April 22nd, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Tishaura: city’s first Black woman mayor

After making history, new mayor pledged to work for every St. Louisan

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Tishaura Jones stood at a podium in the middle of City Hall’s rotunda, surrounded by her family and invited guests as she took the oath of office — becoming St. Louis’ first Black woman mayor.

“I am standing on stone that was not meant for me, I am speaking in a rotunda that never envisioned my ascent to mayor, I am going to walk into an office that my ancestors could have never imagined me working in — but I’m here,” Jones said.

In her speech, she paid homage to her family, the schools she attended and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority — whose members lined the staircase dressed in red.

“But most importantly I’m here today because of you, because you voted, because you got involved, because you chose to be inspired by a movement of people and vision for St. Louis to move our city and region forward,” Jones said.

Jones pledged to be a mayor for every city resident, whether they voted for her or not.

“Most St. Louisans share some core desires, and as a single mom, I know these desires well myself,” she said. “I want to raise my son in a safe neighborhood. I want him to receive a quality education. I want him to be able to envision himself safely raising a family in St. Louis one day.” Jones said she was resolved to make change.

n “We will move forward when we recognize our shared humanity, our shared core desires, and our common resolve to make our city a better, safer and healthier place to live.”

– Mayor Tishaura Jones

Chauvin verdict, small step in fight for justice

City Hall on Tuesday evening

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

“We were prepared for COVID.” Kathy and Jerome Jenkins,

By Wesley Bell For The St.

Tishaura Jones taking the oath of office as St. Louis’ 47th mayor and becoming the first Black woman to serve as the city’s chief executive officer. Judge Angela Turner Quigless of the Missouri Court of Appeals administered the oath.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See TISHAURA, A6

Cathy Jenkins (center) is the owner of Cathy’s Kitchen in Ferguson. Shown here with her daughters and employees, Micah (left) and Cathy L. (right) on Tuesday, Apr. 20, 2021.

Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American

Photo by Jennifer Sarti

Diddy pays tribute to former Bad Boy signee Black Rob

Former Bad Boy Records Black Rob, 51, whose real name is Robert Ross, died of a heart attack caused by a rare kidney disease on Saturday, April 17 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Deadline he had a history of kidney failure and diabetes, along with several strokes in recent years. Bad Boy CEO Diddy posted an Instagram tribute to the late rapper with the following message: “Rest in power King @therealblack rob!” he said. “As I listen to your records today there’s one thing that they all have in common! You have made millions of people all over the world feel good and dance! You are one of a kind! GOD BLESS! Love. You will be truly missed!!!!”

Issa Rae’s comedy skit influenced by Jermaine Dupri’s female rapper criticism

Most people remember Jermaine Dupri’s 2019 interview with People criticizing female rappers. He received a lot of backlash when he said a lot of what’s projected in female rap is strippers rapping and talking about the same content. “I don’t think they’re showing us who’s the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping. And as far as rap goes, I’m not getting who’s the best rapper. I’m getting like, ‘OK, you got a story about you dancing in the club.’ It’s like, ‘OK, who’s going to be the rapper?’” Issa Rae said his comments inspired her new comedy, “Rap S**t,” an unscripted series about two childhood friends’ road to becoming rappers. “I was just like, ‘This is so unfair.’ So that inspired the writing of it.” It’s loosely based on the Miami rap duo, Yung Miami and JT of City Girls, who are coexecutive producers on the show.

Azealia Banks crushes on Kanye West amid his divorce

Kanye West will soon be single following his divorce from Kim Kardashian. He already has a few admirers eyeing him. Azealia Banks shared a recent headline to her Instagram account that said West is looking to date an artist and a creative. Banks believes that person is her. She wrote: “It’s me guys.” Banks’ relationship status is unknown. Earlier this year, she announced her engagement to artist and creative director Ryder Ripps. West and Kardashian are in the process of divorcing after seven years of marriage. West has requested joint legal and physical custody of their four children.

Lil Yachty believes Atlanta boycotts won’t change voting laws

TMZ caught up with Atlanta rapper Lil Yachty to get his opinion on voting laws in his home state. While leaving a local restaurant, the network asked him about Major League Baseball’s impact, Hollywood productions and other large corporations leaving the state in protest regarding new laws that make voting challenging for people of color. In the video, he says, “I don’t really think that plays

as much of a role. If they wanna do it they’re gonna do it, but I don’t think that’s gonna change their opinion. He continued, “It all starts with our people knowing about the change, so it just takes people knowing the information to get to the polls. If they don’t, then they won’t.”

Mickey Guyton first Black woman to host Country Music Awards

This Sunday, Country music singer Mickey Guyton will make history when she hosts the Academy of Country Music Awards with Keith Urban. She will be the first Black woman in history to host the awards ceremony. She shared her excitement to Instagram, saying “Still can’t believe this is real.” Guyton made history in September 2020 becoming the first Black female solo artist to sing her own song at the ACMAs. In March, she became the first Black solo female artist to earn a Grammy nomination in a country music category. During the awards, she performed her song “Black Like Me,” which addresses discrimination she’s faced as a Black

Big Brothers Big Sisters: Seeking “Bigs” in a Time of Crisis

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

St. Louis American

The

Of

Throughout the year, and especially now during National Volunteer Week, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) is reaching out for help. The nonprofit located at 501 N. Grand Blvd., needs adult volunteers (“Bigs”) who will sign up for one-to-one mentoring relationships with children (“Littles”), ages five through young adulthood.

“We really want to get the message out that we need volunteers, especially more African-American male volunteers to sign up,” said Linda Robinson, Director of Volunteer Recruitment for BBBSEMO. “To have someone in their lives who looks like them can have a big impact in a young boy’s life.”

demographic group. It’s understandable, considering that most aren’t mature enough to navigate the disruptions in their lives caused by the virus. The separation from loved ones, including grandparents, ongoing stress, fear, grief, isolation and uncertainty are just a few of the reasons why kids need additional sources of support.

The pandemic has also hindered how BBBSEMO recruits volunteers. Prior to COVID, their efforts were interactive and face-to-face through visits to universities, churches and corporations.

“We’re not out in the public eye,” Robinson explained. “So, now we have to come up with virtual recruitment efforts and other innovative ways to talk to people, put information in their hands and recruit people.”

also the one who passed all my tests. I learned at an early age to be accountable for my actions. All that stuff helped me.”

Lewis graduated at the top of his class in high school and college and was recruited by US Bank the day he graduated from Florida A&M University.

Escaping poverty left Lewis with a profound desire to “give back” to the Black community. It was that motivation that led him to attend one of BBBSEMO’s open houses, meet staff members, hear the pitch and decide whether to become a “Big” or not. He did and was “matched” with Nick Burch, who was about eight years old at the time. Initially, Lewis thought he’d only do a year of volunteering, but eight years later, he’s still Nick’s mentor and friend.

Robinson said Lewis was a great recruitment candidate because of his “dynamic relationship” with Nick and because Evan fits the criteria of Black male they seek.

Nick has basically grown up with Lewis as the “Big” in his life. He, too, admires Lewis’ sense of humor and the fact that he takes interest in the things he likes.

“He’s actually a really caring person,” Nick said. “I was telling him that I liked anime (Japanese animation) and he asked what kind of anime he should watch so we can talk about it later. He’s just a kindhearted person.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for extra attention in the lives of young people. A recent report from Mental Health America shows that children (aged 11-17) are experiencing the highest rates of anxiety and depression of any other

Setting aside time out of each month for a child is not an easy sell. That’s why the faceto-face and group presentations are so important. BBBSEMO representatives work hard to ease the fears of potential Bigs who may equate volunteering to adopting a child, providing monetary sustenance or replac-

ing a child’s parent or legal guardian. BBBSEMO’s website addresses many of those concerns and emphasizes that the organization has a whole support network and “Match Support Specialists” at the ready to assist its “Littles” with their educational and social needs. Recruitment includes informing potential “Bigs” that they don’t need any special degrees or job skills to positively impact a young person’s life. There’s only one requirement Robinson said: “We ask Bigs to just be there and help out as much as they can.”

Evan R. Lewis, 32, a Senior Credit Underwriter at Bank of America, responded to BBBSEMO’s need about eight years ago. A native of Lakeland Florida, Lewis worked for US Bank in 2011 when they sent him to work in St. Louis. He later went to work for Bank of America. Lewis lost his father when he was eight years old. He described his childhood as one frequented by poverty, moving from place-to-place and nights of doing homework by candlelight due to utility shutoffs. Humor helped him cope. Lewis said: “I was the class clown but

Lewis sees similarities between himself and Nick. Both lost their fathers at early ages; both are the youngest among their siblings and Lewis likes the fact that Nick is “a bit of a smart aleck because I’m kind of sarcastic, too,” Lewis admitted, adding:

“Nick reminds me of myself. He’s wise beyond his years. When he talks about video games, he speaks to the graphics and functionality of the games. That shows me he’s a deep thinker who pays attention to a lot of things other people don’t.”

Just as Lewis has watched Nick grow into an engaging, 15-year-old Parkway North High School student, Nick has seen Lewis, who he met at the age of 24, get engaged, married and now anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first child, a boy. COVID has impacted their get-togethers. Until recently, Lewis hadn’t seen Nick in a year. However, because of the virus, Lewis said Nick has been the proactive one, reaching out, texting and video chatting with Lewis on his own accord. Lewis is a strong advocate for Black men, especially, to become BBBSEMO volunteers. He’s not sure if he’ll mentor another child after Nick goes to college. For now, however, he’s focusing on helping Nick be the best he can be in life:

“My hope is for him to continue to be his authentic self; to continue to learn, adapt and grow and learn how to execute,” Lewis said. “Whatever it is he does, I want him to always do it the best of his ability and always, always give it his best shot.”

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

Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

Photo courtesy of bbbs.org

A Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big” and “Little” enjoy a ropes course outing together.

Need to transform the St. Louis Police Department

While it was certainly the most preferred and just outcome in the long-awaited trial, the conviction by a Minneapolis jury of former police officer Derek Chauvin on two counts of murder and a single count of manslaughter, is more than a singular event in the long, shameful history of this country on race. The jury found Chauvin guilty on the charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and seconddegree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nine and a half minutes.

U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman rightly says, “We’ve known Chauvin was guilty since the second we saw him murder George Floyd on film, but we also know of the racism inherent in our carceral and policing systems. This verdict doesn’t change that racism or the work ahead needed to transform those systems to serve us.” The right-wing media promptly sought to characterize this murderous, venomous police action as the work of a single “bad apple,” while denying the systematic nature of repeated racist police violence. Astonishingly, The Wall Street Journal wrote cynically that, “The verdict showed that the system is not systematically racist, and that a police officer who exceeded his power can be found guilty.” Apparently, they have never heard of Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Daniel Prude, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor or the hundreds of other cases that have never led to a murder or manslaughter conviction.

Even President Biden said, “For so many, it feels like it took all of that for the judicial system to deliver just basic accountability.”

In St. Louis, Tishaura O. Jones was inaugurated as the city’s next mayor on Tuesday, April 20. She has already indicated she will appoint former police chief Dan Isom as the director of public safety and former Ethical Society of Police president and retired detective Heather Taylor as his advisor. They will be asked to address the issue of the vast systemic failings of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. As they work to address more broadly the police department’s role in reimagining public safety, they should make certain that it reflects policies that value, safeguard and invest in the lives of people of color.

n According to New York Times columnist David Leonhardt, a recent study revealed that, “there have been only seven murder convictions for fatal police shootings since 2005. That suggests the chances of a killing by the police leading to a murder conviction are about one in 2,000.”

We must remember that a murder conviction of a police officer is “an exceedingly rare event.” According to New York Times columnist David Leonhardt, a recent study revealed that, “there have been only seven murder convictions for fatal police shootings since 2005. That suggests the chances of a killing by the police leading to a murder conviction are about one in 2,000.”

Chauvin’s conviction does not mean we have entered a new period of police accountability. The Floyd case provided a rare exception because of a video watched around the world, showing Chauvin pressing the life out of Floyd with his knee, that prompted weeks of protests that were among the largest in U.S. history. In addition, we saw a rare instance of many police officers’ willingness to break the so-called blue wall - no matter the misconduct.

We know that the Chauvin conviction is an anomaly. There continues to be no consequences for the police officers that take the lives of Black and Brown people. Most are not even charged and certainly not convicted. Even when there are charges and an occasional conviction, these murders by police continue. Since the Chauvin trial began on March 29, at least 64 people have been killed by police. People of color have been more than half of that total. These continuous killings include Daunte Wright in Minnesota and Adam Toledo in Chicago. We must end this cycle of state-authorized police killings and make certain that police officers and departments are held accountable for their actions.

Since policing should be community-based, recruitment policy of police officers should be redesigned to create selection processes that identify and eliminate candidates that are more likely to succumb to hate-filled or extremist violence. We need to see a change in recruiting practices and outreach to assure we reduce the police conduct that produces the next Derek Chauvin, full of hate and bad intention.

The choice of Isom and Taylor is an encouraging move that should lead to some needed reform of the police that will mitigate some of the horrific behavior that finds the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department leading the entire country in killings per capita, more than any of the other 100 largest police departments in the nation.

We hope transformational change is on the way.

Commentary

No is not enough for St. Louis

By Tony Thompson

The St. Louis region accounts for a stunning 45 percent of the entire state’s gross domestic product. Yet, ask a St. Louis Democratic lawmaker what tops their legislative agenda in Jefferson City this session, and you’ll likely hear what Republican bills they hope to stop.

Don’t get me wrong – there are some bad ideas this session, but protecting the status quo will not get our city and our region where they need to be, particularly at this unique moment in time. Simply put, no is not enough. Our area lawmakers need to be building alliances and coalitions so that we can reverse years of disinvestment into our urban core. That’s not happening right now and likely won’t happen until we find ways to work together across partisan lines.

I know this can be done, because I personally watched my mother, Missouri Rep. Betty Thompson, successfully reach across the aisle, despite her party being in the majority, simply because she knew she could get more done for our community by speaking to everyone in it, regardless of their political affiliation.

More recently, Missouri Sen. Jamilah Nasheed smartly and strategically built relation-

ships with Republicans and Democrats alike to ensure St. Louis wasn’t forgotten in our state capitol.

With this as the backdrop, it’s no surprise that the Parson administration made the decision to hold most of their mass vaccination events in areas far away from the gateway city. It’s not as if doing so would translate to less support for his agenda from St. Louis lawmakers. Until our lawmakers actually pull up a seat at the table, I’m afraid we will continue to be left out, and the consequences of this are as dire as not receiving our fair share of vaccinations.

Columnist Tony Thompson

When Missouri’s speaker of the house and the senate majority leader both proclaimed that education reform is their top priority on the very first day of the legislative session, I was hoping the St. Louis legislative delegation would have viewed this as their chance to leverage support for practical legislation that addresses educational inequity in the St. Louis region.

With or without Democratic support, legislation is expand-

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Biden’s Promise to diversify the courts

By Ben Jealous

People who care about equal justice under the law should be very happy about President Joe Biden’s first set of judicial nominees.

I am especially excited about the three outstanding Black women that President Biden nominated to the circuit courts—the appeals court level just below the U.S. Supreme Court.

You will soon be hearing more about all these highly credentialed and accomplished women: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, and Tiffany Cunningham.

Biden is fulfilling his promise to bring professional diversity to courts that are dominated by former prosecutors and corporate lawyers. Ketanji Brown Jackson and Candace Jackson-Akiwumi both have experience as public defenders. Jackson is now a federal district judge who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2013.

Biden has pledged to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court. These nominees are a good sign that he intends to keep that promise, too.

It is shameful that the Seventh Circuit, which has jurisdiction over diverse cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis, currently has only white judges. The confirmation of Jackson-Akiwumi will change that. The confirmation of Tiffany Cunningham will make her the first Black judge ever to serve on the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

These brilliant women will also bring other perspectives that are sorely lacking on the courts.

Judge Jackson was vice chair and commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, where she advocated for ending the brutally unjust and anti-Black discrepancy between sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine.

As a public defender, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 people who could not afford a lawyer.

Tiffany Cunningham has been nominated to the specialized federal circuit, which needs judges familiar with science and technology issues.

Cunningham not only has a law degree from Harvard, but a degree in chemical engineering from MIT. She has been repeatedly named to legal publications’ lists of the country’s best lawyers. She is impressive. This is history in the making, not just for these judges but for all the people who will be influenced by their decisions.

Legendary civil rights advocate Mary Frances Berry recently wrote, “When the American people voted in November, we chose a new Congress and administration that we believed would deliver change. That means passing legislation that actually helps everyday people, not just the rich and powerful. It also means having the right people in key positions to bring that ‘real people’ focus to policymaking and to upholding the law.” As Berry pointed out, the success of these trailblazing women will also create new

Letters to the editor

opportunities for the women and girls who follow them.

Former President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees were overwhelmingly white— around four percent of his judges are Black —and mostly picked for their loyalty to a right-wing judicial ideology that sacrifices individual rights and the common good to states’ rights and the power of corporations. Trump appointed no Black women to the circuit courts.

Confirming Biden’s judicial nominees will begin the process of repairing the damage done to our courts during the Trump administration and restoring faith in our courts. Unfortunately, we have seen that being extremely well qualified does not prevent women of color from being unfairly attacked. Right-wing groups have spent millions of dollars to smear women of color nominated to Biden’s cabinet and to high-level positions at the U.S. Justice Department.

People For the American Way has launched the Her Fight Our Fight campaign to support the women of color who are ready to help lead the way to a more just, more inclusive, multiethnic and multiracial democratic society. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

Local leaders respond to Derek Chauvin verdict

Everyone needs to thank the people of Minnesota who cried out for the police to stop, and took out their cell phones and recorded the murder of their fellow citizen, Mr. George Floyd! We need to thank the people of Minnesota for not stopping and for relentlessly pushing for accountability and justice for Mr. George Floyd and his family.

was convicted on all counts for the murder of George Floyd because everyone did their part to ensure justice! While this won’t bring Mr. George Floyd back to his loved ones may his tragic and senseless death be an awakening to show the world that police brutality is unacceptable and officers will be held accountable throughout our nation.

ing access to school choice this session – and also securing record funding for public school districts.

With more than half of the session complete, our St. Louis area lawmakers so far have been absent from these education conversations except to say “no” – even when their voice could have mobilized millions in school funding.

Meanwhile, the tens of thousands of children and families in our region who are trapped in failing schools continue to feel abandoned and frustrated by our one-size-fits-all education system that clearly does not work.

The problem with being the loyal opposition is that even when you win, the people of St. Louis lose.

So, as our Democratic lawmakers return to the State Capitol for the second half of the legislative session, let’s urge them to get serious about education reform, and in so doing, reserve a seat for themselves at the table that, for too long, has lacked a St. Louis presence.

Our great region needs representation in our state legislature that pursues a pragmatic agenda that actually has a chance of making a difference in the lives of the people it represents. No is not enough for St. Louis.

Tony Thompson is chairman and CEO of Kwame Building Group.

Our system relies on everyone doing their part if we truly want justice! These citizens participated in the trial process by serving on the Jury and as police officers testifying. Derek Chauvin

In the wake of Tuesday’s guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial we may all feel the possibility of breathing. The verdict brought justice to George Floyd’s family. It was a great first step. What happened to George Floyd is too familiar to black men and women across the country. There are too many names to recall. Racism is a public health crisis and we cannot lose focus on the pervasive structural and

Kimberly Gardner Circuit Attorney, City of St. Louis

Angela Clabon, CEO,

CareSTL

Guest Columnist

Ben Jealous

Retiring Jennings School Board President Ms. Rose Mary Johnson gives thanks during an outdoor meeting

Monday April 19th. The junior high school has been renamed in her honor by Supt. Art McCoy (center) and new board president John Schlereth (left).

In gratitude of 27 years of service of Ms. Rose Mary Johnson to the Jennings School District (JSD) and Board of Education, Jennings Junior High School has been renamed Johnson Jennings Junior High School for the tireless service upon the end of her term as the 2020-21 Board President and completion of her service as a Jennings School District Board Member.

Rose Mary Johnson has been a Jennings School District board member since 1994 and has served in each JSD Board Officer role multiple times. She is a retired educator serving as a Principal, Assistant Principal and Teacher in the Saint Louis Public Schools.

YWCA to host social justice challenge

YWCA Metro St. Louis, YWCA Alton and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis are sponsoring The Challenge, which encourages better understanding of the issues surrounding race, power, privilege and leadership, and to do so in a way that builds a habit of learning by stretching the experience over 21 days.

The free, virtual event kicks off with a Stand Against Racism town hall meeting on Zoom, Thursday, April 22 at 12 pm. Dr. Karla Scott, St. Louis University professor and author of The Language of Strong Black Womanhood: Myths, Models and Messages and a New Mandate for Self Care, is the keynote speaker. Registration for the kick off and The Challenge can be found here at ywcastl.org.

“Science tells us that it takes 21 days of doing something con-

sistently to form a habit. The 21- Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge asks participants to make daily time and space to build more effective social justice habits,” said Adrian Bracy, CEO of YWCA St. Louis. “They will receive a task every day, like watch this podcast or read this article. Then a facilitated group discussion will take place every Friday to review the week’s materials.”

Every week will focus on a different topic:

Week 1: The Value Gap

Week 2: Systemic Racism & Voting Laws

Week 3: The Racial Wealth Gap

Week 4: Disparities in HealthCare and Mental Wellness

The challenge wraps on Day 21 with a Disparities in Education Call to Action forum.

The people’s mayor

“Whether you live in Penrose or Holly Hills, South Broadway or Natural Bridge...I will be a mayor for you and your family, whether you supported me or not.”~ Mayor Tishaura Jones

This week, Tishaura Oneda Jones was sworn in as mayor in the City of St. Louis, becoming the first Black woman to hold this office.

The leadership of a Black woman in a racially polarized city whose racial demographics are 45 percent Black, 48 percent white, four percent Hispanic and three percent Asian and where Black residents are three times more likely to live in poverty than their white neighbors matters.

The leadership of a Black woman who graduated from area public schools matters when Black students and white students in St. Louis have vastly different educational resources, experiences and outcomes.

Yet representation is not the sole reason grassroots organizations – led largely by Black women who were also responsible for mobilizing voters to elect County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, Congresswoman Cori Bush and Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner as well as shifting public policies in this region – chose to put their political force behind Mayor Jones. They did so because St. Louis is facing a political precipice, and all the people of St. Louis need a mayor.

As we enter this year with our highest homicide rate in the last 50 years and our lowest confidence level between the people and police, a poorly-managed pandemic and vaccine rollout which exposed the fragility of our safety nets for the most vulnerable of our citizens, the people need a mayor who has a plan.

Mayor Jones knows, first hand, the disproportionate distribution of resources in this city. She knows we cannot simply celebrate charity and not work to implement policies and programs that provide a hand up and not just a hand out. She understands that petty politics hinder the advancement of people-centered politics. The people need a competent mayor who is not afraid to lead.

The above quote from her inauguration speech makes it clear she intends to do more than occasionally visit the marginalized areas of our city. Mayor Jones intends to center her services on the people who dwell in those margins. We need a mayor with such empathy and compassion.

I celebrate this coming era of open doors. From the very start, this mayor is inviting to the table voices that have not been allowed in the room. As she stated Tuesday, change will not be easy or swift, but change will come if we persevere with courage and grace. All the people finally have a mayor. Her name is Tishaura Oneda Jones, and she is the mayor of St. Louis.

Rev. Traci Blackmon is the Associate General Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries for The United Church of Christ.

Jennings Junior High renamed, honoring Johnson

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Rev. Traci Blackmon

Continued from A1

“To transform our city and to transform our approach to safety,” the new mayor said. “I stand ready to begin putting equity for people, not equity for wealthy developers, at the center of our plan for development.”

Jones said she was dedicated to addressing the lack of opportunity for the city’s most vulnerable, a broken criminal justice system and a fractured region.

“Decades of problems will not be solved by days or months of solutions…sometimes, when addressing an incredible challenge, it takes six months to see progress and a year to see real change.”

She said once the city realizes that the success of all communities is linked, the region will move forward.

“We will move forward when we recognize our shared humanity, our shared core desires and our common resolve to make our city a better, safer and healthier place to live,” she said.

Jones echoed Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream speech” and also quoted Amanda Gorman, the young poet who spoke at President Joe Biden’s inauguration earlier this year.

“St. Louis, there is a chal-

Sullivan

Continued from A1

ticipating parents to greater involvement in the lives of over 40,000 children.

Though he later expanded the center’s support services to include mothers as well, its founding mission was directed at rehabilitating and supporting delinquent fathers, not only for their own sake but for the health of the whole family and indeed the entire community.

“The dad is very important to the child’s psychological and emotional development,” Mr.

lenge before us, but I know that together we will solve it,” she said. “The forces of good will always shut down and shut out the forces of evil. Light will drive out darkness, love will overcome hate — I’m ready to get to work.” Leaders who spoke before

Sullivan told the American. “If we could draw the dad’s strength and involvement, then we could get rid of a lot of issues that our youth are facing today, and we’d help to break the cycle of poverty.” Having earned a master’s degree in social work from Washington University at the age of 47, Mr. Sullivan had the research to back up this claim. About 82 percent of all teenage girls who get pregnant come from fatherless homes, he taught us. About 73 percent of all high school dropouts, 70 percent of all juveniles in detention, and 65 percent of all homeless and runaway youth

Jones’ address included Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III and Missouri Sen. Shalonn Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City.

Fredrecka McGlown, CEO and Founder of Black Girl

have no father in their lives, he would point out.

My friend Halbert often shared his own story, how he learned these lessons the hardest way. He had been one of the troubled young men he would later help. He struggled with drug addiction for 11 years. In those years he was in and out of prison for drug-related offenses until his sister guided him to a drug rehabilitation program.

The people leading that program were former addicts who had turned their lives around. They now had jobs, homes and intact families. They gave him hope that he could have those

Millennial World, served as the mistress of Ceremonies for Jones. The ceremony was held in the rotunda of the City Hall building, due to inclement weather. Comptroller Darlene Green was also sworn in prior to Jones to serve her eighth

things too, and he transformed himself into a leader who built programs that helped tens of thousands of people struggle their way out of addiction, poverty and the crimes enmeshed with addiction and poverty. When I introduced Prosecutor-Led Diversion to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I established a community-based Diversion Advisory Committee to advise us and to help us find community resources to help those who suffered from addiction and were in need of mental health care. Halbert was one of the first to volunteer to serve on

term as the city’s chief fiscal officer. Green became the first woman ever elected to the comptroller’s office in 1997. However, she has been the city’s chief fiscal officer since she was appointed to the position in 1995.

our committee. Diversion is an initiative very close in spirit to the Fathers & Families Support Center. We identify low-level, non-violent offenders who would benefit from support services and offer them treatment as an alternative to criminal charges. Our work will be that much harder to do without Halbert, and we rededicate ourselves to this difficult work in his honor and name. Halbert left us on the 73rd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. I think of something that Jackie Robinson said as we mourn the loss of a true public servant in

Halbert Sullivan: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Here’s to an important life that impacted and transformed the lives of so many. Rest in peace and power; you will be missed. Funeral services for Halbert Sullivan will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. First Viewing 1:00pm - 6:30pm; Service: 6:30pm - 7:45pm; Last Viewing 7:45pm - 8:00pm Wesley Bell is St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney.

Tishaura O. Jones makes her remarks in the City Hall Rotunda after becoming the first black female to hold the office of Mayor of St. Louis in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Jones was previously the Treasurer of St. Louis since 2013.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Cathy’s

Continued from A1

readied them for the economic chaos caused by the coronavirus. In fact, for the past year, the couple has posted photos and videos on social media of them and their staff dancing, singing, exercising and happily coping despite the restrictions St. Louis County officials put on businesses that negatively and drastically affected their operations and bottom line.

Staying publicly upbeat during the downturn of COVID wasn’t a marketing strategy, the Jenkinses insist, it was a manifestation of who they are and what they believe: “We don’t separate fun from business,” Jerome said. “You could see the stress on people’s faces,” Cathy added. “People were stuck in the house. Many had lost their jobs. They were so unhappy, so we set out to be happier.”

Like other small businesses, the Jenkinses lost revenue and dine-in customers due to the pandemic. But the innovative couple’s story underscores how COVID-19 couldn’t possibly destroy their spirits or their

Verdict

Continued from A1 about how the fight for justice continues.

Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, attended the demonstration and spoke to the crowd.

“This is our moment, not to let off the gas pedal — we gotta keep going,” he said. “We gotta keep pushing, we gotta come up when they trying to pass bills against protestors.

Right? Because it’s not one injustice, it’s so many injustices that they are trying to do — on the local level, on the state level and on the federal level.”

Newly-inaugurated Mayor Tishaura Jones extended her condolences to the family of

faith, despite the hardships. Before migrating here in 1990 from Gary, Indiana, the Jenkinses read that Ferguson was a “progressive and inclusive community.” Jerome, a former University of Illinois track star, got a job at Circuit City and later as a coach at McCluer High School. Cathy, who was still in the Army National Guard, mostly focused on raising their three children. In 1993, the couple opened a kiosk in the St. Louis Centre downtown selling hand-crafted neckties they made after purchasing a $99 sewing machine. Business was good until it wasn’t. From 1995 to 1996, the Jenkinses struggled. They found themselves sleeping on the floor of Jerome’s brother’s apartment, surviving on hot dogs and rice. Through it all, though, the Jenkinses have held onto their faith: “God had told us that he would prosper us. We believed it,” Jerome told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2001. By that time, Jerome’s experimentation with printing on fabric was paying off. He isn’t a chemist, nor has he studied chemistry. What did do, however, was call chemical companies and ask about the

George Floyd.

“Today, justice has been served in George Floyd’s murder,” she wrote in a statment. “I am relieved to see that we are finally seeing the consequences for when our officers, who are sworn to protect and serve the people, violate the trust of those people. We will not become complacent, though, as we have plenty of work to do to continue transforming the Department of Public Safety to rebuild the relationship with our communities.”

The verdict came shortly after Jones was inaugurated on Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, tweeted that the verdict could be a small step in holding police accountable.

“Our hope is that this verdict will be a small step towards accountability,” she

properties necessary to make a product that would make ink permanent and resistant to smearing or fading when wet. The product, “Bubble Jet Set,” was a life-changer. Before long, the couple was manufacturing the product for clients nationally and internationally. Hewlett Packard and NASA, who studied the ingredients of “Bubble Jet Set,” informed them that their product was conducive for bubble jet printers and nonflammable insignia on space suits.

on Facebook, and people would come by to pick up orders. When more than 90 cars were lined up outside their house, the Jenkinses knew it was time to find a permanent location. Thus was the birth of Cathy’s Kitchen at 250 S. Florissant Road in Ferguson.

n “God had told us that he would prosper us. We believed it.”

The Jenkins’ fortunes soared, but after raising their children, Cathy told Jerome she felt “unaccomplished” and wanted something of her own. The success of “Bubble Jet Set” allowed them to take a few years, travel the country and plot a course of fulfillment for Cathy. Although she said she couldn’t cook at the time, Cathy asked chefs throughout the country about their most popular dishes. Most happily complied.

– Jerome Jenkins

Business boomed until a fateful day in August 2014. The Jenkins’ business wasn’t immune to the protests and riots that ensued after the police shooting of Mike Brown. Ironically, it was one of those incidents that catapulted Cathy’s Kitchen to national recognition. Video footage of customers and Ferguson residents locked arm-in-arm to stop rioters from vandalizing the restaurant went national.

The Jenkinses turned their home in Ferguson into a makeshift café. They’d post dishes

wrote. “But that’s just about accountability, not justice. For us, justice would be George Floyd alive today.”

Adding in a later statement, Bush wrote, in part: “Listening to the verdict today, I wanted to be overjoyed. But the truth is we should not have to wait with bated breath to find out whether accountability will be served.”

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner wrote that the country needs to thank the people of Minneapolis who took out their phones during Floyd’s deadly police encounter and then continued to pursue justice after his death.

“Our system relies on everyone doing their part if we truly want justice!” Gardner wrote. “These citizens participated in the trial process by serving on the jury and as police offi-

“With all the stories of protest and violence in the headlines today, there’s at least one story of protesters actually protecting a business,” CNN’s Anderson Cooper said before interviewing the couple live from Ferguson.

After that initial interview, Cathy’s Kitchen became the

cers testifying.…While this won’t bring Mr. George Floyd back to his loved ones, may his tragic and senseless death be an awakening to show the world that police brutality is unacceptable, and officers will be held accountable throughout our nation.”

Rev. Darryl Gray tweeted before the verdict was read that activist groups planned to gather regardless of the outcome beginning at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, where Mayor Tishaura Jones was inaugurated just hours earlier in the day.

After the verdict, he cautioned people to not see this as a cause for celebration.

“I don’t want us to see this as a celebration,” he said. “I want us to see this as a continuation. How do you celebrate? How do you mourn for George Floyd and be compassionate for

place that reporters, protestors and celebrities like Danny Glover, Kevin Costner, Harry Belafonte, Aeneas Williams and Cornel West frequented. Still, even with the national attention, there was struggle: “When the smoke cleared and everybody went home, there was zero business happening,” Cathy recalled. “It was getting to the point where we thought we would have to close.”

An unexpected visit from singer, songwriter and activist Melissa Etheridge turned into a genuine friendship that opened unprecedented doors for the Jenkinses. Thanks to an invite for Cathy to be the celebrity chef on one of Etheridge’s tours, they found themselves courted by Disney, Universal Studios and other major manufacturers interested in Jerome’s chemicals. Because of their connections to Etheridge, the Jenkinses were invited to the Grammys, and Cathy was drafted to introduce then-Vice President Joe Biden at Jason Kander’s U.S. Senate Campaign Rally in 2016.

The Jenkinses recognized the ramifications of COVID early. In February of 2020, before the country shut down, they closed Cathy’s Kitchen,

his family and then look into this policeman’s face and see his family — their world now being torn apart because of this act. You’ve got this one act that has literally destroyed not just George Floyd’s family but Derek’s family, too.”

He added: “I don’t want us to feel so jubilant that we become what we despise, and that is people who have no heart. We’ve got to have a heart for humanity. I am glad that justice kept its eyes open and saw this for what it was.”

Kayla Reed, executive director of Action St. Louis, said these moments remind her how important organizing is in the work to transform public safety into a system that prevents loss of life.

“I think that this is an individual case of accountability, and in these moments we

opting instead for pick-up and delivery services only. Experience and an irrefutable faith in God, they say, prepared them for the long haul. They focused on feeding kids and protestors for free and utilized the Internet to show off new dishes and staff antics aimed at boosting the morale of their employees, customers and anyone who visited their website. Even though restrictions have eased in St. Louis County, Cathy’s Kitchen hasn’t resumed dine-in services yet. But they’re still growing. They’ve been offered reality shows and other promotional opportunities. Plans are underway to manufacture hot sauces and other “Cathy’s Kitchen” products, and a second location is in the works, the Jenkinses said, as soon as their oldest daughters are ready to launch the venture. The joy and exuberance the couple demonstrate virally throughout the pandemic is not a gimmick or publicity stunt. It’s real, Jerome Jenkins said: “It’s part of us, it’s who we are. It’s a job, but we can at least make it fun.”

Brown

is

always want to center those directly impacted, the family of George Floyd,” she said.

“We also know this moment doesn’t equate to justice – justice would be George Floyd being alive and able to raise his daughter.”

The Ethical Society of Police released a statement, calling for everyone to continue the fight for systemic change.

“The guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was just a pebble in the ocean,” they wrote. “There must be law enforcement reform to prevent tragic death like this from continuing to happen. We as minorities are growing tired of being victims at the hand of rough law enforcement officers. We are tired of being victims of systemic prejudice and racism against us.”

Sylvester

Jr.

The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow

SLA Deltas host virtual financial workshop

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. presents a virtual workshop focusing on your financial health on Saturday, May 15 at noon.

The workshop entitled: “Master 5 Money Questions for Women: Take Control of Your Future!” will be led by Ana Stringfellow, financial advisor for Edward Jones Investments. The free workshop is for women interested in taking control of their finances. The workshop will cover five key questions related to achieving financial success: “Where am I today? Where would I like to be? Can I get there? How do I get there? How can I stay on track?”

The workshop comes under the umbrella of the chapter’s Economic Development committee as part of its Financial Fortitude program. Financial Fortitude offers financial literacy programming in the areas of savings, budgeting, making extra money, building wealth and leaving a legacy to its members and the community.

“I am excited to present this workshop to the community, especially women. We are dedicated to ensuring that women have the information needed to have a sound financial life,” said Chapter President DeJeanette Williams. Stringfellow has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration with Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. Stringfellow is also a member of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. To register for the free virtual financial workshop, please visit our website at www.dst-sla.org. The registration deadline date is May 14.

Ana Stringfellow

Jones names Dan Isom interim public safety director, Heather Taylor his advisor

Adam Layne, Jones’ deputy chief of staff, will be next treasurer

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

This story was written prior to Mayor Tishaura Jones’s inaguration and thus refers to her throughout as the city’s mayorelect.

Mayor-elect Tishaura Jones announced on Thursday the first three of her administration’s appointments as she prepares to officially begin her term as the city’s new mayor on Tuesday.

Jones named Daniel Isom, who served as St. Louis police chief for four years, as interim public safety director and Adam Layne, her deputy chief of staff in the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office, to take over as St. Louis treasurer.

“But our team has been working swiftly to make appointments to key positions,” Jones said.

n “Our team has been working swiftly to make appointments to key positions.”

-Tishaura Jones Mayor-elect of St. Louis

Jones also named retired detective Sgt. Heather Taylor, former head of the Ethical Society of Police, as senior advisor to Isom.

Jones noted at the beginning of the media conference that putting together an administration in two weeks has been a challenge.

In announcing Isom, Jones said that even after his retirement, Isom has pushed for equitable and compassionate criminal justice. Jones said that with “Mr. Isom as interim director, we will begin the tough but necessary conversations in the effort to rebuild trust between our community and our police officers.” Isom became the St. Louis chief of police in October 2008, approximately 20 years after joining the department. He retired at the end of 2012 and began teaching criminology at UMSL and other local colleges. He is also the executive director of Regional Justice Information Service (REJIS). Isom was named state director of public safety in 2014 by Gov. Jay Nixon during the unrest in Ferguson, but he resigned just a month after the Missouri Senate confirmed his

nomination. He served in that capacity for approximately six months.

He did not speak during the press conference.

Jones confirmed during the media event that her administration will conduct a national search for a permanent public safety director, and Isom could certainly be chosen if they feel he’s the most qualified candidate.

“But I could not start this administration without a public safety director,” Jones said, mentioning the fact that former Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards retired March 31.

Among the newly-appointed treasurer’s lengthy list of experiences and formal education,

Layne has most recently served as Jones’ deputy chief of staff in the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office. He is also a member of the St. Louis Board of Education, but he will most likely have to resign from that position.

“[Layne’s] passion for public service, and his professional experience in both finance and education — including his time in the treasurer’s office as my deputy chief of staff — gives me the faith that he will be a strong partner to my administration, holding the city’s banking decisions to a standard that prioritized racial equity and transparency,” Jones said.

Layne spoke during the media conference, saying he was honored and excited for the opportunity.

“While serving for the treasurer’s office, I’ve been beyond blessed to be part of a highperforming team — of the baddest team in local government — and observed firsthand the way in which a poised leader conducts themselves,” he said.

“And the way the elect official should operate — with honesty, integrity and transparency.”

“I’m ready to work for St. Louis and, more importantly, I am ready to work with St. Louis,” he said. Jones also named retired detective sergeant and former ESOP president Taylor as senior advisor to Isom.

“Sgt. Taylor was born and raised on the north side of St.

Mayor-elect

Tishaura Jones announces new appointees, Heather Taylor, senior advisor to the interim director of public safety, Dan Isom, interim director of public safety, and the new treasurer, Adam Layne.

Louis — just like me,” Jones said. “And has personally witnessed the devastating effects of intentional disinvestment and over-policing of our most vulnerable residents.”

Jones noted that Taylor served for more than 20 years in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and was the first female sergeant assigned to the homicide division. Taylor is also Taylor’s term as the association’s president ran from February 2015 until October 2020, when she retired from the Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis and ESOP.

“She has been an outspoken champion for major reforms to combat racism, misinformation and outdated practices that have bogged down the police department for decades,” Jones said. Her cousin, St. Louis Police Sgt. Donnell Walters, is now president of the union.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American in St. Louis

Normandy music education program receives national recognition

Special to The American Normandy Schools Collaborative has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the second consecutive year. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Normandy answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community musicmaking programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented music faculty who are able to bring out the very best in our students,” said Marcus C. Robinson, Normandy Superintendent of Schools. “Music is a motivating factor for many of our students which allows them to develop critical skills that serve them in whatever endeavors they pursue after graduating. Congratulations to our students and music teachers on earning this welldeserved honor.”

Since the passage by Congress in 2015 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have recommitted to music and arts education programs and found that in this time of a national pandemic, it provides a valuable way to keep students engaged in school.

ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that these grants are being widely used by school districts to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.

“The last year has been extremely chal-

lenging but I want to send a ‘shout-out’ to our EleMiddle (grade 1-8) music teachers, Suzanne Palmer and Thomas Moore, who led students in reading and creating music on the virtual platform not just this year, but before the end of last school year,” said Duane Foster, Normandy Fine Arts coordinator. “Their innovative approaches to instruction continue to serve as a model and inspiration for other teachers throughout the district.” Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music: After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers

JOIN OUR PAWSOME BOARD OF DIRECTORS!

and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school but to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically trained children than in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound: young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention social benefits including conflict resolution, teamwork skills and how to give and receive constructive criticism.

We are looking to grow our board with individuals who are passionate about partnering with the community to spearhead innovative programming with the goal of keeping pets and people together. To thrive as our board member, you have to be excited about:

Providing judgment-free, equitable access to pet resources

Photo courtesy of Normandy School District Normandy High School Jazz Ensemble

“Taking Care of You”

A panel of experts met on April 14, 2021, to review evidence on blood clots that have been

they received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine suspension

A doctor explains what the Johnson & Johnson postponement means for you

By William Petri Jr.

For The St. Louis American

A panel of experts met on April 14, 2021, to review evidence on blood clots that have been reported in seven people after they received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on immunization. It delayed voting on a recommendation to the CDC so that members can further evaluate risk and data. The clotting, which resulted in one woman’s death, led the CDC and FDA on April 13, 2021, to pause use of the J&J vaccine. Dr. William Petri, an infectious disease physician and immunologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, answers questions to help put this develop-

n On April 14, ACIP reviewed the available evidence but did not vote on recommendations because panel members expressed concern that the panel needs more time to evaluate data and risks

ment in context.

What is this potential side effect of the J&J vaccine for COVID-19?

The potential side effect is a blood clot in the veins that drain blood from the brain. This is called central venous sinus thrombo-

sis. In the vaccine-associated cases of this, platelets in blood, which are important for making clots, have been lower than normal. This same side effect has been seen in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that also uses an adenovirus to deliver the coronavirus spike glycoprotein. In the case of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the clotting disorder has been linked to antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) that are apparently induced by the adenovirus backbone of the vaccine. This antibody causes the clotting disorder by activating platelets to clot.

It is important to note that this disorder, called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, is not a problem with the mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna COVID19 vaccines.

See VACCINE, A13

By Dr. Denise Hooks-Anderson Of The St. Louis American

Plan your living will now, instead of under duress

The question is not “Will you die?” The question is “When will you die and how?” No one knows the answer to that latter question, but that fact alone should not deter responsible adults from planning for the inevitable. Contrary to popular belief, particularly in minority communities, end of life preparation will not hasten your demise. Every adult should routinely have a yearly physical examination. This important visit to the doctor involves not only the review of past medical and surgical histories, a complete check-up, a discussion regarding preventive testing recommendations but also direct conversation about living wills (an advanced directive) and maybe even hospice, depending on your current health status.

n A living will is defined as a written statement detailing a person’s desires regarding their medical treatment in situations in which they are no longer able to express informed consent.

A living will is defined as a written statement detailing a person’s desires regarding their medical treatment in situations in which they are no longer able to express informed consent. These documents are generally discussed with other family members, typed up and shared with the person’s healthcare provider. The living will guides the physician regarding your wishes as it relates to resuscitation, desired quality of life and treatments you do not want to receive. Living templates can easily be downloaded from the internet or you can consult with an attorney who could prepare the documents for you.

An additional point to remember is that your health status is not static. It changes over time. Therefore, living wills change as well. Resuscitation may look quite different when comparing a young, healthy person against a

A love letter to Black birthing people

We write this letter as an expression of love because we see you, we hear you, we know you are scared and we are you. In recent years, the press has amplified gross inequities in maternal care and outcomes that we already knew to be true. As Black birth workers, midwives, physicians and more, we have a frontrow seat to the United States’ serious obstetric racism manifested in biased clinical interactions, unjust hospital policies and an inequitable healthcare system that leads to disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality for Black women. Unfortunately, this is not anything new and the legacy dates back to slavery and the disregard for Black people in this country. What has changed is our increased awareness of these health injustices. This collective consciousness of the risk that is carried with our pregnancies casts a shadow of fear over a period that should be full of the joy and promise of new life. We fear that our person-

From Black birth workers, midwives and physicians

n It is immoral that Black patients in the richest country in the world are 3-4 times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause than white women and we’re more likely to experience pregnancy complications and “near misses” when death is narrowly avoided.

hood will be disregarded, our pain will be ignored, and our voices silenced by a medical system that has sought to dominate our bodies and experiment on them without our permission. While this history is reprehensible and our collective risk as Black people is disproportionately high, our purpose in writing this letter is

See BIRTHING, A13

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

Photo courtesy of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

reported in seven people after

Photo by Prasesh Shiwakoti Lomash

Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. They center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.

See ANDERSON, A13

Vaccine

Continued from A12

How many people have experienced this possible reaction?

As of April 13, 2021, about one in a million: Six cases out of the 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine administered in the U.S. These six cases all occurred in women ages 18-48, and from 6 to 13 days after vaccination. That’s about half as likely as getting struck by lightning in a year. A seventh case was included in the ACIP review on April 14.

What do I do if I got the J&J shot?

The CDC and FDA are recommending that people who have received the J&J vaccine

Birthing

Continued from A12

to help Black birthing people recapture the joy and celebration that should be theirs in pregnancy and in the journey to parenthood.

As Black birth workers, we see Black patients desperately seeking safety, security and breaking down barriers to find us for their pregnancy care. They are terrified and looking for kinship and community in our offices. When asked about what they feared was their risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth, answers ranged from 1-60%. Our actual risk of dying from a pregnancy-related cause, as a Black woman, is 0.0417% (41.7 Black maternal deaths per 100,000 live births)-to put that in perspective, our risk of dying is higher walking down the street or driving a car. Based on past and present injustices, we have every right to be scared; but, make no mistake: that fear comes at a cost and Black birthing people are the ones paying the bill! Stress and chronic worry are associated with poor pregnancy outcomes so this completely justifiable fear, at the population level, is not serving us well personally. Unfortunately, lost in the messaging about racial inequities in maternal mortality is the reality that the vast majority of Black people and babies will survive, thrive and have healthy pregnancy outcomes, despite the terrifying population-level statistics and horrific stories of discrimination and neglect that make us feel like our pregnancies and personal peril are synonymous. It is immoral that Black patients in the richest country in the world are 3-4 times more likely to die of a pregnancy-related cause than white women and we’re more likely to experience pregnancy complications and “near misses” when death is narrowly avoided. Research has done an excellent job defining reproductive health disparities in this country, but prioritizing and funding meaningful strategies, policies, and programs to close this gap have not taken precedence--especially initiatives and research that are headed by Black women. This is largely because researchers and healthcare systems continue evaluating strategies that focus on behavior change and narratives that identify individual responsibility as

within the last 3 weeks who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath should contact their health care provider. This type of blood clot is treatable with the use of blood thinners or anticoagulants. If a patient has low platelets, however, a doctor would not prescribe the widely used anticoagulant heparin but instead another kind of blood thinner. Untreated, these blood clots can be fatal. CDC and FDA officials explain the reasons for halting the vaccine in a media call.

What are the CDC and FDA specifically recommending for the J&J vaccine?

Because of this rare occurrence, even though it has not been shown to be due to the vaccine, the CDC and FDA have recommended a pause

BMMA steering committee members and CRR staff gather after the June 2017 “Black Maternal Health Matters” Congressional briefing in Washington, D.C.

“Taking Care of You”

in use of the J&J vaccine until these cases can be further reviewed.

What are the next steps?

The CDC convened a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on April 14, 2021. The ACIP is an independent board of 15 scientific and medical experts selected by the health and human services secretary that advises the CDC on vaccines for children and adults. People with ties to vaccine manufacturers are excluded from the ACIP membership because of potential conflict of interest.

On April 14, ACIP reviewed the available evidence but did not vote on recommendations because panel members expressed concern that the panel needs more time to evaluate data and risks. The vaccine has been given to 3.8

million people in the past two weeks. Therefore, not enough time has passed to see whether other people might also experience these serious clots. The panel is expected to meet again within a week to 10 days.

Is this similar to what happened with the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe?

A similar rare problem of blood clotting with low platelets in the cerebral venous sinus and also in the abdominal veins and arteries has been seen in connection with the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine used in Europe. There, 182 cases were reported in 190 million doses – again, roughly 1 in 1 million people vaccinated. The European Medicines Agency investigated this and concluded that central venous sinus thrombosis with low platelets should be listed as a

a sole cause of inequity. Let us be clear, Black people and our behaviors ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. The problem is white supremacy, classism, sexism, heteropatriarchy, and obstetric racism. These must be recognized and addressed across all levels of power.

We endorse systems-level changes that are at the root of promoting health equity in our reproductive outcomes. These changes include paid parental leave, Medicaid expansion/ extension, reimbursement for doula and lactation services, increased access to perinatal mental health and wellness services, and so much more (see Black Mamas Matter Alliance Toolkit).

While the inequities and their solutions are grounded in the need for systemic change, we realize that these population-level solutions feel abstract when our sisters and siblings ask us, “So what can I do to advocate for myself and my baby, right now in this pregnancy?” To be clear, no amount of personal hypervigilance on our part is going to fix these systemic problems, but we want to leave you with a few pearls that may be helpful for self-advocacy and the reassurance that you and your baby are not pre-destined to have a bad outcome:

1. Seek culturally and ethnically congruent care- It is critical that you find a physician or midwife who centers you and provides support and care that affirms the strengths and assets of you, your family, and your community when cultural and ethnic congruency are not possible for you and your pregnancy.

white Americans. Therefore, it is imperative that providers assure patients that they will not be abandoned or receive substandard care if they elect to have an advanced directive.

ninety-year-old with multiple health problems. As mentioned earlier, culture plays a huge part in advance directives. Research has shown that racial and ethnic minorities experience a lower quality of service and are less likely to receive routine medical procedures than are

Another taboo discussion within minority communities is hospice care. Hospice care focuses on the physical and spiritual needs of a terminally ill patient. This care also provides support for the family during this transitioning process.

2. Ask how your clinicians are actively working to ensure optimal and equitable experiences for Black birthing individuals - We recommend asking your clinician and/or hospital what, if anything, they are doing to address healthcare inequities, obstetric racism or implicit bias in their pregnancy and postpartum care.

3. Well-Person Care-the best time to optimize pregnancy and birth outcomes is before you get pregnant. Set up an appointment with a midwife, OB/GYN, or your primary care physician before you get pregnant. Discuss your concerns about pregnancy and use this time to optimize your health. T

4. Advocate for a second opinion-if something does not sound right to you or you have questions that were not adequately answered, a clinician should never be offended when you seek a second opinion.

5. For those who deliver in a hospital (by choice or necessity), consider these factors in your selection- 24/7 access to obstetricians and dedicated anesthesiologists in the hospital, trauma-informed medical/ mental health/social services, lactation consultation, supportive trial of labor after cesarean section policy, and massive blood transfusion protocol.

6. Seek doula support!There is evidence that women supported by doulas have better pregnancy-related outcomes and experiences. Many major cities in the United States have started to provide

However, 11-18% of families report that they were referred too late.

Hospice is not just for patients with cancer. Congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease and dementia are all appropriate conditions for hospice care as well. In fact, those diseases account for 56% of hospice admissions. There are many misconceptions about hospice. For instance,

possible “very rare side effect” of the AstraZeneca vaccine

On April 13, 2021, Johnson & Johnson announced it was delaying the rollout of its vaccine in Europe in response to the U.S. review.

What is the take-home message?

The U.S. has a total of three vaccines authorized under emergency use authorization for COVID-19, and this side effect has not been observed in the other two vaccines, developed by Moderna and Pfizer. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines do not use the same technology used in the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines. So vaccination against COVID19 can continue, while efforts are made to determine if the clotting disorder is related by chance or a true, but extremely rare, side effect of the J&J

educate themselves to be ethically and equitably equipped to care for and serve Black people. Finally, to birthing Black families, please remember this: If you choose to have a baby, the outcome and experience must align with what’s right for you and your baby to survive and thrive. So much has been stolen, but we will recapture the joy and celebration that should be ours in pregnancy and the journey to parenthood.

Sincerely,

Ebony B. Carter, MD, MPH Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Karen A. Scott, MD, MPH University of California, San Francisco

race-concordant doula care for Black birthing people for free!

7. Don’t forget about your mental health. As stated before, chronic stress from racism impacts birth outcomes. Having a mental health clinician is a great way to mitigate this.

8. Ask your clinician, hospital, or insurance company about participating in group prenatal care and/or nurse home visiting models because both are associated with improved birth outcomes. Many institutions are implementing group care that provides race-concordant care.

9. Ask your clinician, hospital, or local health department for recommendations to a lactation consultant or educator who can support your efforts in breast/chest/body-feeding.

We invite you to consider this truth: you, alone, do not carry the entire population-level risk of Black birthing people on your shoulders. We, along with many allies, advocates, and activists, are outraged and angered by generations of racism and mistreatment of Black birthing people in our health systems and hospitals. We are channeling our frustration and disgust to demand substantive and sustainable change.

Our purpose here is to provide love and reassurance to our sisters and siblings who are going through their pregnancies terrorized by our nation’s past and present failures to promote health equity for us and our babies. We love taking care of our community. We call upon all of our clinical colleagues to

many people, including doctors, believe that you will be penalized if the patient lives past 6 months while on hospice. There is no longer a penalty for an incorrect prognosis if the disease runs its natural course. Another misconception is that a patient must be designated as “DNR”, do not resuscitate. The only requirement of hospice is that the patient is seeking palliative treatment only, not curative. A third misconception of hospice

vaccine. I believe it is a testament to the emphasis by the CDC and FDA on vaccine safety that J&J vaccinations have been paused while this is studied by independent scientists and medical experts. This article was updated on April 14, 2021.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease mentioned on The MSNBC Sunday show with Jonathan Capehart that he expected a determination about whether the pause on the J&J vaccine would be released by Friday, April 23, 2021. This article was republished courtesy of The Conversation under a Creative Commons license: https://theconversation. com/johnson-and-johnsonvaccine-suspension-a-doctorexplains-what-this-means-foryou-158923

Ayaba Worjoloh-Clemens

MD Everett Clinic, Everett, WA

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Sheri L. Foote, CNM Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

J. Lindsay Sillas, MD Bella OB/GYN, Houston, TX

Cynthia Rogers, MD Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Audra Robertson, MD, MPH University of California, San Diego

AeuMuro G. Lake, MD Urogynecology and Healing Arts, Seattle, WA

Andrea Jackson, MD University of California, San Francisco

Sara Whetstone, MD, MHS University of California, San Francisco

Traci Johnson, MD University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO

Sarahn Wheeler, MD Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC

Asmara Gebre, CNM Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

Joia Crear Perry, MD

National Birth Equity Collaborative, New Orleans, LA

Dineo Khabele, MD

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Judette Louis, MD, MPH University of South Florida College of Medicine

Yvonne Smith, MSN, RN Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO

Laura Riley, MD Weill Cornell Medicine

Antoinette Liddell, MSN, RN Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO

Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY

Rasheda Pippens, MSN, RN

Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO

care is that referrals can only come from physicians. Nurses, family members, social workers, essentially anyone can refer patients to hospice.

To sum up, healthcare should be viewed as a continuum. Newborn care, well child visits, adult care and end of life care are all part of the process. Each stage requires preparation and should receive equal attention. End of life decisions can be

Nancy Moore, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO

Zoë Julian, MD, MPH University of Alabama at Birmingham

Janice M. Tinsley, MN, RNCOB Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

Jamila B Perritt, MD MPH Washington, DC

Joy A. Cooper, MD MSc Culture Care, Oakland, CA

Arthurine K. Zakama, MD University of California, San Francisco

Alissa Erogbogbo, MD Los Altos, CA

Sanithia L. Williams, MD Huntsville, AL

Hedwige “Didi” Saint Louis MD Morehouse School of Medicine

Audra Williams, MD, MPH University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL

Cherise Cokley, MD Community Hospital, Munster, IN

J’Leise Sosa, MD, MPH Buffalo, NY

The views expressed here are our own and do not necessarily represent the views of our employers.

difficult when made under duress. Don’t wait. Plan now for the end of life.

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP is The St. Louis American’s medical accuracy editor, Associate Professor, SLUCare Family Medicine and Interim Assistant Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. She can be reached at yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.

Photo courtesy of Black Mamas Matter Alliance

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

First Day of Spring!

Exercise Game

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons. Slip Sliding Away...

Celebrate Earth Month!

Tech-Neck

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

Watch the “extras” such as marinades, sugary sauces

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

Many people enjoy the warmer weather by bringing out the BBQ grill. Grilled foods are a great way to eat healthier. Just remember these

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

> Try grilled veggies,

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

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

Activities:

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

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

April 22 is Earth Day. Celebrate by spending as much time as you can outside and enjoying our planet.

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

Careers

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

instead of fried.

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

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

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

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

INGREDIENTS:

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Include fresh fruits for dessert and limit the amount of ice cream and other frozen treats.

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

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

> Remember to drink a lot of water while you’re out in the heat.

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

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

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

Staying active outside and eating healthier will help you feel better all summer long.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be sure to wear your gloves and masks, and have a safety plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why not recruit some of your friends to clean up a neighborhood park?

Kick off a new recycling program at your school. Or spend an afternoon planting flowers outside your home.

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down. This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

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

What are some other “active” ways that you can make a difference at home, at your school and in your community?

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

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

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

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

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

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins Senior High School. I then earned a minor in liberal arts from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri.

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

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

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

What does a school nurse do? I assess all staff and students that visit the nurse’s office and administer first aid. I also bring outside agencies to provide services to my students (dental, vision and physical exams).

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

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

gloves to protect your hands from dirt and germs and always wear a mask

Cracker-wiches

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

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

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

> How bullying hurts others.

April is Earth Month! As a class, decide on a project that you could do for your school or community that would be a great way to celebrate. Here are a few ideas to inspire you… but your class can probably come up with even better projects!

> What to do if you are bullied.

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

> Plant flowers near the school entrance, or in your own front yard.

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

> Create a recycle program for home or school.

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

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

Apple & Pear with PB Dip

Ingredients:

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

2 Tbsp Natural peanut butter

> What other ice hazards are there?

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

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

1 Tbsp Fat-free milk

1/3 Cup Fat-free

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

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans 1 Garlic clove, crushed

Whipped topping, thawed

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

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

> What other great project ideas did your classmates suggest?

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

> Have a trash pick-up day on your playground. Use

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

1 Med Apple or Pear

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, SC 4, NH 1, NH 7

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

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

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

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

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

Directions: Whip the peanut butter and milk, until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Core and slice the apple and pear… and dip!

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

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

Why did you choose this career? After I was a candy striper for three years, I made the choice between becoming a doctor or a nurse. I gravitated towards nursing after seeing how nurses care, protect and comfort their patients. Science was always my favorite subject, especially the human body. The human body is literally a work of art.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy helping to keep the students and staff in my building safe and healthy. One of my most favorite things is when I have an opportunity to do health teaching. The better informed one is, the better health decisions /choices one can make.

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 Melissa Douglass, MSW

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Paulette Luckette, School Nurse

PRESENT: Banana PB Smoothie

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

Local students use chromatography to study forensic science. This lesson enables young scientists to identify the different attributes of various brands of black ink, in order to solve a mystery.

People are often mesmerized by airplanes. There are many parts to an airplane that work together to achieve flight. The front section has a spinner, propeller, and engine. The engine provides the power of the plane, causing the propellers to spin and create air flow. The spinner controls the propeller to ensure smooth airflow over the engine.

Take to Flight!

the flap and aileron, to help raise, lower, and steer the plane.

Finally, the rear of the plane contains the elevator, rudder, and tail. The tail holds the elevator and rudder. The horizontal part of the tail is the elevator, which moves up and down to control the pitch of the plane. The vertical part of the tail is called the rudder, which moves left to right. Pilots use the rudders to help steer the plane.

African-American Boeing Aerospace Engineer Jefferson R. Reese, Jr.

Jefferson R. Reese Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1980. He very much loved math and science in Elementary School, and started favoring STEM careers when he was very young. In High School his love of math and science continued. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern University A&M, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Missouri Science and Technology University. “Engineering is exciting work and aligns with my general educational interests,” Reese shared. He decided on Electrical Engineering in particular because he was intrigued by electrical devices.

After college, Reese received an internship with Boeing and that is when he knew he wanted to be in Aerospace. He was offered a job at Boeing, and he is now an Engineering Sr. Manager for the Boeing Company. He leads an engineering team through technical solutions for integrating Infrared Sensors on fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. He led efforts to integrate Mission Systems Capability on to the F-15, F/A-18, T-7A, MQ-25 and Proprietary Programs.

The body of the plane, which is the middle of the plane, contains the cockpit and fuselage. The cockpit is where the pilot sits. It houses the control panels and all of the navigational aids. The fuselage is the actual body of the airplane. The wings have two movable components, called

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

Have you ever wondered how hot air balloons fly? In this experiment, you will use a variety of materials to build your own hot air balloon.

Materials Needed:

• Large Lawn Garbage Bags • Dry Cleaning Bags • Straws • Coat Hangers

• String • Scoth Tape • Hairdryer Process:

To learn about the science of flight, visit: https://www.boeing.com/principles/education/explore-byformat.page#/videos

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

Build a Hot Air Balloon!

w Compare your results to your classmates. Which balloon flew the highest? Which balloon flew the longest? What changes would you make to your design? Does the amount of hot air affect the flight pattern?

Learning Standards: I can think critically to construct a design. I can evaluate the effectiveness and draw conclusions. I can make text-to-world connections.

Reese is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and was awarded the Top 40 under 40 Award from Southern University, and has received numerous internal awards with the Boeing Company. Reese continues to have an impact on young scientists by serving as an Executive Focal to Southern University, where he oversees charitable contributions, develops and executes an engagement plan that supports fostering a relationship with the university, and developing students to be Day-One ready for the Boeing Company.

For more information about Boeing visit: https:// www.boeing.com/principles/education/explore-by-format. page#/videos

Learning Standards: I can read biographical information about a person who has made a contribution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. I can make text-to-text connections, text-to-world connections, and text-to-self connections.

q Use the materials given to you to design a hot air balloon. The hair dryer will provide the hot air to lift the balloon.

z

x A jet left Tokyo and flew north at an average speed of 330 mph. An Air Force plane left 1.2 hours later and flew in the same direction but with an average speed of 396 mph. How long did the jet fly before the Air Force plane caught up?

DID

jet fly? ______ mph

YOU KNOW?

c Alanna’s flight left at 6:45 p.m. If her plane travels at an average rate of 600 mph and lands at 8:20 p.m., how many miles did she travel? ______ v A round trip flight to Florida is on sale for $199. If a one-way ticket is $119, how much money do you save when purchasing the round trip ticket?

b If a family of four purchased airline tickets for a total of $1675, what is the price per ticket?

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One — Recipe for reading the newspaper: Think about what you do when you read the newspaper. What do you do first? Second? Write a recipe for reading the newspaper by giving step-by-step directions. Make sure to include time order words. Trade your recipe with a friend.

Activity Two — Local

famous Missourian: You have been given the task to write about a local Missourian who has contributed to your community. Skim through the newspaper to find the person who best fits this description. Tell how this person has impacted the community and why he or she should be recognized for his or her contributions.

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

The 787 Boeing Dreamliner contains approximately 2.3 million parts.

Black business leaders are energizing corporate America on voting rights

By Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League

In the long arc of the nation’s history of racially-motivated voter suppression, 2021 will stand as a clear and distinct moment that changed everything that came after.

Whether it will symbolize the demise of such suppression – or its shameful entrenchment –remains to be seen.

Certainly, racially-motivated voter suppression is nothing new. The right of Black men to vote wasn’t even constitutionally-protected for the first 94 years of the nation’s existence, and the terrorist regime of Jim Crow blocked most Black citizens in the South from voting for the next 95 years.

But the surge of restrictive voting laws that began after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act with its 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder became a tsunami in the backlash to the historic Black voter turnout in 2020.

The long-overdue moment for corporate America to take a stand is upon us. And it has been brought about by its most influential Black members.

Led by Kenneth Chenault, the former CEO of American Express; Kenneth Frazier, CEO of Merck & Co.; former Xerox Holdings Corp. CEO Ursula Burns and William M. Lewis Jr., chairman of investment banking at Lazard, hundreds of corporate executives signed an open letter opposing voting limits that ran as a two-page advertisement in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other publications Wednesday.

The powerful – and deeply patriotic – statement reads, very simply:

A government of the people, by the people.

A beautifully American ideal but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history.

As Americans, we know that in our democracy, we should not expect to agree on everything. However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe the very foundation of our electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice.

For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us. We all should feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.

Voting is the lifeblood of democracy, and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.

The CEOs and other top executives of 300 companies, along with law firms, nonprofit leaders, academics and celebrities, signed their names to the letter.

“These are not political issues,” Kenneth Frazier told the New York Times “These are the issues that we were taught in civics.”

The statement does not address specific states’ election legislation. Since the election, state legislators in 47 have

introduced a shocking 361 voter suppression bills. The total represents an increase of 108, or 43 percent, just in the last month. As appalling as the proposals to restrict voting are, even more alarming are the proposals to that seek to disregard the results of elections entirely. A bill pending in Arizona would allow the state legislature to overturn the results of a presidential election, even after the count is formally certified by the governor and secretary of state — and even after Congress counts the state’s electors.

Kenneth Chenault, Kenneth Frazier, Ursula Burns and William M. Lewis Jr.– all trailblazers in their industries – are longtime advocates for corporate social responsibility and civic engagement. In a prelude to Wednesday’s statement, they organized a full-page advertisement in The New York Times on March 31, headlined “Memo to Corporate America: The Fierce Urgency is Now,” that was signed by 72 Black executives.

“We think now that corporate America, Black Americans for sure, but anyone who has values in their corporation that talk about diversity, equity and inclusion, any company that has a values statement about valuing their employees has to stand with our statement,” Ursula Burns told CBS News. “Because their employees — Black, White, Hispanic, women — literally are going to be affected by this type of suppression.”

Kenneth Chenault told CNN, “What we’re calling on corporations to do is not just say they believe strongly in the right to vote. It’s to publicly and directly oppose any discriminatory legislation and all measures designed to limit any individual’s ability to vote.”

Columnist Marc Morial

sPonsored Content

A movement in advanced manufacturing

Leaving back-to-back layoffs to leading assembly mechanics at Boeing

Theniesha Carter went to the CWI and learned about the Boeing Pre-Employment Training, a 10-week free program offered at Florissant Valley. After finishing the program she was offered an assembly mechanic position, with a career pathway-ladder of more responsibilities and pay increases.

By Dr. Art McCoy STL.works Leader and Champion

As one of eight children growing up on Grand and Natural Bridge in St. Louis, life was not easy for Theniesha Carter. “I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. In my life, I have been through many different circumstances,” said Carter. “My grandmother raised us to have faith, hope, and a great work ethic. I have told myself to put a smile on your face. Don’t blame. Learn to work things out. Growing up with four brothers and three sisters, you learn how to work things out.” Carter demonstrated such tenacity throughout her childhood and well into adulthood. She graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in 2004 and was touted as a people-person and team player. Still, over the next decade, she experienced several cycles of getting a job and being laid off.

For a while, Carter worked at a local company passionately supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Yet, budget cuts caused

her hours to be cut in half, especially being a newer employee. As a single mother, Carter was determined to end this cycle. While working part-time, struggling to make ends meet, she enrolled in St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and started the early childhood program as a full-time student, toying with the possibility of starting her own business.

Similar to so many people, Carter needed to earn more in months versus the years it often takes to acquire a degree, pay off debts, and meet life’s other demands. So, she left college to start a new full-time job at a steel mill to earn more and feed her family. As fate would have it, she was laid off again in the spring of 2016.

While laid off, a friend shared information with Carter about the Women in Advanced Manufacturing Initiative and suggested that she check out the Center for Workforce Innovation (CWI) at St. Louis Community College, an STL.works partner.

See BOEING, B4

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on home build in Gate District

Partnership with Concrete Strategies, Clayco and the Construction Career Development Initiative

Special to the American Habitat for Humanity recently broke ground on a new home build, bringing together a collaborative team led by Concrete Strategies, part of the Clayco enterprise, and workforce diversity nonprofit Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI). The four-day build took place at 3429 and 3427 Park Avenue, and each day the site was staffed with twelve skilled Clayco and CCDI volunteers. The volunteers poured foundations for two homes in St. Louis’s Gate District neighborhood and helped to support minority representation in construction. While Concrete Strategies and CCDI are providing volunteers and donations, the project is also fueled by a partnership with the St. Louis Job Corps Center’s construction program, Geotechnology,

Inc., and other local subcontractors who partner with CCDI to hire program graduates into full-time employment. Three CCDI graduates who are now employed fulltime with Concrete Strategies are participating in the build: Chris Conners (class of 2016), Keshawn Outlaw (class of 2018) and Shutaun Williams (class of 2020 and a St. Louis Job Corps graduate).

“Habitat for Humanity appreciates the tremendous planning, skills and time that each of the partners in this build have dedicated,” said Kimberly McKinney, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis CEO. “It’s especially meaningful knowing we are bringing together a change-making group of individuals to participate. Our team of community partners is driving equitable opportunities for the underserved in

See HABITAT, B2

SLCC’s LaRhonda Wilson receives award

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley named LaRhonda Wilson, associate professor of sociology, recipient of the 46th David L. Underwood Memorial Lecture Award.

Chosen by a committee of peers, the recipient exhibits excellence in instruction and a genuine, humanistic concern for students, faculty, staff, and all of education. Wilson also serves as program coordinator for the campus service-learning program and is lead faculty for sociology, anthropology and psychology. Wilson is a member of the American Sociological Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Lincoln University Alumni Association, and Missouri Sociological Association.

Henley named director of marketing at COCA

COCA, the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the U.S. and a leader in innovative arts education, announced the appointment of Alesha Henley as Director of Marketing. In her role, Henley will lead the organization’s marketing, communications, and sales strategy to ensure alignment with COCA’s mission, goals, and ambitions for the future. Henley comes from the St. Louis Regional Chamber where she served as vice president, marketing and communications, and was a key member of the Executive Team.

Henson new co-anchor of Today in St. Louis

Multi-skilled journalist Rhyan Henson has been named co-anchor of Today in St. Louis at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, alongside longtime anchor Kelly Jackson. Henson is a native of St. Louis and came to 5 On Your Side in 2018 after working at several stations in Texas. “Having the opportunity to help my hometown wake up on the weekend alongside someone as universally liked and respected as Kelly is truly a ‘pinch me’ moment,” said Henson. “It’s an honor I don’t take lightly, and I’m looking forward to rejoining the Today in St. Louis team.”

County Police Lt. Gordon honored

The St. Louis County Council presented a resolution recognizing retired Lieutenant Cynthia Golden for her service to the St. Louis County Police Department as the first Black female police officer. The presentation was held in the St. Louis County Council Chambers in the County Government Building. Lt. Golden was not only a trailblazer in the field of law enforcement but also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and devotion to duty for over thirty years. Lt. Golden served our County from October 30, 1972, to March 31, 2003. All are invited to attend this presentation. Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award…please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com

LaRhonda Wilson

Alesha Henley

Cynthia Golden

Otis Pebbles (instructor), Roosevelt Robinson (instructor), Lawerence Robison (Habitat Project Manager), Keishawn Outlaw, Chris Conners, Rashad Johnson, Clyde Latham (instructor), Tom Sieckhaus (CCDI president, Clayco vice president)

Boeing photo

Rhyan Henson

Theniesha Carter

Photo courtesy of Clayco

Arch Grants receives $1 million grant from Bank of America

One hundred percent of funding will be distributed to Black and Latino-led startups through Arch Grants existing programs

Bank of America on Monday announced that it will invest in Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs with a $1 million grant to Arch Grants to help infuse capital into early-stage startups growing and scaling in St. Louis.

This initiative, which will span four years, builds on Bank of America’s ongoing work in St. Louis to address the underlying social issues individuals face to gain access to capital and reach economic success, particularly in communities of color, who have been disproportionately impacted by the current health crisis. This grant is also part of the bank’s newly expanded $1.25 billion, fiveyear commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. Previously, Arch Grants was selected as a Bank of America Neighborhood Builders recipient.

“Bank of America is committed to supporting innovative ways to advance economic opportunity in St. Louis and Arch Grants has a proven record of collaboration and serving as a major catalyst for positive change within the region,” said Marilyn Bush,

President, Bank of America St. Louis. “This grant will help create equitable and lasting success by providing the tools, resources and support needed by Black and Hispanic-Latino entrepreneurs.”

This funding will be distributed to entrepreneurs through the Arch Grants Startup Competition, which awards innovative, scalable and job-creating startups with $50,000 non-dilutive grants and access to a robust ecosystem of resources and support in exchange for headquartering their business in St. Louis for

at least one year.

“Arch Grants’ model is built on trusting the power of extraordinary entrepreneurs to build our future economy and change our region for the better,” said Emily Lohse-Bush, Executive Director at Arch Grants.

“Through this partnership with Bank of America, we will leverage our infrastructure and work with community partners over the next several years to infuse an additional $1 million directly into startups led by Black and Latino Founders in St. Louis, and I have no doubt that the impact - on this community, our region and the world - will be exponential.”

“Arch Grants has been an absolute game-changer for my company, and since I was introduced to the leaders at Bank of America, they have gone above and beyond to support my company’s growth,” said Akeem Shannon, CEO and Founder of Flipstik. “The partnership between these two tremendously impactful organizations will drive even more value to diverse startup founders in St. Louis.”

World Wide Technology selected to 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for 10th year

Great Place to Work® and Fortune have honored World Wide Technology (WWT) as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For®. This is WWT’s tenth consecutive time being named to this prestigious list, this year coming in at 73rd place.

The Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than half a million current employees across the U.S. In that survey, 93 percent of WWT’s employees said WWT is a great place to work. Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they create a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status or any

Habitat

Continued from B1

our community.” Volunteer Shutaun Williams, a 2020 CCDI graduate and Concrete Strategies carpenter, joined fellow graduates and four of his former St. Louis Job Corps instructors on the project. “The build is bringing together a group of people who want to do good for our community,” said Shutaun. “I am happy to be part of this project, and even more so, I am proud to be a part of the CCDI family. To have a support system of impactful leaders who want to see you succeed and want to create solutions that give more people an opportunity to overcome systematic barriers—this

aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

“At WWT, our employees are the foundation of our company’s success and how we run our business. That’s why we are invested in them, their safety and well-being, and why we strive to create a culture that empowers, supports and celebrates inclusion of all people,” said Jim Kavanaugh, CEO and co-founder, WWT. “We are incredibly honored to have earned a place on the Fortune 100 Best list for the past 10 years and thank our employees for making WWT a great place to work for all.

To determine the 2021 list, Great Place to Work® surveyed over half a million employees on issues including how trustworthy, caring and fair the company is in times of crises; employees’

support is unmatchable.”

CCDI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Clayco in 2015 in response to the unrest in Ferguson to provide career development opportunities to young minority adults who are underrepresented within the construction industry. The organization works to bridge the workforce diversity gap by partnering with various school districts in North St. Louis County and St. Louis City, community leaders and organizations such as St. Louis Job Corps and North Technical High School to cultivate a renewed interest in apprenticeships and career technical education programs. For example, once students graduate from St. Louis Job Corps Center, CCDI helps to place program graduates into full-time

physical, emotional and financial health; and the company’s broader community impact. Particular attention was paid to how employees’ experiences varied depending on their job role, gender, race/ethnicity, payroll status, and other characteristics to ensure that the company is creating a great workplace for all. In addition to earning a spot as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, WWT also ranked number 14th in the 2021 list of Fortune Best Workplaces in Technology™ 2020 (Large). In previous years, WWT has been named to additional lists including Best Workplaces for Diversity™, Best Workplaces for Women™, Best Workplaces for Millennials™, Best Workplaces for Parents™ and more.

employment and assists with any barriers students may face from transportation to tools to help ensure retention in the construction industry. Since CCDI’s establishment in 2015, 80 of the program’s students have been placed in full-time careers.

“All of us involved are thrilled by the opportunity to serve our St. Louis neighbors,” said Tom Sieckhaus, President of CCDI and Executive Vice President of Clayco’s Corporate Business Unit. “This build signifies our shared commitment to placing underserved young people into fulltime employment and expanding our joint reach to ensure as many people as possible have access to career development in the construction field is critically important.”

Longtime CCDI partner Dr. Dave Baker was in attendance at the groundbreaking. Dr. Baker retired last year from his role as Assistant Superintendent of College and Career Readiness of Special School District and is now the Business and Community Liaison for St. Louis Job Corps. About CCDI and its impact, Dr. Baker said, “CCDI has become integral in the northern portion of the St. Louis region in regard to ensuring a diverse and competent workforce for the construction industry. CCDI has taken on the task of connecting young men and women interested in the field of construction to the companies who will mentor and eventually hire them. Young people need validation of their hard work and good decisions; CCDI and its partners are providing that validation.”

Akeem Shannon, CEO and Founder of Flipstik

Sports

InSIdE SportS

The American’s ‘Fab Five’ girls

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of the St. Louis American

It was another banner year of girls basketball in the St. Louis metropolitan area and it shows in the collective talent of the member of the 2021 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Team. The members of this year’s team all share a common bond, which is winning.

Point guards Saniah Tyler of Incarnate Word Academy and Kelsey Blakemore of Whitfield led their respective teams to state championships. Senior Marshaun Bostic led Vashon to its first ever appearance in the Final Four of the state tournament. Senior Kennedi Watkins led Marquette to backto-back district championships while junior Sydney Harris led Edwardsville to another dominant season in the metro east.

Here are capsule summaries of the members of the 2021 St. Louis American Girls’ “Fab Five” All-Star First Team:

Kelsey Blakemore

(Whitfield): The 5’9” senior guard concluded her stellar four-year varsity career by leading the Warriors to the Class 5 state championship, which was the first in the school’s history for girls basketball. On a team full of talented underclassmen, Blakemore was a steadying influence with her talent and veteran leadership. As a senior, she averaged 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals in leading the Warriors to

a 24-4 record.

Marshaun Bostic (Vashon): The 5’10” senior guard transferred to Vashon from Gateway STEM and helped lead the Wolverines to a historic season in girls basketball. She averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 4.0 steals in leading the Wolverines to a third-place finish in the Class 4 state tourna-

ment. It was Vashon’s first ever Final Four appearance. She is one of the fastest players in the country when it comes to going end to end with the basketball. Bostic will play collegiate basketball at Auburn University next season.

Sydney Harris (Edwardsville): The Harris name is synonymous with basketball excellence in

Edwardsville and the 6’0” junior guard has kept up the family tradition quite well. She is a multi-skilled player who does it all for an Edwardsville team that has continued its dominance in the metro east. Harris averaged 19.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, two assists and two steals a game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range in leading the Tigers to a 16-1 record.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Kennedi Watkins (Marquette): The 5’11” senior forward was one of the most versatile players in the St. Louis area. She played multiple positions in leading the Mustangs to back-to-back district championships. As a senior, Watkins averaged 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 3.8 steals in leading Marquette to an 18-6 record and a Class 6 district title. She will play collegiate basketball at SEMO next season.

St. Louis American Girls “Fab Five” All-Stars

First Team Kelsey Blakemore 5’9” Whitfield (Sr.) Marshaun Bostic 5’10” Vashon (Sr.) Sydney Harris 6’0” Edwardsville (Jr.) Saniah Tyler 5’6” Incarnate Word (Jr.) Kennedi Watkins 5’11” Marquette (Sr.)

Second Team Chantrel Clayton 5’7” Cardinal Ritter (Fr.) Anaya Davis 5’10” Althoff (Sr.)

Yasmine Edmondson 5’11” bFort Zumwalt East (Jr.) Jaliyah Green 5’10” Wentzville Holt (Sr.) Raychel Jones 5’11” Vashon (Soph.)

Saniah Tyler (Incarnate Word): The 2021 St. Louis American Player of the Year, Tyler is the consummate point guard who takes care of the most important aspect of the game; which is winning. She was the floor leader and catalyst of the Red Knights’ 29-0 season and run to the Class 6 state championship. The talented 5’6” junior usually came up with her biggest performances in the biggest games and in the biggest moments. She averaged 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.2 steals while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. She already has several offers from top Division I college programs around the country.

Jack Flaherty impressive on mound and throughout St. Louis and MLB communities

If not for starter Jack Flaherty, the St. Louis Cardinals’ slow start could be worse. After Monday’s win over the Washington Nationals, the ace was 3-0 with a 3.80 ERA. His 21.1 innings pitched, and 21 strikeouts led the team. Flaherty also recorded 503 strikeouts in 80 games, becoming the fastest to 500 in Cardinal history. Lance Lynn needed 101 games and Hall of Famer Bob Gibson reached 500 Ks in his 110th game. For the moment, he also has silenced attacks for his unabashed support of Black Lives Matter and the pursuit of equality in America. On April 15, Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball, Flaherty shared his thoughts via mlb.com. “We have an opportunity to play baseball because of all the hate you went through to play this game,” Flaherty wrote. “For that I am forever grateful and for that I will never take this game for granted knowing how lucky that I am to be out there.” Flaherty also put some money behind his words. He joined more than 100 players and managers who donated the equivalent of a one-game salary to the Players Alliance. The Alliance is a not-for-profit organization which promotes

Black participation at every level of organized baseball.

Alvin A. Reid

The Alliance is also joining the Jackie Robinson Foundation is launching the Breaking Barriers Initiative, a scholarship fund that will support student athletes beginning in the 2021 Fall semester. The Alliance will also continue its baseball gear distribution program and mentorship and baseball access programs. Flaherty is also focused on improving the lives of Black youths in the St. Louis area. He recently surprised the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis with a donation of thousands of books purchased from Blackowned bookstore EyeSeeMe in University City. “I hope these stories and adventures will inspire the next generation, as reading held such an important part of my development,” Flaherty said in a statement. “I am excited to work with both organizations in the future, and it’s an honor to support them all today.”

HBCU’s fine combine

The inaugural HBCU football combine was held earlier this month in Birmingham, Ala., creating a new opportunity for players to catch the eye of NFL coaches, scouts and – importantly – agents. The

45 invited players were tested in various events including the 40-yard dash, broad jump, position drills, vertical, 3-cone drill, shuttle, and bench press. Certainly, the goal of participants is to reach the NFL. The combine could also pave the way to respective professional careers in the Canadian

Football League, XFL and Arena Football League. The NFL helped create the combine, but the driving force and main financier is former Milwaukee Brewers president Ulice Payne Jr. Payne is founder of the multi-national consulting firm Addison-Clifton. During a Zoom meeting with

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

St. Louis Cardinals ace Jack Flaherty, who recorded his 500th strikeout in a team record 80 games, is a threat to opposing hitters and blessing to his community.

Photo by Daniel Shirey / Getty Images

Kelsey Blakemore, Whitfield

Marshaun Bostic, Vashon

Sydney Harris, Edwardsville

Saniah Tyler, Incarnate Word

Kennedi Watkins, Marquette

She went to the CWI and learned about the Boeing Pre-Employment Training, a 10-week free program offered at Florissant Valley. A few days later, she took the Work Keys Test and Layout and Measuring Assessment. “I was the last one done on the test, but I passed. Five Boeing managers interviewed me. It was nerve-racking, but I was still telling jokes,” said Carter, making sure that they saw her dynamic disposition.

Carter finished the 10-week training with flying colors. “The program promises you an interview, but not the job,” she explained. She nailed the interview and was offered an assembly mechanic position, with a career pathway-ladder of more responsibilities and pay increases. On August 19, 2021, Carter will celebrate her fifth anniversary at Boeing. Eight months before this milestone, she was promoted to lead assembly mechanic.

Like Carter, thousands of St. Louisans have the will and work ethic to succeed, but they need the power skills (i.e., resume writing, networking, screening, interviews, and access), technical skills (i.e., specialized industry training), and opportunities to create a new reality for careers and a prosperous life.

Carter went from being laid off in 2016 to becoming one of Boeing’s lead assembly mechanics in early 2021, thanks to faith, hope, help with power skills and technical skills, and a movement in advanced manufacturing for life-changing workforce development opportunities. “I build airplanes. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be leading teams of men and women to build airplanes at Boeing,” quipped Carter.

Today, as the breadwinner and mother of three beautiful children—a new 2-year-old baby boy, 12-year-old daughter, and 15-year-old son, Carter was able to move her family into their first home in

Florissant, Missouri. Inspired by his mother, the eldest son plans to follow in her footsteps very soon by enrolling in the Boeing Pre-Employment High School Training Program at the CWI at Florissant Valley. This program is one of two free St. Louis Community College training pathways for assembly mechanic jobs starting at $19 per hour and exceeding $40 per hour at Boeing, a Regional Business Council member and corporate champion for STL. works.

While Carter is thrilled about sharing these opportunities with her family members, she does not stop there. “We need more women. I work with one other woman on my line,

a parts controller or PC. Over 900 people have retired over the past five years. Boeing is looking for skilled workers, talent, and diversity—we need people of color, and we need

women,” exclaimed Carter. She echoes Boeing executives’ sentiment, one of whom is the chairperson for STL.works’ Manufacturing subcommittee of companies committed to inclusive prosperity for all St. Louisans.

While Boeing and STL. works are proud to spotlight the success of Ms. Theniesha Carter, we are equally proud and eager to engage with you. STL.works matches employers, training providers, and schools with the skilled workers needed to compete in a competitive economy. For those who might be interested but worried, Carter advises, “Never say what you can’t do. Go in with an open mind. Try it. If you fail, try it a couple of times. Learn from failure. Never give up. Just push forward.” For more information, visit our website: http://stl.works Learn of the amazing career opportunities and training available to support you, your family, friends, youth, and more.

On August 19, 2021, Theniesha Carter will celebrate her fifth anniversary at Boeing. Eight months before this milestone, she was promoted to lead assembly mechanic.

Boeing photo

Living It

Eclectic artist ‘Sunny Rain’ debuts first project

Rose ‘Sunny Rain’ Logan’s distinction shines in introductory album

Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

The moment you first see Rose “Sunny Rain” Logan, you immediately become interested in who she is — from her brown and black medium length dreadlocks and her full custom gold removable mouthpiece to her edgy tomboy chic style. Her aesthetic leaves you wondering who she is and what she does.

“The grill is lowkey my cheating networking strategy. It’s a conversation starter,” Logan said. “I never really wore a grill until now because when I started shooting videos, I decided I wanted to have a certain look.”

Her introductory project “Sunshine,” begins with “That’s Crazy,” a reflective song expressing gratitude while she counts every blessing. “Country Gramma,” a city homage for every person proud to be from the Gateway City, pays tribute to the hometown heroes we all love and credit for putting St. Louis’ hip-hop scene on the map, St. Lunatics. Five other tracks are included on the project.

“My inspiration comes from St. Louis and life experiences,” Logan said. “When I’m writing, I talk about who I am and what I represent.”

Logan’s favorite song from the album is the second track, “We Own,” another piece she says is an ode to her birthplace.

“It’s basically talking about where I was and where I am now, how grateful I am to be from the Midwest.”

Logan said.

Logan’s producer, Issac “Sir Issac Da Inventor,” Watson, whom she’s known for more than a decade, produced ‘Sunshine’. His successful collaboration with Logan shines through on

See Sunny, C6

‘The greatest civilization you’ve

‘Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa,’ now open at Saint Louis Art Museum

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

The construct of race was neither heard nor thought of during the two-thousand-year span included within the Saint Louis Art Museum’s presentation of “Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa.”

And yet racism played a critical role in why people represented in the exhibition, which opened Sunday, are just now being recognized for their thriving civilization and rich culture that should be held in equal regard to their Egyptian neighbors.

For the first several thousand of years of their history, the Nubians left no written records. All that was said about the Nubians was from the Egyptian perspective.

“And the Egyptians were sort of xenophobic,” said Denise Doxey, curator of “Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa.” “They presented all of their neighbors – not just the Nubians – as sort of inferior,” Doxey said. “They always talked about ‘vile Kush,’ Kush being the ancient name of Nubia.”

They hated and respected each other. They were rivals who took turns conquering one another and were often at war.

never heard of’

Winged goddess pectoral (recto); Nubian, Napatan Period, reign of Piankhy (Piye), 743–712 BC; faience; Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition

Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

beliefs.

Among them was pioneering archeologist George Reisner. He was known for incorporating photography when he excavated in Egypt, Sudan and Palestine for the MFA in the early decades of the 20th century.

Community mourns loss of beloved radio icon

Darrel Eason dead at 58 from COVID-19 complications

Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

“Don’t always reach for the star that seems to be the brightest, for the one that’s dimly lit will take you the furthest.”

Avid listeners of local radio will always remember that catchy tagline from Darrel ‘Easy’ Eason, legendary radio professional for more than 30 years.

Veteran media professional Tammie Holland first met Eason at Jacor Communications, now iHeartMedia. Their paths crossed again when Eason became her program director. She shared how genuine he was to her and other colleagues.

“He was a kind person in the way he led his management style, how he extended himself in the community and how he interacted with listeners who came to the station.” Holland said.

n “My dad was the most loving family man there could be. If we were looking for an example of old school values and all the things we’ve probably been missing in Black fathers, that’s Darrel Eason.”

- Bryan Eason

After being hospitalized for three weeks, Eason, 58, died on April 12 from coronavirus-related complications. While the infectious disease played a role in his untimely death, it’s not something that his family, friends, peers or supporters are letting define his legacy.

“Don’t want him to be reduced to what ultimately took his life because he really was a great person,” Holland said. “He was a great programmer and did amazing work in the community.”

Born September 11, 1962, in Needville, Texas, Darrel Wayne Eason was the son of Bernice and Andrew Charles Eason Jr. He excelled in sports and was recruited to play football at the University of Arkansas, where he laid the foundation for his broadcast career, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. It is also where he met Karen Eason, his wife of more than 30 years and mother to their four children.

The Egyptians described the Nubians in derogatory terms. The early excavators who first worked in Sudan (the present day location of ancient Nubia) in the early 1900s came from a background of Egyptology – and used the Egyptian accounts to reinforce their own racist

Doxey, who serves as Curator of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston, describes the relationship between Egyptians and Nubians as that of “frenemies.”

“Just because you are well educated doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to bring in your own biases and make big mistakes because you are using your own preconceived notions to influence your beliefs,” Doxey said. “Even a well-educated person like George Reisner could be totally blinded by his own racism – blind enough to misinterpret an entire culture.”

Gradually attitudes have changed, but Doxey said it has basically only been since the 1970s – when serious excavations started up again in Sudan – that people began to realize how lopsided the view of Nubia was.

The shift toward cultural equality between the

See Nubia, C6

The family remained in Arkansas for about four years before relocating to St. Louis with Bryan, their first-born son. Eason worked at several stations throughout the city including Smooth Jazz 100, Majic 104.9, Hallelujah 1600, and Praise 95.1. He later earned a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Fontbonne University and did

See Eason, C6

Photo provided by Keith Willis Sr.

Darrel Eason, a native of Needville, Texas, who contributed to the success of St. Louis radio, died from COVID-19 related complications on April 12.

Rose ‘Sunny Rain’ Logan’s signature look makes her standout immediately when you see her, especially with her gold grill mouthpiece that she says is her ‘cheating networking strategy’.”

Photo by Jennifer Sarti/St. Louis American

Spiritually Speaking

It all depends on how you define treasure

By James A. Washington

I’ve come to believe that it’s the little concepts and truths about being Christian that when studied, make really good sense and are the most profound realities of life. Rather than being as complicated as we would make Him, it is important to know that our God is not a God of confusion. For instance, our concept of investing is rela-

tively easy to understand. You invest to get a reasonable return on your money or a reasonable return on your effort or your time. The question then, from a Christian point of view, is if you think eternity is based on the investment you make while you’re alive, what if anything is the expected return to you for the life you invested here when you die? I am not trying to be second

guessed here. I know you cannot earn your way into heaven. It is and always has been God’s gift of unearned grace that makes all that happen. But since we know the physical world is temporary and not the end of our being, it stands to reason that we should look at those things that will be necessary for our next life. Knowing that there is a next phase to your existence, have you invested wisely? I wouldn’t dare suggest that you can invest your way into the kingdom of God, but I am suggesting, as the classic line infers, “that what you do in life does indeed echo in eternity.”

Columnist James Washington

Scripture clearly says, “Do not store up of yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up of yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21. It seems to me that the key point to understanding this and subsequently investing wisely is knowing what constitutes a spiritually-based treasure. In the world that’s easy. It’s the tangible manifestation of wealth;

be that money, possessions, material things, physical pleasures, etc. Lifetimes are spent trying to store up these earthly treasures. Matthew’s point, as is mine, is that spiritual treasures, those of faith and knowledge, those of truth are also easily stored. I believe each day that you acknowledge Christ as Lord and our Father in heaven as sovereign is a day of stored up treasure. A lifetime of faith and belief you see is a life spent accepting the divine promise of eternal salvation. We fail everyday in our attempt, but through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross we are allowed to mature as Christians and expand our roles as centers of spreading the gospel, even if only by example.

This maturation process involves transforming oneself by being born again of the spirit and overcoming as best we can the negative temptations of this world. Simon Peter would say in this way are we productive and effective in our knowledge of the truth about Christ. “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11. My actions, my faith, my understood truth are what matter the most when it comes to investing in my spiritual bank account. Invest well.

By Ishmael-Lateef Ahmad

The month of fasting for Muslims has arrived.

All major religions include some form of self-denial to improve their adherents’ efforts to balance spiritual goals with material or worldly desires. For Muslims, the ninth month of our calendar, Ramadan, is our primary month of community fasting, offering special prayers and practicing self-control through the denial of both basic needs and natural desires.

Since the Muslim calendar is based on the shorter lunar cycle rather than the longer solar cycle, Ramadan advances about

Ramadan: The Islamic month of fasting is about self-control, spiritual development I Hear Music In The Air!!!

month to cycle through all the seasons every two decades or so. This year, Ramadan began on or about April 12 and will end on or about May 12, depending on what part of the world you live in and the traditional sighting of the new monthly moon.

Able-bodied Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset without food or drink during the daily fast time. They can only eat overnight from sunset to dawn, when the daily fasting begins. Sexual relations is also forbidden during the hours of fasting as another way to promote control over desires and better focus on spiritual

The young, the sick, women on their menses and travellers are not required to fast. The denial of food forces participants to exert control over a basic human need -sustenance. Also, Muslims are encouraged to get rid of bad habits (such as smoking and cursing), read the entire 114 chapters of the Holy Qur’an (which is also divided into 30 parts for daily readings) and pray extraordinary prayers to promote spiritual development. And for those who cannot fast they are to feed a poor person for a month.

Ramadan is special in Islam because it marks when the

AMEREN IL, AMEREN MO & CENTENE CORPORATION PRESENT

Denise Thimes & Friends SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY PROJECT

A Day of Hope and Giving!

COVID-19 has brought a lot of sorrow to our city and world.

The Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer wants to bring some joy and make a few dreams come true for two special moms (MO/IL).

Send a letter telling us about that special mom in your life who has overcome many obstacles during these challenging times.

Please mail by or before Monday, April 26, 2021!

A private culminating event will be held at the Urban League Ferguson Empowerment Center, to recognize the 2 special moms on May 7, 2021.

MAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: The Mildred Thimes Foundation Day of Hope & Giving PO Box 4511

St. Louis, MO 63108

To make a donation, please mail to:

The Mildred Thimes Foundation, PO Box 4511, St. Louis, MO 63108 Contact MTFPC at 314-773-0337 This event will follow all CDC guidelines & regulations.

Muhummad, received his first revelation from God proclaiming him a prophet and messenger. Verses from the Qur’an, what the Prophet said (Hadith) and what he did (Sunnah) teach Muslims how to perform the fasting rituals.

Also, fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include belief in one God and the Prophet Muhummad as his prophet, making the daily prayers, giving alms to the poor and making Hajj. After a day of fasting, it is common for Muslims to gather at sunset to break the fast with a meal, called iftar. In predominantly Muslim countries,

fasting appears to be easier because the culture slows down during the day and comes alive at night during the hours of eating and drinking. In Western countries, it is often a hardship for Muslims who must continue to work during the hours of fasting.

Raised a Muslim since the age of three, I began fasting as a teenager, and as I recall it was during the longer spring and summer days. I learned that the pains of hunger were greatest during the first few days of the fast. Food, it seemed, was all a growing boy could think about. As the days passed and my stomach shrank, food became less of a focus. At a point mid-

way through the month, I went from devouring my night meal to often being reminded that it was time to eat. I marveled at how the body adapted to selfimposed denial. I learned that the true blessing of fasting has more to do with the spiritual food you take in rather than the physical food that you deny yourself.

The discipline of fasting touches every aspect of our lives and informs how we learn to control our cravings and desires in exchange for a stronger spiritual connection to the world and a reappropriation of our priorities in ways that better serve humanity.

Blessed Ramadan!

Amani Dugger is super excited to be receiving a Baldwin upright piano from Pianos for People, their 300th donation.

She has been a part of Community Women Against Hardship’s (CWAH) Modern American Music program since 2017. Music instructor Michael Carosello is her teacher. Her dedication and commitment to the craft captivated Carosellos’ interest so much that in an effort, to inspire her continued enthusiasm, he made the appeal to make this donation possible. Gloria Taylor, Founder/CEO of CWAH has worked tirelessly to keep the arts in the community, since so many music programs have been removed from inner city schools. Currently drum and piano lessons are available to student’s 5th through 12th grade.

If you know someone interested, please call 314-289-7523 today, limited spots are available.

St. LouiS american Career Center

POSITIONS

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

JANITORIAL - HIRING

Full & Part-Time positions, 3 Shifts

Background check. Steady work history preferred. Apply at 314 N. Jefferson at Olive. M - F, 9A to 5P. Must have two forms of I.D.

RESEARCH & EVALUATION

ASSOCIATE

Saint Louis Science Center

Please visit ww.slsc.org to read the job description, submit a cover letter and resume, and apply.

HOME MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT PERSON

Attractive compensation plus ownership potential Send abilities & resume to propertymgr2020@ gmail.com

HIRING FULL & PART TIME PERSONAL CARE AIDES

St. Louis & St. Charles Area Call Karen at 314-298-7002 REGIONAL

CATASTROPHIC

PREPAREDNESS

ADMINISTRATOR II

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

ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

MATH TEACHER

This is a full-time position in the Math Department. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, high school teaching experience, and be able to demonstrate readiness to contribute to St. Louis University High’s rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Master’s degree and state certification preferred.

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume online. Priority will be given to submissions received before April 30, 2021. https://sluh.aaimtrack.com/jobs/

ADMIN SVCS

COORDINATOR Network for Strong Communities seeks Admin Svcs Coordinator. Computer skills + admin exp reqd. Send resume + cover letter to lane@nsc.org www.nscnow.org/ employment-opportunities

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINDED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hiring Social Justice Minded Executive Director for Cultural Leadership. Apply at www.culturalleadership.org/ employment/

HEAD FOOTBALL COACH – DE SMET JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

To apply, visit https://www.desmet.org/about/ careers.

EOE M/F/D/V, Committed to DEI

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

SEEKING NORTHWOODS PUBLIC WORKS LABORER

The City of Northwoods is hiring Public Worksmen to perform skilled and semiskilled tasks related to the maintenance of the citypark, grounds, municipal facilities, and event spaces. Positions also work to ensure code enforcement on vacant/ city-owned properties. Individuals should have laborer experience, a current driver’s license, ability to read/interpret equipment operations manuals. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply at: The City of Northwoods 4600 Oakridge Blvd. Northwoods, Mo. 63121 or send application/resume to: cityadmin@cityofnorthwoods.com

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society actively seeks to hire for the following positions:

• Early Childhood and Family Programs Museum Educator

• Epsilon-Dalzell Film Preservationist

• Human Resources Administrator

• Manager of Institutional Evaluation

• Newman Processing Archivist

• Resource Protection Officers (part-time, nights)

• Soldiers Memorial Collections Assistant

• Soldiers Memorial Education Coordinator

Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply. An Equal Opportunity Employer

SEEKING - NORTHWOODS POLICE CHIEF

The candidate for Northwoods Police Chief should be a career professional with at least five years of street patrol and administrative experience combined. He/She is required to provide administrative support to the Mayor, Board and City Administrator while leading the state mandate of police department accreditation to completion. A minimum of an Associate College Degree is also required. The candidate should be able to plan, direct and supervise daily activities, projects and operation of the Police Department. Salary and essential detailed duties will be discussed during interviews. This position is full time with benefits. Applications should be picked up at the Northwoods Police Dept. 4608 Oakridge Blvd. Northwoods, Missouri 63121. Return completed application/ resume to Attn: Mayor-Sharon Pace at the address above or by email to space@cityofnorthwoods.com

LETTING #8728

RECONSTRUCTION OF RUNWAY 12R-30L FROM TAXIWAY R TO TAXIWAY G; REDUCE RUNWAY WIDTH; AND MODIFY CONNECTING TAXIWAYS – PROJECT 1

AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 18, 2021, then publicly opened and read in Room 325 City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. via Zoom Meeting:

Password: 656321

Phone one-tap: US: +13017158592,,99643195986#, or +13126266799,,99643195986#

Meeting URL: https://cmtengr.zoom.us/j/99643195986?pwd= c3ZEbUt4Y2o2b3FmeXhjZTc2Z1lHUT09

Join by Telephone

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

Dial: US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205

Meeting ID: 996 4319 5986 Find local AT&T Numbers: https://cmtengr.zoom.us/u/adlOxrJIcp

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

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking the services of a qualified electrical engineering firm, or team of firms, to upgrade the National Park Service’s (NPS) bollard gate control system on the Gateway Arch National Park. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids and submit by May 7, 2021.

M/WBE COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has opening for a M/WBE Compliance Specialist. SLDC is looking for candidates with progressive experience in contract compliance monitoring, or construction project management. To apply online and see a full job description go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.”

SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

INVITATION TO BID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For site visit arrangements please contact:

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

For RFI questions please email:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEALED BIDS

Submissions for C o n s t r

M

S e r v i c e s , Division of State Parks Capital Improvement Program, Project No. XCMSRVS, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 5/20/2021. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for High Voltage Electrical S

Missouri State

IDIQMCA-1005, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/13/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Boone County Central Regional Office - Stone Veneer Replacement, Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas; selective demolition, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE Businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Martha Leahy or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 5/06/2021@ 2:00 P.M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received.. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com

2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Missouri N a t i o n a l G

y improvements in Nevada, Chillicothe,

T2036-01, T204601, and T2048-01 respectively, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/20/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Coeur Dalene #14563 Storm Sewer Repair (IR) under Letting No. 13081015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Sewer Construction Chesterfield Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www. stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

SSD 114-21: PAGING SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

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

Request for Proposal: SSD 112-21:

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

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking sealed bids for one (1) Four-door crew cab, mid-sized, 4x4 pickup truck. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply by May 21, 2021.

NOTICE TO MINORITY & DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES

Poettker Construction Company is seeking bids from minority and disadvantaged businesses for the MUHC – Critical Care Addition – Renovate C3016 at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. A Diversity Participation goal of 10% MBE / 10% Combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE has been established for this contract. All interested and certified businesses should contact Zach Lindberg at 618-526-3339 or zlindberg@poettkerconstruction.com to discuss opportunities. All bids must be received by EOB on Wednesday, May 5th. Bid documents are available for download through the following link: https:// securecc.smartinsight.co/#/PublicBidProject/578359.

400 South Germantown Road Breese, IL 62230 Phone: 618-526-7213 Fax: 618-526-7654

LETTING NUMBER 8727 THE FOREST PARK WATERWAY PROJECT

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received for the above mentioned public work by the Board of Public Service, in Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 4, 2021, at which time they will be publicly opened and read in Room 325, City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on April 13, 2021, at 10:30 A.M., onsite. Meet in the parking lot of the Steinberg Skating Rink, 400 Jefferson Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

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

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

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

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 4, 2021 then publicly opened and read in Room 325 City Hall. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Virtual Plan Room).

Advertisement for: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide its Communicable Disease program with HIV Prevention Services

-Mobilizing to End the EpidemicPrEP Navigation Services for Its HIV Prevention Programming.

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

LETTING #8726

TERMINAL #1 CONCOURSE C GATE ELECTRIFICATION PHASE III

Aschinger Electric is seeking quotes from MRCC certified DBE Contractors & Suppliers for this bid. The ability to work with a collective bargaining unit is required. Proposals must be received no later than 17:00 hours Monday May 3rd, 2021. Contact: Aschinger Electric at 314-343-1211

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

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

BID NOTICE

Interface Construction Corp. is bidding the FOREST PARK WATERWAY PROJECT on May 3rd at 10:00 AM. Plans are available on Building Connected or Plans and Specifications may be viewed on the Board of Public Service website: http://www.stlbps.org (BPS OnLine Plan Room). These documents are available for download and/or purchase directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping if required. We invite qualified and certified MBE and WBE bidders to submit your quote to: Bob Adams, Interface Construction Corp. (314) 522-1011 8401 Wabash Ave. St. Louis, MO 63134-1837 email: boba@interfacestl.com

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri – Critical Care Addition – Renovate 3016 (CP210731) Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: selective demolition, metals, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, specialties, equipment, furnishings, plumbing, fire suppression, HVAC, electrical, integrated automation, communications, electronic safety. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Jason Brown or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 5/06/2021

@ 1:30 P.M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com

2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS

1:30 PM, May 6, 2021 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

NOTICE OF HOUSING WAITING LIST OPENING

KENDELWOOD PLACE APARTMENTS

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

2 BEDROOM FOR RENT North City, Section 8 only Recently rehabbed, very nice Security system, Hardwood floor 314-315-6145

Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/ SDVE/DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the Lincoln University Farm Structures, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO. Bids are due Friday, April 30, 2021 by 1:00 pm and can be faxed to (573) 392-4527 or emailed to bbrown@ cms-gc.com. For more information, call Bob @ (573) 392-6553. Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Advertisement for: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

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

CITY OF ST. LOUIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The City of St. Louis Department of Human Services is soliciting proposals for the FY2020 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) – All Categories: Emergency Shelter, Street Outreach, Homeless Prevention, Rapid Rehousing & Data Collection.

Beginning April 14, 2021, RFP packets will be available via pick-up at the:

Department of Human Services Homeless Services Division 1520 Market, Room 4065 St. Louis, MO 63103

Or at the following website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement/

To participate in the Zoom Webinar email Amy Bickford at bickforda@stlouis-mo.gov to receive the Webinar link

Questions may be referred by email only and must be submitted on or before May 5, 2021, to Amy Bickford, Chief Program Manager, Homeless Services Division, at BickfordA@stlouis-mo.gov

The RFPs closing date is 4:00 p.m., May 12, 2021.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Accepting Sealed bids for: Farm Structures Project for Carver and Busby Farms

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65101

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

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

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

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

two regions will be particularly easy for patrons who visit the exhibition, which is on display through August 22 at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The attention to detail in nearly every item from every period over the 2000 years covered by “Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa” is stunning enough to give one pause.

An entire visual narrative is expressed through the foot of a bedpost. A tiny gold earring is crafted with such care that not even a magnifying glass could capture the full scope of its mastery.

Doxey pointed out the details of a tiny necklace pendant.

About the size of a fingertip, it displays a goddess nursing a queen. She described how the features captured in the tiny pendant illustrated that the goddess was Egyptian, but the queen was Nubian.

“I don’t know how you would do this without melting the gold while you were at it,” Doxey said while describing another pendant. “It blows me away that they could make something like this without

modern soldering irons.”

There are thousands of artifacts within the “Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa,” that reflect nearly every aspect of life – and range in scale from miniscule to massive – to tell the story of a society hidden from so many for so long.

“In fact, these Nubian sites were very influential – very cosmopolitan with big trade networks and interaction with others in western Africa, Central Africa and along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea,” Doxey said. “It was much more global than we tend to think. It seems like they were remote places, but in antiquity they were probably people from all over the region.”

Intersectionality between Egyptians and Nubians is clear and present within the exhibition, but so is their own identity as a force to be reckoned with.

Doxey pointed out the unsuccessful conquest attempt by legendary Roman emperor Augustus when he waged war against a Nubian queen. He ended up signing a peace treaty.

“I found it interesting that he took over the whole known world and couldn’t get past an African woman,” Doxey said. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to build awareness through the exhibition.

“Some people may have a concept that it is something African, but don’t have any knowledge beyond that,” Doxey said. “I would say it’s the greatest civilization you’ve never heard of.”

That lack of familiarity presented a challenge as Doxey and her team were conceiving the exhibition. Museum administrations were apprehensive to present it because they feared no one would come, because they had not heard of Nubia. Without the presence in the museum, no one would learn about Nubia.

“That creates a vicious cycle,” Doxey said.

And while she had trouble finding institutions that were interested in the exhibition during the process of conceiving it seven years ago, Doxey finds it encouraging that the exhibition now has more museums interested in the show than it could possibly accommodate.

“That is a good sign that we are moving in the right direction,” Doxey said.

“Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa,” is currently on display at the Saint Louis Art Museum through Aug. 22. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.slam.org.

the project.

“It’s always good when you’re in your element, and you can artistically express yourself,” Watson said. “I had a good time working on the album together [with Logan].”

Both agreed that the creative process was seamless and definitely a vibe. Watson said it typically started with him curating a beat from scratch, while Logan comes up with raps on the spot in her head. Or sometimes he provided input suggesting a specific concept and direction on how he hears the songs flow.

“Our creative process is real-

freelance voiceover work.

Keith Willis Sr., whom he met while working at Smooth Jazz, was a colleague who became a close friend.

“That was my brother,” Willis said. “That was my younger, smarter and definitely more mature brother. They used to call us Batman and Robin. I’m gonna miss him tremendously.”

Steve Byes, one of his peers and a longtime radio professional, agreed with Holland and Willis.

“He was an excellent announcer who did good work,” Byes said. “He was dedicated to radio. The talent was

ly organic; it’s about us building the song the moment we hit the studio and us digging deep into how we can create a new sound,” Watson said.

Growing up, Logan’s interest in music started between the ages of eight and nine years old. Being the only child for about 15 years, she had to find ways to keep herself busy.

“I sold my own mixtapes in elementary school,” Logan said.

“When I was in the fifth grade I used to play instrumental CDs, then put a tape in my mother’s stereo and record my voice.

Then I’d bring it to school and charge my classmates $1 for it.

I performed on the playground and at my D.A.R.E. graduation, which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, a program that informs children about the harmful effects of

always there, and he was very dedicated to the craft.”

Everyone who encountered Eason knew how dearly he loved his wife and children; Bryan, Jeremy, Andrew, Kristina and six grandchildren.

“My dad was the most loving family man there could be,” Bryan said. “If we were looking for an example of old school values and all the things we’ve probably been missing in Black fathers, that’s Darrel Eason.”

His oldest son, Bryan, takes after his father in many ways— he’s the reason for his love of music and the path to radio he plans to take.

“He made me the musician I am because I wanted him to like listening to me,” Bryan said. “I haven’t used my radio skills yet, but I do have a voice. My time is coming to share that gift and I’ll probably come

drug and alcohol abuse. Logan is pleased with the unity among other artists in the city and looks forward to the next female rapper

back to finish what he started.” Willis said Eason and his wife were the epitome of Black love. In fact, Willis said he tried to model his own marriage after theirs because he admired them so much.

“He and his wife were a role model for Black love,” Willis said. “Being married for 23 years, I tried to model my own marriage and what we do after Darrel and Karen.”

A public viewing will be held on Friday, April 23 from 10 a.m-Noon. The service will begin at Noon at St. John AME Church, 1908 N Kingshighway Blvd. Seating is limited to his immediate family and 40 visitors. The celebration of life will also be available on Zoom using the Meeting ID: 812 7863 9982.

Nubia

Continued from C1

Photo by Jennifer Sarti/St. Louis American