Number 364 February 20, 2026 St. Louis
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of Black people throughout history. It is about education, reflection, and recognition. It lifts up the achievements of trailblazers, leaders, artists, and everyday people who have shaped our communities in powerful ways. It also creates space to acknowledge the barriers Black communities have faced while celebrating resilience, creativity, and progress. At its heart, Black History Month is about storytelling and making sure Black voices and accomplishments are seen, heard, and remembered.
Building credit is part of that story, too. Access to fair credit has not always been equal, and for many families, financial systems were designed to exclude rather than empower. Today, building credit is more than just a number. It is about creating opportunity. It is about being able to purchase a home, start a business, finance an education, or handle unexpected expenses with confidence. Strong credit can open doors that once felt out of reach.
When we talk about building credit, we are also talking about building stability and generational wealth. It starts with small, consistent steps such as paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and understanding how credit works. Over time, those habits grow into greater financial freedom and choice.
Black History Month reminds us that progress happens when knowledge is shared and access expands. Supporting financial education and credit building is one way to continue that progress. It is about empowerment, ownership, and creating pathways so future generations have even more opportunities to thrive.
Building Legacy Through Leadership: Williams Academy
Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on the past; it is also a time to recognize the leaders shaping our future.
In the heart of North City, Yonnick Jones is doing exactly that.
Yonnick, as a co-founder of Williams Academy, has created more than just a Montessori-style childcare and education center; he has established a vital community resource. In a neighborhood that has experienced significant disinvestment and, most recently, the upheaval caused by a devastating tornado, Williams Academy continues to serve between 61 and 100 children daily, ranging in age from 6 months to 13 years. The academy provides stability, opportunity, and hope to the families it supports.
As access to capital remains a significant barrier for Black entrepreneurs, especially in childcare and education, Williams Academy exemplifies the importance of equitable investment.
When traditional financing models ignore community-based institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) take action. Justine PETERSEN provided responsible, mission-driven capital to help Williams Academy stabilize its operations, support its staff, and continue serving families, even as over half of the enrolled families were affected by the storm.
And the families kept showing up.
“The school became an anchor,” Yonnick shared. “If parents are consistent, children become consistent. That’s when real growth happens.”
This is what Black economic empowerment looks like:
Preserving access to affordable childcare
Supporting working families
Sustaining local jobs
Strengthening community resilience
This year, Williams Academy’s story will be told on a national stage at the OFN Conference, highlighting how CDFI investment fuels Black-led institutions that expand opportunity in communities too often left behind.
But recognition is only the beginning.
If we are serious about advancing equity, strengthening neighborhoods, and closing the racial wealth gap, we must continue investing in Black-owned businesses and community-rooted leaders. Access to flexible, affordable capital is not a luxury; it is infrastructure.
Williams Academy is building something that will endure, shaping children’s hearts, strengthening families, and reinforcing the fabric of North City.
Let’s make sure more stories like this are possible.
Support CDFIs. Advocate for equitable capital. Invest in community-led solutions.
Black history continues to be written by leaders like Yonnick Jones.
A Valentine’s Book Fair You Do Not Want To Miss!
We’re excited to share that our friend and client, EyeSeeMe, is hosting a special book fair for the next month, beginning tomorrow, February 14th.
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: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
We’re proud to partner with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis to support and uplift small businesses across our region.
Through this partnership, we’re excited to share our Small Business Support Program (SBSP) a 12-week program designed for businesses that have been operating for two or more years and are actively generating revenue. The program includes workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to advisors, all offered bilingually in English and Spanish.
In addition, we offer startup resources in Spanish for early-stage entrepreneurs who may not yet meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
We invite you to help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks. Together, we can ensure small business owners have the tools and support they need to grow and succeed.
🔗 Learn more: Hispanic Business Success Program – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
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
Before You Leap: The Real Talk on Business Ownership
Feb 26th, 12:00 PM US / Central
Explore the pros and considerations of bootstrapping, borrowing, and equity investment.
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.
Small Firm Diaries Invites You to St. Louis’ Early Findings Event!
Join us for an inside look at preliminary findings from Small Firm Diaries USA, a multi-city study examining how small businesses in low-income communities manage financial volatility, respond to shocks, and make critical decisions.
As the study reaches its midpoint, researchers will share emerging insights and invite discussion on what they mean for policy, practice, and strengthening small business ecosystems.
Co-sponsored by the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and Data for Social Impact at Washington University in St. Louis.
Light breakfast and networking from 8:00–8:30 a.m. Space is limited — RSVP required.
Go to Eventbrite to register today!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA