Photo courtesy of Will Donlow https://shorturl.at/UzqIJ
“There she died. She died right there in the church. We couldn’t get her out.”
“People are stuck in the Roosevelts. People are stuck in a 10 foot story building right now.”
“Being an MLK statue, it fell down. It’s broken. We need a new MLK statue. It’s gone. It’s just dark. It’s just on the floor. A full house, collapsed.
“Right, where I live, right, where the other, the old apartment right there, all that’s done, bro.”
“Can you imagine walking through and all the places you have seen growing up just wiped away!”
This is how Tory Russell, long time St. Louis resident and freedom fighter, described the tornado that ripped through St. Louis. The woman that died in the church was Patricia Penelton, a long time member of the Centennial Christian Church. Russell vividly described the tornado’s destruction in our conversation. He went on to share how many of the residential streets are blocked off. The main streets are wide open but the residential streets are inaccessible. As a result many of the residents in different parts of the city are struggling to survive.
Russell described what’s known as West City of St. Louis. I asked if that was the only place struggling, he said no. All throughout the city, Black people are just trying to survive while facing the risk of no food, water, or shelter. Many residents lost power but on Saturday night, May 17, they regained power. Now, there are many without internet.
Photo courtesy of Will Donlow https://shorturl.at/2UUoW
Why does having internet access matter?
Many of the outreach programs are being shared online. Therefore they need access to the internet to know about potential ways to receive assistance.
That’s another hurdle for them to overcome. It appears to be a disconnect between those who are providing help and those who need help. Part of the disconnect is logistics. For example, a lot of outreach is happening at O’Fallon Park recreation but it’s very difficult for some residents to even reach it based on the devastation.
Although the storm brought devastation, it has also offered a glimmer of hope. Many residents have expressed their gratitude in how many people have come out to show support and build up the community.
Photo courtesy of Ohun Ashe https://shorturl.at/n7rEM
“St. Louis will rebuild but this city will never be the same. A shift just took place. I’m so proud of our people though. We showing up for our own and I love that.” Remarked Travis “Thi’sl” Tyler, community activist and Hip Hop artist.
Ultimately, to make sure everyone is good in St. Louis, don’t rely on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Go outside. Talk to people individually. If you are in St. Louis, find out the places where you can both volunteer and donate. I am very concerned about people who may not get accounted for. What about the people in the apartment complexes with wheelchairs in the top floors and the elevators aren’t working. Let’s keep coming together, let’s figure this thing out. If you are outside of St. Louis please provide support.
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We all have to play our parts because someone’s life might depend on it.