Leon Ford Jr.

Leon Ford, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, born on March 16, 1993, has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. The well-known author, International speaker, and 2019 City Council candidate for Pittsburgh, PA District 9 has devoted his life to the betterment of his community. Ford is a well-respected activist, mental health ambassador, and social advocate of change through his leadership. Ford’s influence in his community has divulged a heroic display of strength, wisdom, faith, and fortitude.

His knowledge of social disparities and injustice comes from personal experience. When Ford was 19 years old, his life drastically changed. November 11, 2012, he was unjustly shot five times by the Pittsburgh Police during a traffic stop. This horrific case of mistaken identity has left him physically paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Still, Ford hasn’t allowed his circumstances to deter him from positively impacting his community.

Through mentorship, he has sparked a movement cultivating leaders, organizers, and social entrepreneurs by empowering them to use their voices, platforms, and resources to evoke change and reshape their communities for generations to come.

While Ford is passionate about educating the community, he has also devoted time to work with police officers to help provide clarity on cultural competency, training, and building healthy relationships. Ford displays authentic leadership through his work while also being a source of healing, hope, and inspiration.

Ford's work has not gone unnoticed in the community. He has received several awards, including but not limited to; President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award “2017, The Root 100 “2018” Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40 “2019.”

Despite hardships, he continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a leader to those in need of direction.