ST. LOUIS — Community leaders, civil rights advocates, artists, media pioneers and entrepreneurs were recognized for their lifetime contributions during the Be The Change Foundation’s eighth annual Living Legends Awards Celebration, held July 25, 2026, at the Missouri History Museum.
The annual event celebrated individuals whose leadership, advocacy, service and lasting impact helped shape the St. Louis region while inspiring future generations.
Among those honored was Wiley Price, the iconic retired photojournalist and member of the Missouri Press Association Photography Hall of Fame. Price concluded a distinguished career spanning more than 45 years documenting Black life in St. Louis through his camera lens. During that time, he photographed every U.S. president from Jimmy Carter to Joe Biden.
One of Price’s most celebrated photographs—then-Sen. Barack Obama surrounded by clergy in prayer during his 2008 presidential campaign—became part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian
National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Also recognized was veteran broadcaster Bernie Hayes, founder of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame at Harris-Stowe State University. Hayes’ decades-long career in radio, journalism and media education helped preserve and elevate the legacy of Black broadcasting while mentoring generations of media professionals.
The 2026 Living Legends class also reflected the breadth of leadership found throughout the region. Among the honorees were Anthony Shahid, longtime community activist and champion for neighborhood empowerment; Zaki Baruti, founder and president of the Universal African Peoples Organization, whose decades of advocacy have advanced African-centered education, justice and self-determination; Dr. Eugene B. Redmond, Missouri’s Poet Laureate Emeritus and internationally acclaimed poet, educator and literary ambassador; Nicole Galvin, better known as Queen Mocha Latte, a respected media personality and entrepreneur whose voice has amplified countless community initiatives; Sheila Forest, founder of Afro World, whose pioneering work has celebrated African culture and connected generations through education and commerce; and Lady Ada Taylor, founder of Deer Valley, whose vision and commitment to entrepreneurship have created opportunities and strengthened the community. Also honored was Arriel Bivens-Biggs for her leadership and service to the St. Louis community.
The evening brought together civic leaders, elected officials, family members and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals whose collective work has transformed communities and enriched the cultural fabric of the region.
Among those attending the celebration was St. Louis Argus Publisher Talibdin El-Amin, who reflected on the significance of recognizing community icons during their lifetimes.
“It’s always heartwarming when you see those who have selflessly given of themselves for our community and achieved notable feats that you can say you were in their presence,” said El-Amin. “Honoring them is so essential because we honor the best of ourselves when we do.”
Hosted by the Be The Change Foundation, the Living Legends Awards have become one of the region’s premier celebrations of community leadership, recognizing individuals whose enduring contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on St. Louis and beyond.
