April 4th, 2019 Edition

Cumulative voting in Ferg-Flor

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Election results on Tuesday, April 2 suggest that federal court-ordered cumulative voting in the Ferguson-Florissant School District as a means to bring more diversity to its school board did not work as intended – at least not this time around.

There were three candidates, two black and one white, vying for two positions, which meant one black candidate would win regardless. In the end, Leslie Suzanne Hogshead, a white incumbent, won with the most votes, 5,667 votes or 43.29 percent. A black challenger, Sheila Powell-Walker, came in second with 3,769 votes or 28.79 percent, removing a black incumbent, Connie Harge (3,565 votes or 27.23 percent) from the board.

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Wiley Price inducted into STL Media Hall of Fame

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By Rebecca Rivas

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By Rebecca Rivas Of

Photo by Wiley Price

Ferguson-Florissant school board

Sheila PowellWalker talked with Diana Carpenter as she went

April 2.

was elected to the school board.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Suspect in Nipsey Hussle killing captured

A man who is thought to be the suspect in Sunday’s shooting death of rapper Nipsey Hussle was detained in Bellflower on Tuesday, according to Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Tony Im.

Nipsey Hussle and the man suspected of killing him knew each other, and the shooting appears to be the product of a personal dispute, Los Angeles police Chief Michel Moore told reporters Tuesday morning.

Moore declined to elaborate on the feud between the two, saying he didn’t want to jeopardize any potential prosecution, but he said the suspect – who has been identified via surveillance video and witnesses as 29-year-old Eric Holder – approached Hussle and others multiple times, engaging them in conversation.

The Grammy-nominated artist was among four people standing between cars outside The Marathon Clothing store he owned in Los Angeles’ Hyde Park neighborhood, video from a surveillance camera trained on the parking lot shows.

The 33-year-old, born Ermias Joseph

Asghedom, was a mainstay of the Crenshaw District where he grew up. He owned businesses there, invested in the community and counted several Los Angeles rappers among his influences and collaborators.

“Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy,” Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, said in a tweet Sunday. “L.A. is hurt deeply each time a young life is lost to senseless gun violence.”

His debut studio album “Victory Lap,” released last year, was nominated for “Rap Album of the Year” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in February of this year.

“Nipsey was not only one of the greatest artists we worked with but an amazing father and leader in his community,” Nipsey Hussle’s label, Atlantic Records, said in a statement Sunday. “One of the kindest and brightest stars in the universe, he was inspiring to all.” On Tuesday, Hussle’s longtime partner, Lauren London, broke her silence regarding

his passing in a heartbreaking message she shared across her social media accounts.

Sharing a picture of him on her Instagram account, she wrote: “I am completely lost ... I’ve lost my best friend. My sanctuary. My protector. My soul. I’m lost without you. We are lost without you babe. I have no words.”

The pair had a two-year-old son, Kross, together and he was also a father to daughter Emani, from a previous relationship.

Issa Rae denies announcing engagement

Last month, actress Issa Rae sparked engagement rumors after sharing a picture on Instagram Live with a big diamond ring on a certain

Insecure co-stars Yvonne Orji and confirmed the news while walking the red carpet at the NAACP Image Awards last

excited for her. Meanwhile, Rae took to Instagram and posted, “I didn’t announce [expletive].”

What’s next for Wendy Williams and husband Kevin Hunter?

There have been rumors that daytime talk show host Wendy Williams is preparing to split from her husband, Kevin Hunter, since she was spotted without her wedding ring in the wake of allegations that he recently fathered a child with his longtime mistress. According to Page Six, Williams is working out the details of a split with her business partner and husband of 22 years.

“We’re very excited for her,” Orji told Entertainment Tonight, with Ellis adding, “We all found out in different ways because we’re all on different text chains. We talk at different times, so we all found out at different times in different

Orji said she couldn’t be more

“A source told us, ‘there is a discussion about what happens now,’” Page Six said. “Everyone is asking, ‘How can they possibly stay together?’ Wendy still loves Kevin, but her health is at stake. [And] They are so tangled up together in business, so they are carefully looking at what a separation could entail. It will be difficult.”

Williams and Hunter own a multimillion-dollar home in Livingston, NJ, and are the parents of 18-year-old son Kevin Jr.

Sources: People.com, ET.com, Instagram.com, Page Six

Nipsey Hussle

Wendy Williams

Criminal justice reforms advance In Missouri

House

State Rep. Shamed Dogan says provisions are ‘morally right and fiscally sound’

By Rachel Lippmann

Louis Public Radio

is fiscally sound and fiscally conservative,” Dogan said.

R-Ballwin, acknowledges could be a long fight.

“We have to have a fight with some of our friends and colleagues who are good conservatives and good Republicans just to convince them that this is morally the right thing to do and that this

It’s

publish

or perish with the Black Press

Better information on the community’s awareness and concerns are of vital importance to every ethnic group, particularly African Americans.

The St. Louis American and other print media published by

black people keep us informed on the unique and combined contributions of race, ethnicity, income, and family structure. Malcolm X said, “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have

The legislation, which Dogan is calling the Missouri First Step Act after the federal reforms signed by the Trump administration, includes a number of provisions.

Individuals on probation with a private company would not have to submit to drug and alcohol testing unless ordered by a judge or if they had been

the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent.” Media has been a tool that influences the minds, ideas, behaviors, and attitudes of the masses. Malcolm X himself was one of the most media-savvy black leaders of the period, readily employing television, magazines, and newspapers to spread the ideology of Islam and Black Nationalism.

convicted of a crime related to drug or alcohol.

Defendants could not be sent to jail for failing to pay fines or fees, although local governments could use the collection process. Warrants could not be issued solely because someone has unpaid fines.

Police officers would have to note whether a driver they have stopped lives in the jurisdiction

By the time of his assassination in February 1965, he had appeared on scores of television programs, arguably more than any other civil rights figure including Martin Luther King Jr. This media outreach helped

build membership in the Nation of Islam from 500 in 1952 to 30,000 in 1963 and enabled its leaders to influence African-American public opinion for decades to come.

Today Malcolm X would understand the Black Press is used by African Americans as a tool for survival. They print the truth, and African Americans need truth and facts. We need to know what is really behind the attacks on Kim Gardner and other public servants who function in our interest. And we must understand the ways in which ethnic minorities are portrayed in the press and why.

State Rep. Shamed Dogan, shown here in May 2016, says although there’s been a “sea change” in his party around criminal justice issues, his so-called Missouri First Step Act has a tough road to passage.

Photo by Jason Rosenbaum / St. Louis Public Radio

where the stop occurred.

Police departments would be required to adopt policies designed to eliminate bias in traffic stops.

Inmates in the state’s prisons and jails would have to be provided free menstrual products.

County jails would have to follow certain restrictions if they choose to shackle pregnant inmates. It does not ban the shackling of inmates in labor.

The limits are already in place in state prisons.

The Missouri Police Chiefs Association expressed some concern with the provisions on traffic-stop data. The group worries that because the state’s population is used as

Bill Kovach wrote, “This desire that information be truthful is elemental. Since news is the material that people use to learn and think about the world beyond themselves, the most important quality is that it be useable and reliable.” This is why you must read and support The American Dr. Carter G. Woodson wrote: “The thought of the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies. As another has well said, to handicap a student by teaching him that his black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless, is the worst sort of lynching.” The American seeks to remedy this stigma.

the baseline to determine if a department is discriminating against black drivers, departments that have a lot of traffic from other states may seem as though they have an issue with biased policing when they do not.

“We have agencies, as an example, Joplin, which sits on the border and has a residential population of about 50,000 but a daily population of about 240,000,” said Republican state Rep. Lane Roberts, the former police chief in Joplin.

“It draws from Oklahoma, it draws from Kansas, it draws from Arkansas. You have the same situation when you look at Hannibal or St. Louis. Those cities are affected by things other than the state population.” The committee also voted to eliminate a provision of state law that allowed a judge to sentence a defendant to death if a jury could not unanimously agree to that sentence. If that happens, those defendants would be automatically sentenced to life without parole. Both bills await action in the full state House. Follow Rachel on Twitter: @ rlippmann Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

This publication reveals that black Americans make significant contributions to every segment of American society, such as in business, arts and entertainment, science, literature, and politics and law. Though issues of discrimination remain, African Americans endure, achieve, and lead, and we become aware of our achievements through the Black Press. Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on NLEC-TV Ch. 24.2. I can be reached by fax at (314) 8373369, on e-mail at berhay@ swbell.net or on Twitter @ berhay.

Bernie Hayes

Editorial /CommEntary

Galloway reports secret, unlawful change to state tax withholdings

Missouri Governor Mike Parson does not dispute that the Department of Revenue under his administration unlawfully made changes to taxpayer withholdings in January 2019 that will result in over-withholding for the majority of individual Missouri taxpayers. Further, he does not dispute that his administration made this unlawful change without the proper public review process and has not yet admitted or explained this to the public. What’s worse is this change over-corrected for previous errors the department made in March and October 2018 to under-withhold taxpayer earnings. As a result, Missouri taxpayers are expected to pay an additional $134 million when they file their returns and there will be $232 million less in tax refunds issued this year, according to Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway.

A spokesperson for Parson was contacted by The American and asked to counter these claims that were made by Galloway in a new audit report and at a press conference in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 2. Rather than address the alarming substance of her report, Parson’s spokesperson responded, “We’re not interested in engaging with someone that prioritizes partisan politics and scare tactics over the long-term benefits of federal and state income tax cuts.”

In fact, nothing in Galloway’s report relates to the Republican obsession with tax cuts. She simply reported on gross mismanagement of a routine but crucial function of state government: how the government withholds taxes from taxpayers’ paychecks. To be sure, Galloway reported her findings with a sense of outrage, but it was not outrage at tax cuts. Rather, it was outrage at arrogance in government and the refusal to come clean to taxpayers regarding the mismanagement of their money.

“For more than six months, this administration failed to communicate with Missourians on how changes to withholdings would affect their bank account,” Galloway said. “Then, despite bipartisan calls for answers, they attempted to downplay the issues. Taxpayers deserve honesty from the administration. Instead, the Department of Revenue continues to operate in secrecy.”

Clearly, Parson is aware that a major mistake was made. Less than a week after he received Galloway’s draft report, the governor announced the Department of Revenue director’s resignation. However, no mention of withholding errors was mentioned. Further, Galloway said that the department now is being run by someone who held a senior position in the department when it made these errors and the unlawful, secret change. That calls into question what, if any, reforms are being made to a department that clearly has been managed badly – and with at best indifference to citizens.

Galloway is correct that state legislators’ concern about being bypassed in the rulechanging process (which is the law the Parson

Photo by Wiley Price

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway discussed a new audit report on the Missouri Department of Revenue at a press conference in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 2.

administration broke) is bi-partisan. Certainly, Galloway is correct in her emphasis that she is protecting the interests of all taxpayers. Your political affiliation is beside the point when you get a notice from the government informing you that you owe far more in state taxes than you expected and you were not given the information that would have helped you to prepare for that.

But then, Parson is not wrong in scenting an element of “partisan politics and scare tactics” in Galloway’s handling of the audit report, regardless of the great value in its factual findings and warnings. As Missouri’s only statewide-elected Democrat – who won’t stand for reelection in 2020, when the governor’s seat will next come before voters – Galloway arguably has the best chance among Missouri Democrats of beating Parson, who has never been elected governor. Her leadership and watchdog skills as auditor benefit all Missourians, but the pointed way she called out the governor does have a feel of “partisan politics and scare tactics.” She is saying: Here is one Democrat not afraid to take on this governor. To that extent, her “scare tactics” are not directed toward voters regarding tax cuts, as Parson nonsensically claimed. It’s you she is trying to scare, governor.

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, God asks a profound compound question: “Who shall I send, who will go for us?” This compound question has two answers, one obvious and one not so obvious. The obvious answer is God could send anyone He chose. But His other question was: Who wanted to go? This existential question, asked in the time of Isaiah, is the recurring question asked by oppressed people ever since. Who will go for us? And real leadership is about understanding what it means to say, “Send me.”

On August 5, 2014, after two years of baseless character assassination by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, incumbent Charlie Dooley lost the Democratic nomination for county executive to Stevie Stenger. Dooley was betrayed by most of organized labor and the white county Democratic establishment, though he had always supported both. The mood that night among African-American county political leaders was not sadness but anger. Two days later, Berkeley Mayor Ted Hoskins hosted a meeting where the question was how to retaliate. A consensus emerged that Stenger should not be supported and his white Democratic allies needed to be actively opposed. How to do it, and who would do it?

During that discussion, St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby said this political mistreatment and disrespect had gone on too long and she was sick and tired of it. It

was with her phrasing in that moment that the Fannie Lou Hamer Democratic Coalition was born and christened. It’s also when Hazel Erby had her Isaiah moment. She said, “Send me.” With less than 12 weeks before the November 4 General Election and no financial resources, she stepped forward to lead the effort to take on the Democratic establishment on behalf of the black community. She organized and galvanized black elected officials across six townships. They endorsed the Republican nominee for county executive, and their unified collective effort came within 1,800 votes of defeating Stenger. While they didn’t change the outcome of the race, they did change the political calculus of St. Louis County and the political relationship between black politics and the retrograde Democratic Party in the county, whose only real value to the black community is they aren’t Republicans, barely. On the St. Louis County Council, Hazel Erby has been a ferocious champion of the needs of the African-American community while being an advocate for the interests of all county residents. She has been an honest broker with allies and adversaries, all the while maintaining a humility, graciousness and generosity of spirit that

is seldom, if ever, seen in St. Louis politics.

It’s appropriate to note the political role that women of color, particularly black women, are playing in this historic political moment, saving America from its worse self. Black women, who have long pulled the wagon for the Democratic Party, are now taking their well-earned place as the leaders and drivers of the party. And while it doesn’t always feel like it, there are black women in St. Louis helping to make this political history.

Hazel did not see herself playing this role at this point in life. But there is another question that is asked in the Old Testament that Hazel had to answer. By extension it speaks to some in this emerging generation of black women, who have the skills to lead, but for a myriad of reasons may be reluctant to answer the call. You will find the question in Esther, one of two books in the Bible named after a woman: “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

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

Commentary

Is Affton School District overlooking a racial insult?

By Jonathan Pulphus For The St. Louis American

Does St. Louis take claims of racism seriously? Recall Blues Coach Craig Berube admitting to calling his black player an animal with “no racist intent?” As a consequence, Berube forfeited a game and lost some of his salary. If this bleak response flies, imagine what happens with lower-profile coaches that commit these acts.

Oliver must be fully investigated. He should not be able to move with impunity in light of a complaint levied by a scholar and his family. Scholars cannot be “confident” or “learn” when the district asserts values that it cannot uphold due to unchecked racism.

Tiffany Vining, a concerned Affton High School parent, has been having an impossible time seeking redress for concerns surrounding incidents involving her child. These problems reportedly stem from Affton High School Athletic Director “Coach” Dan Oliver. According to Vining, Oliver threatened and called her son Jarell a racial epithet. To add insult to injury, the Affton school board and superintendent has been unresponsive to her calls for recourse.

The mission statement of the Affton District is “to prepare all of our students to become confident and capable citizens through rigorous, customized learning.” When accusations of racism are taken lightly, this dilutes the message behind Affton schools.

The accusations against Dan

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The question remains: Who will hold this institution accountable to its mission and values?

Perhaps there will be no fitting remedy to Vining’s cries for help. Affton High School is, after all, majority white. The school board and superintendent’s office have similar demographics. One wonders whether these white spaces

n One wonders whether these white spaces feel like they have a stake in addressing claims of racial animus against the athletic director.

feel like they have a stake in addressing claims of racial animus against the athletic director of its high school. They may dismiss this as hearsay.

If a tree falls in a forest with no one to witness it, did it happen? Yes!

etters to the editor

Kinfolk, skinfolk and St. Louis

I commend The St. Louis American for running Blake Strode’s editorial “In politics, all kinfolk are not skinfolk.” I believe that both blacks and whites need to heed Strode’s advice to consider a candidate’s past actions and policy, and not primarily skin color, and that to some degree many are increasingly more willing to do so.

Twenty years ago when Freeman Bosley Jr. ran for mayor and Jim Shrewsbury for comptroller, I was greatly concerned about racial inequity and division. I asked each candidate to endorse the other and run as a black/white team.

They declined. I got large signs from each campaign and had a third one printed that said “For A Whole St. Louis” and erected a single 12-foot-high sign with all three messages in my front yard. A storm blew down the sign before the deadline given by the city to remove the “illegal” sign.

Jim Roos St. Louis

Donald Trump and the devil

There is no reasoning that can describe Donald Trump’s actions. The devil has prevailed, and there is no turning back for Trump. His destiny is like a ship on a stormy sea, and whoever is in its wake goes down with him.

Trump displays the intelligence of a tenth grader in high school walking around anxiously waiting for the next big shiny thrill to come his way. It could be a woman, Russia, Putin, fighting with MSNBC news. Everyone plays a part in keeping Donald Trump entertained. The best and worst thing that could happen to Donald Trump is for him to be totally ignored and stepped over and left in the darkness like the devil’s demons. Then watch how he begins to shrivel up and fade away into the hands of the devil.

When reports are not taken seriously, this may create a chilling effect on the truth. We cannot afford to allow this and any other issues levied against staff to pass unanswered. This case is not unique. Recall the situation at East Mecklenburg High School in North Carolina. The parent, Desiree Emory, whose son played on the football team, announced that her son was called a racial pejorative by the assistant coach. As a result, the coach was “removed” only to be reinstated six months later. While the school reacted to the coach’s transgression, its response was superficial and tepid. Emory ended up transferring her son.

Dorothy Dempsey St Louis

Black scholars must be able to go through school without worrying about becoming the target of bigotry. Like all students, they go to school to get an education and prepare themselves for fulfilling their purpose. This journey should not be hampered by slurs. Unfortunately, this is not the reality our children of color face in our nation. They carry the burden of their race along with their books, tests, and classes. Please support Vining by contacting the Affton School District superintendent by lifting up her frustrations. The name of the superintendent is Travis Bracht, and his email is tbracht@afftonschools.net. He must be reminded of his duty to the mission of the Affton School District and its youth of color. Our children deserve urgency – and better.

Jonathan Pulphus is an activist in St. Louis.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Sinquefield sacrificed a pawn in Stenger

Rex Sinquefield understands the game of chess. Now, he is applying one of the game’s classic opening moves in the political arena. The Sinquefield-backed Better Together has announced plans to refile their proposed initiative to merge St. Louis city and county with one notable change: County Executive Steve Stenger will no longer be the first metro mayor. The original proposal called for Stenger to serve until 2025, a provision met with fierce criticism. The change came swiftly as news broke that Stenger was the target of a federal subpoena looking into potential impropriety in the awarding of county contracts to Stenger’s political donors.

In chess, a gambit is an opening move in which a player sacrifices a piece with the goal of obtaining an advantageous position. It does not take a grandmaster to see that this is exactly what BT is doing by jettisoning Stenger from unelected power over the metro city. Sacrifice Stenger, they reason, and the board looks much better in advance of their statewide vote. Here’s the rub: most gambits are not sound. Stenger is a big piece to sacrifice, and Sinquefield must certainly be sweating, waiting to see if voters accept the gambit or if they acknowledge the proposal’s other serious flaws, such as the absence of school reform or the statewide nature of the vote. If voters decline, will Sinquefield & company be open to further changes? That remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the game is afoot Ben Conover Maplewood

Guest Columnist

Jonathan Pulphus

Gentlemen of Vision stepping out with State Department

The Nine Network’s documentary “Gentlemen of Vision,” directed by Frank Popper and Jim Kirchherr, has been selected for this year’s American Film Showcase (AFS), a film diplomacy program of the United States State Department. Gentlemen of Vision tells the story of a ground-breaking step team from St. Louis founded by Marlon Wharton, a professional counselor with Riverview Gardens School District. AFS, a partnership between the U.S. State Department and University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, works with U.S. embassies and consulates to show local audiences independent films that offer contemporary insights into American society and foster understanding across cultures. “Gentlemen of Vision” also has broadcast on public television stations across the country. The film won the Midrash Award at the 2016 St. Louis International Film Festival, was voted Best Documentary Feature at the 2018 Cinema on the Bayou and was an official selection at the prestigious 2017 AFI Docs.

State is not monitoring Child Care Subsidy Program

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit that detailed an ongoing failure by the State of Missouri to address concerns with providers of the Child Care Subsidy Program that are at a high risk of noncompliance. The report also found a continued failure by the state to properly account for federal dollars in several state programs.

The Child Care Subsidy Program helps pay child care expenses for approximately 60,000 Missouri children at 4,700 child care providers at an annual cost of approximately $150 million. For the third year in a row, the report identified concerns with the state’s procedures to ensure providers’ compliance with regulations related to billing practices, attendance records, staffing ratios and fire safety.

“The state receives this federal funding to provide assistance to thousands of parents in Missouri to help with the cost of child care,”

Galloway said. “The state is then responsible for holding providers accountable for following the rules. If the state does not ensure there is follow-up and consequences for breaking those rules, then there can be no expectation that these providers will change.”

When concerns are identified, the state can recommend training or have the providers’ contract terminated. If required training is recommended and not completed, the providers’ contract can be terminated. However, the department did not have criteria or guidance for determining appropriate follow-up action.

Auditors reviewed specific cases and found that in the majority of those cases, action to address noncompliance was not taken timely or efficiently.

The complete audit can be found at https:// tinyurl.com/audit-child-care.

How and why I write what I write

Writing for The St. Louis American for 25 years, a reoccurring question from readers is how I come up with ideas for my column. That can be easily answered most weeks. I am information junky, an avid reader, a political observer and a community organizer. I live in St. Louis. I live in the United States. I’m a global citizen. Based on these factors, I will never, ever run out of people, events, problems or opinions to write about. I am fascinated by human behavior in all its degradation and glory.

I remember one time a reader asked what issue I was going to tackle that week. I responded that I had no idea.

The reader believed that meant I was struggling to come up with a topic or that I had writer’s block. The block was first described in 1947 by psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler. It’s the condition writers experience when no ideas or no thoughts are forthcoming regardless how hard they try. The paralysis is real and can last hours or days – even years. Thinking I needed some help, it was suggested I use an old column.

The was not the case at all for me. I went on to clarify that I had several topics rolling around in my head and was having difficulty narrowing my focus. I promptly added that I would never recycle a column.

Here’s the typical thinking and writing process that unfolds. Something has happened, or I heard an interesting or provocative broadcast or personally experienced a situation. I always keep paper and pen in the car, by my bed or make notes in my smartphone. I think about the angle I want to explore or the important points I want my readers to know. I want to give them some actions steps because information should be motivating and empowering.

There are times when I take on a familiar or old topic but from different perspectives. For example, I probably wrote about the unsolved murder case of the headless child a few times. Each time I wanted to approach it in a unique way hoping to draw interest in the cold case that might lead to identification of the little Jane Doe. She had been raped and decapitated.

One of those columns was titled “A Tale of Two Cities,” where I compared similar cases of headless children in St. Louis and Kansas City. The 1983 St. Louis case remains unsolved, plagued by evidence blunders and little outcry from the community.

In K.C., a concerned community raised funds for a reward for its Precious Doe and ultimately a memorial. It kept up enough pressure that eventually led to the identity and details of the 2001 case. Three-year-old Ericka Green was killed and dismembered by her drug-crazed parents. How the two communities dealt with their tragic murders remains a source of curiosity to me to this day. Writing about issues like this also helps me to lighten a heavy heart. It motivates me to work harder for peace and justice in my community.

I also write about anniversary events like the Dred and Harriet Scott case or the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday and assassination dates. I have reviewed books and movies. I have dived into cases like that of the mysterious murder of St. Louis native LaVena Johnson while serving in the U.S. Army. I have written about scores of miscarriages of justice in our courts.

Although I maintain I’m no journalist, I traveled to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Through my Katrina Notebook in 2005, I gave personal account of what I saw. I continued to travel to New Orleans over the next five years to bear witness to the desperation and triumph of Gulf Coast survivors.

There are times when I tackle topics I’m unfamiliar with but believe that both my readers and I should better understand, like the Great Recession of 2008 and related issues like derivatives, sub-prime mortgages and default swaps. For these columns, I had to do lots of research and talked with friends who had a better grasp of market economy than me. I felt it was important to know how the recession was impacting our families and their futures.

Mainly I write about what I know, what I’m fighting for with others and what I think about the situation. I have written about many issues and the many facets of those issues. There’s so much more to write about in our ever-changing world. You’ll know what I think and just as important, I really want to know what you think.

Jamala Rogers

Continued from A1

Sometimes the hospital staff will see the same person who has overdosed in the morning come back again in the afternoon and evening, he said.

“How can we work together to solve this problem?” Stevens said. “This hospital alone can’t do it, but we can do it with the partnerships, with you all together.”

The hospital has been hosting quarterly meetings with the clergy for a few years, but the April 1 meeting had the biggest turnout yet. The hope is that providing information to the religious community about health services and issues will allow the ministers to share it with their congregations and be health care advocates.

“I’m passionate about health care,” Stevens told The St. Louis American. “I want the best for the community where I work, which is North County and beyond.”

On April 26, Stevens will receive the Stellar Performer in Health Care Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 19th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton. His ability to inspire action in the community during his nearly three years as president is among the reasons he is being honored.

“Rick has been very much a man to not only give vision but to listen,” said Bishop Larry Jones of Greater Grace Church, “and listen to what the community has to say.”

Since Stevens’ arrival in 2016, the hospital’s parking

FERG-FLOR

Continued from A1 this change – intended to give black voters a greater voice –work to her benefit.

lots appear to be fuller when Jones drives past and the people have more positive things to say about the care they receive.

“People are trusting Christian again,” Jones said.

“He has brought something more open and giving to the hospital to meet the needs of the community to where everyone feels important.”

People have taken notice of the renovated lobby that was unveiled in October as being more “warm and welcoming,” Jones said, and there are more single-bed hospital rooms so families can enjoy some privacy. In December, the newest Siteman Cancer Center outpatient facility on Christian Hospital’s Northwest HealthCare campus is set to be

finished, a $26-million project.

The nearly 37,000-square-foot facility at Interstate 270 and Graham Road in Florissant will feature state-of-the-art technology, including a new linear accelerator to deliver radiation therapy.

All of these renovations are part of the $60 million that BJC HealthCare is investing into Christian Hospital, “which is a $60 million investment into the community as well,” Stevens said.

Major players in the community have taken notice of Stevens’ work and have become more engaged, said Kel Ward, community health outreach manager at Christian Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

“When I started coming

to the Community Leader Breakfasts, I started noticing those leaders coming,” Ward said. “Rick is onto something because I know these individuals are busy, but they are consistently coming. They are getting engaged, and a lot of that is attributed to Rick’s leadership.”

This engagement has led to more partnerships, Stevens said. Christian Hospital has partnered with the Salvation Army in a $1-million grant to add community health workers in the Ferguson area. Funding from the Christian Hospital Foundation allowed two school districts, Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens, to open school-based health centers in October. Medical professionals from CareSTL

Under President Rick Stevens, Christian Hospital partnered with CareSTL Health last year to open schoolbased health centers in the Hazelwood (pictured) and Riverview Gardens school districts.

Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky; and University Medical Center in Dallas.

Stevens grew up in Rockford, Illinois, the son of a small businessman – his father operated a successful tax service and invested in real estate.

“I was a biology major in college, but I always had business in the back of my mind because of my dad,” Steven said, “so I married the two by becoming a healthcare administrator.”

He earned a master’s degree in public health, with a concentration in healthcare administration, from Meharry Medical College and a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University, both in Nashville. He has served in leadership roles with the American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, and a number of other community organizations.

Health staff the facilities and provide a combined total of 2,500 students with a full range of health services, including medical, dental, specialty and behavioral health care.

“That just means the best care is coming to North County through Christian Hospital,” Stevens said.

In 2016, Stevens was recruited to come to St. Louis for this position after four years in San Francisco, where he was chief administrative officer at St. Luke’s Hospital and vice president at California Pacific Medical Center. He has more than 20 years of health care experience, with previous executive roles at Methodist McKinney Hospital in McKinney, Texas; Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s

Stevens believes Christian Hospital is one of the “bestkept secrets” because of the doctors, specialists and great staff that take care of North County residents.

“This award is not about me,” Stevens said. “This award is about Christian Hospital and all the staff members that work here.”

Tickets for the 19th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 26 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-5338000 or visit www.stlamerican. com.

Hogshead, who has been on the board since 1992, used campaign signage that read “Vote Twice for Experience.” On April 1 she posted on Facebook, “Please remember to vote for me and remember vote 2 times.”

Hogshead had a winning strategy based on cumulative voting, though she was a no-show at the voter education former organized before the election by the ACLU of

Missouri and the NAACP State Conference, who filed the suit that resulted in cumulative voting. Without explaining her fears, she wrote to organizers that she decided not to attend to avoid “the bullying and harassment.”

With Powell-Walker replacing Harge, who had been secretary, on the board

and Hogshead remaining, there is no change in the board’s racial demographics: four whites and three blacks.

While the district population is nearly evenly divided between white (50 percent) and black (48 percent) residents, with a smattering of other races represented, the student body is more than 80 percent black and

less than 10 percent white.

Tony Rothert, legal director of ACLU of Missouri, did not read the results as their strategy having backfired.

“Cumulative voting not only affects Election Day, but also the field of candidates in an election,” Rothert said. “This is the first time in a competitive Ferguson-Florissant School District election where it was guaranteed a black-preferred candidate would be elected. We hope this is the beginning of a school board more responsive to the needs of all residents in the FergusonFlorissant School District.”

Photo by Wiley Price

SLPS

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systems for struggling students during their campaigns. They also spoke about ways to increase involvement in the district.

“One of my biggest goals is to make sure the school board meetings are flooded,” Layne said. “We need to be the ones to bring them back in and reach out, and that’s what I will be doing.”

As a teacher, Miller said she was able to find resources for her students from organizations within the community.

“We have universities, we have nonprofits, we have companies that are available,” Miller said. “It’s a matter of making sure that we don’t just get the school community engaged but the whole St. Louis community engaged – so they understand that the stronger our schools are, the stronger our city is.”

model to the academy. Layne also currently sits on the board for the charter school. He said he will be stepping down from the Kairos board this summer because the time requirement will be too great to serve on both. (Mayor Lyda Krewson’s son, Jack, is among the charter’s founding team.)

In 2009, Miller started teaching at SLPS and stayed in the classroom for three years. Then she acted as a contracted instructional and intervention coach in the district for three years after that. She has taught and managed in five school districts across five states. She is working on completing a PhD in education policy and is writing her dissertation about racially oppressive structures in public high schools.

The Missouri State Board of Education is expected to return the governance of the SLPS District back to the elected Board of Education before the start of the next school year. The three-member appointed Special Administrative Board (SAB) has governed for the past 10 years, after the district lost full accreditation. The elected board has been holding meetings and preparing for this transition.

Layne believes the transition back to the elected board will go smoothly with a clear vision.

“We have goals as a board, and we have goals as a district,” Layne said. “We need to take the same approach to the transition itself and have strategies and goals in place and work diligently to make sure that those goals are executed.”

At the education nonprofit InspireSTL, Layne developed curriculum for an education access and support program for students in 7th grade to college. Joining in 2014, Layne built out a studentcoaching model and the high school and college support program. The organization has now merged with the Wyman Center.

Layne was tapped by the Kairos Academies, a charter school that will open in the fall, to bring his program

“That’s my resume,” Miller said.

“But I want people to know is that I’ve been, throughout all of my time in St. Louis, an activist. Every chance I’ve had when I’ve seen a problem, I’ve tried to address it head on.”

Miller and Layne were not endorsed by the local teachers’ union, the American Federation of Teachers St. Louis Local 420.

“The voters have spoken,” said Ray Cummings, vice president for political education for the Local 420. “Although we were looking for a different outcome, make no mistake about it, we are looking forward to a return of governance to the elected school board.”

On social media, some people raised concerns about the funding for Layne’s campaign mailer – which had ties to an organization that is criticized for supporting privatization of public schools. Layne told The St. Louis American that he was not “pro-privatization,” as some of his critics claimed during the campaign. And he urged residents to hold him accountable at the school board meetings.

“While we continue to have concerns about the amount and sources of stealth funding in elections,” Cummings said, “we have proven our ability to find common ground and talk to anyone regarding the future and continued improvement of the St. Louis Public Schools. We represent the employees on the frontline in the classroom; there are no successful solutions that ignore that simple fact.”

PRICE

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from A1

building,” Price said. “That was the only job I ever had that I couldn’t wait to quit.”

In contrast, Price said that photographing the black community for The St. Louis American does not even feel like work. “That is one busy place I enjoy being in,” he said of the newsroom.

His induction ceremony also was a throwback because he previously went though it representing his late father, the pioneering black DJ also named Wiley Price, when the St. Louis Media History Foundation, which bestows the award, inducted his father.

“I never thought this was an honor I would share with him,” said Price, who lost his father when he was 13.

Price’s father was instrumental to the photojournalist shooting for The St. Louis American

Price

a cold call to The American in person because Rodgers recognized the name. “You look just like your father,” Rodgers told the youth.

Price, whose original ambition was to play jazz trombone, already had shot for the campus newspaper at the University of Missouri St. Louis and the Suburban

Journals when Rodgers took him on at The American Price was drawn to the paper because he wanted to cover the black community, which he found unrepresented or misrepresented in other local media.

Price was inducted in a field of 12 honorees that also included Bill Wilkerson, one of KMOX’s early black voices, weatherman Dave Murray, and Jo Mannies, political reporter for the Post-Dispatch and St. Louis Public Radio.

Price praised them and local journalists generally but could not resist squeezing off a shot at the competition.

Price described how over the years he often has been criticized or dismissed for working in the Black Press, yet it’s where he always has wanted to be, though he is aware of other options.

“Why would I want to work for someone,” he said, “that doesn’t even show my community?”

Tracee Miller

Adam Layne

St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price posed with Eric Rothenbuhler, president of the St. Louis Media History Foundation and dean of Webster University’s School of Communications, at Price’s inauguration in the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 30.

for more than three decades.

The son described how thenmanaging editor Bennie G. Rodgers interviewed him when

made

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

Title IX reform would improve due process in campus sexual assault cases

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

For The St. Louis American

Lately, I’ve found myself in a very odd and uncomfortable position. Although I consider myself an independent thinker and writer, many of my political positions lean liberally left. Imagine how uneasy it is for a guy like me to side with mostly Republicans on a very contentious issue: Title IX reform in Missouri.

In my last commentary for this newspaper, I attempted to defend the reputation of Dave Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology. St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger among others

accused Steward of funding a “dark money” group intent on weakening the federal Title IX processes. “The legislation (House Bill 573 and Senate Bill 259) is an attack on rape victims, an attempt to make it harder for women to bring forward allegations of assault on campus,” Messenger wrote.

Other than the fact that the organization, Kingdom Principles, is a registered 501(c)(4) social welfare nonprofit that isn’t required to disclose its donors, there was nothing “dark” about Steward’s involvement. Kingdom Principles has publicly stated that it provides money to the Missouri Campus

Due Process Coalition, which on its website clearly states that it “supports reforms to Missouri law to ensure that both the accuser and the accused receive due process as provided by our Constitution.”

Steward is a strong advocate for due process, especially after he found out that an overwhelming number of young men of color are most often suspended, expelled and lose scholarships due to unsubstantiated allegations and kangaroo court-type college adjudication systems initiated after President Obama mandated Title IX changes in 2011.

And therein lies the rub. After reviewing dozens of newspaper stories, pending and settled lawsuits against colleges and universities and related Title IX horror stories, I’ve concluded that much of the heated debate is less about policy change and more about stubborn political positions and misplaced loyalties.

Late last year, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy

DeVos announced that the Trump Administration planned to overhaul sexual assault rules for colleges under Title IX. Democrats – voicing the fears of some civil rights groups, college administrators and advocates for crime victims –vowed to use their newfound control of the House to stop Trump and DeVos. It was a politically predictable response to what many Dems view as Trump’s compulsive efforts to undo any and all things Obama, including his environmental, trade, health care, consumer safety and immigration policies. I, too, have been critical of the president and his policies. However, the problem with the “oppose everything Trump approach” is that DeVos’ proposal drew widespread praise from academics, civil liberties groups, due-process advocates and legal experts.

Even The Washington Post wrote: “Ms. DeVos is right that there are problems with the current system, and her

department’s proposal contains some sensible changes that would bring needed balance to how disciplinary proceedings are conducted.”

Those “sensible changes” included ensuring fairness to students accused of misconduct — a presumption of fairness, written notice of allegations, a review all evidence collected and the right to an appeal.

In 2017, Jerry Brown, California’s uber-liberal Democratic governor, vetoed a state bill that codified Obamaera Title IX guidance rules on California public schools. Brown said it was “time to pause” on the issue partly because the adjudication system on college campuses failed to adequately protect fundamental due-process rights.

Many other Democrats, however, are sticking with the “attack on rape victims” ethos without giving any credence to the notion that the Obama Administration’s changes to Title IX unknowingly enforced policies that systematically and disproportionately harm students of color. Equally disturbing is the fact that some opponents to proposed legislative changes seem willing to sacrifice black male students at the alter in the face of devastating evidence of university-based discriminatory.

Obama loyalists and opponents of proposed legislative changes consistently claim there is no evidence that corroborates charges of Title IX systemized discrimination. Technically, they’re right.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which enforces Title IX policies, collects data on race but it doesn’t require colleges and universities to document the race of the accused or accuser in sexualassault complaints, expulsions or punishments.

However, in 2014, OCR’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) department released data compiled from its study of all public, private, elementary and secondary educational institutions.

The study emphasized that students of color tend to be disciplined more than three times as much as their white peers. Additionally,

African Americans, who only comprised 15 percent of the CRDC student study, represented 35 percent of all suspensions and 36 percent of all expulsions.

The report should have served as a wake-up call to black political and civil rights leaders. It enforced what they already know.

Even though the Obama Administration put schools on notice that federal funding would be jeopardized if their

suspension and expulsion numbers continued to show signs of discrimination, opponents of legislative change and Obama legacy protectors pretend there are no race-based problems with the current educational adjudication processes. There is. There is a plethora of anecdotal evidence in the form of newspaper articles such as Emily Yoffe’s three-part series in the Atlantic or Auburn University’s Michael Jones’ revealing commentary titled, “Here’s 11 times young black men were railroaded by campus sexual assault claims.”

Unbiased research reveals commentaries and congressional testimonies from self-described feminists and Harvard Law Professors Jeannie Suk Gersen and Janet Halley. Both have questioned the disproportionate and “unreasonably high” number sexual assault complaints against minority students. Also, consider Lara Bazelon, another feminist law professor and author of “Rectify: The Power of Restorative Justice After Wrongful Conviction,” who was so disturbed by the rate of race-based campus suspensions she started a pro bono legal clinic to assist low-income minority male students.

Some black political and civic leaders nationally and locally have rejected partisan politics and summoned the gumption to stand for constitutionally guaranteed due process rights even if it’s at odds with Democratic loyalties. Incidences of discrimination at colleges and universities have become so alarmingly high that the St. Louis County branch of the NAACP recently announced its support for legislation that would change how colleges and universities handle sexual assault complaints.

“The denial of due process at Missouri’s colleges disproportionately impacts African-American men,” St. Louis County NAACP President John Gaskin III stated in support of proposed House bills aimed at making Title IX procedures “fairer for the accused.”

If we strip away bipartisan alliances and loyalties to past or present presidents, there may be political common ground on a serious issue that can deter the futures of kids on college and university campuses in Missouri and beyond.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is a former columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the founder of the Sweet Potato Project, an entrepreneurial program for urban youth, and the author of “When We Listen: Recognizing the Potential of Urban Youth.”

Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

Missouri History Museum hosts Health Equity Summit

Free event is done in partnership with Creative Reaction Lab

By Emily Underwood For The St. Louis American

On Saturday, April 6, the Missouri Historical Society will present a Health Equity Summit in partnership with Creative Reaction Lab. The day begins at 10:30 a.m. with a 30-minute keynote address by Jason Purnell of the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. After exploring racism as a health crisis in black and Latinx communities, Purnell will join a panel to discuss health disparity. From noon to 1pm, attendees can get information about local healthequity issues.

The afternoon will move from learning to action at 1 p.m. with an Equity-Centered Community Design (ECCD) workshop. The workshop will be led by Creative Reaction Lab, an organization founded in the wake of Ferguson’s unrest by designer and social entrepreneur Antionette Carroll. We asked Carroll and Hilary Sedovic, Creative Reaction Lab’s learning and education manager, to discuss how their work applies to health equity and what to expect from their workshop.

What is Equity-Centered Community Design, and how does it apply to issues of health equity?

Equity-Centered Community Design is a unique, award-winning, creative problemsolving process that Creative Reaction Lab pioneered. Though many people seek to use a lens of “design thinking” to address community issues, more often than not this seems to result in researchers or consultants entering a community to observe and then leaving to create a “solution” separate from the community. On the other hand, ECCD focuses on dismantling systemic oppression and co-creating interventions that build equity by centering community culture, assets, and needs, and by valuing the wisdom of living experts.

In the context of health equity, we name racism as a major public health issue in every workshop that we do.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that every seven minutes one black person dies prematurely as a result of racial discrimination.

The Missouri Historical Society’s Health Equity Summit on Saturday, April 6 will open with a keynote address by Jason Purnell of the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

a layered and systemic issue that manifests particularly in historically underinvested communities of color. For the summit and for the workshop we wanted to gather community members from all walks of life to discuss and envision a healthy and equitable St. Louis. In our afternoon workshop participants will define what this means for them, and they’ll have an opportunity to design their vision of a healthy community.

Does a person need to have significant prior knowledge about health equity issues to participate in the workshop?

n Does a person need to have significant prior knowledge about health equity issues to participate in the workshop? Definitely not!

Black and Latinx populations are quickly becoming the majority in our country, yet they face disproportionate racial and economic inequities that limit social, economic, and cultural growth.

What are Creative Reaction Lab’s goals for the summit and workshop? Through Creative Reaction Lab, we are building a movement of civic leaders to address the inequities in their communities – we call them equity designers and design allies. Our vision is to change the way people address systemic oppression while co-creating a world that embraces the humanity, rights, and power of black and Latinx people. We believe that by equipping people with the framework of ECCD, we are making steps toward that vision.

We felt it was essential to have Jason Purnell as the keynote speaker, given his significant work with Health Equity Works. The organization emphasizes that a healthy community requires more than just health care and recognizes that health inequity is truly

Definitely not! Sometimes Creative Reaction Lab programs are one of the first places where people are exposed to the realities of racial health disparities and other health equity issues. The framework of EquityCentered Community Design is applicable across a wide range of issues, and we’ve found that almost everybody walks away with ideas of how it could be integrated in their own lives, both personal and professional. More often than not, the ideas that we present for exploration have shown up in people’s lives before— ECCD just provides a tangible model that integrates it all as an ongoing and iterative process.

How can an afternoon workshop help someone make practical change in their community?

We frequently get feedback from workshop attendees that one of their biggest takeaways is understanding the power that they hold in their daily decision making—that everybody truly is a designer. We believe that systems are oppressive and inequitable by design, and therefore they can—and must—be redesigned. In combination with the framework of EquityCentered Community Design, this understanding equips people with the preliminary tools to begin redesigning for equity with diverse co-creators in their communities.

Join us for the Health Equity Summit at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, April 6, staring at 10:30 a.m. The summit is free and open to the public.

Emily Underwood is director of Community Programs at the Missouri Historical Society

‘We are trying to rise to the cause of helping North County’

As patients migrate, so will CareSTL Health with a new clinic near Christian Hospital

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.

American

Louis

Expansion into North St. Louis County is in the works for CareSTL Health. The federally qualified health center (formerly known as Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers) has four locations in the City of St. Louis and began providing healthcare in the county through school-based clinics in Jennings, Riverview Gardens, Hazelwood and Ritenour school districts.

“Our patients have ‘flighted’ to North County,” said Angela Clabon, CEO of CareSTL

Health. She estimates one-third of its patient population lives in North County. Expansion, she said, is all part of the health center’s strategic plan.

“As a patient-centered medical home and as a federally qualified health center, our reimbursement is linked to enhancing the healthcare outcomes versus fee-forservice,” she said. “What that means is: we get paid on the health of our community and no longer on how many patients we see. It’s a huge transition, and we are in the midst of it.”

By opening non-school-based locations in North County, CareSTL Health can do something emergency rooms cannot – offer primary health care for North County communities in areas where doctors are in short supply.

Depression in older adults

By Eric Lenze, M.D.

For The St. Louis American

Everyone occasionally feels down or blue. The occasional blues are a normal part of life. However, feeling down without relief may be a sign of what doctors call clinical depression. Depression can happen to anyone.

Depression affects the lives of up to 15 percent of older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Some medical problems more common in late-life can cause or make depression worse. These include chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, painful arthritis, and experiencing changes in memory. In addition, stressors such as death of a loved one, retirement from a job, or suddenly having to raise grandchildren may contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and ultimately depression.

When these emotions persist and start to negatively affect relationships and daily functioning, they may be a sign of clinical depression.

Symptoms of depression in late-life may include persistent sadness, difficulty enjoying previously pleasurable activities (like spending time with grandchildren or going to church), irritability, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, feeling slowed down, and having trouble concentrating or remembering. Many older adults with depression have excessive worry and describe that it is difficult to turn off their worries. People with depression cannot “just snap out of it.” These feelings and behaviors can be overwhelming for family and friends who find their loved one’s “moodiness” confusing, and this can cause difficulty in the relationship.

When depression is severe, older adults may think that life is not worth living or that they would be better off dead. Depression can cause people to feel like a burden to their family, and they may think that their family would be better off if they were no longer around. When people lose hope that they will get better, they may even consider taking their own lives. Suicide is the most tragic outcome of severe and untreated depression.

“We are working very aggressively to put healthcare services near Christian Hospital,” Clabon said. “And I am well aware that they have a huge amount of uninsured patients that visit their emergency room, and we will be flooded with uninsured patients, because that is who we are. If those patients in those See

For some older adults, seeking help for

The St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, has acquired WellCare Health Plans, Inc. in a cash and stock transaction for $305.39 per share based on Centene’s closing stock price on March 26, 2019, for a total enterprise value of $17.3 billion, the companies announced on March 27. The transaction, which was unanimously

Eric Lenze, M.D.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

CARESTL

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communities are without health care, that means those are the families of the children in the school district that we are responsible for now.”

Christian Hospital Foundation supported the opening of CareSTL Health school-based clinics in the Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens school districts.

Clabon said Jennings and Ritenour’s school clinics were opened without funding support.

Clabon said the new clinic near Christian Hospital may open in October.

“And we are also looking to expand near the Bellefontaine area, a little deeper into Spanish Lake, so that the children and the families in Hazelwood have direct access and the children and the families near Riverview have direct access,” Clabon said. “The goal is to be able to access healthcare within a mile.”

The move and the funding are both risky and exciting. Clabon said they have been advised that such a move may not be sustainable in the long run. However, CareSTL Health serves a population that is primarily uninsured and underserved and they are gambling on behalf of those patients’ health.

“If we improve the health

of the community, we should increase our reimbursement rates by receiving incentive payments for having a healthy community,” Clabon said.

Clabon said a St. Louis Regional Health Commission report a couple of years ago discussed how underserved North County communities were. It is an issue that she said all federally qualified health centers are looking to address. Currently, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center has a free-standing clinic location on West Florissant and one inside a Schnucks grocery store in Ferguson.

“We’re working our way to what that footprint may look like, and we still may not address the shortage of healthcare providers,” Clabon said. “They are short almost 25 to 35 family practitioners or internists. We can only bring two to three, so it’s a huge thing in the community.”

With hospitals losing funding and uncertainties with the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, Clabon said it takes a team effort to solve the community’s health needs.

Claybon added that all of the health center CEOs –Dwayne Butler at People’s, Allen Freeman at Affinia, and Robert Massie at Family Care – are all at the table trying to address this issue together.

“They all have their own way of getting there,” she said, “but we all are trying to rise to the cause of helping North County.”

Anthem adds BJC to Medicare Advantage Provider Network

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri has added BJC HealthCare to its preferred list of care providers for its Medicare Advantage plans. BJC HealthCare’s providers are now considered in-network for these health plans, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for consumers compared to seeing a care provider outside of Anthem’s network.

One of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the United States, BJC includes 15 hospitals and multiple health service organizations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice.

For more information regarding Anthem’s Medicare plans and/or care providers, such as BJC HealthCare, consumers can call (855) 866-4236 (TTY:711), which is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, April 1 to Sept. 30; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, Oct. 1 to March 31. Consumers can also visit https://shop.anthem.com/medicare.

CENTENE

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companies project 2019 revenues of approximately $97 billion and $5 billion in EBITDA. Those members will include more than 12 million Medicaid and approximately 5 million Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plan), as well as individuals served in the Health Insurance

LENZE

Continued from A10

depression may be stressful or embarrassing. Some people can’t find the words to describe how they feel, which can make them feel even more alone.

Primary care physicians are usually the first health care provider older adults

Employees of UnitedHealthcare of Missouri presented the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis with a $1,000 donation as part of UnitedHealthcare’s “Step Up for Better Health” campaign. UnitedHealthcare also donated a treadmill and 100 pedometers to the Boys and Girls Club at Hazelwood School District’s Southeast Middle School, to encourage student to become more active this during “Move More Month” this April.

From left to right: UnitedHealthcare employees Kenneth Powell, Danielle Long and company mascot Dr. Health E. Hound; UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Pat Quinn; Southeast Middle School Boys & Girls Club site director Abrionna Humphery; President of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Flint Fowler; UnitedHealthcare Community and State Plan Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravi Johar, and UnitedHealthcare employee Tiara Thompson.

Marketplace and the TRICARE program.

The combined company will operate 31 National Committee for Quality Assurance-accredited health plans across the country and will have increased exposure to government-sponsored healthcare solutions through WellCare’s Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

The companies stated that the combined company “will enhance its already robust efforts to address the social

speak with about their stress, mood, anxiety, loneliness, and concerns about their future.

Primary care physicians are usually educated about depression and anxiety in older patients, and they want their patients to talk to them about these feelings. They know how to evaluate patients for symptoms of depression and excessive stress and anxiety. Then they can work with the patient

n “This transformational combination creates a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives.”

– Michael F. Neidorff, Centene’s chairman and CEO

determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing instability, homelessness, unemployment, lack of access to transportation and other non-medical barriers to health.”

to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Both counseling and antidepressant medications are effective treatments for depression in older adults. Many people get better with counseling or antidepressant medication alone. Some people with more difficult-to-treat depression may require both counseling and antidepressant medication offered together.

“With the addition of WellCare, we expect to bolster and diversify our product offerings, increase our scale and have access to new markets, which will in turn, enable us to continue investing in

Other effective treatments include exercise (in particular aerobic activity), increasing socialization and taking steps to reduce isolation and loneliness (which may be accomplished by joining social clubs or attending senior centers), and working to promote healthy, more restful sleep. Depression makes everything else worse. It magnifies stress and problems, and it

technology and better serve members with innovative programs designed to meet their needs,” said Michael F. Neidorff, Centene’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“We have long admired the WellCare organization and together look forward to building on our mission of transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time.”

Free smoke alarm installations

The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas will kick off its Sound the Alarm Mission Campaign 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at 388 Hazelwood Logistics Center Drive, Hazelwood, Missouri. There will also be opportunities to sign up for a free smoke alarm installation, and to sign up to donate blood and to volunteer. The Red Cross is planning three smoke alarm installations in the greater St. Louis area, where volunteers will assist in installing free smoke alarms in homes: Cahokia, Illinois on Saturday, April 27; in Eureka, Missouri on Saturday, May 4; and in Troy, Missouri on Saturday, May 11. All installations take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone needing a smoke alarm throughout the Greater St. Louis area is asked to visit www.getasmokealarm.org or call 314-516-2797.

The board of the combined company will consist of 11 members, nine of whom will be from the board of Centene and two of whom will be from the board of WellCare. After the close of the transaction, Michael Neidorff will lead the combined company as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

makes other medical problems like diabetes and heart disease more difficult to treat.

Encourage older adults to talk about their mood, worries, and stress level with their Primary care physicians, in order to optimize not only their mental health but their physical health too. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, please talk to your doctor.

“This transformational combination creates a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives through a localized approach and provides access to high-quality healthcare through a wide range of affordable health solutions,” Neidorff said.

You can also learn about participating in depression research studies for adults 60 years and older at Washington University School of Medicine by calling (314) 273-7034 or visiting https://healthymind. wustl.edu/.

Dr. Eric Lenze, a geriatric psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine

UnitedHealthcare steps up for Boys & Girls Club

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Fire Up The Grill!

Nutrition Challenge:

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

> Watch the “extras” such as marinades, sugary sauces and butter.

> Try grilled veggies, instead of fried.

> Include fresh fruits for dessert and limit the

Activities:

April is Earth Month.

Celebrate by spending as much time as you can outside and enjoying our planet.

Why not recruit some of your

Celebrate Earth Month!

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

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

amount of ice cream and other frozen treats.

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

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

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

Where do you work? I work for St. Luke’s Medical Group.

friends to clean up a neighborhood park?

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

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

> Have a trash pick-up day on your playground. Use gloves to protect your hands from dirt and germs.

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

> Create a recycle program for home or school.

> What other great project ideas did your classmates suggest?

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

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

Pretzel Melts

Ingredients:

12 Mini pretzels

1 Slice Cheddar cheese (cut into 6 pieces)

Mustard (optional)

Directions: Lay 6 mini pretzels on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Put a small slice of cheddar cheese on each pretzel and top with another pretzel. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes (or until the cheese melts). Allow to cool and eat as is, or dip in mustard.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from North Pemiscot High School in Wardell, Missouri. I went on to earn a bachelor of science degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and I went to medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore. I was president of my class, 1995-1998.

What does a physician do? I am an internal medicine physician. I specialize in diagnosing and treating health conditions in adults, ages 18-65. I have additional sub-specialty training in infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. I review patient records, x-rays and labs. I perform physical exams and order and interpret laboratory tests.

Why did you choose this career? I chose to become a physician because I like making sick people feel better. I was fascinated with a job that would allow me to nurse people who were sick, back to good health.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

There is never a dull moment with my job as an infectious disease physician. My favorite part of my job is talking with patients to find out what is wrong and then work to fix it. I also like that I get to teach student doctors and other healthcare providers.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Visit slsc.org/summer-camps, call 314.289.4439 or email daycamps@slsc.org for more information.

Our summer programs offer something for every budget, schedule and interest. From our ever-popular summer camps to programs tailored for little ones, adults and the whole family, we have the adventure for you. Mail-in and online registration options are open now!

Visit stlzoo.org/education for the complete list of summer programs and detailed registration information.

Questions? Please contact the Zoo’s Education Department at (314) 646-4544, option #6.

Dr. Otha Myles, MD, AAHIVS

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

At Annette Harris Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis, Mr. Crump’s 4th grade students Jakayla Kidd, Carlos Childress, Mandey Swain and Tavion Thomas work on a STEAM assignment found using the NIE page in the newspaper.

Louis American

What Is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineers design and create a variety of structures — not only buildings, but tunnels, dams, highways, water and sewer systems. They use computer programs and a variety of materials to create designs to meet the needs of a specific population. Civil engineers must be sure that their designs protect against environmental elements, like wind and sun, as well as storms. Examples of projects for civil engineers include managing a community’s water reservoir to be sure there is clean drinking water, designing skyscrapers, building shelters for victims of floods and hurricanes, building the Olympic stadium, and constructing roadways.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Civil engineers must obtain a college degree and specialize in structural, hydraulic, water resources, environmental, transportation, or management. A good civil engineer is strong in physics and math. They have visual strengths and understand the logistics of how a structure will affect the flow of daily activities, such as the layout of an airport. Civil engineers need to be good listeners to understand the needs of their clients.

Visit Engineer Girl’s Website Here: http://www.engineergirl.org/.

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

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will build a geodesic dome. You will then decide a variable to change—such as changing the number of sides in the base or the shape of walls— and predict what you think will happen. This prediction is your hypothesis. You will then test your hypothesis.

Materials Needed:

• 25 toothpicks • 11 gum drops

Process:

Build A GumDrop Dome!

r Use toothpicks to connect the gumdrops at the tops of the five triangles.

t Push 1 toothpick into each of the top gumdrops.

y Use the last gumdrop to connect these toothpicks at the top. You have created a geodesic dome.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL ENGINEER & EDUCATOR: Oliver McGee

Oliver G. McGee III grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, in 1981. McGee then went to the University of Arizona to earn his master’s degree in civil engineering and his doctorate degree in engineering mechanics and aerospace engineering. While at the University of Arizona, he worked as a graduate teaching associate in the civil engineering department. In 2004, he earned an MBA degree in business administration and finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. McGee worked in many different positions. He was an assistant professor at Ohio State University, teaching civil engineering, where he was the first African American to be promoted as a teacher with tenure. He taught at MIT and was a special assistant to the President at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also worked at Howard University as the school’s first vice principal for research and compliance. McGee served the Executive Office of U.S. President as a senior policy analyst and the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of transportation for technology policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

McGee earned more than 8 million dollars in grants for research. His research has been published in many academic journals, such as ASME Journal of Turbomachinery, ASME Journal of Fluids Engineering, ASME Journal of Applied Mechanics, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, International Journal of Solids and Structures, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, and Civil Engineering Systems. McGee is also the author of the book Bridging the Black Research Gap. He founded the consulting firm Partnership Possibilities for America, which focuses on education, economics, and politics. For his contributions to the field of civil engineering, McGee has received awards from many organizations, including American Council on Education, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, National Science Foundation, and National Aeronautics & Space Administration.

q Use gumdrops to connect five toothpicks as your base.

w Use two toothpicks and one gumdrop to create a triangle from one side of the base.

e Repeat step two until you have created five triangles around the base.

MATH CONNECTION

Engineers use a variety of math in their jobs. A common math formula that is used is area. Area is calculated by multiplying length times width. Try your hand at these area word problems.

z A square has an area of 36 inches. What is the length of each side?

x Your classroom has a length of 25 feet and a width of 38 feet. Your teacher decides that new tiles will look good in the class. If each tile has a length of 24 inches and a width of 36 inches, how many tiles are needed to

DID YOU KNOW?

u Create a variable to change—such as the number of sides in the base or the shape used in the walls. How will this change your structure? Write your hypothesis. Create your new structure to test your hypothesis.

Analyze: Why are triangles used in building structures?

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can create and test a hypothesis.

Calculating Area!

the classroom?

c A room whose area is 24 feet squared has a length that is 2 feet longer than the width. What are the dimensions of the room?__________

v The area of a rectangular rug is 60 yards squared. If the width of the rug is 10 yards, what is the length of the rug?

b Terrence is making a display board

The Ferris Wheel, created by engineer George W. Ferris, is considered one of the greatest engineering wonders in the world.

for the school play. The display board is a 9 feet by 9 feet square. If ribbon costs $1 per foot, how much will it cost to add a ribbon border around the entire display board? __________

n Patricia has a rectangular flower garden that is 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. One bag of soil can cover 10 feet squared. How many bags will she need to cover the entire garden?

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

A civil engineer created the slippery part of the water slide. A civil engineer designed a pumping system to circulate just the right amount of water to support the weight of people, the water, and even the force of the wind blowing on it. The word engineer comes from a Latin word meaning ‘cleverness,’ which is appropriate because engineers solve problems by applying mathematical and scientific knowledge.

Theme park engineers are involved in designing, building, lighting, and even controlling the crowd flow in theme parks around the world.

For More Information About Civil Engineers, Visit: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineeringcareers/engineering/civil-engineers and http://www.ice.org. uk/What-is-civil-engineering.

To View Videos of Dr. McGee Speaking About the Missing Malaysia Flight 370 Mystery Story, Visit: http://greatblackspeakers.com/author/olivermcgee/. Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One

Writing to Persuade: Newspapers are a great source for persuasive writing. There are advertisements persuading you to try a product or service. There are opinion columns challenging your beliefs on a topic. There are letters to the editors about a variety of issues. Find an example of persuasion in the newspaper. Who is the author? What are they trying to persuade you to do? What techniques do they use? Are they effective? Why or why not?

Activity Two — Area and Perimeter: Locate three pictures in the newspaper. What is the area of the pictures (length x width), what is the perimeter (the length of all sides added together)? Are the pictures on the front page the same size as the pictures found in other sections of the paper?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify point of view. I can find the area and perimeter of a shape.

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms, through The St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

Photo by Wiley Price/ St.

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.

President Reed: Help us ‘Close the Workhouse’

Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation and former co-chair of the Ferguson Commission, contributes this week’s guest Political EYE.

St. Louis is in the national spotlight again. As my South City neighbors and Grand Marshal Bob McCulloch were recovering from the St. Patty’s Day Parade in Dogtown, BET’s “Finding Justice” docuseries turned cameras on the campaign to Close the Workhouse in St. Louis and end cash bail. The second episode featured groups like Action STL, ArchCity Defenders and The Bail Project. There were plenty of familiar grassroots voices telling our community’s story of freedom for sale and debtors’ prions. Critical among the local faces was Inez Bordeaux, a single mother who, when faced with a $25,000 cash bail requirement, lost her freedom and her family. She shared her experience powerfully as the reason she now organizes with the campaign.

Two powerful St. Louis political faces, though, were clearly unsettled. Public Safety Director Jimmie M. Edwards and President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis E. Reed. Edwards was in the awkward position of declining a journalist’s request to tour the Workhouse shortly after boasting about allowing access to the press to examine its living conditions. As Mayor

Lyda Krewson’s first line of defense on criminal justice reform matters, Edwards is often found in uncomfortable positions. I don’t know anyone, though, who would question his integrity in the way this on-camera moment seemed to. President Reed, shown meeting with organizers from the campaign to shutter the Workhouse, seemed more unsure than uncomfortable. There is always more to a meeting than can be recorded or reported. So, context is important. Reed’s chair-shifting and verbal processing in the session captured by BET felt consistent with his affirmation of the campaign’s rationale, yet reticence to endorse the demands during his recent re-election bid. His back-and-forth posture at the table reflects his public stance on the Workhouse. Reed is still trying to figure out where to put his weight. And he still has plenty of political weight to bring to bear. Both of these men have provided years of sacrificial service to St. Louis, which I respect and invite others to regard as well. If some regional actors have their way, Reed will be the city’s last aldermanic president. With this and recent election results in mind, I urge Reed to reflect on his legacy with St. Louis citizens and place his weight in two key places. First, Reed should weigh in on community well-being. Closing this city-run institution with documented inhumane

conditions would free necessary resources for community priorities, including affordable housing, mental healthcare and affordable child care. The budgeting process, stewarded under his gavel, can be a space of community visioning and reimagining public safety. This kind of regional reflection during the Ferguson Commission process prioritized community justice centers, where direct services and supports like mental healthcare could help keep us all safe. Because budgets are moral documents which should reflect people’s values, our choice of locking people up who can’t pay bail over making re-entry programs more accessible is cause for earnest soulsearching. The aldermanic president’s leadership of a budget process focused on community well-being could lead him and the city to settle into the demand to “Close the Workhouse.”

Similarly, Reed should

exert his considerable weight in fiscal oversight and accountability. As the leader of the Board of Aldermen and one-third of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, he has expansive influence over the spending priorities of the city. This includes the $16 million a year invested in the aging infrastructure and operations of the Workhouse, formerly known as the Medium Security Institution.

Communications to aldermen from the mayor’s office recently made clear that reorganizing the staffing and space of the City Justice Center would accommodate people left in the Workhouse, if cash bail were eliminated. Said another way, if the city would stop locking people up who have not been convicted of anything just because they are poor, we wouldn’t waste additional dollars on the Workhouse.

All this said, I identify with Reed. I identify with him because of my role as leader

of a philanthropic organization with an eye toward community well-being and responsibility for fiscal oversight and accountability. Deaconess Foundation and the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being lend support to the campaign to Close the Workhouse because we hear Inez Bordeaux and other parents who have their families torn apart, children traumatized and assets extracted from them by the cash bail system. We also see shining examples from our colleagues in other communities, transforming jails into community spaces, the way the Bible calls for “beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.”

In New York, the Novo Foundation is supporting construction of a Women’s Building focused on “equality, liberation and justice for all girls and women everywhere” at the former location of Bayview Correctional Facility.

In Seattle, with support from the Social Justice Fund, 120 organizations have sustained a six-year campaign to stop the construction of a new youth jail. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to the Ford Foundation, Southerners on New Ground in Atlanta has pressed the city to transform cash bail. These foundations and Deaconess have settled into our commitments to community well-being and fiscal accountability. We have found these to be responsible places to settle our weight. Mr. President, you may do the same and find great comfort for yourself and our community. Rev. Starsky D. Wilson is president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation, board chair for the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and former leader of the Ferguson Commission. Follow him at @revstarsky and @deaconessfound.

Photo courtesy of ArchCity Defenders

Inez Bordeaux and Michelle Higgins of the Close the Workhouse campaign.

Guest Columnist Starsky Wilson

Business

Building Union Diversity program enrolling new classes

Of the 16 latest graduates of the Building Union Diversity program, 13 were African-American and six were women. According to

director

By Chris King

BUD boasts an 87 percent placement rate during the first four years of the program.

BUD boasts 87 percent placement rate in its first four years

Of The St. Louis American

The Building Union Diversity (BUD) recently graduated 16 participants in its 15th cohort, which is dedicated to increasing diversity in the building trades in the St. Louis region. Of those 16 graduates, 13 were African-American and six were women. New BUD classes start April 8, June 10 and August 12. Apply at SLATE, 1520 Market St., on the 3rd floor.

During their five week training, the students took and passed their OSHA 10 certification for occupational safety and, after a one-week orientation, spent four weeks learning from floor layers, cement masons, sheet metal workers, carpenters, plumbers, pipe-fitters and the

n “There has been no better time for African Americans to get into the building trades.”

– Lew Moye, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists

electricians.

They started interviewing for jobs at their graduation, Russ Signorino, and many were offered jobs. The rest lined up interviews with employers, he said. According to Signorino, BUD boasts an 87 percent placement rate during the first four years of the program.

“In all my years of advocating for more diversity in the building trades, with all the current and future construction on the books, there has been no better time for African Americans to get into the building trades,” said Lew Moye of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

The BUD Program, now in its fourth year, was designed by the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC). It assembled a team of more than eight cooperating joint labor-management construction training programs to implement and manage this construction skills pre-apprenticeship training program. Its aim is to launch careers in construction trades for previously un- and under-

See BUD, B2

WWT stimulates students on STEM

By LaShana (Shan) Lewis

For The St. Louis American

“Take a chance and just do it. You would be surprised how much you know,” Ann Marr told any students who might have been hesitant to be a part of World Wide Technology’s (WWT) annual STEM Student Forum.

Marr has served for over 20 years as global vice president of Human Resources at WWT, a St. Louis-based technology service provider founded by David Steward in July 1990. The STEM Student Forum, which is focused on getting high schoolers interested in careers within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industry, has just finished its fourth year. Marr said that the program initially started with only five schools in the area and a few handfuls of students. Now, the program has grown to about 20 schools with 10 students per

People On The Move

Ashley O’Neal was promoted to senior vice presidentretail market manager at Midwest BankCentre. Formerly she was vice president of sales support and consumer product manager, has been. She leads team member training and development and consumer sales efforts. She also coaches bank teams to sustain client-focused branch operations and supports the bank’s extensive community engagement, working in partnership with branch teams.

Darryl Sams will receive $250 from C-SPAN as an honorable mention winner for the documentary, “An Unceasing Divide,” about inequality in C-SPAN’s national 2019 StudentCam competition. Since 2006, C-SPAN partners with its local cable television providers in communities nationwide to invite middle and high school students to produce short documentaries about a subject of national importance. This year students addressed the theme, “What does it mean to be American?”

Linda Robinson joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri as director of Volunteer Recruitment. She will be responsible for recruiting mentors for the youth in programs and building relationships with the community. She was previously employed with Wells Fargo Advisors for 28 years, most recently as team lead in the Trade Processing Department. She recently earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from Webster University.

Vernon Vito Bracy was appointed to the Lincoln University Board of Trustees by Governor Mike Parson. He is the CEO/president of Renaissance Voice Communications and has served in that role since 2009. He has worked in the sales field for medical devices, technology, insurance, and Fortune 500 companies. He is a graduate of Lincoln University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.

Mary Elizabeth Grimes was honored with a “Women of Influence” Award from RISE Collaborative for her work as a community leader. She is president of Marian Middle School. The award recognizes the powerful impact of women and celebrates their remarkable successes. Other female leader honorees include Donna Erbs, Jenny Bristow, Reshma Chamberlin and Kathy Lambert.

Roderick Nunn was chosen by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame. The award recognizes impressive alumni have made exceptional contributions in their chosen fields, in their communities and at SIUE through their leadership, character and hard work. He serves as executive vice president, head of education and employment for the Concordance Academy of Leadership, which works to reduce recidivism for returning citizens. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

Mary Elizabeth Grimes

Darryl Sams

Roderick Nunn

Vernon Vito Bracy

Ashley O’Neal

Linda Robinson

program

Russ Signorino,

Photo by Wiley Price

$62 billion in education cuts proposed, key college aid could be slashed

By Charlene Crowell

For The St. Louis American

Every budget defines priorities and values. To put it another way, what’s really important in life gets supported financially. For many families, having a home, food, and utilities usually rank pretty high. Then there are other budgetary concerns like saving for college or having a ‘rainy day’ fund to cover less frequent costs that can be much higher than the size of the next pay check.

Government budgets, built on taxpayer dollars, also reveal priorities. At the federal level, budgets are proposed by the executive branch, but it is the legislative branch that passes and funds budgets. What is in the best interest of the nation is supposed to be the guiding force in government budgets.

But as Sportin’ Life sang in the folk opera Porgy and Bess, “It ain’t necessarily so”.

The White House’s FY 2020 proposal cuts Education funding by $62 billion compared to that of FY 2019. Even worse, as the cost of higher education continues to climb, federal student aid would be seriously slashed while other programs would be totally eliminated.

Some of the most disturbing college federal cuts affect programs that lessen the

BUD

continued from page B1 employed individuals from across the St. Louis region, with a particular focus on women and minorities.

amount of student loans that need to be borrowed for every academic term. As rising college costs have worsened the financial challenge faced by many Black and other lowwealth families, the availability of grant programs that do not have to be repaid and/or workstudy programs are key sources for many college students and their families.

Among its many revisions, the Trump Administration stands ready to risk a sizeable portion of the proposed $7.25 billion in Pell Grant funding next year. This program is the single largest source of grant aid for low-income households for post-secondary education.

On March 26, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Education budget was the focus of a hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor-Health and Human Services-Education. Secretary Betsy Devos delivered testimony that expanded upon previously released materials from the Trump Administration.

“Since President Trump took office, Congressional appropriations for U.S. Department of Education programs have increased dramatically – in spite of the Administration’s call to slow spending,” said Secretary DeVos. “We are not doing our children any favors when we

BUD offers enrollees a comprehensive introduction to construction employment and careers and provides relevant national skills certification training, with a particular focus on job safety. Once participants have successfully completed training they are enrolled in

borrow from their future in order to invest in systems and policies that are not yielding better results.”

In response, Connecticut’s Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the subcommittee chairwoman did not mince words. “This budget underfunds education at every turn”, said DeLauro who added “This budget inflicts harm.”

Even Rep. Tom Cole from Oklahoma who serves as the subcommittee’s Ranking Member viewed the White House proposal as “short-sighted”.

Representatives DeLauro and Cole were absolutely correct.

how to reach employment at private business.

The Work-Study program that brings campus-based jobs to students would suffer a double blow. Its monies would be reduced by 55 percent and remaining funds would be shared with proposed pilot program that targeted to private sector employers for workforce development of nontraditional and low-income students. That’s the window dressing on these cuts.

The Work-Study program that received over $1.2 billion in 2019 would be cut to $500.4 million. Secondly, instead of students working on campus, they would need to figure out

the BCTC employer/contractor database. The database serves as a pool of pre-qualified workers at various skill levels and proficiencies and is used by the construction owners and others in supporting the workforce inclusion goals that they are expected to meet

Not every student has a car. Nor is public transit always available near college campuses. These businesses would supplement their revenue streams with public monies but the profits derived would still be private. Previously, Work-Study was jointly funded by the federal government paying 75 percent of hourly wages, with the remaining 25 percent paid by the college employer. What for-profit business wouldn’t want the government to pick up 75 percent of its labor costs? Seems that the private business – not the student – is the greater concern with this budget.

“Betsy DeVos has some explaining to do – her disinterest in prioritizing quality and affordable education for students is disheartening and erodes the confidence the public has in the Department of Education,” said Debbie Goldstein, an EVP with the Center for Responsible Lending.

Currently, the formula-based Pell Grant award averages $4,251 per participating student. Next year as proposed, the program’s average award

and/or exceed, particularly in public supported construction projects.

The BCTC program team is committed to work with partnering owners and only offers training when entry-level jobs are available.

For the new BUD classes

will be slightly less at $4,149 and traditional grant recipient students would be forced to share those funds with others enrolled in workforce development training that does not accrue credit hours or traditional academic terms.

Regular readers of this column may recall, many career and technical training institutions are also for-profit entities that in recent years have either failed to provide the training promised, or the earnings assured by admissions personnel – or both. In the worst-case scenarios, tens of thousands of students have been enrolled at the time of closures that came with little or no notice.

The Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is need-based and financially helps low-income, undergraduate students. For the past two fiscal years, this program was funded at $1.7 billion. If the Trump Administration’s proposal holds, no monies will support this program next year.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are available to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the Armed Forces and died as a result of their military deployment in either Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. In FY 2019, the average grant in this program

was $5,293. In FY 2020, the White House would end it with no appropriation.

These are only a few of the cuts proposed to higher education at a time when education is more important today than ever before. The global economy requires a highly-skilled and knowledgeable workforce. It seems so ironic that this White House keeps placing businesses before the needs of people.

“Instead of punishing for-profit institutions that have deceived students and encouraged them to take on unaffordable levels of student debt, Secretary DeVos will defend President Trump’s proposal to extend taxpayer money to finance unproven short-term programs, many of which will be offered by these very same for-profit college,” added Goldstein.

Here’s hoping that Congress will hear a loud outcry on gutting federal financial aid. Enacting a budget that represents the needs of people should and must prevail.

Charlene Crowell is the Communications Deputy Director at the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org

starting April 8, June 10 and August 12, Signorino will interview candidates the Wednesday before the session starts. However, candidates need to take and pass some tests administered by SLATE, so Signorino urges minorities and women interested in a career in the building trades to go to SLATE, 1520 Market St. on the 3rd floor, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, to start the process immediately. For more information, visit http://budprogram.com or call (314) 303-6082.

Charlene Crowell

— Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid

Sports

American’s ‘Fab Five’ girls

The members of the 2019 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Basketball team represent a diverse group of talented players with different skill sets. You have a dynamic point guard in Edwardsville’s Quierra Love in the front and a dominant post player in Parkway Central’s Jayla Kelly inside. In between, there is the versatile trio of Madison Buford of Lutheran North, Marissa Warren of Incarnate Word Academy and Je’Naiya Davis of Parkway North, who can get it done in a variety of ways. These talented young ladies also brought a lot of victories to their respective schools.

Here is a look at the members of the 2019 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Basketball First Team

Madison Buford (Lutheran North) – The 5’9” senior guard led Lutheran North to its most successful season ever as it finished with 26 wins and a berth in the Class 3 state championship game. Buford averaged 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds to lead the Crusaders in both categories. She scored a game-high 29 points in the Crusaders’ victory over Licking in the state semifinals, a game in which she scored 20 consecutive points in the second half.

Je’Naiya Davis (Parkway North) – One of the most talented bucket-getters in the state of Missouri, the 5’9” senior guard capped off an excellent career by leading the Vikings to a district championship and a berth in the Class 4 state quarterfinals. As

Athletes pay tribute to Nipsey Hussle

The worlds of sports and music are undeniably intertwined. The only thing better than an amazing sports highlight is an amazing sports highlight set to perfectly paired background music. When it comes to professional sports, there is no stronger, more seamless connection than the link between the NBA and hip hop. Ever since Kurtis Blow released the song “Basketball” in 1984 an unbreakable union of the NBA and rap music was born. Cedric Ceballos had an impressive showing in his “Flow On” collaboration with Warren G Shaquille O’Neal proved he could do more than dunk by dropping several respectable albums in the 90s. Today, Damian Lillard is carrying the torch by putting forth some strong releases. Those guys represent just a few drops in the bucket NBA stars such as Tony Parker, Steve Francis, Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson have dropped struggle bars along the

way. So it was no surprise to see so many players in the NBA community pay respect to Nipsey Hussle after the Los Angeles-based rapper was murdered in front of his clothing store Sunday afternoon. Thought I’d heard of Nipsey years ago, I didn’t become familiar with his music until his studio album, “Victory Lap,” dropped in Feb. 2018. The album was a smart, empowering and unapologetically West Coast album. Listening to that album took me back to the days when guys like Dr. Dre, Easy E, Snoop Dog Ice Cube Too Short and MC Eiht were putting out West Coast classics. Nipsey’s music also opened my eyes to all the work he was trying to do to give back to his community. He built businesses, rehabbed neighborhoods, worked to end gang

a staple in the community.

Earl Austin Jr.

Sistrunk

Marissa Warren of Incarnate Word Academy is the 2019 St. Louis American Player of the Year. The 5’8” senior point guard led the Red Knights to their third consecutive Class 4 state championship.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Taking on the NCAA for cashing in on college players

Finally, real momentum is building in Congress to address the NCAA’s blatant use of college athletes for its – and individuals – personal gain.

Sen. Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.) released a report last Thursday titled “Madness Inc.” that takes direct aim at the $14 billion annually reaped in by the NCAA through on-campus sports and tournaments.

“It’s time for the NCAA to find a way to compensate student-athletes.

College football and basketball have become a multi-billion-dollar industry and everyone is cashing in except the players who are doing the work,” he said via Twitter.

Murphy is not alone in calling out the NCAA.

with factual financial information the NCAA would most likely never release to the public.

Between 2003 and 2018, revenues collected by college sports programs rose from $4 billion annually to $14 billion.

Within the Power 5

Conferences - Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 conferences –12 percent of revenues go to athlete grant-in-aid, while 16 percent goes to coaches’ salaries. (Keep in mind how many more players there are than coaches.)

The 25 highest-paid football and men’s basketball coaches earn an average annual salary of $5.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

In March, Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) filed a bill that would amend the federal tax code to allow college athletes to profit from “the use of their names, images, and likenesses via commercial opportunities.” This would include appearance fees, advertisements and video games.

Both Murphy and Walker, who are white, say the issue is more than a fairness question and use the term “civil rights” in backing their quests for change.

“More than half of the athletes playing big-time football and basketball are AfricanAmerican,” Murphy said.

“And almost all of the adults getting rich off their exploits are white. And civil rights (are) not just about race. You have workers here being denied an adequate return on their labor.”

“Madness Inc.” is packed

“Everybody is getting rich off an incredibly profitable industry except for the athletes,” Murphy said.

“If they can figure out how to make themselves rich, why can’t they figure out a way to share some of the largess?”

Walker calls the existing system “a violation of basic civil rights” because it prevents college athletes from benefiting from the same economic opportunities as “any other American.”

“On campus, if you are on a music scholarship, you can pick up gigs and be paid. Only college athletes have to sign a document that says you can’t benefit from your name, image or likeness.”

This is my personal example. Between 1979 and 1983, I was a football equipment manager for the University of Kansas. I received a monthly stipend that began at $80 and increased $10 per year. I

received travel money for road trips. I received $10 the Friday before home games for meal money. I paid in-state tuition, although I was from Missouri and I also was allowed to work part-time jobs. During two-aday practices for two weeks in August, I was paid federal minimum wage and overtime of time-and-half.

While the players received full-ride scholarships, housing and all meals, in the long run I came out better financially.

Walker’s bill, called the Student-Athlete Equity Act, would prevent tax-exempt organizations – including the NCAA and its member schools – from denying athletes the opportunity to make money by signing autographs or endorsing a particular brand of basketball shoes.

The NCAA would not be paying athletes, they would be making money on their own.

Naturally, the NCAA immediately released statement defending its financial restrictions on players and calling Walker’s bill “unnecessary.”

The charge for change has been building - and is gaining steam.

Last September, Rep. Al Lawson (D-Fla.) introduced a multi-faceted bill making

it easier for athletes to hold paying summer jobs, creates a scholarship program for athletes who don’t graduate before their athletic eligibility ends and provides full health insurance coverage to athletes who suffer sports-related injuries. It went nowhere in the Republican-dominated House. It would stand a better chance now that Democrats have reclaimed the House.

Action is also coming at the state level.

California senate Majority Whip Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) has filed the “Fair Pay to Play Act” to allow athletes at the state’s 24 NCAA Division I schools “to be paid directly from a private or commercial source for the use of their names images, or likenesses,” This is how many Olympic athletes are compensated.

Several North Carolina House members are examining ways to provide legal protections for athletes. A bill would make it illegal for schools to derive revenue from the use of athletes’ names, images and likenesses without obtaining their written consent.

While no one knows what President Trump is capable of doing on any given day, Walker said he has been told that the president would sign his bill if it reaches the White House.

“I plan for that to happen this year,” he said.

“These are not feel-good things just to have conversations and dialogue,” Lawson said.

“We are trying to pass these bills.”

Payton’s place

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton told the NFL Network’s Steve Wyche during last week’s NFL meetings that the current trend in new coach hires is bad for the game and minority coaches.

“I think we’ve got a diversity problem, like this season, what took place, that’s hitting us square in the face. I think that not a lot was written or discussed about it,” Payton said.

“There are a handful of coaches that I know that if I was a GM, who I would be interested in hiring.”

Eight NFL coaches were fired either during or following the 2018 season. Of the eight new hires, Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins is the only one who is black. Six have offensive backgrounds. One, Kliff Kingsbury of Arizona, has no NFL coaching experience.

(Owners and general managers) get so pigeonholed into – ‘cause this is cyclical, right, this goes -- and ultimately you would say if we did a little history, successful head coaches probably come from the east and the west and north and south.

“They probably come of both colors and they probably come on defense and on offense. And they’re good leaders. They’re great leaders. And, so, if you say ‘well I just want the one that coaches quarterbacks and they’re on offense,’ well, then, you’re going to end up with a smaller pool and you’ll probably have less of a chance to be right, because already of eight hired there’s going to be three that survive

three years.”

Gosh, I wish he was the Dallas Cowboys head coach.

The Reid Roundup Congratulations to UCLA sophomore forward Lauryn Miller and the Lady Bruins for reaching the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. UCLA threw a scare into UConn, which reached yet another Final Four, before bowing 69-61. Miller, an All-State player for Kirkwood High School, averaged 13.3 minutes per game, 3.7 points and

Alvin A. Reid

Steph Curry led Davidson to the “Sweet 16” in 2008. Between 2003 and 2018, revenues collected by college sports programs rose from $4 billion annually to $14 billion.

CLUTCH

Continued from C7 and 21 assists in a 119-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Westbrook’s performance represented just the second time in NBA history that a player has had a 20-20-20 game. Wilt Chamberlain was the first when he dropped 22 points, 25 rebounds and 21 assists on Feb. 2, 1968.

“That’s for Nipsey!” Westbrook declared after grabbing his 20th rebound with 42 seconds remaining in the game.

The two Los Angeles icons were close friends. Nipsey even served foot at a community Thanksgiving dinner put on by Westbrook’s charitable foundation.

Toronto Raptors G/F Danny Green summed up the impact of Nipsey Hussle’s death perfectly.

“Man this is a tough one for the culture...it’s crazy how someone you never even met face to face can have such an affect on you and your community...prayers and condolences go out to his closest friends and family #RipNipsey,” he wrote.

My sentiments exactly.

Down Goes the AAF

After just eight weeks into its inaugural season, the Alliance of American Football is about to fold. AAF owner Tom Dundon suspended all league operations Tuesday afternoon.

The AAF boasted some big names for a second-tier league. Former NFL players and NCAA stars QB Johnny Manziel and RB Trent Richardson played in the league in an attempt to work their way back to the NFL. AAF coaches included Mike Martz, Steve Spurrier and

TRACK

Continued from C7

a senior, Davis averaged 21.4 points and 9.4 rebounds while also setting the school’s single season scoring record in the process.

Jayla Kelly (Parkway Central) – The 6’3” junior forward was a pillar of strength in the low post as she led the Colts to their first-ever Final Four appearance in the Class 5 state tournament. For the season, Kelly averaged 12.4 points and 11.8 rebounds a game as the Colts finished third in the state tournament. She will return next season as one of the state’s top recruiting prospects in the Class of 2020.

Quierra Love (Edwardsville) – The 5’4” dynamic junior point guard was the floor general and leader on a Tigers team that won 30 games and advanced to the IHSA Class 4A Super-

Mike Singletary

Despite the league’s relative star-power, even I, a sports columnist, had forgotten the league’s season was active. That’s not a good sign. According to ESPN, AAF games consistently raked in 400k-500k viewers on CBS. Apparently that wasn’t enough to keep the lights on for the startup league. Or was it?

A USA Today report notes that Dundon decided to shutter the league after he was

Sectionals. Love averaged 11 points a game and also a team-high 4.2 assists and 3.1 steals a game. She also had the habit of hitting big shots in clutch situations for the Tigers.

Marissa Warren (Incarnate Word Academy) –The 2019 St. Louis American Player of the Year, the 5’8” senior point guard led the Red Knights to their third consecutive Class 4 state championship.

St. Louis American Fab Five Girls Basketball All-Star Teams

First Team Madison Buford 5’9” Lutheran North (Sr.)

Je’Naiya Davis 5’9” Parkway North (Sr.)

Jayla Kelly 6’3” Parkway Central (Jr.)

Quierra Love 5’4” Edwardsville (Jr.)

rebuffed by the NFL Players Association as he attempted to turn the league into an official development league for the NFL.

“A players’ union official did express serious concerns about the risks of lending active NFL players to the AAF,” according to the report. The league’s players and coaches were reportedly blindsided by the news. They were not given any prior warning and many found out as the

Marissa Warren 5’8” Incarnate Word Academy (Sr.)

Second Team

Yani Curry 5’9” Francis Howell Central (Sr.)

Bryce Dowell 5’7” Belleville East (Sr.)

Daisha Seltzer 5’9” Miller Career Academy (Sr.)

Tajah Foster-Walker 6’1” Whitfield (Sr.)

DeAnna Wilson 6’2” Cardinal Ritter (Sr.)

Third Team

Jessica Brooks 5’10” MICDS (Jr.)

Kaylynn Hayden 5’9”

Lutheran North (Sr.)

Jasmine Manuel 6’3” Summit (Jr.)

Nariyah Simmons 5’6” Hazelwood Central (Soph)

Olivia Stephens 5’9” Parkway Central (Sr.)

Fourth Team

Marshaun Bostic 5’8” Gateway STEM (Soph)

Jade Moore 5’6” Whitfield (Jr.)

Jordan Peete 5’6” Ladue (Jr.)

Vanessa Polk 6’2” John Burroughs (Fr.)

Jaylen Townsend 5’9” Edwardsville (Sr.)

The ST. LouiS AmericAn PreP AThLeTe of The Week

Jada Harvey

Hazelwood Central – Girls Soccer

The senior standout is off to a good start as one of the area’s top goal scorers. Harvey had four goals and three assists in a 7-1 victory over Medicine and Bioscience at last week’s Parkway Classic. She also had an assist in a 1-1 tie against

Bishop DuBourg. For the season, Harvey has seven goals and five assists in leading the Hawks to a 3-1-2 record so far. As a junior, Harvey had 27 goals and 20 assists as she led the Hawks to a district championship.

news reports became public. At least one team was on the field practicing when the suspension of operations was announced.

To add insult to injury, players and coaches were forced to pay for their own travel expenses to get back home.

That likely wasn’t an issue for players with NFL experience (and check stubs) such as Manziel and Richardson. However, all players in

Austin Achievement Awards Player of the Year: Marissa Warren

the league were signed to non-guaranteed contracts worth $70K in the first year, and the league will likely shutter without paying them for the full season. That’s a far cry from the $480K league minimum in the NFL.

Next up is the XFL, which will re-launch in 2020 and hope to avoid the fate of the AAF, the original XFL, the USFL and countless other professional leagues that have attempted to compete with or complete

(Incarnate Word Academy)

Freshman of the Year: Vanessa Polk (John Burroughs) and

the NFL. Let’s be honest. If the AAF’s eight games is the over/ under for XFL 2.0, I’m betting the under.

Be sure to check In the Clutch online and also follow Ishmael on Twitter @ishcreates. Subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTube page to see weekly sports videos starring Ishmael and Melvin Moore at youtube.com/stlamericanvideo.

Zaire Harrell (MICDS)

Team of the Year: Incarnate Word Academy

Former NFL running back Trent Richardson was a member of the AAF’s Birmingham Iron. Richardson accumulated 372 rushing yards and 11 TDs in eight games before league operations were suspended.

NGA, SLU to co-host geospatial conference in STL

The National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA) and Saint Louis University (SLU) will co-sponsoring a geospatial conference in St. Louis 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 9 in Saint Louis University’s Busch Student Center, 20 North Grand Blvd. The conference is free and open to the public.

The conference will open with the NGA’s new director, Vice Admiral Robert Sharp, talking with SLU President Fred P. Pestello on the future of St. Louis.

Other discussions will feature Mark Munsell, NGA’s

continued from page B1 school. Students in their junior and senior years (with a few sophomores sprinkled in) are matched with mentors from WWT. The mentors talked to the students about hackathons and how they could be used to find unique and innovative solutions to improve their communities. The students then spent six to eight weeks coming up with their resolutions, which they presented on a Saturday in an all-day hackathon style.

chief technology officer, and Jack Dangermond, founder of Esri, the industry leader in GIS technology, talking about emerging geospatial technologies and trends. Governmental leaders scheduled to speak include senior officials of the U.S. Geological Survey and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, as well as Lee Schwartz, the geographer of U.S. Department of State, and Sue Kalweit, director of Analysis for the NGA.

Featured geospatial industry and professional leaders

include Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology; Robert Shelton Jr., chief technical officer and advisor for Microsoft’s National Intelligence Division; Andy Dearing, CEO of Boundless Spatial, Inc.; Steven Ward, senior director of Geospatial and Weather Sciences at The Climate Corporation; and Marie Price, president of the American Geographical Society.

The conference is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit slu.edu/ research/georesolution2019.

Financial Focus

By Courtney Bond Waters

This year, Pattonville High School took home the top prize: a $10,000 grant to their school, which they could use for their school’s STEM

n “We’ve had a couple of students who went through the program become interns at WWT.”

– Ann Marr, global vice president of Human Resources World Wide Technology

program. Second prize was a $5,000 grant, and third place garnered a school a $2,500 grant. Each participating school walked away with at least $1,000, in the end.

Students who participated don’t have to pay a dime, though.

“The initial day of the program is half a day, and we feed them lunch and give them an overview of the project,” said Marr. She said the schools picked were already STEMaligned, usually having their own resources available for students. WWT provided its employees, who readily volunteer for the projects every year. Ambassadors from the school helped tie everything together and kept the students and their projects on track.

“Every year, we send out

emails to school principals and ask them to apply to be a part of the program. There’s no cost,” said Marr.

However, the selection is limited due to space and time constraints, so WWT has done its best to spread out to different areas throughout the St. Louis region. If selected, the school then chooses its own bank of 10 students to participate in the program.

Besides the obvious benefit of an advanced STEM educational experience, students could possibly become part of the WWT family. “We’ve had a couple of students who went through the program become interns at WWT,” said Marr. Marr said that students who are interested in participating should check with their principal early during the school year to see if they received an email invitation to the program.

For more information, visit https://www.wwt.com/all-blog/ wwt-stem-student-forum.

‘It takes so much of the pressure off”

Large gift gives Griot Museum Of Black History a break from hard times

By Nancy Fowler Of St. Louis Public Radio

(St. Louis Public Radio) – For two decades, Lois Conley, founder of St. Louis’ Griot Museum of Black History, has struggled just to pay the bills, hoping the roof, heating and air conditioning will last another season.

But a recent donation is giving Conley some breathing room. The money is from a longtime supporter who died last year and remembered the Griot in his will.

Conley declined to reveal the name or an amount. But it’s enough to cover a year’s worth of expenses, which includes paying an executive assistant, she said.

In 2015, Conley told St. Louis Public Radio the Griot needs about $100,000 a year for property taxes, utility bills and basic upkeep.

“It takes so much of the pressure off,” Conley said. “Not having to wait to see what’s going to come in the door in order to be able to just operate.” For Conley, the importance of the gift goes beyond the money.

“That vote of confidence you need sometimes, that makes you want to continue doing what you’re doing,” she said.

Planning for the future

Another area in which things are looking up at the Griot is attendance.

In its heyday, the Griot received 35,000 visitors a year. But in the early 2000s, the numbers began to decline, and by 2015, attendance had dropped to 4,000. But this past year, that number has nearly doubled.

“We’ve been laughing, that this year, we just are not getting a break,” Conley said.

A more diverse group of visitors is responsible for the uptick.

“People who are not African American, people who are not senior citizens, people who are not necessarily straight, people in integrated families,” Conley said.

Other than about $18,000 from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council, most of the Griot’s regular budget comes from visitor fees.

When faith and love win

‘Breakthrough’ brings story of St. Louis miracle to the big screen

By Sharee Silerio

For The St. Louis American

On March 20, Hollywood brought its magic to St. Louis for the premiere of 21st Century Fox’s new film, “Breakthrough,” which is based on real-life events that happened in St. Charles County.

Four years ago, on January 15, 2015, then 14-year-old John Smith fell through the ice of Lake St. Louis while playing with his friends. For 15 minutes, he was underwater. He was rescued, and taken to the hospital, but did not have a heartbeat for 45 minutes.

The doctors, nurses, and medical techni-

cians did all they could do to save him. By all accounts, he was deceased. The hospital staff grieved as his mother, Joyce Smith, arrived at the hospital to view his lifeless body. However, this was not the end of John’s story. Joyce prayed for him, and he immediately came back to life, making a full recovery 16 days later.

“God has blessed my life in so many ways,” John Smith said. “I just want to remember where I come from and remember to give God all the glory my whole life.”

The film, opening in theaters this Easter, is

St. Louis rap star Chingy

n “It takes so much of the pressure of. Not having to wait to see what’s going to come in the door in order to be able to just operate.” said he is sure to be God’s

The recent, unexpected large gift is one of several developments that brighten the future of the institution. Another is a $20,000 grant to create a plan for optimizing the space inside the north St. Louis museum.

See GRIOT, C4

Path of STL native Kevin Mayes and his hand in Oscar win for ‘Black Panther’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I knew we were going to win the Oscar – I really did,” said St. Louis native Kevin Mayes. As her head tailor, the fashion designer helped Ruth Carter make history as the first African American woman to earn a costume design Academy Award for “Black Panther.”

He was so sure that Carter would win, that when she did, Mayes was collected to the point of seeming nonchalant. “ People were like ‘you’re so calm,’” Mayes said. “Because I already knew. I felt it. And when you feel something like that, it’s God talking to us. So [when we won], I was just living and experiencing what God already told me would happen.”

Mayes has been following the feeling that he

Lois Conley founded the Griot Museum of Black History in 1997

Fashion designer Kevin Mayes served as head tailor for Ruth Carter, who made history as the first black woman to win a costume design Academy Award for her work on the blockbuster “Black Panther.”

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Sharee Silerio

“Breakthrough” producer DeVon Franklin addresses the crowd during the “Breakthrough Day” dedication ceremony in Lake St. Louis on March 20.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sun., Apr. 7, 7 p.m., Ambassador presents J. Holiday. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

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

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

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

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

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

special events

Fri., Apr. 5, 5 p.m., The Friends of Jennings School’s 6th Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala. Proceeds benefit Jennings School District, local homeless shelters, and college scholarships. 1 Norwood Hills Country Club, 63121. For more information, visit www. jennigsk12.org.

Apr. 5 – 7, The 15th Annual Builders St. Charles Home Show. St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Plz., 63303. For more information, visit www. stlhomeshow.com.

Sat., Apr. 6, 8 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Metro East Financial Empowerment Conference. 101 Jackie Joyner Kersee Circle, East St. Louis, IL. 62204. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 6, 9 a.m., Hare in the Air Egg Hunt. For children 2 – 8. Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd., 63017. For more information, visit www.logan. edu/HareInTheAir.

Sat., Apr. 6, 6 p.m., St. Louis Crisis Nursery Razzle Ball 2019: Wish Upon A Star Enjoy music, live and silent auctions, and raise funds to end child abuse and neglect. Sheraton Westport-Lakeside Chalet, 191 W. Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.crisisnurserykids. org.

Sat., Apr. 6, 6 p.m., The Covering House presents the 2019 Dine for Dignity Gala. Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thecoveringhouse.org.

Wed., Apr. 10, 6 p.m., St. Louis’ Taste of the Nation. Ensure that no kid goes hungry by joining the city’s finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for a night of sips and bites. Union Station, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, www.facebook. com.

Thur., Apr. 11, 5:30 p.m., United 4 Children presents the Lighting the Way Gala Entertainment, tastings, and auctions to raise funds for childcare and after-school programs. Missouri Athletic

Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.united4children.org.

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

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

Sat., Apr. 13, 8:30 a.m. (march begins at 9:30 a.m.), Better Family Life’s Move March 2019, Better Family Life/Urban League Outreach Office located 1331 Aubert St. March concludes at Better Family Life, Cultural Center, 5415 Page Blvd.

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

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

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

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

Sat., Apr. 13, 10 a.m., Housing Resource Fair. Get information on utilities assistance, tenant rights, lead inspections, home repair, down payments assistance, and more. City Garden Montessori Charter School, 1618 Tower Grove Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Apr. 13, 11:30 a.m., Cultivate Community Focus

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

Fri., Apr. 19, 7:30 p.m., Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Adults 21 and older can grab your basket and flashlight for an evening down memory lane. Ferguson Parks & Recreation, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 521-4661.

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

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

Group: Fostering Black Collaboration. An exploration of ways that community leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs of African descent can collaborate more effectively. 20 S. Sarah St., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

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

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

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

Fri., Apr. 19, 9 a.m.,

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

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

comedy

Fri., Apr. 5, 7 p.m., Cracking Up Comedy Tour feat. DeRay Davis, Michael Blackson, Red Grant, and Bruce Bruce. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

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

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Delmar Hall welcomes Tank and Da Bangas. See CONCERTS for details.

Fri., Apr. 12, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents J.B. Smoove. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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

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

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

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

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

literary

Sun., Apr. 7, 2 p.m., Kirkwood Public Library hosts author Jacqui Germain author of When the Ghosts Come Ashore. 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Wed., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., Whitaker Jazz Speaks presents A Love Supreme: The Music and Message in John Coltrane’s Magnum Opus ft. Ashley Kahn. St. Louis Public Library Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

RockHouse Entertainment, LLC presents Jeezy. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Orchestra Africa. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

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

art

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

lectures and workshops

facebook.com.

Sun., Apr. 7, 2 p.m., The Made Moguls Dress, Style, & Etiquette Workshop. For youth ages 11 – 17. Embassy Suites St. Louis Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

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

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

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

Ricarrdi. Paired with Mr. Riccardi’s talk will be a performance. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

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

Wed., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., Whitaker Jazz Speaks presents Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5 and Hot 7 ft. Ricky

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

Thur., Apr. 18, 4:30 p.m., University Libraries Faculty Book Talk Series: Rafia Zafar. Zafar will discuss her new book Recipes for Respect: African American Meals and Meaning. Olin Library, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit

ww.library.wustl.edu/event.

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

theatre

Sat., Apr. 6, 8 p.m., UMSL International Studies and Programs presents TolumiDE Live with Toby Foyeh and

Fri., Apr. 5, 8 a.m., Transitioning Veterans Summit and VA Town Hall. Clark Hall, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 6, 8:30 a.m., Helping All Children Learn: Dyslexia and HB 2379. Dr. Art McCoy will be the keynote speaker. Cook Hall, St. Louis University, 3674 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.aredcircle.org.

Sat., Apr. 6, 8:30 a.m., Metropolitan Congregations United hosts Understanding Juvenile Courts. Youth, families, and advocates are encouraged to come learn about the local juvenile courts. Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, 1000 N. Vandeventer Ave., 63113. For more information, visit www.

Apr. 5 – 7, GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. The weekend includes a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 10K, 5K, children’s fun runs, and more. Downtown St. Louis and Forest Park. For more information, visit www. gostlouis.org.

spiritual

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

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

“When I turned 8, I finally said ‘Mama, what is that in the corner?’ And she said, ‘That’s a sewing machine, baby.’ And I said, ‘Well, what does it do?’”

His mother had decided to take a sewing class. She failed. The machine just sat there until that moment he asked his mother about it – and changed the course of his life.

“It was history from day one,” Mayes said. “From that, everything started.”

He didn’t go to the machine right away, but the seed for sewing as a creative outlet was planted. He practiced with needle and thread first. The first Kevin Mayes creation was a heart-shaped pillow. It was a design triumph for the 8 yearold.

“I guess that was God’s way of letting me know that everything starts from the heart,” Mayes said. By the time he settled into Normandy High School, the teacher would often allow him to takeover teaching the class. He still laughs about the time his mother met his sewing teacher, Mrs. Mabry, during a Normandy High School open house. She came in the room and locked eyes with the teacher and they both let out simultaneous belly laughs and pointed at each other. Mayes didn’t get the joke. Turns out Mrs. Mabry was the teacher who failed his mother a decade earlier.

“I said, ‘What kind of coincidence is this?’” Mayes said. “That was God ordering my steps.”

A journey to blackness

Mayes has done many things in-between being a star sewing student at Normandy High School and leading the team that creating the stunning Academy Award-winning costumes for the record-shattering film that was Marvel’s first black led superhero film. After graduating from Normandy, he took his talents to New York’s famed Fashion Institute of Technology. Design was

always a priority for Mayes, though he is a gifted visual artist who worked with pioneering prosperity preacher Rev. Ike, and as a personal assistant and wardrobe stylist for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Tyra Banks, Will Smith, Chris Rock, Lupita Nyong’o, Chaka Khan, Ledisi and Oprah Winfrey are on the long roll of A-list stars on Mayes’ resume. His partnership with Carter on film began on the Jimmy Smits film “The Price of Glory” in 2000. “We just clicked,” Mayes said. “We work together a team and we balance each other.”

He worked with her on Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated film “Selma” and on the 2016 reboot of the Emmy Awardwinning miniseries “Roots.” It was through “Roots” that Mayes developed an expanded appreciation of Carter. “To watch her build upon

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these characters was amazing,” Mayes said. “There’s a system to building a character. It was a feel to it – and I just loved to watch Ruth when she was in action. As I was watching her, she was teaching me.”

He talked about the detailed research that went into costuming each character, from the tribes that inspired the costuming – down to the headwraps that enslaved women wore as they worked on the plantation. Being able to use their respective gifts to illustrate black life and the African-American experience through costume design has been rewarding beyond words.

“My good friend Monica Tyson said, ‘It must feel good to create for your people,’” Mayes said. “And it does– it has been wonderful. Me and Ruth, we have done ‘Selma’ together, we’ve done ‘Roots’ together and we’ve done ‘Black Panther.’ It’s all geared towards black culture.”

He was also thrilled that St. Louis had strong representation within the film through himself, Sterling K. Brown, who had a brief, but pivotal role as N’Jobu and SZA, the St. Louis born, New Jersey-bred Grammy Award-nominated singer featured on the soundtrack.

“The spirit of St. Louis was all up in Black Panther,” Mayes said. “It was and I loved it. It was a blessing and a wonderful feeling to have a role in that.”

Having “Black Panther,” a showcase of black excellence, become an Academy Award winning global phenomenon was the icing on the cake.

“I’m like ‘What is God trying to tell us?’” Mays said. “And I think it’s that we need to show people our talent, creativity and all of the gifts that we have been given as a people. And to show the world, yes, we are here.

[And to show that] we have been here – and what people are discovering now, we’ve had centuries ago.”

Continued from C1

based on the book Joyce Smith authored and published n 2017, “The Impossible,” which tells John’s story through Joyce’s perspective.

“This isn’t a fairy tale. This really happened. God did give me back my son when I asked for him,” Joyce Smith said. “I love it that this is going around the world for people to see.”

In the film, Chrissy Metz (Kate Pearson in the hit NBC TV show “This is Us”) plays Joyce and Marcel Ruiz (Alex Alvarez in Netflix’s “One Day at a Time”) plays John. Joyce’s husband Brian is played by Josh Lucas (“Sweet Home Alabama”) and their pastor, Jason Noble, is portrayed by Topher Grace (“Spider-Man 3”).

“[Being a part of this project has] been overwhelmingly wonderful for so many reasons,” Metz said. “We get to portray real people who have gone through a real-life miracle. To honor that and the responsibility in that has been challenging, but as actors that’s what you always want.”

“Working with Chrissy was really fun, and I learned a lot from her,” Ruiz added. “Seeing how the whole cast, the whole crew came together to build this story and make it as real as

GRIOT

Continued from C1

The “Growing Griot” project is funded by the Washington University Center for the Humanities. Washington University students of African and African American Studies and the Sam Fox School of Design will spend a year

possible … getting to portray this family and the story of the Smiths, was really fun to film.”

“Breakthrough” is produced by DeVon Franklin (“Miracles from Heaven”; “The Star”) and is the feature film directorial debut for Roxann Dawson (“The Chi”; ‘The Americans”), who is also an actor (“Star Trek: Voyager”) and producer (“Scandal”).

“Everyone feels directly connected to this story in a

n “God has blessed my life in so many ways. I just want to remember where I come from and remember to give God all the glory my whole life.” - John Smith

personal way, in addition to professionally,” Franklin said. “Anyone can take a job, because you’re a professional and you’re paid to do something. For each one of us involved, it’s more than that.”

During the afternoon of the movie’s premiere, John, his family and Pastor Noble met the first responders who saved his life at the lake where

looking at the institution’s building in north St. Louis.

“Students will also be looking at how we take the space and use it to better define what kinds of programming we do and how we use it as a hub for creative thinking and interpretation around our cultural activities,” Conley said. “So we’re pretty excited about that.”

The students’ plan for the future will help Conley as she pursues further donations.

“I think we’ll have a situation that will be attractive to some people,” she said.

But Conley said securing the long-term future of the Griot could cost millions, on top of ongoing fundraising. She hopes to plan a capital campaign but needs a large donor to lead that effort.

At 72, she’d like to think about retiring in a few years.

“I don’t want to have them come in and take me out on a stretcher out from my desk at the Griot,” Conley said. “I’d like to be able to walk away and leave it in a place where somebody else can take it to another level.”

The idea of leaving the museum in someone else’s care is now much more feasible, Conley said.

“A year ago, I would have said, ‘Who wants to come in here, with no money, and struggle like this, besides me?’” Conley said.

Coming up at the Griot

Griot visitors will soon

it all happened. The Mayor of Lake St. Louis, Kathy Schweikert, officiated a ceremony to declare March 20 “Breakthrough Day” in the city, presenting a plaque to John and Joyce Smith. That evening, John’s family, friends, the Lake St. Louis police and fire departments, and St. Louis community attended the red-carpet premiere at the Marcus Des Peres Theatre. There, they had a chance to screen the film and talk to the real-life people about what it has been like to see themselves and their part in John’s story on the big screen. Everyone was eager to hear how they hope the film impacts audiences.

“[We want them to take away] the power of the community, the power of prayer,” said Dawson. “I think the last song in this film is Carrie Underwood’s ‘Love Wins,’ and that’s what the movie is about –is that ultimately, love wins.”

“Breakthrough” will be released nationwide on Wednesday, April 17.

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

enjoy some updates to some of the permanent exhibitions, when parts of the “#1 in Civil Rights” exhibit comes to the Griot from the Missouri History Museum. An upcoming temporary exhibition will involve the help of UMSL practicum students who are learning to stage an exhibition. The multimedia display they are working on, set to open later this month, highlights the predominantly African American neighborhoods of The Ville, Fountain Park and Lewis Place.

Another upcoming event is a May 11 prayer breakfast in memory of an African American teenager from St. Louis who is thought to be the earliest known person with HIV in the United States.

Currently, the Griot is exhibiting “Beauty, Brilliance, Blackness,” which features portraits of 20 women from St. Louis and Atlanta by photographer Ika Otura. On June 19, the museum will hold its second annual “40 Acres and a Mule” art show and sale. The event is a celebration of Juneteenth, which marks the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas and generally notes the abolition of enslavement in the Confederate South.

“So we’re excited about that as well,” Conley said. “Just a lot of good things going on with us right now that give us hope.”

Republished with permission of St. Louis

FILM

Fashion designer Kevin Mayes with actress Lupita Nyong’o, star of films such as “Us” and “Black Panther.”

Photo by Sharee Silerio

(Left to right) Pastor Jason Noble, producer DeVon Franklin, Joyce Smith, actors Chrissy Metz and Marcel Ruiz, director Roxann Dawson, and John Smith, posed for a group photo on the red carpet before the screening of “Breakthrough” on March 20 in Des Peres.

Birthday

Happy 6th Birthday John on April 2!

May your dreams of dancing with Ayo and Teo come true! Keep dancing and bringing so much joy to our lives! We love you and can’t wait to turn up with you!

Love, The Snider Family

Reunions

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

Celebrations

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

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

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

Congratulations to Jesse and Becky Swanagan, who celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary on April 10. Thank God for helping us stay together this long. It’s the grace of God that’s kept us together!

280-6596. Classmates please respond by April 2019.

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

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

Soldan Class of 1979 is

Happy Birthday to Wm. Soney Parker, known to family and friends as “Soney Boy”. He’s celebrating 90 years of God’s blessings on April 4!

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

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

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call 314-406-4309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79. Vashon Class of 1974 is planning for its 45-year reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-724-4563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.

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

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St.

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

Rev. Steve Jackson receives 2019 Spirituality Leadership Award

Pastor of Mt. Joy

MB Church honored by SIUE Center for Spirituality and Sustainability

American staff

Rev. Steve Jackson – the pastor of Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest black Baptist church in Edwardsville – received the 2019 Spirituality Leadership Award at the 16th annual Leadership Awards Dinner hosted by the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Saturday, March 30. Jackson has pastored Mt. Joy for more than 40 years. He has worked to increase the diversity of the congregation, and the youth program under his leadership has grown tremendously to include children’s church, young people’s dramatic performances, praise dance troop, and worship and praise team.

“It is our desire to share Christ as The Way, The Truth and The Life. We are not about building an organized religion but focused on knowing Christ and growing in our relationship with Him,” Jackson states on the church website.

“We have not completely fulfilled our vision. In fact, we are still a long way from where God has called us to be, but that is what we are striving to be. There are many gifts here working to complete the vision, but all of the pieces

are not here and engaged yet. Perhaps your gift is exactly what is missing to complete the picture. Together we can build the Kingdom of God while God builds us.”

As pastor of Mt Joy, he said,

“It is my charge to celebrate the person of God, serve the people of God, share the love of God, connect the family of God, and teach the word of God. As pastor and under shepherd to Jesus the Christ in this Mt. Joy ministry, it is my responsibility to seek continuing direction from God.”

rewrote its Purpose Statement to reflect God’s will and direction.

n “We are not about building an organized religion but focused on knowing Christ and growing in our relationship with Him.”

– Rev. Steve Jackson

He said the church recently

“We have studied Mathew 22: 37-40 and Mathew 28: 19,20, and identified five defining and directing principles that will help us stay on the course God wants for us,” he said. “As we build the kingdom here in Edwardsville we invite all those who will to join the Mt. Joy family in this effort.”

He defined as The Great Commission: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your

neighbor as yourself.” Mathew 22:37-40.

He defined as The Great Command: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Mathew 28:19,20

From these two edicts, he said, come the five focuses for Mt. Joy: Love the Lord your God with all your heart (worship), love your neighbor as yourself (ministry), go and make disciples of all nations (evangelism), baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit (fellowship), and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded (discipleship).

Also, Goshen Market will be recognized with the 2019 Sustainability Leadership Award. For more than 20 years, the Land of Goshen Community Market has provided local produce, crafts, and music to downtown Edwardsville. The market has proven to be an integral part of the community, using its resources to provide greater access to healthy food, encourage the growth of local agriculture and to educate the community on sustainable farming practices.

These dual awards reflect the Center’s mission to “promote humanity’s sacred connection to the Earth and each other.”

The Center for Spirituality and Sustainability is a nonprofit multi-faith home for spirituality and sustainability efforts housed in the Buckminster Fuller-designed dome on the SIUE campus.

The Message No tomorrow

I remember as a high school senior going to a religious retreat and listening to a recording supposedly between the devil and one of his soul recruiters, who was having little to no luck at populating hell. The devil gave him one more chance to succeed before suffering the vilest of consequences.

The next morning there was a proverbial traffic jam of souls trying to get in. When the devil asked his protégé for his secret to success, the newly crowned supreme capturer of souls said, “I planted an irresistible seed that none of them seem to be able to refuse.” That seed was, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

You cannot wait until tomorrow to do what you know is right in the eyes of the Lord. You can’t wait until tomorrow to get your life straight, to apologize, to ask for forgiveness. You cannot wait until you’re successful, have a lot of money in the bank, sow your wild oats, before you get it together and live according to the Word of God.

The fallacy of a belief that you’ll do it tomorrow presupposes tomorrow will be there waiting on you, as if you have some control over the time you are allotted and the quality of that time you have here on earth. As much as we know this is true, many of us still find ourselves waiting for tomorrow to really get our act together. All we need is a little more time, or money, or a new opportunity, a new man or a woman, a new relationship or a new job that you’re going to start looking for tomorrow.

No wonder the devil’s protégé was so successful. Once the seed of tomorrow is planted, we dwell on the possibilities of today’s dreams. The do-nothing results will damn your soul for eternity.

Living for tomorrow is not only foolish, it’s dangerous, because we waste God’s greatest gift to us: time. “Give us our daily bread” is what the prayer says. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Proverbs 27:1.

And think of Luke 12: 13-21, The Parable of the Rich Fool. Here is a guy who in essence saved for his pending retirement. “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barn and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grains and goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

God actually calls him a fool and takes his life that very night. How many folks do you know who wish they had one more day to tell somebody how much they meant to that person? If you should close your eyes tonight never to awaken again, would you regret what you didn’t say to somebody and meant to say yesterday but you’ll get around to it tomorrow and never did?

You cannot time the moment of your death anymore than you controlled the moment of your birth. Today, right now, is all you have.

Columnist James Washington

Rev. Steve Jackson, the pastor of Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church in Edwardsville, and his wife, Linda Crawl-Jackson.

HIGH SCHOOL PERSISTENCE COACH

Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuitsponsored middle school for boys, seeks a dynamic individual to serve as its full-time High School Persistence Coach. The High School Persistence Coach provides guidance and ongoing support for alumni and their families, throughout high school, with the goal of a successful high school experience culminating with graduation. Qualifying candidates must have a background in social work with a Master’s Degree (MSW). The successful candidate will also possess exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Previous work experience in an educational setting with underserved, first-generation college students is preferred. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Mr. Elbert Williams III, Director of Graduate Support, at ewilliams@loyolaacademy.org, by April 26, 2019. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school and a job description, please visit our website at www.loyolaacademy.org.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, PUBLIC WORKS LABORERS, COURT CLERK, AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Correctional Officer, Public Works Laborers, Court Clerk, and Prosecuting Attorney. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at Jennings City Hall or online at www.cityofjennings.org.

Provide administrative and technical support for the administration, maintenance and reporting of agent/broker licensing, appointments and terminations. Provide administrative and technical support relative to claims compliance administration, reporting, and regulatory audit functions To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/ www.stlamerican.com

OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF HAMILTON BRIDGE OVER METROLINK,

A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENINGS OF THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ON IT’S ST. LOUIS, MO CAMPUS:

- Associate Director, Faculty Development/CE - Comprehensive Care Unit Director Visit jobs.atsu.edu for full job descriptions.

IFRS ACTUARY

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

ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY

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

Part-time Circulation Asst.$13.41/hourHS diploma required Part-time Library Clerk$11.07/hour –HS diploma required Full-time Custodian$25,355/annual

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

SEEKING QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED MBE SUBCONTRACTORS/ SUPPLIERS

Gershenson Construction Co., Inc. a local contractor located at 2 Truitt Drive, Eureka, MO 63025 is seeking qualified and certified W//MBE subcontractors/suppliers for on Great Rivers Greenway District

Katherine Ward Burg Garden, Project No. 2019-002-004 located in St. Louis County, MO.

Project details can be found on the Bid Express Web - Site at www.bidexpress, GRG 2-002-402 Mississippi Greenway: Katherine Ward Burg Garden (402). Interested W/MBE vendors should contact Chuck Risley at Gershenson Construction., Inc. at (636) – 549-0202 or by email at crisley@gershenson.com by April 9, 2019.

WEATHERIZATION AUDITOR

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

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

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

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

Interested persons should submit a resume with cover letter and salary requirements to the: Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Human Resources Department hr@urbanleague-stl.org EOE No Phone Calls Please

DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE SUPPORT

Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit-sponsored middle school for boys, seeks a dynamic individual to serve as Director of Graduate Support. The Director manages the executive functions of the Graduate Support Department. The Director provides guidance and assistance to Loyola Academy 8th grade students and their families during the high school selection and admissions processes. Graduates and their families select from many of the private, college preparatory high schools in the St. Louis area. The Director and Graduate Support staff provide ongoing support for alumni throughout high school and college. Contact with alumni and administrators requires some travel, both local and out-of-state. The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Previous work experience in an educational setting with underserved students and managerial experience are preferred. A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position. Interested and qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to Mr. Elbert Williams III, Director of Graduate Support, at ewilliams@loyolaacademy.org, by April 26, 2019. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school and job description, please visit our website at www.loyolaacademy.org.

DATA SCIENCE ANALYST

Provide analytical and technical support to the Chief Risk & Predictive Analytics Officer.

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

COLLEGE PERSISTENCE COACH

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

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

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

PATROL OFFICER

Two, and Three Bedroom WAITING LIST OPENING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Kendelwood Place Apartments located in Black Jack, Missouri in accordance with regulations outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and in accordance with the Section 8 Tenant Selection Plan for the above project will reopen the TWO, & THREE BEDROOM waiting list for all individuals from May 6, 2019 through May 9, 2019. Applications will be available to the public and accepted each business day during this open period from 10:00AM – 3:00PM at the Kendelwood Place Leasing Office, 12404 Centerbrook Drive, Black Jack, Missouri 63033. You may call or email you and request an application is emailed to them in lieu of coming to the office to apply in person. In addition to the Approved Tenant Selection Criteria, eligibility is based on annual income limits which vary by household size and location. Federal fiscal year 2018/2019 Income limits may be found at www.HUD.gov. Kendelwood Place Apartments shall not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, familial status, disability, handicap,

website http:// www.stl-bps.org/planroom (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

For Technology Infrastructure (Upgrade)

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

The deadline for submitting proposals is, 4:30 p.m., April 26, 2019 at Better Family Life, Inc. 5415 Page

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2019 ITS Program - Advanced Detection, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1727, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on April 17, 2019

Plans and specifications will be available on March 25, 2019 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

ST.

LOUIS

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 19 404. Abatement for Tile and Mastic in Offices at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus. until 2:00 p.m. local time April 9, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design. 5464 Highland Park. St. Louis. MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office. at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: March 28. 2019. 8:00 am Meet at Fourth floor C TowerForest Park Campus

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite Annual Renewal of Maintenance. The District is proposing single source procurement to Mythics for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com.

SEALED BIDS

for Construction Services, Electrical, Central Region, State of Missouri, Project No. ZASIDIQ-9022, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, April 18, 2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo. gov/facilities

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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

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

SEALED BIDS

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH REDEVELOPMENT AREAS FOR LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis hereby requests qualifications for economic development consultants to provide assistance in the creation of redevelopment areas. For a copy of the RFQ, please visit our website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc by selecting the RFP/RFQ link for a complete copy of the RFQ, or contact: LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS 1520 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2000 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63103 (314) 657-3700 (PHONE) (314) 613-7011 (FAX)

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Saving Time on Friday, April 19, 2019. NOTICE

TO CONTRACTORS

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am April 30, 2019 for: Roof Replacement (Blower Building) at Lemay Treatment Plant

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 9906 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

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

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

LETTING #8692

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

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

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

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

in Room 208 City Hall.

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

for Connect Facilities to Public Water System, Capitol Complex, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. O1719-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/25/2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID

Ferguson-Florissant School District/ Facilities Department McCluer High School Hub Re-Piping

Sealed bids for McCluer High School / Hub Re-Piping are being requested from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 1:15 P.M. CST at the Operations and Maintenance Department located at 7469 Mintert Industrial Drive, Ferguson, MO 63135. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.fergflor.K12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro at 314-506-9184 any questions.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Altman-Charter Co., requests subcontractor/supplier proposals for the Renovation of The Beaumont Building. This is the renovation of an existing building into 72 apartment units and associated common spaces. Proposals are due at the office of Altman-Charter Co., 315 Consort Dr., St. Louis, MO 63011 on or before Thurs., April 18, 2019 at 3:00 PM (CT). Qualified Minority, Section 3, and Women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Plans can be viewed at SIBA, FW Dodge, Construct Connect, MOKAN, Cross Rhodes Reprographics, and the AltmanCharter plan room in St. Louis. Bidders should contact Mr. James Geerling with any questions or to submit a proposal at jamesg@altman-charter.com. Our telephone # is (636)207-8670, and our fax # is (636) 207-8671.

DEACONESS FOUNDATION SEEKING FIRM FOR ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE

SUPPORT

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Availability of 2018 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

PUBLIC HEARING

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 5:30 p.m.

St. Louis County Administration Building 41 S. Central, 5th Floor Conference Room

To All Interested Agencies, Groups and Persons:

St. Louis County is the “Lead Agency” for the St. Louis HOME Consortium. The St. Louis HOME Consortium is a group of contiguous units of local government that have joined together for the purpose of receiving HOME funds and administering a HOME Program as a single grantee. The members of the St. Louis HOME Consortium include St. Louis County, the City of Florissant, the City of O’Fallon, Jefferson County and St. Charles County. As required by federal regulations, St. Louis County has prepared a draft of its Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the St. Louis HOME Consortium. This report provides information on how funding received through the Community Development Block Grant Program and the Emergency Shelter Grant Program was spent in St. Louis County. This report also provides information on how funding was spent for activities funded under the Home Investment Partnership Program in St. Louis County and in the jurisdictions which are members of the St. Louis HOME Consortium.

A draft copy of St. Louis County’s Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) will be available for public review and comment beginning on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the locations specified in this notice during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday. Also, interested persons, groups and agencies are invited to attend a public hearing regarding St. Louis County’s expenditure of these federal grant funds reported in the “draft” 2018 CAPER. The draft CAPER document discusses the County’s performance in meeting its goals, which are to fund programs and activities that provide decent housing, create suitable living environments and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate-income residents of St. Louis County.

If you wish to attend this Public Hearing and require accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Office of Community Development 48 hours in advance. The address and phone are at the bottom of this notice.

St. Louis County Government Centers

• West-74 Clarkson-Wilson Centre Chesterfield, MO 63017 (314-615-0900)

• Northwest Crossing-715 Northwest Plaza Drive Saint Ann, MO 63074 (314-615-5000)

• South-4546 Lemay Ferry Road St. Louis, MO 63129 (314-615-4000)

St. Louis County Department of Planning

• Office of Community Development-41 S. Central Avenue 5th floor, Clayton, MO 63105 (314-615-4457)

City of Florissant

• Government Building - 1055 rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031 (314-839-7680)

County of St. Charles

• Administrative Building, 201 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301 (636-949-7900)

Jefferson County

• Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, 5217 Highway B, Hillsboro, MO 63050 (636-797-5336)

City of O’Fallon

• City Hall, 100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636-240-2000)

St. Louis County Library System

• St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131

Also located on our website at stlouisco.com/Property-and-Roads/Community-Development/ Consolidated-Plan-CAPER

Comments regarding the “draft” of the St. Louis County Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report may be submitted in writing and directed to:

Mr. Jim Holtzman, Director Office of Community Development 41 S. Central, 5th Floor Clayton, MO 63105

Phone: (314) 615-4414 (VOICE) (314) 615-5467 (TTY)

E-Mail: JHoltzman2@stlouisco.com

1-800-735-2966 (Relay Missouri TTY Callers)

1-800-735-2466 (Relay

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR ADA SELF-EVALUATION AND TRANSITION PLAN, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, April 5, 2019 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www. stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

BID NOTICE

Contegra Construction Company, LLC, 22 Gateway Commerce Center Drive W, Suite 110, Edwardsville, IL 62025, O-618-931-3500, F-618-9313535 will be submitting bids on the following Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) project: Lemay WWTF Aeration Tunnel Ventilation Replacement -13264015.1, bid date 4/26/19. We are requesting bids from qualified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) on this project to help in our effort to meet or exceed the 17% goal set forth in MSD’s MBE utilization program. Bidding opportunities for this project specifically include demolition and removal of mechanical equipment, electrical demolition, installation of circulation pumps and associated piping, piping insulation, reheat coil installation, HVAC supply and exhaust fan installation, ductwork installation and insulation, and electrical wiring and communications including pump control panel installation and wiring. Contegra will be holding a pre-bid meeting for this project at the above address on 4/9/19 at 2pm. MBE firms interested in bidding are encouraged to attend to learn about subcontracting opportunities. For additional information or any questions, please contact Tony Uzzo, ext. 129.

BID

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting bids for the construction of the Gravois Greenway: Orlando’s to River Des Peres Greenway - Phase 3 (118A), GRG Bid #2019-003-118A. Check https:// greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ and submit by April 23, 2019.

BID

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

SEALED BIDS

Services, Telecom & Data Wiring, Statewide, State of Missouri, Project No. ZASIDIQ-9021, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, April 11, 2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo. gov/facilities

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 19 202. Corporate Office Renovations at St. Louis Community College at Corporate College, until 2:00 p.m.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications for Facilitation Services for its Regional Plan Update. Check greatriversgreenway.org for more information and submit by Friday, April 12, 2019.

Chingy the champ, Regular Ricky and Blah2K. Before y’all get in your feelings and accuse me of crucifying your teen crushes, understand that I am in the business of mostly facts and minimal feelings. I was excited as everyone in their mid-twenties and mid-thirties who body-rolled their way up in Enterprise Center Wednesday waiting to see how Omarion, Raz B and the rest of B2K held up after all of these years – and if, Spectacular, Pleasure P and the other Pretty Ricky crew could still do those high impact routines. Let me start with the good news. St. Louis folks did their city proud on the Millennium Tour. Gary “G-Thang” Johnson had folks hollering as the host – particularly when he went into the crowd looking for talented singers. My girl Tyra was about the only one he found. And Chingy slayed the stage halfway through the lengthy lineup of folks. He had me even more proud when he countered the ongoing narrative that the St. Louis hip-hop scene is full of hate by bringing Huey and J.R. on stage to perform their club bangers before a hometown captive audience. I was thrilled. I was also pleasantly surprised by Bobby V. and Lloyd’s little set – even though I don’t quite understand Lloyd’s choice of wardrobe. I mean, where do you even find a pedal pusher-length snowsuit? Mario got it in as well. I was a wreck about whether his show would be to my liking, since he started off with some sort of vocal track backing. Turns out it was only for dance sequence. Now I started with the positive. Now I have to rightfully read the rest of them. I honestly didn’t feel one way or the other about the Ying Yang Twins. I mean, except for to say that my seat neighbors in front and behind of me had twerked themselves funky by the end of “Get Low” and I had to suffer through that not so fresh aroma ambiance for the rest of the show. The plus-sized one from Pretty Ricky gave me the blues by being so thirsty and threatening to have relations with women. He gave that hotel out like it was church peppermints. And while he’s still in fighting form, can somebody please explain to me why Spectacular had to hunch his way on stage in nothing but a towel while all the other Rickys had on cute coordinated black-studded outfits? I know you’ve always been their resident grinder, but what kind of work have you been doing in your downtime from the group, sir? B2K wasn’t terrible, but they weren’t anything to write home about either. I’ve never seen such soft pop-locking in all my days. It was still a cute show though. I just wished the main attraction acts had put in a little more rehearsal in. R&B, sure. King…not so much. There was so much going on Saturday, but nothing but death could keep me from checking out Jacquees in his first STL show since he proclaimed himself to be the king of R&B. While I will say that his performance was leaps and bounds above when he mailed it in at his Super Jam appearance, I can’t not say he served R&B royalty in any form. Don’t get me wrong, it was decent. But when you claim the throne, you are implying next level R&B mastery is in store. And based on that show, I’d call him an esteemed citizen of R&B, but that’s about the size of it. I’m not hating, I’m just stating facts. I’m still thrilled that Rockhouse Ent. and the crew are consistently bringing a variety of acts to The Pageant for my viewing pleasure. Trust and believe I will be in the building for Jeezy in a few weeks.

T-Pain the turn up master. Speaking of stars of the early part of the Millennium, I didn’t get to catch the Jacquees opening acts that were representing R&B for the STL – and based on how they showed up and showed out for Sammie last month– I’m sure I would have been impressed. But I had good reason. The one and only T-Pain was playing Pop’s and it had been about ten years since I’d seen him on stage. For whatever reason I thought T-Pain drew a much more mixed crowd, but me, him and A1 and a handful of others were about the only non-general population up in the Pops. It didn’t matter. We all still turned up so tough that I had to fight the urge to hop from the balcony in an epic crowd surf. Okay, not really. But I did get amped as T-Pain powered through his catalog. He had some major hits – and had the energy to get everybody up in there crunk (the slang matches the peak era of his songs). I can’t say I was expecting to yawn, but his stamina and song selection had me ready for somebody’s hiphop aerobics!

Tried and true Trap. Soul. Paint. Since I’m on the subject of crunk, if you ever want to get all the way live, be sure to make your way to the House of Soul on the last Sunday of the month for Trap.Soul.Paint. Dre’Co has the gift of hype man –do you hear me? And as soon as the beat dropped for “Back That Thang Up,” there was a twerk that wouldn’t quit coming from the woman in the red sweatpants. Even with all of my experience in the litty moments of Trap.Soul.Paint, I was not quite ready. It was life. I know the next one is a month away – but get to mapping things out and finalizing logistics between your girlfriends’ group now. Because every single one has sold out to date.

Finesse and Sneakquence. Listen, I knew that there would be life given when the crew that brings us Hey Luv announced they would be flipping the script with their inaugural R&B Sneaker Ball. But the folks really got all the way into blending athletic footwear with fancy gowns and suits. Can you imagine being in your fiercest formal freakum dress without the fear of your feet giving out due to expired heel time? Yep, it was epic to say the least. The dancefloor was on lean at Barnett’s on Washington from the time I made my grand entrance until I delivered a final bow without the fear of turning back into a pumpkin. I won’t bother naming names because somebody will be left off. But let me just say that Shadzilla, DJ JMO and Reminisce hit a triple-double by allowing folks to mix

and their tennis shoe game.

glamour

Bryant and Cash were among those who should be commended for a job well done for Promenade St. Louie Fire and Ice Saturday night @ Willow

Morgan, Jacq and CC got their fill of present day R&B thanks to Jacquees Saturday night @ The Pageant

These beautiful fans took it back with custom airbrushed T-shirts to check out their favorite acts from Y2K and beyond Wednesday @ Enterprise Center

Dameon Christian and Elizabeth Donielle showed their support for Trap.Soul.Paint Sunday @ House of Soul

Smooth and Orlando of RockHouse Ent. came together to present rising R&B star Jacquees Saturday night @ The Pageant

Photo by Lonnel of Front & Center photography

Teresa helped b-day girl Latoya celebrate as they jammed to the sounds of Jacquees Saturday night @ The Pageant

Tisha and Autumn nailed their formalwear meets fancy athletic footwear looks for the inaugural Sneakquence Sneaker Ball Saturday @ Barnett’s on Washington

Afton and LaLa were among the many stylish guests who stopped through the inaugural Sneakquence Sneaker Ball Saturday @ Barnett’s on Washington

Farrah and Tashara partied like it was 1999 @ the Millennium Tour starring B2K Wednesday night @ Enterprise Center

Buffy and Michael were in the building to catch Jacquees do his thing on stage Saturday night @ The Pageant

The lovely Lisa West and gorgeous R&B star Mya kicked back and celebrated the success of Promenade St. Louie Fire and Ice presented by Remy Martin Saturday night at the new downtown hotspot Willow Saturday night.

Money Wise

Love and money: 8 tips for couples to improve their finances

When love and romance are in the air, talking about finances may be the last thing on one’s mind. However, experts say that regular conversations about money are essential for healthy finances and healthy relationships.

Unfortunately, 47 percent of Americans say their spending equals or exceeds their income, and 45 percent do not have enough savings to cover at least three months’ worth of living expenses, according to a 2018 study by the Center for Financial Services Innovation. To help you and your partner get the conversation started and get your finances on track, the professionals at Wells Fargo are offering eight tips:

1. Pay yourself first: With each paycheck, set aside some income for savings – about 5 to 10 percent is a good target. Whether it’s for a rainy-day fund or the down payment of a house, you and your partner can discuss how to prioritize savings for the greatest impact. This may also be a good time to discuss whether it makes more sense to have a joint account or retain individual savings accounts.

2. Track your spending: Do you know where your money is going each month? Online tools and apps make tracking easier than ever before, helping you gain insights into your individual and combined spending habits so you can adjust where necessary.

3. Create a safety net: Do you have emergency savings

that would cover three to six months’ worth of expenses? This is a basic measure of financial security that you and your partner can work on building together.

4. Pay down your high-interest debt: Honest conversations about debt can be especially hard for many couples.

But transparency is not only ethical, it can serve as the first step to confronting the issue head-on. To tackle debt proactively and save money in the long run, it helps to be strategic, starting with the highest-interest debt that’s costing you the most first.

5. Pay on time, every time. If you’re like many couples, you have dreams for your future. Paying bills on time will improve and maintain your credit score, which will open the door for greater financial opportunities down the line and help you make these dreams a reality.

6. Know where your credit stands: Check your free credit report annually and spot trends.

7. Review your insurance annually: Protect what counts, by checking your coverage annually and making updates to your policies as your circumstances change (i.e. you get married, buy a home, have children, etc.).

8. Save for a better retirement: Save at least 10 percent of your income each year for a more comfortable retirement. More tips and financial resources can be found by visiting www.wellsfargo.com.

Bottom line: while it’s not always easy to address financial matters, doing so can save your relationship headache and heartache down the line.

How to prep financially when changing jobs

The average American will hold 11.7 jobs between the ages of 18 and 48, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. If a job change is on your horizon, remember that a new salary and benefits package bring new financial considerations.

“Changing jobs brings with it a myriad of financial decisions. Take time to assess your financial situation and make any necessary adjustments so you can start the new job focused and ready,” said Valerie Radford, a vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Prudential Financial.

As you’re making the switch, Radford said there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t leave money on the table: Keep track of your 401(k) if you had one at your previous job. You can simplify your financial picture by bringing together any orphan plans you’ve left in the investing universe. Also, make sure to take advantage of your new employer’s 401(k) match feature, if offered, and continue momentum by increasing your contribution, if possible.

• Don’t go it alone: Consider using a third-party platform to manage finances and benefits in one place that’s designed to rebalance your goals as circumstances

old bonus saved, determine whether this money belongs in a short-term, norisk account or whether a longer-term approach with exposure to financial markets makes sense.

• Budgets are fundamental: If you’re making more money, calculate if additional funds can be put into savings. This is a great place to use a tool like LINK that allows you to see all your money in one place, and can help you determine where to direct extra funds. If you’re making less money, you might need to see where to make cuts.

change. For example, when you set up an account with LINK by Prudential, you’ll be prompted to answer questions about what financial goals are important to you and, in turn, will be offered personalized solutions to help you reach them. LINK combines the convenience of a digital experience with the knowledge of a professional advisor who can walk you through this important transition by phone, video or in-person. To learn more, visit prudential.com/link.

• Consider your bonus: If you’re receiving a sign-on bonus or have an

• Review your insurance: Take a breath before moving forward with health coverage decisions. If you’re married, evaluate both partner’s plans, not only for the more affordable option, but also for each plan’s restrictions. For instance, if one plan allows you to see doctors without referrals while the other doesn’t, you’ll have to decide whether that’s worth the extra cost. Finally, take a look at the amount your new employer is offering for life insurance. It’s often not enough. Consulting a financial advisor can help you determine how much additional insurance to take out.

Don’t let your financial goals get lost in the shuffle of a job transition. A few strategies and tools can keep you on track. LINK by Prudential is an umbrella marketing name for Prudential Customer Solutions LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, Prudential Annuities Distributors, Inc. and various subsidiaries of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

Technology: Is your data safe? Watch out for new trends

Keeping data secure is becoming more challenging, as the methods employed by cybercriminals grow more sophisticated every year.

Globally, cyberattacks were up in 2018 over the previous year, according to a new report from SonicWall, which offers breach detection and prevention solutions to small- and medium-size businesses, enterprises and government agencies. The company logged 10.52 billion malware attacks in 2018, the most ever on record, representing a 22 percent increase over the previous year.

“Those who want to protect their data and that of the people they do business with, should be aware of cybercrime trends and seek out smart solutions that evolve as new threats emerge,” says Bill Conner, president and CEO of SonicWall.

The report highlights some recent trends that individuals, businesses and organizations should keep in mind.

One is that criminals are increasingly using PDF and Office files to spread malware. In 2018, SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection, a multiengine, cloud-based sandbox service, found malware hidden in 47,073 PDFs and 50,817 Office files. What’s more is that

criminals are using non-standard ports for attacks at a growing rate. Based on a sampling of more than 700 million malware attacks, SonicWall found that 19.2 percent came across non-standard ports in 2018,

an 8.7 percent year-over-year increase. Have you outfitted your home with smart tech? Keep in mind that the Internet of Things (IoT) is also growing more vulnerable. SonicWall recorded 32.7 mil-

lion IoT attacks in 2018, a 217.5 percent increase over the 10.3 million IoT attacks the company logged in 2017.

And while there is growth in the use of encrypted traffic, suggesting that organizations and businesses are taking security seriously, it coincides with more attacks being cloaked by TLS/SSL encryption. Indeed, more than 2.8 million attacks were encrypted in 2018, a 27 percent increase over 2017.

But there’s some good news as well. In 2018, cryptojacking vanished nearly as fast is it appeared. The volume peaked in September with 13.1 million recorded attacks, but has been on a steady decline since. The report suggests that worldwide phishing attacks are also in decline. In 2018, SonicWall recorded 26 million phishing attacks worldwide, a 4.1 percent drop from 2017. The average SonicWall customer faced 5,488 phishing attacks in 2018.

“Staying connected and doing business without fear is possible. Fortunately, as cybercrime ramps up, security measures are keeping apace,” says Conner.

To see the full report and to access other resources, visit www.sonicwall.com.

Money Wise April 4 - 10,

Smart money tips if you are living paycheck to paycheck

Nearly four in five American workers are now living paycheck to paycheck, according to Career Builder. If that describes you, experts say there are steps you can take to live more comfortably and securely.

Build a nest egg

Having the capacity to absorb a financial shock is one of the major tenets of financial wellness, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Unfortunately, nearly 60 percent of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover a $500 unplanned expense, according to a report from Bankrate.

Does your budget include a line item for a rainy-day fund? If not, it’s time to make room in your budget for one. Most budgets, when closely examined, have some give, so look for where you can cut back in order to divert more funds toward growing your nest egg. Once you’ve determined how much you can afford, automate payments to this account.

Seek out buying alternatives

Meeting short-term purchasing needs without compromising your long-term finances can be tricky when you’re cash-strapped. Though high-interest credit cards, payday loans or rent-to-own contracts might look like lifelines when faced with a necessary expense you can’t immediately afford, these options can quickly devolve into compounding interest rates, hidden fees or even loss of merchandise.

Look into new financing options, such as employee purchase programs, which can offer a better way to buy when cash or prime credit are not options.

“In a high employment market, many employers offer purchase programs as a voluntary benefit to retain loyal, satis-

fied workers,” said HR industry expert, Racquel Roberts. “It provides easier access to products and services paid over time, but without the usual pitfalls.” Programs like Purchasing Power, for example, allow employees to pay for items through payroll deduction over the course of 12 months. There’s no interest on the purchase, no fees and no credit check, making this an ultimately more affordable and accessible way to acquire that appliance, computer or other needed item. For more information, visit purchasingpower.com.

Leverage Other Benefits

As more employers learn that a financially secure workforce makes for a more productive workforce, you may find a growing menu of voluntary benefits in your workplace designed to help you gain control of your financial life. From financial counseling services to student loan repayment to employee purchase programs, leveraging such tools can help you gain financial footing in a paycheck to paycheck reality.

Give your credit a boost

The importance of good credit can’t be overstated. However, 20 percent of U.S. consumers have FICO scores of less than 600. For those who pay their cable, phone, utility and other recurring bills on time and in-full, a new program called Experian Boost may be able to help you boost your credit instantly. The program works by factoring in a consumer’s payment history on such bills, to give those with a limited credit history a boost. It can be tough, if not impossible to feel secure when you are living paycheck to paycheck, but some smart strategies and helpful resources can help you gain financial footing.

Money Wise April 4 - 10, 2019 •

Tax season tips to avoid scammers and robocalls

It’s tax season, the time of year when phone scammers get particularly aggressive trying to trick you out of your hard-earned money. And scam calls and robocalls are a growing problem for everyone. Here are a few tricks to help you dodge scammers and give you peace of mind. Know the signs

Scam call technology is always changing, so it’s important to stay vigilant against scammers’ attempts to get you to answer your phone. Every year, they make millions off innocent victims with new techniques. Their latest method, known as number-spoofing technology, could fool even the savviest consumers into answering the phone. Number-spoofing makes a scammer’s number appear as either a familiar number with a local area code or even come up on Caller ID as the “IRS.” If you don’t answer, they may also leave “urgent” callback voicemails via robocalls. Recognizing these tactics can help you stay safe. If you suspect a call (or a voicemail) is a scam, hang up. If you want to be sure, don’t call back the number provided but instead, look up your local IRS Customer Service number on the Internet and call the IRS directly. Use protection tools

Check out what technology your wireless company offers that can protect you from scam and spoof calls. For example, T-Mobile offers free scam and spoofing protection for customers with Scam ID and Scam Block. These tools are made available to all postpaid customers and live on the T-Mobile network, so no app is required. As soon as a call reaches the network, it’s analyzed and if it’s scam, the incoming call is tagged as Scam Likely.

If customers want to stop scam calls completely, they can turn on Scam Block. With these tools in place, in the last two years, T-Mobile has alerted customers to over 10 billion Scam Likely calls. And in 2019, T-Mobile reports warning customers of 225 million Scam Likely calls

each week. Others wireless providers usually also offer customers app solutions to help identify scam calls for a small monthly fee. Check with your provider to see what is available.

New standards from the Federal Communications Commission, called STIR/SHAKEN, are also helping protect consumers. T-Mobile’s implementation of STIR/ SHAKEN, Caller Verified, lets you know when a call made on the T-Mobile network is authentic and not intercepted by scammers and spammers. Once other wireless providers implement STIR/SHAKEN, Caller Verified will work on calls made across networks.

Know your rights

While scam-blocking technology can help you filter out scam and spoof calls, it’s also important to know your rights. Many of these calls use intimidation tactics to scare consumers into divulging sensitive information over the phone. The IRS website notes that they will always make attempts to reach you via postal mail first and they will never ask you for a specific form of payment. You should know that you always have the right to formally contest the amount owed, and the IRS will not make threats against you or your family regarding arrest or deportation. If you have any elderly or susceptible family members, talk to them about how to avoid such scams and consider setting them up with the latest technology to help them stay safe.

This tax season, be wary about the calls that you receive. With up-to-date information and new technology, you can protect your pocketbook from scammers.

Protect your finances when caring for kids and elderly relatives

Despite actively saving and preparing for retirement, members of the sandwich generation have in large numbers been unable to build robust emergency savings and retirement account balances, primarily due to the strain of financially supporting other family members, according to a new survey from The PNC Financial Services Group.

The sandwich generation – defined as those who are caught between financially supporting children and elderly family members – is acutely aware of its financial shortcomings, but instead of that knowledge spurring action, the stress of the responsibility is overwhelming to the point of creating an unpreparedness for the future. In fact, 32 percent of those surveyed report a retirement account balance of less than $25,000, and are facing additional near-term financial burdens.

“The reality is that the only way to improve your financial situation is to be honest with yourself and commit to mak-

ing the necessary changes required to prepare for the future,” said Rich Ramassini, director of Strategy and Sales Performance for PNC Investments. “We can see that

those in the sandwich generation are struggling to save for their own needs. When you add in the demands associated with family now and in the future, it paints a

very grim picture for this demographic’s future unless they take immediate action.”

Get on the Road to Home Ownership

At American Eagle Credit Union, you get personal guidance, low rates, great home financing options and quick pre-approvals, so you can shop and buy with confidence. Get started on your road to a new home with us today!

Start shopping.

The fun begins! Consider what you want in your home (number of rooms, basement, pool, etc.), schools, shopping, traffic, proximity to work, parks, restaurants, and the like.

Then use our free HomeAdvantage program for all the tools you need to search and compare homes, and connect with a trusted real estate agent.You can even earn cash rewards at closing! Last year our members earned an average of $1,100!

Talk to a lending expert. Before looking at homes or selecting a real estate agent, get prequalified to find out what you can afford. We’ll help you create the right plan to prepare for buying a home.

It’s Closing Day!

Find the home you want? It’s time to close the deal. For the closing, you’ll need to: pay closing costs (if it’s not part of the agreement with the seller) and other fees, finalize your new homeowners insurance policy, and sign your loan documents.

Get preapproved.

A prequalification gives you an estimate of the payment you can afford. A preapproval is formally applying for a mortgage. This puts you in a stronger position to make an offer on a home.