Transforming Anger Into Mindful Action
Leon Ford is an author, international speaker, activist, mental health ambassador, social advocate of change, and 2019 City Council candidate for Pittsburgh. He has devoted his life to the betterment of his community. He is a member of The Aspen Institutes Inaugural Civil Society Fellowship and serves as an entrepreneur in residence for Bronze Investments.
Leon’s knowledge of social disparities and injustice comes from personal experience. When he was 19 years old his life drastically changed when he was unjustly shot five times by the Pittsburgh Police during a racially charged traffic stop. This horrific case of mistaken identity has left him physically paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, but Leon hasn’t allowed his circumstances to deter him from having a positive impact on his community.
Leon has sparked a movement by empowering leaders to use their voices + resources to evoke change .. and reshape their communities for generations to come. Leon’s latest partnership with Duquense University bridges the gap between the community, students, professors and community leaders through a program known as “The Voices Project”. This program provides an open space to discuss literacy, social reform, gentrification, police brutality, and more.
Leon has also devoted time to meet with police officers to help provide clarity on cultural competency. He works with PA legislators to draft policies that modify the use of force laws, which will in turn increase chances to receive justice during officer involved shootings. Leon received President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award, and has been recognized via The Root 100 and Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40. Despite hardships, he continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a leader to those in need of direction.
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The Path teaches meditation for the modern mind. We host weekly sits, courses, retreats, social events, a certificate teacher training program and private one-on-one meditation coaching. We help you become more aware of yourself and your impact on others while making you happier, more relaxed, more focused — and better able to make decisions in all areas of your life.The Path teaches meditation for the modern mind. We host weekly sits, courses, retreats, social events, a certificate teacher training program and private one-on-one meditation coaching. We help you become more aware of yourself and your impact on others while making you happier, more relaxed, more focused — and better able to make decisions in all areas of your life.
