St. Louis Park, a suburb tucked away in the embrace of Minnesota, has kicked off its second week of Black History Month celebrations with a unique initiative that blends civic engagement with personal storytelling. The city, in collaboration with St. Louis Park Public Schools, is spotlighting African American employees who contribute to the vibrancy and functioning of the community. It's a month-long feature that puts a face to the city's diversity and shares the heritage of its people.
One such individual stepping into the limelight is Maurice Smith, a Chicago native and now a dedicated police officer who has called the city home for six years. Smith, who also served as a school resource officer at St. Louis Park High School, is currently the star of this week's employee highlight poster campaign. In a statement given to the City of St. Louis Park, Smith spoke about his role and said, "I’ve been a police officer with the city for six years and served as a school resource officer at St. Louis Park High School for three years." He mentions his penchant for sports, working out, and spending quality time with family and friends when off-duty.
However, it's not just the professional life of these city's servants that the campaign aims to showcase. The posters, each uniquely telling, also delve into personal inspirations and influences. For Maurice Smith, it is none other than hip-hop artist J. Cole whose music and persona have provided inspiration throughout his life. "The person who most inspires me from the Black community is J. Cole," Smith explained in the feature. "His music has inspired and motivated me throughout my life. My favorite song of all time is titled 'Love Yourz.' It has uplifted me through some of the hardest moments in my life," he told the City of St. Louis Park.
These biographical posters are more than just printed sheets – they are to actively engage residents and visitors alike as they are displayed across park buildings within the city. Each poster comes with a QR code, providing an interactive element that leads onlookers to learn more. It's part of an outreach that aims not just to educate, but to truly connect and form bonds between the community and those who serve it. The City of St. Louis Park has encouraged residents to find these installations with the help of the parks directory.
The celebration is not confining itself to the physical posters alone. As weeks unfold, the city gears up to feature these hardworking individuals on social media every Monday and the last Wednesday of February. Their stories will resonate through Facebook and Instagram updates via @stlouispark, and tailored GovDelivery emails, ensuring that the mosaic of experiences and the legacy of the African American community continues to inspire well beyond the confines of a single month.
