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“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>As many would attest that afternoon, Johnny Furr Jr. was true to form when he recently was recognized for his contributions to the community and 30-plus year career with Anheuser-Busch.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>He could have easily said a few words and then sat alongside the Rev. Michael Jones and several other mentors to listen to the chorus of thank yous and congratulations coming from the sanctuary at his home church, Friendly Temple.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Instead, he used the event as a launching pad for the next chapter of his life’s work as a community advocate.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It takes bravery to do the work that Johnny was doing in corporate America,” said Susan L. Taylor, editor emeritus of
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>Essence Magazine the National Cares Mentoring Movement.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“And today could have been all about you, Johnny – but that’s not you. What you have done is turn it around and make it about the children.”
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The event was part “This is Your Life,” part kick-off celebration. Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Judge Mableen Ephram, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Taylor were among the national personalities on hand, along with hundreds of family, friends, church members, politicians and community leaders.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Guests spoke – and sang – his praises for a job well done, while simultaneously ushering Furr and his wife, Minga Furr, into a new chapter with the launch of St. Louis Cares, the local leg of a national mentoring campaign started by Taylor.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Today is more than a celebration of a career – it is a commencement,” said John E. Jacob, former executive vice president and board member of Anheuser-Bush and president emeritus of the National Urban League.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Johnny knows that it’s not enough for him to have been successful, unless he reaches back and helps others to succeed too. Johnny Furr is a bridge builder. He is building a bridge for the young people in this community so that they can grow up and be the next Johnny Furr. And he is challenging us to join this battle so that we all can make a difference.”
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Furr’s decision to embark on St. Louis Cares – making St. Louis one of 57 cities participating in the National Cares Mentoring Movement – represents a full circle of his association with the organization.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>National Cares has been endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee and Harry Belafonte, but the organization began with Furr writing the first check back in 2006 when he was vice president of community affairs and consumer outreach for Anheuser-Busch
was editorial director of
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>Essence Magazine
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“There would not be National Cares – which began as Essence cares – without Johnny,” Taylor said. “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>‘Son of St. Louis’ “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I want to thank God for the grace and favor that he’s shown this poor boy from North St. Louis,” Furr said. “Reflecting on the journey from the Ville neighborhood to this sanctuary, it’s been a journey that I’m very thankful and blessed that I’ve been able to travel.”
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>His remarks were more a humbly submitted list that paid homage than a formal speech. He thanked the Ville neighborhood, Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club, coaches, coworkers, mentors, his alma maters Sumner High School and Saint Louis University, and many more.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I’ve got a lot of thanking to do,” Furr said. “I am a son of St. Louis, and I truly say that caring adults and community organizations and mentors have made a major influence in my life – and in many ways saved my life.”
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In true Furr fashion, he deflected the spotlight from himself. As he stepped away from the sanctuary, he challenged the community.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“In so many ways, this moment really isn’t about me. It is a testament to God’s grace and favor,” Furr said.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It is a reminder of how loving family, caring adults and institutions, and the support of friends and mentors can make a real difference in a person’s life. I pledge I will continue to support our young people. My humble request to you is that we all recommit ourselves to giving our children a chance to be everything that God has intended them to be.” “font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>No ‘Negro amnesia’
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Many blacks get in the corporate corridors and get automatic Negro amnesia
“mso-spacerun: yes;”> atmosphere that the higher the elevator takes them the less they remember,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton.
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“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“But thank God Johnny Furr has never been like that – he’s never been one that you had to remind. Johnny Furr fought in those corridors for us. He fought for blacks in the company. He fought to make sure his community – not only in St. Louis, but even around the country – shared from some of the revenue we generate in the corporate world. And he was grounded.”
