Racism

Across the nation, Black people have received racist text messages saying they have been “selected to pick cotton.” Black St. Louisans are furious about the texts, including St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, whose son received one.

The St. Louis Reparations Commission will present its harm report on Sept. 30. Over 100 Black St. Louisans testified why they want reparations and what form they want them to take. The harm report will include dozens of testimonies, history of racism and recommendations for the mayor to bring about a plan to repair racial harms.

The NAACP plans to call attention to various cases of racial discrimination and intimidation across the St. Louis region in a billboard campaign, set to kick off in July.

In addition to ending its contract with St. Louis Public Schools, Missouri Central Bus Co. will close two city locations — terminating more than 300 full- and part-time workers.

St. Louis Public Schools' bus drivers called off en masse Monday and Tuesday after a noose was found last week near a worker's desk at Missouri Central Bus. Some drivers say its an attempt to keep them from speaking out against poor working conditions.

Keyon Harrold mixes jazz, hip-hop and R&B on this third solo album. The Ferguson-born trumpeter’s new songs reflect his quest for inner peace.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report found “socially disadvantaged producers,” especially Black farmers, operate at a higher risk level compared to their white counterparts and are less likely to receive government payments.

Despite the findings, some say ‘Healthy Illinois 2028’ is missing key areas of focus.

Adia Harvey Wingfield’s new book, “Gray Areas,” examines cultural, social and relational dynamics facing Black workers.

“In some ways, we think that we live in Illinois and somehow we’re immune to this,” said David Goldenberg, the Midwest director of the Anti-Defamation League that issued the “Hate in the Prairie State” report.