Building a brighter future for St. Louis!
Today marks 10 years since Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, a moment that turned the St. Louis suburb into the focal point of the nation. While there’s still work to be done, we've made significant progress in creating positive change.
We created CCDI in 2015 and the program has placed over 175 people into construction-related jobs since then. This article in the AP highlights the progress and challenges that persist since this tragedy took place 10 years ago, and I’m proud to see CCDI mentioned as one of the programs that is paving the path for future generations by creating more career opportunities.
The article talks about CCDI alum Malik Johnson’s story. “He was a high school student who was homeless at the time of Brown’s death. “My reality was divorce. My reality was mom with breast cancer, homeless, going hungry,” Johnson, 28, recalled. “Not knowing what tomorrow looks like.” Now, he’s married, employed as a pipefitter and planning a family.”
We had a terrific meeting this week with some leading members of the St. Louis region’s high school system, CCDI, and the Clayco leadership team to talk about IMPACT. We discussed various options for young people to go to college or find positive alternatives through vocational programs and internships.
I want to extend a special thanks to Senator Brian Williams, who leads our CCDI effort, Rachel Boemer, Tom Sieckhaus, Sandra Marks, Dr. Art McCoy, Dr. Christopher Killbride and Phillip Pusateri of Ritenour Schools, Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley of University City, Dr. Joseph Davis of Ferguson/Florissant, and Dr. Nettle Collins-Hart of Hazelwood for their support in positively impacting our communities for generations to come.
