Alderwoman stages competing event to benefit different charity
By Bill Beene
Of the St. Louis American
Like many people who live near the most recent route for the annual May Day Parade, I was upset when I heard it was moving out of the community that has supported it for more than 90 years.
This the fourth time the parade route has changed, but the first time it marched out of North St. Louis.
When I heard the reason why it was marching on downtown to Jefferson and Market, I felt a little better, but not totally.
The first reason I heard for the move was that it could raise more revenue to support Annie Malone Children’s and Family Services Center.
Of course, that’s a good reason. But I, like the community, felt left out of this decision and abandoned by one of the few good traditions in our neck of ‘hoods.
This move is done in the spirit of attracting more outside participation. First, I thought, celebrations like the Cinco de Mayo Festival held on Cherokee Street haven’t moved into the ‘hood of the prospective patrons they are trying to attract. But then again, that festival isn’t tied to the dire needs of a human-services organization like Annie Malone.
I’m trying to be understanding, but it’s hard because it’s off-beat with my philosophy of by us, for us and patronized by us, with or without other prospective patrons.
And, quite frankly, like others, I’ll miss walking right down the street to a parade that fills me with pride because it’s my people parading in my community.
But after some oscillating thought, I decided to participate. It’s for our children and their families. And I’m no stranger to sacrifice.
After speaking to Annie Malone Director of Resources Linda Young, I’m even more sold on the idea.
Young explained that the parade was outgrowing Natural Bridge Boulevard, where people were starting to spill into the street. I witnessed that myself last year. Not only is this the oldest African-American parade in the country, but it’s the second-largest. We could definitely use more space. Market Street, she said, is wider and has more greenery.
McDonalds, a sponsor, will use some of that greenery this year for a two-hour concert after the parade. Speed Racer Go-carts is setting its track up. And Young said the calls are still coming.
She couldn’t confirm that more floats (a major source of funds) had enlisted, but a couple of boats have. And I have.
God willing, I’ll be standing there on the corner of Market and Jefferson at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 21, when the parade starts.
But at some point, I’ll make my way back home to Alderwoman Bennice Jones King’s alternative to the parade.
It’s the African-American Heritage Festival (AAHF), from 1-6 p.m., the same day as the parade, May 21. It’s in the community, Fairgrounds Park between Natural Bride, Fair, Kossuth and Vandeventer. For concession stands and booths, people should call (314) 385-0145 by May 12.
King’s event will benefit “the charitable organization of the alderwoman’s choice in the surrounding areas, Wards 1, 3 and 21” – not Annie Malone, which is in the 4th Ward.
Some say King’s move is divisive, especially since it could divert community funds away from Annie Malone, though others say that about the parade’s move to downtown.
In a community letter King explained that, along with being infuriated by the relocation, she had been “contacted by many residents and businesses that expressed their displeasure” with the parade’s move, prompting her to create an alternative.
I feel King. Sometimes we have to do our own thing. Be producers instead of consumers. Leaders instead of followers.
But, I thought, what would Annie Malone do? She would do what’s best for the children and families. That’s who she cared about, which is why the former St. Louis Colored Orphans Home was renamed in her honor.
If change was needed, I just think Annie Malone would have gone about it in a more inclusive way.
Pre-Parade happenings
This Friday, May 12 is the date of Annie Malone’s Benefit Barbecue and Community Fair (at the center, 2614 Annie Malone Dr.), from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Annie Malone Benefit Barbecue Cook-off starts at the same time, same day at Keiner Plaza and lasts until 5 p.m.
The center’s Soiree Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 at the Grand Renaissance Hotel, 800 Washington Blvd. ($75 per person).
The center’s Gospel Music Celebration is at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20 at Antioch Baptist Church, 4213 North Market St.
