1,492 housing units existed in 2000, 73% were occupied, 36% owner occupied and 64% rented. That is a 25% decline from 1990’s census count. As of the 2000 census data, 97% of the 2,695 residents were black. The Ville is included in a local historic district. Phillips Ambulatory Care Center is the major health care facility in the Ville community which is housed in the former Homer G. Tandy Parks acts as the front yard of Sumner High School providing many recreational activities for area residents. James African Methodist Episcopal Church and Antioch Baptist Church have been providing spiritual support to this community since the late 1800’s and continue to be leaders in stabilizing and revitalization efforts. Out of this diverse group, many institutions emerged: Sumner High School, the first high school for black students west of the Mississippi, Turner Middle School, Marshall and Simmons Elementary School. The Ville nurtured a rich heritage for the black population of the City of St. The Ville was for many years the cradle of African-American culture and home to many black professionals, businessmen and entertainers. That alone makes this place noteworthy, but the history is much richer than even the brown eyed handsome man.įrom the Ville’s website (I set out to find some of the structures mentioned on their website, the photos are mine, not the Ville’s website): This neighborhood was the childhood home to Chuck Berry for pete’s sake.

Louis was a place where African Americans could thrive and make their own way as middle and upper class citizens in the early 20th century. The Ville should be one of our greatest sources of regional pride based on its impact on African American culture and society.

There is a lot of historical information available on the this important neighborhood. I must admit, I’ve really been looking forward to this day trip following the reading I’ve done in advance of my visit. Louis neighborhood bound by Taylor Avenue to the west, Sarah Street to the east, St.

Where is the ville