In an attempt to position the event as a major regional event, for the first time in its long history, the Annie Malone parade will be held this year in downtown St. Louis.
Annie Malone is not a city neighborhood, but rather a famous person in St. Louis history who was one of America's first African American millionaires. She made her fortune developing and selling hair products targeted to African American consumers. She resided in the historic Ville neighborhood.
Today, the Annie Malone organization serves low income St. Louis households, providing a wide array of services. The Annie Malone organization is based in the Ville neighborhood, 2612 Annie Maolone Drive, St. Louis, MO 63113. Telephone 314-531-0120.
The Annie Malone organization also operates a Day Care Respite and Crisis Nursery in the Penrose neighborhood at 4411 North Newstead, St. Louis, MO 63115. Telephone 314-381-2410.
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3 comments:
Rick, I respectfully disagree.
The Annie Malone "May Day" Parade is a Northside tradition. Annie Malone established Poro College in the heart of The Ville neighborhood; she lived there; the "Colored Orphans Home" later renamed in her honor is located there.
This parade was a great thing partly because so many people could walk to it from their houses within a few blocks of Natural Bridge. Still others come from all around to see the spectacle and celebration of the African-American community.
I predict attendance will drop dramatically if it's moved to Market Street downtown.
Joe-
I agree that the parade is a northside tradition. However, the leadership of the organization has elected to make this move.
If indeed they are carrying out their assigned duties as board members, then they must believe it is in the organization's best interest.
We will see how it works out. If it is not a success, maybe they'll decide to move it back to the Ville.
Either way, it's their decision and responsibility. Maybe they'll be proven right. We shall see.
Personally, I would like to see more neighborhood-scaled parades all over town.
Maybe like St. Pat's, Annie Malone should have both a neighborhood and Downtown parade, with Dogtown being analogous to The Ville.
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