It’s been a long journey for the people of Ferguson and Michael Brown’s family since August 2014. By documenting the Paint for Peace effort that happened during the aftermath in November 2014, in the book Painting for Peace in Ferguson, and by visiting schools and community events in the years that followed, I have been fortunate to hear from many voices and people in the community of Ferguson during the past five years. Some voices were young and angry … some older voices we

What started out with only local distribution and a small press run for the children's book Painting for Peace in Ferguson has turned into a much bigger year than anyone anticipated. Launched on February 21, 2015, not only was it selected to represent the state of Missouri at Library of Congress' National Book Festival, it also received an IPPY Outstanding Book of the Year award beating out more than 6,000 other entries. Appearing on the local, indie book best-seller list for

By: Kurt Greenbaum Perhaps it’s not time you have, but you can donate money or participate in a fundraiser. Here’s a few ideas for how to get involved with your wallet. Visit Ferguson and Spend Money Residents and business owners want the wider community to know Ferguson is open for business. Consider making the effort to visit the city and spend shopping dollars there. Have lunch or dinner at a Ferguson restaurant. Consider more than just lunch … there are optical shops, tir

By: Kurt Greenbaum Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? A way to use your skills to support your community? If volunteer work is something your children seek, the best place to start is by setting a good example for your children. PBS Parents suggests that being a volunteering role model is where to begin. Create an Opportunity Students at a St. Louis-area girls’ high school invited a Ferguson restaurant to provide their lunch one school day. The restaurant sustained

By: Kurt Greenbaum The National Association of School Psychologists has an online resource guide with ideas about how to address issues of tolerance and social justice with children. A few of their tips (with the full menu available online here) include: Remind children not to characterize an entire group or class of people by how a few of them behave. Note that one of America’s core strengths is its diversity. Reinforce this core principle: Treat people with fairness, respec