Black Wall Street event celebrates, empowers Black community

The Network was a sponsor of the annual event this year

On June 29, 2024, the eighth annual Black Wall Street event sprawled across Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Wellston, also known as the Wellston Loop.

The event, organized by Young Voices with Action (YVWA), is dedicated to uplifting the community through cultural celebration, economic empowerment and educational opportunities. Vendors and organizations had tables at the event, and a large stage offered entertainment as well.

The Community Impact Network was a sponsor this year, and had a table at the event. Passers-by stopped at the table to learn more about the work of Network members and pick up materials about events and services in the 24:1.

Service Coordinator Lonette Lowary sits at the Network table the Black Wall Street event in Wellston on June 29 2024

The event also served as a groundbreaking for The Easton, which is a development in the works that projects to include apartments and retail space on what is currently an empty lot on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (formerly called Easton Avenue).

Numerous elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Cori Bush and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, were in attendance. Bush was integral to securing funding for The Easton, and spoke at the event about the importance of investing in North St. Louis County.

US Rep Cori Bush D Missouri speaks at the Black Wall Street event in Wellston on June 29 2024

YVWA is a youth-led organization that empowers and challenges our peers to lead and take on leadership roles within their homes, communities, places of worship, schools and places of employment.

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Alex McCarthy
Alex McCarthy is the Communications Coordinator at the Network. He has worked for the organization since 2022.