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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Local startup lands $10M round, with help from St. Louis investors.

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues match

• A deep-dive into the life of Josephine Baker

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

— Edmund Burke

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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 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

Spike in food poisoning hospitalizations causes indefinite closure of Metro East restaurant. (Link)

Big St. Louis ag firm completes sale of Brazilian joint venture stake. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Aggressive defense sets tone as Eureka rolls to victory against Rockwood rival Summit. (Link)

Cardinals’ TV ratings hit another record low, now down 47% over last 2 seasons: Media Views. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Local startup lands $10M round, with help from St. Louis investors. (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

🏆 WWE Monday Night RAW
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Monday, Oct. 7th | (More info)

🏒 Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Tuesday, Oct. 15th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Myles Smith and Sam Tompkins
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Wednesday, Oct. 9th | (More info)

🎶 Ocie Elliott
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Tuesday, Oct. 8th | (More info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Empowering Teens: Building Resilience in the Digital Age (FOR PARENTS)
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis
Thursday, Oct. 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 “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) - Landmark Supreme Court decision on African American freedom and citizenship originates in St. Louis.

The Dred Scott Case of 1857, originating in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as 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) - World-renowned performer, civil rights activist, and French Resistance agent, born in St. Louis.

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 continue to 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 serves as a testament to her talent, resilience, and unyielding commitment to her principles, making her one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century.

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-Matthew Larsen

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