ST. LOUIS (FinalCall.com)—St. Louis is a city known for its famous 630-foot-tall steel monument, the Gateway Arch and as the home of Dred Scott, Maya Angelou, Miles Davis and a host of other Black greats. With a Black population of 72 percent, it is a city with a history of over 253 years of polarization, racism and White domination over the political, educational and economic status of its Black residents. Recently, a fresh-faced, energetic young man entered the political arena in hopes of influencing change in St. Louis.
John Collins-Muhammad, 25, joined the political scene and the race to occupy the vacant Aldermanic seat of former Ald. Antonio French and was a familiar face during the Ferguson unrest following the police killing of Michael Brown, Jr. Tory Russell, another Ferguson activist and front liner is Mr. Muhammad’s chief of staff and was his campaign manager.
Alderman Collins-Muhammad (R) and his chief of staff, Tory Russell.
Mr. French ran for St. Louis mayor against four other Black candidates which split the vote and Lyda Krewson who is White, won. She is the first female mayor of the city. Mr. Muhammad was elected with a strong solid campaign with limited financial resources. He won with 44 percent of the votes on the city’s North side April 5, 2017.
After his victory, Mr. Muhammad hosted an event in the park for his supporters to meet him. Hundreds of people came out to express their appreciation and prayers for the young leader.
“It was a beautiful event. Mr. John laid out his plan for moving the community in a new direction. He talked about everything; crime, jobs, education, housing. He has a vision and that’s what we need,” said Earlene Walker
“I’m proud of Alderman Muhammad because he represents the next level. A young Black man in our city who’s committed to making a difference. We must rally around him and help him in his mission which should be all of our mission; and that’s a better, more unified St. Louis,” said Pastor Darryl G. Gray. <<Read Full Story>>