Ohun Ashe, founder of For The Culture STL, gathered dozens of St. Louisans under the Arch On Sunday, March 9th for their annual 314 Day photoshoot.
“I want this to be able to show [that] we love this city,” Ashe said about the event that For The Culture STL has been presenting since 2019. “[To show] we were here, we took a space, we had pride in it. [It’s] Just a way for us to have some motivation around our city and to get future generations motivated too.”
Throughout the afternoon, the cherished Midwest monument became the backdrop for culture and community – everything that Ashe stands for.
The crowd ranged in age from infant to the elderly. Local artist KVtheWriter made an appearance in a red and white STL bomber jacket playing her 314 anthem “Figure out the Rest”. Media personalities Jess Live and Princess Stormm were on the scene, along with several government officials – including Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier. Mayor Tishaura Jones was also there in solidarity. She represented in a burgundy “STL vs EVERYBODY” t-shirt and matching tracksuit.
“I thought it would be important,” Ashe said. “Not just for us, but for our future generations to be able to look back at our community members, [and see] who the movers and the shakers were.”
A sea of red and white with large STL graphics filled the arch grounds. Some even brought out their old Rams jerseys.
Others in attendance were there to represent the generational legacy of St. Louis.
Richelle Merriman and her family arrived in green. They chose to wear their designated family color and carry a sign to honor her grandmother, Magnolia Merriman, for her 110th birthday. Born in 1915, she selflessly endured relentless segregation in St. Louis to ensure the preservation of her family lineage.
Before the closing of the photoshoot, Ashe took a moment to address the crowd about the upcoming election.
“I just didn’t want to let this opportunity pass us without having a real community conversation,” Ashe said.
She urged everyone to go out and vote on April 8th.
“St. Louis is on the line with this one,” Ashe said. “They are trying to buy out that seat.”
Additional images from For The Culture’s 314 Day Photoshoot can be found on Instagram by visiting @fortheculturestl and Ashe’s personal page @ohun.ashe.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
