This article by USM leader and RIC Coordinator Jesse Nevel originally appeared in the Burning Spear Newspaper.
A bold, transformative initiative is emerging in North St. Louis. Known as the Reparations Investment Company (RIC), its goal is to create “renovation that contends with gentrification!” RIC is the latest expansion of the Black Power Blueprint, led by African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF) Board President Ona Zené Yeshitela, to contribute towards building independent political and economic power in the hands of the African community.
Coordinated by the Uhuru Solidarity Movement as a concrete expression of material solidarity with African self-determination, the Reparations Investment Company is a joint program of the APEDF and Black Star Industries. RIC raises resources as reparations for Black community-led revitalization through property renovation and community ownership in North St. Louis.
The RIC is part of the African community’s work to build their own solutions, reclaim control of their property and neighborhoods, and revitalize the northside on their own terms.
RIC is organizing investors, including from the white community, to invest funds in the acquisition and renovation of properties to materially contribute towards the African community-driven revitalization.
As Chairman Omali Yeshitela has said, to support RIC is to make “the greater investment” in a future where African people have self-government and power over their own resources, land, lives and destinies.
This is how we take a genuine stand to overturn the Delmar Divide, a symbol of the legacy of colonialism in this city that prioritized development and prosperity for the southside at the expense of the northside.
Through decades of deliberate colonial city government policies, including the notorious Team 4 plan of the 1970s, the city has intentionally let the once-thriving northside African community deteriorate as part of a plan to displace the neighborhoods and gentrify the northside.
This process has been underway for decades and reached new levels with the building of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a CIA spy agency constructed less than two miles from the Uhuru House.
The government is now exploiting the devastation caused by the May 16 tornado as an opportunity to accelerate this destructive plan at the expense of the African community.
This is why the Black Power Blueprint became necessary–taking the struggle beyond protest toward the capture of power. For nearly a decade, the Black Power Blueprint has been transforming the northside, acquiring properties and developing them into beautiful and uplifting self-reliance programs, such as the Uhuru House, Shamba La Uhuru Freedom Farm, One Africa One Nation Farmers Market, Community Basketball Court, and more.
RIC is the Black Power Blueprint’s response to the fact that North St. Louis has literally thousands of abandoned properties left to rot by the city. RIC is a campaign to bring those properties under the ownership of African people themselves so that they can be repaired into beautiful homes for sale and rental in the community.
This is solidarity with African people’s right to stay in their neighborhoods and bring power back to North St. Louis. This is revitalization through self-determination, as opposed to displacement and extraction.
The resources of the RIC will circulate within the northside and contribute towards African economic self-reliance. Rather than the city government or outside developers coming in and deciding what happens to the real estate on the northside, RIC means that the African community itself will decide.
The proceeds raised from the sale of properties will go back towards funding the economic development programs of the Black Power Blueprint. In other words, the impact of each property renovation will be exponential.
RIC is building a reparations-centered network of investors, donors, contractors, skilled laborers, and volunteers who contribute towards sustainable, black community-driven real estate acquisition, renovation, and development that generates lasting social impact for the whole community.
Since its launch, the Reparations Investment Company has acquired two properties—one on Harris Ave and another on Holly Ave—and is working fast to repair the roofs and begin construction and renovation on both homes.
We invite you to become an investor and take a concrete stand for reparations! We call on all contractors, real estate attorneys, painters, systems contractors, roofers and carpenters, handypersons, and volunteers to join this effort and contribute their skills and labor to this African community-led project!
We call on white people to join this momentous new development in the work to build white solidarity with African self-determination! This is reparations in action!
As Chairman Omali Yeshitela says, this is the “new world, under construction.”
Contact info@uhurusolidarity.org to become an investor and/or volunteer with RIC. Unity through Reparations! Uhuru!
After years of struggle, the Black Power Blueprint (BPB) is proud to share a new victory. That victory is the Shamba La Uhuru Freedom Farm, an urban farm rooted in our unwavering commitment to build a future in which Black people control our food, land, and economy.
What began with nine boxes of vegetables and three barrels of herbs in the Gary Brooks Black Power Community Garden has now developed into a one-third acre project in keeping with our larger, powerful goal: transforming North St. Louis.
This endeavor required leadership, strategic planning, and the collective work of hundreds of volunteers over the years.
At the core of it all is the determination and visionary leadership of African People´s Education & Defense Fund (APEDF) President Ona Zene Yeshitela and the fierce work of the BPB to liberate and revitalize three previously unused and neglected properties at 3901 and 3905 W. Florissant and 2189 Linton for our community’s collective use and growth.
Today that land is no longer abandoned. It is becoming a place of life, nourishment, and self-determination. That is the meaning of Shamba La Uhuru, the “farm of freedom.”
Shamba La Uhuru is the official expansion of the Gary Brooks Black Power Community Garden, marking a shift from small-scale gardening to full-scale agricultural production. Instead of a few boxes, we will have twenty-four rows of twenty-five-foot beds that will soon be home to fresh vegetables and herbs grown for the benefit of the community.
With our commitment to strengthening independent economic programs and ensuring that the food on our plates is grown by our own hands, one of the major goals of Shamba La Uhuru is to supply produce directly to our Uhuru Bakery & Cafe, located 2 blocks down the West Florissant Corridor. The farm will also cultivate several varieties of African herbs that will be cultivated, dried, and sold through the Cafe and a future Farm Stand, creating sustainable funding streams for the Black Power Blueprint.
The design of Shamba La Uhuru reflects both the depth and breadth of its partnerships. A team from Custom Foodscapes, whose previous work includes installing the rain garden and irrigation system at the original community garden, designed the farm’s layout. DJM Environmental Solutions prepared the land, which included removing old fencing, leveling the lots, and completing the soil testing that has now cleared the way for construction.
Together, these partners have helped create a space that will include a children’s learning garden, an area for workshops and community gatherings, a greenhouse, a produce stand, and a beautiful arbor entrance that will welcome visitors into a landscape overflowing with food and possibility.
Although much of the most difficult and technical work has already been completed, the next stage in our labor is defined by people power. Over the next several months, BPB will begin building a dedicated volunteer garden team. This will involve establishing timelines for installing fencing, water and electric lines, and storage containers, as well as preparing for the first major spring planting in 2026. BPB will also partner with community educators to schedule classes, workshops, and training materials that will deepen agricultural knowledge within our community.
Shamba La Uhuru Freedom Farm is more than a garden or a construction project. It is a declaration that Black people have the right to fresh, healthy food, the right to own and develop land, and the right to build an independent, self-sustaining economy. It is a space where children will learn, families will gather, volunteers will dig their hands into the soil, and a community will rise stronger, healthier, and more connected to the land that surrounds us.
The Black Power Blueprint extends an open invitation to stand with us and build this future together. Through the work of our volunteers, partners, and organizers, we are planting the seeds not only for vegetables and herbs, but for liberation itself. Shamba La Uhuru is a promise to our community and to our future, and together we will ensure that the harvest is one of empowerment, dignity, and lasting freedom.
The 4th Annual Uhuru N2U “Heart and Soul” Volunteer Appreciation party is coming up soon, Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at 3 pm CT. This year has seen a record-breaking number of volunteer nominees for the annual volunteer award categories. Over 50 nominations have been received and all reflect amazing work done by our incredible volunteers! Below we name each category along with pictures of the nominees and who nominated them. Click here to register for this event. Attend in-person in St. Louis, MO or St. Petersburg, FL, or attend remotely via Zoom.
Commitment to Excellence Award: They are always striving to make things the very best for the African working class self-determination.
Terron S. is an excellent photographer who brings his own equipment to meetings, volunteer workdays and events to capture the joy and humanity of everyone who is engaged in the process of transforming the black community as part of the strategy of the Black Power Blueprint. He has regularly covered NINA meetings in a style that is unobtrusive to the participants, while still managing to capture the people’s engagement. His work expresses the love he has for his community and he appreciates being able to contribute his skills to the Black Power Blueprint! He has set a new standard for Black Power Blueprint photos. His work shows the courage and lively spirit of our community fighting against the colonial system that manifests itself in every aspect of our lives. His photos of the NINA block party were the best!
David R. aka Redbeard has been a strong advocate for the African People’s Socialist Party for over four decades. This year as the membership coordinator for USM SF Bay, he has brought his infectious enthusiasm to the work. He contests the gloom-and-doom panic experienced by many in the SF Bay Area with a deep revolutionary self-confidence in being on the winning side of anti-colonial resistance. This year he set out with the goal to meet with every local member to convey our appreciation and to discuss how they would like to be involved in the work. He is someone to emulate when it comes to meeting the people where they are at and taking them to a new level of support. We deeply appreciate the stand Redbeard takes in the interest of African working class self-determination, from struggling that we have enough literature, to being out on the streets in unity with the anti-colonial struggle.
Daniel C. consistently writes a feature article each month for our Black Power Blueprint newsletters. He begins by interviewing a representative from the featured institution, then crafts a succinct, engaging, and well-written piece. The main points from his articles form the core content of our newsletters, which link directly to his full articles hosted on both of our website news tabs. Daniel has a brilliant way with language — he captures the spirit of the Black Power Blueprint through his deep understanding of and unity with its mission. His consistent commitment to excellence and dedication to the African working-class movement is demonstrated through every article he produces.
Simone D. has been an outstanding addition to the Black Power 96 team. As a new programmer, she quickly mastered station operations, followed protocols, and showed unwavering commitment to excellence. Simone embodies the mission of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund through her professionalism and passion for community empowerment. She jumped into the February Fund Drive with enthusiasm, meeting her fundraising goals in both February and July. Beyond her on-air presence, Simone actively promotes her show and the station on social media, expanding community engagement. She also brings in special guests from her family and professional network. Simone’s creativity, teamwork, and dedication continue to inspire others and strengthen Black Power 96 Radio’s mission.
La Crisha W. has been volunteering with the African National Women’s Organization since the start of ANWO’s Los Angeles Branch in 2022. Leading our Fit to Fight program. An innovative program designed to be a holistic approach to empower our members for self-sustainability and self-preservation. In a world where resilience is the key to survival. Leading the Black August Fit To Fight program for the last two years. Training us with workouts Every Sunday and leading a guided meditation every Tuesday and Thursdays through the month of August as we focused on Political Prisoners and building discipline that we need for the fight. Coach Crisha’s leadership reflects the belief that wellness is a weapon — one that protects the body, renews the mind, and uplifts the spirit. Her dedication continues to inspire a movement of healthier, stronger, and more purpose-driven women ready to serve their families, and communities.
On the Spot Award: They are always there when you need them and also when you didn’t know you needed them, to do whatever is needed to complete the task at hand.
Torryn has been helping with the One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market since 2022, when he was just 12 years old. Now 15, he continues to be one of our most reliable and enthusiastic volunteers. Whether it’s passing out flyers, putting up posters, setting up and breaking down tents and tables, or phone banking to reach vendors and community members, Torryn is always ready to step in when needed. Balancing school, football practice, and family responsibilities, he still makes time to show up for the market with a positive attitude. Torryn doesn’t wait to be asked—he notices what needs to be done and takes initiative, often lending a hand before anyone realizes help is needed. His consistency, energy, and dedication embody the spirit of the Farmers Market. We can always count on him, and the market wouldn’t be the same without his quiet leadership and dependable presence.
USM met Steve at a “No Kings” protest in St. Pete, and he immediately jumped in to help with transportation and outreach for our Artists Against Genocide benefit show in August of 2025. He also immediately began attending our weekly USM Tampa Bay branch, helping to get the word out about events, and pitching in to help whenever needed. Steve has also become a regular fixture at the St. Pete Uhuru Foods & Pies booth, volunteering on a regular basis. Recently he offered to help us pass out flyers at local businesses for our upcoming Teach-In. USM is proud to nominate Steve for the “On the Spot” award!!
After seeing a social media promotion, Sue emailed us to volunteer with the Gary Brooks Black Power Community Garden. From the start Sue made herself available to do whatever needed to be done. She brought her adult daughter and a friend along to volunteer and they even brought their own tools. The day she first volunteered we had physically challenging goals that she did not back down from – she shoveled the heavy, rocky soil from previously demolished building foundations that the city of St. Louis leaves for the northside community to deal with. Additionally, her family and friends dug deep holes for the Redbud and Serviceberry trees in the garden. Sue contributes her knowledge of best methods and vast garden experience. She and her daughter contributed bricks for the decorative border in the garden. She also helped the garden team load the bricks that will be used for the new pollinator bed.
In the past 6 months Ameer F. has raised his level of political and organizational responsibility to expand the reach of Black Power Blueprint on multiple platforms. He is an instrumental force on the Promotions team. He taught himself new skills and now does video editing & production, produces the mailerlites, engages with the social media, sends the mass texts, updates the website news tabs and pushes the capabilities of the electronic sign further than anyone thought possible. Ameer truly shines on projects that draw on his strong technical and organizational skills. He is open to taking on new tasks, completes them very quickly, usually sooner than the deadline, and makes the process look effortless. Ameer played key roles in Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles for many years and continues to support in every way that he can from Philadelphia.
This is the second year that Talmadge has been nominated for the On-The-Spot Award, a recognition that perfectly reflects his dedication to Black Power 96 Radio. Talmadge steps up whenever the station needs support, often at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s producing, voicing, or editing PSAs and underwriting mentions, he handles every task with precision, frequently meeting tight deadlines. This year, Talmadge expanded his contributions by serving as post-production editor for the One Africa Worldview podcast, preparing episodes for broadcast with skillful attention to detail. He also joined Promotions Coordinator Mariah on location at major cultural events such as Essence Fest, delivering engaging coverage and reporting for the BP96 audience. Beyond production, Talmadge plays an active role on the Promotions Team, helping to engage supporters and grow the station’s online presence. His commitment, adaptability, and team spirit exemplify what it means to be “on the spot.”
Dedicated Service Award: They have contributed a lot of their time. Nothing in the world takes the place of persistence and determination.
Zoe, a skilled graphic artist, has produced social media graphics, flyers and short videos as part of the Black Power Blueprint Promotions Team since 2020. In 2025 Zoe produced a promotional piece every week which is critical in stabilizing and growing the promotions team. Based in Seattle, Zoe expresses her support for the importance of Black Power Blueprint and the quality of her work reflects that! Zoe continually develops her skills and creativity and she generously shares her knowledge with others. Zoe takes the work seriously, is extremely consistent and prolific, she regularly attends the Promotions Team meetings and has made a commitment to doing whatever needs to be done to get the word out about the groundbreaking work of APEDF and Black Power Blueprint!
We met Marge at an Uhuru Movement march 10 years ago. An expert baker and cook, having previously owned a restaurant, she began volunteering at the Uhuru Breakfast & Lunch booth. For the past five years Marge has been our head baker, dedicating her time every single week (sometimes twice a week) during the market season to mix, assemble and bake Uhuru Pies. She is a calm multi-tasker and offers positive encouragement to volunteers she helps to train. Marge is also the expert at Uhuru pie dough and produces beautiful pies every time!! Marge always goes above and beyond, working as long as needed to get everything done. And she has recruited about five other volunteers from her weekly corner political protest group! Marge exemplifies a deep commitment to African self-determination and to Reparations in Action.
Chris, a dedicated member of the Black Power Blueprint Promotions Team since 2020, is a self-taught film maker. Based in Connecticut, Chris attends the BPB promotions team meetings and shares his skills, resources and enthusiasm and helps move the promotions work forward. Chris’ short videos, produced weekly, have generated thousands of views on Black Power Blueprint social media sites. Chris has produced videos including clips on the true history of St. Louis including the destruction of the African community of Mill Creek Valley and poisoning the African residents of the Pruitt Igoe housing project. Chris has produced multiple video clips from local news media and City Hall recordings showing the influence of Black Power Blueprint and NINA in the aftermath of the May 16th tornado that devastated the black community. His unity with African self-determination comes through in his excellent sense of timing, creativity and going the extra mile in these productions.
KC M. has been volunteering with the Uhuru Movement for more than seven years and has shown unwavering dedication to the One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market since its early beginnings. KC is also there to help with setup and breakdown, putting up posters, spreading the word about market events, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed. KC’s persistence and determination shine through her consistent presence and her deep belief in the mission of economic self-determination for African people. Rain or shine, busy weekend or quiet morning, KC is there—reliable, steady, and ready to work. Her years of commitment and genuine love for the community have made a lasting impact on the success and spirit of the One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market.
Terrell is the epitome of dedicated service! If he says he’s coming to volunteer, you can always count on him! He is extremely reliable and always shows up on time, even when taking public transportation! Terrell has volunteered at a majority of the garden volunteer Saturday workdays during the 2025 season. Terell trained to work at the community free food give-a-way booth and not only anchors it, but trains others to do the work. This important work includes sorting, packaging and labeling the veggies and herbs as they are harvested and then distributing them to the community. Terrell promotes the Black Power Blueprint and signs people up to volunteer and receive the monthly newsletter. He keeps the community tied in!
Brenna and Kelsey volunteered with the Black Power Blueprint following the May 2025 tornado. Every time they showed up, they worked hard, for hours and came back to help several times. Kelsey and Brenna always happened to volunteer on days when we only had one or two other people. They cleared heavy rough debris by hand out of neighbors yards, and hauled tons of bricks, even in the rain! Brenna and Kelsey deserve the dedicated service award. They were persistent, dedicated volunteers, even in the face of so many hard projects. Huge thank you to this duo!
Chris is a long-time technical engineering volunteer with Black Power 96 radio. He is highly skilled in radio operations. Chris travels an hour from his home to the studio to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems when needed. He recently worked to replace the station’s old Emergency Alert System with the new one and served as on-site eyes and hands during a tech support call with the manufacturer to configure the settings. He repairs equipment and ships equipment off as needed. He takes it upon himself to identify special items that are needed to improve studio operations and often donates items as well. He worked diligently to configure, test and monitor the station’s streaming service for the improved Black Power 96 mobile app. This year, Chris lost his wife after a long illness. That did not stop him from continuing to volunteer and contribute to Black Power 96. That’s dedication! We appreciate Chris!
Chris W. is an exceptional volunteer whose time and technical expertise have strengthened Black Power 96 Radio. His determination to improve the station’s technical operations have made a lasting impact. When Black Power 96 organized a webinar to raise funds for a new Emergency Alert System after the purchase was defunded by Pinellas County and the cancellation of FEMA/CPR grants, Chris reached out to local radio stations and organized a simulcast of the fundraising program. When Black Power 96’s broadcast mixing board died, Chris and Radio Free Gulfport donated a better one. He installed it and created braille labels for the equipment, which helps our volunteers with accessibility needs. Chris has donated and installed various pieces of studio and broadcast equipment. His willingness to step in whenever needed and share his expertise exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated volunteer. Black Power 96 is truly fortunate to have his knowledge, compassion and commitment.
Leadership Award: The sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you create, making a lasting impact even in your absence. This category recognizes volunteers who step up to lead, train and bring in other volunteers.
USM met Jeminy in Jacksonville at a National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression Conference. They came to volunteer at our local Earth Day outreach, and began attending local USM meetings. They enthusiastically jumped into the role of Logistics Coordinator and Artists Liaison for our “Artists Against Genocide” Benefit. Jeminy organizes their friends and colleagues, and others in the community, to be a part of building USM events and filling needed roles. Jeminy is now Secretary of USM Tampa Bay branch, demonstrating leadership and holding things accountable. They are also part of the 2025 Reparations Telethon Committee. Thank you Jeminy!
Anthony is profoundly committed to the health and well being of the African working class community in North St. Louis! He has volunteered and organized others to volunteer in the Gary Brooks Black Power Community Garden; at the One Africa! One Nation! Farmers market; at the Grand Opening of the Basketball Court and more! He is a leader of a non collegiate African men’s fraternity, Kappa Psi Kappa Gamma Chapter. They are committed to giving back and making a difference and this season’s Gary Brooks community garden has benefitted. Anthony brought the whole fraternity for an early May planting day. He introduced them to the Black Power Blueprint and united them with the vision and goals to transform the conditions of the Northside through economic and political power in the hands of the African working class. He has unleashed his “brothers” who volunteered throughout the season and even took on leadership roles.
Erion “Prop-Man” is a life-long resident of St. Louis, father and advocate for the African community. He has dedicated many years working with young African women and men, teaching important trade skills, particularly in how to build tiny homes. He and his organization, Youth Builders, volunteered their time to set up and break down the Northside Community Block Party. They brought a bus to the Block Party outfitted as a house to show how they help the community find accessible housing. All Youth Build members gave moving testimonies about how deeply they appreciated Erion’s mentorship and training. They have learned new skills, confidence and pride working to benefit the African community. His commitment to the northside African community is strongly felt by his efforts to teach over 300 young people how to build tiny homes for free since the May 2025 tornado that devastated many areas of the northside. They donated several tiny houses to residents whose homes were destroyed by the tornado. He has received no recognition nor funding from the city government, still his unwavering commitment to teaching young Africans real world skills remains strong. There is no other organization that has taught more people trade skills for free.
David is the Business Development Executive from Built Solutions and organized his team of 6 volunteers to volunteer with the Black Power Blueprint campaign to “Bring Power Back to the North Side.” From the beginning, David showed interest, enthusiasm and genuine passion for participating in our mission and the work to rebuild the northside. Even when we had to make a last minute change to the work for the day, his response was so positive. The team he organized to participate was amazing and the joy and positive energy that David brings definitely sets the tone for any room he walks into! We are excited to nominate David for the Leadership Award because of the work that he did to organize the group and deal with so many changes and make it such an amazing day of service with the Black Power Blueprint. Thank you David!
Annie is the Director of Client Relations and Brand Development for Russell Co in St. Louis. Annie organized the workday of 6 volunteers from Russell Co for Black Power Blueprint’s campaign to “Bring Power Back to the North Side”. Not only was her team hard working, capable and generally amazing, but Annie also really wanted to make sure that volunteers with building skills were allowed to volunteer from Russell Co as well. She understood how valuable those skills are to a community devastated by a tornado and struggling to rebuild, and she made it happen! Two members of her volunteer team almost completely rebuilt a porch during their shift and also gave so much great advice. We are so happy to nominate Annie for this Leadership Award and for organizing this amazing team and making it all happen. Thank you Annie!
Volunteer Team Award: Group whose outstanding performance and accomplishments together warrant recognition. Or a company who values sending their employees out to participate in community work, really giving back to the community.
The volunteer group from Built Solutions were a huge help in finishing interior painting at a home that was severely damaged by the tornado. They were an amazing group of volunteers that were a joy to work with. They really went the extra mile including getting painting done in some very hard to reach places. They even repaired the exhaust hood over the stove after noticing it was loose. You can tell that they are all amazing professionals who really cared about doing their best to help the black community in north St Louis rebuild after the tornado. Thank you Built Solutions! You truly deserve this nomination for the team award!
This volunteer group volunteered with us on Sept 12th as part of the 4th annual Give Back Day event for IIDA Gateway Chapter! IIDA, International Interior Design Association, Gateway Chapter. They chose to spend their day with the Black Power Blueprint and we were lucky to have them. This hardworking group worked with the team at the soon-to-open Uhuru Bakery & Cafe to paint the newly built extension. This project, being built in what has long been a food desert, was seriously delayed by struggles with the city and then by the tornado. The work of this team helped to get this project back on track and closer to opening. The team worked in the hot weather, outside, painting very uneven surfaces. You can see the before picture and the “during” picture. The exterior wall that they painted was then used for a beautiful mural. Thank you for all your hard work and congratulations on your much deserved nomination!
The Russell Group Construction and Development team was really great! They were unique to us at the Black Power Blueprint because their team included two volunteers who had professional construction skills. Those two worked on building a community resident’s back porch that had been seriously damaged by the tornado. Not only were they very talented, they also consulted with the owner on the best plan, making some really important observations and changes to make sure the project could be completed. They were joined with more volunteers from Russell who worked on interior painting on some repaired walls. Their goal was to contribute to making a positive impact in the black community neighborhood where the tornado damaged people’s homes – and they really accomplished this goal. Thank you Russell Co for all your hard work, you really deserve the volunteer team award!
If you haven’t heard about Chicken N Pickle and you’re thinking that these volunteers work at a restaurant that serves chicken with pickles, you would be like me! But now I know that this amazing group of volunteers joined us from a popular restaurant and pickle ball venue in St. Charles. This was a bright and lively group of volunteers who had high spirits and were very happy to be contributing to the black community’s struggle to rebuild and stay in their homes following the tornado. Half of the group helped with interior painting in a home where the walls had been repaired following tornado damage. The other half of the group helped at Uhuru Bakery where we had to load and unload kitchen equipment. Thank you Chicken N Pickle for helping us bring self-determination back to the northside of St. Louis!
United Healthcare contacted us in July to do a volunteer day! This was a big group who were passionate about making a difference through their volunteering and they really delivered. One team did interior painting in a home seriously impacted by the tornado. The roof and walls had been repaired so they went to work on painting including in the kitchen and the front rooms of the home. The other team helped at one of the buildings slated to become a cafe and training kitchen. This building had roof damage from the tornado. It was dusty work but the team was up to the challenge. They also helped trim back foliage outside the building. Everyone contributed so much and made such an impact on these projects. We hope to see you again and you all truly deserve to be recognized for the volunteer team award!
The volunteer workday with the volunteer from Arcturis ended up being a great example of serendipity. The Black Power Blueprint had been collecting donations of clothing, food, toiletries, as well as building materials. Our trucks were full of donations and we tasked these volunteers with unloading the trucks, inventorying the materials and get us ready for another community giveaway the next day. Not only did this team do an amazing job, it turned out that because they are an architectural firm, they actually knew what all the building materials were and could accurately inventory it all and tell us what the materials would be used for! This was incredibly helpful! And the team working on the clothing and toiletries and other donations for the giveaway made the next day’s giveaway very smooth and successful! Thank you Arcturis – your nomination for this award is so deserved!
The volunteer team from the United Methodist Church in Kirkwood meant business! Even though they were a smaller team, they clearly had the passion to give their time and energy to supporting self-reliance in the African community. Their goal was to complete the painting in two rooms of a home that had been seriously damaged in the tornado. And they took that goal very seriously saying that even if they had to cancel other plans, they were staying until that goal was done! This group was also very creative, developing a system of preparing and handing off a loaded paint roller to the painter, so they didn’t have to waste time getting down off the ladder to reload! It is not surprising that this team met their goal and they ended on time to boot! Thank you Kirkwood United Methodist Church volunteer team!
WashU St. Louis Fellows was one of the first groups that contacted us to volunteer following the tornado and they came out in force. They organized 50 volunteers, team leaders, a bus to charter the volunteers as well as lunch for their whole hard working team. And this team really worked hard! They were responsible for clearing significant tornado debris from the community, including roof debris, bricks, downed tree debris and more! They repaired fencing and used chainsaws to cut trees into manageable pieces to carry away. Everyone worked really hard, split up into separate teams throughout the area. These young adults made a huge impact in helping to clean up after the tornado really devastated the black community on the northside. We appreciate every single volunteer as well as everyone that helped to make this event happen!
