Is it possible for the disparate factions of stakeholders and community members in St. Louis to unite and fight racism? On Wednesday, November 15, Harris-Stowe State University will make an attempt with “Policy after Protest: Is that Enough?”
“Over decades of sincere protests and resultant well-meaning policies, hardcore issues remain unresolved and seem to simmer and fester,” organizers stated. “Are there viable solutions that will address institutionalized and systemic forces that continue to cripple the St. Louis region?”
It’s a question that a previous event at Harris-Stowe also attempted to answer. The “Protest to Policy” event on October 11 featured St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and state Rep. Bruce Franks, along with several St. Louis activists. The event was interrupted by protesters calling on Krewson to fire interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole, and by the end of the night the audience members were speaking more than the panelists.
The upcoming forum will offer a response to that event in more than just name, with panelists attempting to take on the viability of both protest efforts and policies adopted quickly in response.
The event will take place at Harris-Stowe State University’s Emerson Theatre 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, November 15 featuring two panels, each moderated by HEC-TV television reporter Sharon Stevens.
The first panel, beginning at 7:05 p.m., will include St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, a candidate for mayor in 2016. Jones ran against Krewson in the Democratic primary with a platform that included significant public safety and police department reforms. Another panelist is Keith Williams of the Institute of Justice and Accountability, which trains police departments in improving community relations. The panel will also include St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger, St. Louis Community College professor Terry Freeman and Harris-Stowe student activist Antoine White.
At the second panel, beginning at 8 p.m., the audience will hear from Bruce Franks, a frequent leader of protests in response to the Jason Stockley verdict. Other panelists include Harris-Stowe professor Andre Smith, Washington University law professor Kimberly Norwood and Eden Seminary visiting professor Alton Pollard, as well as Louisa Lyles of the police department’s Civilian Oversight Board.
Questions for the panel will focus on topics such as the role of clergy in protests and fairness in police compensation, but the overarching topic of the event will be how policymakers, activists and other community members can come together to create genuine change – and how likely it is that change will come any time soon.
Jessica Karins is an editorial intern from Webster University for the St. Louis American.
