Number 365 February 27, 2026 St. Louis
Black History Month: The Stories Still Being Written
At times, history seems vast and remote, often represented by monuments or detailed in textbooks; however, more often than not, it is much quieter. This can be illustrated by a small business owner unlocking their doors before sunrise, a mentor encouraging a young person that their dreams are achievable, and neighbors supporting one another in the aftermath of a storm.
This Black History Month, we’ve been reflecting on the stories unfolding right here in our community, stories we are fortunate enough to witness every day through the clients we serve.
After the severe storms impacted parts of our region, one of our small business clients, Fallin Artis of Lanett Good Eats, did not just focus on reopening her shop. Instead, she began to make food for everyone in the community. She rallied other business owners on her block, coordinated donations, and made sure elderly neighbors had transportation to safe spaces.
Fallin told us, “If my doors are open, they’re open for the community.”
That’s leadership. That’s legacy.
We’ve also worked with a client who started as a participant in one of our financial programs years ago. Today, he owns his own business and volunteers his time speaking to high school students about credit, ownership, and entrepreneurship. He shares openly about the barriers he faced — and the discipline it took to overcome them.
“I want them to start earlier than I did,” he said. “I want them to know this is possible.”
That’s impact. That’s generational change.
We see it again and again: parents becoming homeowners for the first time, creating stability for their children; side hustles transforming into brick-and-mortar businesses that revitalize commercial corridors; and entrepreneurs hiring locally while reinvesting in the very neighborhoods that raised them. These stories may not always make headlines, but they are powerful and are shaping the future of St. Louis in real, tangible ways. Black history is not only something we reflect on, it is something we witness in motion, living in resilience, ownership, service, and the decision to build something better not just for oneself, but for those who come behind.
At Justine PETERSEN, we are grateful to walk alongside these leaders. Their courage and commitment inspire the work we do every single day.
How You Can Join Us
This month, and every month, we encourage you to:
Support Black-owned businesses in your neighborhood. Shop local. Share their work. Recommend them to others.
Invest in opportunity by donating to Justine PETERSEN to help us continue providing access to capital, financial education, and pathways to ownership for aspiring entrepreneurs and homeowners.
When you support one business, one family, one dream, you strengthen an entire community.
Thank you for being part of this work. Thank you for believing in something better.
Love in Action Inc., The Church Without Walls
Photo courtesy of Loveinactionstl.org
Love in Action Inc., known as The Church Without Walls, continues to make a meaningful impact in the community through its focus on health, wellness, and whole-person care.
Founded by Imani and Sredirck Robinson, the organization was built on years of hands-on experience and a shared commitment to serving others. Together, they bring more than 12 years of youth mental health experience, 30 years in youth development and crisis intervention, and 25 years in sports education. Their professional background is matched by a deep passion for strengthening families and investing in the next generation.
The mission of Love in Action is simple but powerful: making our city beautiful by meeting needs, building relationships, and making an impact one community at a time. Rather than waiting for individuals to seek them out, the Robinsons meet people where they are. Their work extends across socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances, ensuring that support is accessible to those who need it most.
At the center of their efforts is a strong focus on health and wellness. Through their People of Wholeness Initiative, Love in Action promotes balance of mind, body, and spirit. Imani, a certified life coach and health and wellness coach, works alongside Sredirck, who leads men’s discipleship and urban youth leadership efforts through the DVULI Initiative. Together, they provide guidance that supports both personal growth and community transformation.
Their programs address both immediate needs and long-term development. The organization operates a food security program that provides quality food to families while also teaching practical skills such as meal preparation and healthy cooking. Community cooking classes and the Love in Action community garden, called One to Grow On, allow families to learn sustainable habits that can strengthen their households for years to come.
In addition to food access, Love in Action offers youth and family services, adult services, and life skills for balance activities that focus on emotional health, financial responsibility, and relationship building. Their summer camp for children provides a safe and enriching space where young people can learn, grow, and build confidence.
The Robinsons believe self-care is often overlooked in communities facing daily challenges. Their approach goes beyond providing tangible resources. They are committed to teaching sustainable practices that encourage stability, resilience, and personal responsibility. By investing in youth leadership, mentoring families, and collaborating with other community leaders, they are actively reshaping the future for children in the community.
Powered entirely by donations and partnerships, Love in Action operates with a commitment to excellence. Their work is not measured by financial gain but by the lives strengthened and the hope restored.
Through consistent service and intentional care, Love in Action Inc. continues to live out its name, empowering the community to be love in action by being the love in action.
STL Forward Through Ferguson’s Virtual Book Fair!
We’re excited to share that our friend and client, EyeSeeMe, LLC’s book fair is in full swing!
This book fair is more than just an opportunity to purchase books. It is a celebration of stories that reflect, affirm, and uplift Black children. From joyful picture books to inspiring stories by African American authors, each title helps ensure that every child can see themselves represented on the page.
Representation matters. When children see characters who look like them, dream like them, and overcome challenges like them, it builds confidence, pride, and possibility.
We invite you to support this meaningful initiative and discover some of the best African American children’s books for the young readers in your life.
📖 Follow the link to explore the collection and join the book fair.
Let’s continue to invest in stories that shape strong, confident futures.
Partner Spotlight: United Way Greater St. Louis!
A Heartfelt Thanks to United Way 💙
We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for our ongoing partnership with United Way. Their generous funding and unwavering support empower us to serve the individuals and families in our community who need it most.
Because of United Way, we can continue to connect people across our city and state with essential resources, opportunities, and the support they deserve. This vital work cannot be accomplished in isolation; it requires collaboration, trust, and a strong sense of community.
Thank you, United Way of Greater St. Louis, for believing in our mission and investing in the lives of those we serve every day. We are making a meaningful difference in our community!
Upcoming Events
Grow Your Business This Year!
Join the free Lunch-and-Learn Series brought to you by efactory and Missouri State University
We’re excited to share that the Show-Me Network, in partnership with Justine PETERSEN, is launching a yearlong series of FREE virtual Lunch-and-Learns for entrepreneurs and small business owners across Missouri.
These no-cost sessions will provide practical guidance on funding, credit, financial management, and business growth—designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.
⏰ All sessions are held online from Noon–1 p.m. (CT)
💻 Open to all Missouri entrepreneurs at no cost
📅 Upcoming Sessions
Dream It, Plan It, Launch It: Turning Ideas into Reality
Mar 5th, 12:00 PM US / Central
Online Event, Missouri
Register Today!
All sessions are free and open to the public.
View the full calendar and register here:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tools, expert insight, and connections that support your business growth in 2026.
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA