The Story of Black Power Blueprint
The Black Power Blueprint is a black-led self-determination project in St. Louis, MO organized by Black Star Industries and the African People’s Education and Defense Fund.
The mission of the Black Power Blueprint is to overturn the deep poverty and oppression faced by the African community of St. Louis’ northside through political and economic power in the hands of African working people.
Phase 1: Uhuru House African Community Center Renovation
Phase 1 funding was launched December 2017 raising $25,000 by May 1, 2018!
Supporters around the country gave generously to reach the $25,000 crowdfunding goal for Phase I, needed to renovate the three-story St. Louis Uhuru House at 4101 W. Florissant Ave. The Uhuru House is a black community center, event space, rental hall and economic development hub. These contributions helped install the plumbing, heating, HVAC, finish the electrical, the interior and other construction. This vibrant center in the heart of the black community of North St. Louis is now open and alive with weddings, birthday parties, spoken word poetry nights and political conferences.
Phase 2: Creating an outdoor event space
Phase 2 was launched May 5, 2018 and raised another $25,000 by July 20, 2018.
Two condemned buildings owned by the Black Power Blueprint across the street from the Uhuru House were demolished in June to make way for the One Africa! One Nation! Outdoor Marketplace and a community garden.
Phase 2.2: Currently raising $20,000 by the end of 2018.
This phase includes the installation of a 50’ flagpole that will fly a huge red, black and green African flag across the street from the Uhuru House. Currently an abandoned 4-plex apartment building is being renovated by volunteers and will house participants of the African Independence Workforce Program, training African people coming out of the colonial prison system.
Phase 3: Uhuru Jiko Commercial Kitchen and Uhuru Bakery Café
Phase 3 launches in January 2019, raising $100,000.
On Goodfellow Boulevard, in a once thriving neighborhood, we are building the Uhuru Jiko Community Commercial Kitchen, a bakery and café, and the training center for the African Independence Workforce Program.
Goals and Mission of the Black Power Blueprint
The conditions faced by black people in America today demand that we seize the future for our children. The African community in St. Louis, like others around the country, faces poverty, joblessness, poor schools and substandard housing.
We see wealth, opportunity and prosperity on one side of town, contrasted by deep poverty and despair on the other.
The Black Power Blueprint will impact on our city through genuine social and economic rebirth for our community. Empowering our community with sustainable job creation and commerce, attracting and supporting black culture and arts.
Black Star Industries, partnering with the African People’s Education and Defense Fund has created black-community owned and operated institutions for economic development and self-determination for over 35 years.
From Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA to St. Petersburg, FL and Huntsville, AL, we have sustained community-funded commercial kitchens, a wellness center, furniture and consignment shops, event spaces and other community based initiatives and programs.
Now we need your support to realize this visionary project in St. Louis, MO. Donate today! Follow us on facebook.com/BlackPowerBlueprint and help us spread the word!
