Speaker:  Candace O’Connor, St. Louis author (TWA Host: Sue Williams)

Ms. O’Connor will speak about her recent book, Climbing the Ladder, Chasing the Dream:  The History of Homer G. Phillips Hospital. “Homer G.” was a Black hospital that operated in the Ville Neighborhood from 1937-1979, a time when many Black patients were relegated to segregated hospital wards or denied care altogether. It attracted more Black residents than any other program in the U.S., but was closed following the Civil Rights Era of the 60s and 70s, despite protests from the African-American community. It is still venerated as a remarkable St. Louis institution.