A group of young residents from St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and East St. Louis, Illinois, has come together to address the challenges facing their neighborhoods, particularly focusing on the Wells Goodfellow and Hamilton Heights areas. During a recent meeting, one participant shared their personal experiences growing up in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood, highlighting the stark changes that have occurred over the years.

The speaker recounted their daily walks to Stowe Middle School, which was situated between Ford Elementary and Stowe Middle School—both of which have since closed and fallen into disrepair. The once vibrant educational institutions now stand vacant and gated, symbolizing the broader issues of urban decline and the loss of community resources.

This initiative by local youth aims to revitalize their neighborhoods and advocate for the reopening of educational facilities, emphasizing the importance of accessible schooling for future generations. The group is determined to bring attention to these pressing issues and work towards sustainable solutions that can benefit their communities.