Nominations start March 1!
St. Louis American See page A13
The
FEB. 26 – MAR. 4, 2026
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
Vol. 97 No. 46 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Stephen Westbrooks: Connecting capital and community needs schools and community organizations. His role involves overseeing lending decisions, guiding investment strategy and advising organizations navigating complex real estate and development challenges across Missouri, Southern Illinois and Kansas. In St. Louis, that work frequently means structuring loans and helping early childhood centers, fresh food providers and human service orga-
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
In boardrooms where multimillion-dollar deals are debated and spreadsheets shape the future of neighborhoods, Stephen Westbrooks is often the one asking a different question: Who gets access? Westbrooks is executive director of IFF’s Southern Region, part of a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that provides loans and financial consulting to nonprofits,
Stephen Westbrooks is executive director of IFF’s Southern Region, part of a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution.
See Westbrooks, A13
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Salute to Excellence in Business
Leaders honored, futures imagined By Ashley Winters St. Louis American “I am somebody.” With those words, KSDK anchor Brent Solomon opened the St. Louis American Foundation’s sold-out 24th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business luncheon, invoking the late Rev. Jesse Jackson’s familiar affirmation of dignity and resilience. The event brought together business and civic leaders to recognize Black executives, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders whose work strengthens communities and expands opportunity. Proceeds support the foundation’s education, workforce development and community-impact initiatives. Honorees were Keith Williamson, Lifetime Achiever in Business; Akberet Boykin-Farr, Corporate Executive of the Year; Eric Rhone, Entrepreneur of the Year; and Leslie Gill, Nonprofit Executive of the Year. Gill, president and CEO of Rung for Women, recalled walking past The St. Louis American’s Lindell Boulevard office as a teenager. “I consider it to be such an honor,” she said, crediting her team for the organization’s impact. Boykin-Farr, vice president of human resources and corporate functions at Emerson, reflected on legacy, sharing a story about her mother overcoming discrimination while teaching overseas. Rhone traced his career to local comedy clubs before building a production company in Hollywood. Williamson highlighted the shared responsibility of advancing sustainable prosperity.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Lynn Woolfolk recently filed claims connected to his deceased parents. He said that retrieving the required documents cost him nearly $300.
‘It’s real’
Robertson resident’s payout over her radiation exposure brings hope By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American On a rainy Saturday afternoon, about 20 former residents of Robertson, Missouri gathered in the lower level of First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertson in Hazelwood, many carrying folders thick with documents. Damp coats hung on a rack near the entrance. Fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead. At the tables, attendees compared notes, documents and worries accumulated Scan the QR code for RECA resources and com- over decades. But the most important evidence in the room pensation information, or wasn’t paperwork. call 202-228-4388. It was Dorothy Butler. Last month, Butler, 64, became one of the first known former Robertson residents to receive compensation through the
See Radiation, A13 BUSINESS
INSIDE See four pages of Salute to Business photo coverege. Pages B8-B11
Dorothy Butler
SPORTS
Rising optimism among business leaders suggests growth for STL
Under Wallace, MICDS basketball continues successful run
Page A5
Page B5
Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans. The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey reveals a turnaround from last June.
The East St. Louis Flyers head into this week’s basketball playoffs with high aspirations after finishing with a 26-4 record and the Southwestern Conference championship.