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

Today, we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader who called for justice, equality, and accountability. His words remind us that the promises of freedom and equality written in the United States' founding documents must become a lived reality for all. On this #MLKDay, let us continue to hold America accountable to what was originally said on paper: "all men are created equal"—building a nation where justice truly rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream to all people.

Photo Credit: Tyler Small In December, the Black People in Philanthropy Brunch, hosted by the Missouri Foundation for Health, was a powerful gathering of visionaries, leaders, and changemakers throughout the region. Our Executive Director, Annissa McCaskill, joined Vannessa Cooksey of the Regional Arts Commission and Bethany Johnson-Javois of the Deaconess Foundation on a heartfelt panel moderated by Rebeccah Bennett. Together, they shared wisdom, experiences, and deep reflections on the challenges and triumphs of being Black in philanthropy—a journey often marked by both isolation and resilience. Tears and laughter flowed as the region's funders of color shared moments of vulnerability and strength, reminding us all of the power of community in the face of burdensome work. This brunch was more than an event—it was a reaffirmation of the vital role Black leaders play in driving equity and justice in philanthropy. Together, we are building a future rooted in healing and justice.

📢 Join Forward Through Ferguson for an information session about the Racial Equity Summit Community Advisory Committee. Register today at bit.ly/CAC2025-Info 🔗 👥 The Community Advisory Committee is a group of residents who are responsible for making decisions about sessions, panels, affinity groups, and other programming for the 2025 St. Louis Racial Equity Summit presented by Forward Through Ferguson. 💭Attend this information session to learn more about the application process, role of the Community Advisory Committee, and get your questions answered about the Committee’s decision-making processes. Community Advisory Committee members receive a stipend for their time and involvement. 💻 Can’t attend the information session? Don’t worry! This webinar will be recorded and will be available on-demand on Zoom and on YouTube.

The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched in 2017, it is an opportunity to bring all people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world. Find resources, find an event, or take some time to deepen your understanding by visiting DayOfRacialHealing.org.

Last Up: Racial Equity — Explore the final signature priority area of the #10YearsLater A Data Retrospective series! 📊 🔎 This section delves into the ongoing pursuit of Racial Equity throughout the St. Louis region, spotlighting the transformative impact of the Racial Healing + Justice Fund. Created to address systemic racism, the Fund prioritizes investments in Black- and Brown-led initiatives, emphasizing healing and justice to combat racial inequities and build a more equitable future. ✨ The journey continues. As we reflect on the last 10 years of wins, losses, and unwavering dedication, we honor the resilience and passion that have driven the fight for Racial Equity. Thank you to all who have supported, uplifted, and championed this work. Together, let’s keep showing up, collaborating, and pursuing joy in the face of challenges. Because, as the Ferguson Commission reminds us: “The only way forward is through.” 📖 Read Racial Equity | #10YearsLater: A Data Retrospective at https://lnkd.in/gF-7qjxX 🔗. #10YearsLaterRetrospective #RacialEquity #ForwardThroughFerguson

🌟  Looking back on moments of impact. On Christmas Eve, our Executive Director, Annissa McCaskill, and Board Members Vernique May, Shonté Byrd, and Adeola Adewale volunteered by preparing and delivering meals with their sororities at Friendly Temple Church. This act of service embodies Forward Through Ferguson’s mission to advance Racial Equity and systems change—creating a St. Louis where care and compassion shape a more just and equitable future for all.

📊 It’s here! As part of the Honest Elections Coalition, Forward Through Ferguson is proud to debut the Honest Elections Report alongside our partners Empower Missouri, A Red Circle, and Show Me Integrity . Read the full report at tiny.cc/ HonestElectionsReport 🔗 👥 The Honest Elections Report is the culmination of over a year’s worth of discussions with national and local leaders on election access, surveys, scientific polling, phonebanking, and community engagement. The Honest Election Report highlights how corruption undermines voter engagement, especially for younger Black voters and voters of color. It explores the feasibility of practical solutions like Democracy Dollars—a program empowering residents to use certificates to support grassroots candidates and initiatives. This is a critical step toward building a fairer, more inclusive democracy ⚖️. On November 21st, we hosted a public webinar to unveil the report, where Dr. Anita Manion, Rochelle Walton Gray, and Benjamin D. Singer shared the top findings and insights. Check out the full recording of the webinar at https://bit.ly/HECWebinar 🔗.

On December 11th, Forward Through Ferguson hosted our 2024 Community Update, bringing together community members and partners for a mid-morning session of connection, reflection, and engagement. Through engaging icebreaker discussions, we delved into the core of FTF’s work—advancing Racial Equity and driving systems change. The update wrapped up with a compelling presentation showcasing each department's achievements and impact this past year, leaving participants inspired and equipped to keep equity at the forefront of change throughout the St. Louis region. Watch the Recap on youtube - bit.ly/FTF2024Update 🔗

We bring you Youth at the Center — the next signature priority area of the #10YearsLater: A Data Retrospective series 📊. 🔎 This section examines the systemic inequities most affecting Black and brown youth, from the harmful impacts of the school-to-prison pipeline to the culture wars undermining critical race theory and equity programs. 🤝 It also celebrates the collective work of our community partners advancing educational equity in areas beyond education access and school discipline, such as WEPOWER, A Red Circle , and St. Louis Black Authors of Children's Literature, who address critical youth-related issues like early childhood education, food justice, and access to culturally representative literature. 🍎✏️📚 Despite challenges, the fight for equity continues with a growing network of educational equity advocates dedicated to supporting our region's children. 📖 Read Youth At The Center | #10YearsLater: A Data Retrospective at https://bit.ly/10YearsYAC 🔗.