13 Days in Ferguson: Book Review

Captain Ronald Johnson, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was unexpectedly put in charge of restoring peace during the unrest in Ferguson, after the death of Michael Brown. He tells his story woven within the daily events of those tense 13 days. He mingles his faith and times of doubt, in a way that keeps you riveted and gives you insight to the disconnect between law enforcement and those they are called to serve and protect.

Captain Johnson's story flashes between the past of his childhood and the present tension, confusion and frustration during the civil unrest in Ferguson. His own experiences of racism and bias directed toward him as a child, his upbringing and his faith, all have an influence over the decisions he makes in Ferguson and how he responds to the rising action of the events of those initial 13 days.

I highly recommend this book. I found it very inspiring and the first hand account credible. Its a fairly easy read, divided into chapters of each day's events. The Captain chronicles how his faith grew as he faced each day not knowing what would transpire, hoping and praying it wouldn't be another death.

He chose to be honest with media, citizens and colleagues, while intentionally working with the people in the Ferguson community, breaking down the barriers of us vs them, police vs the people, the people vs the police.

His story gives first hand insight into the lives of people who have felt invisible, unheard, unseen and neglected by their communities and the country at large.

As an educator myself, this part stood out to me. The schools closed down during the unrest in Ferguson. One teacher came to the protest with a sign indicating students could still have a place to go to learn...the local public library. Captain Johnson records his visit to this teacher's make-shift school at the library. On the first day only a handful of students showed up but by the end of the week there were over a hundred students actively continuing their education. A truly dedicated educator, who did what she could to empower the students in her care and the students in her school.

Captain Johnson makes it clear in his memoir that he was not alone, even when he felt like it. Though not everyone supported his decisions, he still had support, especially from his family, who worried about his own safety daily.

Again, I highly recommend this book.