20 Things You Didn’t Know About Annie Malone Children’s Home

Part 1: The Legacy of Annie Malone

Many people recognize the name Annie Malone from the historic St. Louis May Day parade. Yet, her story goes much deeper than floats and marching bands. Annie M. Turnbo Pope Malone built a beauty empire from the ground up and used her wealth to transform her community. We want to share the incredible history behind the Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center, starting with the visionary woman who made it all possible.

A Pioneer in Beauty and Business

Long before modern cosmetics took over store shelves, Malone saw a need. She created specialized hair and skin products for African American women. But she did not stop at selling face creams and hair care items. She established Poro College to teach others her business model.

Through this system, she trained thousands of women to become sales agents. This gave them a rare chance to achieve financial independence and build their own careers. Malone understood that true beauty included dignity, self-care, and economic empowerment.

A Heart for the Community

Her success in business gave her the means to pursue her true passion: helping others. Malone dedicated her time, energy, and resources to the St. Louis Colored Orphans’ Home. The community first opened this home in 1888, and Malone stepped up to serve as the president of its board of directors from 1919 to 1943. She poured her heart into making sure vulnerable children had a safe place to grow.

Building a Permanent Home

In 1922, Malone made a massive move to secure the organization’s future. She donated land valued at $10,000 in the historic Ville neighborhood. She also led the charge to raise the rest of the construction costs. Because of her efforts, the organization moved into a permanent facility at 2612 Goode Avenue.

To honor her unmatched loyalty and financial support, the city later renamed the street Annie Malone Drive. By 1946, the facility itself became the Annie Malone Children’s Home.

A Legacy That Lives On

Today, that original orphanage has grown into a massive support system. The Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center now offers crisis care, therapeutic programs, and family resources. Malone proved that one person’s dedication can create a safety net that lasts for generations. You can still see her profound impact in every child the center helps today.

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Rebuilding for the Future: The Capital Campaign

While the programs inside the walls of Annie Malone are thriving, the walls themselves need urgent attention. The historic facility requires significant upgrades to continue providing safe and effective services. Keisha Lee has been a vocal advocate for these renovations, launching a comprehensive capital campaign to modernize the infrastructure.

Updating the facility is not just about aesthetics. It is about creating an environment that reflects the dignity of the people who walk through its doors. A renovated building means expanded classrooms, safer living spaces, and better resources for the community.

A Personal Plea to St. Louis

To make these essential upgrades a reality, Keisha Lee is calling on the St. Louis community. She shares this personal appeal:

“I am honored to serve as CEO of Annie Malone. The staff, board, and community are amazingly supportive, generous, and invested in fulfilling our mission to improve the quality of life for children, families, and the community. But we cannot do this work alone.

Our historic building has housed generations of hope, but it now needs our help. To continue offering life-changing early childhood education and family support, we must upgrade our facility. I urge you to join our capital campaign. Your support will directly impact the lives of the children and seniors who rely on us every day. Let us work together to build a foundation that will serve St. Louis for another hundred years.”

How You Can Help

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to honor the women making a difference today while paying tribute to those who paved the way. You can support Keisha Lee and continue the profound legacy of Annie Malone by contributing to the capital campaign.

Next Steps:

• Donate: Contribute to the Annie Malone Capital Campaign to fund vital facility renovations.
• Share: Spread the word about Keisha Lee’s leadership and the organization’s mission with your network.
• Volunteer: Reach out to Annie Malone Children & Family Services to find out how you can lend your time and talents to support their ongoing programs.

Together, we can ensure that this historic St. Louis institution remains a place of healing, education, and growth for generations to come.

#AnnieMalone #CommunityEmpowerment #Philanthropy