Black Power Blueprint Phase 3.1

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.

North of the infamous "Delmar Divide" is "the other St. Louis" where 70 percent of those living in poverty are African and hunger is a daily reality. The Black Power Blueprint has brought real hope back to this community, opening up opportunities for economic development and the revival of African culture for which St. Louis is famous.

Last year with tremendous worldwide support and community volunteers, an abandoned and dilapidated building at 4101 West Florissant Ave. was rapidly transformed into a thriving Uhuru House community center.

Condemned buildings across the street from the Uhuru House were demolished and the lot will soon be paved and fenced, with lighting for the One Africa! One Nation! Community Marketplace. A 50-foot pole was erected on this land, flying a 25-foot red, black and green African flag.

Renovations on the third floor of the Uhuru House are wrapping up for additional office and program space, with insulation, drywall, mudding and taping.

In the next few weeks the wiring, plumbing and flooring will be completed in a four-plex apartment building earmarked for housing for the African Independence Workforce Program, creating jobs for those re-entering our community from the prison system. We will upgrade all bathrooms and kitchens, install stoves, refrigerators, cabinets and fixtures and the apartments will be furnished.

Other projects for Phase 3 include architectural plans, new roofing and new windows for the beautiful Jiko Kitchen, located in an art deco building on Goodfellow Boulevard, that had once been a boat dealership.  As our most ambitious project so far, Jiko will include a café, bakery, community kitchen and the headquarters of Uhuru Foods and Pies, one of the 26 economic institutions of Black Star Industries and the African People's Education and Defense Fund around the U.S.

This life-changing project is coordinated by Deputy Chair Ona Zené Yeshitela who says, "It is really inspiring to see how much the people love his project and are looking forward to the marketplace and all the other projects.  This is a positive response to gentrification because it's about more than just keeping our community, it's about building economic self-reliance for our community. The Black Power Blueprint is economic power in the hands of the African working class. Donate to this unique project which is changing the world day by day."

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 1, 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: Raising $20,000 by the end of 2018.

This phase included the installation of a 50’ flagpole flying the huge red, black and green African flag across the street from the Uhuru House. Renovations also began on an abandoned 4-plex apartment building that 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.

More About the 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!