April 28th, 2022 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

AugusT 22, 1925 – April 21, 2022

Dr. Homer Nash was a family doctor, family man

Homer Erwin Nash, Jr, MD, a celebrated pediatrician who served at Homer G. Phillips Hospital before starting his own practice, has passed away, his family announced.

n He served in the infantry in Italy during World War II and received the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for service to his country.

A Memorial Service for Dr. Nash will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Layne Renaissance Chapel, 7302 W. Florissant Ave in St. Louis with an opportunity to visit with the family at 10 a.m. Dr. Nash was honored as a Lifetime Achiever during the 2009 Salute to Excellence in Healthcare and told The St. Louis American he decided his direction in medicine while an intern at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago.

“In general internship, you spend six weeks or two months in each service. Pediatrics was the one I liked the best,” he said. Dr. Nash was born in Atlanta on August 22, 1925. He was the fifth child, and only son, of Homer Erwin Nash, Sr., who was also a physician, and Marie Antionette Graves Nash. He attended Morehouse

Republicans don’t mask intention

to

thwart Medicaid expansion

Playing politics, risking lives

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

With more than 1 million COVID-related deaths [in the U.S.] one would think the pandemic would serve as a great equalizer in this country. It has impacted everyone - Black, white, rich, poor, urban, suburban, and more.

Of course, it has not been that. Minorities were infected and died at disproportionate rates. Poor countries struggled to get vaccines. Many wealthy people became richer, regardless of one of the greatest recessions since the 1930s.

And, in Missouri, Republican legislators are still working tirelessly to stall healthcare coverage for hundreds of thousands of Missourians.

Under the Obama administration, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act or ACA), was expanded to increase access to primary care. Before expansion, enrollment was limited to mostly children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Although these groups still make up the vast majority of those enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, Medicaid expansion is open to nearly all adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

To date, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have adopted Medicaid expansion and 12 states have not. Through a 2020 ballot measure, Missouri voters approved expanded eligibility for Medicaid to people ages 19 to 64.

That has not stopped numerous Republican attempts to derail or defund what voters passed by a wide margin.

“Sometimes voters are smarter than the people they elect,” said State Sen. Karla May regarding the state GOP’s efforts to stop voter-approved Medicaid expansion.

Drawn-out court battles and the pandemic have plagued expansion efforts in the state. For years, the Republican majority in the legislature fought to

Homer Erwin Nash, Jr, MD, a celebrated pediatrician who served at Homer G. Phillips Hospital before starting his own practice. Dr. Nash was honored as a Lifetime Achiever during the 2009 Salute to Excellence in Healthcare.

Untreated heart disease claimed Cora Faith Walker

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs The St. Louis American

Cora Faith Walker, the former state representative whose March 11 death set off a wave of speculation, died of heart disease stemming from an untreated condition.

That’s according to Dr. Michael Graham, chief medical examiner, for the city. Graham, whose office routinely investigates the sudden, unexpected deaths of young people, said Walker died of the “sudden onset of a lethal cardiac rhythm disturbance that was caused by underlying heart muscle disease,” formally classified as “nonischemic cardiomyopathy.”

No illegal drugs were found in her system and alcohol “had nothing to do with her death,” Graham said.

The finding confirmed an earlier St. Louis Police Department inquiry that uncovered no “suspicious” activity in the death of the 37-year-old who left state government in 2019 to work for St. Louis County Executive Sam Page.

She served Ferguson, District 74, in the Missouri House of Representatives beginning in January 2017. In Page’s administration she served as policy chief.

Walker collapsed in the hallway of the Loews Hotel, the morning after attending a birthday party for St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, a close friend.

Mayors’ proposal for spending $150 million in ARPA funds would address longstanding woes

That includes “capacity building, vacancy [abatement] and environmental justice” and improving housing accessibility. The city has more than 20,000 vacant lots and buildings, according to the Saint Louis Vacancy

Cydnee Calvert and Derek Perkins, both 13 and students at St. Ann Catholic School, climb a tree under professional guidence during Earth Day activities in St. Vincent Park Friday, April 22, 2022.

Cora Faith Walker

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kendra Holmes

Judge Greg Mathis reality show coming to E! In June

If you’re curious about Judge Greg Mathis Sr.’ s life outside the courtroom, access to his world will come in a docuseries reality show, “Mathis Family Matters,” coming to E! in June.

The show stars his immediate family, including his wife Linda and their four adult children Greg Mathis Jr., Camara Mathis Webb, Amir Mathis, and Jade Mathis They share thoughts as they maneuver through the trials of love, life, and Hollywood residency.

“Mathis Family Matters” premieres in back-to-back shows Sunday, June 19 at 9 and 9:30 p.m.

Marvin Winans marries his girlfriend of 15 years

years.

His brother BeBe Winans posted a congratulatory post on Instagram.

“It was a Good day Congratulations to my big brother Marvin and his bride Deneen #Wedding #Celebration #Family” BeBe wrote.

Marvin’s son Mario Winans also shared his best wishes with the newlyweds.

Marvin Winans and his girlfriend, Deneen Carter, were in marital bliss this past weekend. The couple tied the knot after dating for 15

“This was such an amazing day and I’m so happy for my father!!! We had a blast and enjoyed much needed family time!!! Had to give Dad some last minute instructions #Marvin&DeneenWinansWedding,” Mario wrote. The pair met at Perfecting Church, where Marvin serves as its founder and senior pastor. Marvin and Vickie Winans were previously married until they divorced in 1995. They share a son Marvin Winans Jr. and Marvin Sr. adopted Vicki’s son Mario Winans, from her previous marriage.

Sasha Obama dates actor Clifton Powell’s son, Clifton Powell Jr.

Sasha Obama has a new love in her life.

The Daily Mail reports she and actor Clifton Powell’s son, Clifton Powell Jr., are

dating. The young couple reportedly started their romance after Obama moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California.

Powell Jr. is a former college basketball player working as a commercial director.

Obama transferred to USC last fall after leaving the University of Michigan, where she went for two years.

While Michelle Obama appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” she talked about Malia and Sasha having significant others.

“They loved the Jonas Brothers. Now they are bringing grown men home,” Michelle said on Ellen. “Be fore, it was just, like, pop bands. Now they have boyfriends and real lives.”

Malia and her boyfriend Farquharson have been dat ing since 2017, and they met at Harvard.

Fan disrespects Keke Palmer’s privacy, films her without her consent

Keke Palmer takes her privacy and her

boundaries very seriously. She tweeted last weekend about a fan who filmed her without her permission after she declined to take a photo with them three times.

While sitting at a bar, she said a woman approached her and asked her for a picture multiple times. She said she politely told her no, but the woman started filming without her consent.

“No means no, even when it doesn’t pertain to sex. I was at the bar the other day and this girl asked me three times for a picture, and I told her three times nicely that I did not want to take one with her,” she wrote. “She still proceeded to film me against my will.”

She shared she laughed about the situation because she would be perceived negatively if she had retaliated.

“I could be wanting to scream, and I’m still performing on the outside. The fact that I tell people no at all is therapeutic progress for me,” Palmer wrote. “Creating boundaries can sometimes be so difficult, but you let yourself down every time when you people please or always try to avoid conflict.”

Family of Tyre Sampson files wrongful death lawsuit

Boy killed March 24 after falling off ride

St. Louis American staff

The family of the late Tyre Sampson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming negligence in the death of their 14-year-old son.

Sampson was killed on March 24 when he fell approximately 100 feet from a ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida during a spring break excursion. The “Free Fall” ride is billed as the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.

“That Sunday, I was waiting for my son to come home because he told me I’ll see him Saturday or Sunday. I’m still in shock, Sampson’s mother, Nekia Dodd, said during a St. Louis press conference on Tuesday.

Ben Crump of Ben Crump Law and Bob Hilliard of Hilliard Martinez Gonzales announced the lawsuit on behalf of Yarnell Sampson, Tyre Sampson’s father.

“The defendants in Tyre’s case showed negligence in a multitude of ways. One of the most glaring examples was failing to provide a $22 seatbelt on a ride that cost several million dollars to construct,” Crump said in a release.

“From the ride and seat manufacturers and the installer to the owners and operators, the defendants had more than enough chances to enact safeguards, such as seatbelts, that could have prevented Tyre’s death.

“They didn’t, and their poor decisions resulted in deadly consequences for a promising young man and lifelong pain for his family. We will hold these defendants accountable for their failures so that a tragedy like this never has to happen again.”

The lawsuit details alleged facts and circumstances leading up to Sampson’s death, including:

-No seatbelts or secondary restraints were in use on the Free Fall ride. Most free-fall rides utilize seat belts in addition to over-the-shoulder harnesses.

-Tyre’s weight was significantly over the weight restriction listed in the ride’s manual. No height or weight restrictions were posted at the ticket counter. No employees present advised Tyre that he was too big to safely ride the Free Fall ride.

-Defendants allowed the proximity sensors for the safety harness to be improperly altered

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and manipulated so that the ride was able to operate without Tyre’s harness properly closed.

-The ride and seat manufacturer failed to properly design the ride so that the proximity sensor for the safety harness could not be improperly modified and additionally failed to provide warnings about the consequences of adjusting the harness sensors.

-Tyre fell at least a hundred

feet onto hard pavement after he was ejected from the ride.

“No child should lose their life trying to have fun,” Yarnell Sampson said from Orlando. Hilliard said, “This is a cascade of grossly negligent conduct by a full team of culpable and sophisticated defendants— all willing to sacrifice the simplest of safety measures to assure themselves the quickest and biggest payday possible.”

“How severely a Central Florida jury financially punishes these corporations for joining together and killing this young boy is the billion-dollar question.”

The lawsuit names ICON Park; Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, LLC; Extreme Amusement Rides, LLC; The Slingshot Group of Companies and The Slingshot Group; IDL Parent, LLC; ID Center (FL),

LLC; Orlando Slingshot, LLC; High Rides, LLC; Funtime Handels, GMBH; Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, GMBH; Keator Construction, LLC; and I Drive 360 Management Services, LLC as defendants, alleging a practice of negligence and liability that requires relief for Sampson’s untimely and sudden death.

The lawsuit also states, “Tyre was a fourteen-year-old young boy who was an honorroll student and football player. Despite his prowess on the football field, he was known as a kind-hearted person who cared about others. Tyre had a long and prosperous life in front of him that was cut short by this tragic event.”

Orlando Slingshot, the owner and operator of the ride, sent television station WFLA a statement after the lawsuit was filed.“Orlando Slingshot continues to fully cooperate with the State during its investigation, and we will continue to do so until it has officially concluded. We reiterate that all protocols, procedures and safety measures provided by the manufacturer of the ride were followed.” ICON Park said in a statement that park officials were “deeply troubled” about the state’s preliminary findings. The ride had only been in operation for less than six months and was inspected in December, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/St. Louis American

Pulse of Black America still beats strong

While frustration abounds,

By Marc H. Morial

For nearly two decades, as part of the State of Black America report, the National Urban League has produced the Equality Index, a statistical calculation of the social and economic status of African Americans inspired by the ThreeFifths Compromise of 1787. The 2022 Index is 73.9%, slightly up from the revised 2020 Index of 73.7%.

This year, for the first time, we decided to find out how Black Americans feel about their status.

Conducted by Benenson Strategy Group, the Pulse of Black America survey is based on nearly 1,700 interviews conducted in March of this year.

“If the Equality Index measures the share of the American economic pie Black Americans get compared to whites, then the Pulse of Black America survey unpacks the feelings and frustrations of Black people who will never get that last slice of pie,” wrote Shannon-Janean Currie, the BSG Vice President who conceived of and led the research.

The survey revealed a Black America ravaged by a deadly pandemic and beset by economic despair, yet still optimistic in the promise that “we shall overcome.”

inequality between Black and White Americans can be overcome, but it’s up to individual people to change their circumstances.”

But Black Americans are frustrated about their ability to change their circumstances. Majorities are worried about being paid less, passed over, having to work harder for the same amount, and being discriminated against because of their race. While a plurality of Black respondents, 47%, felt that the professional opportunities they receive have nothing to do with race, as many – 41%said they received fewer professional opportunities because of their race or ethnicity.

The survey confirmed the findings of the Equality Index: When it comes to education, income, occupation, housing, and debt load, Black Americans are at a disadvantage. Only 27% of Black survey respondents had attained a college education, compared to 37% of white respondents.

Fewer than half as many Black respondents – 12% -- reported earning more than $100,000 annually, versus 27% for whites. The Black homeownership rate was a little more than half the white rate: 33% compared to 62%.

The survey found that Black and white Americans differ in their views about these economic disparities. Most Black respondents, 57%, agreed with the statement, “Wealth inequality between Black and White Americans is a cycle that creates never-ending economic disparity, no matter how hard individual people work.” But an even larger majority of white respondents, 71%, agreed with the statement, “Wealth

Black Americans feel the sting of racism even more sharply in the health care system. An overwhelming 8 in 10 Black respondents feel that race influences the quality of care a person receives, and 2 in 5 said the system had discriminated against them personally. When it comes to the heart of this year’s State of Black America report, voting and democracy, overwhelming majorities believe in the power of their vote to have influence in economic opportunity, social and racial justice, and police violence. But as many – 71% - believe that Black and brown communities specifically are often denied the right to vote. Only 45% of Black respondents said voting in their communities is very easy, compared to 59% of white respondents. And Black respondents said the government is doing more to limit voting rights than it is to protect them.

“Fifty years since the Civil Rights Movement and ten years since the murder of Trayvon Martin, the real promise of equity has yet to be fulfilled, and young Blacks are growing frustrated with the rate of change,” Curry wrote.

“Beliefs and behaviors are hard to shift, and while progress has been made, the biases of today manifest in more subtle forms of systemic suppression.

“Pragmatic and hopeful, hardworking, and vulnerable, the complexities of Black pain and Black pride define the Black experience.

The full survey, along with the rest of the 2022 State of Black America report, “Under Siege: The Plot to Destroy Democracy,” can be found at www.StateOfBlackAmerica.org.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Unique opportunity to put mass transit on fast track

Could be economic boon

By Michael P. McMillan

For too many in our community, and throughout the state, public transportation is the sole means by which they can get where they need to go. In rural Missouri where access to healthcare continues to be challenging, public transportation is an absolute necessity and without it, we will continue to see health inequities grow. In the urban core, thousands of St. Louisans rely on public transportation every day to get to work, school, the grocery store, doctor appointments and more.

This truth is underscored by a new report released by the Alliance for a Just Society, the Labor Network for Sustainability and TransitCenter, stating that Black and brown people across the country are more likely to count on public transit as their primary transportation option and are more likely to use public transportation to get to work.

As president and CEO of the Urban League, I see the toll that lack of access to reliable public transportation has on the families we serve. Missed doctor’s appointments, sporadic mental wellness visits, long rides just to get to a grocery store. Residents of North City and North County who rely on transit for job access, have in many cases a 2-plus hour, multi-transfer, one-way trip to work. We must advocate for more public transportation options, not fewer. The 2018 NorthsideSouthside Corridor Alternative Analysis determined that light rail was the locally preferred alternative in that corridor and the current study will be examining new technological options for light rail possibilities in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Greater access to public transit translates to greater accessibility for residents, resulting in resiliency, economics, equality, improved health and environmental outcomes, and the ability to attract and retain business. Investments in public transit contribute to economic opportunity for all working people. In fact, The Forward

Through Ferguson Report also identified light rail expansion as one strategy to foster this economic opportunity and to improve equity in the region.

North St. Louis County has been disinvested in for decades and a large-scale, public works investment like MetroLink would go a long way in jumpstarting development, jobs, and increased accessibility for the area.

Light rail is a proven catalyst for development. We can see the impact of public transit in the central corridor – areas like the Central West End and Midtown St. Louis are booming with the help of MetroLink. Plus, millions in investments are underway next to the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center. Yet not everybody is celebrating that success. We must invest in robust public transit if we want to build an economically resilient and racially equitable region. And now is the time. The availability of federal funding through the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides $91 billion in funding for transit, presents a unique opportunity that didn’t exist previously Now is the time to seize the opportunity.

Michael P. McMillan is Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO

Emmett Till Act

about future, not past

‘Can be used as prosecutorial weapon’

By Congressman Kweisi Mfume

“Strange Fruit,” written by Abel Meeropol and recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939, captures the sadness and sadistic nature of lynching in America. Its lyrics compose with horrifying imagery the following scene:

“Southern trees bear a strange fruit, blood on the leaves and blood at the root. Black bodies swinging in the breeze, strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees.”

From 1882 to 1968, an estimated 4,743 lynchings occurred in the United States. Some reports now document that these numbers may be closer to 6,500 people, mostly Black men, Black women and Black children, who were brutally murdered by racial terror lynching. These heinous acts were committed by White Americans who saw it as a way to terrorize, control and oppress Black people after slavery and during the subsequent Jim Crow years.

Local political figures, state authorities, federal law enforcement, and elected officials all ignored, tolerated, and even spurred this racial violence. While the deep stain of lynching will never be fully washed away from our past, the United States Congress has now at least made that blot an indelible mark recognized as a federal hate crime.

The Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act was signed into law by President Biden to establish the act of lynching as a violation of federal law, and I was honored to attend the White House for this bill’s final steps towards passage.

During the hundred years from Reconstruction to the heights of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, thousands of Americans, most of them Black, were lynched by mobs motivated primarily by racial hatred.

Among the victims was Emmett Till, 14, of Chicago, who was kidnapped, beaten, and shot to death while visiting relatives in Mississippi in 1955. This was after false allegations he had leered at a White woman. Till’s mother insisted that his disfigured body be displayed in an open coffin to show our nation the brutality he’d suffered. The ensuing outrage helped to further ignite the civil rights movement.

Our nation has been long overdue for legislation that would outlaw and condemn the barbaric act of lynching. Yet, the pitiful reality is that since 1900 there have been roughly 200 attempts in Congress to pass a federal anti-lynching bill. Shamefully, every single one of these efforts has failed up to this point. We cannot shy away from the disgraceful length of time it took to finally take impactful congressional action and, as lawmakers, create a statute to punish and deter the revolting act of lynching.

The first anti-lynching legislation was introduced by the only Black representative in

n We cannot shy away from the disgraceful length of time it took to finally take impactful congressional action and, as lawmakers, create a statute to punish and deter the revolting act of lynching.

1900, Rep. George Henry White (R-NC). His bill never made it out of committee, and over the decades that ensued, there were 200 unsuccessful attempts to carry out his initiative.

Beginning in 1916, the combined mobilization of the NAACP and the Anti-Lynching Crusaders led to rallies and public outcry against the unconscionable practice of lynching that was taking place. In 1922, the House passed an anti-lynch-

ing measure, but the Senate used a filibuster that effectively derailed the bill. The effort to kill off the bill was spearheaded by a group of southern senators. Thus began a cycle, as, similar anti-lynching bills were introduced only to be ditched in a fashion that resembled the fortune of endeavors that came before.

In 2005, the Senate made strides by passing a resolution that expressed remorse for failing to pass anti-lynching legislation but still couldn’t gather the votes to transform federal law. The Senate then came close in 2020 to pass an anti-lynching bill that had bipartisan support in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Today, we must be grateful that the so-called entertainment of public lynching, where White families enjoyed refreshments as they watched African Americans strung up and murdered, are a thing of the past. But our nation deludes itself if it thinks that such heinous hate crimes don’t still exist. We can look to the modern-day lynching of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia to understand that this terror has remained. Had the Emmett Till Antilynching Act been on the books already, it might have proved to be a powerful new tool for prosecutors in Mr. Arbery’s case. While this new law can never fully compensate for the long lives that were stolen from Mr. Till or Mr. Arbery, the enactment of the Act that bears Mr. Till’s name does provide some form of justice as it affirms the fate this young man and so many others have shared was and is despicable. The Emmett Till Antilynching Act will serve as a prosecutorial weapon to put an end to the vile practice of lynching that has contributed to racial violence in the United States for far too long. It is a bill that provides some degree of healing for a nation that still hasn’t fully come to grips with the violent racism of its past and will serve as a way forward to deal with “the strange fruits hanging from its (sick) poplar tree.”

Congressman Kweisi Mfume is representative for Maryland’s 7th congressional district

Guest Columnist Kweisi Mfume

Columnist Marc H. Morial

Columnist Michael P. McMillan

Annie Malone to provide ride options for May Day Parade

St. Louis American staff

The participants will be walking, dancing, and marching in the 112th Annie Malone May Day Parade at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 15, and the agency is providing transportation to the event, First Student will offer free shuttle service to city residents needing a ride to the parade. During the parade, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment [SLATE] will distribute free bus passes to those in attendance ages 13 to 25. They can be used for the rest of the year.

“Annie Malone Children and Family Services is thankful to First Student and SLATE for providing free transportation options to our patrons of the May Day Parade,” said Keisha Lee, Annie Malone Children & Family Services CEO.

“We are excited about this year’s May Day Parade being held in person in downtown St. Louis and look forward to providing free transportation to this historic event.” Shuttles will start at 11 a.m. and stop at 5 p.m. Busses will run every 30 minutes from two locations: Natural Bridge and Union on the Schnucks Parking Lot and the intersection of Olive Boulevard and 23rd St.

“SLATE is elated to partner with Annie Malone in the distribution of Gateway Go Metro Passes to our youth ages 13-25 years old,” said Fredrecka S. McGlown, SLATE executive director.

“The Parade has been a long-standing tradition and has a rich history within our community. I remember attending and participating as a youth. We figured what a perfect opportunity to partner and provide this valuable resource to our young people as they enjoy the festivities.”

The parade, which returns to its downtown Market St., route for the first time in two years, is sponsored by Nike and Midwest BankCentre on May 15, 2022, at 1:00 pm.

KSDK 5 On Your Side, IHeartRadio, and Audacy are media sponsors for the Annie Malone May Day Parade Weekend, which will include the first Friends of Annie Malone Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at VUE 17, 1034 Brentwood Boulevard in Richmond Heights. A Greek Night of Celebration is at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at the Kappa House, 500 N. Vandeventer in Midtown St. Louis.

Here comes the judge

By Wendy Gladney The L.A. Sentinel

Although there are still disparities and injustices in our society, we have recently experienced some significant milestones, especially when it comes to African American women in leadership positions within the federal government.

Michelle Obama will always be our first lady (FLOTUS), and we have Madam Vice President Kamala Harris. We also have Ventris C. Gibson, the first African American woman to serve as the United States Mint deputy director, and now we have Superior Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Another very momentous event was Harris, the first Black woman ever to hold the vice-presidential title, presiding over the vote to confirm Jackson.

Jackson becomes only the second justice with a criminal defense background appointed to the nation’s highest court. The first was Thurgood Marshall the first African American to be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice. Although Jackson has been confirmed, she will not be officially sworn in until this summer when her mentor, Justice Stephen Breyer, retires. Jackson previously clerked for Breyer, who has served as an associate justice for nearly 28 years. This will be the first time in our history where White men will not be the majority on the Supreme Court.

President Biden stated after Jackson’s confirmation, “This is a moment of real change.”

It’s a powerful thing when people can see themselves in others. They say to “be it” you must “see it.” Now Black people of all ages can see someone who looks like them sitting as a justice on the highest court of our land.

Jackson was blessed that at an early age she knew what she wanted to do in life. The native of Washington, D.C., attended Harvard undergraduate and Harvard Law School in her pursuit of becoming a lawyer.

Her hard work, superior legal mind and sense of fairness allowed her to work her way up the judicial ladder and shatter the proverbial glass ceiling. Her exemplary career was achieved while she also had the equally rewarding and challenging roles as devoted wife, loving mother, and dutiful daughter. She is an excellent role model as a true “Renaissance Woman.”

I am proud to be a member of both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the California Black Women’s Collective, which have been outspoken, clear, and unapologetic in standing with and supporting women of color in business, politics, and government.

Women have a historical record of volunteering, donating money, and pushing the agenda forward for social justice, civil rights, equal opportunity, equity in pay and voting rights. In the case of Judge Brown, along with other women organizations they showed up and showed out.

We must hold onto the hope that this is the beginning of a new day for justice in America. As the world struggles with democracy and goodwill we as a people must set the standard at the highest level. From all that I have learned about the history and impact of the work of Ketanji Brown Jackson, I believe we are in good hands.

All we can ask is for our judges to care about the needs and concerns of all Americans regardless of economic status, race, creed, or color. We all wish her many meaningful years on the court. Look out world; Here comes the judge!

The Saint Boogie Brass Band performed during the 2021 virtual Annie Malone May Day Parade, which raised more than $102,000 for Annie Malone Children and Family Services. The parade returns to Market St., on Sunday, May 15, 2022, and the agency is providing a free bus shuttle service.

Wendy Gladney

Continued from A1

College (’45) in Atlanta until joining the U.S. Army. He served in the infantry in Italy during World War II and received the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for service to his country. After the war he attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville. There he met and fell in love with Ellene Terrell Bentley, and they married in 1947. They began their family with the birth of their eldest daughter in 1949. He graduated from medical school in 1951 and joined his sister Helen, who also became a physician, in St. Louis in 1952 for a residency in Pediatrics at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. His daughter Alison would also become a doctor and later joined her father’s practice.

She told The American in 2012, “It’s a family business, and that’s really the important word. We are a family who are about families.” In 1955 he began his

Jones

Continued from A1

Collaborative, a coalition of community members, private and non-profit groups, and city agencies “committed to reducing vacant property in St. Louis.works,” according to the collaborative’s website.

The next largest chunk of ARPA funds – $31 million – would go to the “empowerment,” pillar, including business empowerment, workforce development and educational justice, according to the proposal. The remaining $27 million would be used for “equitable and inclusive development,” including crafting an “equitable, transparent and accountable” model for handing out economic incentives.

private pediatric practice and during the next years he and Ellene added four more daughters to their blossoming family. While a member of the medical staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJC) he served on many committees and advisory boards. He worked with the Community Outpatient Practice Experience facilitating real life community pediatric practicums for medical residents from Children’s Hospital. He did the same for physician assistants and nurse practitioners from other programs. In addition to his practice, he was a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine and dedicated himself to providing excellent healthcare to and advocacy for underserved children and families in North St. Louis. He was a member of the National Medical Association, the Mound City Medical Forum, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Homer was a proud “Girl Dad”, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His energy, kindness, intelligence, and humor blessed his family, friends and all who encountered him. Always

The proposal comes as the city faces a shrinking Black population and as large sections of the territory meet the definition of “qualified census tracts,” where incomes are below 60% of the “area median gross income” or have a poverty rate of 25% or higher.

Within the St. Louis city boundaries, 59.2% of the land is in such tracts and they are home to 52.9% of the residents, “elevating the importance of prioritizing economic justice,” the report said.

“Addressing the racial disparities in real estate, business, and employment will lay the foundation for growth in every one of our neighborhoods,” Jones said in an introduction to the report. “Equitable development is necessary to reverse decades of population decline and make St. Louis a place

active he also enjoyed playing handball, racquetball, golf and worldwide travel with family and friends.

He was an avid reader and Master bridge player and

where families want to live and grow.”

In a “Final Rule,” the U.S. Treasury Department, which oversees ARPA funding, encourages cities to use ARPA funds to address the negative economic impacts experienced by communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the deadly virus, both in terms of levels of illness and economic impact.

Last year, the mayor and Board of Aldermen president Lewis Reed were at odds over a plan to spend $33 million in COVID funds in North City. Jones vetoed the spending plan after information she obtained indicated economic development spending was not an appropriate use for the COVID relief funds.

even taught the game to others. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity (ETA Boule chapter), The Royal Vagabonds, the Music Lovers, the Ebony Tennis Club, and the

The new report notes that while “general economic development” is not considered an eligible use of ARPA funds, the rule allows funds to be used for affordable housing, small business assistance, job training, improvements to vacant properties, and stabilization of schools, hospitals and childcare facilities.

Overall, the economic justice proposal seeks to “strengthen neighborhoods, eliminate the wealth gap, improve health and educational outcomes, expand the tax base” and boost the city’s population, which dipped by 6% from 2010 to 301,578, according to the 2020 Census

The proposal includes:

• Launching a “Develop a College Promise” program to provide graduating high school

He

St. Louis Bridge Club. Homer is preceded in death by his wife Ellene Nash, parents, Marie Antoinette Graves Nash and Homer E. Nash, Sr., sisters Marie Nash, Catherine

seniors with financial support for college-level education and/or short-term certification programs free of charge, and investing in adult education and literacy, including technology training and digital literacy programs to help bridge the digital divide;

• Building technical assistance programs to help small, minority, and woman-owned businesses with certification, licensing, tax support, marketing, legal, and other professional services;

• Establishing a revolving loan fund to provide small, minority, and woman-owned businesses and nonprofits with low-interest loans and long-term capital to start up, mobilize projects, and scale up operations;

• Addressing size, structure and staffing levels at the Land Reutilization Authority, and integrating LRA data with city services;

• Funding land maintenance and clean-up, and clearing of vacant properties for strategic redevelopment and empowering neighborhood-based organizations to participate in the stewardship of LRA properties;

• Financing vacant building stabilization through preserva-

tion and rehabilitation when possible, and authorizing quality demolition or deconstruction when necessary. Priority would be given to historic buildings and neighborhoods by providing grants and forgivable loans for historic projects and establishment of historic districts

• Improving city code enforcement.

The effort, which would see a wave of spending through Dec. 31 , 2024, will begin with a series of neighborhood association meetings, issue roundtables, and town halls to get residents’ input. The first town hall will be at the O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex May 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A second town hall will be held May 17 at Meramec Elementary School, also from 6-8p.m.

The city already has outlined plans $96 million in ARPA funds, meaning up to $246 million could be used to attempt to reverse decades of disinvestment.

“We have a remarkable opportunity before us” Jones said in the report, “and we must seize it.”

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

Harris Frye, Helen Nash, Harriet Chisholm, and son-inlaw Leo Ming. His sister Dorothy Shack, daughters Terrell Ellene Mann (Steve), Lauren Ming, Sherry Heard, Alison Nash (Clarence Dula) and Tracey NashHuntley (David Huntley) survive him as do his grandchildren, Earl Ming (Nikkisha), Stephan Mann, Courtney Dula (Adam Pearson), Carole DulaBell (Rickell Bell), CK Ming, Jordan Heard, Sydney Heard, Calhoun Huntley, Porter Huntley, William Dula and Homer Dula; and great-grandchildren Zoey Birdsong, Gabrielle Ming, Kyah Mann, Gavin Ming, Vivienne Pearson, Denise Bell, Phineas Pearson, and Imani Makeda Black.

is also survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, in-laws, and a host of friends of all ages please consider donating to Morehouse College in memory of Alumnus Homer E Nash, Jr, MD ’45. Online donations can be made at www.giving. Moreouse.ed The obituary was provided by the family of the late Dr. Homer E. Nash

Dr. Homer Erwin Nash, Jr, with his daughter, Alison, also a physician, who joined her father’s practice.

Photo courtesy of the Nash family

Medicaid

Continued from A1

prevent expansion by refusing to put the necessary funds in the budget. This move was supposedly halted last year when the Missouri Supreme Court ruled the expansion amendment constitutional.

But, as the St. Louis PostDispatch noted in its February 11, 2022, editorial, “Missouri’s Republican-run legislature has been so determined to sabotage Obamacare that it has steadfastly refused to go along with the program’s call for Medicaid expansion.”

Recently, state Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) derided the GOP’s efforts.

“I think any attempt to undo what the voters approved is disrespectful. There are a lot of people, working people, who hope to have access to health care through Medicaid, and any sort of attempt to undo the will of the voters after the Supreme Court has weighed in on this issue ... people are going to be less healthy.”

Arthur made a point about “working people.” According to the Commonwealth Foundation, by June 2020, as many as 7.7 million workers

Walker

Continued from A1

Graham said there was no indication that Walker was being treated for the underlying heart disease that claimed her life, though she did have normal doses of other prescribed medications in her system.

“She was not being treated for any heart disease,” said Graham. “She was unaware that she specifically had this going on.” Graham said hotel video was “really useful” in helping investigators piece together the last moments of the life of Walker, who was hailed as a tireless worker on behalf of women and healthcare.

“We were able to watch the collapse [on] video,” he said. “And she was behaving perfectly normally prior to the collapse. She had no signs of agitation or distress or anything.

“She was walking down a hallway, nobody around, carrying a couple of bags, wearing high heels, walking perfectly normally and then leans against the wall and collapses,” he said.

An unnamed “good Samaritan,” who was nearby, performed CPR before medical help arrived. Graham said there were no injuries other than those caused by CPR.

Graham said the death report includes a toxicology report, and said his office has no more reports pending in the case, based on the information known at this point.

“As far as I’m concerned,

lost their jobs. This meant that, because of the pandemic, many also lost employer-sponsored insurance.

The pandemic proved that Medicaid expansion is a much-needed resource.

Between February 2020 and June 2021, enrollment in Medicaid rose by about 18%, with 12.5 million people gaining coverage after the government relaxed enrollment regulations.

A growing body of research has concluded that Medicaid expansion pays for itself, by increasing employment and the tax base and reducing healthcare expenses. New research indicates that increased access to health insurance has crime reducing benefits. Considering that Medicaid expansion is funded by the federal government, it’s hard to comprehend why GOP legislators fight so hard to not receive hundreds of millions in federal dollars or why they’re willing to leave some 275,000 Missourians without coverage.

Much of the Republican’s efforts to halt Medicaid expansion is based on the stereotypical belief that it is designed to only support poor people or those unwilling to work. In fact, the latest effort through a proposed constitutional amend-

I don’t see realistically that anything else is going to come to light,” he said. “Obviously if we get some new information [that would change.] But realistically, I just don’t see where there’s anywhere else to go with this.”

In announcing the police department’s review of the case, St. Louis Public Safety Director Dr. Dan Isom lamented the “rumors” and media reports not supported by facts.

“Unfortunately, many have jumped to conclusions based on rumors, innuendo and allegations with no facts to support the reporting,” Isom said during a weekly report on crime in the downtown area. “It is a sad commentary for individuals who manufacture controversy out of tragedy. Specifically, the reckless writing from the St. Louis Post Dispatch editorial over the weekend contains errors that the board has since refused to address and could have [been] answered through reaching out to the St. Louis Police Department.”

It was not immediately clear what the medical examiner and city police findings mean for a St. Louis County Council member who said via Twitter he would seek a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation into the death of Walker, arguing that the close relationship between Jones and Walker presented a conflict of interest for the city.

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

ment sponsored by Rep. Cody Smith (R-Carthage), requires Medicaid recipients to work or be in job training at least 80 hours a month or perform 80 hours of community service.

Tim McBride, a professor at the Brown School at Washington University and local expert on the effects of health reform at the state and national levels, challenges the GOP’s popular but misguided perception.

“Politicians like to say ‘we need to make them work’ but the truth is many are working. Something like 80% of the people who are uninsured, have someone in their household who’s working,” McBride explained.

“These people are working but they’re working at jobs that don’t provide insurance. It’s part time or it’s temporary work.

“Medicaid expansion, in part, was created to deal with that population. It has a very simple rule: If you’re below 150% of the poverty rate, you’re eligible regardless of anything else.”

In a recent interview with The Examiner, McBride said, “We are clearly behind where we said we would be at this point in terms of enrollment.”

The article contrasted Missouri with other states that have enrolled half of their newly eligible residents within the first month. Yet, in nearly five months “Missouri has enrolled less than 25% of the estimated 275,000 eligible” as of January 2022.

“It’s unacceptable!” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, president, and CEO of Affinia Healthcare.

“The State has done little to nothing to encourage enrollment. There are over 70,000

pending applications statewide. Processing time for a Medicaid application is 99 days. Without access to health insurance, many in the black community will simply go without treatment.”

Holmes worries about addressing the healthcare needs of the disenfranchised now and after the virus is contained.

Once the public health emergency ends, will the government still finance COVID-19 immunizations? What about those suffering from underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to death during a pandemic?

Holmes is concerned because “a significant number of preventive screenings” have been delayed because of COVID. Therefore, she fears an increase in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers in black communities because

of these delayed screenings. Additionally, those suffering from behavioral health issues resulting from COVID or “Long COVID” will be left without safety nets, Holmes stressed.

While Republicans continue to play politics with Medicaid expansion, some nonprofits are working diligently to enroll and educate people about expanded coverage. In January, Lachelle Livingston, director of population health at CareSTL clinics, told St. Louis Public Radio that it’s imperative to increase Medicaid enrollment numbers.

“Medicaid expansion will greatly improve the health of our communities, especially those underserved low-income communities that have not been able to seek out services.”

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

Getting closer to a government for the people

Proposition R passed with nearly 70% of approval by St. Louis voters. Proposition B received 61% of county voters. Both reform measures could be heard as screams of voters being sick and tired of being sick and tired; sick and tired of the indifference, incompetence, and alleged corruption of people who they pay to represent their interests.

In the wake of Prop R results, St. Louis Alderwoman Sarah Martin resigned. She’s also a paid lobbyist, a secondary job that could pose a conflict of interests with her duties as an elected official.

As the scrutiny increases, more elected officials may bite the dust.

Prop B forced St. Louis County Executive Sam Page to end working his secondary job as an anesthesiologist. Prop B was aimed specifically at Page, and he said he will willingly comply. Apparently, county voters believed they were being short-changed on time and attention of their top elected official.

County voters also approved a charter change that means a county executive would have to pay for all appointed employees out of their budget instead of splitting the cost across county departments.

In the city, several issues were bundled into Prop R. The most important were that the

Board of Alderpersons will no longer draw a redistricting map after the 2030 U.S. Census. Voters have seen absurd boundaries drawn that have little to do with equitable representation.

One year, an alderman used his power to draw a potential opponent out of the ward. Prop R was a vote of no confidence in that process.

Prop R requires alderpersons to publicly disclose their financial dealings. This takes into account the kind of privileged and unfettered access to information and resources they might have that could be unethical, and possibly, illegal.

Sadly, people don’t always see any moral or ethical distinction among the Board of Alderman. They see a bunch of lazy, inept politicians getting a paycheck and not doing the people’s work. Taxation without representation.

When the reduction of the Board of Aldermen finally began to sink in, I tried to get a pulse on whether an offensive could be mounted. There was little appetite for such a fight among voters or community

groups.

I heard many responses. It all boiled down to it wouldn’t make a difference if there are 28 members of the Board of Aldermen or 14. The responses got harsher when I asked if they were willing to sacrifice Black political empowerment because of a few bad apples. That argument truly fell on deaf ears.

The concept of a “woke voter” is in the process of beginning. It is a reality that far too many politicians have ignored. Community organizations have taken up the responsibility of engaging and educating to build political power. Woke voters are demanding representation, transparency, and tangible reforms that improve their quality of life. The neighborhood in your ward or municipality is what you wake up to each morning. Residents know better than anyone if conditions around them have improved or worsened over time. A new face in a high place, or a reform passed at the ballot box, doesn’t always mean change. It’s a challenge to keep hope alive in these situations. The region hangs on to the past, fighting against transformative change and the people are responding. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear voters demanding a government for the people.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Police lobbyist and County Executive candidate Jane Dueker isn’t giving up her lobbying license just yet. Last week, to skirt Missouri Ethics Commission rules that would have otherwise forced her to end her paid promotion of the notorious St. Louis Police Officers Association, Dueker allies Christopher Graville a St. Louis County municipal court judge, and Kathryn Drennen, political consultant to Claire McCaskill and Russ Carnahan, launched “JanePAC” to help Dueker fundraise around state campaign ethics laws.

The only donation reported so far to JanePAC is a $10,000 contribution made the same day the political action committee was launched - from the St. Louis County Police Association PAC. The County Police PAC is administered by Jeff Roorda replacement and current business manager Matt Crecelius, and as recently as December 26, counted several contributions from Dueker herself.

However, according to the Post-Dispatch she de-registered as a lobbyist on Thursday to be free to open a campaign account for herself. This is a sharp reversal from her earlier position and she also admits that she would not rule out working as a private attorney for some of her previous clients as a “volunteer.”

Meanwhile, incumbent County Executive Sam Page

district. Roberts’ MEC reports all reflect either a P.O. Box or his parents’ Westmoreland address, and no public records connect Roberts Jr. to the 77th district at all. Fortunately for Roberts, his 2020 senate win expanded his

reported $161,000 in campaign contributions for the first quarter of 2022, including tens of thousands of dollars from local labor unions and a whopping $25,000 single donation from McBride & Son Management, a development corporation helmed by Dueker’s own brother, John Eilermann. Even JanePAC’s deputy treasurer Kathy Drennen - who administers TheLouPAC - gave $5,000 to Page’s campaign committee in early March. Meanwhile, Republican challenger Shamed Dogan pulled in close to $50,000 for the first quarter; Katherine Pinner and Randall Holmes, also vying for the County Executive position, have yet to file their campaigns with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Where does Steve Roberts Jr. actually live?

While these may not have been concerns for him before, recent statements made by Roberts’ campaign staff last week have, perhaps unintentionally, revealed previously undisclosed issues for Roberts’ state campaigns, including potential eligibility problems for his 2016 and 2018 state house district runs.

Let’s start here: last week, in response to the news that Roberts did, in fact, pay at least one settlement claim to a victim, Simmone Kimble, deputy

communications director for the Roberts campaign, asserted that “[a]gainst the wishes of Mr. Roberts, an insurance company reached a settlement agreement [with victim Amy E. Harms]... (neither) Steve Roberts nor anyone in the Roberts family paid anyone a dime.”

Harms immediately pushed back in the media, reminding Roberts that both he and his younger brother Christian Frazer Roberts - who has worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office since June 2017 - were both voluntarily present in the conference room when all parties signed the settlement documents in front of each other. Notably, the settlement documents were executed and signed in late fall 2019, and both Harms and her lawyer have maintained that Roberts broke the settlement agreement first, by publicly denying during a KMOV interview that he acted inappropriately toward Harms.

At the time of the alleged assault against Harms in late April 2015, public records (and the insurance company’s own correspondence) list Roberts’ residence at his parents’ Westmoreland Place home in the Central West End. This aligns with the insurance policy narrative. But this is where his timeline gets tricky -- his parents’ house is in the 84th state house district, which means that

Roberts had to move into the 77th state house district no later than November 2015 in order to meet the one-year residency requirement within the district in order to be eligible to run for that seat.

Otherwise, the timeline would imply that Roberts wasn’t actually residing with his parents at the time of the alleged assault against Harms, which could put him in a very awkward situation with his parents’ insurance company, which

reportedly paid the bombshell $100,000 settlement to Harms.

Compounding the residency issues and timeline problems: shortly after his August 2016 primary win, the late Cora Faith Walker reported to St. Louis Metropolitan Police that Roberts allegedly assaulted her at his residence in a Downtown West loft. Roberts even acknowledged his residency to police throughout the incident report. This address also falls outside of the 77th state house

Shamed Dogan Amy E. Harms

“Taking Care of You”

Urban League, Peoples Health Centers combat COVID

‘We cannot let up’

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers will continue offering free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations through appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at two Betty Jean Kerr centers: 11642 West Florissant Avenue in Florissant, and 5701 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis.

St. Louis American staff

Recognizing that the battle against COVID is far from over, The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers will continue offering free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

Services will now be offered through appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at two Betty Jean Kerr centers: 11642 West Florissant Avenue in Florissant, and 5701 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. Despite the drops in new infections, African American communities still have a higher rate of infections and continued vigi-

n Despite the drops in new infections, African American communities still have a higher rate of infections.

lance, along with testing and vaccinations are necessary to protect vulnerable communities.

“COVID-19 is still very much present in our community, especially the AfricanAmerican community,” said James Clark, Urban League Division of Public Safety and Community Response vice president.

“We cannot let up and we are proud to continue our vaccination and testing efforts in the heart of the community with a trusted community partner like People’s Health Centers.”

According to Clark, his division has provided more than 200,000 vaccinations over the course of the pandemic and helped St. Louis expand its mobile testing operations during the most recent COVID-19 surge.

In addition to vaccines, the Division has distributed more than 4 million masks in the community and to various organizations including schools, barber and beauty salons,

Religious leaders put their ‘Voices’ in Medicaid sign-up effort

Missouri lags behind other states

By Sarah Fentem St. Louis Public Radio

Religious leaders in Missouri are trying to persuade people to sign up for the state’s recently expanded Medicaid program.

Members of the grassroots organization Missouri Faith Voices say they need to spread the word about the health insurance program. Missouri voters in 2020 expanded the Medicaid program to cover adults who make around $18,000 a year or less. But many people haven’t heard the news, the organization’s leaders said.

n Missouri voters in 2020 expanded the Medicaid program to cover adults who make around $18,000 a year or less. But many people haven’t heard the news.

“There is no state backing, there’s no advertisement,” said Gerald Ray, the organization’s Black health advocacy organizer. “There’s no marketing to let the people know that this is an option for them. So what we’ve decided to do is to get the congregations organized to go into the communities.”

The nonprofit is made up of faith leaders in St.

Louis, Springfield, Jefferson City and other parts of the state. In St. Louis, the group and the community health clinic CareSTL Health are recruiting church members and people in the community to help. The volunteers are going door to door in neighborhoods and calling people to explain what Medicaid is, how it works and who is now eligible to receive the health insurance benefits.

The state has so far enrolled around 28% of the estimated 275,000 Missourians now eligible for Medicaid benefits. Tens of thousands of people are waiting for their applications to be processed, which can take more than 100 days. Critics have said the state has done little more than required to get the word out to the state’s poorest, most vulnerable people. Many Missourians don’t know that adults of all ages

See VOICES, A13

Prostate cancer rising in Black community

By Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

As the United States continues to grapple with its legacy of systemic racism, debates on issues such as police brutality and racial profiling, the economic gulf between Blacks and Whites, and the dearth of access to affordable educational opportunities, there is one area that has received far less attention: The gap in positive health outcomes that African Americans – and particularly Black men –face. While the COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on these fissures, its beam barely touched the edges of the problem. Yet, according to Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services research, Black Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes and HIV/AIDS than their white counterparts. Black people also have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the United States for most cancers. These are abhorrent figures anyway you look at them, but especially when considering that many of these deadly diseases – at least when detected early – are treatable and survivable. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer has a 99% fiveyear survival rate for men if the cancer is detected during the early stage.

n The American Cancer Society found that Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than their White counterparts.

Yet, Black men have a 70% higher rate of developing prostate cancer than white men, and research from the American Cancer Society found that Black men are more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than their White counterparts. One of the key reasons for these staggering disparities is the fact that Black men are overall less aware of the threat this form of cancer poses to them and have less resources available to them to receive testing and monitoring for the disease.

Thankfully there are members of the Black community like billionaire investor Robert

See COVID, A13

See CHAVIS, A13

Photo courtesy of CareSTL Health

Gerald Ray of Missouri Faith Voices goes door to door to spread Medicaid enrollment information earlier this year. The statewide group of religious leaders is spreading the word about Missouri’s newly expanded Medicaid health insurance program.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

Photo courtesy of the Urban League

“Taking Care of

More than 14 million people of color breathe ‘hazardous air’

‘Disproportionately exposed’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

According to a report published this week by the American Lung Association, almost half of Americans – 137 million people – are experiencing more days of “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality than in the previous two decades combined.

The Lung Association’s State of the Air report also revealed that 72 million people of color live in counties that received at least one failing grade for ozone and particle pollution.

More than 14 million dwell in areas where health officials doled out failing grades on all three measures.

The report looks at America’s exposure to two types of air pollution: ozone, also called smog, and particle pollution, commonly called soot.

The American Lung Association has issued the State of the Air for 23 years using data analyzed from official air quality monitors.

Officials have pushed the motto that the more you learn about the air you breathe, the more you can protect your health and take steps to make the air cleaner and healthier.

“We’ve seen much better air quality in most areas today than when we started the report. But over the last five years, we’ve seen an uptick, and we attribute a lot of that to climate change,” said Paul Billings, senior vice president of public policy for the American Lung Association.

“We’ve had some of the hottest years on record – creating dry conditions that lead to drought and wildfires,” Billings stated.

State of the Air 2022 shows

COVID

Continued from A12

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately impact Black and brown communities in St. Louis, People’s is excited to work with the Urban League to bring much needed COVID-19 outreach, education and vaccinations to these vulnerable communities,” said Dwayne Butler, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers CEO.

“It is too early to drop our guard against this clear threat.”

that an “unacceptable number of Americans are still living in areas with poor air quality that could impact their health,” said Harold Wimmer, American Lung Association president and CEO.

“More than 137 million Americans live in counties that had unhealthy levels of particle pollution or ozone. In addition, communities of color are disproportionately exposed to unhealthy air.”

The report also found that people of color were 61% more

For additional information and to schedule an appointment call 314-484-5467. In addition, the Urban League will be adding 20 Community Health Navigators as partners in the agency’s fight against the pandemic.

“The pandemic may be easing but the effects are still being felt in the AfricanAmerican community which was disproportionately impacted,” said Clark. “We must get shots in arms and help families gain access to other resources available to them through the Urban League.” The health navigators are

likely than white people to live in a county with a failing grade for at least one pollutant and 3.6 times as likely to live in a county with a failing grade for all three pollutants. Other highlights from the report include:

Some 72 million people of color live in counties that received at least one failing grade for ozone and/or particle pollution. Over 14 million people of color live in counties that received failing grades on all three measures, including near-

funded through a partnership between the National Urban League and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to help Urban League affiliates in six cities build vaccine confidence and bolster COVID-19 vaccination.

“One lesson we’ve learned through the COVID-19 pandemic is that trusted voices within communities, such as our affiliate presidents and CEOs, are the best way to overcome vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation, and connect people with health care providers,” National Urban League President and

ly 10 million Hispanics.

People experiencing poverty—More than 15.9 million people with incomes meeting the federal poverty definition live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant. Over 2.6 million people in poverty live in counties failing all three measures.

Children and older adults— Some 31 million children under age 18 and nearly 21 million adults age 65 and over live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant. Almost

CEO Marc H. Morial said in a release.

“With the support of the HRSA, our affiliates can expand their reach by hiring a local Community Health Navigator workforce to help keep our communities informed, safe and healthy.”

The National Urban League was awarded $11.125 million to recruit, hire, train, and support community health navigators in St. Louis, Knoxville, Tennessee, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Houston, and the state of Mississippi.

On Monday, the Center for Disease Control and

4.7 million children and 2.8 million seniors live in counties failing all three measures. People with underlying health conditions. Asthma—2.3 million children and nearly 10 million adults with asthma live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant. More than 320,000 children and 1.4 million adults with asthma live in counties failing all three measures. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2019,

Prevention announced that COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for both 2020 and 2021.

According to a CDC report, in 2020, over 350,000 fatalities were directly due to the coronavirus, increasing to over 415,000 last year.

When including deaths for which COVID was a contributing factor but not the direct cause, the 2021 total increases to over 460,000.

COVID deaths were most common among elderly men. Looking at race and ethnicity, death rates were higher among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan

non-Hispanic Blacks were almost three times more likely to die from asthma related causes than the non-Hispanic white population and Black children had a death rate eight times that of non-Hispanic white children.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

(COPD)—Over 6.1 million people with COPD live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant.

Almost 800,000 people with COPD live in counties failing all three measures.

Lung Cancer—More than 66,000 people diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018 live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant. And 7,400 people diagnosed with lung cancer live in counties failing all three measures.

Cardiovascular Disease— More than 8 million people with cardiovascular disease live in counties that received an F for at least one pollutant. More than 1 million people live in counties failing all three measures.

The American Lung Association recommends that every federal agency, the White House, and Congress must immediately act to dramatically reduce air and climate pollution and drive an urgent nationwide transition to zero-emission transportation and electricity. It said 40% of the investments made to meet these goals must improve air quality, health, and life in underserved communities. Additionally, local governments have the power to help ensure that city and county operations are zero-emission and that residents can choose zero-emission forms of transportation and electricity, the officials said.

Native and Black or African American individuals.

The overall age adjusted death rate increased by 0.7% from 2020 to 2021, with heart disease and cancer remaining the top two causes, at 693,000 and 605,000 deaths, respectively, in 2021. An Indiana University Observatory on Social Media study also confirmed previous results that linked several factors to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Researchers said hesitancy rates in the U.S. highest among three groups: African Americans, women, and conservatives.

Continued from A12

are now eligible, Ray said.

“What we found is that the community doesn’t know that this is an option,” Ray said.

“When you say Medicare or Medicaid, you think elderly. But now with the expansion, Voices

Chavis

Continued from A12

it’s from 18 to 65.” The group is identifying low-income college students who might not be on their school or parents’ health insurance plans, he said. It makes sense for churches, temples and other faith-based organizations to act as a bridge between public health authorities and communities, particularly

lower-income ones, said Angela Brown, CEO of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.

“I think there is a gap between our health care providers and the communities that they serve in terms of trustee relationships, where people feel like they can go to them for just factual information,” she said.

In the past two years, churches in Black neighborhoods have dispersed information about the coronavirus and encouraged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, she said.

Unlike with some of those initiatives, public health officials aren’t behind Faith Voices’ push to enroll more people in Medicaid.

It’s important for churches and temples to make sure their congregants are healthy, said Bishop-elect DWayne Elliott of Body of Christ Christian Ministries.

“As a church and as a body of believers, we’re supposed to help out in any way that we can,” said Elliott, who recently attended a phonebanking event at CareSTL Health’s Wells-Goodfellow clinic.

“And if we have information that’s going to be beneficial to the community, it’s incumbent upon us to share it for the purpose of making their life better, and getting them the resources that they need for health care.”

tive voices and leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Ida B. Wells said it best, “The way to right wrong is to turn the light of truth on them.” It is long overdue to turn on a brighter national light on prostate cancer and Black America. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Metro.

F. Smith, The Today Show Co-host Al Roker, and activist comedians such as Chris Tucker and Steve Harvey who are raising their voices – and contributing their dollars – to combat this affliction. Robert Smith, for example, recently donated $4 million of his own money to New York City’s Mount Sinai Medical Center to create the Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. This mobile home-sized bus will tour New York City neighborhoods where men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and offer screenings and educational materials about the disease. This proactive approach that brings diagnosis tools directly

to the communities most at risk is the type of action that our nation needs when it comes to battling a disease that more than 13 percent of African American men are expected to develop in their lifetime. But Smith can’t be the only one doing this and New York City cannot be the only place where this type of outreach is occurring. Whether it is other philanthropists, local or regional

health centers, or state and federal officials, there is a desperate need for creative solutions to getting more people screened. Smith’s initiative is an innovative approach, but there are other ways to spread awareness and boost screenings in the Black community. Whether it be through an advertising and outreach campaign to pop-up health centers and tents, the COVID-19 vaccine push in the Black and

other minority communities can serve as a good example of how to quickly and efficiently get more Black men screened for the disease.

For too long, prostate cancer among Black men – and the disparity in health outcomes within the community overall – has remained relatively low profiled, but now we have a way to resolve this issue. The pioneering Black journalist and one of the effec-

Photo courtesy of HHS

Some 72 million people of color live in counties that received at least one failing grade for ozone and/or particle pollution. Unhealthy air is more harmful to people with asthma and other underlying medical conditions. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2019, non-Hispanic Blacks were almost three times more likely to die from asthma related causes than the non-Hispanic white population.

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.

DoYou Graze?

When you graze, it means that you eat small snacks all day long without eating a regular meal.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

MAYNational Fitness Month!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Slip Sliding Away...

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

Tech-Neck

“So, what’s wrong with that?” you ask. Grazing prevents your body from ever really feeling full, causing you to eat more throughout the day.

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

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

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

Five Areas of Fitness

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

Cola

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

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

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

Cardiovascular Endurance — Aerobic activities (increasing your heart rate and breathing for at least 20 minutes) help improve your heart health and endurance.

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

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.

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

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

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

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

INGREDIENTS:

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

Instead, sit down; eat a nice, solid, balanced, nutritional meal. Your body will tell you when it’s full, and the benefits are that you won’t be hungry for a while, you’ll eat less, and you won’t be tempted by lessnutritious snacks.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

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

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

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

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

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

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.

of time (such as running, cycling, sit-ups, etc.) builds your muscle endurance.

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

> 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.

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

Where do you work? I am a registered nurse in the NICU at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

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

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

Muscle Strength — We improve our muscle strength by making them work harder. This is accomplished by slowly increasing the amount of weight/ resistance you lift or press.

Flexibility — Stretching and bending helps to increase your body’s flexibility.

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

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.

Body Composition — The ratio of fat and muscle in your body makes up your body composition. Remembering to focus on the other four areas of physical fitness will improve your composition, and overall health!

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

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.

Muscle Endurance — Your ability to continue a physical activity for longer periods

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

As a class, discuss what you think are important areas of mental health. Today we’ll focus on stress management. This means that we’ll consider ways to relieve the stress in our lives.

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

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

> 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.

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!

Learning Standards:

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

Learning Standards:

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

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 Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

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

Individually, make a list of four things that cause you stress. Again as a class, talk about different methods

for stress relief: Time management, coping, speaking with trusted adults, exercising, journaling, etc. Now looking at your stressors list, what of these relievers might help?

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.

> What to do if you are bullied.

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

> 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.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 1

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!

Easy Hummus Dip

Cracker-wiches

Ingredients: 8 Saltine crackers 4

Ingredients:

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Ingredients:

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

> 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.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Tbsp Honey (optional)

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 East St. Louis Sr. High School. I then earned an Associate Degree of Nursing from Jewish Hospital School of Nursing and a Doctor of Divinity from Cohen Institute.

What does a NICU registered nurse do? I administer care to premature infants, and I also attend the delivery of compromised pregnancies. I help babies that require respiratory assistance, whether on a ventilator or CPAP.

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 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

Why did you choose this career? I always had a desire to help people. Neonatology is so rewarding, and it gives a feeling of accomplishment. Also, offering hope to parents of these “tiny humans” is heartwarming and gives a sense of empowerment as well. I love my job!

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

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

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

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”.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? One of my favorite parts is offering hope to parents and administering the care that these babies need to thrive and look forward to going home. I also help to prepare parents to take their babies home, and make sure they are confident in their care, and offer outside resources that may also assist them in home care.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

“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 1, HPE 2, NH 1, NH 5

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

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.

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.

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 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

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana PB Smoothie

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Markeita Moore, RN - NICU

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

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

Students in Rhonda Stovall’s 4th grade class are participating in the Index Card Tower Challenge. Destiny Carter, Semaj Clark, Neveah Bland, Queen Furlow, and Ambre Cromwell have to design and create a prototype of a freestanding index card tower that will support the mass of one large balloon.

Gateway MST Elementary is in the Saint Louis Public Schools District

A satellite is an object that orbits around a planet. Some satellites, such as moons, occur naturally in our solar system. Other satellites are man-made. Since 1957, there have been thousands of satellites launched.

Satellites are built to be as strong and light as possible. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but each satellite has a platform, an antennae, and a power source. Sometimes the power source is battery generated, sometimes it is solar powered from the sun. Most satellites are sensitive to extreme heat and cold, so their design has to protect from the heat of the sun, and add heat when it is cold. Layered blankets that resemble aluminum foil keep heat in, while radiators release

They are used for many purposes, such as collecting data. Satellites measure gases,

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information: Have you ever wondered about meteorites? In this experiment, you will collect meteorites and examine them.

Materials Needed:

• Bowl • Fine Fabric • Water • Magnet Process:

q Fill the bowl with water and leave it outside for several days.

w Remove particles such as leaves and insects. Use the fabric to filter

Did

= distance divided by time.

z If you live ½ mile from school and it takes you 10 minutes to walk to school, what speed are you walking? ______ mile per minute, ______ miles per hour

x Your family is traveling by car to visit relatives who live 360 miles away. It takes your

DID YOU KNOW?

African-American Inventor and Engineer

Jocelyn Harrison

monitor wildfires and volcanoes, and provide information about clouds, oceans, land and ice. According to NASA, “All this information helps scientists predict weather and climate. The information also helps public health officials track disease and famine. It helps farmers know what crops to plant; and it helps emergency workers respond to natural disasters.”

To Learn More About the Different Types and Uses of Satellites, Visit: http://satellites.spacesim.org/english/ function/index.html.

Jocelyn Harrison was born in 1964 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She followed her passion for science and exploration to earn a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Spelman College in 1987. Later that same year, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Harrison stayed at Georgia Tech to earn her master’s degree and doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering. She finished her education in 1993.

the remaining contents in the bowl. Let the contents air dry. There should be small black particles.

e When the particles are dry, hold the magnet above them. The particles that are attracted to the magnet are small meteorites.

Learning Standards: I can

After earning her doctoral degree, Harrison worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. Concerning her research Harrison has stated, “We’re working on shaping reflectors, solar sails and satellites. Sometimes you need to be able to change a satellite’s position or get a wrinkle off of its surface to produce a better image.” Harrison’s research has also helped to produce parts for robotics, heart pumps and audio speakers. In 2009, she became the manager of the Low Density Materials program at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Arlington, Virginia. While there, she worked to reduce the weight of aerospace systems and improve their effectiveness.

Harrison has received patents for her inventions, and numerous awards, including the 1996 R&D 100 Award presented by R&D magazine, NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the Technology All-Star Award from the National Women of Color Technology Awards.

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

and supporting details. I can make text to world connections. the Earth.

There is a satellite orbiting Earth that is predicted to re-enter the atmosphere in 8.4 million years, carrying a message addressed to the beings/ humans and civilization of the future.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Relevant Information:

Find an interesting news story to evaluate. Read the story and identify the main ideas. Number the main ideas in order of importance. Explain why you chose that order.

Activity Two — Future

Artifacts: Artifacts help us learn about our history. Locate a picture of something in the newspaper that could someday be used as an artifact. Paste the picture on a piece of paper and write about what future scientists could learn from the artifact.

Learning Standards: I can use text features to locate information in a newspaper. I can evaluate main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-world connections.

County to fund Bell staff expansion, Jamestown Mall demolition

Page seeks $5 million for MET Center

By Jason Rosenbaum

Louis Public Radio

Plan funds this year to pay for 12 attorneys and seven support staffers. The total allocation is a little more than $900,000. Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell told councilmembers that his attorneys are overworked and need relief, even if it’s temporary, to help law enforcement officials fight crime.

“We all know again as St. Louis County has gone from a suburban county to more of an urban county, crime rates have gone up,” Bell said. “And this office has not had any kind of significant increase for positions other than raises or things of that nature in over 20 years. So again, this is about public safety. Our law enforcement partners need more money. They need more people on the streets. And they’re going to be bringing more cases in.” Legislation allocating the money passed 5 to 1, with Councilman Ernie Trakas, R-St. Louis County, voting no. Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, D-Maplewood, was absent from the meeting.

Trakas questioned the wisdom of providing American Rescue Plan funds for govern-

mental positions — especially when the funding may not be around in a couple of years.

“Just yesterday, a member of the Missouri legislature coined an interesting phrase,” Trakas said. “Basically, what he said was that ‘the closest thing to never ending life on Earth is a government program.’ That’s what we’re talking about here. This is a million-dollar-plus increase to the county budget when it’s all said and done — whether it’s next year or the year after. I just can’t get there. I just don’t believe there’s any urgency now to pass it.” Bell noted that it’s not unusual for his office to hire attorneys temporarily with grants and that the same principle will apply to people hired with American Rescue Plan money.

“We need bodies to clear these cases,” Bell said. “We need them for longer. But if we’re only going to get them for a shorter period of time if this body is so inclined, we’ll still be able to do some work in the meantime.”

Jamestown Mall demolition money approved

The council is also using about $6 million in American Rescue Plan funds to demolish Jamestown Mall, a shopping center in unincorporated north St. Louis County that’s been abandoned for years. Efforts to redevelop the

Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, rear, listens to County Executive Sam Page on April 6, 2022, during the first-ever State of the County address at the

Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St.

property have been a vexing problem across multiple county executive administrations. Councilwoman Shalonda Webb has been pushing to convert the property into a mixedused development.

Right before the council unanimously approved the funding request, Webb noted that the mall was allowing people to paint north St. Louis County with a broad brush.

“In fact, in these very meet-

ings, I heard a speaker say that north county was rotting. And my heart crumbled,” said Webb, D-St. Louis County. “Because that is my home. I raised my children here.”

Webb noted that many residents of unincorporated north county felt for years that county government, which is responsible for overseeing the area, hasn’t provided enough energy or money for noticeable improvements.

“I believe that people think that we’re less than — that we are your dumping ground,” Webb said. “We have areas that have challenges. We’re not blind to that. But we’re committed to work together to do holistic changes and to do robust solutions, not Band-Aids, to bring back our community.”

Like the legislation adding funding for more prosecutors, the measure providing money for Jamestown Mall demolition

now goes to County Executive Sam Page for his signature.

Job training

Though the council is not expected to take much action on the remaining $83 million in ARPA until after the Missouri General Assembly wraps up its session in May, Page is pushing for an expansion of the county’s job training programs to be among the projects funded. He was at the MET Center, in Wellston Wednesday, advocating for $5 million to be allocated to replace the plumbing and upgrade the heating and cooling systems. The building where the MET Center has operated since the 1990s was built in the early 20th century.

“Like a lot of old buildings, it needs some TLC to reach its full potential for today and the future,” Page said. “About twothirds of the facility is currently leased, and there are some pressing capital needs that when addressed will allow more of the space to be used, including the unfinished 6th floor.” Page also hopes to get $5 million in state funds to expand the programs offered at the MET Center. Key to those programs is the social services they include, said Carolyn Seward, the CEO of the Family and Workforce Centers of America, the nonprofit that helps run the MET Center. “We are excited about the opportunity to integrate all of those social services, the mental health, the trauma-informed workshops, the legal services to get people ready to go to work,” Seward said.

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Blanche M. Touhill Performing

Louis campus.

Taylor Geospatial Institute targets STL as world leader

Harris-Stowe State University a partner

Donivan James, a SLU graduate student gives Andrew C. Taylor, Executive Chairman of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. and founding Chair of Greater St. Louis, Inc. a pin during the Thu. Apr. 21, 2022 announcement of the new Taylor Geospatial Institute coming to the NGA.

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Andrew C. Taylor sees a future that includes St. Louis being “the world’s true center for geospatial excellence,” and Harris-Stowe State University will help the region there.

Through a legacy investment, Taylor, executive chair of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. and Greater St. Louis, Inc. have helped establish the Taylor Geospatial Institute. Its goal is to make St. Louis the go-to region for geospatial science. The eight institutions that will work together through the Taylor Geospatial Institute are The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Olivette, Harris-Stowe, Missouri University of Science & Technology, St. Louis University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of

n

Missouri-St. Louis, and Washington University.

“Geospatial is an opportunity to make a real difference in this region. We can’t miss on this one,” he said during a launch press conference Thursday on the St. Louis University campus.

“It is the critical technology in nearly every-

thing we do, and it is imperative that St. Louis have the world’s leading geospatial research institution to fulfill our promise as the global center for geospatial technology in the next decade.”

The quest to become a geospatial mecca is enhanced by construction of the $1.7 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Western headquarters on a 97-acre site in North St. Louis. It will replace the NGA facility located south of downtown.

In addition to the main operations building, the new campus includes two parking garages, a visitor control center, remote inspection facility and a central utility plant. Construction is expected to be complete in 2024 and the campus will be operational in 2025.

LaTonia Collins Smith, HSSU president, said

See TAYLOR, B2

Reta Jo Lewis treasures role as first Black woman to lead EXIM

‘Focus on minorityowned business’

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Black women have made remarkable achievements across America during the past year, including the landmark confirmation of Reta Jo Lewis as the first African American woman to serve as U.S. Export-Import Bank [EXIM] board chair and president.

The bank provides financing for exported goods and services through loan guarantees, direct loans, working capital, and insurance products, Lewis told FORBES magazine in a story published April 25.

“We fill gaps left by private financing vehicles so that American companies can win more sales and ultimately be more competitive in a crowded global marketplace,” she said.

“To all the great American companies…that need financing help to make more, export more, and sell more – think EXIM. The agency also has an important focus on helping minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses succeed in exporting.” On Monday, the EXIM launched its Make More in America Initiative, which will “create new financing opportunities that spur manufacturing in the United States, support American

Lester joins SITE Improvement Assoc.

SITE Improvement Association welcomed Burnea Lester as the director of communication and community relations. Burnea will act as a resource for any contractor needing assistance with diversity and inclusion efforts. She co-founded The Art of Adaption with her husband, a consulting firm that trains and advises organizations on diversity, equity, inclusion, company culture, and psychological safety. During her time with UMSL’s Community Innovation and Action Center, she was the learning and evaluation manager.

Andwele Jolly named CEO of IHN

St. Louis Integrated Health Network (IHN) announced the selection of its new CEO, Andwele Jolly, DPT, MBA, MHA. Jolly comes to the IHN from Washington University School of Medicine where he served as the executive director of business affairs in the Department of Pathology & Immunology. While serving in leadership roles at Washington University School of Medicine since 2012, Jolly served on boards for numerous nonprofit organizations whose work advances equity across the state, including Build Missouri Health, CareSTL Health, National Association of Health Services Executives, Missouri Foundation for Health, and the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.

Rice named director at two Webster campuses

LaVada Rice has been named the director of Webster University’s Downtown and West Port campuses. In this role, Rice will manage local community and corporate relationships, coordinate and support regional recruiting and academic organization, and develop and execute plans to support regional and university programs, directives, and regulatory compliance. Rice serves as the president-elect of the Missouri Association of Blacks in Higher Education (MABHE) and is scheduled to complete her doctorate in higher education administration from Lindenwood University in December 2022.

Robinson elected to school board

the director of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Save Our Sisters Program and is a service-oriented leader with extensive experience in the nonprofit and financial service sectors. She has more than two decades of experience in the field of volunteer recruitment, volunteer management, training and retention.

board appointment, new

award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Burnea Lester

Andwele Jolly

LaVada Rice

Linda Robinson

Performance Eyecare scholarship has unique approach

Award is not academic based

St. Louis American staff

Performance Eyecare has opened submissions for their 2022 ‘Build Your Dreams’ scholarship program. This program invites local high school seniors to share their future career goals for a chance at a $2,500 scholarship.

Every child deserves the chance to pursue a career they are passionate about,” says Dr. Dirk Massie, Performance Eyecare owner.

“Our program is unique because it’s not about academic achievement. Instead, it’s open to anyone who can tell us about their dream career and how they will use this scholarship award.”

The scholarship comes with no strings attached. This financial support can be used for college, trade schools, to start a business, or in

Taylor

Continued from B1

she welcomed the invitation to be a partner in the Taylor Geospatial Institute.

“Engagement in the Taylor Geospatial Institute further advances our STEM agenda at Harris-Stowe State University. We are working toward broader participation in STEM by underrepresented students,” said Smith.

“We are excited about the spirit of collaboration among the member institutions, who will all work together on exciting new geospatial research. Local institutions of higher education working collaboratively signals a bright future for our city, region, and the global society.”

Donivan James, a SLU graduate student, said

Lewis

Continued from B1

jobs and boost America’s ability to compete with countries like China,” Lewis said in a release.

“The global pandemic and other recent events have exposed supply chain gaps in critical sectors like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative will be a key tool in tackling these issues, and it will ultimately help America manufacture more and export more,” she said.

According to the EXIM, environmentally beneficial projects, small businesses, and transformational export area transactions, including renewable energy, energy storage, semiconductors, biotech, and biomedical products, will receive financing priority.

President Joe Biden made Lewis’ nomination to lead the agency a priority in fall 2021 and she was confirmed in February – Black History Month.

The path to her EXIM role was not smooth. The Senate’s

any other way that helps jumpstart their dream job.

Performance Eyecare has hosted this scholarship program for over a decade.

During that time over $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded to high school students. Each year they receive hundreds of online applications. Winners are determined based on employee voting.

“We have so much fun hearing about the goals and dreams of our patients and helping someone take the first step towards their dream is a really rewarding experience,” said Massie.

During the application process high-school seniors are asked to must submit a short essay explaining their goals after high school, and how they hope to accomplish them.

Past winners range from a student pursuing a career in

fate brought him here from Kansas City, where he earned an undergraduate degree at UMKC.

“I got a job offer,” he said with a smile.

“I became a geospatial analyst and I wanted to get an advanced degree. The Taylor Geospatial Institute will not only enhance that degree by connecting me with the nation’s best researchers, but it will also open numerous opportunities for me in St Louis after graduation.”

The Taylor Geospatial Institute “will act as a regional hub for access to and development of technology powered by big data analytics and computing resources to support a collaborative research and training environment,” according to a release.

Its focus will be on:

Food security –informing climate-smart farming practices while

Banking Committee favorably reported Lewis’ nomination to the entire Senate on November 3, 2021. It stalled as several Republicans stated concerns with EXIM’s banking relationships with China, and whether Lewis could stand up to that nation.

The nomination was returned to President Biden on January 3, 2022. Biden resent the nomination the following day. The Senate confirmed Lewis on February 9, 2022, by a 56–40 vote. She assumed office on February 16, 2022.

“As the first Black woman to serve in this capacity, her confirmation is a shining example of what it looks like to break glass ceilings.

This moment also marks the beginning of a new chapter for EXIM Bank and businesses across the country,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters [D-California], House Financial Services Committee chair and Kinloch, Missouri native, said after Lewis was sworn in on Feb. 16.

“I am especially pleased with Ms. Lewis’ record on a key priority, strengthening small, women- and minority-owned businesses.

physical therapy, to someone who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The most recent winner, Drew W., discovered a passion for genealogy after receiving a 1924 yearbook from St. Louis University High School. He spent years researching the students, collecting information about their lives, and sharing what he found with their descendants. His scholarship will go towards pursuing a degree in anthropology at Mizzou.

“I love to see how applicants can use the scholarship to create unique and memorable experiences that directly impact their future,” said Massie. For more information or to apply for the Build Your Dreams scholarship, visit performanceeyecare. com/scholarship

simultaneously increasing biodiversity and agricultural output.

• Core geospatial science & computation – leveraging an interdisciplinary network of knowledge, technology, and skills to make geospatial science more powerful and impactful.

Geospatial health –measuring location and its influence on community health to improve healthcare systems and outcomes throughout the world.

• National security –maintaining a leading edge over adversaries through innovation in cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to creating a highly-skilled geospatial workforce.

“This is a bold step forward,” said Jason Hall, Greater St. Louis Inc, CEO. “Geospatial technology is a once in a lifetime opportunity for St. Louis.”

Throughout her career, she’s successfully supported these businesses by connecting them with both the resources and the networks they need to foster strategic alliances and opportunities.”

Lewis told FORBES her dedication to small business owners has roots in her family and her native town of Statesboro, Georgia.

“My parents who were both small business owners and dedicated civic leaders. I have seen and lived the struggles and passion of small businesses firsthand. Alongside my four siblings, my parents instilled the value of hard work in all of us at a young age,” she said.

“We quickly understood the meaning of community and learned the vital role small businesses play in making towns like Statesboro wonderful places to live.” Before joining the EXIM, Lewis was a Senior Fellow and Director of Congressional Affairs at the German Marshall Fund, where she led the effort to strengthen transatlantic cooperation.

Lewis served in the Obama Administration as the State Department’s first Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts from American University, and a Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law Russia’s invasion of Ukraine again thrust Lewis into the world spotlight soon after she too office. Last week, Reuters reported that Lewis met with Ukraine finance officials at EXIM’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and assured them American companies will play a role in helping Ukraine triumph.

“We want Ukraine to win. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” Lewis said.

n “No regrets. [Crap] happens. No crying over spilled milk.”

InSIdE

SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Jayson Tatum is top gun as Celtics cut down Nets

The emergence of St. Louisan Jayson Tatum into a top all-around player in the National Basketball Association continues as we watch his marvelous work in the first round of the playoffs.

It did not take long for Tatum to establish himself as a potent offensive player his rookie season in 2018, helping lead the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals. He was 19 and just cutting his teeth in the pro ranks. Now, in his fifth season, the former Chaminade College Prep All-American impacts the game in a multitude of ways. During the regular season, he averaged a career-high 26.9 points and eight rebounds a game. He also averaged 4.4 assists while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. What we saw from Tatum in the first round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in an Eastern Conference first-round playoff series is next-level stuff. He averaged 29.3 points and led the Celtics’ strong defensive effort that chilled Nets’ superstar Kevin Durant for the first three games of the series.

“I have the utmost respect for KD and what he’s brought to the game and accomplished. Somebody like that, he brought the best out of me,” Tatum told reporters after the series clincher.

“Not surprised how I played. I do feel like I’m one of the [NBA’s] best players. That’s how I approach the game, regardless of who’s on the other team.

“Not saying I thought we was going to sweep them, but we had all the confidence, every game, that we stepped on the floor.”

The young man is totally locked in on all facets of the game. In addition to his scoring and great defense, he is showing the ability to make his teammates better with his passing and playmaking. He is finding the open teammate and playing with the huge level of trust great players have when they aspire to be champions.

During the past five seasons, we have seen the physical growth and overall maturity in Tatum’s game. We’ve watched him reach AllStar status and international stardom with his work in helping Team USA win the gold medal at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo.

Tatum is developing into a player capable of leading a franchise to a world championship. Those are rare birds. It remains to be seen if, and when, that will happen, but Tatum is checking the boxes. It’s a long and arduous process, and it’s wonderful to behold.

Kelvin Lee a Hall of Famer

Congratulations to University City High basketball coach Kelvin Lee on his induction into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Lee was inducted during last weekend’s ceremony in Springfield. Lee has enjoyed a successful career in the St. Louis area for more than two decades, amassing more than 400 victories coaching at Chaminade College Prep, Miller Career Academy, St. Mary’s, and University City. In 2009, Lee led Chaminade to the Class 5

state championship. Lee has coached standouts including David Lee, Bradley Beal, and Tatum at Chaminade and Yuri Collins at St. Mary’s.

Yuri returns to Billiken

Speaking of Yuri Collins, it was a rollercoaster week for him and the Saint Louis University men’s basketball program. Last Monday, Collins announced that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal after an excellent 2022 season in which he led all NCAA schools in assists. The Billikens were in search of a

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

replacement for Collins for the 2023 season. The Billikens found that player. His name is Yuri Collins. Yes, the former St. Mary’s standout took his name out of the portal and will return to the Billikens for his fourth season as the starting point guard. Collins averaged 11 points and 7.9 assists a game to lead the Billikens to 23 victories and a berth in the National Invitational Tournament. He was selected to the All-Atlantic 10 Conference First Team and the All-Defensive Team. His return also adds to the excitement of what is shaping up to a promising season in 2023.

Hopefully, new era of ‘Black Aces’ are taking MLB pitching mounds

Thank you, Major League Baseball for depriving most St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds fans from seeing flame-throwing Hunter Greene’s debut against the Redbirds on April 22. The game was on AppleTV as MLB continues its quest to earn every dollar possible, regardless of how many baseball fans are alienated. OK, I’m not here to rail on MLB greed. I’m here to toast Greene and two other young Black pitchers with tremendous futures. Hopefully, their careers will include 20-win seasons and Cy Young Awards. In just the second start of his career, the 22-year-old Greene set an MLB record for most 100+mph pitches in a single game with 39, according to MLBStats. Greene’s sorry Reds lost to the Dodgers 5-2. Greene’s velocity was down in a 4-2 loss to the Cardinals in which he pitched less than five innings, but the buzz around the young hurler continues.

Alvin A. Reid

“Obviously, it would have been nice to go longer, but you

have more pride in the days you don’t have your best stuff and you just have to go out and compete,” Greene told reporters following his 3 1/3 inning outing. With more run support from his Cleveland Guardians teammates, Triston McKenzie could be on his way to a big season. McKenzie, in his second full season, has made 31 starts in his career and his Earned Run Average [ERA] is 4.43. However, his 2022 ERA is a miniscule 2.38. He has 11 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched, which combined with his stinginess in surrendering runs, makes him a serious All-Star Game contender. In a 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, McKenzie had a no hitter through four innings with four strikeouts. He left the game in the fifth inning with the lead, and relief pitchers saved the day. His nickname is “sticks” because of his thin frame. When the Washington Nationals dealt ace pitcher Max

a 2-1

Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner to the L.A. Dodgers last July, among the top prospects the team got in return was righthanded starter Josiah Gray. Gray has been superb for the Nationals in 2022, posting

making a difference, Gray told reporters after the game.

“From learning it in 2019 to using it the last two years and now this year, it’s become a real weapon for me along with my slider, changeup and fastball,” Gray said. “I throw it to both hitters, and I think today was a really good weapon.”

Black Aces

The late Jim “Mudcat” Grant, who died last year, made “Black Aces” the title of his autobiography. The former Minnesota Twins great became the first Black American League pitcher to win 20 games in 1965. That puts him in a unique club – African American pitchers who won 20 games or more during a season.

The Reid Roundup

Two Black on-ice officials worked a game together for the first time in NHL history on April 14. Referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas and linesman Shandor Alphonso officiated the host Chicago Blackhawks’ 5-4 shootout win against the San Jose Sharks. It was Samuels-Thomas’ NHL debut, and he became the first Black referee to work a game since Jay Sharrers in 2004… Marshawn Lynch, former Seattle Seahawks All-Pro running back, has become a minority owner of the NHL expansion franchise Seattle Kraken.

The other “Black Aces” and the seasons they accomplished the feat are Vida Blue (1971, ’73, ’75); Al Downing (1971); Bob Gibson (’1965, ’66, ’68, ’69, ’70); Dwight Gooden (1985); Ferguson Jenkins (1967, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’74); Sam Jones (1959); Don Newcombe (1951, ’55, ’56); Mike Norris (1980); David Price (2012); J.R. Richard (1976); CC Sabathia (2010); Dave Stewart (1987, ’88, ’89, ’90); Dontrelle Willis (2005) and Earl Wilson (1967.) The Black pitchers to win Cy Young Awards, noting the best pitcher in the respective American and National League, are Newcombe (1956), Gibson (1968), Blue (1971), Jenkins (‘71), Gooden (1985), Sabathia (2007), and Price (2012.)

Earl Austin Jr.

Jayson Tatum’s scoring, defense and playmaking shut down Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets in a first-round NBA Eastern Conference playoff series.

– Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant after being swept by Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics

Cleveland Guardians’ Triston McKenzie could be on his way to a big season.

Photo courtesy of the AP

Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Guardians

Performance Eyecare scholarship has unique approach Award

St. Louis American staff

Performance Eyecare has opened submissions for their 2022 ‘Build Your Dreams’ scholarship program. This program invites local high school seniors to share their future career goals for a chance at a $2,500 scholarship.

Every child deserves the chance to pursue a career they are passionate about,” says Dr. Dirk Massie, Performance Eyecare owner.

“Our program is unique because it’s not about academic achievement. Instead, it’s open to anyone who can tell us about their dream career and how they will use this scholarship award.”

The scholarship comes with no strings attached. This financial support can be used for college, trade schools, to start a business, or in

Taylor

Continued from B1

she welcomed the invitation to be a partner in the Taylor Geospatial Institute.

“Engagement in the Taylor Geospatial Institute further advances our STEM agenda at Harris-Stowe State University. We are working toward broader participation in STEM by underrepresented students,” said Smith.

“We are excited about the spirit of collaboration among the member institutions, who will all work together on exciting new geospatial research. Local institutions of higher education working collaboratively signals a bright future for our city, region, and the global society.”

Donivan James, a SLU graduate student, said

Lewis

Continued from B1

is not academic based

any other way that helps jumpstart their dream job.

Performance Eyecare has hosted this scholarship program for over a decade. During that time over $30,000 in scholarships have been awarded to high school students. Each year they receive hundreds of online applications. Winners are determined based on employee voting.

“We have so much fun hearing about the goals and dreams of our patients and helping someone take the first step towards their dream is a really rewarding experience,” said Massie.

During the application process high-school seniors are asked to must submit a short essay explaining their goals after high school, and how they hope to accomplish them.

Past winners range from a student pursuing a career in

fate brought him here from Kansas City, where he earned an undergraduate degree at UMKC.

“I got a job offer,” he said with a smile.

“I became a geospatial analyst and I wanted to get an advanced degree. The Taylor Geospatial Institute will not only enhance that degree by connecting me with the nation’s best researchers, but it will also open numerous opportunities for me in St Louis after graduation.”

The Taylor Geospatial Institute “will act as a regional hub for access to and development of technology powered by big data analytics and computing resources to support a collaborative research and training environment,” according to a release.

Its focus will be on:

Food security –informing climate-smart farming practices while

physical therapy, to someone who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The most recent winner, Drew W., discovered a passion for genealogy after receiving a 1924 yearbook from St. Louis University High School. He spent years researching the students, collecting information about their lives, and sharing what he found with their descendants. His scholarship will go towards pursuing a degree in anthropology at Mizzou.

“I love to see how applicants can use the scholarship to create unique and memorable experiences that directly impact their future,” said Massie. For more information or to apply for the Build Your Dreams scholarship, visit performanceeyecare. com/scholarship

simultaneously increasing biodiversity and agricultural output.

• Core geospatial science computation – leveraging an interdisciplinary network of knowledge, technology, and skills to make geospatial science more powerful and impactful.

Geospatial health –a Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law Russia’s invasion of Ukraine again thrust Lewis into the world spotlight soon after she too office. Last week, Reuters reported that Lewis met with Ukraine finance officials at EXIM’s Washington, D.C. headquarters and assured them American companies will play a role in helping Ukraine triumph.

“We want Ukraine to win. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” Lewis said.

Living It

Black books matter A Stormm to be reckoned with

Ymani Wince’s next chapter brings African American literature to Cherokee Street

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

While putting the finishing touches on her soon-to-be opened establishment, The Noir Bookshop, Ymani Wince picked up a weathered paperback from the shelf. It is her personal copy of Terry McMillan’s breakthrough novel “Mama.” “My stepmother gave me this book when I was 14 years old,” Wince said. “And this was her copy when she was at Jackson State University.”

“Mama” created a shift for Wince and her relationship with books and will be among those available at the soft opening of the bookstore –located at 2317 Cherokee. It was her first time reading a novel with authentic Black dialogue. She also fell in love with the layers of the story. “If anyone comes in and asks me to recommend a book, it will be this one.”

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. The store will officially open at a to-be-announced date in June, but this weekend she is encouraging the community to come by for a sample of her plans to influence the region by promoting Black culture through books – and fellowship.

The origins of The Noir Bookshop date back to 2018 with Wince’s desire to organize a community book drive. In 2020, the pandemic hit.

titles by Black authors at her soft opening from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. The bookstore officially opens in June.

During the lockdown she noticed on Instagram there was this store called Black Market Vintage in New York. The owners are a couple that traveled around the world to collect Black artifacts.

“I was really intrigued by the books they were

able to find,” Wince said. “They had copies of Octavia Butler, Toni Morrison – an original James Baldwin. They had so much vintage litera-

Shirley LeFlore Foundation fundraiser to honor distinguished poet, playwright

Black tie event May 6 at Grandel Theater

St. Louis American staff

The life, work, and philanthropy of the late Shirley Bradley LeFlore will be honored during the inaugural LeFlore Foundation Gala at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at The Grandel Theater. The black-tie event will feature a theatrical performance of LeFlore’s signature work “Rivers of Women.” The play is based on LeFlore’s book of poetry entitled “Brassbones and Rainbows.”

In a 2018 interview with African Voices, Leflore said she had “acted out” many of the poems she had written about women, which led to “Rivers of Women.”

“History and lineage have always been important to me because I’ve known so many great women—not necessarily by name. Like the women who came to my mother’s beauty shop, or women I just met. I would just extrapolate their lives,” she said.

“Or sometimes I’d be sitting in a place and just start writing. I’d maybe catch somebody with a certain kind of hat on or something, and I would find that inspiring. Ever since I was young, I always made up stories about these

women—who they were, where they were going, where they’d been, where they dreamed of going.

“So, after looking over my work I just decided, ‘I’m going to put this together.’ And that’s what I did. It certainly helped me to have the musicians to work with. I’ve been very fortunate.”

The inaugural LeFlore Foundation Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at The Grandel

The black-tie event will feature a theatrical performance of Shirley LeFlore’s signature work “Rivers of Women.”

It shows through her mentoring and her first annual scholarship with HarrisStowe State University. Media personality carves out legacy with scholarship, women enrichment

By Danielle Brown The

St. Louis American

n “I always tell my mentees not to do what I do, but strive to be better than me. There’s not a right or a wrong way to live life. Do what’s best for you.”

- Princess Stormm

Community engagement and outreach are as much a part of radio as playing the hottest songs on air and interviewing music’s biggest stars. Afternoon media personality and assistant program director Princess Stormm’s nearly 10-year journalism career has included serving the community and philanthropy. When she’s not entertaining St. Louis and Metro East listeners on Hot 104.1’s airwaves, or fulfilling her assistant program director duties for Hot 104.1 and 96.3 The Lou, she dedicates her time to youth, especially young girls. She grew up as “the baby” of her family and her mother’s only daughter. She didn’t have an older sister to help guide and mold her. But she instills the values and lessons she learned over the years into young girls.

A 2013 performance at the Missouri History Museum was presented before a sold-out audience. It returned to that stage the following year, “and was an even stronger production. I was so happy and proud to be a part of that,” Leflore said.

“I always tell my mentees not to do what I do, but strive to be better than me,” Stormm said. “There’s not a right or a wrong way to live life. Do what’s best for you.” During school visits, she’s never shy about

See LaFlore, C8

Books, C8

Stormm, C2

Theater.

Photo by Wiley Price/ The St. louis American

Photo courtesy of John Scott/Colby Cheese

Hot 104.1 and 96.3 the Lou assistant program director and afternoon drive jock Princess Stormm has a heart for giving back beyond the microphone.

Photo By Wiley Price

The Noir Bookshop founder and owner Ymani Wince is giving the region a glimpse into the book retailer that features new and used

Stormm

Continued from C1

sharing her educational experiences. It involved her moving a lot and transitioning to different schools throughout the region. She also, at one point, was enrolled in an alternative school.

“They can relate to me because I show them messing up doesn’t make your story end,” Stormm said. “People sometimes feel when they get in trouble or something happens, that’s the end of their journey, but it’s not. That’s just a part of it.”

Her mentees usually connect with her on social media, where they can apply for internships or inquire about her mentoring program “A Princess Within.” The program’s goal is to help

Painting With A Twist, vision boards and more.

Aside from her continuous mentoring and journalism activities, Stormm recently added financial aid assistance to her resume. In honor of her mother, she and Harris-Stowe State University partnered for the “Angela Barnes Malone Live and Learn in the Lou Scholarship.

“I wanted to do something in honor of my mom ,” Stormm said. “She helped me through my journey. My mom paid for me to go to school, I’m not in debt from college. She really believes in my vision and has always been there for me. I wanted to give her flowers and recognize her while she’s alive, I appreciate her.”

The award will be given to an incoming HSSU freshman and the money can be used toward any of their school costs.

raising $8,000 for this year’s recipient A’Maree Nash, who will attend in the fall.

“I want the scholarship to be an annual thing where I can host galas, raise money and more,” Stormm said. “I want to make sure people who look like me, act like me, and talk like me understand it’s possible to go where you wanna be.”

Radio wasn’t a profession Stormm originally envisioned herself pursuing. Early childhood education, with hopes of becoming a preschool teacher, had been her goal.

She acknowledged she wasn’t an early riser and that education wasn’t a good fit for her. She changed her major to communication and hasn’t skipped a beat.

At 19, she began as a Hot 104.1 intern while enrolled at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After she graduated a year later she was hired as a board operator.

“When I first got into radio I used to say ‘I’m gonna have my own email one day, I’ll be the boss one day,’” Stormm said.

“I used my planner and created a job checklist to help me tackle how to get to where I am now. It feels good being from St. Louis and having my peers, old classmates and other people witness my come up and see I made it happen.”

A new program director, Boogie D, took a chance on the young talent and hired her to be on air with DJ Sinamin doing Ladies Night Radio.

DJ Shay Money was brought on staff to replace Sinamin, and the show’s ratings continued to climb, and the duo made history together.

“I became the first female in St. Louis to do nights and have a number one show for over a year,” Stormm said. “That was the first time it ever happened for an all-female show to dominate nights.”

Sinamin, Shay and Boogie had left when another program director Derrick Greene, came

to the station. He promoted Stormm to a full-time night jock slot. At the height of the pandemic, Stormm switched to afternoon drive weekdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for her show #TheStormmShow and she stepped into the role of assistant program director for Hot 104.1 and 96.3 The Lou.

“Everybody in radio always tells me that my story is rare because most people don’t become an [apd] in their hometown,” Stormm said. “You usually have to leave and come back. To even be on the PM drive is unheard of.”

#TheStormmShow begins with trap trivia. Stormm asks listeners if they’re knowledgeable about specific rap lyrics, classic Black movies and more.

The 4 p.m. hour is much different. The media veteran is also a mother to a 2-year-old son. After the birth of her son, she felt inspired to incorporate a motherhood segment called Mom 2 Mom into her show. It was a risk because it’s much different from what she’s typically done, but she saw the bigger picture and took that leap.

“I pose a question to all the mothers and motherly figures about a specific conversation piece and have them call in to discuss it,” Stormm said.

“Parenting starts at home, it’s the parents job to teach their children how to be respectful to everyone around them. It’s also the parents’ role to make their child feel comfortable with talking to them about anything.”

KMJ the DJ joins Stormm at 5 p.m. for the Show Me Mix and the 6 p.m. hour is about all things media and entertainment.

“I’m happy to do what I love in the city that I’m from, it’s rare,” Stormm said. “It’s possible to do what you wanna do. Don’t be afraid to go out and try it. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Keep going and remember women can do it all.”

University of Missouri–St. Louis Bridge Program is a unique, comprehensive college preparation service for students and families in the St. Louis community. This award-winning program helps middle school students successfully transition to high school and college. Our Summer Academy is your first step!

Middle schoolers: Summer Academy is for you!

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Pianos for People provides free access to the transformative power of music for those who need it most – children and families with limited resources, and the organizations that serve them.

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Media veteran Princess Stormm has climbed the ranks from intern to assistant program director. While many were severely affected by the pandemic professionally, she experienced exponential growth in her longtime radio career.

The Legacy of Shelley v. Kraemer

By Cicely Hunter, Missouri Historical Society

St. Louis’s history of residential segregation is similar to many other urban cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, and Memphis. The city’s hidden real estate gems combined with its legacy of racism meant that segregation became more fixed and evident as public policies and private practices sought to restrict Black people from purchasing or occupying homes in certain areas.

Many racially motivated housing restrictions were put in place by white residents during the Great Migration that drew Black families from the rural South to northern cities in the early 20th century. The St. Louis Real Estate Exchange was established to protect “the interests of property owners in the city” and was reserved for only white property owners. In 1915 the exchange created the United Welfare Association to garner support for racial zoning ordinances. Another tool of segregation, restrictive covenants, prohibited or limited the use and resale of a property as a private contractual agreement.

Instances of discrimination and racism in housing were often contested, drawing national attention to Black resistance through legal action. One such case originating in St. Louis, Shelley v. Kraemer, led to a landmark US Supreme Court decision: On May 3, 1948, the court declared that the practice of restrictive covenants was unconstitutional.

After moving from Mississippi to St. Louis, J. D. and Ethel Shelley and their children fell in love with a two-family flat at 4600 Labadie Avenue, originally built in 1906. The Shelleys’ pastor and realtor, Elder Robert Bishop, purchased the property for them by using his wife, Josephine Fitzgerald, as a “straw purchaser.” As a white woman, Fitzgerald would be able to acquire a lower interest rate and a feasible payment plan before transferring the property deed to the Shelleys.

However, the property was covered by a restrictive covenant signed in 1911 by the white residents of the neighborhood, which stated that the properties should not be “occupied by any person not of the Caucasian race” and “people of the Negro or Mongolian race” were not permitted to occupy, use, or purchase the property for 50 years. A trial court determined that the Shelleys did not have any knowledge of this restrictive covenant when they obtained the property deed on August 11, 1945. Two months later, on October 9, the

Marcus Avenue Improvement Association filed a lawsuit in the names of Fern and Louis Kraemer (Fern’s parents had been original parties to the covenant) in order to block the Shelleys’ purchase. The St. Louis Circuit Court ruled in the Shelleys’ favor, noting that the restrictive covenant was poorly executed and the original property owners had failed to sign the document. However, the Missouri Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s decision and stated the restrictive covenant remained a legitimate agreement.

The final decision was made by the US Supreme Court, which heard arguments in the case on January 15–16, 1948. The Supreme Court combined four similar cases, including two state cases, Shelley v. Kraemer (Missouri) and McGhee v. Sipes (Michigan), plus two cases originating in the District of Columbia. Noted civil rights lawyers George L. Vaughn and Herman Willer argued the Shelley v. Kraemer case, and Thurgood Marshall and Loren Miller argued McGhee v. Sipes. The ruling on May 3 established that restrictive covenants violated the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law,

and could not be judicially enforced even if they were private. This court ruling exposed the extent to which restrictive covenants were used across the country. The following day, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that 373 restrictive covenants existed within the city limits, covering a total of 559 blocks.

The Shelleys continued to live at 4600 Labadie Avenue until 1961. Years later, J. D. Shelley described the significance of the Supreme Court ruling: “The way I see it, it was a good thing that we done this case. When all this happened, when I bought the property, I didn’t think there was going to be anything about it. But I knowed it was important. We was the first ones to live where they said colored can’t live.”

In 1988 the Shelley House was dedicated as a national historic landmark, serving as a “living memorial to the Shelley family and their fight against racial discrimination.”

To learn more about Shelley v. Kraemer, visit the Missouri History Museum’s #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle virtual exhibit at mohistory.org/exhibits/civil-rights-virtual.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections

The Shelley House, 4600 Labadie Avenue, ca. 1993.

St. Louis American staff

The life and times of Gospel music icon Marvin Sapp will be coming to the small screen by summer’s end.

TV One recently announced a Sapp biopic, “Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story” is in production and will air on the network August 21, 2022.

Chaz Lamar Shepherd (Marvel character ‘Luke Cage’) will take on the lead role as Sapp, and Ambre Anderson

(Power Book II) will portray Sapp’s late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. She passed away in 2010 following a battle with cancer. The couple shared three children: Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson.

“Something began that was not in my personal vision for my life, however, it was in God’s plan,” Sapp wrote on Instagram.

Religion

“I’ve been blessed to have an amazing musical career… millions of records sold. I’ve been nominated and or have received every award in this music industry along with crossover success on multiple songs that I’ve written or performed.

“I’ve founded multiple businesses, churches, and I’m pastoring an incredible church now. Daily I pause and tell

than a walk with someone you respect, admire, love and can learn from?

By James A. Washington

If I haven’t before, let me ask you now: Can somebody explain a “faith walk” to me?

I frequently refer to my own spiritual transformation that way and I’ve had others describe this “thing” that I’m on …’as you go down this road’….’as you complete this walk.’ I’ve even used the faith walk phrase when trying to explain a new and different view of the world as now seen by someone who believes being

saved is more than just some trite saying.

This, whatever it is, is serious and I must admit, very tangible. I really can feel it. I was curious about the walk reference. I suppose when you think about it, many in the bible had truth revealed to them on a walk, on a journey, while going from one place to another at God’s direction and even during the subconscious traveling in a dream. It’s a simple analogy and if you think about, what is more meaningful

One of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had was to walk with my children when they were toddlers. There was something about them exploring and discovering the world around them without fear, because they knew Daddy was right there.

Have you ever witnessed this? Have you ever been a part of the experience of walking and talking with someone you were totally in sync with? That must be one of the reasons people refer to discovering God as faith walking.

The effort to get closer to God requires movement. I believe the walk reference is an

attempt (an excellent one), to describe the experience of following, or trying to follow, the path laid down by Jesus Christ. The best example we have is Enoch. “Enoch walked with God: then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24. The bible talks about walking humbly, walking in the light, walking with the wise, walking together and yes, walking on water. The point is that life is a journey and if the truth be told, the journey is infinitely better if God goes along for the ride. We want and at times need to talk to God along the way. If we’re truly blessed, He’ll talk back. Searching for Him

God, ‘thank you’ for trusting me with His gifts, and I express my appreciation for the amazing opportunities that He drops in my lap.

Sapp is an author, radio show host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Dallas and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan – the church he founded with his late wife.

with the Lord can only be described as “stepping out on faith.” Once taken, life changes. You change. You must. I know I did.

So, I guess I’ve cleared up my own dilemma. This faith walk is merely an acknowledgement that you are letting God order your steps, lead you through, guide you in this world. When you do this, God will direct you straight to Him. When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness; but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. So this walk thing suggests by doing so, you can directly connect with God. You can do what Enoch did. You can hope and pray like Enoch that God will take you to Him also. That’s the point,

The movie will explore the Gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, rise in the music industry and growth in his faith. He has been a prominent performer and minister for more than 30 years as a member of Commissioned, a group known for its award-winning, chart-topping crossover hit “Never Would Have Made It.”

The film is directed by Russ Parr and produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric F. Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick and Keith Neal serving as executive producers.

“It is an honor to tell Marvin Sapp’s life story,” said Jason Ryan, TV One executive producer.

“His vast contributions to gospel and American music are undeniable. We know this film will resonate with our viewers.”

row, think about this and let God order your steps consciously for one day. Make a concerted effort to listen and hopefully hear what He is telling you on that day. The bible says faith comes by hearing. What

to look. I guarantee, if you go deliberately looking for God just one day, you

THE

St. LouiS american Career Center

Description

STAFF ATTORNEY (LAW CLERK –FULL TIME & PART TIME)

Primary responsibilities for this position include conducting a variety of legal research and writing legal memoranda, judgments, and opinions for judges and court administrators.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and be licensed in the state of Missouri. Applicants with judicial clerkship experience are preferred.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY: Applicants interested in applying for this position should visit our website at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ stlouis. We only accept On-line applications.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY: The policy of the Civil Service Commission of St. Louis County is to support fair and equitable employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans’ status or political affiliation. Call the Division of Personnel at (314) 615-5429 for more information on this policy. St. Louis County Division of Personnel, 7th Floor Clayton, MO 63105 (314) 615-5429

Relay MO 711 or 800-735-2966

An Equal Opportunity Employer Fax: (314) 615-7703 www.stlouiscountymo.gov

To Advertise your Job Opportunity please email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com or call 314-289-5430

DEPARTMENT: Public Administrator

General: The Public Administrator (PA) is charged with the duties of administering decedent estates, conservatorship estates, and serving as guardian for those matters assigned to the office by the Probate Division. The PA supervises a staff of eight persons including deputy public administrators.

Qualifications: Candidates should possess a Juris Doctorate and be licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri with 3-5 years experience working in probate and possess an excellent working knowledge of probate law and practice. In addition to probate issues, the PA will face challenges related to property interests in marketable securities, real property, contracts, insurance, and other issues. The PA must also be able to navigate through elder law issues such as Medicaid program eligibility, disability law, and special needs trusts. Candidates must be at least 21 years of age and are required to be bonded.

Duties: The PA must supervise staff including the management of payroll and benefits, in conjunction with the Circuit Court. Each position in the office has a job description and performance criteria for individual review and evaluation of the staff.

The administration of decedent and conservatorship estates can require a great deal of time marshalling assets. The PA may spend many hours making an inventory of safe deposit boxes, collecting bank deposits, sifting through personal papers, and making inquiries regarding additional assets. The PA should retain the services of contract agents when possible to assist in the processing of personal property.

The PA must make reasonable efforts to assure that tax returns have been filed and tax obligations paid. This may require additional inquiry with the Internal Revenue Service and the assistance of competent tax preparers. The PA is ultimately responsible for proper payment of all expenses of administration, claims and distributions to heirs. The PA will work with members of the Probate Division, attorneys, bankers, real estate agents, social workers, Department of Mental Health employees, physicians, and other mental health providers.

Notice and How to apply: Interested parties should send their cover letter and resume to the following address or via email addressed to: St. Louis County Family Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before May 5, 2022. At the recommendation of the probate judge a vote will be made by the court en banc and forwarded to the Saint Louis County Council for confirmation. The current appointment will be made for the current partial term which expires December 31, 2024. Subsequent appointments may be renewed by the court en banc for a 4 year term thereafter. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

FULL-TIME CUSTODIAN/ MAINTENANCE POSITION

Full-time custodian/ maintenance position with rotating weekends Senior Citizen Apartment Complex

Experience preferred but not required

For an Application: Email; tammy@ alphaterraceapartments. com

COORDINATOR – CLAIMS – TPA OPERATIONS

Responsible for various technical support tasks related to Third Party Administrators’ (TPA) Maintenance and tracking. Fully applies a working level knowledge of clerical and administrative support concepts. Assignments are of moderate complexity requiring the some discretion and use of judgment and initiative.

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

COORDINATOR –CLAIMS – CLAIMS MAINTENANCE

Responsible for various administrative tasks related to: creating, closing, changing and reopening claims in Claim Center and SICS as well as reinsurance reporting within the Claims Plus system.

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

ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HIRING FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS

St. Louis University High, a Catholic, Jesuit college-preparatory school for young men, in the city of St. Louis, is seeking several positions. We are dedicated to building Christ’s kingdom of truth, justice, love and peace. We serve young men based on their ability to succeed, rather than their economic circumstances.

• Science Teacher - Biology/ Chemistry

• Director of Theater Operations

• Technology Support SpecialistTier 2

• Administrative Assistant President

• Grounds Worker

Please visit https://sluh.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ to learn more and apply online.

THE THE St. LouiS american Career Center St. LouiS american

EQUITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT DIRECTOR

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring an Equity and Economic Impact Director. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids to apply.

THE CITY OF JENNINGS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the following positions: Recreation Specialist; Deputy Building Commissioner; Finance Director; Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Seasonal Parks Crew Laborer; Court Clerk, Recreation Department Administrative Assistant, Public Works Laborer; Building Department Administrative Assistant II; Permit Clerk; Accounting Clerk; P/T Accounting Clerk; P/T Assistant to the City Clerk; P/T Bus Driver; P/T Public Works Laborers; P/T Site Monitor; P/T Concession Stand workers; P/T Umpire; P/T Scorekeeper; P/T Economic Development Assistant. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org.

Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

High School Diploma and specialized training related to the repair of buildings and grounds and at least two years of experience related to building maintenance involving plumbing, carpentry, painting, roofing, welding. Certification in HVAC and/or electrical repairs preferred. Starting Salary $43,094 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST

Customer Accounts Specialist. Bachelor’s in Business and Financial Management. Resume: ITF Logistics Group LLC., 11990 Missouri Bottom Rd., Hazelwood, MO 63042

GROUNDSKEEPER

Responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to maintaining the grounds and physical integrity of Authority property. The primary responsibilities of the position involves the upkeep of the Northside Scattered Sites development in order to enhance and maintain its curb appeal. In addition, the Groundskeeper will assist other Agency staff in their efforts to effectively manage the Northside Scattered Sites to provide a safe and secure living environment for residents, visitors and staff. High School diploma and at least one year of manual labor experience relating to the duties of the Groundskeeper position. Starting Salary $26,984 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

PRE-TRIAL SERVICES BOND OFFICER

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeks applicants for a PreTrial Services Bond Officer. Responsibilities of developing and maintaining relationships with Court’s vendors, departments, and community partners and any pre-trial defendants as assigned. This position requires work on all three shifts, 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am, 12am-8am. Must have degree in law, criminal justice, social work or related area. Salary range is $47,814 -$74,906. Applicants must be at least 21 yrs. of age. Please email resumes to stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov See www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com for complete job description. EOE

PROBATE COMMISSIONER VACANCY

22nd Judicial Circuit, City of St. Louis, is soliciting candidates for Probate Commissioner. The Court en banc will make the appointment for a term of 4 years. Annual salary $149,723, payable by the State of Missouri. Missouri law requires the Probate Commissioner to possess the same qualifications as a circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state for the three years preceding their selection, residents of the City of St. Louis, Missouri for at least one year, at least thirty years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See Chapter 487 R.S. Mo.). Candidates shall have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in probate law. Questionnaires and instructions to apply may be obtained from the Court’s web page at https://www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click “Employment Opportunities”. Materials must be returned to stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov, before 5 p.m. May 20, 2022. EOE.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

ADMINISTRATION RESTROOM

RENOVATION RFP 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Administration Restroom Renovation RFP 2022. Bid documents are available as of 4/27/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

ARCH SECURITY UPGRADES

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting bids for Arch Security Upgrades in St. Louis, Missouri. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids and submit by May 19, 2022.

Notice

BID NOTICE

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of furnishing and installing a new elevator in the existing headquarters building. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposal for Ticket Paper & Envelopes

Proposals will be received by City of Saint Louis Treasurer UNTIL 5:00 pm 5/31/2022 For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request-for-Proposals/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

We are requesting proposals for the 2400V DECOMMISSION RC000538 project at the Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO . Plans are available athttps://designconstruction.mst. edu/bidsrfpsrfqs/ Proposal must be submitted to our office by 4:00 p.m. CT on or before 05/02/22 by either Fax: (573) 556-8777 or by email to kimz@kaisercentralmo.com

If you have any questions, please contact us at (573) 556-6188

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace K i t c h e n Ve n t Hood System –Dining Lodge, Thousand Hills State Park, Project No. X2106-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/2/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

We are requesting proposals for the GENERAL SITE-RELOCATE TELECOM DUCTBANK CP229012 project at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Plans are available athttp://operations-webapps. missouri.edu/pdc/adsite/ad.html

Project:

HSSU – Innovation Center

CONTRACT ATTORNEY

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement with an attorney to provide assistance to Family Court judges who handle domestic cases filed by unrepresented individuals. These services are funded by special monies received from the Family Services and Justice Fund and are subject to continued availability of these monies. Primary responsibility will be to assist with management of the pro se docket including legal analysis, notifying litigants of requirements to revise legal documents and providing notices of court hearings and other correspondence. The professional service agreement is funded at $26.31/hour working up to 28 hours/week. A one year commitment to the position is highly preferred. Qualification: Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri. Requirement: Maintenance of professional liability insurance.

NOTE: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address on or before May 31st, 2022: Contract Attorney, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central., Clayton, MO 63105. OR Email same to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER I

Provide tier 1 technical software, hardware and network problem resolution to all Safety National computer users by performing question/problem diagnosis and guiding users through step-by-step solutions. In addition, will clearly communicate technical solutions in a user-friendly, professional manner and provide one-on-one end-user training as needed. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/careers-page/

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: THE BRIDGE APARTMENTS

Following up to our advertisement in February, PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the SITE, CORE AND SHELL ONLY for THE BRIDGE APARTMENTS. This is a five story structure located on Delmar Ave scheduled for an August 2022 tentative construction start. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link, if you have not received a bid invitation send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

The Core and Shell consisting of Site & Civil Drawings, Structural Foundation Drawings and Structural Steel. The last day for questions is currently APRIL/20/22. BIDS WILL BE DUE ON MAY 11, 2022

Send all questions to Cory Paschen CPaschen@paric.com

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

• 21% African American

• 11% Women

• 3% Other – Hispanic, Asian American, Native American

Goals for Workforce (field) participation

• 25% Minority

• 7% Women

• 20% Apprentice • 23% City of St Louis Resident

Andrew Q.

the

by

Sealed Proposals for B22-1216

Dairy Analyzer will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg, JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 11May2022. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/ purchasing/bids

and you

days from the

for

weeks.

are directed to respond in

to the clerk and send a copy to 503 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37040. If you fail to defend this action within 30 days of the last publication, a judgment may be taken against you for the relief demanded.

Owner: Harris Stowe State University

Architect/ Construction

Manager:

Lawrence Group/ Navigate

Proposal must be submitted to our office by 4:00 p.m. CT on or before 04/1/22 by either Fax: (573) 556-8777 or by email to kimz@kaisercentralmo.com . If you have any questions, please contact us at (573) 556-6188 SEALED PROPOSALS

Description:

Sitework, paving and new construction of an educational facility in St. Louis, MO. This project is Tax Exempt and Prevailing Wage

MBE Goals: 10%

WBE Goals: 10%

SDVE: 10%

Estimator working on this project is Erik Hankins. Please send all proposals to office@hankinsmidwest.com

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CITY OF JENNINGS INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) City Owned Property Auction - IFB #042022

The City of Jennings is seeking sealed bids for the auction of city owned properties. Bid specifications may be obtained from Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Avenue, Jennings, MO 63136 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CST) or via the City’s website at www.cityofjennings.org. Sealed bids shall be delivered to the above address during the period of April 25, 2022 through May 6, 2022 by 3:00 p.m. CST. All bids should be addressed to the attention of the City Clerk. Sealed bids proposals will be opened and publicly read aloud on May 17, 2022 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber at Jennings City Hall. Please contact Myra Randle, Economic Development Specialist, at 314-388-1164 or mrandle@cityofjennings.org if there are any questions or to request additional information. Also , visit the City’s website for pictures and addresses of the properties.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for the removal and replacement of airfield concrete pavement, including demo, excavation, pavement markings, underdrains, electrical, asphalt and miscellaneous other work as indicated on the plans and specifications for the STL Lambert Reconstruction of Rnwy 12R-30L from Txwy R to Txwy G project. Please phone 636-688-8794, fax 636-949-3129 or email bob.stubbs@millstoneweber com, quotes to bids@millstoneweber. com by 12:00 PM CDT on 05/16/2022. Millstone Weber encourages qualified MBE/WBE subcontractors & vendors to bid this project. For Access to Plans and Specifications, please emailbids@millstoneweber.com

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roof and Repair Concrete & Brick, Hearnes Complex Buildings, Fulton State Hospital, P r o j e c t N o . M1803-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/19/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 22 403, Forest Park Library Office Renovation at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday May 5, 2022 Bids will be opened at 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Drawings, Specifications, bid forms and other related contract information may be obtained at ePlanbidding.com, The Builders Association and at the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council. Questions should be directed to Elaine Lewis, L2E Solutions at elaine.lewis@l2eco.com

A walk-through of the project may be scheduled by contacting Nathan Webb at nwebb18@stlcc.edu.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

ROANOKE CONSTRUCTION SEEKS BIDS FOR NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

Roanoke Construction has been selected to be the General Contractor for the new construction of the Pagedale Town Center Homes for Beyond Housing. The proposed project consists of 36 new construction, single family homes. This is a scattered site project located in Pagedale, MO. The exterior site-work scope of work on this project includes, but is not limited to: site work grading, site utilities, concrete foundations, slabs, driveways, sidewalks, & curbs, fencing, and landscaping.

The building scope of work on this project includes but is not limited to: pre-fabricated wood frame buildings with grade beam foundations, masonry, vinyl siding, pre-hung steel & wood doors and frames, garage doors, vinyl windows, shingle roofing, gutters and downspouts, drywall, insulation, painting, sheet & LVT flooring, cabinets, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, and new kitchen & bath fixtures.

This project is being funded utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits. We anticipate that construction of this project will begin in October of this year and will take one year to complete. This project requires 25% MBE and 10% WBE participation and Section 3 compliance. A pre-bid meeting will be held on May 11 at 10:00 a.m. for all interested subcontractors. We will meet at the offices of Beyond Housing located at 6506 Wright Way, St. Louis, MO 63121. All questions should be submitted via email to:

Jacqueline True Director of Preconstruction bids@roanoke-construction.com

www.roanoke-construction.com

CITY OF ST. LOUIS PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST UNDER

The federal regulations governing the administration of the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) grants for local governments have strict guidelines relating to conflicts of interest.

Under the federal regulations, a conflict of interest exists if: 24 CFR 574.625 Conflict of interest. (a) In addition to the conflict of interest requirements in 2 CFR 200.317 (for recipients and subrecipients that are States) and 2 CFR 200.318 (for recipients and subrecipients that are not States), no person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected or appointed official of the grantee or project sponsor and who exercises or has exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to assisted activities, or who is in a position to participate in a decision making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a financial interest or benefit from the activity, or have an interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect thereto, or the proceeds thereunder, either for himself or herself or for those with whom he or she has family or business ties, during his or her tenure or for one year thereafter.

The regulations provide for an exception for persons who have a conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, and who have applied for assistance under a program funded with HOPWA funds.

The exception request may be made to HUD only after a public disclosure of the nature of the conflict (24 CFR 574.625(b)(1)) and after an opinion of the City’s attorney that the interest for which the exception is sought would not violate State or local law (24 CFR 574.625(b)(2)).

PUBLIC NOTICE. In order to fulfill the requirements of Title 24 of the Federal Code of Regulations, Section 574.625(b)(1), the City of St. Louis makes the following public disclosure of the conflict:

The Grants Administration Division of the City of St. Louis Department of Health receives technical assistance training through programming offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assigned The Cloudburst Group to provide the aforementioned technical assistance. Technical assistance training involves training on the modernization of the HOPWA formula and provisions related to other HUD programs; updates on the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA); HOPWA categories, eligibility, funded activities allowable and unallowable costs, waivers, COVID funding and flexibilities, program income, and collaborations with CDA and ESG; and a resource for reaching out to HOPWA program.

The Department of Health’s PSA Committee approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services under the City’s HOPWA program. The Cloudburst Group submitted a proposal in response to the Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services.

The Cloudburst Group does not provide any other services for the Department of Health, and is not contracted with the Department of Health. Further, it had no role in creating or drafting the Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services, has no role in the decision-making process, nor did it gain any inside information with regard to such activities in the provision of its services to the City. Still, the Department of Health recognizes that the pre-existing relationship between The Cloudburst Group and the Department of Health may lead to the perception of a conflict of interest in the awarding of the Housing Needs Assessment contract.

To the extent that the provision of the above-referenced funding, through awarding of the Housing Needs Assessment contract, to The Cloudburst Group would constitute a prohibited conflict of interest under HUD regulations, the City may apply for and is applying for an exception to this prohibition with respect to provision of the above-referenced funding.

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

ture that I was just obsessed.” Every time she would attempt to buy a book from them, the item would already be sold. She discovered Brittany Bond, a woman who repurposed an old ice cream cart into a portable bookstore she calls Common Books. Bond sells copies of books of women authors at various locations throughout New York City. Wince became one of Bond’s online customers.

“I saw that she had old copies of Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and I was really excited, so I started buying books from her just to keep them on the shelf for myself,” Wince said. “Whenever I would get a new book, I would take a picture and post it online.”

The response was overwhelming. Wince kept getting messages inquiring about the books. It made her think that she could do something similar in St. Louis, but with Black authors. The death of designer Virgil Abloh just after Thanksgiving in 2021 lit a fire under her. “I got into a rabbit hole of Black owned bookstores around the country,” said Wince. “I saw so many Black women – my age – who were opening stores and becoming pillars of their community.”

LeFlore

Continued from C1

Alerica Anderson is musical director and composer of the fundraiser performance, and the play features actors Leah Stewart, Amber Rose, Cheeraz Gormon, and Pacia Elaine Anderson.

N. “Pinky” Thomas delivers the choreography that

By Christmas, Wince, 28, announced that she was opening a store. She held a pop-up event in February to introduce her concept to the community. Two weeks after Easter, she will present The Noir Bookstore in its new home after signing a lease on her space last month. Wince shifted gears after

showcases dancer Essence Cunningham-Peoples. Special guest vocalists include Adrienne Felton-King, and opera sensation Angel Riley.

The Stanley Coleman Quintet, with special guest pianist Ptah Williams, will close the evening following the show. Tickets for the play and postshow performance are $50. VIP tickets for $100 and Limited Gold Circle Donor Box Seating for $1,000, which includes the 6 p.m. VIP Pre-Show Cocktails

working as a journalist, most recently with The Riverfront Times.

“I love to write, and I think that being a storyteller and a journalist will always be part of my life,” Wince said. “But I knew I was done when I got all the stories I wanted to tell out of my head. It took like a year or two, but I felt like I had done

featuring recording artist and vocalist Suzanne Palmer are available at Metrotix (https:// bit.ly/sblf-gala-tickets).

Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s arts programming in St. Louis, and the Shirley Bradley Price LeFlore endowment fund at Webster University.

The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization was established by LeFlore’s daughters, Hope Lynne Price-Lindsay,

all that I wanted to do. I’ve found my next chapter, pun intended.”

A warm, fuzzy family feeling

In addition to selling books, Wince plans to host community events, community service

n “It’s not about me turning a profit. Of course, the store needs to make a profit, but books are meant to be shared.”

- Ymani Wince, Founder and owner The Noir Bookshop

of The Noir Bookshop.

“I want them to come in and have a snack and just know that that when they walk in my space that they belong there and that they can feel warm and loved, like my grandparents made me feel,” Wince said.

“I want to see people’s reaction when they come through the door, because that will let me know if I hit the mark with what type of mood I was trying to set in here.”

A crowdfunding campaign is underway to ensure that The Noir Bookshop is as Wince prepares for the store to open full-time this summer.

initiatives, lectures and more when The Noir Bookshop becomes fully operational. She credits her family with serving as an inspiration for the experience she seeks to create with The Noir Bookshop.

“My grandmother taught me how to read when I was young. We share a love of books and during the thick of the pandemic – when it was safe to visit her – I would bring her a stack of books and we would trade,” Wince said. “Every time I go to my grandmother’s house, I can’t remember a time where she didn’t have something baked and ready, whether it was a few pieces of a pound cake or a peach cobbler.”

She hopes to recreate that energy for patrons and visitors

“It’s not about me turning a profit,” Wince said. “Of course, the store needs to make a profit, but books are meant to be shared.” She wants The Noir Bookshop to serve the region through education, inspiration, and community – which are the three pillars that the store is built on.

“I want people to see themselves when they come,” Wince said. “And to know that a space like this is needed – and it exists.”

The soft opening for The Noir Bookshop will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 2317 Cherokee Street from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.noirbookshop. com/

Jacie Wynn Price, and Lyah Beth LeFlore-Ituen and established shortly after her passing in 2019.

“’Rivers Of Women’ is Shirley’s most prolific works of poetry, and through her brilliancy she strings together women’s stories and voices like a delicate strand of pearls. It’s an awesome undertaking, but I’m beyond honored that she entrusted me to breathe life into her words for the stage, and I keep her as my North Star

now. I’m excited that even as we are still cautious, we can come together safely and take audiences on this soul-stirring journey, told uniquely from a woman’s eye,” said LeFloreItuen, who is the show’s producer and director.

The Foundation’s mission is to provide innovative literary, music, theater, and fine arts programming to the St. Louis community. It also offers the Shirley Bradley LeFlore Scholarship, an annual creative writing award for students in partnership with Webster University, and the biennial Shirley Bradley LeFlore Literary Award, which awards a woman from Missouri a cash prize, and the publication of their debut poetry collection by 2Leaf Press.

The Foundation accepts donations directly on its website at www.shirleybradleyleflorefoundation.org.

Photo by Wiley Price/ St. Louis American

Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential to helping ensure children stay healthy and protected from serious diseases. If your child is due for a checkup, schedule one immediately.

Take these six steps to get your health back on track

(StatePoint)

Since the start of the pandemic, Americans have been postponing routine care. With more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, medical experts are urging patients to return to routine health care and get caught up on delayed or foregone preventive health screenings.

“While we know that prevention is the best medicine, the pandemic has caused many Americans to delay important routine health services vital to keeping themselves and their families healthy, particularly critical immunizations and preventive cancer screenings. We urge everyone to get up to date on their routine health care needs,” says Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

According to the AMA, you and your family should take these six steps to get your health back on track:

1. Get screened: Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, 3.9 million breast cancer,

3.8 million colorectal cancer and 1.6 million prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your health care provider. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

2. Don’t wait: An estimated 41% of adults with one or more chronic health conditions reported delaying or forgoing health care since the pandemic started. Additionally, one in three of those adults reported that doing so worsened one or more of their health conditions or limited their abilities to work or perform other daily activities. Whether you have a chronic health condition or not, don’t wait until something is wrong before seeing a doctor. If something does feel off, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

3. Consider telehealth: If you’re

uncomfortable or unable to go in person to your physician’s practice, check on telehealth options, which have greatly increased over the past two years.

4. Visit your pediatrician: During the pandemic, pediatric immunizations decreased. As public health measures are rolled back, people gather in groups, and traveling resumes, non-COVID-19 infections that decreased during the pandemic are likely to increase again. Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential to helping ensure children stay healthy and protected from serious diseases. If your child is due for a check-up, schedule one immediately.

5. Get vaccinated: Adolescents and adult immunizations also sharply declined during the pandemic and an estimated 26 million recommended vaccinations were missed in 2020 as compared to 2019. Get up to date on vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone who’s eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, including booster doses, should get

vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

6. Don’t neglect mental health: While mental health screenings via digital health tools are up, routine care for mental health is down. Approximately 52% of adults with mental health conditions delayed or forewent care since the pandemic began. Given the adverse effects the events of the past two years have had on mental health, such as increasing anxiety, depression and loneliness, it’s especially important to prioritize this aspect of your health now.

For more resources, visit ama-assn. org.

“We encourage everyone to contact their trusted medical professional to schedule their annual physical and other vital care to help prevent serious health repercussions that could potentially last long past the pandemic,” says Dr. Harmon.

Helping to improve healthy outcomes for birthing parents and their babies

Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are higher than most industrialized countries, and in America, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. In Missouri, that number was four times, according to a report published by the state in 2021.

A former president of the American Medical Association characterized the national numbers as an American tragedy. They have mobilized numerous public health and public policy groups and spawned legislation that would address a number of the issues that experts cite as key factors in comparatively high maternal mortality rates among Black women.

The problem is far from intractable. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 60% of the deaths are preventable.

Centene and its Missouri Medicaid plan, Home State Health, which serves roughly 10,000 pregnant women in a typical year, continue to make strides improving the health of birthing parents and their babies through their Start Smart for Your Baby® program, which addresses some of the CDC’s key recommendations for providers for reducing maternal mortality – chiefly helping patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, coordinating care before, during and after pregnancy and listening to pregnant members’ concerns.

Nationally, Centene provides health care to more than 26 million people across all 50 states, including 15 million Medicaid members, and manages more than 200,000 births each year. It launched the Start Smart program more than a decade ago with an emphasis on early intervention in pregnancies and a focus on the whole health of the birthing parent. That means addressing social determinants of health – such as adequate housing, transportation or access to nutritional food - that can play a role in whether a pregnant member can access health care, in addition to medical issues.

Start Smart, which is an important part of Centene’s health equity efforts, employs advanced analytics, including health data, social determinant data and publicly available consumer data, to better identify pregnant people at high-risk for complications and outreaches to birthing parents and their providers to support care options to improve outcomes. Start Smart has significantly improved the prenatal and postnatal health of the birthing parent and baby. Participation in the program has steadily increased over its 13 years, while the number of very-low birth

weight deliveries have decreased by more than 30%.

One of the keys to the success of the program is intervention early in the pregnancy. Once an eligible member is identified, that’s often where care managers like Home State Health’s Felicia Kellum comes in. Kellum, who joined Centene’s Missouri health plan, Home State Health, to work on Start Smart five years ago, leverages her years of experience as a nurse, providing direct care to patients in a variety of settings, and marries it with a background in social services.

“I always want to meet the member where they are, and that is where we start,” Kellum said.

She acknowledges that she faces an additional barrier with some Black members that has to be addressed before she can help them.

“Some don’t trust the healthcare system,” Kellum said. “They feel de-valued and looked down on, and that can make them reluctant to seek care.”

Kellum focuses on building a rapport with her clients from the outset – a rapport that’s often grounded in shared experiences.

“Nine times out of 10, I have someone in my family or know someone who has experienced the same challenges,” Kellum said.

Finding those commonalities encour-

ages members to open up about the challenges they’re facing, whether related to finding a doctor, social determinants, mental health or substance abuse. Putting together a plan for each person’s care is like assembling a puzzle.

“The pieces tend to be all over the place, but I try to take it one piece at a time,” Kellum said.

She works to connect members with the support they need so that they can focus on getting the right care for themselves and their babies.

“If I’m hungry, you can’t talk to me about my health; if my electricity is going to be turned off, I’m not thinking about getting to a prenatal appointment,” Kellum said.

The approach has paid off for new parents across the country, including for Home State’s members in Missouri, where low-birthweight births have decreased and:

• C-section Rates were reduced by 1.8% from 2018 to 2020, including a 7.9% decrease in rural areas, and;

• Preeclampsia diagnoses saw a 6.3% decrease during pregnancy for Black women and a 3% decrease for women living in urban areas.

To complement the efforts of Care Managers such as Kellum, Start Smart

also now offers participants the Pacify platform, an app for members with smart phones that gives them 24/7 access to multilingual maternal and pediatric experts for lactation support, member education and telehealth options via phone and video. Under this program, Home State has demonstrated a decrease in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) length of stay when care management and Pacify were used together compared to care management alone.

For parents whose babies do require NICU care, the care management Kellum provides is part of an integrated neonatal team of medical directors and nurses who monitor the baby’s progress and reach out to the baby’s physicians to remove barriers to family participation and to prepare for post-discharge needs.

“Working with our hospital and physician partners, starting at admission, is the best way to limit family separation and ensure a successful NICU graduation home,” said Dr. Daniel Bruzzini, Centene neonatologist medical director.

That individual attention – from pregnancy through post-partum care – is part of a Start Smart for Your Baby® care management continuum that is helping to improve health equity and outcomes for birthing parents and their babies.

Tips for enjoying the sunny season safely

(StatePoint)

As the days grow long and the weather warms, you’re likely spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or competing in a triathlon, keep these five sunny season tips in mind:

1. Replenish fluids: It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re active. Replenish your fluids by drinking plenty of water and healthy beverages and by consuming water-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Because sweat contains electrolytes, you’ll also want to add foods that contain sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium to your diet.

2. Protect skin: Sun exposure can contribute to the production of free radicals. More free radicals in the body means more damage can accumulate over

time, and this DNA damage can cause gene mutations that can lead to skin cancer. This is why a multi-layered approach to skin protection is vital.

In addition to recommending daily use of topical broad-spectrum SPF, a 2020 survey found that 87% of U.S. dermatologists recommend that their patients take a daily dose of Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula as a simple way to help protect the skin. This natural, dietary supplement contains 240 milligrams of a powerful antioxidant formula derived from the extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PLE). Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern native to Central and South America that has been used for centuries as a remedy for skin-related conditions.

“Adding a daily supplement like Heliocare to your routine is a simple precaution you can take to help your body protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals,” says New York-based

dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD.

For more information, visit heliocare. com.

3. Protect your feet: Wearing properly-fitting, sports-specific footwear can help you avoid overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. Over time and mileage, athletic shoes lose their ability to absorb shock and will need to be replaced to help keep the muscles and joints in your feet and ankles protected. Headed for a swim? Always wear pool shoes or flip flops in the locker room to prevent athlete’s foot and skin infections.

4. Protect your vision: UV light is harmful to eye health and can put you at greater risk for a number of conditions that impact vision. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is a good idea. A hat with a brim or cap with a visor can offer eyes additional shade with the bonus of

protecting your scalp and face too. At the pool, keep chlorine and other disinfecting chemicals out of your eyes by always using goggles. Some pairs even offer UV protection.

5. Ward off bugs: There’s nothing more calming than connecting with nature, that is until biting and stinging bugs find their way to you. When going for walks in the woods, wear long sleeves and use an EPA-approved insect repellent. When you get home, do a quick inspection for ticks. You can also make your yard a safer, more comfortable place to spend time by using a citronella candle or tiki torch to ward off mosquitoes.

Warm sunny weather is ideal for fun, active days spent outdoors. Just be sure to take precautions to stay healthy and safe.

What is a stroke and how can I prevent one?

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer from stroke every year, according to the American Stroke Association, making stroke the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. African Americans have a higher prevalence and the highest death rate from stroke than any other racial group. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented with preventive steps and management of health conditions that lead to stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is cut off, depriving brain tissue of critical oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

According to the American Stroke Association, more than two-thirds of African Americans have at least one risk factor for stroke:

• High blood pressure – Over half of African American adults have high blood pressure. It often develops earlier in Black Americans and can be severe.

• Overweight and obesity – Almost 70% of African American men and more than 80% of African American women are overweight or obese.

• Diabetes – African Americans are more likely to have diabetes than any other racial group.

• High cholesterol – Nearly 30% of African Americans have high levels of “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

• Sickle cell anemia – This genetic disorder, which most often impacts African Americans, is a risk factor for stroke.

• n adults smoke, doubling their risk of stroke.

• Eating too much salt– Research shows that a gene commonly found in African Americans may greatly increase sensitivity to salt and its effects.

• Stress – Ongoing stress may increase risk for stroke.

• Age – Stroke risk doubles for every decade after age 55.

Steps you can take toward preventing a stroke include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. It’s also important to stay on top of your stroke risk factors and manage them with your physician.

Signs and symptoms of stroke

Stroke can lead to paralysis, loss of speech, memory or vision, diminished reasoning — and sometimes even death. It is critical that a stroke victim receive evaluation and proper treatment quickly to minimize injury to brain tissue. This

early action can reduce brain damage, disabilities and other complications.

Remember to “BE FAST” when checking for signs of stroke:

Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?

Eyes: Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

Face: Does the person’s face look uneven? Is one side drooping?

Arm: Is one arm hanging down?

Speech: Is the person’s speech slurred? Does the person have trouble speaking or seem confused?

Time: Call 911 now!

First responders can begin providing vital care during transport to the hospital.

When stroke occurs, every minute matters

The sooner a stroke victim gets medical attention, the better the chances of recovery. With each passing minute, the chance of brain injury, permanent disability and death increase. BJC hospitals with certified stroke centers are conveniently located in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, St. Francois County, Franklin County, and Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, to help get you or your loved one fast and accurate treatment in case of a stroke.

Christian Hospital, a Primary Stroke Center within BJC

Recognized for its excellence in stroke care, the stroke program at Christian Hospital is certified as a Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center and has received several American Heart Association Achievement Awards. Christian Hospital’s team of neurologists, nurses and therapists deliver exceptional care to patients with neurological conditions, including stroke. The team works in close coordination with the emergency department, offering a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Patients have immediate access to brain imaging scans, evaluations with neurologists and clot-busting medication when necessary.

Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan, including rehabilitation services when needed to help patients regain their independence.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital works to prevent strokes in children

Sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder that most often impacts African Americans, is a risk factor for stroke, even in children.

The Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers evaluation for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all types of stroke in children. The hospital provides immediate, comprehensive care in emergency stroke situations, as

The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented with preventive steps and management of health conditions that lead to stroke.

well as follow-up, rehabilitative care to help children recover as fully as possible.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital & Washington University – at the forefront of stroke care

As a certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, the Barnes-Jewish and Washington University Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center provides some of the fastest critical care for stroke patients in the country. This rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment means a greater chance for patients to survive stroke, prevent long-term brain damage and shorten recovery time.

When time is of the essence, the Washington University and BarnesJewish Hospital Stroke Network offers real-time access to some of the nation’s top stroke experts — even when a patient is 150 miles away. The Stroke Network creates collaborations between member hospitals and emergency medical responders to streamline and improve stroke care, regardless of where a patient is located.

To take a stroke risk assessment, click here.

Learn more about stroke care at Christian Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Stroke Center

Racial wealth gap widens health gap

Two linked in Black America

By Frances Murphy (Toni) Draper AFRO Newspaper

As long as there is poverty in the world, I can never be rich, even if I have a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant and millions of people in this world cannot expect to live more than twenty-eight or thirty years, I can never be totally healthy even if I just got a good checkup at Mayo Clinic. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the way our world is made. No individual or nation can stand out boasting of being independent. We are interdependent.”

– The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we reflect on Black wealth during financial literacy month, I’m often reminded that wealth means different things to different people. To some it’s inconsequential. To others, it’s fleeting. And still others express a desire to be wealthy but are uncertain of how and where to start.

Unfortunately, the quest for material wealth often takes precedence over everything, including our physical health. I contend, as so many others have, that if we are not first physically healthy, we will not be able to enjoy and appreciate other things including our families and the material wealth we may accumulate. It has often been said that “money can buy medicine, but not health.”

Frances Murphy (Toni) Draper

It’s no secret that health disparities and inequities are prevalent in African American communities.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes in non-Hispanic Black people is 11.7%, versus only 7.5% in non-Hispanic whites.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that African Americans are almost four times as likely as Whites to develop kidney failure. While African Americans make up about 13% of the population, they account for 35% of the people with kidney failure in the United States.

And, according to the American Heart Association, about 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension or HBP.

In addition, the Center for American Progress notes:

• 80% of African American women are overweight or obese compared to 64.8% of non-Hispanic white women.

• In 2017, 12.6% of African American children had asthma compared to 7.7% of non-Hispanic white children.

African Americans have the highest mortality rate for all cancers combined, compared with any other racial and ethnic group.

There are 11 infant deaths per 1,000 live births among Black Americans. This is almost twice the national average of 5.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

11.4 per 100,000 African American men and 2.8 per 100,000 African American women die by suicide.

The statistics are alarming, but the real question revolves around the impact that the racial wealth gap has on the health of African Americans.

A 2018 study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation concluded that “greater levels of wealth also predict better health outcomes.” Building wealth where opportunities have been historically limited is essential for advancing health equity.

Frances Murphy (Toni) Draper is publisher of Baltimore based Afro Newspapers