Saving St. Louis follows Boston native Andre Norman’s quest to connect society’s true “change agents” that have long been separated by invisible walls. Andre’s unique journey from a leading gang member, federal prisoner, and later acclaimed international speaker allows him to bridge distinct, but also similar groups of people: gang leaders, inner-city activists, and corporate CEOs. Intense and compelling dialogue confronts racial and economic anxiety while delivering hope and solutions for our most challenging cities.
The panel will discuss the challenges facing the country in the wake of the events in Ferguson and in New York, with a focus on solutions that incorporate the voices of those often missing from policy discussions. The panel will include an array of business, civic, political and community figures from Ferguson, including Mayor James Knowles and Chief of Police Thomas Jackson, as well as active protest leaders.
Speakers include:
Calvin Bacote, Community Leader and Founder of New York Calvin Bacote Foundation
Gabriel Baez, nephew of Eric Garner
Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Associate Dean for Contextual Education, Eden Theological Seminary
Thomas Jackson, Chief of Police in Ferguson
James Knowles, Mayor of Ferguson
Dr. E. Lance McCarthy, co-founder of Black Silicon Valley and Ferguson 1000 Jobs
Paul Muhammad, founder of Peace Keepers St. Louis
Andre Norman, community organizer and inspirational speaker
OOOPS, a local St. Louis artist and street poet (battle rapper) on the front lines in Ferguson
Rev. Charles Shelton, Urban Development Solutions, Inc., St. Louis
Monalisa Smith, Executive Director of Mothers for Justice and Equality
David Spence, businessman and CEO of Ferguson 1000 Jobs
Moderated by:
Dianne Wilkerson, President of EverRox Corporation