Number 314 February 21, 2025 St. Louis
Black History Month
The Rise and Fall of Pruitt-Igoe: Bertha Gilkey and the Fight for Better Housing
Photo courtesy of The St. Louis American
The Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St. Louis, Missouri, stands as one of the most infamous examples of failed public housing in the United States. Designed as a modernist solution to urban overcrowding and poverty, the complex instead became a symbol of systemic failure, plagued by poor planning, mismanagement, and social injustice.
One of the most significant moments in Pruitt-Igoe’s history was the tenant-led resistance movement. Bertha Gilkey, a St. Louis native and housing rights activist, played a crucial role in advocating for fair housing conditions.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Gilkey graduated from Central High School and Forest Park Community College. At just 16 years old, she became involved in public housing tenant affairs. In response to the deteriorating conditions at Pruitt-Igoe, she led a nine-month rent strike, demanding improvements in maintenance and tenant rights. Her activism did not stop there—she went on to organize and incorporate the Cochran Gardens Tenant Management Corporation in 1976, becoming a national advocate for fair and effective public housing policies.
The Demolition and Legacy
By the late 1960s, Pruitt-Igoe was considered uninhabitable. Crime, neglect, and social unrest had overtaken the complex, making it a glaring example of failed urban renewal. The first buildings were demolished in 1972, with the entire complex being torn down by 1976.
Despite its failure, Pruitt-Igoe remains a case study in urban planning, social policy, and racial inequality. The lessons learned from its downfall continue to influence public housing design and policy discussions today, highlighting the need for inclusive, well-managed, and community-focused solutions for affordable housing.
The legacy of Bertha Gilkey serves as a reminder that grassroots activism can drive real change. While Pruitt-Igoe may have crumbled, the fight for equitable housing in St. Louis and beyond continues.
For further reading:
Bertha Gilkey Passes – St. Louis American
Remembering Black Women in St. Louis’s Pruitt-Igoe Housing Projects
The Pruitt-Igoe Myth of Public Housing
Client Spotlight – Kencor Foods: A Passion for Quality and Tradition
Photo courtesy of www.kencorfoods.com
In 2003, Jean and Morgan Enowmbitang embarked on a journey fueled by passion and purpose. With a single small oven and a dream, they founded Kencor Foods, a company dedicated to crafting unique and delicious dried smoked fish for the African and Asian markets. What started as a modest operation has grown into a thriving business that upholds tradition while delivering high-quality, sustainable products.
Photo Courtesy of www.kencorfoods.com
At the heart of Kencor Foods is an unwavering commitment to excellence. The company prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, prioritizing wild-caught and locally sourced products whenever possible. This dedication ensures that every bite is packed with authentic flavor and freshness.
Kencor Foods offers a variety of handcrafted dry smoked delicacies, including dried smoked catfish, dried beef tips, and dried shrimp. Every product is made in small batches, a meticulous process that guarantees exceptional quality and taste.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the industry, Kencor Foods continues to bring the richness of tradition and the promise of sustainability to every customer. Jean and Morgan’s vision remains the same—to share their passion for smoked fish with the world, one delicious bite at a time.
Join Us for Our Next Lunch and Learn with Cameron Stuhl
Join us for a Lunch and Learn on February 27th at 12:00 PM, as we take a deep dive into the world of Building Strong Credit with Save2Build. Cameron is one of our own and we are lucky to have her and her knowledge.
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