Imagine being shot 5 times by police for absolutely nothing. Sadly, that doesn't require a huge stretch of the imagination for most of us living in the year 2016.
But, imagine living to tell about it. THAT is rare.
And extraordinary.
Now, imagine that you are in fact able to hold the police accountable for their wrongful actions AND then you become an activist for changing the system that crippled you for life.
That just doesn't happen.
Unless you are Leon Ford Jr.
During my conference sessions yesterday, I met a very close personal friend of Leon Ford, Jr. His name is Jason Rivers and he and I were table partners in my Ferguson session. He was kind enough to share his friend, Leon's, story with me when he heard about the work we are doing in Global. (PS. I also shared the link to the blog with him-- If you're reading this, hi Jason!).
Leon's story of survival is inspiring enough on its own. But when you learn that he not only survived this horrific tragedy but has dedicated his life to telling his story to inspire young (and old) people to get engaged in the fight against a criminal justice system that has protected police who brutalize and kill young men at alarming rates. You can find more information about Leon Ford Jr through his organization Leon Ford Speaks.
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