Slain teenager Michael Brown’s father asks Ferguson residents to stay calm as they wait for a grand jury to decide the fate police officer Darren Wilson, the police officer who shot the teen.

[FLASHBACK: Mike Brown’s Mother Speaks Re: Disturbing Autopsy Reports & More… (VIDEO)]

The video, released by STLForward.com, features Michael Brown Sr. thanking the Missouri town for its support, but also emphasizing that violent protests do not help anyone.

“Hurting others and destroying others is not the answer,” Brown says in the video.

“No matter what the grand jury decides, I do not want my son’s death to be in vain. I want it to lead to incredible change, positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”

Watch the full video of Michael Brown, Sr.’s plea below…

VIDEO: Michael Brown, Sr. Issues Plea for Peace

The plea by Michael Brown Sr. comes as tensions simmered in the St. Louis suburb ahead of the grand jury ruling’s in the Aug. 9 shooting death of his teenage son by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

The panel must decide whether or not to press criminal charges against Wilson. Protesters believe the officer should be charged with murder, while the officer contends he fired at the teenager in self defense.

A decision from the 12-person St. Louis County grand jury is expected soon, though authorities have not publicized any specific date for an announcement. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard earlier this week to help with security ahead of the decision.

R.I.P. Mike Brown

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