When Mayah Clayton discusses public health, she doesn’t begin with statistics — she starts with individuals. A native of north St. Louis, Clayton merges creativity, personal experience, and a dedication to equality into her efforts, concentrating on the concrete effects of systemic inequalities. Her methodology is based on listening, mentoring, and actively supporting her community in meaningful ways.
Clayton obtained a bachelor’s in health sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2022 and will soon complete her master’s in public health, specializing in behavioral and mental health, from the Brown School.
Beyond her academic pursuits, she established Make A Mark, a community-driven organization aimed at alleviating disparities within Black populations. The organization addresses urgent needs — distributing sexual health kits, providing blankets for unhoused individuals in downtown areas, and organizing annual toy drives for single mothers.
As a photographer, she utilizes her camera to shed light on underrepresented communities and question how public health is taught, discussed, and implemented.
A graduate of St. Louis Public Schools, she is committed to transforming the narrative surrounding the neighborhoods she knows intimately.
What ignited your interest in public health, and how has it developed?
I hail from a community where ‘health care’ primarily signified being a doctor or a nurse. Initially, I enrolled in pre-nursing at Mizzou, but I found the curriculum unengaging. I transitioned to health sciences and distinctly recall learning about how ZIP codes influence life expectancy and how Missouri has low rankings in health outcomes. I kept pondering, ‘We’re being educated about systemic issues, yet no one is discussing solutions.’ That ignited a passion within me.
During the protests in 2020 following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, I returned home and embraced activism. I recognized I didn’t want to merely be a bystander to systems — I wanted to confront them. This realization, together with my passion for health, directed me toward public health. At the Brown School, I delved into epidemiology, research techniques, and biostatistics — but my true passion remained in qualitative work, engaging with individuals and fostering trust.
Which experiences have influenced your vision the most?
One of the most impactful experiences was my practicum with LEAD STL (Leadership, Empathy, Advocacy, Diversity), a nonprofit that offers immersive learning opportunities to youth. I began by educating middle and high school students about history, identity, privilege, and oppression — particularly through a Black and Jewish perspective.
A moment that remains etched in my memory was leading a public health session for students from Parkway School District. We explored issues of racism in healthcare, health inequalities, and historical wrongs similar to those encountered by Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Witnessing students develop awareness and discover their own voices was incredibly gratifying. It reinforced my conviction in community-centered change.
What are your aspirations for your work going forward?
I’m still navigating that path. I’m taking a leap of faith. I’m also a photographer, and I’ve come to realize that public health storytelling doesn’t have to resemble a report or a research paper. Motivated by projects like Humans of New York and photographers such as James Van Der Zee, I’m embarking on a photojournalism endeavor to capture the daily experiences of St. Louis residents — especially those living in marginalized neighborhoods often referred to as ‘red zones’ in public health discussions.
When I hear certain areas of St. Louis described as unsafe or failing, I want to depict the individuals I know — laughing at bus stops, gathering at events, simply living their lives. I once heard a predominantly Black neighborhood labeled as a ‘bad area.’ But what does that truly imply? These are ordinary individuals facing systemic challenges. I aim to capture that and use it as a gateway to discuss public health.
We need greater empathy in our teaching and practices — especially for students like me who originate from the communities being researched. We are not just statistical data. My vision for public health includes creativity as a core element rather than a secondary consideration. Initially, I believed I would leave St. Louis post-graduation. But now? I’m staying. Make A Mark will persist. I aspire to purchase a home here, establish a life here, and continue to create the kind of future we all deserve.
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