It is not every day that we get to welcome a bestselling author whose resume boasts lines including Rhodes Scholar, decorated combat veteran, and White House Fellow. But lucky for us, we get this opportunity this week (twice) as First Steps of Kent County welcomes Wes Moore to the region.
Moore rose to notoriety after his book,
The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, drew rave reviews after it was published in 2010 and set in motion dialogue about the topic of education in our society.
In the book, Moore tells the tale of his own childhood struggles and family challenges, contrasting his eventual success with the story of another man named Wes Moore, who was born just blocks away within the same year and who ended up serving a life sentence in prison. The book was widely debated on university campuses and was a popular choice for book clubs wanting to delve into issues of opportunity, equity, and social justice.
Now the author of this engaging book will be in Grand Rapids to share his views on parenting and a community's role in a child's life. Moore is also coming here to help us celebrate the 5
th anniversary of First Steps Kent – a public-private partnership committed to investing in our youngest children, so that we can ensure a stronger, more prosperous future for all.
“First Steps Kent has been a powerful champion for young children since its beginning,” says Rich Liberatore, First Steps interim executive director. “We are proud to have helped pave the way for new parents to find adequate health care, play groups, child care, preschool… even diapers… for their little ones… which of course paves the way for the children’s future success.”
There are two chances to hear Moore speak locally. (Click on the links to register.)
On
Tuesday, April 28, Moore will welcome parents, childcare providers, educators, and advocates for a free event at Ottawa Hills High School.
On
Wednesday, April 29, he will be speaking at Meijer Gardens with a talk aimed at business leaders, elected officials, educators, and community advocates. Cost for The Gardens' events is $15 and includes a hot breakfast buffet.