ST. LOUIS - Missouriar -- As the nation prepares to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, the Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter hosted a memorable and deeply impactful educational evening aboard the historic Tom Sawyer Riverboat June 18, 2026. The Chapter, which is recognized globally for its unique program opportunities and high-caliber educational offerings, curated this special event to blend critical historical insights with professional development on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The evening centered on a compelling presentation by noted historian Gary R. Kremer, Executive Director Emeritus of the State Historical Society of Missouri. Titled "African American Life in the 19th Century: Freedom Floating School and the Experiences of John Berry Meachum and James Milton Turner," the presentation offered attendees a rigorous review of the courageous pre-Civil War efforts to educate Black students aboard a Mississippi River boat. This historical initiative successfully circumvented Missouri laws that prohibited the education of African-American children, laying a foundational stone for future civil rights activism, as exemplified by the school's most famous alumni.

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The unique programming experience was organized by the Chapter's Special Events committee. Members and their guests attending this event enjoyed a two-hour dinner cruise along the Mississippi River aboard a faithful 19th-century paddlewheel riverboat recreation. While taking in spectacular views of the St. Louis riverfront and iconic skyline, attendees engaged in meaningful dialogues regarding historical biases and modern professional responsibilities. The program was approved for 1.0 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.

The Chapter has built an international reputation for delivering unmatched programming for in-house counsel. The Chapter is a three-time recipient of the Association of Corporate Counsel's prestigious global "Chapter of the Year" honor and has consistently been designated a Gold Level Chapter of Distinction.

About the Association of Corporate Counsel – St. Louis Chapter:

The Association of Corporate Counsel - St. Louis Chapter, the premier bar association for in-house counsel, was founded in 1987. The Chapter has more than 680 members who represent over 175 organizations. The Chapter's commitment to its members and community has earned it an impressive list of accolades as a leader in the global network of chapters:

• Chapter of the Year 1995, 2012 and 2015,
• Chapter Challenge Award 2009,
• Legal Service of Eastern Missouri Richard B. Teitelman Distinguished Service Award for pro bono efforts 2014,
• Best Membership Strategy 2018,
• Gold Chapter of Distinction designation 2019-25,
• Best Diversity Initiative Award 2020, 2022 and 2024,
• Innovative Programming Effort Award 2023 and 2025
• Best Partnership Program Award 2023.

To learn more, please visit, https://www.acc.com/chapters/stlouis/.

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