“We hope to inspire present and future generations of the human family to honor and respect the humanity of all.” Thurman Stephens, Jr.
How We Came to BE
In 2019, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a Catholic order of priests, and Saint Louis University (SLU), informed us that we are descendants of human beings their predecessors enslaved and forced to labor at the first Jesuit mission in Missouri, St. Stanislaus, Saint Louis University (SLU), St. Francis Xavier College Church, and other local churches, farms, and schools from 1823 to 1865.
The research revealed, the Jesuits were active participants and benefactors of local, national, and global systems of slavery since their origins in 1534. To empower themselves economically, they enslaved thousands around the world, and during the time of their U.S. Midwest and southern expansion, they trafficked upwards of 200 black human beings. Many of whom were our Ancestors.
In 2021, led by a desire to commemorate and honor our Ancestors and rejoice in the legacy of their resistance and perserverance, descendants came together, with a group of amazing allies, to form the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved, Inc., or DSLUE.
In 2023, DSLUE became a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Our Mission
To bring together the descendants of Ancestors enslaved by the Jesuits and Saint Louis University to collaborate with other descendant communities, allies, and stakeholders to honor and commemorate our Ancestors, to research and preserve heritage and legacy, to repair historical harms, and to educate the broader public about this history now, and in the future.
Our Vision
To be an inspirational heritage preservation and cultural education organization – one that is mission focused, and will inspire present and future generations of the human family to honor and respect the humanity of all.