“What’s the 411?” emcee Rebeccah Bennett said to the capacity crowd at the Chase Park Plaza on Thursday evening. “They’ve got it going on,” the crowd shouted back in unison.
It was a fresh, fitting – and fly – way to recognize the sophomore class of Young Leaders being honored by the St. Louis American Foundation and Emerson for their service to the St. Louis region.
The breakout hip-hop hit from Mary J. Blige’s debut album was given a new meaning nearly 20 years after it inspired plenty of grooves.
“You hear all of the things that they have going on in their professional lives and in their civic lives,” Bennett said. “We’re going to really make them feel special, because they are. They represent some of our best and our brightest.”
The ritual never got old as the 20 recipients – chosen by a committee of their peers from more than 100 community submissions – stepped forward to accept the honor.
The 2012 Young Leaders are: Lamar Agard, Lashanda R. Barnes, Stefan M. Bradley, Tasha Pettis Bonds, Charla M. Claypool, Desiree S. Coleman, Craig Glover, Carmen R. Guynn, Harlan B. Hodge, Nate K. Johnson, Raegan Johnson, Kenya M. Leonard, Kendra Neely-Martin, Richard T. Middleton IV, Serena Muhammad. Frederick J. Riley, Amber D. Simpson, Oluchi Lisa Uwah, Michael T. Whitley and Ronda F. Williams.
By the time the final name was called, an energy and fervor permeated the Chase’s Starlight Room full of bank vice presidents, senior corporate counselors, education leaders, not-for-profit executives, inclusion compliance managers, realtors and health professionals, with personal interests that range from international outreach to organizing Salsa dance conventions.
“What we see here are individuals who have managed their civic responsibilities in a way that helps uplift us all,” Bennett said.
The awardees’ people showed out in strength, too.
“I walked all over this room and have seen mothers and fathers and husbands and wives and grandparents and children,” said Kathy Osborn, director of the Regional Business Commission. “ I’m going to ask you to thank them for all that they’ve done to support our leaders.”
Title sponsor Emerson represented at the event.
“Emerson is proud to be the presenting sponsor for this second year,” said Teesha Hernandez of Emerson. “We are fortunate to have such dynamic young leadership to strengthen our community in the future.”
Author and activist Kevin Powell offered closing remarks, which were equal parts inspiration and challenge.
“I love and respect the Civil Rights Movement, but we have to have a different kind of leadership in the 21st century and the folks I saw walking up here represented that – amen,” Powell said.
Then added: “I would recommend that you don’t call yourself a leader, just do the work.”
One awardee, Harlan Hodge, had been doing the work right up until the awards event. Hodge, who is president of Imagine Services and director of the non-profit afterschool program Character Chess, arrived a little late because he had just chaired a meeting with 30 kids talking about setting goals.
“By the time I left there, all of them had clearly defined their goals, and they have become accountable to each other about reaching their goals,” said Hodge. “That’s the greatest accomplishment I have today.”
St. Louis American Foundation President Donald M. Suggs often emphasizes the importance of encouraging a coterie of young professionals who mutually strengthen each other and their commitment to theSt. Louisregion. That work also was furthered at the Young Leaders event.
“When you hear about what other people are doing, it really inspires you,” said Oluchi Lisa Uwah, field perspective consultant, business development group at Wells Fargo Advisors. “I met a lot of great people; it was a great event.”