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Press Statement

Graduate Internship for the Organization for Black Struggle Archive Project

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Graduate Internship for the Organization for Black Struggle Archive Project

The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is seeking a summer intern to work with the team on a collaborative project with several partners. They include, but are not limited to, the UMSL Museum Department, the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO), and We Are St. Louis. The team will include interns working with our partners.

We are seeking a graduate student, ideally in a history or museum studies M.A. program, with a strong interest and/or experience in digital platforms, social movement history, Black history, St. Louis history, participatory digital public history, user-generated archival content, metadata, content management systems, including omeka and the oral history metadata synchronizer (OHMS), and/or digital user experience (UX). OBS is seeking self-motivated applicants with strong time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

The internship runs from June 1 to August 7, 2026, requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week for 10 weeks, with a pay rate of $20 per hour. The intern will report directly to Jamala Rogers, Executive Director.

Applications are due by 4/30. Please submit a resume and cover letter reflecting relevant experience, training, and scholarly interest in the content. Applications should be emailed to lara.kelland@umsl.edu.

OBS is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, individuals with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

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OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. Many of us did not even know about this curfew as we don’t follow SLMPD on social media. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location. Now, their families have to appear in court and face fines of up to $500 or 90 days in jail. SLMPD reports that no weapons were recovered from any of the 23 youth detained.

We have strong disagreement with the Mayor’s decisions and the misleading and harmful statements that followed. The Mayor claims the curfew was put in place Downtown because that’s “where the majority of violence occurred the weekend prior.” However, only 3 incidents were reported Downtown on 314 Day
Weekend, with the others occurring in North City and South City. In her statement calling this mistreatment and detention of 11-17 year olds “a success,” she referred to the 23 youth as “juveniles” four times, which is a targeted legal term that dehumanizes young people. It’s clear to us that the Mayor does not view the youth of St. Louis in a positive light, but is rather prioritizing her desired image of Downtown, no matter who is harmed.

It’s clear to us that there was a failure to understand the facts of the incidents that took place on 314 Day Weekend, from who was responsible to where they actually happened. The Mayor activated SLMPD to target and detain any youth who were Downtown after the poorly communicated curfew, and then penalize their families. This in no way addressed the incidents that took place the previous weekend or creates safety for youth.

We do not condone the reported incidents that took place on 314 Day Weekend. We want a safe city, too. But detaining 23 11-17 year olds causes trauma and does not create safety. Fining or locking up their parents does not create safety. Those reactionary practices are punitive, harmful, and dehumanizing to our youth who were not even responsible for the incidents that took place on 314 Day Weekend.

Safe spaces for youth exist, and have existed for decades. What does not exist is support and investment from city government. Instead of investing in safe spaces for youth, city government has decided to misappropriate funds into harassing and detaining youth. The Mayor’s decisions harmed 23 youth and their families.

The City’s choices and actions this month are strong indicators of the need for change on the City’s part, from communications to funding. We are asking the following of the Mayor:

  1. 1) Immediately remove the court dates, charges, and fines for the families of the 23 11-17 year olds who were detained on March 20, 2026. The detaining of these young people was already too punitive a measure.
  2. Release a statement apologizing for the mistreatment and mischaracterization of the 23 11-17 year olds detained, including referring to them as “juveniles.”
  3. Make funding for youth organizations abundant and accessible. Prioritize the budget to center youth and families. Remove the many obstacles in the way of youth organizations receiving funding. Reach out to youth organizations directly for input on funding and other resources.

Our purpose is to bring healing to the youth of St. Louis. Part of that work is in disrupting any actions, intentional or otherwise, that drive youth into the carceral system or poverty, and presenting positive,promising alternatives. Freedom Arts & Education Center and our partners are doing that, and we invite our city government to join us.

Freedom Arts & Education Center
Faith For Justice
St. John’s Church – The Beloved Community
Action St. Louis
ArchCity Defenders
Tenants Transforming Greater St. Louis
Debt Free Justice
National Center for Youth Law
Missouri Justice Coalition
Good Journey
Black Men Build
Organization for Black Struggle
Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression
Youth Council for Positive Development
Project Haki
Metropolitan Congregations United for St. Louis

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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UMSL CANCELS THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR BLACK STRUGGLE

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UMSL CANCELS THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR BLACK STRUGGLE

For Immediate Release
March 16, 2026

Months in the planning, the University pulled the plug one week before the big event St. Louis – The 46th anniversary celebration of the Organization for Black Struggle was rescheduled due to the January snowstorm. This year’s event marked a significant departure from previous celebrations: the dinner portion was eliminated, and for the first time, the event included a partnership with the Museum Department of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL).
Since 2024, 

OBS and UMSL have been actively collaborating on OBS’s legacy project, with the Missouri State Historical Society housing OBS’s digital archives. The archive project was scheduled to be publicly launched at the anniversary celebration. From its inception in 1980, OBS has forged strong connections with UMSL, engaging with various student groups, departments, and initiatives over the years.

This shared history made the news of the event’s cancellation just one week prior even more troubling. The inconsistent explanations suggest that external pressure may have influenced the university’s decision. If there was an administrative issue with the contract, it was internal to the departments involved, yet OBS will endure most of the consequences.

The cancellation affected its largest fundraiser of the year and is likely to create financial hardship for the organization in the future. OBS firmly believes that UMSL bowed to political influences, likely due to the organization’s
long and unwavering stance on police accountability and its outspoken opposition to the state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department.

“With the long relationship OBS has had with UMSL, we have to acknowledge that what makes it different now is the political climate in Missouri,” said Jamala Rogers, OBS spokesperson. “Add to that my role as plaintiff in Rogers v State of Missouri, and that UMSL is the secondary employment for St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy. We don’t believe any of this is a coincidence.”

OBS remains unapologetic in its commitment to police accountability and community control. MAGA policies threaten democracy, and this requires greater citizen participation than ever.

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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Black Leaders Detroit Highlights the 2025 Ride For Equity: Road to Reparations in St. Louis, Honoring the Legacy of Black Wall Street

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Black Leaders Detroit Highlights the 2025 Ride For Equity: Road to Reparations in St. Louis, Honoring the Legacy of Black Wall Street

St. Louis, MO — Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Ride For Equity: Road to Reparations, an extraordinary cross-country bike ride dedicated to raising awareness and support for Black entrepreneurs. Beginning on May 31, 2025, this transformative five-week journey will commence in Tulsa, OK, and conclude near Independence Day at Wall Street in New York City.

In partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., Upsilon Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Organization for Black Struggle, and the NAACP of St. Louis County, BLD is honored to start this journey in St. Louis, a city committed to fostering equity and opportunity for all. This ambitious 35-day ride brings together cyclists, community leaders, and supporters from across the nation to move for the movement and advocate for closing the racial capital gap

“We are excited to embark on this monumental journey with our various St. Louis partners.” said Dwan Dandridge, CEO of Black Leaders Detroit. “Together, we can honor the past, inspire the present, and create a future rooted in fairness and equitable access to opportunity.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact Since 2020, BLD has organized an annual 377-mile bike ride from Detroit to the Mackinac Policy Conference, spotlighting the barriers entrepreneurs of African descent face in accessing capital. Last year,
over 250 participants joined the six-mile kickoff event, with 15 dedicated riders completing one or more full days of the journey. Building on this legacy, the 2025 Ride For Equity elevates the mission to a national scale, fostering action and
dialogue from Black Wall Street to Wall Street. 

Community Events and “Speak For Yourself” Forums The journey will feature community conversations titled “Speak For Yourself” in key cities along the route. These forums have proven instrumental in fostering understanding and building bridges across diverse communities. St. Louis forum will be hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc and the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, on Sunday, June 8th at 5pm. The discussion will take place at the Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63120.

Join Us in St. Louis We invite local media, influencers, and community members to cover and participate in this historic ride.

Call to Action Black Leaders Detroit invites everyone to join this transformative journey by riding, volunteering, donating, or sharing the mission. More details about the 2025 Ride For Equity can be found at ride4equity.org. Together, let’s honor the legacy of Black Wall Street and ride for equity, justice, and economic empowerment.

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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MO JwJ Issues Joint Statement After Legislature Passes Bill to Strip Local Control of SLMPD

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MO JwJ Issues Joint Statement After Legislature Passes Bill to Strip Local Control of SLMPD

Jefferson City, MO — The Missouri House of Representatives today passed House Bill 495 to remove the St. Louis Police Department from the control of the City of St. Louis and place it under the authority of a state-controlled Board of Police Commissioners, effectively eliminating local community oversight.

Missouri Jobs with Justice alongside Action St. Louis Power Project and the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) had this to say in response:

“We are extremely disappointed that the Missouri Legislature has voted to send legislation to strip local control of the St. Louis Police Department to Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk — and with an emergency clause enabling the bill to immediately become law without public input and outrage. If this bill becomes law, it will inevitably exacerbate inequality in St. Louis—disproportionately increasing police power without local oversight in marginalized communities and implementing harsher penalties for minor offenses. Local control of police is a tool of civil rights reform deeply rooted in the community’s desire for accountability and a more sensitive approach to policing over their own community.

Putting the SLPMD under state control jeopardizes community safety, public accountability, and democratic processes. It’s a gross misuse of power to undermine the 2012 statewide referendum in which Missourians voted to overturn this Civil War-era arrangement of state control. Here we have an attempt by state officials to bypass standard political processes to force the state into submission, and yet another example of government overreach that hugely affects our lives and communities without our consent. The state should allow local elected officials accountable to
the community that they serve to continue working diligently to address concerns, instead of militarizing a state-appointed board.”

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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The Organization for Black Struggle Endorses Cori Bush for U.S. Congress

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The Organization for Black Struggle Endorses Cori Bush for U.S. Congress

St. Louis. The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) proudly endorses Congresswoman Cori Bush in her re-election to represent the 1st congressional district.

Time and time again, the Congresswoman has shown her compassion and commitment to the people of District CD-1. For carrying out her campaign promises, she has been targeted for attacks and slander by conservative forces who do not represent us.

Says OBS Executive Director Jamala Rogers, “We were disappointed that Wesley Bell has chosen to run against Cori Bush. We know that anyone has a right to run for public office, but it should be based on the incumbent not living up to their responsibilities to the constituents they vowed to serve. Cori has been an unwavering fighter and tireless servant for us, and we want to send her back to The People’s House.”

In addition to bringing billions of dollars home to the district to meet the challenging needs of St. Louis families, Cori has stood on principle in protecting reproductive and voting rights, in advocating for affordable and accessible housing and medical services, as well as standing up for the disenfranchised and marginalized citizens in this country.

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959 | contactus@obs-stl.org

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The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS)Demands Justice for the St. Louis Justice Center Residents Subjected to Inhumane Conditions

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The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS)Demands Justice for the St. Louis Justice Center Residents Subjected to Inhumane Conditions

For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 8, 2021

Contact Person: Velta Smith (314.367.5959)

The insurrection that occurred on Saturday, February 6 at the St. Louis Justice Center in response to COVID-19 has been boiling for almost a year. The prolonged neglect by city officials starting with Mayor Lyda Krewson and Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards is unconscionable and unacceptable. OBS must always remind the public that the city jail and the workhouse are holding facilities until citizens are arraigned and charged. They are innocent until proven guilty.

Last summer, the Organization for Black Struggle began getting calls from inmates who were confined to the St. Louis City and County jails. There were growing concerns about the pandemic and whether these institutions were following CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of both residents and staff. OBS reached out to the directors of both facilities to provide testing through Affinia Healthcare who was committed to sending its mobile units out.On June 29, OBS held a press conference to announce its efforts to get inmates tested at these facilities. We reported that the County used its own Department of Health to perform the COVID-19 tests but that city jail officials were unresponsive.

The new year began with OBS again receiving calls and emails from family members whose loved ones were confined to the Justice Center. We were informed that a guard had been taken hostage and inmates were protesting conditions in the jail that was potentially spreading the deadly virus. On January 1, OBS held a press conference in front of the St. Louis City Justice Center to report what was going on inside the facility. We implored the mayor to investigate and take appropriate actions to maintain order and the safety of parties. Subsequently, we requested a number of documents relative to the incident through the Sunshine Act. To date, no documents have been received.

It was no surprise when we received early morning calls on February 6 that inmates had taken over the fourth floor of the facility, knocking out windows for better visibility and begging for relief. The uprising made national news, once again projecting the city’s racist views in policy and practice. It was also clear that nothing had been done in the last 30 days to rectify the housing situation. Retaliation by staff since the weekend incident have further put the health and safety at risk of those entrusted to their care. It is reported that inmates are being forced to sleep on the floor, some in the cold water left from the fire department putting out fires which had been set. Others have been without food and water for two days.

These incidents underscore the incompetence and indifference of the Krewson administration. The lack of resolution is only escalating the tensions inside. The situation is grave and demands immediate action. We ask the citizens of St. Louis to demand the mayor cease and desist the litany of lies coming out about the situation. The conditions require a committed approach to a healthy and human resolution.

Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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OBS Endorses Elston McCowan for 2nd Ward Alder

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OBS Endorses Elston McCowan for 2nd Ward Alder

The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) endorses Green Party candidate Rev. Elston McCowan for alderperson of the 2nd Ward. The aldermanic seat was vacated by Dionne Flowers after she was appointed to head the Office of the Register by Mayor Lyda Krewson. The special election is November 7, 2017.

For Immediate Release, October 8, 2017

The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) endorses Green Party candidate Rev. Elston McCowan for alderperson of the 2nd Ward. The aldermanic seat was vacated by Dionne Flowers after she was appointed to head the Office of the Register by Mayor Lyda Krewson. The special election is November 7, 2017.

OBS uses a specific set of criteria for endorsements and McCowan scored high in all of them. McCowan had a track record of community involvement prior to running for office. He has an energetic campaign organization and his prospects for winning look good.

Over the years, OBS has worked with McCowan on many fronts and in his varied capacities whether it be to rally faith leaders on issues, fighting for justice for prisoners and their families, organizing around environmental concerns or building political power for disenfranchised communities.

Elston McCowan will come to the St. Louis Board of Alders as a public servant committed to fighting for the ideals of democracy, racial equity and justice.

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Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

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OBS Response to Stockley Verdict

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OBS Response to Stockley Verdict

The Organization for Black Struggle stands in staunch solidarity with the family of Anthony Lamar Smith. The Not Guilty verdict is salt in the wounds of the Smith family who sought real justice in the murder of their loved one.  The African American community is full of righteous rage as the ruling of Judge Timothy Wilson represents another douse of gasoline on the perpetual fire of racism and police violence against our community. OBS will not be used to quell the outrage by justice-seeking people to this verdict nor be an apologist for extreme actions by citizens.

For Immediate Release, September 15, 2017

The Organization for Black Struggle stands in staunch solidarity with the family of Anthony Lamar Smith. The Not Guilty verdict is salt in the wounds of the Smith family who sought real justice in the murder of their loved one.  The African American community is full of righteous rage as the ruling of Judge Timothy Wilson represents another douse of gasoline on the perpetual fire of racism and police violence against our community. OBS will not be used to quell the outrage by justice-seeking people to this verdict nor be an apologist for extreme actions by citizens.

OBS worked for over thirty years for local control of the police department to ensure we have accountability to our community. The mayor, the police chief and other city officials must understand there will not and cannot be business as usual in this city when a black life is taken.

OBS believes in non-violent protest and direct action. We also believe that our community must be focused on building alternatives to the police state. This calls for thoughtful education and strategic organizing. When we truly re-envision public safety and how to re-invest our hard-earned tax dollars, old power relationships will change and we are empowered to build something that works for us. We must be creative in our thinking and organizing, such as instituting neighborhood safety patrols, develop mediation centers and creating healing circles.

There is much work to be done as our community grieves its loss. We call for community, faith, civic and labor sectors to come together to plan effectively and to build a powerful racial justice movement in a city and a country that continues to daily engage in anti-black practices and actions. We are the people we have been waiting for.

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Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

Read More »

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Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959 | contactus@obs-stl.org

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Organization for Black Struggle echoes shut down of Workhouse

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Organization for Black Struggle echoes shut down of Workhouse

“We need to shut this hell-hole down!” That was the reaction from Derek Laney who participated in one of the recent protests to demand relief for the residents of the St. Louis Medium Security Institution.

For Immediate Release – July 23, 2017

“We need to shut this hell-hole down!”

That was the reaction from Derek Laney who participated in one of the recent protests to demand relief for the residents of the St. Louis Medium Security Institution. Laney is a member of the Organization for Black Struggle, a group who has worked on issues around the prison industrial complex for nearly 40 years.

Laney went on to say, “The Workhouse is in violation of the human and constitutional rights of citizens. This isn’t some Third World country, this is St. Louis, MO in the U.S.A.”

The recent heatwave in the city sent temperatures into triple digits. Reported temperatures in the Workhouse reached 120 degrees because the facility does not have central air conditioning. Residents told OBS that they were given ice chips and rotated to air-conditioned spaces as temporary remedies.

The heat problem has added to the many reasons why OBS and other concerned citizens believe the institution should be closed. It has a long history of abuses and injustices for a population which hasn’t even been convicted of any crimes. Most are waiting to be bonded out or for some judicial ruling; some will even be released for lack of evidence or have their charges dropped because they were wrongfully arrested.  Until then, citizens are exposed to unsanitary and unsafe conditions and to abuses by guards.

OBS is calling for Mayor Lyda Krewson and Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner to develop a plan that closes the Workhouse before the next city budget process. The savings can go to diversion programs that allow citizens who are accused of non-violent crimes to post bond and to access a speedy process for resolution of their alleged crime.

We believe the St. Louis Jails are a judicial entrapment for Black and poor people who are victims of racial profiling and a corrupt justice system. Right now, the Workhouse is looking like a death trap.

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Recent Posts

OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment

We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.

Read More »

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Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
contactus@obs-stl.org

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