After an inspiring evening honoring educators, advocates, and scholars, the celebration didn’t stop—it shifted into high gear. As soon as guests exited the ceremony at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, they stepped into the after party. It was the perfect wind-down—or rather, turn-up—where folks could let loose, connect, and groove with like-minded professionals.
The theme, Old School vs. New School, set the tone for the night. Two powerhouse DJs commanded the turntables: DJ Kut repped the old school, while DJ Homicide brought the new school flavor. The crowd—a lively mix of generations—came ready to dance, laugh, and relive the soundtrack of their lives. The party was presented by Morgan Casey’s Date Ideas and Things To Do.
DJ Kut wasted no time setting the stage, dropping classics like LL Cool J’s “I’m Bad.” The floor quickly filled with partygoers throwing their hands up, nodding to the beat, and singing every word. The air buzzed with nostalgia as he kept the vibe alive with more ’90s heavy hitters.
Then the mood shifted. DJ Homicide took over, and the bass hit hard as Webbie’s “Wipe Me Down” blasted through the speakers. The club banger sent the younger crowd rushing to the floor. His smooth transitions carried everyone through the early 2000s with “Teach Me How to Dougie,” and straight into the present day with Kendrick Lamar’s “Black Grand National.” It was a seamless mix of eras—a musical time machine powered by rhythm and joy.
Not to be outdone, DJ Kut came back strong, spinning “Da’ Butt” by Experience Unlimited (EU), followed by Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and Tupac’s “I Get Around.” Every beat pulled the crowd closer together, celebrating the roots of Black culture and its ever-evolving sound.
Former mayor Tishaura Jones owned the dance floor all night. She floated across the room like Naomi Campbell in a white chiffon blouse and red flowing skirt—part elegance, part diva. She wasn’t alone. Guests who cut a rug ranged from Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Flint Fowler—who couldn’t resist dancing to “Boots on the Ground”—to the newest cohort of Suggs Scholars.
Creative touches added flair throughout the venue. Black-and-white caricature fans by The Art of Jas offered fun keepsakes that captured each guest’s personality. Photo ops included a grand white leather couch set against blue and purple décor, and a powerful display wall of The St. Louis American newspapers.
As the final song, Muni Long’s “Made for Me,” played, guests exited with smiles. Webster University Suggs Scholar Elias Tannous, a mainstay on the dance floor, was still swaying to the beat. The after party was a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and community—a quick blast to the past that no one wanted to end.