People You Should Know – Gary Wilkinson

This is the third in our series “People You Should Know” highlighting local leaders who exemplify values of community and collaboration. Meet Gary Wilkinson, a long-time leader who has served in many roles in the community.

AV: Let’s start with you – tell us how long have you been in St. Joseph and about the various roles you have held in the community. 

Gary: Except for a stint as Superintendent of Streets for the city of University City, MO in 2004-2011, I have been a lifelong resident of St. Joseph. My community service involvement began as a nineteen-year-old board member of Black Citizens for Progress. The organization was formed
after a young black man was killed by a police officer in 1969, resulting in protests and calls for a greater focus on social justice and opportunities for youth. 

I served as program director for Black Citizens for Progress which became the East Side Human Resource Center. Later as Executive Director of East Side Human Resource Center, we offered a wide spectrum of services including tutoring, recreation, job training, home remodeling, activities for seniors, meals on wheels, cultural festivals and a summer lunch program for children.

In 1981 I was elected to the City Charter Commission. A review of the Mayor-Council form of government in existence at that time led to a recommendation to change to the Council-Manager form of government. The commission’s recommendation to change the form of government was approved by a vote of the people and is still in effect.

I was elected in 1986 to the first of three four-year terms on the City Council; the second term I also served as Deputy Mayor. During that time, I was able to propose and get approval for a number of initiatives, including electing some council members by districts, replacing all members elected at large; training firefighters trained as paramedics and designating them as first-responders; establishing a tips hotline for the police department, hiking and biking trails along the parkway, and the Friends of the Parks group.  I am currently working on a project called Midtown Initiative.

AV: Let’s focus on the Midtown Initiative.  Can you tell us more about why you started it and what you are working to achieve? 

Gary: Midtown Initiative was formed to promote economic development and community revitalization activities in economically depressed areas of town.  

Certain areas of St. Joseph were particularly affected by the practice of red-lining – the refusal of financial institutions to make home loans, or sell home insurance to persons residing in areas deemed to be a poor financial risk. These areas were designated by a red line drawn around the
outer boundary on a map and were commonly inhabited by members of racial minority groups.

Redlining was used extensively in St. Joseph as shown on this map. Some covenants of homeowner’s associations specifically listed blacks, Latinos and other minorities as ineligible to purchase property within these areas. As a result of reduced levels of financial investment these areas suffered economically, with residents destined to subsist at the lower scale of generational wealth.

Efforts by agencies such as Habitat for Humanity are making inroads at filling vacant lots in these areas with infill housing, but a large inventory of vacant properties still exists, presenting an opportunity for acquisition and refurbishing of these dwellings for use as affordable alternatives to overpriced living space. Our initial focus is the area bounded by 10th Street, Noyes Blvd, Faraon and Mitchell, although we will also respond to requests for assistance from outside this area.

Midtown Initiative also seeks to assist in small business development by supporting existing businesses and aiding start up entrepreneurs with promotions, educational forums and assistance in accessing financing.

AV: How would Midtown Initiative partner with other agencies in carrying out its mission?

Gary: We would work with building trades organizations to provide opportunities for job training. We will also work with businesses interested in investing in the community. I note that Midtown Initiative was the catalyst in developing an infrastructure proposal funded by the City, for
streetscape improvements in the corridor from 12th to 18th streets on Charles and Sylvanie Streets.

AV: How can people get involved with the Midtown Initiative?

Gary: Volunteers are always welcome to assist with planning, neighborhood cleanups and business forums, of which we have sponsored two. Midtown Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, so donations to us are tax deductible and provide needed financial capital for use in revitalizing neighborhoods in the core areas of the city.

AV: The Imagine St. Joseph 2040 plan envisions an array of community groups coming together to revitalize neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, and restore our historic houses, all to create a place “where people choose to be and want to stay.” What will it take to make this happen?

Gary: It takes vision and a willingness to work together on a common goal. One thing that Midtown Initiative brings is the involvement of people living within inner-city neighborhoods. A majority of our board of directors reside within midtown St. Joseph and can personally relate to the community’s needs, as well as recognize its development potential. Many of our members
also serve on boards and committees of other community groups.

AV: You are also an author, and your writing is going to feature in the upcoming Juneteenth events. Tell us more about that.

Gary: This past year I completed work on an account of my family’s history, starting with my great-great-great grandma Dice, brought in 1790 at the age of 10, as an enslaved servant from Christian County, Kentucky to Chariton County Missouri. The book, ‘Walk on Water’, chronicles events in the life of her daughter Charlotte, enslaved with her family near Chillicothe, MO, and their quest for freedom from the desolation of bondage. Local playwright Mike Wilson has adapted the book for a stage play to be performed at St. Joseph’s historic Missouri theater June 19 and 20, during the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration.

AV: Thank you. We look forward to seeing that and will post details on our event page for our readers. We encourage all to attend.