JONATHAN PULPHUS
Jonathan (he/him) is an equity advocate and organizer. Amongst many hats, he is a learner, writer, and activist. Jonathan is from St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Saint Louis University in 2017 with a BA in African American Studies and minor in Women & Gender Studies. While in attendance, he was awarded the James D. Collins award for academic excellence and Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award for community service. Previously, he served as the Saint Louis University’s President of Black Student Alliance, co-founder of Tribe X, St. Louis Peace Program Associate at American Friends Service Committee, Outreach Associate for Cure Violence, and Violence Interventionist for Freedom Community Center. He volunteers for Metro St. Louis Coalition for Inclusion and Equity and The Village.
Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson
Children's Defense Fund
President & CEO
"When I needed to finish my doctoral project about how we respond to racialized flashpoints in America, learning from the example of degradation and injustice in South Africa, it was Jonathan who would come to my aid and be the person that would transcribe my conversations with Desmond Tutu and South African scholars..."
Student
Washington University St. Louis
“A class speaker that I really appreciated the opportunity to hear from was Jonathan Pulphus.”
Dr. Dannielle Joy Davis
Saint Louis University
Professor
“KUDOS, to Mr. Jonathan Pulphus, who gave an outstanding presentation as our Guest Speaker for class.”
Charli Cooksey
We Power
Founder and CEO
"Jonathan took the stage and commanded everyone’s attention. He spoke his truth, and mine, and that of many black kids who attend some of the region’s most prestigious private high schools. He spoke forcefully of affluence and its often oppressive and racist nature."
Joshua Saleem
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Attorney
"His passion for history, his community, and anti-racist analysis, coupled with strong communication skills, made him an effective and persuasive communicator and facilitator."
Etefia Umana, Sr.
Umana Consulting
President and Principal Consultant
"I can honestly say that very few young people encapsulate the spirit of collectivism seen in Fred Hampton, the quiet and strong advocacy of Desmond Tutu, and the insights, intelligence, and comedic clarity of Dave Chappelle... He has a gentle spirit, sense of justice, keen perception, and community engagement/involvement that is second only to few."