Description
Mill Creek was a Black neighborhood in the central corridor of St. Louis that was razed in 1959. Politicians considered it a “slum” – but for those living in this neighborhood, it was a thriving community. Join us as we explore this chapter of St. Louis history. Vivian Gibson published a memoir, “The Last Children of Mill Creek,” which tells the story of growing up there, and how her family, friends, church community, and neighbors were displaced by “urban renewal.” Michael Allen’s work encompasses architectural history, cultural geography, historic preservation, and political activism. He seeks to reveal ways in which the built environment reflects systemic inequalities. He will dig into the story of Mill Creek and how it relates to other similar projects throughout the world. Vivian will share her own personal experiences and read excerpts of her book, which recreates the everyday lived experiences of her family, including her college educated mother (who moved to St. Louis as part of the Great Migration), her friends, shop owners, teachers, and others who made Mill Creek into a warm, tight-knit Black community.