A free series created to bring voices of diversity to Jefferson City will kick off Oct. 22.
The Jefferson City Commission on Human Relations will begin the quarterly "Stronger Through Diversity" series during Disability Awareness Month.
Equestrian rider Deborah McAlexander, the keynote speaker and a Jefferson City native, will share her story of becoming legally blind at 24 years old.
McAlexander has continued to follow her dreams of competing as a para-dressage athlete with Cornet Noir, her 10-year-old Bavarian Warmblood.
Dressage involves horses and riders performing predetermined movements by memory at different locations throughout the ring.
Sharing her para-dressage story is her way to "dispel the stigma and stereotypes associated with blindness and disabilities in general," McAlexander said.
She also seeks to inspire others to dream, overcome their obstacles and redefine the meaning of victory.
"It's not about the color of the ribbon, the medal, wealth or the position one reaches in life," McAlexander said. "It's about the adversity, obstacles and failures overcome while trying to achieve the victory."
The Jefferson City High School graduate hopes to pack the house. Approximately 60 seats are available; the event is from 6-8 p.m. at The Linc, 1299 Lafayette St.
"I can't wait to come back to my hometown to share this story that you never give up, you never quit," McAlexander said.
In July, she traveled to Gloucester, England, and was the first U.S. dressage athlete with visual impairment to receive confirmed international classification from the International Blind Sports Federation.
McAlexander is training to compete in the 2020 Paralympic Games and the 2022 World Equestrian Games as the only competing equestrian rider with a disability in the United States.
The speaker series was inspired by the Human Relations Commission's mission, chairman Mitchell Woodrum said.
"We looked at our mission, which is promoting diversity through education," Woodrum said. "We said the best way to do that is to bring quarterly speaking events into Jeff City to where we can talk about different diverse groups."
The plan is to bring speakers who represent the LGBTQ community, African American background and other diverse groups, which would hopefully educate and bring understanding to those who attend.
Heather Knight will moderate the event, bringing her background in civil discourse to the discussion.
A three- to five-member panel including a local individual with disabilities and a service provider will follow McAlexander.
Guests can reserve seats through the JCMO Human Relations Commission Facebook page.
"I'm hoping that these speaking events are something that will last for years to come," Woodrum said.