St. Louis, MO

Blacks in Flight Mural
DESCRIPTION: A unique mural by Spencer Taylor and Solomon Thurman dedicated in 1990; the mural portrays 75 African Americans who have made important contributions to aviation since 1917

ADDRESS: Lambert-St Louis International Airport, lower level main concourse, east of baggage claim  MAP
PARKING: garage and long term parking

Harris-Stowe State University
DESCRIPTION: Harriet Beecher Stowe founded this college for African Americans in 1890; the college merged with William Torry Harris college in 1954; a change in federal law allowed it to be designated a Historically Black College in 1982

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

The Griot Museum of Black History & Culture
DESCRIPTION: Formerly called Black World History Wax Museum, Lois Conley founded this fascinating place to experience African American history in 1997; the museum features life-size wax figures of Dred and Harriet Scott, George Washington Carver, Josephine Baker, John Barry Meacham, Madame CJ Walker and Miles Davis to stimulate your appreciation for their contributions to Black world history; the museum also has other tradtional exhibits plus videos, games for kids, and a history hunt; a small gift shop is on the premises

ADMISSION: $5 Adults, $4 for 13-17, $3.50 for 65+, $2.50 for children 12 and under; group discounts available

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p 

ADDRESS: 2505 St. Louis Ave  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 314-241-7057

WEBSITE: http://www.thegriotmuseum.com

Unity Theatre Ensemble
DESCRIPTION: Presenting plays by musicals and original works that express the African American experience, as well as examine issues and celebrate achievements; formerly known as Kutana Players, it began as a graduate project by Ralph E. Greene at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1971; the success of the project led to the company's mounting a major production as a part of the SIUC theater department; in 1974, Greene was invited by Katherine Dunham to develop a theater training component in East St. Louis; in 1979, the company's name was changed from Kutana Players to Unity Theatre Ensemble which was consistent with the changing philosophy and ideas of the artistic director and the direction of the company; from 1974-1996, Unity Theatre Ensemble was the Resident Theatre Company at the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts (KDCPA) in East St. Louis Center with many annual productions before moving to St. Louis

BOX OFFICE: $15 advance/ $18 at the door; tickets may be purchased at all MetroTix outlets (314-534-1111) or Afro World (314-389-5194) with small service charge

CURTAIN TIMES: Thu-Sat 7:30p, Sat-Sun 3p

ADDRESS: 2240 St. Louis Ave  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 314-355-3586

WEBSITE: http://www.utensemble.org

St. Louis Black Repertory Company
DESCRIPTION: Founded 1976 by artistic director and producer Ronald Himes; during the 1980's, the company began hiring guest actors, directors, designers and choreographers locally and nationally, they also began presenting regional dance companies and a musical film series; by 1986, the company became the only African-American theatre in the Midwest to operate under a contract with the Actor's Equity Association, guaranteeing union wages to its actors and stage managers; later The Black Rep narrowed its focus to  only African-American live theatre; it has blossomed into one of the nation’s premier professional black theater companies; their season runs from January-June in the renovated 500 seat Grandel Theatre with seating that nearly surrounds the stage on all sides

BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 9a-6p, Sat 9a-Noon

CURTAIN TIMES: 7:30p

ADDRESS: office 1717 Olive Street, #4;  theatre at 3610 Grandel Square  MAP

PARKING: small lot on premises and on street

PHONE: 800-572-7776

WEBSITE: http://theblackrep.org

Portfolio Gallery & Education Center
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1989 by Robert A Powell to educate and expand the awareness to public of AA regional artists; teaches visual arts classes, such as pottery, drawing, painting, photography, silk-screening, sculpture for all age groups; conducts field trips and seminars; the gallery is constantly looking for visual artists

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon, Wed & Fri 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 3514 Delmar Ave  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 314-533-3323

WEBSITE: new website coming

Vaughn Cultural Center
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1977 by the Urban League to provide cultural enrichment in the St Louis metro area; the center hosts six artist exhibits on display yearly; Jazz and Gospel concerts; book signings and live performances, art classes for children, and is a
local forum for community events

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 10a-5p

ADDRESS: 3701 Grandel Square  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 314-289-0391

WEBSITE: http://www.ulstl.org

The Ville Monument
DESCRIPTION: Pays tribute to the neighborhood's famous sons and daughters, such as Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, and Arthur Ashe among others

ADDRESS: Martin Luther King Blvd & Sarah Ave  MAP

PARKING: on street

WEBSITE: http://stlouis.missouri.org/greaterville/history.htm

George Washington Carver Garden
DESCRIPTION: the picturesque George Washington Carver Garden is one of the newest permanent gardens in the Missouri Botanical Garden; a stately bronze sculpture of Mr. Carver, impressive and expressive fountains and etched sayings by this innovative African American inventor, a native of Missouri, are part of the glories of the garden

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-5p

ADDRESS: Missouri Botanical Garden  MAP

PARKING: free on premises

PHONE: 314-577-5100

WEBSITE: http://www.mobot.org

Julia Davis Branch Library
DESCRIPTION: 1891-1993; Dr Julia Davis did graduate work at Lincoln, Boston, Northwestern, St Louis, Syracuse and New York Universities; she taught in St Louis public schools from 1913-1961; on the day of her retirement she established a fund to purchase books, manuscripts and other materials related to African American’s contributions to world culture; in addition to the Julia Davis collection this 50,000 book public library features a 125-seat auditorium for many civic events

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-9p, Fri-Sat 9a-6p, Sun 1p-5p

ADDRESS: 4415 Natural Bridge Ave  MAP

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 314-383-3021

WEBSITE: Link

Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue
DESCRIPTION: Dedicated in 1978, it is America’s most impressive statue of this great leader and stands over 10 feet tall with the words “His Dream -- Our Dream" engraved on the limestone pedestal; this work wa completed by St. Louis sculptor Rudolph Torrine

ADDRESS: Fountain Park  MAP

PARKING: on street

East St. Louis, IL

Katherine Dunham Museum & Cultural Center
DESCRIPTION: Founded by world renown choreographer, dancer, teacher, and social activist Katherine Dunham, who arrived in East St. Louis in 1967; this museum and cultural center is located in a nicely restored estate; her amazing collections include The Haitian Room paintings, furniture pieces, carvings, macramé, thunderstones, and art relics from the Caribbean and African cultures - several were designed by Miss Dunham; The Dynamic Room celebrates West African culture through the display of sculpture, masks, statuettes and tapestry; The Music Room contains African, Caribbean, and Latin American percussion instruments collected by Miss Dunham during her travels - some used by the Dunham Dance Company; at any given time this museum and cultural center has art exhibits, dance rehearsals and more; the best time to visit iis during the annual exhibition shows celebrating Black History Month and Women History Month

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat 10a-4p; tour times 10a, 11a, 1p, 2p and 3p

ADMISSION: $5 Adult and $3 seniors age 12 and under

ADDRESS: 1005 Pennsylvania Ave  MAP

TRANSIT: a short walking distance from Emerson Park Metrolink stop

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 618-874-8560

WEBSITE: http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/kdunham