Ferguson protests highlight racial divide

It has been 60 years since the civil rights movement began in America.

But that’s difficult to believe seeing the violence continue in Ferguson.

“What they did last night… It really set back a culture, the African American culture, and Americans,” said Emilia Akkerman.

“I think of all the people involved, the bystanders who aren’t directly involved in the situation, how scary it must be to be in a situation like that,” said Melissa Nugin.

Nugin and Akkerman are both mixed. One parent is white, the other is black.

“It makes you think of past race riots that have happened,” Negin said.

“You’re going to hurt innocent people, cause damage and you’re really going to make a ruckus of something that didn’t need to be,” Akkerman said.

“You have the citizens who feel powerless to do anything about the behavior of some law enforcement officers,” said Henry Allen Jr., president of the Colorado Springs NAACP. “So they act out in anger.”

Allen is clear: Setting fire to a community and looting private stores doesn’t solve anything.

“It’s very disheartening to see,” he said. But he also questions the actions of officer Darren Wilson.

“I would love to not to have this conversation. But the reason this organization exists, because there’s a need,” Allen said.

So, how does it change?

“You change it by coming to the table, voting, it is my desire and strategy to arm as many young folks with the power to vote that will listen to my voice,” he said.

Allen encourages anyone with questions, of any race, to contact the NAACP.

He said Americans have to be willing to confront the issue, have the discussion and look beyond each other’s skin color.