Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) recently held its inaugural Lights of Remembrance ceremony as part of Black History Month. The event took place on February 27 and was organized by SLU graduate student Sam Hall in collaboration with the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved. The ceremony aimed to honor enslaved individuals who contributed to building and sustaining the university and other Jesuit missions in Missouri during the 19th century.

"Tonight, we gather not only to remember but to honor and hold space for the past, acknowledge the present and commit to the future," said Hall. "This is more than just a vigil; it is a reclamation of truth and a step toward justice."

Robin Proudie, founder of Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, emphasized, "We’re here to take them [our ancestors] out of the darkness and bring them into the light for their contributions and for their sacrifice. We are a living testament, and we will not stop until everyone who walks through these doors knows who — along with the Jesuit founders — were there doing the heavy lifting."

The evening began with a drum call by master drummer Aakhen Anu, inviting community members and ancestors into the space through traditional West African rhythms. Christopher Tinson, Ph.D., chair of SLU’s Department of African American Studies, provided a land acknowledgment recognizing Indigenous peoples displaced from their ancestral lands in St. Louis.

Tinson also discussed SLU's involvement in Universities Studying Slavery (USS), highlighting ongoing efforts to explore slavery's "devastating history." He remarked, "As devastating as that history was, it did not kill the African spirit, and it did not kill the African people. Our resilience is as much of the story as our oppression."

Amari M. Sneferu officiated a libation ceremony honoring ancestors' enduring spiritual presence. During this time, poet InnerGy presented "When Light Is Not Enough," while pianist Royce Martin performed ragtime pieces including one co-written by Louis Chauvin.

Following readings by members of SLU's Black Student Association and Student Government Association naming enslaved ancestors, descendants Safiyah Chauvin, Rev. Greg Holley, and DoMarco Holley shared reflections on their family histories.

The event concluded with a candlelighting tribute to Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., SLU’s first vice president for diversity and innovative community engagement.

"Light is a symbol of guidance, remembrance and resilience," Hall stated before attendees proceeded outside for candlelighting at CGC. "Let them remind us that though our ancestors are no longer here in body, their light continues to shine through us."

Support for Lights of Remembrance came from various university departments including SLU’s Black Student Association and Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement.