Making His ‘Enemy’ an Ally: A Conversation with Leon Ford: Part 2
In The Deep: Stories That Shape UsShow Notes
We’ve all heard the unfortunate stories of police and Black Americans in our country. From misconduct to miscommunication, we often hear about victims of police abuse through memorials and services. But Leon Ford lived to tell the tale. At the young age of 19, he was left paralyzed after being shot by police. But, instead of allowing resentment and anger drive him, he decided to take control of the narrative – and his healing – to mend the relationships between his community and the authorities.
In this two-part Season 2 opener, Leon explains how he’s been able to create content and spaces to humanize both sides through “The Hear Foundation”, an organization dedicated exclusively to collaborating with community leaders, Pittsburgh Police, residents and the City to create a safe, thriving community for all. Listen to how he found unlikely allies for his own healing – and the healing of the larger community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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We’ve all heard the unfortunate stories of police and Black Americans in our country. From misconduct to miscommunication, we often hear about victims of police abuse through memorials and services. But Leon Ford lived to tell the tale. At the young age of 19, he was left paralyzed after being shot by police. But, instead of allowing resentment and anger drive him, he decided to take control of the narrative – and his healing – to mend the relationships between his community and the authorities.
Dealing with the growing pains of becoming ourselves - a glorious, unapologetic version of us - can be painful and uncomfortable. And sometimes, life gets really messy even when you’re in the company of your own tribe. We’ve heard from some incredible people on how they’ve dealt with the blows and twists that life can throw our way. And now, we’re back for Season 2, digging deeper to understand that feeling of otherness we often feel on the road to becoming ourselves, in all our complicated glory.