"From Protest to Policy" panel - Press Release
** PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE CHANGED THE VENUE TO ACCOMODATE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY**-- The event will now be held in the Main Auditorium in the Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building (HGA) at Harris-Stowe State University. -- There will be a Live Stream of the event on the St. Louis Young Democrats Facebook Page.
St. Louis, MO [Oct 2017] – Members of the media and the public are invited to attend “From Protest to Policy,” a panel event to discuss concrete policy actions we can take to promote justice and opportunity for all St. Louisans.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 11
Where: Main Auditorium in the Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building (HGA) at Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
On Wednesday, October 11, at Harris-Stowe State University a panel of key stakeholders will convene to discuss policies that will help address the systemic inequities that have gripped St. Louis for decades, but most recently after the not-guilty verdict of the Jason Stockley case. Rather than focus on the barriers to change, the evening’s discussion will focus on the first steps government and community leaders can take to create the transformational change demanded by citizens, protesters and advocacy groups.
“Through this discussion, we aim for three core outcomes. First, we look to educate the community about how to create change through policy. Second, we aim to not only advocate for, but also create a space for our region’s elected officials to have difficult conversations in an effort to find those policy solutions. And finally, we think it’s important that we all bear witness to this conversation, the solutions discussed and note the actions promised, and then hold our elected officials accountable to those statements after this event is over,” said Elise Miller Hoffman, President of the Young Democrats and the event’s panel moderator.
This event aims to bring together community leaders who, through their role in advocacy and governmental organizations, have the ability to influence or enact policies to address the racial disparities in our region. The diverse panel will bring their different viewpoints and experiences working within the city to address these issues and ultimately create solutions.
Panelists include:
Mayor Lyda Krewson, City of St. Louis
Bruce Franks Jr., Missouri State Representative, District 078
David Dwight, Forward Through Ferguson, Communications and Strategy Catalyst
Sgt. Heather Taylor, Ethical Society of Police (ESOP), President
“We hope that this conversation will bring greater clarity as to what our initial policy priorities should be to advance racial equity, and - more importantly - how the organizations represented can work together to achieve these immediate goals,” said Miller Hoffman.
The St. Louis Young Democrat’s President and panel moderator, Elise Miller Hoffman, is available for interview prior to the event and immediately following the panel discussion. Panelists will be encouraged to stay and answer questions after the discussion.
About The St. Louis Young Democrats:
It is the mission of The St. Louis Young Democrats to provide a safe space to inform and discuss pressing community issues, empower members to have a voice in these issues and ensure they have the tools needed to ignite change.
We envision a day when the St. Louis region is an informed community that advocates for its needs, and the needs of its neighbors, and that citizens' rights, as outlined in the constitution, are respected and protected by democracy. Media Contact: Sam Nuernberger Director stlyoungdems@gmail.com