FEBRUARY
A LOVEtheLOU Newsletter
You may have noticed that the Vision film we helped create has been winning awards and gaining some notoriety around the U.S. We are really proud of our work but also wanted to take a minute to clarify how this fits into our mission.
LOVEtheLOU is NOT in the business of making movies. We are, however, wanting to creatively push forward a conversation around racial reconciliation and poverty alleviation. One of our five values is "imaginative excellence", and with that we wanted to create beautiful projects that showcase some of the stories happening here in the city.
With this same value, we are really excited to enter into our new year. As the year progresses, you will hear many stories of our new Maker Space and the work that India Brown is doing to shepherd neighbors into career pathways. Make sure you schedule a time to get down here and see the good work that is going on. Great things are happening in North St. Louis.
North City isn’t just where I’m from—it’s my home, my foundation, and the heart of who I am. Born and raised here, I’ve witnessed both the struggle and triumph that defines our community. Growing up on the north side gave me a deep connection to the people around me and a profound sense of pride in where I come from.
For as long as I can remember, North City has been a place marked by systemic oppression—poverty, violence, and drugs cast long shadows over our streets. Yet, even in the midst of hardship, there was always an unbreakable sense of unity and safety. Neighbors looked out for one another, and relationships were built on loyalty and shared experience.
My teenage years came with many challenges but I was blessed to have a community that nurtured my creativity. School, local mentors, church, and family all played a role in helping me discover and develop my talents. We didn’t always have the resources, money, or connections, but despite that, I was able to win awards for my creativity.
These moments not only boosted my confidence but also gave me a sense of direction and purpose. As I got older, creativity became my therapy—a way to cope with hardships, connect with like-minded people, and build lasting friendships. Whether through dance, choreography, art, hair, or makeup, my creative passions allowed me to express myself and find solace amid personal struggles. Every opportunity, no matter how small, became a step toward discovering my true gifts and embracing the strength within me.
This journey created the woman I am today—passionate about the well-being of our children, education, entrepreneurship, and community. I believe that when we invest in these areas, we empower individuals and strengthen the foundation of our neighborhoods. My experiences growing up in North City shaped my values and fueled my desire to give back in meaningful ways.
Today, North City doesn’t have the same sense of community it once did. That’s not to say it doesn’t exist—it’s just different. There are many areas where we can improve, and I believe change can start from anywhere. For me, that starting point is Makerspace.
Makerspace is a collaborative, community-focused workspace designed to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and provide hands-on learning opportunities. It’s a place where individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels can come together to explore creative ideas, develop new skills, and bring their visions to life. Equipped with tools ranging from basic crafting supplies to advanced technology like 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking equipment, Makerspace serves as a hub for experimentation, education, and growth.
But beyond just a creative space, my hope is to restart with the same blueprint we had before-community-focused. The essence of North City has always been about people uplifting one another, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities. In the past, we relied on each other to grow, to survive, and to thrive. That’s what I want to rebuild—a space where mentorship, support, and collaboration are at the core. I want to create an environment where young people can develop their talents, where entrepreneurs and creatives can find resources, and where the spirit of togetherness is reignited.
For me—and for many others like me—it will be more than just a workspace. It will be home. It will be therapy. It will be a place to belong. A place where we honor the past, embrace the present, and build a stronger future—together.
A couple of years ago, Tiarra Harris stepped into the LIFT Program Director’s role, and proved herself to be invaluable to all we do at LOVEtheLOU. Not only is she strategic, organized, and driven but is absolutely adored by the LOVEtheLOU community, especially the students! She has a brilliant mind and a passion for the mission of LOVEtheLOU. We don’t know where we would be without her!
“At some point I realized I could make my own decisions, that I could change my narrative and that I didn't need to know the answers to get to where I was going. I just needed to be open to asking the questions. In doing so I was liberated. Though challenges came and still do I've learned that if it is in my path then I can face it because this is MY PATH and MY JOURNEY. Ever since I've been intentional about empowering youth with the same mindset which has brought me back to St. Louis to plant the seed that was once planted in me.” -Tiarra Harris
Back in December our Executive Director, Lucas Rouggly, walked from the 4100 block of Enright to Sumner High School at 5:30am. This was in an effort to raise awareness of just one of the major obstacles our North City students are up against when it comes to their schooling. CHECK OUT HIS JOURNEY HERE!
A couple weeks ago we some incredible volunteers from the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and Harris Stowe University join us for the day. It was a busy and extremely productive day! We could not do what we do without our volunteers!
Join us this week for our LOVE for the LOU Valentine’s event! There will be music, food, games, arts/craft, and even a service project! It will be a lovely festive evening!
Haven’t seen the Vision Film yet? You’re in luck! There is a showing coming up on Tuesday, February 18th at WashU, Sam Fox School. CLICK HERE to register for the event!
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