More than 250 years of history tell the rich and inspiring stories of “Black St. Louis,” a new book that recognizes extraordinary African Americans from the city’s founding as a French fur-trading post to the new millennium.
Authors Calvin Riley and NiNi Harris take a closer look at how the St. Louis Black community was impacted by the course of the city’s history. For instance, the book explores how the massive European immigration to St. Louis in the 1840s and 1850s affected the lives of African Americans, as well as how the Black community evolved in the aftermath of the Civil War.
The authors also highlight historical figures – such as Union Army veteran Charlton Tandy, First African Baptist Church founder John Berry Meachum, businesswoman Annie Malone and mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry – who showed courage, leadership and innovation, and helped open doors for future generations.
Riley, the founder and director of the George B. Vashon Museum in St. Louis, and Harris, a St. Louis historian, have upcoming several dates for a book presentation and signing, including Jan. 12 at the Julia Davis Library (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Jan. 13 at the Kirkwood Public Library (2 to 4 p.m.) and Feb. 13 at the Missouri History Museum (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). All events are free and open to the public.
“Black St. Louis” is available online from Reedy Press.
