Kenya Vaughn, arts and entertainment editor of The St. Louis American, is among 10 media professionals being honored by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for their contributions to journalism, entertainment and the community.
For Vaughn, the recognition carries special meaning because of the journalists who have received the honor before her.
“I know people who have received the award in the past, so knowing the caliber of journalists that they select, it was encouraging and made me even more grateful that I get to do what I do every day,” Vaughn said.
The honor also holds special meaning for Vaughn because her mentor, former St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price, was previously recognized by the Urban League.
“It’s something that I will always treasure,” Vaughn said.
Rod Hicks, executive editor of The St. Louis American, welcomed the recognition.
“I appreciate the Urban League for recognizing how valuable Kenya is to both The St. Louis American and the St. Louis community,” Hicks said. “She brings intelligence, creativity and a deep understanding of this community to her reporting.”
“Kenya is our bulwark and rightly called the heartbeat of The American,” St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs said.
The nine other honorees are Damon Arnold, news anchor and journalist at KMOV; Jay Gill, vice president of engineering and operations at KTVI/KPLR; Morgan Harris, evening news anchor at KMOV; veteran radio personality DJ Kut; and Jasmine Osby, music, arts and entertainment reporter at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Also being honored are Tani “Talus” Robbin-Coker, brand manager at Audacy; Cam Rhodes of VOP (Voice of the People); Denisha Thomas, news director at KSDK; and Malik Wilson, television personality and “Show Me St. Louis” host at KSDK.
“Black media professionals have played an extraordinary role in shaping the stories, conversations and perspectives that define our community,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League.
The honorees will be recognized Thursday, Oct. 15, during the Urban League’s Salute to Blacks in Media Luncheon at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel. Veteran journalist Carol Daniel will serve as emcee.