05/28/2026
A message from Black Pride STL's CEO Randy Rafter regarding the passing of Anthony Charles Galloway:
Black Pride St. Louis pauses with heavy hearts as we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Anthony Charles Galloway, former President of Black Pride St. Louis, who passed away last night.
Anthony holds a special place in the history of our organization and in the broader Black Pride movement. As the Youngest President of Black Pride St. Louis, Anthony stepped into leadership with courage, vision, and a deep commitment to community. His service helped shape the foundation of what Black Pride St. Louis continues to stand for today: visibility, advocacy, celebration, connection, and love for Black LGBTQIA people.
Anthony’s leadership was not only recognized locally, but nationally. He was awarded the Leadership Award by the International Federation of Black Prides, now known as the Center for Black Equity, honoring his work and commitment to advancing Black LGBTQIA/SGL visibility, equity, and empowerment. This recognition reflected what many already knew: Anthony was a leader whose impact reached beyond St. Louis.
An East St. Louis native, Anthony brought his full self into the work. He was an organizer, advocate, artist, social entrepreneur, and community leader whose service stretched across the Midwest. From his time with Black Pride St. Louis to his civic engagement work and broader advocacy, Anthony remained committed to building spaces where Black LGBTQIA people could be seen, heard, protected, celebrated, and affirmed.
Those who knew Anthony knew that his presence mattered. His leadership helped open doors, lift voices, and strengthen a movement that so many of us continue to build upon. He understood that Black Pride was more than an event. It was a declaration of belonging. It was a call to action. It was a home for those too often pushed to the margins.
As we grieve his passing, we also give thanks for his life, his work, and his place in our history. Anthony’s contributions helped shape the legacy of Black Pride St. Louis, and that legacy will continue through the people, programs, and community spaces his leadership helped make possible.
We extend our deepest condolences to Anthony’s family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, and all who had the honor of knowing him. During this time, we ask our community to hold one another close, speak his name with love, and remember the impact he made.
Rest in power, Anthony Charles Galloway.
Your leadership mattered.
Your vision mattered.
Your service mattered.
Your legacy lives on.
Black Pride St. Louis honors you, remembers you, and thanks you.
--
Randy L. Rafter
