Forward Through Ferguson

Our hearts are broken over the execution of Imam Khaliifah ibn Rayford Daniels a.k.a. Marcellus Williams. There are no words sufficient to describe the deep hurt and collective devastation we feel over the needless and horrific killing of yet another person who has been harmed by the carceral system. We are moved by the extraordinary efforts that our community partners, especially MISSOURIANS TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY, have exerted in the fight to preserve Imam Khaliifah’s life and uplift his case. We extend our deepest condolences to every person who is mourning Imam Khaliifah as well as gratitude for all who called, signed, rallied, and spoke up to stop his death. The national outpouring of support for Imam Khaliifah and our community partners compel us to act with greater conviction and urgency around abolishing the death penalty and the carceral state. We are reminded through Imam Khaliifah’s life, faith, solidarity, and poetry that it is our duty to dismantle white supremacy, racial capitalism, and empire in order to create a society and a world centered on love, beauty, and compassion. We are called to seek restoration, repair, and life, not violence, punishment, and death. As an organization that emerged from a tragedy that captured the world’s attention and an Uprising that activated countless people, organizers, and institutions towards transformative and positive change, we believe that abolition is possible and liberation is near. We pray for care, rest, and support for Imam Khaliifah’s family and advocates, especially Sadir Marcellus Williams, ML Smith, Shai Kaye, and Donielle Elizabeth. Imam Khaliifah Marcellus Williams, rest in power. https://lnkd.in/gvvFa9e9

Looking forward to our Executive Director being a featured panelist at next month’s Facing Race national conference here in St. Louis 🙌 See you there!

Our Executive Director, Annissa McCaskill, sat down with contributor Daffney Moore of Cascade Media Group (CMG) to discuss the vital work she's doing as a Racial Equity and systems change leader. Watch the full interview, "Conversations Matter So Let's Talk Advancing Equity With Annissa McCaskill" on Youtube🎙️

https://lnkd.in/gfAf5wi3 Hear powerful reflections from Rebeccah Bennett, Precious Barry, and Maxi Glamour as they discuss the importance of #Unflinching Progress throughout the St. Louis Region since the tragic killing of Michael Brown Jr. Their reflections speak to a relentless commitment to justice, systemic change, and the continued fight for Racial Equity. Join us as we celebrate the unwavering commitments of Rebeccah Bennett, Precious Barry, and Maxi Glamour to effect change, while also recognizing the challenges that remain in transforming our region into one of hope, healing, and lasting progress. Let their voices ignite our passion for positive change as we work hand in hand to build a more racially equitable region. Produced with our friends at My Friends and I Executive Producer: Sara Paracha Director + Producer: Cami Thomas Editor : Benjamin Dewhurst #UnflinchingProgress

Here's a throwback to a St. Louis Public Radio article last month, which featured our Executive Director Annissa McCaskill and board members Justin Raymundo and Natalie Self. Check out how a new grant proposal for the neuroscience sector can be inclusive and prioritize the community. Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

A little over a year ago, we stood outside the City (in)Justice Center to demand #NoMoreJailDeaths. This month, another St. Louis family is heartbroken and searching for answers. The family of 33 year-old Katrina Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the city for her death. We know that St. Louis jails are deadly and dangerous places. People suffer from neglect, abuse, assault, pepper spray, disease, malnutrition, isolation, and more. The Prosecutor Organizing Table will be releasing a new Prosecutor Watch report early next year focused on the data about the St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney’s office. In the meanwhile, we are raising awareness about the crisis of St. Louis’ skyrocketing jail population. Check out the previous Prosecutor Watch reports and get involved: prosecutorwatchstl.org

United in purpose, these photos capture the heart of #Unflinching Progress—a celebration of community, connection, and commitment to Racial Equity. 📸 A heartfelt thank you to Board Member Vernique May, the owner of Brand V Photographie, for preserving such beautiful moments from the evening. As we conclude our reflections on #UnflinchingProgress, a final thank you to all of our supporters. Your unwavering support and commitment are crucial in our efforts to advance racially equitable systems and policies. Want to contribute to meaningful change throughout the St. Louis region? Please join us by making a donation today at bit.ly/Donate-FTF ❣️

What if you could transform inequitable systems to create a more just St. Louis? ⚖️ It's the perfect time to sign up for Forward Through Ferguson's Systems Change Primer workshop, which offers a crash course on systems that fuel racial inequities, while giving you an opportunity to reflect on how you can make an impact in your role. You will also get an overview of Forward Through Ferguson's toolkits and recommendations for Racial Equity transformation. 🗓️ The Systems Change Primer workshop registrations are due by Friday, October 18 at 11:59 PM. Register today at bit.ly/register-recb2024 ✍️

Our Executive Director Annissa McCaskill & Director of Storytelling & Communications Jia Lian Yang published a moving piece, uplifting and advocating for the vital causes of Responsive and Justice Philanthropy. Be sure to check out their feature, "10 years after Ferguson: How philanthropy can bridge funding gaps for Black and brown-led organizations."

Looking back on a successful fundraiser for #Unflinching Progress! 📸 A huge thank you to one of our amazing photographers, Micah Clay, for capturing the spirit of the night. We've got more photos to share, so stay tuned 😉. It would not have been such a success without each of our incredible supporters. You all's generosity and commitment help to pave the way for meaningful change in St. Louis, thank you. Missed the fundraiser but still want to make a difference? It’s not too late! Your support can help us continue our vital work for Racial Equity. Every contribution counts—donate today and be part of the change at bit.ly/Donate-FTF ❣️.