April 15th, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

County Council declares no confidence in Barton

Final decision on chief’s future lies with Police Board

By Dana Rieck

her way through the position of chief” and has not worked to build bridges between the Black community and the police department.

Those who voted in favor of the resolution were Democratic councilwomen Days, Kelli Dunaway,

Shalonda Webb and Lisa Clancy. Those who voted against the resolution were Republican councilmen Tim Fitch, Mark Harder and Ernie Trakas.

Days sent a memo about the resolution the same day the Ethical Society of Police, the Black police union in the region, held a press conference outside St. Louis County Police headquarters discussing their board’s unanimous vote of no confidence in Chief Mary Barton, who was chosen as the department’s next police chief in March 2020.

During the public comment period Tuesday night, local criminal justice activist Rev. Darryl

n “Leadership in our society’s major police forces matter, possibly more now than any other point in our county’s history.”

—Cassandra Butler

Fate of Medicaid expansion depends on MO Senate

due to begin July 1

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

Officer Shanette Hall is the first of three Black female police officers to introduce herself in a recent Vice video, during which Black female cops talk about the culture of policing.

“A lot of us come in with the idea [that] we want to literally protect and serve – and being a Black female myself, I’m not naïve. I know that there’s a fragile relationship between African Americans and the police,” she said in the video. Hall is a St. Louis County police officer and board member of the St. Louis County chapter of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP).

Retired St. Louis Police Sgt. Heather Taylor spoke Friday on behalf of Officer Hall, who was present but did not speak. Taylor said Hall is recognized as a community leader and has never had a complaint filed against her.

The Missouri Senate holds the fate of the state’s Medicaid expansion funding in its hands, as House Republicans took a stance against the expansion by removing its funding from the upcoming fiscal year’s general budget, arguing that there’s no money for it. But that’s just not true, according to Amy Blouin — who founded the Missouri Budget Project in 2003 and serves as its president and CEO. She said other states which have already expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have provided data on how it’s played out financially for their budgets.

n “What the Legislature is doing is needlessly causing confusion for people who’ve been suffering far too long.”

—Richard von Glahn, Missouri Jobs with Justice policy director

“And all of the states are seeing savings in their state general revenue costs and increased tax revenues just because of the influx of federal funds to the state to support the health care industry. Those two things…resulted in Medicaid expansion paying for itself. We fundamentally believe, and what the other cities are showing us is, that there really is not a state cost of Medicaid expansion,” she said. State senators will either choose to vote on Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s version

By Sophie Hurwitz Of the St.

with BrightPath STEAM Academy — a virtual summer program for Black students who want to learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math — extremely well. On the day of the academy in mid-July, Butler remembers, he was “allowed to get messy in the house.” By ‘getting messy,’ Butler meant conducting an experiment to learn about viral load dispersal and COVID19—which involved spraying water on a flour-covered balloon to simulate a sneeze and learn why staying six feet apart is so important.

Butler also got the chance to meet medical professionals and ask them all his questions about the virus that changed his young life so drastically. “We got to meet an actual doctor!” he said. “And he was telling us about…working on the COVID-19 vaccine, See SCIENCE, A6

A St. Louis firefighter/EMT treats one of the victims injured in a six-car chain reaction crash caused by a suspect who led police on a high-speed chase that ended at North Broadway and East Taylor in north St. Louis. Several victims were transported to area hospitals.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

See BARTON, A7

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis County Council on Tuesday night declared no confidence in the county’s embattled police chief, Mary Barton, just a year after she was promoted to the position by the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners.

Councilwoman Rita Heard Days brought the resolution to her fellow council members, that stated Barton has “fumbled

See MEDICAID, A7

Louis American

St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Keri Hilson ends rumored decade-long beef with Beyoncé

Concluding their rumored decadelong feud, The Jasmine Brand reports that Keri Hilson collaborating with Beyoncé shared that the two were finally able to resolve their issues and achieve closure. The release of the “Turnin’ Me On,” remix in 2009 had many questioning whether she was dissing Beyoncé and the song. In the following lyrics she sings: “Your vision cloudy if you think that you’re the best / You can dance she can sing but she need to move it to the left. She needs to go have some babies / she need to sit down, she fake / Them other chicks ain’t even worth my time to talk about.” Last year, she opened up about the ordeal, explaining that she was a young, fairly-new artist, who didn’t want to betray her team by telling the truth.

Kid Cudi honors Kurt Cobain in ‘SNL’ performance wearing a floral dress

During his “Saturday Night Live” performance, Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, wore a floral dress designed by luxury label OffWhite as an homage to Kurt Cobain

He tweeted that the brand’s CEO, the garan ode to the late Nirvana frontman. “Virgil designed the dress for me. I told him I wanted to show love to Kurt [with] a floral print sundress and this man made a masterpiece. Thank You @virgilabloh ur a f----- genius!! Love you man; we did it!!!” Kid Cudi wrote. His performance was the same week as the anniversary of Cobain’s death. suicide on April 5, 1995 at age 27. His ensemble replicated Cobain’s in his 1993 cover story for “The Face” magazine.

Nick Cannon awaits arrival of twin sons

Abby De La Rosa announced in a maternity shoot on Sunday

that she and Nick Cannon were expecting twin boys. De La Rosa shared her excitement for her sons’ arrival in a post stating, “Our dearest sons - my miracle babies, Thank you for choosing me to be your Mommy.” She continued, “Your Dad & I will always be here for you both; in complete unison and support. No matter what this world may throw your way, know that forgiveness is key and what is for you - is for YOU! You both are already so loved and we can’t wait to meet you both.” Cannon welcomed his fourth child (his second child with Brittany Bell) last December. He coparents nine-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, with his ex-wife Mariah Carey

Black Rob discharged from hospital

According to former Bad Boy recording artist Mark Curry, Black Rob has been released from the hospital. He shared an Instagram video affirming he’s doing better and further explained how overwhelming it was to see people showing concern for the legendary emcee. A video surfaced on social media after DJ Self posted a video of him in a hospital bed on Instagram praising the late DMX, who died on Friday. Rob was a member of Bad Boy Records from the late 1990s until the early 2000s. He is most notable for popularizing the “Harlem Shake,” dance and gaining attention for his platinum single “Woah.” He suffered a

mild stroke in 2015, possibly from high blood pressure.

Asian Doll and Kash Doll squash beef

For years, there have been questions surrounding who started the doll craze. Asian Doll and Kash Doll have finally decided to bury the hatchet. Kash Doll stated in the past that Asian Doll didn’t like her because of a man named 600 Breezy. In response, Asian Doll said she was open to working with her, only to annihilate her on a track. Kash Doll didn’t take the comment lightly. However, it seems the Dolls have put the past behind them, as they were recently photographed together enjoying a night out on the town. Asian Doll tweeted a photo of the pair on Twitter with the caption, “Me & @kashdoll [red heart emoji] Da dolls fasho.” Many fans were in favor of the new alliance, while others disputed it. One fan tweeted, “Now Asian….” She responded by saying, “It’s called growing up I literally don’t want no drama with nobody. It was good seeing her tho frfr look how far we came. I’m going through too much to be beefing over nothing.”

Sources: NBCNews.com, People.com, BET.com, TheJasmineBrand.com, TheSource.com

*Spelling and grammar as it appeared in the original post.

Kid Cudi

Keri Hilson

Page appoints HR professional to Board of Police Commissioners

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

County Executive Dr. Sam Page on Monday appointed

Brian Ashworth to the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners, filling the vacancy left by William Ray Price when he resigned suddenly in early March.

The St. Louis County Council will decide whether to confirm Page’s appointment of Ashworth to a three-year term.

Ashworth is a Republican and human resources principal at Edward Jones, according to a document submitted by Page to the St. Louis County Council on Monday.

The St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners is a five-member civilian oversight board which is in charge of appointing the police chief, among other things.

Ashworth’s predecessor, Price, is the second county executive appointee to resign from the board in the past six months, citing personal reasons. His resignation followed Dr. L.J. Punch’s resignation, who resigned in late October about a year after they were appointed.

At the time, Punch told media outlets they resigned because of the secrecy surrounding a corporate-led experiment where St. Louis city and county officers would join forces in Jennings and a north St. Louis district.

Ashworth’s appointment came just two days after the Ethical Society of Police held a media conference outside St.

ESOP released a statement Monday regarding Ashworth’s appointment.

“SLCPD Board of Police Commissioners has another opportunity to do something right. The community and police department is in desperate need of real transformative change and, hopefully, finally having someone with a human resource background involved with the department will promote that drastic change to move the department forward,” they wrote.

In the county’s release about Ashworth, Page wrote that he came recommended based on his business experience and his engagement in the community.

“Brian will join the board as we work to build upon the relationships between law enforcement and the community and to ensure the police department is representative of those it serves,” Page wrote.

Cardinals pitcher Flaherty donates books to Boys & Girls Clubs

Louis County Police headquarters discussing their board’s unanimous vote of no confidence in Chief Mary Barton, who the commission chose as the department’s next police chief in March 2020. During that press conference, Rev. Darryl Gray, a local criminal justice activist, said the police commission is a wash, asserting the board was put into place to do Page’s bidding. Page’s office did not respond to a request for comment on that matter.

Ashworth has been employed with Edward Jones since December 2001. He has previously held positions with Anheuser-Busch and Continental Baking Company.

He is a board member of Pedal the Cause, a past board member of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is a den and pack leader in the Boy Scouts of America.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a master’s in business administration from Webster University. Ashworth did not immediately respond to a request for an interview.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis kids and teens received a surprise delivery from African-American owned local bookstore, EyeSeeMe, courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty. Flaherty and EyeSeeMe donated thousands of books to encourage and continue to foster a love and passion for reading in the Clubs’ children.

Flaherty was an avid reader growing up and chose many books that were some of his personal favorites as a kid such as the Magic Tree House series and Mike Lupica sports stories. He is passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses and created an opportunity to do that by purchasing the books from EyeSeeMe, while also directly giving back to the local community

by donating them to the

Boys & Girls Clubs of

Greater St. Louis.

“The city of St. Louis has embraced me from the beginning of my time as a professional baseball player. We couldn’t think of a better way to give directly back to the community than by supporting a local, Black-owned business with the EyeSeeMe Bookstore and simultaneously donating them all to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. I hope these stories and adventures will inspire the next generation as reading held such an important part of my development. I am excited to work with both organizations in the future and it’s an honor to support them all today,” Flaherty said of the partnership.

County Executive Dr. Sam Page has appointed Brian Ashworth to the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners.

Photo credit: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Black Maternal Health Week: We must provide needed changes to support Black mothers

Black mothers in and around St. Louis often know which hospitals to avoid: which places mistreated their own mothers, which pregnancy wards come with horror stories. As their due dates approach, many are shrouded with anxiety alongside the typical glow of an expecting mother.

We know the statistics: in St. Louis County, Black infants are more than twice as likely to die as white infants. Black mothers giving birth in the region were also, according to a 2019 study, nearly twice as likely to die giving birth.

These statistics are terrifying. But they don’t mean that there’s nothing we can do about it. We must push towards Medicaid reform to keep more Black mothers and babies as safe and healthy as possible—and continue to direct as many vital resources as possible towards culturally competent groups such as Jamaa Birthing Center.

As a group of Black birthing clinicians wrote in a poignant open letter this week about some of their lost colleagues, “We grieve the recent pregnancy-related deaths of Mrs. Kira Johnson, Dr. Shalon Irving, Dr. Chaniece Wallace, and so many other sisters’ names whom we do not know, but we know that they represented the best of us and they are gone too soon.”

The eight Black clinicians who signed the letter noted that the Black pregnant patients they spoke with responded to the question “what do you think is your risk of dying because of pregnancy or childbirth?” with answers that ranged from 1% - 60%. The real risk of death in childbirth for Black women is 0.000417% — lower than the risk of death from walking down the street or driving a car.

The vast majority of individual Black pregnant women will have happy, healthy pregnancies, despite the terrifying population-level data. We cannot make the fear go away entirely until we have a more equitable medical system. But we can work to lessen it: we must continue to work towards passing the Medicaid expansion Missouri voters have already agreed on, though Republicans in the state government obstinately refuse to pay for it.

n In the St. Louis area, as we know, Black women are still dying in childbirth at an unacceptable rate. It has been this way for a long time because we have a medical system that is running hundreds of years late in its attempts to acknowledge and adequately treat Black pain.

In the St. Louis area, as we know, Black women are still dying in childbirth at an unacceptable rate. It has been this way for a long time because we have a medical system that is running hundreds of years late in its attempts to acknowledge and adequately treat Black pain.

“This collective consciousness of the risk that is carried with our pregnancies casts a shadow of fear over a period that should be full of the joy and promise of new life. We fear that our personhood will be disregarded, our pain will be ignored, and our voices silenced by a medical system that has sought to dominate our bodies and experiment on them without our permission,” the clinicians wrote.

Recalcitrant Republicans have continued to ignore the voters’ wishes, despite the large incentive the Biden Administration has offered to sway Medicaid expansion opponents. The $1.9 trillion spending package provides additional hundreds of millions to bring expansion to the state. Without this expansion that is being blocked by some cruel, indifferent Republicans, many hardworking people will be hurt, including many Black women. These backwardthinking Republicans have run out of excuses for opposing this policy change that would bring big health gains to the addressing of many disparities in access and quality of health care available to thousands of Missourians.

The suffering and even the lives of many Black women in particular are, in a real sense, on the line.

More information on Black Maternal Health Week, along with resources for Black birthing people, can be found at https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/

Commentary

A plea for action against gun violence

By Dr. Rance Thomas

Once again, we are witnessing an outbreak of gun violence in our region – both mass and individual shootings. We have seen too much of this in recent months, and it is only increasing.

In the past, shootings typically took place in large cities. However, shootings have now spread to suburbs, small towns, and even rural areas.

The types of shootings have changed as well. We now see many individual or “lone shootings” taking place between people on streets and into cars and homes. In addition to individual shootings, mass shootings are on the rise as well – and taking place in unusual places like shopping malls, grocery stores, highways, bars, and housing complexes. We must do something now to get this situation under control.

During the last five years leading up to February 28, 2021, 122 individuals have been killed and 325 have been injured in mass shootings. Recently, seven mass shootings took place within a single week. Although mass shootings receive the most attention and concern in the media, it is reported that in 2020 alone, approximately 20,000 violent shootings have targeted individuals.

It seems that individuals are shot because they have some-

how offended the shooter, often in a minor way. For example, security professionals or store employees may be shot for telling a potential customer that they must wear a mask to enter. Others are shot while driving for having offended another driver with road rage. Again, the causes are usually honest, simple mistakes – cutting in front of another car or driving too slowly. Shootings often occur for irrational reasons as well, and sometimes it seems as though people shoot into cars merely for the thrill. All this is incredibly problematic, not merely because it makes many people feel fearful going shopping or driving – everyday activities that no one should ever feel afraid to do. The senseless, irrational shooting that’s taking place in our region is also making us wary of speaking to strangers or even looking at someone the wrong way. This is no way to live, and it’s eroding the trust within our community.

Something needs to be done about this escalating, dangerous public safety issue. The question is what? It’s impossible to

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Chief prosecutor Kim Gardner’s trailblazing reform

By Stephen F. Hanlon, J.D.

Veteran columnist Bill McClellan, a self-described St. Louis liberal, chides the recent “60 Minutes” portrayal of Kim Gardner as a progressive prosecutor who is bringing much-needed reform to a corrupt St. Louis system. Reality, McClellan assures us, is much more complicated than that. “60 Minutes” reached out to an adversary of Gardner to present counterarguments to her public narrative. McClellan did no such thing. He has been quite clear about his sources: his own observations and those of his friends who were old hands in Gardner’s predecessor’s office, which happened to be the one Gardener was and is seeking to reform, and who quite understandably bailed out of the office, or were shoved out.

McClellan correctly notes that Gardner, as a first-time chief prosecutor, made some mistakes in her first highvisibility case against thenGov. Greitens, which likely included the decision to prosecute the case in the first place. However, he doesn’t make the slightest inquiry into Gardner’s reasons for every other decision she made that he criticizes.

No “repeated calls to Gardner were unanswered.”

No advocate for Gardner’s

new reform policies was interviewed or quoted. No identified African American St. Louisan was interviewed or quoted. No single decision that Gardner made was cited as reasonable or appropriate. No inquiry was made into whether there was any police or prosecutorial misconduct in any of the cases Gardner decided against prosecuting. No discussion of why there would be any need to reform the practices of the St. Louis City prosecutor’s office, or its judiciary, or its police department was ever had.

This is the “much more complicated reality” that McClellan assures us he is presenting to the St. Louis reader. The reform prosecutor movement is challenging and changing America’s criminal processing system in profound ways. These new criminal justice leaders are redefining the role of the prosecutor in the 21st century. They are trailblazers. They do not measure success by the length of a sentence, the number of convictions, nor the growing size of the prison and

Letters to the editor

Essential workers deserve to make a living wage

lock ourselves in our homes. We have needs to take care of.

We have families to feed. There have been attempts – without much success – to regulate gun sale laws to include required background checks and the banning of semi-automatic rifles, machine guns, and other assault weapons. However, these attempts have been fruitless, and we continue to see a steady increase in gun violence.

Even if these attempts were effective, illegal gun sales would still be a problem, as would sales at gun shows and gun owners with mental health issues. Particularly those with mental issues, criminal records, and addictions would continue to access guns illegally and are unfortunately the very individuals who are more likely to use them.

One thing that we can do is make a more serious and committed effort to express this issue to both the Democratic and Republican parties and urge them to work together toward a solution. This needs to be done at both local and federal levels. When gunmen shoot individuals, they are not concerned about political affiliation. Violence is not partisan.

Dr. Rance Thomas is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Criminal Justice and President of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice.

My adult daughter receives developmental disability support services in Missouri. She is blind and has autism. She has multiple medical and behavioral support needs. Because of her disabilities, she requires 24 hour/7 days per week supervision. We are grateful to Easterseals Midwest who provides support to do things that most people take for granted every day like showering, preparing meals, taking medication and other activities of daily living. The people who provide direct support to my daughter are Direct Care Support Professionals (DSP). They are dedicated, caring, compassionate people who teach my daughter skills that increase her independence, provide for her health and safety, and connect her to the community. They are front line workers and are real heroes. These essential workers deserve to make a living wage. Sadly, the provider rate set by Missouri legislators is inadequate for agencies to pay DSP’s what they deserve. DSP’s and individuals with developmental disabilities desperately need

Missouri legislators to increase funding rates to provider agencies. New rates must be high enough to attract and retain people to this work and for all of our good DSP’s that have stayed despite the low pay. Low pay has caused the DSP staffing crisis across the state. For my daughter, this means a high rate of staff turnover and because of low wages, the agency has difficulty recruiting. DSP’s make a positive difference in my daughter’s life. I’m asking the Missouri General Assembly to increase provider funding to a level that will solve this crisis now.

Beverly Fields

Senate needs to pass H.R.1

As children, we stood for the pledge and sang the StarSpangled Banner. We were taught the myth that our individual votes mattered. We believed that this was a country that was governed by and for the people. As we, as our children and grandchildren grew, so many of us were broken hearted over and over as we learn that big business and multi-national corporations

jail population.

The St. Louis area is fortunate to have two of these new reform prosecutors in Wesley Bell and Kim Gardner. Like all public servants, they will make mistakes from time to time, particularly as they employ new strategies aimed at reforming provably failed criminal justice systems, all while enhancing the health and safety of every corner of the communities they represent.

For all of us, this is a new, challenging and complicated reality. It’s fine to talk to our friends about it, but we also need to begin inquiring, listening and learning from those who are forging this new reality. Their perspectives are just as important as ours, perhaps even more so.

The population of St. Louis City is now roughly 46 percent white and 46 percent Black. Gardner won her re-election in 2020 with over 60 percent of the vote. St. Louisans, particularly white St. Louisans, need to speak with people who look and think differently than them if we are ever going to break out of the awful groupthink straitjacket in which we’ve long been trapped. Stephen F. Hanlon practices public interest and civil rights law, and is a professor of practice at Saint Louis University School of Law.

All letters are edited for length and style.

were buying influence with our elected representatives. Every time I hear a politician say they are representing me, as they pass laws that make my life as a worker harder, health care and essentials more expensive, and my water and air dirtier, I know they are working for big money, not for me or mine. Yet I know my vote matters. Your vote matters. If it did not matter, then why is so much money being spent to suppress my vote? That’s why we must restore voting rights and protect access to the polls. Voters need fair and equal representation so we can choose our representatives, instead of letting politicians draw the boundaries so they can choose their voters. We need Congress to pass H.R. 1, and the President to sign the For The People Act, to get money out of politics, expand voting rights, combat corruption, secure our elections, and much more. History has shown that big business prefers tyrants they can buy. The House passed H.R.1 . It’s time for the majority in the Senate to do the same.

Nancy Williams

Columnist Dr. Rance Thomas

Guest Columnist

Stephen F. Hanlon, J.D.

Free energy-saving thermostats

St. Louis consumers seeking to lower heating costs while doing their part to reduce energy use now have a powerful tool. Emerson and Ameren Missouri are teaming up to give away Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostats to Ameren Missouri customers.

Through instant discounts and participation in the Peak Time Savings program, Ameren Missouri customers can get Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostat at no cost other than the required sales tax. Participants can save on their bill while using top-rated technology that allows them to control their thermostat from anywhere with a smartphone. To get a Sensi smart thermostat, customers can visit AmerenMissouri.com/ SaveSmart

“Smart thermostats are an easy way to manage your home’s comfort while cutting down on energy use – a win for customers and the environment,” said Jamie Froedge, executive president of Emerson’s Commercial & Residential Solutions business. “Using Sensi thermostat’s advanced features, users can create their ideal environment, ensuring personal comfort without the added cost of needlessly running their HVAC system or taxing the energy grid.”

Emerson’s Sensi smart thermostat – the first to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – can help customers save money by heating and cooling homes more efficiently through features like flexible scheduling, remote access and geofencing to detect their smartphone’s location and automatically adjust the temperature. The Sensi thermostat is easy to install and integrates with smart home platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings.

The Sensi thermostat giveaway is just one component of Ameren Missouri’s residential energy efficiency program. Customers also have the power to save on LED lightbulbs, HVAC systems and other products that use less energy. Find more ways to save at AmerenMissouriSavings.com.

Recipients of the Sensi smart thermostat must enroll in the Peak Time Savings program. Peak Time Savings helps keep heating and cooling costs down for the customer and community.

For a full list of participation requirements, visit AmerenMissouri.com/SaveSmart

All in the family

Is the Parks clan planning a political coup?

By James T. Ingram For The St. Louis American

While both St. Louis and national media were hailing the election of Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones as the first African-American woman to hold that coveted office, right across the Mississippi River, East St. Louis, IL held a minimally covered, yet significant election. And while East Boogie’s low-key election of city council, township and school board members may not be the stuff that attracts outside media now, one elected official’s story may very well become a viral news event if my sources prove correct.

I’m speaking specifically of the election of Jo Anne Parks to ESL’s city council. She just happens to be the wife of Alvin Parks, the outgoing ESL township supervisor, former mayor, former city council member and former school district administrator, who also just happens to badly need a job.

That is because Alvin, dating back to 2011, amassed $176,000 in fines from his failure to file campaign contribution reports and was banned from running for elected office by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

This is where Alvin’s wife, Jo Anne Parks, comes in. According to multiple sources, the newly-elected ESL city council has the necessary votes to fire Brooke Smith, the current ESL city manager; not because of malfeasance or incompetence, but for political expediency, also known as “politricks”.

Guess who their rumored pick to replace Smith is? None other than Jo Anne’s boo, Alvin Parks!

For those who are oblivious to this story, Jo Anne Parks has never held political office and has worked for over 30 years for the federal government, most recently being promoted to director of contracts for the Defense Management Agency at Boeing St. Louis.

Now why would a respectable professional, in her own right, suddenly become bitten by the political bug? She claims that she is tired of the way her city is run and that she stayed in the background because Alvin was in the forefront (politically) and because of her demanding career.

Time will tell whether her explanation reflects the view of someone one who seeks to become a true public servant or one who is yet another “public serpent”, whose motivation is to assist in appointing her husband to another stint as a $110,000 per year city manager, a position from which he’d previously been fired.

She could prove me and my sources wrong and simply recuse herself from any vote to terminate the current city manager and from voting to appoint her husband. Now THAT would require integrity and character. But it would also be so unlike the Parks clan.

After all Alvin is no stranger to family hook-ups. His mother Dr. Lillian Parks orchestrated his hiring into a $72,000 a year position with the East St. Louis school district back in 2007.

So, there’s no shame in the Parks nepotism and cronyism game. However, newly elected Councilwoman Parks has an opportunity to prove that she’s above reproach in her conduct in office or that she’s just another loyal member of the political family clique.

Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com and Twitter@JamesTIngram

Harris-Stowe State University students junior Kai Lloyd and sophomore Adam Mundy talk with Dr. Corey S. Bradford, Sr., the new president of Harris-Stowe State University, Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

Bradford installed as HSSU’s 20th president

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

James T. Ingram

Continued from A1

up hearing people talk about how he had helped them in that capacity.

“Naturally, I wanted to be helpful to others like my father was,” she said. But when her stepsister was arrested, as Hall explained in the video, the event turned into a narrative in which she was told she did not deserve to be an officer because she had “thugs” in her family.

This video was released Wednesday on YouTube –and on Thursday, Hall was reassigned from her human resources role of recruiting officers – including minority officers – to a patrol position in a different precinct with a predominately white staff. The transfer was slated to take effect Sunday.

On Friday, the ESOP held a media conference outside the St. Louis County police headquarters to discuss their board’s unanimous vote of no confidence in chief Mary Barton, who was chosen as the department’s next police chief in March 2020.

According to the ESOP, that vote was based on five things: Barton’s prior comments that no systemic racism was present in the department; her refusal to include the ESOP in the Communication

Science

Continued from A1

and how we can stay safe from getting the COVID.”

By “getting messy,” Butler was able to learn not only about the virus, but about the people fighting it and the science behind it. “It’s not 2019, and we can’t just go up to random people,” he said.

The BrightPath summer program, which drew 120 students from 13 states last summer, aims to teach young people how to become

Committee, which she later reversed after public pressure; the racist statement by her brother-in-law, who was a dispatcher at the time; the Three Percenters flag flying in front of the home of one of her officers; and numerous unresolved complaints about racism at the police academy regarding hiring.

“Let me start off by saying that retaliation has once again struck St. Louis County,” said St. Louis Police Sgt. Donnell Walters, president of the ESOP. “The St. Louis County Police Department has once again retaliated against by another Black police officer for being honest and upfront about the conditions and style of policing within the agency.”

“Officer Hall has done nothing but taken pride in the agency and her job,” he said. “It is disgusting and downright disgraceful that command would transfer her without cause or reason.”

Several people spoke, including rev. Darryl Gray, a local criminal justice activist. “It is not a coincidence that Troy Doyle, nor two Black lieutenants, nor Shanette Hall – the loudest Black voices in this police force – have all been attacked. That’s just not a coincidence.”

Gray noted that Doyle was passed over as police chief for a lesser-qualified Barton.

“It is not a coincidence that the three of the founding mem-

“STEAMers,” igniting their curiosity about science. It is the brainchild of Marcia BrownRayford, VP of life sciences and clinical trials at RGP Healthcare. Brown-Rayford has worked in pharmaceuticals development for decades, working on projects such as HIV medication and HeartGard for dogs — and, most recently and pertinently, has worked as a coronavirus researcher.

“I just relocated back to St. Louis from Atlanta to help bridge the STEAM education gap among African Americans in the St. Louis Community. This is my hometown, and all

bers – all three officers of the Ethical Society of Police in the county – have been retaliated against. It is not a coincidence, and they know what they’re doing. They know that if they can retaliate against these

my family’s here.”

Along with youth education specialist Shanell Lee, Brown-Rayford constructed educational sessions on topics like COVID-19 and robotics for BrightPath students. This upcoming summer, BrightPath — through a partnership with Washington University— will continue offering summer educational programs to students from elementary through high school. This year, they are hoping to offer learning activities around artificial intelligence, along with their previous offerings of robotics and epidemiology.

three, if they can attack these three, if they can silence these three, then the other 60 members of [the ESOP] might stay quiet.”

Several speakers called for the St. Louis County Council

Many of those students, like Belleville West junior Chauncey Hayworth and Barnwell Middle School student Micayla Clark, continue to access internships and mentorship through the program long after the summer has ended. This past February, Hayworth and Clark were the first hosts of the “BrightPath STEAM Academy Internet Radio Program,” where the two young people conducted a Black History trivia session with a cash prize — and sharpened their skills at interviewing Black STEM workers such as engineers and researchers.

Sam Page’s bidding. Most speakers on Friday expressed the same sentiment –that the ESOP and its partners stand together and will not allow discriminatory and racist treatment of officers to persist within the department.

Hall was at the media conference on Friday, where she could be seen squeezing her hands as the community leaders took to the microphone. In the Vice video, she calls for a change in policies, patterns and practices within police departments in order to create a more equitable workspace.

Among Hall’s recommendations outlined in the Vice video are immediate terminations, accountability and mandated reporting.

“We are not looking for more pictures of police officers taking a knee with other people,” Hall said.

Hall’s lawyer, who has worked with other Black officers in the county, confirmed at the media conference that they intend to take the matter to court.

Page did not immediately return a request for comment.

to hold a vote of no confidence against Barton to remove her from her position.

“The police commission is a wash,” Gray said, asserting the board was put into place to do St. Louis County executive

Of learning to host a radio program, 14-year-old Clark said, “It was really nerve-wracking. But once I got used to it, it was like oh, okay!” Although reading in front of so many people made Clark “nervous,” she has a clear, bright voice that seems perfectly suited for radio.

On the internet radio program, Clark and Hayworth interviewed Brown-Rayford about how she got her start in scientific inquiry.

“How did you know you were a STEAMer?” Hayworth asked her.

Brown-Rayford replied that she’d known since she was four years old.

“It intrigued me how the world worked,” she recalled. “I wanted to know what caused the sun to stand in its place, what caused the moon to be positioned with no chains, no pulleys, nothing visible that would…cause it to stay in the sky.”

Through BrightPath, she hopes to bring that spirit of questioning to other young Black people, and she collaborates with those same students on the programming. Chauncey

A spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department responded, noting that in 2020 there were 388 transfers or reassignments of commissioned personnel.

The Vice video can be viewed at https://bit.ly/39ZMvLr.

Hayworth, for example, didn’t just attend July’s summer program — he also helped run one of the sessions, directing his fellow students to make TikToks about their scientific knowledge. And through BrightPath, he’ll be attending a program at Princeton University, his dream school, this summer. Shanell Lee said that much of the program’s inspiration comes from the students themselves—like the TikTok competition. “They’re just always running over with ideas, so oftentimes I just bring those ideas to the table.” In the end, even over Zoom, “kids love to learn… especially when they can get their hands dirty and get in there,” she said. “Like Camden…he was so excited about getting dirty, and not getting in trouble for being dirty!”

Parents and guardians interested in signing their children up for BrightPath’s 2021 summer program can visit brightpathsteam.org, and fill out the interest form on the website.

Activist John Chasnoff and others, joined ESOP members at the news conference outside the County Police headquarters in Clayton.

Photo by WIley Price / The St. Louis American

of the state budget, which includes the approximately $130 million in funding for Medicaid expansion, or the House’s version, which does not.

“This is going to sound a little weird, but it’s a little too early to say [what will happen] and I think there are a good number of Republican senators in the Senate who support it and can join with Democrats to support it,” Blouin said. “So, I feel hopeful but not certain.”

Richard von Glahn, policy director at Missouri Jobs with Justice, said if they pass Parson’s version then Congress will almost certainly hold a conference committee — where members from both the majority and minority parties in both the Senate and House convene to hash out the differences and come up with a solution.

“The budget always has conference committees,” he said of the process, noting those conference committees are normally on issues that are not quite as significant as this one.

Missouri Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, serves on the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, which is tasked with drafting the Senate’s version of the state’s multi-billion dollar operating budget for the next fiscal year.

Barton

Continued from A1

Gray and Cassandra Butler addressed the issues.

Gray repeated the views he expressed at the ESOP event.

“You understand that the council has oversight of the police budget and why would you be committed to allowing this chief to have oversight over a budget when we believe that she has not conducted proper oversight over the police department,” Gray said. “It is our belief that Chief Barton is ill-equipped to lead, that she is insensitive to the particular racial concerns among our officers and the impact that her actions and inactions have on the African American community.”

Butler expressed she was disheartened in what she

She said the votes on funding essentially equated to political football.

“The only thing we’ve been hearing is that there is not enough funding to expand Medicaid or the costs,” she said. “But that’s not true. This is the federal taxpayers’ dollars coming back to work for them, that’s what it is.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government will fund 90 percent of a state’s Medicaid expansion costs. The expansion makes it so that people who make around 138 percent of the federal poverty level or less are eligible — a higher threshold than Missouri’s previous requirements.

In addition, Blouin said, there are incentives for states that haven’t expanded which would provide additional funding to the state of Missouri of about $1.15 billion over the next two years to support the existing Medicaid program — well over the approximately $130 million in state money needed now to fund the expansion.

“So, what that means is that increases federal funds for our existing Medicaid population and we can reduce our state costs for the existing Medicaid population, which essentially frees up state general revenue that can be used for other critical services,” Blouin said.

In addition, the state should receive about $2.8 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the federal government.

described as a “seemingly unfair selection” of Barton to become police chief last year.

“Leadership in our society’s major police forces matter, possibly more now than any other point in our county’s history,” she said. “We have shown many signs in that organization, though, of sputtering, of being mismanaged, particularly regarding police culture and its mission of being a service to the entire community. Now is not the time to be satisfied with the status quo.”

Both votes come as the department transferred Office Shanette Hall from her human resources role of recruiting officers — including minority officers — to a patrol position in a different precinct. This came a day after a Vice video was published in which Hall is shown as one of three Black female officers talking about the culture of policing in the

“So the state has plenty of money,” she said. “It’s just interesting then that their argument is that the state doesn’t have money and that’s why they’re resisting the will of the voters at this point.”

House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, segregated Medicaid expansion funding in a separate bill before the committee voted on the fiscal year state budget — a move seen by Democrats as a way to defund

country.

Even though Days’ resolution was adopted, the chief will not be removed from her position. This is because while the council oversees the police budget, the Board of Police Commissioners is in charge of personnel matters including hiring and firing.

The board is made up of five community members, appointed by County Executive Dr. Sam Page and confirmed by the council. On Monday, Page announced the newest member appointed — Brian Ashworth.

Before the vote, several councilmembers spoke on the issue, including Webb. She replaced Councilwoman Rochelle Walton Gray, District 4, in January.

“We have to have accountability — and yes, this does not all land at the feet of Chief Barton,” she said. “We always

the expansion.

“The federal government has no money,” Smith told CapRadio, the NPR affiliate in Northern California. “There was only taxpayer dollars. They are federal deficit spending at a rate that’s unprecedented at this point, and we stand at a precipice.”

Missouri residents passed Amendment 2, a statewide vote to expand Medicaid health coverage, with 53.25 percent of voters in the August 4 primary casting their ballot in favor of

say the buck stops with the head, right? If no one else is going to provide accountability, then we must let our leaders know that we are serious about accountability and change.”

Clancy said she wanted to be clear in her support of the resolution.

“The problems did not begin with Chief Barton and they don’t end with Chief Barton,” she said, adding they need a transformational leader to meet this moment.

Trakas said he did not support the resolution because

the amendment. By lowering requirement thresholds for Medicaid beginning July 1, an additional 275,000 Missourians who struggle to make ends meet will have access to health coverage.

Because it is now part of the state’s constitution, critics of House Republicans have said that by refusing to include the funding, the representatives are rejecting the will of the voters — their constituents.

For now, von Glahn advises those waiting to receive health

he believes the council is beginning to weaponize the resolution process to target individuals.

Fitch, who was the former police chief for St. Louis County from 2009 to 2014, said an attack on “a brand-new police chief with a steep learning curve” is not the way to approach the situation.

Barton released a statement regarding the resolution before the meeting Tuesday night.

“Personnel changes are not made in retaliation,” she wrote. “Placing our staff in

Fatal fiery crash

Silas Smith, 29, was killed when the Dodge Challenger he was driving caused a sixcar chain reaction crash following a police chase that ended at North Broadway and Taylor in North St. Louis on Monday. Investigators found two bags of suspected narcotics, a gun and ammunition in the suspect’s hooded sweatshirt. Firefighters transported several victims to area hospitals.

care under the expansion to move forward as planned.

“So, I think the first thing that [people] should know is eligibility is going up on July 1,” he said. “If they’ve been in the Medicaid gap, if they’ve been one of the 250,000 Missourians in the Medicaid gap, someone in their family has been, they should still plan to enroll on July 1. What the legislature is doing is needlessly causing confusion for people who’ve been suffering far too long.”

roles where they utilize their skills and contribute to the success of our community and department is a strategic plan and does not always result in making everyone happy. Most chiefs of police do not win popularity contests. For almost a year, some people have refused to accept the fact that I was appointed as the chief of police. Despite that, I will continue to serve in the best interest of the St. Louis County Police Department, all its employees and the citizens of St. Louis County.”

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Summer coding bootcamp now available

Dr.

By Malena Amusa

For The St. Louis American

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) and Claim Academy, a coding bootcamp based in St. Louis and have announced a new partnership to offer professionals and students the opportunity to become full stack coders and developers through an accelerated program that promises to answer the high demand for coders and provide job-placement assistance.

“We are excited to partner with Claim Academy and enroll our HarrisStowe scholars and all professionals into this valuable program,” said Dr. Stacy Gee Hollins, dean of the Anheuser-Busch School of Business. “The bootcamp is open to all which means that anybody with an interest in coding can begin fulfilling their dreams right now.”

Ola Ayeni, Founder of Claim Academy, started this boot camp to assist in meeting critical workforce goals in the technology space. “There is a real demand for coding jobs in St. Louis city and the greater St. Louis region,” Ayeni said. “These jobs pay well and help empower professionals looking to attain advanced skills.”

Claim Academy has a 95% placement rate and graduates make, on average, $67,000 per year as a starting salary. Claim Academy graduates are currently employed, or are contracted with, some of the area’s top companies, including Express Scripts, MasterCard, Scottrade, Centene, Mercy, RGA, Daugherty Business Systems, and others. Claim Academy is an accredited and approved center for workforce development, as designated by the Missouri Workforce Development Board. Because of this designa-

State University, and co-lead of the

tion, Missouri residents can apply for grants for Claim Academy training through several Missouri regional programs.

About the bootcamp

The bootcamp is an immersive 12-week summer program slated to run from May 24, 2021 to August 11, 2021, Monday – Friday, for nine hours a day. Offering hybrid online and in-person instruction, the camp is facilitated by industry professionals who utilize a market-tested coding curriculum to help participants build the competency to succeed in the technology industry.

Participants can sign up for Full Stack Java or Full Stack JavaScript programming, which are two different yet compatible programming languages. In addition to classroom instruction, students will spend a minimum of 20 hours a week on outside projects and homework. They’ll also build a professional portfolio to showcase their abilities to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Career-planning services, portfolio reviews, recruiting assistance and mentor support will also be provided to participants. Coders who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate in FullStack Web Development from the Harris-Stowe State University.

All professionals, college students, and corporate-sponsored employees are invited to this program. Interested military veterans are encouraged to enroll as their GI Bill benefits allow them to enroll for free.

Jackson named commissioner of Missouri Valley Conference

Former Big 12 exec to take reigns of St. Louis-based MVC

Special to The American

The Missouri Valley Conference Presidents Council has announced that Jeff Jackson – currently the Executive Associate Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference – has been named the Conference’s 10th commissioner. He will officially begin his new role on July 1, following Doug Elgin as he ends his 33-year tenure as commissioner of the MVC on June 30, 2021.

“The Missouri Valley Conference Presidents Council is excited that Jeff Jackson will serve our student-athletes, athletics professionals, and universities as our next commissioner,” said Mark Nook, president of the University of Northern Iowa and the Presidents Council chair. “Jeff is a visionary leader. And his strong personal values, depth of experience as a

student-athlete, coach, and athletics administrator – along with his commitment to the success of student-athletes both academically and athletically – will provide him with the foundation to successfully lead the MVC. The future of The Valley looks very bright.”

Jackson has worked in two Division I conference offices over the past seven years, and he also brings extensive basketball experience from a 30-year collegiate coaching career prior to his entry into athletics administration in 2014.

“I would like to thank the MVC Presidents Council, and its chair Mark Nook, for this opportunity,” said Jeff Jackson. “The Missouri

Valley is one of the premier conferences in the country that, under the leadership of Doug Elgin, has prospered in a fashion that is in many ways unrivaled. I look forward to continuing the success of this great league and finding new avenues to improve and enhance the experiences of our student-athletes.”

In his present role at the Big 12 Conference, Jackson has had responsibilities as the primary administrator overseeing men’s basketball, directing the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, and serving as a member of the league’s senior leadership team.

“Jeff Jackson has been an excep-

Carter named chair of the board at MTC

Dedric Carter, vice chancellor for operations and technology transfer at Washington University in St. Louis, has been appointed chair of the board of the Missouri Technology Corp. (MTC). Carter, who is also a professor of practice at the McKelvey School of Engineering, has been a member of the board since 2017. MTC is a public-private partnership created by the Missouri Legislature to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of emerging high-tech companies in Missouri.

Khabele named head of OB/Gyn at Wash U.

Gynecologic oncologist Dineo Khabele, MD, noted for her expertise in ovarian cancer research and treatment, has been named head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Khabele, whose appointment becomes effective June 1, also will be installed as the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Among many honors and awards for her research, Khabele was elected in 2019 to the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

Ballentine named HR manager at Kwame

Bree Ballentine, of St. Peters, MO, has joined Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) as Human Resources Manager. Ballentine’s responsibilities include benefits and payroll administration, government reporting and compliance, leadership and organizational change, performance management and employee relations. Ballentine has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, finance and hospitality industries.

Operation Food Search hires new members

tional member of the Big 12 senior staff, and his leadership during the pandemic year has been nothing short of impeccable,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

“He brings a coach’s perspective to conference leadership, and his high-level experiences inform detailed and well-researched outcomes. He has also served as a member of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee and the NCAA Basketball Rules Committee. And he has also been a leader among his peers in the Autonomy 5 Conferences in shaping and guiding college basketball. Jeff has also been an engaged and vital participant in Conference-wide policy development and implementation through his work with our Directors of Athletics, and our Presidents and Chancellors. I do not have

King will be responsible for establishing the intake policies and procedures for the Fresh Rx program. She also will assemble meal kits and create distribution schedules in order to deliver meals to participants. King has more than five years of nonprofit experience and, prior to joining OFS, she worked to support unhoused communities in the St. Louis area. Williams will assist with Fresh Rx participant enrollment, which includes nutrition assessments and nutrition education. She will work with the Fresh Rx team and local partners to secure ingredients from local and sustainable sources. Williams, who is a registered and licensed dietitian, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition: Dietetics from Northwest Missouri State University.

Stacy Gee Hollins, Dean of the Anheuser-Busch School of Business at Harris-Stowe

Summer Coding Bootcamp said the bootcamp is open to all.

Dedric Carter

Dineo Khabele

Bree Ballentine

Janae King

Danielle Williams

Jeff Jackson

Courtesy of Harris-Stowe State University

New initiatives approved by Missouri Bar

Will address diversity, equity and inclusion

In an effort designed to increase the retention of diverse lawyers and promote greater participation in leadership roles within The Missouri Bar, Lewis Rice member and Chairman of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee Ronald A. Norwood was selected to serve on The Missouri Bar Special Committee on Lawyers of Color. The work of this Special Committee and active participation by Norwood has resulted in six new initiatives being presented to and unanimously approved by the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar.

Based on national best practices in the legal profession, the Board-approved recommendations include:

• Creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pledge Program for law firms and legal employers

• Establishing state-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion awards for individuals and large legal employers, and, once established, expanding to mid-sized, solo and small firms

• Creating a Statewide Judicial Clerkship Program, in coordination with existing

clerkship programs, for law students and lawyers who are in their first four years of practice

• Establishing the first ever in the nation Midwest Bar Diversity Collaborative (“MBDC”) (that so far includes bar organizations in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Wisconsin) to exchange ideas and information regarding program development and efforts, successes and challenges in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their respective bar associations

• Developing and implementing The Missouri Bar Life Path to Success Program to increase the pipeline of potential lawyers of color in the state as well as encourage representations of lawyers of color to communities throughout the state

• The Missouri Bar Law Student Mentorship Pilot Program will pair law students of color with Missouri lawyers for the purpose of providing meaningful one-on-one mentoring to maximize students’ potential. “I am inspired by the passion these special committee members brought to their charge,” said John Gunn, 202021 Missouri Bar President.

“We will begin implementing these programs in short order, laying a deeper foundation for diversity and inclusion efforts in our bar.”

Formed in 2020, the Special Committee on Lawyers of Color was created to research and propose concrete solutions to the challenges of diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession in Missouri. “It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to work with this Special Committee to develop tangible solutions to increase the retention, promotion, and advancement of lawyers of color within the state bar,” Norwood said. “Lewis Rice and I look forward to helping launch these important initiatives and to continuing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, both state-wide and nationally.”

Norwood represents national and regional banks, mortgage companies and other financial institutions in commercial and tort litigation matters. He also represents health insurers, health maintenance organizations and health care providers in health care litigation disputes and provides counsel to manufacturers in product liability litigation and disputes arising under the Uniform Commercial Code. Additionally, Ron has represented governmental, quasi-governmental entities and municipalities in an assortment of litigation matters. He has defended various entities in class action lawsuits, and has represented clients in federal investigative and federal criminal matters.

Applications now available for STL Youth Jobs

Applications are now available for youth and employers to participate this summer with STL Youth Jobs, a summer youth employment organization that offers paid summer jobs and workforce experiences to young people ages 15-24. Youth can check their eligibility and apply online at stlyouthjobs.org between now and May 30.

Businesses can also apply to have the opportunity to meet their summer staffing needs while training, mentoring and

Bootcamp

Continued from A9

Previous training or experience is not required. However, an understanding of coding basics is recommended. The program fee for the

Jackson

Continued from A9

the slightest doubt that Jeff Jackson will provide visionary and highly-principled leadership for the Missouri Valley Conference.”

Prior to joining the Big 12 staff, Jackson was the Deputy Commissioner of the Big South Conference, with a wide range of responsibilities that included

developing the future workforce. Businesses interested in providing summer work experiences can sign-up to fund and/ or provide jobs on stlyouthjobs. org. It costs $2,600 to fund one summer job, including their salary, job training, financial literacy education, and job coaching.

This summer, STL Youth Jobs is seeking in-person and virtual opportunities for about 500 young people as the organization remains responsive to CDC guidelines and local pub-

full-time, 12 weeks is $13,998. For Harris-Stowe students, this fee can be covered through Climb Credit, a low-interest lending company partnered with Claim Academy. Professionals interested in the program can also apply for the Climb Credit or gain employ-

oversight of men’s and women’s basketball and conference championships, public relations and marketing, and league officiating programs.

“It was clear from the first day that Jeff Jackson stepped into our Conference offices that he was destined to sit in a commissioner’s chair,” said Big South Conference Commissioner Kyle Kallander. “There is no question that the Missouri Valley will benefit immensely

lic health restrictions related to COVID-19.

Since 2013, STL Youth Jobs has provided paid work experience, job readiness training, financial literacy education, and career and mentoring services to over 4,500 youth. STL Youth Jobs has built an employer network of over 200 employer partners since 2013 that includes 14 different industries representing small and large business in both the public and private sectors.

ee corporate sponsorship. GI Bill benefits allow veterans to enroll for free. There are also partial scholarships for veterans, women, minorities, and college students. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.hssu. edu/claim.

from Jeff’s talents. This is a great match – a tremendous conference and an outstanding leader.”

A 1984 graduate of Cornell University, Jackson’s coaching career included seven seasons leading the Furman program, and three years as head coach at New Hampshire. Earlier coaching stops included stints as an assistant basketball coach at Vanderbilt, Stanford, Colorado State, St. Bonaventure, Southern California, and Cornell.

A New York City native, Jackson and his wife Carolyn – also a Cornell University graduate – have three children: Xavier, Jenai, and Taylor.

About the Missouri Valley Conference

The Missouri Valley Conference is a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and includes Bradley University, Drake University, University of Evansville, Illinois State University, Indiana State University, Loyola University Chicago, Missouri State University, University of Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and Valparaiso University. The MVC is the second-oldest NCAA Division I conference, founded in 1907.

Ronald A. Norwood

Mayor-elect Jones announces transition team, public input website

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones

last week announced her transition team, one day after making history as the first Black woman to be elected as mayor.

In addition, Jones announced the launch of her website that will provide an opportunity for residents to submit their input on Jones’ plan to spend the $517 million in federal funds

St. Louis will receive beginning in May.

Jones made note of the website in her election-night speech and on Tuesday wrote that it is also home to a job portal for opportunities in her mayoral administration The website can be accessed at tishaura4mayor. com/arafeedback.

Jones will be inaugurated April 20.

As for her team, Jones will work with the following people to establish her administration:

• Les Bond, chief executive officer of Attucks Asset Management, LLC

• Jared Boyd, chief of staff and counsel of the St. Louis City Treasurer’s Office

• Rodney Boyd, partner with Nexus Group

• Patrick R. Brown, former chief of staff in St. Louis Mayor’s Office and community development executive with Ameren Missouri

• Nancy E. Cross, former vicepresident of SEIU Local 1

• Nahuel Fefer, Justice Catalyst Fellow at ArchCity Defenders and former senior advisor in St. Louis Mayor’s Office

• Bob Fox, retired business

owner

• Sandra M. Moore, managing director and chief impact officer with Advantage Capital

• Rosetta Okohson-Reb, managing partner and chief executive officer of MO Political Consulting

• Kayla M. Reed, executive director of Action St. Louis

• Blake Strode, executive director of ArchCity Defenders

• Mike Talboy, former Missouri state representative and director of governmental affairs of Burns & McDonnell

“With all of the urgent challenges in STL, [especially] for incarcerated people, those who are un/underemployed, renters facing eviction, unhoused people, and more, I feel lucky to be a part of the team shaping [Jones’] transition into office,” Strode tweeted Tuesday.

As of Wednesday, the mayor-elect has not announced any additional appointments.

Jones met with Mayor Lyda Krewson on Tuesday afternoon at City Hall, as well. Afterward,

Photo by Dawn Suggs / St. Louis American

Rosetta Okohson-Reb, managing partner and chief executive officer of MO Political Consulting, plans with Treasurer Tishaura Jones at dusk after a rally for Jones mayoral campaign on Friday, April 2, 2021. Jones became the first Black woman elected mayor of St. Louis days later.

she spoke briefly to the media.

She said her biggest challenge moving forward is getting things in place to assume office on April 20.

“Those closest to the mayor will be first on deck to be scrutinized,” she said of personnel changes. She did confirm she will make an announcement before she’s inaugurated about who will be appointed to fill her spot as the city’s treasurer.

She said during her first week in office she will be convening with various stakeholders across the region so they can assemble their crime prevention tools and methods to move forward, noting that crime doesn’t stop at our borders.

Jones, when asked, said that she and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page have a good working relationship, and she believes that will continue when she is mayor.

“This is an opportunity for us to work together in a more formal setting, we’re both very excited about that,” she said.

She also said she’d been busy Wednesday with interviews for news outlets across the country.

“Well I think that we’ve seen in recent years that when a city elects a Black woman mayor, that does make national news,” Jones said. “In a good way, because that signals that the entire city is moving in a progressive manner.”

Jones’ historic victory received media attention across the country. Jones appeared

on the MSNBC Lawrence O’Donnell show Tuesday, where she offered condolences to the family of Daunte Wright.

“And as a mother of a black son, I know all too often how fearful mothers can be when their sons leave their house, my son and I have the talk one too many times, too many times for me to remember,” Jones said during her appearance. “And to watch this energy in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, reminds me of Ferguson and I know that many of my friends who are frontline protesters are having some traumatic experiences watching this play over and over and over again.”

The University of Missouri–St. Louis award-winning Bridge Program continues to provide unique and comprehensive college preparation services to students and families in the St. Louis community. Join area high school students who are transitioning to college through UMSL Bridge.

Enroll in a virtual Summer Academy session today.

Session one: June 14-25, Monday-Friday

Session two: June 28-July 9, Monday-Friday

Class times: 10am-12pm

Application deadline: Friday, May 7, 2021 (May only attend one session)

Students must be enrolled in grades 9 or 10, enrolled in or completed algebra, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

To apply, visit umsl.edu/precollegiate. For more information, call 314-516-5196 or email precollegiate@umsl.edu

100% of Bridge students attend college College is possible.

“Taking Care of You”

Musician Mike Nelson standing before one of his mother Pauline’s paintings

in the 4500 block of Elmbank Avenue that he refurbished for her final days.

Pauline’s passing

A

musician’s effort to comfort his dying mother comes to a beautiful end

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

Staccato notes from a trumpet blare from a house along the 4600 block of Elmbank Avenue.

The music is an unsolicited homage to the once culturally rich Greater Ville Neighborhood – an area that gifted the world Chuck Berry, Arthur Ashe, Dick Gregory, Josephine Baker and so many more notable African Americans. The single-family brick home is similar to many on the quiet, treelined street near Hickey Elementary School. This was the neighborhood that Edward Nelson called home, an environmental engi-

“The majority of us have been pretty bummed out.”

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Sydney Neal, 24, doesn’t mind it if people refer to her as a “geek” or a “nerd.”

“I embrace it,” the Washington University PhD grad student confessed.

“I love science, and the idea of what can be discovered. Being a ‘nerd’ has gotten me where I am today and I’m incredibly blessed.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on Neal’s blessings and impacted millions of lives around the world.

But Neal is among a demographic that has seen their schools and universities shuttered, that has had their social

n “Mom’s story is now my story and I’m just going to keep her story going.”

– Mike Nelson

neer, and the place where he and his wife Pauline, an accomplished artist and photographer, raised their six children in the culture and tradition of Africa. Edward passed away

n “I’m a young adult and not being able to do all those things has been frustrating, to say the least.”

lives upended and kept them isolated from their peers. This is perhaps the pandemic’s biggest blow to teens and young adults, who rely on their network of friends to navigate the labyrinth of school life.

The pandemic, with its ever-evolving threats to people of all ages, has had a particular toll on young people. Last year, the CDC released a study showing that 63 percent of young people reported significant symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of the pandemic. The study also emphasized that young people have felt the same feelings that

in 2010. The house then went into disrepair as Pauline, 91, spent time in hospitals fighting the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and other life-threatening maladies.

As COVID-19 spread rapidly last March, the Nelsons’ oldest living son, the musician, artist and educator Mike Nelson (affectionately known as “Baba Mike”) was forced to make a difficult decision. In September, he spoke with The St. Louis American about whether he should place his mother in a nursing home, or refurbish the family home so that she could spend her final days “transitioning”

The relationship between patients and the medical establishment is a complex one. Furthermore, the foundation of that partnership is trust. In certain populations that trust factor hasn’t always been solid, particularly for black and brown people. For the past several months, we have been anticipating the arrival of the coronavirus vaccine and now we are scrambling to find vaccine locations within our communities. Early in the pandemic, we were scrambling to find testing sites because initially they were not in the communities of greatest need. This repetitive intentional neglect and harm is what I call “necromedicine”. Instead of “doing no harm”, necromedicine is essentially the polar opposite of that popular medical mantra.

n Blacks, for instance, have many examples of mistreatment, lack of adequate treatment, or blatant malpractice.

Blacks, for instance, have many examples of mistreatment, lack of adequate treatment, or blatant malpractice. For example, Harriet Washington, author of Medical Apartheid describes how Dr. James Marion Sims, who is known as the “father of modern gynecology”, operated on slave women without anesthesia. Dr. Sims was not the only person or organization who disregarded the black body. There were also institutions. Consider the American Medical Association (AMA), who refused to allow membership to blacks which resulted in years of health disparities because black physicians could not gain hospital privileges without membership in the AMA. Thus, black people are certainly justified in their distrust of the healthcare system.

Immunizing people against certain diseases is not a new phenomenon. Even though early civilizations in Africa, China, and Turkey employed the use of inoculation of smallpox material to protect against the disease, credit for the safer version of the vaccine was given to an 18th century physician by the name of Dr. Edward Jenner. Moreover, after years of medical and technical advancements, smallpox was eventually eradicated.

See ANDERSON, A13

schools and universities

had their social lives upended and kept them isolated from their peers.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

in the home

Photo by Sylvester Brown Jr. / St. Louis American

Washington University PhD grad student Sydney Neal is among a demographic that has seen their

shuttered, that has

Photo by Sylvester Brown Jr. / St. Louis American

“Taking

Neal experienced.

“It’s sad. The majority of us have been pretty bummed out. I think we all felt isolated for a while, missing out on trips, concerts, and social activities. I’m a young adult, and not being able to do all those things has been frustrating, to say the least.”

However, Neal also said that some of her friends have been “a little too lax” about COVID19 precautions.

“A lot of them think, ‘oh well, we’ll get over it.’ Which is great and all, but we shouldn’t be spreading it around in the first place,” she said.

For the most part, Neal said most of her peers have remained cautious and continued following safety protocols. And, as a certified nerd and biomedical engineering student, Neal looks at the spread of the coronavirus more analytically than emotionally.

“I’m starting to feel hopeful, but I’m still waiting to see how everything plays out [with the vaccines]. I’m also curious to see whether COVID-19 cases continue to spike, and why.”

Neal expressed anger that the virus was allowed to spread so rapidly in this country due to the incompetence of the Trump Administration. Yet, with vaccinations ramping up, she feels the country is finally getting a hold o,n the pandemic. Yet just as curtailing the virus seemed to be within arm’s reach, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued another dire message: The so-called U.K. variant of virus is now the leading cause of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. What’s even more alarming is that new variants seem to be hitting younger Americans the hardest.

“Yes, I’ve heard about the

Passing

Continued from A12

in accordance with African rituals and tradition. At the time, residents in nursing homes were dying from the virus at unprecedented rates. Because families were restricted from visiting their loved ones in many of these facilities, Nelson decided to bring his mother home. Unlike Western norms, death in many parts of Africa is perceived as the beginning of a person’s deeper relationship with creation. And so, Nelson set out to create a hospice home for Pauline that focused on complementing his mother’s life before she died, not after. With the help of a neighborhood handyman, Nelson restored the house. He strategically placed her hospice bed by a window so that she could see her rose bushes and the neighborhood activity. Some of her favorite paintings and photographs were placed within sight, and Nelson played drums and other instruments by her bedside. Strict instructions were left for caregivers to play Pauline’s favorite CDs of big band musicians like Duke Ellington and other old school musical artists 24/7 for her comfort.

At 9:50 am on Easter Sunday, Pauline passed away. On a recent, sunny Saturday morning, Nelson played his bronze trumpet in between periods of packing up or throw-

Continued from A12

Typically, vaccine development is an extremely slow process. However, a global death rate of millions of people and rising, is a good reason for scientists around the world to collaborate on the developAnderson

new variants,” Neal responded, adding, “We were so close to hopefully turning things around, and now this. Again, it’s just sad because I don’t want to see more young people, or anyone for that matter, getting sick.”

Early this month, President Joe Biden called for all states and cities to make all adults, over the age of 16 eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Before Biden’s announcement, younger people were last in line to receive a vaccine. Because

n “We were so close to hopefully turning things around, and now this. Again, it’s just sad because I don’t want to see more young people, or anyone for that matter, getting sick.”

Neal works with essential health care workers, she’s already been vaccinated. Being inoculated, however, isn’t a guarantee that people cannot become infected by the new variants.

Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, an infectious disease physician at Washington University’s School of Medicine, said that studies are ongoing but there are no definitive conclusions.

“Although all major vaccine developers are testing right now, preliminarily data suggests that all three of the major vaccines appear to remain highly effective against B.1.1.7. specifically,” Hlatshwayo Davis stressed.

CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen recently speculated that younger people increasingly getting infected is an indication that mass vaccinations are indeed effective.

“The disproportionate rise in cases among young people is

probably due to a combination of factors,” Wen said. “The first is the fact that older people are increasingly vaccinated and therefore very well-protected […] and that a greater proportion of those hospitalized shifting toward young people demonstrates that vaccinations are working.”

According to the CDC, there have been more than 16,000 confirmed cases of the B.1.1.7 variant. Because younger people are more mobile and engaged in public activities, CDC director Rochelle Walensky publicly urged caution and the use of social distancing when it comes to youth sports and indoor gatherings.

Another recent report by the group “Making Caring Common” found that 61 percent of those aged 18 to 25 reported higher levels of feeling lonely “frequently” or “almost all the time” or “all the time.”

Neal can relate to these statistics as well.

“In 2019, every weekend I was hanging out, going to bars and concerts, hiking or pursuing float trips. You know, classic 20-something social life stuff. 2020 was different. Relentless Zoom conferences and classes became the norm; I attended very few person-to-person social activities, and online classes were far from enjoyable. I don’t focus very well at home. If I’m at home, I’m most likely not going to stay there for very long. It’s just not conducive to my lifestyle.”

Neal, the scientific “nerd,” is looking forward to a world that is considered “normal.”

“I wish I knew what a normal world will look like,” Neal pondered. “I guess it would mean being able to do activities again without thinking about them anymore.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

continued

ing away items in the house. Gone were the caregivers, but instructions on colorful paper that marked “Day Shift,” “Night Shift” or “Medications” were still taped to the living room mantle, the kitchen refrigerator and the bedroom mirror.

“Mom is gone, but she’s still here,” Nelson confided. Indeed. Pauline’s petrified and painted rocks dominate the front porch. There are historic porcelain artifacts on the living room mantle. Hand-painted canvases, murals and artwork adorn the walls, bathroom shut-

ment process so that as many lives as possible could be saved. In addition, the technology utilized in the vaccine is not new. Matter of fact, a Black woman, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist, was instrumental in the vaccine’s development. Though I readily admit that the US healthcare system does not have a great track record

ters, the basement stairwell, the attic and other places throughout the house.

As an artist, Nelson is still documenting while navigating his emotions, feelings and experiences. For example, he said he’s still reconciling the meaning of the dreams he had just days before his mom passed. While in slumber, Nelson said that his late father, Edward, visited him but spoke no words.

“I asked, ‘Dad, why are you here? Mom is not ready yet.’”

Nelson doesn’t know if the dreams were prophetic

with minority communities, I cannot sit idly by and allow my community to make important decisions regarding their health without being fully informed and briefed on the ramifications of refusing the coronavirus vaccine. Our community has been tremendously affected by this pandemic. For example, within the span of one month, I had a patient lose both parents

or instigated by resurrected memories from his childhood. He remembered the kitchen window where Pauline and Edward drank coffee and shared early morning conversations. Looking out the window now brings back memories of Gladys, the brownish and gold rhesus monkey that the Nelson family had for more than 20 years.

“Gladys made us famous in the neighborhood, but mom hated that monkey. She was a mean monkey,” Nelson recalled, laughing at the times Gladys escaped from her chain

and her sister from COVID-19. I have patients who have lost their businesses and others who are currently unemployed. If you need more proof of the devastating effects of this virus beyond the deaths, just look at the empty buildings because of store closings. Blacks in this country have always had to fight for our very existence, and I believe

in the backyard and terrorized their neighbors.

There were other precious memories. Pauline’s family was active in Nashville’s civil rights movement in the 1960s. Her sister, Bernice Johnson Reagon, is a composer, scholar, social activist and founder of the all-Black female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Nelson fondly recalled how members of the group, other musical and visual artists –afroed, leather-clad activists and family members – visited or resided for short periods

we are at that point now. I implore us to believe the science and accept the recommendations of trusted voices like Dr. Fauci and your own personal provider. The coronavirus vaccine is needed to curb the spread of this devastating infection. I received both doses of the vaccine, I have recommended the vaccine to my family, and I rec-

of time in the Nelsons’ small house.

Although he’s reconciling his feelings and memories, Nelson has no regrets about his mother’s final months in her family home.

“COVID-19 didn’t give people in my situation a support system,” Nelson stressed. “But I was able to build a nontraditional system because I was raised to know how our ancestors dealt with death. I played drums and sang songs to her. She knew I was there, and I knew when Mom was ready to go.” His mother had finalized after-death arrangements long before Alzheimer’s compromised her mental capacities. Services will be small and private, Nelson said. Pauline’s ashes will be placed next to Edward at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Nelson said he will honor Pauline’s spirit in the African tradition. He wants the house to stay in the family as a living tribute to his mother’s artistry and his parents’ dedication to their kids, extended family members and artists of all kinds.

“I know there’s a reason for all this; a reason why mom chose to rise on Easter Sunday,” Nelson confessed.

“All I know is this: Mom’s story is now my story and I’m just going to keep her story going.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

ommend the vaccine to you.

Your family doctor, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP Associate Professor, SLUCare Family Medicine Interim Assistant Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Photo by Sylvester Brown Jr. / St. Louis American

Musician Mike Nelson, showing the bathroom door shutters his mother, Pauline, painted in the family home on Elmbank Street in the Greater Ville neighborhood.

Sydney Neal said most of her peers have remained cautious and

following safety protocols. And, as a certified nerd and biomedical engineering student, Neal looks at the spread of the coronavirus more analytically than emotionally.

Photo by Sylvester Brown Jr. / St. Louis American

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

First Day of Spring!

Exercise Game

Weathering the Storm

for several different reasons.

Tech-Neck

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

Cola

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

INGREDIENTS:

overeat is because we simply aren’t paying attention! Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips while watching a movie, and before you know it the bag is empty? It is very important that we are aware of all of the food that we eat. Here are some ways to think about what we’re eating.

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

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.

> Don’t eat in front of the television. Make sure all of your meals are at the table.

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

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

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> If you do want a snack while playing a video game or working on your computer, take a break and sit at the table for your snack.

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Tomeka Slaughter, School Social Worker

> And as always, eat slowly and enjoy every bite.

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

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

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

Sitting at the table allows you to focus on your foods, enjoying the taste. It also helps you stay more aware of your stomach’s “full” signals, reducing the amount you eat.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

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

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

As the weather warms up, one great way to get outside and stay active is to try gardening! As soon as the threat of frost has passed, ask your parents where you can start a small vegetable garden.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3,

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

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

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

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Where do you work? I am a school social worker for St. Louis Public Schools: CAJT High School at Nottingham and AMES VPA Elementary.

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

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

your garden. You might also want to explore ways to protect your plants from local pesky animals that just might want to come by for a taste.

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

You’ll only need a small area of dirt. Look for a spot that gets several hours of sun a day. Working with an adult, you can begin digging up the area.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

The ground is usually pretty solid and hard after a long, cold winter and you can start “working” the soil to get it ready for

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

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

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

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,

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Spring brings many wonderful things: flowers, warmer weather, fun latenight outdoor play… but it also brings storms! Remember to use caution when storms are predicted. When a storm hits, follow these safety procedures.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

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

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

> Watch the local news for storm predictions and updates.

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.

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards:

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!

Digging, planting and weeding a garden is a great way to bend, stretch, work muscles and increase your heart rate. If all goes well, you will be enjoying your very own home-grown vegetables this summer!

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

HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

you have a basement, that is usually the best place to be!

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

T.R. Miller High School in Brewton, Alabama. I then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and a Master of Social Work from St. Louis University.

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

> Stay away from windows.

> Do not stand under a tree in a storm. Trees can attract lightening.

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

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!

> Never, ever play in flooding water, ditches or storm drains.

Cinnamon Chips with Fruit Salsa

Ingredients:

Easy Hummus Dip

Cracker-wiches

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

Ingredients:

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

10 (10 inch) Wheat tortillas, Butter-flavored cooking spray, 2 Tbsp Cinnamon sugar, 1 Cp Chopped fresh fruit (optional)

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

> What other ice hazards are there?

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

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

1 Garlic clove, crushed

Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

What does a school social worker do? I make certain that students attend school every day, unless they are ill, and that they are making good grades by tutoring them using my own free time. I also help students when they are experiencing behavior issues by talking to them about their problems, and offering solutions. In addition, I provide uniforms and hygiene supplies to students so that they have clothing and are clean when they attend school. I work to find a place for families to live when they have nowhere to live (homeless), locate food resources for families who have nothing to eat in their homes, and I make home visits to many students’ homes to make certain that they have everything they need and are doing well, specifically when I haven’t heard from them for a while.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

> Have a family plan for where to go if you hear a tornado warning or siren. If

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

As a class, discuss other ways to stay safe in a storm.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat one side of each tortilla with the cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray. Bake 8-10 minutes. Repeat until all have been heated. Cool before eating with optional fruit salsa.

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

Why did you choose this career? I want to be a part of helping children grow into becoming successful and productive adults.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love helping students smile and be happy when I help them and their families meet certain basic needs (food, clothing, and shelter). Students come to school better prepared and ready to learn because of my work which helps to make students more academically successful.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana PB Smoothie

Area students continue to explore ways to complete science studies at home through research and creativity. The American’s e-edition STEM page plays an important role in this process.

Have you ever wondered what the term “software” means?

Software is defined as various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. Software includes anything that runs digitally on a computer, such as word processing programs, media players, and games.

When you purchase a program, you are the only one with the right to use it. When you install the program, you must agree to the terms of purchase, which include not copying or sharing the program with anyone else. If you break this agreement, you are breaking copyright law. The person or company who created the software is the copyright owner.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

If you receive a copy of software from a friend, download it illegally from the internet, or buy an illegally made copy, you own “pirated” software. Pirated means it is created without the permission of the copyright owner. Not only is pirated software unfair to the creators, it puts computers at risk of viruses that can damage or destroy the entire computer. Using pirated software at school, which is part of a network, could affect all of the computers in that network. Be safe and be sure you are following copyright laws.

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

FIltering Water!

In this experiment, you will evaluate how effectively water is filtered.

Materials Needed:

• 2-Liter Soda Bottle (cut in half by an adult) • Napkins or Paper

Towels • Gravel, Sand and Cotton Balls (for your filter) • Water Pitcher • Dirty Water (you can make it by adding cooking oil, food coloring, pieces of paper, and tiny pieces of styrofoam to water)

Process:

q Put the top half of the soda bottle upside-down (like a funnel) inside the bottom half. The top half will be where you build your filter; the bottom half will hold the filtered water.

Use your math skills to answer these questions.

z Samantha purchased a book online and is waiting for it to download. If the book has been downloading for 15 minutes and is ¾ finished, approximately how much longer will she need to wait?______

x Jermaine wants to buy a new video game for his laptop. If it costs $49.95 and he has $27.00, how much money does he need to save?______ If he earns $5/week in allowance, how many weeks will it take him to earn that money?______

African-American Entrepreneur & Inventor Janet Emerson Bashen

Janet Emerson was born on February 12, 1957, in Mansfield, Ohio. She went to college at Alabama A&M. While in college, she met her husband, became Janet Emerson Bashen, and moved to Texas. In Texas, she earned a degree in legal studies and government from the University of Houston. She attended Rice University for postgraduate studies and is also a graduate of Harvard University’s “Women and Power: Leadership in a New World.” Bashen earned her master’s degree in law from Northwestern California University School of Law.

In May 2000, Bashen testified before Congress regarding the effect of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigations and was able to have the legislation changed. She became the first African-American female to hold a patent for a software invention. Her patent #6,985,922 was issued on January 10, 2006, for the software program Linkline. Linkline is used in Equal Employment Opportunity businesses to keep track of information online.

w Layer the filter materials (gravel, sand, and cotton balls) inside the top half of the bottle.

e Pour the dirty water through the filter. What does the filtered water look like?

r Take the filter apart and look at the different layers. Can you tell what each material removed from the water?

t Use the napkins or paper towels to wipe the bottle clean and try again. Try putting materials in different layers or using different amounts of materials. Evaluate the effectiveness.

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

c If your teacher purchases a game for the classroom that is licensed for 10 users, how many licenses will they need to purchase so that every student in your room can use the program?______ (Remember there are 10 users per license. Answers will vary depending on class size.)

v You receive a $25 gift card to shop online. If you buy a book for $9.95 and a journal for $4.95, with $1.50 added for tax, and $2.50 added for shipping, how much money do you have left? ________

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Bashen is also the founder, President and CEO of the Bashen Corporation, a human resources consulting firm named as one of America’s entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc. Magazine in its 2002 500 ranking of the nation’s fastestgrowing private companies. This title was earned because Bashen Corporation had a 552% increase in sales. In October 2003, Bashen was given the Pinnacle Award by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce. She has also received the Crystal Award, presented by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She was inducted into the Black Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007. In 2012, Bashen was on Ebony magazine’s list of the 100 most influential African Americans in entertainment, politics, sports and business.

Bashen is very devoted to helping the community. She is on the Board of Directors for the North Harris Montgomery County Community College District Foundation, and chairs the Corporate Advisory Board of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She is also a board member of the Prep Program, a non-profit organization which focuses on preparing at-risk student athletes for college.

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One

Science in the News: Some of the top news stories in recent years have involved sciencerelated topics, such as the weather, natural disasters, health and medicine, and space exploration. Find a sciencerelated story about one of these topics. Identify the five Ws — who, what, when, where, and why. Complete some additional research so you can explain the “how” in writing. Share your news story with the class.

Activity Two —

Bar Graph: Newspapers have local stories, stories about current events in the state, and national news. Create a bar graph that represents the number of newspaper stories that are local, state, and national.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can make text-to-world connections.

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.

The Organization for Black Struggle worked the polls in the 22nd Ward on Election Day. An elderly voter approached the polling place entrance, taking slow and cautious steps

with her walker. She was greeted by an enthusiastic OBS member who understood the obvious hardship it was for the senior citizen to get out and vote. When we thanked her for

movement in town

coming out, the senior responded matter-of-factly, “I had to vote for that gal.“ That gal she referred to is Tishaura Jones. Jones made history when she became the first Black woman

mayor of St. Louis. Some seem not to understand why the margin between the two candidates was not wider. Cara Spencer’s strong showing, boiled down to the overwhelming voter support she received from the huge margins she gained from high voter turnout in deep Southside wards who have been obstructionists to progress in this city for too long.

Deep Southside voters behave as modern day segregationists, whether intentional or not. Their behavior is similar to other whites who have long opposed human and civil rights for Black folks. These white voters are manipulated by white elected officials, institutions and other racist groups who work to uphold white supremacy at all costs— even if it means killing the potential for a more prosperous future for the city.

In accord with the infamous words of former presidential candidate and governor of Alabama, white supremacist George Wallace, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” this white solidarity has sought to undermine full Black citizenship and participation, by any means necessary. They are just as determined to advance their racist beliefs, as the little ole lady who showed up at the polls to vote for “that gal.”

The outcome of this general election represents a turning point for the city. Enough voters chose a road less traveled. This vote is a break from a backward, racist status quo that has been choking the life out of a city, that despite all of its racial, political and social problems, has real potential. Looking to a brighter future, mayor-elect Jones says, “we want to thrive”.

This election has been years in the making. In many ways, the mayor-elect hereself, has been years in the making for assuming this role. Tishaura Jones’ evolution and maturation have occurred in the context of a political environment that has

n This election has been years in the making. In many ways, the mayor-elect hereself, has been years in the making for assuming this role.

become more politically conscious, more engaged and more demanding for transformative change.

Over the years, Tishaura was an intentional participant in a growing multi-racial, intergenerational, pro-democratic movement. That movement has sought to bring together community, environmental justice, pro-choice, faith and labor sectors to advance a progressive, inclusive pro-democracy

agenda. That movement and the candidacy of Tishaura Jones have come together organically. It is a powerful movement that will continue to grow, as they implement The People’s agenda.

Implementing that agenda means changing the influence of those who have been misrepresenting and disregarding us. Flipping the board was a necessary action to rid the St. Louis Board of Aldermen of weeds--regardless of race or gender-- so that the garden of equity, inclusion and transparency can bloom.

Tishaura Jones has inherited a hot mess as the new mayor. There are literally fires left by the former administration that she will have the responsibility to put out. Her first 100 Days will be a daunting challenge to her commitment and political and administrative skills. There are sharks already circling Room 200 poised to attack Jones on a personal and political level to block her agenda. It will be a challenge for Jones’ supporters to show needed patience and forebearance. We must be prepared to protect the incoming mayor, to enable her to carry out our agenda. We must continue to work hard to strengthen our movement to be certain it transcends the popularity of a single individual and organize to achieve a new vision for the City of St. Louis. Change is possible, but only, if we make it happen. Many St. Louisans are already breathing a sigh of relief and feeling good about what’s in the future for them and their families. It’s a new day that we have made.

Columnist

Jamala Rogers

11-year-old girl gives back to community through nonprofit

By Savannah Louie (KSDK)

Like most kids these days, 11-year-old Legacy Jackson sits in front of a laptop on a Wednesday afternoon. But during this lesson, this little girl is no student. She’s the teacher. Legacy runs Little Legacies Community Service Organization, a nonprofit in St. Louis. In a Zoom presentation, Legacy shared how she does it with kindergarten students at Fairview Elementary School.

“We think really hard and we see what’s really needed in the community at the moment,” she explained. With the help of her mom and grandma, Legacy organizes a service project every month. She’s done this since 2016. “I keep doing it so that people who aren’t as fortunate as me, they get to have the same rights and equality and funness that I’m used to having at least once in their lifetime,” said Legacy. Feeding the homeless and sending more than 3,000 pairs of shoes overseas to kids in Africa are a couple of her favorite projects she’s facilitated. But Legacy has served others long before starting her organization. “Me and my mom and my brother, Brendon, used to do lots of community service,” she said. “Often, I would be the only kid who would be there doing community service.” Legacy’s passion for service shines so bright, not even the darkest moments cast shadows on her vision. In 2017, Brendon passed away from Juvenile Type One Diabetes. He was just 19 years old.

To no one’s surprise, Legacy turned her sorrow into service.

“I wrote a book about how to grieve, not just for me, but how but for other kids if they’re

going through losing a loved one,” she explained. While all of her projects are impressive, her zoom lesson with Fairview students might be her most important yet. Through a virtual discussion, dolls, and t-shirts which highlight Black women like Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Oprah, and Gabby

Douglas, Legacy teaches girls like her about women like them – and the power of a strong legacy.

“One person can make a big change and you shouldn’t let others’ stereotypes or people try to knock you down in the way of what you are really dedicated to.”

Photo courtesy of KSDK 5 On Your Side Legacy Jackson

‘He

Living It

saved Def Jam’

Rapper DMX passes at 50

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

At the height of his fame, DMX was an anchor in the core group of rap stars that were key players in the East Coast rap renaissance of the late 1990s. And he single-handedly rescued pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam from the brink of extinction.

n “DMX had a heart of gold. He was a loving person who wanted the best for everyone. He was always in struggle. But he was always in prayer.”

- Russell Simmons

The veteran rapper, born Earl Simmons, passed away on Friday, April 9 after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old. He was the second child born to Arnett Simmons and Joe Barker on December 18, 1970. Varying accounts list his place of birth as either Baltimore, Maryland or Yonkers, New York. He was reared in Yonkers, suffering through a childhood marred by trauma and poverty. He discovered his passion for hip-hop as a young teen while being shuffled through the system due to instability and abuse at home – and his inclination to lash out in response to his circumstances. His talent was affirmed by fellow residents and a teacher at a group home where he was sent after being expelled from school at 14. He began making beats to accompany his rhymes on an Oberheim DMX drum machine, which is what inspired his rap moniker. By 1991, The Source Magazine selected him for their then career-defining Unsigned Hype feature. It would be the mid1990s before he actually broke through thanks to several featured collaborations, particularly the 1995 underground classic “Time to Build” featuring fellow future rap stars Ja Rule and Jay-Z. They delivered verses on Mic Geronimo’s track. DMX quickly caught the attention of the famed, yet fledgling, Def Jam thanks to a young executive who went by Irv Gotti. Gotti later became hip-hop powerbroker in his own right thanks to Murder Inc. In an Instagram post, Def Jam co-founder and longtime leader Russell Simmons (no relation to Earl Simmons) personally gave credit to DMX for rescuing the label. “He saved Def Jam,” Simmons said of DMX. Russell Simmons called DMX a personal hero and a musical hero as he recalled the moment he discovered DMX through his featured verse on “Bout [expletive]” by The Lox. Simmons went back to the Def Jam offices proclaiming that he had heard the “most amazing voice,” describing DMX’s gruff and raspy flow. “Def Jam was built on loud, aggressive and abrasive music and vocals to match,”

Rapper DMX as he performed in St. Louis at the

DMX, born Earl Simmons, passed away on Friday, April

Russell Simmons said. “His sound epitomized everything Def Jam was supposed to be.”

He insisted that DMX be signed to Def Jam. Turns out, Gotti had already signed him. Def Jam released his 1998 major label debut

album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” the first of three albums on Def Jam that consecutive-

Dancing full circle

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Kayla Thompson unveils live EP of original songs

of her most popular songs. In addition to the new project, she will also be releasing new merchandise, a magazine, and CDs of the project.

Local rapper’s inspiration from last year’s ‘All Hallows Bash’ inspires unplugged project

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

Kayla ‘KVtheWriter’ Thompson’s electrifying opening act performance at last year’s All Hallows Bash, a socially-distanced Halloween concert headlined by Muhammad “Mvstermind” Austin and Tonina Saputo, motivated her to transform the magic made that night into a live EP, “KVtheWriter: Unplugged.” Thompson and Eddie “Sir Eddie C” Cox were chosen to be supporting artists after both submitted a video of them performing an original song. Austin and Saputo organized the competition to determine who would open the show for them.

For the band, she enlisted her late father’s friend and former bandmate, Craig Florez, who pulled together veteran musicians, including Brock Johnson, Gerald Warren and Kevin Doyle.

“That moment made me want to put the music on wax for other people to hear it,” Thompson said. “I wanted to give people the opportunity to bring a concert to their homes with this project.”

Generally, artists distribute their music for free on all digital platforms. Her debut EP “Love Sucks!,” second project,“The Ratchet Tape,” and three other singles were released digitally for free. Her third project, an unplugged EP with newer renditions of previously recorded music, includes live instrumentation and songs redeveloped into genres outside of hip-hop, including rock.

The EP rolled out as a presale bundle until April 12 that included a CD, a poster, a downloaded link to the album and a magazine where she interviewed all of the creators involved with the project for $100. The EP officially dropped April 13 with merchandise sold separately. Both were available for purchase on her website, https://kvthewriter. com/.

“I realized how little money artists make from Spotify, Apple, Music, Tidal and other distribution sites,” Thompson said. “There’s no reason why an artist should have 100,000 streams and only make $200. I put a lot of money into this project and wanted to recoup some of the costs.” She collaborated with local creatives, including

Photo by Julietta Cervantes / Courtesy of COCA

Kirven Douthit-Boyd, right, performing with members of EVIDENCE, A Dance Company. Douthit-Boyd, who serves as Co-Artistic Director of Dance at COCA, will be taking the stage with EVIDENCE when COCA hosts the company April 16-April 18.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Coliseum nightclub back in 2013.

9. He was 50 years old.

Photo by Jennifer Sarti / The St. Louis American Kayla ‘KVtheWriter’ Thompson releases her EP KVtheWriter:Unplugged this month featuring live versions of some

Missouri History Museum to Host Virtual Global Freshwaters Summit for Earth Week

By Lindsay Newton, Missouri Historical Society

The Mississippi River runs through the heart of America, nurturing its life, land, and economy from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The availability of clean and abundant water affects the health and well-being of everyone— especially those who live in river communities, like St. Louis. The Missouri History Museum, in collaboration with the Global Being Foundation, invites all to join a global virtual conversation taking place on the Museum’s Zoom platform during Earth Week 2021, April 19–23. The Global Freshwaters Summit will focus on the health and well-being of this vital Mississippi River corridor, as well as the human and natural systems it sustains.

The Global Freshwaters Summit is a way for the historical and contemporary to meet at the Missouri History Museum by bringing together a diverse group of local and national thought leaders to discuss issues facing the river system. The summit will cover five topics: State of the River, Governance, Protecting the River, Food and Agriculture, and Lifestyles in Harmony with Nature. Presenters will speak to how cross-cutting themes of health and well-being of the river, in confluence with the human and natural systems it sustains, call on us to move toward restoring our freshwater biome.

On the first day of the summit, we will begin by taking an honest look at what we know about the condition of the Mississippi River, its biome, and the communities that rely on it, together with TreeSisters, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition, and many more organizations.

On day two, we will learn about how rivers are governed and how conservation organizations are working with local governments to support green jobs and restore, reconnect, and expand conservation areas, trails, and floodplains. There will be a presentation by David Todd Lawrence and Elaine J. Lawless, whose book When They Blew the Levee: Race, Politics, and Community in Pinhook, Missouri explores the complex story of a levee breach that diverted floodwaters from one area yet completely destroyed the small African American town of Pinhook, Missouri, and how the displaced residents persisted through the extreme challenge.

Day three will focus on civic engagement and grassroots efforts. Day four will shine a light on food systems, and we’ll hear from several local organizations including earthday365, Missouri Botanical Gardens Earthways Center, Ujima St. Louis, Heru Urban Farming, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, and other groups that are leading this impactful work right here in our community.

The last day of the Summit will include panels that discuss repairing plastics pollution, the impact of the fashion industry and its growing emphasis on sustainability, and a final discussion that highlights the powerful regenerative movements that are already driving transformation. Throughout the week, participants will gain an understanding that resilience and regeneration come from a shared community vision and a partnership with nature, and as citizens of river communities, we can work together to see real change.

Registration is required for the free virtual summit and includes access to the entire week’s worth of programs as well as access to a virtual film festival hosted by Films for

the Planet. The virtual film festival features 15 award-winning documentaries, interviews with filmmakers, virtual panel discussions, and more. Registration is open now through the Missouri History Museum website at mohistory.org/events/ global-freshwaters-summit. The Global Freshwaters Summit is part of the programming for the Mighty Mississippi exhibit, which is in its final weeks at the Museum. Mighty Mississippi reveals the regional heritage of the Middle Mississippi watershed through a diverse range of stories and artifacts that stem from the Mother of Rivers and its tributaries. Through historic objects, images, and interactive media, Mighty Mississippi also sheds light on how sustaining surrounding communities has long depended on wisely caring for the river environment and its resources. Make plans to see Mighty Mississippi before it closes on June 6! Admission is free, and advance registration is encouraged. Visit mohistory. org/museum-visits for the most up-to-date information about health and safety protocols at the Missouri History Museum and to reserve your free tickets. The Museum is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am–5pm.

Global Freshwaters Summit at the Missouri History Museum, April 19–23.

InSIdE SportS

St. Louis American’s ‘Fab Five’

The members of the 2021 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Boys All-Star Basketball Team represent an abundance of size, talent and versatility. The shortest member of the team is 6’3” Mario Fleming of Cardinal Ritter, but he plays much bigger than his actual size. The biggest member of the group is 6’10” Tarris Reed Jr of Chaminade, who is a dominant force in the low post. The trio of Nick Kern of Vashon, K.J. Lee of Fort Zumwalt North and Kellen Thames of Pattonville are big wing players who excel anywhere on the court.

Here are capsules of the members of the 2021 St. Louis American “Fab Five” First Team All-Stars:

Mario Fleming (Cardinal Ritter): The 6’3” senior guard led the Lions to back-to-back state championships. After winning the Class 3 state title last season, Fleming paced Ritter to the Class 5 state title this season. He is a physical guard who excels in the post, but can also handle the ball and shoot the 3-pointer. As a senior, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and two steals a game. He was a four-year starter for the Lions.

Nick Kern (Vashon): A 6’6” senior guard who was instrumental in leading the Wolverines to the Class 4 state championship. He is a talented all-around performer who delivered many entertaining

rim-rattling dunks this season. As a senior, he averaged 18 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and nearly two blocks a game. He will be playing collegiate basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University in the Atlantic 10 Conference next season.

K.J. Lee (Fort Zumwalt North): The 6’7” senior guard led the Panthers to a historic season in 2021. He paced Zumwalt North to a Final Four

berth in the Class 6 state tournament, the first in the school’s history. Lee averaged 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He recently gave a commitment to Western Illinois University.

Tarris Reed Jr. (Chaminade): A 6’10” junior power forward, he is The St. Louis American Player of the Year in 2021. He was a dominant force in the low post as a scorer, rebounder and shot

blocker. He averaged 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in leading the Red Devils to a third-place finish in the Class 6 state tournament.

Kellen Thames (Pattonville): The 6’5” junior point guard led the Pirates to a memorable 22-2 season, which included a conference title and a district championship. He was a true stat-sheet stuffer as he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 2.6

SportS EyE

steals a game while playing for his father, Kelly Thames, a former local basketball star and now the head coach at Pattonville.

First Team

Mario Fleming 6’3” Cardinal Ritter (Sr.) Nick Kern 6’6” Vashon (Sr.)

K.J. Lee 6’7” Fort Zumwalt North (Sr.)

Tarris Reed Jr. 6’10” Chaminade (Jr.)

Black male basketball player grad rates improve

Baylor put a beat down on undefeated Gonzaga to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship. Stanford won a thrilling game against underdog Arizona to capture the women’s title.

Other scores posted for respective men’s and women’s college basketball teams participating in this year’s NCAA Tournament offer a mixed bag of encouragement and disappointment, according to a Graduation Success Rates (GSR) by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida. As expected in the annual study, white basketball players graduate at higher rates than their Black counterparts. However, the gaps are getting smaller or remain almost unchanged, based on 2020 graduation rates.

ference of 6.1 percent, but also a drop from 6.3 percent recorded in 2020.

The argument “most Black players leave school early for the NBA or another professional league,” is incorrect because less than 5 percent of players in the NCAA Tournament make this move.

Numbers from the recently released study show that 62 of the 64 women’s teams graduated at least 80 percent of their basketball student-athletes. Georgia Tech and Arkansas were the only two schools below that mark with 73 percent.

“This is an encouraging improvement,” Richard Lapchick, TIDES director, says in the report he authored.

The study concludes that white male basketball players on tournament teams posted a 93.8 percent graduation rate versus only 80.3 percent of their Black counterparts. The difference of 13.5 percent is an improvement over the 14.3 percent gap last year.

White female basketball players graduate at a 97.9 percent rate compared to 91.8 percent for Black female basketball student-athletes. A dif-

“Not so encouraging and totally not acceptable is the fact that 22.1 percent of men’s teams had a 30-percentage point or greater gap between the graduation rates of their white and Black basketball student-athletes.

“On the women’s side, four teams (7.4 percent) had a 30-percentage point or greater gap between the graduation rates of white and Black basketball student-athletes.”

There are other small, yet encouraging, improvements in the 2021 assessment.

This year’s study shows 80.3 percent of Black male

players graduating, compared to 80 percent last year. An important note: Only 44 percent of Black males who attend college go on to graduate. Interestingly, the graduation rate for white male players fell from 94.3 percent in 2020 to 93.8 percent this year.

The GSR for Black female players rose from 88.3 percent in 2020 to 91.8 percent

in 2021, a dramatic increase of 3.5 percent. Black female students overall posted a 54 percent graduation rate. White female players saw a GSR increase of 95.9 percent in 2020 to 97.9 this year – a 2 percent climb.

For the complete 2021 “Keeping Score When It Counts” study, visit www. tidesport.org

Former Chaminade College Prep All-American Jayson Tatum scored his way into the

With Alvin A.

A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

Torrence Watson, a Whitfield High School graduate, will return to Mizzou’s basketball team next season – and then hopefully graduate. The 2021 Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport graduate rates study shows that Missouri saw 100 percent of its white players graduate and just 60 percent of its Black players.

Photo courtesy of FinishLine

Mario Fleming, Cardinal Ritter

Nick Kern, Vashon

Tarris Reed Jr., Chaminade

Kellen Thames, Pattonville

K.J. Lee, Fort Zumwalt North

Shalom to release video for ‘Victorious’

Third recording by local mega church making impact within gospel industry

Special to the American The Shalom Church City of Peace wants to continue inspiring the expectancy of hope through the unfailing Word of God and are doing so through their powerful music ministry. Under the pastoral leadership of Dr. F. James Clark and the musical direction of Dello Thedford, Shalom Church released their third project “VICTORIOUS.” The six-track offering was recorded live last year. Billed as Dr. F. James Clark presents Shalom Church and Friends, the recording also features

some of St. Louis’ finest singers and musicians. The EP’s title track is their latest Gospel radio single to rise up the radio charts. “Victorious” is an anthem of hope and praise delivered by the mighty voices of the award-winning Shalom Church choir featuring Dr. Timothy Price, III. Shalom will release the official lyric video for “Victorious” on Thursday, April 15 by way of their YouTube page. Shalom has earned three Stellar Award nominations by way of their music min-

Spiritually Speaking

What denomination is God?

By James A. Washington

You know it has been a few years since I started writing this column and it has evolved into being a great source of humility and spiritual guidance for me. The blessing of this kind of service opportunity in the name of my Lord and savior Jesus Christ is certainly understood and appreciated by me and I hope, also, by you.

istry. They received a 2016 Stellar Award nomination for Contemporary Choir of the Year and their NextGeneration Choir received two 2018 Stellar Award nominations for New Artist of The Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year. “I could stop and just say

perience tell and confirm for me that I have no idea about the real power and the ultimate omniscience of the Lord Almighty. That’s why I cannot place Him in one denomination or the other.

Would you dare say that God is Catholic?

One of the keys for my personal salvation in coming to Christ was an acknowledgment that I cannot put limits on God. As much as I might try to, it is impossible for me to see God by some human definition that I’ve concocted after reading some metaphysical narrative on the spirituality of nature and the perpetual existence of the cosmos. Rather, my faith and my ex-

Maybe He’s Baptist. Or better yet is He interdenominational?

The very question presupposes that God somehow, can be defined in the human terms of secular beliefs. Denominations have doctrine. Denominations have rules. Denominations will have you believe yours is somehow better than theirs. Now, how ungodly is that? I guess the point I’m trying

to make is through the blessing of this column and the gift of this platform, I’m compelled to at least say that God is bigger, better and greater than that. One of the beautiful things about faith is that it allows you to dwell in possibilities in a manner that befits the best dreams that you’ve ever had. God is all that. He is the Alpha and the Omega, as if we could understand endless time without beginning and without end. God is everything and everyplace at the same time. He exists as endless time and space.

A video for the title track for the Dr. F. James Clark presents Shalom Church and Friends EP ‘Victorious’ will be released via YouTube on Thursday, April 15.

I’m happy for our church choir, but I’m happy for our city,” Pastor Clark said regarding the release of their debut CD “Simply Amazing” in 2016, which debuted at number three on the Billboard Gospel Charts. “This is something I think all of us should be proud of – and, while we have the moment to rejoice about it, to do so,” said Clark.

Even the terms time and space are secular words for our description of how we as human beings relate to the world in which we live. I’m just not so sure they are accurate measures of a God who created both.

My point? Faith in the known is a powerful thing and faith in the unknown is even more powerful.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

I don’t know about you but the awesomeness of that trust and that reality has made me grateful to know my acceptance of Christ has straightened my path and I wish the same for

For more information about the Shalom Church City of Peace Music Ministry, visit www.shalomandfriends.com

you. I no longer try to make the image fit the mind. It’s too confining and God ain’t having it. Our nature is to try to meet God on our terms. His nature is to meet us on His terms, wherever and whenever the time and space are right.

The preparation for this almost guarantees it happening. Our job is simply to get ready. God does the rest. He’s been waiting for you for an eternity and He knows an eternity awaits you. He has blessed and kept you always. I know I’m better for it. May God bless and keep you always.

Columnist James Washington

St. LouiS american Career Center

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Jump Company (2001) would like to add a Digital Media Manager to our media team. This person is responsible for providing a digital media plan for our clients as well as placing digital ads. Jump Co requires at least two years of digital media experience for this position. Please contact Joseph Havis at either joseph.havis@jumpcompany. com or 314 607-4449 if interested.

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST

Bayer U.S. LLC’s St. Louis, MO, office seeks a Senior Human Resources Analyst – KPIs & Process Improvement to partner with key stakeholders and HR Operations leadership to create key metrics/KPIs and associated programs that align with department focus areas and evaluate highest value impact outcomes. Apply at http://career. bayer.us, #358881

CITY OF ST PETERS, MO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Join a great team with an Employees First approach that’s helped make St. Peters one of the best places to live in America!

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Our Lady’s Inn shelters and supports unhoused pregnant women and their children. Seeking candidates for Program Director to manage operations of maternity home in St. Louis City. Must be passionate about mission and willing to work flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends. Master’s degree or Bachelor’s with experience. Email resume and cover letter to lgreen@ourladysinn.org

WFF Facility Services- at Lindenwood University Job EventFriday, April 16th, 2021, 1PM-5PM, at Lindenwood University located at #1905 1st Capitol Drive- Suite F, St. Charles, MO 63301. We are interviewing for up to 15 professional cleaner positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, M-F or Weekend, PT or FT positions with benefits! $13 per hour! We are making immediate job offers!

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Bayer U.S. LLC’s St. Louis, MO office seeks a Senior Development Manager to oversee the technical analysis, design, and development of innovative digital products, including web and mobile applications, data and analytics services and smart devices. Apply at https://career.bayer.us #375821

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Accepting Sealed bids for:

Farm Structures Project for Carver and Busby Farms

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65101

Bids will be received in the Office of the Jeff Turner, Director of Facilities and Planning, Room 309 Young Hall, Lincoln University, until 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021.

Plans and specifications for bidding can be obtained via dropbox by contacting Ishita Banerjii at ibanerjii@hollisandmiller.com. Plans and specifications for the project may also be reviewed after April12, 2021 from the Office of Facilities and Planning, Room 309 Young Hall, Lincoln University, (573) 681-5084.

A Pre-bid conference and walkthrough for the project will be conducted on Wednesday, April 16, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. at the Carver Farms Site 3804 Bald Hill Road. Attendance at the Pre-bid is mandatory of each bidder submitting a proposal.

WFF Facility Services- at Ritenour School District Job Event- Friday, April 23rd, 2021, 1PM-5PM, at Ritenour High School Auditorium located at #9100 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO 63114. We are interviewing for FT 2nd Shift Professional Cleaner Positions with benefits! We are making immediate job offers!

FULL-TIME ENGLISH TEACHER/ LEARNING CONSULTANT

Ursuline Academy, a Catholic, college-prep high school for girls located in Kirkwood, MO, is seeking applicants for the following position for the 2021-2022 School Year:

•Full-Time English Teacher

•Full-Time Learning Consultant

Submit a resume and letter of interest to resume@ursulinestl.org with the job title in the subject line.

for: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide its Communicable Disease program with HIV Prevention Services -Mobilizing to End the Epidemic HIV Testing And Community Mobilization for its HIV Prevention Programming. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning April 13, 2021, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Natalie Torres, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4027, St. Louis MO 63103, negronn@stlouis-mo. gov, (314) 657-1491. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/procurement.cfm. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than April 22, 2021 by 4:30 PM to Natalie Torres at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/.The deadline for submitting proposals is May 10, 2021 via email to negronn@stlouis-mo.gov electronically timestamped no later than 4:30 pm (CDT) The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

Various FT and PT positions with competitive pay at multiple city facilities including St. Peters Rec-Plex, Water’s Edge Banquet Center and St. Peters Golf Club.

To view all current openings and to apply, please visit www.stpetersmo.net/Jobs

AA/EOE

SIERRA CLUB HIRING CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCATE IN MISSOURI

East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Administrator II position. Please follow the link to view posts at http://www.ewgateway.org/ careers/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

NOW HIRING

PROFESSIONAL CLEANER POSITIONS

The Clean-Tech Company continues to have a Weekly Job Event every Thursday, 1PM-4PM, at the Clean-Tech Office- located at #211 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63013!

The Sierra Club is hiring a Campaign Representative to lead a multidisciplinary team in Missouri to coordinate the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign and other efforts aimed at averting the climate crisis. The Campaign Representative pursues policies and programs that deliver timely and significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions tied to Sierra Club’s overall goals to eliminate fossil fuels from the economy while contributing to an equitable shift to clean energy and a powerful climate justice movement. For full job announcement go to Sierra Club career page at: https://www.sierraclub.org/ careers-jobs-employment TO ADVERTISE EMAIL YOUR AD TO ANGELITA HOUSTON AT ahouston@stlamerican. com

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, then publicly opened and read in Room 325 City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (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). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 1:30 PM via Zoom Meeting.

Password: 917736

Phone one-tap: US: +16465588656,,85127458210# or +13017158592,,85127458210#

Meeting URL: https://flystl.zoom.us/j/85127458210?pwd=SkxQOVNWc1RYTWwydWpnT2VlMHh5Zz09

Join by Telephone

For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.

Dial: US: +1

Meeting ID: 851 2745 8210

or +1

Find local AT&T Numbers: https://flystl.zoom.us/u/kdRDN9veSH

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).

CYPRESS SWAMP HVAC REPLACEMENT

RFP 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to submit proposals for Cypress Swamp HVAC Replacement RFP 2021. Bid documents are available as of 4/14/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

PUBLIC NOTICE

City of Crestwood, #1 Detjen Drive, 63126 is seeking bids for 2021 Selective Slab Replacement Project. Project manual at www.cityofcrestwood.org; register with Shirley at sbrown@cityofcrestwood.org or (314)729-4720; direct project questions to Brian at bhibdon@cityofcrestwood.org or (314)729-4730. Bid opening on April 27, 2021, 10:00 A.M.

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager at Risk, S. M. Wilson & Co. for the Ladue Schools project (Old Bonhomme Elementary School, Ladue Middle School, Spoede Elementary School) at 9703 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 until 2:00 pm for the scope of work described herein.

Bids must be hand-delivered to the above address by 2:00 pm!

Bid Package - Old Bonhomme Elementary School - Bids Due, Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Pre-Bid Date: 4/09/21 @ 2:00 p.m. will be held Virtually Online: https://meet.google.com/aqy-yeyj-dee?hs=122&authuser=0

Total SF of New Addition / Renovation is 80,609 SF

Bid Package - Ladue Middle School - Bids Due, Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Pre-Bid Date: 4/14/21 @ 2:00 p.m. will be held Virtually Online: https://meet.google.com/miz-mxvp-mij?hs=122&authuser=0

Total SF of New Addition / Renovation is 189,997 SF.

Bid Package - Spoede Elementary School - Bids Due, Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Pre-Bid Date: 4/22/21 @ 2:00 p.m. will be held Virtually Online: https://meet.google.com/pfy-nvdp-xvd?hs=122&authuser=0

Total SF of New Addition / Renovation is 84,253 SF.

Bids will be read aloud at Ladue School District Main Office 9703 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63124

The bid package will be available for viewing through Building Connected. All Contractors are encouraged to attend the Virtual Online Prebid meetings.

For site visit arrangements please contact:

Construction Manager Superintendent: Mike Ashley mike.ashley@smwilson.com / 314-568-6662

For RFI questions please email:

Old Bonhomme Elementary School - Attn: Ayo Ojolola ayo.ojolola@smwilson.com

Ladue Middle School - Attn: Emily Echele emily.echele@smwilson.com

Spoede Elementary School - Attn: Troy Gittemeier troy.gittemeier@smwilson.com

Project Manager: Jason Gasawski jason.gasawski@smwilson.com / 314-341-1587

Lead Estimator for Old Bonhomme Elementary School: Greg Kutz greg.kutz@smwilson.com

Lead Estimator for Ladue Middle School: Paul Wilson paul.wilson@smwilson.com

Lead Estimator for Spoede Elementary School: Brian Nuehring brian.nuehring@smwilson.com

MBE/WBE Meet and Greet Date: 4/15/21 @ 3:00 p.m. will be held Virtually Online: https://meet.google.com/xfa-evid-kte?authuser=0 d

The Ladue School District and S.M. Wilson & Co. are Equal Opportunity Employers

The St. Louis County Department of Transportation is requesting the services of a highly-qualified consulting engineering firm to perform professional engineering services for the Old Jamestown Road Sidewalk – Phase 3 project (St. Louis County project number AR-1842).

Full details for this project, including submittal requirements and deadline, will be available on April 12, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (https://stlouiscountymo.gov/)

NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

Sealed bids for the Spanish Pond Road ADA Improvements, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1676, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouisco.munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on May 12, 2021

Plans and specifications will be available on April 12, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo. gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118 (314) 678-0087.

Request for Proposal: SSD 110-21:

Audiology Department Relocation at Litzsinger School A $50 refundable deposit (made out to Special School District) will be required. Project Manual and drawings will be available through County Blue A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on April 16, 2021 at Litzsinger School, 10094 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis, MO 63122.Bids are due at 2:00 pm on May 6, 2021 at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

SSD 114-21: PAGING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

A $100.00 refundable deposit (made out to McClure Engineering) will be required. Documents available through County Blue Drawings and Specs will be provided in Electronic format only from McClure Engineering. The contractor will be responsible for providing their own printed full size sets as needed. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 12:00 PM on April 16, 2021 at South Technical High School, 12721 West Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63127. Bids are due at 2:00 pm on May 4, 2021 at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

Request for Proposal: SSD 112-21:

Additions and Alterations to South County Technical High School –Phase I A $50 refundable deposit (made out to Special School District) will be required. Project Manual and drawings will be available through County Blue A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on April 23, 2021 at South Technical High School, 12721 West Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63127. Bids are due at 2:00 pm on May 11, 2021 at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services received from the United States Department of Treasury $29,735.926 for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The ERAP funds will be used to provide assistance to eligible households that have difficulty making timely rent and utilities payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 29, 2021 the ERAP Call Center (314) 806-0910 is operating Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST. Online applications are available April 5, 2021 @ https://stlouisco.onlinepha. com or http://stlcorona.com

Eligibility Criteria

Households are eligible for Emergency Rental Assistance provided through the COVID-19 relief package if they meet the following criteria:

1) One or more individuals qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the pandemic;

2) The household can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability; and

3) Household income is below 80% of their area median income (AMI).

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Improve 4 - P l e x A r e a Access Bennett S p r i n g S t a t e Park, Lebanon, MO, Project No. X2007-01 will be r e c e i v e d b y FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, May 6, 2021 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide its Communicable Disease program with HIV Prevention Services -Mobilizing to End the EpidemicPrEP Navigation Services for Its HIV Prevention Programming. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning April 13, 2021, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Natalie Torres, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4027, St. Louis MO 63103, negronn@stlouis-mo. gov, (314) 657-1491. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/procurement.cfm. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than April 22, 2021 by 4:30 PM to Natalie Torres at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/.The deadline for submitting proposals is May 10, 2021 via email to negronn@stlouis-mo.gov electronically timestamped no later than 4:30 pm (CDT) The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

LETTING NUMBER 8727 THE FOREST PARK WATERWAY PROJECT

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received for the above mentioned public work by the Board of Public Service, in Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 4, 2021, at which time they will be publicly opened and read in Room 325, City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org (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 on April 13, 2021, at 10:30 A.M., onsite. Meet in the parking lot of the Steinberg Skating Rink, 400 Jefferson Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE/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 (Virtual Plan Room).

LETTING NUMBER 8726 TERMINAL 1 CONCOURSE C GATE ELECTRIFICATION FOR C15, C19 AND C23 -PHASE III AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 4, 2021 then publicly opened and read in Room 325 City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (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 and State laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. 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 (Virtual Plan Room).

FOR RENT North City, Near Busline, Utilities included, Single Occupancy,$100/wk plus deposit 314-761-5400

NOTICE OF HOUSING WAITING LIST OPENING

KENDELWOOD PLACE APARTMENTS

12404 Centerbrook Drive, Black Jack, MO a project-based Section 8 apartment community will open its waiting list on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. for its one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment units. Kendelwood Place is an income-based community for low-income residents. Tenant rent is determined based on household income. Household income restrictions apply. Applicants may apply online at www.kendelwood.com by clicking on the Applicant Login then select Register Now. If you are unable to apply online, then you may call (314) 355-2465 to schedule an appointment to apply in-person. Applicants are encouraged to apply online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The waiting list will close on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 5 p.m.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Repair Firepit Lake Dam, Jay Nixon State Park, Project No. X2006-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/27/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of Webster Groves, is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide a compensation and classification study and to provide recommendations to ensure the City’s classifications and compensation system supports the City’s mission and strategic objectives as a high-level service-based organization. For more information visit our website at www.webstergroves.org/bids or by contacting Marlene Sherman at shermanm@webstergroves.org Proposals can be emailed to compensationconsultantrfp@ webstergroves.org by 3:00 P.M. on April 30, 2021. All rights reserved.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership requests proposals from qualified firms to repair asphalt parking lots at two business incubator locations in St. Louis County: (1) 1100 Corporate Square Drive, St. Louis, MO 63132, and (2) 743 Spirit 40 Park Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Services may include excavation, base repair, milling, adding rock, overlay, curb repair/ replacement, asphalt paving, sealing, and striping, as needed. A copy of the complete RFP with equipment specifications is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Friday, April 23, 2021.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

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

ly debuted at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 Album Charts.

“It was a moment for us. A lot of things happened, and Def Jam exploded,” Russell Simmons said. “But he pulled us out of the mud and brought us back to life.”

Dance

Continued from B1

weekend, the elements of his dance worlds will collide when COCA hosts EVIDENCE at the organization’s first in-person dance concert since the onset of the pandemic.

“I know that some of the St. Louis community, and some of my colleagues, might have seen some of my work when I was dancing with the Ailey Company, but it really is quite special for people to see Ron’s work and to see me in that space,” Douthit-Boyd said.

The performances are set to take place April 16-April 18 and will also be streamed, but 100 guests will be allowed to view the show in-person each

As he dominated the industry, DMX also propelled the careers of countless others.

Whether it was Gotti, The Ruff Ryders Brand (founded by Joaquin Dean, Darin Dean and Chivon Dean) and their cohort of artists and producer Swizz Beatz, who is a nephew of the Dean brothers. The list could go on and on. He also elevated hip-hop in general within mainstream music with over 70 million albums sold. His fame came with a dark

night at COCA’s new state-ofthe-art Berges Theatre.

“I have to tip my hat to the team, who has been able to shift and adapt in real time –and really staying in contact with the county to make sure we are not breaking any rules,” Douthit-Boyd said. “It’s really been a blessing to be able to pull this off.”

It is a weekend seven months in the making. Brown and EVIDENCE were supposed to be presented in concert back in September. But as with countless other live performance opportunities throughout the region, the nation and the world, COVID-19 restrictions meant that the concert had to be postponed. Instead, Brown and EVIDENCE spent three weeks with COCA in January as their artists in residence. Brown

different from the rest. He oversaw its direction by creating the original scores and instrumentation.

Eric “Mvchxne’’ Humphrey, Alex Scott of Alex Don Media Group, Erica Jones of Erica Jones Photography and Sean Alexander of the clothing line brllantmnds.

For three years, Humphrey worked exclusively as Thompson’s producer, which makes this collaboration no

“Every time we come together we always create some of the best music. This particular project was a joy to be a part of.” Humphrey said. Longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Scott has contributed to “KVtheWriter: Unplugged” since the All Hallows Bash. There he was the point of contact, facilitated the band rehearsals and shot

side, stemming mainly from the residuals of his traumatic childhood. Struggles with addiction preceded his fame as a rap star. In turn, he suffered through low points that included legal issues and arrests.

“I feel like he saved us, but we didn’t save him,” Russell Simmons admitted while fighting back emotion. “DMX had a heart of gold. He was a loving person who wanted the best for everyone. He was always in struggle. But he was always in

was able to rehearse with EVIDENCE and bring them back together in a bubble type situation, and he created a brand-new work.

“This upcoming performance is a culmination of that,” Douthit-Boyd said. “We’ve been able to manage and stay safe and still do some form of our work and we are just so thrilled to be presenting the company to the community.”

Douthit-Boyd description of Brown’s choreography parallels a religious experience.

“It is so transformative the way Ron blends music and the way that he arranges the structure of his work,” Douthit-Boyd said. “There is something very human about what he presents, and there is something that is very real that is almost like its spiritual.”

While dancing with

footage. Once Thompson spearheaded a live version, Scott agreed to engineer it.

“She texted me while I was in the control room asking me to talk to the band,” Scott said.

“On her song “Crazy” featuring Sir Eddie C, she wasn’t feeling its original genre for the live rendition, so she decided to make it a rock song. I communicated that to the band, and we made it work.”

She made her introduction to music with 2019’s “Love Sucks!” an introspective piece

prayer.” During a performance in St. Louis in 2013 at the now-defunct Coliseum nightclub, DMX turned Saturday night into Sunday morning. As the capacity crowd popped bottles and engaged in typical “turn up” behavior, he lifted his hands in praise and worship. He shamelessly thanked God for allowing him to take the stage once more with a fervent, convicted prayer before diving into a performance of his great-

EVIDENCE, Douthit-Boyd said the troupe embodies an engaging sense of community thanks to Brown’s creative genius.

“He pays such attention to detail in the way that he is telling the story that you kind of get wrapped up in what that is and trying to deliver that to the audience,” said Douthit-Boyd.

“You are almost transported out of your everyday self in order to achieve that level of grace that you are giving to his work – and to the people who are taking it in.”

Being able to present Brown and EVIDENCE live in-person is a light at the end of the tunnel of sorts for Douthit-Boyd and the dance department at COCA, which he helms with his husband and fellow Ailey alum Antonio Douthit-Boyd.

The pandemic meant that he had to re-imagine how to teach

detailing how she felt after her boyfriend broke up with her during an ice cream date.

Three months later, she dropped “The Ratchet Tape,” EP filled with anthems for all women unafraid of sex positivity. She’s since released several singles within the last year including, “Bad Habits,” “Stormy Waters” and “Last Words.”

“If you know me personally, you know I can rap with you about activism, social justice, trauma, brain development, sex

est hits – most of them club bangers. Fans recently had the opportunity to see the best of him as DMX and fellow hip-hop veteran Snoop Dogg blessed music lovers in the throes of lockdown last year. The pair held court with a Verzuz Battle that was an illustration of hiphop unity, as the East Coast and West Coast “dogs” squared off with excerpts of their biggest hits performed as fans watched via Instagram Live. On several

an art form that depends on bodies moving together in the same space.

“It’s been tough, but I am fortunate to work with students who are very dedicated to their craft,” Douthit-Boyd said.

“When we first went virtual, it was a bump in the road. It was a learning curve, and I had to readjust my thinking about my curriculum in the way that I’m teaching, but also the way that I’m creating and how all of that was going to happen.”

COCA recently reopened at 25 percent capacity.

“We have some bodies in the space and some bodies in front of the computer,” Douthit-Boyd said. “When dancers were able to come back into the space, it made me feel good because I saw that they understood even virtually.”

The students will learn

and sex positivity,” Thompson said. “Female rappers get pigeonholed into being one type of artist that can only talk about one thing, but people are multifaceted.”

Thompson, a graduate of Hazelwood East High School, has a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from Webster University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She’s the manager for school programs at Alive and Well Communities, a nonprofit

occasions during the Verzuz, they jumped in on each other’s tracks. They danced. They rapped along. One would act as the other’s hype man. Despite his troubles, few imagined it would be the last time we would see DMX captivate us with his talent and charisma. “We should have given him more love,” Russell Simmons said. “We have to be responsible for the next DMX. This has to be a teachable moment.”

the new selection from EVIDENCE’s performance and present it themselves in the spring.

“I’ve held his work so near and dear to my heart, and it has been important to me to have the kids have access to Ron and his work and the company,” Douthit-Boyd said. “The concert is a full circle moment that I’m really looking forward to.”

COCA’s presentation of Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 and at 3 p.m. on April 18 on livestream and with a limited number of in-person seats available. Visit www.cocastl. org for more information about the performance or to purchase tickets.

organization with a focus on how toxic stress and trauma affects health in Black communities.

Thompson was part of The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2017 Salute to Young Leaders cohort and Delux Magazine awarded her a 30 under 30 award and a Power 100 award. Webster University honored her with the Young Alumni Award in 2019. Purchase KVtheWriter: Unplugged here: https://kvthewriter.com/.