FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Forward Through Ferguson Poised for Growth and Impact With Appointment of Nine New Board Members
PRESS CONTACT:
Jia Lian Yang
jia@forwardthroughferguson.org
GENERAL INQUIRIES:
contact@forwardthroughferguson.org
Forward Through Ferguson Poised for Growth and Impact With Appointment of Nine New Board Members
ST. LOUIS, MO (March 4, 2024) — Forward Through Ferguson is pleased to announce the appointment of nine new board members as the organization embarks on its ninth year of operation. Embracing the Ferguson Commission’s mandate, Forward Through Ferguson 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 dynamic group of changemakers bring a range of skills and experiences to support the expansion of the organization’s impact. Under the leadership of returning board co-chair, Elise Miller Hoffman, and new board co-chair Natalie Self, Forward Through Ferguson will continue to work towards a transformed and racially equitable St. Louis.
“Our new board members are passionate leaders in grassroots, civic, and corporate settings.” remarked Hoffman. “With their support, Forward Through Ferguson is in a strong position to serve as a trusted resource for institutions and individuals that seek to build a racially equitable St. Louis.”
“Forward Through Ferguson’s new board is eager and equipped to shift systems to create better lives and futures for St. Louisans,” added Self. “I’m inspired by their steadfast commitment to healing and justice as well as the clarity of vision they have for the organization’s next chapter.”
The nine new directors on the Forward Through Ferguson board are:
- Adeola Adewale, ABNA Engineering
- Shonté Byrd, St. Louis County Counselor’s Office
- Carrie Collins, Beyond Housing
- Marcel Hagens, Action St. Louis
- Ishak Hossain, St. Mary’s Hospital
- Jhimae Lewis, U.S. House of Representatives
- Vernique May, Washington University, Olin Business School
- Justin Raymundo, BioSTL
- Marcherie Vázquez, US Bank CDC
Forward Through Ferguson Executive Director, Annissa McCaskill, reflected,
“Throughout its history, Forward Through Ferguson has been fortunate to have a cross-section of #Unflinching community builders (and systemic inequity de-constructors). Our new Board members have shown that they are primed to advance this legacy. It is my pleasure to welcome them as they join FTF in the work of investigation, confrontation, and transforming our region into one where, regardless of race and ZIP code, there is justice for all, the opportunity to thrive, and boundless possibility for all of our youth.”
The year 2024 marks ten years following the killing of Michael Brown Jr. and the Ferguson uprising, both of which are the reason why Forward Through Ferguson was created and has its purpose today. The organization plans to honor the memory of Michael Brown Jr. and the legacy of the Ferguson uprising through community partnerships and commemorative storytelling.
Forward Through Ferguson will also continue its nearly decade-long commitment to Justice For All by releasing original data and research about St. Louis City 911 calls and the City’s public safety landscape. The St. Louis City 911 data and research complements the initial release of #Transforming911 community accountability advocacy tool, which included an analysis of over 1.7 million 911 calls made to the St. Louis County Police Department between 2015 and 2020. Furthermore, the organization will continue to offer workshops, equity assessments, leadership training, and action planning to residents and institutions that seek to transform their spheres of influence towards Racial Equity.
Forward Through Ferguson will soon release its 2023 Impact Report, which will unveil the 2023–2026 strategic plan and continue to share stories and testimonials about Forward Through Ferguson’s unwavering dedication to anti-racist systems change. Moving forward through the legacy of the uprising, and leveraging new ways of being, Forward Through Ferguson is committed to transforming the St. Louis region and inspiring the nation.
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