On Spetember 10, 2024, Saint Louis University hosted the opening of the Mill Creek Installation created by Cbabi Bayoc on their campus which also happens to be the entrance to Mill Creek Valley. From Saint Louis University’s Jacob Born:
Mill Creek Valley was a vibrant, historically Black neighborhood razed in the 1950s in the undue name of “urban renewal.” The neighborhood was once home to 20,000 predominantly Black residents, along with hundreds of businesses and dozens of churches.
Dedicated to honoring residents of the neighborhood, “The Legacy of Mill Creek” consists of four panels highlighting themes of faith, business, music and sports. The back of each panel features a handwritten message from Bayoc explaining his inspiration for the artwork.
“With this art, I wanted to hit on the pillars of the community,” Bayoc said. “I am super blessed that we’ve been able to install these at SLU, and everyone’s been so accepting of these pieces. I’m already hearing about how people are taking in our work and how it’s affecting them.
“Those who are meant to receive the art will receive it, and it will be impactful. I hope everyone has time to spend with these pieces and really reflect on the Mill Creek Valley community that once used to live here.”
The reception was well attended by living members of Mill Creek, the Mill Creek Commemoration Committe, students, faculty and staff. The celebration event was co-sponsored by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the Department of African American Studies and the Division of Mission and Identity.
Front of the Panels followed by the backs of the panels
Our sincerest thanks to our jurors: Fr. David Suwalksy, Vice President of Mission and Identity; Cathleen Fleck, Chair Department of Visual and Performing Arts; Lois Conley former resident of Mill Creek and Director of The Griot Museum; and Damen Davis, artist of the Pillars.
StL Arts Chamber (SLACC), working with Mill Creek Valley Commemoration Committee, is tasked with the graphic design of the historical markers and the creation of a mural commemorating the neighborhood once known as Mill Creek. To accomplish this, we plan a call for art for the graphic designer and muralist to work with SLACC, Alderwoman Marlene Davis, and the committee to create a memorable statement from Mill Creek.
Our artistic intention is to commemorate a culture lost in the zeal for urban renewal and systemic racism as well as lifting the voices of those deprecated to be heard in contemporary conversations of equity, diversity and inclusion in policy, education, economics, and culture. Emphasis of the project is on the rich culture that was Mill Creek, its restoration, as well as the cultural progress of those
displaced.
The project specifically addresses the cultural effects surrounding systemic racism in public planning and its footprint includes two institutions of higher education open to a wider discussion of changing the effects of the system while educating those who can change the system.
Thank you to our Artist: Cbabi Bayoc
Thank you to our sponsors:
