A new generation of Black leaders helping shape St. Louis through business, advocacy, the arts and community service will be honored Thursday during the 2026 Salute to Young Leaders Awards Reception hosted by The St. Louis American Foundation.
The annual event recognizes African American professionals under 40 whose work is impacting communities across the region.
Michael Holmes, chairman of the board for The St. Louis American Foundation, said many of this year’s honorees reflect a broader shift in how younger professionals define success — balancing career advancement with advocacy, mentorship and service.
“They are giving back while simultaneously building their own careers,” Holmes said. “They care about others and want to help them succeed in life.”
Among this year’s honorees is Church Pinkston, owner of Church Productions, whose photography and visual storytelling have documented St. Louis through what he describes as a more positive lens.
“We get a lot of negative press, but there are so many people doing great things in this city,” Pinkston said. “I want to help spread that awareness through my cameras.”
Raven Whitener, director of the Foundation, said this year’s class includes leaders involved in tornado relief, violence prevention, economic development, financial literacy and arts advocacy.
“What stood out most this year was the depth of commitment each honoree has to the St. Louis community,” Whitener said. “Across the board, these individuals are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also actively pouring back into the region in meaningful ways.”
For Alonzo Townsend, the importance of giving back was shaped by mentors who guided him early in life and throughout his career, including his father and St. Louis music legends Oliver Sain, Johnnie Johnson and Robert Jr. Lockwood. He also credited support from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation and Chris Hansen with helping sharpen his creative vision and leadership skills.
His journey also included personal hardship. Townsend said losing his home during last year’s tornado became a turning point in his life and career.
“Losing so much through personal and professional adversity — including losing my home in last year’s tornado — made me surrender to God and begin the journey to redeem and rebuild,” he said. “It reminded me never to take the journey for granted again.”
As Mission Fund Director for the St. Louis Blues Society, Townsend helped lead pandemic relief efforts that raised more than $100,000 in direct grants for musicians in need. He also serves with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis New Works Collective.
Reflecting on his path as a young professional, Townsend said integrity and accountability remain central to his work.
“Respect is everything,” Townsend said. “The most valuable currency is time. The second is your name. Be accountable, walk with worth and maintain empathy. Never stop learning and never be afraid to apologize.”
The Salute to Young Leaders Awards Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.