SYLVESTER BROWN

The burden of the pandemic falls disproportionally on low-income communities and communities of color. Black people account for 25 percent of those who have tested positive and 39 percent of COVID-related deaths while making up just 15 percent of the general population

in the US. St Louis, native writer, journalist, and social justice advocate Sylvester Brown made it his mission to transform and empower long-neglected neighborhoods of his city.

Inspiring, motivating, and training youth of low-income communities increases economic activity and can transform disadvantaged neighborhoods into thriving communities.