Ferguson resonated with so many people because Ferguson really is everywhere. The economic assault via government schemes, police brutality and culpable leadership are dynamics that play out across the globe. They are seen in Chicago. And New York. And Philadelphia. And Detroit. And Palestine. And Brazil. And Hawaii. All places that expressed solidarity with Ferguson in our fight for Mike Brown. Places where people soften their eyes when they speak of Ferguson. They connected with the moral obligation to resist unjust states.

Ferguson is still here. We haven’t stopped. It’s been a long six months and my story of personal struggle and police harassment is sadly not unique. But through the trauma and the pain, Ferguson has grown. The numerous attempts to snuff out the fire ignited by the unjust murder of Mike Brown have failed. The events and the aftermath of August 2014 will remain with many of us for life. During what many are regarding as a historical time, it’s imperative that we be intentional about our future as well. It’s time for Ferguson and the communities inspired by the sacrifices of young Black leadership there to dig deep. It’s time to stop thanking Ferguson with words and start nourishing the movement that blossomed from the sacrifices of community members. It’s not enough to regard Ferguson with gentle words and soft eyes, we must conjure up the fighting spirit displayed on West Florissant.

There is a lot to be taken away from the events that took place and as the ‘deconstruction’ of Ferguson by academics begins let us not forget the spirit of resistance that got us here. The future of Ferguson lies in nurturing that seed and making Ferguson a movement the government will regret ever trying to bury.