The following statement comes from the Organization for Black Struggle:
“All We Want is Justice!” That was the last statement made by Charles “Cookie” Thorton before he opened fire in Kirkwood City Hall.
The tragedy in Kirkwood, MO where six people lost their lives is a result of the continuation of racial tensions that bubble and erupt. The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is saddened by the preventable loss of life and the impending sorrow that will grip the affected families and community. We hope that the City will seriously begin to address the racism and deep feelings of disenfranchisement by African-Americans who reside in Meacham Park.
OBS Chair Jamala Rogers talked with Thornton last year as the trial of Kevin Johnson was underway. Johnson was on trial for the 2005 murder of Kirkwood police officer William McEntee. “Cookie Thornton was adamant that he was not going to be intimidated, disrespected or dismissed by the City,” stated Rogers, “and as a black man in America, that has consequences.” Rogers encouraged Thornton to stand up to the injustices but also cautioned him to be careful. Most of Thornton’s protest actions were solo including his interaction with the courts where he served as his own legal counsel.
OBS urges the Mayor and Police Chief to take some leadership and immediately bring the community together to resolve divisive and deadly issues which keep getting glossed over. Beefing up security in City Hall is merely a bandaid for a festering cancer in the City of Kirkwood.
