Northern St. Louis residents and activists rally for fair economic support and development
What: Press conference
When: Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, 10am
Where: Uhuru Bakery & Cafe, 3719 W. Florissant Ave, St Louis MO 63107 Contact: African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF), Rhya Fogerty media@apedf.org 312-860-1475
On October 28, 2024, 6 months after submitting an application to the building department, the African People’s Education & Defense Fund (APEDF) was informed that the City government was not going to provide the permit to begin renovations to open a cafe in North St. Louis, typically considered a “food desert.” The building APEDF plans to renovate in College Hill had been a restaurant for over 20 years.
APEDF went throughout the neighborhoods and got signatures of support from more than 223 individuals and 114 businesses. Yet, the city claims that APEDF needs a letter of support from a neighborhood association. This is the excuse they use to deny a building permit.
In the past seven years, APEDF invested more than $1 million to transform the W Florissant Corridor. The community praises these developments, yet the city continues to throw roadblocks in the way of opening this bakery and cafe.
This is what small black businesses and nonprofits face in North St. Louis. Many businesses complain of roadblocks to opening or keeping their businesses open.
Traditionally, the City of St. Louis blocks getting resources to black businesses. Unless a business has political connections, resources and smooth business processes are denied on the north side. The city faced recent disasters where aldermen were caught in schemes to provide resources in exchange for bribes and favors.
Most recently, the City and the St Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) have been exposed repeatedly for mishandling $37 million ARPA (Covid relief) money designated for small business and nonprofit grants in North St. Louis.
APEDF President Ona Zene’ Yeshitela says “The City denied our permit based on lies and slander from ONE hostile racist white woman who claims to represent a neighborhood association in the 90% black College Hill. The legitimacy of this association is suspect because it is not registered with the City.
“The City government violated APEDF’s right to due process. We demand the Mayor overturn this injustice and grant APEDF the zoning permit immediately! Stop blocking independent economic commerce and self-determination for the black community!”
#NorthStLouis #EconomicJustice #CommunityAction
