Kenya Vaughn

Girls Inc. made history in St. Louis this week, bringing more than 250 young women from over 30 affiliates across the United States and Canada to Washington University for its first-ever National Summit. For four days (Monday, July 13- Thursday, July 16), the campus became a gathering place for emerging leaders — many traveling outside their home communities for the first time — to build confidence, strengthen skills and connect with peers who share their commitment to shaping a better future.

When the Muny premiere of Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations kicks off with “Get Ready,” the opening number feels less like an introduction and more like a directive. What follows over the next two-and-a-half hours is a whirlwind of emotion and powerhouse performances that move far beyond jukebox musical nostalgia.

Derrick Walker merged his love for cars and his commitment to young people into an annual event that draws hundreds as students prepare to return to school.

“We want our businesses to be successful not only at Frizz Fest, but on their journey along entrepreneurship,” said Frizzy By Nature founder and CEO Leslie Hughes.

Thirteen‑year‑old Myles Lacey has sung in stadiums, on television and at events across the region. But stepping onto The Muny stage this week as part of the youth ensemble for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations was different. For the first time, he wasn't there to sing. He was there to act.

Even with the big-ticket co-headlining trend in full swing, a shared bill featuring Akon and Ne-Yo wasn't on anyone's bingo card when it was announced early this winter. Not top of mind or bottom of mind. That's not a shot at either of them. Individually, they're verified hitmakers who deliver solid live shows. They're also urban artists who crossed over heavily into the pop arena.

When Fannie Lebby stepped on stage to offer her director's remarks before “Mourning Mill Creek,” she was filled with gratitude.

When Mississippi native Christone “Kingfish” Ingram played as part of the 2018 Blues at the Arch lineup, he was still a teen prodigy. His name was already circulating as the heir apparent to the late B.B. King, but he had yet to release an album. That would come almost a year later — long after he stunned St. Louis blues lovers with talent and instinct that stretched far beyond his 18 years during the festival's third annual run.

The auditorium at IBEW Local 1 was already full before the program began. Families stood shoulder to shoulder along the back wall. Supporters leaned against both sides of the room. And every seat held someone who came to witness the moment the 2026 class of the St. Louis Internship Program stepped forward to celebrate what they had built this summer.

Anthony Jones knew he wanted to be a director long before he understood what a director actually did. What he did know — even as a kid — was that he wanted to tell his own stories. “I knew that I wanted to be a director before I knew exactly what a director was,” he said. “But I also knew that to be that I wanted to be able to tell my own stories.”