More Than You Think

More Than You Think is an on air and online series exploring how diverse residents of the St. Louis region are linked together in a capacity that goes past race – whether it be religion, gender, sexual orientation, civic group, or neighborhood.

By exploring these linkages, we hope to shed light on regional race matters, news developments, and ongoing issues related to diversity and culture in the community.

Do you have a story that you want to share? Email ewilliams@stlpublicradio.org or tweet @STLPR_Erin.

Missourians For Equality Hold Petition Kickoff To Change State Nondiscrimination Policy

Credit via Flickr/BluEyedA73

Nonpartisan PAC Missourians For Equality is pushing to include gender identity and sexual discrimination into the state's nondiscrimination policy.

By Erin Williams

The gay and lesbian community is pushing to be included in a state law to protect against discrimination. The nonpartisan political action committee Missourians for Equality is kicking off its statewide petition drive in several areas across

5:08 pm

Wed January 16, 2013

Christ Church Cathedral Hosts Public Reading Of King's Speeches For Fourth Year

Credit Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Martin Luther King, Jr. gesturing at freedom rally at Washington Temple Church, 1962. King would have been 84 January 15.

By Erin Williams

The third Monday in January may be marked as a National Day of Service, but Christ Church Cathedral is remembering the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with a day of speech and reflection in order to spur change. The Cathedral is giving citizens an opportunity to listen and read a selection of his speeches aloud. “Let Freedom Ring” began four years ago after the very reverend Mike Kinman, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, realized there was no element of reflection evident in the service projects that others were completing.

“What it is, is it gives a foundation of reflection so that we can consider what that work is,” he said. “He never was an activist for activism’s sake. Everything was thoughtful, prayerful, reasoned, considered.” The day is not a discouragement to performing public service, however. “What we are hoping that people will do is embody that in their lives…do your five hours at the soup kitchen, then come here and speak these words, and consider what it was that you were doing, and consider what more it is that you are called to do,” says Kinman.

The program will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the nave of the Cathedral. Participants can choose to read aloud, volunteer to man a 30 minute shift, or simply listen at any time during the day.

6:40 am

Tue January 15, 2013

After 32 Years At Annie Malone, Former CEO Angela L. Starks Stands By Her Work

Credit Douglas Duckworth

Annie Malone headquarters, located in The Ville neighborhood.

By Erin Williams

In the 32 years she has worked for the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, former CEO Angela Starks has always made serving both the community both in and outside of the building her main priority.

She stepped down in December, with her role to be carried on by Darryl Wise, who has worked with Annie Malone for the past five years. When she first began her work as a therapist, Starks was amaze by how dedicated her coworkers were to providing help to their young patrons.