Welcome to the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc.
With each discovery comes a new opportunity.
Welcome to the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc.
With each discovery comes a new opportunity.
Mission Statement
The Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc. (DSLUE) is a descendant-led 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the pillars of Remembrance, Restoration, and Reparative Justice. Through preserving and honoring the legacies of our Jesuit-enslaved ancestors, restoring dignity and opportunities to their descendants, and repairing historical and lingering harms, we strive to educate, empower, and inspire transformative change.
Our Vision
Through mission-centered advocacy we endeavor to see the legacies of Jesuit-enslaved ancestors is cherished and celebrated, where their descendants experience restoration of dignity, culture and community, and where meaningful repair fosters equity, healing, and a more just future for all. Through remembrance, restoration, and repair, we aim to build a bridge between the past and a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
Our Three Pillars
Remembrance
We honor the lives and legacies of our Ancestors through memorials, events, and community engagement.
Restoration
We work to repair the historical record, preserving stories and artifacts for future generations.
Reparative Justice
We advocate for tangible actions to address the enduring impact of enslavement on descendants and their communities.
From Darkness to Light
A Timeline Revealing the History of Communities Enslaved By the Jesuits
View the interactive map
Contributor's Corner
A one-of-a-kind pianist, Royce Martin, reimagines Ragtime music!
Welcome to the Contributor’s Corner where related guest essays, articles, opinion pieces, video/audio works, and other creative and cultural media are showcased. If you would like to submit your content, please reach out and tell us about it. Maybe it will be featured on the Contributor’s Corner!
Echoes of the Past, Actions for Justice
A Non-Profit Organization Honoring the Past and Building the Future
The stories of the ancestors enslaved by the Jesuits and Saint Louis University remain essential to understanding our shared history. These stories deserve to be preserved, honored, and shared, ensuring that the legacy of resilience and humanity endures.
At Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, a dedicated non-profit organization, we work tirelessly to connect descendants, allies, and communities in meaningful ways that pave the path toward remembrance, restoration, and reparative justice.
Preserving Heritage with Purpose
Our non-profit organization focuses on safeguarding the heritage and legacy of those enslaved by the Jesuits and Saint Louis University. Through thorough research, we uncover and document the stories of our Ancestors, preserving this invaluable history for future generations. This work honors their lives and empowers their descendants to carry forward their legacy with pride.
Educating for a Brighter Tomorrow
Education lies at the heart of our mission. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to teaching the broader public about the history of the enslavement of Jesuit and Saint Louis University. By sharing this history, we inspire understanding, empathy, and action, ensuring these stories are never forgotten. We create spaces for meaningful learning and dialogue, from workshops and public discussions to digital resources.
Advocating for Reparative Justice
Advocacy is one of the key pillars of our work. We collaborate with descendants, allies, and stakeholders to address the historical harms caused by enslavement. Our non-profit organization actively seeks pathways toward restoration and justice, fostering partnerships that promote equity and healing within and beyond our communities.
Committed to Truth, Justice, and Heritage
Learn more about our non-profit
organization and our mission.
Contact UsBecome a Part of Our Mission
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved relies on the support of individuals, organizations, and communities. Be a part of this important work. Explore ways to support our mission, participate in events, and help us educate the world about our shared history.
Together, we can ensure that the legacies of those who came before us are never forgotten. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Latest News & Press
Expert economist estimates SLU owes the descendants of former slave Henrietta Mills up to $70 Billion
February 12, 2024
Descendants of people enslaved by Jesuits in Missouri want to be heard again
February 8, 2024
Descendants of the enslaved who built SLU say the institution owes them up to $74 billion
February 8, 2024
Contact
Welcome to the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc.
With each discovery comes a new opportunity.
DSLUE is a descendant-led 501(C)(3) non-profit organization formed to honor our Jesuit and Saint Louis University-enslaved Ancestors, to repair historical and ongoing harms, and to educate the broader public about this history now and in the future.
Welcome to the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc.
With each discovery comes a new opportunity.
Our Mission
The Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc. (DSLUE) is a descendant-led 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the pillars of Remembrance, Restoration, and Repair. Through preserving and honoring the legacies of our Jesuit-enslaved ancestors, restoring dignity and opportunities to their descendants, and repairing historical and ongoing harms, through direct actions, we strive to educate, empower, and inspire accountability and transformative change.
Our Vision
Through mission-centered advocacy we endeavor to see the legacies of Jesuit-enslaved ancestors is acknowledged and celebrated, where their descendants experience restoration of dignity, culture, health, wealth and community, and where meaningful repair fosters true liberation.
Our Three Pillars
Remembrance
We honor the lives and legacies of our Jesuit-enslaved ancestors and their descendants by ensuring their stories are told, their names are spoken, and their contributions are never erased. Through historical research, educational awareness campaigns, public memorials, community engagement, and advocacy, we reclaim the truth that has long been suppressed. Remembrance is not just reflection—it is resistance. By bearing witness to their struggles and triumphs, we uphold their rightful place in history and affirm that their legacy will endure for generations to come.
Restoration
We are committed to healing the deep wounds of Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome by reclaiming what was unjustly taken—family connections, health, wealth, land, historical truth, culture, and dignity. Through intentional efforts, we work to rebuild what was fractured, mend what was broken, and restore the wholeness that was denied to our ancestors and their descendants. Restoration is justice in action—an unapologetic commitment to repairing the past and securing a future of dignity, strength, and empowerment.
Repair
We advocate for tangible reparative actions to address the enduring impact of intergenerational and multi-dimensional harms and human rights violations. The wounds of enslavement, Jim Crow apartheid, lynchings, genocide, redlining, wealth and labor extraction, mass incarceration, and systemic oppression continue to shape and impact our communities today. Repair is not charity—it is a moral and just obligation. True reconciliation requires more than acknowledgment—it demands repair.
From Darkness to Light
A Timeline Revealing the History of Communities Enslaved By the Jesuits
View the interactive map
Contributor's Corner
A one-of-a-kind pianist, Royce Martin, reimagines Ragtime music!
Welcome to the Contributor’s Corner where related guest essays, articles, opinion pieces, video/audio works, and other creative and cultural media are showcased. If you would like to submit your content, please reach out and tell us about it. Maybe it will be featured on the Contributor’s Corner!
Truth-Telling and Narrative Change Through Education
Historically, narratives about the Black experience have often been skewed, biased, or outright devoid of the full truth. For generations, these stories were told through a narrow lens that prioritized the perspectives of those in power, sanitizing the harsh realities of enslavement, generations of systemic racism, while diminishing the lived experiences and tremendous contributions of Black people globally.
Today, we stand at a critical moment, one where the descendants are finally stepping forward to claim our voices and tell our stories—not as footnotes to a larger narrative, but as central figures who bear the scars, strength, and resilience of our ancestors. With the looming attempt of total erasure—we stand firm in our mission. The contributions of our ancestors will not be forgotten, our sacrifices will not be minimized, and our truths will not be erased.
Education lies at the heart of our mission. As a non-profit organization, we are committed to teaching the broader public about this history, by elevating descendant voices and sharing our stories to inspire understanding and action. We create spaces for meaningful learning, truth-telling, and dialogue, from teach-ins, workshops, webinars, lectures, and public discussions to digital resources. Please reach out to partner with us.
Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships
Advocacy is one of the key pillars of our work. We collaborate with descendants, allies, and stakeholders to address historical and lingering harms of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. Our non-profit organization actively seeks pathways toward restoration and justice, fostering strategic partnerships that promote liberation, equity, and healing within and beyond our communities.
“Power concedes nothing without a demand.” Frederick Douglass
Join us on our Journey
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved relies on the support of individuals, organizations, and communities. Be a part of this important work. Explore ways to support our mission, participate in events, and help us educate and advocate for restoration of those communities that continue to be impacted.
Click on the attached document to learn more about best practices for “Engaging Descendant Communities.” Inside you’ll find a comprehensive guide to grade your organization or yourselves on how you are engaging with the descendant communities.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
News & Press
SLU Hosts Lights of Remembrance to Honor Those Enslaved by the University
March 3, 2025
Vigil honoring people enslaved by Jesuits and SLU marks historic step toward reconciliation
February 28, 2025
A push to mark the buried history of ‘harrowing’ slave prisons near Busch Stadium (STLNPR)
June 13, 2024