An organization that is involved with the surrounding community and helping those of all ages.

• Murals that represents the identities of the kids in the community
• Bringing in readers from the community for two reasons
  • Emphasize that reading is important
  • Having a reader that the kids can relate and look up to
• "Two-generational approach, working with parents and children." - Scott, CEO of Kingdom House
  • The staff of Kingdom House know what they are tackling and the hardships the families are going though
    • Parents - Stabilization and a pathway out of poverty
    • Children - Learning is important, help in retaining what they learned throughout the school year

We certainly could tell how vibrant of a culture and history the school had

• 100% of student body are people of color
• Wall of Fame of former "Sumnerites"—shows students all of the excellence that has been achieved
• Passionate and involved alumni network
• Immense pride in the building, itself, and its location in the surrounding community
• Sumner Creed
• Sumner history incorporated into its curriculum, into the curriculum of other local schools

Formed out of a desire to develop literacy and a love for reading amongst youth in St. Louis

• We learned that the organization prioritizes that students are able to relate to the people and experiences found in the books they read
• Mission of the organization is a shared value in the community: readings are a required part of the school district's weekly schedule, 90% donations are from the St. Louis area
  • Receive zero government funding

Every place we visited, every individual and community we interacted with all contributed to our understanding of the complex, multi-faceted, and ever-changing culture of St. Louis. Some of the things we experienced were very frustrating and hard to understand, but if they weren’t, we wouldn’t think that we were getting an accurate picture of the community in the first place. If we learned one thing on this trip, it is that we inevitably will have to encounter things that are difficult to face and understand in order to expand our perception of ourselves and the world. Even though it can be hard, opening one’s eyes, ears, and heart to the lives and experiences of individuals can all the while inspire, uplift, and empower. And being more conscience of the lives and experiences of the people in St. Louis lead to us to reflect on and better understand our own cultural identities, as well. Through this experience, we hope that we can continue to become more receptive, empathetic, and understanding to individuals and communities that differ from us—as well as inspire others to do the same.