Unemployed truck driver and construction worker Thomas Jackson hopped on his bicycle in St. Louis’s Baden neighborhood Monday morning headed for the downtown bus connection that would deposit him near the West County concrete plant he’s heard is hiring.
Upon reaching downtown Jackson asked a stranger which was the best bus to take him (and his bike) on the next leg of the journey. In the ensuing conversation, the stranger learned Jackson, laid off two months ago, was looking for work. The stranger suggested the bicyclist check out the career fair sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay at Harris-Stowe University past five years.