Precious Cargo Forum: A Forum for Every Voice

A community forum for the speech and disability community, hosted by NBA veteran and stuttering advocate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

The Precious Cargo Forum is a powerful, community-centered panel discussion bringing together therapists, advocates, and community-focused law enforcement for an honest, open conversation about the experiences of those in the speech and disability community.

Whether you stutter, live with a physical disability, navigate an invisible or nonphysical condition, or simply want to show up in support of someone you love, you belong here.This forum is open to all.

Presented by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, he knows firsthand what it means to move through the world while managing a stutter. As a former NBA player who has spoken openly about his journey, Michael brings both lived experience and a genuine heart for community to this space.

Together, our panel will explore the real conversations that matter, around advocacy, accessibility, understanding, and what it truly means to support one another.

What to expect:

• A candid panel discussion with therapists, disability advocates, and community-focused law enforcement, including the changes to the Precious Cargo Act
• A welcoming space for people of all abilities, visible and non-visible disabilities included
• Real resources, real voices, and real connection

The event host/emcee for this event is Heidi Kuhn, Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk & Congressional Candidate

Confirmed Panelists Include:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Stuttering Advocate and Former NBA Player

Senator Raumesh Akbari, District 29 Tennessee

Emilee Cooley M.S., CCC-SLP , Speech-Language Pathologist

Natasha Parks, CEO for DeafConnect

Dale Lane, Chief of Police- Collierville Police Department

Inger Williams, Founder of Cultured Hands

Alyson Edwards, Director of Children's Services-SRVS

Anthony Buckner, Chief Deputy- Shelby County Sheriff's Office
 

ASL Interpretation provided by DeafConnect