Writer

The writer of the article “Walking while black: Michael Brown, black men and white police officers” is Ishmael Sistrunk. He is an African-American columnist working for The St. Louis American.

The St. Louis American is an important newspaper in the area, published since 1928. The paper is meant to represent the voice of African Americans, who are its target readers.

The background of the writer and the newspaper already suggest that the views expressed in the article will take on an African-American perspective on the shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent riots.

In the article, Ishmael Sistrunk shares several personal details and experiences that are meant to increase his credibility. Firstly, the writer mentions that he is from the same area as where the shooting and riots took place (St. Louis is also in Missouri) and that he is African American: “As a lifelong St. Louis resident, I can honestly say that the moment I received my drive...