Real partnerships are essential to building inclusive economic growth that is sustainable and brings benefits to more for the greater good.
Throughout the St. Louis region and America.
Yet, the words Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have become targets in recent years instead of goals of fairness that all businesses and organizations should strive to achieve. If economic growth does not include all sectors of a community, it will stall and end.
This was true when the St. Louis American Charitable Foundation held its inaugural event honoring business, non-profit, and philanthropic leaders in 1999 and it remains so as the 22nd Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon nears on February 22, 2024, at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.
Multiple partners that are helping present this year’s event are representatives of diversity in every sense of the word.
The World Wide Technology Foundation and Steward Family Foundation are serving as lead sponsors.
Platinum sponsors are co-presenters; the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Greater St. Louis Inc., as well as Centene.
KAI Enterprise is the silver sponsor, and bronze sponsors include Andy’s Seasoning, Eta Boule Foundation Inc., Girls Incorporated STL, PARIC and Rubin Brown.
Donald M. Suggs, St. Louis American Charitable Foundation president, said it will take relationships and partners to advance inclusive economic growth in the face of the withering assault on policies that sought to address some of the exclusionary practices that hobbled African American’s access to opportunity, including this summer’s Supreme Court decision banning race as a factor for college admission.
“Those that attack the inclusion of all people in business growth and opportunities will not stop at college admissions,” he said.
“This is why the genuine strategic partnerships between the St. Louis American Foundation and civic and entrepreneurial stalwarts supporting the mission of Salute to Business are essential. It will take everyone that knows our economic future will be brighter if there is economic fairness.”
“Inclusive economic growth is essential for any major economic hub in this country to succeed,” said Urban League President and CEO Mike McMillan.
“Making sure that everyone has a seat at the table and is welcomed is not just the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. Our diversity needs to be celebrated and supported. DEI is good for business and good for America.”
Missouri is among 20 states where Republican lawmakers have filed at least 50 bills that would restrict DEI initiatives or require their public disclosure, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural. They want to get rid of DEI offices, dismantle anti-bias training and abolish diversity statements.
This first salvo of attacks came in 2023, and his year’s bills, as well as executive orders and internal agency directives, again focus heavily on higher education.
But proposed legislation also would limit DEI in K-12 schools, state government, contracting and pension investments. Some bills would bar financial institutions from discriminating against those who refuse to participate in DEI programs.
Last year in Jefferson City, the House passed 15 budget bills with approximately $48 billion in spending. Each had an amendment prohibiting the state to allocate funds or do business with entities embracing DEI. The bills did not pass in the Senate, but far-right legislators have pending bills in 2024.
“I do believe if these things are allowed to happen, we’re going right back to the Jim Crow laws,” said Marlene Terry (D-St. Louis) of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.
Rep. Peter Merideth (D-St. Louis) pointed out the folly of the bills saying, “We won’t even have Coke in our vending machines because I assure you Coca-Cola has diversity, equity, inclusion in their mission.”
“We wouldn’t be able to have our lights on because Ameren has diversity, equity, inclusion in their mission and staff associated with it. It’s absolutely bonkers.”
But the challenges will persist, which makes recognition of successful business leaders, entrepreneurs and those who are not afraid to stand up for fairness and inclusion.
