Forward Through Ferguson series focused on what's going on in our nation around police accountability and reform.
Recently, Forward Through Ferguson hosted an online series titled “Power Behind the Badge.” The three-part community series focused on the people, policies and processes that influence how both St. Louis City and St. Louis County’s police departments are funded and operated.
Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) was established as a 501(c)3 to be a catalyst for lasting positive change in the St. Louis region as outlined in the Ferguson Commission Report. Embracing the Commission’s mandate, FTF centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.
The first session was held on September 4th and focused on public safety in St. Louis City. Featured speakers included Inez Bordeaux with ArchCity Defenders, Megan Betts with Northside Neighbors United, Rasheen Aldridge, 78th District MO State Representative, Christina Garmendia, the 2018 Equity Indicators Project Lead and Jae Shepherd with Action St. Louis.
Trevaughn Latimer, Lead for America Hometown Fellow and Community and Engagement Vista for the St. Louis Promise Zone was also a guest and featured speaker. “The Power Behind community teach-in series is a great opportunity for community members to get a glimpse into how our public safety system is run and influenced,” said Latimer. “It was good to talk about topics around police accountability, first responder alternatives to different types of crises, and reallocating policing funds to holistic public safety interventions.”
The second session was held on September 9 and focused on public safety policy in St. Louis County. Featured speakers included, Heather Taylor, President of the Ethical Society of Police, Lisa Clancy, St. Louis County District 5 Councilwoman, Rita Days, St. Louis County District 1 Councilwoman, John Chasnoff, Co-chair of Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression and Dr. LJ Punch, Member of the Board of Police Commissioners.
The third session was held on September 16 and focused on how to transform St. Louis’s public safety system. Featured speakers included Tim Black, Director of Consulting at Crises Assistance Helping Out on the Streets, Chas Moore, Executive Director at The Austin Justice Coalition, Anne Larsen, Outreach Services Coordinator at the Olympia Police Department and David Dwight, Executive Director for Forward Through Ferguson.
To learn more about this series and Forward Through Ferguson click here.
Below is a Public Safety Power Map created by Forward Through Ferguson to help the community see who the decision-makers are that control public safety policy and help show where community members can leverage their power to advocate for Racial Equity.
