An In-Depth Look at Black History Month on the Meramec Campus
TYRA LEESMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
February is Black History Month, a time for remembering the struggles, triumphs and tragedies of African Americans in the United States. It is a month set aside to honor the people of color who have contributed to the world – often through great sacrifice and mortal peril. “To me, being black in America means struggle. There’s a lot of struggle. And being black in Saint Louis means being at the front, taking up the fight in the front line in a way – being present in a place where racism and hate are still very real and very powerful,” said Maliq Cooper, a self-proclaimed “independent St. Louis activist” and African American college student. Saint Louis boasts many famous African Americans, including current stars like Akon and Nelly. Among older famous people of color are the late poet Maya Angelou and singer Chuck Berry. Andre Brown, a Forest Park resident and protester following the Michael Brown incident in Ferguson said, “Saint Louis is so full of black history. We have so much to be proud of here. There’s just no end to the names –famous and recognizable names. You can’t go anywhere in Saint Louis without seeing statues and plaques, restaurants, tours, museums. Black St. Louisans don’t stay quiet. We get up and we tell the world, ‘Hey! Listen up! We’re here and we ain’t gonna be quiet. We got something to say, alright? We write music, we write poems, we make noise, we riot and protest injustice. We’re leaders because we gotta be.’”
STL Heroes of Color
Saint Louis is Proud of its Black Heritage, Local Legends
Known for her elegant, poignant poetry, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Angelou was a Saint Louis-born poet, singer, and activist. Despite her fame, the poet spent time as a dancer, fry cook, and even a sex worker before her work became popular. Her fight to change the plight of women of color began when a boyfriend of her mother raped Angelou, about which the poet refused to remain silent. She became educated, worked whatever jobs she could, and became one of the greats. Charles Edward Anderson Berry was born in St. Louis to a church deacon and a school principal. His music developed from early rhythm and blues styles, but focused on youth and rebellion, making it wildly popular commercially. Berry did much of this development inside a reformatory, serving time for car theft. He was released when he was 21 years old. Eventually, the rock n’ roll genre would stand on the foundations that Chuck Berry built. Among his most famous tracks was “Johnny B. Goode.” At Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, visitors can pay their respects to the 1,068 members of the 56th U.S. Colored Infantry. This group of brave soldiers was organized in St. Louis in 1863, during the Civil War. Though they were treated as subhuman, these soldiers gave their very limited freedom and lives to save the country they called home from being torn apart by those in the South who wished states to keep their rights to choose slavery. Saint Louisans don’t hold back when it comes to pride for their city. From the Chuck Berry statue on the Delmar Loop, to the recording studio run by singer and rapper Nelly, evidence of Black History pride can be seen throughout the city, if one knows where to look. Though Angelou, Berry, and the many soldiers of the 56th U.S. Colored Infantry made the top of the list for famous Saint Louisans of Black History Month, honorable mention goes to Akon, singer and songwriter, who was born in the city, but raised in Algeria and New Jersey.
Voices of Color at STLCC Meramec
Andrew Smith, Advisor of the Black Student Education Empowerment Club
ANDREW SMITH, SUBMITTED LETTER
I am currently the Advisor of the Black Student Education Empowerment Club. I support the President of the club, Kayla Tucker, and her vision to bring about awareness of minority issues and challenges through club meetings and events. This includes assisting Kayla in facilitating all of African-American History month events this year. Some highlights of the events this year include the Soul Food Luncheon, the Voting Rights Lecture, the Diversity Student Panel, and bringing celebrity and actor, Kel Mitchell to campus. My favorite Black History Month hero is my grandfather. Before he passed away in 2015, he was a great husband and father of 9 who took care of his wife and kids. He was a hardworking man who had compassion for people and let his actions speak louder than words. He is an inspiration to me as a black man and father. There are many things one can do to make the country a better for place for people of color. For starters, I think it’s imperative to understand the plight and struggle of minority individuals. This can be done through educating oneself on the history of various groups whether it’s Asian, Hispanic, or African-American. Understanding the history of these groups here in American can do a great deal to increase empathy and compassion for what these groups have gone through and what they continue to go through on a daily basis. Secondly, having courageous conversations and being open to learning about the experiences of people of color, can broaden the perceptions that one may have about a particular group, and as result hopefully decrease those stereotypes that plague our country today. Once that foundation of historical context and present understanding of people of color is established, then one can use that knowledge and awareness to go out and make lasting changes through advocacy and legislation. Of course this requires one to humble themselves and step outside of themselves in order to make this happen. However, if one is willing to truly humble themselves to learn and be taught, improvements for people of color, can and will happen.
All That Star Graces Meramec Stage
Kel Mitchell Talks Positivity, Intention for Students of All Backgrounds
TYRA LEESMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Friday, Feb. 22 at STLCC’s Meramec campus, Actor and Producer Kel Mitchell of Nickelodeon’s “All That”spoke to students about Black History Month and striving for greatness in spite of the challenges of being a person of color. “He was so inspiring. That’s just the kind of person he is, you know? Everything he was saying was like, ‘You can do it. You can be better. Get up with determination and be the best you can be, no matter what background you come from.’ Even if you struggle because you’re autistic, or you’re black, or you’re poor. ‘You can do it.’ That was his message,” said Rita Blankenship, an attendee of the event. Currently, Mitchell is an actor and producer for “Game Shakers”, a new television program for kids. His early days on the set of “All That”were spent with co-star Kenan Thompson, famous for his presence on “Saturday Night Live” among other appearances. He and his former co-star announced last week that “All That”would be returning, but they would not comment on the details. Fans will also be excited to know that Mitchell has confirmed a sequel to his movie, “Good Burger”. Among Mitchell’s favorite things, he says, are lasagna, the music of Al Green, the film “The Last Dragon” and working out in the gym. Mitchell hails from the inner city, on the South Side of Chicago, a three-hour drive from St. Louis. He grew up in the church and in the arts; he says they were critical in forming his current views on life and faith. “Love. That’s what it’s all about. You gotta always be aware that people are going through stuff, and you never know what that might be. A lot of us isolate when times are hard, but […] if you wanna see change, you need to be change. You can be a part of it. Join up. […] It’s a blessing to be a blessing. It’s a blessing to be the one who helps others – it makes you better and that feels good,” said Mitchell. The performance on Meramec’s campus was only one event in an ongoing tour wherein Mitchell travels to speak about his Christian faith and the impact it has had on his life, and to encourage young people, particularly those of color, to have faith in themselves and be proactive in their own destinies. “I’m not a Christian, but what he had to say was all true anyway. You can’t use words in a negative way. You have to say good things about yourself. You have to say good things about others. You have to focus your intention and work hard, and you have to realize that we all have problems, and don’t judge,” said Brandi Marquardt, an attendee of the event. The actor spoke on stage about overcoming suicidal thoughts and the “darkness” people often face in their lives. He credits his faith, friends and family for helping him through it, and encourages those who are facing dark times to reach out, ask for help, and be an active force in their own happiness. “I was definitely called to do this work. […] I was like, ‘Really, God? You want me to do what?’ and he just started downloading me with what to say. It’s just God’s love. I was just being obedient to what He told me to do. You never know what kind of difference you’re making,” said Mitchell.
