2008 Woodie Awards
Students aim to unite city in racial harmony
Harris-Stowe, SLU plan Dream Keepers
Kat Patke
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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Last year's SLU Student Government Association President Evan Krauss and Harris-Stowe SGA President Leonard Johnson are co-founders of the St. Louis Dream Keepers.
Through their work and the rest of the St. Louis Dream Keepers' efforts, at noon on Saturday, April 19, more than 40,000 people in the city of St. Louis will unite in a moment of silence. The moment is a part of the Dream Keepers' Fair that will take place that day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Compton Avenue, between Laclede Avenue and Olive Street.
The location is significant, Krauss said, because though SLU and Harris-Stowe are separated by a single street (Compton Avenue), judging by student interaction-or lack thereof-it seems they are "miles apart."
"It is time to cross the street," he said.
The event will be held for two purposes, Krauss said. One is to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., while the other focuses on promoting racial harmony instead of the racial divide that has historically ruled St. Louis.
"We can recognize a problem, and unlike the generations before, say, 'Hey, we don't like this, we think things should change,'" Johnson said. "We're not only going to be agents in change, but we're going to be the change itself."
Along with the moment of silence, to be held at noon, the fair will feature live entertainment, such as music, poetry readings by elementary and high-school students, a step show, drum line performances and more. The fair will also include an art showcase and a job, college and resource fair, which will have booths with information about various event sponsors. Lest the children be bored, a number of activities specifically geared toward kids will also be offered.
The event has been recognized on both the state and national level-Missouri's First District Congressman Lacy Clay, Jr., recently issued a proclamation acknowledging the event. The St. Louis Cardinals have also agreed to hold a moment of silence before their game on the same day, which will coincide with the moment of silence at the fair.
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