Lyah Beth LeFlore is excited to announce the Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore Scholarship Gala Event on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at The Kransberg to raise funds for the Webster University scholarship in her name. It was established in 2022 for undergraduates studying English Literature, Creative Writing, or African American Studies. Preference will be given to Missouri residents. Help us celebrate Shirley’s legacy and help make a difference in the lives of those in need, and we would love for you to join us in making a difference!
The late Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore was one of St. Louis’ most influential performance art poets. LeFlore was installed as St. Louis Poet Laureate at St. Louis City Hall in November 2018, following an impressive career that included performing with the famed Black Artist Group (commonly known as BAG) in the late 1960s, and went on to perform her poetry all over the world.
A member of the Webster College Class of 1976, LeFlore later served as the first woman and first African American assistant dean of students. During her tenure at Webster, she mentored and nurtured students as a trusted advisor and ear; she helped them in forming the first student women’s group, as well as the Black Student Association.
“They [students] could talk to me – about school, naturally, and other things that were happening with them in the world,” LeFlore has said of her days at Webster. “It was a great learning experience for them, but it was also a good learning experience for me. Being able to be there helped me be able to tune in better and listen to them – most of the time that’s really all they needed.”
She was a trailblazer for Webster. Establishing an endowed scholarship in her name will enable her legacy to live on and inspire generations to come.