FYI: Triggering Change AmPublicSquare event

Free, online and in person at the Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch. Reception at 6 pm, event starts at 6:30 pm.

Register and more details: https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/triggeringchange/

The Kansas City metro saw its deadliest year on record in 2023 as the community experienced 243 gun-related deaths. Join American Public Square at Jewell for their annual student-produced program which will take a deeper look into the roles community education and prevention play in the lives of urban youth at a time when firearm violence is feeling all too normal.  Program panelists include:

• • Jean Peters Baker, Jackson County Prosecutor
  • Chip Brownlee, reporter for The Trace
  • Kyle Hollins, founder and CEO – The Lyrik’s Institution
  • LaTasha Jacobs, activist, co-founder of Pretty Pistol Posse and certified firearms instructor
  • Marijana Kotlaja, Ph.D., assistant professor – Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology – University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Ryana Park-Shaw, Kansas City Mayor Pro-Tem
  • Shayla Sullivant, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist specialist – Children’s Mercy Hospital

With support from Student Ambassadors, Mary Sanchez of Kansas City PBS | Flatland will moderate the discussion; Toriano Porter of The Kansas City Star will serve as the program’s Roving Reporter; Cami Koons of Kansas City PBS | Flatland will provide the evening’s fact checks.  Doors open at 6:00 pm; the program begins at 6:30 pm.

This program has been designed for the community by APS’ 2023-24 Student Ambassadors and is the culminating event in their year-long APS Civics Education Initiative experience.  Participating high schools include Belton High School, Guadalupe Center, Lee’s Summit West High School, Olathe North High School, Shawnee Mission North High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, and University Academy.