April 17th, 2014 Edition

Douthit-Boyd’s return to the Fox marks 10 years with Ailey Page

Sigmas honor Dr. Carver

President pins replica of George Washington Carver, a Sigma brother

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Dr. George Washington Carver is now a Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. brother for all the world to see – or at least that part of the world that passes through the Griot Museum of Black History in St. Louis.

Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. International President Jonathan Mason pinned the fraternity’s pin on the wax likeness of Carver installed at the Griot Museum, 2505 St. Louis Ave., in a small,

SLU Black Alumni host

prayer breakfast

Business executive

Jessie J. Knight Jr. to be honored at scholarship fundraiser

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

n “Saint Louis University afforded me the opportunity to study in Spain my junior year. It literally changed my life.”

– Jessie J. Knight Jr., executive vice president of external affairs for Sempra Energy

Seventy years ago, the first AfricanAmerican students were allowed to study at Saint Louis University. Two graduate students and three undergraduates were admitted.

“These students bucked the system,” said Darryl Jones chairman of the SLU Black Alumni Association’s anniversary committee.

“They could have chosen to go to a historically black college or university, but these young kids went to a predominately white university and said, ‘We want to make an impact.’”

The Black Alumni Association’s Pioneers of Inclusion Endowed Scholarship recognizes the strength and courage of the five men and women who became SLU’s first black students in 1944. The scholarship honors their legacy by supporting a

See SLU, A6

hiLdren of Light

fraternal ceremony on Saturday morning.

“Dr. Carver is a brother we hold in high esteem, and it is an honor for our organization to enter this historic facility and place a fraternity pin on his replica,” said Mason, who was visiting St. Louis for the local Sigma chapter’s Centennial Gala at the Sheldon. The fraternal organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2014.

Dr. Carver (1864 – 1943) was a charter member of Gamma Sigma Alumni chapter at

See CARVER, A7

n “This helps us recognize we are brothers of Dr. Carver’s, and that’s a special feeling in your heart.”

–

of the local graduate Sigma chapter

Who killed my son?

Carman Weber encourages the community to help police solve murder

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

The murder of Antonio Duff, 24, of the 9000 block of Romona Ave. in Bel-Ridge, remains unsolved two years after he was gunned down on April 9, 2012.

n “Stop being scared and not telling what’s going on.”

– Carman Weber

His mother, Carman Weber, plans to hold a vigil every year until her son’s killer is apprehended and brought to justice.

On the anniversary of his death, family and friends once again gathered for a candlelight vigil near the crime scene in the 4900 block of Warwick in North St. Louis. A red “R.I.P.” T-shirt with Duff’s image hung on a schoolyard fence next to a set of balloons, and yards away a yellow sign warned that the surrounding area was a drug-free and gun-free school zone. See MURDER, A6

“This is for Antonio,” Weber told the crowd. She then raised her voice, glancing across

is consoled by a supporter on April 9 before a candlelight vigil she

9,

Photo by Wiley Price

Robert T. Jordan Jr., president

Sigma brothers Brandon Henry and Brandon Harvey watched as Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. International President Jonathan Mason pinned the fraternity’s pin on the wax likeness of Dr. George Washington Carver installed at the Griot Museum, 2505 St. Louis Ave., on Saturday.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Carman Weber

organized for her son, Antonio Duff, who was murdered April

2012. His murder remains unsolved.

Photo by Wiley Price

Shelby Holman, 11, Alex Williams, 6, and Kaleb Williams, 9, performed with the New Shining Light Anointed Hands Mime Ministry on Friday night at the American Heart Association’s Most Powerful Voices Gospel Concert and Health Fair hosted at Abundant Life Fellowship Church, 6055 Parker Rd. in Florissant. Gospel singer Yolanda Adams headlined the free concert organized to educate the African-American community about the risk factors associated with stroke.

Mimi reportedly paid $100K for sex tape, Joseline chimes in

“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Mimi Faust and her boyfriend Nikko Smith (NOT to be confused with St. Louis native and American Idol finalist of the same name) reportedly pocketed $100,000 from Vivid Entertainment for their sex tape.

According to HollywoodLife.com, multiple outlets were bidding for the footage, but Vivid’s offer topped them all.

“Mimi is trying to make a name for herself and become relevant,” a source told HollywoodLife.com. “She’s riding this new wave of fame until it ends. She did it for the money and from what I’m hearing she cashed in about 100 racks.”

Vivid Entertainment founder Steve Hirsch also spoke about his decision to buy and distribute the tape.

some research, I realized just how big both the show and the tape could be. It was a struggle to ultimately get the deal done but we did.”

Meanwhile, MiMi’s nemesis and Love and Hip-hop ATL co-star Joseline Hernandez blasts Faust for her “performance.”

“…at least be a freak and not a boring 45 year old lady,” Hernandez tweeted. “What they got her [categorized] under…Granny Porn?”

Chingy says false Sidney Starr rumors ruined his career

Two years after transgender model Starr came clean regarding lies where she linked herself romantically with STL rapper Chingy, he speaks out about how the fake claims crushed his career.

“We were approached by a third party to release the tape. I wasn’t familiar with Mimi and Nikko or Love and Hip Hop Atlanta,” Hirsch said. “After doing

In a recent interview with Vlad TV, Chingy puts as much blame on the people who helped the rumor gain traction.

“It goes to show you that that person who nobody knew had that much power to come and say one negative thing about me and a whole mass of people just instantly took to it,” Chingy said.

“And they didn’t have not one piece of evidence. I lost a deal cause of that…It was so much bad publicity

around it…I’ve never been through a sabotage situation like that. And it was so fabricated and false.”

Chingy and Starr only met once – when Starr was performing as a backup dancer at a Ludacris concert and asked him to take a picture.

“I thought she was a fan. I thought it was a young lady who was a fan. She seemed pretty cool. I took the picture,” he stated, while admitting that he was blindsided when rumors of him having a relationship came to light.

“Two years after that, I see something come out of some bull crap about this transsexual person was in a relationship with me. I was just like everybody else. I didn’t have a clue at what this person was talking about.” Starr eventually apologized to Chingy while admitting to lying about their relationship.

Did Gregg’s side piece come between NeNe and Cynthia?

Two years ago there were rumors that “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes’ husband Gregg was cheating on her with local Atlanta publicist Pam Pinnock.

Has that same publicist now come between NeNe and Cynthia Bailey? Apparently Bailey hired Pinnock to do some PR work for her – A clear violation of the friend contract.

“I met him as a fan because I was a backup dancer,” she said in a videotaped apology.

“Chingy didn’t know anything about me. He didn’t know my background. He didn’t know I was transgender. I just need people to know that the things I said about Chingy weren’t true.”

“Cynthia and celebrity publicist Pam Pinnock have gotten really close and been hanging out while the publicist has been helping Cynthia revamp her model agency’s public image,” A source told Reality Tea. “Cynthia decided to hire a well-known publicist to clean up the agency brand or maybe to [expletive] NeNe off. NeNe found out they been hanging out and EVERYBODY knows Nene don’t like sharing her friends. But especially the ones who have shared a bed with her man Gregg. It’s really strange how she turned on Cynthia after all these years but when it comes to Gregg and his wandering eyes,

KIPP to open school in North St. Louis

By Dale Singer Of St. Louis Public Radio

KIPP

location for kindergarten and first grade in North St. Louis this fall and plans to have six schools in St. Louis five years from now.

On her cell phone, Tiara Abu has a short video showing her and 5-year-old Jawon, sitting on his bed, giving a cheer and doing their best version of jazz hands. What was the occasion?

“He had just counted to 100 for me,” explained Abu, adding: “I hadn’t asked him to.” Abu, who will be the founding leader of the KIPP Victory Academy that will open in North St. Louis this fall, uses her encounter with Jawon – class of 2027 –as an example of two things: How KIPP reaches out to students at their homes and how excited those who live near the once-abandoned school building are that it will be contributing to the revitalization of their neighborhood.

KIPP Victory, which expects to open with 220 students in kindergarten and first grade, will be the second location for the highly regarded nationwide charter school operator, following the opening of KIPP Inspire, a middle school, in 2009 in South St. Louis. KIPP plans three elementary and three middle schools in the next several years. A high school could come later; all of the schools will be sponsored by Washington University.

KIPP Inspire, a middle school, opened in a rehabbed building adjacent to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at 2647 Ohio. KIPP Victory is moving into the former Mitchell School, built 50 years ago at 655 Arcade but closed by the St. Louis Public Schools system in 2008 because of dwindling enrollment and low achievement scores.

Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation, toured the school recently to check out the renovation and talk about the vision he has for collaboration between his company and the city

schools. He called the partnership a “winwin” proposition for both parties, because KIPP will be able to use its funds on instruction instead of property and KIPP students’ test scores will be counted in with those of city school students.

He credited SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams for being innovative and flexible in spearheading the new arrangement.

“We have a real desire to start serving children earlier than fifth grade, because we know if we get them as young as 5, the sky’s the limit. And so we sat down with Superintendent Adams,” Barth said.

“Here you’ve got facilities that are unused. You’ve got a neighborhood, from what I understand, where people are excited to get this school building back into use, as part of the neighborhood’s continued revitalization.”

Nearly half of the school’s slots are filled already, and Abu anticipates full enrollment by the end of the month.

KIPP students’ days begin at 7 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. They attend class four weeks longer than most public schools; classes also meet on some Saturdays. As a result, KIPP says, students often make two years of academic progress in one school year.

Abu comes to St. Louis from Houston, where she was involved in a project called Apollo 20, which is a partnership with Harvard University. Between now and when classes begin, Abu will spent part of her time on the home visits all students receive, like her session with the

Tiara Abu will be the founding leader of the KIPP Victory Academy that will open in the former Mitchell School at 655 Arcade North St. Louis this fall.

Photo by Dale Singer

proudly counting Jawon.

“We have to go out and let people know we exist and who we are,” Abu explained.

Some champions of traditional public schools don’t think too highly of charters, which are funded with tax dollars but operate outside of the standard school district structure. In exchange for such autonomy, they are expected to meet certain standards of achievement.

But Adams has long said that he feels there is room for both traditional schools and charters in an atmosphere of what he and Kelly Garrett, executive director of KIPP St. Louis, have called “coopetition.”

That attitude may face a test soon. Adams has proposed a new classification system for the city schools that would include the possibility of inviting outside operators in to manage poorly performing schools that don’t improve. The plan, which will be voted on by the district’s special administrative board, has met with public criticism from those who say private operators shouldn’t take over public schools. Adams is due to present his final proposal later this month.

“Starting a school from scratch, one or two grades at a time, is the way we do schools at KIPP,” Barth said. “I don’t know the details of what Superintendent Adams has announced, but there may be, over time, ways we do fit into that. We want to be part of a larger plan.” Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

GOP’s cruel priorities

The Bible’s injunction that we shall be judged by how we have treated the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40) appears in different forms in virtually every religion or faith. And surely the measure of a country is how it treats the most vulnerable of its people.

A Republican budget proposal was put together by Rep. Paul Ryan, chair of the Budget Committee and Mitt Romney’s running mate. It is a breathtakingly mean and callous proposal.

The Republican budget would cut taxes on the wealthy, giving millionaires, the Citizen for Tax Justice estimates, a tax break of $200,000 per year.

Ryan tells us only what tax rates he would lower, not the loopholes he would close to make his proposal revenue neutral.

deprive 40 million low- and moderate-income Americans of health care insurance.

The Republican budget also devastates domestic programs and investments, cutting them by one-third of their inflationadjusted levels over the decade, ending at an inconceivable onehalf the levels of the Reagan years as a percentage of the economy. Infant nutrition, food subsidy, Head Start, investment in schools, Pell Grants for college, public housing, Meals on Wheels and home heating assistance for seniors or the confined all would suffer deep cuts.

Columnist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

But CTJ shows that even if he closed every loophole, it wouldn’t make up for the revenue lost by lowering their top rate.

The Ryan plan would also extend tax breaks for multinationals, moving to make the entire world a tax haven. He would raise spending on the military by about $500 billion over the levels now projected over the next decade.

Yet Republicans are pledged to balance the budget in 10 years. To achieve this, the Republican budget would turn Medicare into a voucher program (but only for those 55 and younger). He would repeal the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). He would gut Medicaid, turning it into a block grant for states and cutting it by more than onefourth by 2024.

The result, as estimated by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, would be to

The Republican budget also savages investments vital to our future — not just education, but research and development, renewable energy, modern infrastructure. It is hard to see this as anything other than a declaration of class warfare by the few against the many. Ryan argues that cutting programs for the poor will set them free, removing a “hammock” and forcing them to stand on their own feet. That might be worth debating if jobs were plentiful, schools received equal support, housing was affordable and jobs paid a living wage. But none of this is true.

Needless to say, the wealthy and corporations reward Republicans for arguing their case. As the Koch brothers are showing, their campaigns will be lavishly supported; their opponents will face a barrage of attack ads. Majorities oppose these cruel priorities. The question is whether those who vote for these harsh priorities are held accountable this fall in the elections. The majority can speak if it chooses.

Editorial /CommEntary

Rory Ellinger’s challenge to us

Our friend Rory Ellinger, a veteran of the civil rights and legal aid movements who spent what became his final years as a progressive state legislator in the Republican-dominated Missouri Legislature, died last Wednesday at the age of 72. While we had been told his death was imminent, as had many of his friends, Rory’s passing came too near to our deadline for him to be properly remembered here. And because it is not certain when we will see another progressive battler like Rory Ellinger, we wanted to take a moment to remember him and to challenge our community to continue his struggle to create a more just and humane society. Rory was a friend to The St. Louis American and the community whose interests we represent. He frequently sought meetings with our editorial board, where we were blessed with his detailed reports on what was being done in the people’s name in Jefferson City. Unlike many elected officials, who only come calling when seeking an endorsement or support for a legislative initiative, Rory visited us in all seasons. And unlike most politicians, he talked about his colleagues more than he talked about himself. And perhaps most uniquely, he often came to praise his colleagues – to

point out African Americans who were working hard in the Legislature and honorably serving our community. How dearly we will miss getting these regular reports from the trenches.

Rory entered the Missouri Legislature after term limits had been instituted. While term limits for elected officials have many things to recommend them, they also create a revolving door in the Legislature that has some unfortunate effects. Our state legislators are now temporary workers, who have great incentive to spend their brief time in Jefferson City lobbying or auditioning for a betterpaying position after their numbered days in office are over. Also, term limits mean no more “old bulls” in the Legislature – no more wizened veterans who understand how the system works and can build consensus to get things done. As a progressive Democrat in a legislative body governed by conservative Republicans, Rory’s potential as a dealmaker was severely limited. Yet still, his experience, diplomatic skill and evident human decency made him a throwback legislator, someone who was in the fight for everyone and everything but himself. Again, he will be missed dearly and perhaps impossible to replace. Politics aside, we shared

State Rep. Rory Ellinger frequently championed AfricanAmerican elected officials he admired. Here he visits on election night 2010 with County Executive Charlie Dooley, state Rep. Clem Smith and Committeeman James Cotter at an election party Ellinger hosted at his home.

Photo by Wiley Price

with Rory a profound concern for public education and an unshakeable conviction that the future wellbeing of our community depends on effective and equitable public education. Rory served on the University City school board for 12 years, including 10 years in leadership roles. At the school board meeting today (7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at 8136 Groby Rd.), he will be honored posthumously for his years of service to youth and educators. Also, the Brittany Woods Middle School Library Media Center will be dedicated “to honor the memory of this strong proponent for social justice and educational excellence,” the district tells us.

“Rory Ellinger lived his life according to deeply held beliefs and a strong sense of community service,” said Joylynn Pruitt, superintendent of schools for the School District of University City.

“He is an inspiration for all of us and is the model of a true servant-leader.” We agree and commend the district for enshrining this great man’s memory in this way. And we call, now more than ever, for more “servant-leaders” willing to put the needs of others before themselves and determined to work against adversity to create positive change.

Creating more pathways to success

By Broderick Johnson and Jim Shelton Guest Columnists

“My administration’s policies – from early childhood education to job training, to minimum wages – are designed to give a hand up to everybody, every child, every American willing to work hard and take responsibility for their own success. That’s the larger agenda.

“But the plain fact is there are some Americans who, in the aggregate, are consistently doing worse in our society –groups that have had the odds stacked against them in unique ways that require unique solutions; groups who’ve seen fewer opportunities that have spanned generations. And by almost every measure, the group that is facing some of the most severe challenges in the 21st century in this country are boys and young men of color.” President Obama used these words to launch My Brother’s Keeper, his initiative to help ensure that boys and young men of color in America have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The public response has been overwhelming.

We’ve heard from private philanthropies and businesses, mayors, state and local

leaders, faith organizations, community based non-profits, and thousands of interested citizens, all who are committed to creating more pathways to success for these boys and young men. We will continue to engage and listen to these critical voices and those of the boys and young men this initiative focuses on, as we continue to learn from the efforts of the many stakeholders who have been committed to this cause for years. And we will do our best to live up to the optimism and incredible expectations this initiative has unleashed.

The Task Force has begun a 90-day process to develop the plans and infrastructure required to implement and sustain the initiative’s efforts. We are currently listening and engaging, working with stakeholders across the country to get their feedback on how we can all work together to make this initiative a success.

On the day of the launch in February, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum on “Creating and Expanding Ladders of Opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color” which created a federal task force to provide an assessment of and recommendations on how public and private actors can improve measurably expected educational and life outcomes and address persistent opportunity gaps. The president called for tools that will assess critical indicators of life outcomes for boys and young men of color and online engagement to lift up strategies, practices and programs with strong evidence of improving outcomes.

We are focusing on five key

Rediscovering our history museum

A lot of words have been written about the Missouri History Museum over the last year or more. Most stories have been about organizational and governance matters. These issues are important, and both commissioners and trustees have taken serious steps to address legitimate concerns raised about how the museum was formerly governed.

But somehow many have lost sight of the museum itself. And what an outstanding museum it is. Its exhibits, education and programs give St. Louisans many windows into what makes this community tick, where we have been and where we are going.

Most of us may not know it, but we have one of the best history museums anywhere in the country. We were reminded of that when interviewing top history museum leaders as candidates to be the museum’s new president. Every candidate called our museum a national model – or the national model – of what a regional history museum can and should be.

Sometimes it takes people from elsewhere to help us see what we have in St. Louis.

St. Louis just kicked off its 250th birthday at the Missouri History Museum. On

Valentine’s Day, huge overlow crowds listened to national experts talk about our city’s beginnings and history and thronged to the wonderful “250 in 250” exhibit that opened –free of charge – that weekend. In almost two months, more than 60,000 people have visited.

St. Louisans and visitors have beneited from the dedicated professionalism of a museum staff that has not missed a beat.

Under the exuberance and skill of curator Jody Sowell, talented museum staff put together “250 in 250,” a diverse and fascinating look at our community over two and a half centuries, in record time. The exhibit is a winner from the very irst moments, when the Black Rep’s Linda Kennedy narrates a bang-bang overview of St. Louis highlights – 250 years in 250 seconds.

The museum has presented diverse exhibits ranging from the riveting “1968” to the sobering “Slavery at Monticello” and “I Was a Soldier” – and even a novel glimpse at the history of undergarments. A look at Prohibition days opens in April.

A highly interactive kids’ exhibit, History Clubhouse, just opened. Melanie Adams and staff educators have lots of fun and learning and surprises in store for kids, especially ages 2-10. And unlike the movies, it’s adults who can’t get in without a kid! It’s not all exhibits. Artifacts and materials that will document our town for

Letters to the editor

We are better for his devotion

Rory Ellinger dedicated his passion, his energy and his career to helping lift all people up to their highest potential, and ensuring that we can all stand on equal ground and move together toward a brighter future.

decades to come continue to be processed and archived. And in a sure sign that spring really is inally here, Twilight Tuesdays concerts are just around the corner. This week the History Museum welcomes an outstanding new president, Frances Levine, who achieved great success over a dozen years as head of the New Mexico History Museum. She brings deep knowledge and love of American history and the unique roles various peoples and groups have played in making our country what it is. She is energized about St. Louis, our history museum and the opportunity to make it even more vital in the community. We commissioners never forget that our job is to protect the interests of citizens whose taxes help make an outstanding museum possible. We take our job very seriously to provide a well-run, dynamic, engaging place to learn about and protect the history of our region and its people. We work closely with the dedicated trustees with whom we share governance responsibilities, and together we are determined to ensure the people of our region can be proud of your history museum. Great exhibits and great programs await you at the Missouri History Museum. Take advantage of one of the gems that makes St. Louis a terriic place to live. Romondous Stover is chair of the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict Commission.

moments that mark critical junctures on the path to healthy and productive adulthood: early learning and literacy, pathway to college and careers, ladders to jobs, mentors and support networks, and interactions with criminal justice and violent crime. Participating federal agencies are also now beginning to assess strategies, practices and programs to determine how they impact life outcomes for boys and young men of color. All of this work will inform a report by the Task Force on our progress and recommendations that we will submit to the president at the end of this 90-day listening and learning process.

Ten leading foundations have launched a private sector coalition that seeks to invest at least $200 million dollars over the next five years to find and rapidly spread solutions that have the highest potential for impact. This is on top of $150 million in current spending that these foundations have already committed toward this work. These foundations aim to put in place a strategy and infrastructure for coordination of their investments and additional commitments from a diverse array of actors from other sectors.

My Brother’s Keeper is focused on unlocking the full potential of boys and young men of color – something that will not only benefit them, but all of America. Broderick Johnson is assistant to the president and White House Cabinet secretary, and the chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force. Jim Shelton is the deputy secretary of Education and executive director of the Task Force.

In one of his last official acts, just days before he died, Rory joined me and his colleagues as I signed into law legislation he sponsored that will improve the health of countless Missouri mothers, children and their families. It was a testament to a life well lived that even as his own health declined, he worked to improve the health of the people of the state he loved so much.

At the core of Rory’s work was our state’s motto, “Let the good of the people be the supreme law;” and we are better for his devotion to this high calling. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda, Maggie, Martin and all of Rory’s family and friends.

Gov. Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Voters support schools

Voters across the region showed their overwhelming support of public education on April 8 by approving bond issues and tax increases in several area school districts. Voters approved ballot measures in the Bayless, Lindbergh, Orchard Farm, St. Charles, Silex, Troy and Valley Park School Districts.

Approval of these ballot issues will allow these districts to add or renovate facilities to address student population growth, make necessary safety upgrades, improve infrastructure and technology, free up funds to handle operating costs and more. The voters really stepped up to support their schools at a time when they needed them most. It really is time for state legislators to do their part to support public schools. The voters have shown their support, and if the legislature comes through schools will be able to keep the promises they’ve made to their communities. Districts need the state’s support to best prepare

students for success beyond high school.

Don Senti, executive director EducationPlus

Dems should embrace Obama

As President Obama takes his victory lap for enrolling 7.1 million Americans with the Affordable Care Act, the Republicans are demoralized and angry. With the horrendous roll out, and the initial problems with the operating systems with the computer networks, the Republicans had written off the system as a complete failure.

Instead of the Republicans acknowledging that there were certain components of the law beneficial to all Americans, their position was to scrap and repeal the entire law. As the Republicans continued to berate and try to destroy the ACA, millions of Americans begin to sign up, and register for the programs.

As the Republicans struggle with being wrong again, it is time for Democrats to cash in on the success of the ACA. The Democrats must embrace the credibility and transformational vision of the president.

Roger Caldwell, Via email

Keep speaking the truth

As a person who grew up in East St. Louis, I thank James Ingram for the most straightto-the-point rebuttal to Mayor Parks’ request of our president. You told the truth. You shut him down. It’s a shame what ESTL has become. Please keep speaking the truth.

Jenine Humber, Via email

Importance of a black press

Bernie Hayes’ article in The St. Louis American on often overlooked figures in African-American history was very interesting, and I think the students in one of my “Jews ‘R’ News” classes would enjoy a class devoted to noted figures in the African-American and Jewish communities who helped build

Greater St. Louis since its inception. Also, we could share our thoughts on why it is important to have an African-American press, a Jewish Press, a Catholic Press, in addition to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Robert A. Cohn, editor-inchief emeritus, Jewish Light

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Guest Columnist Romondous Stover

North County Autism-Asperger

Resource Fair

April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Special School District of St. Louis County’s Parent Education and Diversity Awareness Program is sponsoring an event to help families and community members learn more about autism. The North County Autism-Asperger-PDD Resource Fair is scheduled for 3:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at SSD’s Ackerman School, 1550 Derhake Rd. in Florissant.

The fair will feature information about programs and resources from SSD and other community agencies, including the Department of Mental Health St. Louis Regional Ofice, Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment, Missouri Parents Act, the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and St. Louis ARC.

Participants will have the chance to learn more about topics such as respite care, recreation opportunities, community summer programs, behavior support and planning for the future.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required to attend. For more information, call 314-989-8194 (711 Deaf/HOH).

Free

Health Clinic in East St. Louis

Remote Area Medical (RAM) Free Health Clinic is coming to the City of East St. Louis the weekend of May 2-4 at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center, 101 Jackie Joyner Kersee Circle Dr. in East St. Louis. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. daily. The doctor and services are free for adults and children. Services will be provided on a firstcome, first-served basis each day. Participants should plan accordingly, as wait times could be five or more hours for services. Please bring food and any medications. Follow up care will be provided by Touchette Regional Hospital. Services provided: dental (cleanings, fillings and extractions); vision (complete eye examinations, prescription glasses made onsite); and medical (general medical services, diabetes care, wound care, pap smears).

RAM is currently in need of optometrists, opticians, optometry students and paraprofessionals who work in optometry, along with dentists, dental assistants and registered dental hygienists to volunteer their services. The State of Illinois now allows out-of-state providers to volunteer without having an Illinois professional license. Volunteers must register online (http://www.ramvolunteers.org).

Sponsors of the clinic are the City of East St. Louis, East St. Louis School District 189, East Side Health District, Touchette Regional Hospital, New Life Community Church and the Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation. For more information, call 618-560-0656, 618-482-6804 or visit RAMUSA.ORG.

A memorial for those lost

Jordan Womack, 6, is embraced by his mother, Shirley Womack, during a Peace Summit organized by Sumner High School students to memorialize students who have died in recent years. Womack’s son, Beion, was fatally shot in November 2012 while a sophomore at the school.

A survivable disease

By Michele Brown For The St. Louis American

The CDC reports the leading cause of death for women of color between the ages of 35 and 65 is cancer, breast cancer being the most common. ABC News, in its report entitled “5 Diseases More Common in Minorities,” states some of the reasons we die at a higher rate than whites may be attributed to our ability to receive healthcare screening, our ability to follow-up after diagnosis and our ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The deadline for every American to apply for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, which is the new health care law of this land, was March 31, and although 7.1 million Americans signed up, still millions in our country are uninsured or underinsured. Many of those who cannot afford insurance then become ill assume they have little to no resources and suffer needlessly.

This is where we come in. Missouri has a program called Show Me Healthy Women which provides breast and cervical screenings for those who cannot afford those services. Should a woman be diagnosed with cancer as a result of those screenings, in this state we have the Missouri Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act which may provide medical insurance coverage through a MO HealthNet BCCT application. Get checkups!

Fear paralyzes our ability to think clearly and ultimately takes too many lives. People from other countries regularly fail to seek treatment out of the fear of immigration, language barriers and a lack of knowledge as their right to medical treatment.

I am a cancer survivor so I am going to say this: Sometimes we miss our healing from God because we overlook the medical team God provided with the answer to that healing. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Bible tells us God did not give us a spirit of fear; but we are afraid of the treatment for the disease so we hide behind God.

I saw God move in miraculous ways during my treatment. Fear not!

Who knows if food, environment or genetics caused the cancer cells inside your body to decide to multiply out of control, causing a cancer diagnosis, but we could all stand to eat healthy foods and exercise. My doctor said, “Eat real food.” The Huffington Post article “These Disturbing Fast Food Truths Will Make You Reconsider Your Lunch” should be a must-read for every busy person like myself who finds themselves grabbing a bite on the run.

You cannot go wrong with lots of fruits and veggies. Also, the Livestrong Foundation (www.livestrong.org) offers a free three-month YMCA membership to cancer patients. Get active! The second thing I heard after the words “breast cancer” was “it is a perfectly survivable disease,” and I am excited to tell you, it is.

Michele Brown

Photo by Wiley Price

By Jamala Rogers Columnist

The militarization of the police

The militarization of domestic police has accelerated over the years with little public scrutiny or restraint. Now Police Chief Sam Dotson wants to add drones to his arsenal.

The LAPD perfected the SWAT team, making history with its first significant target being the Black Panthers. SWAT was a response to the social unrest of the 1960s, particularly the anti-war and black liberation movements.

Radley Balko, author

MURDER

Continued from A1

the street at a row of houses.

“And for these people to take their neighborhood back! Stop being scared and not telling what’s going on in their neighborhood,” she said.

At the time of the incident, several witnesses reported seeing a black male in his 20s standing outside Duff’s car talking to the victim. A few minutes later, according to witnesses, the suspect started shooting at Duff, striking him multiple times in the head and torso. At least 20 bullet casings were scattered on the pavement near Duff’s car.

Duff was taken to an area hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect was seen driving away in a mid-sized gray car.

Dwayne Jiles recalled the day his mother told him that his brother had been killed. The tone in his mother’s voice was “earth-shattering,” he said.

“We went to go view the body and lifted the white curtain back,” Jiles said. “My life ain’t been the same.” Duff’s death has greatly altered the lives of his loved ones. Weber is a former Metro Transit employee, and requested that her regular bus route be changed. Her bus route was the #95 Kingshighway. Every day, she drove past the area where her son was killed, and said she

SLU

Continued from A1

high-achieving, urban, firstgeneration college student at SLU, Jones said.

The fundraising efforts for the scholarship kick off

of “Rise of the Warrior Cop,” says that the number of SWAT team raids has soared from a few hundred annually in the 1970s to more than 50,000 per year by 2005. The dramatic increase is due to the so-called war of drugs, post-9/11 counterterrorism initiatives and the Pentagon’s 1033 Program, where surplus military equipment is donated to local police departments. Local police departments can order up anything from a 20-ton Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles, aka MRAPs, to grenade launchers to 360-degree-

could not stand it anymore.

“This guy can get on my bus at any time,” she said. “I don’t even know how he looks.”

She moved to Austin, Tx. Duff’s former girlfriend, Marie Wright, is wary of people, knowing that his killer is still out there.

“I look at everybody because you don’t know,” Wright said. “He had a lot to live for. The person who did that must not have had something to live for.”

She said Antonio was a problem-solver, a go-getter, and a hard worker who was loved by many.

Weber and Wright tacked several St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers bulletins to light poles before the vigil, soliciting new tips in the case and a reward of up to $1,000.

“It’s so many murders and shootings going on in St. Louis right now,” Weber said. “They take precedence over a twoyear-old case.”

The next day, Weber met with Homicide Detective Daniel Fox with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for an update on the case.

“He’s gonna get caught,” Weber told the small crowd at the vigil. “It’s just a matter of time.”

The Homicide Unit’s investigation is ongoing.

St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline: 866-371-TIPS (8477).

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

at the 24th Annual Ernest A. Calloway, Jr., Prayer Breakfast Reunion at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 26, in the Saint Louis Room at the university’s Busch Student Center, 20 N. Grand Blvd.

“With the rising cost of education, it’s hard for students,” Jones said. “With

n Local police departments can order up anything from a 20-ton Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles, aka MRAPs, to grenade launchers.

rotating machine guns. In 2011, $500 million in war toys was handed out to U.S. cities and towns. Since the program started in 1997, over 17,000 law enforcement agencies have accepted $2.6 billion in military equipment.

Local cops are ill-trained to handle this level of military equipment. And taxpayers have to pick up the tab for their use and maintenance (MRAPs get 5 miles to a gallon of gas.) Because there is little oversight, fraud and misuse are

rampant.

Since police have these super toys, they feel compelled to use them, resulting in over-reactions and over-kill, such as botched raids and deadly encounters with innocent citizens.

Peaceful protesters, like Occupy, have felt the wrath of militarized police. Activists know that most SWAT raids and engagement of military equipment have been used for non-violent situations.

The creed of police departments is to protect and to serve. A soldier’s mission is to engage in combat

and kill his enemy. These are conflicting missions, philosophies and behaviors and are troubling in the face of overall declining violent crime rates.

Citizens want safety, but not at the expense of their privacy rights, civil liberties or their peace of mind. Community security is achievable; a police state is undesirable.

A series of community forums are being sponsored by Drone Free St. Louis. For more information, visit www. dronefreestl.org.

by

Puppy rescue

the scholarship, we are hoping we can keep some of those minority students in college so they can achieve their dreams.”

At the event, Jessie J. Knight Jr., a 1972 SLU graduate, will be honored as the 2014 Distinguished Black Alumni Award Recipient and be the guest speaker.

Knight is the executive vice president of external affairs for Sempra Energy, a San Diego-based Fortune 500 company, as well as chairman of San Diego Gas and Electric and chairman of SoCal Gas. (both subsidiaries of Sempra Energy).

Jones said the award recognizes alumni who embody the university’s Jesuit foundation of giving back to the community, especially to minority students.

“SLU has been so committed to diversity, going back to when I was student there,” Knight said. Knight grew up in

Springfield, Mo., and was part of the small minority of black Catholics in mid-Missouri’s “Bible Belt,” he said.

Through a scholarship, Knight was able to continue his Catholic education at SLU and earn his bachelor’s degree.

“It was a phenomenal experience,” he said of his study at SLU. “It set the stage for me to truly discover the world. Not only had I never been out of Springfield, but Saint Louis University afforded me the opportunity to study in Spain my junior year. It literally changed my life.”

His experience “put the fire in his heart” to enter international business.

Beginning in 1975, he worked 10 years in both domestic and international operations for Dole Food Company Inc., including five years as director of marketing for the U.S. and Canadian pineapple business.

Today at Sempra Energy, Knight oversees all

international affairs, as well as communications, community relations activities and government relations. Knight is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

“The spirit of Jesuit foundation is that you are involved with the world and your community,” he said. “I have carried that torch forward since the day I walked off that campus.”

Before joining Sempra Energy in 2006, Knight served for seven years as president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

From 1993 to 1999, Knight served as commissioner for the California Public Utilities Commission, after being appointed by then-Gov. Pete Wilson.

He has also served in leadership roles at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the San

Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner newspapers.

No matter what his professional role, he said he has always made a point to serve in the community, alongside his wife Joye Blount, vice president in wealth management advisor for U.S. Bank, and his daughter, Jessica. “I’ve been devoted to philanthropy in the governance of many nonprofits and scores of organizations over the years,” he said, “operating under the notion that was sparked by Jesuit education –servant leadership.” To register for the event, visit alumni.slu.edu/ prayerbreakfast2014. The cost is $50 per person and includes a $20 gift to the scholarship fund. For additional information, contact Kate Flatley at 314-977-2348 or kflatle1@slu.edu. Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

CoCo Young towels off Storm, her two-month-old Chihuahua puppy, after it was freed from a sewer pipe by St. Louis firefighters in St. Louis on Tuesday. The puppy fell into the pipe and was trapped for nearly four hours until firefighters used water flowing in the drain to force it into a noose. The puppy was cold but otherwise in good health.

Photo

UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Jamala Rogers

CARVER

Continued from A1 Tuskegee University, organized in 1918.

The closest observers when President Mason pinned their historic brother were Sigma brothers Brandon Henry and Brandon Harvey. The ceremony was their idea, adapted from another Greek organization, Omega Psi Phi, having pinned the likeness of Dr. Carter G. Woodson exhibited at the Griot Museum.

“We took our youth auxiliary club on an enrichment field trip to tour the facility,” said Brandon Henry, second vice president of the local Sigma graduate chapter and a detective with the St. Louis County Police Department.

“We told them Dr. George Washington Carver was a member of our organization, but we could see he did not have a fraternity pin on, where we saw the replica of Dr. Woodson did have one.”

They contacted Lois Conley, founder and executive director of the Griot Museum (who also crafted the figure of Dr. Carver, working from a mannequin), and asked the museum to collaborate on the event when the organization’s international president was in town.

“The museum did a great job and made everything feel like home,” said Brandon Harvey, chair of the local Sigma graduate chapter’s Membership Committee and a teacher at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School.

Conley encouraged more organizations to collaborate with the museum and interact with its exhibits.

“This is a perfect example of what I hope the community will do, which is to take some ownership of the museum,” Conley said. “It’s a good way to support each other.”

Robert T. Jordan Jr., president of the local graduate Sigma chapter and a human resources specialist for the City of St. Louis’ Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, said the organization also wanted to honor Dr. Carver as an exemplary brother.

“Dr. Carver exemplifies scholarship and creative thought

process,” said Jordan, who is also a retired city cop. “He took a peanut – something minute – and did miraculous things with it. Sigmas can take something minute and do extraordinary things.”

Dr. Carver’s work in plant science and agriculture

went far beyond developing new uses of the peanut. In 1935, he was appointed to the Department of Agriculture by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to address the Southern farming crisis. Among other things, he advised farmers to use crop rotation,

which restores nutrients to the soil. Dr. Carver was awarded the Roosevelt Medal in 1939 for saving Southern agriculture, which was later instrumental in feeding the United States

during World War II.

Mark Pacich, international historian for Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and curator for the Phi Beta Sigma History Museum, said Dr. Carver was instrumental in developing the scientific careers of Sigma brothers.

“He would recruit Sigma men that were practicing veterinary medicine and agriculture and have them come to Tuskegee to study, work or get advanced degrees,” Pacich said. “One of the schools he specifically targeted was Kansas State University in the late 1920s.

Many of the AfricanAmerican men there were members of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and many of them were studying veterinary medicine and agriculture. They graduated from KSU and matriculated down to Tuskegee to work with brother Carver.”

Jordan said a scientist and scholar like Dr. Carver is an

Lois Conley, founder and executive director of the Griot Museum, collaborated with the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. to pin a Sigma pin on the wax likeness she crafted of Dr. George Washington Carver, who was a charter member of Gamma Sigma Alumni chapter at Tuskegee University, organized in 1918.

apt emblem of a fraternity like Phi Beta Sigma, which is rooted in higher education.

“To be a member of our organization, you have to have college – you can’t just sign up,” Jordan said. Jordan said it was powerful for the men to honor their fraternal connection to one of the great minds of American science.

“This helps us recognize we are brothers of his,” Jordan said, “and that’s a special feeling in your heart.”

Phi Beta Sigma was founded January 9, 1914 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The national centennial celebration will be held July 16-20 in Washington. For more information: www. phibetasigma1914.org.

For more information on the Griot Museum of Black History: www. thegriotmuseum.com. Follow this reporter on Twitter @chriskingstl.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Dr. George Washington Carver (seated) at Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.’s 1940 Conclave with fellow members of its Distinguished Service Key Chapter.

Photo courtesy of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.

Tweeting to the choir

Report: health departments not connecting with public via social media

By Robert Joiner Of St. Louis Public Radio

Public health departments are trying to reach their audiences through social media, but most have yet to learn how to “tweet” beyond the choir.

That’s the basic finding of a study out of Washington University that looked at how effectively local health agencies reach audiences through Twitter. Based on the study’s findings, health department tweets are more likely to connect with other health experts, educators and non-profit groups rather than ordinary consumers in need of reliable health information.

In other words, consumers aren’t

turning to social media for routine information on health-related issues, such as managing their diabetes, finding the closest place to get a free flu shot or seeking advice on coping with allergies.

It’s not that social media isn’t wildly popular; it’s just that the health departments haven’t learned to use it to reach their intended audiences, according to Jennie K. Harris, an assistant professor at Washington University’s Brown School and lead author of the study.

The study looked at who is following health departments on Twitter and what kind of information the departments are tweeting about.

The study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, covered 59 health departments, including four in the Missouri counties of McDonald, Gasconade, Cass and Polk. It found that 58 percent those following local health departments on Twitter were associated with organizations, not individuals, and some of those organizations were located in other states.

“I thought they (health departments) were trying to reach their constituents,

n The findings demonstrate how far health departments have to go to take advantage of social media as a means of engaging their constituencies.

people in their local jurisdictions,” Harris said. The study also found that the health department averaged between 400 and 500 Twitter followers.

The findings, she said, demonstrate how far local health departments have to go to fully take advantage of social media as a means of engaging their constituencies about health services and risks.

The interactive nature of social media means sharing information through platforms like Twitter can be effective and “is a little different from the health department putting a

billboard on the highway or putting a pamphlet in a doctor’s office,” Harris said.

Roughly 63 percent of all adults are said to use social media, and the rate is even higher among younger people, Harris said. “It reaches a lot of people,” she said. “It’s more interactive, and I think that’s where we really have some potential to engage people with health information.”

Harris said public health departments could learn how to more effectively use social media by looking at how businesses use it to engage their customers.

“Industry is doing things to get people to respond. They are having little contests, getting people to play little games on social media. They are giving away things. If you like a photo on Facebook, for example, you might be entered into a drawing (to win a prize),” Harris said.

“Health departments don’t have a lot to give away, but we can definitely adapt those strategies as well.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Who is the $1 million man?

The money primary is on in the county executive’s race in St. Louis County. On Tuesday the Steve Stenger campaign announced that Stenger (a councilman from South County) is the only $1 million man in the race. The campaign for incumbent County Executive Charlie A. Dooley countered immediately with an announcement that Dooley was the only candidate in the race to raise $1 million in this election cycle thus far. Fortunately, St. Louis Public Radio crunched the numbers behind the dueling and conflicting press releases. It reported that Stenger slightly outraised Dooley during the last three months, with Stenger collecting $262,814 to Dooley’s $243,540. Stenger has a larger edge in bank accounts: $794,480 to Dooley’s $607,396. It also reported that Dooley’s account is padded by one controversial donor: Jeanne Sinquefield, wife of wealthy financier Rex Sinquefield, who gave Dooley $100,000 on March 27. Most observers surmise that Sinquefield’s continuing support for Dooley is based

on Dooley’s advocacy for the Better Together initiative, which keeps reporting good reasons why St. Louis city should be incorporated into St. Louis County. Sinquefield is a staunch advocate for small government.

St. Louis Public Radio refereed the conflicting “he said, he said” campaign claims in this way: “Stenger noted that he’s outraised Dooley during the last three reporting periods. Dooley said the numbers were misleading because Stenger has lent $200,000 to his campaign. (Half of the money was lent during an earlier campaign but shows up as a continued campaign debt.)”

Stenger’s message man, thus far in the campaign, is Ed Rhode, formerly Mayor Francis G. Slay’s “hide and seek” communications staffer. Dooley’s campaign spokesperson is Linda Goldstein, formerly mayor of Clayton.

The election is August 5.

Labor for Mavis

Stenger got the nod over Dooley when the delegates of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council, AFL-CIO voted on endorsements on Tuesday. The labor council also endorsed three incumbents: License Collector Mavis T. Thompson, Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly and Recorder of Deeds Sharon Quigley Carpenter. St. Louis County Labor’s defection from Dooley, a Democratic incumbent, is

notable. Along with the PostDispatch’s relentlessly negative reporting on the Dooley administration, it’s what gives a relatively unknown challenger like Stenger some daylight against a well-known incumbent.

Thompson’s campaign is claiming a “clean sweep” of area labor endorsements for her as license collector, with recent votes to endorse her by the St. Louis Labor Club, Firefighters Local 73 and Laborers Local 42.

Sheriff Murphy endorses Boyd

Thompson, who was appointed license collector by Gov. Jay Nixon after Michael McMillan stepped down to take the president’s job at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, is being challenged by Alderman Jeffrey L.

Boyd

Boyd was last seen on a ballot in the crowded four-way race for treasurer, which Tishaura O. Jones won.

Mayor Slay endorsed late in that race, endorsing Fred Wessels, who has since gone to work for Slay.

Slay endorsed very early in the license collector’s race, endorsing Boyd over the Democratic incumbent, Thompson. Many observers surmise Slay was directing Boyd’s attention away from one of the white incumbents loyal to him, most likely Carpenter, the longtime incumbent recorder of deeds. Certainly, many black elected officials told Boyd they would support him against Carpenter but oppose him against Thompson. Boyd went with Slay against the advice of his peers.

But that’s not all, as they say on the corny TV shows.

Boyd also is now touting his endorsement by Sheriff James Murphy. It must be new for Murph to line up in support of a black man. In 2010 a St. Louis jury awarded a combined $850,000 to William “Patrick” Hill and Jacques Hughes, two black men who worked for Murphy, after they sued the sheriff for what the Post summarized as “a weak response” when a supervisor hung a noose in a courthouse in 2006. The jury agreed that Murphy was condoning “a racially hostile work environment” in his failure to comprehend why black men refused to tolerate a noose displayed in their workplace. Murphy didn’t get it then, and he doesn’t get it now. But he has endorsed Jeffrey Boyd. Go figure.

Triplett to pay $22K in restitution

will go to the St. Louis Public Schools.

The agreement was signed on March 6, and Joyce said Triplett already started making payments. An initial payment of $3,000 was received March 6, Joyce said. Subsequent payments of $550 monthly was first received March 28. Payments are considered late if not received by the 5th of every month. “If she had not made these payments on time, today I would have been announcing that I was bringing charges against her,” Joyce said on Friday.

Triplett waved the statute of limitations clause, according to which many of her actions would no longer be punishable, so if she violates the agreement she could be prosecuted for a wider range of misdemeanors than if she had not agreed to restitution.

On Friday afternoon, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce announced her office had reached an agreement with former St. Louis Alderwoman Kacie Star Triplett and would not press criminal charges. Triplett admitted to misusing between $8,000 and $18,900 in campaign contributions in a consent order filed February 26 with the Missouri Ethics Commission. Joyce told The American that Triplett’s confession in the stipulation made her liable for prosecution of a misdemeanor offense. However, she said, Triplett has no prior record and there is no clear victim, since Triplett misused campaign funds, not public money. In lieu of prosecution, Joyce got Triplett to agree to pay “$22,000 in restitution for breaking the community’s trust.” The Circuit Attorney’s Office is collecting the restitution, and the money

The EYE is told that KMOX has reported a take-out piece slamming Joyce for going easy on Triplett that is being held for Sweeps week.

Reed to host discussions of bond issue

Aldermanic President Lewis

Reed is hosting three town hall discussions – in central, north and south city – regarding a proposed $150 to $200 million bond issuance for capital improvement projects in the city of St. Louis. The first meeting was held Tuesday at the Missouri History Museum. The others

Information from the City of St. Louis’ Capital Committee and the budget director show some $325 million in current and near-term capital needs, including the replacement of obsolete technology, defunct equipment and broken down vehicles, as well as longdeferred maintenance across city-owned buildings –firehouses, police stations and City Hall.

Of the total estimated investment needed, $155 million was marked “critical to ensure the continued operations of a department, the integrity of City buildings, facilities or infrastructure or to eliminate a serious risk to public safety,” Reed said.

A proposal to issue bonds to cover some of these expenses will come before the Board of Aldermen in the coming weeks. The bonds would be repaid through a citywide increase in property taxes.

Reed said he plans to establish a citizen-led Bond Oversight Committee as part of the legislation.

“But before we introduce this goes through the legislative process and long before it reaches the ballot, we want to start engaging and educating residents,” Reed said. In 1999 city voters gave approval to a similar bond issuance.

Charlie A. Dooley

Steve Stenger

Jeffrey L. Boyd

Kacie Star Triplett

Obituaries

Frederick L. Carothers

Frederick L. Carothers, the first African-American Master Plumber Inspector in St. Louis City and County peacefully departed this life on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at BarnesJewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. He was 74 years old. He is survived by: his mother, Thessolonia White; his wife, Corliss E. Carothers; his children, Frederick C. Carothers, Paulette D. Carothers, Curtis W. Blackmon, Kim E. Stanley, Robert Gibbs, Barron Gibbs, Pamela Gibbs; two brothers, Albert Carothers and Anthony White; one sister, Janice Harris, two daughters-in-law; one sonin-law, seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

In Remembrance

of Bro. Calvin Miller

Sunrise: August 4, 1949

Sunset: April 6, 2013

“Gone But Never Forgotten” Our family chain was broken when God called you home. Lord, have mercy on us and grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference. Love you always, (wife) Betty; (children) CaVitta, LaTonya, Ta’Keisha, Sha’Neatha, and Calvin; (grandchildren) Calvin, Michelle, Rah-Nysha, Makaela, Antonio Kalvyn, Caleb, Ashley, Corion, Cayden and Calvin.

Louise A Dickerson

Louise A. Dickerson, of St. Louis, MO died on March 3, 2014 in Plano, TX. Her unexpected death following a brief illness came while she was in Texas to welcome the

birth of her fifth grandchild. She was the oldest child of Cornelius Anderson and Emma Jean Anderson Thompson, both of whom are deceased. After graduating from Sumner High School and Harris-Stowe State College, she began her 43 year career as an educator in the St. Louis Public School System, retiring from Mallinckrodt Elementary School in 2003. As a role model for higher education to her students, she pursued post graduate studies and received a master’s degree from Webster University.

In

Loving Memory of Antonio Duff

February 14, 1988

—April 9, 2012

Always in my thoughts. Love, Mama

Harold Peter “Fat Pete” Taylor Jr.

She was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) and enjoyed the status of Golden Soror after over 50 years of dedicated service to her community. She was a person of great faith and spirituality with her most recent worship years at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church.

She was the beloved wife of John Dickerson, loving mother to Kimberly Matterson and Erika Jones, doting grandmother of Jasmine and Brandon Matterson, and Nina, Bella, and Sasha Jones, elder sister of Leon Anderson, Lillie Hayes, Joseph Anderson, Sr. (deceased), Chezia ThompsonStrand, Bertha Darkwah, James Thompson, Jr, and Claudine Thompson, and a dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Memorial services are being held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 255 Imperial Rd., Hazelwood, MO, 63042. Activities will include visitation with the family at 9:30 a.m., AKA ceremony at 10:00 a.m., and a memorial celebration at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your support of pancreatic cancer research through donations (online or mail), made in Louise’s memory, to The Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY, 11714. Please specify the nature of your gift and place Louise’s name on the memo line of your check. The family extends thanks to all who have offered prayers and support through this challenging time.

Fat Pete is the name most people called him and what he was known by. He departed this life and went to live in glory on March 10, 2014. Pete was a man full of humor and gave everyone he came in contact with a nickname. The love of my brother overflowed at his visitation when many of his Beaumont High School classmates, close friends and family filled the Chapel of Ronald L. Jones. I didn’t know my brother, Pete, had touched so many lives. He leaves to cherish in his memories: a loving wife, Carolyn, that preceded him in death and his parents, Barbara J. Taylor and Harold P. Taylor Sr., both preceded him in death; daughters, Ashley and Brittany; two stepchildren, Yvonne (Fu-Fu) and Damian; two grandchildren, Quintard and Cameron; three loving sisters, Marsha, Linda and Toni (Jody); nieces, Robbi, Crystal, Candance, Kamesha, Chauntasia, Brice, BJ, and Jo’Daysha; one nephew Willie; great niece Chrisynee’, great nephews, Jazmine, Dezmine, Taron, Marquis and Jacobie; special aunts are Auntie Teddie, Auntie Edna, Auntie Odessa and Auntie Juanita. He left many memories with his special friends Michael Barlett and Lamont Morris, and a host of cousins. Pete will be truly missed by all and hope that all keep in contact with the family. We have a special “thank you” for the Classmates of Beaumont High School for stepping up and helping out. And thanks to many others for your support and encouragement to the family.

Political crooks lose

Back in 2012 Stephen Wigginton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, made it abundantly clear when he stated, “I will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of those who pervert the administration of justice by using public office for their own personal gain. Corrupt politicians and corrupt cops should be on notice – we will come for you!”

Apparently, Mr. Wigginton is a man of his word.

Since that time, Randy McCallum, former mayor for the Village of Alorton, IL was sentenced to 43 months in federal prison for attempted possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance (crack cocaine), theft and conversion of government property and attempting to smuggle contraband into a correctional facility.

Most recently, former St. Clair County Judge Michael Cook was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison (beginning May 28) for being a drug (heroin) user in possession of a firearm and received an enhanced sentence for “disrupting the government,” according to U.S. District Judge Joe Billy McDade. He cited 40 defendants who appeared in Cook’s court who were later tried for conviction reversals and 250 cases which had to be reassigned to another judge.

Former Washington Park, IL trustee Darron Suggs was, surprisingly, only sentenced to five years’ probation and a 26-year repayment schedule for the $64, 867 he stole from Medicaid, which was intended for the care of Suggs’ mother and another person.

U.S. District Judge David Herndon , relaxed Suggs’ sentencing, apparently

overwhelmed by letters of support, an overflowing courtroom full of supporters, Suggs’ educational background (master’s degree in criminal justice) and lack of a prior history. And on May 9, former East St. Louis police detective Orlando Ward will be sentenced for his part in a drug trafficking operation which would have brought approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles to ESL, with Ward receiving $5,000 per month to provide information, assistance and protection for the operation.

At press time, Ward is facing a statutory minimum of 10 years to life. However, a judge has ordered an examination into whether Ward is eligible for a shorter sentence. Whatever the outcome, no one can say that Wigginton’s initiatives have not made an impact and sent a powerful message that there is zero tolerance for corruption and those who have the public’s trust should pay an even greater price for violating their elected and appointed responsibilities.

The fact that these politicians continue to test Wigginton’s resolve, despite his track record for prosecuting and convicting corrupt officials, is the only thing that continues to amaze me.

Perhaps it’s because, in the words of my late grandmother, that some folks (including politicians) just “don’t believe that fat meat is greasy.”

Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.

State extends SLPS as transitional district for two more years

American staff

On Tuesday the State Board of Education adopted the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s recommendation for the continued operation of the St. Louis Public Schools as a transitional district. The term of the transitional district was set to expire in June. Now it is authorized through June 30, 2016

“Maintaining stable leadership is critical for St. Louis schools and is in the best interests of students,” Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro said in a release. “The department supports the district’s efforts to improve as it strives toward renewed accreditation.”

As a transitional district, SLPS is governed

by a three-member board with members appointed by the governor, mayor and president of the Board of Aldermen. While the district still has an elected school board, it does not govern the district. The State Board of Education voted to put the transitional school district in place in 2007, when St. Louis Public Schools lost accreditation. The state board reauthorized the transitional school district in 2010. St. Louis Public Schools improved to provisional accreditation in 2012. The state board will review the district’s accreditation classification following the release of the 2015 Annual Performance Report.

James Ingram

Frederick Carothers

Calvin Miller

Louise Dickerson

Antonio Duff

Harold Taylor Jr.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Planting the Seeds for Success!

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

We specialize in making science fun!

We specialize in making science fun!

Harry’s Big Adventure:

Harry’s Big Adventure:

Investigate and explore over 700 interactive exhibits and take in a film on one of world’s largest domed screens in OMNIMAX® Theater. Come, play and exercise your brain! General admission is always free. slsc.org/nie4

Investigate and explore over 700 interactive exhibits and take in a film on one of the world’s largest domed screens in our OMNIMAX® Theater. Come, play and exercise your brain! General admission is always free. slsc.org/nie3

books, etc.) FREE for you from our library. We even designed a cool poster you can hang in the classroom!

Nutrition Challenge:

Here are a few Easter holiday eating tips.

> Ask your parent (or the “cook” for your Easter dinner) if you can help, and if you can prepare a healthy dish.

Exercise

Ask your parents if you can create a fun, fitness-filled egg hunt. This is how it’s done.

1. First think of 10 different fun exercises you can ask your family/friends to do. (These could include jumping jacks, push-ups, etc.)

2. On the first clue write, “This egg hunt is different than the ones you’ve done before. First do 10 jumping jacks then look by the back

My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

slsc.org/hbanie1

slsc.org/hbanie2

slsc.org/hbanie4

We’re here to help you succeed, and there are even scholarships available. Just visit stlzoo.org/teachers or call us at (314) 646-4544 to learn more.

PRESENT: Healthy Kids is a weekly series that focuses on nutrition, exercise, safety and more.

Healthy Kids Kids

your time to really savor the yumminess.

Easter Candy Temptations

> Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and baked meats, avoid the super-cheesy and starchy side dishes.

> If you want a dessert, try just a very small slice, taking

> Eat a healthy snack such as an apple or granola bar while waiting for the big meal. This reduces the temptation of overeating on all of the rich holiday foods.

door.” Hand this clue to the participants.

3. Near the back door you’ll have an egg filled with a similar kind of rhyme and fitness challenge. Continue this rhyme/challenge pattern

When you find yourself in a conflict (fight/disagreement) with someone, practice these 5 steps for conflict resolution.

1. Identify the conflict. (Why aren’t we getting along?)

2. Agree to disagree. (Nobody has to be “wrong.”)

until you have filled and hidden 10 eggs. Remind your participants to leave each egg in its hidden location for the next person to find. Visit http://www.rhymezone.com for help.

3. Listen to each other. (Really listen to the other person’s side.)

4. Negotiate. (Discuss possible options.)

5. Compromise on a solution. (Each person can give a little.)

— As a class, discuss ways to not overeat when there is candy all around you. Can you share with guests? Perhaps allow yourself one treat per day? What else can you do?

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

4. The last egg should say something like, “Congratulations! You made it to the end. Now you get to choose a prize, my egghunting friend!”

5. Have a basket filled with small little prizes (tattoos, fruit, balloons, stickers, etc.). The first to arrive gets to select their prize first, and so on.

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

Look through the newspaper for a story where two people (or groups of people) are in a conflict. Write out how each of these steps could help the situation.

Where do you work? I work at Washington University School of Medicine/BJC Hospital.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hazelwood East Senior High School and received an associate’s degree in nursing from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park.

What does a registered nurse do? I work with doctors to help collect medical information for sickle cell disease research studies. By explaining the studies and working with families who join our studies, we help educate the community about sickle cell disease.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because it gives me the chance to help try and find new medicines and treatments for children and adults with sickle cell disease.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? The most enjoyable part is working with and taking care of children and adults, getting to know families and learning from them while they help us learn.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH

Cola

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Elementary School 5th grade teacher

Royster, and Lativia Williams. The school is in the St. Louis Public School District.

Wiley Price / St. Louis American

1ST

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN IN

SPACE AND AERONAUTICS ENGINEER: Guion S. Bluford

Guion S. Bluford was born on November 22, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1964, he graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in aerospace engineering. In college, he was a member of the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. After college, he used this experience when he served in the Vietnam War as a member of the Air Force.

He won several medals, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Bluford flew in over 140 combat missions.

SCIENCE CORNER Food In Space!

Have you ever wondered what astronauts eat in space? Handling food in space is tricky due to the effect of zero gravity. According to nasa.gov, astronauts are allotted 3.8 pounds of food per day. It is estimated that one pound of that is packaging. Foods must be individually packaged and stowed. All food is processed and precooked, so it is ready to eat. All items are freeze dried, dehydrated, or thermo-stabilized. Preparation is simple and usually involves adding water or heating. There is a fresh food locker for fruits and vegetables, but these foods must be eaten within the first two days or they spoil. Salt, pepper, taco sauce, hot pepper sauce, catsup, mayonnaise, and mustard are the condiments available on the space shuttle.

On the Apollo 11 mission, astronauts ate two meals. One meal included bacon squares, peaches, sugar cookie cubes, coffee, and pineapple-grapefruit juice. The other meal included beef stew, cream of chicken soup, fruitcake, grape

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

In this activity, you will learn about the laws of physics at work on the playground. You will learn about forces.

Materials Needed:

• Swing Set • Partner • Stopwatch

Procedure:

q Sit on the swing and have your partner give you one gentle push. Do not pump your legs. Your partner will use the stopwatch to record how many times you go back and forth in one minute.

w Next, your partner will give you a strong push. Do not pump your legs. Your partner will use the stopwatch to

Weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object. The mass of an object doesn’t change; the weight, however, does change. When an astronaut travels to space, the change in gravity is the cause of the “weightlessness.”

For this activity, you will choose 5 objects in your classroom. First, estimate the weight. Next, use the scale to calculate the weight. Now pretend you are on the Moon, where gravity is about one-sixth that on Earth, and calculate what their weights would be. Record these weights in the last column.

Learning Standards:

I can estimate and measure weight. I can calculate the effect of gravity on weight.

punch, and orange drink. This is quite a stretch from what was served on early missions. Worrying that astronauts might not be able to swallow in zero gravity, most food was pureed and eaten from tubes to avoid choking. When astronauts lost too much weight from these unappealing meals, the food choices were reevaluated. Today, the food choices are expanding.

In 2001, astronauts enjoyed a vacuum sealed Pizza Hut pizza. NASA provides astronauts with tortillas made by the same company that supplies Taco Bell. Some astronauts have brought their own nonperishable food such as Pringles and M&Ms. In 2008, Sandra Magnus was the first person to cook a meal in space. She spent over an hour cooking onions and garlic in the space station’s food warmer. Her entrée included mesquite grilled tuna in a lemon garlic ginger marinade, and it was eaten from a bag.

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

record how many times you go back and forth in one minute.

e Finally, you will pump your legs to move the swing back and forth. Your partner will time you for one minute to record how many times you go back and forth.

Reflect: How does adding a force (a push, or a pump of the legs) affect the frequency of the swing? How does this concept apply to astronauts, such as Guion S. Bluford?

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a procedure. I can analyze the results and apply them to a real life situation.

In 1974, Bluford earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Four years later, he earned his doctorate degree in the same subject and was picked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Program.

August 30, 1983, he became the first African American to travel in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger. He departed from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and completed several experiments as the shuttle orbited the Earth 98 times in 145 hours and landed in California at Edwards Air Force Base. Bluford went on to log 688 hours of space time and participated in three other missions, another aboard the Challenger and two aboard the Discovery. In 1993, he retired from NASA and the Air Force and began work in the aerospace division of companies, including the Federal Data Corporation and Northrop Grumman. He has also served as president of the Aerospace Technology Group. In 1997, Bluford was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame. He said, “I felt an awesome responsibility, and I took the responsibility very seriously, of being a role model and opening another door to black Americans, but the important thing is not that I am black, but that I did a good job as a scientist and an astronaut.”

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the field of science, technology, or mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to sharpen your skills for the MAP test.

Activity One —

American Rights: Examine current newspaper stories for examples of rights being exercised, upheld, or abused. Find as many examples as you can (including photos), and identify the appropriate right.

Activity Two — The Law: Find stories in the newspaper about laws that are designed to protect us. Make a chart of each law and its purpose. Discuss or debate the fairness of these laws. Which laws (or rules) are part of your everyday school experience? Are there other rules that you believe should be created for school?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify rights and laws granted to citizens and explain their use and purpose.

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

Hamilton

Alecia Johnson helps with a STEM lesson on moisture using the newspaper with students Derrion Jackson, Aseani Myles, Travion

Photo:

Obama

Bluford on STS-8 in 1983. STS-8 was the eighth space shuttle mission and the third light of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

SLPS extends last day of class

The last day of school for Saint Louis Public School students will now be Friday, May 30 instead of Friday, May 23 as originally scheduled.

The extra week of school was forced by the eight days of school when classes were cancelled this winter due to snow, ice and bitter cold temperatures. The district previously made up two of the cancelled days on February 14 and March 14. Students will make up one of the remaining days on Monday, May 19, which was originally on the schedule as a record-keeping day for staff

with no classes for students.

Additional make-up days are Tuesday, May 27 –Friday, May 30. The district will only need to make up seven of the total eight days of cancellations due to a built-in snow day on the original calendar.

The last day of work for District 10-month and 10.5month employees during the 2013/2014 school year will be Monday, June 2. District 11-month employees will work through Friday, June 6.

The adjusted 2013/2014 SLPS school year calendar is available online at www.slps. org/calendar.

United Way deadlines for grants

United Way of Greater St. Louis is offering nonprofits, community agencies and faith-based organizations the opportunity to apply for one-time grants. Seven grant topics tailored to address specific issues are currently available within designated Missouri and Illinois counties.

Grant submissions are due by 5 p.m. April 25 for: Basic needs, Youth services, Community needs and Employment support services.

Grant submissions are due by 5 p.m. May 23 for: Stability funding gap, Second generation/Multigenerational solutions and

Urban male employment/ entrepreneur opportunities.

“United Way assesses the needs of the region and makes grants available to organizations that can help meet those needs,” said Vanessa Wayne, United Way of Greater St. Louis community investment director.

United Way one-time grants are open to any nonprofit agency meeting the criteria of the specific grant, not just for United Way partner agencies. Visit stl.unitedway.org/ grants for an application and to find out more about the grants available.

Time for a new children’s crusade

By Rev. Starsky Wilson

For The St. Louis American

This week, we recall the nation’s last great era of social change with the grand re-opening of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the Civil Rights Summit at the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, TX.

On April 4-5 at the former Lorraine Motel, the 46th anniversary and location of the assassination of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. provided the context for community leaders and activists to gather. While April 8-10 at the presidential library at the University of Texas, four of five living presidents addressed the critical nature of the 1964 Civil Rights Act signed by Johnson on its 50th anniversary.

These are, perhaps, providential bookends, recognizing both the sacrifice of community mobilization and the necessity of wellplaced policy for broad-based community change.

On April 5 I was awed to be among the first people in the nation to re-enter the Civil Rights Museum after an 18-month closure for a $28 million facelift. With fresh eyes on a renewed, yet familiar landscape, I was compelled by the exhibit on the Birmingham Children’s Crusade in May of 1963.

Between May 2 and 6 more than 2,500 children and youth were arrested for marching through the city’s streets. They filled up the jails and caused the stadium to be transformed into a make-shift prison. It was their actions, and the spectacle of kids being blasted by water hoses in the hands of public servants, that turned public

opinion and became a pivotal point leading to the passage of the 1964 legislation.

While we lack such a dramatic picture today, it is still the case that the lack of mobilized public will and civic infrastructure to assure equal opportunity and access negatively impacts our kids.

In reflection on those Birmingham children, I caught a glimpse of the students from Normandy who recently marched from their school to the administration building to dramatize a plea for investment in their district. I sense the spirit of Sumner

High School students who organized a rally for peace in their neighborhoods. I envision the words of college interns at the Scholarship Foundation pleading with Missouri leaders to increase funding for Access Missouri in support of lowincome students pursuing higher education. I hear the voices of youth served by Epworth lobbying legislators during last week’s Child Advocacy Day to sustain support for them as they age out of foster care.

n The lack of mobilized public will and civic infrastructure to assure equal opportunity and access negatively impacts our kids.

These are the seeds of a children’s crusade. To be clear, the children

in Birmingham did not act alone. Supporters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference underwrote the enterprise. Rev. James Bevel suggested and coordinated the action. President Kennedy’s administration intervened to negotiate peace. And Dr. King was arrested challenging the city before they were. These complementary actions watered the seeds.

To advance a movement for child well-being in our community, we must be willing to water these seeds by investing in building public will, engaging children and parents who are most affected, and advocating on their behalf toward a vision of community that makes vulnerable children a priority. It’s time for a new Children’s Crusade. Rev. Starsky Wilson is president & CEO of Deaconess Foundation.

Guest Columnist Rev. Starsky Wilson

Students at the newly rennovated Civil Rights Museum.

Business

Forging ahead in the comics business

David Steward II diversifies and expands Lion Forge Comics

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

“Our content is some of the most diverse that you can get from any comic book company,” said David Steward II, founder and CEO of Lion Forge Comics.

“We also employ and have on board people from a number of different ethnicities and genders, all working on that content. And with each piece of content, if it’s about a certain group, we have someone from that group working on the content.”

For example, with

n “With each piece of content, if it’s about a certain group, we have someone from that group working on the content.”

– David Steward II, Lion Forge Comics

“Quincredible,” which chronicles an AfricanAmerican superhero of that name, Lion Forge has AfricanAmerican creative talent working on the project. For an upcoming project about an Hispanic superhero named “Whysper,” Lion Forge has tapped Hispanic creative talent.

“We want at all times to maintain the authenticity of the voice of whatever that character is,” Steward said. “A lot of companies disregard this, and their content comes out a little skewed.” Steward’s company also is diversifying its content by another important demographic – age –with the launch of ROAR Comics, its new digital imprint that concentrates on comics for children and teens.

“We operate a little differently than other comic book companies in that our focus with content is making something for everybody – our moniker is ‘Comics for Everyone,’” he said.

“A lot of traditional comics publishers in the market, like Marvel and DC, are mostly focused on an older demographic, 40-yearold-plus men, and not trying necessarily to reach a younger readership. We want something for younger readers.”

That is why in February Lion

Forge’s ROAR Comics imprint launched digital comic books based on the 1980s and 90s TV shows “Saved by the Bell” and “Punky Brewster.”

The digital publisher acquired the licensing rights to the properties from NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products in 2013.

“We’re licensing things we loved

growing up,” Steward said. “We’re fans of the material, first, and would like to see it continued. A lot of it has not been in the market for quite some time. It’s time for a new generation to be exposed to it, but also to appeal to nostalgia.” Under their all-ages ROAR imprint, Lion Forge is also

“Quincredible,” which chronicles an AfricanAmerican superhero of that name, is one of the diverse publications by Lion Forge Comics, the St. Louisbased digital publisher founded by David Steward II.

producing two original comics, “Crystal Cadets” and “Mer.”

“Lion Forge has made remarkable inroads in the comics space in such a short amount of time,” said Adam Staffaroni, a veteran of DC Comics and BOOM! Studios who is

See STEWARD, B6

Elevating – and grooming – men

Salon owner is among Grace Hill Women’s Business Center honorees

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

Carla Reid, owner of Elevated Men’s Salon, was one of four women inducted into the 15th annual Grace Hill Women’s Business Center Wall of Fame. When Reid was told that she would be receiving the award, she was “on the fence” about whether or not to continue operating her business. Her start-up, which provides premium hairstyling and spa services for both men and women, is barely two years old. And in her personal life, she is still grappling with the deaths of her father and brother, who died six months apart last year. She felt overwhelmed, she said, and thought about selling her business or shutting it down. But, in her heart, she knew she could not give up. “That call was the

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman

Johanna Wharton, executive vice president of Grace Hill Settle-ment House, and Carla Reid, owner of Elevated Men’s Salon, LLC

n “If we have more active men, we’ll have stronger families and better communities.”

– Carla Reid, owner of Elevated Men’s Salon, LLC

Denise HooksAnderson, M.D. is one of six recipients of the 2014 MAC Woman of Distinction award. She is assistant professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University and medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American Hooks-Anderson is a SLUCare family medicine physician and a faculty volunteer at the Health Resource Center, a free clinic in North St. Louis operated by SLU medical students.

Gary Gunther has re-joined Radio One as vice president and general manager of St. Louis. A 25-year veteran of radio sales/marketing, he has held several positions in the company. From 2011 to 2013, he was general sales manager in the Baltimore market. From 2006 to 2008, he served as general sales manager for Radio One stations in Detroit.

Vanessa Keith has been appointed to the new 10-member data breach practice group at the St. Louis law firm of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. She is an officer in the litigation and labor and employment law practice groups. The multi-disciplinary practice group is comprised of attorneys with extensive experience in advising clients about data privacy and security matters, responding to government investigations and managing data breaches.

Jean-Alfred Thomas II, M.D. has accepted the position of chief resident (assistant chief of internal medicine) for the academic year beginning July 1, 2015 with the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is a graduate of John Burroughs High School, Morehouse College, St. Louis University Medical School and a fellowship in Urological Cancer Research at Duke University.

Courtney D. Hilliard graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas as an Air Force Airman. She is the daughter of Shonte Young of St. Louis and a 2011 graduate of Riverview Gardens High School. She completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies and basic warfare principles and skills.

Steven N. Cousins will be recognized as a 2014 Inspiring St. Louisan by the St. Louis County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He is a partner at Armstrong Teasdale and a member of its Executive Committee who helped break racial barriers for local AfricanAmerican lawyers. He will be honored at the 76th Annual Freedom Fund Fellowship dinner on June 3 at the Clayton Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Denise HooksAnderson

Gary Gunther

Vanessa Keith

Jean-Alfred Thomas II

Courtney D. Hillard

Steven N. Cousins

Personal finance

Demystifying credit scores

By Jason Alderman

One of the few positive outcomes of the 2008 financial crisis was that it helped shine a light on the importance of understanding and staying on top of your credit profile. Along with that heightened visibility, however, has come a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding –particularly around the allimportant credit score.

“The consequences of not maintaining a sound credit score can be very costly,” says Anthony Sprauve, senior consumer credit specialist at FICO. “A low score can bar you from getting a new loan, doom you to higher interest rates and even cost you a new job or apartment.” Five factors are used to determine your credit score: payment history (usually around 35 percent of your score), amount owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), newly opened credit accounts (10 percent), and types of credit used (10 percent).

Fortunately, if your credit score has taken a hit, you can initiate several actions that will begin improving it almost immediately. Just be aware that it can take many years to recover from events like bankruptcy or foreclosure.

First, find out where you currently stand by reviewing your credit reports from each major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Look for negative actions your creditors might have reported as well as errors and fraudulent activity, which you can challenge through the bureau’s dispute resolution process. You can order one free report per year from each bureau through the government-authorized site, www.AnnualCreditReport. com; otherwise you’ll pay a small fee. You might also want

to order your credit score. Lenders use credit scores to supplement their own selection criteria to determine whether you are a worthy credit risk. Several types are available, including FICO® Score, VantageScore (a competing model jointly created by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and proprietary credit scores from each of the three bureaus, among others. Scores typically cost from $15 to $20 each. Note: You may see offers for free credit scores, but they’re usually tied to expensive ongoing creditmonitoring services you may or may not want. Read the contract carefully. Here are a few tips for improving your credit history:

• Always pay bills on time and catch up on missed payments.

• Set up automatic payments for recurring bills and automatic minimum credit card

payments if you often miss deadlines.

• Sign up for text or email alerts telling you when your balance drops or payments are due.

• Never exceed credit card limits.

• Monitor your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of available credit you’re using). Try to keep your cumulative utilization ratio –and the ratios on individual cards or lines of credit – below 30 percent.

• Transferring balances to a new card for a lower rate will slightly ding your credit score – although it won’t take long to recover. But be careful the transfer doesn’t increase your utilization ratio on the new card.

• Make sure that card credit limits reported to the credit

bureaus are accurate.

• Don’t automatically close older, unused accounts; 15 percent of your score is based on credit history.

• Each time you open a new account it slightly impacts your score, so avoid doing so in the months before a major purchase.

• Pay off medical bills, as well as parking, traffic and even library fines. Once old, unpaid bills go into collection, they’ll appear on your credit report.

“Bottom line, don’t lose hope,” says Sprauve. “The negative impact of past credit problems will gradually fade as recent good payment behavior begins to show up on your credit reports.”

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

Business Briefs

Black MBAs to host Entrepreneur Think Tank

The National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA) St. Louis Chapter will host its third annual Entrepreneur Think Tank, Imprint Your Business on Saturday, April 26 in Simon Hall at the Olin Business School on the Washington University’s Danforth campus, 6475 Forsyth Ave.

Check in will begin at 7 a.m. with a continental breakfast until 7:45 am. The program and workshops will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Budding entrepreneurs and individuals looking to grow their business are encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public for a nominal fee of $10. All participants must register and pay in advance at www.stlblackmba.org.

Treasurer Jones to host Financial Empowerment Summit

The City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office will host its first Financial Empowerment Summit at Harris-Stowe State University on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event, co-sponsored by Harris-Stowe, The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and The United Way, will include financial literacy-centered activities for the entire family. Hope Bryant, CEO and founder of Operation Hope, will give the keynote address.

Several banks and credit unions, as well as state and federal agencies, will be on hand to provide information about second-chance bank accounts, credit counseling, the unclaimed property database, identify theft and the MOST 529 College Savings Program.

MOKAN to host Minority Business Symposium

MOKAN will host, “Bridging Rhetoric to Reality,” a Minority Business Symposium, Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9 at the Union Station Hotel located in downtown St. Louis. It will provide minority business owners with networking opportunities with St. Louis’ business and corporate community, as well as workshops on Access To Capital, New Business Growth Opportunities, Latest Trends in Business Development, and Business Marketing Tips to Win & Keep Clients. Register at www.mokansymposium.com or call 314454-9675.

SBA to host free seminar on being entrepreneurial after 50 U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis District Office is presenting a free seminar titled “National Mentor Month – Find Your Entrepreneurial Passion after 50” in St. Louis 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 28 at Florissant Valley Campus Center for Workforce Innovation, 3344 Pershall Rd. in Ferguson. RSVP required to Patti Guttmann at 314-539-6615 or patricia. guttmann@sba.gov. For more information on how the SBA can assist small businesses, contact the St. Louis District Office at 314-539-6600 or visit www.sba.gov/ mo/stlouis.

SALON

Continued from B1 that would empower men through literacy programs such as employment training and computer classes. That is until she met Arthur Porter, a former facilitator with Grace Hill, who helped to plant the seed of melding social entrepreneurship into a forprofit business. Eddie Davis, her business development counselor at Grace Hill, was also instrumental. Davis assisted Reid with developing a business plan and securing a $9,000 SBA microloan from Justine Petersen.

“The part that keeps me excited are the partnerships I have within the community,” she said.

One of the partnerships is with 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Elevated Men’s Salon is one of many stops on the organization’s Annual Barbershop Tour through its Health and Wellness initiative.

She also helped to establish the Clifton A. Reid Memorial Scholarship Foundation at Florida A & M University, her brother’s alma mater.

She firmly believes that men can make a difference in the lives of their children, having come from a two-parent household to being a single mother.

“I just want to keep encouraging men to keep doing the right things,” she said. “If we have more active men, we’ll have stronger families and better communities.”

Other awardees

Two women were selected to receive the Larry Parker award this year: Jane Hilton,

owner of Advance Medical Services, Inc.; and Evelyn Boston, owner of Boston & Associates. The Larry Parker award is given to honorees that have been in business the longest. Both women began their businesses in 1999. A committee of Grace Hill staff and counselors, including Falencia Moore, determined the winners, who have been in business for at least two years.

“When she came to our program, she was grossing a little over $2 million in revenue and had 125 employees,” Moore said of Hilton. Moore said after receiving services at Grace Hill, Hilton increased her staff to 200 and now grosses over $3 million.

Cory Elliott, owner of CMT Roofing, LLC, is the final honoree.

Speak up! Enterprise Founder and President Lecia Rives’ keynote speech at the awards ceremony vividly illustrated the struggles and triumphs of being women business owners.

“Her speech was about the Domino’s Pizza man,” Reid said, referring to Tom Monaghan, co-founder of the restaurant chain. “How he started from making pizzas in his home to having a chain as big as it is now, and how his dream was always bigger than his current circumstance.”

Over 125 attended the awards ceremony, held recently at Rose of the Hill in St. Louis’ “Hill” neighborhood.

Since 2000, the Wall of Fame awards have been given annually during March to celebrate Women’s History Month. The awards celebrate the efforts and achievements of women entrepreneurs as they pave the way for economic development in the region.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

n “Dirk’s got a lot of moves I’m trying to steal.”

– OKC star Kevin Durant, discussing how he has studied Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki’s game during the season

Sports

traCk & FIeld notebook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Super sophomore

Ja’Mari Ward leads the field in double and triple jump

STL in the NBA

Bradley Beal, David Lee and

Cahokia High standout Ja’Mari Ward

Chris Moore for the state title. The Comanches won the meet with 95 points. They also got a boost from junior sprinter Keveion Akins, who won the 200-meterdash with a winning time of 21.8 seconds.

Edwardsville got a 1-2 finish from Isaiah Michi and Craig James in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Michi finished first in 37.99 while James was right behind in 38.13. James was also second in the 110-meter high hurdles to Belleville East sophomore William Session, who was first in 14.2 seconds.

Record-setting sprinters

McCluer South-Berkeley’s girls have been quite impressive in the sprints during the opening weeks of the season. At last weekend’s Charlie Beck Invitational at University City, the set meet records in the 4x100- and 4x200meter relays. They won the 4x100 in 47.47 seconds and the 4x200 in 1:40.32. They also finished second in the 4x400. Kamira Franklin was first in the 200-meter dash in 25.22. At the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Relays in East St. Louis, Franklin won the 100 in 12.09 while teammate Octavio Cato was second in 12.25. The Bulldogs also broke a 21-year old meet record by winning the 4x200 in 1:40.91. They also won the 4x100 in 47.8.

n Another Chaminade product, David Lee, is averaging 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in helping the Golden State Warriors into the Western Conference playoffs.

The National Basketball Association’s regular season came to a close on Wednesday night and the playoffs are set to begin this weekend. It will be cool to see my Washington Wizards back in the NBA playoffs once again after a lengthy absence. I’ve been a Wizards (Bullets) fan since 1969 when my uncle Wes Unseld joined the team. One of the main reasons why the Wizards are back in the playoffs is the play of second-year guard Bradley Beal, formerly of Chaminade College Prep. Beal enjoyed an excellent second season as he averaged 17 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game heading into last night’s regular season finale against Boston. Beal is also shooting the ball at a high level, having made nearly 40 percent of his 3-point attempts. He also shot 78 percent from the free throw line. Beal is making a nice progression into one of the league’s top young shooting guards. The Wizards also have one of the league’s top young backcourts with Beal and former No. 1 pick John Wall. Beal also made it to the finals of the 3-point shooting contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. Another Chaminade product, David Lee, continues to churn out highly productive seasons. A two-time All-Star, Lee is averaging 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in helping the Golden State Warriors into the Western Conference playoffs. Lee missed virtually all of last season’s playoffs with a torn

Top heavy East, wide open West

In the Clutch previews the 2014 NBA Playoffs

The NBA regular season is finally over and it’s time for the playoffs to begin. The league’s 30 teams have been whittled down to the top eight in each conference. There are plenty of old hats as well as some new contenders on the block. But just how many have a realistic chance of hoisting the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy? Let’s find out.

Eastern Conference

Cahokia High standout Ja’Mari Ward is only a sophomore, but he has already established himself as one of the top young jumpers in the country. He is also keeping up a fine tradition of jumping excellence at Cahokia High, which is in the midst of a dynasty in boys track. Ward was at it again last week as he swept both the long jump and triple jump to lead the Comanches to the team championship at the Norm Armstrong/Belleville West Invitational. Ward won the long jump with a leap of 23 feet 4 inches. He also won the triple jump with an impressive effort of 49 feet 6 inches. Travelling such distances in the air is nothing new to Ward, who has been a star performer in age-group summer track meets before entering high school. In his first state meet as a freshman last spring, Ward won the long jump with a leap of 23-7 ½ on his final jump to edge teammate for wins in a season. The young and exciting squad, led by DeMar Derozen, plays an exciting brand of basketball and has a bright future ahead. This season, however, its chances at emerging from the East are slim-to-none. Same goes for the Chicago Bulls, who made waves during the regular season by excelling despite the absence of the oft-injured former league MVP Derrick Rose. The Bulls will be a hard out for anybody, but at the end of the day, Joahkim Noah and Co. will still end up out.

The Toronto Raptors have surprised everybody by breaking its franchise record

n If the rest program worked and Wade is 100% for the playoffs, the Heat will look far different that the pedestrian team that showed up sporadically throughout the second-half of the season.

Wade has missed 29 games this season due to injury and scheduled nights of rest to prevent injury. If the rest program worked and Wade is 100% for the playoffs, the Heat will look far different that the pedestrian team that showed up sporadically throughout the second-half of the season.

See CLUTCH, B4 See

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

The Charkie Beck Invitational was held Saturday at University City High School. Hazelwood Central’s Justin Blackmon (above), took irst in the Boys 110-meter hurdles with a winning time of 15.11. Tuvone Clark from McCluer South-Berkeley was second at 15.15 and Ritenour’s Tre Hollins-White took 3rd at 15.23

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Adios to Dorial Green-Beckham

Claiborne

The Dorial GreenBeckham era at the University of Missouri –Columbia is now over and he has no one to thank but himself. Considered to be the most prized recruit to set foot on campus in years, Green-Beckham was kicked off the team for a variety of reasons. The one that stood out the most was an incident involving his girlfriend’s roommate. Green-Beckham allegedly pushed the woman down some stairs along with assaulting his girlfriend, according to the Columbia police department. To make matters worse, a transcript of his girlfriend’s text messages to her roommate were published, showing the girlfriend trying to convince her roommate not to press charges against Green-Beckham. That was the last straw for Mizzou. Throw in the previous run-ins with the law over marijuana possession charges on two different occasions, and it was adios to Green-Beckham. Head coach Gary Pinkel had no choice. Mizzou has had to work hard recently to maintain a certain standard for its athletes to abide by. In some cases, it has not gone according to plan. Basketball coach Frank Haith let go of a player last week because he decided to take matters into his own hands over a love triangle with a teammate. It is time to draw a line, and Mizzou thinks now is the time. I am all for it. The athletic department bent over backwards to help Green-Beckham and the outcome came up short. Where will he end up next? Who will take him with all of his baggage? The answer? Who cares. While we all hope he learns from this, I am sure playing on Sundays in the NFL is what he is most

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

Speaking of pedestrian, the Pacers got off to a hot start this season and nearly fell off a cliff after the All-Star break. Midseason acquisitions of Evan Turner and Andrew Bynum have not panned out as planned and have seemingly disrupted the team’s chemistry. Luckily for the Pacers, the team clenched home court advantage in the East. The team was 35-6 at home and will be tough to beat in the friendly confines of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Favorites: Miami Heat

Darkhorse: Winner between Chicago Bulls & Brooklyn Nets

Western Conference

The story is completely different in the Wild Wild West where seven of eight teams finished with at least fifty wins. Compare that with the East, where only Indiana and Miami topped the fifty win mark. The San Antonio Spurs must be considered a favorite. The Spurs finished with the best regular season record in the league and will have home court advantage as long as the team stays around. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Head Coach Gregg Popovich finish at the top of the standings every season but are routinely looked over as legitimate title contenders. The crew is still reeling from its collapse in the NBA Finals last season and is definitely hungry for a return trip. There is no shortage of spoilers in the talented Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be entering the playoffs at full-strength this postseason. The Thunder’s postseason hopes were dashed

concerned about. He has lost a lot of money due to his actions. As for the football team, they will prosper. I commend Pinkel for his actions. He has done a remarkable job of developing young men who have ventured off into other things besides playing football. I only wish more programs would take the same approach once a player has exhausted his means of trying to be a good citizen. He has standards that have to be met if you want to play there. Sure they will miss Green-Beckham’s talent, but not the antics that come with it.

last season after Russell Westbrook went down in the first-round. Westbrook appears to be healthy entering the playoff and is the key component if the Thunder makes it back to the Finals. Kevin Durant should and most likely will be the league MVP, but Westbrook’s fearless, attacking style could be the difference in another solid season and a possible NBA championship.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin has gotten MVP buzz in recent weeks and deservedly so. Blake Superior

Too early to sing the Blues

Yes, the St. Louis Blues have stumbled down the stretch in a concerning manner. Supporters have started to panic and prepare themselves for another year without the Stanley Cup. It is too early to make assumptions. Yes, they are struggling. Yes, they have their work cut out for them, for they play against Chicago in the playoffs. Consider this: they did not win over 50 games by mistake; there is time to get their mojo

has displayed a polished allaround game this season and no longer just a lean-mean dunking machine. With Chris Paul dropping the dimes and DeAndre Jordan protecting the rim, bench health could determine whether the deep and talented Clips can finally make it to the Finals.

James Harden and Dwight Howard make the Houston Rockets a dangerous team. I still think they’re a heartbreaking series defeat away from taking the next step as a legitimate championship contender. The Rockets can

back. They have one of the best coaches in the game in Ken Hitchcock who should relish the opportunity to actually coach and prepare his team for the challenge. This is what coaches live for. All is not lost here, and the Blues can salvage what appears to be a dire situation. Stay tuned and watch as the Stanley Cup is now up for grabs.

Just wondering

The opening day inclusion of African-American players in Major League Baseball is as

beat anybody out West, but I don’t think the team is ready to run the gauntlet. Same can be said for the Golden State Warriors. The Portland Trail Blazers have seemingly run out of gas. The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies have enough juice pull a shocker in the first-round, but not enough to go all the way. Regardless, the Western Conference playoffs will be a blast to watch and almost anybody can get hot and win as if it were the NCAA Tournament.

Favorite: Oklahoma City

low as it has been since 1950. Does anyone care who the Rams draft this year? Does anyone care about the Rams? I do, and I know they put in a lot of work. When ownership leaves a city hanging, they find something else to appease them. The Rams deserve better, as do their fans.

If a Division 1 college football player were on the open market, the starting salary would be in the vicinity of $178,000 per year. There is no reason for the NCAA to pay while they can get the labor for free. Not to worry, as the

NCAA is up to its elbows in lawsuits concerning matters of this nature. My advice to them? Cut a deal quickly while there is still an NCAA as we know it. Then again, that is the problem: the NCAA as we know it. Anyone interested in seeing Floyd Mayweather and Manny Paquiao fight? Five years ago would have been great. Now as long as it’s not pay-per-view, it’s not worth it. Speaking of fighters, Devon Alexander, your career is calling. Pick up the phone and please fight someone before you become an afterthought.

Mike

Thunder (Not so) darkhorse: Los Angeles Clippers

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+

The Dorial Green-Beckham era at the University of Missouri – Columbia is now over and he has no one to thank but himself. Considered to be the most prized recruit to set foot on campus in years, Green-Beckham was kicked off the team for a variety of reasons

Grace Chapel finishes 5th in national tournament

The Grace Chapel Chargers from Grace Chapel Lutheran School in Bellefontaine Neighbors finished 5th place in the Lutheran Basketball Association of America’s National Tournament of Champions, held March 28-30 at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Darius Dorsey, an eighth-grader at the school, was named the Most Valuable Player, averaging 23.2 points per game. In addition to their 5th place finish at the nationals and a 24-4 record, the Chargers achieved the titles of St. Louis Lutheran Athletic League Small School Champion and Lutheran Sports Association of Missouri Runner-up. The team was coached by the Rev. John Green and Mr. Keith Ware.

BOYS

Continued from B3

hip flexor injury. He missed several games down the stretch this season as well. Even with the tremendous perimeter firepower on the Warriors’ roster, they need a healthy Lee to make a serious run in the playoffs.

Former Wellston High standout Ben McLemore is completing his rookie season for the Sacramento Kings. McLemore averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and shot 82 percent from the free throw line in 26 minutes of action per game. McLemore had his share of rookie growing pains, but he also displayed much potential for the future. He also participated in the Slam Dunk Contest during AllStar Weekend.

A-game in the D-League

Former Washington High basketball star Scott Suggs has just completed a successful rookie season in the National Basketball Developmental League (The D-League). The 6’7” Suggs played for the Erie Bay Hawks. In 47 games, Suggs averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He was also one of the top shooters in the D-League. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the free throw line. In his last two games, Suggs scored 33 points against the Los Angeles Defenders and 31 points against the Santa Cruz Warriors. Suggs played his collegiate ball at the University of Washington.

Everywhere a signing

Several area high school basketball players have made their collegiate choices known in the past week as the spring signing period got underway.

Edwardsville High standout Trevor Clay is headed to NCAA Division II national power Drury University in Springfield, Mo. The 6’2” Clay averaged 10.7 points and shot 44 percent from the field in helping the Tigers to a 30-4 record and a fourth-place finish in the IHSA Class 4A state tournament.

Drury also landed Duchesne High standout Drew Moore. The 6’6” Moore averaged 14 points and eight rebounds in leading the Pioneers to a 23-4 record. He was a four-year starter at Duchesne. McCluer North’s Rashad Lindsey signed with Moberly Area Community College. The 5’11 Lindsey averaged 21 points a game in leading the

Stars to a 19-8 record. He is one of the top scoring guards in the St. Louis metro area.

Alton High’s D’Tae McMurray has signed with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville. McMurray averaged 13 points and shot 42 percent from 3-point range in leading the Redbirds to a 22-6 record.

McMurray’s Alton High teammates, Mike Williams-Bey signed with Lewis & Clark Community College in nearby Godfrey, Ill. Williams-Bey averaged 14.5 points and three steals for the Redbirds.

Lutheran North’s Isaiah Holman signed with Lakeland College in Mattoon, Ill. The 5’9” Holman averaged 15.7 points and 4.7 assists a game in leading the Crusaders to a 19-10 record.

(You can also follow Earl Austin Jr. on Twitter @earlaustinjr or on his basketball website, www. earlaustinjr.com.)

Prep Athletes of the Week

Jasmine Berry

Belleville West – Track

The talented senior took home four first place medals from last weekend’s Triad Lady Knights Invitational.

Berry swept both the 100-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter low hurdles and set meet records in the process. Her winning times were 15.08 in the 100-meter hurdles and 44.84 in the 300-meter hurdles.

Berry also ran legs on the Maroons’ first-place 4x100- and 4x400-meter relay teams. She was an All-State performer in both hurdles events at last year’s IHSA Class 3A state championships in Charleston, Ill. Berry will attend the University of Illinois on a track and field scholarship.

Jasmine Barge

McCluer North – Girls Track

TRACK

Continued from B3

The junior hurdler was one of the top individual performers at last Saturday’s Charlie Beck Invitational at University City.

Barge set new meet records in winning both the 100-meter high hurdles and 300-meter low hurdles. Her winning times were 14.43 in the 100-meter hurdles and 43.58 in the 300-meter hurdles. This is only her second year of competing in the hurdles.

Barge also came back later that day to anchor the Stars to a firstplace finish in the 4x400-meter relay. She ran a 56.9 split on the anchor leg to give the Stars the victory.

Team champs Kirkwood’s boys and Hazelwood Central’s girls came away with the team championships at University City. Sprinter James Willis was a double-winner in the 200- and 400-meter dashes. Eric Phillips won the long jump, finished second in the 100 and anchored the Pioneers’ 4x200 relay team to a victory in 1:29.8. The Pioneers also finished first in the 4x100.

Hazelwood Central racked up 130 points to win the girls team title. Senior Ashley Henderson won the 100 and finished second in the 200. Arianna Phillips finished first in the 400 and the Hawks also finished second in the 4x100 and 4x200. Other top performances at University City came from the Hazelwood Central boys’ 4x400-meter relay team, which posted a winning time of 3:18.8, which is very impressive for early April. Gianni Cook of University City set a new meet record in the boys’ pole vault with a winning clearance of 14 feet.

Meets on the docket There are a host of meets on the docket this week. The Henle Holmes Invitational at Parkway Central began on Wednesday and will conclude today. The Fort Zumwalt East Relays will be held on Friday. The Corey Siebert Invitational at Rockwood Summit will be held on Saturday. The Dale Collier Kirkwood Invitational will be held on Saturday. Some area athletes will also be headed to Lawrence, KS. to participate in the Jayhawk Invitational, which runs through Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Schnucks to close North Grand location

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Schnuck Markets location in North St. Louis at 4127 N. Grand will close permanently at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, the company announced Monday morning. The company declined to renew the lease. However, all 65 employees of the store will be transferred to nearby Schnucks locations, according to the company.

The company said it will start “a sell down of goods” prior to the May 10 closing. Pharmacy customers may continue to have their prescriptions filled through May 10.

According to Schnucks President and CEO Todd Schnuck, the 28,000-squarefoot store has consistently

n The factors beyond the company’s control he cited are “lack of population growth and the opportunity to attract new customers.”

operated in the red since it was purchased as part of the 1995 National acquisition.

“Closing any store is a difficult decision particularly when we have invested so substantially in the 45-year-old facility including a $200,000 pharmacy remodel just one year ago,” Schnuck said. “Nothing we’ve done has helped improve the store’s performance.”

He praised Store Manager Roger Hines and Co-Manager

n “Our content is some of the most diverse that you can get from any comic book company.”

managing the ROAR Comics imprint.

“The way people consume entertainment is changing every day, and I’m thrilled to join a company that’s dedicated to making comics for all the different types of readers –male and female, young and old – that can be reached through tablets and smart phones.” Steward discussed these new products and other ventures last week at the 2014 Wizard World Convention in St. Louis; he first announced and debuted Lion Forge Comics at the 2013 conference.

The company is based in St. Louis, with seven staff members here, Steward said, though one editor is based in

– David Steward II, founder and CEO of Lion Forge Comics

New York, another editor is based in Los Angeles and the company’s licensing director lives in Orlando. Steward – the son of David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, Inc., a $5 billion St. Louis-based technology systems firm – continues to live and work here.

“I do everything from looking over new licensing deals, to strategizing what we’ll bring into our content spread next, to developing new intellectual properties and

Sharon Evans and their “experienced and dedicated team,” yet said the location continued to lose money.

“There are still too many area residents who do not shop at the store for reasons beyond our control,” Schnuck said. “Sales at this store will not offset needed repairs, escalating labor, utility and insurance costs.”

The factors beyond the company’s control he cited are “lack of population growth and the opportunity to attract new customers.”

The closing will leave Schnucks with eight stores within the city limits.

Schnuck says that should the landlord entice another grocer to the site, the company would leave the majority of the store’s fixtures in place.

going over financial stuff,” he summarized his typical business day as a comics mogul in St. Louis.

He also travels to various trade shows and to build new relationship and partnerships –all over the world.

“We hire independent contractors to do a lot of work for us across the U.S. and internationally,” Steward said. “We have teams in China, Brazil and India and other people working with us all over the place.”

Lion Forge Comics books are currently available through the Amazon Kindle Bookstore. They will be sold through additional outlets, including ComicsPlus. For more information, visit www. lionforge.com, the Lion Forge Facebook page or follow the company on Twitter @ lionforge.

Financial Focus

By Courtney D. Bond, financial advisor

reach this date? Once you know when you want to retire, you’ll need to come up with some sort of “price tag” for your retirement years. By taking into account your hopedfor lifestyle and your projected longevity, you should be able to develop a reasonably good estimate of how

Relaxed or natural?

By Danie Rae, Style Broker

For The St. Louis American

Over the past couple of years, natural hair has been the big trend among African-American women. Many have gone through the drastic cutting of the hair, also known as the “big chop,” while some have just stopped getting chemical processes like relaxers.

But there are many misconceptions and much misleading information about the pros and cons of being relaxed compared to being natural. Being natural myself for about 13 years, I’ve been through the good, the bad and everything in between when it comes to dealing with my natural hair.

Experiencing everything from dry scalp to heat damage while being both natural and relaxed, I have been through it all, and have the dish on the natural versus relaxed debate.

Growth rate

One of the biggest reasons many women go natural is to “make their hair grow.” Being natural doesn’t necessarily mean your hair will grow faster or longer, compared to if the hair was relaxed. Most women with natural hair usually protect the ends of their hair by wearing it in twists, braids, buns or other protective styles. This contributes to the hair not experiencing breakage, but retention.

Hair growth rates are pretty much

See NATURAL, C5

‘Brother Jero’ brings Black Rep season 37 to a close Check

Douthit-Boyd’s return to the Fox marks 10 years with Ailey

Marlon uses ‘Haunted House 2’ to spice up Wayans comedy catalogue The hair battle over chemicals continues

A funny, familiar favorite serves as the finale for The St. Louis Black Rep season. In Wole Soyinka’s ‘The Trials of Brother Jero,’ (on stage through April 27) Velma Austin is the shining star in an ensemble that includes the long awaited return of Black Rep favorite A.C. www.stlamerican.com

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Over the past few years The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been marking significant milestones.

Kicking off with the 50th anniversary of the company in 2008, they celebrated the golden anniversary of the dance troupe’s signature ballet “Revelations” in 2010 and a changing of the guard in 2011when famed artistic director Judith Jamison passed the torch to Robert Battle.

In 2014, St. Louis has a personal stake in a particular moment tied to Ailey. It was 10 years ago this year that COCA alumnus Antonio Douthit-Boyd joined the company.

“Time really flies. It doesn’t feel like 10 years,” Douthit-Boyd said. “The only reason it feels like 10 years is because you get your one week vacation.”

Ailey boasts some of the best dancers in the world, and Douthit-Boyd has spent his tenure with the company rising through the ranks of the elite to become a principal performer – and a star of the dance world. He’s been individually praised by the New York Times and heralded by dance dignitaries from around the world.

St. Louis will have a chance to personally praise Douthit-Boyd when he returns with the company to the Fox Theater next weekend thanks to Dance St. Louis.

“Before we even get to St. Louis – like the week coming up – I always have these long conversations with myself in my head about how to stay calm and how to do exactly what you’ve been doing in every other city and every other country,” Douthit-Boyd said. “It’s a pressure because you know everybody from home will be watching.

“But when I get on that stage, I’m put at ease. It’s like dancing in my living room. The moment I get out there, all of the stress that I’ve put myself through goes away because I know everyone is there out of love and support. I think I dance better in St. Louis because the moment I hit the stage I feel this overwhelming joy from support.”

He stumbled into dance towards the end of his teens, at a time where most of his peers had already begun the path towards their professional careers.

“It’s amazing because I started dancing so late,” Douthit-Boyd said. “My dance trajectory wasn’t, ‘Oh, I’m going to go away and be famous and show everybody from St. Louis.’ It was that I loved dancing and I did every and anything to move forward with it. I pretty much danced at every dance studio in St. Louis that offered a free class.”

COCA recognized his gift for movement and nurtured it – followed by Judith Jamison.

See DANCE, C4

Horror as recipe for laughter

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I liked being lumped in as a Wayans,” said actor/comedian/filmmaker Marlon Wayans. “We grew up in the same house so we all have the same recipes, but we cook ‘em differently. I have my own flavor.” Nearly 30 years ago, his oldest brother and “comedy hero” Keenen Ivory

Wayans laid the foundation for a family comedy legacy. Stretching into sitcoms, standup, sketch comedy and as pioneers of the urban spoof/parody movie franchise, the Wayans have been the Jackson family of film and television. Five of the 10 siblings have gone on to make a name for themselves in their own right after Keenen provided them with their respective

brother Marlon, Wayans’ humor continues with “A

See HAUNTED, C4

big breaks through his films and groundbreaking television show “In Living Color.” Thanks to baby

Haunted House 2,” directed by

Michael Tiddes, which opens in theatres nationwide Friday, April 18. Based on the hilarious antics and

“A Haunted House 2,” co-written by and co-starring Marlon Wayans (here with Gabriel Iglesias), opens in theatres nationwide Friday, April 18.

St. Louis native Antonio Douthit-Boyd will perform with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when Dance St. Louis brings the company to The Fox on April 25-26.

Photo by Andrew Eccles

Singer Solange Knowles is one of many celebrities who have gone natural.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri., Apr. 18, 7 p.m., The Ambassador presents Webbie & Zed Zilla. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Apr. 18, 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents Brian Owens performing the music of Ray Charles. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 19, 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents Catherine Russell. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 19, 9:30 p.m., Jazz at the Bistro presents Poncho Sanchez and his Latin jazz band. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Apr. 19 & 22, Jazz at the Bistro presents SIUE concert jazz band featuring SIUE alumni. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, visit www.jazzstl. org.

Wed., Apr. 30, 8 p.m., Old Rock House presents Mobb Deep. 1200 S 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Thurs., May 8, 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents “An Evening for Hope” with the Marcus Roberts Trio. The evening begins with cocktails, dinner and a concert followed by a dessert reception with the artists. All proceeds from the Evening of Hope will benefit the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., May 11, 5:30 p.m., The Sheldon presents Denise Thimes and Friends Mother’s Day Concert.

The events will benefit The Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer. The concert features Cyrus Chestnut, piano; Tom Braxton, saxophone with John King, bass and Demarius Hicks, drums. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

May 14-17, Jazz at the Bistro presents Jane Monheit. An extraordinarily gifted vocalist whose sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs have made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds. Her first album, Never Never Land, was voted Top Debut Recording by the Jazz Journalist’s Association and stayed on the Billboard jazz chart for over a year. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, visit www. grandcenter.org.

local gigs

Fred Walker and his Saxy Jazz Music Show returns to Ms. Piggie’s Smokehouse on Sundays with the best in live and recorded Jazz and Gospel. 12noon - 4pm 10612 Page Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63132 call (314) 428-7776 for information.

special events

Sat., Apr. 19, 10 a.m., Forest Park hosts Kids Bunny Run. This run will cater to children ages 4-12. They will complete 4 silly themed challenges at stations along the “bunny” trail and will be awarded prizes. At the completion of the Bunny Run, a complimentary breakfast item and a beverage will be served. For the adults, there will be a Hops Run 5k. Macklind Dr. and Union Dr., 63110. For more information and to register, visit www. hopsrunstl.com

Sat., April 19, 3 p.m., Ramada Plaza Hotel hosts 2nd Semi-Annual Handwork of a Housewife/ Momtrepreneur Fashion Show & Auction. A portion of the proceeds will go toward starting a “Clara Mae Ross Fund” to help Widows, Elderly, and the poor. All are welcomed. 811 N 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Mon., Apr. 21, 9:30 a.m., The Magic House presents Egg Roll. In the great tradition of the White House, The Magic House, with its own replica Oval Office located in the Museum’s Star-Spangled Center, is inviting children 12 and under to roll up their sleeves and participate in an egg-citing race as they use large spoons to roll their eggs across the finish line. All egg-tivities are free with Museum admission and no reservations are required! 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 822-8900.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 12 a.m., St. Louis Effort for Aids presents Dining Out For Life. This annual fundraiser will take place at more than 150 St. Louis-area restaurants. The restaurants will donate some or all of their proceeds that day to Saint Louis Effort for AIDS. For information on participating restaurants, visit www.diningoutforlife.com or call 314-645-6451.

visit www.360-stl.com.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 6 p.m., 2014 Women’s Justice Awards. This event recognizes women across the state of Missouri who have demonstrated leadership, integrity, service, sacrifice and accomplishment in improving the quality of justice and exemplifying the highest ideals of the legal profession. The awards reach out to women in various segments of the legal community, including the bar, the bench, public office, business, academia, nonprofits and the state at large. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 999 N. Second St., 63102.

Thurs., April 24, 7 p.m., The Family Arena hosts Family Feud Live. Complete with big laughs and big money, contestants will have an opportunity to be grouped into their new stage show “family” and compete for cash and prizes in gameplay taken directly from the Emmy award-winning TV show. 2002 Arena Parkway St. Charles, 63303. For more information, visit www.metrotix .com.

Fri., Apr. 25, 11 a.m., Centene Corporation and Home State Health Plan present The St. Louis American Foundation’s 14th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon. Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 5338000 or visit www.stlamerican. com.

metrotix.com.

Sat., Apr. 26, 2 p.m., Sportport of Maryland Heights hosts Holi Hai!!! Festival of colors - Saint Louis 2014. Come and play Holi and connect with friends, dance a little, and get crazy with colors. Everybody is welcome, join the largest Holi celebration in town. The festival that brings everyone together. 12525 Sportport, 63043. For more information, visit www.djsamhifi.com/ STLdesiparty.

Sat., Apr. 26, 10:30 a.m., The Chase Park Plaza presents Run Way Lights fashion Show. Experience a New York-style runway show at Chase Park Plaza featuring the St. John Pre Fall 2014 Collection. St. John is an American luxury house, featuring timeless and elegant clothing. All proceeds benefit Variety the children’s charity of St. Louis to directly fund programs and vital medical equipment for St. Louis children with disabilities. 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit varietystl.org.

Sat., Apr. 26, 2 p.m., Sportport of Maryland Heights hosts Holi Hai!!! Festival of colors - Saint Louis 2014. Come and play Holi and connect with friends, dance a little, and get crazy with colors. Everybody is welcome, join the largest Holi celebration in town. The festival that brings everyone together. 12525 Sportport, 63043. For more information, visit www.djsamhifi.com/ STLdesiparty.

Sun., Apr. 27, 9 a.m., Animal Protective Association presents Fast and the Furriest 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk. It’s the furriest race in town! 5K features RFID chip timing on a course accurately measured by Fleet Feet Sports. 1 Mile Walk offers a nice stroll in the park. This event also includes activities for kids! Register by April 5 to receive a t-shirt and goody bag. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome in both the 5K and the 1 Mile. Proceeds benefit the Animal Protective Association of Missouri. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 645-4610 or visit www. apamo.org.

Sun., Apr. 27, 11:30 a.m., The Old Post OfficeWebster University host Off White Indie Wedding Show 2014. 815 Olive St., 63101. For more information, visit www.offwhiteweddingshow. com.

Sun., Apr. 27, 5 p.m., Lumen hosts Something Like Fashion Urban Arts Expo. This event is a collaborative effort of Blaq Seance Productions, BE Colorblind Apparel, and The Network. 2201 Locust St., 63167. For more information, contact alexisboldin@yahoo.com.

May 2 – 3, Forest Park hosts 19th Annual St. Louis Microfest. A beer tasting festival that offers festivalgoers the chance to sample international and craft beers. admission includes a great experience at a fun filled event including: Tastes from over 75 breweries and 100 international and craft brews, a tasting glass, live music, silent auction, and food. Proceeds from Microfest benefit Lift For Life Gym. For more information about this cause, visit www.liftforlifegym.org. Macklind Dr and Union Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.stlmicrofest.org.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 6 p.m., 360 St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark hosts Annual Sip Into Spring Tasting Event at 360. Tickets include samples of wine and select new menu items. One S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, America SCORES highlight the importance of academic achievement for at-risk youth. The Celebrity Voices event will feature local and national celebrities, like NBC’s The Voice finalist Matthew Schuler, Walt Aldridge, who will perform poetry and music alongside America SCORES scholar-athletes. St. Louis City Hall Rotunda, 1200 Market St. 63103. For more information, visit celebrityvoices.org.

Apr. 25 – 26, The Fox Theater presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.

Sat., Apr. 26, 2 p.m., Macy’s Spring Fashion Show. Join us for a Spring Fashion event with a Secret Garden theme. Guests will get a preview of the seasons most sought after trends while enjoying sips & sweets, a photo-op, DIY stations, music from our DJ and more! While you’re here, don’t forget to Enter to Win an outfit valued at $200 from Rachel Roy’s Spring Collection! Also, be one of the first 25 guests to RSVP and then check-in at the event, you will receive a special gift! RSVP at macysstlspringfasion. eventbrite.com. St. Louis Galleria, 1155 Saint Louis Galleria, 63117.

Sat., Apr. 26, 6:30 p.m., American Scores St. Louis hosts 2014 Celebrity Voices fundraiser. A time to experience a unique one night benefit concert to help

Sat., May 3, 2 p.m., Street celebration Austin A. Layne, Jr., 7302 West Florissant Avenue and Austin A. Layne, Jr. Way, Jennings, MO 63136. Sun., May 4, 8 a.m., Six Flags presents Roller Coaster Race. Enjoy a fun 5K on an exciting course that winds around and through the park, and under and between some of Six Flags’ world famous coasters. There will also be a Roller Coaster 5K Ride. Participants’ coaster rides will be tracked on the park’s nine coasters during regular park hours, and people riding a total distance of 5K win a medal. Register for the run, the ride, or both. 4900 Six Flags St. Louis Railroad, Eureka, 63069. For more information, visit rollercoasterrace.com.

Sat., May 10, 10 a.m., Crowne Plaza- St. Louis Airport hosts Mother’s Day Off – Spa Party. Enjoy a rejuvenating day of relaxation, shopping and great food. Free

Old Rock House presents Mobb Deep. For more information, see CONCERTS.

buffet served from noon until 1:30pm. The first 50 women to register will receive a free gift bag filled with goodies. 11228 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information, visit www. mothersdayoffspaparty.com.

Sat., May 10, 10 a.m., District 9 Machinist Hall hosts Glitz & Glam Mother’s Day Gala. These are just 2 of mom’s favorite things... Shopping & Fashion. At 3 p.m., there will be an “All Eyes on Mom” Fashion Show. Give mom what she really wants this Mother’s Day. 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, visit asyougoevents.com.

Thurs., May 15, 11:15 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton hosts 2014 Women of Achievement Luncheon. The St. Louis Women of Achievement Award is the oldest, ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer service and leadership of women. 100 Carondelet Plz., 63105. Reservations can be made by contacting Sarah Thorowgood at MAC Meetings & Events at (314) 421-2005 or sthorowgood@macmeetings. com.

Sat., May 17, Concordia Lutheran Church hosts 6th Annual Anthony Smith 3on3 Memorial Tournament. 505 S Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www. keepwatching50.org.

Sat., May 17, 6 p.m., St Peter AME Church hosts Send a Student to College. Katara Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to students with learning disabilities. Applications are still being accepted for anyone with a learning disability for high school seniors planning to attend college. The deadline for application is April 30, 2014. 4730 Margaretta Ave., 63115. For more information, visit http:// katarascholarfoundat.wix.com/ katarascholarfound or contact Tamara Walker at (314)5370785 or Keilah Evans at (314) 683-3188.

comedy

Thurs., Apr. 24, 7:30 p.m., The Fox Theater presents Aziz Ansari. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., May 9, 7:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Mother’s Day Comedy Jam. Comedians include Lavell Crawford, Lil Duval,

Sheryl Underwood, Tony Roberts, Luenell, and Michael Blackson. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

theatre

Through April 27, The Black Rep presents The Trials of Brother Jero. This play depicts a delightful day in the life of an evangelical con man, forced to deal with creditors, politicians, and the endless temptation of beautiful women. Emerson Performance Center, Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

Fri., Apr. 25 5 p.m., WPT & 3E Events presents “The Juice Box Diaries.” The Juice Box Diaries is an episodic play based on Sharon McGhee’s Pocketbook Monologues. Each of the monologues deals with an aspect of the feminine experience, touching on matters such as love, relationships, and matters of the heart. Event will be held at the Village Theater 6500 Old Missouri Ave., Centreville, Illinois 62207.

literary

Thurs., Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m., Literary St. Louis feat. Tennessee Williams. As part of our quarterly series, Jim Kirchherr, Senior Producer at the Nine Network (KETC), will explore how important St. Louis was to the life and work of Tennessee Williams. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave., 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-2174.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 7 p.m., Maryville Talks Books and Left Bank Books present An Evening with Austin Kleon author of Show Your Work: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered. This book will teach you how to put your work out in the world for people to discover while staying focused on getting really good at what you do. St. Louis Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 7 p.m., Jerroll Sanders, author of The Physics of Money: If You’ve Got My Dollar, I Don’t. Sanders delivers what Americans have long awaited: a detailed, step-by-step action plan that empowers African Americans economically while

serving as a potent prescription for improved race relations in America. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 880-8759 or visit www.slpl. org.

Tues., Apr. 29, 7 p.m., Joe Edwards discusses “St. Louis Walk of Fame: 140 Great St. Louisans” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

arts

Through May 18, The St. Louis University Museum of Art presents Tradition Redefined: The Larry and Brenda Thompson of African-American Art. The Thompson collection includes the work of notable artists, as well as those by artists who have been considered emerging, regional or lesser known and has typically not been recognized in the traditional narratives of African-American art. 3663 Lindell Blvd., 63108.

lectures

Tues., Apr. 22, 7 p.m., Lindenwood University Speaker Series presents Mark Noah. Noah, founder of the organization, History Flight. His topic will be, “Finding the Fallen; The Search for America’s Missing-in-Action Servicemen.” Spellman Center, 209 N. Kingshighway St., 63302. For more information,

See CONCERTS for details.

call (636) 949-4823.

Thurs., Apr. 24, 10 a.m., Clayton Oasis presents 1968: When Reggae Hit the Town. Explore a year of epic change in Jamaican music & culture as KDHX reggae DJs Ital K (“Ital Rhythms”) and Michael Kuelker (“Positive Vibrations”) deliver a lively lecture with music. The focus is 1968. 50 Gay Ave., 2nd Floor, 63105. For more information, visit www. oasisnet.org.

Tues., Apr. 22, 7 p.m., Free College Planning Workshop. Please join us for an educational college financial planning workshop that will focus on high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Even if your family is not eligible for need-based aid, we will cover the best strategies on how to pay for college on the most tax efficient basis-without it putting a strain on the rest of your finances. Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122.

Wed., Apr. 23, 6:30

p.m., The Scholarship Foundation Award Letter Workshop. Determining college affordability requires careful comparisons of different schools’ financial aid packages. This workshop explains how to review the amount and kind of financial aid being offered, as well as any remaining expense gap that a student and family would have to cover on their own, most often by taking out student loans and going into debt. 8215 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 725-7990.

health

Fri., Apr. 25, 8 a.m., St. Louis University hosts MOAMFT Conference 2014 - Trauma Informed Care: Working Together to Heal. The Missouri Association of Marriage & Family Therapy is excited to announce the 2014 conference. This year’s featured speaker is Dr. John Rolland, MD, MPH. 221 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call ( 573) 6348760.

Sat., Apr. 26, 9 a.m., The Muny-St. Louis Forest Park hosts St. Louis March for Babies. Get your friends, family and co-workers to join and walk to support the health of all babies. It’s a great event for families, with lots of childfriendly activities. Macklind Dr. and Union Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. marchforbabies.org.

Sat., Apr. 26, 8 p.m., Plush hosts That 80s Prom. Join the Young Friends of SLU Liver Center at That 80s Prom. Wear your best 80s gear to earn your place on the prom court and dance the night away to That 80s Band. All proceeds will benefit the Young Friends of the Slu Liver Center. 3224 Locust St., 63103. To learn more about the cause, visit www.friendsoftheslulc.org/ young-friends.

May 10, Community Women Against Hardship 10th

Annual Walk-a-thon and Health Fair, Tower Grove Park, Choose 1k, 3k or 5k. ome and enjoy Food, Fitness and Fun. Volley Ball Games, Hula Hoop Contest, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Line Dancing, and much more. For more information check our website www.cwah.org, or call 314-289-7523.

Sat., May 17, 11 a.m., Christ Community United Methodist Church presents We Survive...We Thrive Women’s Complimentary Luncheon & Panel Discussion in conjunction with National Women’s Health Week, 8841 Old Lucas & Hunt, Jennings, MO 63136. RSVP: (314) 3881211.

Saturday, May 31, 8 a.m. Wesley House Association, is sponsoring a “Shape-Up, Sip, and Savor”. Event includes: medical screenings, zumba, slides, and aerobics. Wesley House Association, 4507 Lee Avenue. Call (314) 385-1000 for more information.

Sun., Apr. 20, 4:30 p.m., St. Louis presents A Time for Singing Gospel Music Competition and Showcase 2014. A Gospel Talent Contest to provide an outlet and platform to give young aspiring gospel music artists the opportunity to perform and expose their talents to a live and wider audience, 3520 N. Newstead Ave., 63115. For more information, visit www. atimeforsinginggospel.com.

Apr. 21 – Apr. 25, 7 p.m. Destin to Win ministries (under the direction of Pastor Marquello and Missionary Kaneisha Futrell) annual Destined to Win Conference 2014. Guest speakers include, Wess Morgan, Bishop Corby Busch, Prophetess Janice Mixon and more. All Creation Northview Holiness Family Church, 1442 Hudson Rd. Ferguson, Mo. For more information, call (314) 5212444.

The Sheldon presents Brian Owens performing the music of Ray Charles.

Continued from C1

“I thank Ms. Jamison for giving me an opportunity I probably wouldn’t have had if I had danced in another company,” Douthit-Boyd said.

“She helped me step my career up and bring my story to the forefront, so that people could understand why I was dancing, how I started dancing and that they can start dancing too.”

He feels he is helping to fulfill Alvin Ailey’s vision.

“Whenever we take the stage as a company we feel as if we have to take it up a notch so that we can survive another 50 years, and take it to the next generation and the next generation so we keep passing that tradition down of being human and taking our spirit to the stage,” Douthit-Boyd said.

“It’s like folklore – a story we working to make sure continues to get told.”

Like folk tales, Ailey’s company focuses on the basics.

“People resonate and relate to Ailey because we are a company that dances about human experiences,” DouthitBoyd said. “We’re not fairies or swans or things that you

n St. Louis has such great art –and not just dance, but painters and musicians

– Antonio Douthit-Boyd

can’t really relate to. There are things that people can say, ‘I’ve gone through that’ and ‘I know what they are talking about.’”

Within the past couple of years, his best friend and fellow world-renowned dancer Alicia Graf-Mack made her

triumphant return to Ailey. Her most recent hiatus, partly forced by injuries, included pursuing studies at Washington University and instructing at COCA.

“She’s defied any odds and any struggle that has come in her life,” Douthit-Boyd said.

“It’s so amazing to be a part of this company with her, dancing on stage with a person like that, whose heart is so big and so open for love and for dance.”

He hopes that St. Louis audiences also support the local artists who remain local.

“I want them to get out and enjoy the arts in St. Louis,” he said, “because St. Louis has such great art – and not just dance, but painters and musicians.”

Dance St. Louis welcomes the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to The Fox on April 25-26 at 8 p.m. For more info, visit www. dancestlouis. org. For tickets, visit www. metrotix.com or call (314) 5341111.

Black & Single Courting for cons

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“It’s official. I got scammed.”

Those five words made my phone cry when my friend – probably too embarrassed to say so out loud at first –informed me via text.

Four more words in a follow up text said it all.

“I’m sick about this.”

You never imagine anyone you know to fall for the “okey doke.” But she was truly the last person on Earth I expected to get got.

Cautious to a fault, she moves like most women wish they had the discipline to do.

“My heart was guarded as usual,” she said. “But for the first time I left my pocketbook unattended.”

fashion, she rode on a spare so long her car started wobbling. She assumed she ruined the tread on her other three tires.

“One of my best friends is a manager,” he said while she waited for an estimate – one she expected to be upwards of $1500.

she said. “I should have let him get the tires and then paid him after. But then I was like, ‘He’s being so nice, maybe I’m just not being a trusting person.’”

Seven days became two weeks – which became a month. Then more.

Between week six and month three, he had been in the hospital, was the victim of identity theft with a freeze on his account, and the auto tire manager friend’s wife got sick – just before they went on a vacation that held the tires up even longer.

His phone calls and texts abruptly stopped.

Continued from C1

not-safe-for-print shenanigans in his latest film, Marlon’s recipe for funny is extra spicy with a roundhouse kick to it.

“I’m an equal opportunity the Wayans at the turn of the millennium.

While there are similarities in the brand of humor, the concept is quite different.

“It’s really a horror comedy with parody moments with characters you enjoy,” Marlon said. “I’m not just putting together sketches.” The film also stars Jaime going to force it,’” Marlon said.

They weren’t even dating. He was just kind of hanging around professing what he felt was a “connection.”

He had some ideas rumbling around for a sequel, but nothing was concrete until he got into his mode of manically studying the latest films in the genre he seeks to spoof.

“When I saw ‘The Conjuring,’ me and my producing partner were like, ‘We’ve got it,’” said Marlon.

“He kept trying to insert himself into my life,” she said. “I didn’t think he was a scam artist, I just thought he was thirsty.”

She shut down any notion of a relationship when she noticed that he would lie about little things and be completely vague about others.

He discovered her weakness for “a hookup” when he got her tickets to sold-out concerts.

But things went sour when he asked her to be a professional reference. Remember that? Yes, that was him. She made the costly mistake of remotely staying in touch.

He happened to call her when she was in the auto shop.

Being the stereotypical woman who doesn’t tend to car problems in a timely

n “My heart was guarded as usual,” she said. “But for the first time I left my pocketbook unattended.”

According to him, she should walk right out and let his boy handle it. All she had to do was send him $500 via PayPal and he would have her tires sent in seven days – and if it cost any more, he would pick up the slack.

“I think he just caught me at a weak moment when my judgment wasn’t apparently what it needed to be,” she said. “You should never make a decision when you are in a bad head space.”

His concert person came through, so why wouldn’t his tire guy?

“When I released that money, I had a bad feeling,”

“It got to the point to where I was like, ‘You pay me my money, or I’m calling the tire place to get your friend fired or I’m calling the police – you choose.”

He told her they can meet at a restaurant, and he would give her the cash. He didn’t show.

She decided to get his friend at the tire place involved. She got the name and number of his friend on the front end and called.

“All of his lies were legit at one point,” she said. It was a tire place, and the person really worked there. The friendship was the fallacy.

“I mean, he came in here about twice a year, but I don’t know dude like that,” the manager said. “Do you have his number? I’ll call him and put you on three-way. You can record it for the police or whatever you need me to do.” Dude didn’t answer. He never answered again.

“The moral of the story is, follow your intuition,” she said. “This whole thing should have stopped when I figured out he’s not who he said he was.”

‘On

By Melanie Adams

the front lines fighting for justice’

Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History Exhibitors interview Jamala Rogers

By Devi Acharya, Rachele Banks, Elizabeth Freihaut and Jacob Laseter For The St. Louis American

The Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History Exhibitors are currently interviewing activists in the St. Louis area to tell the stories of how activism has shaped our past and will continue to shape our future. Interviewing activists from the fights for civil rights, labor rights, and LGBT rights, we have spoken with many individuals from various walks of life in order to gain a greater perspective of activism and its effects.

Last month in this series, we discussed our interview with Frankie Freeman, a civil rights lawyer and important member of the civil rights movement. This month, we are sharing the story of Jamala Rogers, a prominent columnist and community activist.

Jamala Rogers initially became involved in activism during high school and college when she joined the Black Student Union. She has been “on the front lines of fighting for justice” ever since.

“Sometimes you just fall into it; sometimes you get pushed into it. For me, it was a chosen path,” she told us. In 1980, she joined with a group of other activists to found the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS), which seeks to improve the political and economic conditions of workingclass African Americans.

A dedicated journalist, Jamala Rogers became a regular columnist for the St. Louis American and uses her pen as a way to fight for social justice. She published a book, The Best of The Way I See It, in 2011. Jamala Rogers continues to fight for justice in St. Louis today through a variety of methods, including writing and direct action.

While Ms. Rogers uses a lot of tactics in her activism, one tactic that stood out to us in her interview is the power of the written word.

“I use a lot of tactics because I think you have to be fairly versatile in this battle. So, for example, one of the things that I use is the power of the pen. And of course, it’s not the pen

The Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History Exhibitors interviewed Jamala Rogers, a prominent columnist and community activist, in their oral history series about activists in the St. Louis area.

anymore – it’s the power of the keyboard,” she explained.

She uses her column to talk about issues that are important to her and to the community, but the column is just the beginning.

“That’s one piece of it, to be able to write. And that even takes different forms. That could be a letter to the editor, which sometimes I do. It could be using my column. It could be writing a letter to a legislature or, you know, a person in corporate America that needs to hear my views,” she described.

Writing is truly her niche: “I think I write every day, so it’s probably the one thing that I do every day without fail. And that’s because I’m writing for somebody, something, or in some way, so it really is an integral part of my activism and an integral part of my life.”

Direct action is another tactic that Ms. Rogers uses and finds effective.

“It disrupts the normal goings-on, so you have to let people know that this is not business as usual,” she said. “Something very bad is happening, and you need to know about that. You may have been inconvenienced, you may be angry, but you know, you need to know that this is for the greater good.”

Right now, for instance, she is actively involved in the fast food workers’ struggle for higher wages and unions, called “St. Louis Can’t Survive on 7.35.” She shared with us how direct action works in this movement.

“One of the things that we have done is gone into fast food places, particularly at lunch time,” she said. “And since those folks are getting paid pennies, you know, people would go place an order and pay in pennies. Well of course there’s a line of us paying in pennies, so the folks in back are very angry.”

When others get angry, she continued, “It really gives you a chance to talk about why that’s really happening the way it is.”

In speaking with Jamala Rogers, we discovered how versatile activists have to be. They have to be able to use different tools to bring attention to injustice. Ms. Rogers is able to use writing to expose the injustice she witnesses, but she also uses other tactics. Regardless of the tactic taken, a vital part of activism in general is simply bringing attention to discrimination, injustice, and inequality in order to help others.

Like the other activists we have interviewed, Jamala Rogers has made a lifelong commitment to activism. She explained, “I think when you make a commitment to work on social justice, it really is a life decision. And so then everything kind of revolves around that.”

NATURAL

Continued from C1

the same whether the hair is natural or not. Many see a difference in growth rate not because the hair grows faster, but because there is growth retention with lack of hair breakage, shedding, and loss. Relaxed hair is also capable of retaining growth. The only issue with growing and keeping relaxed hair is when the hair has been relaxed over a long time period, it could possibly result in thinning of the hair later on in life.

Moisturization

African-American hair is known to typically be dry. When the hair is in its natural state, it is even more susceptible to dryness. It is super important to keep natural hair constantly moisturized, especially during extreme weather conditions. Even though relaxed hair might not need as much constant moisture as natural hair, the ends of the hair still

have to have enough moisture to prevent breakage.

Maintenance

Many are under the misconception that natural hair is easier to maintain than relaxed hair. Quite the contrary. Natural hair takes just as much or more time, patience and maintenance to keep it healthy. There are gazillion YouTube tutorials on how to just simply wash natural hair. To begin tackling different natural hair styling techniques is a whole other beast. Natural hair can be worn curly or straight, but it might not be as versatile as some think. When natural curls are constantly straightened, the natural curl pattern can be loosened leaving the hair with straight ends. With relaxed hair, there is much more manageability, but unlike natural hair, it can pretty much only be worn straight, without any body or curl versatility. Relaxed hair also offers easy edge control, which is a huge concern for us during the warmer months or when we

are working out.

Color

One of the best benefits to being natural is that you can color your hair without causing any major damage. Many don’t realize that hair color is a chemical, just like relaxer. Natural hair is virgin hair, meaning it has not been compromised by any outside elements and is basically a blank canvas. When coloring hair using either lightener (bleach) or various ammonia-based colors (dyes), the hair cuticle is being weakened, so having the “clean slate” of natural hair to perform the coloring process is best for keeping hair health. Relaxed hair has already been processed by a chemical, so adding a color process to the hair is further jeopardizing the integrity of the hair shaft that has already been compromised by the relaxer. If the goal is to maintain or grow the relaxed hair, then steer clear of the color. For more information on natural vs relaxed hair, contact danieraestylebroker@ gmail.com.

Cleveland and Dorothy Young celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on April 15. Cleveland is currently recovering from triple bypass heart surgery and Dorothy has not left his side. After all of these years they are still so in love!

Birthday 101

Elnora Suggs, mother of St. Louis American

Publisher Donald M. Suggs, marked her 101st birthday on April 16! She resides with her daughter Loretta, and sonin-law John, in Harvey, Illinois, where she is a longstanding member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1968 46th Reunion Weekend: Happy Hour, Friday, June 6 and Picnic, Saturday, June 7. Meetings to wrap up plans for the weekend will be Saturday, April 26, 3-5 pm with final meeting May 24, 2014 2-5 pm, both at STL County

~ Celebrations ~

Library 7606 Natural Bridge. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 314-869-8312.

Beaumont class of 1969 45-year planning committee will meet at the St. Louis County Library Normandy Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., on Saturday April 19, May 10 and June 14, 2014 from 1-3 p.m. For more info contact beaumontclassof1969@yahoo. com or LaDonne at 314-2775095.

East. St. Louis Lincoln Sr. High Class of 1969 had started planning its 45th class reunion. Meetings are held every second Saturday of the

month. For more information please contact Robert Whitehead at 618-397-5498 or email at robtwhitehead@att. net.

Homer G. Phillips Alumni Nurses Inc. has planned a 2014 trip to Chicago, June 23-27. The $450.00 fee includes Motorcoach transportation,four nights lodging, eight meals: four breakfasts, four dinners and transportation for several tours. For more information, please call 636-978-8693, or 3149224756, or e-mail asims4@ charter.net.

Jennings Senior High School’s Class of 2004 will be hosting its ten-year class

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Jerome Andre Warren Thomas on April 17. Your family salutes you for the service you provide here at home. We love you! Mom and Pop Cole

Vera Johnson Mitchell celebrated her 86th birthday on April 10 with family and friends. Vera is a former musician, educator and is currently a Matriarch at Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church in Florissant, MO.

Josiah Wiley will turn 4 years old on April 21. Happy Birthday, Sweetie! Love, Mommy, Nana and Gigi

reunion July 26-27, 2014. If you are a member of the Class of 2004 and you would like to participate, please contact your Class President, Alona Sistrunk, at alona724@gmail. com with your name (and name at the time of graduation if it has changed), your address, your phone number, and your email address. We will be in touch soon with additional information.

O’Fallon Tech High School Class of 1984 has started planning its 30 year reunion. If you wish to participate, please contact Cyndi with Varsity Reunions at 314647-6565, or go to info@ varsityreunions.com.

Soldan class of 1969 is planning its 45th reunion on June 6-8, 2014. Please contact Bennie Robinson at 314243-6441 or Barry Taylor at 314-520-1179. For more info visit us on the web at www. soldancwc1969.com.

Soldan High School Class of 1974 will hold its 40th Reunion Weekend, August 15-17, 2014 at Hollywood Casino & Resort, St. Louis. More info to come soon!

Sumner High School Class of 1984 is planning a 30 year reunion for August 22-24, 2014. For more information please contact Priscilla (Ms. Prissy) at 314-556-3944, or Robin Allen at 314-369-9549.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

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

Kossuth celebrates Bishop Robert D. Strong Sr.

Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, C.O.G.I.C. board member, to speak April 26

American staff

A two day Inaugural Celebration in honor of Auxiliary Bishop Robert D. Strong Sr. will take place at Kossuth Church of God In Christ, 3801 Eld. Robert Strong, Sr. Way (formerly 3801 Clarence), St. Louis, April 25-26.

Tours of the Kossuth Church of God in Christ campus will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 followed by a Celebratory Service at 7 p.m..

The Official Celebratory Service will be held Saturday April 26 at 11 a.m. featuring guest speaker Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, general board member of C.O.G.I.C.

Auxiliary Bishop Robert D. Strong, Sr. is currently pastor of Kossuth Church of God in Christ of St. Louis. On November 10, 2013, Elder Robert D. Strong Sr. was elevated and installed as Auxiliary Bishop of Church of God in Christ by The Honorable Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle Charles E. Blake, officiating at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

“Bishop Robert D. Strong is a Holy Ghost-led and an anointed preacher and teacher,” said organizers of the celebration. “He delivers the unadulterated Word of God, the message of holiness, and how to live a victorious Christian life in this present world. Under his pastorate, many souls have been saved, delivered, and set free. Bishop Robert D. Strong is a servant leader, a man of faith, a builder, and a visionary.”

Pastor Strong has faithfully served this congregation since April 1977. Also while serving as pastor of Kossuth COGIC, Bishop Strong was employed by General Motors for 25 years until he received a word from the Lord to dedicate

his life to full-time ministry. Under Pastor Strong’s pastorate, two new edifices were constructed. The vision of a new edifice was given from the Lord based on Haggai 1:8. On April 17, 1983, the vision became a reality and the new edifice, at 3801 Clarence, was dedicated. The second 950-seat edifice opened July 18, 2004.

Latter Glory Manor, a 38-unit seniors’ complex, was also built in 2004. In 2005, a multipurpose complex was renovated from the last sanctuary. On Sunday, April 28, 2013 a “Street Dedication Service” was held in dedication of the street named “Eld.

Robert Strong, Sr. Way.”

Other church and community ministries

n “He delivers the unadulterated Word of God, the message of holiness, and how to live a victorious Christian life in this present world.”

include: Bible Study Institute, Community Food Pantry, Weekly Hot Lunch Program, “Flame of Fire” Radio Broadcast, Drug and Alcohol Recovery Program, Prison Outreach, G.E.D. Assistance, Transportation Ministry and Multi Media Ministry.

In 1994, Pastor Strong received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Lael College. He also received his Master’s Degree in Ministry.

Pastor Strong was appointed Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction Sunday School superintendent in 1990 and Midwest Regional Sunday School superintendent in 1998.

He travels the country preaching and teaching the gospel, teaching annually in the Auxiliaries in Ministry International Conventions (AIMS). He has also sponsored trips to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, to help inspire faith in the Lord.

Bishop Strong authored two books, “The Valley of Rephidem” and “The Fall of Sin vs. The Gift of Righteousness.”

Pastor Strong has been married to Evangelist Missionary Jaynes Strong for 48 years, and she works untiringly alongside him in the ministry. They have seven unique children.

For more information, contact Evangelist Antoinette Watson at 314-6505504 or Elder Edgar “Petey” Madison at 314-303-4536.

Not being an ordained minister, I am fairly uncomfortable in any attempt to try and tell someone how they should or should not live their individual lives. I want to believe I am not that judgmental. But as I continue my own walk, I find it becoming obvious that as a Christian certain behaviors are acceptable, while some are expected. The more I read and study, the easier it becomes to understand that what we do every day should reflect in some small way the truth of what we believe in. It’s the “what we believe in” part that others should see in us as we navigate all that awaits us in a secular world full of trials and temptations. So the way we carry ourselves actually means something. Those words, which ordinarily have little operational substance, actually become living principles rooted in our psyche once we embrace what it means to live a Christian life. Now I am not speaking of those things we generally associate with spiritual existence. I am talking about those things we understand as simple concepts that are incredibly powerful tools to live by: kindness,

love, mercy, forgiveness, humility. If you notice, I didn’t mention faith in God or sacrifice or any other spiritually based motivation for your behavior. I didn’t because I believe many of us feel it is an impossible task to live the Christian life. But broken down to its essence, how difficult is it to be courteous, nice, humble and charitable without knowing the first thing about faith? So when people say it’s so hard to live a Christian life, what are they really saying? When people refer to Christians as being holier than thou, what are they really saying? Christ was killed because He acted upon his belief. The whole world knew then and knows today what He stood for, like it or not. I’d like to think that even if the world doesn’t know what I stand for, it certainly knows who I stand with. Therefore, don’t be surprised if my first reaction now is to give instead of take, to forgive rather than hold a grudge and believe it or not, try to love instead of hate. So excuse me if I want to see the best in others, rather than the worse. In short, I love the Lord and I’m trying to love you.

Sunday, April 27, 2014 6:00pm

New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church 4700 W. Florissant Avenue St. Louis, MO 63115 First come-first seated; doors open to the public at 5:00pm

Guest conductor: Michael McElroy, director of the Broadway Inspirational Voices BE A PART OF

Auditions for IN UNISON® Chorus will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 5:00-9:00pm at Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Boulevard. Please email susanp@stlsymphony.org or call 314-286-4108 to receive an audition packet or to arrange for an audition time. stlsymphony.org/inunisonchorus

James A. Washington

Callout:

A two day Inaugural Celebration in honor of Auxiliary Bishop Robert D. Strong Sr. will take place at Kossuth Church of God In Christ on April 25-26.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Grammy Award winning songstress Ashanti made a sneak visit into STL to headline the DJs United Conference’s grand finale concert Sunday. She was eager to show love to JGE (Tab pictured here) and gave them some time to shine during her stage set.

So long for now “Scandal.” I know y’all have had Daddy Pope on the sick and shut in prayer list all week long. We’ll find out if he pulls through tonight, won’t we? I would be remised if I didn’t let y’all know this is your last time this season to get in on our STL Scandal Talk on Facebook. We cut all the way up in that group every week during the show in real time and it’s going DOWN tonight as we go out with a bang for the season. I want to give a special shout out to STL Scandal Talk regulars Paulette Sykes (who is my ride or die in the group), Niki Bridges, Kita J, Sherricka Taylor, Kristina Jackson and the rest of the regulars who keep it cracking each episode! For those who want fellowship as they bear witness to the political shenanigans Shonda Rhimes brings to the small screen for the last time until the Fall, feel free to join the my Hot 104.1 FM fam Mz Janee and DJ Charlie Chan for a special season finale watch party TONIGHT at EXO. I joined them for the season premiere party and I had a ball! Doors open at 8 p.m. and it’s absolutely free.

Super Jam big reveal. You’ve waited…and waited and the moment has arrived. Even though I’m sure by now most of you already know – I feel the need to let the folks who don’t listen to the radio, or aren’t the least bit active on social media or the internet know the whole lineup of Super Jam 2014 is set in stone. Here’s the full tea. You already know about Kendrick Lamar, Juicy J, and K Michelle prepping to shut it down Saturday June 21 at The Scottrade Center. Well, I’m here to tell you about YG, Trey Songz arch enemy August Alsina, Juvenile, K Camp, Rico Love and the STL playlist set (feat. JGE, Keem, Laude, Lil St. Louis, Pretty Tony, Tef Poe & Tiffany Foxx)! And kicking the show off will be Super Jam Madness winner Indiana Rome. I’ll be sure to issue reminders from time to time and keep you up on anything else you need to know.

Rico’s Super Jam preview. I know y’all are thinking, is this heffa ever gonna get to what went down this weekend. 5…4…1!LooseCannon SLIM and Phil Assets brought producer turned Super Jam performer Rico Love for their latest Coliseum Fridays. Team-talk-too-much was on the mic and I don’t know how I missed by how she speaks all over every single song, but the girl has a voice that would be great for radio! See, I’m not always hatin’…Okay back to the party…things were going great for me until the main attraction took the stage. I was like “what is this? Somebody please banish him back to the studio!” The masses didn’t seem to mind him so much. The best part for me was when he pointed out that he wrote Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation” and “Ain’t Worried Bout Nothin’” and just let those tracks play. I gave him a round of applause for transforming Beyoncé’s sweet sidekick into a filthy nasty little thing and giving me another annoying club anthem and then I beat it.

Sommore Gary and Tony please. Get it?...I liked them. Anyway, Saturday night was all about the funny as the comedy revue formerly known as the Royal Comedy Festival added some vanilla to the mix via Gary Owen to share the stage with Tony Rock, Arnez Jay, Bruce Bruce and hostess Sommore at the Chaifetz Arena. They had a nice sized crowd too. I used to not care much for Sommore, but the last few times with this lineup she has giving me life! And I’m not just saying that because of her breathtaking shoe game. It was almost cancelled out this time by her out outfit – which had her looking like a glass jug of Oberweis 2 percent milk with angel wings. But back to the show… I don’t have space to mention everybody, so I’ll stick to my favorites. I’m sure I’ve made it clear by now that I love me some Tony Rock. Well, I still do. I got life watching him reenact the scare tactics us sistahs use in arguments (namely the evil stare down and slow walk away combo). But Gary Owen pulled a Larry Bird and earned the MVP award for the evening. He wrecked shop by clowning on his special needs cousin – yes, it was as disgraceful as it sounds…but still funny – and talking about how after the first cousins, white people consider the rest just friends but black people will claim their 17th cousin. Yes we will.

DJs United in STL. I had no idea the conference was even in town. Clearly neither did most of the DJs. I found out just in time to catch the grand finale concert. There was a whole lineup of folks, but the only people y’all would care about are D. Woods, Charlie Baltimore, Young Chris and Ashanti. It was supposed to be at Soulard Park but because of the rain and folks wouldn’t risk catching the sniffles for an Ashanti stage offering they moved it to the basement of The Clayton Crowne Plaza. I didn’t know what to expect when I came to the door and a woman was in a truck eating sunflower seeds, but I braced myself and proceeded to the rain location banquet room. The dropped ceilings with built in lights were so low I could almost reach them without standing on my tip toes, which gave the concert a church basement fashion show vibe, but everybody proceeded with the show and made the best of it all. When I arrived, Kelsey Nykole was taking the stage and she had this floor length blonde Mohawk that was flat ironed to a crunch with an in all black leather everything. She was looking like an “X Men” character…whose genetic mutation was obviously lip syncing. D. Woods “and those big ole thighs after school” had me ready to pray for her to get a better deal the way she worked the stage and audience in those black leather booty shorts. Fast forward to Charlie Baltimore…people still check for her like that? Good for you girl! Fast forward to Young Chris. He really deserved to make it bigger than he did. Fast forward to Ashanti. Is it me, or does she always buy the last look Beyoncé had at a discounted rate? She was wearing her “Partition” (or the dried out “Drunk In Love” wig) and was looking right cute. I had never seen her perform before, but I wasn’t as underwhelmed as I thought.

Clear Channel’s Sparkl West with the hilarious Bruce Bruce following the St. Louis Comedy Festival Saturday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Caterer Ms. Deb stole a moment with her favorite comedian Sommore Saturday @ The St. Louis Comedy Festival @ Chaifetz Arena

Trina Claggett of Microsoft showed STL love to national recording artist D. Woods when she stopped through the Microsoft store Saturday afternoon @ The Galleria

Local raptress Bell was getting her network on with recording artist Glasses Malone @ The DJs United Conference Sunday @ Crowne Plaza Clayton

Kelsey Nykole and her dancers were among the lineup of talent to hit the stage @ DJs United Conference Sunday night @ The Crowne Plaza of Clayton

Comedian Earthquake chopped it up with Ben and Leslie Broadnax after his set Saturday night @ The St. Louis Comedy Festival @ Chaifetz Arena

Alvin and Tanika greeted comedian Gary Owen as he hung in the lobby following his set Saturday @ The STL Comedy Festival

Camille Scott of Creations by Camille had rapper Charlie Baltimore’s game face pretty as a picture when she took the stage with L-Streetz and Brez Sunday @ The DJs United Conference @ The Crowne Plaza of Clayton

Birthday girl Veronica Payne and her girls Chanel Sharpe and Alicia Scaefer saw how a comedy star kicks it thanks to Tony Rock @ The Rustic Goat Saturday night for the STL Comedy Festival after Party

Rapper/Producer Rico Love graced the stage for LooseCannon S.L.I.M. and Liquid Assets’ Coliseum Friday nights and Mocha Latte was in the building Photo by Arlis Davis

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

If you have ever been around new first time parents and have any children of your own, you understand their elation upon hearing they’ve just delivered a healthy child with all 10 fingers and 10 toes. You understand why they grin from ear to ear every time someone mentions their baby or why their eyes twinkle when describing the baby’s first smile, first words, or first steps. But many of you also understand that look of horror when a pregnant woman returns from a doctor’s visit stating that something could be wrong with her baby.

In the United States, one out of every 33 babies is born with a problem that occurred during the baby’s development. These problems, commonly known as birth defects, usually occur during the first three months of the mother’s pregnancy. These defects can affect how the body appears and how it functions. Approximately 120,000 babies are born with birth defects each year per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Two main categories of defects exist: structural and developmental. Structural defects include such abnormalities as club foot, cleft palate/lip, heart defects, or spina-bifida, a neural tube defect. If there is a problem with how a body part or system works, these are referred to as functional or developmental birth

Prenatal care is vital

defects. Examples of these developmental defects include Down’s Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, or congenital blindness.

Cleft palates are generally described as congenital abnormalities of the lips and/ or oral cavity that alter the normal facial structure and cause oromotor functionality issues. Females are affected twice as often as males with cleft palate. In the US, the reported incidence of cleft palates is 1-2/1000 live births. In the world, reported prevalence of cleft lip with or without cleft palate ranges from 3.4 to 22.9 per 10,000 live births. Cleft palates are the result of both genetic and environmental factors and probably began during disruption of cellular growth or migration.

Hooks Anderson, M.D.

Certain anti-seizure medications like topiramate and lamictal can increase the incidence of cleft palate. In addition, having a first degree family member with an oral cleft is associated with a 3-5% risk of oral cleft.

The complications of cleft palate are not just cosmetic but are nutritional, auditory, oral, and psychosocial. These children can potentially have difficulty

eating which may result in their failure to thrive. The future potential for ridicule if not repaired is also a major issue as the child ages.

Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21), an example of a genetic birth defect, is caused by extra genetic material on chromosome 21. Cognitive impairments, cardiac abnormalities, and other medical abnormalities are the hallmarks of the disorder. Children with Down’s Syndrome have a distinct facial appearance: epicanthal folds, small head circumference, flat nasal bridge, and hypotonia. The major risk factor for this condition is advanced maternal age, 35 years or greater. Of the children with Trisomy 21, 80.1% of the women were greater than 35.

Prenatal diagnosis of many of these birth defects is done with ultrasound, laboratory tests, or via amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is a procedure where a needle, via ultrasound guidance, is placed through the uterus to obtain some of the fluid (amniotic fluid) from around the baby and the fluid is then tested for chromosomal abnormalities.

The risk of some disorders like spine bifida can be decreased, for example, by having pregnant mothers take a multivitamin daily along with folic acid. Avoiding alcohol and certain medica-

tions can also be helpful in preventing disorders. It is also known that early prenatal care can improve pregnancy outcomes as well.

As a primary care provider, I also advocate for pre- prenatal care which involves discussing your medical care with your provider prior to achieving pregnancy. In my experience, preparation and anticipation are essential components to having a healthy baby. Health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity can be addressed. Medications can be optimized, changed, or discontinued to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

Spring season reminds us of life because the grass is starting to look alive again, the flowers are blooming, and many of God’s living creatures are producing new offspring. The majority of the time, these cycles of life occurs without much intervention. But for our precious human babies, care and consideration is needed. Prenatal visits as soon as possible, avoiding toxic substances such as nicotine or illicit drugs, and regular monthly/bi-monthly care can improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Join the fight for our babies and consider donating to the March of Dimes.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American April 17, 2014

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Hollomon, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

the

Denise

St. Louis investigates better asthma control for blacks

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Maintenance and rescue inhalers are a mainstay of treatment for persons living with asthma. Doctors at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are part of a nationwide study to find out how to help black patients maintain better control with low-dose medication – and for good reason: asthma has a significant impact on the health of African Americans in this region.

“There is more asthma in the African American population and just the fact that more people have asthma, they have more urgent care…higher disease rates and they are hospitalized more often,” said Leonard B. Bacharier, M.D., a pediatric allergist and immunologist at St. Louis Children’s and Barnes-Jewish West hospitals and Washington University.

“They have a death rate that is substantially higher than Caucasians.”

The study, The Best African American Response to Drugs, or BARD study, is through the National Institutes of Health’s multicenter asthma program, AsthmaNet.

This study is focusing on the response of African Americans with asthma, because they may respond differently to asthma medication.

“African Americans may respond differently to the conventional asthma therapies we use,” Dr. Bacharier explained, and there is a precedent for differing responses in other health conditions. “We know that managing African Americans with high blood pressure or heart failure really requires a different strategy than managing the same conditions in Caucasians, and there is no reason that asthma would be expected to behave different.”

Researchers want to enroll 50 to 60 study participants locally out of approximately 500 nationwide.

“We are trying to come up with a

Doctors at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are part of a nationwide study to find out how to help black patients maintain better control with low-dose medication – and for good reason: asthma has a significant impact on the health of African Americans in this region.

n “We are trying to come up with a strategy that will allow us to deliver the best care to all African American patients whose asthma is not well controlled on standard line therapy.”

– Leonard B. Bacharier, M.D.

strategy that will allow us to deliver the best care to all African American patients whose asthma is not well controlled on standard line therapy,” Bacharier said. He is partnering with adult pulmonologist and internist Mario Castro, M.D. of Barnes-Jewish hospitals and Washington University for the adult portion of the research.

Researchers are looking for persons

who identify themselves as African American, who have asthma and are on medication, ages 5 and older to come in for evaluation.

“Based on the amount of asthma therapy they are already receiving, they would leave for a period of weeks, on less asthma therapy than they came in on, to try to get everybody down to the same amount of asthma therapy, if pos-

sible,” Bacharier said. All medications used are standard, well-accepted FDAapproved medicine, nothing experimental or placebo, he added. Flovent and Advair are the asthma drugs being used in this study.

Once doctors find patients have asthma that is not adequately managed with first line therapy, which is a low-dose inhaled steroid, Bacharier said they would randomly be assigned through one of a series of therapy options in the study; changing their regimen every few months throughout the duration of the study.

“They would receive four different medication approaches, and then we’d examine which of these approaches did

See ASTHMA, page 10

Mario Castro, M.D.

Leonard Bacharier, M.D.

Obesity prevention programs can lower kids’ blood pressure

One of the serious health consequences of obesity is elevated blood pressure (BP), a particular problem in children because research has found that high BP in children usually follows them into adulthood, carrying with it a wide range of possible negative consequences.

Even modest elevations in the BP of adolescents, according to recent research, can pose cardiovascular problems later in life.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of the effect of child obesity intervention programs on blood pressure has found that whether such programs prevented obesity or not, many of them reduced BP in children. It also found that the most effective programs in this regard promoted both healthy eating and physical activity.

The study, one of the first of its kind, “Effect of Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs on BP: A Systematic Review and MetaAnalysis,” was led by epidemiologist Youfa Wang, MD, PhD, of the University at Buffalo and conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins University, UB and other institutions.

It was recently published online in the journal Circulation.

Wang, an internationally recognized obesity expert, is professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health in the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions, said, “Of the 28 obesity interventions with complete data that we analyzed, 13 (46 percent) had a favorable effect on both adiposity and BP and 11 interventions (39 percent) had a significant effect on the reduction of BP, even if they did not affect adiposity.

“It is important to identify obesity intervention programs that can help children develop healthy lifestyles and keep BP at an optimal level,” he says, “because these programs help them avoid many longterm health consequences.”

Wang’s research team, now based at UB, is working on projects in the U.S. and abroad funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that aim to assess the additional benefits of obesity prevention programs for children and to develop the most effective programs possible.

Salmon with Yogurt Dill Sauce HealtHy Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs Pink Salmon Steak Fillets

1 Green Bell Pepper (sliced)

1 Tomato (diced)

1 Red Onion (sliced)

3 Garlic Cloves (minced)

4 oz. Fat Free Plain Yogurt

¼ cup Cider Vinegar

2 tbsp Dill Weed (diced)

¾ tsp. Yellow Mustard Seeds

1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Preparation:

• In a glass dish, combine vinegar and mustard seeds. Mix well. Add 1 tbsp of dill. Add salmon steaks. Marinate for 10 minutes. Turn salmon over and marinate for 10 more minutes.

• Place salmon steaks into a baking dish and distribute the sliced peppers, tomatoes and onions on top. Drizzle with marinade. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

• Sauce: Whisk together (or use a food processor), yogurt and remainder of dill, garlic, lemon juice.

• When salmon is done, serve with 2tbsp of sauce on fillet.

Nutrition Information: (per serving)

Calories: 300 (72 calories from fat)

Total Fats: 8g (Monounsaturated: 2.2g, Polyunsaturated: 3.0g; Saturated: 1.3g; Trans Fat: 0)

Cholesterol: 114mg

Carbohydrates: 9g

Sugar: 5g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Protein: 46g

Potassium: 966mg

Sodium: 170mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach is a volunteer-based organization focused on providing nutritious meals and nutrition counseling at no cost to low-income men, women, and children living with Cancer or HIV/AIDS. In 2013, we provided 508,681 meals to more than 2,000 people ages 6 to 91 residing in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes.

Photo by Wiley Price

Apr. 23, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., North County Autism-Asperger-PDD Resource Fair, at SSD’s Ackerman School, located at 1550 Derhake Road in Florissant, Mo. The free event includes programs and resources from SSD, area agencies and organizations; info on respite care, recreation opportunities, community summer programs, behavior support and planning for the future. Registration is not required to attend. For more information, call 314.989.8194 (711 Deaf/HOH).

Sat. Apr. 26, 9:00 am-11:30 am, CHIPS 14th Annual Prayer Breakfast, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, 1000 N. Grand Blvd. Tickets $25 to support the Essence of Life Medication Fund for the uninsured and underserved. For more information, call 314-652-9231, email info@chipsstl.org or visit www.chipsstl. org.

Sat. Apr. 26, 8:30 a.m., NKF St. Louis Kidney 3K Walk, Saint Louis University, Laclede Park. Registration at 8:30; walk starts at 10. Event includes live bands, clowns, face painting, kid’s tent, photo booth and a healthy living tent. For more information, call 314-9612828 or visit www.kidneywalk.org.

Calendar

Sat., Apr. 26, 8 a.m., St. Louis March for Babies, Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park. Registration at 8 a.m. and walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call 314-513-9990 or visit www.marchforbabies.org.

Thurs. May 1, 6 p.m., John H. Gladney MD Diversity Awards Reception, Saint Louis University El Monastero, 3050 Olive St. Guest speaker: Ronald Wyatt MD, MHA, DMS (HON), medical director, healthcare improvement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, The Joint Commission. Dinner is served at 6pm with the program immediately following. RSVP by April 18 to 314-977-8730 or oma@slu. edu.

May 2-4, 6 a.m., Remote Area Medical Free Health Clinic, Jackie Joyner Kersee Center, 101 Jackie Joiner Kersee Circle Dr., East St. Louis , Ill. For adults and children; services include dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye examinations and prescription glasses made onsite. Medical care includes general, diabetes and wound care; women’s health. For more information, call 618560-0656, 618-482-6804 or visit ramusa. org.

Sat. May 3, 4 p.m., Walk to End Lupus Now, Carondelet Park, St. Louis. Registration at 4 – walk begins at 5 p.m. For more information, call 314644-2222 or visit www.lfaheartland.org.

Sun. May 4, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cinco de Mammo-thon, Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd., 63031. Women age 40 or older who haven’t had a mammogram in the past few years are encouraged to call today to schedule an appointment. Make sure you mention you want to be a part of the Mammo-Thon when you call 314-747-WELL (9355).

Wednesdays, May 7 – July 23, Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) free weight management program for Family Care Health Center patients ages 21-35 who are interested in a healthy lifestyle to manage weight. The 12-week program will include cooking classes, nutrition lessons, with focus on habit change and mindfulness with health coaching, all in a supportive group setting. To apply, call Susanna at 353-5190 x 3443.

Wed. May 7, 12 Noon – 4 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive at Northwest Health Care Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd., 63031. Register at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code: northwesthealthcare; or contact Mindy McLain at mlm7458@bjc.org.

Thurs., May 8, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Healthy Cooking Class, Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute, 11155 Dunn Rd., Professional Building 1, Suite 101N, 63136. Learn how to make affordable and delicious meals with a registered dietitian; taste-testing, handouts and recipe cards. Space is limited to first 25 who reserve a spot. Cost - $10. Registration is required by calling 314747-WELL (9355).

Sat. May 10, 10th Annual Walk-athon and Health Fair at Tower Grove Park sponsored by Community Women Against Hardship. Choose 1K, 3K or 5K; food, fitness, arts & crafts, dancing and more. For more information, call 314289-7523 or visit www.cwah.org.

Sat. May 10, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Metro St. Louis 2014 Heart Walk for American Heart Association, Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Street. To register and for more information, call 314-6925662, email Angela.Heigl@heart.org or go to http://tinyurl.com/HeartWalkStL.

Sat., May 10, 4 p.m. Metro East March for Babies, GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill.,2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd. Registration at 4p.m. and event begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 314-513-9990 or email MO633@mar-

chofdimes.com.

Thurs., May 15, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hospitalization & Dementia: Caring Partnerships, Northwest HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. Florissant, Mo. 63031. Christian Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association helps prepare people caring for a loved one with dementia for a hospital stay. Registration requested by calling 314-747-9355.

Thurs., May22, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Healthy Cooking Class, Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute, 11155 Dunn Rd., Professional Building 1, Suite 101N, 63136. Learn how to make affordable and delicious meals with a registered dietitian; taste-testing, handouts and recipe cards. Space is limited to first 25 who reserve a spot. Cost - $10. Registration is required by calling 314747-WELL (9355).

Sat. May 24, 7 a.m., 2014 Mind and Body Health and Fitness Event, at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 N. Spring Ave., St. Louis, 63108. Hosted by Christ Deliverance Ministry, featuring $500 first prize at stake for 5K; fitness challenge featuring Briant Mitchell of BKM Boot Camp; free children’s eye exams and glasses by Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and health screenings from SSM DePaul Hospital. To register, visit www.cdmmindandbody.org.

Thurs., May 29, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., HATtatude! 10th Annual Hats Off to Women, Christian Hospital heart health event. The ladies of The Heart Care Group will be there to educate you on what you need to know about heart disease.

A goody bag will be given to all participants and a light, heart-healthy dinner will be served. Free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings will be available.

Make your reservation by calling 314747-WELL or 1-877-747-WELL.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/ Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314-839-3171.

Promising new lead in early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

Three promising biomarkers being studied to detect Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages appear to undergo a surprising shift as patients develop symptoms of dementia, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report.

Scientists use the biomarkers to assess brain changes linked to the disease in research volunteers. The levels of markers of neuronal injury increase in the spinal fluid for a decade or more before the onset of dementia, but in a new twist, the research shows for the first time that they later reverse course, decreasing as symptoms of memory loss and mental decline appear.

The results were recently published online in Science Translational Medicine.

“We’re not sure why this reversal occurs, but understanding it may be very important for clinical trials of drugs to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s,” said senior author Anne Fagan, PhD, research professor of neurology. “Changes in the levels of these biomarkers likely will be among the criteria we use to assess the success or failure of Alzheimer’s drugs, so we need to know how these biomarkers normally behave in the absence of treatment.”

n Three promising biomarkers being studied to detect Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages appear to undergo a surprising shift as patients develop symptoms of dementia.

Fagan and her colleagues studied data from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN), a multinational research project led by Washington University. All DIAN participants come from families affected by genetic mutations that cause rare inherited forms of Alzheimer’s. Carriers of their family’s mutation can develop symptoms of mental decline as early as their 30s.

DIAN participants regularly are evaluated using a variety of tests, including analyses of Alzheimer’s biomarkers in their spinal fluid. For the new study, Fagan and her coauthors looked at three injury-related biomarkers in spinal fluid samples collected at multiple evaluations of 26 DIAN participants. All the participants had an Alzheimer’s-causing mutation.

Two of the biomarkers, tau and p-tau, are structural proteins that form the neurofibrillary tangles seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients; the third is a neuronal calcium sensor called VILIP-1. Levels of the three biomarkers increase after neurons are injured and are linked to decline of cognitive function. Evidence suggests that as Alzheimer’s assaults the brain, dying cells release the biomarkers, freeing them to be washed into the spinal fluid.

As expected, levels of the biomarkers increased over time in participants who had not yet developed dementia. But the researchers were surprised to find that in most participants who had dementia, levels of the three biomarkers decreased over time. The drop in levels was relatively small but consistent and statistically significant.

“This was very interesting, particularly given that previous studies have shown that other indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, such as brain shrinkage, continue after the onset of dementia,” Fagan said.

Fagan speculated that increasing levels of the biomarkers prior to dementia likely reflect an intense stage of cell death, while decreasing levels as dementia begins indicate a slowing of this process. However, it’s also possible that such reductions result from a decrease in the number of remaining brain cells that have yet to be killed by Alzheimer’s, she said.

To advance the research, the scientists are gathering data on new DIAN enrollees and continuing to follow participants in the current study.

HealtH Briefs

Being overweight increases ovarian cancer risk

For the first time, a comprehensive report from the leading authority on diet, weight, physical activity and cancer risk finds that being overweight increases women’s risk of ovarian cancer, the most deadly gynecological cancer in the United States. The report, an analysis of the global research by the American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund (AICR/WCRF), means that ovarian cancer now joins the growing list of cancers whose risk is increased by carrying excess body fat.

That list includes post-menopausal breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. Added together, approximately 585,600 cases of these eight cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. AICR now estimates that being at a healthy weight could prevent 1 in 5 of these cases – or approximately 120,900 cancer cases every year.

“This is an important finding,” said Elisa V. Bandera, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and one of the expert panelists who authored the new AICR/WCRF CUP report, “because it shows a way for women to reduce their chances of getting ovarian cancer. There is so much we don’t know about preventing ovarian cancer, but now we can tell women that keeping to a healthy weight can help protect against this deadly disease.”

The report, Ovarian Cancer 2014 Report: Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Ovarian Cancer, analyzed 25 population studies that investigated how diet, weight and activity links to ovarian cancer. The studies included 4 million women, 16,000 of whom developed ovarian cancer. The report showed a dose-response relationship: a six percent increased risk of developing ovarian cancer for every 5-point increase in BMI, a common measure of body fat.

Stark Statistics

Every year in the U.S., approximately 14,000 women die from ovarian cancer. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death, mainly because difficulty in detection means many women are not diagnosed until the disease’s later stages.

In the U.S., approximately two-thirds of women are overweight or obese, placing them at increased risk for developing any of the eight cancers now known to be related to body weight.

WU researchers identify likely culprit in colon cancer spread

New research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville has implicated a poorly understood protein called PLAC8 in the spread of colon cancer.

While elevated PLAC8 levels were known to be associated with colon cancer, the researchers now have shown that the protein plays an active role in shifting normal cells lining the colon into a state that encourages metastasis.

The work appeared April 1 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

“We knew levels of this protein are elevated in colon cancer,” said co-author Lilianna Solnica-Krezel, PhD, professor and head of the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University. “Now we’ve shown what PLAC8 could be doing – causing the cells to transition to a state that allows them to spread.

“This discovery developed from a collaboration between my group studying zebrafish and Robert Coffey’s lab looking at human cells, both initially at Vanderbilt,” she said. “Since 2010, my group has continued the zebrafish work at Washington University.”

Senior author Robert Coffey, MD, the Ingram Professor of Cancer Research at Vanderbilt University, and his group have been developing new methods to grow colon cancer cells in three dimensions, rather than using typical procedures to grow cells in a flat dish.

Coffey’s group observed that colon cancer cells growing in three dimensions formed either smooth hollow balls or spiky clumps with protrusions extending into the surroundings. Compared to the smooth balls, the spiky clumps were shown to form rapidly spreading tumors in mice. When the researchers compared gene expression between the cells forming smooth balls and those forming spiky clumps, PLAC8 stood out. It was expressed at extremely high levels in the spiky clumps that formed aggressive tumors.

NMSS gives $600K to study immune process

Saint Louis University researcher Daniel Hawiger, M.D., Ph.D., received more than $600,000 from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to gain a better understanding of how the autoimmune process that causes multiple sclerosis (MS) may be stopped or slowed down. Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, occurs when some of the immune system’s “T-cells” mistake the nerve fiber coating called myelin as a foreign tissue to be destroyed.

Normally, T-cells that react to the body’s own proteins undergo a process called “immunological tolerance” in which they are educated to ignore “self.” When the tolerance process goes wrong, the self-reactive T-cells go on the attack. Hawiger, who is assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at SLU, aims to understand how immunological tolerance works and why it sometimes fails in order to design better clinical treatments that selectively suppress immune-mediated damage to the nervous

system in people with MS. Researchers will focus on understanding how different types of lymphocytes, such as regulatory and effector T-cells, and also dendritic cells, interact with each other. Hawiger’s lab recently found that a method of delivering fragments of myelin proteins to dendritic cells results in the generation of regulatory T-cells expressing specific factors that are required to suppress autoimmune destruction. Researchers hope that by manipulating such regulatory T-cells, they may be able

to develop new and more precisely targeted immune therapies with fewer side effects.

“We believe that this research can show us a way to be very specific in silencing only the reactive T-cells without causing damage to the patient,” Hawiger said. “In the future, my hope is to have a much more selective type of immune therapy that would specifically target functions of the immune system that lead to MS without the side effects that come with general immune suppression.

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www. tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HealtH ResouRces

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-ac-

ademic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl. edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to

eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www. foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/ pharmacy.

HealtHy Q & a

Macular degeneration affects ‘straight-ahead’ vision

Q: What is Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD?

Answers about AMD come from optometrist Dr. Brian Eveland.

A: AMD is a disease that breaks down the macula - the light-sensitive portion of the retina that allows you to see fine detail. It blurs the “straight-ahead” vision required for activities such as reading or

ASTHMA

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the best job for the individual patient and the population as a whole,” Bacharier explained. Eventually everyone gets all of the options: a higher dose of the inhaled steroid; the addition of a long-acting bronchodilator; or the higher dose of the inhaled steroid and the addition of the long-acting bronchodilator.

The BARD asthma study will last about 16 months. It will include breathing tests, blood and urine samples, sputum induction, physical exam questionnaires and study medication. For participation, up to $1,250 will be offered to study participants for time and effort.

“This is the first study that we know of in asthma being done exclusively in African Americans with a focus on their needs and how to deliver the best care for them,” Bacharier said.

While African Americans have always been included in studies, Bacharier said they only make up about 30 to 35 percent of the study population.

“With those smallish number, we can’t always easy to ask the right questions, and ask them well enough to know we got the right answers,” Bacharier said. “This is really an opportunity for us to understand asthma in African Americans and understand how we as health care providers should be tailoring our approach to caring for them, based on their characteristics and not what we learn in bigger studies of very mixed populations.”

For more information on the pediatric asthma study, contact the BARD study coordinator at 314-286-1173 or toll free 1-866841-2273.

For more information on the adult BARD asthma study, contact 314-362-1000 or email rprstaff@wustl.edu.

driving. Risk factors for AMD include: smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history of AMD.

The causes of AMD are still unknown. One form of AMD (dry) may be caused by aging and thinning of the macular tissues, pigment deposits in the macula, or a combination of the two. The other form of AMD (wet), results when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes

retinal cells to die and creates blind spots in central vision. Early-stage AMD can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test and dilated eye exam. If AMD is detected, further tests may be required.

“While there is no cure for AMD, early detection and treatment can slow or minimize vision loss and, in some cases, even improve vision,” Dr. Eveland said.

“There are also devices that can help people suffering from AMD-related vision loss to achieve improvement in their functional vision for performing daily routines.”

Email your health-related question to yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com. A health professional will provide an answer for publication in a future issue of Your Health Matters.