Enslaved Descendants Slam SLU for Hollow Apology: "Where's the Economic Justice?"

A formal apology from St. Louis University (SLU) to descendants of enslaved Black individuals who helped build the institution was abruptly postponed, following the withdrawal of a descendant coalition just hours before the planned event. The group cited concerns that the ceremony lacked sincerity and substance.

"For five years, we have done everything they asked us to do," said Robin Proudie, executive director of Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved. "But what we will not do is become a photo op so they can go and parade us around and act like we are in alignment with what they are doing." She added, "We want them to engage with us in a sincere manner, and we didn't feel that this apology was really about us."

Descendants became more engaged with SLU last year during a teach-in, initiating talks about a path to repair. However, just days before the apology, Proudie requested details on the university's reparations plan. She received no information until the day of the event—and financial compensation was excluded. "They told us a monument, a public apology and a report, and that wasn't in conjunction with what we all talked about," she said. "A core element... was financial or economic empowerment, and they told us that was totally off the table."

About 20 descendants gathered at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for the postponed ceremony, many feeling disappointed. SLU President Fred Pestello acknowledged the delay, stating in a letter posted on the church doors: "This postponement does not signal an end to our engagement with reconciliation efforts. We remain hopeful for the future."

Eric Proudie, a direct descendant of Henrietta Mills Chauvin, enslaved by SLU Jesuits, shared his disappointment: "It made me feel like they don't see us, they don't care about us, the same way they did when they enslaved our ancestors."

Attorney Areva Martin, representing the descendants, criticized SLU for not consulting experts on reparations. "Without any conversation… no one was brought in to even have the conversation of what any kind of economic empowerment would look like," she said, expressing hope that a new university president will bring meaningful change. "This is not the end."

Link: STLPR