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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Five St. Louis-area groups awarded $170M in tax credit authority.

• Upcoming Daikaiju concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Maya Angelou

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."

— Stephen Covey

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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 attraction is known for its impressive collection of interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, and history?

A) The Magic House

B) City Museum

C) Saint Louis Science Center

D) Missouri History Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis attraction known for its impressive collection of interactive exhibits focused on science, technology, and history is C) Saint Louis Science Center.

News

💼 Business

Anheuser-Busch InBev investing $8M at Soulard campus. (Link)

Rawlings Sporting Goods names new CEO. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Sydney Berger's early homer, Abby Carr's 17 strikeouts lead Lafayette past Parkway South. (Link)

Cardinals to hire Guardians’ Rob Cerfolio to oversee player development. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Five St. Louis-area groups awarded $170M in tax credit authority. (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

🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Saturday, Nov. 2nd | (More info)

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 5th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 alexalone
The Sinkhole, St. Louis
Monday, Oct. 28th | (More info)

🎸 Daikaiju
Platypus, St. Louis
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (More info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt St. Louis
4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (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. Louis with architecture inspired by different planets” 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

Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight (1927) - Charles Lindbergh flies solo from New York to Paris, sponsored by St. Louis businessmen.

In 1927, an event that would mark a significant milestone in the history of aviation took place: Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight. Sponsored by a group of businessmen from St. Louis, eager to demonstrate the potential of aviation and to claim the prestigious Orteig Prize, Lindbergh embarked on a daring journey that would see him fly solo, non-stop from New York to Paris. At the helm of his specially designed aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field in New York on the morning of May 20, 1927, aiming to bridge the continents in a single flight.

The journey was fraught with challenges. Lindbergh had to contend with harsh weather conditions, including fog, icing, and storms that berated his small, single-engine plane. Moreover, the exhaustive 33.5-hour flight demanded immense endurance and skill, as Lindbergh navigated solely with the aid of a compass, map, and the stars, without the modern conveniences of radar or radio. Throughout this daunting flight, Lindbergh was fueled by sheer determination and the innovative design of his aircraft, which had been meticulously planned to carry enough fuel to make the 3,600-mile journey possible.

Lindbergh's successful landing at Le Bourget Field, near Paris, on May 21, marked a triumphant moment in the annals of aviation. He was met by an ecstatic crowd of spectators, who celebrated his monumental achievement. This historic flight not only secured Lindbergh's place in history as the first person to complete a solo transatlantic flight but also underscored the potential of aviation and its transformative impact on global connectivity. The flight symbolized a pivotal moment for St. Louis, vindicating the city's investment in Lindbergh's visionary endeavor and marking its own place in the burgeoning era of flight.

Famous People From St. Louis

Maya Angelou (1928–2014) - Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist who spent part of her childhood in St. Louis.

Maya Angelou, a towering figure in American literature, civil rights activism, and public speaking, led a life that spun a narrative of resilience, creativity, and advocacy. Her journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of the African American experience in the 20th century, intertwining personal achievements with broader social movements.

Early Years of Adversity and Awakening (1928-1944)

Born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou's early life was marked by hardship and turbulence. The racial tensions of the American South, coupled with personal traumas, shaped her childhood. Yet, it was in these early years that Angelou discovered the power of literature and the strength of her own voice, setting the stage for her future achievements.

A Sojourn in St. Louis (1930s)

Angelou's connection to St. Louis came during a pivotal moment in her childhood. Moving back and forth between her mother’s home in St. Louis and her grandmother's residence in Stamps, Arkansas, Angelou encountered the complexities of urban racial dynamics. Her experiences in St. Louis, including a traumatic event, deeply influenced her voice and activism.

Rising Voice in the Harlem Renaissance (1950s)

In the post-war era, Angelou found herself in New York, deeply engaged with the Harlem Writers Guild and the burgeoning civil rights movement. This period honed her craft as a writer and performer, bringing her into contact with significant cultural figures of the time, further influencing her trajectory as an artist and activist.

Global Exploration and Experiences (1960-1969)

Angelou's adventurous spirit led her to spend several years in Africa, particularly in Ghana, during the decolonization era. There, she worked as an editor and university administrator, immersing herself in the Pan-African movement. These experiences enriched her understanding of global racial dynamics and influenced her writing and political views.

Autobiographical Mastery and Literary Success (1970-1989)

Angelou's first autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), catapulted her to international fame, highlighting her remarkable ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes of identity, resilience, and liberation. Her subsequent autobiographies and poetry collections solidified her status as a literary luminary.

Activism and Public Speaking (1970s-1980s)

Angelou's advocacy wasn't confined to the written word. She became a powerful voice in civil rights and women's movements, leveraging her fame to speak on issues of justice, equality, and human rights. Her speeches and essays contributed significantly to the discourse on racial and gender equality in the United States.

Academic and Artistic Contributions (1990s)

Throughout the 1990s, Angelou held academic positions at various universities, imparting her wisdom to new generations. She continued to produce works of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, exploring themes of love, memory, and the human experience, further solidifying her intellectual legacy.

Presidential Recognition and Cultural Impact (1993-2000)

Angelou's recitation of her poem On the Pulse of Morning at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993 marked a historic moment, vividly showcasing her status as a cultural icon. Her voice and words resonated with millions, echoing a call for unity and peace in a changing world.

Later Years and Legacy (2001-2014)

Even in her later years, Angelou remained active in public life, writing, speaking, and advocating for the causes she believed in. Her passing in 2014 was mourned by many who saw her as a beacon of hope, courage, and unwavering human dignity.

Final Thoughts and Reflections (2014 and Beyond)

Angelou's passing marked the end of an era but also the enduring influence of her life's work. Her writings and speeches continue to inspire, teach, and resonate with readers and audiences around the globe, cementing her place as a foundational figure in American literature and civil rights history.

Key Achievements of Maya Angelou:

• Authored seven autobiographies, including the acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

• Active participant and speaker in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

• Recited her poem On the Pulse of Morning at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993.

• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2010.

• Published numerous volumes of poetry, essays, and plays, contributing significantly to American literature and African American cultural expression.

Maya Angelou's life and work transcended the boundaries of literature and activism, making her one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Her ability to articulate the human condition, coupled with her unwavering pursuit of justice and equality, left an indelible mark on the world. Angelou's legacy, defined by her profound contributions to literature, civil rights, and public discourse, continues to inspire and challenge generations to live with empathy, courage, and resilience.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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