They held vigils and community meetings that attracted local and national media and got the governor to visit the North End, a feat many said hasn't been matched since the days of the late Gov. Ella T. Grasso. But opinions about the leadership that has emerged since Aquan's death on April 13 vary as much as opinions on what happened the night Officer Robert Allan shot and killed the youth as he and three others fled from a Cadillac sought in connection with a burglary. Some fault Allan for shooting Aquan when, several eyewitnesses said, he was surrendering. Others ask what Aquan, who hadn't been home for two weeks, was doing out so late. And while many resent those who seize an issue and capture the limelight, they want Aquan's story to remain in focus.
Problems arise when the messenger gets in the way of the message.
They have been criticized for being explosive, even threatening, and for using volatile situations to their advantage. Wyatt denies that charge, as he does using Aquan's death for his own gain. If people are saying we're popping up over other leadership that's supposed to be leading us, then maybe there's a reason. If they were doing their job, we wouldn't have to be out there. They cite their community record as proof of their leadership, but that record is mixed.