Kelly Price was the entertainment star of the show at the Eta Boulé Foundation benefit concert on June 8th at the historic Sheldon Concert Hall. But her presence didn’t keep the spotlight from shining on the young scholarship recipients who were honored for participating in the Dr. Henry Givens Scholarship Program at Harris Stowe and Lincoln University.
St. Louis’ own David Steward, a philanthropist, investor, and owner of World Wide Technology, was honored at this premier event that celebrates the fathers and mentors committed to the youth of St. Louis. Steward’s son, David Steward, II, shared the stage with his father as he, too, was recognized by the foundation for the work he’s doing to create change in his own right as a mentor, film producer, and Academy Award winner.
[David Sr.] became emotional recalling his father and grandparents who struggled to find work in the segregated town, and were forced to create jobs for themselves. They were the first entrepreneurs he ever saw. He witnessed his father create opportunities for himself and wanted to be just like him.
Both men received the Eta Boulé Foundation 2024 Youth Empowerment Award, marking this evening the first time both the father and son were honored together. This elegant event was filled with distinguished guests and celebrity appearances from Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers. Mayor Tishaura Jones was on hand with a proclamation declaring June 8th the official David Steward, Sr. and David Steward, II Day.
The concert began with musical selections provided by Phillip Graves Entertainment and his band consisting of two lead singers, Phillip on the keyboard, two guitar players, one saxophonist, and a drummer. The ensemble cranked out vibrant renditions of old school hits like Every Little Step by Bobby Brown, Outstanding by The Gap Band, and Love Come Down by Evelyn “Champagne” King. The group performed together, then in rotation solos that displayed their control and passion for their respective instrument. Their ability to perform well together yet stronger on their own made this group even more striking. The crowd was energized when they performed a mash up of In Between the Sheets by The Isley Brothers and Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G., singing along as the band seamlessly blended these two styles together.
Following the performance, the honorees were presented with their awards and given time to speak. David Steward, II spoke about how this award was a personal honor and how he is humbled and inspired by the transformation he sees in those he mentors. He said he is thankful for these moments of celebration and the renewing energy they bring to the vital work he does for the community. He said he is committed to shaping the futures of St. Louis’s African-American youth through his service at the Steward Family Foundation, and wants to create a legacy that will inspire future generations. He made a call to other mentors to support the holistic development of our youth, particularly their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. He ended his speech declaring that “Together we can create a future for every African-American that has the opportunity to thrive, to dream without limits, and realize your full potential.”
David Sr. reflected on the awe he experienced pondering his rural childhood back in Clinton Missouri, tending to farm animals, and how it has translated to million-dollar contracts. He became emotional recalling his father and grandparents who struggled to find work in the segregated town, and were forced to create jobs for themselves. They were the first entrepreneurs he ever saw. He witnessed his father create opportunities for himself and wanted to be just like him.
After high school David Sr. said he hitchhiked to St. Louis where he met his wife, now celebrating 48 years of marriage. He founded World Wide Technology in 1990, starting with a handful of employees and a government contract. With dedication, and the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, he developed his small company into one that now has $20 billion in annual revenue. David Sr. believes his success is tied directly to his faith. He quotes Ephesians 3:20 as the most important lesson that he has learned in business; believing that all things are possible when you trust your own greatness and the God that works within you. Continuing to follow this higher calling he and his wife Thelma Steward created the Steward Family Foundation in 2013. For the last decade he has advocated for disenfranchised and underserved communities.
But the night wasn’t just for making speeches. Indeed, when Price took the stage in a dazzling silver jumpsuit with heels to match, the party really got started. She opened with her 2014 hit It’s My Time, then seamlessly transitioned into her classic You Should’ve Told Me. Price then performed one of her favorite covers, As We Lay, which was made famous by Shirley Murdock. In between each song she gave us some background on her career and upbringing in the C.O.G.I.C. church.
Price’s performance was highlighted by the pristine vocals and stage presence audiences have come to love and expect. She invited her fans to sing along to her gospel hit I Want To Thank You, and It’s Gonna Rain. With each note and trill Kelly demonstrated why she has been able to pursue her craft for over 25 years, collecting in Grammy Awards along the way.