Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• $1.2B Gateway South development names brokers for industrial sites.

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues match

• A deep-dive into the life of Ulysses S. Grant

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on."

— Robert Frost

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 St. Louis landmark was the site of the 1904 Summer Olympics, making it the first Olympic Games held in the United States?

A) Washington University in St. Louis

B) Forest Park

C) The Gateway Arch Grounds

D) Francis Field

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis Museum dedicated to the preservation and promotion of blues music, featuring artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits, is A) The National Blues Museum

News

💼 Business

Feds seek 14-year prison term for Clayton tax attorney, 6.5 years for daughter. (Link)

From Pittsburgh, a lesson for St. Louis in selling a new vision for downtown. (Link)

🏒 Sports

2024-25 MLB Top 40 Free Agent Big Board: Welcome to the Juan Soto sweepstakes. (Link)

Willson Contreras to move to first base: What it means for Cardinals’ 2025 plans. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$1.2B Gateway South development names brokers for industrial sites. (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

🏒 Boston Bruins at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Loyola Marymount Lions at Saint Louis Billikens Men’s Basketball
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Saturday, Nov. 16th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Equipment
Off Broadway, St. Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 12th | (More info)

🎸 The Spill Canvas
City Winery STL, St. Louis
Wednesday, Nov. 13th | (More info)

Family

⛸️ The Chalet + Curling Every Sunday
7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis
Sunday, Nov. 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 “Urban landscape of St. Louis with advanced public transport systems” 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 Race Riot (1917) - A violent labor and racial conflict in East St. Louis.

The St. Louis Race Riot of 1917 was a devastating and violent clash rooted in both racial and labor tensions, deeply scarring the city of East St. Louis, Illinois. In the years leading up to the riot, the city had become a crucible of industrial expansion, attracting thousands of Black workers from the South, drawn by the promise of employment in factories, railroads, and meatpacking plants. This influx intensified racial tensions, as white workers feared the competition for jobs and the economic insecurity it represented. The situation was further exacerbated by the actions of employers who exploited racial divisions to undermine labor organizing, setting the stage for one of the bloodiest race riots in the 20th century.

The immediate catalyst for the riot was a labor strike in May 1917, during which Black workers were hired as strikebreakers. Animosity between white and Black residents reached a tipping point on July 1, following a rumor of a Black man robbing a white man. Angry white mobs, inflamed by nationalist and segregationist rhetoric, rampaged through the streets of East St. Louis, targeting Black individuals and communities with appalling violence. Homes were set aflame, and Black residents were beaten, shot, and lynched indiscriminately. The official reports documented dozens of deaths, though contemporary estimates suggest the death toll was much higher, with hundreds injured and thousands displaced.

The aftermath of the riot was a bleak chapter in American history, drawing national condemnation and prompting a response from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which organized a silent protest parade in New York City. The East St. Louis riots underscored the pervasive racial and economic inequalities of the era, highlighting the volatile intersection of race and labor in the United States. Despite the passage of time, the events of 1917 remain a somber reminder of the capacity for racial animosity to erupt into violence, shaping the course of St. Louis's history and the continuing struggle for racial justice in America.

Famous People From St. Louis

Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) - 18th President of the U.S. and Union general during the Civil War, lived in St. Louis and worked on his family farm, White Haven.

Born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri, George Washington Carver embarked on a quest for education at a young age. Facing the constraints of segregation, Carver traveled from one school to another, demonstrating early signs of his insatiable curiosity and perseverance.

The Pursuit of Higher Learning (1885-1896)

Carver's academic journey led him to Simpson College in Iowa, where he initially studied art and piano, before transferring to Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University). At Iowa State, he pursued a degree in agricultural science, becoming the first African American to earn a Bachelor and eventually a Master's degree from the institution.

Innovations at Tuskegee Institute (1896-1943)

Recruited by Booker T. Washington, Carver joined Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he dedicated his career to research in agricultural science. His innovative work, particularly with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans, aimed at improving the lives of impoverished farmers by promoting crop rotation and introducing alternative crops to cotton.

The Peanut and Its Many Uses (1900s-1940s)

Carver's research on peanuts led to the creation of over 300 products, ranging from peanut butter to cosmetics and dyes. His inventions not only showcased the versatility of peanuts but also played a crucial role in revitalizing the Southern agriculture industry.

Connection to St. Louis (1900s)

Carver's bond with St. Louis emerged through his collaboration with the St. Louis Carver Research Foundation and local businessmen interested in his work, facilitating further research and the promotion of his agricultural teachings. This partnership exemplified his impact beyond the confines of Tuskegee and underscored his influence on American agriculture.

Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture (1900s-1940s)

Carver was a pioneer in the promotion of sustainable agriculture, advocating for soil conservation and crop diversification long before these practices became widely recognized. His work laid the groundwork for environmentally sustainable farming practices, underscoring his foresight and innovative spirit.

Outreach and Education (1896-1943)

Dedicated to spreading his knowledge, Carver embarked on numerous outreach activities, including the Jesup Wagon, a mobile classroom that brought his teachings to farmers. He was a beloved figure for his efforts to educate and empower rural communities through science.

Recognition and Legacy (1920s-1943)

Carver's contributions to science and society were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous accolades, including the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 1923 and an honorary doctorate from Simpson College. His legacy as a scientist and humanitarian endures, highlighted by the George Washington Carver National Monument, established in his honor.

Final Years and Death (1940-1943)

In his final years, Carver continued his research and outreach efforts despite declining health. He passed away on January 5, 1943, at Tuskegee Institute, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and perseverance against adversity.

Posthumous Honors and Continuing Impact (1943 and Beyond)

Carver's influence extended well beyond his death, with numerous schools, foundations, and awards named in his honor. His life and work continue to inspire future generations in the fields of science, agriculture, and education.

Key Achievements of George Washington Carver:

• Developed over 300 products from peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans, revitalizing Southern agriculture.

• First African American to earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Iowa State Agricultural College.

• Played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture through crop rotation and diversification.

• Founder of the Moveable School, bringing practical agricultural knowledge to farmers.

• Recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and society, including the Spingarn Medal.

George Washington Carver's journey from slavery to becoming a towering figure in agricultural science is a testament to his unwavering determination, intellect, and compassion. His innovative work in sustainable agriculture and his efforts to uplift impoverished communities mark his legacy as a pioneering scientist and humanitarian. Carver's life remains a beacon of inspiration, embodying the transformative power of education and innovation in the face of adversity.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll