The father of Michael Brown, the unarmed teen whose death sparked weeks of protest in Ferguson, Missouri, said in a video Thursday he hopes for peace whether or not a grand jury indicts the officer who shot his son.
"I want (his death) to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone," Michael Brown Sr. said.
The video was one of several posted by St. Louis Forward, a website offering information and resources to "create a new standard of inclusion for all residents." Other speakers included Rev. Starsky Wilson and Rich McClure, leaders of the Ferguson Commission appointed to study how issues of racial tension, economic inequality and the relationship between residents and law enforcement can be improved in the region.
In the video, Brown said he hopes for change without violent protests or looting.
"I thank you for lifting your voices to end racial profiling and police intimidation," he said. "But hurting others or destroying property is not the answer."
A decision by a grand jury on whether Officer Darren Wilson should face criminal charges for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown is expected any day.
The teen's father asked for community members to work together in his son's memory.
"We live here together," he said. "This is our home. We are stronger united."