Pay it forward

By
Buzz Spector, professor of art, leads teens and artists from Story Stitchers in creating one of his trademark book installation at the Story Stitchers Storefront Studio at 616 N. Skinker. (Photo: Danny Reise/WUSTL Photos)
Buzz Spector, professor of art, leads teens and artists from Story Stitchers in creating one of his trademark book installation at the Story Stitchers Storefront Studio at 616 N. Skinker. (Photo: Danny Reise/WUSTL Photos)

Happy Memorial Day! 

Internationally recognized artist Buzz Spector has once again joined forces with the Saint Louis Story Stitchers, this time to help generate awareness of gun violence in St. Louis and to support the Weight of Words Cause in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist competition.

Please join us tonight as we celebrate the opening of the Stitchers Storefront Studio with this special work of art.

MON., May 25th

5:00-7:00 pm

616 N Skinker Blvd.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

The Cause is The Weight of Words. A book and a gun each weigh 2 pounds and each has the power to change the story of your life. Which one will you pick up?

Mission: Through the power of young voices, art and the Internet, The Weight of Words sees inner city teens put down guns for books.

St. Louis, Missouri is the 6th most segregated city in the United States, with the highest crime and poverty rates in North County where 95% of residents are African American. St. Louis recorded nearly 160 homicides in 2014 and is on pace to top that in 2015. Teenagers living in North St. Louis report that sleeping can be difficult due to the sound of gunshots and sirens on the streets at night.

In 2012 one in ten black 9-12th graders in St. Louis dropped out of high school. Literacy, avoiding guns and gang membership, and graduating high school are key to a young black male’s future and to staying out of jail. If he doesn’t graduate high school, his chances are 1 in 4 of being in jail on any given day. Literacy is key to graduation, employment and a longer, healthier and more prosperous life.

Funds will be used to create an outlet for powerful teen voices calling for literacy and unity in a city that is reeling from the effects of gun violence.

Please allocate all 10 of your daily votes to The Weight of Words and vote daily until June 4th. We need to surge into the top 40 to being home any funds to St. Louis. We are currently at #142 out of 200 causes. Please share with your friends and help us rise to the top!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE: https://apps.facebook.com/sf_neighbor_assist/desktop/3/causes/1406053