Eleven months after a deadly tornado tore through St. Louis the “Meet Me” team organized a community open mic event. Residents were invited to share experiences and reflections about the tornado almost a year later. Their stories in their words.

(1:20) - Herdosia Bentum

(5:40) - Juanita Blackshear

(12:57) - Kevin Blackshear

(20:15) - Sherlyn Contreras

Follow STLPR’s reporting on St. Louis’ recovery from the May 16, 2025 tornado at STLPR.org/tornado

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Credits: This episode was written, hosted, produced and mixed by Luis Antonio Perez, with story editing by Alex Heuer and Brian Heffernan. The executive producer of “Meet Me” is Brian Heffernan. Paola Rodriguez is our engagement producer with editorial support from Lara Hamdan. Recording by Drew Yount.

Podcast art by Cristina Fletes-Mach. Our theme music is by Kudda & Friends.

Special thanks to Cami Thomas, Alyssa Potter, Brittini Gray-Chiquillo, Leslie Davis, Maia WIlliams, Hiba Ahmad, Andrea Henderson, and the Black Healer’s Collective of InPower Institute and Freedom Community Center for fostering healing and resilience in our communities.

Grant support comes from the James S. McDonnell foundation.

Support this work at stlpr.org/donate