Watch: Focus on meaningful reforms to address systemic racism in KC

George Floyd’s brutal death ignited weeks of protests in every American city. While the crisis is national, change will happen at the local level.

“Breaking Point: Tackling Systemic Racism in Kansas City” will focus on the meaningful changes needed to address long-standing racial disparities that too often have divided our city.

Our panelists will help us understand how Kansas City can move forward on police reform, tackle social justice issues and address racial inequities in health care.

Join us for this important conversation on Tuesday, July 14 at 12:30 p.m. CDT.

Please RSVP now to reserve your spot.

Here’s a look at our panelists:

Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Dr Mark Bedell, Kansas City Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell is considered one of the top urban public-school administrators in the country. During his tenure, he has made educational equity a priority. In 2017, Bedell was named a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association, and he was recognized as 2018 New Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators.

U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II

Congressman, Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District

Kevin Willmott

Oscar-winning filmmaker and professor in the Film Studies Department of the University of Kansas. Willmott won an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for the 2018 film, “BlacKkKlansman,” a movie Willmott co-wrote with Spike Lee.

Quinton Lucas

55th Mayor of Kansas City

Qiana Thomason

President and CEO of the Health Forward Foundation

Moderator: Toriano Porter

Opinion Writer and Editorial Board Member, The Kansas City Star

This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM.