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UID:Indybay-18876196
SEQUENCE:19048876
CREATED:20250506T041800Z
DESCRIPTION:This year, for Give St. Louis Day, local St. Louisans and people all around 
 the world are supporting the Black Power Blueprint's latest project, the 
 African Independence Workforce Program (AIWP) and its “Buy Black Power” 
 retail space, the economic development engine that will sustain the Black 
 Power Blueprint’s programs for the future.\n\nCelebrate GiveSTLDay by 
 attending a special live, online event on Thursday, May 8th, at 6:30PM CT. 
 This webinar will take place during the “Power Hour”, when donations 
 are matched. Participants will hear from APEDF President Ona Zené 
 Yeshitela, and community testimonials will spotlight the unique and 
 transformative impact of the Black Power Blueprint! Register at 
 tinyurl.com/giveSTLDayAIWP.\n\nBreaking News: An anonymous donor will now 
 match up to $2,500 in donations to the African Independence Workforce 
 Program, so donors can double the impact of their donations by contributing 
 as soon as possible at GiveSTLDay.org/blackpowerblueprint! \n\nThe “Buy 
 Black Power” retail space will be home to AIWP training workshops where 
 participants can gain and improve their artistic skills as well as receive 
 entrepreneurial training for how to start and run a successful 
 business.\n\nThe African Independence Workforce Program is a reentry 
 program created for African men and women returning to the community from 
 the prison system. It aims to reverse the impact of the colonial prison 
 system through African self-reliance.\n\nAIWP provides beautiful housing 
 for program participants, work-experience internships to learn 
 job-readiness skills, training so participants feel empowered to re-enter 
 their community, access to healthcare, transportation and other services 
 that provide stability. \n\nThe AIWP is informed by the understanding that 
 prisons have always been used as a colonial tool against the African 
 community to maintain a relationship of exploitation and oppression. 
 \n\nThe African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF), the parent 
 organization of the AIWP, is building economic development and 
 self-determination in the African community of North St. Louis through the 
 Black Power Blueprint suite of programs.\n\nThe Buy Black Power building, 
 located on Natural Bridge in North St. Louis, will be a retail store, 
 artist workshop space and training center, focusing on products made by the 
 black community that are supporting power in the black community.\n\nThe 
 Buy Black Power retail space will feature products from NZO: African Styles 
 at Home and Abroad, Uhuru Planet: Reparations Apparel and Uzi: Thread of 
 Freedom and so much more.  \n\nAPEDF owns the building and it is 70% 
 complete, and the Give St. Louis Day fundraiser will enable the project to 
 cross the finish line. Installation of HVAC, electrical systems and some 
 plumbing is needed to get the project up and running.\n\n“Agency has been 
 taken away from the African community. The Black Power Blueprint is giving 
 it back!” - African People’s Education and Defense Fund Board President 
 Ona Zené Yeshitela\n\nGive St. Louis Day Early Giving has begun! \nDonate 
 at: GiveSTLDay.org/BlackPowerBlueprint\nRegister for the Live Event! 
 tinyurl.com/giveSTLDayAIWP.\n\n\n 
 https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/05/05/18876196.php
SUMMARY:African Independence Workforce Program $10.000 Fundraising Drive
LOCATION:Online 
URL:https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2025/05/05/18876196.php
DTSTART:20250508T080000Z
DTEND:20250509T080000Z
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