ST. LOUIS — Michael Brown Sr. started the organization Chosen For Change shortly after the death of his son.
Friday night, the group held its largest fundraiser of the year, the "Black Ball: Sneaker Edition" at the Missouri History Museum.
In large part, it's about making sure people understand the gravity of Michael Brown Jr.'s death 10 years later.
"Education" was a huge emphasis on Aug. 9, considering Chosen for Change has an after-school program working with elementary school students, many of whom weren't even born when Brown died.
They teach literacy and unpack crucial history in St. Louis and nationwide, Community Engagement Coordinator for Chosen for Change Demaris Ridgell said. Especially with a fitting backdrop inside the museum.
Still, remembering Brown was an all-day event on Friday. On a walk, in a moment of silence and closing out the night with the Black Ball, executive director of Chosen for Change Melanie Randels was there for all of it.
"All roads lead to Ferguson from all over the nation," Randels told 5 On Your Side.
The annual ball brought together nearly 300 people to remember Brown for a formal event including music, speeches and heartfelt conversations.
The group's mission is to help families battle profound grief, according to Randels.
"People don't know that this family has supported people in 12 other states, impacting Breonna Taylor's family, George Floyd's family," Randels said. "They have been to Australia. They have been to Ghana and all over spreading the message to support fathers and families that are processing the unthinkable."
They're also making sure the name Michael Brown Jr. isn't forgotten.
Many attendees also took the time to unpack how things have changed since 2014.
"How we move how we process things, but systemically, no change," Randels said. "We're still losing loved ones at the hands of police brutality, violence, poverty."
Writer, director, producer, and actor Sir Ervin Williams was one of the hosts Friday night, hoping to raise more than $50,000. Some of his goals weren't just monetary though.
"It's more awareness but we also need more done politically to change laws in Ferguson, in the city of St. Louis and in the country as a whole for being young, Black 6' 3" African Americans," Williams said. "Just being a threat because I walked out the door."
In another 10 years, many want to make sure we're not having the same conversations with a continued cycle of violence.
"But unfortunately I've read history," Williams said. "I know how history repeats itself. As long as we keep teaching fear to our children, we will keep raising our parents."
If you missed any of Friday's events, there are more throughout the weekend continuing the dialogue surrounding Michael Brown's death.
Tomorrow, a Heal Our Cities Concert at Harris Stowe University runs from noon to 3 pm. Sunday. It's the second to last day of the Ferguson Empowerment Center's "As I See You" exhibit honoring Brown.
If you're interested in getting involved with Chosen for Change, click here.