Congressional Black Caucus Foundation: 54th Annual Legislative Conference

More than a decade after the Ferguson uprising and nearly a decade since the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray, the demand for justice, equity, and meaningful reform continues to resonate across the nation. Congressman Wesley Bell — a vocal participant in the Ferguson protest movement and a national leader in criminal justice reform — is convening a powerful conversation to examine how these pivotal moments have shaped public safety policy and the movement for systemic change.

This panel will bring together movement leaders, policymakers, and legal experts to reflect on the lessons learned from Ferguson to Baltimore, assess the progress made since 2014 and 2015, and spotlight the innovative, community-centered approaches redefining the criminal legal system today. The discussion will uplift grassroots perspectives and focus on solutions rooted in accountability, prevention, and public health—not punishment.