Grammy-nominated veteran R&B crooner Will Downing has adopted the recent tradition of closing out his shows with a thoughtfully curated roster of old school jams and grooves as he introduces audiences to his band and background vocalist.
Among the selection of snippets he chose for The Eta Boule Foundation’s 7th Annual Salute to Fathers and Mentors Concert Saturday was Shalamar’s upbeat 1982 dance hit “A Night to Remember.” The title of the song – and the energy of the sold-out crowd that sang along to it at The Sheldon – perfectly summed up the evening. Downing was the headliner, and gave his best during the hour-long set. St. Louis comedian and national media personality Darius Bradford and The Infamous DJ Quinn set the tone for a night that honored area change agents and changed lives through the distribution of scholarships.
While the event was mostly upbeat, the thousands impacted by the tornado that touched down within walking distance of the venue the day before were acknowledged.
Bradford joked about everything from the pitfalls of growing old, to trying to date younger women as a man of a certain age.
He also offered thoughts and prayers – and plugged a benefit event comedy performance he was holding later in the week at Westport.
“That’s what I’m on,” Bradford said. “Like our grannies used to do – when they cooked, they cooked for everybody, and made a way out of no way.”
Bradford and Downing’s performances bookended the event. In between the entertainment were inspiring moments that celebrated a pair of influential Black women leaders and distributed financial resources to young Black men scholars.
“Our primary mission is to inspire and support young Black male achievement in the St. Louis region,” said Darryl Jones, Chairman of The Eta Boule Foundation, the giving arm of the St. Louis chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
“We truly believe, what young people see is what they will be – that is why since 2009 the fraternity has mentored over 340 young men. Since 2017 we have provided scholarships to 100 students and granted $600,000 to support youth, family and health organizations.”
Steward Family Foundation Executive Director Adrian Bracy and United Way of Greater St. Louis President and CEO Michelle Tucker were celebrated for their contributions to the region.
“Tonight, we will honor two outstanding leaders in our community as 2025 Community Service honorees,” said Jones. “They are two compassionate leaders who understand what we have long believed – that in order to serve the people, you must love the people.”
Bracy was full of gratitude.
“I don’t take this for granted,” Bracy said. “I have friends who are doctors – PhDs and MDs – MBAs, JDs, CPAs and CFOs and they have never received an award. And they are deserving, but you thought of me.”
She directed her final remarks to the 20 scholars who were the 2025 recipients of the Dr. Henry Givens Scholarship. Each received a $2500 award from The Eta Boule Foundation.
“I’m telling you that you can’t do it alone,” Bracy said. “You need the right people in your corner.”
Tucker compelled the audience to get in the corner of the thousands impacted by the storms.
“I drove through the devastation. Properties are devastated. People are devastated,” Tucker said. “I don’t want us to forget what is happening outside of these doors tonight. It is very real.”
More than once in her speech she reminded everyone that “togetherness is our superpower.”
“You have to lean into the moment – think about what is happening with our neighbors,” Tucker said. “The only way we are going to make a difference is if we work together. I’m going to challenge you tonight to lean into what’s happening, to pay attention to get involved.”
Concert chair Vito Bracy introduced the scholars and asked for a student from each of the schools to issue remarks on behalf of their cohort.
Keith, a St. Louis native from Lincoln University, exemplified Tucker’s remarks.
“It was a bit of a hassle getting here,” Keith said. “I’m not gonna lie, my neighborhood was destroyed. Before I arrived, I was helping my neighbors. I am so blessed to be here.”
He was already stepping up to the challenge that Bracy presented the scholarship recipients – which was the whole purpose for the concert.
“Thank you for being a shining example of determination and the pursuit of knowledge,” Bracy said. “We wish you continued success in all of your future endeavors – and as you become successful, we ask that you also reach back and help young Black men.”