Sponsored by:

Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan homer and Cardinals beat Pirates 4-3.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Annie Malone

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway."

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Sponsored

Get Unbiased News for Free

Sick of Biased Political News? Us Too. As we enter an election year, it’s more important than ever to get your news from an unbiased source. Unfortunately, getting the facts (and nothing but the facts) is harder than it seems… 

Unless, of course, you’re one of the 3.5 million Americans who subscribes to 1440. 1440’s daily newsletter contains no biased opinions, no wild speculation, and no-nonsense – just pure, unadulterated info to help keep you up to date with everything happening in the world, from politics to business, sports, culture, and beyond. 

Each email is edited to be as unbiased as humanly possible and is triple-checked (by hand!) to ensure that you’re getting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. For those keeping score at home, that’s one big win for knowledge. If you’re looking for a better, smarter way to start your day, sign up for 1440’s daily newsletter and start getting unbiased news on politics, business, sports, science, and beyond.

Click Here to Subscribe For Free

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!

Which annual event in St. Louis celebrates the city's diverse cultures and communities, featuring food, music, dance, and crafts from around the world?

A) Festival of Nations

B) St. Louis Art Fair

C) LouFest

D) Mardi Gras in Soulard

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The St. Louis library known for its architectural beauty and extensive collections, founded in the late 19th century and is a landmark in the city's cultural landscape, is A) St. Louis Public Library - Central Library.

News

💼 Business

Red Lobster could close another St. Louis-area restaurant amid bankruptcy. (Link)

St. Louis will refund earnings tax for remote work. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Brendan Donovan anticipated Mitch Keller's next move. He didn't miss: Cardinals Extra. (Link)

Paul Goldschmidt, Brendan Donovan homer and Cardinals beat Pirates 4-3. (Link)

🏦 Finance

I-70 groundbreaking begins $2.8B expansion to 6 lanes across Missouri. (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

⚾ San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Saturday, June 22nd - Sunday, June 23rd | (More info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Monday, June 24th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Al Di Meola
City Winery St. Louis, St. Louis
Tuesday, June 18th | (More info)

🎤 Smino
Ballpark Village, St. Louis
Friday, June 21st | (More info)

Family

🏌️‍♂️ Summer Academy 2024 Topgolf St. Louis
3201 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis
Monday, June 17th | (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 “St. Louisscape with a fusion of different historical eras” 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

St. Louis Hawks Win NBA Championship (1958) - The city's NBA team before moving to Atlanta.

In 1958, the St. Louis Hawks etched a defining moment in their franchise history and the annals of professional basketball by capturing the NBA Championship. This remarkable achievement came during an era dominated by the Boston Celtics but showcased the tenacity and talent present in the Hawks’ roster. The victory not only etched their name in the history books but also offered the city of St. Louis a source of immense pride and joy in their basketball team, marking a pinnacle moment before the team eventually relocated to Atlanta.

The Hawks’ path to glory was anything but easy, considering they had to face the Celtics, a team with a growing dynasty, in the Finals. Led by the dynamic forward Bob Pettit, whose legendary performance in the decisive Game 6 of the finals went down in history, the Hawks showed their mettle. Pettit scored an astonishing 50 points in that game, securing a 110-109 victory for the Hawks and clinching the series 4-2. This game is often cited as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the NBA playoffs, solidifying Pettit's legacy and propelling the Hawks to their championship victory.

The 1958 championship remains a solitary but glorious chapter in the history of the St. Louis Hawks before their move to Atlanta in 1968. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of NBA history, highlighting St. Louis's significant but often overlooked contribution to the league. The city embraced the Hawks wholeheartedly during their tenure, and the championship win of 1958 remains a cherished memory for basketball fans in St. Louis, serving as a lasting symbol of the city's love and passion for the sport. Even after the franchise moved to Atlanta, the echoes of the Hawks' 1958 triumph continue to resonate, reminding us of the vibrant sports history that thrived in St. Louis.

Famous People From St. Louis

Annie Malone (1869–1957):

Annie Malone, an African American entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist, was a pioneer in the beauty industry and one of the first African American millionaires. Her life and legacy are a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative mind, and dedication to uplifting the African American community.

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1869-1900)

Born on August 9, 1869, in Metropolis, Illinois, Annie Minerva Turnbo was the tenth of eleven children. Despite frequent moves and financial hardships following the death of her parents, Annie’s interest in chemistry and hair care, particularly for African American women, blossomed early. By experimenting with homemade hair treatments, Annie set the foundations for a business that would revolutionize black hair care.

Creation and Expansion of Poro College (1900-1920)

Annie Malone moved to St. Louis in the early 1900s, a pivotal decision in her career. Here, she patented her "Wonderful Hair Grower," a hair care product designed for black women. To promote and sell her products, Annie adopted innovative marketing strategies, including door-to-door sales and demonstrations. Her business acumen and relentless dedication led to the opening of Poro College in 1918, a groundbreaking institution combining a beauty school and manufacturing base for her products. Poro College not only offered employment opportunities but also educated black women in cosmetology, contributing to their independence and financial security.

Becoming a Millionaire and Philanthropic Efforts (1920-1930)

By the 1920s, Annie Malone had become one of the first African American millionaires. Her wealth, however, was not merely a symbol of personal success but a vehicle for considerable philanthropic work. Malone was a generous benefactor, donating to numerous causes, including educational scholarships, homes for orphans and the elderly, and the support of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her most significant contributions were towards the YMCA and the construction of the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home.

Legal Battles and Decline of Empire (1930-1940)

Despite her business acumen, Malone faced significant challenges in the 1930s, including costly divorce proceedings and expensive lawsuits with former protégé Madam C.J. Walker. Additionally, Malone faced financial mismanagement and tax debt, forcing her to sell significant business assets and properties. The onset of the Great Depression further compounded these issues, leading to a gradual decline in her business empire.

Final Years and Legacy (1940-1957)

Annie Malone's later years were marked by a continuous but quieter presence in the beauty industry. Relocating to Chicago in 1930, she carried on her business on a much smaller scale until her death on May 10, 1957. Malone's legacy, however, lived on through her philanthropic contributions, her pioneering role in the African American beauty industry, and the empowerment of countless black women through employment and education.

Connection to St. Louis

St. Louis plays a central role in Annie Malone's story. It was in St. Louis that Malone established Poro College, which became a national model for black beauty culture and education. The city was not only the cradle of her empire but also the primary beneficiary of her generous philanthropy, especially evident in her support for the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home.

Key Achievements of Annie Malone:

• Innovator of black hair care products, including the patented "Wonderful Hair Grower."

• Founder of Poro College, a pioneering institution in black beauty education and entrepreneurship.

• One of the first African American female millionaires in the United States.

• Notable philanthropist, supporting numerous causes and institutions, including the St. Louis Colored Orphans Home.

Annie Malone's journey from a humble beginning to becoming a pioneer in the African American beauty industry and one of its first millionaires is a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and charity. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained committed to improving the lives of African American women through education, employment, and philanthropy. Malone's legacy as a businesswoman and philanthropist continues to inspire generations, making her a seminal figure in American history."

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Poll