2026 Growing in Equity & Anti-Racism Awardee, Pastor Andre Alexander!
Congratulations to Pastor Andre Alexander, President of Tabernacle CDC, and recipient of our 2026 Growing in Equity & Anti-Racism Award!
The Growing in Equity & Anti-Racism Award recognizes a person who:
Demonstrates a deep and honest commitment to transforming work being done in the St. Louis region so that it is more equitable, just, and antiracist.
“Walks the talk”—goes beyond verbal commitments to ask hard questions, embrace and push through discomfort, work to rectify inequities where they exist, and take action.
Actively works to dismantle systems of oppression.
“I have the privilege of working with amazing people that make amazing things happen”
For Pastor Andre Alexander of Tabernacle CDC, his parents and family have been the biggest inspiration for the work he does now. He attributed his passion for community development to his mother, whom he watched “care for her family and for her neighbors” and his father who helped his community for decades, working to “create spaces that were safe [and] secure for everyone.”
“They were involved in community development before ‘community development’ was a buzzword”
His parents modeled and instilled a love for family, neighbor, and community that continues to guide the work he does today. A pivotal moment for Pastor Andre’s community work arrived when his dad was asked to reinterview for a job that he had held for over 35 years of his life. When Pastor Andre saw that instability and lack of commitment to the community, he knew something had to change.
“Something about this has to change and shift, where we create community and develop spaces so that everybody, even as they age, can have a safe place to live, work, and thrive”
When asked how he defined community leadership, Pastor Andre shared the importance of walking “alongside what is already happening” and asking how to further that meaningful work. Pastor Andre’s humility shone through our conversation together, but especially in this moment discussing leadership. By embracing the work already being done and intentionally amplifying it, he demonstrates a deep commitment to believing in his community, honoring its strengths, and supporting lasting transformation.
“Equity is about not just being equal, but long and ongoing opportunity”
Throughout our conversation, the themes of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism surfaced again and again. Pastor Andre continuously emphasized the importance of people, not just data points or statistics, but real people with real lives, loves, successes, and plights. When speaking about his contributions to equity in the St. Louis region, he broke down what inclusion means to him. “Ongoing opportunity” is the focal point of inclusion and the backbone of equity. Including someone to check off a box isn’t enough; inclusion says “you are part of and interwoven into the fabric of what’s going on.” Pastor Andre’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to community and equity, ensuring people don’t feel used or reduced to just another box being checked.
Pastor Andre “walks the talk” by literally walking the streets to connect with community members and hear what they are going through. He shared how some sidewalks have fallen into disrepair and make it difficult for some to safely walk around the neighborhood. In response, he put words into action by hiring a contractor group that included previous and current residents to restore the pathways. These intentional and thoughtful changes convey a clear message: residents are valued. Pastor Andre is not only revitalizing the neighborhood, but also creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and building skills within the community.
One of Pastor Andre’s projects that have a lasting impact on the community is the Affordable Rental Program (ARP). ARP creates quality-housing opportunities for those who would otherwise not be able to afford safe housing. This program creates an “ecosystem of equity and inclusion” as it not only provides adequate housing, but wraparound services, resource centers, and employment opportunities. Meeting people’s basic needs allows them to flourish in other aspects of their lives. The work Pastor Andre does helps to dismantle structural systems of oppression and create space for residents to grow.
“Remain in a posture of learning”
As we closed out our conversation, Pastor Andre shared great advice for emerging leaders. He reminds people to stay humble and work on a team. He regularly commended the great work his team does at Tabernacle CDC and how he wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. “Do it together. Not in a silo.” Change, restoration, and revitalization are possible. Find where the work is being done and walk alongside supporting where and how you can.
“For the long haul you belong…not for a moment. Not for a season, but for a lifetime”
We hope you can join us to celebrate community builders like Pastor Andre Alexander at our 14th Annual Community Development Family Reunion event onApril 23, 2026!