Residents in North St. Louis County face serious health risks caused by toxic pollution—from abandoned factories, a landfill, and a creek contaminated with nuclear waste. As well, the predominantly Black, low-wealth community is plagued by a legacy of redlining and disinvestment. Founded in 2017, A Red Circle focuses on strengthening families and honoring heritage through investments that foster healthier neighborhoods. Their efforts span Black-centered art and creativity, education access for all students, and better health and financial well-being. The Creative Spot shows this approach in action—a youth-led arts center where young people make murals, music, poetry, and learn business skills as tools for healing and community leadership. Their Art in the Garden project highlights the Healthy Community Market and North County Agricultural Education Center while building stronger community ties. A Red Circle is helping communities heal through practical, everyday solutions.
A Red Circle sponsors a number of community initiatives focused on healthy living, the arts and education, including book drives to collect culturally appropriate books for school children. (Photo courtesy of A Red Circle Facebook page)
The group’s name “A Red Circle” stems in part from the red lines used on maps to denote areas targeted for redlining, yet it also represents the concept of shared humanity and connection, the red blood that unites all. A Red Circle’s team of 20 connects directly with residents to unite and rebuild local food systems and restore community wellness where decades of disinvestment have created food deserts and environmental health hazards. Their North County Agricultural Education Center transformed three abandoned lots into productive gardens with fruit trees, solar panels, and chicken coops that now feed over 1,000 residents annually while training new urban farmers. Their most ambitious work involves converting an abandoned shopping center into the North County Community Nexus—featuring a grocery store, community kitchen, and health resources for residents in this federally-designated Promise Zone where poverty, poor health outcomes, and food insecurity overlap. By turning pain into purpose, A Red Circle is changing the narrative for communities too long ignored.
The Nexus grocery store features local urban farmers’ produce, a bistro serving grab-and-go meals made with farm-fresh produce, and a shared culinary kitchen and small-scale production space for chefs.