What's in a Name?
The Who
My name is Ron Butts, and I’m the founder and president of the Creative Arts & Construction Initiative. My journey began in 1978, the year I graduated from Normandy High School. That same year, I was introduced to a life-changing opportunity through the Urban League, which led me to enroll in the AGC (Associated General Contractors) Construction Training School. That path led me to become a union carpenter—a trade I worked in with pride for decades, before retiring.
1978 also marked the beginning of another lifelong passion: DJing. Since then, I’ve built a parallel career in music, performance, and production that has spanned radio, live events, and recorded media. In 1988, I founded Wiz-A-Tron Records, a St. Louis-based record label committed to developing and supporting local talent. My love for music and media expanded in 1995 when I pioneered the video mixtape, a concept that merged DJ culture with visual storytelling. As a video editor and producer, I helped create projects for major labels including Atlantic, Def Jam, Sony, TVT, Interscope, Geffen, A&M Records, and the Recording Academy (NARAS), as well as national artists such as Case, Method Man, and Ghostface Killah.
My radio career started in 1989 on community station KDHX, where I connected with listeners through grassroots programming and continued with on-air roles at Mix 97.1, Music Choice, and Foxy 95.5 WFUN. as a mixshow DJ. Over the years, I’ve received numerous awards for my contributions to music and my support of legendary artists including Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One, Naughty by Nature, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and others.
In 2009, I released my first documentary, The Rink: The History of St. Louis and East St. Louis Roller Skating, preserving a vibrant chapter of local culture. A decade later, I produced Background Check: The Story of St. Louis and East St. Louis Hip Hop 1979–1995 Vol. 1. This film earned the 2020 American Association of State and Local History Award, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in historical documentation for the state of Missouri.
On October 21, 2023 my journey was honored with a proclamation from the City of St. Louis, Missouri and on October 23, 2024 I received a Resolution from both the Missouri State Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives.
The What
My work bridges the gap between creative expression and practical skill. I’ve built bridges and layed foundations. I’ve produced soundtracks and edited hours of video. I’ve hosted radio shows and hosted film screenings. I’ve taught the value of discipline and safety in construction and shared the rhythm of music. Through every chapter of my career—whether pouring concrete, spinning records, editing videos, or producing documentaries—my focus has always been the same: access, education, and expression.
The Creative Arts & Construction Initiative is the result of these paths converging. We offer access to both the trades and the arts—especially to those from underrepresented communities.
From trade workshops to multimedia storytelling, our programs offer introductory experiences led by guest instructors, engaging films, and real-life conversations that will open the doors to careers in the creative and construction industries. We meet people where they are and show them what’s possible, guiding them toward the next steps on their journey to discover their potential and develop real-world skills.
The Why
I’ve been that kid—with questions, no roadmap, and no idea where to begin. I know what it means to be given a chance.
In 1978, someone opened a door for me—and it changed everything. That first DJ gig opened a door to lifelong creativity. Every opportunity I’ve had came from someone creating space—for me to learn, to work, to shine. Now, I’m doing the same for others.
The name on this organization may be mine, but this mission is for the community. For that person who needs a path. For the artist who needs a stage. For the builder who needs the right tools.
We’re here to show that access leads to action, and action leads to transformation.
Not everyone has access to the tools, the knowledge, or even the awareness of what's possible. But through community, storytelling, and shared experience, we can change that. We’re not just introducing careers—we’re planting seeds of confidence, creativity, and direction.
We believe that exposure leads to empowerment. And when people are shown they belong in these spaces—from building sites to recording studios—they begin to imagine a future they may have never seen before.
This is about more than jobs. It’s about legacy, voice, and vision. It’s about showing up for our communities and saying: You can do this. We’re here to help you begin.
Our History
Creative Arts & Construction Initiative (CACI) was founded in 2025 by a dedicated individual who recognized the growing need for equitable access to educational opportunities in both the creative and skilled trades. With a passion for community uplift and a deep commitment to inclusion, CACI was born out of a vision to create a local organization that bridges the gap between arts and construction—two fields rich in culture, expression, and opportunity.
CACI was created with the community in mind. Our founder saw that many people, especially in underrepresented areas, didn’t have enough access to the arts or hands-on job training. CACI was started not just as a program, but as a movement to give people real opportunities to grow and succeed—both personally and professionally.
What started as a simple idea has quickly grown into a vibrant initiative, offering workshops, mentorship, and community events that celebrate creativity, skill building, and community pride.
As we continue to grow, our mission remains clear: to inspire, educate, and empower individuals through access to transformative learning experiences in both the creative arts and construction industries.