Ferguson thrust them into activism. Now, Cori Bush and Wesley Bell battle for a congressional seat

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cori Bush and Wesley Bell both honed their leadership skills in Ferguson, Missouri, in the unrest that followed Michael Brown’s death at the hands of a police officer 10 years ago. On Tuesday, they’re opposing each other in a closely watched Democratic congressional primary.

Bush is facing a big money challenge in her bid for a third term representing Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, which includes St. Louis and a portion of the suburbs that includes Ferguson. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super political action committee alone has spent $8.5 million to try and oust Bush over her criticism of Israel in the aftermath of the October attack by Hamas.

Friday marks the 10th anniversary of Brown’s death. The Black 18-year-old was walking with a friend on Aug. 9, 2014, when a white officer, Darren Wilson, confronted them. Wilson said he fired in self-defense because Brown was so enraged. Some witnesses said Brown, who was unarmed, had his hands up in surrender. Wilson was cleared of wrongdoing and resigned, and Brown’s death led to months of protests.

Bush and Bell both became active, but in different ways.

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