Help preserve Black St. Louis History after Tornado

Tornado Devastation in North St. Louis

On May 16, 2025, a tornado tore through North St. Louis and ripped the roof, bricks and woodwork clean off my family’s historic brick home in O’Fallon Park.

This house has stood for decades—through segregation, disinvestment, and generations of love. Now, it’s at risk of being lost forever.

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Who I Am

My name is Marissa, but friends call me Ris. I was born and raised in North St. Louis. I've spent most of my life living in the city limits and I love it. I’m not just asking for help to support recovery—I’m asking you to help preserve a piece of Black St. Louis history. A piece of my family’s soul.

The Legacy of My Home

This isn’t just any house. Like so many in St. Louis, it was built of solid red brick—iconic to this city’s architecture.

My grandparents, Hampton and Katie Lewis, bought it in the 1960s. They were already raising a family in St. Louis when they found this corner lot in O’Fallon Park—a neighborhood where Black families were building community, stability, and pride despite the odds.

They even bought the vacant lot next door to keep it from becoming a dumping ground. My grandma turned it into a garden. I spent summers helping her, playing under the peach tree.

People still stop me and ask, “Aren’t you Mr. Lewis’ granddaughter?”

He was always in the garage, fixing cars and laughing with the neighbors. This block has been home to generations—families like the Jameses and Yarboroughs. We aren’t just neighbors—we are a community.

The Story of O’Fallon Park

✨ In the ’60s and ’70s, O’Fallon Park was a thriving Black neighborhood—known for its solid homes, active parks, and deep family roots.

But redlining, disinvestment, and neglect drained it of resources. Like much of North City, it was left behind.

Still, my family stayed. And in the last few years, I made it my mission to bring our home back to life.

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What I’ve Put In

I’ve invested over $50,000 of my own savings into framing, electrical, and structural repairs. My vision was to restore the house fully—to keep our story alive.

Then the tornado changed everything.

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What the Tornado Destroyed

The roof was completely torn off; joists and plywood destroyed

Bricks were ripped out, leaving gaping holes

Wind and water damage ruined much of the interior work

And worst of all, my insurance provider dropped my coverage—claiming renovation progress was too slow

Now I’m navigating the recovery process largely on my own.

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Why I Need Your Help

I’m raising $60,000 to help support expenses and emergency repairs that are not covered by federal aid (TBD).

The estimated total cost to repair exceeds this ask, but anything you can give will help support the stabilization of my home is appreciated!

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This Is More Than a House

This is our family’s anchor. A piece of Black St. Louis history. A living memory I hope to pass on—not just in name, but in brick, beam, and spirit.

If you’ve ever:

Walked through North City and admired the brick homes…

Watched the documentary Brick by Chance and Fortune and felt the soul of this city…

Believed that history should be preserved by the people who lived it…

Please consider donating or sharing.

Thank You

Every dollar, every share, every prayer—it all helps.

Your support means I don’t have to give up. Not on this house. Not on my family’s story. Not on North St. Louis City.

With deep gratitude,

Marissa (Ris) L.