Sooo many highlights. Like I said, Claire Mccaskill was there, and she spoke about the need for African Americans to be more present in local politics. That we need more people in the system that look like us (well, not like "us", because I'm bi-racial, but you get what I'm saying). They also had attorney Connie Rice present (of L.A. riots fame), and the police chief from Cincinnati, who got them through their own riots recently. The mayor of Ferguson spoke, as did Alderman Antonio French. There were some young black men who talked about their experiences in Ferguson and surrounding areas, as well as the founder of Dream Defenders (started in the wake of Trayvon's death). What struck me the most is that this is the first time I've seen locals from our community- black, white, rich, poor, young and old- come together and really listen to each other. Everyone had important and valid points, and we all listened to each other. Living in St. Louis, the racial divide is massive. It always has been. To get so many people from so many different walks of life, with so many varying opinions together in one room, where people honestly listened to each other felt monumental. It was a huge deal.