April 11th, 2019 Edition

By Comptroller Darlene Green For The St. Louis American

The Medium Security Institution (known as “the Workhouse”) is an obsolescent facility and closing it is both fiscally and morally responsible.

Although the city’s two correctional facilities currently hold more persons than could be held at the City Justice Center alone, a roadmap to closing the Workhouse is achievable. This effort will take leadership and collaboration – across multiple departments and jurisdictions.

First, eliminating pretrial detention for those facing nonviolent charges would significantly reduce the number of beds needed. Second, coordinating with other

AmericAn

n Closing the Workhouse is the right thing to do. It is within reach and can be completed in a matter of months, not years, with focus from the administration.

departments of correction in the region could potentially provide any beds needed beyond what’s available at the Justice Center.

Spending more city resources on stop-gap measures to keep the Workhouse open is not the right answer;

A Celebration in Movement

‘The Move brings a lot of love’

BFL leads march to honor those who lost loved ones to violence

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Carl Fredrick Tabb Jr. never missed an opportunity to joke. Sometimes his mother would call him up, and he would be out with his little nephew, David, at the zoo or circus on a whim.

“If you caught him and he was smiling, it would just warm your heart because

that’s the type of person he was,” said Sharon Crossland, his mother. “If there was something he didn’t like or didn’t agree with, he just wouldn’t deal with you.”

On March 24, 2015, Crossland came home from work and found her son murdered on her dining room floor. He had just turned 30, and his case remains unsolved.

“It’s detrimental to lose a loved one, specifically for your child to be killed in

such a heinous manner,” Crossland said. “It’s crippling.”

Ever since this happened, Crossland has participated in Better Family Life’s The Move, a march and rally dedicated to supporting those who have lost their loved ones to violence. This year The Move will take place on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. At

‘I want to send a message of hope’

Fran Griffin, who beat Lezley McSpadden for City Council, wants Ferguson to change

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Both of these things are true: Lezley McSpadden lost an election to represent the part of Ferguson where her son Michael Brown was killed, sparking an uprising that had national impact. And the winner to represent Ward 3 on the Ferguson City Council was a young, black mother and activist – Fran Griffin – who was guided into the political process through the uprising. Griffin’s winning message is directed to McSpadden as well – to anyone whose faith in the political system has been shattered.

“My main message I want to send to my people is to have some hope,” Griffin said. “I know you don’t trust the system. If I can show you that you

By Rebecca Rivas Of

After

Dr. Cynthia Rogers, a child psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Washington University, will receive the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund/Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Award.

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Photo by Wiley Price

KYPE, the Better Family Life Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble opened the 34th Annual Black Dance-USA on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Sun Theatre in St. Louis. KYPE is comprised of youth people ages 5-25 who travel throughout the region as ambassadors for the artistic cultural heritage of Africans and the African Diaspora.

Comptroller Darlene Green

Nipsey Hussle’s family reflects on rapper’s life

In their first interview since his untimely passing on March 31, Nipsey Hussle’s family remembered the late rapper as an “extraordinary” man. “He recognized at an early age his own capability. His own potential. He has always known,” his mother, Angelique Smith, said during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “[He will be] remembered as a humble, spirited, respectful man who had, since his childhood, had an extraordinary and unlimited intellectual capacity.”

Nipsey’s father, Dawit Asghedom, also praised his late son, saying he was “sent by God” to bring “love” to the people who listened to his music.

“He wasn’t scared of anything,” Asghedom said. “[God] sent him to send a message. We all have a plan, but God has his own plan. So he had completed what he needed to be doing and he did it early so [God] probably want to take him early too.”

Nipsey’s girlfriend, Lauren London – with whom he had two-year-old son, Kross – has said she will “always represent” everything her

late partner stood for.

“I’m going to keep my head high and always represent for my king to the fullest,” London told the Los Angeles Times. “He loved his kids. He was a family man. His family came first.”

Boosie busted on gun and drug charges in ATL

Baton Rouge-born rapper Boosie and his bodyguard, Antonio Allen, were arrested Monday in Atlanta and now face drug and gun charges.

According to Atlanta’s WSB TV, a police sergeant noticed a car driving erratically and pulled the vehicle over. Police searched the car and reportedly found drugs, cash and a firearm.

Both were charged with possession of marijuana, possession of THC and possession of a firearm. More than $20,000 in cash was also found in the car, which is reported to be Boosie’s.

Both were given a $3,500 bond and released.

Outside the courthouse Boosie told local reporters, “This is just a misunderstanding – ain’t nothing serious.”

City of Chicago to sue Jussie Smollett

The city of Chicago will sue “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett for more than $130,000 to cover overtime costs of investigating what authorities say was a staged racist, homophobic attack, the city’s law department announced Thursday.

The city of Chicago corporate counsel, Ed Siskel, sent Smollett a letter a week ago demanding the “Empire” actor pay up the overtime costs within seven days. The deadline expired Thursday evening without Smollett

“Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on January 29, 2019,” Bill , a city legal department spokesman said in a statement. “The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Once it is filed, the Law Department will send a courtesy copy of the complaint to Mr. Smollett’s Los Angelesbased legal team.” A spokeswoman for Smollett’s legal team was said to have not responded to requests for comments.

“The Chicago Police Department conducted an extensive investigation into this report,” Siskel says in the letter sent to the Smollett legal team. “Over two dozen detectives and police officers participated in the investigation, ultimately spending weeks investigating the false claims, including a substantial number of overtime hours.”

R. Kelly’s royalty checks garnished by landlord

Back in January, R. Kelly was evicted from his recording studio in Chicago after he stopped paying the rent.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Kelly’s former landlord, Midwest Commercial Funding recently issued a subpoena to Sony Music Holdings, Inc. and was able to get the music company to freeze $264,535 in Kelly’s biannual royalty account. The amount frozen by Sony was meant to pay off the $173,855.08 Midwest was still owed on a judgement awarded after the R&B singer stopped paying rent on his infamous Chicago music studio.

However, after Sony froze Kelly’s account, Midwest was able to collect $154,527.22 from one of Kelly’s Bank of America accounts after a “turnover order” was issued.

Sources: The Blast, The Los Angeles Times, WSB TV, TMZ.com

Spring Fling

Thursday,April25th 6:00pm AngadArtsHotel

Spring Fling supports access to mental health through the initiatives of the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. The event includes a premiumopen bar, dinner, wine pull, live, auction, and fund-a-need. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at www.stlpi.org

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Boosie

Maj. Gen. Donna Martin serves the community while modernizing military

First woman in charge at Fort Leonard Wood U.S. Army base

By Jonathan Ahl

Of St. Louis Public Radio

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donna Martin is the first woman to be in charge at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri’s Ozarks. She took the post in August. Martin, 53, is also only the third African American to hold the position in the installation’s 78-year history.

In an interview with St. Louis Public Radio’s Jonathan Ahl, Martin talked about a variety of issues including how she balances the responsibilities to the military and to the community that relies upon the base.

Maj. Gen. Donna Martin: I don’t find it difficult to prioritize my mission. My foremost priority will always be the training mission here at Fort Leonard Wood. Right alongside of that, we always have to keep our community members informed. And I do that in a variety of settings as well. I meet with our community partners quarterly. We talk about what’s going on at the base and in the community and how they complement each other. We have a great relationship with our outside communities. I see it as a mutual collaboration.

Martin: Probably the airport. Now we have a regional airline from Contour Air that flies two flights a day with 30 passenger jets. Thats probably the biggest change everyone will see. Not just our local community will see that but the rest of the Army. And that’s good not only for the community but for Fort Leonard Wood, because that brings more people here. We’re very proud of that.

Ahl: You’ve had a long and distinguished career in the military. How has military preparedness changed, and how is Fort Leonard Wood going to adapt to those changes?

n “We are actively engaged in how the Army is modernizing. So there is a direct link to the future and what is currently happening here.”

– U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donna Martin

Martin: Looking toward modernization, that role is absolutely essential to what we do here. We are actively engaged in how the Army is modernizing. So there is a direct link to the future and what is currently happening here.

Ahl: I know politics is something the armed forces tries to say out of as much as possible. To what extent do you feel the need to keep track of those things and keep a proactive role in that?

Leonard Wood is to the region. So there is a huge collaborative effort that goes on with our political leaders. Nothing’s new with that.

Jonathan Ahl: For people who live in the area, what do you think they will see happening at Fort Leonard Wood while you’re in charge that they would notice is different?

Martin: The Army is controlled by our civilian leadership. And so if there is a decision made, we are always in touch with our congressional leaders and our politicians. Do I feel a need to stay engaged with that? Absolutely. And they understand how important

Ahl: When I walked into your office, I couldn’t help but walk by the portraits of the previous commanders here and it’s mostly white men. You do not check either of those boxes. What does that mean to you?

Martin: What I think it really means is to a lot of females, young women in particular, that anything is possible. And that even though the Army may have a tradition of what it has looked like, there is always possibilities for the future. And so I hope that I give hope, and that when young women look at my picture in that row of distinguished gentleman, that they see that there is hope for anyone. And

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donna Martin, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, discussed her core beliefs, initial priorities, philosophy and expectations with senior leaders from the U.S. Army Engineer School on September 6 in the Digital Training Facility.

Photo by Dawn M Arden / U.S. Army

believe that as long as you work hard, you have a dream, and you can see the bigger picture, your picture can be on that wall.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity. Follow Jonathan at @JonathanAhl Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Fort

We agree with Comptroller Green: Close the Workhouse

Though we have been generally supportive of Comptroller Darlene Green as a competent and diligent steward of the City of St. Louis’ finances, we often have been impatient and frustrated with her failure to use the considerable powers of her office to force the changes this city so badly needs. But now she has stepped forth to show much-needed leadership on a crucial issue: the growing movement to close the city’s Medium Security Institution, the notorious Workhouse.

In response to direct questioning by the Close the Workhouse campaign, Green responded that the Workhouse “is an obsolescent facility and closing it is both fiscally and morally responsible.” Her statement in itself was a striking push for change, but she amplified it by copying Mayor Lyda Krewson, her Director of Public Safety Jimmie Edwards and Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner on her response. By Green’s typically placid standards, that is tantamount to an open declaration of political warfare with the mayor’s office at the behest of an activist community group and the community itself. We applaud her for it.

Gardner herself – remarkably and courageously – already is a believer that the Workhouse should be closed. The campaign noted as much in its statement regarding Green’s declaration of support, also citing Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones (who, had she been elected mayor, have closed the Workhouse by now) and Public Defender Mary Fox, whose support is expected. Embedded in Green’s statement is a progressive stance on pretrial detention that Gardner now also espouses but that has been stymied by St. Louis circuit judges. Green noted that “eliminating pretrial detention for those facing nonviolent charges would significantly reduce the number of beds needed.” She recognized that “leadership and collaboration –across multiple departments and jurisdictions” would be needed to close the Workhouse, without mentioning the considerable obstacle of the judges or copying Presiding Judge Rex M. Burlison on her statement, as she should have done.

Also, with an aggressive U.S. attorney in office in the Eastern District of Missouri, there will be more people awaiting federal trial in St. Louis, so the shameful fact remains that an open Workhouse could be a source of revenue for the cash-strapped city. (As of Tuesday, April 9, according to a city spokesman, 221 federal defendants were being held in city jails.) That is why Green stating that closing the Workhouse would be “both fiscally and morally responsible” is so incredibly powerful. The person most responsible for the city’s finances has expressed unequivocal public support that it is in the city’s best financial interest to close its most notorious

Comptroller Darlene Green spoke at the inauguration of Mayor Lyda Krewson on April 18, 2017.

and inhumane jail and rely solely on the Justice Center (and “other departments of correction in the region”) to detain people.

Equally striking is Green’s sense of a possible timeline for getting this done – again, coming from someone with the caution of a bean counter. “Closing the Workhouse is the right thing to do,” Green wrote. “It is within reach and can be completed in a matter of months, not years, with focus from the administration.” A matter of months, not years!

But, alas, only “with focus from the administration.” Focus by the Krewson administration on any matter of grave public concern has been lacking from the moment she was sworn in. Equally absent on this issue is the third member of the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, aldermanic President Lewis Reed, who was made to look weak and evasive in a BET documentary about the Workhouse.

“We appreciate Comptroller Green’s support for shuttering this inhumane and obsolete facility,” the Close the Workhouse campaign stated, “and call on other key decisionmakers like President Lewis Reed, Mayor Lyda Krewson, and members of the Board of Aldermen to heed Comptroller Green’s call for fiscal and moral responsibility.” We heartily second that call. Further, we encourage citizens to contact Krewson, Reed and your alderman to get on the right side of fiscal and moral responsibility on this issue – to get on the right side of history. Tell them to Close the Workhouse in a matter of months, not years.

Commentary

Congratulations to Chicago’s first black woman and LGBTQ mayor

By Marc H. Morial

National

Urban League

The National Urban League is proud to congratulate Lori Lightfoot, not only the first black woman elected as Chicago’s mayor, but the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in that office.

Her historic election has inspired black women and girls, young LGBTQ Americans, and men, women and children across the political spectrum.

She rose from a childhood in a small, segregated Ohio city, daughter of a health care aide and a janitor, to oversee the third-largest city in the nation. Chicago is the largest city ever to have elected a woman mayor and the largest to have elected a gay mayor.

By all accounts, Lightfoot’s leadership qualities emerged early, when she was elected class president in 10th grade by her mostly white peers. She worked seven jobs to put herself through the University of Michigan, where she majored in political science and went on to work as a congressional aide for both Democratic and Republican politicians.

She arrived at University of Chicago Law School on a full scholarship and established herself as a student activist. She successfully fought to ban from campus a recruiter for a major law firm — and major donor to the school — who had made racist and misogynist comments.

While attending law school at the University of Chicago, she organized campus protests against the discriminatory hiring practices of Baker McKenzie, the multinational law firm. Although Baker McKenzie

was one of the university’s biggest benefactors, the protests culminated in the firm being banned from recruiting on the U. of C. campus. As an attorney in private practice, she fought against extreme gerrymandering. As an assistant U.S. attorney, she fought political corruption.

In addition to its cultural significance, Lightfoot’s election could have a significant impact on one of the major issues in Chicago and across the nation – police accountability.

Columnist Marc Morial

“Lightfoot was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as president of the Chicago Police Board, and later as head of the Police Accountability Task Force established in the wake of the police killing of Laquan McDonald,” urban researcher Pete Saunders wrote. “In both roles Lightfoot was critical of Chicago Police practices, and she developed a reputation as a police critic seeking reform of the 13,500-officer department. Lightfoot came into conflict with Mayor Emanuel over the Laquan McDonald shooting and Emanuel’s attempts to broker an agreement that would prevent a consent decree and federal oversight of CPD.”

During her tenure as head of the police board, which had a reputation for leniency, the board terminated officers in 72 percent of the cases it heard.

She ascended to the Police Accountability Task Force in the wake of Laquan

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Resistance and acceptance: the black responses to Better Together

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

The African-American response to Better Together’s proposal to merge St. Louis city and county falls into two general categories.

The opposition argues that the exclusion of the AfricanAmerican community in formalizing the proposal and the complete absence of any structural African-American presence in the execution of the solution makes Better Together unsupportable.

African-American supporters don’t refute that premise, but they argue it doesn’t matter. Their premise is if the region does better, then African Americans will do better. They also claim that AfricanAmerican political leadership has so underperformed that it has forfeited the right to be the author of its political destiny. However, they don’t make the same indictment of white political leadership. In fact, they would assert that people primarily responsible for leading us to this moment are the only ones who can be trusted to deliver us from the moment.

Where does a belief like that come from? The answer can be found from Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology and arguably the most influential psychiatrist and psychoanalyst other than Sigmund Freud. Jung, borrowing heavily from Plato, created a psychological theory of archetypes that provides an insightful context to both individual and group behavior. For Jung, archetypes were inherited ideas or modes of thought that are derived from the experience of the race (think: large social group) and are present in the unconscious mind of the individual.

I would argue that the

African-American responses to Better Together are a product of two very different archetypes within the AfricanAmerican community, both of which are a function of our collective history in America. We survived 250 years of slavery and another 100 years of Jim Crow violence and oppression because we developed two responses that became part of our racial memory: resistance and acceptance. Think of this as a variation of the fight or flight response.

Guest Columnist

Mike Jones

The Quentin Tarantino movie “Django Unchained,” starring Jamie Foxx and Samuel L. Jackson, is a perfect representation of these two archetypes and the irreconcilable differences they represent. The movie is a morality play about the AfricanAmerican response to white oppression as represented by Django (Foxx) and Steven (Jackson).

Django represents our resistance to our captivity and ultimate vindication by winning his own freedom and reunification with his wife. He is made whole, and so are we. But there is another reason we find Django so satisfying: revenge. Django delivers revenge of biblical proportions. It’s in his final climatic act of violence that the newly liberated is finally set free. It’s the same reason why the writer of Genesis drowned Pharaoh’s army.

Steven is the other AfricanAmerican response to our enslavement and Jim Crow

Letters to the editor

Title IX and white men

McDonald’s shooting death at the hands of Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

The task force issued a scathing report. “The community’s lack of trust in CPD is justified,” it found, citing disproportionate shootings, tasings, traffic stops, and street stops of black residents. The report also found an “utter lack of a culture of accountability” in the department, and charged that union contracts have “essentially turned the code of silence into official policy.”

Lightfoot’s task force report led Chicago’s current mayor to accept a court-monitored overhaul of the police department.

Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm. Three officers accused of covering up the murder were acquitted earlier this year of conspiracy, official misconduct and obstruction of justice.

One of her first actions following her election was to urge the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reopen its grand jury investigation in the so-called “code of silence” trial to see if any civil rights were violated. There are nearly two dozen across the country, from Latoya Cantrell in my beloved hometown of New Orleans to Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, Indiana; Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta; Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C.; and London Breed of San Francisco. We’re proud to see Lightfoot joining their ranks and wish her well.

Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

The problem with Sylvester Brown Jr.’s thesis about proposed Title IX reform in Missouri is that the facts from four of the largest Missouri state colleges don’t support his conclusions. The schools don’t track the data by race. The problem black men have with due process does not begin or end in college. Additionally, the Missouri State NAACP is opposed to the changes.

The Kingdom principles have hired 30 lobbyists, including St. Louis County’s NAACP President John Gaskin’s second momma Jane Dueker. The independent colleges have hired Republican operative Jeff Roe to represent them. This really is not about David Steward. This is about white boys wanting to make America great again for white men.

Virvus Jones St. Louis

Vaccinate –or stay home

With the Missouri Legislature considering “legislation that would prohibit public schools, universities, day care facilities and doctors from turning a child away if they have received an exemption from vaccinations because of medical or religious reasons,” as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported, I agree that parents have a right to decide what they want to do for their children. But parents should accept that, if they choose to not vaccinate their children, their children cannot be allowed to be around other people. There are currently

oppression: acceptance. Steven has accepted his condition and legitimized it as the correct natural order of the universe. His acceptance is so complete that he will defend his enslavement even when there is no requirement to do so. That’s what his betrayal of Django represents. History and circumstance should have made them allies, but Django was an existential enemy for Steven because he would upend Steven’s universe, where his slavery and white supremacy were the proper order of things. There is no normative judgment involved in my discussion of these two archetypes. They both served the same purpose: to maximize the chance of physical survival. This creates a very interesting question. If both archetypes are a part of our unconscious selves, then why choose one and not the other? This brings us back to 2019 and Better Together. Because of our historical experience and how our individual and collective identity have been formed, there will always be members of the AfricanAmerican community who, when it’s time to choose, will never choose us. I say this, not to indict, but to create a context to understand why what seems to be inexplicable is really quite understandable.

Mike Jones is a former senior staffer in St. Louis city and county government and current member of the Missouri State Board of Education and The St. Louis American editorial board. In 2016 and 2017, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weeklies by the Missouri Press Association, and in 2018 he was awarded Best Serious Columnist by the National Newspapers Association.

outbreaks of measles, a disease once considered eradicated in the United States. In 2000 the United States declared that measles was eliminated from this country. The United States eliminated measles because there was a highly effective measles vaccine, a strong vaccination program that achieves high vaccine coverage in children, and a strong public health system for detecting and responding to measles cases and outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of

Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend vaccination, unless contraindicated, against measles. And the World Health Organization has this to say: “The measles vaccine has been in use since the 1960s. It is safe, effective and inexpensive. WHO recommends immunization for all susceptible children and adults for whom measles vaccination is not contraindicated.”

Linda Caravelli

Florissant

Photo by Wiley Price

Youth in development

BFL leads MOVE march on April 13

Better Family Life will lead a MOVE march 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, with people invited to assemble starting at 9 a.m. in the Roberts Center Parking lot at the corner of Page Blvd and Euclid Avenue. The march, a tribute to families mourning the loss of loved ones to crime and violence, will proceed west on Page to the Better Family Life Cultural Center, 5415 Page Blvd., for a rally. The theme of the rally is “Now is the Time for Change.” Street-wise community leaders will discuss the importance of those with street-level credibility taking the lead in addressing crime. Families are encouraged to wear T-shirts and posters with pictures of their deceased loved ones. Better Family Life also is recruiting African-American males with a challenged past and lived experience to serve as mentors to boys growing up in these very dangerous times. For more information, call James Clark at (314) 381-8200 or (314) 378-4026.

Saint Louis Zoo is training frog watchers

The Saint Louis Zoo is offering free training to citizen scientists willing to monitor frogs and toads from their backyards, parks, fields, creeks or just about anywhere. The information gathered by FrogWatch USA volunteers can ultimately lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline. A free training session will be held 6:308:30 p.m. Monday, April 15 in The Living World at the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park. You do not have to be a frog or toad expert to join FrogWatch. You won’t even need to see or touch amphibians to participate. All you need is an interest in frogs and toads and the time to attend a training session. For more information, contact Michael Dawson at dawson@stlzoo.org or (314) 646-4551. For more information or to register, visit stlzoo.org/frogwatch.

God, fashion, jewelry and sisterhood

By Nafeesah Lester For The St. Louis American

As an educator for 17 years with Saint Louis Public Schools, my role has consisted of being engaged and interactive with many children. This role has helped me understand and realize my purpose in life. I have been chosen by God to also educate women in who they are by building up their self-esteem and diminishing their self-failures.

I am a strong advocate of sisterhood.

Sisterhood is important among women as a means to embrace each other, build one another up, and come together in unity. This unity is the catalyst for the power to ignite goals and aspirations. I choose to be the flame to spark the power of sisterhood through fashion. When you look good, it makes you feel good. Putting effort into self-enhancement also helps one build self-esteem and selfconfidence.

I encourage women that – no matter their age, physical size, ethnic race or any other perceived imperfection that God has allowed – we are still fearfully and wonderfully made. Every woman must understand how amazing she is within her own element and comfort zone. I have taken on a personal mission to instill this in women from all walks of life. I choose to do this through prayer, showing the love of God, fashion, and jewelry.

Consequently, my business, I Am Jewelry & Accessories, LLC, was birthed in August 2016. Its humble beginnings originated from the encouragement of a new acquaintance that I should sell jewelry. Not thinking much would come of it, I placed five pieces of jewelry for sale on an online site. It sold in less than five minutes.

My business now embodies all my endeavors to motivate women to look good, feel good, do good, dress for the moment and to have fun with fashion. I emphasize to every woman that fashion is fun. Through one’s own unique fashion style, complemented by great accessories, a woman can speak volumes to those she encounters.

I Am Jewelry & Accessories exhibits my own love for fun fashions with an exotic flare. The selection varies from conservative to trendy with something for every woman at a spectrum of price points. Rhinestones, sterling silver, and pearls are among my wonderful jewelry selection.

I also offer statement pieces. Statement necklaces help to create personality, telling the world who you are – whether it’s more casual, classy, edgy, bold or dramatic. An I Am statement necklace communicates more about the individual’s style that is being defined by you. I say to my clientele find your individual style, but don’t be afraid to try something different. Nafeesah Lester is the owner of I Am Jewelry & Accessories, LLC. Contact her at nafeesah01@icloud.com.

Chester A. Deanes Jr., founder of Fathers United To Raise Awareness, visits with some of the youth in the Walbridge Steam Academy Boys in Youth Development Class, an after-school program that he conducts for Saint Louis Public Schools.

Nafeesah Lester

MARCH

Continued from A1

the march, people hold up signs honoring the people they have lost, she said, and friends and community members come out and walk by their side to show support.

“Maybe they can’t feel what we feel, but they can empathize,” Crossland said. “It goes a long way to see that kind of support. The Move brings a lot of love for the people who are experiencing this and lets us know that there is someone out there who is listening, who cares.”

This is the fifth consecutive year of the march. James Clark, vice president of community outreach of Better Family Life, said that The Move was born out of the idea that the African-American community needed to respond collectively to violence.

Youth marched in The Move in March 2016, its second year. This year The Move will take place on Saturday, April 13. “We will hear straight from the families who have lost loved ones,” said James Clark, vice president of community outreach of Better Family Life.

“This is their platform,” Clark said. “This is their stage. We want the community to feel their pain. We will not hear from traditional leaders. We will hear straight from the families who have lost loved ones.”

At 10 a.m., the march will proceed west on Page to the

“If a police officer kills an African American, then we are up in arms – as we should be,” Clark said. “But when African Americans kill African Americans, we are too silent and we’ve been too silent for too long. What we tolerate, we teach. We are teaching young people that it’s acceptable for African Americans to kill African Americans. And 100 percent of the population is tired of it.” Clark encourages individuals to wear black and to make signs and bring pictures of their loved ones lost to gun violence or substance abuse. Before the march, there is a reflection, where families can share stories about their loved ones and their experiences. For this portion, people are invited to assemble starting at 9 a.m. in the Roberts Center Parking lot at the corner of Page Boulevard and Euclid Avenue.

ROGERS

Continued from A1

“She is a miracle child, and she is so special,” said McCullen-Koontz. “But I never thought in a million years that that would be my story.” Her daughter was in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until her actual due date – or for 14 weeks.

About a month into her stay, McMullen-Koontz was approached to be part of a Washington University study looking into premature babies’ brain development and mental health. They have continued to participate for 11 years. “From all the activities and their interviews with her, I get a chance to see how she is developing,” she said. “I’m really excited to be able to help preemie babies because that’s a club that I never thought

existed, definitely didn’t think I would be a part of. We all have some of the same struggles.”

The research project is led by Dr. Cynthia Rogers, a child psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Washington University. Her team looks at how an infant’s brain may give clues for who is at risk for psychiatric disorders later in life.

Rogers wears many different hats at Washington

Better Family Life Cultural Center, 5415 Page Blvd., for a rally. The theme of the rally is “Now is the Time for Change.” There, streetwise community leaders will discuss the importance of those with streetlevel credibility taking the lead in addressing crime.

Phyllis Curry lost her 22-year-old son, DeAnthony, in 2016 when he had gone to

University. She is the director of the university’s Perinatal Behavioral Health Service, which serves pregnant and postpartum women with psychiatric and substance use disorders who receive care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and who have infants in the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Neonatal and Cardiac Intensive Care Units.

Rogers also leads the NICU Behavioral Health Clinic, a teaching consultation clinic for young children with early developmental and socialemotional delays who were born prematurely. And Rogers also co-directs the Washington University Neonatal Development Research (WUNDER) lab, a research group that conducts longitudinal studies to understand how adverse early environmental stressors like exposure to poverty and maternal depression affect infants and early childhood brain development and increase the risk for childhood psychiatric disorders.

While her work often involves using long sentences that are heavy on the medical terms, there is a simple, overarching theme to all of it.

“Continuing to help everyone understand the importance of supporting healthy moms so we can have healthy babies is really my passion,” Rogers said. “It cuts across what I do clinically and the research that I do.”

On April 26, Rogers will receive the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund/ Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Award. She will be presented with this honor at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 19th annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton.

Rogers is being recognized for her important work to

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implementing a roadmap to close it should be the priority. I encourage and support the

the store after work. They have never found the murderer.

“For me to lose my son is one thing,” Curry said. “To lose him to gun violence is another thing. But to not to have any closure, it keeps you thinking about the bad of it and not remember the good times I was given with my son.”

Participating in The Move gives her hope, she said. “It soothes me,” Curry said. “It helps me when I help people overcome the horrific feeling of losing a child. And I want my city to get together and save the children who don’t deserve to leave this earth.”

promote the positive social and emotional development of babies in the region, said Emily Koenig, interim executive director at the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund.

“Attachment and bonding is the foundation for longterm mental health and development,” Koenig said. “Dr. Rogers’ holistic approach to supporting both mothers and babies through a collaborative, communitybased effort is a much needed resource for the region.”

Rogers said the way caregivers engage with their babies has a big impact on the babies’ brain development.

“How mothers respond to the child when they are in need is really important in how the child develops emotionally,” Rogers said.

They also look at the moms’ depression and stress during the infants’ stay in the NICU. Some moms were more depressed in the NICU period because they didn’t feel like they were able to be the infant’s parent because the infant was so critically ill, she said.

Their studies have found that the way a mother feels during the NICU period and the support she receives predicts how the mom was engaging with the child at age 5.

“Those are the things that we can target,” Rogers said.

Seven years ago, she started the Perinatal Behavioral Health Service to help struggling moms.

“When I first started, it was just me seeing patients half a day a week,” Rogers said. “And now the service has grown to touch thousands of women who are seen at this medical campus and also from the community. The growth of the service and the number of women we’ve reached is

mayor, the director of public safety and the circuit attorney making the necessary changes so that all persons in custody of the City of St. Louis can be housed at the Justice Center or other modern facilities in the region.

For more information, call James Clark at 314-381-8200 or 314-378-4026.

definitely one of my sources of pride.”

It is far from a one-woman show, she said, and she is equally proud of the hard work that her colleagues have done to support these women. Rogers grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and earned a psychology undergraduate degree from Harvard University. She received her M.D. and completed her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine. She has now been in St. Louis for 18 years. She strongly advocates for expanding coverage for pregnant and postpartum women, who lose their insurance at 60 days postpartum in Missouri. She is also passionate about addressing racial inequities in access to care.

“In St. Louis, the inequities are very stark,” Rogers said. “All throughout my clinical training, I have been faced with patients whose lack of access to resources has impacted their care.”

It became particularly stark watching the women who were unable to access mental health care two months after their babies were born – because their insurance wouldn’t cover it.

Rogers said, “Living in a state where that happens has certainly made me feel like I can’t necessarily sit on the sidelines.”

Tickets for the 19th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 26 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Closing the Workhouse is the right thing to do. It is within reach and can be completed in a matter of months, not years, with focus from the administration.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

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can trust me, then we can work together. It’s little-bylittle trust-building. People have no faith in leadership.”

Griffin went through the Ferguson Uprising with three children in the house, two sons and a daughter, and it left her looking into local politics.

“The uprising happened here, and it affected me and my children,” she said. “It made me curious to understand local politics and government. I like to understand systems, networks, why things happen. I like to know what goes on around me.”

She applied for Ferguson’s parks board and was appointed. She was board president by the time she was elected council member on April 2 and will now resign that post as a citizen and, she hopes, rejoin the parks board as the council’s representative. Regardless of that appointment, she will complete her work in the community making a proper park with a playground on a vacant site at the corner of Laurette Avenue and Halpin Drive. Before she was on the parks board, Griffin led a community effort to create the park on land Ferguson purchased from St. Louis County for $27.

“There was a park down the street but it was dark, not a safe space,” she said. She worked with the community to pick a design and found grant funding to purchase equipment, which still needs to be installed. The old park that was too dark for children to play, she hoped, can now be remade into a community garden.

If a community park seems like a soft place to start rebuilding Ferguson’s Third Ward, the place where Michael Brown was killed by a police officer, consider that Urban Strategies – a national leader in community development based in St. Louis – identified lack of green space as a major concern in southeast Ferguson. It contributed to the feeling of hopelessness that boiled over on August 9, 2014 – and has never died. Griffin also serves as vice president of the Southeast Fergusson Community Association, which includes Canfield Green Apartments and the other high-density residential developments that lack green space. The association works to develop the community, but in its own

way.

“We are trying to figure out how development is impacting the area and trying to make sure the community’s voices are heard,” she said.

For example, the City of Ferguson has entered into a partnership with Rise Community Development to revise the city’s comprehensive plan. “The existing plan talks about development made prior to 2014” – a watershed year in Ferguson, to say the least –“without much participation from people who live in the area,” Griffin said. She does not want to see that mistake repeated. “I want to let people know you can have a voice in the process, and this is how you do it,” Griffin said. “I want to send a message of hope to people that we can do this together in a very real way.” Even with her work

n “I want to let people know you can have a voice in the process, and this is how you do it.”

– Fran Griffin, Ferguson City Council member-elect

rebuilding parks and shaping development, Griffin has not shied away from the inside work reforming the Ferguson Police Department. She also serves on Ferguson’s Neighborhood Policing Steering Committee, a group mandated by the city’s consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We are charged with the responsibility of looking over policies and adding

recommendations, which the DOJ, Ferguson and the courtappointed monitor all look at and then are submitted to the federal judge,” Griffin said. Serving on this committee, Griffin could see how more conservative residents of Ferguson were more active than the people most impacted by police and police policies. Many of the most active committee members, she discovered, did not even

believe there was a need for a consent decree to reform the police department.

At one meeting, she challenged them: “This group was required by consent decree. So if you don’t see the need for the consent decree, then why are you attending?”

Many of them left. Griffin is determined to get more of the people damaged by the system to get engaged with changing it, like Lezley McSpadden and she are trying to do.

“Lezley showed exactly what is needed to create change as a black woman,” Griffin said. “She showed her strength.” McSpadden has

congratulated Griffin on her election victory. Griffin said she deeply respects her former election rival and is in awe of the pain she has suffered as a mother who lost a son in such a terrible and public way. To all of the people in pain and without hope in her community, she said, the only solution is to engage with the system.

“Just come to a meeting,” Ferguson’s newest council member encouraged her constituents. “You will get to a point where you will figure out what you can do to address some things, and you will connect with people who want to do something. There is space for everyone.”

Fran Griffin, Ferguson City Council member-elect, speaks with LaTosha Brown, Southeast Ferguson Community Association president, and Erica Williams, A Red Circle executive director, about plans to refurbish a vacant park in the Third Ward.

Photo by Wiley Price

Voter victories in November must be defended

Daily we see how Trump plows through our fragile American democracy –unaware or uncaring of the laws, principles, structures and protocols he tramples. While his destruction happens on a national and international stage for all to see, similar actions are

also happening on the local and state levels by his Republican buddies. Under the Jeff City dome, lawmakers are doing their best to strip down the mandate of nearly 1.5 million Missouri voters. To refresh your memories, Amendment 1 is a state constitution package that deals with lobbying limits, provides transparency in

campaign finance and stops gerrymandering. Prop B raises the minimum wage to $12 by

2023. Last November, voters overwhelmingly passed Amendment 1 and Proposition B. In St. Louis, Amendment 1 passed by 80 percent, in St. Louis County by 62 percent. St. Louis said hell yes to raising the minimum wage by over 85

percent. Our county neighbors chimed in with 70 percent. The voters spoke loud and clear. I’m trying not to take the attack on these two ballot initiatives personal just because I worked on them. But what is offensive to the broad coalition which conceptualized and implemented the campaigns and voters who went to the polls is when lawmakers act like we were duped or didn’t do our homework.

Opponents of Clean Missouri and Prop B have used lies and deception to confuse fellow lawmakers and voters. Things like presenting a map that draws black districts well into mid-state white districts. White voters were told they could get a black rep in this deal; black voters were told they would be represented by a white farmer. This big, white lie really pisses me off because at the heart of the redistricting part of the bill is adherence to another law: the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Plus, I don’t hear any of these new champions of black political power standing up against the Better Together plan that will obliterate black elected positions in the City of St. Louis and diminish the impact and participation of black folks.

n State Rep. Jeff Pogue (R-Salem) and state Rep. Curtis Trent (RSpringfield) have introduced legislation that totally disregards the results of the November election.

The language under Section 3 of the Amendment is unmistakably clear: “Districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process or diminishing their ability to elect representatives of their choice.” As a legislator, reading and research should be fundamental. Sometimes self-interest prevails over voter interests.

Out-state Republican lawmakers like state Rep. Jeff Pogue (R-Salem) and state Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) have introduced legislation that totally disregards the results of the November election. The goal of the GOP is to chip away or completely repeal these two powerful laws. These acts of aggression have sparked the Defend the Win counter-offensive campaign. The bi-partisan campaign includes groups across the state from the AARP to the Organization for Black Struggle. They, along with hundreds of thousands of voters, are not passively standing by to watch their hard-fought work go down in a Republican coup. This will be a fight to the finish. Our side will fight a clean fight. In the name of democracy.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Post continues to compromise federal investigation and stab Stenger

The Post-Dispatch’s continued reporting on the real, actual, unquestionable and verified federal investigation into St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and his administration’s awarding of county contracts makes a number of things unmistakably clear. Investigations look incriminating in newspapers. A federal investigation can ruin your career and life long before you are convicted or even charged with anything – if the unscrupulous news media catches wind (or even whiff) of it and decides to chase the feds down their paper trail while they are trying to build their case. The Post has “a source” for the subpoenas and documents the feds are sending to St. Louis County Counselor Peter Krane. To even be named in a subpoena or official letter by a federal prosecutor trying to build a case looks incredibly incriminating to the general public unaware of how wide a net an enterprising prosecutor will cast once blood in the water has been scented. Federal prosecutor Hal Goldsmith — a dogged prosecutor if ever there was one — sent Krane a letter on April 4 that the Post reported on April 8 (this source leaks fast!) naming just about everyone connected to Stenger except his grandmother and elementary school choir teacher. Of course, almost all of these still uncharged and innocent people “could not be reached immediately for comment,” which appears — but only

appears — to confirm that they are guilty of something.

This dangerous kind of journalism can be entertaining if you suspect the target is, in fact, a crook. But it’s reckless and irresponsible in many ways and, in many ways, does more damage than good — including to the investigation itself. The person who hates what the Post is doing almost as much as Stenger and his associates is Goldsmith. Prosecutors, like the assassins they resemble in method, prefer stealth and silence until they strike. And a subpoena or letter to a lawyer is not a strike. The indictment is the strike.

The Post is guilt-tripping. The Post in general and Tony Messenger in particular are really, really ashamed that they got Stenger elected in the first place by doing this exact same thing to then-County Executive Charlie Dooley – but with no harder evidence than “swirling rumors” that swirled out of the mouth of Stenger himself, a known rival to Dooley at the time. The Post made Dooley look as guilty then as they are making Stenger look now. There is a big difference, though — Stenger’s enemy (the “source”) has way better ammunition against Stenger than Stenger had against Dooley. Though the EYE has its own reliable source who said Stenger frequently contacted the feds with tips on Dooley, Stenger never had subpoenas or letters on Department of Justice letterhead that showed an obvious, ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in

the Dooley administration.

“Swirling rumors” was enough for the Post to bring down the county’s first black chief executive.

Being the subject of rumors while black. Even Stenger’s elementary school choir teacher could figure out that the Post has a lower threshold of evidence against black public figures than white public figures when it comes to making them look like a crook before any charges have even been filed. For all the rumors that Stenger, Messenger and the Post swirled, no charges were ever filed against Dooley. He left public office for the golf course, not the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Where is Paul? As director of the Post’s editorial page in its long editorial assault on Dooley based on “swirling rumors,” Messenger has a lot of muck on his hands that he has been cleaning off by reporting relentlessly on Stenger’s administration once he helped Stenger get elected. The paper’s managing editor and news director have equivalent amounts of muck they have been cleansing.

However, the then-Post beat reporter that goosed up those “swirling rumors” into frontpage so-called news stories, Paul Hampel, is no longer on staff to wash his mucky hands in ink. Rather outrageously, he was hired by Stenger at a senior policy position after Hampel’s reporting helped get Stenger elected. Where is Hampel in all of this? He has not been in the Post’s negative reporting on the Stenger administration. Why? There are a few obvious explanations. One is that Hampel has not done anything unseemly – or much of anything at all – while on staff for Stenger so his name has not come up in the investigation. Another is that Hampel’s former colleagues discretely are leaving his name out of their reporting on the federal subpoenas and letters, not wanting to call the wolves to the door of a former colleague (and a generally well-liked guy). A third is that Hampel was shocked, once hired by Stenger, to learn that he had been duped (in his quest for front-page story placement) by a con artist and crook and has turned on Stenger. While

Hampel is not the Post’s “source” for these federal subpoenas and letters (that deep throat already has revealed himself), could he be one of Goldsmith’s sources telling the prosecutor where to dig?

Is Hampel cleansing the muck from his hands in a way that will hurt Stenger far worse than swirling headlines?

“Neither confirm nor deny.” To be sure, Goldsmith will never confirm nor deny his sources unless he needs to take their deposition or call them to the witness stand. Some of the feds’ best sources go down in history (not to mention its rough draft, journalism) as John Doe or Jane Doe. That is precisely what makes the game that news media like the Post play with covering federal investigations, alleged or actual, before they draw blood so dangerous.

The people who really know what is going on, federal prosecutors and investigators, can’t and won’t say anything about their investigation unless and until they are filing charges. Indeed, they should not, because loose lips sink the ships of investigations.

This built-in and well-known dynamic allowed Stenger (and his then-ally, then-St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch) to play the Post to hurt Dooley with rumors of corruption all the way up to the election where Stenger beat Dooley. The feds never denied any investigation. That kept the rumors swirling. In Stenger’s case, it’s not rumors that are swirling. It’s subpoenas and letters on DOJ letterhead. Stenger must feel like someone who got away with being a bully on the basketball court in elementary school suddenly bounced a basketball on a court inside a federal penitentiary. This is what it looks like when shit gets real, little Steven. Why hide Sam’s rockthrowing hand now? It’s a wonder why this fast-leaking “source” is no longer being identified as St. Louis County Council Chair Sam Page in continuing Post reports on the federal investigation into Stenger. Page was the named source for the subpoena of Stenger that the Post reported on. After he threw the biggest rock in plain sight, why are Page and the Post hiding his hand now?

Did Goldsmith get word to Page to stop screwing with (and possibly screwing up) his investigation? Did Page decide it is wise to at least try to disguise the potential damage he is doing to a federal investigation because it’s not a great idea to make an enemy of a federal prosecutor, especially when you hold public office yourself? Did the Post realize they are doing it all over again and decide that they don’t want to do it all over again (not all of it)? Stenger was the Post’s (very feeble) source to bring down Dooley and get Stenger elected. Do they want to try to hide that Page is their source for bringing down Stenger for fear that Page would want the County Council he chairs to appoint him to succeed Stenger if Stenger resigns? It’s tempting to say, at this point, when Stenger resigns. That’s the way this dangerous, dirty game is played: guilty before even charged; convicted of being investigated, even if only allegedly.

Photo by Andy Field / St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and St. Louis County Council Chair Sam

Childhood asthma rates highest in North St. Louis

Medical specialists are least prevalent in local areas with the most need

By Eli Chen Of St. Louis Public Radio

A Washington University study has shown that more than a dozen North St. Louis neighborhoods have high rates of childhood asthma. The study, soon to be published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, identified five ZIP codes in St. Louis that are hot spots for childhood asthma, meaning that they contain clusters for the city’s highest rates of the illness. The report used census and health data from multiple government agencies.

The rate of hospitalizations for childhood asthma for those ZIP codes –which include downtown St. Louis, Baden and North Riverfront neighborhoods –are five times that of two ZIP codes in southwest St. Louis, which have the lowest presence of the illness. The hot spots highlighted in the paper are home to mostly black and low-income residents. Health care resources are more scarce in those areas than in other parts of the city,” said Kelly Harris, a postdoctoral researcher at Washington University’s Child Health and Education Laboratory.

“Areas of higher asthma rates are not near where providers are, and there are fewer pharmacies in areas with higher prevalence. Thinking about children who might be using emergency rooms for their medical care, it’s a call for more research in that area.”

The study notes a vast geographic disparity in pediatricians and doctors who specialize in allergy or immunology. Less than one percent of them work in the five ZIP codes with the highest childhood asthma rates, and 81 percent work in children’s

See ASTHMA, A13

Schools need more social workers, not more cops

By Joel Sjerven For The St. Louis American

School shootings have been increasing in severity and frequency over the past decade.

The year 2018 had the most school shootings since 1970 with 82 . This is almost twice the 43 shootings in 2017. The year 2018 also had the highest number of students killed at 51.

In response, schools have hardened their environments with more police, metal detectors, and traumatic active-shooter drills. In Indiana this year teachers were grouped, forced to crouch down, and shot execution-style with pellet guns during an active shooter drill. Evidence suggests that hardening schools may be harmful to students. Instead of imitating prison systems, schools need to offer students the emotional and mental health supports they need to thrive.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) makes this its call to action. Its newly released report “Cops and No Counselors: How the Lack of School Mental Health Staff Is Harming Students” explains in detail the benefits of school counselors and social workers.

n Despite evidence that school’s primary crisis is a failure to address students’ mental health needs – not violence –school districts have continued to harden schools.

Young Missourians are particularly in need. Most adolescents in Missouri who need support for serious mental health conditions do not receive it. In 2015 more than 80 percent of Missouri’s youth did not get needed mental health services, according to the Missouri Department of Mental Health. School social workers and counselors are often the first people to assess mental health in young people and connect them to support. Yet social workers are massively understaffed and overworked. In Missouri there was one social worker for every 2065 students during the 2017 school year. This is more than eight times the suggested ratio of one social worker for every 250 students.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that since 1999 suicide rates have increased 30 percent in the United States. Surprisingly, only half of people

See SJERVEN, A13

Autism – spot and treat it earlier

Diagnosis as toddlers is crucial, and black children tend to be diagnosed later

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

With autism spectrum disorder, the key is to detect and treat early.

“Access to early intervention services prior to the age of three is really addressing those issues with the child when they are most malleable and they are most able to make really great strides and progress,” said Michal Cook, a social worker at the Autism Clinical Center in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine.

Autism spectrum disorder describes developmental disabilities caused by brain abnormalities, which manifest as problems with communication, social development and interaction and repetitive behavior, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It occurs in all socioeconomic and racial groups and in boys four times as often as in girls. Autism may cause people to communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most people. Impairment is life-long and can be mild to severe. Additionally, many people with autism have

See AUTISM, A13

In the U.S., most children are diagnosed by age 4, although autism can be diagnosed at age 2. However, AfricanAmerican children tend to get diagnosed with autism later, when they are already in school.

Joel Sjerven

Cenya Davis, 9, puffs on her inhaler in this 2018 file photo.

Photo by Ryan Delaney/St. Louis Public Radio

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hospitals that are located in areas where there are low rates of the illness. While the study did not analyze transportation systems, it’s something worth looking into next, Harris said.

St. Louis, overall, has among the highest rates of asthma in the country. Asthma rates are also higher for black St. Louis residents than white residents, and they are rising for black children and adults, according to 2015 data from the St. Louis Department of Health.

n Less than one percent of pediatricians and doctors who specialize in allergy or immunology work in the five local ZIP codes with the highest childhood asthma rates.

City health officials have been aware of the lack of access to health care services in some neighborhoods. The St. Louis Department of Health has tried to remedy that by having health care practitioners visit the homes of people who suffer from asthma, said Lakiska Stephenson, a public health program representative for the city’s department.

“Most of the people in North St. Louis use the emergency room for their primary care physicians,” Stephenson said. “If they were educated about asthma and the triggers and what can help them reduce that, that would help a great abundance. But there’s not that many primary care physicians in those areas.”

The report also describes

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sensory sensitivities, such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges, such as anxiety depression and attention issues, according to Autism Speaks. An early clue involves the child’s language development. Cook said to pay attention if a child is delayed or regressing in speech. Cook said by 18 months of age, children should have six words, moving up to two-word phrases by two years of age. In the U.S., most children are diagnosed by age 4, although autism can be diagnosed at age 2. However, African-American children tend to get diagnosed with autism later, when they are already in school. Anna Abbacchi, a clinical research specialist in Social Developmental Studies at Washington University’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, said while parents express concerns about their children at about the same time, “African American children experience significant lags in timing between first parental concern and the age at

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who die by suicide have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. The rates are more tragic for youth. Children ages 10 to 17 have had a 70 percent increase in suicide rate since 2006 to 2016. This further highlights the need for mental health screening, treatment, and suicide prevention in our country and our schools. Despite evidence that

St. Louis, overall, has among the highest rates of asthma in the country. Asthma rates are also higher for black St. Louis residents than white residents, and they are rising for black children and adults, according to 2015 data from the St. Louis Department of Health.

numerous factors that could potentially help explain why childhood asthma rates are so high in those areas. There is more violent crime, public housing and deteriorating buildings in those areas, Harris

said. “When we think about policy solutions, we tend to think in a siloed manner,” Harris said. “The paper shows that all of these factors influence [childhood asthma],

so perhaps we should think about interdisciplinary solutions.”

Harris’ next steps involve looking into how childhood asthma could be affecting academic performance among

Treating autism – for free

While autism cannot be cured, it can be treated. Parents can access services for diagnosis and treatment for autism or other developmental delays through Missouri First Steps. It offers a variety of providers who offer in-home services – and are free because those services come through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Treatment includes a variety of developmental therapies, physical therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis. Through Missouri First Steps, children under age three are also connected with a support coordinator who

which they receive a diagnosis for autism.”

Why?

“African-American children have higher rates of misdiagnosis,” Abbacchi said. “African-American children are more likely to receive a diagnosis of another condition, such as conduct disorder, adjustment disorder.”

She also said AfricanAmerican children are less likely to get diagnosed on their first visit to a physician

school’s primary crisis is a failure to address students’ mental health needs – not violence – school districts have continued to harden schools. There has been a persistent shift of resources away from social workers and towards school security guards. These shifts reflect our country’s inequities, as minority students are more likely than white students to attend schools with security guards but no social workers. Schools with police officers arrest 3.5 times more students

helps facilitate the logistics of that care. Another important factor, Cook said, is that parents are not required to have a formal physician referral.

“Anyone can refer to First Steps, even a parent,” said Michal Cook, a social worker at the Autism Clinical Center in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine. For more information about early intervention in autism spectrum disorder, call Missouri First Steps at 866-583-2392 or visit https:mofirststeps.com.

compared to Caucasian children. “They may require multiple visits to physicians before receiving that diagnosis – and that’s problematic,” Abbacchi said.

Upon diagnosis, Abbacchi said the most recent national data, monitored by the CDC, show that African-American children have higher rates of a co-occurring diagnosis.

“African American children are twice as likely to have co-occurring diagnosis

than schools without a police presence. School security officers are more likely to make law enforcement referrals or incarcerate their students, perpetuating the school-toprison pipeline. Research has also shown that the factors that best predict who will be suspended are gender, race, and special education status. This is exemplified when black students are referred for less serious and more subjective issues. Research has shown numerous, disastrous effects

children in St. Louis.

“Asthma illnesses keep kids out of the classroom,” she said, “which impacts their academic performance, their ability to connect to the school environment, in some cases, their motivation.”

Follow Eli on Twitter: @ StoriesByEli Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Community Autism Expo

St. Louis County Library will host a Community Autism Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Indian Trails Branch, 8400 Delport Dr. The expo will provide information for families with children on the autism spectrum. Representatives from area organizations, such as Goodwill Industries and LifeBridge Partnership will be on hand to discuss their services. Library staff will share resources available at the library, such as Sensory Story Time. The expo is free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-9943300 or visits www.slcl.org.

of autism and intellectual disabilities (formerly called mental retardation),” Abbacchi said. African-American children have approximately 44 percent rate of co-occurring diagnosis and Caucasian children have approximately 22 percent.

She said children with co-occurring diagnoses need more intensive services.

Maggie Nygren, executive director of the American Association on Intellectual and

when adolescents are incarcerated. These include higher rates of mental health problems, more violent behaviors, and limited educational and vocational opportunities. These negative outcomes cause a lasting personal expense, but there is also an immediate fiscal cost to incarcerating youth. The Missouri Division of Youth Services reports an annual expense of $82,260 per youth incarcerated in 2017. However, Missouri is reported to have spent $10,313 annually per

Developmental Disabilities, said there are three criteria involved in making a diagnosis for intellectual disability: substantial limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, with both apparent during the developmental period before the age of 18. Nygren said identifying autism and intellectual disability requires a skilled clinician who understands both conditions to make a good diagnosis.

student for education in 2016. In Missouri it costs 8 times as more to incarcerate our youth than to educate them. Investing in mental health services in school results in improved attendance, academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and overall school safety, while lowering rates of suspensions and expulsions. There is a wealth of data showing the need for more social workers and counselors, yet no evidence that schoolembedded police improve school safety. Nevertheless, in

“When black children are diagnosed with intellectual disability or autism in comparison to their white peers, they tend to be diagnosed with more severe forms of the conditions,” Nygren said. “Children who are black are overrepresented in special education compared to their peers who are white or Hispanic or Asian.”

Nygren said now researchers have to find out why.

For more information about early intervention in autism spectrum disorder, call Missouri First Steps at 866-583-2392 or visit https:mofirststeps.com. Track the CDC’s developmental milestones for a child by age at http://tinyurl. com/jl6vdhs.

Autism in Missouri

The Missouri Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Project reported 1 in 71 Missouri eight-yearolds were identified with ASD, analyzing 2014 health data from more than 25,000 eight-year-olds who lived in Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Louis counties and in the City of St. Louis.

the United States there are 10 million students in schools with police officers, but no school social workers.

Read “Cops and No Counselors: How the Lack of School Mental Health Staff Is Harming Students” at https:// www.aclu.org/report/cops-andno-counselors.

Joel Sjerven is a current Masters of Social Work student at the University of Missouri St. Louis and is currently completing his practicum at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School.

Think Lifestyle, Not Diet!

Perhaps you’ve decided to eat healthier. Don’t think of these healthy changes as “going on a diet.” Instead, think of these smart choices as a new, healthier lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Exercise Game

Tech-Neck

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice. Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 1, NH 5

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Dale Evans-Blackmon, Director

I then earned a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and an MS in leadership and management.

What does a director do? I spend a lot of my time helping the staff at the hospitals and doctor’s offices when they have problems with bills or payments they receive for the care they give to patients, and I also teach them how to use our websites. I oversee a team of 20 people who I motivate to work together and to be the best person and employee they can be. Why did you choose this career? I really enjoy helping people. I started my career as a registered nurse and even though I’m no longer in the hospital, I still get to help people every day. My team spends a lot of time working with doctors and hospitals to resolve billing issues so that they can concentrate on taking care of their patients.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I really enjoy working with others to solve the problems that doctors and hospitals have, and then seeing them be happy and satisfied with the outcome. When doctors and hospitals have everything they need to run their offices, they have more time to spend with their patients. The patient then feels good about the relationship with their doctor which has an overall positive impact on their healthcare as a whole.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

At Annette Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis, Il., Ms. May’s 3rd grade students Jayden Wheeler, Alexis Rogers and De’Mya Woods work on a STEAM assignment found using the NIE page of the newspaper. Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American.

Hydroelectricity is the process of creating electricity from the gravitational force of falling water.

What Is Hydroelectricity?

Power stations use water held in dams to drive turbines and generators to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy. This is a renewable energy and is considered the oldest source of energy, dating back to the paddle wheel that was used to grind grain. The first US hydroelectric plant was constructed on the Fox River in Wisconsin on September 30, 1882.

In the U.S., Washington, California and Oregon generate more than half of the country’s hydroelectric power. Of these three, the biggest contributor is the state of Washington

where you can find the country’s largest hydroelectric power plant, the Grand Coulee Dam. The majority of these dams are built by the Federal Government. Norway, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, Paraguay, Venezuela and Switzerland are among the countries that produce the majority of their electricity this way. Three Gorges Dam in China houses the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.

To Learn More About Hydroelectricity, Visit: https://www.ducksters.com/science/environment/hydropower.

php

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL ENGINEER & ROBOTICIST: Ayanna Howard

Ayanna Howard was born in Rhode Island on January 24, 1972. She later moved to Pasadena, California, where she graduated from John Muir High School, before attending Brown University to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Next, she received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, finishing in 1999. While studying at the University of Southern California, Howard worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in many different positions, including computer scientist, information systems engineer, robotics researcher and senior robotics researcher. Howard decided to continue her education and attended Claremont Graduate University to earn her M.B.A. degree in 2005. That same year, she took a job at Georgia Institute of Technology where she worked as associate professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and was able to operate her own lab, the Human-Automation Systems (HumAnS) Lab. HumAnS has focused on robot functionality. Howard is also a member of the Center for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. Howard currently serves as the robotics Ph.D. program coordinator at Georgia Tech.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION Which Light Bulb Produces the Most Heat?

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will determine which type of bulb and wattage produces the most heat.

Materials Needed:

• A goose-neck style lamp (important: make sure it can safely use all light bulbs listed)

• 6 Incandescent light bulbs:

25 watt, 40 watt, 60 watt, 75 watt, 100 watt, and 150 watt •

2 Compact Fluorescent light bulbs:

7 watt, 23 watt • Thermometer •

Measuring tape or yard stick (to measure distance between the thermometer and light bulb) • White towel • Stopwatch • A piece of paper and pencil to record your observations

Procedure:

q Lay out the white towel on a flat table and place the lamp on one end of the towel.

w Make sure the lamp is unplugged and screw in lowest wattage bulb. (Keep the lamp turned off.)

e Place the thermometer at the other end of the towel and measure the distance between the thermometer and light bulb. (Be sure to check and record the starting

Many people are concerned about the cost of using electricity. Energy consumption is typically measured in kwh, kilowatt hour. If you know how many watts your appliance is, you will divide by 1000 to determine the kilowatts.

temperature of the thermometer.)

r Point the lamp at the thermometer, turn the lamp on and start the stopwatch.

t After 5 minutes have passed, measure and record the temperature on the thermometer.

y Turn the lamp completely off and wait for the light bulb to cool down before removing it.

u Repeat steps 2-6 with the next highest wattage bulb until you’ve tested all the bulbs.

Analyze: What did you observe? What is the difference between incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs?

Safety Tips: Always wait for the bulb and thermometer to cool down before testing any new bulbs!

Be sure the lamp is turned off and unplugged completely when switching bulbs.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make predictions, analyze results, and draw conclusions.

Electric Problems!

For example, if your appliance has 450 watts, that would calculate to .45 kilowatts (450 divided by 1000). To determine the kilowatts used in a 4 hour time span, multiply by 4. The answer is 1.8 kwh. Use the example to answer the following questions.

DID YOU KNOW?

Standby power (which is a device not currently in use) adds approximately 10% to the average electricity bill.

z You have a light bulb that is 60 watts. If you used it for 8 hours per day, calculate the kwh.

60/1000 = ______ x 8= ______ kwh

x What is the kwh consumption for a 680 watt load that is run for 3 hours?

c What is the kwh consumption for a 720 watt load that is run for 5 hours? ______

v What is the kwh consumption for a 600 watt load that is run for 8 hours per day, five days per week? ______

Learning Standards: I can use a formula to solve word problems. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve problems.

Howard is most famous for her work with robotics and engineering. She used SnoMote robots to study the impact of climate change in the Antarctic Ice Shelves, earning international recognition in 2008. She has earned many awards, including the 2001 Lew Allen Award for Excellence in Research from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Early Career Award in Robotics and Automation in 2005, and the National Society of Black Engineers Janice Lampkin Educator Award in 2009. Howard has published her research in more than 100 academic papers.

To View Dr. Howard’s Faculty Page at Georgia Tech, Visit: https://www.ece.gatech.edu/faculty-staffdirectory/ayanna-maccalla-howard.

To Learn More About What Electrical Engineers Do, Visit: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-does-aelectrical-engineer-do.htm.

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

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One

Dictionary

Skills: Use your newspaper to find five own.

Activity Two — Careers: In the help wanted ads, study the list of jobs available. How many jobs require a college degree? How many jobs require a high school diploma? How many jobs require previous experience? Choose one job to evaluate carefully. What skills would a person need to be successful with that job?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can use the dictionary to locate words and apply the definitions. I can evaluate training

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.

Carnahan students earn $100 for perfect attendance

Students from Carnahan High School who maintained perfect attendance from January 28 to March 1 were awarded with a $100 bill thanks to a donation from Tony Thompson, president of Kwame Building Group and The Kwame Foundation. In total, $8,900 was awarded to 89 students. The incentive program was initiated because attendance is the number one priority for Carnahan High School and the Saint Louis Public School District. During the winter, overall attendance at Carnahan High School decreased 1.5 percent. During the attendance competition, attendance rose each week and led to an overall increase of 2 percent.

Homegrown Black males

We

have to lead the dialogue about us

By Chauncey Nelson For The St. Louis American

We were sitting silently in the living room of a friend’s home. A group of my peers had gathered somberly on the evening of July 5, 2005. We had all just lost a friend, mentor, advocate and family member. This was someone – for most of us, the only one – who gave us hope, resources and an outlet away from the circumstances that terrorized us daily. Through the obscured space of grief, I heard it so subtle and clear: “All I have left is death or jail.” This was the narrative for every young man in that room that night and most of the men from my neighborhood. What brought us together was the components of our lived experiences that we held in common. Most of our fathers had been absent due to incarceration, death, regulations to gain access to systematic assistance, and/or parental conflict. Many of our mothers had been victimized by the overwhelmingly copious access to the reality-escaping substances that masked their pain and suffering. We had learned to make a way for ourselves, when there was nowhere to go. We developed a means to living without knowing what we were living for. We had created a purpose for ourselves when no one was giving us any opportunities. The world had shown us how much it valued us, and we were determined to live up to that expectation. We were failing. The hope and admiration had left our souls. The very reason for engaging in these activities – to create a better means of living – had made us consciously numb. In that room that evening, we all ranged between the ages of 19 to 22 yet believed that life had run its course at a time when most people are just beginning to live. Society shunned us,

our community did not have solutions for us, and elders distanced themselves from us.

Personally, I felt abandoned. But, unlike the other gentlemen in the room that evening, I believed in the power of resilience. We still had options – not placed along a path of upward mobility, but options nevertheless.

The next month I enrolled in the local community college and begin to listen to messages in the lectures rather than the content in the lessons. I began to realize that most people would never have the capacity to understand the depth of the dynamics we faced on a daily basis.

For me, higher education became a platform for debate. Here, my people had a voice and you could not shun us. I began taking courses in sociology and psychology to learn more about why things were the way they were, and why we think the way we think. I started to create an understanding for social constructs and mental wellness.

We were hurting and tired of fighting a battle we would inevitably lose. Our parents

n Through the obscured space of grief, I heard it so subtle and clear: “All I have left is death or jail.”

were hurt and defeated by trying to fight the same battle. Our children would one day have the same outcomes if something in this paradigm did not change.

Reluctant to believe anyone at a university could comprehend the discourse I had endured, I brought myself to meet with instructors. I wanted to discuss their understanding of life and theories to explain how we made it to this particular moment in history.

I began to be impaled by research around the

functionality of society. I looked at the complexity of stereotypes played out in classic Disney films targeted to children to shape their expectations. I read the lectures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and compared similarities of desired outcomes while given through very dissimilar dialogue. I was brought to the conclusion that it was a system that had no intent of allowing us to flourish. It was designed to either keep us complacent or consume us. It had no intentions of allowing us to grow individually or as a subgroup of people, but also wanted no direct dealings with us where we were not secondclass citizens. I realized we had to be the ones leading the dialogue to change the narrative.

We must be the common denominator that contributes to our outcomes. We have to be leaders on the forefront and not spectators from the balcony. We must hold ourselves accountable in every facet. Our youth need to know that they have a safe space in this world to develop, learn and grow into flourishing young men. But we must create the haven that will allow for such growth and welcome them with opportunities that harvest visions.

Chauncey Nelson is a graduate of the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and a former research assistant for the Race and Opportunity Lab. He currently works on an initiative with Saint Louis University, “Shut It Down: Plug the School to Prison Pipeline,” and leads cognitive life skills groups for youth throughout the region to increase resilience and potential outcomes.

“Homegrown Black Males” is a partnership between HomeGrown STL at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and The St. Louis American, edited by Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor and associate dean at the Brown School, and Chris King, managing editor of The American, in memory of Michael Brown.

Columnist

Chauncey Nelson

Business

Diversifying the Saint Louis Zoo

Cassandra Brown Ray is its first African-American woman CFO

William L. Clay will be inducted into the University of Missouri’s Public Affairs Hall of Fame. A co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and author, he was the first black elected to Congress from Missouri. Highlights of his 32 years in the congress include the enactment of 295 bills sponsored by him that became law, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, Hatch Act Reform, fiveyear vesting in pension, pension portability, COBRA and minimum wage for domestics.

Isis M. Jones has returned to St. Louis as midday talent on Radio One St Louis’ 95.5 R&B. She can be heard Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. She recently explored her interests in cinema and earned a film and video degree from Full Sail Real World Education in Florida. She has worked as an on-air personality at a number of radio stations and behind the scenes in television.

Eric Mitchell received the 2019 Bill and Ann Turner Distinguished Community Service Award from Great Southern Bank. He is Regional Banking Center assistant manager for the St. Louis region. This annual award, developed by the company’s associate-led Community Matters team, honors one outstanding associate who demonstrates excellence in volunteer service to their community. The bank donated $750 to Upsilon Omega Foundation and Pathways to Progress, an initiative of Catholic Charities of St. Louis, on his behalf.

By Pat Matreci For The St.

Louis

American

When Cassandra Brown Ray became the first African-American woman named chief financial officer at the Saint Louis Zoo earlier this year, she described it as “one of those cup-runningover” moments.

“First woman. First African-American. I stand on a whole lot of shoulders,” said Ray, who also serves as a vice president.

“Many, many prayers support the intentions to get me a seat at the table. For so long, many blacks and women have desired and prepared for a role at the top or a seat at the table, but were never given the opportunity. When young people seeking a profession look at the leadership of the Saint Louis Zoo, they will know that this place is

n “For so long, many blacks and women have desired and prepared for a role at the top or a seat at the table, but were never given the opportunity.”

– Cassandra Brown Ray, chief financial officer

at the Saint Louis Zoo

progressive and inclusive.”

Jeffrey Bonner, Dana Brown president and CEO of the Zoo, knew immediately that Ray was the right person for the job.

“Cassandra is the perfect CFO – she’s smart, number-savvy, and has a questioning mind,” he said. “The best CFOs know what’s important, but more importantly, know the right questions to ask and when to ask them.”

Ray began her career at the zoo in 1992 as a staff accountant and later became controller/ director of finance. She also contributes to the strategic and master planning for the future of the zoo and works on revamping the zoo’s value statements.

“When I accepted the position (in 1992), I was deathly afraid of being bored – doing journal entries month after month until I retired,” Ray said.

“I had no idea of the richness and depth of a

See RAY, B6

PNC Bank donates North Grand Branch to Urban League

n “We are thrilled that our former branch building will serve a larger purpose with the Urban

– Michael Scully, PNC regional

Small Business Administration, St. Louis Promise Zone and St. Louis Development Corporation.

“Too often when companies or schools vacate a property, little thought is given to how those assets can be best redeployed,” said Michael

Myra T. Barton graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas as a U.S. Air Force Airman. She completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. She is the daughter of Myron A. Tillmon of St. Louis.

Abraham Shaw won the Drama Competition run by the National Society of Arts and LettersSt. Louis Chapter, the first African American to do so. He will be awarded $2000 and provided all expenses to compete in Washington, D.C. for a $12,000 national prize. He attended McKinley Classical Leadership Academy and Webster University’s Conservatory of Theater Arts and can currently be seen in “Dream Girls” at Stray Dog Theater.

Joshlyn Harris was

Abraham Shaw

Isis M. Jones

Joshlyn Harris

Myra T. Barton

William L. Clay

Eric Mitchell

Michael P. McMillan, Urban League CEO; Otis Williams, St. Louis Development Corporation; Maureen Brinkley, regional director of the U.S. Small Business Administration; U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay; Michael Scully, president of PNC Bank; Jo Curran, interim president of Grace Hill; and Erica Henderson, St. Louis Promise Zone, will collaborate to create the Urban League Financial Empowerment Center. See PNC, B6

Cassandra Brown Ray is chief financial officer and vice president at the Saint Louis Zoo, where she started in 1992 as a staff accountant. She grew up in Velda Village Hills, graduated from Normandy High School and has degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Lindenwood University.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

League.”

president for St. Louis

By U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy

Clay

For The St. Louis American

April is Fair Housing Month, when the nation celebrates the Fair Housing Act which was passed in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination 51 years ago. At a time of increasing racial division, a rise in hate crimes, and persistent disparities in the housing market, we must recommit to the promise of the Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination and open housing opportunities for all.

Trump’s attack on fair housing must be opposed

to gut the “disparate impact” rule under the Fair Housing Act.

n It is important to first stem the damage to fair housing enforcement, because other areas of civil rights are next in this administration’s sights.

This is precisely why the Trump administration’s attack on a critical fair housing enforcement tool is so problematic. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has initiated steps

This protection says that banks, landlords, and other housing providers should choose policies that apply fairly to all persons. Some policies that appear neutral can unfairly exclude certain groups of people in practice. We need to be able to detect and prevent harmful, inequitable, and unjustified policies to ensure everyone is treated fairly. This is not a new concept. Use of disparate impact to challenge disparities in housing is almost as old as the Fair Housing Act itself. And it had Republican beginnings. The Nixon administration was the first to employ the tool, under the leadership of George Romney as secretary of Housing and

Urban Development and John Mitchell as attorney general.

The first Nixon lawsuit to rely on disparate impact arose in my Congressional district, Missouri’s 1st District. A nonprofit interfaith group sought to build multi-family rental housing in North St. Louis County in 1969. The idea was to create new housing opportunities for lowincome residents of St. Louis. When the surrounding white community realized the development would be racially integrated, it took steps to block the development.

The case resulted in a seminal 1974 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, United States v. City of Black Jack, that the Fair Housing Act encompassed discriminatory impact as well as intent. Over the decades, the ruling was followed by 10 other federal appeals courts.

Free events and classes on financial education

The United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Greater St. Louis Financial Education Collaborative are partnering to offer a series of free events and classes on financial education and money management.

Money Smart Kids Zoo Safari on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. – noon at the Living World at the St. Louis Zoo. Housing Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Urban League, 1330 Aubert Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113. Family Financial Fun Fair on Tuesday, April 23 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Hancock Place Middle School, 243 W. Ripa Ave., Lemay, MO 63125. Financial Education Fair on Friday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Better Family Life, 5415 Page Blvd, St. Louis, MO

63112. In all, Money Smart Month partners will host more than 100 free classes, events, activities and seminars around the greater St. Louis area to help individuals and families increase financial literacy. For more information and a complete list of the month’s activities throughout the St. Louis metro area, visit MoneySmartStLouis.org

Four years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court finally added its imprimatur in Texas Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project Justice Anthony Kennedy authored the opinion upholding this critical tool, writing that the Fair Housing Act has a “continuing role in moving the Nation toward a more integrated society.” It’s also important to recall that Shelley v. Kramer, a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision which struck down restrictive property covenants, also originated in St. Louis.

In almost five decades of use, disparate impact has protected families with children from occupancy limits in apartment rentals. It has protected homeowners of color from unfair application of lending criteria. It has protected victims for domestic

violence from being evicted for reporting abusers to the police.

These practices ultimately interfere with the choice of individuals to live where they want. That choice should be unfettered.

When Americans are denied equal access to housing, it reduces the availability of good jobs, quality education, safe streets, and a clean and healthy environment, all of which are central to the American Dream.

As our nation becomes more diverse in every way, the Fair Housing Act helps to foster stronger and more inclusive communities, which are critical to our collective success and prosperity.

Sadly, we have learned that the Trump administration’s plan to undermine disparate impact in housing is part of a broader attack on this critical enforcement tool.

Racial disparities in education, employment, healthcare, transportation, the environment, and policing will be more difficult to challenge if this tool is weakened. It is important to

first stem the damage to fair housing enforcement, because other areas of civil rights are next in this administration’s sights.

In addition to Black Jack, my district is also home to Ferguson. After the tragic killing of Michael Brown on the streets of Ferguson almost five years ago, our nation focused a much-needed lens on the myriad racial disparities experienced by communities of color everywhere. As we prepare to commemorate Dr. King, his ultimate sacrifice, and the civil rights law passed in his honor, we have much work to do to address the systemic discrimination that still holds so many back. This is absolutely the last moment in time for the federal government to eliminate longstanding tools that aid us in that effort.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) is chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development & Insurance.

New bill would expand federal microloan program

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced the Microloan Program Expansion Act of 2019, which would improve the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Microloan Program to help more small businesses –particularly women, Veterans, low-income and minority entrepreneurs – that may have been overlooked by traditional commercial lenders The legislation would increase the total amount of loans that lenders may keep on their books, eliminate an

outdated rule that prevents SBA from distributing more than 1/55th of its funding in any given state during the first half of the year, and require SBA to report to Congress and the public on the success of the microloan program.

Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, chief operating officer of Justine Petersen, said the legislation “would significantly improve the program, providing more resources and removing barriers microlenders currently face in serving harder to reach communities and borrowers

most in need of the resources to start their own dream business.”

Most small business owners seek small loans to grow their companies, with 55 percent of all small businesses seeking loans under $100,000. However, a Harvard white paper found the largest gaps in financing are for loans under $50,000. Since 1992, the SBA Microloan Program has helped fill that gap by providing small businesses owners with access to loans of less than $50,000.

Community college screening for IT positions

St. Louis Community College is hosting a career opportunities event to screen and interview candidates for a number of information technology jobs available at the college 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at STLCC-Corporate College, 3221 McKelvey Road, Room 203, in Bridgeton. For more information about the open positions, visit jobs.stlcc. edu or call 314-539-5210.

CROWELL

continued from page B1

Louis. “We believe that a thoughtful and timely

repurposing of community assets can strengthen rather than diminish a neighborhood, which is why we are thrilled that our former branch building will serve a larger purpose with the Urban League.” The new center will provide critical resources to the community of College Hill, including teaching people about loans, managing money and small business support. Together, with the newer PNC facility just up the street, the College Hill community will continue to have access to a full spectrum of financial services and resources. Progress in opening the new center will be reported in future editions of The St. Louis American or call 314-6153600.

Scully made the announcement before the Urban League’s 101st Annual Dinner at the Marriot St. Louis Grand Hotel on March 30. For more information about Urban League programs, visit https://www.ulstl.com/

Sun Country adding St. LouisLas Vegas flights on Sept. 5 Sun Country Airlines will begin a new seasonal route from St. Louis to Las Vegas on September 5. Flights will be offered two times per week on Thursday and Sunday. Sun Country recently added two new nonstop flights from St. Louis to Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that begin June 7, 2019. Sun Country also offers seasonal nonstop flights from St. Louis to Ft. Myers, Florida and Tampa, Florida.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

n “If you give me Shaq, if you give me LeBron, I’d have five or six championships.”

— Paul Pierce

Sports

American’s ‘Fab Five’ boys

The members of the 2019 St. Louis American “Fab Five” All-Star Basketball Team are very talented individual players who led their respective teams to very successful seasons. All five players on the First Team participated in state championship games this season.

Earl Austin Jr.

Point guard Yuri Collins of St. Mary’s is the maestro of the group with his passing and playmaking skills while Vashon’s Mario McKinney provides energy and plenty excitement with his explosive athleticism. Junior Caleb Love of CBC is what the kids call today “a bucket,” while senior forwards E.J. Liddell of Belleville West and Terrance Hargrove Jr. of East St. Louis brought the Southwestern Conference to statewide prominence in the state of Illinois by leading their respective teams to state championships.

Here is a closer look at the members of the St. Louis American “Fab Five” All-Star Basketball First Team.

Yuri Collins (St. Mary’s)

The Saint Louis U. recruit ended a stellar career by leading a young St. Mary’s team all the way to the Class 4 state championship game. He averaged more than 30 points a game during the Dragons’ postseason run. For the year, Collins averaged 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.6 assists a game. A tremendous passer, Collins finished his career as the school’s career leader in assists.

Terrance Hargrove Jr. (East St. Louis)

The 6’7” forward led the Flyers to a historic run to the Illinois Class 3A state championship, which is the first in the school’s history. The

Magic runs out

Magic Johnson shocked the basketball world Tuesday night by announcing his resignation as the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations. The news came as a total surprise to fans, reporters and Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss. Following the announcement, Johnson explained to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols that he didn’t privately inform Buss because he was afraid that she would talk him out of it. Conspiracy theories whizzed around the interwebs after the announcement. Predictably, some suggested that LeBron James pulled a power move and had Johnson ousted. Others suggested Buss booted Johnson but allowed the Lakers legend to “resign” to save the embarrassment of being fired. However, Johnson’s resignation explanation seems both believable and legitimate. Magic simply wanted to be

Magic. For decades, Johnson has been known for his million dollar smile. It helped him to become one of the biggest stars in NBA history during his playing career. His affable personality also helped him become a wildly successful businessman after swapping his Converses for Christian Louboutins.

It seems the stress, restrictions, tough decisions and unrelenting criticism was simply too much to bear for Johnson. Though his magical charm likely helped the Lakers sign James, the biggest star in the league. The move did not propel the Lakers into the playoffs. The Lakers finished the season far out of playoff contention with a record of 37-45. Considering that James had reached the NBA Finals in eight consecutive seasons before this season, there was plenty of fallout for the Lakers’ front office.

decisions must be made about the future of

Magic Johnson stepped down from his role as the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations after just two years. Johnson cited the NBA’s strict rules against tampering as one reason why he was stepping down.

“I like to be free,” Johnson said.

sions. He didn’t want to be the bad guy.

“I was happier when I wasn’t the president,” Johnson told reporters.

“Now with the fines and the tampering and the this and the that, I can’t help young men who want me to help them. Or I can’t tweet out. Like Russell Westbrook, that was a great feat the other day. I couldn’t even tweet it out to say, ‘Hey, congratulations.’ If I had did that, everyone would have said, ‘He’s tampering.’ I don’t like that. I like to be free.” Now Johnson is free and it is probably for the best. His biggest job was to lure marquee talent back to the league’s marquee franchise. That mission was accomplished when James signed on the dotted line. Johnson’s eye for talent has always been pretty suspect. If it wasn’t clear enough browsing his Twitter history before he became the Lakers’ president (such as when he called Michael Carter-Williams “the next Jason Kidd), it was clear after he surrounded King James with Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee. This was after he played a role in parting ways

Apparently Johnson wanted no part of making those

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

E.J. Liddell led Belleville West to its second consecutive Illinois Class 4A state championship. Liddell earned his second Illinois Mr. Basketball title and is the 2019 St. Louis American Player of the Year.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Missouri in the minority when it comes to Power 5 basketball coaches

While Missouri’s basketball season ended with a losing record and no tournament play, the school can boast that it has a rarity among the Power 5 athletic conferences.

Within the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac 12 and SEC, there are just seven black men’s basketball coaches. In all, the conferences have 65 teams. While the overwhelming majority of basketball players in the Power 5 are black, a meager 9.3 percent of its coaches are African American. Arkansas fired Mike Anderson and Alabama bought out Avery Johnson’s contract following the season. That left Missouri’s Cuonzo Martin as the SEC’s lone black coach until Vanderbilt hired Jerry Stackhouse.

sports columnist William C. Rhoden, who now writes for ESPN’s The Undefeated website, asks in a recent article, “How does this happen?”

“African Americans have dominated play at the highest collegiate levels of basketball for three decades. You would think this would have created a rich talent pool that produced Power 5 head coaches.”

“There’s a gap,” Kentucky head coach John Calipari told Rhoden.

“We don’t have enough guys who are willing to stand up and say stuff that needs to be said.”

Calipari said a mandate that team’s have fewer assistant coaches is also a problem.

Shaka Smart of Texas and Oklahoma State’s Mike Boynton Jr., are the Big 12’s black representation. It’s fortuitous that Smart’s Longhorns won the NIT Tournament. The odds were that he would be dismissed after Texas lost in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament and snubbed on NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday.

Before you start celebrating the ACC for having three black men’s basketball head coaches, remember the conference has 15 teams, including Notre Dame.

Leonard Hamilton at Florida State is the dean of all black coaches. Kevin Keatts is at the helm of an improving North Carolina State team and Jeff Capel is in charge of the floundering Pittsburgh program. That’s it, folks.

Former New York Times

“The reason why we’re in this position we’re in, they’ve eliminated all the entry positions,” Calipari said.

“They said we had too many suits on the bench.”

Listen, I have no use for NCAA President Mark Emmert. I think the guy is closer to a plantation overseer than he is to a man that legitimate cares about the futures of black athletes and coaches. He did say recently that more successful white coaches have to back up-and-coming black coaches for high-profile jobs.

I think those folks can have a huge impact,” Emmert said.

“If you’ve got candidates out there, men of color, let’s say, going after men’s basketball positions and a coach of the stature like (Michigan State coach Tom Izzo) or (Calipari) or any of those guys are willing to give them a seal of approval, saying, ‘You know, you hire

this guy, I promise you, you’re going to have a good coach. You will have no regrets,’ that screws up somebody’s courage a lot. They have a lot of stroke in this process if they chose to exercise it.”

Katrice Albert, the NCAA’s executive vice president for inclusion and human resources, agrees with her boss.

“I call those folks way-makers,” she told Rhoden.

“They provide paths and opportunities for young up-and-coming coaches, particularly those who are people of color. And to have a way-maker open doors into rooms where these folks rightfully belong, that says a lot.”

Unless UCLA hires a black coach or LSU interim coach Tony Benford is retained, it looks like there will be just seven Power 5 black coaches when the 2019-20 season tips off,

The word is that Benford will become a member of Buzz Williams’ staff at Texas A & M.

If you think things are better for black women’s coaches in the Power 5, think again. It’s an unlucky seven, again.

The SEC has four black women as head basketball coaches. The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 have one, respectively and the Big 12 has none.

Tommy’s terrific

When the St. Louis Cardinals dealt Tommy Pham to Tampa Bay last July, the general consensus was that his mouth had as much to do with it as his subpar season. Never afraid to speak the truth about his organization and some teammates, Pham violated a Cardinal rule and was made a scapegoat for a season that, at that time, was going nowhere.

Pham’s arrival helped the Rays, picked to finish last by many pundits in the AL East, win an astounding 90 games last season. That was good for third behind the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, which both won more than 100 games. The 90 wins were also more than the Cardinals registered.

Pham had a paltry .730 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) with the Cardinals, then posted a 1.071 OPS in 39 games with the Rays. He picked up where he left off and so have the Rays – the team that is currently leading the AL East with an 8-3 record and is off to its best start since 2010.

In Monday’s 5-1 win at the Chicago White Sox, Pham reached base twice to extend his Rays’ record on-base streak to 43 games. It was the 50th game he played for the Rays and had reached base in 48 of them.

He is hitting .275 with three RBIs and no home runs. His strikeout total of 10 is a bit too high. But he’s walked eight times, scored six runs and was tied for the AL lead with five stolen bases.

Pham also did not lose his voice when he arrived in Tampa. He blasted the fan base for not attending games, something he grew used to in St. Louis.

He didn’t back down when the season began, telling the Tampa Times, “When you’re a team of our caliber, it would be nice — because I do envision us winning — to have more fan support at our games.”

Along came Jones Arizona Diamondbacks centerfielder Adam Jones remained unsigned until shortly before Spring Training ended. After 10 games, he was hitting a robust .364 with four home runs and six RBIs. He also had scored six runs. Underpaid and underappreciated, Jones remains one of the best black players in MLB. He signed for one year with a base salary of $3 million, and could make up to $2 million more in incentives. The 33-year-old Jones is

also not afraid to confront rowdy, racist fans.

Last week, Jones alerted security in San Diego’s Petco Park that a fan was hurling profanity at him and that he had enough. The fan was ejected from the game.

“These fans in sports, man, they’re starting to get a little more brazen,” Jones said. “I’ve said it many times, and obviously I’ve had altercations with fans. My biggest thing is, keep the banter polite. Keep it light, keep it smart, Jones said after the incident.

“On the street, they’d never do that. The second I hear somebody cussing us out, you’re gone. I could care less that they’re gone. That’s just how it is. I made a nice play, and just hearing the B-word, F-word, that’s not baseball talk.” Jones said that he did not hear the N-word or any racial insults like he did two years ago in Boston’s Fenway Park when he was subjected to racist taunts and had a bag of peanuts thrown at him.

The Reid Roundup

Jackie Robinson would have turned 100 this year and he is, supposedly, being honored throughout Major League Baseball all season. Maybe MLB is waiting until April 15, the 62nd anniversary of Robinson being the first black player to be allowed to play in the Majors, because I have not heard or seen much since the season began … While all players will honor Robinson by wearing “42”, the Cardinals will be in Milwaukee on April 15 … I look forward to USA TODAY’s annual compilation of the number of black players on Opening Day rosters, which is released around Jackie Robinson Day … The prospective owners of a expansion MLS team in St. Louis will release drawings of a new stadium soon – hopefully the announcement will include minority construction and employment goals … Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox, a rare black MLB shortstop, would have probably been traded if his team acquired Manny Machado in free agency. Machado signed with the Padres and, so far, the White Sox have gotten the better of the two players. Anderson, my oldest daughter Bryson’s favorite player, was leading the American League with a .517 batting average on Tuesday with two home runs and five RBIs…

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Arkansas fired Mike Anderson and Alabama bought out Avery Johnson’s contract following the season. That left Missouri’s Cuonzo Martin as the SEC’s lone black coach until Vanderbilt hired Jerry Stackhouse.

Athletes shine at invitationals

Of the St. Louis American Last weekend’s Al Joyner/ Jackie Joyner Kersee Relays in East St. Louis brought together many of the top athletes in the metro area on both sides of the river. The boys’ competition turned into a showcase of two of the area’s top programs in East St. Louis and Cardinal Ritter College Prep, especially in the sprints.

Cardinal Ritter’s Jameson Williams finished first in the 100- and 200-meter dashes while Jaden Williams was first in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Willie Johnson of East St. Louis won the 400-meter dash while Andrew Johnson finished first in the 110-meter high hurdles. The two schools also battled in the sprint relays with East St. Louis winning the 4x100-meter relay and Cardinal Ritter winning the 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays. In the field events, Rasheed Ricketts of Cardinal Ritter dominated in winning the long jump with a leap of 22 feet 3 inches and in the triple jump with an effort of 48 feet 6 inches.

CLUTCH

Continued from C7 with talented, young players such as D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle

While no longer serving in the front office, it would be foolish to believe Johnson won’t continue working to help the Lakers return to glory. He’ll continue to recruit, advise and represent the

TRACK

Continued from C7

explosive athlete averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game. He had 32 points and 10 rebounds in the Flyers’ overtime victory over Chicago Bogan in the state championship game. Hargrove has signed with Saint Louis University.

E.J. Liddell (Belleville West) – The St. Louis American Player of the Year, the 6’7” Liddell led Belleville West to its second consecutive Illinois Class 4A state championship. The Ohio State recruit averaged 20.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.9 blocks in leading the Maroons to the championship and earning his second Illinois Mr. Basketball title as well.

Caleb Love (CBC) – The 6’3” guard enjoyed a big junior season as he led the Cadets

BASkeTBALL noTeBook

With Earl Austin Jr.

On the girls’ side, East St. Louis got a first-place finish from Veronica Sherrod in the 300-meter low hurdles as well as victories from its 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays.

Robinson shines at Arcadia Invitational

Standout junior sprinter Justin Robinson of Hazelwood West turned in another sparking performance on the national stage last weekend at the Arcadia Invitational in California.

Robinson defeated a talented field in the 400-meter dash with a tremendous time of 46.22 seconds, which is currently the top time in the nation for high school athletes. Robinson also came back to finish second in the 200-meter dash in a time of 21.06 seconds. Robinson is the defending Class 5 state champion in the 200 and 400 last season.

Lakers’ brand as a former player whose jerseys rests high in the rafters. He’ll smile in front of the cameras and crowds. Honestly, that’s where Johnson belongs.

Dirk and D. Wade go out in style

As if it were a made-forTV movie, NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade both scored 30 points in the final home games of their leg-

to a runner-up finish in the Class 5 state tournament. A potent offensive player, Love averaged 19.4 points, and 4.3 rebounds a game. Love has already received scholarship offers from many of the nation’s top collegiate programs.

Mario McKinney (Vashon)

– The 6’2” senior guard finished his career by leading the Wolverines to the Class 3 state championship. A high-flying acrobatic performer who plays with a lot of passing, McKinney averaged 15 points and four rebounds as he celebrated the third state championship during his four year career at Vashon. McKinney is headed to the University of Missouri.

St. Louis American Boys “Fab Five” All-Star Basketball Teams

First Team Yuri Collins, 5’10”, St. Mary’s (Sr.)

Terrance Hargrove Jr., 6’7”,

Jemarrion Stewart heats it up at Belleville West

Collinsville High junior sprinter Jemarrion Stewart turned in a pair of sizzling times in finishing second at the Belleville West Invitational.

Stewart turned in times of 10.6 seconds in the 100 and 21.24 in the 200 as he finished second to Plainfield North star Ian Moore, whose times were 10.3 in the 100 and 20.89 in the 200.

Trinity wins big meet in Memphis

The Trinity Titans ventured down South and came away with the boys’ team championship at the Battle for the Border Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. The Titans enjoyed a fine all-around performance as they showcased their depth.

Sprinter Kemeric Winston

endary careers.

Nowitzki dropped his 30 against the Phoenix Suns. Afterwards, he announced his retirement in front of the home crowd. Though he had openly mulled playing another year, nagging injuries limited Nowitzki’s mobility, making it clear that the end was fast-approaching.

The seven-foot power forward from Würzburg, Germany helped change the game. According to ESPN’s Paul

East St. Louis (Sr.)

E. J. Liddell, 6’7”, Belleville West (Sr.)

Caleb Love, 6’3” CBC (Jr.)

Mario McKinney, 6’2”, Vashon (Sr.)

Second Team

E.J. Bellinger, 6’4”, Fort Zumwalt South (Sr.)

A’Tavian Butler, 6’2”, McCluer North (Sr.)

Donovan Clay, 6’7”, Alton (Sr.)

Cam’Ron Fletcher, 6’7”, Vashon (Jr.)

Ray’Sean Taylor, 6’0”, Collinsville (Jr.)

Third Team

Davion Bradford, 7’0”, Mehlville (Jr.)

Jayce Catchings, 6’3”, Wentzville Liberty (Jr.)

Malek Davis, 5’10”, Cardinal Ritter (Sr.)

Daylan Dalton 5’7”, Francis Howell (Sr.)

Jason Montgomery 6’4”, Marquette (Sr)

Fourth Team

Jaylen Boyd, 6’1”, Ladue (Jr.)

Lawrence Brazil III, 5’10”, Belleville West (Sr.)

Isaiah Ervin, 6’2”, Hazelwood Central (Sr.)

Phillip Russell, 6’0”, Vashon (Jr.)

Jaron Thames, 6’5”, Trinity (Sr.)

Rasheed Ricketts

Cardinal Ritter – Boys Track and Field

The senior jumper was one of the top individual performers at last weekend’s Al Joyner/Jackie Joyner Invitational in East St. Louis. Ricketts took home first place medals in both the long jump and triple jump. He won the long jump with a leap of 22 feet 3 inches and

finished second in the 200 and fourth in the 400. Thomas Sonntag was second in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles while the Titans finished second in the 4x100, fourth in the 4x200 and sixth in the 4x400. The Titans have a strong cast of athletes returning from last year’s Class 3 state runner-up team.

McCluer North girls shine at Timberland Invite

The McCluer North girls’ sprint crew put in some work at the Wolfpack Invite at Timberland. Sophomore Michelle Owens won the 100meter high hurdles in 14.48 and long jump with a 17-7. Owens also finished second in the 200. Lauryn Taylor also finished first in the 100 in 11.87 and the 200 in 25.52. The Stars also finished first in the 4x100-meter relay.

On Tap This Weekend

The Henle Holmes Invitational will be held at Parkway Central on Thursday and Friday, beginning at 4

Hembekides, before Nowitzki arrived in Dallas in 1999, no seven-footer had ever made 50 three-pointers in a season. Nowitzki achieved the feat 20 times!

Nowitzki was prototype for the stretch-four. He deserves as much credit as Steph Curry for ushering the league into a place where everybody shoots the three ball, even the big guys.

Nowitzki finishes his career with averages of 20.7 points,

Austin Achievement Awards Player of the Year: EJ Liddell (Belleville West)

At Saturday’s, April 6, Skippy Keefer Relays John Burroughs’ Madison Fuller (left) won the women’s 100-meters with a winning time of 12.20. Principia’s Busiwa Asinga (right) was second finishing at 12.40.

p.m. on both days. The Corey Siebert Invitational will be held at Rockwood Summit on Saturday while the Lutheran North Invitational will be held on Friday afternoon.

7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He led the Mavericks to the only championship in franchise history in 2011 and was named league MVP in 2007. Wade racked up 30 points in a 122-99 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Unlike Nowitzki, Wade announced his retirement before the season began. Therefore his entire season was a gigantic going away party filled with jersey swaps and celebrations. For his career, Wade aver-

aged 22 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists. He won three championships with the Miami Heat and was the NBA scoring champion in 2009. Good luck to both guys in their retirement.

Check In the Clutch online and also follow Ishmael on Twitter @ishcreates. Subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTube page to see weekly sports videos starring Ishmael and

Breakthrough

came back to win the triple jump with an effort of 48 feet 6 inches.

As a junior, Ricketts played a big role in helping the Lions to the Class 3 state championship with his work in the field events. He won the state championship in the triple jump and finished fifth in the long jump.

Team of the Year: Belleville West, East St. Louis, Vashon Freshman of the Year:

Tarris Reed Jr. (Chaminade)

Player: Jayce Catchings (Wentzville Liberty)

continued from page B1

career in the nonprofit industry.

I bring a lot to this position: 27 years of zoo finance knowledge; the knowledge of where we have been as an organization and where we want to go; the ability to listen and not prejudge; the ability to develop an incredible finance team; and strong work ethic and resounding integrity.”

The Saint Louis Zoo attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually and has been voted Best Zoo and America’s Top Free Attraction. Maintaining that status requires strategic thinking by zoo leadership, members of the St. Louis Zoological Park Commission and Zoo Association board members. As a nonprofit organization, it also requires raising significant funds.

“We have an amazing development team, who are experts at establishing relationships and cultivating many that donate their time and their treasures,” Ray said.

“Forward-thinking donors, some we know and some we do not know, leave the zoo in their wills and have placed us in their estate plans. So many give to current projects like Grizzly Ridge and others. My team ensures that the donors’ gifts are properly recorded and invested. We also make sure that their restrictions for use are properly documented and followed.”

A major project that Ray will be involved with is planning for the new Conservation and Animal Science Center in North St. Louis County, made possible by passage of Proposition Z last November.

“Zoos serve as places where conservation education and research is performed to ensure that the animals and the places they live do not disappear. This is both our greatest challenge and greatest opportunity,” Ray said.

“Zoos need space to breed animals and to do research. One opportunity

we have here at home is to begin the work of creating our Conservation Animal Science Center and public attraction. This will give us space to breed animals and an incredible opportunity to experience species in habitats that may be incredibly similar to going on safari. There is so much work to be done. I work with a team of incredible leaders, and they all want to do so much to advance conservation right in line with our mission.”

Ray also leads the zoo’s diversity and inclusion team.

n “When young people seeking a profession look at the leadership of the Saint Louis Zoo, they will know that this place is progressive and inclusive.”

– Cassandra Brown Ray, chief financial officer at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dynamics and McDonnell Douglas.

Her parents, she noted, set the example for work ethic and leadership. Ray’s father worked at General Motors for 38 years, and her mother served as a vice president in banking and later in mortuary services. Her siblings also have achieved career success in their chosen fields.

days is: ‘Be a boss in whatever you decide to do in life.’” In addition to her duties at the zoo, Ray is a wife and mother of two adult children who has always made time in a busy schedule to get involved in the community. She began volunteering for her young children’s school and church activities. As they became more independent, Ray has volunteered for the St. Louis County Library Foundation, the Normandy Schools Collaborative, the Francis Howell School District, the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and St. Patrick’s Center. Ray also is a graduate of FOCUS St. Louis, which she described as “yet another incredibly exciting time in my life.” Her FOCUS Impact Fellows group used the 2015 Ferguson Commission report to address and implement solutions to issues like reducing out-of-school suspensions, racial equity, and closing wage gaps by creating opportunities in the skilled trades – in under one year.

“I really woke up to what was going on around me and came to the realization that I can help work toward solutions and it does not have to take forever,” Ray said. “A key tool I learned is to not be afraid of the ‘unreasonable ask’ – get your data together and get out there. More people are willing to help than you ever realized.”

“Since we started, the sensory-friendly work has exploded, and we have been intentional about embracing opportunities that will increase the diversity of our staff, our visitor and our governance by asking great questions and trying new things,” Ray said.

“We have really focused on building a stronger community, ensuring that we celebrate individual diversity within our internal community.”

A St. Louis native, Ray grew up in Velda Village Hills and graduated from Normandy High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her MBA from Lindenwood University. Before joining the zoo, Ray worked for General

“I have always been a leader. Whether it was president of my high school class, the Black Business Student Association at Mizzou or of my college sorority, I wanted to be at the top helping the team make a difference,” Ray said. “My mantra these

Ray’s newest volunteer endeavor is serving on the board of directors for Duo Dogs, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities by providing fully trained support dogs at no cost. It also provides support dogs to schools for literacy – the youngsters actually read to the dogs. Dogs also are trained to support children that have to take the witness stand in court.

“It is so important to participate in community activities,” Ray said. “We are our community, and we are responsible for what happens in our community. Participation lends your voice, your time, your talents and your treasure to impact change.”

Cassandra Brown Ray began her career at the zoo in 1992 as a staff accountant and later became controller/ director of finance.

Photo by Wiley Price

Engineering art

St. Louisan Oliver Lee Jackson’s exhibition opens next week at National Gallery

By American staff

Oliver Lee Jackson describes his artmaking with the meticulous detail of a skilled engineer.

“This process is to make a machine that activates you – it must do that work,” Jackson said in a video interview by New York’s Burning in Water Gallery, which housed Jackson’s “Untitled Original” exhibition last year. “For it to hold you, it must create in you an orchestration. It has to orchestrate you. [If it does] You can contemplate and it’s worth your time.” Next week, in partnership with Burning in Water, Jackson – an acclaimed multidisciplinary visual artist and alumnus of Vashon High School – will have his work prominently displayed in the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, which is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. His “Oliver Jackson:

‘Oliver Lee Jackson: Recent Paintings’ will open April 14 and remain on display through September 15 at the National Gallery of Art, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The exhibition will include more than 20 paintings created over the past 15 years, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time.

‘Little’ charms despite clutter

With ‘Little,’ 14-year-old Marsai Martin made history as the youngest-ever executive producer in Hollywood. The film, which stars Martin, Regina Hall and Issa Rae, opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, April 11.

Strong performances save comedy from complete flop

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Because of the story behind the story, it will be impossible not to root for “Little” and give it the benefit of the doubt long after the grace period of buckling down and officially declaring the film a bust.

With the film, 14-year-old “black-ish” star Marsai Martin made Hollywood as the youngest executive producer in history. And the film, in which she also stars, was a spin on “Big,” a film favorite of her mother’s starring Tom Hanks. She pitched the film to Kenya Barris, the showrunner for “black-ish” and teamed up with urban film hitmaker Will Packer to bring her idea to the big screen. The idea of it should actually be considered as a film premise of its own. Unfortunately, the execution of the film didn’t result in the black girl magic we all hoped for when we learned of the story behind “Little.”

n The film, in which Marsai Martin also stars, is a spin on “Big,” a film favorite of her mother’s starring Tom Hanks.

By Sharee Silerio For The St. Louis American

Imagine receiving a phone call that thrusts your heart from your chest into your throat. You sprint to your car and rush to the hospital, where you see your loved one laying in a bed – cold, without a pulse and no sign of life. What will you do next?

Joyce Smith had to answer this question in 2015, after her then 14-year-old son John Smith fell through the ice of Lake St. Louis while playing with his friends. For 45 minutes, John’s heart did not beat. Moments after arriving in the room, Joyce prayed and asked God to bring her son back. Her prayers were answered. This isn’t a fairytale. Nor fiction. It is real life. A true story. And it happened in the St. Louis region.

“When I heard Joyce and John’s story, it really blew me away and I felt like if it’s motivating and inspiring me, it could do the same for others,” DeVon Franklin said. “How often have you heard of a story where a mother goes into an emergency room and prays her son back to life? That just blew me away then and it still blows me away now.”

As the title implies, screenwriters Tracy Oliver and Tina Gordon (who also directs the film) reverses the original film’s premise of the body swap and gives tech power boss Jordan Sanders the 13-year-old exterior that made her the target of bullies and her own insecurities. Her experiences in that body changed the course of her life. She decided that she would beat the bullies to the punch by operating on offense for the rest of her life. By the time she is forced to live the nightmare of reliving the most challenging days of her youth, she embodies the personality of her middle school nemesis – to the tenth power. No one can escape the wrath of Jordan Sanders. Not neighbors, her employees, her boy toy. Not even the artificial intelligence application that powers her smart home is exempt.

Her assistant April bears the brunt of the abuse –which has become more intense as Sanders prepares for the pitch of her career as a successful tech entrepreneur.

“Little” crashes in its attempt to divert from the linear focus of the film that inspired it. Instead of it being all about Jordan – and develop a streamlined story that sees her redeem herself by reliving her past as a lesson on how to treat others – other people’s problems are poured into the pot to the point where the film almost feels like an after school special. And because there are so many things happening at once, there is a mad dash to resolve the issues of the sidebar storylines and character conflicts in “Little.” It sounds silly to say so about a film within

See LITTLE, C4

Photo courtesy of The National Gallery of Art

DeVon Franklin

Bruce Bruce Michael Blackson

B. Simone

The Chaifetz Arena was full of laughs when the CU (Cracking Up) Comedy Tour

ed in St. Louis Friday night. Comedy veterans Bruce Bruce, Michael Blackson and newcomer B. Simone were on the bill for the show that was hosted by Red Grant and headlined by the hilarious DeRay Davis. Photos by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Apr. 10 – 13, UMSL Music presents the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival. Performances by Diva Jazz Orchestra, Ultimate Jazz AllStars Big Band, and more. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Sat., Apr. 13, 7 p.m., Ambassador presents Young Dolph. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Apr. 17, Tank and Da Bangas, Delmar Hall, For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., The 2nd Annual Spring Jazz Concert. Feat. DOJ Entertainment and Derrick JaQuess. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 20, 9 p.m., RockHouse Entertainment, LLC presents Jeezy. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Sun., Apr. 28, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Shy Glizzy. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Tues., Apr. 30, 8 p.m., The Delmar Hall welcomes Emily King, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Wed., May 1, 8 p.m., River City Casino & Hotel presents Robert Cray. 777 River City Casino Blvd., 63125. For more information, visit www.rivercity.com.

local gigs

Fri., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., Masterblaster: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., Roland Johnson & Soul Endeavor Das Bevo, 4749 Gravois Ave., 63116. For more information, visit www.dasbevo.com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., Icey: A Gucci Mane Tribute. Urb Arts, 2600 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

special events

Thur., Apr. 11, 5:30 p.m., United 4 Children presents the Lighting the Way Gala Entertainment, tastings, and auctions to raise funds for childcare and after-school programs. Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.united4children.org.

Fri., Apr. 12, 2 p.m., National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Closing Fair. Featuring an introduction from the Circuit Attorney, a panel discussion, victim testimonials, a resource fair, and more. Emerson Performance Center, Harris-Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 6224373.

Apr. 12 – 14, Washington University Thurtene presents Thurtene Carnival. Three days of exhilarating rides, live performances, and tasty food. 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. thurtene.org.

Sat., Apr. 13, 8:30 a.m. (march begins at 9:30 a.m.), Better Family Life’s Move

Kenya Vaughn recommends

March 2019, Better Family Life/Urban League Outreach Office located 1331 Aubert St. March concludes at Better Family Life, Cultural Center, 5415 Page Blvd.

Sat., Apr. 13, 10 a.m., Red Cross Kickoff Event. A family event to kick off smoke detector installation and blood drive season. 388 Hazelwood Logistics Center Dr., 63042. For more information, call (314) 281-7968.

Sat., Apr. 13, 10 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents the Save Our Sisters Women’s Fair O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 506-5318.

Sat., Apr. 13, 3 p.m., Silver Sophistication Prom. All ages are invited to join us for an afternoon of dancing and fun. Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62207. For more information, call (618)874-0812.

Sat., Apr. 13, 6 p.m., 2019 Annual Kids In The Middle Gala: Dream The Impossible. Help kids and families transition to a new way of life before, during and after separation and divorce. Ameristar Casino, 1 Ameristar Blvd., 63301. For more information, visit www.

kidsinthemiddle.org.

Sat., Apr. 13, 10 a.m.,

Housing Resource Fair. Get information on utilities assistance, tenant rights, lead inspections, home repair, down payments assistance, and more. City Garden Montessori Charter School, 1618 Tower Grove Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Apr. 13, 11:30 a.m., Cultivate Community Focus Group: Fostering Black Collaboration. An exploration of ways that community leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs of African descent can collaborate more effectively. 20 S. Sarah St., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Apr. 14, 2 p.m., A Tasteful Affair 31. The best chefs and beverage specialists from more than 25+ local establishments will be on hand along with silent and live auctions. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 N 2nd St., 63102. For more information, visit www. foodoutreach.org/a-tastefulaffair-31.

Sun., Apr. 14, 5 p.m., The Made Moguls 5th Annual Black Tie Charity Dinner. Embassy Suites St. Louis Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information,

Left Bank Books hosts poet Alison C. Rollins, author of ‘Library of Small Catastrophes.’ See LITERARY for details.

visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Apr. 16, 7 p.m., Liberal Arts Ed: What’s the Point? Robert George & Cornel West. Join us for this critical conversation about the value of an education grounded in academic freedom. Graham Chapel, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. artsci.wustl.edu/events.

Thur., Apr. 18, 9 a.m., St. Louis University’s Transformative Workforce Academy presents the Second Chance Job Fair. Over 75 employers expected. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 9 a.m., Florissant Veteran’s Job Fair. Employers include Amazon, Whelan Security, Schnucks, Florissant Police Department, and many more. John F. Kennedy Civic Center, 315 Howdershell Rd., 63031. For more information, email florissantveteransjobfair@ yahoo.com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 7:30 p.m., Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Adults 21 and older can grab your basket and flashlight for an evening down memory lane. Ferguson Parks & Recreation, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For

more information, call (314) 521-4661.

Sat., Apr. 20, 9:30 a.m., Saint Louis Science Center presents SciFest: Animal Kingdom Expo. Learn about animal science and care, visit with animals and meet conservation experts working with animals at home and in the wild. 5050 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Sat., Apr. 20, 10 a.m., Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. Free and open to all. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Ferguson Parks & Recreation, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 521-4661.

Sat., Apr. 20, 11 a.m., Community Kids Easter Egg Hunt. Easter egg hunt, water play games, prizes and food. Tanglewood Park, 1180 Chambers Rd., 63137. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Apr. 24 – 28, Chaifetz Arena presents Cirque Du Soleil Cortero. Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Fri., Apr. 26, 11 a.m., The St. Louis American Foundation 19th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon, Frontenac Hilton. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com

Sat., Apr. 27, 11 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter invites you to a Mother Daughter Brunch –Wearing My Crown: A Royal Affair. Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Apr. 28, 3 p.m., Imagery International presents 13th Annual Because I’m Worth It Gala. Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, 191 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, visit www. imagerymovement.org.

Sun., Apr. 28, 4pm, Grambling State UnivSTL Chapter is hosting its Black & Gold Scholarship Bowl at Crest Bowl 650 N Florissant, 63031. Proceeds benefit incoming/returning GSU students from St. Louis Metro area. For tickets,

email stlgramblingalumni@ gmail.com.

Sat., May 4, 2 p.m., Mother’s Day Extravaganza. Enjoy massages, makeovers, a fashion show, workshops, and more. Medici MediaSpace, 2065 Walton Rd., 63114. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., May 7, 7:30 p.m., Nickelodoen’s Double Dare Live! Hosted by Marc Summers. Fox Theatre. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63013. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Sun., May 12, 5:30 p.m., Denise Thimes & Friends Special Mother’s Day Concert. With special guests Jermaine Smith and Matthew Whitaker. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill. org.

comedy

Apr. 12 – Apr. 13, Casino Queen to host The World Series of Comedy (WSOC) featuring WSOC CEO Joe Lowers, The comedy showroom at Casino Queen. For more information, visit www.casinoqueen.com/ stlouis/event-calendar/.

Apr. 12 – 13, Funny Bone presents Tim Meadows Westport Plaza, 614 W. Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. stlouisfunnybone.com.

Apr. 11 – 13, Helium Comedy Club presents Tone Bell Petty for a Purpose Tour. 1151 Saint Louis Galleria, 63117.

Apr. 18 – 20, Helium Comedy Club presents Aries Spears. 1151 Saint Louis Galleria, 63117.

Fri., Apr. 26, 6 p.m., Ladies Night At The Laugh Clinic. An evening of poetry, spoken word and comedy fun. Holiday Inn St. Louis Airport, 4505 Woodson Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 690-5673.

Fri., Apr. 26, 8 p.m., UMSL Mirth Week Comedy Show starring Marlon Wayans with special guest Loni Love. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill. org.

Sat., Apr. 27, 7:30 p.m., Aziz Ansari: Road to Nowhere. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

literary

Thur., Apr. 11, 7 p.m., Kwame Hightower: Community Event & Book Signing. A night of comics, food, music, and community. Unveiling of Kwame Hightower and the Man with No Name. Urb Arts, 2600 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 11, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Joshua A. Douglas, author of Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., Whitaker Jazz Speaks presents Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5 and Hot 7 ft. Ricky Ricarrdi. Paired with Mr. Riccardi’s talk will be a performance. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Wed., Apr. 17, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts poet Alison C. Rollins, author of Library of Small Catastrophes. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Thur., Apr. 18, 4:30 p.m., University Libraries Faculty Book Talk Series: Rafia Zafar. Zafar will discuss her new book Recipes for Respect: African American Meals and Meaning. Olin Library,

Kenya Vaughn recommends

1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit ww.library.wustl.edu/event.

Wed., Apr. 24, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Alex Kotlowitz, author of An American Summer: Love and Death in Chicago and author Jonathan Metzl author of Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.slpl.org.

theatre

Apr. 27 – 28, UMSL Department of Theatre and Cinema Arts presents From Jimmy, to America: An Ode to James Baldwin. Actors and dancers explore our racial identity through the works, words, and musicality of James Baldwin. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121.

May 10 – 12, Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Farewell Play. With Tamela Mann, David Mann, and Cassi Davis. Fox Theatre,

527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

May 15 – June 2, The Black Rep presents Nina Simone: Four Women, Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth (on the campus of Washington University). Tickets are available at theblackrep.org, or by phone at 314-534-3807.

art

Through Apr. 13, Griot Museum of Black History presents Brilliance, Beauty, Blackness. A special exhibition of photographic portraits of extraordinary Black women from St. Louis and Atlanta. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www.thegriotmuseum. com.

Fri., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Black Culture – Photography Exhibit Opening Reception. This exhibit is a platform for local St. Louis photographers to define black culture according to their own lenses. Urb Arts, 2600 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

lectures and workshops

Fri., Apr. 12, 8:15 a.m., 2019 Annual Housing Conference: Facing Segregation –Building Strategies in Every Neighborhood. Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Through Apr 16, numerous Volunteer Income Tax Assistance & AARP TaxAide sites will open to prepare income tax returns free of charge. For more information, visit these sites: https://mctcfreetax.org/, https://stlouistap.org/, http:// naba-stl.org/vita/location/, http://gatewayeitc.org/index. html

Wed., Apr. 17, 1 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents Office Hours with a Banker. Sign up for a 30-minute session with a banker. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Apr. 24, 4 p.m., Better Family Life presents Ask an Attorney Entrepreneurial Legal Clinic. Participants will have a 30-minute session with an attorney from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri to discuss a business legal issue. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. bizbyfaith.com.

Thur., Apr. 25, 7 p.m., Women Who Ruled the World. Egyptologist Dr. Kara Cooney will discuss the lives of remarkable female pharaohs. Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org/program.

health

Thur., Apr. 25, 5:30 p.m., 15 th Annual Evening of Hope. Performance by 442 with special guest Erin Bode. Proceeds benefit the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thesheldon.org.

UMSL Mirth Week Comedy Show starring Marlon Wayans with special guest Loni Love. For more information, see COMEDY.

Sat., April 13, 1 p.m., Berean District Women’s Missionary Union sponsoring “My Name Is Need Service”, Where: Mt. Airy M.B. Church, 4700 Maffitt, Pastor Rev. Charles J. Brown, Sr. For more information, call (314) 3858234.

Sat., Apr. 13, 7 p.m., Jonathan McReynolds Make More Room Tour. The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., May 3, 7 p.m., Diamond Entertainment presents Deitrick Haddon. Special Performance by Michael Lampkin. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mar. 29 – 31, 14th Annual African Film Festival. The films showcase the latest talent and new directions in cinema w

Recent Paintings” exhibition will open April 14 and remain on display through September 15.

“Oliver Lee Jackson: Recent Paintings” will include more than 20 paintings created over the past 15 years, many of which are being shown publicly for the first time.

“Oliver Lee Jackson’s paintings encourage viewers to slow down and take time to absorb their energetic use of color, line, and texture,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art, Washington. “We are pleased to have Jackson join our tradition of presenting the world’s leading contemporary artists in the East Building.”

Jackson’s career spans five decades and his work resides in the permanent collections of many major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (New York); the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York); the National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC); the Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago); the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco); the Detroit Institute of the Arts (Detroit); and the Seattle Art Museum (Seattle).

While in St. Louis, Jackson collaborated on community cultural projects with composers and saxophonists, including Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, and Marty Ehrlich, and members of the cross-disciplinary collective Black Artists Group. Jackson served as assistant director of the People’s Art Center in the early 1960s and as director of Program Uhuru in the late 1960s – an initiative he established at Pruitt Igoe to bring creative discipline to the youth who resided in the public housing project. He relocated to California in the early 1970s and has lived and worked in Oakland since 1982.

“Unlike many artists who came of age in the wake of abstract expressionism, Jackson never abandoned his figurative orientation,” said Harry Cooper, senior curator and head of modern art, National

Gallery of Art, Washington.

“Having worked with Jackson for over two decades (including on a 2002 exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums), I am excited that we are presenting his recent work, Oliver Lee Jackson – which for all its discipline has an extraordinary freedom and daring. The paintings presented here may be the fruit of Jackson’s long experience, but they have a youthful energy that recalls Ezra Pound’s battle cry of modernism, ‘Make it new.’”

“Oliver Lee Jackson: Recent Paintings” also marks the first time financial services institution Morgan Stanley has sponsored an exhibition at the National Gallery.

“Jackson’s experience working with writers, musicians, dancers, and other visual artists directly inspires his colorful compositions,” said James P. Gorman, chairman and chief executive officer, Morgan Stanley. “His work has captivated audiences worldwide and challenges viewers to see in new and different ways. At Morgan Stanley, we strive to challenge ourselves to discover new perspectives to share with our clients and communities, and we are pleased to be able to play a part in sharing Oliver Lee Jackson’s work.”

For Jackson, the most critical element the exchange between

LITTLE

Continued from C1

the body-swap comedy genre, but the film didn’t seem realistic as far as how over the top the adult Sanders was portrayed as well as some of the material that was never quite hashed out over the course of the film. The comic relief was painfully predictable – and some elements were clearly thrown in for the sake of the funny without consideration on how they would disrupt the film’s pace and flow.

the viewing audience and the work is the transformation that happens while connecting with the art.

“I’m the first viewer after it is made,” Jackson said. “Once it comes into completeness, then I have to figure out, ‘does it do what I intended?’ Not my idea, but what I intended.”

The desired result is that all who gaze upon the work, Jackson in particular – are “put into a fierce state of being.”

“Notice how I said, ‘It puts me in a state of being.’ It is not in a state of being – it puts me in a state of being,” Jackson said. “If it’s not doing that, I’ve missed it.”

Success or failure, the moving parts that come together to create his work depend on a feeling.

“They say this is art. I don’t know about that,” Jackson said. “But this machine better work if I want an adult to stand before it and contemplate it.”

“I want to be moved,” said Jackson. “Otherwise, why am I looking at this?”

The National Gallery has created a robust lineup of programming to compliment “Oliver Jackson: Recent Paintings” over the course of its display and will include esteemed fellow St. Louisans. Famed saxophonist, composer and painter Oliver Lake (Music and the Visual Arts on April 12) and renowned poet and Miles Davis biographer Quincy Troupe (Two Writers on Art, Music, and Modality on May 19 – also featuring playwright and legendary drama educator Paul Carter Harrison) are among the featured guests that will take part in events related to the exhibition. For more information on the National Gallery of Art, visit https://www.nga.gov/

Some may be surprised to hear it, but despite its truckload of flaws, “Little” still manages to be cute enough to sit through – well almost – mainly on the strength of the performances. All of the main players go above and beyond the call of duty to create a truly cohesive cast that create an emotional connection with the audience by way of their performances.

Regardless of how absurd it is, Regina Hall is fully committed to the over-the-top antics of the adult Jordan Sanders. Martin takes Hall’s performance and raises it one by convincingly taking the egoma-

FILM

Continued from C1

Just ahead of Easter, award-winning producer Franklin’s (“Miracles from Heaven;” “The Star”) next film, “Breakthrough” will be released in theaters. Executive produced by Stephen Curry and Pastor Sammy Rodriguez, the film tells Joyce, John, and Brian Smith’s story, from a few days before John’s accident, to the moment he walked out of the hospital.

“My goal was to tell a great story in the best possible way,” Franklin said. “And, the thing about it is the real story is not a ‘faith-based’ story. It’s [about] a family that experienced a tragic event and [a mother who] went in there and chose to not allow what she saw to impact what she believed.”

When it comes to his favorite part in “Breakthrough,” Franklin is like a film buff in the now-almost-extinct Blockbuster Video store.

“Now, you’re asking me to pick between all my children here. I don’t know if I can do that,” he laughed. “I don’t even know why, to be honest with

niac, bossy, bully behavior in a pint-sized frame with boss diva language.

But Issa Rae is the real MVP of “Little.” Much like her character in the film, Rae makes the most of a bad situation by rising to make the most of the formulaic, predictable plot and more predictable humor by use

you, [but] the movie captures something emotional in our subconscious. I found the story, I developed the script, I produced the movie, and I’ve seen probably 50 cuts of this film. And every time I see it, I cry.”

A refreshing part of the movie is that it doesn’t try to portray John, Joyce or Brian as perfect people who, because of their perfection, have the privilege of petitioning God to spare their perfect son’s life. Each of them has flaws in their own unique way.

“None of us are completely stoic all the time. We just wanted to portray the humanity of the family so people could really relate to them and their journey,” he said. According to him, moviegoers respond to “Breakthrough” in a way that he has never seen audiences react to or be impacted by a film.

“We did a screening [on April 1st] and as I was sitting there, someone texted me from the screening saying, ‘I cried through the entire movie. Absolutely amazing.’” Franklin, who is also a New York Times Best-Selling author and international speaker, has built his career on inspiring and motivating others, whether it is a talk show appearance,

“Little”

preaching a sermon at a church, praying on Instagram or writing a book on relationships. Everything he does springs forth from a heart to encourage people, and his next project is the same.

“My next film is going to be on the creator of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos,” Franklin said. “His name is Richard Montanez. He was a Mexican janitor that worked for Frito-Lay and came up with an idea that transformed the company and the industry. So, [I’m] really excited and grateful to keep finding inspiration to bring to the world in many different forms.”

“Breakthrough” will be released nationwide on Wednesday, April 17th. View the official trailer here.

Sharee Silerio is a writer, director, producer and blogger. When she isn’t creating for The Root or Curly Nikki, she enjoys sharing her journey to discover wisdom, become whole and fulfill her dreams at SincerelySharee. com. Get a glimpse of her #BlackGirlMagic via ShareeSilerio.com then connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Regina Hall, Issa Rae and Marsai Martin star in the comedy “Little,” which opens in theaters on Friday April 12.

Artist Oliver Lee Jackson

Celebrations

Pastoral Anniversary

Rev. (Dr.) Haymond Fortenberry will celebrate his 51st Pastoral Anniversary on April 14 at 3 pm at Greater Fairfax M.B. Church (2941 Greer Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63107). All are invited to come and help celebrate our pastor. We love you, and we celebrate you on your day. “Only what you do for Christ will last.”

Birthdays

Reunions

reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class Of 1969 will celebrate it’s 50-year reunion Sept 20-22, 2019 at Embassy Suites St. Charles. Come join us as we celebrate these golden years, “Living Life Like It’s Golden.” For more information contact Dennis Hayden 314 276-6188 or beaumontclassof1969@yahoo.

com or send your questions to P.O. Box 155, Florissant, MO 63032.

Beaumont Class of 1979 is planning its 40-year reunion. All activities are scheduled for the weekend of September 27-29. The location is The Airport Marriot at 10700 Pear Tree Drive, St. Louis 63134. For more information, contact Milton Jackson at 314-2764392 or Yolanda Lockhart at lockhartyo08@gmail.com.

280-6596. Classmates please respond by April 2019.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40-year reunion and would love for you to join us! Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Tristan celebrated turning 9 on April 9. Happy Birthday! Mommy, Daddy and Terran love you!

Birthday wishes to Genesis “Skip” Burkley of Collinsville, IL on April 14. Enjoy your special day and may you be blessed with many more. Much love from your extended family and friends as we join you in celebrating this most joyous occasion.

planning its 40-year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday, October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St.

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@stlamerican.com Birthday

Kinloch Class of 1969 is planning its 50-year reunion on August 21, 22 and 23. Dinner dance at Orlandos, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza. For information call Ruben at 314239-5202 or Ophelia at 314-

Soldan Class of 1974 Alumni Association is planning its 45-year reunion. Please get your contact information to dhblackjack@charter.net or call 314-749-3803.

Soldan Class of 1979 is

Sumner Class Of 1969 50th reunion “Living Life Like It’s Golden” June 28-30, 2019. Looking for classmates of 1969 to contact us with your updated information via address:sumnerclass1969@ gmail.com or our FB page: Sumner High.

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call 314-406-4309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

Vashon Class of 1974 is planning for its 45-year reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-724-4563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.

Elnora Suggs (center), mother of St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs (left) will celebrate her 106th birthday on April 16! She lives in South Holland, IL, near her daughter and son-in-law, Loretta (right) and John Johnson. She is a longstanding member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ.

Comedy vet-

eran Bruce Bruce spent time with fans following the CU Comedy Tour’s St. Louis stop Friday at

Kelly Denise was one of the many fans who he met with and greeted in the lobby.

The Radio One St. Louis squad was in the building for the sneak preview screening of ‘Little’ Tuesday night @

Swag Snap of the Week

STL remembers Neighborhood Nip. Before I kick right into my weekly round of disgracefulness, let me start things off with a shout out to Radio One St. Louis and their crew for the candlelight vigil moment of remembrance for fallen hip-hop change agent Nipsey Hussle Friday night outside the Old Courthouse. St. Louis had all kinds of love for Nipsey, which was clear when he came through for a club appearance around this time last year at The Marquee. The folks knew all the words to every song the DJ played of his. Not only did Nip appreciate the love, but he was a humble and down-to-earth dude as the folks clamored for his attention. He split his time between making music and building community – but based on the reaction of the crowd and the recent coverage of how he poured back into the neighborhoods where he grew up, he was on the cusp of changing the game. My heart hurts regarding the whole situation and my hope is that people will honor him by following the blueprint he started in giving back.

Crackin’ up at Chaifetz. I had been waiting all week to get my laugh on with DeRay Davis, Bruce Bruce and the crew Friday night at the Chaifetz Arena. Things got off to an interesting start – and closed at a weird place – but I hollered up in that place. There were pieces of that show that were so funny that I forgave the woman with the newly installed tracks for dusting that sew-in all across my knee caps because she insisted on laughing head first to show off her comedy show hair. Shout out to Willie C. for winning the opening act contest the evening before. When they said opening act – they meant before opening. The show started at 8 and Willie hit the stage at 7:54. If he turns up missing, it’s either his grandmother, who he roasted for filth about the Yorkie realness her wig game serves, or Tim from Sweetie Pie’s. Tim got the business from Willie C. for his body type. In his arena debut, Willie C learned the hard way what happens when they give you the light twice. He was midjoke when that mic went on mute and the music got to blaring. After a bit by host Red Grant, it was social media sensation-turned-comedy newcomer B. Simone’s turn. I tell you, the girls have gone beyond inches on the weave and are now measuring its length by the height of children. She was wearing a nine-year-old boy (i.e. four and a-half feet). She has some growing to do in the comedy game – particularly shortening the length of her bits – but I can see potential. Bruce Bruce got some new jokes and they were downright hilarious. I won’t spoil them for you in case he recycles. And while I cackled at how he tried to explain what Donald Trump’s hair is going through, Michael Blackson knew better than to stay on that stage all night like he was the only feature. I found it hee-larious how DeRay Davis used Blackson’s own joke against him by saying the [expletive] is still here. And he clowned his outfit – which I did feel like it made him look like a freshly opened foil pack shish kabob. DeRay was feeling a type of way about that – then the folks set him off with their cell phone video recording shenanigans. That poor man in the unfortunate shirt learned the hard way what happens if you decide not to listen when DeRay says stop recording. Kevin Hart has the folks tossed out during his shows. DeRay will make his whole routine about you and your fashion shortcomings. When he asked that man what his shirt wanted to be when it grew up, I was thinking that I would rather be flung out of the show on the front end so that I can at least leave with a sip of dignity.

B. Simone’s Shisha b-day turnup. B. Simone had me lowkey inspired to live my best life when she inserted an inspirational speech after the most filthy joke I’ve seen in a minute. So, you can imagine the joy I felt when she was all down-to-earth when she came through Shisha to celebrate her b-day right after the show. She was so cool and friendly. I feel like her hair might have made its way into a few glasses as she turned up in that VIP booth, but nobody seemed bothered. Red Grant was in the house too. I knew that it was going to be life at this party when folks had to come in and out of Shisha in shifts –and that was a whole 90 minutes before B. Simone showed up. All the booths were on ten when it came to the turn up. One booth was full of people from out of town. You know how “about that club life” you have to be to not only do your research to find out the city’s hotspot for the night – and then buy a whole booth and bottles and whatnot.

J. Holiday and a few fans. The good news is that for the first time since he came out, J. Holiday acted like he had some sense when he came to St. Louis and gave a cute little show with no drama whatsoever. The bad news is that nobody but me, DJ Kut and a few other folks were there to see – so it will be up for debate. He came through Klymaxx Sunday night to serve up his hits at what was probably his most intimate show to-date. I hate to be bringing up old stuff, but I thought he wouldn’t be back after the incident at the late great Rustic Goat when J. Holiday started talking sideways to the crowd and a gentleman tried to rush the stage to square off. But this show was as calm and cute as could be. I like his little hits. And when he acts right, he gives a cute show. Perhaps he was in a good mood because his song “Bed” is featured in that new “Little” movie as the soundtrack to Luke James’ character’s striptease moment. Listen, that’s the best part of the movie for me – and I say that with no tea or shade. Anybody who sees a greasy gyrating Luke James and doesn’t give a standing ovation is full of all the lies.

Lunch, Keem and Laudie on the Track were heading into Shisha to partake in #IssaBrunch last Sunday

Aodobi, Phylicia and Rhonda caught up during the intermission for BFL’s Black Dance USA Saturday @ The Sun Theatre

Brittany and DreCo were a part of the most lit brunch in town @ #IssaBrunch last Sunday @ Shisha

The Radio One St. Louis squad was in the building for the sneak preview screening of ‘Little’ Tuesday night @ AMC Creve Coeur 12

Ariana, Colbi, Jennifer and Denisha stopped through Dos Salas Saturday night for Lituation

Carolyn, Genienne and Vanita were amped up to get an early glimpse of ‘Little’ Tuesday night @ AMC 12

Derrick and Tangie took in the wonderful sights and sounds of the culminating concert of Better Family Life’s Black Dance USA Saturday @ Sun Theatre

Denise Thimes and Heather Himes celebrating the kick off of a new women’s giving initiative for The Black Rep Sunday @ The Royal Vagabonds House

Vanessa and comedian Willie C came through to unwind following the comedy show Friday night @ Shisha

Xander and Joe @ Better Family Life’s Black Dance USA Saturday @ Sun Theatre

Chaifetz Arena.

AMC Creve Coeur 12

JANITORIAL - HIRING

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Officer. To apply got to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/1037709.html by Friday, April 19, 2019.

WEATHERIZATION AUDITOR

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is seeking a Weatherization Auditor to perform energy diagnostic testing on homes participating in the weatherization program.

The Auditor will inspect and conduct energy/lead abatement audit of homes; perform final inspections (QCI Certified Auditors Only); prepare cost estimates in compliance with insurance standards; document all activities, prepare reports, and maintain files/records.

Qualified candidates must have general knowledge of residential structures; work independently; make sound decisions; demonstrate tact and discretion in preparing, disclosing, and handling information of a confidential and sensitive nature; and maintain a valid driver license and good driving record.

Education background should be equivalent to a high School diploma/ GED with at least 4 years of experience in home construction/home repair; working knowledge of construction and/or home repair. BPI certification preferred.

Interested persons should submit a resume with cover letter and salary requirements to the: Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Human Resources Department hr@urbanleague-stl.org

EOE No Phone Calls Please

COORDINATOR –CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

Provide administrative and technical support for the administration, maintenance and reporting of agent/broker licensing, appointments and terminations. Provide administrative and technical support relative to claims compliance administration, reporting, and regulatory audit functions

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

The City of Clayton is accepting applications for the Director of Public Works position. To apply, go to www.claytonmo.gov/ jobs. First review of applications will be Monday, April 22, 2019. Open until filled. EOE.

ATTORNEY II

SECURITY

OFFICER WANTED LICENSED 314-367-6343

IFRS ACTUARY

Provide actuarial expertise for implementation and maintenance of IFRS 17. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY

The St. Louis County Library is hiring for a variety of positions for our Meramec Valley Branch. These positions include:

Part-time Circulation Asst.$13.41/hourHS diploma required Part-time Library Clerk$11.07/hour –

HS diploma required Full-time Custodian$25,355/annual

Hours will vary. Evenings and weekends required. Applicants can apply online at the Library’s website at www.slcl.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

COLLEGE PERSISTENCE COACH

Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit-sponsored middle school for boys, seeks a dynamic individual to serve as its full-time College Persistence Coach. The College Persistence Coach provides guidance and support, for alumni and their families, through the college selection, admissions and financial aid processes and throughout the college careers of alumni. Contact with alumni and administrators requires travel to both local and out-of-state college campuses. The successful candidate will possess exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Previous work experience in an educational setting with underserved, first-generation college students is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Mr. Elbert Williams III, Director of Graduate Support, at ewilliams@loyolaacademy.org, by April 26, 2019. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school and job description, please visit our website at www.loyolaacademy.org.

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking a full time attorney to perform legal work that involves conducting legal research, litigation and legal representation of Deputy Juvenile Officers in juvenile matters brought before the court. Work is supervised by the Director of the Legal Department. The position is a non-merit position as an employee of Saint Louis County. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, at least two (2) years of trial experience preferably in juvenile, family or criminal law with additional years of trial experience or any equivalent experience being preferable. To apply, Candidates wishing to apply should visit the following address at St. Louis County Government’s website and complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter by the end of the day on Friday, April 26, 2019: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default.cfm

EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

DATA SCIENCE ANALYST

Provide analytical and technical support to the Chief Risk & Predictive Analytics Officer. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

The Director of Programs is responsible for performance and successful results of all mission related operations with oversight of youth outcomes, program delivery, personnel development and financial performance in the Residential and Support Services Departments. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

HEAD OF YOUTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

University City Public Library has an opening for Head of Youth Services department. For details, visit http://ucitylibrary.org/employment

FOOD SERVICE

PROVIDER NEEDED

HOMER G PHILLIPS

Commercial kitchen space and equipment provided, requirements are as follows-provide a minimum of 1 meal per day; operate the food, dining and beverage service, prepare and serve quality food containing a variety; type and quality that the residents desire; procure all necessary supplies required in connection with the food service; comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Insurance and food service permits required. For more information please contact 314-535-3223

CARING TOUCH CONSUMER DIRECTED SERVICES

4200 UNION BLVD. ST. LOUIS, MO 63115 314-385-0500

Two openings

1. Licenses RN needed for Adult Daycare Center send resume to the above address or call for an appointment.

2. Office worker needed for Home Healthcare Company, send resume to the above address or call for an appointment.

DATA ANALYST-GRANT WRITER

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking a full time data analyst-grant writer to collect, analyze, and disseminate system data about civil, criminal, family, probate, and treatment court operations and programs. This position will also be responsible for identifying, defining, and developing funding sources to support existing and planned Court program activities as well as to coordinate the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to third-party entities. The position is a non-merit position as an employee of Saint Louis County. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Preferred) in social sciences or economics, social work, criminal justice, public administration, sociology, statistical analysis, or related field. Experience with researching and writing federal grants is highly preferred. Prefer two years of experience in data analysis in a social service setting or a related field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Candidates wishing to apply should visit the following address at St. Louis County Government’s website and complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter by the end of the day on Friday, April 26, 2019: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default.cfm

EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

DIRECTOR, FAMILY SUPPORT INITIATIVES

ARCHS, a progressive, growing non-profit agency is seeking a results-oriented, Director, Family Support Initiatives. Duties will include the business execution and on-site support/monitoring of grant contracts and grantee contractor reports/invoices for ARCHS’ funded family support programs. This position will require extensive knowledge of community/social service and workforce program design, implementation and evaluation. Ability to manage portfolio of grant funded programs requiring documentation, budget monitoring, results reporting, assessment and logic model development. Extensive project management experience is required. Knowledge of workforce development case management, data input and report retrieval i.e. Toolbox and MoJobs preferred. The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Education or related field (Masters a plus), excellent writing and presentation skills, competence in Microsoft software including: Word, Excel and Power Point). Email letter of application and resume by May 15, 2019 to careers@ stlarchs.org or Fax to HR, 314-289-5670. NO Phone Calls Please.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

Responsible for enterprise data integrity as it pertains to the flow of information into the financial statements. Serve as the end user liaison to the Information Services Department. Additionally, function as the liaison from the Accounting Department to the other business units, including Underwriting, Claims, Policy Services, and Actuarial Services, to ensure quality and accessibility of all enterprise data used for internal and external reporting purposes. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/.

Mission: St. Louis is looking for a Home Repair Coordinator, to coordinate and perform minor home repairs for the Energy Efficiency, Accessibility, and Weatherization Program, which serves senior citizens in the city of St. Louis. Applicants should possess at least 3 years home repair or construction experience.

If interested, submit cover letter & resume to todd.martin@missionstl.org by April 30, 2019.

Interviews will begin immediately.

Mission: St. Louis is an EOE

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ENGAGEMENT

Major Brands Premium Beverage Distributor in St. Louis, MO is searching for a Director of Human Resources and Engagement. Please visit https://www.majorbrands.com/ job/director-human-resourcesand-engagement/ to learn more about this role and apply today.

activities in a highly decentralized university organizational structure. Communicate daily with the Univer- sity’s primary banks and internal departments to ensure that operating cash balances meet university requirements on a daily and forecasted basis. Serve as contact with the University’s primary banks and internal departments to ensure banking service needs are met. Proactively evaluate, recommend and implement appropriate banking and cash management products and systems. Review Treasury on-line banking procedures, processes and security measures and recommend improvements as necessary. Evaluate financial systems for potential integration into Treasury operations workflow. Prepare analyses of bank pricing and services. Assist in establishing bank relationships. Primary contact for services provided by on-campus retail branch and ATMs. Position reports to Assistant Treasurer.

Insurance Billing/Collection Assistant - POSITION SUMMARY: Performs follow-up insurance billing and collection activities on a minimum of 30 claims per day; makes collection calls, verifying accuracy and completeness of claims, contacts insurance companies and collection agencies in regard to expediting payments from various payers for physician’s services.

Nurse Practitioner (M-F) Evenings, St. Louis Rehabilitation Institute – 42244

If you are an experienced practitioner who is confident and comfortable with decision making, the hospitalist position is ideal. Clinical expertise in assessment skills and orders are key determinants for success in this role.

Staff Nurse, Pulmonary – 42862

The M-F clinic day staff nurse assists with the delivery of treatments, manages referrals and refills and provides patient education. The pulmonary clinic sees a variety of lung disease/disorders such as COPD, asthma, emphysema and many others.

LPN, Gastroenterology -42340

Seeking an LPN who has used Epic or like EMR on a regular basis. This LPN is admin- istrative in nature, refilling medications, communicating with patients and following up on tests and labs. If you have worked in Clinic/Outpatient setting - you would fit right in.

Associate Director, Annual Giving Programs - Alumni and Development Programs – 42716

The Associate Director is responsible for planning, evaluation, and implementing a strong Eliot Society program in key cities outside of the St. Louis area. The Associate Director completes 175 cultivation and solicitation visits each year with the emphasis on identifying and soliciting new members at the $1,000+ giving level. This position provides the opportunity for travel, coordinating and working with high-level volunteers and committees, and program management.

Specialist, Intelligence/Special Investigations/Crime Prevention - Medical School Security – 42960. This position will proactively analyze and investigate potential threats and com- plex criminal schemes directed at the School of Medicine. Coordinate and present crime avoidance and prevention training for the campus community. Author crime avoidance and prevention products to raise awareness of crime issues impacting the campus. Conduct activities to ensure the university’s compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Collect, interpret, and disseminate intelligence information in support of operations and physical security. Take immediate action to direct Protective Services personnel as necessary. The ideal candidate will possess an Associate’s degree or 60 hours of college coursework in criminal justice, social sciences, or other applicable course of study; graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy and five year’s

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSALS (RFP) For Technology Infrastructure (Upgrade)

Better Family Life, Inc. is soliciting a Request for Proposal from qualified firms with expertise in Information Technology for design and implementation of a complete Information Technology Infrastructure (Upgrade). The project has not been updated significantly with most network devices being end-of-life or outdated. Request for full proposal may be obtained via download from our website @ www.betterfamilylife.org. All request should be sent directly to rfp@betterfamilylife.org

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFP’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on May 14, 2019 to contract with a company for: SAFETY FOOTWEAR & SAFETY CLOTHING.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9776 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: LAGOON MOWING SAMPLING & ANALYSIS 2019. The District is proposing for this service. BOONE CONSULTING was used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

SEALED BIDS

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Sealed Bids for Parking Lots will be received at West Side MB Church, 4675 Page Ave, St. Louis Mo. 63113 until 5:00

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on May 15, 2019 to contract with a company for: AIR PURIFICATION MEDIA FILTERS.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9905 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CAPACITY BUILDING FOR M/WBE CONTRACTORS PLAN ROOM SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The St. Louis Development Corporation (“SLDC”), hereby requests proposals from firms wishing to manage and monitor SLDC’s Construction Plan Room. For a copy of the RFP please visit our website at http:/ /stlouis-mo.gov/sldc by selecting the RFP/RFQ link for a complete copy of the RFP, or contact:

VLADIMIR MONROE

DIRECTOR OF MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COMPLIANCE

ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 1520 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2000 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63103 (314) 657-3746 (PHONE) (314) 603-7011 (FAX)

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time on Thursday, April 25, 2018.

LETTING #8692

2019 CAPITAL MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM –SIX (6) INCH MAIN IN KOSSUTH AVE. AND SIX (6) INCH MAIN IN PALM ST.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 7, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http:// www.stl-bps.org/planroom (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

The deadline for submitting proposals is, 4:30 p.m., April 26, 2019 at Better Family Life, Inc. 5415 Page Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112 LETTING #8693 SLMP PROPERTY CUSTODY / TACTICAL RELOCATION

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 7, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http:// www.stl-bps.org/planroom. (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held onsite at 2150 S. 59th Street, St. Louis, MO 63110 on April 23, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 208 City Hall.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

, Western Missouri Correctional Center, Cameron, Missouri, Project No. C1926-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/2/19. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 19 405, Ceiling Renovations, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, April 23, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 6449770.

Voluntary Pre-bid Meeting: Friday, April 12, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. Meet at the 4th Floor C Tower – Forest Park Campus An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

SEALED BIDS

for Repairs to CCC Grounds Network, R

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No.F 19 603, Communications North Feeder # 7 Repair, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Friday, April 19, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary Pre-bid Meeting: April 12, 2019 , 10:00 AM, Meet at Meramec Physical Plant Building off of Rosehill Avenue.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The America’s Center is soliciting bids to upgrade several variable frequency drives (VFDs) on the passenger and freight elevators at The Dome at America’s Center. A pre-bid & walkthrough meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2019 at 10:00am. Meeting Location: 901 N. Broadway Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. Contact David Savage at 314-342-5357 with project inquiries. The America’s Center reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

DETAILED PLAN FOR FRENCHTOWN GREAT STREETS PROJECT

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to develop a detailed plan for the Frenchtown Great Streets Project. A DBE goal will be set for this project. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on May 8, 2019. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 263.

KELLER CONSTRUCTION INC.

by 4:30 PM Wednesday April 17, 2019.

SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS

Notice to contractors, Special School District is accepting bids for Roof Projects at South Technical High and Neuwoehner schools. For details, please visit the website at www.ssdmo.org/rfps.html

State Park, Barry County, Cassville, MO, Project No. X1706-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/9/2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for Statewide Job Order Contract, Project No. ZASIDIQ-9017, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, May 2, 2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo. gov/facilities

DEACONESS FOUNDATION SEEKING FIRM FOR ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Deaconess Foundation is currently soliciting proposals for firms to provide outsourced accounting and human resource administrative support for Deaconess Foundation and Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being. For more information and to download the full request for proposals, please visit: https://www.deaconess.org/ accounting-hr-rfp

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT FACILITY, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI Statements of Qualifications due by 4:30 PM CT, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

St. Louis, MO 63110

LETTING #8693

SLMP PROPERTY CUSTODY / TACTICAL RELOCATION

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 7, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http:// www.stl-bps.org/planroom. (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held onsite at 2150 S. 59th Street, St. Louis, MO 63110 on April 23, 2019 at 10:00 A.M.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

BID REQUEST

Super Excavators, Inc. is requesting quotes from qualified MBE and WBE Subcontractors & Suppliers for the following project: DC-02 & DC-03 Sanitary Relief (Brentwood Blvd to Conway Rd), Letting No. 12472015.1, Bidding on May 10, 2019 @ 2:00PM with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The MSD will be hosting a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference from 9:00am - 10:00am on Thursday, April 25th, 2019 at Ladue City Hall, 9435 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124. Following the pre-bid conference, a Diversity Fair will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the same location. Super Excavators, Inc. will have representatives present at both events to meet with interested subcontractors, and to discuss opportunities available on this project. Please come meet our team!

We are soliciting quotations for all trades including the following segments of work, and any others that may have inadvertently been left off of this list: Pipe & Structure abandonment, manhole work & rehabilitation, bypass pumping, clearing, aggregate supply, near surface utilities and connections, reinforced concrete structures, protection and restoration of site, rock toe protection, seeding, sodding, live staking, shaft work, asphaltic concrete removal and replacement, vegetated reinforced soil slope, fencing, vibration and settlement monitoring, blast vibration specialist, pre-construction survey and documentation, materials testing, water quality testing, natural channel stabilization, groundwater monitoring wells, site security services, electrical work, traffic control, and trucking/hauling. PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

Where economically feasible, we are willing to

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The STL Partnership CDC (the “CDC”) solicits proposals from qualified legal professional services firms to review U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) closing files under the SBA 504 loan program and to issue opinion letters regarding the same. The firm must provide staff that have SBA designated closing counsel classification.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, May 2, 2019. Proposals should be sent by email to hbean@stlpartnership.com, or to STL Partnership CDC, c/o St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, ATTN: Howl Bean II, 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2200, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. DBE, MBE, and WBE consultants are encouraged to bid, and a five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The CDC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF JENNINGS INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

CITY OWNED PROPERTY

AUCTION – IFB #01-19

The City of Jennings is seeking sealed bids for the auction of city owned properties. Bids will be accepted during the period of April 15, 2019 - April 26, 2019 no later than 4:00 p.m. CST. They should be addressed “Sealed Bid” to the attention of the City Clerk. Bidder should submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the bid. Sealed bids will be opened and publicly read aloud on May 1, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber at Jennings City Hall. Visit Jennings City Hall or website (www. cityofjennings.org) for details on the bid specifications, pictures and addresses of the properties.

Please contact Myra Randle, Economic Development Specialist, at 314-388-1164 or mrandle@cityofjennings.org if there are any questions or to request additional information.

BID

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking the services of qualified firms or professionals for a Signage Consultant. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by April 19, 201

Contegra Construction Company, LLC, 22 Gateway Commerce Center Drive W, Suite 110, Edwardsville, IL 62025,

Bidding opportunities for

specifically include

and

of mechanical equipment, electrical demolition, installation of circulation pumps and associated piping, piping insulation, reheat coil installation, HVAC supply and exhaust fan installation, ductwork installation and insulation, and electrical wiring and communications including pump control panel installation and wiring. Contegra will be holding a pre-bid meeting for this project at the above address on 4/9/19 at 2pm. MBE firms interested in bidding are encouraged to attend to learn about subcontracting opportunities. For additional information or any questions, please contact Tony Uzzo, ext. 129.

Criminal Justice Ministry takes on Let’s Start programs

Two faith-based nonprofit agencies serving formerly incarcerated people merge

American staff

United by common missions, Criminal Justice Ministry (CJM) and Let’s Start have merged the two organizations, with CJM assuming operations of major Let’s Start programs.

Founded in 1989 by Sister Jackie Toben, SSND, Let’s Start has provided recovery, reentry and other services to formerly incarcerated women and their families, while also working to educate the public and advocate for public policy related to its mission.

CJM was founded in 1979 as a special program under the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay ministry, and became a standalone 501(c)3 organization in 2012. CJM programs and priorities also include reentry services, education and advocacy, while historically focusing on men.

“At a time when nonprofit resources are scarce, our two organizations are working toward making a bigger impact on the community and those in the most need, instead of competing for the same funding,” said CJM Executive Director Anthony D’Agostino.

“CJM envisions a future for those impacted by incarceration where their relationships and communities are safe and

Representatives of Let’s Start and Criminal Justice Ministry have merged the two nonprofit organizations which share a mission to serve people impacted by incarceration. Shown left to right are: Kitty Keefe, Let’s Start board president; Rachel Cramsey, Let’s Start executive director; Toni Jordan, Let’s Start women’s support coordinator; Criminal Justice Ministry Executive Director Anthony D’Agostino; and Lisa Shea, Criminal Justice Ministry board president.

supportive, incarceration is minimized, and recidivism is eliminated. Supporting women and children with Let’s Start programs fits perfectly with that vision.”

As part of the merger, Let’s Start board directors will continue as a special advisory committee to the CJM board.

Board President Catherine (Kitty) Keefe will transition to a CJM board director position. Additionally, Let’s Start Women’s Support Coordinator

Toni Jordan has joined the CJM staff.

“Let’s Start is excited to merge with CJM,” said Keefe. “The partnership will extend CJM services to women who were served by Let’s Start while also making Let’s Start programs available to current and future CJM clients. We are delighted to have found a wonderful fit for focus and mission in CJM.”

The new partnership will be celebrated at two upcoming

The Message You can always go home

How many of you have ever been too embarrassed to pray, too afraid or really just too ashamed? It is during very difficult times that to kneel down before the Lord (especially after you’ve done exactly that thing which represents the absolute worst in you) seems impossible.

Only you and the Lord know how successful the world has been in tantalizing you to do exactly what you know you shouldn’t. Only Satan can tempt you in ways that leave you utterly defeated. He reigns in a world where one of his primary jobs is to get you to do what you’ve professed to God and man that you would never do. And you know better. It must be rough then, when, instead of you calling on God, He makes a house call on you.

After Adam ate the apple, the Bible says God went looking for him. Adam knew better, and He knew in his heart that he couldn’t hide from his creator. And so it is with us. Real believers must pray and ask for forgiveness. In doing so, quite a few things should become crystal clear. You can’t procrastinate where God is concerned, and you can’t hide from the truth. And the truth is you’re a sinner. We all are. And to make matters worse, the closer you get to God, the more obvious it is to you and Him how much of a sinner you really are. When sin succeeds in your life, it is appropriate to seek forgiveness.

We know as Christians we are obligated to do our very best. It, at times, might seem like a cruel joke to aspire to something you’ll never be able to achieve. Living without sin is an impossibility. The obligation is to try. Our success lies in our effort and our intent. We are obligated to seek Him out and let Him know that we know better and are truly repentant when we screw up.

As a matter of fact, the closer we get to His light, the more likely we are to see the countless stains on our soul. Imperfection ingloriously stands out in the illumination of perfection.

events, the annual Let’s Start Gospel Brunch, April 13 at the St. Vincent de Paul Church Hall (visit https://letsstart. org/upcoming-events), and the annual CJM Recognition Dinner, April 25 at Moulin (visit https://www.cjmstlouis. org/cjmevents). For more information, visit https://www.cjmstlouis.org, email info@cjmstlouis.org or call 314- 652-8062

We need to understand that it’s okay to look for the Lord even when we know we have no right to ask for His mercy. Part of the mystery of faith, at least for me, is constantly coming to grips with just how much God loves me. In spite of what little I have to offer, He receives me and you as He would His own Son. It’s important to remember you can always go home. I used to say home was wherever Mom was. Now I know home is wherever God is. If that be the case and I’m trying to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit, then I have to accept that God resides in me and wherever I am is home. Hopefully that should make following His Word and doing His Will easier, particularly when it comes to choosing right from wrong and asking for mercy when I go wrong instead of right.

Only a fool would screw things up so badly that he or she is not welcomed in their own home. Ashamed, embarrassed, afraid, guilty, it’s always better to go home and explain yourself. At least you know the people there really care about you. The alternative is just too frightening to contemplate.

Columnist James Washington