Milwaukee to stand with Ferguson at second downtown rally for justice

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee will stand in solidarity with Ferguson today at a second rally for justice outside of the Federal Courthouse at 4 p.m.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs issued a statement Aug. 21 calling for community members in Milwaukee to come together to address social issues and racial inequality in the city. 

The first community rally was held at Red Arrow Park on Aug. 22, and led to a sit in at the Police Administration Building.

\"Whether it is white police officers in Ferguson or Black men on 15th & Atkinson in Milwaukee, the senseless and violent end for too many young Black souls continues on,\" Coggs said. \"The outrage, anger, hurt and pain that is felt with any senseless loss of life is present regardless of the race or the occupation of the offender.\"  

Coggs said the pain is felt more within the community when those entrusted to protect and serve the public are the ones who have taken a life. 

The 6th District Alderwoman says Milwaukee is close to seeing the same spark of protests and unrest that the St. Louis suburb is seeing after the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was shot to death by a police officer. 

\"All of the same ingredients are here: Conditions of poverty, joblessness, despair, segregation and various other racial inequities are here in Milwaukee, just as they are in a Ferguson,\" Coggs said.

\"The death of Mike Brown was Ferguson's spark and if Milwaukee does not make changes soon, I believe our spark is coming.\"

CBS 58's Marshanna Hester has more with what Coggs says can be done to mend hearts. rebuild trust and change the justice system.