Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis appoints new leader

• St. Louis City SC offseason trade

• A deep dive into the life of Maya Angelou

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

St. Louis is home to an iconic monument that symbolizes the city's role in the westward expansion of the United States. What is the name of this monument?

A) The St. Louis Arch

B) The Gateway Arch

C) The Mississippi Arch

D) The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

News

💼 Business

Recommendation to Phase Out Earnings Tax: A legislative committee in St. Louis has recommended phasing out the city's 1% earnings tax. The committee argues that the tax is outdated and may be hindering the city's economic growth. The recommendation has sparked a debate on the tax's impact on the city's finances and its residents, with implications for future fiscal policy.

St. Louis Fed's New Leader: The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has appointed a new leader, selecting an accomplished economist and former investment technology CEO. This appointment marks a significant leadership change at the St. Louis Fed, with expectations that the new leader will bring a unique perspective and experience to the role, potentially influencing economic policy and practices in the region.

🏒 Sports

CITY SC's Offseason Trade: On December 13, CITY SC completed a significant offseason trade, moving players Jared Stroud and Lucas Bartlett to DC United. This trade was a strategic move as part of the team's preparations for upcoming challenges​​.

Famous People In St. Louis History

Maya Angelou: 1928-2014

Early Life and Formative Years (1928-1944) 

Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou's early years in the city were formative, though marked by trauma and hardship. Her experiences in St. Louis, including a challenging family life and racial segregation, deeply influenced her later work as a writer and activist.

Artistic Development and Renaissance (1945-1969) 

Angelou's career spanned various disciplines, including dance, acting, and singing. She spent her teenage years in San Francisco but often reflected on her St. Louis roots in her work. Her time in St. Louis instilled in her a profound awareness of racial and social dynamics, themes she explored in her writings.

Literary Career and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1970-1989) 

Angelou's first autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1969), brought her international recognition. The book, reflecting on her childhood experiences, including her time in St. Louis, became a seminal work in American literature, known for its honest depiction of African American life.

Activism, Recognition, and Later Years (1990-2014) 

A respected spokesperson for black people and women, Angelou's activism was rooted in her early experiences in St. Louis. Her works continued to address issues of identity, racism, and family. She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

Death and Enduring Legacy (2014) 

Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014. Her legacy as a writer, poet, and activist is monumental. Her formative years in St. Louis played a significant role in shaping her voice and perspective, making her one of the most influential figures in American culture.

Key Achievements of Maya Angelou:

• Author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and numerous other works.

• A prominent voice in literature and civil rights activism.

• Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Her works are widely celebrated for their cultural and social impact.

• Angelou's life and writings continue to inspire and educate.

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-Matthew Larsen

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