Around the Institute

Missouri’s Governor: Lessons from Ferguson

August 6, 2015  • Aaron Myers

Above, watch Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon discuss Ferguson, with Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson.

“We’ve listened. We’ve learned. And things are going to get better.” Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon describes lessons learned in his state after the death of Michael Brown and the protests that followed. One year later, Nixon discusses the importance of peaceful protest, the ubiquity of cameras, and the law enforcement changes made in Ferguson and throughout his state. “It’s been one of the most heartening years of my life – even though very difficult,” concludes Nixon. “I’m like the world’s expert on riots now.”

Nixon spoke during “A Conversation with Democratic Governors: Leading from the State Level,” part of the McCloskey Speaker Series hosted by the Aspen Institute in Aspen, Colorado. The discussion was moderated by Aspen Institute President and CEO Walter Isaacson.

Watch the entire conversation with Isaacson, Nixon, and other Democratic governors on YouTube.