By Jim Baer
Every community has one or two leaders who give of themselves
in an unselfish and exemplary manner. These leaders possess
vision and set positive examples so others might improve their
lot. These leaders leave a legacy whereby the community is a
better place to work, play and stay.
One of St. Louis’ visionaries is Earl Wilson Jr., president
and CEO of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation.
Wilson has been blazing a path for inner-city residents, especially
the youth of St. Louis since graduating high school and becoming
a ROTC captain at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Clearly,
he’s pioneered a way for African Americans, setting examples
for others to learn.
Fourteen years ago, Wilson wanted to elevate the status of African
Americans in St. Louis. He founded a classic football game at
the downtown Edward Jones Dome, built a sleek and modern sports
and community facility on the near north side and began to feed
the hungry and educate the youth as tomorrow’s leaders.
Following his mission statement, the Foundation continues to
strive towards its goal of providing financial support to the
community by way of scholarships and sports and social programs.
Foundation activities span an entire 12-month calendar.
At age 75, Wilson is just as spry as ever, always striving to
outwork and out hustle his own professional staff. He’s as comfortable
schmoozing executives in board rooms as barbequing tender ribs
on a smoky grill (one of many ways to fundraise for the Foundation).
Innovative in nature, he purchased a downtown parking lot to
help pay a portion of the note on his building at 2012 Dr. Martin
Luther King Drive in downtown St. Louis.
Step out the door of the Foundation and you can clearly see
the Dome, just east of there on Washington Avenue.
To date, more than $2.2 million has been raised for his scholarship
fund, educating more than 100 inner city and disadvantaged county
African-American students who otherwise might not have the means
to attend college. Fifty-five of the awardees have already graduated
from historic black colleges or universities. Last year alone,
$277,000 was awarded to the scholarship fund. Qualifying students
need only to have a C+ average and a strong will to learn. “We
help students that have mainly been written off by others.”
Dr. Donald Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American and confidant
of Wilson says his contributions have been significant.
“He (Earl) has made extraordinary contributions and made the
most of his business background. He’s a tireless community worker
who has a passion to help his community. He’s been steadfast
in his commitment and we’ve realized great dividends. He took
his ideas and put flesh on the words. I personally appreciate
what he’s done for our community,” says Suggs.
Wilson almost didn’t arrive back home. After an illustrious
30-year sales career with IBM, he planned to join the Black
Caucus in Washington, D.C. as a lobbyist. However, his wife
became ill with cancer and they returned to their roots in St.
Louis. Subsequently, she passed away from the disease.
Prior to living in Connecticut, D.C. and Paris, he raised his
family in St. Louis and his daughter became a Pulitzer Prize
winning journalist, and his son a radio executive.
Wilson needed a cause in retirement and the Gateway Classic
became his brave new world. He built both the Foundation and
the sports facility in short order.
Proud is the fact that he built a $3 million facility with cash
covering more than $2.4 million of the debt. Nearly 62 percent
of the work was done by minority contractors. Today he invests
the Foundation money carefully, showing net assets in the bank
of more than $2 million.
Wilson is most proud that fundraising is not through the typical
charitable ‘hand out’ routine. He carefully measures community
interest through business partnerships and woos financial support
with value-added returns and high-profile events. He realizes
sponsors come and go, always preparing to find replacements.
This year’s classic football game is sponsored by the Chrysler
Corporation. On Saturday, September 29 at 3 p.m. Langston University
of Oklahoma will meet Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Ala. in
the showcase game at the Dome. “It’s more than a football game.
It’s become a way of life,” says Wilson proudly.
Wilson has collared entertainers and celebrities from around
the country to join his weekend-long celebration in downtown
St. Louis. Joining week-end activities are Cedric “The Entertainer,”
Miss America Debbye Turner, Marshall Faulk, Jackie Joyner-Kersee,
Richard Roundtree, Gladys and Bubba Knight and a host of others.
No one gets a dime for their personal appearances.
The weekend features the ‘Battle of the Bands,’ the Dick Gregory
Comedy Kick Off Reception, the St. Louis Rams Coaches’ Luncheon,
the Sodexho Lifetime Achievement Awards’ Dinner, a downtown
parade sponsored by Chrysler Financial and Ameren UE and of
course, the big game.
People often ask why Wilson doesn’t bring in more high profile
college teams like Tennessee State, Jackson State, Florida A&M.
Southern University or Grambling University?
“We’re focused on bringing in a lot of money for scholarships,
not just paying teams. Those teams are more in demand and they
cost a lot more,” he reveals. “Besides, they are always booked
up.”
Building attendance at the game is Wilson’s main focus. He has
commitments from Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie
Dooley to buy big blocks of tickets, improving his game average
above the 40,000 mark. Being the veteran marketer, he wouldn’t
be satisfied if a sellout attracted 64,000 to the game. He’d
want a still bigger stadium.
To spice attendance, all kinds of prizes are in a drawing at
halftime this year. One lucky guest will leave with one of three
brand new Chrysler products (a Dodge Caliber, Jeep Patriot or
a Chrysler Sebring). Also, one lucky ticket holder will win
a trip for two to Paris on American Airlines and other drawings
include color TVs and other giveaways.
Clear Channel Radio has made a commitment to put on a national-level
halftime show. Darrel “Easy” Eason, program and music director
for KMJM/Majic 104.9 vows this year’s halftime show will be
the best in Classic history.
Wilson maintains a dizzying array of fundraising events all
year long. The game is not the only show on his schedule. Booked
this year is the Dr. Martin Luther King Basketball Shoot-Out
in January, the African American Outstanding Citizens Award
Luncheon in February, the G.I. Joe Boxing Showcase in April,
the Gateway Classic Kickoff Reception in May, a scholarship
golf tournament hosted by National City bank in June, the National
City Miss Gateway Scholarship Pageant in July, the Ameren Annual
Walk of Fame induction in September, the Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving
Dinner and the Human Development Corporation Christmas Party
for Kids in December.
One of the byproducts of the foundation is a ‘Walk of Fame’
surrounding the building and recognizing local African Americans
for exemplary achievements.
His friends are thrilled by his good deeds.
St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George is proud of all the efforts.
“Education is the key to success in life, and Earl has provided
benefits to so many students. He’s made a significant investment
in the St. Louis community and given young children so many
options to show them the right way to go. He’s worked hard to
keep kids in school and off drugs,” says the chief.
Retired St. Louis Alderman and executive board member Irving
Clay Sr. says Wilson has done magnificent things for St. Louis
citizens.
“The foundation is youth oriented and operates on a very low
budget. He’s lined up many volunteers and provided food for
the needy and brought great recognition to African Americans.
Earl is a hard worker who had an idea and the vision to make
it happen. He’s a heckuva promoter and created a week of fun
for all of us,” says Clay.
County Executive Dooley is an Earl Wilson admirer. “After a
very successful career in the private sector, Earl has become
an outstanding community leader. He has his retirement years
to stay busy and help the community with the creation of the
Gateway Foundation. The foundation has done some incredible
work.” Dooley points out needy county youths have received in
excess of $700,000 in scholarship money.
Henry Givens Jr., president of Harris-Stowe State University
says the foundation plays an invaluable role in the community.
“The Gateway Classic Sports Foundation plays a tremendous and
beneficial role in the St. Louis community. The Gateway Classic
focuses upon youth, and there are many important programs that
this organization sponsors such as basketball, baseball, boxing,
pageants, etc. In other words, the Gateway Classic is not just
a football game.”
Givens figures Wilson should be the next inductee on the Walk
of Fame. “Earl takes on extraordinary responsibility, he is
a world champion. He does not give up the fight, and his only
goal is to complete each task in a first class manner. Earl
Wilson is the ultimate businessman,” says Dr. Givens.
In this world, there are givers and there are takers. Earl Wilson
Jr. is clearly one of the biggest givers this community will
ever know. This not-for-profit sports organization is making
a social difference and creating a great deal of self-sufficiency,
especially among the local youth.
Are you ready to buy tickets for the big game? Earl Wilson will
gladly take care of your needs.
