Saint Louis University and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, in partnership with Ameren, will host their fifth annual memorial tribute honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12, in the Wool Ballroom of SLU’s Busch Student Center, 20 N. Grand Blvd.
More than 430 people have registered for the event that will begin with a breakfast at 8:30 and continue with a program that will start at 9:30 a.m.
George Fraser, who has been called “the new voice of African Americans,” will be the keynote speaker.
“White people will not save us; they aren’t even thinking about us. No one will save us but us!” Fraser said at the State of the World Conference IV convened November 16 in Newark, New Jersey, according to the L.A. Sentinel.
For roughly 20 years, Fraser has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Frasenet, Inc., a global networking movement that brings together diverse human resources to increase opportunities for people of African descent.
Today, Fraser is considered by many to be one of the foremost authorities on economic development, networking and building effective relationships.
During his career, Fraser held leadership positions with Procter & Gamble, the United Way, and Ford Motor Company. He has authored two critically acclaimed books and serves as chairman of Phoenix Village Academy, three Afrocentric charter schools that serve inner city children of Cleveland and Akron.
While Fraser’s accomplishments are significant, his beginnings were humble. Born in Brooklyn, to a family of 11 children, he was orphaned at 4 and spent 14 years in foster homes.
The program also will include a welcome by Fred P. Pestello, president of Saint Louis University, prayers by Father Michael Barber, professor of philosophy, and a reflection by Jonathan C. Smith, special assistant to the president for diversity and community engagement.
In addition, SLU graduate and student Garvaundo Hamilton, and Sylvester “Sunshine” Lee will perform musical selections, and Sharon Harvey Davis, vice president and chief diversity officer for Ameren, will speak.
Nineteenth Ward Alderwoman Marlene Davis will join Pestello and SLU alumnus Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, to present awards. McMillan will emcee the program.
During this special event, the following individuals and businesses will be honored for their contributions to the St. Louis community:
- Gentry W. Trotter, founder of Heatupstlouis.org
- Kelvin Adams, superintendent of St. Louis Public School District
- Elizabeth “Beth” J. Stroble, president of Webster University
- Eugene Redmond, Poet Laureate of East St. Louis, educator and writer
- Natalie DuBose, owner of Natalie’s Cakes and Natalie’s Sweet Success
- Halbert Sullivan, founding president and chief executive officer of Father’s Support Center St. Louis
- Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch
- U.S. Bank, philanthropic supporter of African Americans and Ferguson
- Mary Gould, director of SLU’s Prison Program.
Parking is available in the university garage located at Grand and Laclede.
