The Uhuru Bakery is a Symbol of our Community’s Unity & Resilience
By Daniel Colchado
In North St. Louis, Uhuru Bakery & Café is rising as a symbol of community resilience, self-determination, and social transformation. After many months of struggle to obtain a building permit, an effort blocked by the city government, the space will be more than a bakery. This community institution will be a refuge from the legacy of colonialism that has left our neighborhoods neglected and scarred.
Against the odds and roof damage from the recent devastating tornado, construction on site has continued. Through the power of the people, volunteers, coordinators, and laborers, Uhuru Bakery & Café has laid its foundations, framed walls, installed HVAC, and created a welcoming patio for neighbors to gather. Uhuru Bakery & Cafe will open as soon as September 2025!
Uhuru Bakery & Cafe is Key to the growing Black Power Blueprint on the W. Florissant Corridor
The café is not just another business. Uhuru Bakery & Café is a keystone of the Black Power Blueprint that is revitalizing the West Florissant Corridor. It honors the freedom that its name carries by rooting it in human dignity. This is part of Black Power Blueprint projects to reclaim land, resources and power for the African community. Our people will be able to enjoy a meal, conversation, and belonging.
This act of solidarity was noted by the neighbors, many of whom had previously been supporters and advocates of the restaurant opening when it faced obstacles by the city government. Neighbors also expressed enthusiasm for the menu offerings of vegan jerk chicken sandwiches, burgers, breakfast and pies, and eagerly await the café’s opening.
There is still work to do. Uhuru Bakery & Café is seeking chefs, crafting its final menu and calling on volunteers to help paint the bakery with more volunteer opportunities in early July. These finishing touches are not just cosmetic, but also an invitation for the community to shape this space as a home away from home.
Volunteer Spotlight: Nathan!
Join Us for Upcoming Events & Programs!
7/9 – Wednesday, 6-10pm CT
Solidarity with the Northside! Benefit for Black Power Blueprint. Music, Poetry, Dance, Food & Drinks, Raffle. Work & Leisure 3015 Locust St. St. Louis MO. Tickets $25, click above or Blackpowerblueprint.org/benefit, more info uhurusolidarity.org 314-328-4816
7/12 – Saturday, 9am CT
Volunteer Workday: Garden and Projects. Meet at the Gary Brooks Community Garden 4031 W. Florissant Ave. Contact Stephanie 727-510-4360 to sign up or email volunteer@promotionsblackpowerblueprint-org
7/26 – Saturday, 9am CT
Volunteer Workday: Garden. Meet at the Gary Brooks Community Garden, 4031 W. Florissant Ave. Contact Stephanie 727-510-4360 to sign up or email volunteer@blackpowerblueprint.org
7/26 – Saturday, 10am-3pm CT
One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market. **New location** due to tornado damage: 4101-4031 W. Florissant Ave outside the Uhuru House & the Gary Brooks Community Garden. Vendor and volunteer info at OneAfricaMarket.com
7/29 – Tuesday, 6pm CT
Open Community Meeting of the Northside Independent Neighborhood Association (NINA). Uhuru House 4101 W. Florissant Ave. Everyone is welcome! More info NINASTL.org 314-246-0311 info@ninastl.org
8/2 – Saturday, 11am-4pm CT
Northside Community Block Party. On West Florissant from Adelaide to Alice. Free Food, Music, Games & Prizes, Tornado Relief Supplies, Basketball, Vendors. To vend, have a free info table, join the team or volunteer 314-246-0311 or info@NINASTL.org
Every Sunday, 3-5pm CT
Black Community Tornado Response Rally. Talk about and take action on the most pressing issues for our people in the wake of the tornado and the City’s ongoing disdain and neglect of our people. We need housing, health, food, and economic self-reliance. Join us at the Uhuru House, 4101 W. Florissant Ave, St Louis, MO or watch and participate online on YouTube @TheBurningSpear