A runway for justice and a legacy born from grief

While the two dozen awards were the culminating event of Chosen For Change’s BlackBall 2026, fashion was the featured attraction.

Rip the Runway for Justice: Fashion is the Statement was the theme of this year’s event, supported by a fashion show directed by Torrie Danielle Sanders.

“If you know me, you know I love fashion,” Sanders said. “I love the confidence, the creativity, the beauty, the individuality and of course the attitude.”

But as models prepared to highlight styles from six designers, Sanders reminded guests of the deeper purpose.

“Tonight, we are using this runway to tell a story,” she said. “A story about legacy, justice, healing, mental health, wellness and the power of knowing that our voices matter.”

Some outfits carried words and images tied to the theme — including a skirt printed with black-and-white images of Michael Brown worn by his 13-year-old sister M’ikelle Brown.

His death — at the hands of a then-Ferguson police officer — brought the nonprofit organization to fruition. On the eve of the twelfth anniversary of his passing, guests gathered at the Touhill Performing Arts Center for BlackBall 2026. The evening commemorated his life and raised funds for the organization founded in his honor.

“After losing my son, Michael Brown Jr., I never imagined this journey would grow into a movement focused on healing, hope and opportunity for others,” Michael Brown Sr. said. “What came from one of the hardest moments of my life is now helping families and communities every day.”

Atif Mahr spoke about the support he received through Chosen Fathers.

“I lost my daughter October 21, 2021,” Mahr said. “When Mike Brown reached out to me in January, I was crashing out. CFC saved my life. Grief kills — and if you have a child taken from you, it can kill you.”

Brown Sr. envisioned Chosen Fathers after marching in Ohio with the family of Tamir Rice.

“I noticed mothers were given a voice, but fathers were being left behind,” he said.

“Life for me before Chosen Fathers was pain and turmoil,” Mahr added. “This group has given me tools to help navigate this journey.”

Guests also witnessed the growth of the organization. The Browns announced C.O.P.E. (Children Overcoming Painful Experiences), which provides care and support to fathers and families who are processing trauma.

“It hasn’t been easy for our family,” Cal Brown said. “The best way I can describe it is, ‘But God.’ So many people see the glory, but they don’t know our story.”

She reflected on the months leading up to August 9, 2014. In June, she and Brown Sr. lost their home in a fire. The next month, she and Michael Brown Sr. were married. On August 1, Michael Brown graduated from Normandy High School. Eight days later, his life was taken.

“This is what I mean when I say, ‘You don’t know my story,’” she said. “But tonight, you will see my life’s work on this stage.”

She shared that she and Brown Sr. were childhood sweethearts who reunited in 2011.

“I truly believe it was for this moment,” she said. “Everything my mother taught me prepared me to help carry my husband, my family and this nation toward healing.”

The event introduced Jada Jamerson, who read the essay that earned her the distinction of being the 12th Michael Brown Jr. Chosen For Change Scholarship recipient. Applicants were asked, “What does justice mean to you?”

“Justice is indivisible,” Jamerson said. “True justice is universal — it has to be or it ceases to be justice at all. It cannot live only in words. Real justice must be indivisible in daily life, woven into people’s experiences rather than confined to promises or ideals.”

Keynote speaker Rev. Michelle Higgins said ripping the runway for justice required acknowledging that their gathering was “fashioned by an event that could have overcome us.”

“You could have called what you are going through a life sentence, but you chose to realize that you are chosen to carry a legacy,” Higgins said. “A burden you never deserved, but a legacy that is yours to preach about, to live through and, yes, to demand attention.”

The evening culminated with the Change Agent Visionary Awards presentation, which recognized 25 individuals and institutions for their service to the region. 

Deanna Joseph, widow of Chosen Fathers member Andrew Joseph Jr., was surprised with the Legacy Award.

“Mike is the face of Chosen Fathers, but Andrew Joseph was the heart and soul,” Cal Brown said.

Deanna Joseph was overcome with emotion as she honored her husband, who died in May. 

“My husband loved St. Louis,” Joseph said. “And he loved his Chosen Fathers. He isn’t here with us tonight, but he is here in spirit. “I thank this family, I thank this city and I thank all of you for the support you have shown me and my family.”

Change Agent Visionary Award recipient Farrakhan Shegog of Young Voices With Action thanked the Browns for their service.

“Mike and Cal, y’all are doing the work of the Lord,” Shegog said. “I know for the past 12 years y’all have stayed consistent. The world can never forget that. Y’all are recognizing us on this stage, but it should be us recognizing y’all.”

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