By Sana Cole
The Scene staff
A coalition of organizations will call for an increase in Missouri’s minimum wage at a march, rally and concert on Thursday in the Central West End.
“Workers can’t survive off $7.35!” according to a poster promoting the event. It specifically mentioned fast-food restaurant employees.
“The focus is to raise awareness about this issue,” said co-organizer Shannon Garth-Rhodes. “It’s time for us to come together and rally on this issue.”
Garth-Rhodes is an outreach and communications employee of Missouri Jobs with Justice, a coalition of community, labor, student and religious groups fighting for economic justice.
Many Forest Park students earn minimum wage at their jobs. Garth-Rhodes invites them to join the marchers.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in social justice and what’s happening in the community,” she said, noting many are struggling to make ends meet.
Broadcasting major Dwayne Hagens, 27, wants to attend the rally, but he might have to work.
Hagan earns minimum wage as a cook, the same amount he earned as a dishwasher. He’s about to become a father.
“I don’t think people really spend a lot of time focusing on the minimum wage,” Hagens said. “If we made more money, it could help the economy because we’d have more money to spend.”
The march and rally will begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Kingsland and Delmar. It will be followed by a concert at 5:30 p.m. on Leland Street, near Vintage Vinyl.
The concert will feature local hip-hop artists Tef Poe, Nato Caliph, Theolonius Kryptonite and Michael Franco. D.J. Nune will perform.
“I really think (events) like this are necessary every two to four years,” said public relations major Tracy Roberts, 39. “I think it will have a good influence. I plan to go.”
Davis Moore, manager of career and employment services at Forest Park, understands why many small businesses oppose minimum-wage increases that would cut into profits.
Employers already are being asked to pay more in health-insurance premiums for employees under Obamacare.
But Moore also is sensitive to the plight of students and their frustration with low-paying jobs. He encourages them finish their educations.
“You should always look for ways to enhance your skills and build your experience,” he said.
Communications major Jameia Williams, 31, doesn’t feel one rally will make a difference, considering how long it has taken for blacks to get civil rights.
“I think it’s a positive way of going about it, but I think it’s a waste of time,” she said. “Basically, I feel minimum wage was put in place to keep African Americans below the poverty level.”