By Gerard McClure Jr.

Dear Mike Brown,

Peace King, sending my good spirits towards you and the rest of the brothers and sisters that have come in the recent times. I still can’t believe it’s been a year man. We was just about to enter our beginning and closing chapters of college.

I hate the first time I met you it was televised on national television. I wish it was all a dream; that a young brother from the city I grew up in, was still here, but you are not. I know you see how the people been riding for you all over the world.

Oh by the way I’m Gerard McClure. I’m from St Louis too bro. Born and raised on the westside, southside and northside. I’ve been so inspired to make my mark in life because of what has happened. I am becoming even better with being a big brother to my sister. I’m my grandma’s first grandson. I have a responsibility to make sure she’s good and the generations under me as well. You are one of my top reasons for getting through my last semester of college because it was a tough one. I had to do it for the younger homies in the city that needed that inspiration. You could have easily been my little brother and it still hurts. Fortunately, I know your spirit is with the city as we continue to come together and make our communities better. I even got inspired and started writing a book for young African American high school males entering college. I never knew you but from what I’ve read and heard you were a positive influence to many and that is awesome. I don’t know why the good ones always go young, but just know that people are representing for you down here. I want you to tell my Aunt Marsha and Uncle James up there that I said keep their wings around me. Keep your spirit with me as I continue the  journey as a black man moving towards changing millions of our brother’s lives around the world.

From Your Brother,

Gerard 

Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” So Ahab said, “By whom?”  And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘By the young leaders of the provinces.’” (Emphasis mine)  Then he said, “Who will set the battle in order?”  And he answered, “You.” Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand.

– 1 Kings 20:13-15