Congratulations to The People’s Response, recipient of the 2026 Collaboration & Coalition Building Award!

The Collaboration & Coalition Building Award recognizes a person who:

Demonstrates incredible commitment to working through partnerships, even when it’s more challenging than “going it alone.”
Forges new connections that bridge gaps between people, organizations, and places that don’t normally interact with each other in the St. Louis region.
Shows up for others and participates directly in their work; does not only ask or expect that partners and collaborators come to them.
Approaches difficulty and conflict with understanding, compassion, and an open mind.

“North City is our North Star”

Together, Kayla Reed with Action St. Louis and Ohun Ashe with ForTheCultureSTL made a monumental and lasting impact on the community through the creation of The People’s Response after the May 2025 tornado. In the aftermath of the destruction, Kayla and Ohun arrived to provide immediate and tangible relief. Not only did they offer resources and comfort, they organized pathways for residents and groups to volunteer and contribute meaningful, lasting support. They showed up every day, building pivotal relationships with other community organizations and creating an effort founded for the people and supported by the people.

Before the creation of The People’s Response, both Kayla and Ohun were already involved in community development work. They each point to the unjust murder of Michael Brown as a pivotal and grounding moment, one that reshaped their paths and ultimately led them to this work and to each other. Ohun found a “passion in vocalizing” and felt called to share the full story, not just the one-sided narratives often spread across the media. In 2018, she launched ForTheCultureSTL, a resource hub of Black-owned businesses, services, and community assets designed to fill gaps created by structural racism. Similarly, Kayla’s life changed after Michael Brown was murdered by police in broad daylight. She saw how organizing could create real change and wanted to “build power beyond the protest.” From this vision, she created Action St. Louis, an organization dedicated to building community power in disinvested neighborhoods.

The People’s Response emerged from years of experience that Kayla and Ohun brought to the work. After the tornado hit, they immediately went out to assess damage and provide relief, distributing food and water while connecting with residents. Immediately after the tornado, on their drive to O’Fallon Park, they faced a devastating question: how much of what they were seeing was tornado damage and how much was the result of long-standing disinvestment? They spent hours doing everything they could until it was no longer safe, as darkness, power outages, and debris made the streets impassable.

“I’ve never seen darkness like that”

When Kayla got home that night, she immediately began organizing next steps. Three priorities emerged: call for volunteers, reach out to local dumpster companies, and raise funds. Soon after, Kayla and Ohun established a central hub in the parking lot of the O’Fallon YMCA, where Executive Director Lennox Forrester became a key supporter. One day, nearly 2,000 volunteers showed up in a single day, cleaning neighborhoods, distributing supplies, and connecting with residents. The space became a people-centered triage hub, offering food, essential items, and care without barriers. When residents came to the hub in need of support, there was no fact-checking or surveillance, just dignity, compassion, and trust.

“We organize people to make decisions about their lives”

Unexpected relationships formed as the Diamond Divas showed up to help, Harvey’s Coffee brought drinks, and Katie’s Pizza brought food. Dozens of other relationships established all in the name of disaster recovery and community rebuilding. Invest STL, ArchCity Defenders, STL Run Crew, Faith for Justice, House of India, Key Strategic Group, and so many more organizations all came together to help. Through constant coordination, outreach, and resource distribution, The People’s Response helped lay the foundation for healing. Their work continues today, grounded in a deep commitment to community. While barriers like disinvestment and lack of resources remain, they persist. By investing in the next generation through programs like BOSS Organizing Summer School, they continue to build power alongside the people they serve.