Anniversary Of Michael Brown's Death: Father Gives Back To Community That Fought For Justice For His Son

Days before the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown's death, his father spent time giving back to the community that fought fiercely for justice after his 18-year-old son was fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

Michael Brown Sr. visited the New Life Evangelistic Center Friday to feed more than 100 homeless people.

"We just wanted to give back, show our love," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

He donned his "I Am Mike Brown" shirt and wore a hat similar to the one his son wore when he died as he served plates of food to lines of men, women and children. Rev. Larry Rice, who operates the shelter, called for a moment of silence before sitting down to a lunch that commemorated Brown.

Sunday will mark the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting, and the visit was the beginning of a series of events this weekend that the family's nonprofit is hosting to honor Brown. The family has also planned a parade Saturday morning from the Canfield Green Apartments in Ferguson, where Brown was shot by police officer Darren Wilson. The shooting attracted national attention and led to massive protests.

"All the emotions, all the thoughts, the scenes, everything are just repeating themselves," Brown Sr. told USA Today Friday. "A piece of my heart, a piece of my soul, a piece of me is gone that I can never get back."

Brown Sr. said he is proud that his son's name is associated with such initiatives and hopes that the anniversary involves only peaceful activities. Several protest groups have come together to host the "Heal Our City: Mike Brown Benefit Concert" Friday.

"We don't need no destruction going on around that time," Brown Sr. said. "We are still mourning the loss of our son."

Protests and vigils have been planned across the country for the Aug. 9 anniversary.