Kirkwood organizer outlines Black History Month program: concert, cemetery talk and bus tour

Fonda Fen Troy Richards, a fourth‑generation Kirkwood resident, told the city council that organizers have scheduled three events for Black History Month in Kirkwood.

Richards said a Jan. 31 concert at KPAC will feature Melina Smith, the Tillman Pepper Steppers, the Community Gospel Choir and the Kirkwood High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble; proceeds from the concert will fund continued Black History Month programming. Tickets are available at KPAC and through MetroTix, Richards said, and she said physical flyers would be left with city staff for distribution.

On Feb. 8 Richards said a program will be held at Oak Hill (a mortuary) that will include Dr. Jeff Smith discussing the history of Black cemeteries — with a focus this year on Father Dixon — and Presiding Elder Elmo Law Lowe speaking about the relevance of Black churches. Richards said Elmer Reid, who she identified as the first African American teacher in a formerly all‑white Kirkwood school and who will soon be 89 years old, will speak as well.

Richards also described a Feb. 22 motorcade and bus tour that will visit seven historical Black churches and other sites in Meacham Park and elsewhere. She said the Spears family, which she described as the oldest Black family in Meacham Park dating to 1892, will be featured. Richards encouraged residents to sign up for one of five bus tours; she said last year’s bus tour filled up.

Richards said the Kirkwood Historical Society will have additional information. She offered flyers to the clerk for distribution and suggested KPAC was the less expensive ticket option compared with MetroTix. No formal council action was required for the announcements; Richards spoke during the public‑comment portion of the meeting.