Since its founding by Anthony “Tony” Thompson, chair and CEO of the Kwame Building Group, the Black-owned business has made community service an integral part of its operation.
Through hundreds of college scholarship and philanthropic support for non-profits and other organizations, Thomspon said Kwame wants to be a leader in community action
The commitment has been evident during the four weeks following the deadly EF-3 tornado that tore through sections of the St. Louis area on Friday St. Louis on May 16, 2025.
The Kwame Building Group and its philanthropic arm, Kwame Charitable Foundation, have constructed teams to provide immediate relief for the survivors.
Thomspon said the massive effort would not be possible without partners, which have provided equipment, supplies and volunteer hours to aid Kwame’s efforts.
They include Archview Services, C. Rallo Contracting Co, Inc., North Park United Methodist Church, Nutriformance, LLC, Simmons Bank, St. Louis Police Foundation, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Volunteer Center.
In addition, many St. Louis area residents and organizations have individuals offering cash donations, essential supplies, food, water, and physical labor to clean debris from the storm.
“Teamwork and thoughtful planning propelled this campaign in giving support with dignity to every recipient,” said Thompson.
Thompson said teams surveyed the affected neighborhoods, and selected the interior streets of the O’Fallon Neighborhood as the site it would first help.
“With a canopy tent, tables, and truckloads of donated supplies, our goal is to alleviate the trauma experienced by these residents. In this densely populated area, many of the homeowners are elderly and homebound, unable to access the resources being distributed on major streets,” Thompson explained.
“We have deployed teams to do wellness checks over the past four weeks, making personal interaction a top priority. These individuals have survived a life-altering tragedy, and we want them to know that we are deeply concerned about their overall well-being.”
Lydia Pye Huston, Kwame Foundation executive director, said, “We were determined to have a regular presence in the O’Fallon Neighborhood and the collective effort of the Kwame team has been awe-inspiring.”
“Our sole purpose has been to make life better for those impacted by the tornado, and within the past four weeks, we have united as a family. The bond we have formed with the residents, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners is unbreakable.”
Diamond Spence grew up on the city’s north side and was among the first team members to help her former community.
“This work is deeply personal to me. I see my family, my friends, and my younger self in the faces of those affected, said Spence, Kwame diversity specialist.
“Our community has always shown up for me in my most vulnerable moments, so giving back is not just a choice, it’s a responsibility. I’ve long been inspired by Mother Teresa’s words: “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”
The tornado reached peak strength in North St. Louis City with winds as high as 152 mph, despite continuing northeast through the Metro East, according to the report.
More than 5,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed along the nearly 23-mile-long tornado track.
Just a few hours after the tornado blasted the area, Eli Candela, Kwame project engineer, was on the scene organizing contractors and excavation to clear nearly five miles of debris from residential streets in the O’Fallon neighborhood.
“Tony organized the big picture, and I am proud to be part of the boots-on-the-ground efforts, to bring a little hope back to people who have lost nearly everything,” said Candela.
Corrie Riggs, a Simmons Bank business banker, formed employee volunteer teams, armed with cleaning supplies. paper products, diapers, and essentials to distribute on two separate days.
“While serving, one of the most impactful moments is witnessing the resilience of those affected by destruction. The words of one resident stayed with me: when we asked how she was, she replied, ‘Blessed and highly favored,’” Riggs said.
“Simmons Bank is grateful to be a part of the St. Louis community, and we truly are better when we are working together.
Thompson said FEMA’s presence and support coming from the state, city and Rams settlement money will not change Kwame’s commitment to the neighborhood.
“While the needs are now shifting, with local and federal resources being approved, we still plan to have a presence in the O’Fallon Neighborhood,” said Thompson.
I’ve known Tony Thompson for many years and this is what he and his family have always been, community service ambassadors (is what I call them). They are genuinely concerned about people and have hearts of gold. Kwame’s labor of love is heartfelt and so appreciated! Much love and respect! ❤️