A Path Toward Racial Equity
After the death of Michael Brown, Jr. on Aug. 9, 2014, “Ferguson” came to symbolize racial strife and inequality in the United States. Throughout this country, the circumstances surrounding and following his death have sharply defined the challenges that demand transformation. The alternative to change is to accept an untenable environment that is fraught with inequities and continued conflict. The Governor asked a group of regional leaders — The Ferguson Commission — to study the situation and prove a path toward change. 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 Ferguson Commission Report
Letter from the Co-Chairs
Dear Partners in Change,
This report is presented with an understanding that it reveals difficult, uncomfortable truths about this region we call home. It should be read with an understanding that there are ways to address these issues, and that there are people of goodwill who want to address these issues. Perhaps most importantly, addressing these significant challenges will take all of us working together to find common ground. This is our opportunity to realize that we don’t have to see eye to eye to walk arm in arm.
We are very grateful for the work contained here and
the many people who contributed to the work. We are particularly thankful to have had the opportunity to co-chair the commission. We have worked hard to be good partners on this journey. It has been our privilege to learn from and serve alongside one another. The two of us came to this work because Governor Nixon asked us, and because of a shared faith based on love and grace, committed to peace and justice. We believe these principles, regardless of your faith perspective, compel all of us to engage and to act.
