Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New tech startup in Downtown St. Louis

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues match

• A deep-dive into the life of Kate Chopin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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!

What is the name of the historic St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian heritage, featuring authentic restaurants, markets, and the annual Hill Wine Festival?

A) Soulard

B) Central West End

C) The Hill

D) Lafayette Square

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The St. Louis museum home to a nationally recognized collection of art from antiquity to the present day, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock is C) The Saint Louis Art Museum.

News

💼 Business

A new tech startup hub was announced in downtown St. Louis, aimed at fostering innovation and supporting local entrepreneurs. (Link)

Expansion of the St. Louis Port Authority's facilities was confirmed, aimed at increasing trade capacity and supporting regional economic growth. (Link)

Major retail chain, RetailCo, announced the opening of its flagship store in St. Louis, promising hundreds of new jobs. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The University of Missouri football team played against the Memphis Tigers in St. Louis, marking their first appearance in the city since 2010, as part of the Mizzou To The Lou series​​. (Link)

St. Louis Blues featured in an intense match, highlighting their strategic plays and key performances from team members during the week​​. (Link)

Local St. Louis athletes participated in various national sporting events, showcasing the city's diverse talent in sports ranging from basketball to hockey.(Link)

🏦 Finance

St. Louis Federal Reserve reported a positive economic outlook for the region, citing growth in manufacturing and services sectors. (Link)

Local St. Louis bank, BankSTL, launched a new financial literacy program aimed at empowering underserved communities. (Link)

A significant rise in real estate investments was noted in St. Louis, with investors showing increased interest in commercial properties. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ St. Louis CITY SC vs. Real Salt Lake
CITY PARK, St. Louis
Sunday, Feb. 24th | (More Info)

🏒 St. Louis Blues vs. New York Islanders
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Thursday, Feb. 23rd | (More Info)

🏀 SLU Women's Billikens Basketball vs. St Bonaventure
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Sunday, Feb. 26th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵  Haken
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Tuesday, Feb. 20th | (More Info)

 🎶 Janet Evra
Sheldon Concert Hall, St. Louis
Tuesday, Feb. 20th - 21st | (More Info)

🎤 Elizabeth Moen
Off-Broadway, St. Louis, MO
Tuesday, Feb. 20th | (More Info)

🎭 Samantha Fish
Delmar Hall, St. Louis, MO
Friday, Feb. 23rd | (More Info)

🎤Emo Nite
Off-Broadway, St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Feb. 24th | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Presidents' Day Weekend at the City Museum
City Museum, St. Louis
Monday, Feb. 19th | (More Info)

📖 Storytelling in the Museum at the Missouri History Museum
Missouri History Museum, St. Louis
Friday, Feb. 23rd | (More Info)

🦋 Bugs Rock! at the Butterfly House in Faust Park
Butterfly House, Faust Park, Chesterfield
Monday, Feb. 25th | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Retro-futuristic 1950s style St. Louis with modern technology.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

Dred Scott Case (1857) - A Landmark Supreme Court decision on African American freedom originates in St. Louis.

The Dred Scott Case of 1857, originating in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the most infamous and consequential decisions in the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. This landmark case involved Dred Scott, an enslaved African American man who sued for his freedom and that of his family, arguing that their residence in free territories made them free citizens. The case escalated through the judicial system, ultimately reaching the Supreme Court. The Court's decision, delivered by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, declared that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and therefore had no standing to sue in federal court. Furthermore, the Court ruled that the federal government had no power to regulate slavery in the territories, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise.

The Dred Scott decision sent shockwaves through the nation, exacerbating the already volatile sectional tensions between the North and South. It galvanized abolitionist movements in the North and emboldened pro-slavery factions in the South, pushing the nation closer to the brink of the Civil War. The case underscored the deep divisions within the United States over the issue of slavery and highlighted the limitations of the judiciary in resolving moral and political conflicts. For African Americans, the decision was a devastating blow to their fight for freedom and equality, reinforcing the institutional barriers they faced.

In the long term, the Dred Scott decision had significant implications for the legal and social status of African Americans. It underscored the urgent need for legal and constitutional reforms to address the injustices of slavery and racial discrimination. The case became a rallying point for abolitionists and contributed to the growing national discourse on slavery and civil rights. Ultimately, the Civil War and the subsequent passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution would overturn the legal foundations of the Dred Scott decision, paving the way for the gradual recognition of African American citizenship and rights.

Famous People From St. Louis

Josephine Baker (1906–1975)

Early Life and Beginnings in St. Louis (1906-1920)

Josephine Baker was born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, into a world of racial segregation and economic hardship. Her early experiences in St. Louis, marked by poverty and racial discrimination, fueled her desire for success and her later activism. Baker's talent for dancing and singing became evident in her childhood, leading her to perform on the streets and in local clubs, setting the stage for her remarkable career.

Rise to Fame in Paris (1921-1930)

In the early 1920s, Baker moved to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance, but it was her move to Paris in 1925 that catapulted her to international stardom. In France, Baker found the freedom and appreciation that eluded her in the United States. Her performances at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and later at the Folies Bergère, particularly her iconic banana skirt dance, made her one of the most celebrated and influential entertainers in Europe.

International Superstar and Civil Rights Activist (1931-1945)

As Baker's fame grew, so did her commitment to fighting racial injustice. She used her platform to speak out against segregation and discrimination, refusing to perform for segregated audiences in the United States and working with the NAACP. Her activism made her a symbol of the civil rights movement, both in the United States and abroad.

Service in the French Resistance (1940-1945)

During World War II, Baker served with distinction in the French Resistance. Her fame allowed her to move freely and gather intelligence, while her performances for troops boosted morale. For her service, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'Honneur by the French government, recognizing her bravery and contributions to the liberation of France.

Post-War Career and Continued Activism (1946-1955)

After the war, Baker continued to perform and remained a vocal advocate for civil rights. She adopted twelve children from around the world, whom she called her Rainbow Tribe, to demonstrate the possibility of racial harmony. Baker's estate in France, Les Milandes, became a symbol of her humanitarian ideals.

Relevance to St. Louis (Throughout Life)

Despite her global fame, Baker's roots in St. Louis remained a key part of her identity. Her experiences in the city influenced her lifelong fight against racism and her determination to succeed against the odds. Baker's legacy is celebrated in St. Louis, where she is remembered as one of the city's most illustrious natives.

Civil Rights Movement Involvement (1956-1965)

In the 1950s and 1960s, Baker's activism intensified. She participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, speaking at the March on Washington in 1963 alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Baker's eloquent advocacy for equality and justice resonated with many and cemented her status as a leading figure in the movement.

Final Years and Legacy (1966-1975)

In her final years, Baker's contributions to entertainment and civil rights were recognized with numerous awards and accolades. She continued to perform, including a celebrated comeback in Paris shortly before her death in 1975. Baker passed away revered as an artist, activist, and humanitarian.

Death and Enduring Influence (1975)

Josephine Baker died in 1975, but her legacy endures. She is celebrated as a trailblazer who broke barriers in entertainment and fought tirelessly for civil rights and racial harmony. Baker's life and work inspire future generations, exemplifying the power of art and activism to effect change.

Key Achievements:

• Became an international entertainment icon and a symbol of the Jazz Age in Paris.

• Served with distinction in the French Resistance during World War II.

• Actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and justice.

• Created a Rainbow Tribe of adopted children to promote her vision of world peace and racial harmony.

Josephine Baker's journey from the streets of St. Louis to global stardom in Paris and her courageous activism represent an extraordinary life dedicated to breaking down racial and cultural barriers. Her legacy as a performer, resistance fighter, and civil rights activist underscores the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Baker's enduring influence is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unyielding commitment to her principles, making her one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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