Explore the inspiring encounter between East St. Louis entrepreneur Yvette Hicks and rapper Common, spotlighting success and community impact.
The iconic meeting of an inspiring entrepreneur and a legendary rapper in East St. Louis was a moment that will not be forgotten. It was a time where the community came together to celebrate the life of Yvette Hicks, a dear friend and beloved spokesperson for the city.
I first met Yvette in 2010 at a summer skate party hosted by nightlife icon Reggie Smith. From that moment on, we formed a strong marketing friendship, always supporting and promoting each other’s projects. But our bond went beyond business – we were like family, always there for each other and sharing secrets that only God could break.
Yvette was a proud unofficial spokeswoman for East St. Louis, much like how I rallied for my city of St. Louis. With her degrees and great articulation, she had big dreams that she was determined to make a reality. Even after facing hardships, such as the loss of her granddaughter and her own struggles with illness, Yvette never wavered in her dedication to giving back to the community.
One of her projects was the non-profit store “Ya Ya,” which provided new and lightly used clothing and accessories to those in need. She also volunteered for various causes, including hosting fundraisers for politicians and cancer survivors.
But her most ambitious project was the renovation of two buildings in East St. Louis into recreational centers for troubled youth, with a focus on technology education. Tragically, Yvette’s life was cut short on August 21, 2018, due to a sudden illness.
But her impact and legacy continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. In 2014, I had the opportunity to submit a story with photos to the Argus Newspaper, highlighting the progress and vibrancy of East St. Louis and the people who loved it.
The Eastway/Gateway Peace Festival at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park was a perfect showcase of the city’s charm. With the stunning St. Louis Gateway Arch as a backdrop, the festivities were filled with powerful performances by local and national talent, including Murphy Lee, Arrested Development, and Common.
The event also provided a platform for the family of Michael Brown, a teenager who was tragically shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer, to speak on the injustice and gratitude for the support from the community. The crowd, which included people from all over the country, was almost as large as the city of East St. Louis itself.
As the paparazzi-like flash bulbs lit up the park, Yvette was there, capturing every moment and sharing it with others. Her passion for East St. Louis and her efforts to highlight its greatness were evident in her dedication to promoting the city and its people.
Yvette, may you rest in peace in Heaven. Your impact on East St. Louis will never be forgotten, and we will see you there one day.
Photo credits: Yvette Hicks
1. Yvette and producer, recording artist Murphy Lee
2. Yvette, Common and artist Rylo 3. Common on stage 4. Host Jesse Taylor with Yvette
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