The march from Ferguson to Jefferson City began Saturday, with approximately 150 people starting the seven-day, more than 120-mile march.
The march, "Journey for Justice: Ferguson to Jefferson City," is in response to the grand jury's decision not to indict police officer Darren Wilson for killing Michael Brown Jr., 18. According to reports from Reuters, approximately 150 people gathered in Ferguson on Saturday to begin the march, with more expected to join along the way. The march's purpose is to call for new leadership for the Ferguson Police Department and for new reforms in police practices and culture both locally and nationally.
But with the march expected to arrive in Jefferson City this coming weekend, some are concerned about any potential effects on planned community events.
In downtown Jefferson City on Friday will be the annual Living Windows, with the 75th annual Jaycees Christmas parade scheduled for Saturday afternoon. And the annual candlelight tours at the Governor's Mansion have already been canceled due to "security concerns."
Ryan Burns, spokeswoman for the Office of Administration, did not specify the march as being the cause of the cancellation and, when asked if the march was the reason, said she could only cite "security concerns."
Donna Deetz, organizer of this year's Living Windows, said last week that the Downtown Association is waiting on any potential decision to move the event until after they know more. She said the association is waiting for the Jefferson City Police Department to advise them on the situation.
"We're not making any plans at this point until we know what's really going on," Deetz said.
As of Friday, the police have made no plans regarding the march. Capt. Doug Shoemaker said any plans or decisions will wait until they are sure of more details.
"All I can say right now is that we are aware of it, but nothing has been planned yet because there is no confirmation of anything taking place," Shoemaker said. "We should know more next week."
Nimrod Chapel Jr., president of the Jefferson City NAACP chapter, said he's unsure of why there are any concerns about community events going on when the march arrives at the Governor's Mansion. He said it's an NAACP march and the organization stands for justice and equality for all people. He said he sees no reason why Living Windows and other events would need to be canceled or moved.
Chapel said it was particularly unfortunate that the planned tours at the Governor's Mansion were canceled, considering the purpose of the march is to bring those asking for social change directly to the governor.
"It's regrettable that they canceled the tours," Chapel said. "It's too bad."
Chapel said he would encourage any event organizers concerned about the march's arrival in Jefferson City to contact him.
Misty Young, spokesperson for Lincoln University, said officials are not aware of any organized activity being planned as part of the march from any campus organization, and the university police department will be staffed as usual.
In conjunction with the NAACP's march, Faith Voices for Jefferson City is holding a March in Solidarity at 3 p.m. today. The march will begin at the rear parking lot of First Baptist Church, at 301 E. Capitol Ave., and continue past the Governor's Mansion and the Capitol.