With trademark braids flowing down her back, a dazzling smile and a positive spirit that became synonymous with Essence Magazine, inspiration and black womanhood for decades, Susan L. Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 21st Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet.
The event – an annual sellout – will be held Friday, September 5, 2008 at the America’s Center Ballroom. Taylor will soon join the ranks of some of the many outstanding previous keynoters for the Salute to Excellence, including Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Rev. Floyd Flake and Dr. Joycelyn Elders.
In addition to being a legendary and celebrity black journalist, Taylor is founder of the National Cares Mentorship Movement and is a tireless advocate for youth.
“Everyone likes to help middle-class kids, but what about those kids who don’t go to middle-class schools, and don’t have access to middle-class programs?” Taylor said in Seattle at a mentorship rally earlier this month.
“The negative forces claiming our children are more powerful at this moment than our community’s and country’s effort to secure them. We need to help these children, we must help these children.”
National Cares Mentoring Movement, a mentoring initiative for disenfranchised youth, is looking for at least 1 million mentors for children.
The Salute’s keynote speaker rose through the ranks of the black magazine giant, mostly as a single mother who put herself through college (Fordham University in New York), later serving as editor-in-chief and senior vice president of Essence.
Taylor is the author of several books, including All About Love: Favorite Selections from In the Spirit of Living Fearlessly, Lessons in Living, In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor and In the Spirit, Vol. 2.
She has edited, wrote forwards or introductions for several other books of African-American writers and used her platform at Essence Magazine to introduce readers to the work of countless black authors.
The Harlem-born Taylor has earned many awards, including an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and the Ford Fisher Award from Magazine Publishers of America.
Taylor’s fascinating personal journey and message of transformation will present a warm invitation of self-empowerment – and a call to mentorship – at the Sept. 5 Salute.
St. Louis American Foundation president Donald M. Suggs stated that the Foundation is extremely excited about Taylor’s acceptance to speak at the Salute. “We’re thrilled to have her join us for this year’s special event, now in its 21st year,” Suggs said.
More than 1,500 guests are anticipated for the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquets. Tickets for the event are $150 each for VIP/Corporate Seating, with tables of 10 at $1,500, or $85 each for General Seating tickets, with tables of 10 at $850. For tickets and information call 314-533-8000, ext. 305 or 313, or visit stlamerican.com.
2008 awardees
The St. Louis American Foundation also will honor one Lifetime Achiever in Education, one Stellar Performer in Education and eight Excellence in Education Awardees, as well as this year’s School of Excellence. More about the awardees will appear in each of the next three editions of the St. Louis American and on stlamerican.com.
