Stranger Fruit – A Must See Documentary That Unravels What Happened To Mike Brown

On August 9th, 2014 an unarmed 18-year-old named Michael Brown was killed by Ferguson, MO Officer Darren Wilson. Michael’s death became viral news and sparked protests for him worldwide.   Mike’s death also sparked a great deal of division and controversy.   Ferguson looked like a police state with the presence of the National Guard.

Sometime ago, I remember seeing on Twitter about the discovery of another video of Mike Brown in the convenience store.  I also remember various criticisms of the video and of the person who released it, even one that said the man who released the video was trying to promote his “book”.

As a blogger who has followed cases, I will tell anyone that it’s very difficult to convey in writing what is on video.  It is more difficult when what the video shows is being disputed.  Videos need to be presented in order for eyes to see.  As a journalism professor once told our class, “Show.  Don’t tell.”

The documentary Stranger Fruit, shows.  That doesn’t only apply to an additional video not released to the public during investigations into Mike’s death.  It also applies throughout the various interviews. It shows what is being discussed.

Boynton Beach Officer Mike Brown Found Guilty Of Violating Constitutional Rights of Jeffrey Braswell.

It’s a case of severe beating, then changing reports.

It happened on August 20, 2014 after a 20 mile, high speed chase.  It does not involve the offender/suspect, but a passenger.  Jeffrey Braswell was a passenger in a car that took Boynton Beach police officers on that chase.  When the car was eventually stopped, Mike Brown yelled for the driver and passengers to raise their hands and get out of the car.  However, Jeffrey Braswell had his seat belt fastened and being afraid of lowering his hands, did not exit the car.

Mike Brown decided to take Jeffrey Braswell from the car.  There was nothing wrong with that.  However, after doing so, he beat Jeffrey, including using his gun to strike.

Jeffrey Braswell before he was beaten.

 

Jeffrey Braswell after he was beaten.

Mike Brown was with officers Justin Harris and Ronald Ryan who were federally charged with deprivation of rights.   Jeffrey Braswell, then 25-years old, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of obstruction or resisting arrest without violence and in their initial reports, filed shortly after the incident, they made no mention of punching or kicking him.  About a week later after they found out that the sheriff’s office turned over video to the Chief of Police, each of the officers made a number of changes to their reports.

About Mike Brown

By Kindheart 101

I do not mean to cause alarm,
it’s only me, I mean no harm.
Why do you look at me that way?
is color all you see today?

Yes I am brown, that’s all you see?
please look beyond, and just see me.
Let down your guard, I mean no harm.
I do not mean to cause alarm.

I hold my loved ones dear, and true,
and love my family, just like you.
I’m off to college, on my way,
I graduated yesterday.

Oh wait, you stopped your car I see,
and now you’ve grabbed a hold of me?
I turn and run, as bullets fly,
I’m hit, I turn around and cry…….

OK OK OK, I’m done,
hands in the air………put down your gun!
I do not mean to cause alarm,
I’m Big Mike Brown, I mean no harm.

That didn’t mean a thing to you,
you didn’t stop till you were through.
I hit my knees, fell to the ground,
and never heard another sound.

And then a hand reached out to me,
and picked me up so I could see.
The glory, friendship and pure love,
that’s shown by all those up above………..

Thank you for greeting me, Trayvon.

Mike Brown