East St. Louis History

Family members Larry D. King, Delores King, David King, and Bernard King are working with the Emma L. Wilson King Foundation to restore or recreate the fountain in Jones Park in honor of Emma L Wilson King.

This new East St. Louis festival hopes to restore a fountain and pride in a changing city

The festival organizer hopes Saturday’s event will not only bring people into the city but also ensure that they don’t leave.

‘ESTL Voices’ Highlights East St. Louis Artists — And Their Outsize Influence On Music

Lara Hamdan

Belleville News-Democrat reporter DeAsia Paige delves into East St. Louis’ rich musical heritage and discusses her inaugural four-part series for the paper, titled “ESTL Voices.”

Culture & History

Local Fraternity Leads Clean Up Initiative At Historic Black Cemetery Near Centreville

DeAsia Paige | Belleville News-Democrat

The Booker T. Washington Cemetery was one of the only places where Black Residents in the Metro East could bury their loved ones in the 20th century. Locals who are working to restore the cemetery say that history has been forgotten.