Ferguson Shooting 2014 - News Update: Governor Nixon Names Panel To Address Inequity

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Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on Tuesday named 16 people to serve as the "inequity" panel in Ferguson, in a move meant to address  the issues that the city is facing in relation to the protests after an unarmed black teen was shot dead by a policeman in August, Reuters reported.

The action was made by Nixon as the local grand jury prepares to reveal its decision whether the Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson will be indicted for fatally shooting Michael Brown, 18.

After Brown was shot multiple times and died in August 9, Ferguson became known for the violent clashes between authorities and demonstrators fighting for justice for the teenager, according to Press TV.

If the jury decides on clearing Wilson of any criminal charges, a mass protest is expected to take place.

The 16-man panel, which is called the Ferguson Commission, was charged with the responsibility of studying the social and economic conditions that resulted to the unrest after Brown's death and has until September 2015 to make recommendations based on the findings of the study.

In a statement released to Reuters, Rev. Starsky Wilson, a black clergyman who is a member of the panel said that being chosen to be a part of the Ferguson Commission "not in spite of dedicated service in law enforcement but because of it" was a progress.

Wilson added that there are other members who were included in the panel because of their "patriotic protests."

Nixon described the panel members as people who were "smart, tough, and empowered."

The Missouri governor told the media and local residents that the commission is made up of members who are "united by the shared passion to promote understanding, to hasten healing, to ensure equal opportunities in education and employment and to safeguard the civil rights of all our citizens."

Meanwhile, Zaki Baruti, who leads the protest movement in Ferguson expressed his approval of the panel members chosen by Nixon. A group which included not only a reverend, but also businessmen, law enforcement officials and a youth activist.

Baruti pointed out that the commission has "fair representation," adding that the only thing missing to address the pressing issues in Ferguson is "the powers that be."

The main issues that Baruti pointed out that needed immediate resolution were poor schooling, high rates of unemployment and the "disproportionate number of white officers working in the community."