Bestselling author, former CEO of anti-poverty force Robin Hood
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that combat veteran Wes Moore, a two-time New York Times bestselling author, former CEO of Robin Hood, one of the largest anti-poverty forces in the nation and Maryland gubernatorial candidate, will headline a speaker series at Neighborhood Academy, Sept. 29.
The event will be held both in-person at the school, 709 N. Aiken Ave., and virtually via Zoom. The in-person event will take place within The Neighborhood Academy’s Hans and Leslie Fleischner Indoor Soccer Field. Guests will be served a boxed dinner, hear Moore’s presentation, and engage in a Q&A. Author’s Circle VIP Guests will have the opportunity to meet Moore in person before the presentation. Virtual attendees will receive admission to Moore’s presentation and may submit questions from 7 to 8 p.m.
A Maryland native, Moore’s book, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” explores the lives of two Wes Moores and the factors and choices that led one to a Rhodes scholarship, military service, and a White House fellowship; and the other to drug dealing, prison, and eventual conversion to the Muslim faith. Both share a gritty sense of realism about their pasts.
Moore’s latest book, “Five Days,” explores the uprisings in Baltimore in 2015 after the death of Freddie Gray in police custody through a kaleidoscope of perspectives and examines critical questions about the deeper causes of violence and poverty.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Wes Moore to our school for this special bi-annual event. You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking discussion with such an impressive two-time New York Times bestselling author, such as Wes,” said Anthony Williams, head of school at The Neighborhood Academy, in a statement to the Courier.
“The Neighborhood Academy has changed the trajectory of the lives of many teens in Pittsburgh for the better. Everything I understand about Wes Moore aligns with our mission. We cannot wait for our students, our friends and our community to be inspired by Wes’ story and words of wisdom,” said Annie Westbrook, Managing Director at CIBC US, and co-chair of the event’s Host Committee Member.
WES MOORE
“Wes Moore’s story of grit, positivity, and success is inspirational to our students and the wider community, particularly now since there is a national focus to address the socio-economic disparities that pose real challenges to equity and inclusion for all citizens,” said Blair William, VP, Finance at AllianceRx Walgreens Prime and The Neighborhood Academy Board Member.
The Nancy & Paul O’Neill Speaker Series has become a platform for renowned authors to present and share works that not only describe the Black experience in America, but also challenge all of us to see the world through The Neighborhood Academy’s students’ eyes.
Previously featured speakers include Ron Suskind, author of “A Hope of the Unseen;” Isabel Wilkerson, author of “The Warmth of Other Suns;” Margo Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures;” and Mark Whitaker, author of “Smoketown.”
For more information and ticket purchases, visit https://www.theneighborhoodacademy.org/. Students and Veterans should contact Jonathan Winkler at 412-203-0158. All proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Established in 2001, The Neighborhood Academy is a faith-based, college preparatory, independent school whose mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by empowering youth and preparing them for college and citizenship.
The Neighborhood Academy exists to provide a holistic college-prep education for students in grades 6-12 whose families demonstrate financial need. The Neighborhood Academy is dedicated to developing the minds, bodies and spirits of our students so that they might become fully productive members of our society. By doing so, our students will break the cycle of generational poverty that has held them captive and deprived society of the full value of their lives.
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