On Friday, May 16, 2025, a day before Chakakuan Johnson planned to attend commencement at the University of Missouri–St. Louis to graduate with her doctorate in education, an EF3 tornado tore through St. Louis creating a path of devastation for over 22 miles. The tornado caused approximately $1.6 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest tornados on record.

The tornado destroyed Chaka's home–the house she grew up in, a home left to her by her mother. Chaka has some family in St. Louis–and they're banding together–but rebuilding one's life after a loss like this, for many of us, would be inconceivable.

In Chaka's own words:

"When I turned onto my street, I saw that half the roof was gone. Every window was shattered–not just broken but blown inward. The tornado's force had ripped drywall from the walls. The ceilings had collapsed. It wasn't a house anymore, it was debris. If I had been home during the storm, I would've lost my life. I am grateful to be alive, but I must now face the overwhelming task of starting over. As a teacher, I've always worked to stabilize my students. Now I find myself needing support to rebuild my own life."

Chaka appreciates the power of community. She affirms, "Any help–donations, resources, or simply sharing my story–would mean more than I can express. This storm took everything from me, but with the strength of the community behind me, I believe I can begin again."

Chaka is a person of faith. She puts her faith into action every day, pouring love into her students and into the lives that God has entrusted to her. Let's love Chaka back and help her rebuild her home, and her life, in the coming weeks and months.