Everyone has their favorite cities throughout the United States. At Illinois State University, the typical answer is Chicago. For me, it is St. Louis, Missouri. Yes, I am from Illinois, but I am only thirty minutes from the city that I consider a second home.

On Friday, September 15th, I was on Facebook and saw all the headlines of violent acts happening in downtown St. Louis. This all started when a former St. Louis officer named Jason Stockley was acquitted on the charge of murdering a black motorist named Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011. The next day, groups of protestors came out into the city. However, peaceful protests turned violent Sunday night. Several warnings were issued by the St. Louis Police Department to leave the area by midnight that night. Those that were left were encountered by police. More than 80 protestors were arrested for destruction of property and assault of police officers.

My first reactions were of disappointment. After the Ferguson unrest in 2014, St. Louis took a hit to its reputation. Instead of the city being known for The Gateway Arch and its amazing gooey butter cake, it was seen as a violent city in the eyes of the nation. This broke my heart. I had grown up in the city that captured my love for sports and the arts. I looked at the city as if it was the greatest thing on Earth.

I couldn't help but think in the heat of the moment that why would people do this again? But I understand why. After the Ferguson unrest started, it has continued on throughout the rest of the country. That ultimately sparked the active search for justice when it comes to reckless law enforcement against African Americans. I believe what they are fighting for is right. However, the way they are doing it is wrong.

When peaceful protests turn violent in the situation that occurred on Sunday night, it turns into a bigger issue. It shows the world that violence is the answer when no one will listen. There were people in Downtown St. Louis that threw chemicals and rocks at police, individuals throwing bricks through business's windows when they had nothing to do with the situation and jumping on top of police cars is no way to prove a point. It only shows that you are willing for people to think of you like that.

However, I understand why you didn't. The frustration of inequality throughout the United States is very relevant right now. There are cases and cases of mistaken individuals losing their lives due to the color of their skin, and police often get off without any grievance. I could not imagine the anger you must have.

The city of St. Louis has a special place in my heart. To see it go through the violence against the very people of the city is heart-rending. The people of St. Louis make it great. We aren't considered a sports town for just its sports. The people make it great. When people pin up against one another, things take a turn for the worst. The city needs to find its sense of unity in a time of division.