4theville

What a great conversation with the namesake of The Ville notable educator, Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. We laughed, we cried, we reflected, and we celebrated.

Like many of our county seats, WGSD holds a deep history of post-Civil War Black education liberation struggle tied to antebellum Black literacy struggle.

Our goal is never to just share the stories. We use them as the wisdom of a forward-looking conversation. Academic success is intimately tied to a sense of community. How do we ensure that for all of our students: even when they live further away, when they don't speak the same language, when they don't attend the same church and clubs, or when they don't even have a stable home? It is our imperative.

Thank you Givens Elementary for starting the year strong.

A little family fun this Friday, yeah?! Join us to celebrate a milestone for our Sumner interns. And, how about a good run of your favorite card game?

BTW, which card game is your favorite?!

Who doesn't love a good card game night?!

Meet us at StudioLab next Friday, 6/26, for joy, community, and of course - card games! Help us celebrate the completion of our Sumner intern's community art project, Living History cards!

We can't wait to show them off! Register at the link below!
https://airtable.com/appCpHDVwSfwMrLGC/pagZFSSAavXa5LeqP/form

✊🏽✊🏽🙏🏽

One year after tornado, Sumner senior turns tragedy into triumph After losing his home and brother in the north St. Louis tornado, Sumner senior Rondré Phillips graduates with resilience and a mission to uplift his community.

is happy to announce that Mack Williams III from the St. Louis region has been nominated for the 2026 National History Day Teacher of the Year Award in the Senior Division for the state of Missouri. Results will be announced at the contest in June.

Mr. Williams teaches at Sumner High School. He shared: "Helping my students learn how to preserve our community's history and tell its stories has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life. I have been teaching the Museum Studies Pathway course at Sumner High School for four years, and have participated in NHD each year. Our involvement with NHD has not only increased student interest in history, it has exposed them to subjects and locations that have helped transition them from having a fear of failure to confidence that they belong in any and all spaces."

Congratulations, Mack!

Today is Give STL Day, and it's our first year. 🙌🏾

We reclaim, restore, and transform. The Ville has been here. The Ville is here. And The Ville is just getting started.

Give today → secure.qgiv.com/for/4theville 🔗

✨ If you’ve ever felt called to share the stories that don’t always make it into the history books — this is your sign.

4TheVille is now accepting applications for its second Docent cohort, and we’re looking for storytellers ready to bring St. Louis’ Black history to life.

Over 24 weeks (June–October), you’ll train in storytelling, historical research, community engagement, tour management, and more — all while connecting with an incredible community of people who get it.

📍 St. Louis, MO 📅 Apply by May 22nd 🔗 Learn more at 4theville.org

When a strong principal allows a community to wrap its arms around her school, this is what you get! 😁

We are so proud to partner with WashU Office for Socially Engaged Practice, Sam Fox School and DrRonda Wallace to offer collaborative opportunities between Sumner and Wash U students in The Ville.

We’re proud to celebrate Sumner High School Principal Dr. Ronda Wallace 🎉

Dr. Wallace has received a 2026 Provost Impact Award from Washington University in St. Louis alongside Kelley Van Dyck Murphy for their project, “Building Pathways.”

This initiative connects Sumner students to hands-on experiences in architecture and design—expanding career pathways and helping students see themselves in new futures.

This recognition highlights the power of collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for our students.

👏 Join us in congratulating Dr. Wallace on this well-deserved honor!

Did you know that architect William B. Ittner was once called on to design the new Dunbar High School (1st Black public high school in the US) in DC, but was too busy designing 50 St. Louis schools (YES! Including the Sumner High School) to take the job?

He did eventually design Central High in DC, but 1 doesn't compare to the 50 in St. Louis!

Learn more about our rich public school history at tonight!

Sumner High is now the oldest Black high school building in the United States! And yet, it is simply a small piece of the storied past of St. Louis public education. In many ways, St. Louis created the standard for public education, especially for the architectural design of school buildings.

Join tonight at the to learn more about this storied past with .louis and