**TLDR: Just blocks away from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the “Delmar Divide” calls to attention the stark racial makeup and socioeconomic inequity that exits immediately north and south of Delmar Boulevard. Aiming to address the striking disparities in St. Louis, the “Delmar Divine” is a shared space for collaboration and innovation among many nonprofits and social service organizations in St. Louis. This is just a brief summary of the physical divide that greatly affects many of our patients and their community and just one of the city’s responses. We hope that the resources here will prompt you to learn more and promote awareness and further action toward justice and equity. Visit nearby Black owned restaurants for delicious seafood and brunch!**
THIS WEEK: DELMAR DIVIDE
The Delmar Divide is a term, popularized by a BBC mini-documentary, used to describe the stark racial makeup and socioeconomic inequity that exists immediately north and south of Delmar Boulevard. The repercussion of this divide is visible along Delmar Boulevard; you can also look at these numbers and maps. Below are examples of census tracks immediately north and south of Delmar:
- Racial makeup (North/South): 99% Black/70%White
- Average Home values: $78,000/$310,000
- Percentage with bachelor’s degree: 5%/67%
The divide did not happen overnight. As Darian Wigfall, activist, artist, and filmmaker says on the Now This segment “the racial divide here is a hangover from the history we have”. It originated in the 20th century with racial segregation laws, housing covenants, and redlining. Even though these measures have become outlawed, the divide is still perpetuated through city planning, economic, educational, and social opportunities, housing appraisals, and more. This Delmar Divide documentary is a great resource to learn more. It also discusses how the city can start to dissolve this unequal divide and highlights some organizations that are already doing the work.
The Delmar Divide – Segregation in St. Louis, Missouri
Delmar Boulevard is a street in St. Louis, Missouri that is widely regarded as a socio-economic and racial dividing line. This mini-documentary explores the meaning of the Divide, its origin, and the future of St. Louis …
How One Street Symbolizes America’s Racial Divide | NowThis
The country’s having a heart attack right now’ — residents of this segregated city are protesting to dissolve America’s racial divide.» Subscribe to NowThis:…
Now Open, Delmar Divine
Opening its doors just last year, Delmar Divine is a shared space for collaboration and innovation among many nonprofits and social service organizations in St. Louis. Its mission is to rebuild, redefine, and support the surrounding St. Louis community. Located on Delmar in the West End neighborhood and in the site of the former St. Luke’s Hospital, Delmar Divine aims to address the striking disparities in St. Louis that are highlighted by The Delmar Divide.
Podcast – Delmar DivINe
Our most recent podcast episode for The Dialogue features tenant organization, Turn the Page STL. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!
Support these Black-owned restaurants in St. Louis – right by BJH!
