In August 2014, the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, sparked widespread protests and ignited national discussions about race and police violence.

This incident followed the chokehold death of Eric Garner and occurred amidst heightened awareness surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement after the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

The Ferguson protests marked a significant moment in the U.S. civil rights conversation, leading to broader discussions about race, policing, and social justice.

In the aftermath, professional athletes began to engage more in activism, with significant moments such as St. Louis Rams players raising their hands in solidarity during a game.

These protests highlighted longstanding issues of race and police violence, emphasizing the collective impact they had on national conversations about police brutality and racial injustice.

Notably, the Ferguson protests saw younger, often unchurched activists leading the charge, signaling a shift in the civil rights movement.

The ongoing discussions about race initiated by the Ferguson protests also contributed to the traction of April Reign's #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, which criticized the lack of diversity in the Academy Awards.

The aftermath of Ferguson saw various social movements gain momentum, including the rise of campaigns like #OscarsSoWhite, highlighting representation issues in entertainment.

Activist Tarana Burke noted the interconnectedness of these movements, suggesting that advancements in one area often embolden others in the fight for broader liberation and equality.

While social movements have made progress, they continue to face significant backlash, particularly regarding diversity and LGBTQ+ rights, illustrating ongoing cultural battles in America.

This article is part of an ongoing series examining the legacy of the Ferguson uprising and its influence on movements across the United States.

Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 furthered the discourse on athlete activism and police violence.