Jonathan Metzl is an acclaimed physician and sociologist who speaks, teaches, and writes on a range of topics including mental illness and gun violence, race and whiteness in America, health and healthcare, and diversity and structural competency in higher education. Dr. Metzl’s most recent book, What We’ve Become: Living and Dying in a Country of Arms, reexamines how we as a nation address gun violence by looking at a racially-charged mass shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Punch loves to heal. Educated in medicine at the University of Connecticut and trained in surgery at the University of Maryland and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, he worked as a trauma surgeon at Barnes Jewish Hospital while on faculty at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Punch founded The BRIC in 2020 through years of community engagement and collaboration, in order to bridge the gaps in care for patients and their families in recovery from bullet injury.
Throughout her tenure on the Board of Aldermen, Alderwoman Clark Hubbard has sponsored, co-sponsored, and passed over 165 board bills (and counting) focused on advancing anti-discrimination and anti-displacement policies, while promoting equitable development and programming to strengthen neighborhoods and build sustainable, wellness-focused communities. Her commitment to earning and retaining the trust of her constituents, property owners, and business owners has set her apart and steeled her determination to keep building and growing, showing that even communities divided for too long can come together for the greater good.
Keisha Blanchard is a resilient and dedicated professional based in St. Louis, where she is currently employed at Washington University in St. Louis. On January 5, 2024 Keisha's life took a dramatic turn when she was shot while walking for exercise with a neighbor. Demonstrating remarkable strength and determination, Keisha has been actively working with the B.R.I.C clinic to heal and recover. Her courage and perseverance continue to inspire those around her as she navigates this challenging chapter with grace and hope.
Armon is a St. Louis, MO native and owner and Founder of Prime Protection STL, LLC, and the first Black-owned gun store and resource center in St. Louis, Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique.
He is a NRA and USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor with over 11 years of experience, having trained over 12,000 citizens. Formerly a Federal Park Ranger with the National Park Service, Armon is now a nationally recognized expert in firearms safety, training, and education, advocating for youth firearm safety and community engagement.
Lead Pastor of The Tabernacle and Founder of The Hub
Born and raised in St. Louis, Andre graduated from Berkeley Senior High School. He graduated as one of only a few African American students in his class at the University of Missouri -Columbia, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He completed his MBA at Webster University and his Masters of Theological Studies at Covenant Theological Seminary. Currently, Andre serves as the Lead Pastor of The Tabernacle and Founder of The Hub, with a passion to develop and inspire all to reach their full potential.
Courageous Conversations: The Impact of Gun Violence in our Community
5:30 pm Registration 6:00 pm Documentary Screening: 'Every Bullet Leaves a Mark' 7:00 pm Panel discussion: Courageous Conversations: The Impact of Gun Violence in our Community 8:30 pm Reception & Book Signing with Left Bank Books 9:30 pm Event concludes
