Neighborhood Walks

                                     South Grand Walk

Mokabe's Coffee shop on S. Grand Blvd.

Tytianna Parrett

The second Neighborhood walk we took was in South St. Louis by Mokabe's Coffee shop. The area was nice and very diverse. Everyone was as nice to us as we were passing by. The places were so unified compared to some of the places I've been to in the North side. We really got a chance to see different cultures. There was so much love in the air.

The stores were so diverse with so many different options. The place that stood out to me was the Moroccan restaurant. As we passed by, a lady that worked there changes the sign from open to close. We also went into a frozen yogurt place that was actually pretty good. The time we spent walking really helped me see the different lifestyles.

The one place that I absolutely love was the pizza place called, “Pizza Head.” It looks like a comforting environment. The neighborhood was decorated in rainbow flags to support the LGBT community. I love being over in that area. After we left that part of Grand and went up the street (North Grand), it changed drastically. It was so much trash on the ground and liquor stores on every other corner. That was really shocking. The "hood walks" always surprise me. 

****************************************

 
 

Darryeon Bishop

The South Grand walk was very different from the Ville walk. What was different from this neighborhood walk to the one around the Ville was there were a lot more businesses and foot traffic going on. The stores and shops I saw, were ice cream shops, coffee shops, sit down eatery places, book stores, yoga community park, cleaners, international food stores and a lot of places. Also what I saw was different people from cultural backgrounds walking the streets as well as ethnic eating places. The type of housing in the neighborhood was single, brick, two-family flats and also condo housing. I saw a community that support each other and welcomes all walks of life to their neighborhood. This is what we lack in North St. Louis and hopefully things will change for us to do the same thing in our communities. I learned a lot from this walk and learned that if the black community supports one another and their businesses, we can have neighborhood stability in North St. Louis. 

****************************************

  

  

************************************

The Ville

Darryeon Bishop/ 6-29-2017

The walk through the Ville neighborhood was nice because I got to know what the neighborhood was all about. We also made stops around the Ville and talked to people who work and live in the neighborhood. First, we stopped by Emerson school to talk to the people who worked there and also toured the school to what they had to offer to their students. Most importantly, we learned that two of the kids in the program go to this school which was interesting to know. I was very happy to see an open and functional school in a north side neighborhood where you hear most schools get closed down. 

Second, we stopped by north side community housing where they rehab vacant properties in the neighborhood and build and beautify new homes for old and new residents. We talked to Mona who works there and gave us information on what the north side community housing was all about by telling us what’s their five year plan for the neighborhood. Thirdly, we went by the old Homer G. Philip Hospital, now a senior community home and learned a little history about how important this hospital was to the neighborhood and the people who who came from this community as well. Lastly, we stopped and toured the local fire station who serves this community and got to know the fire-fighters and what it takes to be one. The most interesting thing at the fire station was learning about the computer system C.S.A.M. on the fire truck that sends pressure to the water hose that the fire-fighters want to send. The idea came from a fire fighter right here in St. Louis which makes it great and maybe can become a million dollar product. The walk around the ville was great and I got to know and learn how important this neighborhood was in the past and how we can remake its in the future.  

********************************************************** 

Trinity Tamara Wheeler

We went on a neighborhood walk and I saw my school and it was pretty fun. We looked around the classrooms and we met some teacher’s there like Miss Johnson and Ms.E.Miss Marchell. Then we walked to the fire department. They showed us around. The man took us around the fire truck and they had a hose fan blower. Then we went to the Northside housing center and she talked about how they fix houses and help people get them and with better prices. We went to the nursing home and talked about how it's really old cause that building was vacant for a long time. We came back and talked about the things we did. I felt really good about the walk because its told me something I didn’t know. I feel really great about this and hope we go on more walks I will pay more attention so I can learn more about the neighborhoods. 

                            **********************************************************

Devarayon Banks

The Ville is a historic African- American neighborhood. The Ville has a long African-American history. It is still is mostly an African- American neighborhood, and African-American people own the homes and businesses.

This neighborhood has restaurants, like King Grill, Brother’s Diner, and Jaden’s Diner. Homer G. Phillips Hospital is in the Ville, and it was the only hospital for African-Americans from 1937 to 1955. Homer G. Hospital was one of the few hospitals in the United States where black Americans could train as doctors and nurses in the world.

The old Homer G. Phillips hospital site 

So, the Ville was built by black people. Today the Ville is a low-income neighborhood. The homes are old. The businesses built are old and need to be rebuilt. The people of the Ville need to work together and stop killing each other. 

**********************************************************

Shontia Darling/ 6-29-2017

When we walked around in North St. Louis we talked to some lady’s that work at Emerson Academy. They teach kids from kindergarten to 12^th grade. The kids are in different classes based on their grade level. At the time of our visit, the children were learning about Egypt and getting ready for a field trip to the Art Museum.

We then walked over to Homer G. Phillips Senior Community. It’s an affordable living complex for elders. They house people that are 55 and older. It is located in the historic “Ville” neighborhood of North St. Louis. Homer G. Phillips was a prominent attorney in STL born in Sedalia, Mo. (1880- 1931).

Lastly, we talked to Cpt. Chrunk and Mr. Eric Moorehead, two firefighters that’s a part of St. Louis Fire Department. Cpt. Chrunk has been a firefighter for 32 going on 33 years. He is from North St. Louis. Mr. Moorehead is also a substitute teacher. He has been a firefighter for 10 years. 

**********************************************************               

Tytianna Parrett/ 6-29-2017

The first neighborhood walk we did was in the Ville neighborhood. It was insightful and inspirational. The neighborhood looks like it’s in the process of being rebuilt. We visited Emerson Academy. They are hosting a summer school program on July 5^th.  Two of our new students, Trinity and Gavin, are students there. They are doing so much with the students. They take them on field trips after every session they learn. The school teaches math, science, language, and social studies for students, k through 12^th grade.

We also visited the North side community housing office. That was very useful for me because I’m currently looking for a place. They offered to me help in find a home. We learned about the many plans that they have to recreate the North side of St. Louis. We visited the Homer G. Phillips Senior Living complex. The history of the building is absolutely amazing. So many good black doctors came from the hospital.

The firehouse was my favorite place that we visited. Capt. Chrunk gave us a lot of information about what they do. Mr. Moorehead told us about everything that the firefighters do, including where they sit. The fire station is the first to have the Sam System. The system makes it easier for them to send water to the different areas on the truck. They showed us the different types of hoses and what they were used for. They left on an emergency call so we had to leave. The hood walk taught me a lot about the area. 

2017 CLASSES IN VIDEO

SPP Curriculum

The Sweet Potato Project (SPP) provides a unique, disciplined, and cultural approach to educating urban youth on the benefits of entrepreneurship in low-income, disadvantaged communities. The project is based on the theory that poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities fuel illegal, destructive activities, disproportionate minority high school dropout rates and incarceration in juvenile and/or adult correctional facilities.

RECLAIMING COMMUNITIES: The Sweet Potato Project reconnects youth with a cultural legacy of people who believed that doing-for-self was and is the only way to provide jobs, businesses, and security any American needs to succeed. We work to show our youth that they have a responsibility to reclaim their communities and end generational poverty. We also stress responsibility by having students volunteer for neighborhood beautification and community projects.

Additionally, our students learn the value of generating money in their own communities. To reclaim communities, young people must be empowered to take “ownership” of their own lives and neighborhoods. SPP land-ownership initiative allows our students to collaborate with residents, churches, and organizations that grow sweet potatoes that SPP purchases in the fall.

SPP encourages students to become innovative, self-sufficient players in today’s ever-expanding global economy. We want to help young people develop entrepreneurial and personal skills and provide exposure and motivation to become engaged, productive community citizens.

KNOWING YOU:

In life, it’s important to present one’s self in a way that will garner positive attention and ongoing support. Although some of our youth have no problem expressing themselves in groups or in other demonstrative ways, we find that many have trouble articulating their own feelings, desires, aspirations, and dreams. The first two weeks of our program focuses on self-awareness, communication and discovering individual strengths.

Activities, Classes & Exercises Include:

·        *  Self-discovery / Targeting and reinforcing unique, individual strengths

·        *  Personal Improvement / Self-worth

·        * Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

·        * Group Communication

·        * Leadership/Teamwork

KNOWING YOUR COMMUNITY

Our youth are inundated with negative images, messages, and not-so-subtle reminders that they and their communities are sub-par and destined for ruin. They navigate neighborhoods filled with lottery, liquor, payday loan and rent-to-own stores without understanding the economics that sustain these entities. SPP works to “flip-the-script” by focusing on the positive history and current opportunities in low-income neighborhoods. We stress “community ownership” and their personal responsibility in reversing negative trends. We want to inspire future urban entrepreneurs to bring jobs, businesses, and security back to economically-challenged neighborhoods.

Activities, Classes & Exercises Include:

·         * Neighborhood Walks

·         * Agricultural, Urban Gardening

·         * Visits to neighborhood businesses

·         * Socio/economic community dynamics; Community Responsibility

·         * Explanation/Presentation of the North City Food Hub

·         * Small and institutional business presentations

·        * Land Lease/Ownership

.    * Political opportunities/responsibilities/challenges 

KNOWING YOUR MONEY

Financial literacy is an important component of SPP’s curricula. We want to help our students better understand the importance of using checking and savings accounts as opposed to relying on quick-cash and/or pay-day lending establishments. We teach students “urban economics” so they can have a better understanding of “supply & demand,” sustainable demographics and how money is earned and spent in their neighborhoods. 

Activities, Classes & Exercises Include:

·        * Financial literacy Classes

·        * Career & College Prep

·        * The Business of Entrepreneurship

·        *  Business Plan Development

·        * Sales, Marketing, Distribution, Branding lessons and/or presentations

KNOWING YOUR MARKET:

Students engage in a series of activities designed to show them the power of product development, marketing, branding, distribution, sales, and the economic bottom-line. Students also focus on culinary, food production & safety, product sales & distribution, individual business plan development, governmental opportunities. 

         Activities, Classes & Exercises Include:

.     * Culinary classes

·     * Visits to local entrepreneurs

* Food manufacturing

KNOWING OPPORTUNITIES:

The last two weeks of the summer program focuses on turning lessons into action. Students will submit a business plan for a small enterprise. If funding allows, one or two students will be awarded seed money towards a viable small business enterprise.  Students will be charged with creating a new sweet potato-based recipe to add to our current food line. 

CLASS OF 2017

The Sweet Potato Project / Class of 2015

MaDonna Woods / SPP Intern / 2017

I would like to thank all of the students for sharing both their thoughts and writing skills. As I read each essay, I was moved by the honesty used in describing the different neighborhoods. The interviews were a joy to read and format. The youth of today have a different mindset, and outlook on their futures and communities. Perhaps the aggression we witness in them is their growing desire for change and equality. Because of programs like the Sweet Potato Project, an open forum for discussion can become tangible. It is because of people like Sylvester Brown Jr., programs are birthed and true examples of what a humanitarian does remains current and productive.  

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Marquita Williams / Alumni Student

Marquita Williams 

Interviewed by Billy Blockette

Marquita Williams is 23 years old. Her hobbies are movies, bowling, singing, and dancing. She is from St. Louis, and has one sister and two brothers. She went to Maplewood High School and graduated in 2012 and has no kids. He mother’s friend got her into the Sweet Potato Project program. She plans on becoming an entertainer. 

*****************

Edie Adams (alumni student)

Edie Adams Interviewed by Corshae’ Carter

Edie Adams, a 21 year old bright mind and black enthusiast. She loves to read and she pays attention to a lot of detail. She has dedicated her time to the Sweet Potato Project for four years. She has a two year old daughter by the name of Montana. She’s planning on furthering her education and obtaining a business degree. Edie has a vision that not only inspires and motivates me but makes me want to be a part of it.

Her vision is to create another Black Wall Street. Big businesses and a community operated by African-Americans. That means black hospitals, stores and many other businesses generated for black people, by black people. She is definitely a power driven woman.

                                                *****************

Jerry Upcurch (18)

Jerry Upchurch / Interviewed by Cedric Wilson

The person I have interviewed was Jerry Upchurch. He’s a 17 year old Africa American that lives in St. Louis, Missouri. His birthday is February 8^th, and he was born in the year 2000. He is the oldest child and has three brothers and two sisters. He lives in a two parent household.

Jerry attended Gateway High School and likes to play basketball in his spare time. He also like to play the game Rainbow 6 Siege most of the time. He would like to become a teacher for high school students. He would try to get his degree from Linden wood University. The school is located in St. Louis so he can stay close to home.

While Jerry all about fun and games, he has high hopes and stays on track with his school work. I can tell Jerry is very serious on becoming a respected high school teacher throughout the St. Louis city. Jerry also loves fashion, and he likes buying both clothes and shoes. 

                                                      *****************

Tytianna Parrett / Interviewed by Lequita Davis

Tytianna is twenty years old. She was born in Mississippi. She graduated from Vashon High School in 2015. She attended the University of Tennessee. She is a very bubbly person. She likes to hang with her friends. She enjoys traveling and horseback riding. In her near future, she does not want any kids. She wants to become a medical doctor. She likes the Nike brand shoes. She enjoys spending time with her family, and likes to eat fried chicken and pizza rolls. In ten years, she sees herself in beginning her medical career with a large house and six cars. 

 *****************

Cedric Wilson (15)

 Cedric Wilson / Interviewed by Jerry Upchurch

Cedric Wilson is a young black male born and raised on the West side of St. Louis city. Cedric is 15 years old and he is the youngest of his three brothers and two sisters. He was born on April 10^th of 2002.Cedric is a very athletic young man. He loves to play a lot of sports, especially basketball.  He even plays for his high school basketball team, Confluence Prepatory Academy. Cedric has lots of other hobbies as well. He loves to draw and is a big fan of video games.

While Cedric is a young man who is very athletic and fun, he is also very serious about how he wants his life to go. Cedric is a young man with big goals and dreams. He wants to attend and play basketball for Duke University. He also has a backup plan to get his Business Management Degree. He will also pursue construction if his plan fails. He is smart young man who is dedicated and determined to become a successful black man.

*****************

       Aaliyah Slater (15) 

Billy Blockette (18)

Camron Vaughn 

Corshae’ Carter 

Darryeon Bishop (alumni student)

Davarayon Banks 

Gavin Chapman (18) 

McKenzie Green (18)

LaQuita (Shay) Davis (17)

Shontia Darling (20)

Davarayon Banks (17)

Tamera Slater (19)

Terrica Washington (19)

Trinity Wheeler (15)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STUDENT ESSAYS

After having the students interview one another, I asked them to listen to my story and write essays. I might have revealed to many gritty details but my hope was that they'd see the similarities in our lives and see how my life experiences led to the birth of the Sweet Potato Project. Judging by their observations, I'd say mission accomplished.

*************************************

Gavin Chapman-Sylvester Brown has four kids, his mother moved to St. Louis. His father had a bad drinking problem and would spend all his money on gambling. He was in a scuffle with some boys, him and his brother. Mr. Brown then moved from the projects to a poor white neighborhood. One night he was out with his mother and father, and his father was beaten by white police officers.

*************************************

Aaliyah Slater-Sylvester Brown Jr., is the son of Evalena and Sylvester Brown Sr. He has ten other siblings including a brother by the name of Daniel. His father is from Arkansas, but his mother is from Southern Missouri. His mother dropped out of school when she was in 8^th grade, and his father was an alcoholic. His family was very poor and hungry because his father would gamble away his paychecks. His family was on welfare and they moved to the Pruitt Igoe Projects when he was 6 years old. He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. His mother told her kids that if anyone asks, to lie about their father being in the house because they were on welfare. While living in that environment, his mother would watch them getting bullied. She would then make them fight. They moved after living there for four years. One night in 1968, Sylvester Brown Sr. came home drunk saying he hit a white man. The police badly beat his father, then took him away.

*************************************

Tamera Slater-Sylvester Brown Jr. is the son of Sylvester Brown Sr. and Evalena Brown. He has ten other siblings total from both his parents. Brown Jr. is from St. Louis, Missouri but his mom is from Southern Missouri. His dad is from Arkansas. He has a pretty big family compared to most families. They have had some obstacles.

Sylvester’s mother dropped out of school. She moved from Southern Missouri when Sylvester Sr. asked for her hand in marriage. His father was a chronic alcoholic but got by as a truck driver. Back in the day they were on welfare which helped out. At the age 6, his family moved into the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects. Brown and his siblings were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Brown slowly got introduced to drugs. He started to do drugs and he tried everything.

After living there for four years, they moved to 9^th street into a poor white neighborhood. Things went downhill then. His father got beat by a police officer because he hit a white man with his car. Sylvester dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to make money.  At the time, he was in the streets most of the days. At the age of 21, he married his girlfriend because he got her pregnant. He felt like that was the right thing to do but in reality, he wasn’t ready to be a father or husband.

Sylvester Brown started working at Laclede Gas Co. He dealt with a lot of racist employees. While working for Laclede, he was also working as a graphic designer for a local newspaper. In 1998, he started his own newspaper business. He soon got fired from Laclede because he was selling his newspapers during working hours. Back in 1982 when Brown started experimenting with drugs, his friend convinced him to go back to school. When he went back, he studied Commercial art at Forest Park but he never graduated because he kept changing.

In 1987 the police searched his car one day for no reason. He was parked and got out his car while on the phone. He walked back to his car and seen police officers outside his vehicle. He told the officers that it was his car and that everything was cool. Instead of communicating, they threw him against the window and told him, “We can do what we want to do.”

In 1990 he then had a second wife because he divorced his first one. However, the relationship ended after she gave him an ultimatum. She didn’t like Sylvester doing the newspaper because the things he said caused danger to his children. The newspaper was finally stopped in 2002.

Mr. Brown has been through a lot. Most of it the average black family has been through, but there was a lot of obstacles. However, everything that he went through in the past is what makes him the great man he is today.

Mr. Brown is an African-American man who has a vision that can help our community in North St. Louis thrive . This is how, this is his story.

*************************************

Corshae’ Carter-Sylvester Brown Jr. was a very poor and hungry little boy. He grew up with a mother who did her best. His mother was from a small town in Southern Missouri, where she got pregnant. His father was a chronic alcoholic and out of control. The family moved to a poor complex called Pruitt-Igoe. This was a place where their mother forced them to fight, to prove themselves in their community. No one would bother them again.

As Sylvester was growing older, he was told by many people that he was special. He knew how to speak well and he was smart. He has also gone through a lot as a young boy/man. He started smoking weed a lot. Sylvester was growing older and more careless and less responsible. He met a girl and got her pregnant and married her out of guilt. 

He was young and still experiencing life. He didn’t want the ties of the relationship so he was cheating. He ended up having another child by her before they split. He was working for Laclede Gas Company and they were racist towards him, but he was making good money. Sylvester was dedicated to fighting for what was right. He started writing for a newspaper, his own. 

He was fired from Laclede Gas and focused on his newspaper, writing what was important. He met his second wife who also dedicated her time to the newspaper. They had two children together. His wife became subtle on the issue and made him choose between the newspaper and his family. His paper wasn’t making any money. He won awards and people loved it but it was time to let it go. 

He was recruited by the St. Louis Post Dispatch because they liked his voice and opinions on hard public issues. He had a voice, a strong-willed mind, and an opportunity. This opportunity offered him a lot of money, benefits, and a place for his voice, thoughts and views. He had good stories that everyone loved, stories many white people couldn’t stand, but most importantly, he had a bigger public voice now. After time, his company wanted to fire him. He held a press conference to quit before he was fired to define the narrative before the media did. He had views on how he could help his black community by creating jobs for low income students. This would help generate money and produce for our community. The Sweet Potato Project was born.