After the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. on August 9, 2014, “Ferguson” came to symbolize racial strife and inequity in the United States. Throughout this country, the circumstances surrounding and following his death have sharply defined race-based challenges that demand transformation. The alternative to change is to accept an untenable environment that is fraught with racial inequities and continued conflict

To identify the race-based challenges demanding transformation, Missouri’s Governor asked a group of regional leaders — The Ferguson Commission — to complete a “thorough, wide-ranging and unflinching study of the social and economic conditions that impede progress, equality and safety in the St. Louis region.” In 2015, Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) was established as a 501(c)3 to catalyze lasting positive change in the St. Louis region as outlined in the Ferguson Commission Report.

Embracing the Ferguson Commission’s mandate, Forward Through Ferguson 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.

Mission

Embracing the Ferguson Commission’s mandate, Forward Through Ferguson 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.

Vision

We envision a transformed St. Louis region where, regardless of race and ZIP code, there is justice for all, the opportunity to thrive, and boundless possibility for all of our youth.

Role

In our pursuit of Racial Equity, Forward Through Ferguson:

Acts as a bridge between communities, leaders, and organizers in St. Louis and beyond
Facilitates access, communication, and collaboration to foster understanding
Works to connect those impacted by racism, grassroots organizers, foundations, and government bodies.
Together, we work towards creating equitable systems rooted in community vision

What's Next

In 2025, 10 years have passed since the Ferguson Commission’s report was published, leading to the creation of Forward Through Ferguson. Honoring this, we are excited to reaffirm who Forward Through Ferguson is in our community. We continue to broaden the work we began last year, hosting the biennial Racial Equity Summit in August. Despite the increasing tensions and hostilities regarding equity and systems change work, we understand that it is critical to continue fostering collaboration among community members and partners.

We envision a future where open dialogue replaces division, the urgency for equity is met with collective action, and our community stands united against denial and resistance. We remain unapologetically #unflinching in our work to uplift marginalized voices and to advocate for transformational change. In this, our 10th year, we understand more than ever that the only way forward is through and the only way through is together.

Forward Through Ferguson

Team Members