Thank you, St. Louis! ❤️

To everyone who came out and celebrated with The St. Louis American at the 39th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala at St. Louis Union Station, thank you for making the night unforgettable.

We celebrated excellence, education, community and the people helping shape the future of St. Louis. Your support continues a legacy that has honored educators and students for nearly four decades.

We appreciate every honoree, sponsor, supporter and guest who helped make Salute 39 special.

#Salute39 #STLAmerican #StLouis #ExcellenceInEducation #BlackExcellence

‘I’m here to stand up for democracy’ says Kenneth Petty at the ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ protest on the Tamm Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri, Saturday Oct. 17, 2026.

This is the fourth national “No Kings” protests since President Trump second presidential term. Indivisible called on people throughout the country to mobilize neighbors and communities to vote early in the mid-term election. Over 3,000 “No Kings” protest our taking place today.

📷 Dawn Suggs | St. Louis American

#VoteEarly #UnlockTheBallot #ProtectDemocracy #STL #stlamerican

Navigating the ups and downs of life, especially through the twenties and into the thirties, reveals profound lessons. Adversity has shown the Lord’s faithfulness. #LifeLessons #Adversity #FaithJourney #PersonalGrowth

From classrooms to college campuses to city murals and community events, artist Patro “Pero” Ulmer is leaving his creative mark on the world, one color at a time. He’s an in-demand artist from Orangeburg, SC who believes art is “a way of living in which creativity is not a hobby, but a lifestyle.” We’ll discuss Patro’s inspiring journey from HBCU Claflin University to art classrooms as a educator to becoming a renowned muralist and painter across The Carolinas and beyond- and how he creates beauty even though he is colorblind.

Discover the sweet spot where your businesses, research, and liberation efforts align. Actualize your theories into practice and explore surprising connections, maybe even an abolitionist ice cream shop! #PassionProject #CareerGoals #FindYourNiche #Innovation

A powerful discussion on the responsibility to teach journalistic excellence, especially for Black journalists. Building community to lift future generations and ensure diverse voices shape our narratives. #BlackJournalism #Journalism #Community #Mentorship #Representation