Berry, Bolden, Diuguid, Smith and Steward recognized
By Cherice Jones For The St. Louis American
At noon on Saturday, August 29, Father Urey Patrick Marks of St. Nicholas Catholic Church blessed the audience as the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, located at 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., began its 2009 induction ceremony for its 8th annual Walk of Fame Celebration.
Gateway Classic President and CEO Earl Wilson Jr. said, “We have spent the past eight years recognizing important leaders in the community that participate in all areas such as sports and military, and who were born and raised in St. Louis. We have a committee that selects candidates based on their achievements and contributions to the community.”
The 2009 recipients of the Walk of Fame award were “The Father of Rock and Roll,” Chuck Berry; the first African American to serve in the United States Secret Service, Abraham Bolden; a scholar and owner of DuGood Chemicals in St. Louis, Dr. Lincoln I. Diuguid; a notable musician, the late Lloyd A. Smith; and founder and chairman of World Wide Technologies, Inc., David L. Steward.
Following the invocation and lunch, Vice President of AmerenUE Richard Mark shared a few remarks about the selected group. “We have chosen a committee that demonstrates excellence,” said Mark.
Ms. Gateway Classic of 2000, Sarah Wise, then introduced each honoree and their accomplishments.
The first to be announced was Chuck Berry, who was unable to attend due to his scheduled performance in Utah. His son Charles Berry Jr. accepted the award on his behalf and described his father as “unstoppable.”
Bolden was the next person to be recognized for his service to our country. He shared accounts of his past experiences serving for President John F. Kennedy. Also, he left the audience with the inspiring words, “We have to send a strong message. The truth is God. We have to stand for truth and justice. If we don’t, then we don’t deserve either one.”
Diuguid was acknowledged because he is an excellent chemist who stated that he was working on a cure for cancer. He gave an empowering speech about how being an African American has motivated him to succeed.
“I’m black, and that makes me work harder. I accomplish my own goals and set my own standards, no matter the opposition. Never get sidetracked. When you get pushed down, get up and work that much harder,” said Diugiud.
The Bosman twins performed a musical selection in honor of their father, the late Lloyd A. Smith. Smith’s daughter, Cheryl Walker, recited her powerful poetic dedication to her father, “My Daddy was a Horn Player,” which received a standing ovation.
Steward ended the acknowledgments with a speech about how his company started from very little and has grown into a leader in the nation and the largest African American-owned business in the U.S.
The ceremony continued right outside the foundation on the sidewalks of Martin Luther King Drive and 20th Street. The unveiling of the 2009 Walk of Fame was astonishing, with a flag show presented by the St. Louis Fire Department. Each winner was awarded a diamond-shaped plaque stating their accomplishments that was then embedded into the ground. All recipients were photographed next to their plaque.
Asked what he gained from being a native of St. Louis, Steward said, “I’ve gained encouragement, hope, love and care. I’ve learned something very significant from each person here today. I have seen people work very hard, despite their circumstances. They succeeded anyway and when you take a look at that, it signifies power.”