Bakers for Black Lives
A gloomy day couldn't keep us away. LEt’s celebrate 3.14 Day!
Time for a bit of nostalgia. One of the brighter spots of my early years in education was the school bake sale. Tables upon tables topped with cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and chocolate-dipped treats. I must confess, as a child, I cared more about my cookie than the bake sale's purpose. As an adult, my priorities have changed. Bakers for Black Lives has breathed new life into a childhood favorite by creating a fundraiser that provides a service to an entire city. It's an absolute pleasure to live in a community with individuals that work to organize an event for the betterment of St. Louis.
Desserts by donations
The Bakers for Black Lives brand is a collaboration of bakers committed to supporting organizations that create equitable opportunities for communities of color. The first event in St. Louis was in June of 2020. Facilitators have coordinated that the funds raised will support several organizations*, all with the mission to progress and better Black people. I'm thrilled to live in a community that supports its citizens. This year's Bakers for Black Lives event took place at the Northwest Coffee Roasting Company in the Central West End neighborhood. Gray skies covered the event, but the energy at the event was far from dim. DJ AlBizness provided a great musical atmosphere, and the fire pits sprinkled throughout the front garden space allowed attendees to gather safely, spread out, and stay warm.
We walked across the front space, down the pathway into the enclosed patio area, where the event volunteers greeted us. We were encouraged to look around, select whatever desserts we wanted, and make a donation of our choosing. To my delight, we found tables upon tables topped with cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and chocolate-dipped treats.
All donated from bakers from the surrounding areas. A person can donate 25 cents or 25 dollars for the same cookie, and all the funds go toward supporting organizations in the St. Louis area that support Black communities.
Desserts weren't the only donated goodies. Yelp! St. Louis donated a basket of bottled vodka, gin, and whiskey complete with glasses. I didn't win the basket after purchasing two raffle tickets, but Justin and I donated another $20 and walked away with two delicious-looking treats. I picked up a tasty-looking muffin from De'Lish Emporium. Run by partners Bri Delights and Jay Sweets, De'Lish Emporium will soon open a brick-and-mortar store in Benton Park. I wish them all the best, and I look forward to buying more goodies from this team. Justin also grabbed a great-looking brownie from Royally Baked, a vegan bakery & food service provider serving the St. Louis area. Justin and I loved the brownie; oooey, gooey, chocolatey, and oh so sweet!
I'm thankful to every person who helped coordinate the event included. I certainly look forward to the next event.
One month later & I’m still reflecting on this event.
This day was a tremendous effort from all of those that volunteered to support this fundraiser. If you are interested in supporting local organizations that work to create positive change in the social and economic justice space, please visit the following pages and explore justice opportunities in our St. Louis communities.
