Darren Seals facts for kids

Darren Seals (born May 15, 1987 – died September 6, 2016) was an activist from Ferguson, Missouri. He cared deeply about racial justice and stopping police brutality. He also worked to prevent gun violence. In 2016, he was found dead in a burning car. Police are still investigating his death.

Early Life in Ferguson

Seals grew up in Ferguson, Missouri. This was very close to where Michael Brown was shot by a police officer. Darren Seals had known Michael Brown's family since he was a child.

Darren Seals' Activism

Fighting for Justice in Ferguson

Darren Seals was very active in the protests in Ferguson, Missouri. These protests happened after police shootings, including that of Michael Brown. Seals often spoke out about important racial issues. He kept speaking up even after the main protests ended. He helped start a group called Hands Up United. Many people saw him as a leading activist against police brutality in St. Louis.

Working Against Gun Violence

In 2013, Darren Seals survived being shot. This experience made him even more dedicated. He became a strong voice for preventing gun violence.

Making Votes Count

In 2014, Seals joined the Fannie Lou Hamer Coalition. He helped lead a movement to vote differently in a local election. This was to show that their votes were important. It was a way to make sure politicians listened to the community. He helped connect people and leaders. This effort moved many votes to a different candidate.

Speaking Out on National Issues

Darren Seals had voted for Barack Obama. However, he later became a critic. He felt the President had not done enough. This included issues like police violence and racial profiling.

Music and Social Media Voice

Seals was also a rapper in a St. Louis group called D.O.A. In their song "Born Targets," he criticized how police handled the Ferguson demonstrations. On social media, he was known as "King D Seals." He described himself as a "Businessman, Revolutionary, Activist, Unapologetically BLACK, Afrikan in AmeriKKKa, Fighter, Leader."

Views on Black Lives Matter

Seals openly criticized the organization Black Lives Matter. He used Twitter to share his thoughts. He believed the organization did not give enough back to the Ferguson community. He felt they used the local movement for their own benefit. Seals stated that the organization mostly tweeted about the work done by local activists.

Darren Seals' Death

Darren Seals was killed on September 6, 2016. This happened in Riverview, a suburb near St. Louis. Police found that he had been shot. Then, he was placed in a car that was later set on fire.

Police are investigating his death as a homicide. They have not yet found suspects or a clear reason for his death. Some news outlets noted that his death was similar to another unsolved case. This was the killing of Deandre Joshua, another Ferguson resident. Joshua was also found shot in a burning car two years earlier. Police say they have not linked the two cases. However, they have not ruled out a connection either.