Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center has a chance to “show off” down Market Street from the historic Harris-Stowe State University this year, but it is quite apparent that some people are not willing to step out of their comfort zone. They are very content with us “showing off” only on the North Side.
The original parade route started from the home and went through the neighborhood. The route has changed three times since 1922. This neighborhood parade has evolved into the agency’s major fundraising activity in support of services to children and families.
Annie Malone would be troubled by all of the attention and emotionalism attached to a change in the parade route. When Sara Cochron and other women involved in the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement got involved with the plight of orphans, homeless and abandoned children were not confined to one particular area. They were all over the city. That has not changed. We serve children all over the city and even provide services to children living in St. Louis County.
The Political EYE seems to have difficulty with terms like “more inclusion.” It suggests that Richard King danced around the questions for moving the paraded by using those “diplomatic terms.” If this is dancing around with diplomatic terms, then the EYE ought to learn this dance. It wouldn’t hurt for all those keys on the piano to be in tune with one another. What would be wrong with that?
The change in the parade route is about growth. The number of participant observers has swelled to more than 100,000 people. We are proud of this parade and we want to “show off” this event in a new, central location. We want this to be a community-wide celebration. If you liked the Annie Malone May Day Parade in the past, are loyal to Annie Malone, and support the services the agency provides, then we hope to see you at the parade.
Aaron E. Phillips, Chairman of the Board
Richard L. King, CEO
Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center