Last weekend, the International Institute presented its Festival of Nations multicultural celebration in Tower Grove Park. The event featured traditional dance and music, ethnic food, cultural and educational exhibits, and folk art demonstrations.

We bet you’re wondering where you’re going to spend Election Night. We’ve got the scoop on the best places to watch the results Tuesday night, whether you want to cheer for Obama with Ludacris or chill with the St. Louis Area Libertarians. Continue Reading

People will be taking their hopes and frustrations about public education to the streets, rallying against reform efforts that include any kind of privatization.

“Free, public education is the cornerstone of a democracy,” reads the e-flyer. “Public education is under siege by those seeking to privatize it for a profit. Together, we will call for a more equitable system of public education for all and ensure literacy as a basic civil right.”

The Defend Public Education Rally will take place Wednesday, April 30, starting at 6:00 PM at the Old Courthouse downtown. It will feature Thunderheart, a group of traditional Native American drummers, and speakers, including:

• Rebecca Rogers, Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group, Acting for a Better Community Committee, Professor of Education, UMSL
• Ora Lewis-Clark, YMCA Literacy Programs, Advocate for Adult Literacy Education
• Donna Jones, Parent, member of the Elected School Board, St. Louis Public Schools
• Chad Beffa, SLPS parent, public school advocate, and candidate for State Rep (67th District)
• Byron Clemens, Regional Vice President, AFT Missouri
• Jackie Taylor, Literacy President Group
• Chuc Smith, Instead of War and Retired SLPS Math Teacher
• Cynthia Peters, World Education and The Change Agent

It’s your chance to mingle with the loudest and the proudest of St. Louis’ gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered communities and St. Lous Mayor Francis Slay.

The St. Louis Pride annual Open House Gala and PrideFest Kickoff Party is happening this Friday at the Millennium Hotel, 200 S. Fourth St. Slay will be at the event along with Aldermanic President Lewis Reed.

Happening from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers, drinks, music, dancing, an awards ceremony and a raffle.

The shindig is free and open to the public. For more information contact Lucky You Productions at 314-210-7764.