June is a significant month as we celebrate Black Music Month, Juneteenth, and Black Fatherhood. A Red Circle is embracing this spirit by honoring Black culture and resilience while also supporting the victims of the May tornado.
Erica Williams, founder and executive director, and Erin Tyus, community wellness director at A Red Circle, are transforming storm relief efforts into soulful cookouts, converting arts hubs into healing spaces, and utilizing jazz and R&B to create an atmosphere of dignified nourishment.
“This is not a food line. This is what Black liberation looks like when the system falls short — and the community shows up,” Williams said. At the heart of the community center’s mission lies the powerful intersection of dignity, food justice, and Black cultural resilience.
Since the tornado, the Farmhouse has expanded food delivery to storm-impacted neighborhoods, distributing wraps, salads, and cooked greens sourced from Black farmers –Tony Rushing, owner of Rushing Family Farms, and Nick Speed, founder of Urban Farm.
“We’re delivering nourishment with dignity while highlighting the leadership of Black growers,” Tyus said. “The vibe we create is intentional — calm, soulful music playing on the lawn, neighbors pulling up a chair, and warm greetings from our professional chef Queenie in the farmhouse kitchen, handing out samples of stir fry made with hand-picked eggs.”
“With egg prices in April 2025 nearly 49% higher than the previous year, according to USDA data, providing fresh, nutritious food at no cost is more important than ever,” added Williams. “It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about restoring dignity and building community resilience.”
Founded in 2017, A Red Circle is a nonprofit based in North St. Louis County that works to address racial disparities through education, wellness, the arts, and economic justice. Program hubs include: The Creative Spot (arts & cultural wellness) and The Farmhouse (food access & agricultural justice) at the North County Agricultural Education Center.
A Red Circle’s Creative Spot and A Red Circle’s Farmhouse anchor the summer offerings in Ferguson and North City. Williams and Tyus are delivering free fresh produce, hot meal samples, ice cream for kids, music on the lawn, and career-track internships in the arts. Their June programming is a testament to community spirit, focused on both celebration and providing vital support.
“This is what liberation looks like just in time for Juneteenth,” said Williams. “We’re giving away eggs, free produce and food samples, enjoying music on the lawn, and offering dignity at the table. This is not your typical processed food giveaway. We’re filling the gap when SNAP benefits run out, and fighting for food policies that make access equitable.”
The community center’s summer schedule:
Drop-In Fridays: Noon – 5 p.m.
A free open studio for children and families featuring collaborative art, music, literacy resources, book giveaways, and Father’s Day card-making available throughout June.
Chosen Pathways Youth Internship
The Chosen Pathways Youth Internship is held at A Red Circle’s Creative Spot in Ferguson. This summer program explores careers in art and culture.
More from The Creative Spot in summer programs coming in July:
- West African drumming and hip-hop dance classes (July 12 & 19)
- Live storytelling and spoken word evenings (July 26 & 27)
A Red Circle’s Sundae Stories
Heaven’s Creamery, 10835 West Florissant Avenue, Ferguson, MO 63136
Sundays in June from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Click here to reserve free tickets
Good Food Fridays at The Farmhouse
Fridays, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
A no-barrier food access event offering:
- Fresh produce: greens, apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, herbs
- Pantry staples: rice, beans, pasta, canned goods
- Occasional hand-picked fresh eggs and hot dish samples like stir-fried rice
- Recipes and cooking demos inside the publicly accessible professional kitchen with A Red Circle’s chef Queenie
- Music and chairs outdoors to create a community vibe
- No ID, sign-up, or paperwork required