October 3rd, 2024 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

JJK an inspiration to world – beginning in ESTL

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Michelle Tucker is an East St. Louis girl, just as Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever award recipient Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

They also have something else in common –their respective birthdays on March 3.

The Olympian’s iconic athletic career has been matched by her dedication to education, especially in her hometown, which is inspiring to Tucker.

“Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s incredible journey from East St. Louis to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history has profoundly inspired me and countless kids in our community, said Tucker.

“Watching her achieve remarkable milestones, like world records in the heptathlon and long jump, and earning six Olympic medals from 1984 to 2000, taught us all to dream bigger.”

Through JJK’s inspiration, Tucker now helps bring needed services and support to dozens of organizations as president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“As a young Black female, I felt a special con-

Jackie JoynerKersee has sprinted to many opportunities that support East St. Louis children and their educational pursuits. Included among those who she inspired is Michelle Tucker, United Way president and CEO.

American lands seven first-place awards at MPA

The St. Louis American won seven first-place recognitions and several other awards during the 2024 Missouri Press Association Best Newspaper Contest awards luncheon in Springfield, Mo., on Saturday Sept. 21, 2024.

The American’s secured first place in the Best Editorials (Staff) Best Front Page (Mike Terhaar,) Best News

Photograph (Wiley Price - Austin Layne Funeral), Best Serious Columnist (Mike Jones), Best Story About Religion (Sylvester Brown), Best Headline Writing (Staff) and Best Multi-Media (Salute to Excellence in Education) competitions for weekly newspapers in the Class 3 Division.

In addition, the American placed second place in the General Excellence, Best Investigative Reporting (Sylvester

Brown), Best Special Section (95th Anniversary), Best Sports Columnist (Alvin A. Reid), Best Multi-Media (James Lebine and the late Kevin Jones), and Best Newspaper in Education categories. Third place finishes included Best Editorial and Opinion Pages (Melvin Moore), Best Feature photograph

A graceful final bow

Broadway veteran, Muny icon and St. Louis native Ken Page passes at 70

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

When The Muny audiences settle into their seats for each production of the season, they are greeted by a beloved familiar voice.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to this evening’s production of…” is spoken by a savory baritone. His voice melts in one’s ears in the same way that hot chocolate warms the body on a winter day.

That voice belongs to Ken Page. For the past dozen years, the veteran of Broadway and film was known as “The Voice of The Muny” in addition to performing in countless productions – as recently as this past season. Page passed away on Monday, September 30 at his home in St. Louis. He was 70. “This is a profound, painful loss — Ken meant everything to this theatre, and to me,” Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson said in a special tribute The Muny penned to honor Page’s legacy and his treasured connection to the organization. “His gifts were singular, supreme and treasured by audiences around the world, but no more than at The Muny.” He originated classic roles on

Homicide, other crime down in city

‘We’re

seeing results’

By Rachel Lippmann

St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis officials said Tuesday that crime levels are down in the city.

“We’re seeing results,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones on Tuesday at the first quarterly briefing on the data.

“A three-pronged approach of prevention, intervention and enforcement can yield results. But I want to be clear. Acknowledging our progress is not the same as ignoring our issues,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones.

“We’re seeing results.”

Homicides are continuing to decline from a near-record high in 2020 – 116 as of Sept. 30. There have also been large decreases in theft, especially stolen cars, compared to the same time last year.

“Every life lost to gun violence is one too many, and we have to keep working to bring these numbers down further,” said Jones.

“I am incredibly proud of the work done by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of Violence Prevention, and other City departments

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Carlos Franklin spends the morning in Strauss Park located in Grand Center – across the street from the Fox Theatre – teaching his wife, Daresha Schoefield, how to play chess Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Photo courtesy of JJK Foundation

Ken Page

OMG spells $71M payday for T.I. & Tiny

Rapper T.I. and his wife, singer-songwriter Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris, have been awarded $71 million by a jury in their lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. In a series of suits, the couple accused the toy conglomerate of violating the intellectual property rights of their teen pop group the OMG Girlz with their popular L.O.L. Surprise!

O.M.G. line of dolls.

The Daily Journal was first to report that the third time was the charm for the couple’s legal actions against MGA. Jurors awarded the couple $17.8 million in real damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages at the end of the three-week trial held in a federal court in Santa Ana, Calif.

The initial trial was held last January. It ended in a mistrial when jurors heard barred testimony accusing the company of cultural appropriation. The second time, some months later, resulted in an MGA Entertainment victory. But as The New York Times reported, a June 2023 Supreme Court ruling allowed for the case to be retried because it was concluded that consumer confusion about a

product should carry more weight than previously regarded in infringement cases.

The unanimous ruling found that of the seven dolls presented (from a total of 32), all copied the Atlanta-based group’s likeness and trade dress.

Wendy Williams speaks out about Diddy arrest and charges

When Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested last month and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution, many within the entertainment industry were eager to get the opinion of veteran media personality Wendy Williams

Williams had been openly critical of the disgraced music mogul over the years of her work as a radio and television personality. She shared her thoughts with the Mail

“What is really weird is that I have been told by so many people, ‘Wendy, you called it,’” Williams told Dailymail.com.

Williams, who stepped away from her popular daytime talk show in 2021 due to health concerns, told the publication she was “horrified” at the video of Combs abusing

his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel lobby.

“You know how I feel about that? It is about time,” Williams said. “To see this video on TV of [Cassie] getting pummeled … It was just horrific. But now you have to think, how many more times? How many people? How many more women? It’s just so horrible.”

Combs is currently awaiting trial at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City.

Cause of death revealed for Rich Homie Quan

A month after fans mourned the loss of Atlanta rapper Rich Homie , an official cause of death has been released. People.com reported that the “Flex” rapper, 34, died from an accidental drug overdose on September 5. The outlet cited a report by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office that was released on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The report says several drugs were found in his system including fentanyl, alprazolam, codeine, promethazine and THC. His death was ruled an accident.

Ms. Lauryn Hill hit with lawsuit from fellow Fugee

According to Billboard.com, Rap legend Ms. Lauryn Hill is facing a lawsuit from her Fugees bandmate Pras Michel, claiming she defrauded him over the group’s shortened 2023 tour — and that her “gross mismanagement” also led to the abrupt recent cancellation of the 2024 tour.

Billboard.com refers to a complaint filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. In the suit lawyers for Pras allege that Hill exploited his mounting legal bills to get him to sign onto a plan for the 2023 tour with false promises –a deal they say enriched Hill at the expense of her bandmate.

“Hill’s ploy to appear to be Michel’s supposed savior was actually a devious attempt to make a big score for herself by generating millions of dollars from a Fugees tour,” his lawyers wrote, according to billboard.com. “In the process, it did not matter to Hill if she took full advantage of Michel’s vulnerability – her friend and creative partner of over 30 years. In fact, she counted on exploiting that vulnerability to carry out her scheme.”

Sources: MSN.com, Rollingstone.com, dailyjournal.com, The New York Times, Billboard.com, People.com, dailymail.uk.

Affordable housing development makes home in Metro East

“The housing shortage that exists in our community mirrors national trends for

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

When it comes to the lack of housing options for seniors and veterans, the St. Louis area is no different than other parts of the country. Fortunately, that trend will improve a bit thanks to a new $21 million senior housing development in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the North Bend Residences, a Village of New Life Church, took place on Sept. 25, and offered a glimpse of the sustainable and affordable housing community that’s on the horizon for independent seniors aged 62 and older.

Located at 301 North Monticello Place in Fairview Heights, North Bend will feature one and two bedroom single family homes, attached duplexes and a 20-unit apartment building.

“The housing shortage that exists in our community mirrors national trends for seniors and veterans,” said Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., senior pastor of New Life in Christ Church. “This will be a community of choice for those we treasure the most – our seniors.”

New Life Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization that serves as the community

development arm of New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church. Dudley founded the organization to further the church’s mission of changing lives by creating affordable housing communities that enrich and empower seniors, families, and veterans.

New Life CDC partnered with Affordable Housing Developers/ Consultants to make this project happen.

“Many older residents in the Fairview Heights, St. Clair County area have been on waiting lists to secure housing that is not only affordable but will also fit the physical and mobility challenges they may face,” Dudley said. “When completed, North Bend Residences will provide needed housing relief for many in our community.”

Vivian Moore, Executive Director of New Life CDC, told supporters at the groundbreaking event that Dudley shared his vision of developing housing in Metro East with her 20 years ago. “Now the vision is a reality,” said Moore. The homes will feature an attached garage, energy-star rated appliances – which includes a washer and dryer, internet and cable access. A number of homes in the development will also be set aside for residents with special needs. Additionally, there will be a

community club house which will have a computer room, exercise room, multipurpose area and gift and sundries shop. Also, through its collaborative partnerships with several local organizations and agencies, New Life In Church will be able to

facilitate resident access for those who need social services support.

The project is being financed by a combination of grants and loans from the Illinois Housing Development Authority through federal low income

housing credits, U.S. Bank, the Affordable Housing Program and Illinois Facilities Fund. Construction is expected to be completed by next September. According to Housing America’s Older Adults, a 2023 report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, the population growth of people 65 and over in the United States rose from 43 million in 2012 to 58 million in 2022. However, in the next decade, the fastest growth will occur among those over 80, who also represent the oldest of the Baby Boom generation and are more likely to need affordable and accessible housing. The report provides a bleak outcome for seniors in this surging population group, indicating that the U.S. is not ready to provide housing or services for them in the future.

James Roberts, President of AHDVS said, “Our goal is to develop affordable housing communities that add to the diversity and quality of choices for families, seniors and persons with disability.”

“AHDVS is represented by professionals skilled and experienced in the execution of affordable housing development. The principles deliver experience in planning, finance, and construction.” AHDVS has developed similar senior housing communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Georgia.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

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Photo courtesy of Metro East Star

Far right Bishop Geoffrey Dudley, pastor of the New Life Christ Church in the Metro East joined by other dignitaries at the groundbreaking North Bend Senior Housing Development apartments.

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

Walz made Vance face the truth

By Keith Boykin

The most important moment of Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate was JD Vance refusing to admit that Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. Four years later, it shocks me that we have a presidential candidate who not only won’t admit that he lost but won’t even allow his running mate to admit that he lost.

“Did he lose the 2020 election?” Tim Walz asked

“Tim, I’m focused on the future,” he replied.

“That is a damning non-answer,” Walz shot back.

It’s also disqualifying.

It took until the end of the debate before Walz landed the punch, but that moment undercut everything else Vance thought he had accomplished in rewriting the history of the Trump years. Throughout the night, Vance came across as a smug, robotic, slick, and scripted opportunist who will do or say anything to get ahead, including sane-washing Trump’s toxic rhetoric to make it more palatable for middle America.

dogs. Or why he questioned Kamala Harris’s race. Or why he wrongly accused her of faking a Southern accent?

Fortunately, Tim Walz called Vance out for vilifying Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, explaining that Governor Mike DeWine had to send state troopers to escort kindergartners to school because of Trump and Vance’s hateful rhetoric.

And when it came to abortion, Walz was very effective when he told the story of Amber Thurman, a 28-year-old Black mother in Georgia who died when doctors would not remove tissue from her uterus because of a Trump abortion ban.

Vance, on the other hand, flat out lied when he claimed he “never supported” a nationwide abortion ban. He did, and it’s on the record.

Walz, the former high school teacher and football coach, was more natural and human and maybe a lot more polite than I would have been, but he did a good job of swatting down Vance’s lies and promoting Kamala Harris’s policies.

Although Vance admitted he had said horrible things about Trump in the past, he claimed he just happened to be “wrong” back then and now sees how Trump “delivered” for the American people. The problem is that four years ago, when Trump finished his term in office, Vance admitted that Trump had “so thoroughly failed to deliver” on his promises that he predicted “Trump will probably lose.” And he did.

Being wrong and changing your mind is one thing, but Vance previously called Trump “America’s Hitler,” a “moral disaster,” and “an idiot.”

The debate focused on Israel, climate change, immigration, the economy, abortion, gun violence, health care, child care, and democracy, but sadly, there was no real discussion on race issues.

He never explained why he spent the past month lying about Haitian immigrants eating their neighbors cats and

Vance tried to blame Kamala Harris for every problem in America, but he conveniently ignored the reality that Kamala Harris is not the president. And he ignored the fact that Trump was president for four years and never solved any of the problems he claimed he would when he first ran for office.

But somehow, Vance managed to distort reality by claiming that Harris is promoting censorship when it’s actually the Republican Party that is banning Black books, removing African American history courses, and canceling DEI training. That’s the tricky logic Vance used to sane-wash Trump and the Republicans into an unrecognizably inoffensive imitation of who they really are.

He even claimed that Trump “peacefully gave over power” in 2021, as if the violent January 6th insurrection had never really happened.

JD Vance is a fast-talking Yale Law School graduate, bestselling author, and venture capitalist with a lot of experience communicating but barely more than one year of experience in government. No matter how many slick words he used in his debate, he can’t hide from the truth that his boss, Donald Trump, is unfit for office.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between St. Louis native Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

Goodbye to two entertainment icons

“I look at it this way: anybody can carry a picket sign, but I think you should be able to articulate what that sign means … Don’t get me wrong. I believe in the same things that all those people demonstrating believe in, but I just look for plays or movies that say the same thing and play characters in them.”

— James Earl Jones

By Marc Morial

America lost two Black icons of the entertainment industry in recent days.

James Earl Jones was a generation older than Tito Jackson, but both hit the peak of their fame in the 1970s and played a major role in shifting perception of Black culture and history.

Jones’ distinctive bass voice, which brought him his greatest fame in roles where his face was not even seen, brought a remarkable gravitas and dignity to characters whose race was of pivotal importance.

Jackson, who performed with his brothers as the Jackson 5, was part of the first Black pop band to achieve mainstream teen idol status and paved the way for later “boy bands” of all races and ethnicities like New Edition, Menudo and Backstreet Boys.

a 10-year-old, he risked his father Joe’s notorious wrath when he broke a string playing Joe’s guitar. But after hearing Tito play, Joe bought him his own guitar, and convinced Tito, Jackie and Jermaine to form a singing group.

Some even cite the popularity of the Jackson 5 as a factor in the election of the first Black U.S. president, reasoning that the children who “got comfortable imitating a Black kid named Michael Jackson” grew up to be comfortable with voting for Barack Obama.

The second-oldest Jackson brother after Jackie, Tito was just 17 when “Jacksonmania” exploded into the American pop scene, bringing with it a distinctively Black visual style. A Rolling Stone review of a raucous Madison Square Garden concert in 1970 noted in particular Tito’s “enormous, hot pink shoeshine boy’s cap with jumpsuit.

Although considered “the quiet one” of the group, it was Tito who was responsible for the formation of the Jackson 5. As

While the Jackson 5 were breaking teenage girls’ hearts in 1970, Jones was already an acclaimed theater actor in 1970 when he astounded film audiences with his performance as Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope.” The film was based on the life of the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson, and the furor of racial resentment he ignited with his success, further stoked by his relationships with white women. He further explored the role of racism in sports with his portrayal of Negro Leagues catcher Josh Gibson in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings.” Though the comedy “sometimes glides over the obvious pain and injustice these players went through,” according to New York Magazine, Jones conveyed the “rage and hurt simmering underneath.”

Tito Jackson was rarely the frontman, and James Earl Jones was rarely the leading man, but they managed in their own unique ways to influence American culture indelibly. While they are sorely missed, their art lives on and continues to inspire a new generation.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Editor’s note: This commentary was completed before the death of acclaimed actor John Amos

Commentary

Guns, but no roses

By Larry Smtih

Throughout history, irresponsible rhetoric has frequently overshadowed sound reason.

Similarly, immediate gratification has often overpowered consideration of longterm consequences. Against this backdrop, some outcomes are predictable. The recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump starkly underscore this unsettling reality. Specifically, pro-gun policies, coupled with extreme political rhetoric, bear significant culpability for increased political violence across the U.S.

After high-profile gun-related violence, we almost always hear the tired refrain: “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people.”

Strangely, that claim has not been repeated, at least to my knowledge, in the wake of the attempts on Mr. Trump’s life. Rather, Trump and his acolytes have focused — very cynically — on the fact that Democrats have accurately pointed out that he is a threat to democracy. While I agree that dangerous speech often leads to dangerous actions, holding Trump accountable for his authoritarian tendencies is not the disease; confronting his authoritarian tendencies is the cure.

struct a perilous landscape — and not just for politicians. Hateful words are often the fuel that ignites the kindling.

Pro-gun advocates extol the Second Amendment with a near-sacred reverence (even as they actively stifle the one that immediately precedes it). However, our nation should not allow veneration of weapons to eclipse the responsibilities that accompany the right to bear arms.

During the last 40 years or so conservatives in the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, have “reinterpreted” the meaning of the Second Amendment that stood for two hundred or so years. The practical effect is the proliferation of the AR-15 and other weapons of war — instruments that transform malignant ideation into deadly action. This is combined with a failure to crackdown on so-called “sovereign citizens” (including sheriffs around the country) that will inexorably lead to greater violence.

The political cowardice that facilitates the spread of hate does not exist in a vacuum. It shapes a reality in which potential threats are not neutralized; rather, they are nurtured. When Trump echoes Adolf Hitler in referring to his fellow human beings “poisoning our blood,” what do he and his supporters expect to happen?

To be crystal clear, my response to the threats on Trump’s life is not schadenfreude; it is sadness. I don’t want him to be back in the White House. But I want him to be defeated with ballots, not bullets.

My argument is not a reflexive response to the assassination attempts; it is grounded in a dispassionate analysis of cause and effect. The ease of access to assault-style weapons, the sporadic implementation of “red flag” laws, and the insufficient application of comprehensive background checks all conspire to con-

Further, “red flag” laws, which are designed to temporarily remove guns from individuals who are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others, are sporadically applied and often contested. These laws are not the panacea for gun-related violence, but their inconsistent implementation is a glaring missed opportunity for prevention.

Assault weapons do not establish justice. They do not insure domestic tranquility. They do not provide for the common defense. They do not promote the general welfare. And they do not secure the blessings of liberty, either to us or to our posterity. All they do is make us less safe. All they do is put every American in the “at-risk” category.

We — all of us — must agree to craft a future that honors both the rights and the safety of our citizens. This balanced approach is not just wise; it is essential. Pro-gun Republicans must confront the reality that their policies and rhetoric have played, and will continue to play, a part in creating a climate that is ripe for violence. It is a difficult, perhaps even painful, admission. But it is one that is necessary for meaningful change.

The time for action is now.

Larry Smith is a political columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder

Guest Columnist Larry Smith

Guest Columnist Keith Boykin Columnist Marc Morial

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, who labeled the Sept. 24, 2024, execution of Marcellus Williams a ‘lynching’, will be the guest speaker during the 70th NAACP East St. Louis Brance Freedom Fund Banquet on Oct. 13 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand.

East St. Louis NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet October 13

St. Louis American

Derrick Johnson, national NAACP president and CEO, will serve as guest speaker during the 70th The NAACP East St. Louis Branch Freedom Fund Banquet, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand 800 Washington Avenue in St. Louis. Johnson recently brought national attention to the controversial execution of Marcellus Williams. Gov. Mike Parson refused to halt Williams’ execution, along with the respective U.S. and Missouri Supreme Courts, even though there was evidence of his innocence and prosecutorial misconduct.

“Missouri lynched another innocent Black man,” Johnson said following Williams’ execution.

Before the death sentence was upheld, Williams said, “Taking the life of Marcellus Williams would be an unequivocal statement that when a white woman is killed, a Black man must die. And any Black man will do.”

Under the leadership of Robin Carey Boyd, East St. Louis Branch 3013 is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. She is the first woman to serve as the branch’s president since the 1960s.

The banquet will also include scholarship presentations to students from the Metro East area.

For tickets, please visit www.naacpestl.org. For information, email naacpbranch3013@ gmail.com.

A grieving family campaigns against hate

By Marian Wright Edelman

As the national debate demonizing immigrant communities continues, one family has been speaking up amid their own devastating tragedy to say they do not want their child’s legacy chained to hate.

Aiden Clark, 11, was killed in a traffic accident in August 2023 in Springfield, Ohio, when his school bus was hit by a minivan on the first day of the school year.

The van’s driver was a Haitian immigrant, and the child’s death has become part of a larger hate- and conspiracy-filled campaign targeting his community’s immigrant residents.

At the driver’s sentencing hearing in May, Aiden’s father, Nathan Clark, pleaded for this to stop, saying, “we do not want our son’s name to be associated with hate.”

He spoke again at a Springfield City Commission meeting last week, just before more false rumors escalated the national attention on their town and led to school closings and bomb threats, reiterating his family’s painful, powerful message:

“I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old White man. I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone. The last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces. Even that’s not good enough for them. They take it one step further. They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate.”

Nathan Clark continued: “In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone, choose to shine, make the difference, lead the way, and be the inspiration. What many people in this community and state and nation are doing is the opposite of what you should be doing.

Sure, we have our problems here in Springfield and in the U.S., but does Aiden Clark have anything to do with that? Did you know that an 11-year-old boy could be passionate about gardening, that he could haggle for a better price at a yard sale? Did you know that he researched different cultures to better appreciate and understand people that he interacted with?”

I said to Aiden that I would try to make a difference in his honor. This is it. Live like Aiden. Thank you.”

Aiden Clark’s family’s plea to others to live like him is a moving challenge. We must consistently speak out and guard against sweeping intolerance, false stereotyping, and bigotry.

Editor’s note: David Lee, a 44-year-old African American officer in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, was struck and killed by a man driving under the influence of alcohol on Sept. 22, 2024. while responding to an accident on I-70. The suspect is in the United States illegally. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican, immediately used Lee’s death to assail border policy without regard for the fallen officer’s family.

Marian Wight Edelman is founder and president emeritus of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Photo courtesy of the national NAACP

Marian Wright Edelman

Derrick Johnson to keynote

(Wiley Price), Best Sports Columnist (Earl Austin Jr.,) Best Sports News Story/Package (Alvin A. Reid), and Best Story about Government (Alvin A. Reid) and Best Story about History (Fred Sweets) Judge’s shared comments on the first-place winning entries.

Best Editorials: “This package of editorials is written in a strong, clear, compelling voice. This is some of the finest thought-provoking editorial writing I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Keep up the outstanding work!”

Best Front Page: “I get a feeling of community pride from looking at these pages. The pictures are excellent. The layouts are clean and inviting. Really like this paper and the way it seems to serve its readers.”

Best Serious Columnist: “What pushed this entry over the top for me was the ‘I stand with Jefferson’ column, to which I actually snorted at the line: I’m writing the words I never thought I would say.’ Well-grounded opinion

JJK

Continued from A1

nection to Jackie, especially knowing we share the same birthday,” Tucker said.

“It’s truly amazing to now consider her a friend and to exchange personal texts on our special day just to check in on one another. I want to thank Jackie for being an outstanding example of excel-

piece that weaves in the voices of others to fundamentally make the point. St. Louis’ Then and Now comparison also was well thought through.”

Best Headline Writing: “Very clever and not cheesy. The headline is meant to clue you into the story, and I felt compelled to dive into each and every story.”

Best News Photograph: “Great photography elicits an emotional response. In addition to vibrant color and framing, these certainly do that.”

Best Story About Religion: Graceful writing and attention to detail made [The Miricale Nun] a winner.

Best Multi-Media: “The amount and variety of content was great!”

The Missouri Press Association also sponsored respective debates with candidates for governor and U.S. Senate on Sept. 21 at The Historic Fox theater in Springfield as part of the 2024 MPA Convention. While it was not clear he would attend, Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley did participate. He was joined on stage by Democrat Lucas Kunce,

lence and inspiration for us all.”

Tucker said United Way of Greater St. Louis has been a supporter of the Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation initiatives for over two decades sponsoring youth-centered programs and financial stability initiatives totaling over $1.4 million.

Micheal McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, also hails Joyner-Kersee

for her devotion to education and East St. Louis – where the Urban League opened its first headquarters in the region.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to partner with Jackie Joyner-Kersee and her foundation over the years in our shared mission to uplift and empower communities,” said McMillan.

“Jackie’s dedication to enriching the lives of young people through her foundation has had

a profound and lasting impact not only in East St. Louis but across the nation. Her tireless work to create opportunities for youth to excel—whether in academics, athletics, or leadership—is a testament to her unparalleled commitment to giving back.”

At the Urban League, we have always admired Jackie’s vision and have been proud to collaborate on initiatives that align with our mission of economic and social

empowerment. Her legacy as a world-class athlete is matched only by her passion for serving others, and her work continues to inspire future generations.

McMillan said the region should acknowledge “not only her remarkable achievements on the world stage but also the incredible difference she has made at home.”

“Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s leadership and heart for her community will continue to inspire us all for

plays one of the newspaper’s seven Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest firstplace awards with MPA President Amos Bridges, Springfield News-Leader editor-in-chief and Missouri state editor.

years to come,” said McMillan. Tucker shares that though and ends her praise of Joyner-Kersee by saying, “Signed – a hometown friend and true admirer of Jackie’s accomplishments.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place on Saturday, October 12th at America’s center.

to 11 a.m.

J. Berg & Associates 1215 Fern Ridge Pkwy. Ste. 101 St. Louis, MO 63141 Wednesdays 10/16–12/4

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Essence Healthcare 3251 Riverport Ln. Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Mondays 10/21–11/11

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Comprehensive Benefits 2350 S. 7th St. St. Louis, MO 63104

Alvin A. Reid of the St. Louis American dis-

Photo courtesy of MPA

Nathan Kline, nominee of the Green Party, and Jared Young, who petitioned to form the Better Party as the label for his effort. Taking part in the

gubernatorial debate were Democratic nominee Crystal Quade, Republican Mike Kehoe, Libertarian Bill Slantz and Green Party candidate Paul

Lehmann. The debates were moderated by David Lieb of the Associated Press. Panelists who queried the candidates were Alvin

A. Reid of the St. Louis American, Lucas Presson, Southeast Missourian and Christine Temple, Springfield Business Journal

Broadway that are still being performed to this very day. The character of Ken in the classic Black musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’” refers to him. He was the first-ever Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cultural phenomenon “Cats” when the show premiered in 1982. He voiced the character of Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“Ken Page — through his excellence, his poise and above all his remarkable spirit — was so much more than an icon,” Muny President & CEO Kwofe Coleman said in the tribute. “He cared deeply for his work but valued most the people who had the gift of knowing him.”

Even as a familiar name on Broadway and in film, Page always presented an energy of accessibility with every exchange. He looked everyone in the eye. He hugged with familiarity. Ken Page the man was as comforting as his voice.

His final role was as The bishop in the Muny’s 2024 presentation of “Les Misérables.”

Page took his final bow where it all began.

Crime

Continued from A1 and community partners to improve our performance on prevention, intervention, and enforcement.”

The City of St. Louis has seen a decrease in homicides every year during the Jones administration, which began in 2021. The number of homicides per year has decreased by nearly 40%

Kenneth Page was born on January 20, 1954. He was raised by his mother Gloria and his stepfather Garvin Gilstrap. He would grow up to become “The Voice of The Muny,” but it was The Muny that introduced him to musical theater as a career path when he experienced a performance from the free seats as a young child. It was that show that planted the seed for him envisioning a world far bigger than his surroundings of Carr

since March 2021.

• 2020: 263 homicides • 2021: 201 homicides • 2022: 200 homicides • 2023: 160 homicides

The 160 homicides in 2023 were the lowest number St. Louis had seen since 2014, which had 159 homicides, and the City continues to be on the right course.

Shootings and burglaries are the two areas where numbers are up compared to 2023.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police

Square Village. While in elementary school he was inspired by a teacher and an older cousin to pursue theater.

After graduating from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1972 he attended Fontbonne University (then college) on a full scholarship. He majored in theater.

Page made his Broadway debut as NicelyNicely Johnson in the all-Black revival of “Guys and Dolls.” He went on to

Department detectives wrapped up several major burglary investigations over the summer, according to Chief Robert Tracy, and he expects that will help bring numbers down.

“We were able to successfully arrest five individuals between the ages of 16 and 19, and we’re in the middle of investigating some of their associates,” he said.

“More arrests will be forthcoming.”

St. Louis police

originate a pair of the most memorable roles in the canon of musical theater. He enjoyed steady work both in films, television and on stage – including the Muny – and as a cabaret performer. In 2010, he returned home to St. Louis full time and became even more connected to The Muny through his greeting and his performances. He also directed, wrote and produced stage shows. He wrote and directed the

and federal authorities announced on Monday that leaders of a gang that distributed thousands of fentanyl pills throughout south St. Louis have been arrested, convicted and sentenced.

Fifteen members of the 55 Boyz gang were responsible for selling a significant amount of fentanyl in south St. Louis in recent years, federal authorities said.

Investigators identified Davante Lindsey as one

musical “Cafe Chanson” for Upstream Theater at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

Page has Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists (MAC), Project One Voice/Black Theatre and the St. Louis Arts Foundation. And in 2019, Page received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Louis Arts and Education Council.

Page spoke to The American in 2013 about

of its leaders, and a judge sentenced him earlier this month to 12 years in prison. Andre Pearson was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The two formed the gang out of other gangs, according to investigators.

“This type of organized crime has no place in the city of St Louis or our region,” Tracy said.

“We know drug sales can have major ripple effects, including robbery, shootings and violence.”

Officers have seized

Acclaimed actor Ken Page’s final performance in St. Louis was in June when he portrayed The Bishop of Digne in The Muny production of Les Miserable. Page, who performed in over 45 shows on The Muny stage, was recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists (MAC), Project One Voice/ Black Theatre and the St. Louis Arts Foundation.

“Café Chanson,” and what he hoped seeing the production would inspire in the audience.

“Live your life so one day you can look back on it and feel like you’ve lived a good life,” Page said. “Live now so you can look back and say, ‘I did what I wanted to do, I became what I wanted to be, I loved who I wanted to love.’” They were words he himself lived by.

about two dozen guns, more than $120,000 in cash, thousands of capsules of fentanyl and two vehicles, Tracy said. St. Louis police started investigating a fentanyl-dealing ring in 2021. Officers with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had started its own independent investigation before working with St. Louis police. Alvin A. Reid contributed to this report

Photo courtesy of The Muny

Missouri Medicaid will cover cost of doula services under new rule

Will last at least six months pending extension

By Anna Spoerre Missouri independent

In an effort to address Missouri’s deplorable maternal mortality rates, the state issued an emergency rule Monday allowing doulas to be reimbursed through Medicaid for the next six months.

Doulas — who offer support for families during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, but do not deliver babies — have been lifted up as one solution to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, especially among low-income families.

Missouri ranked among the bottom half of states for maternal deaths between 2018 and 2022, according to

The state Department of Social Services will begin reimbursing doula services to low-income women through MO HealthNet, the state’s Medicaid program.

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“There are evident disparities in the risk of maternal mortality by ethnicity and race, maternal age, access to care, and socio-economic status.

Utilizing doula services may reduce

maternal mortality, health disparities and improve maternity care for women in Missouri,” the rule states.

The state Department of Social Services will begin reimbursing doula services to low-income women through MO HealthNet, the state’s Medicaid program, on Tuesday, as first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The program will last through March 28, 2025, in the hopes of improving birth outcomes.

The emergency rule is only six months, but a longer-term plan is in the works. On Sept. 27, the Department of Social Services provided public notice of intent to submit a permanent plan

See DOULA, A9

Wellness industry isn’t the fix

By Dr. Stephanie Boycea

Following the COVID pandemic, the Global Wellness Industry surged its economic growth to all-time highs. In 2022, the Global Wellness Institute, an authority in the industry, reported that the GWI grew its economy to $5.6 trillion, up from $4.9 trillion in 2019.

When considering leading segments of the industry some of the most popular include personal care and beauty, healthy eating/nutrition/ weight loss, physical activity, and wellness tourism. This growth is even more telling when looking at the sectors that have the highest average annual growth rate from 2020-2022. The top 3 include wellness tourism (36.2%), Spas (22.3%), Wellness Real Estate (20.5%).

n In a recent report, Forbes named the U.S. one of the top 10 most stressful nations in the world.

The numbers illustrate the #1 thing many people are investing in more than ever before is the getting away, not just to vacation aimlessly, but to go away to facilities that place a bigger emphasis on their wellbeing. It’s also worth noting that most of the places included in wellness tourism also house spas, which is the second-fastest growing sector and an essential part of many peoples wellness tourism activities. While the rapid growth of the wellness industry may appear to be a positive phenomenon, many critics of the industry suggest that it does little to make the most important change: eliminating the root of the chronic stress and other conditions leading us to be unwell in the first place.

In a recent report, Forbes named the U.S. one of top 10 most stressful nations in the world.

Gallup found that younger Americans between the ages of 15 and 49 are experiencing the most stress in the U.S. today, along with the poorest 20% of the population.”

Many people attribute this to the See BOYCEA, A9

Family Care Health Centers destined for Dutchtown

‘Broading our reach’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Family Care Health Centers

(FCHC), which was founded by nurses in 1969, will construct a $14 million 27,000-square-foot state-of-the-art healthcare facility in the Dutchtown neighborhood. The new health center will provide comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, nutrition services, WIC, and pharmaceutical services at the corner of Grand and Chippewa, alongside Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. FCHC has four St. Louis area locations.

“When we think about the next 55 years, we understand the importance of broadening our reach to have an even greater impact on the health and well-

being of the community”, says Aramide Ayorinde, CEO.

“The new healthcare center will provide residents with additional access to essential medical and behavioral health services, health education and support programs. Choosing to build in Dutchtown made the most sense for us for several reasons.

“Not only does it align with our mission, but it allows us to meet the growing health care needs of the community. It also brings a sense of coming full circle to what was the Old St. Anthony’s Hospital.”

Kimberly McKinney, CEO Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis said her organization looks forward to welcoming Family

See FCHC, A9

Okunsola Amadou, founder and CEO of Jamaa Birth Village in Ferguson, said Tuesday that a state ruling allowing doulas to be reimbursed through Medicaid would not financially cover every woman who could benefit from a doula. Jamaa will continue to offer scholarship programs for doula services.

Photo courtesy of Jamaa Birth Village

Stephanie Boycea

Doula

Continued from A8

The program reimburses six total prenatal and postpartum doula visits, attendance at a birth, lactation education services and help navigating community services. Doulas often visit new mothers at their homes during the postpartum period, watching for signs of depression, addiction and violence, all of which have been found to be leading causes of death for women in the year after giving birth.

“There is potential for an offsetting savings in year two and beyond based on the potential reduction in the Cesarean rate as well as other improved birth outcomes,” the rule said.

To be eligible, doulas must be credentialed and certified through a national or Missouri-based doula training organization. From there, they will be added to a list of eligible doulas overseen by the Missouri Community Doula Council

Okunsola Amadou said formal conversations between doulas and the state around Medicaid reimbursements go back years.

Amadou is founder and CEO of Jamaa Birth Village in Ferguson, the oldest community-based doula organization in the St. Louis region.

In spring 2022, Amadou and Hakima Payne, co-founder and CEO of Uzazi Village in Kansas City were among authors of a policy brief that highlights the benefits of doulas on health outcomes.

It urges “innovation” to bring doulas to more women, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies.

“This policy brief was the trusted, evidence-based document that informed the entire state of Missouri on the importance of doulas,” Amadou said.

When the emergency rule was announced, Amadou said she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She noted that while the emergency rule, which

FCHC

Continued from A8 Care Health Center as a neighbor.

“We are so very happy to have found a purchaser who mirrors our own mission of providing positive community impact,” says Kimberly McKinney, CEO Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis.

“When we moved administrative offices and our southside Restore in

Boycea

Continued from A8

demands of hustle culture and corporate pressure those age groups may be navigating.

In his article, “Why the Wellness Industry is So Utterly Broken”, CJ Gotcher identifies a pattern by which many wellness experts and companies hang their hats: identifying a problem, selling a hustle that fixes it, people buying the product, seller justifies the usefulness of the product. He argues that instead of producing transformative and long-lasting

holds until a permanent plan is finalized, would not financially cover every woman who could benefit from a doula, organizations like Jamaa Birth Village and Uzazi Village will continue to offer scholarships programs for doula services as well.

“We will always back up our community where the state is still trying its best to answer the call,” she said. “ … We have to start somewhere, and I just want to applaud the state for starting somewhere.”

Payne called the ruling “a step in the right direction for improving maternal and infant health in Missouri and I’m glad to see the state taking that step.”

Payne, whose Kansas City nonprofit works to improve birth outcomes,

2018, we made an active choice to invest in the Dutchtown community. The development of Family Health Center continues that investment in our now shared community.”

3rd Ward Alderman Shane Cohn said a search for Family Care Health Center’s new home in Dutchtown had spanned several years.

“It’s amazing that the site which was the former home to St. Anthony’s Hospital decades ago will

outcomes, they typically end up benefiting from the financial gains of desperate people buying into the latest wellness fix being presented. Instead of investing money into a trillion-dollar industry, the author recommends slow grow approaches to steady transformations in wellness over time.

For many people looking to establish lifestyles that center their wellness, the habits they commit to are regular, daily, practices that can be sustained over time. While these may be implemented by most people for little to no money, they don’t mean never investing in the wellness industry. Perhaps both

including through doula training programs, said she hopes to see the reimbursement made permanent.

Missouri has long been among the states with the worst maternal health outcomes in the country.

In Missouri between 2017 and 2021, women on Medicaid were seven times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than women on private insurance, according to a report published Aug. 30 by the state’s PregnancyAssociated Mortality Review.

In those five years, 349 Missouri women died while pregnant or within a year of pregnancy.

Black mothers in that time frame were 2.5 times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white mothers.

again offer these healthcare options and services to the people and families in our community. The synergy between Habitat for Humanity and FCHC will only bolster the health and prosperity of our neighbors,” he said.

Of the 70 or so pregnancy-associated deaths each year in Missouri, 77% were deemed preventable. Cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions were among the main causes of pregnancy-related deaths.

“DSS finds an immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare of pregnant women in Missouri, which requires this emergency action,” Monday’s emergency rule stated.

A 2023 March of Dimes report gave Missouri a D- for preterm births, and also pointed to doulas as a solution.

The report recommends that health care facilities work with social workers, commu-

Aramide Ayorinde

Groundbreaking will occur in November 2024 and the facility is slated to

approaches are necessary for long-term wellness.

Connecting to nature. When it comes to regulating the nervous system and combating burnout, connecting to nature is an ancient go-to that is a lost art, especially amongst many people in urban settings. Anything from breathing fresh air and absorbing sunlight on a daily walk or jog, sitting and/or working next to a body of water, or eating a meal under a tree in a park can be a major game changer for boosting energy and reducing stress.

Eating whole foods. According to a US

open its doors in June 2026.

“FCHC is committed to our ongoing work on developing innovative programs and partnerships that ensure the best for our patients and communities alike,” said Ayorinde.

“We recognize the importance of being connected to other key stakeholders in the

Foods Survey, Americans spend $166 per person on fast food per month, with anywhere from 60-90% of their food being ultraprocessed. Taking time to pick, prepare, and consume whole foods do not require people to buy into the latest diet fad and with its complicated rules and restrictions and branded food packaging. Quite simply, it only requires people to answer the question, “Did this come from the earth and is it as close to its original form as possible?” Taking this step away from the corporate reach of “creating food products” and committing to what nature created is one

nity health workers and doulas during patients’ pregnancy and post-partum periods, in part to address social determinants of health.

Christian King, a doula in Kansas City who in March told The Independent she had reduced or given up wages to provide services to women on Medicaid who couldn’t afford the assistance, said Monday the state just created a huge opportunity.

“I hope that with government funding, our hospitals and health training institutions begin to welcome doulas,” King said. “But also respect us and allow us to support birthing persons and their families without a power struggle.”

The order came months

care continuum and, thus, have developed and continue to nurture these relationships.”

Ayorinde joined Family Care Health Centers as CEO in January 2023, succeeding Dr. Robert Massie who retired after serving 28 years as CEO. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health, a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management and received a Doctorate

step towards increased wellness.

Holding space for creativity/play/pleasure. One thing many adults push to the margins of their daily lives is creativity, play, and pleasure. Contrary to the joy and freedom we see naturally in children (who still thrive and enjoy all of these things daily), many adults replace joy-producing activities with the worry and concern of their responsibilities. Blocking time to connect with friends on an adult soccer team, daily journal writing, painting/ cooking classes, adult dance classes, sexual exploration, and any other

after identical bills that would’ve allowed doulas registered with the state to be reimbursed through insurance died before the end of session. The legislation was filed by state Reps. Wendy Hausman, a Republican from St. Peters, and Jamie Johnson, a Democrat from Kansas City. Improving the state’s birth outcomes has been heralded as a bi-partisan issue. In 2023, the Missouri legislature extended postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year. Several months after he signed the bill, Gov. Mike Parson called on the state to do more to improve birth outcomes, which he called “embarrassing and absolutely unacceptable.”

degree from Rutgers University in Urban Health Systems. She had served as chief operating officer at Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc., where she directed the operations of a network of 11 facilities that service nearly 90,000 individuals in the Philadelphia area. FCHS a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving over 20,000 patients in the St. Louis area.

plan to just do things they enjoy can be a regularly embedded vehicle to increase the quality of life.

Engaging in mindfulness. Many people believe that expensive yoga studios or wellness retreats are the entry points to practicing mindfulness, but that is a myth. Free yoga, meditation, breathwork courses via YouTube and other websites can be utilized by individuals, families, and groups of friends, right in the comfort of their own homes. Stephanie Boyce is a columnist for Dallas Weekly

Christian King, a doula with Uzazi Village in Kansas City, wraps Mikia Marshall, 33, with a kanga cloth to help take pressure off her stomach on Feb. 27, 2024.

Photo by Anna Spoerre / Missouri Independent

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Students Knowledge Murphy and Ramell Keeton, in Ms. Stovall’s third-grade class at Gateway MST Elementary School, are learning how to use microscopes to view microorganisms.

by Ms. Stovall

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American Chemist Jeannette Brown

SCIENCE CORNER

Preventing Disease

According to the American Heart Association, you can help prevent disease by following a healthy eating plan and adding more activity to your lifestyle. A healthy eating plan consists of lean proteins. Choosing fish as a source of protein also gives you omega 3 fatty acids to build brain cells. Consider meatless meals where your protein source comes from beans or other foods. Choose whole grains that contain a lot of fiber to help your digestive system and reduce cholesterol. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lowerfat dairy products. Add nuts and seeds to your diet to get more nutrients. Try to avoid sugary or fried foods. Kids should get 60 minutes of activity a day. Choose activities

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will observe the chemical reactions of yeast.

Materials Needed:

• A Packet of Dried Yeast • 16-20 oz. Clear Water Bottle (empty) • 1 Teaspoon Sugar • Warm Water • Small Balloon

Procedure:

q Add 1 inch of warm water in the water bottle.

w Add the entire yeast packet to the water and gently swirl the bottle to mix.

e Add the sugar and gently swirl to combine.

r Stretch out the balloon by blowing it up a few times and letting it deflate.

t Place the neck of the balloon over the neck of the water bottle.

y Place the bottle in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

MATH CONNECTION

z Suzanne runs 3½ miles every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. How many miles will she run in a month that has 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, and 5 Fridays? ______

x If you have 4 members in your family, and each family member drinks 6 ounces of juice each morning for breakfast, how long will

Check out these fun chemistry facts.

you enjoy—playing sports, jumping rope, walking around the neighborhood. At least twice a week, you should choose an activity that works on strengthening your muscles— such as push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Get your friends and family involved, choose some fun music, and you will be surprised how much you enjoy physical activity. For more information, visit: https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ or http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/diseases-conditions/. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and textto-self connections.

Expand a Balloon

u Watch the balloon inflate.

How does it work? Yeast is a living microorganism. As it “eats” the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide, which is a gas. This gas causes the bottle (and the balloon) to expand.

Form a hypothesis:

1. Does room temperature affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

2. Does the size of the container affect how much gas is created by the yeast?

3. Does yeast respond the same to syrup and honey as it does to sugar?

Repeat the experiment and test your hypothesis as you change these variables.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

This Calls for Math!

a 1 gallon jug of orange juice last?

(Remember: One gallon = 4 quarts, and 1 quart = 32 ounces.) ______

c You are trying a new recipe for muffins. It calls for 2 1/3 cups of whole wheat flour. The only measuring cup you can find holds 1/3 cup. How many times will you need to fill the measuring cup with the flour?

v Anthony bought 6 boxes of grapefruit for $9/box. If he has to pay 8% sales tax, what was the total he had to pay?

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-to-world connections.

About 78% of the average human brain consists of water. This is one of the many reasons it is important to drink plenty of water.

Water expands as it freezes. Therefore, an ice-cube takes up more space than the water that is used to create it.

Jeannette Brown was born in 1934 in New York. When she was just 6 years old, her family doctor encouraged her love of science, specifically chemistry. Brown was a dedicated student and graduated in 1952 from New Dorp High School in Staten Island. After graduating high school, she attended Hunter College to pursue a chemistry degree. Brown was one of only two African-American women in the class. In 1956, she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Next, Brown went to the University of Minnesota and became the first African-American woman to earn a master’s degree in organic chemistry. Brown then went to work for CIBA Pharmaceutical Company as a research chemist. She developed drugs for diseases, such as tuberculosis and coccidiosis (coccidiosis affects chickens). In 1969, she went to work for Merck & Co. Research to continue research of new drugs to make sure they are safe and effective. In 1986, she became chairperson of the Project SEED Committee for the American Chemical Society. Seven years later, she taught chemistry at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She also served as regional director on a committee to improve science education for local students. In 2008, she shared the biography of seven chemists to the African American National Biography. Three years later, she published the novel “African American Women Chemists”. Hunter College and the University of Minnesota both have recognized Brown as an outstanding alumni. She has received other awards, including an Association of Women in Science fellow award in 2007. She was also recognized as an American Chemical Society fellow and a Chemical Heritage Foundation Ullyot Scholar. Brown has been active in professional organizations, such as the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities —

Good Citizen: What are the qualities of a good citizen? Use the newspaper to find examples of stories of people who display good citizenship. Share your examples with your classmates.

Target Audience: Writers must appeal to their target audience. In this activity, your classmates will be your target audience.

Survey your classmates to discover their favorite sport. What is the most popular sport? Next, create a newspaper advertisement for a product that relates to that sport.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can find evidence to support my claim.

Photo

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

A worldly investment

International Institute awards $15,000 entrepreneurship grants to Afghan refugees

Business awards ceremony. The International Institute, in partnership with the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, recently awarded three Afghan immigrants $15,000 Entrepreneurship Grants.

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

In a society consumed by divisive, politicized rhetoric about immigrants, the International Institute of St. Louis, the city’s official resettlement agency, hosted an event that rebuked that narrative while focusing on the true spirit of hard-working immigrants.

On Friday, the nonprofit, in partnership with the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, awarded three Afghan immigrants $15,000 Entrepreneurship

n “As much as they need our help, we need them, too.”

– Arrey Obenson, president & CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis

Grants. The program, part of the larger Afghan Support Program launched in 2022, provided the grants to help

Afghan immigrants start or grow businesses in the St. Louis region.

The entire ceremony was an eclectic, diversified delight. Outside, in celebration of “Hispanic Heritage Month,” there was a community bazaar where attendees in colorful garb were served food from Tacos El Paisa and purchased gifts and art items from Arte Rojo and other related community organizations. Inside, after the Afghan support awards ceremony, sponsored by Midwest BankCentre, awardees,

See GRANTS, B2

Biden-Harris bring $1.3 billion more to HBCUs

St. Louis American

The Biden-Harris administration recently announced an additional $1.3 billion in federal investments for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This brings the administration’s total investment in HBCUs to a record $17 billion since Fiscal Year 2021.

“That’s the most any administration has ever, ever, ever, ever committed,” President Joe Biden said September 16, 2024, as he announced the investment during the 2024 HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia. According to White House officials, HBCUs enroll twice as many Pell Grant-eligible low—and middle-income students as non-HBCU institutions, producing a significant percentage of Black professionals in critical fields—40% of engineers, 50% of teachers, 70% of doctors and dentists, and 80% of judges. The schools represent just 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities.

According to a White House fact sheet, the $1.3 billion investment includes $188 million in competitive grants for R&D capacity building and $1.1 billion in funding to support students directly through need-based grants and programs like Pell Grants.

“The latest infusion of funding for HBCUs builds on the unprece-

in

Green to be honored for inclusion Heroics Oct. 7

Percy Green

Percy Green, whose civil rights protest for inclusion in the construction industry, will be honored at 10 a.m. October 7, 2024, at Gateway Arch National Park. The “Afro Day in the Park Tribute to Percy Grenn” will include a walk with Green from Luther Ely Smith Square to the north leg of the gateway Arch.

On July 14, 1964, Green and fellow activist Richard Daly, scaled a 125-foot construction ladder on the then-incomplete north leg of the Gateway Arch to protest the lack of African American inclusion in the Arch’s construction workforce.

Francois Henriquez moves up at Fed Bank

G.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has appointed François G. Henriquez as first vice president and chief operating officer. He succeeds Kathleen O’Neill, who has retired after more than 36 years of service. Henriquez joined the St. Louis Fed in September 2018 and was serving as executive vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary, chief administrative officer, and a member of the management committee. Henriquez is responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance of the St. Louis Fed, including its branches in Little Rock, Louisville and Memphis.

U.

Lincoln University of Missouri has named Tim Abney as director of athletics and campus recreation. Abney has served as interim athletic director since April. The former basketball standout served as head women’s basketball coach for 10 seasons and led the tennis team for seven years. He previously was assistant athletic director for administration.

Abney is a 2017 inductee of the Lincoln University Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and North Carolina A&T Sports Hall of Fame, respectively.

Dr. Taylor promoted at Logan University

Dr. April Taylor, DBA, JD, has been promoted to vice president of the Logan University College of Health Sciences and Student Affairs. Taylor will oversee the Office of Student Affairs, which provides and enhances opportunities for Logan student success. Taylor joined Logan University in August 2022 as dean of the College of Health Sciences and has served as a Logan University Policy Committee

dented track record of delivery for HBCUs that this administration has had,” Dietra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, told the online publication The 19th.

Dietra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs is a Hampton University graduate. Trent said much of an additional $1.3 billion investment in HBCUs by the Biden-Harris administration will go to need-based grants and aid for HBCU students.

Photo courtesy of the United Negro College Fund

Francois

Henriquez

Arrey Obenson, president & CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, speaking Friday, Sept. 20 at the organization’s Afghan

Photo courtesy of International Institute

co-chair.

April Taylor

Lincoln

tabs Abney as athletics director

Tim Abney

Grants

Continued from B1

their families and guests were served native dishes provided by Sameem Afghan Restaurant.

The welcoming celebratory atmosphere was by design, said Arrey Obenson, president & CEO of the International Institute.

“This event is a culmination of the efforts we’ve been making in the last two and half years with the resettlement of Afghans.”

St. Louis has become a hub for Afghan refugees, with more than 1,500 resettling here after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021. The Afghan Outreach Initiative — a partnership between the International Institute of St. Louis and attorney and philanthropist Jerry Schlichter — has helped nearly double the local Afghan population to about 4,000 people, according to Moji Sidiqi, director for multicultural affairs and Afghan outreach for the International Institute.

Obenson said he is astonished by the adaptability and resilience of the refugees and is proud to provide grants for their business endeavors.

“This will be eight out of 10 grants we are giving to people who have come to this country less than 24 months ago who are starting businesses in our

Report

Continued from B1

community, Obenson said. “They’ve gone from being defined as refugees to being tenants, employees and now they’re employers in this community.”

To date, eight Afghan refugees have been awarded $15,000 grants to launch businesses in the region with the help from the Afghan Outreach Initiative. The past five winners include those who started a home repair and remodeling company, a handbag design company and two photography and videography businesses.

Friday’s grantees included Ferdous Sakhiza, who started a landscaping business; Khalid Naseeri,

will help take the burden off families. It will also help them stay in college, so it’s going to have a huge impact.”

The investment is part of a series of initiatives launched to expand HBCUs’ influence and capabilities, including:

Innovation in defense: The Department

founder of Smart Electric LLC, an electrical service company and Freshta Zary, owners of Zeeb Cloth, a clothing brand that blends traditional Afghan designs with modern fashions; and

“The story continues to unfold,” Moji Sidiqi said, as she encouraged the awardees to create partnerships and opportunities for other Afghans.

On stage, philanthropist Schlichter emphasized the collective advantages of awarding entrepreneurship grants to Afghan refugees.

“Besides welcoming you and supporting you; the whole St. Louis community benefits as well,”

Schlichter stressed. “We need to build our population which has been in decline. We need to diversify our people. We have a smaller number of foreign-born people here than most large cities.”

The city has lost an average of around 6,000 residents in each of the last three years. According to Census figures, St. Louis’ population declined from around 286,000 residents in 2022, a drop of roughly 1.5%. That said, the St. Louis region leads the nation in growing its immigrant population with the biggest oneyear percentage increase

of Defense created the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Howard University, leading a $90 million program over five years, focuses on advancing autonomous technologies for Air Force missions.

Mohammad Raza Hassani, owner of Raza Auto Sale and Repair, arrived in 2021 from Afghanistan. He received an entrepreneurship grant from Arch Grants, which he used to open his shop in south St. Louis. He said he is grateful for the support from the International Institute and the community for their help in opening his business.

locally on record, according to the St. Louis PostDispatch.

St. Louis, for example, has the largest Bosnian population in Missouri with an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people. Bosnian refugees migrated here as result of the war and genocide that took place in Bosnia from 1992 to 1995 and because of the city’s availability of jobs and inexpensive housing.

The turmoil in Afghanistan, Schlichter added, though tragic, benefited our region.

“You coming here was an opportunity, I saw, where we could

Bridging the digital divide: The Department of Commerce’s ConnectingMinority-Communities program funds 43 HBCUs to secure high-speed internet, equipment, and IT personnel, directly addressing the digital divide.

“This program not only increases broadband on their campuses but also in their communities, and we know that 80% of our HBCUs are in broadband deserts,” Trent said.

Advancing ‘Clean Energy’: The Department of Energy’s $7.75 million HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize is designed to enhance STEM education and inspire future leaders in clean energy fields.

Diversity in agriculture: The Department of Agriculture’s $262.5 million investment supports 33 projects to train over 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders,

emphasizing diversity in the agricultural sector. Officials said that the unprecedented support for HBCUs reflects the administration’s broader agenda to promote educational excellence and equity.

Reestablishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs further signifies this commitment, they said.

Further, according to the fact sheet, the administration’s diversity efforts are a testament to this focus, with many HBCU graduates, including Harris, holding key roles.

The new funding coincides with Forbes magazine’s recent ranking of HBCUs. Forbes named Howard University the number one HBCU. It was ranked 273rd among the top 500 colleges and universities, ahead of Spelman, Morehouse, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), North Carolina A&T, and Hampton

support people who needed help, who needed to find a place to rebuild their lives but also helped us rebuild our community...”

Moderator Sidiqi congratulated the awardees but gave special recognition to Freshta Zary, the first woman to win an Afghan immigrant entrepreneurship grant.

“I should mention that Freshta used to be a principal of a school in Afghanistan who also studied law,” Sidiqi said, adding: “That’s a such big deal to lose such a huge part of your identity and start from scratch but it’s that much more inspiring that you started a new journey, one that will inspire countless women.”

The success of the Afghan refugees here, Obenson said, paints a much different story about immigrants than the mostly negative ones dominating national headlines.

“They are the opposite of everything some in this country have said about immigration and policies; I have found this community to be extremely welcoming, Obenson said.

“We are looking beyond the labels placed on people to where we are embracing people in this community. Because as much as they need our help, we need them, too.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

University. The rankings highlight HBCUs’ ability to produce high-earning, influential graduates from diverse economic backgrounds, often with lower student debt.

“This administration has supported HBCUs from day one,” said Trent.

“It understands that HBCUs have the outsized burden of diversifying America’s workforce, and so the administration has taken the approach that we’re going to support them.”

On Sept. 19, the BidenHarris Administration announced that it had also awarded about $50 million to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The funds will be used to increase graduate opportunities for Latinx students, including in the STEM and education fields. With the funding, the administration also aims to improve educational attainment rates among Latinx students.

Photo courtesy of International Institute

n “It’s always some sort of drama.”

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Lutheran North, MICDS to meet in Metro showdown

Lutheran North and MICDS have been two of the top football programs in the area for several decades.

These two conference foes will meet on Saturday afternoon in a Metro League showdown at MICDS. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. Both teams are once again enjoying very successful seasons.

Lutheran North enters the game with a 4-1 record, with its only defeat coming on the road against Phenix City Central (AL). In their four victories, the Crusaders are averaging a whopping 64 points a game. The Crusaders’ offense is led by dual-threat quarterback Jonathan Moore, who has rushed for 352 yards and three touchdowns while passing for 730 yards and 15 touchdowns. Martez Stephenson has rushed for 501 yards and eight touchdowns while Jevon Blackman has rushed for 352 yards and five touchdowns. The top receivers are Trey Bass and Mike Clark, who have combined for 24 receptions and eight touchdowns.

–Receiver Devante Adams, who wants out, on life as a Las Vegas Raider for 589 yards and seven touchdowns. Receivers Gabe Weaver and Henry Rohan both have three touchdown receptions.

While Lutheran North has been explosive on offense, MICDS has been stout on defense as it has surrendered only seven points a game. The defense is anchored by defensive lineman Lucas Allgeyer, an Iowa commit who has 20 tackles and three quarterback sacks. Senior Brian Gould also has three sacks to go along with 26 tackles.

Gould is also a stalwart on offense with 392 total yards and six touchdowns. Sophomore Noah Menneke has passed

overtime 11-8.

pleted 14 of 20 passes for 176 yards and six touchdowns in a 49-0 victory over Alton.

Standout performers from Week 5

Running back Jayden McCaster of DeSmet rushed for 108 yards on six carries and three touchdowns in a 62-14 victory over Vianney.

Running back Devin Hollins of Marquette rushed for 144 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns in a 28-6 victory over Hazelwood Central.

Quarterback Jayden Ellington of Althoff com-

Running back Jamarion Parker of Cardinal Ritter rushed for 136 yards on 23 carries and three touchdowns in a 50-16 victory over Lift for Life.

Running back Madden Irving of Chaminade rushed for 202 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns in a 22-15 victory over St. Mary’s.

Running back Larevious Woods of East St. Louis rushed for 108 yards on six carries and three touchdowns in a 55-0

victory over O’Fallon.

Defensive back Phines Douglas of Lutheran-St. Charles had two interceptions in a 27-26 victory over Miller Career Academy.

Quarterback Will Powers of Westminster completed 18 of 25 passes for 339 yards and five touchdowns in a 47-13 victory over Priory.

What’s on tap for Week 6

Thursday, October 3 Marquette at Hazelwood East, 6 p.m.

Friday, October 4 DeSmet at Chaminade,

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

6 p.m.

Rolla at St. Mary’s 6 p.m. Summit at Eureka, 7 p.m.

Collinsville at Althoff, 7 p.m.

Francis Howell at Troy, 7 p.m. Fort Zumwalt East at Fort Zumwalt North, 7 p.m.

St. Charles at St. Charles West, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 5

Parkway West at Lindbergh, 11 a.m.

Miller Career Academy vs. Lift for Life at Gateway Tech, noon O’Fallon at Belleville East, 1 p.m.

Belleville West at East St. Louis, 1 p.m.

John Burroughs at Priory, 1 p.m.

Earl’s World St. Louisan Napheesa Collier added to her impressive postseason resume when she was named the Defensive Player of the Year in the WNBA. The former Incarnate Word Academy star was also named to the WNBA’s All-Defensive First Team…Very sad to learn of the passing of former NBA great Dikembe Mutombo at the age of 58. Not only was he a great player, but he was also a humanitarian. A legend. I had the opportunity to interview Dikembe three years ago when he was in St. Louis to promote his coffee brand. He was a kind and warm individual and it was an honor to be in his presence… The Lafayette High girls volleyball team continues to have one of the state’s top units. After winning a state championship last season, the Lancers have entered the week with a 19-1 record. Two of the top players are 5’11” senior Maya Witherspoon and 6’3” sophomore Shaye Witherspoon. Maya, an outside hitter, has 185 kills on the season. She recently broke the school record for kills. Shaye has a team-high 242 kills along with 35 blocks… Congratulations to Alishea Usery-Wright and the late Rodney Dotson on their upcoming induction to the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in December. UseryWright was one of the top sprinters in the history of the state during her career at McCluer SouthBerkeley, where she won 12 individual state championships. Dotson was a tremendous coach at multiple North County schools as well as the Blues Track Club during summer track.

John Amos as ‘Kansas City Mack’ was a knockout

Kansas City Mack is a name many boxing fans came to love in the mid1970s. His nemesis was a gent named Biggie Smalls, whose real name was Hiawatha.

Along with aptly named boxing characters Bootney Farnsworth and 40th Street Black, “Let’s Do It Again,” is one of the most humorous movies on pugilism to ever hit the big screen. The sequel to “Uptown Saturday Night” starred the late Sydney Poitier and Bill Cosby, along with Jimmie Walker, Ozzie Davis, Mel Stewart, Calvin Lockhart, Denise Nichols, and Lee Chamberlin. Goerge Foreman also makes a cameo appearance. But a particular actor stole this 1975 show. It was John Amos starring as the New Orleans gangster MacArthur Clutch, who goes by Kansas City Mack.

He was brilliant in the role, mixing the comic humor he would display in “Good Times,” with a touch of seriousness that brought his character to life.

To save their lodge, “The Brothers and Sisters of Shaka,” Atlanta friends portrayed by Poitier and Cosby use Poitier’s hypnotic power (which he learned in the U.S. Army) to convince the skinny, overmatched Farnsworth (Walker) he could beat 40th Street Black in an upcoming title fight.

Farnsworth pulls of the enormous upset, which wins the lodge a large amount of money through the scheming Poitier and Cosby’s wagers on the fixed outcome.

But Clutch figures out he’s been duped and shows up in Atlanta. I won’t give up any more of the plot. Well, one additional line. As the lodge’s

leader, Davis says while dining on fried chicken during a celebration dinner, “I think I knew this bird in another life.”

If you’ve never seen “Let’s Do It Again,” you must view it. Yeah, I know the Cosby specter is involved but it’s worth ignoring him

– because he is at his best

Amos’ family announced earlier this week that he had passed away at the age of 84.

Certainly, his award-winning portrayals of James Evans Sr., in Good Times, and the mature Kunta Kinter (Toby) in Roots will be remembered.

However, it is his work in “Let’s Do It Again,” that stands out for me.

“Those pinheads are smarter than I thought,” is a favorite line that Clutch shares. “When he asks Smalls (Lockhart) during a Farnsworth workout,” “Is your momma still working in them $10 houses,” it sets up one of the best back-and-forth dialogue battles in Black cinematic history.

Smalls: One of these days I’m gonna climb all over you.

Mack: It’ll take more guts than you got Biggie. You got to bring ass to get ass.

Smalls: You’re colorful

Mack. Dumb. Old fashioned and out of style. But you’re colorful. Amos played football at Colorado State University and then played for various teams in the United Football League, including the Canton Bulldogs.

His form as a running back is on full display while he and fellow gangsters are chasing Poitier and Cosby on foot on the streets of New Orleans.

Mack’s hang out was a high-class Black-owned restaurant. After a phone call and some business talk, the gangster tells his crew, “Let’s Eat.” That line always makes me hungry. And Amos’ portrayal of Mack always makes me want to be 15 again.

The Reid Roundup Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is likely lost for the season because of a knee injury. He will be rehabbing for next season

knowing that he faces a lengthy suspension for causing, then leaving, a multiple car accident that his street racing caused. Fate. Karma…In Rice’s absence, there is talk that Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill could be headed back to Kansas City. It is more likely that Clevland receiver Amari Cooper becomes a Chief…Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Willims a St. Louisan, helped the Detroit Lions top the Seattle Seahawks with a 79-yard catchand-run for a touchdown on Monday…Seahawks QB Geno Smith is leading the NFL in passing yards and is having his best season as a pro… Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in his team’s 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. His jersey is also leading the NFL in sales...

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

McCluer North Stars’ senior running back Ty Harris (1) loads up a stiff arm for McCluer defensive lineman Rayshawn Minor (90) while offensive tackle MIcheal Hooten (50) picks up his block on linebacker ZyShonne Kemp (30) during fourth-quarter action on Saturday, Sept. 28. McCluer North prevailed in

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The late John Amos as ‘Kansas City Mack’ in “Let’s Do It Again” Courtesy of Warner Brothers.

STL hosts Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference Oct. 9-11

St. Louis will host the 2024 national Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP), October 9-1, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.

Presented by the Center for Community Progress, RVP is only national conference focused on the reuse of vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties.

Over 1,000 community leaders, state and local policymakers, and community development practitioners from across the country will connect to learn and share innovative vacancy solutions.

St. Louis will have a unique opportunity to demonstrate its local revitalization efforts and provide national context for how other cities are building stronger neighborhoods.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected its inaugural cohort for the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, according to Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jessica C. Harris, PhD.

“I’m thrilled to welcome the RVP Conference to St. Louis this year. Having the RVP national conference here is a testament to the impactful work of the STL Vacancy Collaborative and the City of St. Louis,” said Mayor Tishaura Jones.

The STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC) a coalition dedicated to reducing the negative impact of vacant property in the City of St. Louis, played a pivotal role in advocating for St. Louis as the host city for this year’s RVP Conference.

Jones said the city’s Community Development Administration has partnered with the Vacancy Collaborative to co-develop a Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI).

“By working with a diverse set of stakeholders from different sectors

to collectively address the high concentration of vacant properties in our community, we are committing to working together towards a more vibrant and safer St. Louis,” said Jones. The VSI’s mission

includes engagement, research, and resource development to address vacant property prevention, stabilization, and reuse. This includes programs to transform vacant properties from burdens on city services into neigh-

The Sunflower Project brightens a former vacant lot in the College Hill neighborhood of St. Louis. The site will be included on tours during the national Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference October 9-1, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.

borhood assets.

Several key members of the VSI will be presenting at the at the RVP conference.

Local Revitalization: Mobile tours will highlight St. Louis’s neighborhood revitalization projects.

SIU-E announces first Postdoctoral Fellows

SIUE launched the program in 2023, and its Fellows, who are appointed for two years, began their work this fall. “Through the program, we seek to attract scholars who will enhance the breadth, depth and quality of our academic programs, and support the retention and graduation of SIUE’s diverse student population,” said Harris.

“Fellows will teach three courses or an equivalent each year, aligned with their field of study. They will also have dedicated time for research and creative activities.”

The fellows and their subject areas include Vivian Feldblyum

PhD, Philosophy; Kyunghwan Lee, PhD, Sociology; Evelyn Malinowski, PhD, Honors; Treasure Shields Redmond, PhD, English; Ruchi Saini, Educational Leadership (will begin January 2025); Jacqueline Shea, PhD, CODES; Yayra

Sumah, PhD, Political Science. Dr. Candace Hall, assistant professor in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Educational Leadership, is program’s inaugural faculty fellow.

Offered tours include The Delmar DiVine; home rehabs in South City; the Sunflower+ Project in Old North; Brickline Greenway; commercial revitalization on West Florissant Ave; vacant land reuse in College Hill; and more.

National Context: Learn how cities nationwide are tackling vacancy, including sessions on preventing illegal dumping; comprehensive vacant lot reuse; reusing contaminated properties; and more. Connect with Experts: RVP brings together top national experts on property law, community redevelopment, and equitable revitalization. The conference is an opportunity to build a bench of local and national experts who can inform future reporting on a variety of issues. For the conference agenda, please visit communityprogress.org/rvp24/

“Being in close conversation with them about their experiences and continued research concerning experiences of faculty of color in academe, will help me advise administrators on promising practices in not only recruitment, but intentional, proactive, retention and supportive measures,” said Hall.

Photo courtesy of City of St. Louis

Jessica C. Harris

Candace Hall

Living It

“You don’t get to do many lead roles in an animation.”

-Lupita Nyong’o on voicing a robot who raises a duckling in the Dreamworks movie, “The Wild Robot.”

The allure of Salute

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, October 12 at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception) at America’s Center. As per usual, the highly anticipated event will be an elegant and sophisticated experience.

Scholarship and awards gala provides master class in fashion

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

Just like one of her signature pixie cuts, hair artist and Shi Salon owner Marie Simone kept her thoughts about The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala extra short and super cute.

“It’s the elegance for me,” Simone said.

Guests ascend up the escalators with the expectation of seeing the best of Black St. Louis looking their absolute best.

“You can’t really tell anybody about Salute,” Simone said. “You have to just tell people to come, so they can see it for themselves.”

37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala

Of course, awarding millions of dollars in scholarships and honoring one of the most noble, yet unsung professions would, and should, bring the masses – as it has for nearly 40 years.

37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala Saturday October 12, 2024 America’s Center

But with the Education Salute, The St. Louis American Foundation created a blueprint for going above and beyond the ordinary banquet.

David Evans and Felesha Clarke look absolutely fabulous in ensembles from talented fashion designer Brandin Vaughn.

In a little over a week, they will have the opportunity to do exactly that. On Saturday, October 12 the 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala takes over America’s Center.

Co-chaired by David and Thelma Steward of the Steward Family Foundation, the 2024 Education Salute will be epic. The legendary Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

David, Tef Poe, Felesha (center) and Meadow Grace embodied the ultra-fashionable ambiance of the 21c Gallery.

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds

CONCERTS

Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m. Digable

Planets with Blvck Spvde and The Cosmos (Grove Fest PreParty), Atomic Pavilion, 4140 Manchester, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.stlgrovefest.com.

Sat., Oct. 5, 3 p.m. Grovefeset: Groove in the Grove featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, Alexis Tucci, Paige Alyssa, Rehab Drag Show, Tee Parks and Andrew Dahle, Open Concept, 4130 Manchester, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.stlgrovefest.com.

Sun., Oct. 13, 7 p.m., Maxwell: The Serenade Tour with Jazmine Sullivan and October London, Enterprise Center. For tickets or more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Wed., Oct. 16, 6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Bilal with Aliah Sheffield, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.citywinery.com

Wed., Oct. 16, 8 p.m., Jamila Woods and Tank and The Bangas, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, www.thepageant.com.

Fri., Oct. 25 & Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m., Usher: Past Present Future, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark. For tickets or more information, visit www.livenation. com.

Speaker Series, in partnership with MYnd Over Matter, Inc, featuring author and speaker Minda Harts, Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center, 2711 Locust. For more information, visit ywcastl.org.

Sat., Oct. 12, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception) The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education, awardees include Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Stellar Performer Ellicia Lanier, Founding Executive Director of Urban Sprouts, America’s Center. For more information, call 314.533.8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com

COMEDY

Thurs., Oct. 3 – Sat., Oct. 5, The Funny Bone welcomes Ryan Davis, St. Louis Funnybone Westport. 614 W Port Plaza Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146. For tickets, call 314.4696692 or visit www.stlouisfunnybone.com

Fri., Oct. 4 – Sat., Oct. 5, Helium welcomes Earthquake, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St Louis Galleria Street St Louis MO 63117. For more information, call 314.727.1260 or visit st-louis.heliumcomedy.com

ST. LOUIS MUSIC

Soul Brunch: Al Green, Otis Redding and the Sound of Memphis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.citywin-

Fox presents “Back to the Future: The Musical,” The Fabulous Fox. For tickets, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Fashion Presentation with Yosh Complementing the Pulitzer Arts Foundation’s curScott Burton: The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit www.pulitzer-

arts.org.

Oct. 18, 6 p.m., Opening program for Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Oct. 19 – Feb. 16, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Feb. 9, 2025, Great Rivers Biennial featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108. For more information visit www.cam-stl.org.

Through Apr. 13, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Federal Art Project 1935-1945, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

SPIRITUAL

Sat., Oct. 12, 11 a.m., The Advancing Church Slingshot Men’s Conference, The Advancing Church, 4152 Washington Blvd. St. Louis MO 63108. For more information, visit www.theadvancingchurch. org

Thurs., Oct. 31, 6 p.m., Shalom Church (City of Peace) presents its Fall Festival, A Celebration of Freedom Fighters. Shalom Church, Lindbergh Campus, 5491 N. Highway 67 Florissant, MO 63034. For more information, visit www.shalomccop.org.

The St. Louis American Foundation will present its 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Saturday, October 12th at America’s Center. This year’s event is chaired by David and Thelma Steward of the Steward Family Foundation and will honor sports icon

Jackie Joyner-Kersee with its Lifetime Achievement Award. For more information, see SPECIAL EVENTS.

Salute

from C1

is this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ellicia Lanier, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Sprouts will receive the 2024 Stellar Performer in Education Award.

Other honorees include SEMO Counselor of the Year Kimberly Merrill of University City High School and the 2024 Excellence In Education Awardees: Asquith S. “Sean” Armstrong of Washington University; Dr. Latricia SingletonClark of Hazelwood West High School; Dr. Mary Hairston of Urban League Head Start and Lieutenant Colonel Nina McLean of James Avant Elementary School-ESTL.

The evening will also bless area students with resources to pursue higher

education. Last year more than $2.8 million in scholarships were awarded. As hundreds have gathered in the name of empowering educators and scholars they bring an abundance of style and grace each and every year. So much so that top tier fashion is the guaranteed aesthetic.

Fashion designer Brandin Vaughn and photographer Lawrence Bryant joined forces with a display of high fashion that is inspired by the elegance regularly served up by the Education Salute. Among the models is Felesha Clarke. In 2017, she became the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Donald M.Suggs Scholarship at University of Missouri –St. Louis.

Vaughn and Simone also offered tips for those looking to level up their glamour game for the Salute while being mindful of style trends and go-to standards.

“Classic glamour is timeless,” Vaughn said. “You can put on that dress or that blazer at any point in time and it will still look regal. It is sophisticated elegance. It’s dressing like you’ve got somewhere to be – and you are trying to impress somebody.”

He loves the classics, but says it doesn’t take much to build upon the look and add contemporary flavor. His number one piece of advice is to “try something different and bold” and “make a statement”

“I love sequins. I love animal print,” Vaughn said. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with a classic tuxedo. I would say widen the leg, shorten the jacket and get a statement piece – a conversation piece. It may be a broach. It may be an ascot instead of a bowtie.” Whatever it is, make sure it is something that is going to catch somebody’s eye. “Those conversation

starters are what it’s all about,” Vaughn said. He also urges those looking for an upcycle in their glamour to look at what’s happening this season and incorporate a trend or two into their typical formal attire.

“Blue. Burgundy. Emerald Green. Mauve is hot – and black, of course,” Vaughn said. “Try accessory broaches for both men and women, or cuff links. It’s the fine details in the accessories that are going to push that regular looking suit or tux over the edge.”

Bold silhouettes are essential.

“Or try something with shape – or structure, that looks like architecture or origami,” Vaughn said. “Hair accessories that really tie into the ensemble are major right now too.”

As far as the hair, Simone wants to remind men and women that glamourous hair includes texture too.

“It’s about healthy glam and making a statement,” Simone said. “For so long, a lot of people were afraid to push the envelope with their hair. They would do it with their makeup and their clothes, but now they

are using their hair to really make their whole look pop.”

And part of that pop is Black hair in its natural state.

“For so long people thought that glamour meant that your hair had to be smooth, but Black hair in any state can be glamour – and it always has been,” Simone said.

“I think we are finding our identity again. We are seeing the beauty of our texture and the versatility of our hair, and l love it.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at 6 p.m., (5 p.m. reception) on Saturday, October 12th at America’s center. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.

The style team for

includes: Lawrence Bryant, co-creative director and photographer; Brandin Vaughn, co-creative director and designer/stylist; Marie Simone, hair artist and creative associate; Mary Collins of Vauje Jewelry, jewelry artist and creative associate; Diamond White, makeup artist and creative associate; Phil Hamer, creative associate. Models: Felesha Clarke, David Evans, Meadow Grace and Tef Poe. Featured art (as

2024 St. Louis American Foundation Education Salute fashion photo shoot

seen in 21c Museum Hotel): Pulled Roots, 2023, yarn on wood by Elevate at 21c artist Douglas Dale. After Angela, 2015 by Van Hoang. Gold leaf, acrylic paint on cotton canvas.

Continued

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

‘Pulled Roots,’ by Elevate at 21c artist Douglas Dale perfectly compliments the designs of Brandin Vaughn and jewelry from Vauje worn by Meadow and Tef Poe.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

David Evans was so fresh and so clean in formalwear from the brilliant fashion mind of Brandin Vaughn.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is seeking a passionate, motivated Regional Director of Facilities. This role oversees facility project management, daily operations, including security systems, capital improvements, and maintenance. Learn more and apply at https:// www.ulstl.com/careers.

DEPUTY JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATOR –21ST CIRCUIT COURT

The St. Louis County Circuit Court (21st Circuit) is seeking a Deputy Director of Judicial Administration assist the Judicial Administrator with the overall operation of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit Court. The Deputy Director carries out any and all executive and administrative duties as assigned by the Judicial Administrator including, but not limited to, case flow management, records management, fiscal management, statistical analysis and projections, public relations, technology management, court security management, and personnel management, including directing day-to-day operations, such as performance management, hiring, disciplinary actions, and implements court policies adopted by the Judges. This position reports to the Judicial Administrator (JA). Work includes review of memoranda or orders for Judges or Commissioners concerning cases before them or review of court procedures, rules, or statutes. This position requires a JD and at least 8 years of professional level operational or administrative level experience (or equivalent. This position reports to the Judicial Administrator.

Note: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. Apply on line by October 11, 2024 at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis/jobs/4646400

EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314-615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format. Cover letter and resume may also be sent to: Attention: Human Resources, Circuit Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105.

STL Youth Jobs

We are Hiring! Director of Development stlyouthjobs.org/careers

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

The St. Louis Public Schools Foundation is seeking a full-time Development Operations Coordinator to develop and monitor the implementation of contributions and transactions that support fund initiatives in alignment with our strategy.

of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts. mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by November 8, 2024): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

Ultrasound Sonographer OB/GYN – JR84401

Wash U Dept. of OB/Gyn has open ultrasound sonographer positions in our Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Ultrasound and our Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Ultrasound is hiring full time Ultrasound Sonographers to work Monday-Friday (no call, no weekends/evenings/holidays) from 7:45 am-4:15 pm. This Ultrasound Team consists of 16 sonographers, 1 Genetic Counselor and 3 front desk team members. We have 8 locations within MO/IL. This Sonographer will work primarily on the Wash U Campus, but will need to be flexible to cover other locations as business needs present. We have a positive, team-oriented work environment where everyone works together to provide quality patient care and the team feels supported by one another. We are looking for someone who is friendly with patients, reliable, flexible and a team player.

Salary range for this position is 32.73-50.74 hourly based on direct OB/GYN, MFM scanning experience. Wash U offers amazing benefits, professional development, time off for work/ life balance and wellness resources. As a Sonographer on our team, you will have a unique learning experience scanning both inpatient and outpatient high risk patients, multiples and working side by side with our physicians, residents, fellows and Fetal Care team.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for several projects at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of work in the following categories:

REQUEST FOR BIDS

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org

> Doing Business With Us

> View Bid Opportunities

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from

The project consists of providing low

and technology systems throughout the campus site and buildings.

To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

McCownGordon Construction has been selected to serve as the Construction Manager, and is soliciting bids for the Hoisting/Crane, General Works, Site Security, Traffic Control, Dumpsters, and Temporary Toilets scopes of work for the University of Missouri, Kansas City Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (UMKC – HDIB) Project Number KC652901, located at 2451 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 . Proposals are due to McCownGordon by 2:00pm, October 18, 2024. For Plans, Specifications, and Bid Packages, contact ckelly@mccowngordon.com

The project consists of a new 5-story, +/- 172,000 SF healthcare facility in Kansas City, MO. 25% MBE, 3% SDVE, and 10% WBE/Veteran/DBE as certified by the State of Missouri diversity goals apply. Prevailing wages are required.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Inner Perimeter Fence, Administration Building, Hawthorn Childrens Psychiatric Hospital, Project No. M2415-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 10/24/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH) seeks subcontractor bids for Hickory Townhouses, located near Hickory Street and Ohio Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104. Scope of work involves renovation of 14 townhouse buildings (64 units), including, but not limited to, interior and exterior renovations to the apartments, common areas, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, and site improvements. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Project plans & specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid (email request to bidassist@ emharris.com or call 314-436-4426). All bids due to EMH office by 5 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District is seeking professional bids for two services. Bid documents are available as of 9/11/2024 and can be found on stlcid.org/rfp Proposals must be submitted by October 18, 2024 at 5pm CST.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR NEW CONCOURSE AND TERMINAL PROGRAM AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications are due by 5:00 PM CT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home? agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from the BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/bps-online-planroom.cfm under Online Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-5896214. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

WAITING LIST

WOODLAND TOWERS APARTMENTS

306 PINE LAKE ROAD COLLINSVILLE, IL, 62234

Seniors 62 and older Apply now for an affordable 1-bedroom unit. Stop by the office or Call: (618) 345-7240 for an application Applications may be returned in person or by mail.

Monday-Friday 8-5 Managed by Related Management Company

Sealed bids for 24-170 - P-26B Colby Drive Storm Water Improvement Project will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, November 5, 2024 and then opened and read aloud. Contract Documents will be available on October 3, 2024 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus.com/Bids.aspx.

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line 24-170 - P-26B Colby Drive Storm Water Improvement Project before noon local time, October 24, 2024.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order Number 11246 (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/ executive-order-11246/ca-11246). Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained further in Sections T through Y of the bid document. “The ARPA Plans & Specifications Drop-In Requirements (Sections P, S, T-Y) as provided. No changes to these documents are allowed except for entering the federal minority participation goal percentage.

A bid bond in the amount of 5% (five percent) shall be submitted with each proposal.

This project will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder. No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed on this project.

The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding and to reject all bids.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for 24-159 - P-20 Parkdale/Blackwood Channel Improvement

Project will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, November 4, 2024 and then opened and read aloud. Contract Documents will be available on October 3, 2024 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus.com/Bids.aspx

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line 24-159 - P-20 Parkdale/Blackwood Channel Improvement Project before noon local time, October 24, 2024.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order Number 11246 (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/executive-order-11246/ca-11246). Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained further in Sections T through Y of the bid document. “The ARPA Plans & Specifications Drop-In Requirements (Sections P, S, T-Y) as provided. No changes to these documents are allowed except for entering the federal minority participation goal percentage.

A bid bond in the amount of 5% (five percent) shall be submitted with each proposal.

This project will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder. No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed on this project.

The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding and to reject all bids.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Service Generator, Replace ATS & Recondition Switchgear at Southeast Correctional Center, Project No. C2329-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, October 31, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway requests qualifications for planning, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, and architecture services for a Prequalification List. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ for details and submit by October 21, 2024.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/ Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP242331 Chemistry Building – 1st Floor Renovation

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc. com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR INFILL HOUSING DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Issued October 4, 2024

Responses Due October 25, 2024

The St. Louis Development Corporation (“SLDC”) and the Community Development Administration (CDA) of the City of St. Louis is requesting qualifications for the design and development of Infill Housing, using innovative concepts such as modular construction, prefabrication, panelized/hybrid/3D printing and other construction types.

The complete RFQ can be viewed online at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc under the “RFPs/RFQs/ RFIS” section or picked up at the office of the St. Louis Development Corporation located at 1520 Market Street, 2nd floor, Suite 221 in the Real Estate Department.

These services will be funded with SLFRF allocated to SLDC, passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration.

The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm

How faith helped Rev. Yerby-

Bryson overcome addiction

Her

outreach helps others in Baltimore

By Dorothy S. Boulware

Word In Black

Rev. Lisa Yerby-Bryson, a minister, licensed therapist, substance abuse counselor and founder of a faith-based addiction recovery program, describes herself as “beautifully broken.”

At first glance at the polished, confident woman, it’s hard to see what she means.

Growing up as a “P.K.” — a preacher’s kid — in Baltimore, she was raised by what she calls an “amazing” family, guided by a faith she readily embraced. Yerby-Bryson sang in the choir, studied the Bible, kept her virginity until marriage. She and her husband recently celebrated their 41st anniversary.

“I had a relationship with God,” Yerby-Bryson said.

Things changed in an instant, and almost irrevocably, when she was sexually assaulted by a church leader inside of the church.

Plagued by self-blame, YerbyBryson told no one — a fateful decision that left hurt, anger and doubt festering inside of her. It ultimately led Yerby-Bryson down a long, dark path of substance abuse, incarceration and a crisis of faith.

That painful experience, along with the hard work of recovery and the insights she gained on her journey from addiction to sobriety, led Yerby-Bryson to found her organization, Praising Through Recovery. The Baltimore-based program is spe-

cifically geared towards helping women deal with and recover from addiction

Its website describes PTR, as it’s known, as “an outreach ministry and organization providing spiritual and recovery support to adults seeking to overcome their dependency on drugs and alcohol.” But Yerby-Bryson herself works with what she calls “next level” women: those with careers, families, even church homes.

If the stereotypical image of addiction is someone who’s poor, formerly incarcerated or homeless, “my women are already successful,” YerbyBryson says. Their addiction often happens, she says, when “they’re finding it challenging to experience that same success in balancing different aspects of their lives.”

“For these women, their professional life may be working, but they have no idea of their need to have fun. Or they have no idea how to navigate healthy relationships.”

Yerby-Bryson goes wherever her “clients” may be: Across town, across states and, most recently, overseas, including countries like Rwanda. But her journey of healing began only when she first healed herself.

Yerby-Bryson said she descended into a downward spiral of guilt and shame, her mind and spirit both in turmoil. It began, she says, “first with passive-aggressive separation from church and family, combined

with too much work,” and alcohol to deal with the pain.

Rev. Lisa Yerby-Bryson says she found herself struggling with addiction and destined for an early death before her faith helped her recover. She founded Praising Through Recovery, a program designed to help women deal with and recover from addiction.

suspicion and defensiveness early on.

She began teaching diversity and trying to build a bridge to her fellow patients. It also gave Yerby-Bryson an unusual path back to her faith.

“But ultimately the alcoholic beginning quickly morphed into full scale addiction,” she says, including crack cocaine and heroin. Then came the typical behaviors, with the typical outcomes: estrangement from her family; embracing street life; then incarceration.

Yerby-Bryson’s family eventually found a high-quality treatment facility, in a predominantly white, affluent community that would take her in. She was the only Black patient, and had to teach the staff to deal with a culture they had not experienced.

“Now, I’m gonna be honest: I really struggled because I was the only Black person there, and they had never had a Black person in their program” she says “Not only had they never had a Black woman in their program, they did not know how to build a relationship with me.”

That included staff not considering her aversion to swimming as well as Yerby-Bryson’s

“The first woman God used at this point in my life was a white gay woman, who legitimately didn’t have a relationship with Jesus, with the church or with God,” she says. The woman, Yerby-Bryson says, “actually despised church and God. And He used her to lead me back to Him,” causing her to reconsider her break with the church.

Having become a minister herself, Yerby-Bryson works with a large group of women at PTR, and because of where they are in life, they choose the kind of help they want.

“I walk my life with people. They’re busy, they got stuff,” said Yerby-Bryson.

“Most of them will come to the eight-week Bible studies because it’s a life group and it’s a fellowship amongst a bunch of other broken women. We are just our beautifully broken selves.”

Attention Childcare Providers: YWCA can support you and your staff during the CDA® credentialing process.

YWCA Metro St. Louis Successful Pathways®, our award-winning* Department of Labor registered apprenticeship, provides the classwork training while in-classroom hours are completed at your business.

Now enrolling! Contact aclower@headstart.ywcastlouis.org to start or complete your CDA® and become a credentialed childcare professional.

Photo courtesy of Praising Through Recovery

PrivAte SchooLS Guide

Marian Middle School marks 25th year

Alumni continue to excel

St. Louis American

The 2024-2025 school year marks 25 years of Marian Middle School’s commitment to empowering young women in St. Louis.

n “Twentyfive years of empowering young women is a milestone we›re incredibly proud of.”

– Mary Elizabeth Grimes

The Catholic all-girls, family-focused school is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through life-altering education. Located in the Tower Grove South neighborhood, Marian serves girls in grades six through eight Seven communities of Catholic sisters and several laywomen founded Marian Middle School in 1999 with a curriculum supported by teachers who inspire a passion for learning. It focuses on creating a well-rounded learning environment where young women develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for success in a competitive world. Despite its name suggesting a focus only on middle school education, Marian’s impact extends far beyond these formative years. Today, the school has a community of 338 alumnae, achieving a 100% high school graduation rate, with 100% of graduates enrolling in college, and 78 successfully earning college degrees.

“Twenty-five years of empowering young women is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of,” said Mary Elizabeth Grimes, school president.

“Marian Middle School has been a place where girls discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. Our students and graduates are making a positive impact on our community, and we’re excited to continue this legacy for generations to come.”

Principal Sierhah Price said her school provides “a supportive and empowering environment where young women can discover their voices, explore their talents, and thrive academically, socially, and personally.”

In addition to its core curriculum, the school offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities such as robotics, visual and performing arts, and athletics. These programs serve as platforms for students to pursue their interests, develop

See MARIAN, D4

Missouri private school minority student population reaches 21%

St. Louis American

According to Private School Review, Missouri private schools are composed of 21% minority students (202425).

Established in 2003, Private School Review says on its website that it focuses on helping families learn about private schools, their benefits, and the application process.

Schools directly update the information on our site at regular intervals, to help provide the most current data for families. Schools also respond to inquiries sent from our site, so that families can conveniently use our standardized forms to ask schools questions and receive free informational materials.

Private School review’s latest ranking showed that

there are 26 private schools in Missouri that have minority populations of 99-100%. While this does not mean that all students are ethnic minorities, many of the schools listed have student populations that are 100% African American.

The 2024-25 list includes:

A Growing Place Montessori School Montessori School 100% PK-K 7001 Forsyth Boulevard Saint Louis, MO 63105 (131)435-1854

New City School opens its application portal

Tuition offered

St. Louis American

While the 2024-25 school year is in its third month, New City School is reminding prospective families that applications for the 2025-26 school year are now being accepted.

The application process typically begins in the fall prior to the year you are interested in admittance for your child. Listed below are necessary steps to begin the process and deadlines. 2025-2026 Admissions: Friday, January 31, 2025: Admissions applications and variable tuition applications due Friday, March 14, 2025: Admissions decisions shared Friday, April 4, 2025: Enrollment contracts due Applications submitted after January 31, 2025, are reviewed on a rolling basis, space permitting. New City School is also inviting family members

See NEW CITY, D2

Diversity is more than desirable at New City School; it is one of the school’s founding principles. According to the school’s mission, “It is crucial for children to understand, commit to, and seek out diversity in school and in life.” The application portal for the 2025-26 school year is open.

Cardinal Ritter College Prep is one of 25 Missouri private schools with a 100% minority population.

According to Private School Review rankings, minority students comprise 21% of private school student bodies.

Photo courtesy of Cardinal Ritter College Prep

Photo courtesy of New City School

Minority

Continued from D1

Agape Academy & Child Development Center (Christian)

100% PK-4

7400 Olive Blvd

Saint Louis, MO 63130

(131)472-5526

Asa Christian

Academy Daycare / Preschool (Christian)

100% PK-K

8390 Latty Ave

Hazelwood, MO 63042

(314)524-4272

Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School (Catholic)

Add to Compare

100%

9-12

701 N Spring Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314)446-5500

Carver Christian Academy (Christian)

100%

New City

Continued from D1 to attend upcoming admissions events.

Get to know

New City coffee

Join school representatives for coffee and conversation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday Oct. 16, 2024, to learn about New City curriculum and community from Head of School Alexis Wright. Tours of the historic school will also be available. This event is geared towards adults, but children are welcome to attend.

7203 Paseo Blvd

Kansas City, MO 64132 (816)361-1548

Future Apostle Academy

100% PK-9

563 Springhurst Pkwy O Fallon, MO 63368 (636)249-6455

Glad Tidings

Christian Academy & Child Development

Daycare / Preschool (Assembly of God)

100%

PK-K

2830 E 60th Street Kansas City, MO 64130 (816)333-1054

Harvest Christian School (Pentecostal)

100% PK-8

4300 N Corrington Ave Kansas City, MO 64117 (816)455-2847

Immaculate Conception School (Catholic)

100% PK-8 120 Maryknoll Rd

New City Fall Open House

New City School’s annual Fall Open House sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday November 16, 2024. The visit includes a look at reimagined and renovated Early Childhood classrooms and attendees can learn more about school curriculum and community at the morning event. Both sessions include a welcome, tour, and time for questions. This event is designed for grown-ups, although children are welcome to attend. Applicant children will have dedicated opportunities to visit our school this winter.

Old Monroe, MO 63369 (363)665-5463

Loyola Academy of St.

Louis

All-boys (Catholic)

100%

6-8

3851 Washington Blvd Saint Louis, MO 63108 (314)531-9091

Muhammad Islamic Academy (Islamic)

100%

PK-8

3625 N Garrison Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63107 (314)495-6316

Oak Bridge

100%

PK-6

615 Dunn Rd Hazelwood, MO 63042 (314)495-6145

Paseo Baptist

Learning Center Daycare / Preschool (Baptist)

100% 2501 Paseo Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108 (816)921-6842

Poverty Ridge Amish School All-girls (Amish) 100%

Saturday Sneak Peak

The New City School annual Saturday Sneak Peak will be held 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday December 14. Further details will be announced at the school’s website, www.newcityschool.org/

Founded in 1969, New City School is in a Central West End residential area. Its three floors of classrooms are in a turnof-the-century building that includes a full-size gymnasium, 250-seat theater, three science labs, and dedicated spaces for art, performing arts, music, athletics, technology, and Spanish instruction.

Students have access to a light-filled dining hall

2-7

Rr 1 Box 160d Mercer, MO 64661

River Roads Lutheran School (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)

100%

PK-8

8623 Church Rd Saint Louis, MO 63147 (314)388-0300

Rolla Seventh-day Adventist School (Seventh Day Adventist)

100% 4-7

814 Highway O Rolla, MO 65401 (573)364-2041

St. Gertrude School (Catholic)

100%

PK-8

6520 State Road Yy Washington, MO 63090 (636)239-2347

St. Louis Catholic Academy (Catholic)

100%

K-8

4720 Carter Ave Saint Louis, MO 63115 (314)389-0401

with indoor and outdoor eating spaces, a multi-level library, a state-of-theart innovation lab and teaching kitchen, extensive green space, and two playgrounds.

Forest Park is a short walk away from New City’s five-acre campus, which allows students to enjoy its natural beauty and nearby world-class cultural institutions. Annual field trips include visits to Confluence Farms, which allows students to explore trails and the banks of the Missouri River.

Diversity is a “founding principle” of New City School. It defines diversity broadly, and intentionally to build and nurture a diverse com-

St. Louis Unified School of Sda (Seventh Day Adventist)

100%

PK-8

9001 Lucas and Hunt Rd Saint Louis, MO 63136 (314)869-7800

St. Margaret Of Scotland School (Catholic)

100%

PK-8

3964 Castleman Ave Saint Louis, MO 63110 (314)776-7837

St. Martins Child Center Daycare / Preschool

100%

PK-K 6315 Garfield Saint Louis, MO 63140 (314)524-4719

St. Matthew Lutheran School (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)

100%

NS-6

5403 Wren Avenue Saint Louis, MO 63120 (314)261-7708 Scholar’s Academy

munity. It is crucial for children to understand, commit to, and seek out diversity in school and in life.

Serving ages 3 through 6th grade, New City School offers a ‘Variable Tuition’ program. Its need-based tuition assistance program is like those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ financial situation.

This helps make a New City School education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community. As a result, students will continue to represent a

(Christian)

100% PK-5

4500 Pope Ave

Saint Louis, MO 63115 (314)534-4500

Storman Lions Leadership Academy

100%

PK-8

10600 Bellefontaine Rd Saint Louis, MO 63137 (314)395-1200

Twin Oaks Christian School (Christian)

100% NS-8

1230A Big Bend Road Ballwin, MO 63021 (636)861-1901

100% 7203 Paseo Blvd Kansas City, MO 64132 (816)361-1548

26. Salem Lutheran School (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) 99%

PK-8

5190 Parker Rd Florissant, MO 63033 (314)741-8220

broad range of socio-economic backgrounds, enhancing the learning experience for every New City student and strengthening and sustaining our commitment to middle class families and socio-economic diversity.

The application for Variable Tuition through Clarity will be available after November 1, 2024, and is due by January 31, 2025, along with applications for admission. Inquiries about the variable tuition process should be directed to Abby Hillman, director of admission & enrollment management at ahillman@newcityschool.org.

St. Louis American

Darryl T. Jones, a 1973 SLUH graduate who now serves on the school’s Board of Trustees, participated in a panel discussion in February 2024, Black History Month, on the historical significance of the Black community at the high school.

“We wanted to really take advantage of Mr. Jones because we think that it’s really historically significant that we have the first Black president of the Board of Trustees,” said English teacher Frank Kovarik.

Jones is a managing partner for D&D Concessions, a partner in JHL Concessions and the president of TRI-TEC. He started his career as a mathematics instructor in the Upward Bound program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and later held leadership positions at Southwestern Bell.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Saint Louis University, and an MBA in finance from Webster University. He is a member of several community boards, including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, MERS Missouri Goodwill and Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. He also led fundraising efforts to establish SLU’s Pioneers of Inclusion Scholarship, which marked the 70th

SLUH ACES program

Darryl T. Jones serves as SLUH’s first Black board chair

anniversary of the University’s formal integration.

The event was hosted by the Association for Cultural Enrichment at SLUH (ACES.)

ACES encourages awareness and discussion of diversity issues and making SLUH a place where all students feel welcome. The club meets regularly, and all students are welcome.

Under ACES, SLUH offers a series of affinity and alliance groups that are open to all students and seek to create spaces for shared conversation, fellowship and initiatives.

They include:

Anti-Racist Coalition

The Anti-Racist Coalition explores implicit biases and systemic racism while seeking to effectively eliminate these evils. The club continually works toward equality for all races and strives to undo racism in the psyches, in the immediate environment and in the wider world.

Asian Student Alliance

The Asian Student Alliance (ASA) offers students of Asian Pacific heritage opportunities to celebrate diverse Asian heritages while educating and enriching the school community with that diversity. Club members share their unique cultural heritages and experiences at SLUH, while accompanying each other in their

SLUH senior Courtney

high school journey.

Black Student Union

The Black Student Union offers a safe space for African American students to discuss relevant issues that impact their emotional wellbeing. Open to all students, BSU offers an intimate setting especially for African American students while challenging traditional dogmas of society that have had a lasting stigma of exclusivity.

Hispanos Y Latinos Unidos Hispanos y Latinos

Unidos welcomes all SLUH students, espe-

cially Hispanic and Latinos, to be part of a group that spends time together and shares experiences and perspectives. The club engages in many group activities to strengthen the brotherhood, or “la hermandad,” among Latino students and the overall school community.

SLUH Students for Gender Equality

SLUH Students for Gender Equality (SLUH4GE, pronounced “SLUH Forge”) seeks to acknowledge, educate club members, and spread awareness of issues regarding gender equality

at SLUH and beyond. The club often discusses the way in which women are treated and perceived, as well as societal views of masculinity.

SLUH receives STEM grant

SLUH has received a $10 million gift commitment from Bob Conrads, a 1965 graduate, and his wife Sherry to strengthen the academic program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to the SLUH student newspaper Prep News

“We are very grateful to Bob and Sherry for their incredible generosity,” says SLUH President Alan Carruthers.

“Their transformational gift represents the largest donation to a specific program in our school history and will further distinguish our robust STEM program. It will also advance our Jesuit tradition of making a premier education accessible to young men from all walks of life, regardless of economic circumstances.”

Following SLUH, Conrads earned a B.S. and M.S. in Atomic Physics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as an MBA from Harvard University. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions in multiple industries, including co-founder and CEO/CIO of Colchis Capital; senior

partner at McKinsey & Co., managing director and lobal head of technology, non-Japan Asia and Israel Investment Banking with Credit Suisse First Boston; CEO of Indigo America; CFO of Indigo NV; and founder and chair of Marlette Funding.

Conrads, a member of the SLUH Endowment Investment Committee, has served as an active business and financial advisor on boards of private and public companies throughout the world.

SLUH, recognized by Newsweek as a Top STEM School in America in 2020, empowers students to discover new levels of ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurialism through a diverse array of clubs and immersion experiences, robust technology and facilities, and a strong academic curriculum. The school has distinguished itself not only in St. Louis, but also in secondary and higher education nationally, by offering need-blind admission for decades.

SLUH is providing financial assistance of $4.6 million this year alone to 46% of students. This allows the student body to reflect the geographic, socio-economic and ethnic diversity of the greater St. Louis region, with students coming from 88 zip codes and 157 middle schools.

Photo courtesy of Clark Davis

Lucas (center) moderated a panel discussion in February 2024, Black History Month, on the historical significance of the Black community at the high school. Seated behind Lucas is 1973 SLUH graduate Darryl T. Jones, chair of the SLUH Board of Trustees.

Marian

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leadership abilities, and develop self-confidence.

Marian’s dedication to excellence in STEM education is evident through its award-winning all-girls robotics team, which has secured top honors in St. Louis competitions for five consecutive years.

NaKaila Campbell has a successful career after first putting on her uniform for her first day at Marian Middle School in 2014. She had toured the school’s campus and immediately felt a part of the sisterhood of students and was ready to step into her own light.

“I knew from the first day that Marian was

the place for me,” said Campbell.

“Throughout my three years in middle school, I grew as a student and a young woman. I chose to attend Nerinx Hall High School, where I was a scholar-athlete and student ambassador.”

“Marian Middle School is one of the best kept secrets in St. Louis,” said Kelly Foster, mother of two Marian Middle School students, calls Marian “one of the best kept secrets in St. Louis.

“The staff and faculty at Marian work tirelessly to support students from 6th grade through post-secondary education. Marian cares for the educational, social and emotional wellbeing of girls. Their impact reaches far beyond the many fam-

ilies of young women it enrolls yearly; Marian is truly a community change maker,” she said.

Investing beyond middle school

Marian’s journey with its graduates continues well beyond their middle school years.

The school’s unique Graduate Support Program provides personalized guidance to graduates on high school placement, financial aid applications (including navigating the complexities of FAFSA), and even college internship opportunities.

Isabella Rayford, a native of St. Louis from the Ferguson area, graduated from Marian Middle School and later from Incarnate Word Academy. She earned

more than $720,000 in scholarship offers from various institutions to fund her four-year college education.

Rayford had her pick of more than ten universities and colleges, ultimately choosing Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. There she is pursuing a degree in computer science focusing on cybersecurity, reflecting the aspirations of many alumnae pursuing careers in STEM fields.

In 2024, all Marian Middle School’s

alumnae graduated from high school with 100% continuing to postsecondary programs, surpassing national averages. The school is expanding its Graduate Support Program to further enhance workforce readiness. Many graduates are thriving in internships and careers at leading institutions such as Bayer, Ascension, Midwest Employers Casualty, and Google.

“Marian Middle School provided me with the foundation I needed to succeed,” said

From left, Marian Middle School students Hannah F. and Myracle P. headed to class on the first day of school, August 8, 2024. It was the opening day of Marian’s 25th year of providing a high-achievement education in

alumnus Madison

“The school’s commitment to its students extends far beyond the classroom, offering guidance and support that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and experiences Marian provided.”

To learn more about Marian Middle School›s mission and admissions process or how you can support their work in empowering young women, visit their website at https:// marianmiddleschool.org/

Jackson.

the Tower Grove South neighborhood.

Taliiy’n J., a current student, shares a hug with Marian Middle School alumnus Laila T. on the first day of school in August.

Photo courtesy of Mena Darre photograph

Photo courtesy of Mena Darre photograph