“I came to the conclusion that when I was in public school, the less I bothered anyone, the more appreciated I would be.”
Former New York Governor David Paterson shared those words when reflecting on his experiences in the public school system as a child – one of many jarring and insightful comments he offered in the first episode of Alphapointe’s new online program Foresight: An Alphapointe Series, which debuts Wednesday, July 27.
Hosted by Alphapointe Director of Public Policy Scott Thornhill, Foresight aims to explore the past, present and future of vision loss through engaging and insightful discussions with changemakers in the blindness community.
The first episode features an incredibly candid conversation between Thornhill and Gov. Paterson, the first blind governor in American history to serve more than two weeks and one of only four African-American governors in U.S. history.
Paterson discusses growing up in an education system unequipped to serve children with disabilities, his rise to prominence as the youngest New York state legislator, the unprecedented challenges he faced after being thrust into the governorship amidst a global economic crisis, the difficulties in handling his insulting portrayals in programs such as Saturday Night Live and much more.
The inaugural episode will be available starting on Wednesday, July 27 via Alphapointe’s website, YouTube channel and podcast.
Prior to the launch of the series, Alphapointe is partnering with the Kansas City Public Library to host a preview screening and panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26 at the Plaza Branch. The program is free to attend with RSVP either in-person or online and includes a discussion moderated by KSHB anchor/reporter Rae Daniel featuring Gov. Paterson remotely and Alphapointe Foundation board chair David Westbrook and community leader Robbie Makinen in-person.
For more information or to RSVP to the program, visit alphapointe.org/foresight.