American writers Reid, Daniel, Austin in the house this Saturday
By Kenya Vaughn
Of the St. Louis American
“We’ve been around for 36 years, and as a black business it’s not only our business but it is also the community’s business,” said Sheila Forrest, president of Afro World International.
“And by learning more about our history at Afro World, I always say a lot of healing takes place at the store.”
In their efforts to continue the healing for those they serve, Afro World has teamed with the St. Louis American newspaper. For the past five years, they have given their customers and guests an opportunity to exchange ideas with the people behind the paper through a rap session about the history and future of African-American people.
The next meet and greet will take place this Saturday afternoon at Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd.
“People are coming to try to get answers on how they can make a difference and how the American can help them,” Forrest said. “Because the American makes such a difference in our community, people often seek them out for information that affects us.”
This year’s line up will feature City Editor Alvin A. Reid, Sports Editor Earl Austin Jr. and columnist Carol Daniel. Over the years, the event has continued to be a major draw and brings a standing-room-only crowd.
“Having Alvin and Carol really helps attract an audience, ” Forrest said. “They have been very influential in the community, very vocal as far as their opinions and are very active and passionate about what they do.”
Forrest says that people want to come out and see those who have made a difference and are willing to share.
According to Forrest, the event builds community awareness and allows for issues to be expressed. She says that guests and patrons are also extended a platform that they don’t ordinarily have to speak on regarding issues facing the black community and its families.
“We are a very welcoming environment,” Forrest said. “A lot of shoppers of Afro World are informed, educated and conscious individuals.”
“The discussion depends on what’s going on,” said Forrest. “We always talk about current events.”
She predicts one of the hot topics will be the turmoil within the St. Louis Public Schools system and how the poor education received by the students within the district will affect the community.
“They want to have a place they can vent,” Forrest said. “Or to get a different angle and see if they are the only person thinking this way or that way.”
Forrest says that the majority of their customer base are educators and those people want to “keep the civil rights torch burning” and bring people to a black store. “The success of Afro World lies within our customers and their conscious efforts to keep the whole thing going,” Forrest said.
“Our community is at a time where we have a lot of obstacles,” said Forrest. “For us, it’s about adding something that could hopefully empower an individual to want to make a difference.”
Afro World’s Salute to Black History Meet and Greet will take place Saturday, February 3 at 2 p.m. at Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd. Guests will receive free movie passes (one per person). For more information, call (314) 389-5194.
