Arts Today Ezine vol 2.6 by Arts Today Ezine

Vol 2.6 August 15, 2015

pg #82

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE CHERYL WALKER

View this and past issues from our website.

pg #114

AKATA SPEAKS DR. MCCARTHY pg. #16

LEFTOVERS LENA JACKSON pg. #110

CHAD EVANS I. LYNNE SQUIRES pg.#120

IN THIS

ISSUE:

IN THE NEWS NABJ

6 OP / ED TBA

16 AKATA SPEAKS DR. TRACEY MCCARTHY

WHY ARE WE STILL FIGHTING... PIERRE BLAINE

72 WRITINGS BY JASON VASSER

ATLANTA MODEL INTERVIEWS ESG MODELING AGENCY

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LIVE / WORK / PLAY NATE JOHNSON

FERGUSON REMEMBERED 10TH STREET GALLERY

HANDS UP DON’S SHOOT ARTISTS REMEMBERING MIKE BROWN

NASCO DRUG TREATMENT CTR. DR. MALAIKA HORNE

“. . . for u, the sky’s the “unlimit”...” Baba Sherman Fowler,

Griot and Poet

Established 2014 Volume 2.6 St. Louis, MO www.the-arts-today.com/ Layout/Design www.bdesignme.com

NOTE:

As the publishers of The Arts Today Ezine we take care in the production of each issue. We are however, not liable for any editorial error, omission, mistake or typographical error. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of their respective companies or the publisher.

This Ezine and the content published within are subject to copyright held by the publisher, with individual articles remaining property of the named contributor. Express written permission of the publisher and contributors must be acquired for reproduction.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

In The News

Statement From NABJ on Washington Post’s Wesley Lowery Trespassing Charge While Covering Ferguson Last Year

The National Association of Black Journalists expresses concern with the decision by prosecutors in St. Louis County, Mo. to charge Wesley Lowery of The Washington Post with trespassing and interfering with a police officer. The charges stem from an incident that took place as Lowery, 25, was in Ferguson, Mo. in 2014 to report on the shooting death of Michael Brown, a black teen, by a white police officer. “Reporters have every right to do their jobs, pursue the truth and publish it,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said. The association is troubled by the action taken by prosecutors and believe it to be a direct assault on the free exercise of the First Amendment, which ensures journalists can practice their craft. Journalists understand citizens, including journalists, must respect the rule of law, but as the Supreme Court of the United States noted in its 1972 decision in Branzburg v. Hayes,”... without some protection for seeking out the news, freedom of the press could be eviscerated.” The organization believes Lowery acted reasonably in pursuit of news and information needed by the public in the aftermath of the shooting death of Brown and in light of ensuing unrest in Ferguson. The initial decision to release Lowery without filing charges also suggests that authorities themselves believed that his initial arrest could have been an abuse of power and discretion. The organization encourages local officials to drop the charges filed against Lowery so journalists can operate without fear that doing their jobs will lead to them being jailed. Washington Post executive editor Martin Baron called the charges “outrageous.” Lowery is a former NABJ board member. An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation, and provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members worldwide.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

OP / ED SECTION

ArtsTODAY NEWSZINE

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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 NIV

We seek to impact the world with the love of Christ one life at a time! Hopelessness and desperation are on the rise in a world where the greatest segment of the population possesses the least amount of resources. We need your help! Please help us fight this epidemic by sending your tax deductible donations/contributions to: For His Glory Ministries of St. Louis P.O. Box 1942 Maryland Heights, MO. 63043 http://calvarychapelslc.com/homeless-ministry/ For other ways in which you can help please contact Pamela Ford at pamelaford98@gmail.com or 314-216-0744. Copyright © 2015 - All rights reserved.

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ArtsTODAY NEWSZINE

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Redefine the Life in Your Lifestyle I know that it’s been a while since I’ve e-mailed you, I truly hope that all is well! I also hope that you’ve been able to stay up to date with all the happenings via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Between my recent trip to Mexico and the latest additions at the Meditation Lounge, there’s been way more to share than there is time, but I do the best I can! Healing Spa is Back!

So I want to tell you quickly that right after Journey Meditation this Sunday, the Healing Spa starts at 5:15pm! I haven’t offered this experience since October so I know that many of you are super excited about this. If you haven’t yet been, it’s a beautiful experience... You will be in a group setting with soothing, healing music to help you relax while you focus your intentions on the clarity or healing you seek. I’ll spend 15-20 minutes per person laying hands and sharing the spiritual insight that I receive for you. Please Register in Advance Our standard classes no longer require advance registration, however due to the nature of this experience, I’ll need to limit how many people attend so advance registration is required in order to attend. You can sign up online HERE or call 314-441-6929 to get signed up over the phone.

www.selenaj.com

Classes Offered 5 Days a Week In case you’re out of the loop, we now have meditation and yoga classes at the Meditation Lounge 5 days a week and our rates are still in the introductory phase! A single class is $10, but you can save by signing up for a Monthly Membership (starting at $35 p/m), or Pay-As-You-Grow Class Passes (starting at $40) - either way you save! Check out all of your options and view the class schedule and all of the services that we’re offering at www. selenaj.com! I’m looking forward to seeing you in classes this Sunday!

Peace, Love & Light, SJ

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

LIVE WORK PLAY

Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Nate K. Johnson ABR,CRS,GRI Broker/Owner Real Estate Solutions nate@livingstl.com www.livingstl.com

I hope that you are doing well. My apologies for leaving you hanging for the first part of the month. However, I do not doubt the fact that you found plenty of things to do in our great city without my suggestions. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said that August is the Sunday of Summer, and although we are nearly halfway through, I did not want to let the month go by without reminding you of some of wonderful opportunities for you to get and enjoy St. Louis with me!

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Local Events

AUGUST

12 thru

AUGUST

If you are looking for something to do tonight, you can join me at Troy’s Jazz Gallery for a happy hour with the National Sales Network of St. Louis. You could also head over to Yappy Hours, with your dog and friends for a free good time at the Biergarten at Anheuser- Busch. There will be beer for you and biscuits for your dog. An event perfect for you and your four legged-friend. Also on Wednesday, Cherokee Nights is back! With 29 artists and businesses taking over Cherokee Street, it’s bound to be a lot of fun. The Blank Space Gallery will be hosting a night full of funk and soul as DJ Hal Greens performs at Fat Night. Faust Park will be the place to be on Thursday for Feast in the Park at Faust, an evening filled with food trucks, good music, drinks, and great people! Also on Thursday, the Stray Dog Theatre will present the World Premiere of Spellbound: A Musical Fable, the story of a young woman’s journey for inner strength and selfworth. Friday August 14, The Saint Louis Zoo will have another great Dance party. This week Mood Swings will be jammin’ at Jungle Boogie. Fun for all ages, there will be different activities for the kids to enjoy at this free concert. If you’re looking for some more live music, you might find me in Grand Center for their Music @ The Intersection. They will kick-off the party with a happy hour concert in Strauss Park; followed by over a dozen great live bands and DJs in a variety of venues. One of my favorites, Big Brother Thunder and the MasterBlasters, will be at the Stage at KDHX, and DJ Hal Greens will be at Dooley’s Beef & Brew House. There will be plenty more live soul, R&B and hip-hop music including The Tiffany Elle Show, Nappy DJ Needles, Black Spade and more. The party doesn’t stop til 2AM, and it is all free! In response to the violence that has been plaguing our wonderful city, the Stop the Violence Walk and Community Fair will kickoff at Fairground Park at 7:00am on Saturday. The peaceful march will commence at 9:00a. There will be over 100 social service providers, companies, and organizations helping promote and empower the community. Afterwards, how about a day trip on Saturday to the Inaugural Defiance Wine Country Art Festival at the Wine Country Gardens where you will find plenty of wine, food and art on display, as well as booths representing local businesses. Later, if you haven’t made it to the “Ferguson Remembered” exhibit at the 10th Street Gallery , it is definitely worth stopping by. It features art produced by 10 of St. Louis’ own artists. Also on Saturday, STL Up Late will launch a Kickstarter campaign in Grand Center for the transition of their local live show to television! Enjoy live music from funk band Hazard to ya booty , food and drinks while hanging out with the cast and creators of the show! You can join me for the 10th Annual Urban League Young Professionals Urban Renaissance Gala! If you miss the Gala, you can meet me at the ULYP Gala After Party hosted by Urbane St. Louis. Also on Saturday night, you can check out the rock cover party band Dr. Zhivegas, who will be performing at Mile277 in South County .

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

LIVE WORK PLAY

On Wednesday, the Streets of St. Charles will be live as Abbey Road Warriors perform at the StreetsFest. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the free music and dancing. There will also be food and drink vendors like Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Dewey’s Pizza, U- Swirl, and Bar Louie.

AUGUST

thru

AUGUST

Thursday, Urban Matter will be hosting reMAKE , an upcycling event for the true crafters at heart. For $5 you will be able to create coasters, bracelets and other jewelry from cardboard boxes, scrapped wood, tossed clothes, and pretty much anything else that might look like trash to the untrained eye. On Friday, pack up the kids and head over to Emerson Free Family Night for a fun time with over 100 exhibits at The Magic House ! Also on Friday from 5-8pm, Miss Jubilee will be performing at Jungle Boogie during an outdoor concert at the St. Louis Zoo. This will be a free concert with different animal related activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. You can join me as I kickoff my birthday weekend downtown on Friday for the 2015 Rise Up Festival happening on Washington Ave. between 16th and 17th street. The event will feature live music by Dirty Muggs and the Jeremiah Johnson Band, as well as a craft show, kids circus area, and food & drinks from Urban Chestnut. Also on Friday at Frontier Park, St. Charles’ Fete des Petites Cotes or (Festival of Little Hills if you prefer) features food, music, and vendors selling handmade trinkets. You’ll be able to purchase anything from soap, candles, pottery, and jewelry. The Festival of Little Hills will be the perfect place to get those one of the kind pieces and enjoy the entertainment the festival has to offer. On Saturday, you can watch me do a poor imitation of a golfer at the NSN Golf Tournament at Far Oaks Golf Course. Later, join me at the 2nd Annual St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival, which will be taking over Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. There will be live music, food, drinks and more! Last year’s event was great, and this years’ two-day event ( I like to think in honor of my birthday tomorrow :) ) will be filled with the elements of the original 1904 World’s Fair while highlighting the culture of St. Louis today! You can head over to the Hartford Coffee Company for an art opening by Sandra Ure Griffin. Later on Saturday, If you didn’t laugh hard enough at me playing golf, stop by The Improv Shop on Saturday at 8p, and enjoy their Longform Showcase and for only 5 bucks, prepare to laugh until you cry! Also, if you haven’t made your way to the Lantern Festival in the Botanical Gardens, tonight’s your last chance! On Sunday, aka my birthday, you’ll find me back in Forest Park for the World’s Fare, checking out the funky jazz styling of The Peoples Key , playing backyard games and more! Later, I will be purifying myself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka, or perhaps the waters of not one, but two dumpsters filled with water, beer, and great people at the 3rd Annual Dumpster Dive at the Fortune Teller Bar.

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On Wednesday, prepare for an evening of great soul music as The World Chess Hall of Fame Monthly Music Series will be hosting Brian Owens.

AUGUST

You have to catch Big Brother Thunder and the MasterBlasters performing at this Friday’s Jungle Boogie at the St. Louis Zoo! Also, the Alt Art Fair 2015 kicks off on Friday. This major exhibition of Outsider Art, is surely worth checking out. Also on Friday, Craft Alliance will host an opening reception for their Speaking with Threads exhibit featuring 7 artists using linear elements as their chosen method of communication. Pepperland: A Beatles Review will be onstage Friday at Off Broadway. On Saturday, you find me in Tower Grove park where the International Institute will be hosting one of my favorite festivals of the year! The annual Festival of Nations is a celebration of cultures and diversity through St. Louis. There will be traditional foods, art, and music for your enjoyment on Saturday and Sunday! Saturday’s lineup includes Samba Bom, Joia:World Percussion, Dubtronix Reggae, Salsa with Carmen Guynn and so much more! Also on Saturday, the Inaugural Lumiere’s Taste of the City on the Landing will be held at Chairman’s Lot at Lumiere Place. It will feature some of the Landing’s signature restaurants like Ozzie’s Sports Bar and Grill, Steve’s Hot Dogs, Cielos, and Mission Taco. There will be cooking demos and live music- not to mention FREE admission! Thornhill Mansion at Faust Park will be having an Open House from 1p-5p. You will be able to explore the home of Missouri’s 2nd Governor Frederick Bates and learn how he molded the state into what it is today. Also on Saturday, Craft on Tap will be in the heart of Clayton. Finally, on Saturday, just south of Busch Stadium in Downtown St. Louis the original nighttime bike ride through the city kicks off at midnight as the 52nd Annual Moonlight Ramble provides an enjoyable experience complete with a vendor area, entertainment , and even a glow in the dark commemorative t-shirt!

thru

AUGUST

Sunday August 30, the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum presents Nanjing Style: Photographs from Our Sister City. These works of art were created by photographers from the Federation of the Art in Nanjing, China. The photographers were able embrace the creativity of a different culture while documenting everyday activities in every exhibit. Of course, I’ll be back in Tower Grove Park at the Festival of Nations checking out the Belly Dance Mirage, theO’Faioain Irish Dance Academy, The Gentleman of Vision Step Team, Latin Dancing with Lauren Wilmore and more! Also on Sunday, Sloup, the monthly gathering of friends, artists, and soup lovers will be at Death in The Afternoon. For a donation of $10 you get a bowl of soup and the chance to VOTE on a creative idea. Artists and activists present their proposals, the crowd votes, and the winner gets all of the money raised!

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

AkataSpeaks: Anatomizing Intra-racial & Inter-ethnic Animosities in America Akata Speaks:

Anatomizing Intra-racial & Inter-ethnic Animosities in America Dr. Tracey McCarthy, Psy.D., DCFC, J.D., M.A. Psychologist/Attorney/Educator Legal Studies Department – Webster University www.drtraceymccarthy.com -Foxes in the Hen House-

Although the African American human rights struggle, from the 1860s through the 1960s, made it possible for large waves of African/Afro/Black Caribbean immigrants to enter the United States, many such immigrants have little more than contempt for native African Americans. Both racism and classism form the basis for some CARICOM African/Afro/Black Caribbean immigrant (hereinafter “Caribbean immigrant”) disdain and condescension towards African Americans. These issues, and their implications, warrant critical and ongoing examination. Researchers have reported that, as a group, many Caribbean immigrants believe their immigrant group is held in high regard, in contrast to native African Americans. This has resulted in many Caribbean immigrants encouraging their children to distance themselves from native African Americans. This is done to circumvent being mistaken for an African American and to preclude being on the receiving end of negative stereotypes associated with African Americans. Such distancing has been used as a strategy to prevent racial discrimination in terms of employment (Joseph et al, 2013). Notably, it has been offered by Hine-St. Hilaire (2006) that some Caribbean immigrants take particular care to differentiate themselves from “southern” African Americans, as they view such persons as particularly “inferior.” Caribbean immigrants may associate with African Americans, however, if in a geographic locale that appears to hold African Americans in high esteem, as such an affiliation would serve to enhance the social standing of Caribbean immigrants (Portes & Zhou, 1993). Researcher Perry Mars (2004) has indicated that, in terms of social struggle, native African Americans tend to be more race conscious, while Caribbean immigrants tend to be more class conscious. This distinction is possibly due to the racial makeup of the United States versus that of the Caribbean. In contrast to native African Americans, Caribbean immigrants come from homelands where they are racially in the majority. Due to skin color based caste systems, however, many are unable to ascend to social and economic prominence consistent with their skills and knowledge. Migration to the United States provides Caribbean immigrants, who are already largely middle class by their own countries’ standards, with an opportunity to raise their social, educational, occupational, and economic standing and that of their family members remaining in

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the Caribbean. Assistance to family members in the Caribbean comes in many forms, including sending remittances and shipping food. The class consciousness of many Caribbean immigrants has resulted in this group strategizing to position itself socially, politically, and economically above African Americans, as Caribbean immigrants tend to view native African Americans as collectively of low status and of low social regard in the United States. Most Caribbean immigrants migrate to the eastern seaboard of the United States, primarily in New York and south Florida. Hence, their competitive focus tends to be related to native African American citizens in those states and that part of the country. According to Hine-St. Hilaire (2006), some Caribbean immigrants take great care to segregate and differentiate themselves from native African Americans by living in former “white” ethnic enclaves where European Americans lived before “white flight.” This is highly obvious is parts of south Florida. -Cut from Different ClothsAs early as the 1980s, researchers (Taylor, Biafora, & Warheit, 1994) noted a rise in interethnic tensions in the United States. This coincides with increasing Caribbean immigration. The attitudes of many Caribbean immigrants towards African American natives has not gone unnoticed by African American intellectuals. Some African American scholars have identified Caribbean immigrants as generally negativistic, extremist, and divisive according to researcher Perry Mars (2004). Additionally, Mars (2004) noted that native African Americans tend to experience Caribbean immigrants as highly disruptive and arrogant with respect to the African American struggles. Consistent with the class (versus race) consciousness of many Caribbean immigrants, researchers have also reported that Caribbean immigrants have perceptions of discrimination that vary from those of African Americans. Such individuals also tend to focus on individual achievements, while overlooking, minimizing, and inadvertently internalizing racism. (Forsyth, Hall, & Carter, 2015). Through ethnographic activities, archival research, and general conversations, this author has come to more fully understand some of the negative dynamics between many native African Americans and many Caribbean immigrants. Based upon the deep psychosocial and political nature of the schism, it is highly unlikely that these Diasporan groups will see each other as compassionate allies any time in the near future. The dynamics between native African Americans and Caribbean immigrants in the United States appears to reveal what looks very much like a form of “group narcissism.” It is not possible, based upon the available research, to determine if this phenomenon is situational and only manifesting in the United States or whether such is a stable trait for many in the groups even when in their home countries.

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AKATA SPEAKS cont.

-Interethnic EthnocentrismGroup or collective narcissism is a psychological dynamic where individuals have inflated self-love of their social group. It is a construct derived from Sigmund Freud. When narcissism is related to one’s group affiliation, one tends to have an excessively lofty opinion of one’s group. In this context, the group narcissism appears directly tied to ethnocentrism and a degree of xenophobia. Group narcissism tends to be an extension of individual narcissism, meaning that the group is comprised of individuals who are narcissistic in and of themselves. Group narcissism involves the self-adoration of one’s nation and its peoples. Collective narcissism demands external validation for the group and, in order to secure such external validation, group narcissists protect their egos by engaging in group enhancing behaviors. Group narcissists tend to be obsessed with others recognizing the talents of their group and any other extraordinary identifiers. Group narcissists are very focused on their group amounting to something substantial in the eyes of the whole world. The dynamic goes beyond simple patriotism and love and regard for one’s country. Notably, those who are individually narcissistic will tend to distance themselves from a group that might be damaging to their image. Most troubling regarding collective narcissism is that such collectives are prone to intergroup aggression, bias, and discrimination. Collective narcissists can also be highly retaliatory and such are very sensitive to real or perceived criticism from outside of their group. Many of the articulations of Caribbean immigrants support the notion of group narcissistic functioning, specifically in relation to native African Americans. Collective narcissism may also be at play in the extreme homophobia which is well-noted in Jamaica. Many Caribbean immigrants exhibit extreme intergroup bias, along with an inflated sense of intragroup worth. This is demonstrated in collective exhibitions of racism towards native African Americans in south Florida. -Proof is in the PatternIn south Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties), many Caribbean immigrants freely and publicly spew and spread racist stereotypes regarding the entire U.S. population of African Americans. The sentiments of many native Caribbean immigrants mirror those generally espoused by “white” supremacy groups regarding “black” people in general. While “white” supremacists are cautious not to make blatantly racist statements in public, many Caribbean immigrants do so haughtily, determinedly, unapologetically, and with abandon. These racist stereotypes, listed below, were gathered from various Caribbean immigrants and writings attendant to ethnographic research of “blackness.” Noted racist stereotypes by many Caribbean immigrants are generally articulated unreflectingly, instinctually, and with an unusual consistency suggestive of folklore perpetuation passed down through generations from parents to children. Some of these stereotypes were even shared by two young male Caribbean immigrants

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who were homeless and living in south Florida. Notably, the majority of those espousing the following racist and xenophobic stereotypes self-identified as “Jamaican.” o “The blacks, they are so lazy.” o “They do not want to work.” o “They are so focused on racism and discrimination all the time, just to explain why they are failing.” o “They stay in jail.” o “They do not take advantage of any of the opportunities they have.” o “They are violent and into crime.” o “They have a bunch of babies and the father leaves.” o “They would all rather be on welfare than work.” o “They don’t value education.” o “They don’t buy houses.” o “They are mad at us for taking their jobs, but they don’t want to work.” o “They are jealous of us, because we work hard.” o “They are jealous of us because we have pride; we are a proud people. We carry ourselves with pride.” o “We work hard.” o “We have a strong work ethic.” o “We value our families.” Bar some clandestine pre-immigration indoctrination process, sponsored by a group on the Southern Poverty Law Center watch list, many Caribbean immigrants appear to have developed and cultivated racist stereotypes regarding native African Americans prior to ever stepping foot on U.S. soil. Furthermore, those sharing these sentiments admit to having no real intimate ties with any African Americans. This lack of ties is likely due to the concerted effort made by many Caribbean immigrants to have no contact with native African Americans unless the contact is advantageous to such immigrant groups. Notably, the sentiments of many Caribbean immigrants focus on glorifying “we” and dehumanizing “they.” By persisting in making racist assertions regarding African Americans, many Caribbean immigrants are serving to not only falsely elevate themselves but to dehumanize all African Americans. These openly racist attitudes and articulations, on the part of Caribbean immigrants, serve to excuse ongoing oppression of African Americans. Through repeating the racist stereotypes, many Caribbean immigrants serve as stealth emissaries for the degradation of African American men, women, elders, and children, on behalf of “white” hegemony. -Narcissism & OpportunismWhat abiding purpose does the demeaning and false elevation really serve? According to many Caribbean immigrants, upwards of 30,000,000 people in a single ethnic group, are abject failures in life, with not a redeeming quality to be found among them.

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AKATA SPEAKS cont.

While the entire population of African Americans is reported as failing to serve any useful purpose, many Caribbean immigrants freely boast regarding usurping social, economic, educational, and employment opportunities perceived as originally intended for native African Americans. This competition for “opportunities” was recently revealed in the Caribbean National Weekly, where the readership was posed the following statement and somewhat confusing question: “Caribbean migrants have been criticized for being arrogant and of taking jobs black Americans would have otherwise been offered. Do you think this is arrogant or ambitious?” The answers, while apparently offered with “pride,” are quite shocking and speak to some troubling social dynamics. 

“It’s ambition. If people live here in the United States and they refused to take advantage of the available opportunities and someone else comes from another country and makes the most of those same opportunities, you can’t blame them for that. That’s what a lot of Caribbean people have done.” – Tara Miami Gardens (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)

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“Caribbean people are ambitious. They come here because they want to better themselves so they do what they have to do to accomplish their goals. Pure ambition.” – Derran – North Miami (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)

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“It is very unreasonable for anyone to consider Caribbean immigrants who have worked hard to make a better life for themselves in this country arrogant. We live in the United States were opportunities abound and everyone is free to take advantage of these opportunities.

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If Caribbean people are able to come here and do just that, then more power to them.” Tamarra – Pembrook Pines (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)

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“As Caribbean people we carry ourselves with pride. We set very high standards for ourselves and our families. We work hard and have a strong desire to achieve. This bold ambition is sometimes misconstrued as arrogance.”- Kevin & Louise (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)

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“We have a great sense of purpose. We have decided that we want better and we are unwavering in our efforts to achieve.” Joan – New York (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)

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“We are very aware of our humble beginnings and we are driven by the desire to accomplish. This is the heart of our ambitions. With that though, the proud, strong way

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that we carry ourselves is sometimes easily interpreted as arrogance.” Ina – Miami (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28) 

“Caribbean people like to work. We see an opportunity we go all out to take advantage of it. Some people in this country have all the same opportunities and more before them and they refuse to take advantage of them. That’s why they call us arrogant, but it’s really ambition.” Lloyd – Boca Raton (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28)



“Coming from the Caribbean we know about striving for what we want. We work hard. We come here to the United States, those same qualities come with us. Yes we’re ambitious. Are we arrogant? I don’t think so.” – Alicia and Aaliyah – Bahamas (2015, National Weekly, Vol. 12 No. 28) -Arrogant Ambitions-

The responses reflect a pursuit of “ambition” that is exceedingly myopic and “arrogant.” Such show a lack of compassion and understanding of history and of the socio-political realities of imperialism, capitalism, and basic mental manipulation which have been integral to America. What is gleaned from the general sentiments of many Caribbean immigrants is that African Americans are believed incompetent to take advantage of the supposed plethora of “opportunities” before them. Remarkably, such sentiment sounds strikingly similar to explanations given by European imperialists to explain their hegemonic exploitation of the “opportunities” that other countries, and whole continents, represent. What also comes through is the view that the United States represents a “dog eat dog” world of “opportunities” and many Caribbean immigrants are extraordinarily driven and ambitious to take advantage of situations, racist stereotypes regarding native African Americans, and loose U.S. immigration policies to achieve their ambitious goals. While this may not be the sentiment of all Caribbean immigrants, such is embraced by many. Many Caribbean immigrants insist that African Americans simply need to forget that the U.S. is “The House that Slavery Built.” Such is a foolish request and acquiescence to such by African Americans would be idiotic. The Caribbean immigrant insistence that African Americans forget that slavery occurred, and pretend that such is irrelevant to the present day condition of African Americans, is nothing more than an interethnic ploy to suggest that African American slaves and descendants are owed nothing in relation to slavery and Jim Crow. This is utter hypocrisy on the part of Caribbean immigrants, as they clearly have no intentions on forgetting the enslavement of their own ancestors. In fact, pursuant to the www.telegraph.co.uk, Jamaica leads a coalition of 14 Caribbean states demanding billions of pounds for slavery reparations. This coalition has made reparation and apology demands of Britain, France and Holland, insisting that such repair the damage to current descendants. Specifically, the Chairman of Jamaica’s Reparations Committee, has asserted “If you commit a crime against humanity, you are bound to make amends.” This idea, however, is lost when those same entities, who have migrated to the U.S., speak on the issue of African Americans and

continued on page 26

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

AKATA SPEAKS cont.

the slave trade. Accordingly, the assertions of many Caribbean immigrants regarding slavery, and the realities of discrimination, are little more than dishonest rhetoric. -The Truth Sets Many FreeWhat is missing from the racist stereotypes and the assertions of “arrogant ambition” is honesty regarding the true state of those countrymen and countrywomen that Caribbean immigrants have left behind on their islands while they pursue their prideful ambitions. As many native Africans also boast regarding ambitious feats on American soil, much of their contextual truth is also often left behind. Where is the truth, or does only half of such matter? The truths of impoverished African Americans are always readily available for critical public inspection and consumption and many Caribbean and native African immigrants exploit such truth access as a means of bolstering their ethnic group’s collective self-esteem. Many impoverished African Americans - believing the false narratives of many native African and Caribbean immigrants - are unaware of the many truths hidden behind the imported classist and racists facades. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? -Matthew 7:3 Of course, it is easy to travel to a distant land and offer critical analysis of that land’s struggling classes. However, one should seek to clean one’s own house before bringing a sociopolitical white glove to the home of another. Too much time is spent analyzing the supposed truths of impoverished African Americans, while truths at home remain concealed and neglected. So, where is the truth about the land-rich-yet-dirt-poor remaining behind in AFRICOM and CARICOM? Where is the abominable truth of the War of Biafra? Where is the truth about the illiteracy rates across the Diaspora and the African continent? Where is the truth about the joblessness and social welfare usage continually rising in the homelands? Where is the truth about teen pregnancies, crime rates, HIV rates, and divorces across AFRICOM and CARICOM? Where is the truth of the single parent households across CARICOM? Where is the truth regarding the low life expectancy? Where is the truth regarding the low primary school enrollments across AFRICOM and CARICOM? Where is the truth about the self-hatred and racial discrimination that spans AFRICOM and CARICOM, even in the face of “black” leadership? Where is the truth about the family members back home who do not work or take care of the children they sire? Where is the truth about the abysmal per capita incomes across CARICOM and AFRICOM? Where is the truth of the continuing African slave trade of women and children? Where is the truth about the continuing lack of running water, lack of electricity, and lack of basic food and adequate shelter across AFRICOM AND CARICOM? Where is the truth about the current recolonization of the African continent? Where is the truth about bleaching and literally dying to be white? How could these inconvenient truths slip the mind

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when finger pointing and derisively pontificating regarding what ails the impoverished American Negro? Where-is-the-truth? No one participates in mass exoduses to other countries when all things are going relatively well in one’s own country. In places such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Haiti, the population is predominantly African/Afro/Black Caribbean. Hence, in theory, given their steadfast assertions regarding “ambition,” “pride,” and “opportunity,” such island nations should be thriving and desired geopolitical spaces that throngs immigrate to in order to work and flourish. Such, however, is not the case. Is it? Essentially, after the European powers finished amassing incredible wealth from raping, using, and abusing the slaves stolen from Africa, and taken to the Caribbean, they had little use for the Caribbean people. Accordingly, the Europeans have left the overwhelming majority of such people in a chronic state of psychological degradation, abject poverty, and chaos. Instead of Great Britain, France, and the Dutch providing affirmative action for its past subjects, “West Indians” opportunistically migrate to the United States and avail themselves of the various “opportunities” and social welfare programs which were created to correct prior injustices against African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native American Indians. Many Caribbean immigrants and native Africans have no qualms about availing themselves to such restorative justice. It is, therefore, no wonder that there exists consternation between impoverished African Americans in south Florida and many “West Indian” immigrants. As with many patterns of immigration, those Caribbean immigrants who are able to migrate to the U.S. are disproportionately middle class by their culture’s standards. Hence, they arrive in the U.S. already in a space of social privilege. This is important because the Caribbean immigrant competition-based racist scripts, while sounding global, focus on impoverished African Americans. In keeping with the class consciousness prevalent in the Caribbean, the racism advanced by many Caribbean immigrants in the United States is disproportionately directed towards African Americans who are impoverished and of the same social class as those Caribbean persons the Caribbean immigrants were able to leave behind and concealed in their homelands. This discriminatory dynamic is of import, as researcher Ishtar Govia (2013), of the University of the West Indies, in Jamaica, has uncovered that Caribbean students who identify as “lower class” and “black” experience higher rates of perceived racial discrimination in a country that is predominantly “black.” Middle class “black” students perceive less experience of racial discrimination and upper class students perceive themselves as experiencing the least amount of racial discrimination. Also important in understanding the Caribbean immigrant racist targeting of impoverished African Americans is an early study by Jack Alexander (1977). In accordance with the racist scripts of many Caribbean immigrants, earlier research on Jamaican families revealed a pattern of middle class projection of its own social ills and fears onto the backs of the “black” lower class. Alexander noted “The middle class must constantly strive toward an ideal it can never achieve in order to avoid falling into the lower class. The middle class public decrial

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

AKATA SPEAKS cont.

of lower-class male irresponsibility and its private acknowledgment of middle class male irresponsibility perfectly expresses its attempt to separate itself from the lower-class while fearing it has failed.” Immigration has, therefore, allowed middle class Caribbean natives to do what they could not do in their homelands…separate themselves from the “black” lower class. Being free to leave impoverished Caribbean natives behind, many Caribbean immigrants have now simply created a false social and historical narrative in the United States that asserts all Caribbean natives are well educated, industrious, family focused, responsible, well mannered, “proud,” and “ambitious.” Many native African immigrants assert similar false social and historical narratives once away from the continent. This false narrative dynamic is tied to a need for external validation of self and group worth. In doing this, many Caribbean and native African immigrants are seeking to convince both European Americans and African Americans that they constitute a “new and improved black.” African American natives, then, serve as the collateral damage in the Caribbean and native African immigrant war for social relevance in the United States of America. All of the Caribbean immigrant posturing involving looking down on African Americans, and being exceedingly “proud,” is merely a façade and a collective psychological mind game with the self and others. Such is used to distract from a Caribbean immigrant history (and present) that is steeped in seemingly unescapable residues of the pathologies that slavery and “white” supremacy left behind. Undoubtedly, many migrate to the U.S. to access “opportunities” because many “opportunities” in the Caribbean are restricted to those who are “white” or considered “light” or “browning.” Once in the U.S., however, many Caribbean immigrants braggingly pretend that this is not the case. The assertion is that they have pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps and they admonish young and impoverished African Americans for failing to do the same. Question. Where, exactly, were those proverbial bootstraps in the “black” dominated Caribbean homelands? The racist false narrative advanced by many Caribbean immigrants is steeped in socially detrimental group narcissism, which has gone largely unchallenged in public and scholarly spheres. If an African American, European American, Asian American, and Hispanic American walked around repeatedly boasting about how “proud” they are to be an “American,” and bragging about how “everyone” is jealous of them because they are “Americans,” such would be seen as highly peculiar and disturbing for many reasons. It is equally peculiar and disturbing when repeatedly emitted from Jamaicans, other “West Indians,” and native Africans. While feeling positive about one’s heritage is generally seen as a good thing, hubris is not. Sound logic dictates that, given the totality of the contextual circumstances, the last thing that any Caribbean immigrant or native African should be focused on is the propagation of

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situational conceit and racist stereotypes regarding the sociopolitical state of impoverished African Americans in southern Florida, or anywhere else, and endless competition with the same. Many Caribbean and native African immigrant adults would do well to inquire of themselves what fuels their eager willingness to proliferate the racist dehumanization of African Americans while in America, particularly when the focus tends to be on those who are most vulnerable. -The Willie Lynch FactorMuch of what is transpiring between Caribbean immigrants and native African Americans is spelled out in the Willie Lynch Letter. While it is arguable whether the widely disseminated Willie Lynch Letter is authentic, the appraisals and assertions regarding the “making of a slave” are without error. According to the Letter, supposedly written in 1712, the process had shown success on the author’s own plantation in the “West Indies.” The Willie Lynch Letter offered that a full proof method for controlling African slaves involved the creation of fear, distrust, and envy among slaves. The Letter goes on to state that differences among the slaves must be magnified to foster envy. Differences, such as skin color, intelligence, hair texture, sex, size of plantation, and plantation status, according to the author, needed to be focused on in the process of subjugation. The Letter called for the pitting of slaves against each other by way of comparison and contrast. Additionally, the Letter indicated that slaves needed to be induced to trust, love, and respect only the slave master and those similarly situated. The Letter asserted “The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and selfgenerating for hundreds of years, maybe thousands.” What the Willie Lynch Letter did was expose the very process used in the mental and physical making of a slave, the process of internalization of oppression, and the process of instilling racist proclivities into the minds of slaves in relation to other slaves. These processes, accordingly, were said to set the stage for self-replication without the continued presence of the enslaver/oppressor. In the quest to be considered atop the heap of the subjugated, those enslaved were conditioned to work diligently to curry favor with the oppressor and aid in the subjugation of “racially” similar others. This dynamic is precisely what is at play with respect to many Caribbean immigrants and native African Americans. -Getting LuckyPart of the conditioning of slaves involved the creation of jealousies regarding who was the “luckiest” slave. Now, who in their right mind wants to be the luckiest “slave?” At any rate, there is a persisting belief among many Africans and Diasporans that African Americans are “lucky” to be descended from slaves who paved the way for birthright citizenship

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AKATA SPEAKS cont.

in the United States. The dehumanizing trauma of slavery and the apartheid system of Jim Crow are viewed by many Africans and Diasporans as “worth it” just for the opportunity to be born in America. (Notably, “white” supremacists also take this stance regarding African Americans.) This opinion persists, even though there is essentially no teaching of anything related to the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the schools of West Africa. The “lucky” belief system leads many native Africans and Caribbean immigrants to see African Americans as being born with a silver spoon which they are too lazy to pick up and use. Hence, the frequent immigrant belief that African Americans have a plethora of “opportunities” which they are simply too slack to even pursue. These beliefs are bolstered by many native African immigrants embracing and spreading the idea that America is “God’s own country.” The U.S. is, therefore, believed to be a form of heaven on earth. African Americans, however, do not generally see being born as slave descendants in the United States as any form of desirable social identity or privilege. African Americans are also unlikely to fully understand why those from predominantly “black” geopolitical spaces would volunteer to migrate to a geopolitical space where “blackness,” in all shades, is severely marginalized. -Striving for SpoilsMigrating to the United States affords native African and Caribbean immigrants the “opportunity” to access a geopolitical space that is classified as “developed.” Not only is the space considered developed, but those who are classified as “black” in the geopolitical space have already done the legwork to secure “black” rights and “black” resource access - after a five hundred year period of enslavement and apartheid. Hence, native African and Caribbean immigrants migrate to the United States to avail themselves of rights and resources that they did not have to work to create. In doing so, however, many African and Caribbean immigrants pretend that African Americans did little or nothing to develop the United States. Added to this are claims that many Caribbean natives and African natives were largely integral to the ending of U.S. slavery and the abolition of Jim Crow. These false narrative dynamics are also rooted in group narcissism, which involves taking credit for the work of others. Such false immigrant narratives also undergird a spirit of false entitlement and contempt in relation to African Americans. . The result is that African Americans are not generally seen as “brothers and sisters.” African Americans, instead, tend to signify “black” silver spoon wielding yardsticks by which to measure social ascendancy and distance from a migrant perceived social bottom. This is particularly the case regarding impoverished native African Americans in parts of south Florida, where Caribbean immigrants (legal and illegal) readily appear to outnumber native born African Americans – regardless of misleading census data. In that space, many Caribbean immigrants, who seek residency or citizenship in the United States, view impoverished native African Americans as an embarrassment to be suffered in their quest for social, economic, and political hegemony.

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-Labeling and the Imperialistic ImperativeIn striving for hegemony, many adult Caribbean and native African immigrants engage in a process of African American dehumanization through labeling and identity politicking. In the colonized mind, “black” is synonymous with “bad.” While many African Americans have historically embraced “black” as power, throughout the Diaspora and colonized Africa, “black” has long been seen as synonymous with “absolutely not white” and, therefore, “bad” and of “low estate.” Native Africans, however, often come to the United States pretending that such a paradigm does not exist at all on the African continent. African continent skin bleaching advertisements, however, suggest otherwise. “It is a Nigerian word, although a lot of West Africans use it to identify African Americans. It’s so commonplace most people don’t know akata means “wild animal” – most just think it’s a word for African American.” – Luvvie Ajayi The term “black” is used by many Caribbean and native African immigrants to negatively racialize and caste African Americans. Hence, regardless of what an African American person may elect to call himself or herself, many Caribbean immigrants and native African immigrants will insist that all African Americans be referred to solely as “black,” “the blacks,” or “akata” versus “African American.” The argument is often that African Americans have not lived in Africa; so, they should not have the right to call themselves “African.” This argument, interestingly, has been advanced by some “whites” in the U.S. who clearly have no authentic dog in that fight. The label of “African American” signifies a specific native ethnic group in the United States that has labeled itself thusly. Now, for unclear reasons, many native Africans (from specific African countries and tribes) and Caribbean immigrants see it as their prerogative to challenge such self-identification, with an insistence that a variety of ethnic others have a “right” to be labeled similarly. To be clear, native Africans and Caribbean immigrants have no right to define anyone but self. Caribbean immigrants are, undoubtedly, very aware of the use of race-related labels to stigmatize, as skin color discrimination in education, employment, and housing are rampant in the Caribbean. Labeling serves as a powerful tool to facilitate keeping people in “their place” in the Caribbean and that tool is being strategically wielded by many Caribbean immigrants in the U.S. While such may sound benign on the surface, recent research by Erika Hall, Katherine Phillips, & Sarah Townsend (2015) revealed that racial labels inform how people are perceived. Specifically, when African Americans are labeled as a color (black), versus their ethnicity (African American), such are perceived as lower in social status, competence, and positivity. Being identified as “African” and American versus “black” and American also has positive implications for salaries and perceptions of criminality for African Americans. No doubt, this is all a function of perceptual colorism.

continued on page 34

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TheVillageCelebration radio show Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. on www.thevillagecelebration.com.

Call in at 1-855-525-5683

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S.L .A .M.

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AKATA SPEAKS cont.

Notably, many Caribbean immigrants and native Africans have a preference for referring to themselves ethnically (Jamaican, Haitian, Bahamian, Trinidadian, Nigerian, South African, Kenyan, etc.), while many insist that African Americans be identified - and identify themselves only in terms of “racial” construction (“black”). Given the implications of the research, when African Americans are identified as a color versus their ethnicity, such will likely be seen as having lower status and lower competence when contrasted with those in the African Diaspora who identify by ethnicity. Whether conscious or unconscious, such labeling dynamics by Caribbean immigrants serve to strengthen the interethnic hegemony paradigm already in play in places such as south Florida. Color labeling of African Americans also serves to increase the possibility that native African Americans will suffer economically, educationally, legally, and vocationally in relation to Caribbean immigrants, who are striving for “brown/black” ethnic superiority in a “white” hegemonic geopolitical space. -The Negotiation of Identity PoliticsSince the passage of the Civil Rights Act, millions of native Africans and Caribbean immigrants have poured into the United States seeking to create the “new black.” This is a “new black” that, by proxy, largely and actively, advances “white” hegemony and absolves Europeans for 500 years of slavery and Jim Crow, while begging acceptance of those perceived as racially dominant. In other words, there has been an increasing and bizarre coopting of the very identity of “African American” and “Black American” by many Caribbean and native African immigrants. Imagine millions of African Americans migrating to Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and variously taking on the identities of “Haitian,” “Jamaican,” “Bahamian,” etc. as such was deemed convenient and advantageous in terms of resources and “opportunities.” Does this hypothetical not sound slightly odd? “There’s a certain thing of wanting to be like African Americans but not wanting to be African Americans.” – Yolanda Sangweni This identity coopting sometimes includes code switching by “West Indians” wherein African American Vernacular English dialects are used in lieu of Standard English, Jamaican Patois, or French-Haitian Creole. Not only are individual Caribbean immigrants coopting African American identity, educational institutions, politicians, and employers are deceptively reporting “African American” numbers of students and employees when the students and employees are Caribbean or native African and not African American. This idea of coopting the African American identity is troubling from various perspectives. First, African Americans were stripped of their identity, heritage, and tribal affiliations when enslaved. Now, there is a collusive effort to, yet again, reconfigure and rename

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the parameters of this very specific ethnic group. There is, clearly, some unspoken and ongoing initiative to obscure the heritage and cultural identity of those who are identified as African Americans. The questions are “Why?” and “Why are native Africans and Caribbean immigrants so involved in the imperialistic endeavor?” -“Why?”Questions of identity politics, however, are not the only questions immigrant individuals and groups need to be asking as mass immigration continues unabated. As an educator, it is odd to find that native Africans and Caribbean immigrants appear to not be asking themselves probing questions regarding their migration. For instance, immigrants never seem to stop and ask themselves, exactly, why the home to the Empire State is so very invested in helping them to have a better life, achieve their dreams, receive a western education, acquire social welfare benefits, attain sustainable employment, realize their human potential, and acquire dual citizenship to make it all come true. No one seems to question why they could not have simply received life enhancing support from other countries, to be all they can be, while in their birth homelands. No one seems to question why they could not find a way to be all they could be in their own oil, gold, diamond, iron, cobalt, silver, uranium, copper, and bauxite rich homelands. No one seems to question why America seeks to welcome those from abroad who look decidedly very similar to those who are unwelcomed and marginalized domestically. No one appears to question the detriment of brain draining their own countries in service of enhancing another one. Why is that the case? The entire African continent and Diaspora need to be answering these questions and dealing with the inconvenient truths that flow therefrom. Undoubtedly, this is that same lack of reflective questioning that resulted in native Africans being led, like lambs to the slaughter, to the shores of Africa for hundreds of years, while the continent was being mentally and physically “seasoned” for consequential colonial takeover. There really are no free lunches. -Critical ReflectionsAs with native African and Caribbean immigrants, native African Americans of every social strata need to engage in significant questioning regarding the social, economic, political, and educational implications of identity coopting, interethnic racism, intra-racial subjection, and interethnic competition that are apparently inherent to the growing mass immigration scheme. Theories of Pan Africanism, Black Nationalism, and liberalism encourage native African Americans to see mass U.S. immigration as an extension of humanitarianism and Diasporic integration. That is not, however, what is actually occurring.

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AKATA SPEAKS cont.

For African Americans, the mass immigration of native Africans and Caribbean immigrants translates into African Americans having to be increasingly mindful of a growing national culture of intra racial discord and interethnic competition. Due to the strong internalization and externalization of “white” racism among many native African and Caribbean immigrants, who are largely middle and upper class, great care needs to be taken in many spheres where immigrants and native African Americans engage. That additional care includes being more mindful of biases and stealth forms of racial, ethnic, and social class discrimination in education, healthcare, law, social services, and all areas of business. While many strong and deep bonds have been forged between many native African Americans, native Africans, and Caribbean natives, as the landscape of the United States evolves, African Americans are going to have to critically reassess social, political, and spiritual rules of solidarity, engagement, and advancement. All skinfolk are not kinfolk… Dedicated to the five nieces and nephews of Caribbean and Island descent and the five who are not.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Why Are We Still

Fighting

The CIVIL WAR? By Pierre Blaine Excerpt from his forthcoming Book Movement: Race, Power and Culture in America No one had to tell President Eisenhower what States’ Rights meant and when Arkansas tried to block Blacks from entering school he sent Federal troops to enforce the Court’s decision to desegregate schools. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 that protected voting rights. He established the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, and created the U.S. Civil Rights Commission charged with investigating infringement on voting rights. He desegregated the Armed Forces. As a Republican president, IKE understood that States’ Rights was really a smoke screen for re-fighting the Civil War which was fought by the South to maintain slavery as an economic institution of the South.

history that brought the state of South Carolina to this point in history and you will probably not find it in a history book. The Civil War was about maintaining the institution of slavery for the slave-holding states and it was about its eradication in the non-slave holding states. Apparently, you cannot get a clear understanding of that point by reading some of the American history books. If you look at originating documents you get a clear picture, namely the Convention of South Carolina in December of 1860 they produced the Declaration of the Immediate Causes Which Induce and Justify The Secession of South Carolina From the Federal Union. In this document they explained that in 1778, colonies entered into a League known as the Articles of Confederation, whereby they agreed to entrust the administration of their external relations to a common agent, known as the Congress of the United States, expressly declaring in the first Article, “that each State retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction and right which is not, by this Confederation, expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled.”

So, the sticking point was that South Carolina as a sovereign State has States’ Rights as practiced by the South had nothing to do with original separate control over its own institutions and therefore the institution States’ Rights as protected by the 10thAmendment to the Constitution. of slavery must remain intact. Furthermore, the Constitution gave them Under this definition – it refers to the rights of states to pass, enforce, the right to have property in slaves as provided by counting them 3/5 their own laws to pursue their own public policy objectives. of a person and protecting them from losses incurred by the impleAccording to Professor Emeritus Lowen, the South originally did not mentation of the Fugitive Slave Act. They also wrote in that document accept States’ Rights. and recognized that they did not recognize the geographical line that had been drawn in which all states north of that line had elected a man Those re-fighting the Civil War have been successful in calling the as President of the United States whose opinions and purposes were war –“The War Between the States”. By re-naming it, the South has hostile to slavery. They wrote disdainfully that this man had declared claimed the reason the South seceded from the Union was for states’ that “Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free” rights. However, when the Southern states seceded they made it clear and therefore slavery had to be eradicated. They saw the Federal govthey did so because they were for slavery and against states’ rights. In ernment as the enemy of their way of life and since the North was in other words, some states were exercising states’ rights when they propolitical error, the people of South Carolina declared their union with hibited slave owners transit through their states with slaves. What is the North is dissolved… So, it is in that context that the Confederate clear is that the South and states that seceded were against states’ rights flag was raised 100 years later to represent the South Carolinians on top when it did not support white supremacy. of their State Capitol building and against the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. So, it is ironic that on July 9, 2015 a representative It’s about economics and fortunately real history cannot be distorted from South Carolina who is the descendent of Jefferson Davis, the Conunless you destroy it, or in the case of Southern heritage proponents – federate President of the South, took to the floor of the House to declare rewrite it and or expunge it from the history books. South Carolina was that the Confederate flag had to come down from the state capitol. the first state to leave the union and the first site of the Civil War. The Confederate flag was raised on the state grounds in 1961 to protest the Jenny Horne, a white Republican representative from near Charleston Civil Rights Movement. Why would holding up the Confederate flag gazed over at her Black representative friends and all of this history be an affront to the Civil Rights Movement? It was an affront because flashed before her eyes and she had the courage and the power to say: the flag represented hate, murder and terrorism to Blacks and because Enough! She told the legislators that day that we have the power to take they intended for it to be an affront. In 2015 July 9 – the South Caroli- down a symbol that represented hate, murder, slavery and an affront na State legislature voted to take down the Confederate flag. Governor to the recent killings of nine black members of a Bible study group at Nikki Haley had pushed for taking it down and after the vote she said Mother Emmanuel African-Methodist Episcopal Church. Enough! in part: “The vote is a new day in South Carolina. It is a day we can be That the suspected, shooter was motivated by this symbol and repreproud of, a day that truly brings us all together as we continue to heal, sented an undercurrent in the 21st century that defies who we are as as one people and one state.” It is important that we all understand the Americans. Enough! No one could play the Southern heritage card on pg.

Jenny as the descendant of Jefferson Davis. Are we in such a painful juncture in race relations in America that we cannot see the new horizons that propels us soaring into the millennium? So, on the one hand we are soaring new horizons close up of Charon’s ‘Mountain in a Moat’ and we are dismissing the ‘Mountain of Hope’ that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so prophetically dreamed and we achieved as a nation with the election of President Barack Obama. Enough! That the President was met in Oklahoma near Durant, to address the Choctaw Nation about the new ConnectHome initative to increase high speed broadband to disconnected families in America, with a Confederate flag. And this protest against the President was organized by a black man who calls himself the “black rebel”. The organizers said in part, they did not intend any disrespect for the President, but only were trying to show respect for their flag. In America, they do have the right to express themselves. So, in America it has always been about Movement. Everything that the South was about in its implementation of slavery was designed so that the election of a Black man as president of the United States would never happen. Why, because that would negate the myth that the people of Africa were inferior. One of the basic principles of the culture of opposition is the exposure of grievances by the people or person. Just like a wound or sore with all of its toxins and ugliness when exposed to properties of air and light – heals; so does the ugliness of injustice when exposed to the properties of air and light heals the body politic. From the very beginning we have shown how Phyllis Wheatley defied that myth when she wrote her book and published the most difficult form of language – poetry. During the same period at the beginning of the republic another oxymoron for the period was produced – Benjamin Banneker who demonstrated an understanding of the most difficult form of logic- mathematics. The point is that Movement – by the people or by the individual is an important part of who we are as Americans and change cannot take place without it.

that they exist and pretend that somebody else is going to solve these issues. Movement is about, we the people, coming together to address and to solve these problems.

In the 21st century the only reason why we are still dealing with the racism and public policy of perpetuating it is that Americans tolerate it and have not stamped it out of our institutions. We must eradicate the institutionalization of racism that permeates all of our institutions which practices it. It is my fault that it still exists and I am doing what I can to eradicate it. A CNN poll in July, 2015 found that 57% of white Americans see the Confederate flag as a symbol of Southern heritage and 33% see it as a symbol of racism. Moreover, 51% of college-educated whites agree with the Southern heritage rhetoric. When we do not know our American history, we are doomed to repeat it. We are allowing libraries to be closed down in America, we are not challenging the history books coming out of Texas which have deliberately distorted the Civil War history in America, and we are allowing school administrators to balance their budgets by discontinuing history, social studies, and civics, and school libraries. Race Matters, History Matters, Blacks Matters and Truth Matters, and truth crushed to the earth shall rise again. We cannot allow these boils of injustice to erupt into violence and destruction in our communities for failure to acknowledge Copyright © 2015 - All rights reserved.

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Click image to

WATCH NOW! pg.

ST. JUDE HERO 2015 NYC Marathon for kids w/ cancer

Need your help! St. Jude and I just need 20 more of you to support kids with cancer. HEY EVERYONE! I am running the 2015 New

York City Marathon for the second time in November. I am raising money once again for St. Jude @ StJude, the great hospital for children with cancer. I am very close to my goal of $3500, and simply need 20 more of you to donate $25 each as soon as you are able, and then I am done and can focus strictly on training for the marathon. Can you please take a few minutes today to make a $25 donation? It would really mean a lot to me. Thank you so much in advance, and here is the link to donate: http://tinyurl.com/nb7p3e3 And if you have previously donated

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Featured

Art

pg.

Submission

Various Artists

Hands UP DON’T Shoot

Art

Remembering

Michael Brown Through

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Remembering Michael Brown

his is a poignant time, during the first anniversary of the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown by gunfire of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. What blessings and unity and awakening we all have experienced because of this martyr, Michael Brown: Mike-Mike of Ferguson, Missouri. Martyr! August 9, 2014. “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot”. We must not abandon that Battle Cry. We must not be manipulated into ignoring that Battle Cry: HANDS UP, DON’T SHOOT and the critical role it played in our speaking truth to power. We refuse to be brainwashed by anyone or by any revisionist history regime. The effort is certainly there, as evidenced by the now almost complete silence of anyone uttering it. A few months post-August 9th the messaging began …. And at some point we were told, “He didn’t have his hands up, so

you Black people and others cannot say ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’”. And guess what? The media has been silenced. Have we? Remember that there still has been no Justice for

Michael. #HandsUpDontShoot

#BlackLivesMatter #CantBreathe #IAMAME #SayHerName #Ferguson

Here is an opportunity to re-visit the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot: Artists Respond” visual art initiative of the Alliance of Black Art Galleries (St. Louis). I am honored to share the video produced by Annetta Vickers-Bentil, showing the art from the exhibit. Over 100 artists from St. Louis, Kansas City and across the country were part of this initiative. “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot Art Exhibition Video”: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=Zj56wCj2BAI

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“FERGUSON” By Artist Robert Ketchens

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

“WE THE PEOPLE” By Artist William Burton

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“WHY & WHEN” By Artist Sami Bentil

When will there be justice for those of African Descent? When will the USA, a modern Christian nation begin to practice true Freedom and Justice for all it’s Citizen, especially those of African descent who after 500 years are still being besieged and brutalized by Law Enforcement Authorities and Systematized Racism.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Heidi Lung | Ferguson, MO

Alan Johnson | Ferguson, MO

Serhat Tanyolacar | Iowa City, IA Dave Loewenstein | Lawrence, KS pg.

Howard Barry | Northwoods, MO

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Hayveyah McGowan | Kansas City, MO

pg.

Dale Chambers | St. Louis, MO

Dennis Redmoon Darkeem | Bronx, NY www.the-arts-today.com

Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Shoot Back

By Najee Dorsey | Columbus, GA

Inhale war, Exhale peace, Breath in the line of fire. By Gundia Lock-Clay | St. Louis, MO

pg.

“MIDNIGHT, FIRE” By Dion,Dion | St. Louis, MO

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Michael Bishee | Magdalena, NM

Linda Lighton | Kansas City, MO

pg.

Burnett Curtis Grayson, III | New York, NY

Tianxin Wang | St. Louis, MO

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

“MOURNING IN AMERICA” By Freida L. Wheaton

pg.

The Alliance of Black Art Galleries

he Alliance galleries, which include public, private and nonprofit art galleries, are as follows: 10th Street Gallery (Patricia Smith Thurman and Solomon Thurman); Atelier D’ Artiste 14 Art Gallery (William Burton, Jr. and Robert A. Ketchens); Exodus Gallery (Carlton Mitchell); YeYo Arts Collective Gallery (Dail Chambers); the Bentil’s Jah’z Art Private Gallery (Sami Bentil and Annetta VickersBentil); L. D. Ingrum Gallery & Studio (Lois D. Ingrum); Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center (Robert A. Powell); and Salon 53, a private residential art gallery (Freida L. Wheaton).

“Hands Up, Don’t Shoot Art Exhibition Video” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj56wCj2BAI

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

John Jennings Associate Professor Visual Studies SUNY Buffalo tumblr: http://jijennin70. tumblr.com/

pg.

2nd Annual Saint Louis African American Artifacts Festival and Bazaar

SAINT-LAAA-FAB Join Us On

Saturday, August 15, 2015 Crown Square Plaza, 14th & St. Louis Avenue (Old North St. Louis Historic District) 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Celebrating The Rich Heritage of African American Culture!

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet

ARTIFACTS~ MUSIC ~ POETRY ~ AR T ~ DANCE ~ VENDORS BOOTHS ~ FOOD CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES ~ HEALTH & WELLNESS ~ PRIZES Sponsorship, Exhibitor Booth & Vendor Information Contact Robert Green: 314-243-1021 or EMAIL: saintlaaafab@gmail.com

Sponsors

[Street Address]

Saint Louis Art Museum SAINT-LAAA-FAB Inc. (xxx) yyy-yyyy

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

NASCO A Drug Treatment Center Celebrates Its Past

NASCO, A Drug Treatment Center, Celebrates its Past

Working at a drug treatment center, while daunting, can be one of the most affirming and lifelong learning experiences. Awareness of human nature heightens, a more sober worldview emerges and life’s illusory veils begin to fall away. Typically, those less familiar with the field would ask with a rather condescending sneer: “How could you work there? Aren’t you afraid?” Automatically picking up on their contempt for working with addicts, I’d quickly reply: ‘The work is quite rewarding and I’m not afraid.’

To celebrate and honor its storied and remarkable history, supporters, staff and clients of Narcotics Service Council, Inc. are having a reunion Friday, August 28, 5:30 PM -- 7:30 PM, Employment Connection, 2838 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Invited are members of the NASCO Community (which covered the St. Louis Metropolitan area).

Prior to the Reunion, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM, will be a Community Forum, titled, Today’s Heroin Epidemic – Lessons Learned in the 70’s, featuring William M. Harvey, PhD, (NASCO co-founder). He will deliver the keynote address along with panelists: Scott Anders, deputy chief, U.S. Probation Office; Nancy McCarthy, co-chair, STAR, Regional Administrator, Missouri Department of Corrections and Jared Opsal, public awareness specialist, NCADA (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse). Specialists in the field are invited.

From the mid-1960s to the early 1990s, NASCO treatment personnel tirelessly worked behind the scenes to eradicate a horrendous drug epidemic or as the federal government

pg.

termed it: “The War on Drugs.” Yet war is a misnomer, as treating mostly non-violent users with fiendish addictions (the demand side) was quite different from interdiction or law enforcement (supply side). The Struggle to Become Drug-free The following describes intervention after addiction is full-blown. Prevention is the ideal or at the very least, intervening during the early stages, as the longer the addiction, the more prolonged and difficult the recovery.

Because alcohol, heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamines, hallucinogens and other substances are so powerfully seductive, when used on a regular basis, addicts are ensnared, trapped like prey in a spider’s silken web. There are often physical problems and dangers, resulting from over-consumption, poor nutrition, using dirty needles, unsafe sex, driving under the influence -- usually due to impaired judgment from constant intoxication. Addiction is compounded by tolerance, meaning, the more you take, the more you have to take in order to have the same effect, increasing the chances of overdosing, particularly with narcotics.

Addiction is only part of the problem; drug abusers become socially dysfunctional in a very serious way. Sociopathic behavior is the demon that raises its ugly head during years of drug-induced stupors, at least for a significant number. Charming without a conscience or morally weak and ruthless, bumps up against a failure to conform to social norms. Working a routinized “9 to 5” job, once looked upon with disdain, now in recovery, these mostly males (young adults to middle age) are forced to adapt to society’s

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NASCO TREATMENT CTR cont.

expectations. This is a real challenge, because at the same time, U.S. media and culture convey messages that it’s “trendy to exploit other people.”

Said Martha Stout, PhD, in her book, The Sociopath Next Door: “Few people would disagree that, from the Wild West of the past to the corporate outlaws of the present, American society seems to allow and even encourage me-first attitudes devoted to the pursuit of domination.” Stout added that one of the most pernicious aspects of our culture is: “… glamorizing of the deepest infraction of normal conscience …”

The crescendo of misery is hitting rock bottom, including burning bridges, losing friends, ruining jobs, emptying out other people’s bank accounts as well as numerous sub-lethal overdoses. Most pathetic are the ones whose families cut all ties. This is usually compounded by prison time, which further criminalizes addicts due to associations with hardened criminals. Hence, drug use at this end of the game can certainly lead to one’s downfall. That is if you’re lucky, worse luck can be lethal over-doses or being murdered typically related to drug disputes. With years of constant drug seeking and using behavior, exposure to criminal elements, “living in the fast world,” partying like there’s no tomorrow (albeit chemically induced) many face a commensurate number of years struggling and battling their way back to being drug-free with some semblance of normalcy. Thus the road to recovery is oftentimes painfully slow and arduous. The Individual, the Drug and the Environment The fact that drugs and environments go hand-in-hand as the major culprits cannot be over-stated. Obsessed and fixated, many commit crimes (usually non-violent) to support their habits. An abuser will also exploit, manipulate with glib fast-talking charm, draining

pg.

victims dry, then dropping them like a hot potato and of course quickly moving on. Much to the chagrin of the poor victims, the addict periodically pops back up, to again captivate and beguile. Unable to resist and too trusting, victims will usually let the user back into their lives. Thus begins another cycle of roller coaster rides, fast, furious and unpredictable, never to the advantage of the poor, unsuspecting dupe. Unfortunately, relatives and friends are all too often caught up in these terrible ordeals, becoming doormats, rescuers and enablers while others resort to isolationists, fleeing at a moment’s notice of a sighting of the addict. Some liken them to “terrorists,” holding love-ones hostage – a sad commentary for sure. As they say: “When one person is sick the whole family is sick.” Thus, family therapy is highly recommended.

Even after alcoholics and other drug users become drug-free, many act like dry-drunks. That is, no longer drinking and drugging, they continue with old behaviors, not detaching themselves from environments, negative attitudes and external acting out. Suffice it to say, treatment becomes a protective factor, guarding against the physical toll and other deleterious effects (socially and otherwise), which eventually morph their bodies and minds into the walking dead, zombies as it were, with no purpose, no direction and no drive. The havoc reeked on others, once in recovery can reveal their own issues of selfloathing, anxiety and guilt. Hence, dealing with the whole person makes treatment even more complex and difficult.

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NASCO TREATMENT CTR cont.

Founders, Dr. William M. Harvey and Don Mitchell NASCO’s social engineers, William M. Harvey, PhD and Don Mitchell founded the program in 1967. Mitchell was a former professional baseball player -- at some point, he lived the life of an addict and recovered and Harvey is a trained psychologist.

William M. Harvey, PhD, NASCO executive director (retired) Harvey was NASCO’s executive director when I joined as a counselor in 1974. By 1976, I was the managing director. Don Mitchell was ailing by that time and died from renal failure April 29, 1977 at age 47.

Both brilliant in their own right, their temperaments and views meshed perfectly. They collaborated to establish a holistic approach for understanding and treating multiple, interconnected dimensions of problems that resulted in so many falling prey to this terrible malaise. They developed a philosophy that drug abuse resulted from a “… complex interplay of diverse variables impacting the individual.” It was the chemical along with other factors such as the individual’s psychological and physical makeup along with their

pg.

environments including family, friends, other authority figures, media, schools, law enforcement, etc.

They setup an innovative non-narcotic detox, eschewing methadone, addicting but legal, used as a maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. It’s a Schedule II Controlled Substance similar to morphine, regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Users of opioids or narcotics typically require a detox regimen as they undergo withdrawal or as it’s commonly called, a withdrawal syndrome, akin to a bad case of the flu, including vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, insomnia and agitation. Depressants or downers including alcohol, barbiturates and benzodiazepines also highly physically addicting, can bring on withdrawal. Stimulants or uppers such as methamphetamine, cocaine and crack are less physically addicting, in other words, when you stop taking it you don’t get as sick or have many physical symptoms. Nonetheless, stimulants have a high abuse potential and one can become highly dependent psychologically.

Harvey and Mitchell took exception to the stereotype that illegal drug use was primarily a problem among the urban poor. For example, many low-income residents are able to resist the lure, conversely others in upper-income areas can fall prey. Therefore, you can’t blame it on just one thing, such as poverty and certainly not race. Also recognized was the dozen or so distribution levels, an entire ecosystem, from the source country to the street, which included many nationalities and ethnic groups, not just young Black or Latino males “slinging rocks on the corner.” In fact, they were the minimum wage workers or mules. In this country, those at the upper trafficking levels were primarily White, taking home the lion’s share of the spoils.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Presents

Some of the Best of “Soul Radio”

Come and help us honor and commemorate the achievements, contributions, and triumphs of “Soul Radio” and the many African American personalities that contributed so much to the industry. Saturday, August 15, 2015 *** 6:00 P. M. – 10: 00 P. M. *** Sun Theatre 3627 Grandel Sq. • St. Louis, MO 63108 For Ticket Info: (314) 837-3349, Hudson’s Embassy (314) 533-3070, Vintage Vinyl (314) 721-4096, Progressive Emporium Education Center (314) 875-9277 Sponsored By St. Louis Black Radio Hall of Fame You may make donations to the Soul Pioneer’s Fundraising Campaign by going to the St. Louis Black Radio Hall of Fame GOFUNDME account on Facebook.

Live Entertainment By:

Ruby Andrews

Roland Johnson

Otis Clay

Uvee Hayes

and The James Family pg.

Jerome Lane

MEET MANY OF THE SOUL PIONEERS OF BLACK RADIO      

Gabriel Jim Gates Doug Eason Scotty Lawrence Gene “Gino” Norman Terry Houston

     

Randy O’ Jay Brooks Michael Tyrone Key Ronn Nichols Donn Johnson Bernie Hayes Edie Bee Anderson

  

Betty Thompson Lou Thimes Jr. Gary Stittum and others

Come celebrate with us as we pay tribute to:

The Sharpees

The Temptations

Joe Hinton

Wilson Pickett

Otis Redding

Solomon Burke

Tina Turner

Mel & Tim

Montclair’s

B.B. King

The Impressions

The Caesars

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

NASCO TREATMENT CTR cont.

Neither can you say that use is to blunt depression. While some do, this does not explain everything. Narcotics such as heroin are analgesics (pain relievers) with a side effect of euphoria (the high). Illegal users take it for euphoric effects, that intensely pleasurable feeling. We’re all attracted (more or less) to pleasurable experiences. Yet those less susceptible tend to delay gratification, have stronger impulse controls, stronger value and belief systems, setting clear, positive goals. They’re less likely to venture down this tortuous path, getting caught up in a vicious drug cycle. To put it another way, drug abuse cuts across race, gender, class, geographic and virtually all other demographic lines. It goes without saying that residents of the soft underbelly of society are more vulnerable. But by and large, it has no respect of personhood. Treatment Regimen The agency was staffed by ex-addict and professional counselors, therefore its approach was a balance between real-life issues, drilling deep into the clients’ environments (people, situations and things) along with its more clinically oriented professional staff, including doctors, nurses and of course counselors and psychologists. All professional staff took into account environmental, physical and psychological factors.

Most importantly, Dr. Harvey believed in the “supremacy of practice” and the “talking cure” as treatment hallmarks. Neither the time nor the luxury to delve into the dark recesses of the person’s sub-consciousness or psychoanalysis, clients were encouraged, in fact urged, to discuss and practice positive and productive pursuits, that is, get a job and keep it, reconnect with supportive family members and avoid negative environments.

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Thus, one of the goals of the treatment plan was: “To resist the urge to use drugs and avoid negative environments.” A powerful elixir if she or he stuck to the regimen, but relapse loomed large, sometimes over and over again. Their associates, as they called them, or their drug using buddies, were just as tempting as the drug. Consequently, they were almost as addicted to people and the lifestyle as they were to the substance. Additionally, the longer they used, the more stunted were emotions and maturity.

NASCO Central in the city had residential and outpatient components with about 40 residents and 140 outpatients. NASCO West in St. Louis County had about 100 outpatients. While it was a private, non-profit agency, it derived most of its funding from the state and federal government.

In its residential program, food service emphasized healthy eating with a low-meat emphasis. Addicts generally don’t drink enough water; hence, health is even more compromised. There was a vegetable garden that clients cultivated and harvested for meals. Exercise and work therapy (work assignments inside and around the building) were also part of treatment. Medical staff oversaw detox and referred clients to clinics for health problems beyond their scope.

Plus there was a special program for women (about 25 percent of the clientele) whose problems were even more unique and challenging. Toxic relationships with drug using partners were doomed from the start as males typically introduced women to drugs. Studies show that 70 percent of women stand by their addicted partners, while an astounding 70 percent of men abandon women abusers. Coming to the attention of

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NASCO TREATMENT CTR cont.

authorities, many women had their children taken away from them or raised by a family member. Racked with guilt for not being good mothers is usually what differentiated them from men with children. It’s bad enough to treat singles using, but couples using together is infinitely worst. From the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, more right-wing conservative politicians swept into office. Much less inclined to support social problems, drastic cuts to social service programs were emphatic and swift. NASCO was no exception and eventually met the chopping block. It shuttered its doors in 1992.

You may have noticed no mentioned has been made of marijuana, although it still remains a Schedule I substance. It’s because the federal government maintains that it has no medicinal value, yet it pales in comparison to narcotics in terms of high abuse potential. According to the DEA: “Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”

Interestingly, twenty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have laws legalizing marijuana in some form, including for medical treatments. Twenty states have decriminalized it; meaning these offenses are typically treated like minor traffic violations. Medical and recreational marijuana are going the way of alcohol. Federal law banned alcohol in 1920, but by 1933 a constitutional amendment repealed prohibition. Like alcohol, before and during prohibition, marijuana use has become widespread and increasingly socially acceptable but also marred by the encroachment of organized illegal drug trafficking, reeking all kinds of social havoc and crime as well as swelling the prison systems. Finally, I’d be remised if no mention is made of cigarettes and other nicotine

pg.

products, although like alcohol, both are legal but with many health dangers. Specialists contend both cause more health hazards than the specter of heroin. Heroin Use on the Rise It’s not surprising that there is a resurgence of heroin use. Between 2002 and 2013, use flared up across the country, according to a recent report put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a July 11, 2015 New York Times article, Obituaries Shed Euphemisms to Chronicle Toll of Heroin, it noted: “Among the more striking findings, heroin use doubled among women in that decade and rose by 60 percent among Americans with a household income of $50,000 or more. Over the same period, heroinrelated overdose deaths nearly quadrupled, with more than 8,200 reported in 2013.” A current flashpoint is in Madison County, Illinois, part of the St. Louis area. Abuse by mostly Whites is vexing families, treatment personnel and law enforcement. The ebb and flow of media-borne drug epidemics are evidenced by news accounts with splashy headlines reporting crisis-after-crisis, tales of gloom and doom, then other times barely anything. Yet, drug abuse is an on-going phenomenon. Epidemics or not, may be largely academic. Regardless, like death and taxes, they’re most certain to occur again and again. Let’s hope that future politicians are not penny wise and pound foolish, taking a politicized meat axe to one of the most complex issues of our time. If they don’t wise up, we’ll certain to have future reunions for more bygone highly effective treatment programs. RSVP to the Reunion: fredapruitt868@yahoo.com RSVP to the Community Forum: nasco1967@yahoo.com

Malaika Horne, PhD, is an academic writer and journalist. Her dissertation examined drug policies.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

pg.

“The Ferguson Effect…” A Church and Society Lecture Series

Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church to present its annual Dillie Slaughter & Foster S. Tripp Church and Society Lecture Series on each Sunday in August, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. at the church. The series is titled “The Ferguson Effect…” and will include the following presenters and discussions.

Sunday,

August 2nd

“The Ferguson Effect upon Law Enforcement and Community Policing” Presenter: Marius Johnson-Malone, Better Together STL

Sunday,

August 9th

“The Ferguson Effect upon School Suspensions Reform” Presenter: Students 4 Justice, MCU & YFC Youth

Sunday,

August 16th

“The Ferguson Effect upon the Faith Community” Presenter: Dr. Leah Gunning-Francis, author of “Ferguson and Faith”

Sunday,

August 23rd

“The Ferguson Effect upon the Legal and Court Systems” Presenter: Pamela Meanes, President, National Bar Association

Sunday,

August 30th

“The Ferguson Effect upon the Social Services Sector”

Presenter: Bridget McDermott Flood, Executive Director, Incarnate Word Foundation

The series is free and open to the public. For more information please contact the church at (314) 533-8763. The church is located at 3200 Washington Blvd. at the corner of Compton and Washington in Midtown.

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pg.

Writings by:

Jason Vasser Poems: Vigil, Radcliffe Flippin, Men Talking

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J. Vasser cont.

Vigil Drive around the urban jungle and you may find teddy bears and cards, letters to fallen children martyrs to a cause they had not planned to fight for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; standing tall as men, the teddy bears in their open arms remain in the rain and the sun of life as if the street corner was a living hug thugs find refuge in running to, away from the hate inherited through years of calloused thumbs holding little ants down from their colony, their queen, and all the glory of the forest floor.

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Radcliffe Flippinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;in the alley In the hood, there are Olympians in training flipping from the concrete slabs in alley ways with perfect form springing from mattresses discarded from the high rises. Imagine what they see in themselves; as they run then leap the open air at their feet in pure confidence, that will make it over.

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J. Vasser cont.

Men talking From the east side of the street in baggy jeans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; heavy left leg, he walks. From the west side of the street buttoned up and sure, he walks. Both approach an awning the one in the baggy jeans nods up the buttoned up one nods down Without a single word so much was said.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

pg.

In the spirit of Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, and Piri Thomas’s Down These Mean Streets, this powerful memoir by writer and activist Kevin Powell vividly recounts the horrific poverty of his youth, his struggles to overcome a legacy of anger, violence, and selfhatred, and his journey to be a man and a voice for others. Driven by his single mother’s dreams for his survival and success, Powell became the first in his family to attend a university, where he became a student leader keenly aware of widespread social injustice. But the struggle to define himself and break out of poverty continued into adulthood, with traumatic periods of homelessness and despair. As a young star journalist with Vibe magazine, Powell interviewed luminaries such as Tupac Shakur, writing influential chronicles of the evolution of hiphop from his eyewitness view. Now, with searing honesty, Powell examines his troubled relationships, his appearance on MTV’s first season of “The Real World,” his battles with alcohol and depression, his two campaigns for Congress, and the uplifting trip to Africa that renewed his sense of personal mission. Finally, Powell embarks on a search for the father he never really knew in a redemptive passage from abandonment to self-discovery.

““ ””

A striking memoir by a child of post-Civil Rights America, The Education of Kevin Powell gives eloquent testimony to the power of the soul to heal.

~~~

The Education of Kevin Powell is a raw, deeply painful accounting of a life born of poverty, racism, abandonment, abuse, and complicated love. It is a memoir as much about a mother as it is about her son, a memoir born out of stunning writing and surprising vulnerability. A memoir of rage and insight, heartbreak and hunger. Powerful, brave, and unforgettable. —Eve Ensler

Poignant and powerful. This story of Black male life in our patriarchal culture, from boyhood to manhood, is raw and passionate. It offers a true and honest portrait of all that Black males endure to survive and, more importantly, to cope with trauma, and to heal and thrive. It should be read by everyone who claims to care about the fate of Black males in America. —bell hooks

Pre-order the book NOW (the official publication date is Tuesday, November 3, 2015): Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Jbxdke B&N: http://bit.ly/1G6PSrb BAM: http://bit.ly/1DdhloW Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1Ebt4ti iBooks: http://apple.co/1HUHJea Google Play: http://bit.ly/1butgcJ

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

{

t oo h S P hoto

pg.

Beauty

And

Fashion

ESG MODELING AGENCY has officially completed out 2015 “Beauty Rocks the Beat” runway show in Atlanta, Georgia. After much hard work and determination we are excited to recap and interview all models that were able to be a part of the production and help our agency spread the LOVE of CHRIST through Art and Fashion!

Interviewed: ~Angela LaRocca ~Jade Quick ~Ebony Knight ~Nyela Minnifield

Top Nationwide Model Spread ft: ~Brittany West

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

I AM ME! (My outside is not my inside) photo shoot.

Interview questions: How did you enjoy shooting for the "I AM ME" photo shoot?

The "I AM ME" photo shoot was absolutely surreal. It was unlike any shoot that we've ever done, because I really think it touched us. It wasn't just about posing and pretty clothes. It was about the greater good and really enlightened us all.

How was it being on set with ESG modeling agency in the St. Louis division for the shoot?

It is always a gift to work with this amazing team. It was probably the most challenging than any shoot we've ever done, but that contributed to our characters. If it wasn't so blazing hot outside we wouldn't really understand how people truly feel that are in this position every day. We could not have planned to act hot and sweaty. No we truly were and it helped keep us focused and contribute to our characters. The staff was wonderful helping us throughout the entire process.

How did the shoot differ from any beauty shoots you have attended with the agency?

This shoot was different. It was more than wearing a brand and representing something tangible like an article of clothing for a designer. It was representing an issue and what we can we do about it to bring awareness. It wasn't about the makeup we did or didn't wear that day. (She giggles afterward.)

It really made us draw inward. It was truly anti-external beauty. Usually when you're in these shoots it's about (the glam team) making you look the best, let's make sure our eyelashes are the longest and our hair is perfect.

This shoot was raw, real and humbling.

pg.

| ESG INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL |

Angela

LAROCCA

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Why do you have a passion for helping the homeless community?

I think we all have a responsibility to help those that are less fortunate. It's really that simple. If we are in a place to give we should.

How did you enjoy having the acting instructor, Moses Weathers, on set to assist during the shooting process?

Moses was amazing! He was so passionate about it. He really worked well one on one with each model, because this was different you know? Instead of posing, you really had to bring a character to life. It wasn't just about pretty clothes.

If you could change some things in this world that would assist with ending homelessness what would it be?

Everyone can do something and start small. Go through your pantry, pick up extra can goods at the grocery store or more fresh produce for those in need. It's really a pay it forward mentality.

People think what can one person do and how can I really make a difference? Well you can make a difference; you just have to start.

Do you plan on traveling with the agency to Atlanta to assist in the ďŹ rst big event for the "I AM ME" campaign?

I will do my best to travel wherever God calls us to go!

What do you hope this campaign will inspire other people in your community and nationwide to do to help the homeless community?

I want this shoot to open people's eyes. Honestly, it made me more aware from the minute I left the set. I payed attention. I saw people on the side of the road and I stopped and gave money, because it's like my goodness, I understand. I played a character like you less than an hour ago, so there is no reason the compassion should stop because we're ďŹ nished on set. It's like take everything off set and into the world, but still maintain that compassion.

Interview conducted and written by: Nationwide Director/Business Motivator Kimberly Marie

pg.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Jade Qu | ESG Inte

rview

pg.

with A

tlanta

uick Mode

ESG MODELING AGENCY has ofďŹ cially completed our 2015 "Beauty Rocks the Beat" runway show in Atlanta, Georgia. After much hard work and determination we are excited to recap and interview all models that were able to be apart of the production and help our agency spread the LOVE of CHRIST through Art and Fashion!

INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL JADE QUICK

How did you enjoy shooting the "Girl next door will transform into a Beauty that rocks the Beat" promotional photo shoot?

It was great! I loved it! This was one of the best shoots I've actually done, because we were able to be ourselves. Normally with any other photo shoot I am told what to do and how to pose. This shoot wasn't like that at all, with the "Beauty Rocks the Beat" brand and ESG modeling agency we were able to be ourselves.

Why do you have a passion for modeling and representing the kingdom of God?

I felt like modeling was my thing after everything I tried. As I got older, I realized not everyone has the talent to model, so if I'm going to model I should take it more seriously. With me being a believer in God, I was getting certain signs from God and the bible. All that just inspired me to keep going and not give up.

How did you enjoy the "Beauty Rocks the Beat" runway show? What was your favorite part?

It was fabulous I enjoyed it a lot!!! My favorite part was getting my hair and make-up done and rehearsing on stage.

What is the difference in modeling with ESG modeling agency as a Christian based organization verses another agency? What was your experience?

I fell like I was taken care of more. Now a days in the industry people look out for themselves, but with ESG I felt like they took me under their wings as if I was their child. If I was to go to another agency I feel like it wouldn't be the same support and motivation.

The agency is very passionate about serving the homeless community. If you could change some things in this world that would assist with ending homelessness what would it be?

I would provide better shelters were they don't have to be rushed to leave and jobs.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Do you plan on auditioning with the agency in the Atlanta division for the 2016 modeling season? Yes!!!!! (With an excited laugh.)

What can the world expect to learn from your career as you serve The Lord in this modeling industry?

Everything I do I do to the fullest! I practice, pray and don't worry about what other people say. We all get different blessings in life and if God sends something for me... I go for it!

Interview conducted by: Fashion Designer/Intern Keara Hunt

Written by: Nationwide Director/Business Motivator Kimberly Marie

Produced/Sponsored by: ESG modeling agency esgst.louis@yahoo.com 1-800-300-1544 Division in Atlanta, St. Louis and Houston

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| ESG INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL |

Ebony KNIGHT

INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL EBONY KNIGHT How did you enjoy shooting the “Girl next door will transform into a Beauty that rocks the Beat” promotional photo shoot? It truly was a beautiful experience! I loved working with the photographer- April Taylor. She had great knowledge and made me feel very comfortable. I felt comfortable to be myself on set. Why do you have a passion for modeling and representing the kingdom of God? Modeling has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I loved playing dress up like most little girls do. I always envisioned myself being on the runway. I used to be in my room practicing as a child and now I still practice my walk and turns at night. I always wanted to be that model that God uses as a vessel to spread his message. I want to be a positive influence to other young girls and single mothers. With me being a single mother (of two boys) I want single mothers to know you can fulfill your dreams; we have to be that example for our children. They need to know regardless of the obstacles in the way that they can fulfill their goals.

What is the difference in modeling with ESG modeling agency as a Christian based organization verses another agency? What was your experience? Not all agencies are center around a relationship with Christ. They are more into the greed aspect. The model is used as a “pawn” to make the agency money. I have spoken to models from other agencies and sometimes you can feel in their spirit they really are not happy, but because they may be in a contract they stay. A lot of other agencies don’t help models branch outside the realm of modeling or fulfill other things they want to pursue. Everything is strictly based on this industry only. ESG is different. They help models expand into other realms they want to pursue, whether it’s working with the homeless or in education. They are more community based and helpful. They always keep Christ first with everything that they are doing. They are not looking to get something out of it, but looking to help the model become more successful and aid the community. That’s why I say ESG sets the bar higher than other agencies do! pg.

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Model: Ebony Knight Photographer: A-LOVE photography pg.

What do you want the readers to know about you and your testimony?

What I want the readers to know about me is that I am human. I am not perfect, but I have come a long way from where I was. I know I have God walking beside me through this whole process (called life.) I am thankful to him for bringing me from where I was to where I am now. Without the struggles and what I've been through I wouldn't be as close to God as I am now. I know if I can follow my dreams being a single mother (of two kids) then anyone can fulﬁll their dreams. My motto is "DREAMS DON'T HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE!" If you want to make it, then pray and get to work. Faith without works is dead, so have faith, get to work and God will see you through the rest.

The agency is very passionate about serving the homeless community. If you could change some things in this world that would assist with ending homelessness what would it be?

It would probably be two things and #1 is HUNGER. I know what it's like sometimes not to have food that you want to eat and you have to try to make a meal out of anything. Hunger is something I would want to change drastically.

My #2 would be something that people don't typically associate with homelessness, but EDUCATION. There are a lot of people on the outside looking in, but we must educate ourselves on the different levels of homelessness. Some people have a home but, no food and some have food, but no home. We have to be educated on how to help someone going though the situation of not having any where to live.

We also need better resources and job training. There is so much I can say, but I feel like hunger and educating our society on how to help would be a great start.

Do you plan on auditioning with the agency in the Atlanta division for the 2016 modeling season? Yes, I look forward to auditioning again!

What can the world expect to learn from your career as you serve The Lord in this modeling industry?

Do not sacriﬁce your soul in this industry (for fame) and stand for something. Anything that you do... do it with "KINGDOM PURPOSES" in mind. Don't do it just for exposure, but do it because you want God to help and inspire someone through you.

Any time I do any modeling... I want God's light to shine. I'm not modeling just for exposure, but I'm modeling with a purpose and my purpose is to let God touch someone through me.

Any other comments you would like to share? The feedback I want to give is that I just love how ESG modeling agency keeps God ﬁrst in everything that they do. You just don't see that anymore, especially in this world. You don't see a lot of companies keeping God in the forefront and that's why a lot of agencies or businesses go through what they go through, because they take God out the loop. I am so grateful, ESG doesn't do that.

Interview conducted by: Atlanta Project Manager- Demarco C. and Nationwide Director/Business Motivator Kimberly Marie

Written by: Nationwide Director/Business Motivator Kimberly Marie

Produced/Sponsored by: ESG modeling agency esgst.louis@yahoo.com 1-800-300-1544 Division in Atlanta, St. Louis and Houston

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

| ESG INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL |

Nyela MINNIFIELD pg.

100

ESG MODELING AGENCY has ofﬁcially completed our 2015 "Beauty Rocks the Beat" runway show in Atlanta, Georgia. After much hard work and determination we are excited to recap and interview all models that were able to be apart of the production and help our agency spread the LOVE of CHRIST through Art and Fashion!

INTERVIEW WITH ATLANTA MODEL NYELA MINNIFIELD (age 9)

How did you enjoy shooting the "Girl next door will transform into a Beauty that rocks the Beat" promotional photo shoot?

I liked the shoot and I liked having a nice photographer. Why do you have a passion for modeling and representing the kingdom of God? I feel good about myself when I represent the kingdom of God.

What is the difference in modeling with ESG modeling agency as a Christian based organization verses another agency? What was your experience?

I like when we pray before and after we do something and it makes me feel closer to God. ESG makes me feel like I'm closer to God when I model.

How did you enjoy the "Beauty Rocks the Beat" runway show.? What was your favorite part?

I liked modeling the personal style outﬁts, walking the runway and meeting other models. The agency is very passionate about serving the homeless community. If you could change some things in this world that would assist with ending homelessness what would it be?

I would take all the empty buildings that we have and tell the builders to ﬁx them up so they can become homeless shelters.

Do you plan on auditioning with the agency in the Atlanta division for the 2016 modeling season? Yes!

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Model: Nyela Minnifield Photographer: A-LOVE photography pg.

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What can the world expect to learn from your career as you serve The Lord in this modeling industry?

I can be a role model and show the world that God will be with us during our modeling careers. What words of encouragement would you like to give other models in your age group? It doesn't matter what size you are, it's important to always have fun and be conďŹ dent.

Interview conducted by: Atlanta Project Manager- Demarco C.

Written by: Nationwide Director/Business Motivator Kimberly Marie

Produced/Sponsored by: ESG modeling agency esgst.louis@yahoo.com 1-800-300-1544 Division in Atlanta, St. Louis and Houston

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

WATCH NOW!

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Howard University Alumni Constituent Unit of St. Louis Jazz Brunch and Scholarship Fundraiser to support the

Frankie M. Freeman and Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Fund Saturday, August 1, 2015 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hilton St. Louis Fronntenac 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63131

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA Guest Speaker

17th President of Howard University

For more information, please contact Ralonda Jasper, HUAC - St. Louis Fundraising Chair at 630-697-9641 or rmjasper@sbcglobal.net

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Here are a few images of our Top Nationwide Model, Brittany West, with the first model we shot in the Atlanta division, Hailee Jones-Taylor. Not only is Brittany an amazing model, but a true woman of God that has embraced her calling with the agency and welcomes every model with open arms. She is a true model full of humility, love and service!

ESG Top NATIONWIDE Model

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ft-

OV W E oe R

ART OFOF FOOD ART FOOD

Gorgonzola Cream Sauce over Penne Pasta. 2C Heavy Cream 6–8 oz Gorgonzola Cheese 1/8 C Parmesan Cheese (small handful) 10–15 dashes Frank’s Red Hot 2–2½ C Penne Pasta (uncooked) ½ Tbsp Butter 2 tsp Coarse Black Pepper leftover Hot Wings *seasoning – your choice (I used Roasted Garlic & Herb by Weber) 1. On medium-high, heat heavy cream in a medium saucepot. Once it begins to slightly boil, reduce heat to medium-low. It will rise and quickly spill over. The best way to prevent that is to constantly whisk the cream until it lowers back to the original level. In a larger pot, begin boiling slightly salted water for pasta.

What would life and our refrigerators be without leftovers? I’m sure most of us have carryout containers with food we “kind of ” want & food that’s on the verge of expiring within the next week or so. We either end up forcing ourselves to eat it all or waste money by throwing it all away. All fridges are filled with different items, but it can be easy to combine the various ingredients into a delicious meal.

2. Reduce the heavy cream until it begins to thicken approximately 10–15 minutes. While the sauce is reducing, cook the penne pasta and reheat your leftover hot wings. Strip the meat of the wings from the bones, keep warm and set aside. 3. Once your sauce has thickened to a nappé consistency (where the sauce has become thick enough that it coats the back of a spoon without running together), turn the heat to low. Add butter and dashes of Frank’s Red Hot, whisk until combined. Remove the pot from heat and slowly whisk in the gorgonzola cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper and your choice of seasoning. 4. I know some people like to mix their pasta and sauce, whereas others like to pour their sauce on top. However you want to plate it, do that. There is no wrong or right way! Add the chicken into the sauce, sprinkle the pieces on top as a garnish or even layer it between the pasta and the sauce. Either way it’s delicious & you won’t regret it.

Well in my fridge I had a combination of leftover heavy cream, gorgonzola cheese, *Depending on how many times you go back for seconds (LOL) you may have parmesan cheese & a few hot wings. All from sauce leftover. Thinly slice some potatoes, gently rub them with olive oil and roast a combination of ingredients leftover from a at 325 F until tender. Reheat the remaining sauce and pour over the potatoes. This can work as a side dish to whatever main entrée you desire. cooking class I taught, dinner & of course the wings were a carryout from the night before. Now gorgonzola cheese is easily in my top 3 favorite cheeses, but like any other bleu cheese, it can be hard to tell if it’s molding or going bad. So I wanted to use it as soon as possible, but in an effective and delicious way. So……

Doré

Bon Appétit,

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t a WOULD h W

it Take? by: Cheryl Walker

The past 16 years, on August 9th I have celebrated the birthday of one of my closest friends. Going forward that day will be forever remembered as the day Ferguson, Missouri Police Officer Darren Wilson killed Michael Brown for jaywalking. August 9th is the day Michael Brown was shot at least 6 times, with his hands up in surrender. The day Michael Brown was left lying on the pavement for 4 and a half long hours, traumatizing our entire community, but especially his mother, father and those living in and around the Canfield Green Apartments. Millions have been moved to action since that hot August day a year ago. People are marching, participating in direct actions, meeting with government officials, drafting legislation, holding prayer vigils, engaging in listening sessions, healing people from toxic stress and trauma, convening meetings to devise a path forward, training people in freedom fighting, preparing meals for families, reading books to children, donating money to young activists and established organizations, and taking countless other positive steps in search of freedom and equality, in search of an effective way to dismantle the unjust system. Have you joined in any such actions? Have those around you? If you are not actively involved in our fight for freedom or have friends and family who are not, as you read this piece, ask yourself what would it take to become involved? Michael Brown, Kajieme Powell, VonDeritt Meyers, Tanesha Anderson, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Samuel DuBose, your Daughter, your Son…? What would it take? 1. Your inquisitive children innocently asking “why aren’t you fighting for our future with the white people?” 2. A congressional bill introduced to enslave us and re-enact the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 that passes with a veto proof majority? 3. Your oldest brother suspended high from a scarlet oak in Forest Park with a fisherman’s knot adorning his neck? 4. Your millennial sister tied to the back of a blue pick-up truck traveling 55 miles an hour up South Kingshighway with a freshly starched confederate flag draped between her thighs? 5. Kidnapping your activist son and a demand to rape your youngest daughter in exchange for his release? 6. The media to portray you, yourself, personally as the Prince of Murder, the son of Satan, or the Mother of Mayhem driving home the mischaracterizations, assassinations and vilifications in their portrayals of us? 7. A postcard from the KKK with a photo of your lynched great grandfather that reads “staying inside won’t protect you”? 8. Malcolm X to personally remind you that “if you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary”? 9. Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Kajieme Powell, VonDeritt Meyers, Tanesha Anderson, Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, Samuel DuBose, Freddie Gray, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, and … appearing before you, dressed in white, whispering “really…”? 10. A chokehold that persists as your son whispers “I can’t breathe” eleven times? Bullets to his head as he stops in surrender, “hands up…”? Your daughter’s pretty brown head slammed to the cracked pavement with her hands cuffed behind her? Your baby brother gunned down while playing cops and robbers in O’Fallon Park with his imaginary friends and brand new toy gun? What would it take?

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The Infinite Scholars Program is hosting a

Free Scholarship Fair Saturday – September 19, 2015

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with colleges and universities about scholarship opportunities. Some colleges will be accepting students and awarding scholarships on the spot. Learn about our Micro-Scholarship program that awards you scholarship dollars for your high school accomplishments. Chaifetz Arena

9:00 to 1:00

1505 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Students need to bring: multiple copies of transcripts, ACT/SAT test scores, letters of recommendation, an essay titled “Why I want to attend college.”, and a resume.

THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS Students can register for this event on-line at www.infinitescholar.org

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Art of Healing

Your Ad or Article could be here!

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"HEALING HEARTS" "By I. Lynn Squires"

Featured Artist:

Chad Evans

believe that we all have a desire to make a difference in this world. We are born with an innate need to leave our mark on humanity through the creation of something that impacts the flow of society by ripple or wave, it doesn’t matter… “I am here and I make a difference in the world around me”. Tangible or intangible, written or spoken, audible or visual; starting with a toddler’s refrigerator worthy Crayola creation to an elder’s rhythmic words of wisdom shared with a grandchild who listens intently to stories of heartache and joy; the cadence of which imitates the heartbeat of the family’s history and gives hope for the future. A human’s ability to impact the flow of society through that which he creates can be a powerful weapon against ignorance, racism, jealously and the numerous other ailments which often plague our hearts.

The recent unrest in our region, as a result of the events in Ferguson, MO, has left many spiritually void, seeking a sense of peace and desiring a level of stability that can only be attained by first examining one’s own soul. The questions of who am I and what role do I play in creating a better Ferguson…thus a better world, have resonated throughout the numerous prayer sessions, meetings, seminars, think tanks, etc. which have occurred over the past eleven months. However, the most prompt and impactful response seemed to come from the artistic community who reached for a paintbrush, or the like, to heal our hearts through their art in an effort to explain how we got to this point, but most importantly, how do we heal and move forward? I found that a brisk walk through downtown Ferguson, slowing to take in the art, which replaced the pg.

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Donations to the Howard University Scholarship Fund continue to be accepted. Please email: huacstlouis@gmail.com for information on how you can help support outstanding students with their academic endeavors. Copyright ÂŠ 2015 - All rights reserved.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

arson, and the encouraging words painted on the boarded up shattered windows lifted my spirit and elevated my faith in our community. “Keep Calm and Pray On”, “Breath In Peace – Breath Out Love”, pray, breath, keep moving forward, repeat…heal.

That which we bring forth from our creative souls to share with the world is pure and possibly the most authentic reflection of God in mankind. It is important that we remain connected with positive communities of likeminded individuals who support our creativity and expressions of our God given talents and gifts. During times of trouble we look to our families, churches, education systems and civic organizations to remind us of and confirm our “best selves”. I am extremely blessed to be a member of a number of such support systems, one of which is my Howard University Alumni family. Our close-knit group of St. Louis members has received encouragement from fellow alums from around the world. The Ferguson crisis directly impacted Howard University when one of our recent graduates and St. Louis resident was injured by gun fire during the August protest. Subsequently, we have been involved in the post-riot healing process on a number of levels, from coordinating “boots on the ground” responses while embracing busloads of Howard students from around the country to facilitating ecumenical prayer services and “Committed to Breathing” panel discussions. The St. Louis Alumni Association has given our “best selves”, while the stoic tones of our Alma Mater echoed in our minds and healed our hearts, “when from thee we’ve gone away, may we strive for thee each day. As we sail life’s rugged sea, O’ Howard, we’ll sing of thee”. Howard University, once again, came to St. Louis; this time in celebration. On August 1st we welcomed Howard University’s 17th president, Dr. Wayne A. Frederick, who was the keynote speaker at our Frankie M. Freeman and Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Fund Jazz Brunch. President Frederick addressed “The Role of Howard University in Shaping Future Citizens and Civic Activism”; I think that we have represented our University well thus far and I am thankful that Dr. Frederick recognized our efforts and was with us to offer words of encouragement and support.

The featured artist for our 8th Annual Jazz Brunch was Howard University alumnus and St. Louis native Chad Evans. I had the honor of speaking with Chad during a cocktail party the evening before our 2014 brunch, just days prior to the Michael Brown shooting. A chatty atmosphere

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presented a challenge initially as we cordially greeted each other as a result of forced proximity and entertained the typical St. Louis line of questioning beginning with where did you go to high school? However, as our conversation continued, I noticed a sense of peacefulness about Chad in the midst of this social storm. The noise of the room seemed to dissipate, as he was very engaging and had a unique perspective to offer to the “here’s my business card, let’s do lunch” environment.

I was even more intrigued when Chad told me that he was a music teacher because of my musical background; some of the most influential people in my life were my instrumental instructors. They were down-to-earth no nonsense individuals with a core desire to share the gift of music with the next generation and expressed sincere delight in the success of their protégés. I could sense this characteristic in Chad as he spoke of his teaching experiences. As we exchanged stories, it should not have surprised me when discussing individuals who influenced his love of music, Chad mentioned Willie Murry, retired St. Louis Public School music teacher who was also my woodwind instructor. They both posses a gentle persistence in their personalities which lets a student know that they are being taught with love.

Chad Evans studied music at Howard University, Xavier University (New Orleans) and Brussels Conservatory (Belgium). He sings, has played the saxophone and piano for over 35 years and has been teaching classical, jazz, and pop at Monzingo Music Studio since 1998. Chad has performed in Canada, England, Ireland and France. One of Chad’s musical highlights includes the recording of Stress Free Groove, a title which fits his personality and the calming effect of his presence.

The soul soothing tones of the melodies emanating from Chad’s alto saxophone have set the mood and been a regular part of our Jazz Brunch for years. Chad’s gift of the musical arts, along with his guest vocalists, keep the toes tapping and fingers snapping. However, I think we all appreciated their therapeutic effects a bit more this year as we sought much needed healing for our hearts.

If you are interested in booking Chad for your luncheon, wedding, office party, etc. you can contact him at http://thechadevans.com . His team of vocalist and musicians will set the tone for your event.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

CASTING CALL! Work with a world class choreographer!

IV Feb 26 & 27

2016

TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

A Celebration Inspired By St. Louis’ Legendary Black Artists Dance St. Louis is looking for adult dancers to participate in a special choreographic project that will be performed at PNC Arts Alive New Dance Horizons IV: A Celebration Inspired by St Louis’ Legendary Black Artists, Feb. 26 & 27, 2016 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Celebrated Choreographer Dianne McIntyre will create a world premiere work on a cast of local dancers that includes Ailey Stars Alicia Graf Mack, Antonio Douthit-Boyd, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd. Ms. McIntyre is looking for dancers (age 18+) who have strong modern dance technique, who can move with clarity of focus and changes in dynamics, and who have dramatic flair. She may ask dancers to improvise on a movement motif. She enjoys dancers who are daring in their approach to movement and who move without affectation. Dancers will be asked if they have other talents – like singing, playing an instrument, or acting. Each person should be prepared with a solo of not more than two minutes. In addition, dancers will be asked to learn movement phrases that will test their ability to pick up quickly and to interpret the movement precisely. We are seeking a diverse group of dancers with a passion for African American history and culture, since this new work will be inspired by a celebrated African American artist with ties to St. Louis.

Dianne McIntyre, one of few to introduce avant garde concert dance expressions into Black/social consciousness themes in the 1970s, also works in Broadway, regional theatre, and film. Her New York company Sounds in Motion and subsequent ensembles have toured internationally and her work presented at the Joyce Theater, Kennedy Center, BAM, Lincoln Center, and countless other venues. Commissions include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Philadanco, Jacobs Pillow, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and many others. Her film/television choreography includes Beloved and Miss Evers’ Boys for which she received an Emmy nomination. Other awards: Guggenheim Fellowship, 3 Bessies (New York Dance and Performance Award), NEA, NYSCA, and ADF Distinguished Teaching awards.

Dance in an ensemble with these Alvin Ailey principal dancers! Alicia Graf Mack trained at Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland under Donna Pidel. Prior to dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, she was a principal dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and a member of Complexions. In addition to performing at several galas and festivals, she has been a guest performer with Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Andre 3000, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys. She is the recipient of the Columbia University Medal of Excellence and Smithsonian Magazine’s Young Innovator Award. She is the co-founder of Daisha and Alicia Graf Arts Collective, an initiative dedicated to enriching lives through the arts.

Open Audition Workshop with Dianne McIntyre

Antonio Douthit-Boyd began his

Sept. 9-13 2015 Weekdays 4-9 PM Weekends 10 AM-4 PM

dance training at age 16 at COCA (the Center of Creative Arts) under the direction of Lee Nolting and at the Alexandra School of Ballet. He also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. He became a member of Dance Theatre of Harlem and appeared in featured roles in the ballets South African Suite, Dougla, Concerto in F, Return, and Dwight Rhoden’s Twist. He also performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal.

Grand Center Arts Academy 711 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103 Pre-registration required: Dance St. Louis Box Office 314.534.6622 boxoffice@dancestlouis.org

Rehearsals Nov. 5-17 2015 Weekdays 4-9 PM Weekends 10 AM-4 PM

Production Week Feb. 22-27 2016 Schedule TBD

Kirven Douthit-Boyd began his formal dance training at the Boston Arts Academy and joined Boston Youth Moves in 1999, under the direction of Jim Viera and Jeannette Neill. He also trained on scholarship at the Boston Conservatory and The Ailey School. Mr. Douthit-Boyd has danced with Battleworks Dance Company, Parsons Dance Company, and Ailey II. He performed at the White House Dance Series in 2010.

Cast will receive a stipend.

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Harper Lee’s Moral Reckoning After reading the Wall Street Journal review by Sam Sacks of Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman, I wrote on my Facebook timeline: This novel obviously upsets some people because it sets the record straight about Southern literature. A much better novel that deals with a white woman’s discoveries about her racist father is Minrose Gwin’s The Queen of Palmyra. According to Sacks, Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is “the most beloved novel in American history ---more popular than even the Bible in numerous polls.” It would be a waste of time to correct Sacks’s sense of American history or to argue that some other American novel is more beloved than Lee’s. I doubt that the unnamed polls reveal what Mr. Sacks claims, but I do not dismiss the possibility that they tend to confirm that the fictional Atticus Finch did “become a symbol of the nation’s moral conscience.” In that case, we can say with confidence that Finch replaced William Faulkner’s ambiguous Gavin Stevens (Intruder in the Dust, 1948) as the white male unambiguous heroic figure and moral voice in Southern fiction. Who defines what is ambiguous, however, remains a question to be answered. Sacks clears his throat so as “not to damp the enthusiasm of expectant readers but to introduce a friendly word of caution. ‘Go Set a Watchman’ is a distressing book, one that delivers a startling rebuttal to the shining idealism of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ This story is of the toppling of idols; its major theme is disillusion.” Truth is like oil in the Gulf of Mexico. It upsets animal, plant and human ecology. Tough-minded readers should applaud Harper Lee for striking an iconoclastic blow from an assisted living home in Monroeville, Alabama. At age 89, Lee is rich (her net worth is estimated at $35 million) and on the brink of having to explain herself to a Supreme Being. She obviously wants to do the right thing, to be on time in Time. Thus, she is forcing naive readers who relish and consume American idealism to savor Southern realism; with Go Set a Watchman, she is obligating readers to give moral bankruptcy a proper name. President George W. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007. President Barack Obama awarded her the National Medal of Arts in 2010. It is only right that she should thank her country for these honors by telling a truth before she dies. It was no accident that she helped her friend Truman Capote with his research for In Cold Blood. In 2015, blood in the United States of America is an ice cube for all of us who are waiting for Godot or watching to see who has an eye on the sparrow. Jerry W. Ward, Jr. July 12, 2015

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Walking the Blue Line: A Police Officer Turned Community Activist Provides Solutions for the Racial Divide By Terrell Carter Bettie Youngs Book Publishers

$15.00 paperback

“As I recall my experiences, I find it incredulous that people in law enforcement honestly believe and say that a racial divide and racial profiling don’t exist. An officer’s mind is divided: first, between the police and the general public and second, between the police and minorities.”~ Terrell Carter Walking the Blue Line follows the author’s experiences growing up as a black child in St. Louis, MO, a racially charged city still trying to overcome its divided past, and his five year journey as a law enforcement officer which led him to reevaluate his views on citizens and police alike. Readers are taken on a compelling journey as he details personal stories of the challenges of navigating this new world, including how he had to testify against a former partner for falsifying a major drug arrest. Terrell details the thoughts and tactics of police officers based on their training in the police academy and lessons they learn on the streets and how this information can help citizens better understand why officers do what they do while still holding them accountable for protecting and serving their communities. Walking the Blue Line can be ordered from www.terrellcarter.net, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and traditional booksellers.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Kwansaba for Poet Norman Jordan (1938-2015)

Natural/astral like “Ankh” Dumas, Norman piloted Extra Sensory Poetics, parted waters of history to undam/n our hurts & WHOLES (ala Langston, Gwen, Trane). Dug, exhumed, assumed preancient Nommo stances, drum-trances. His “Muntu”hoodoo vessels--voice-evoked--choreo’d, soulo’d & & Leo’d line-ages of village love. Eugene B. Redmond

Texto y Contexto. Fall 1969: Painter Oliver Jackson, poet Quincy Troupe & I left the Middle Mississippi Valley (East St. Louis, IL & St. Louis, MO) for Ohio where we met Cleveland poet Norman Jordan (playwright-in residence at Karamu House). Common thread of this quartet: Black Arts/Black Power Movement & writer Henry “Ankh” Dumas (1934-1968), with whom Jackson & I had taught at ESL’s Experiment in

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Kwansaba for Poet Norman Jordan (1938-2015)�

Natural/astral like “Ankh” Dumas, Norman piloted� Extra Sensory Poetics, parted waters of history� to undam/n our hurts & WHOLES (ala� Langston, Gwen, Trane). Dug, exhumed, assumed pre-� ancient Nommo stances, drum-trances. His “Muntu”-� hoodoo vessels--voice-evoked--choreo'd, soulo'd &� & Leo'd line-ages of village love.� Eugene B. Redmond�

Texto y Contexto�. Fall 1969, Cleveland: Painter Oliver Jackson, poet Quincy Troupe & I met Norman Jordan (Karamu House playwright-in-residence).� Common thread: Black Arts/Black Power & writer Henry “Ankh” Dumas (1934-1968). Jordan (“Destination: Ashes”), other “Muntu” poets like� Russell Atkins (“Freelance”) & Bill Russell, Karamu (Langston's favorite space) & poet James Kilgore (Cuyahoga Community College) helped drive� Cleveland's BAM.�Epilogue:�Oft-published (“Black World”/Hughes's “Poetry of the Negro”), the award-winning Jordan & I last met in 2012 at� Emory University in Atlanta when he attended my poetry reading/interview conducted by Richard Long (1927-2013).�Ayibobo!�

Photos (from Noel E. Wines, the Jordan Estate & EBR) are courtesy of the Eugene B. Redmond Collection: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (�eredmon@siue.edu�)� To view or donate go to: http://www.siue.edu/lovejoylibrary/about/digital_collections.shtml� Copyright © 2015 - All rights reserved.

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BOOK Signing

Dr. Leah Gunning Francis

L E F T Bank Books

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John Jennings Associate Professor Visual Studies SUNY Buffalo tumblr: http://jijennin70. tumblr.com/

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Portfolio Fundraiser Moves to Artist's Studio

Janet Riehl's "Women & Wardrobe: The Riehl Collection" exhibit has finished it's successful run at The Portfolio Gallery and Education Center. It brought in $2,000 to help with much-needed building repairs. Many people went home with framed ($150) and unframed ($50) prints they love, and a good time was had by all. Folks have said they would have loved to have seen the show, and were sorry they missed it. Janet has decided to host At Home evenings on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. so you can! Come visit, enjoy the work, and of course buy whatever calls to you. Any profit realized will continue to benefit Portfolio Gallery. If you'd like to come, please contact her at janet.riehl@gmail.com. Janet and Robert Powell, director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center appeared on Fox 2 news. http://fox2now.com/2014/07/29/women-wardrobe-and-art-on-a-cell-phone-atportfolio/# Janet and her art was featured in the Alton Telegraph. http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/home_top-lifestyle-news/50095336/Artists-workmakes-Riehl-results#.U-Tbf1Ao7qC

Come on out! Meet some new people and enjoy some playful, colorful, and sensuous art inspired by African Women.

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AfroWorld is an African-American owned and operated cultural and fashion center located in St. Louis. It was founded in 1970 and has been a space where the community can come to learn, share, and shop! In 2015 we are proud to celebrate our 45th year of service to our customers. AfroWorld needs your support so we can continue to have the funds necessary to market, operate, and sustain high quality cultural education programs that support our network of authors and artists who participate in our ongoing community empowerment series. We also want to purchase computers and materials to increase the efficiency of our outreach efforts, educate the next generation of community entrepreneurs, and upgrade the tech equipment used to produce our events and programs. Your financial commitment allows AfroWorld to continue its legacy of bringing people together in a space that celebrates and uplifts the African-American experience.

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The

New African Paradigm

Study Group (NAPSG)

is an organization dedicated to the empowerment and education of our community through book study and our lecture series. We have brought many African scholars to St. Louis to awaken our people and to get on one accord to face the challenges in our community. The NAPSG is in need of your help so we are currently seeking new members to help us continue to be able to meet the demands of our lecture series and our study group. Our study group meets every 3rd Sunday at Sabayet, 4000 Maffit, St. Louis, MO. at 4:00 p.m. Please join us on our journey for knowledge of self, our gods, and our Ancestors. Contact James Steward at (618) 977-8191 for more information. Also, Like us on FaceBook.

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

Gianis LalSandhu, Realtor

Alexander Realty | St. Charles, Missouri | ph: 636-669-1717 | 314-437-8576 The first of a two part article for renters who want to become homeowners.

Everything First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know You Can Not Afford To Procrastinate: BUY NOW! Buying a home costs money. Lots of money. There’s the down payment and the monthly mortgage payment and the maintenance and taxes and the insurance and… Are you overwhelmed yet? It might seem like so much that you just want to put off the house hunt and sign that yearlong lease with your landlord (even though he upped your rent 25% and will likely do the same next year). But this is going to blow your mind: Even with all of those costs, you still stand to save more than $200,000 over the next 30 years if you buy right now.

purchase Postpone for one year, and you’re losing out on an esti mated $18,672 in savings. Delay for three years, and that figure jumps to $54,879. “We’re at a critical juncture: Rents, home prices, and mortgage rates are all expected to rise significantly over the next several years. No matter how you slice it, you can’t deny a few key facts that make the case for buying: Nationally, it’s cheaper right now to buy than to rent, home prices are expected to appreciate, and, while renting is subject to inflation, homeownership costs are locked.

“But that’s over the course of 30 years!” you say. “I’m thinking about my money right now!” you say. Well, get this: Wait just one year, and you throw nearly $19,000 in savings down the drain. The penalties are so high because mortgage rates are forecast to increase and because home prices are rising quickly, according to real estate industry chief economist, Jonathan Smoke. Don’t be mistaken! There is definitely a financial benefit and, similarly, a financial penalty—for every single day you pay your landlord instead of your mortgage company. At a national level, the 30-year financial benefit of owning today is $217,726, according to our economic data analysts, who crunched the numbers to determine the relative merits of buying vs. renting. This analysis does not consider qualitative advantages such as more control over your living situation, flexibility with pets, and, generally, more options. These are all things that potential home buyers, especially first time home buyers consider important when deliberating whether to

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FE PR AT OP UR ER ED TY

Alexander Realty St. Charles, Missouri | ph: 636-669-1717 | 314-437-8576

AU CT I O N 11534 ROSARY LANE,

LAST BID: $278,000 (REJECTED)

Saint Louis, Missouri 63136

QUALIFIES FOR

$1,000

BUYER PURCHASE CREDIT

5 Beds 5 Full baths 5,588 Sq. Ft. Property ID 5060620 DESCRIPTION: Spacious all brick two story home in lovely Francis Farm Estates. This brick Colonial has 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, a 4 car side entry garage, and 5,588 square feet of luxurious living. The 2 story grand enter center hall separates the formal living room from the formal dining room. The huge kitchen has a large center island with seating for 5, custom counter tops, custom cabinets, spacious pantry, and ceramic tile flooring. The breakfast room allows for additional seating and has a built-in desk, and more custom cabinets. The master bedroom suite has a coffer ceiling, huge bedroom with a jacuzzi tub with a separate shower, a walk-in closet with custom organizers, a gas fireplace, and an adjacent office that could double as a nursery. The master bedroom overlooks the beautiful backyard that is a park-like setting. ***SPECIAL INCENTIVES: 1) Buyer will receive a purchase credit of either $1,000 or 3% of the final price.

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“Acting White”

Share your Story Dear friends: I have been asked to write a chapter in a book that will address colorism in education. My chapter will focus on “acting white.” Specifically, when I was growing up, I was a “smart” student. My top performance in school, doing homework, raising my hand to answer questions, etc. often drew the accusation from my African American classmates and friends that I was “acting white.” Now, I know there are psychologists out there who say this is not true and does not exist. But alas, it was absolutely true for me. I have written about this in past works. I will do so again for this new book. I do know that many young folks today who continue to have such allegations hurled at them so feel free to share this email with whoever and have folks email me directly. I did a survey on this very question about 7 years ago and the results were consistent with my experiences decades ago. I’d like to update my earlier survey. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has a similar/related story either involving yourself or someone you know. I would like to include your story in the chapter. I will conceal your identity if you request. Do you have a story to share? If so, please email to me at: norwood@wulaw.wustl.edu. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead Kimberly Norwood , Professor of Law | Washington University School of Law Copyright © 2015 - All rights reserved.

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“A Time to…” As our children settle into the new school year, let us remind them that there is a time and a season for everything. Keeping this in mind, can prepare our children to effectively address some of the tough issues they may face throughout their school year. Applying principles found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NKJV) is one way to promote appropriate student behavior and Godly character: A time to plant and a time to harvest. Students must understand that the time they spend in K-12 and collegiate settings is their planting season. They are continuously learning new material and how to apply those new concepts into complex future life situations. Our students need our support and constant reminder that their time to harvest and reap the benefit of the time and effort they invested into their learning will be within their reach at the appropriate time. Motivating our young people to keep performing at their best in school is especially important for parents of high school and college students. Parents’ level of involvement during these years significantly impacts their children’s high school and college completion rate.

similar values and belief systems. While our children may understand that there is a time to embrace (i.e., accept, like) their peers, they must also know that there may be a time when they will need to turn away from certain peers, particularly if their peers become verbally, physically, or emotionally abusive; try to influence them to engage in bullying, cheating, drinking, smoking, sex, crime, cursing, etc.; and/or begin to demonstrate traits that are not aligned to their values and belief systems.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak. Unfortunately, our children voice their opinions at inappropriate times. Learning when to be quiet and when to speak is extremely vital to our children’s success as adults. Instilling values, belief systems, and confidence can be helpful in determining when to keep quiet and when to speak. When students are confident in themselves and their abilities, they are able to monitor their opinions and arguments. Students with high self-confidence are also able to easily determine the most appropriate strategies for effectively addressing their concerns.

May the aforementioned tips and those presented within A time to scatter stones and a time to gather the rest of the Involved Parent Magazine, contribute to stones. Students will need letters of recommendation you and your children’s success during this new school from their current teachers/professors for scholarships, year! internships, jobs, and academic/community programs. Therefore, establishing and maintaining positive relationships with school personnel, coaches, and youth program leaders is necessary. It is equally important Dr. Carletta D. Washington for them to demonstrate a high quality work ethic: being Founder of Education 4 All; Consultant; Speaker; Author present, being on time, actively participating and taking www.education4allinc.com; carletta@education4allinc.com on leadership roles when possible, having a positive attitude, getting along with adults as well as their peers, appropriately resolving conflict as it arises, and adhering to dress code and other policy expectations. Consistently building a professional network begins early. When your son or daughter needs a professional reference, he or she will certainly be able to gather those stones when the time is right! A time to embrace and a time to turn away. Young people do not always associate with those of pg.

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”

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Way

Black In Time pt . 5

COMING THIS WEEK!

Animated WEB SERIES Starring The Black Archaeologist.

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OPPORTUNITIES

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AD

The Bernie Hayes Show Talk and interviews about affairs of the day with a St. Louis slant. The Bernie Hayes Show can be seen: Friday’s at 9 A.M. Saturday’s at 10:00 P.M. Sunday’s at 5:30 P.M.

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Closing in on my goal for “Fire this Time” - if everyone would do two things 1) support the making of this film with just a $20.00 donation and 2) encourage 2 of your friends to do the same - it will allow me to license some additional footage and photos - you can donate now by going here: http://www.cmt-tv.org/#!join-the-team/c1195 CMT-TV.org is a 501c3 non-profit organizations thus your donations are tax deductible - thank you - the making of this film will help me attract more resources which will allow real community filmmaking in STL -Phillip W. Johnson Producer of the #Ferguson Film Fire this Time

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Volume 2.6 August 15, 2015

CAREERS

CURRENTLY

ENROLLING!

Building Union Diversity

A training program for individuals with previous or no experience in construction trades.

Minorities and Women are Welcome! The Building Union Diversity (BUD) is a training program for individuals with previous or no experience in the construction field and who are interested in pursuing construction careers in sewer occupations. The classes will be taught by nationally certified and U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship training programs. The training will provide hands-on experience in participating trades, namely Construction Laborers, Heavy Equipment Operators and Carpenters. TO ENROLL, INDIVIDUALS:

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING FOCUS:

• Must come to SLATE, 1520 Market St, 3 rd Floor, St. Louis, MO 63103 or the St. Louis County American Job Center, 26 North Oaks Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63121, from 9 am. to 4 pm., Monday – Friday. • Complete an application and assessment. RECOMMENDED PARKING: Kiel Center Garage, situated immediately behind our building, at the corner of Clark & 16th. Fees: $1 per hour.

• Career awareness in various participating construction trades • OSHA standards • Identifying one trade that best suits participant’s interests and abilities.

ASK US ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP AND JOURNEYMEN TRAINING!

Training program is subsidized by the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District in partnership with SLATE.

SLATE is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711.

STLCC NO-FEE, HIGH-VALUE

TECHNICAL JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS These high-value training programs are grant-funded and are offered for limited periods of time at no cost to qualified students.

AVIONICS (Aviation Electronics) An accelerated 8-week practical, hands-on, non-credit course.

AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

Prepare for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant certifications.

YOU PAY NOTHING for these courses if you qualify.

For more information or to get started visit WWW.STLCC.EDU/MRTDL. St. Louis Community College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran and shall take action necessary to ensure non-discrimination. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is also prohibited. For information or concerns related to discrimination or sexual harassment, contact Bill Woodward, Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, 314-539-5374. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

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AMEREN MISSOURI, STLCC LAUNCH FREE PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAM TO CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES December 03, 2014

Ameren Missouri is partnering with St. Louis Community College again to offer a five-week lineman pre-apprenticeship training program at the college’s Florissant Valley campus.

Ameren Missouri is making the training program available at no cost to participants. Upon successfully completing this accelerated pre-apprentice training program, graduates will have an opportunity to go through the application and selection process for an apprentice lineman position with Ameren Missouri. STLCC currently is accepting applications for the program that begins in March at Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road. Up to 30 pre-apprentice students will be selected for the training program. “We are committed to creating opportunities and investments in the communities we serve,” said Dave Wakeman, Ameren Missouri, senior vice president of operations and technical services. “This pre-apprentice training program opens the door for people in our community to learn more about the work being performed at Ameren Missouri and then apply for quality positions within our company. We are seeking to hire individuals who are dedicated to providing our customers with safe, reliable power in the St. Louis metro area.” Ameren Missouri’s commitment to STLCC and the community includes funding for curriculum development, STLCC is partnering with Ameren Missouri to offer a fiveinstructional delivery and all necessary equipment. This week lineman pre-apprenticeship training program. includes 30-foot poles, climbing equipment, fall protection harnesses, and other personal protection equipment so that students can safely train on the Florissant Valley campus. Students also will review math, physics and mechanical concepts to prepare them for a potential future position in Ameren Missouri’s apprentice lineman program. In 2009, Ameren Missouri offered this specialized pre-apprentice training program in partnership with STLCC and was able to hire 13 former student participants into the company’s apprentice lineman program. “This initiative serves as another example of St. Louis Community College’s commitment to connect curriculum, programs and instructional delivery modes to meet the needs of employers in the region,” said Steve Long, STLCC associate vice chancellor for workforce solutions. “We are pleased to once again partner with Ameren Missouri to provide training that will give participants an opportunity at meaningful employment.” Nationwide, as many as 18,300 new electrical line workers will be needed by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The utility industry employed 249,400 line workers in 2012. In May 2012, the median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers was $63,250. For more information about the pre-apprenticeship training program or to apply, email wsglineworker@stlcc.edu or call 314-539-5988.

STLCC NO-FEE, HIGH-VALUE

TECHNICAL JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS These high-value training programs are grant-funded and are offered for limited periods of time at no cost to qualified students.

TRUCK DRIVING JOBS TRAIN LOCALLY TO EARN YOUR

Class-A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) • • • • • •

Over-the-Road Truck Drivers are in High Demand! No prior experience necessary. Five week program. Experienced staff, low student-to-teacher ratio.

44 hours of drive time on 2011 International Prostar trucks. More practice equals a greater chance for success! Entry Level commercial truck driving jobs average $35,000 yearly. Job Interviews upon successful completion of program.

For more information or to get started visit www.stlcc.edu/TruckDriving. To qualify: Minimum age 21 years old with a good driving record. DOT Physical and negative Drug Test Required. WorkKeys Assessment Level 4 or higher required. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. St. Louis Community College is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunities in its admissions, educational programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran and shall take action necessary to ensure non-discrimination. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is also prohibited. For information or concerns related to discrimination or sexual harassment, contact Bill Woodward, Associate Vice Chancellor Student Affairs, 314-539-5374. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

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A big Thank You to our CONTRIBUTERS