African Independence Workforce Program

Wish me a Happy Birthday by helping me reach my goal for this important cause!

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.

Celebrate 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.

Breaking 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! 

The “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.

The 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.

AIWP 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. 

The 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. 

The 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.

The Buy Black Power building, located on Natural Bridge in North St. Lou 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.

The 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.  

APEDF owns the building, and it is 70% complete. 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.

“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