Traydon Rogers, 12, of North St. Louis, says he should not be judged by where he lives. “That’s not right,” Traydon said. “They should judge by what they see in someone’s heart, not where they live.”
Traydon collaborated with other North St. Louis students on the North City Book Project. Students representing more than 17 schools, with support from Teach for America – St. Louis, wrote, illustrated and published the book.
The student authors recently hosted a book launch at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave., where they signed copies of the book. St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams, 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French, and Build-A-Bear Founder Maxine Clark were among those in attendance.
Adams said via Twitter: “The North City Book Project launch was an excellent showcase of our kids.”
It was Nikki De Leo’s idea to write a book after reading an article published last year in The New York Times. The article “In Places like North St. Louis, Gunfire Still Rules the Night” tells a grim story of North St. Louis, one of violence and death.
De Leo spoke of never reading positive articles about North St. Louis; and if she did, “they are very small and hidden somewhere in the newspaper.” She wanted there to be a “different story” about the community where her students were growing up.
De Leo is manager of teacher leadership development at Teach for America and taught math to middle school students at Confluence Academy. She was proud that several of her students were featured in the book.
“I’m not a mom,” De Leo said, “but if I were I imagine this is what it would feel like.”
At Carr Lane, after students shared their stories on stage, De Leo told the students to look out at the audience.
“You are smart, important and loved,” De Leo told the students.
In February, the students attended a writer’s workshop at the O’Fallon Rec Center. They were split up into two groups and asked: “What are some negative things you believe people think about your community?” They wrote their answers on large-sized posters.
“Bad schools,” one child wrote.
“Dangerous people,” another child wrote.
“Guns” and “violence,” other children wrote.
“They definitely notice it,” De Leo said.
De Leo said when they were asked what positive things they have heard about their community, the students drew a blank.
“Our North City Story” tells positive and inspiring stories about the community, based upon actor Denzel Washington’s “A Hand to Guide Me.” The book is comprised of anecdotes about people within the community who have inspired the students and are supporting them on a pathway towards college.
Traydon chose to write about his relationship with God. “He helps me, blesses me, and guides me,” Traydon said.
He is saddened that negative things occur in his neighborhood. He feels that people notice the “bad instead of the good” and that more resources are needed to help the community.
He first heard about the North City Book Project while a student at Farragut Elementary School and seized an opportunity that “might not come around the second time,” he said. He will attend Kipp Inspire Academy next year.
“I have known so many kids that are so creative and smart,” De Leo said. “I feel very fortunate and blessed that they welcomed me into their lives and trusted me to help tell their stories.”
De Leo would like to see the North City Book project continue. When Traydon was asked if he would participate in a similar book project, he said “yes.”
Traydon said, “If it helps to boost the image about North St. Louis city, I’ll do it.”
Proceeds from book sales will go toward a laptop and a $1,000 scholarship for one college-bound student. To support the North City Book Project, visit fundly.com/north-city-book-project.
Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.
