ST. LOUIS — Families stopped by Harris Stowe State University for a chance at a clean slate on Saturday.
The Second Chance Summit hosted by Representative LaKeySha Bosley of Missouri's 79th District was an opportunity for families to redeem themselves and be aware of resolutions in their community.
Expungement clinics have helped people remove criminal records from their records, which can help them access housing, employment, and other opportunities. Adolphus Pruitt from the St. Louis City NAACP spoke about criminal justice reform.
Many got line for an opportunity to get warrants overturned for traffic violations, and for resources on getting their criminal record expunged for misdemeanors and felonies.
One of the biggest draws was parking ticket forgiveness up to $100 with the support of the Treasurer's Office.
"Sometimes I have a lot going on. I'll forget. It'll just slip my mind and then now I'm just I have a ticket now it can possibly be a warrant," said Tiana Lewis, a single mom and nursing student.
Bosley and attorneys volunteering said the event was a much-needed resource for all families who might fall short but want to get their lives on track.
"Disappointment with election results. Disappointed with cabinet members who are being appointed. Disappointed with inflation. Disappointed with so many things. This is an opportunity to at least give people some hope especially around the holidays," he said.
"With the current legislation being as it is, it's important that we take advantage of these opportunities so the community can avail themselves, as I said avail themselves of these opportunities. Take care of these opportunities that can be burdensome," added Jittaun Dill, president-elect of the Mound City Bar Association.
New beginnings ahead of a new year. "We have to look out for one another. Stay on top of things so that we cannot crumble," Lewis said.
Bosley has plans for another summit in 2025 and is working on a toy drive to give over 150 toys away to children in the city for Christmas.