These topics air Tuesday November 25, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002.
Demonstrations have been happening all over the country following the a Missouri grand jury's announcement that they will not seek an indictment of police officer Darren Wilson in the August shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
We're devoting today's show to this topic and your reactions to the decision, with guest host Kevin Gavin.
Rachel Lippmann covered last night's announcement for St. Louis Public Radio and joins us for an update.
Then we'll talk with David Harris, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Professor about why a grand jury was used, and his thoughts on the prosecutor's approach.
Tim Stevens, President of the Black Political Empowerment Project gives us his reaction as a community organizer, and some historical perspective on community and police demonstrations in Pittsburgh.
Julia Johnson, lead organizer and local social justice activist says last night's announcement "reflects a larger problem with systemic racism and sets an ugly precedent." She'll talk about the peaceful demonstration being planned for 2pm today at the federal building on Liberty Ave. and the local issues that connect to this case.
We'll close with Jeff Ritter, Department Chair of Communications at La Roche College about how social media has been an amplifier of positive and negative information throughout the proceedings.
To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
