Facets of Love: Launching A Celebration of Our Founder, Lois Conley

Seventy-five years ago on July 29th, Leo and Emma Conley from their humble beginnings in St. Louis’ Mill Creek Valley, welcomed their second child, Lois Diane, into the world. I am certain they hoped, believed, and worked hard to ensure that their little jewel would develop various skills and talents that would allow her to shine with great brilliance and light--and she did. Like the facets of a diamond, Ms. Conley’s varied angles as daughter, mother, sister, aunt, organizer, administrator, artist, caregiver glisten in the life of her family, friends, colleagues, and the cultural fabric of St. Louis.

A special facet of Ms. Conley’s vision, love and devotion, is manifest in her founding of The Griot Museum of Black History. The Griot, St. Louis’ first African-American history museum, has evolved into one of the city’s most unique jewels that offers residents and visitors powerful, profound, and enlightening insights into the region’s African-American history and cultural heritage.

Make your contribution to the Facets of Love campaign.

Thousands of people from around the world have visited The Griot to discover the tremendous impact African Americans with a Missouri connection have had on our city, region, and country. This is all due to the vision and tenacity of Lois Conley who believed that St. Louis deserved to have an institution to research, preserve and tell those stories.

Just as we are excited by the brilliance, light and color of diamonds released by their facets, we are equally excited to celebrate the many facets of Ms. Conley on the occasion of her 75th birthday. The celebration, “Facets of Love,” will feature music, poetry, tributes, and opportunities to support The Griot, Ms. Conley’s precious gift to the City.

As a prelude to the 25th anniversary of The Griot in 2022, I hope you will join us to celebrate the unconventional journey of Ms. Conley that led to the establishment of a much needed and St. Louis’ much-loved jewel, The Griot Museum of Black History.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact The Griot at 314-241-7057 or info@thegriotmuseum.com. I look forward to you joining me in our “Facets of Love” celebration of Ms. Conley and support of The Griot.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael P. McMillan

Facets of Love Chairperson