have taken the race and hate crime issue completely out of it.”

Was your opinion swayed at all by the opinions of your peers?

“Initially twitter and everything on the internet made me want to believe that this was an issue of corruption in our government and justice system, but once I took it upon myself to look at the evidence personally and evaluate this from a logical standpoint, being reasonable with the situation rather than allowing emotion to control me, I realized that there was thought put into the jury’s decision. They know a lot more about the decision than I do.

I’m not claiming that nine out of the 12 people were racist, just because

Oct. 17

•Wilson shares his side of the story •”He feared for his life” •Wilson shares that Brown assaulted him while in his vehicle and reached for his weapon •Two shots were fired within the vehicle

Oct. 21- Nov. 14

•”St. Louis Post-Dispatcher” publishes official autopsy •Video of Wilson leaving Ferguson PD is released •Audio of altercation is also released

inequality in America but it has really kind of defined it to me.”

Moving forward, what would you like to see happen in Ferguson and to Officer Wilson?

“I think I’d just like to see more affirmative action, more training for police, and I’d like to see Officer Wilson in trial if possible.”

Moving forward, what would you like to see happen within East High?

“I think it’s important that it’s still talked about within history classes or government when the chance arises, but other than that I don’t think it affects the school that much.”

Cheyenne Brown, jr.

Nov. 17 - Nov. 18

•Governor Nixon declares state of emergency and orders National Guard in •16-member panel is sworn in to look into social/economical state of Ferguson

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Nov. 24 •Grand Jury decides not to file criminal charges against Officer Darren Wilson •Riots, looting, burning, violence, ensue throughout the night

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Ferguson

By Numbers

Out of 500 East High students polled...

13% believe that Wilson should have been indicted on the count of first-degree murder (intentional and planned murder)

zachvegareporter

26% believe that Wilson should have been indicted on the count of second-degree murder (intentional but unplanned murder)

17% believe that Wilson’s non-indictment was the right decision

25% believe that Wilson should have been indicted on the count of voluntary manslaughter (intentional but unplanned murder in disturbing circumstances)

60%

think that Darren Wilson had the right to shoot Michael Brown

East #Speaks What is your opinion on the recent events that have taken place within Ferguson, MO?

6decemberstatistics

19% believe that Wilson should have been indicted on the count of involuntary manslaughter (unintentional and unplanned murder as a result of negligence or recklessness)

71%

45%

believe that police treat all races fairly

The protestors of Ferguson should have kept it calm and shouldn’t have rioted, although what happened with Michael Brown is nowhere near okay, the decision was already made and there isn’t much they could to about it. It’s shocking to me that what happened 50 years ago with discrimination is happening all over again.

Magaly Sustaita, soph.

feel safe around the Wichita Police Department

The Ferguson decision was based on a bed of lies and blatant racial stereotypes.

The prosecutor had a conflict of interest in the case, being related to Ferguson police officers. He should have stepped down but instead acted like a defense attorney. The Ferguson Grand Jury decision was for our system of injustice and institutionalized racism. We need a new civil rights movement.

We need to beat the back the monster of racism. We need to stand in solidarity against police brutality and racism perpetuated by the system.

Andrew Figuierdo, jr.

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63%

feel safe around East High security

The protestors are not going to bring Michael Brown back. The protests are just causing problems. The case has been closed and that is that. I know that what happened to Michael Brown is sad but it’s not like you can bring him back from the dead. People mess up sometimes and we have to learn to forgive. We’re all going at some point.

Stephania Lopez, soph.