The African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF), a nonprofit group that has invested over one million dollars in the revitalization of St. Louis’ Northside, purchased the property at 3719 W. Florissant Ave. in January of last year and had planned to open the eatery by July 2024, to be operated by its long-time partner, Uhuru Foods & Pies.

An application for a building permit, submitted in May of last year, was denied. Ignoring strong community support, the zoning board continues to block progress on the Uhuru Bakery and Cafe.

According to APEDF President Ona Zené Yeshitela, “The African community is full of good people. We are working hard to build economic self-reliance and a strong thriving neighborhood. We will not allow for the big developers and their puppets at City Hall to drive out families who have lived here for generations. We ask our friends and supporters from across the country to call on City officials to do the right thing and grant this permit so we can move forward.”

What you can do:

Plan to attend the permit appeal hearing on February 12, 2025 at 1:30 pm CT and show your support.
The hearing is open to the public via Zoom at
https://zoom.us/j/9616100275 PASSCODE: FDhmG9
Or by phone at: 253-215-8782 with Meeting ID: 961 610 0275 and Passcode: 892471
Join early to allow time to troubleshoot any connection issues.

Send a letter of support for Uhuru Bakery & Cafe in your own words to stl@uhurufoods.org by February 9, so that we can submit it to the hearing.

Attend community meetings at the Uhuru House in St Louis every Sunday at 3 pm CT or tune in live at http://www.youtube.com/@theburningspear

Donate to the Uhuru Bakery & Cafe at Donate - Black Power Blueprint