I interview longtime activists about their experience with initiating and nurturing social change in their communities. This month’s feature is St. Louis native, Robert Spence, an acclaimed chef, culinary arts enthusiast, and small business owner who often unites the community for social justice causes with his southern-style cuisines.

Tell us a little about your background.

Even as a little boy, I wanted to cook for a living. The cooking and entrepreneurial genes transferred over to me fro...