Activist Leon Ford hosts panel at Heinz History Center
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It's been 10 years since Leon Ford was shot by police on the way to his grandmother's house after being misidentified by officers.
The incident left him to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. On the anniversary of this life-altering shooting, there was a celebration of survival at the Heinz History Center on Friday, with more than 150 people in attendance.
"I woke up with a strong sense of gratitude and love. I feel like 10 years ago was one of the worst moments of my life, and it's transformed," Ford told KDKA.
A lot has happened since that day. Ford has written two books, and he now lends his voice to activism across the globe and gives back to numerous charitable organizations.
"It's up to you to get up and how high you decide to climb is up to you. I'm still climbing," Ford said.
The Hear Foundation, co-founded by Ford, hosted the event, which included a panel discussion on trauma and healing. The foundation also announced a new round of micro-grants for community organizations to help address ongoing gun violence.
Kamal Nigam, executive director of the Hear Foundation, said, "We're inviting applications today. We are giving away up to $200,000. That's about $10,000 to $20,000 to each grantee."
Ford is also donating the hoodie he wore the day of the shooting to the museum, which has been working to acquire it for years. There are no plans for if, when or how it will be exhibited.
But museum officials say they feel honored to have the privilege of preserving fords place in Pittsburgh's history.
"What it is, is evidence of the type of trauma African Americans have experienced for hundreds of years in this country," said Samuel Black, director of the African American History Museum, which is part of the Heinz History Center.
"When people look at that hoodie, I want them to feel like no matter how dark life gets, no matter how many hardships you are faced with, you can overcome," Ford said.
