Ferguson activist raised in the Black Church showed pastors how to aid young protesters

Brittany Packnett-Cunningham has journeyed from a young activist in Ferguson, Missouri, to a national leader in the movement for racial justice. Raised in the Black church, Brittany was influenced by her father, Rev. Ronald B. Packnett, a pastor and activist who advocated for social justice. When Michael Brown Jr. was killed by police in Ferguson in 2014, Brittany defied her mother’s wishes to stay home and instead joined the protests, finding her voice as a leader.

Brittany’s activism reflects her father’s legacy, who fought for racial equality and pushed for progressive change within the church. The Ferguson protests marked a turning point, with young activists organizing outside the church’s traditional influence, using hip-hop as their spiritual fuel. The movement highlighted generational tensions but also inspired a new era of advocacy for police accountability and racial justice. Brittany’s leadership continues to challenge systemic injustice, rooted in her father’s teachings and the power of community organizing.

Source: AP News