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Local NAACP leader calls for peace

Photo from Congressman Higgins Twitter page

Both Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and the city's local leader of the NAACP Chapter are calling for peace in response to the violent reaction in Ferguson, Missouri. 

"Let your anger spill over and do the kind of things that are necessary in how to get things done a democratic society," said Frank Mesiah, president of Buffalo's NAACP.

Mesiah said if citizens are angry by the grand jury's decision in the deadly police shooting of Michael Brown, 'storming out into the streets in violence' is not the answer. 

"Yelling and screaming is not going to get anything done," noted Mesiah. 

"Yelling and screaming is not going to get anything done," noted Mesiah.

Mesiah calls on members of the African America community to register to vote and be part of the political process -- a process that allows them to be selected for jury duty and voting for politicians they believe would represent them fairly.

"If they object to the district attorney, you better register and vote for district attorney that you think are going to treat you fair and equitable," stated Mesiah.

Mesiah also encourages African-American men and women to study and take the police exams to boost minorities on local police forces.

Mayor Brown issued a written statement in response to the situation in Ferguson:

A STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BYRON W. BROWN:

“The decision in Ferguson gives all of us an opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown.  “President Obama talked about the importance of lifting up best practices to address issues such as this.  Clearly a best practice across our nation is embracing diversity and inclusion. Communities that do this are happier, healthier and more economically vibrant.  In Buffalo, we have a strong focus on diversity and inclusion as core values, and I’ve made them a priority in my administration.  Our city is one community and that’s why I wore the One Buffalo hat during the course of the recent storm.  I wanted to demonstrate Buffalo’s unity to our neighbors and to the nation.  Whether it's braving a devastating storm, reducing unemployment, improving the education of our children, addressing poverty or tackling crime, we are and must be ONE Buffalo.  We must stand together for peace in Ferguson, in Buffalo and in communities all across the country."