April 4th, 2024 e-Edition

How Metro East schools will handle the celestial phenomenon

Some in path of ‘totality’

Next Monday afternoon, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Illinois as it traverses the country, and some metro-east school districts are changing their instructional plans for the day. A handful of metro-east districts that are near to or within the eclipse’s “path of totality” — the area where people can see the moon completely cover the sun — will be closed Monday.

Most others are operating as usual and organizing activities to engage students with the celestial phenomenon that won’t happen again in the contiguous United States until August 2044. Some school districts will have early release to avoid dismissing students during the eclipse. School will be in session as normal for

School

BFL puts words into ‘Action’ at rally

‘We want to empower our youth’

“This new call to action will inspire collaborative efforts across youth-serving sectors to build a healthier future for America’s young people.”

The initiative’s goals include eliminating disparities to advance health equity, increasing youth engagement, expanding strengthening training and support for caring adults.

“This annual rally empowers our youth and addresses crucial issues related to adolescent health and well-being,” said Gerald Quincy Jones, BFL adolescent health and wellness

NNPA publishing giant

By Donnell Suggs The Atlanta

Voice

James Washington, the president and general manager of The Atlanta Voice, a longtime advocate of the Black press, and the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists Legacy Award winner passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on Tuesday, April 2 2024. He was 73. Washington’s column “Spiritually Speaking” was published in the St. Louis American for many years and was carried by many National Newspaper Publishers Association newspapers. The NNPA trade association represents more than 250 African American-owned newspapers and media companies in the Black Press of America. “James Washington was devoted to the Black Press and its future viability,” said Donald M. Suggs, St. Louis American publisher and executive editor.

“A gifted writer, Jim was a forward thinker, a resourceful publisher, close personal friend and mentor. I and many other colleagues and friends will miss him deeply.”

According to an NNPA Newswire article by Stacy M. Brown, Washington said he considered a run to chair the NNPA in 2019 and 2021. Highly principled, he declined to compete against his friends, Houston Forward Times Publisher, and former chair Karen James Washington

Francis Howell halts DEI assault

Avian Flores, Racheal Byenga and Malik Davidson look up at the total solar eclipse in August 2017 at Long International Middle

in St. Louis’ Bevo neighborhood.

Photo by Carolina Hidalgo / St. Louis Public Radio

Photo by Eric Schmid / St. Louis Public Radio

Carr Lane VPA Middle School flag girls Jariyah Tucker, Mariah Hudson and Artist Powell performing at the 15th Annual Better Family Life Youth Empowerment Rally at Chaifetz Arena.

St. Louis’ Sexyy Red addresses paid Drake promotion accusations

Sexyy Red clears the air to hip hop media personality Joe Budden, who says Drake’s support comes with a dollar sign comment.

What reportedly prompted Joe Budden’s shade to Drake and Sexyy Red was his appearance in Red’s “Get It Sexyy” video, reportedly flying her out halfway across the country.

Sexyy Red humbly posted that Drake sent her a private jet for a flight to New York.

“When @champagnepapi send you a private jet to New York [jet, okay emojis] nails @ghettogirlbeisha [fire emoji],” she posted of herself standing aside the aircraft.

When Red caught wind of Budden’s comment, she got on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“They so dumb,” Sexyy Red posted online with a clip of Budden speaking about her and Drake on his podcast.

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win the Supporting Actor Oscar, dies

Iconic Actor Lou Gossett Jr. has died at age 87.

Gossett Jr began his career over 70 years ago in his Broadway debut in 1953.

Gossett’s career had incredible highs and lows. His work led him to rub shoulders with Monroe and ing his stardom on Broadway, he replaced Billy Daniels in “Golden Boy” with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1964.

Gossett detailed how his success did not translate to better treatment. He spoke about staying in a cockroach-infested motel that was one of the few places to allow Black people in

Hollywood in 1961, in addition to blatant police discrimination in the same decade.

“Now I had come face-to-face with racism, and it was an ugly sight,” he wrote in his memoir. “But it was not going to destroy me.”

“Though I understood that I had no choice but to put up with this abuse, it was a terrible way to be treated, a humiliating way to feel.”

Despite making history as the first Black man to win the Best Supporting Actor award, he was still limited to that category in future projects.

“The Oscar allowed me to choose good parts in movies like ‘Enemy Mine,’ ‘Sadat’ and ‘Iron Eagle,’”

Gossett was outstanding in the role of Fiddler in the groundbreaking 1977 television miniseries “Roots.” He won an Outstanding Lead Actor Emmy Award for his performance, one of eight garnered by the miniseries. In one of his final roles, Gossett played a patriarch in the 2023 “The Color Purple” remake.

Chance Perdomo dies in reported motorcycle accident

“Gen V” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” star Chance Perdomo has died at the age of 27.

Variety confirmed he was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident. Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved,” his publicist said in a statement.

“His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”

Perdomo portrayed Andre Anderson on the Prime Video series Gen V. The show has been indefinitely postponed following the star’s death.

Along with “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” he starred in the 2018 TV film “Killed by My Debt,” which secured him a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Griot Museum now home to Alice M. Windom Black history collection

‘We are honored to be entrusted’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Alice M. Windom is remembered as a St. Louis icon for her activism, and work as a historian, educator and community organizer.

Her legacy is now further enhanced after her family gifted her personal Black history collection to the Griot Museum of Black History.

To acknowledge the gift and launch of the Alice M. Windom Initiative, the museum held a reception on March 30 (Windom’s birthday) with Windom family and friends in attendance.

Lois D. Conley, Griot founder and CEO, called the gift and initiative “a pivotal moment for The Griot Museum.”

“It allows us to continue our mission of preserving and sharing the rich history of the Black diaspora. Ms. Windom’s contributions are invaluable, and we are honored to be entrusted with preserving her legacy.”

Windom’s brothers, Jackson and John Windom, said in a release, “Our decision to entrust our sister’s collection to The Griot Museum is rooted in our belief in the Griot’s commitment to her philosophy of education and her life-long dedication to inspire and educate future generations.”

“Working with the Griot on this project has given us a heightened appreciation for the importance of having a place in

our community to receive our memories.”

According to the museum’s website, “A professionally managed archival storage and retrieval system, ground by Alice Windom’s extensive and meticulously documented global experiences, will ensure the Griot’s ability to share these resources effectively and efficiently with the public.”

Windom was instrumental to the growth of the “Pan African Movement,” and was an inaugural board member of The Griot.

Her impact on the St. Louis community and across several African countries, was immeasurable.

A relentless champion for the freedom and progress of Black people, Windom was a member of the Association for the Study

of Classical African Civilizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omicron Theta Omega Chapter and the National Association of Black Social Workers.

She helped lead the 1963 March on Washington in Accra Ghana; and in 1964 coordinated Malcolm X’s visit to Accra Ghana. During that visit, she captured the iconic photograph of Malcolm X that appears in several scholarly works and publications.

Social worker Alice Mary Windom was born on March 30, 1936, in St. Louis. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1953 and was offered half tuition at Central State University (CSU) in Wilberforce, Ohio.

At Central, she collaborated with African American historian and school president Dr. Charles

Alice Windom’s family at the second anniversary service Sat. Mar. 30, 2024 that also launched an initiative in her name at The Griot. Windom passed on Feb. 10, 2022, at the age of 85.

Wesley and heard lectures by Thurgood Marshall, J.A. Rogers and others.

She organized a successful sit-in at Xenia, Ohio’s Geyer’s Restaurant in 1957. Graduating that year with her B.S. degree in social work, Windom went on to earn her M.S.W. degree from the University of Chicago in 1959. From 1962 to 1964, Windom lived and worked in Ghana, West Africa. Working as a secondary school teacher and secretary to the Ethiopian Ambassador, Windom was a part of an historic group of diverse African American expatriates in Ghana which included John Henrik Clarke, Maya Angelou, Curtis “Kojo” Morrow and the elder W.E.B. DuBois.

She served as administrative assistant for the United Nations

Economic Commission for Africa from 1964 to 1968, organizing international conferences in seven countries. From 1969 to 1972, Windom was a social welfare organizer for the Department of Social Welfare in Lusaka, Zambia. In the United States, she served as director of social services for the St. Louis Medium Security Institution from 1973 to 1974. In 1977, Windom sued the City of St. Louis for racial and sexual discrimination and the denial of free speech. Known for her many well-documented excursions to the African world, Windom served as coordinator for the James T. Bush Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, initiating research and workshops in employment, education, housing, and law.

Photo by Wiley Price St. Louis American

Guest Editorial

Outstanding St. Louis affiliate invests in Urban Tech

By Marc Morial

Hundreds of members of the Urban League community have embarked on new careers in technology and thousands more are on the path, three years into a major partnership with Google and the Tides Foundation that launched or expanded the Urban Tech Jobs Program in 11 local affiliates.

Urban Tech Jobs Program features a multi-layered approach that includes technology awareness, basic skill building, digital literacy, technology job training and upskilling for workers currently in the technology field.

The Google/Tides partnership, layered over existing workforce, integrated case management, and wrap-around services, allowed the National Urban League to launch Digital Training Academies or Tech Academies, depending upon each community’s needs.

The first year of the program centered on community engagement that resulted in broad community digital divide discussions, the creation of Program Design Committees composed of key stakeholders, and the development of digital and tech training curriculum.

certifications for traditional and nontraditional technology careers. Chicago Urban League’s Drone Academy — the first of its kind in the city of Chicago — was made possible by a partnership with oil and gas company BP plc and MySkaut Urban Air Mobility. Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are aircraft without a human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. Federal aviation regulations require operators to be licensed. The Academy has provided not only the necessary training for the license, but also drones for firsthand experience.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and affiliates in Greater Atlanta, Palm Beach County, and Broward County, have created curriculums to provide a pathway to tech careers through:

In year two, Urban League affiliates began implementing the new curriculums under Digital Training Academy and Tech Academy.

Now, at the end of year three, the program has exceeded benchmarks for job placements, productivity software training and basic skills training, and has become a model for expansion into other Urban League affiliates and create new curriculums for the jobs of the future being created by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

More than 400 participants have been placed in jobs, more than 2,500 have received skills training, and nearly 10,000 have been made aware of the opportunities available in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The Austin Area Urban League Tech and Career Academy is an approved Texas Workforce Commission Career School & College and a Texas Workforce Solutions Training Partner, offering diverse pathways to obtain training and

• Digital Inclusion: Equipping individuals, families, and community partners with the necessary tools and resources to connect to the internet and use it proficiently.

• Exploration: Teaching participants the skills needed to increase competency and confidence in technology, as well as spark interest in careers in technology and prepare them for the jobs of the future.

• Digital skills in Workforce: Instilling participants with the technology skills needed to secure and sustain employment stay relevant in a changing marketplace or teach the technology skills needed to start a business.

One important lesson the Urban League community has learned throughout this three-year process is that STEM careers must be redefined.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other initiatives have identified a variety of modern technology jobs, creating a need for new training and curriculum to make sure that Black and Brown communities have access to affordable certifications to support both manufacturing and professional jobs of the future.

These fields range from renewable energy generation and electrical vehicle manufacturing to cybersecurity and broadband infrastructure.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

A way to help SLPS find its lost funding

An important decision faces civic leaders in the city of St. Louis: How and when will the city pay back to St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) revenue it has effectively “borrowed” from the children of the city?

The recent release of a study by ‘Good Jobs First’ TIF and Tax Abatement disparity in the Metro St. Louis area found that there was a disproportionate impact (compared to suburban districts) on SLPS.

The report’s data shows that over the past six years, SLPS did not benefit from over $167 million in estimated tax revenue. Of the 25 school districts that were examined, results clearly show that poor and Black students were disproportionately impacted.

According to Good Jobs First, nearly 100% of SLPS students qualify for free and reduced food assistance and has an 88% Black student population. Comparatively, the Rockwood School District has 9% qualifying for free and reduced meal assistance and has a 75% white student population.

proportionately impacted SLPS students.

Thoughtful taxpayers are not opposed to targeted tax incentives for needed development. However, the Good Jobs First study shows that St. Louis has not balanced careful economic development and minimizing disproportionate negative impact on school funding.

Everyone should pay their fair share in taxes to support SLPS. This is not an issue for elected leaders or engaged citizens to “kick down the road.” TIFs and tax abatements should be targeted and include specific purposes, including “real” economic development and providing affordable housing for families.

Balancing incentives with investments in education offers a crucial pathway that improves the city’s overall well-being and population growth.

SLPS children lost 91 times the tax revenue compared to their Rockwood counterparts amounting to hundreds of millions of lost taxpayer dollars. No longer should possible taxes intended by the voters for St. Louis children be used as a private ‘piggy bank’ for wealthy developers, not for profits, or universities.

The historic $280 million settlement reached between St. Louis Rams, the NFL, and the city of St. Louis presents an outstanding opportunity to take a small step towards making the city’s children whole.

The use of a portion of this once in a lifetime windfall could provide SLPS with the revenue to invest in our collective future. For too long abated taxes paid by wealthy developers and others have dis-

Here are four immediate solutions that can help meet this critical challenge for the St. Louis community.

-The city should reimburse SLPS the $167 million in estimated lost tax revenue from the Rams settlement.

- As suggested by the Good Jobs First report, SLPS should have veto power over tax incentives for the schools’ portion of taxes.

-SLPS should have proportionate voting strength on any taxing entity (TIF commission, SLDC).

-Not-for-profits should offer proportionate Payment in Lieu of Taxes [PILOT] revenues to SLPS.

Everyone should pay their fair share in taxes. Those of us who work for a living certainly do.

Ray Cummings is American Federation of Teachers St. Louis, Local 420, president and retired 30-year SLPS teacher.

The ridiculous retiring Republicans

“The worst of that pack is Marjorie Taylor Green, the Georgia Republican who seems better suited for a circus than the halls of Congress.”

By Julianne Malveaux

House Speaker Mike Johnson

(R-LA)

needed Democrats to narrowly avert the government shutdown that loomed large if Congressional budget legislation was not passed by Saturday, March 23.

Many Republicans did not vote for the budget legislation; Democrats saved the day. Some Republicans would rather shut the government down, inconveniencing if not disabling millions of people, than to do their job and work with their colleagues across the aisle to pass legislation. What is wrong with these ridiculous Republicans! Why are they so opposed to doing their work?

Republican dysfunction has been a byproduct of the 45th President’s confusion. He keeps insisting that he won the 2020 election, when he did not. His intransigence led to the violent insurrection of January 6, and has split the Republican party. There are those who believe in the Constitution and compromise, and there are those who believe in disruption.

down in the middle of their two-year term is disruptive and costly, and it leaves their constituents without representation.

While the Republican resignations of Kevin McCarty (R-CA), Bill Johnson (R-OH). Ken Buck (R-CO) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) narrow the dominant party’s majority, it is selfish and in unbelievably bad form because these representatives don’t like the way Congress works anymore and are tired of the far right and their shenanigans. Why not stay, call it out, and change it?

The ridiculous Republicans are more afraid of the former President than they are of their own shadows, yet if they called him out, perhaps others would notice that the emperor is not wearing clothes, and indeed is stark naked beneath the cloak that is woven from lies, bombast, vitriol, and absurdity.

The worst of that pack is Marjorie Taylor Green, the Georgia Republican who seems better suited for a circus than the halls of Congress. She is loud, rude, and out of control yet, with the support of a handful of her colleagues, she can bring Congressional activities to such a screeching halt, that the body could even pass gas without drama.

Republican dysfunction has become so challenging that dozens of members say they won’t run for another term. Others are leaving, retiring, in the middle of their term because so little is getting done.

While I acknowledge their right to resign whenever they want to, they are cheating their constituents. They ran for two-year terms. They accepted salaries, staffed offices, and met with constituents. Stepping

If Republican dysfunction were simply a Republican problem, I’d gleefully lick my chops and make fun of them. But this Republican problem is an American problem as evidenced by the number of times we have avoided a government shutdown in the last several months. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries deserves credit for choosing government efficiency over partisan bickering as he led his caucus to vote for the compromise.

In the interest of bipartisanship, let me say that Democrats have their own brand of dysfunction, which manifests in vocal opposition to President Biden over Gaza (although I agree with the Squad, Sen. Schumer (D-NY) and others on this one. Democrats have wings, but we aren’t throwing flames. And the only losers in this Republican farce are the American people.

Columnist

YWCA Metro St. Louis is celebrating the graduation of its first Successful Pathways class. From left are Stacy Johnson, YWCA chief program officer and Head Start director, LaToya Mosby, Joy Blount, Angel Clower, Kori Mayfield, Codiedra Burns, (graduates), Dr. Cheryl Watkins, YWCA president and CEO, and Zakia Ahmadi (graduate).

YWCA graduates first Successful Pathways cohorts

St. Louis American

YWCA Metro St. Louis has announced the graduation of the first cohort of graduates from its Successful Pathways apprenticeship program.

Saadia Abdalah, Kenisha Adams, Zakia Ahmadi, Joy Blount, Codiedra Burns, Kori Mayfield, and LaToya Mosby have completed their apprenticeship and are now equipped with the skills and credential to embark on careers in early education.

The Successful Pathways program, developed by YWCA Metro St. Louis to address the critical shortage of qualified early education professionals, offers an accelerated, pre-credentialing pathway for individuals interested in entering the field. Through a combination of paid on-the-job training and comprehensive support services, the program provides participants with the necessary tools to succeed in their roles and advance in their careers.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our inaugural graduating class of Successful Pathways,” said Angel Clower, curriculum instruction manager.

n The program provides participants with the necessary tools to succeed in their roles and advance in their careers.

“Our graduates have shown exceptional dedication and perseverance throughout their apprenticeships. Their commitment to learning and growing in the field of early education is truly inspiring.”

The Successful Pathways apprenticeship addresses the shortage of staff in YWCA Metro St. Louis’ Early Education Program and provides participants with a career pathway and economic empowerment.

A Department of Labor registered apprenticeship, Successful Pathways was recently honored with a What’s Right with the Region award for Demonstrating Innovative Solutions by FOCUS St. Louis.

For more information about YWCA Metro St. Louis and the Successful Pathways, please visit ywcastl.org

Lift other Black women as you climb

By Wendy Gladney

Women have been the backbone of our homes, communities, and societies since the beginning of time.

Women including Harriet Tubman, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Height, Eleanor Roosevelt, and so many more paved the way and opened doors that we can walk through today with ease.

However, we are still living in a time where we have firsts such as Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States; Ventris Gibson, director of the United States Mint; retired Congresswoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles just to name a few.

Although these women may have been among the first, they are not the last. It is our job to lift as we climb and leave no woman behind.

For many of us, our role models were our grandmothers, mothers, and aunties. We also had women who were active in our churches, schools, and community organizations who looked out for us. They took time to help guide and mold us into young ladies who would grow up and become leaders and keep the positive trajectory moving forward. Some of these role models are missing in our society today.

Wendy Gladney

We are experiencing a breakdown in some of our traditional institutions such as the family, church, and civil rights organizations. It is important for us to do our best to restore and support our institutions and traditions to help future generations understand their importance.

My grandmother was my first role model. She lifted me up when others left me behind. I will forever be grateful for the example she lived out every single day for me and so many others.

There are many reasons why women should uplift one another. For one, we can help each other regarding issues around systemic problems. We are still experiencing gender and race discrimination and inequality. When we work together, we help make each other stronger, which empowers us to know and believe we can achieve anything our minds can conceive.

When we support one another and lift each other up, we open doors of networking that would not have previously existed. What I have personally experienced is that sometimes, when I am helping another woman by mentoring or sponsoring her, she eventually sows back into my life. We never know when the person we set out to help ends up being the one who answers our prayers.

n “It is our job to lift as we climb and leave no woman behind.”

Most of us are where we are today because of someone who took the time to invest in us as children (or even as adults). We know why it is important, but some of us might ask how we do this when our plates are already packed with our dayto-day responsibilities.

It is not that difficult if we are intentional. Doors and opportunities will present themselves when we open our heart with the intention of helping someone else. We should never let our success get in the way of helping someone who crosses our path and needs our help, and we have what they need.

Beyonce said, “I want to build a community where women of all races can communicate and share some of those secrets, so we can continue to support and take care of each other. I want to give women a space to feel their own strength and tell their stories. That is power.”

Together, we can form a bond and a strength that cannot be broken and that can serve as a bridge for women to come. What bridges are you building and who is your community?

Wendy Gladney is a columnist for the Los Angeles Sentinel

Courtesy photo

BFL

Continued from A1

education director.

“Since its inception in 2006, this annual event has been instrumental in raising awareness about teen pregnancy prevention, STD prevention, and overall health and well-being of youth in the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

An afternoon roundtable, featuring Marcella, included middle and high school principals and counselors who shared ways their respective schools are creating safe and supportive environments for students.

“The breadth and scope of [Take Action] requires intentional collaboration and coordination across all levels of society, including government and non-government agencies working in concert with young people; parents, legal representatives, educators and other youth-serving professionals at the state and community level,” said Marcella.

“This vision is ambitious,

but it’s one we all can and should work together to achieve.”

In addition, health department officials provided prevention strategies, and resources to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs. Local political leaders shared their perspectives on policymaking and community engagement.

Jones said religious leaders also shared thoughts that can “contribute to creating an environment that promotes positive values and healthy decision-making.”

Political and civic leaders, and juvenile justice officials “emphasized the need for comprehensive support and the prevention of unhealthy behaviors among at-risk youth, ensuring that young people receive the guidance and resources they need to make informed choices.”

“Our aim is to unlock the potential of youth and empower our community to create a future where young people can thrive and achieve their dreams,” said Jones.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones speaking at the Better Family Life’s Power Teen Empowerment Rally at the Chaifetz Arena Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2024.

Graham

Continued from A1

Elementary in 1967 as a fifth-grade teacher, just after graduating from Harris Teachers College. She became a reading specialist and co-hosted the “Reading is Terrific Show,” a reading program on KSLH-AM.

Graham earned her master’s degree in elementary administration/ principalship in 1970 from the University of Missouri—St. Louis, and then obtained her doctorate educational administration/superintendency from Saint Louis University in 1979.

That year SLPS teachers voted to strike, and she walked the picket line for 56 days. She served on the executive board of the St. Louis Teachers Union, Local 420 AFL-CIO for more than 15 years, and she was one of the negotiators for the 1979 strike.

Conservatives get schooled

Few school board elections draw as much

Washington

Continued from A1

Carter Richards, who held the post for two terms, and the current chair, Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry. Instead, Washington pledged to support them.

“We’ve got to somehow forge a unity that this organization hasn’t seen in a long time,” Washington said. “The potential for the NNPA has never been

Eclipse

Continued from A1

Belleville 201 students, Superintendent Brian Mentzer said, but the science departments at Belleville West and East high schools are working on activities for teachers and students to use the upcoming eclipse as a learning opportunity.

Similarly at Belleville 118, students will be in attendance as any other day, but the schools are planning viewing activities for students, faculty and staff, Superintendent Ryan Boike said.

In a March 22 email to all 118 families, Boike

regional and national attention as the contest in the Francis Howell School District on Tuesday night.

In that district, and throughout the area, conservative school board candidates were trounced, and right-wing agendas were rebuked.

Carolie Owens, a retired teacher, and Pastor Steven Blair won open seats in Francis Howell, downing candidates Sam Young and Adriana Kuhn, who were backed by the conservative Francis Howell Families political action committee. Owens and Blair had the support of the local teachers’ union and the Francis Howell Forward PAC.

“Congratulations to Steven Blair and Carolie Owens,” Francis Howell Forward declared on its Facebook page. “We are overwhelmed with joy to see these results and thankful to all our volunteers for your hard work. Today, our FHSD community stood up and chose ‘Education Over Politics.’” The Francis Howell Board of Education drew national attention last year

fully realized, but I know one day a light bulb will turn on among the greater population of the NNPA, and everybody is going to reap bountifully.” For over four decades Washington had been involved in nearly every area of the communications field.

From his time long years as the publisher of The Dallas Weekly, a Black-owned and operated publication, to his work as the public relations manager for the Dallas Ballet, Washington had always

wrote: “Our schools are buzzing with anticipation as our dedicated educators plan individualized, in-school activities suitable for their unique environments. These activities are designed to offer a personalized and engaging exploration of the solar eclipse while ensuring the safety and comfort of our students.”

Parents must complete a permission slip to allow their child to participate in outdoor eclipse-viewing activities, and student absences Monday will be excused if a family decides to keep their child home to celebrate the eclipse or go on a trip to the path of totality.

when it voted to let an anti-racism resolution to sundown and then physically remove plaques from schools.

Many Francis Howell students held peaceful protests, including walkouts from class during the school year.

After voting to eliminate Black studies elective classes in December 2023, again attracting some

been a strong exemplar of Black excellence and intelligence.

Washington had twice served on the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce board, the Dallas Arboretum, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. He was a former tri-chair of Dallas’ Commission on Race Relations and the Dallas Together Forum. He was also a former member of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Small Business

District 118 schools will provide eclipse glasses that meet ISO standards to those who participate, and the district is asking parents to go over eclipse safety precautions with their child in advance regardless of whether their child will be participating in a viewing activity.

Likewise in other metro-east districts such as East St. Louis 189, Collinsville 10 and Red Bud 132, students will have regular school days and organized eclipse-related activities with glasses provided to students, faculty and staff.

This story was originally published in the Belleville News-Democrat

national scorn, the board voted on March 21, 2024, to approve curriculum for the 2024-25 school year. This included revised Black studies courses.

In all, 10 candidates that were backed by the St. Charles County Families for Public Schools PAC, founded by former Democratic state Rep. Ted House, were victorious.

“The people of St.

and Agriculture Advisory Committee in Dallas.

Washington was named “Man of the Year” in 1986 by the Dallas Metropolitan Club of Negro Business and Professional Women. Additional honors he received for outstanding community service came from many organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Inc., United Way, Dallas Independent School District, Martin Luther King Jr. Community

Charles County support public schools,” House told the St. Louis PostDispatch.

“We know we represent the majority who like their teachers and support their schools.”

In the Lindbergh School District, Rachel Braaf Koehler: 6,086 votes, (30.34%) and Megan Vedder: 6,053 votes, (30.18%) were

Center, Daniel “Chappie” James Learning Center, the NAACP, KKDA, and KRLD radio stations, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Museum of Arts, and the State Fair of Texas.

Washington earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Instructional Media from Southern University, a HBCU. He also earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

An author, Washington published his book,

Honoring a historic community

backed by the teachers’ union. They easily topped conservative candidates David Kirschner: 4,029 votes, (20.09%) and David Randelman: 3,891 votes, (19.40%.) Conservative candidates also lost in Ft. Zumwalt, Mehlville, Parkway, Rockwood, and Wentzville districts, respectively.

Spiritually Speaking, Reflections For and From a New Christian, in 2019. Washington is survived by his wife, The Atlanta Voice publisher Janis Ware, his children, daughter Elena Bonifay (husband David Bonifay) and son Patrick Washington (wife Jessica Washington), his grandchildren James Spencer Emanuel Washington, Penelope Elena Jimenez Washington, and William Emmanuel Edward Austin Bonifay, and his nieces and nephews.

Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris (left) unveils the “A Community Remembered” marker as Dr. Doris Graham, a former Attucks School student, looks on. The marker commemorates Clayton’s vibrant Black community from the 1880s to the 1960s, whose invaluable contributions enriched the city’s cultural and economic fabric.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

‘Taking Care of You’

Focusing on women’s health rights

‘We are the most powerful beings on Earth’

Athletic Club.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Women’s History Month has passed, however, discussions about women’s health rights is an ongoing conversation, especially in politics.

Women leaders at the annual FOCUS St. Louis Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 13, 2024, spoke candidly about women in leadership and how to protect women’s rights.

Sandra Moore and other women shared tips for navigating power structures, achieving change, and how they lead in community and civic spaces during the event at the Missouri

“Here’s what I know about women, we are the most powerful beings on earth,” said Moore, managing director and chief Impact officer at Advantage Capital.

Equity across the board is a cause that she stands behind, including women’s health. She said to help get equity for all women, as she looked out to the audience, “It’s time white people of goodwill join the fight. We need you.”

FOCUS St. Louis provides diverse leaders with the civic awareness and powerful connections needed to be collaborative changemakers. Cohorts learn how to advance professionally

and personally thrive in all areas.

The FOCUS continuum of civic leadership programs is designed to serve high school students to senior executives. to meet participants where they are. FOCUS brings together community members to deliberate on critical regional issues in a trusted, nonpartisan space. Moore told the audience strong women mentored her throughout her life. Following up on Moore’s comment, Natasha Leonard said, “It’s ok for women to have support, a circle that we can lean on.” Leonard, a former FOCUS

Finding our way to a healthy diet

By Lindiwe Vilakazi

National Nutrition Month, celebrated every year in March, is a nationwide information and nutritional education campaign encouraging people to make informed and healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. The 2024 National Nutrition Month theme, “Beyond the Table,” examines food production, farm-to-table, and resources, and Black dietitians are particularly digging into further causes of disparities in healthy nutrition.

With Black women leading at disproportionate rates for various chronic illnesses, healthy lifestyle practitioners are using nutritional education and empowerment as a means of improving overall wellness and combating racial and gender health disparities.

Across the United States, people are suffering from a multitude of health conditions that are directly impacted by their daily nutritional intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70% of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from prepared and packaged foods, as sodium can raise risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Further, excess added sugar intake is a key contributor to obesity, a condition that disproportionately burdens African American women

Creating a health care ‘oasis’

STL’s first nonprofit pharmacy opens in Dellwood

RX Outreach is the nation’s largest nonprofit digital pharmacy and now has “a beautiful marriage” with ARCA, a St. Louis-based behavioral health organization, to provide a barrier-free approach to mental and addiction treatment services.

Percy Menzies, ARCA president and founder, called the north St. Louis County clinic and pharmacy partnership “an oasis.”

“I’ve been very fortunate to not only represent this region but also By Kenedee Fowler St. Louis American Dellwood is home to the area’s first nonprofit community pharmacy and treatment clinic. RX Outreach and Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA) have partnered to open the site in the Refuge and Restoration (R&R) Marketplace.

“Especially with stigmas around people who struggle with substance

abuse. It’s an oasis within a desert area,” Menzies said. “You not only have treatment deserts but pharmacy deserts. This is a not-for-profit pharmacy, so if you don’t have funds, they will help you.”

Menzies said nonprofit pharmacy are rare, and they offer some patients “a choice between their household needs and medication.”

The shared, yet separate, space will allow patients to pick up affordable medication at RX Outreach right after receiving treatment within the ARCA clinic.

State Sen. Brian Williams thanked Revs. Ken and Beverly Jenkins for founding the R&R marketplace after years of dedicated work.

See PHARMACY, A9

Sandra M. Moore, Advantage Capital managing director and chief impact officer, told the St. Louis American after the FOCUS St. Louis annual Women’s Breakfast “We’ve got to take off our blinders and realize what is going on in this state, in this country, is an exocentric threat to women. The right to be a full citizen.” To Moore’s right is Angela Minges, Nestlé Purina North America director of Partnerships Marketing.

Photo courtesy of FOCUS St. Louis

photo

Assisted

of

held a ribbon cutting

Lindiwe Vilakazi

Pharmacy

Continued from A8

serve on the [R&R] board. And to have this entity come in, to provide access to healthcare for our community, it’s going to provide opportunities for the black community,” he said.

“Access to healthcare, addressing mental health and behavioral health issues has been a priority to me and that’s something I’ve focused on in the Missouri senate, and I’m glad to see that support

come into fruition today.”

The collaboration began with Menzies noticing that overdose statistics within the Black community were climbing. He realized there was a need for help. His first step was approaching pastors within the St. Louis area.

“They were skeptical initially, but then they noticed how sincere we were,” Menzies said.

From there, the first ARCA clinic opened within the Jubilee Community Church. Menzies then took the opportunity to expand to R&R Marketplace. In 2023, the State of

Mental Health in America reported that 21% of adults (51 million) had a mental health disorder, and 15% of adults (37 million) had a substance abuse addiction in the past year.

According to a RX Outreach press release, Missouri is facing a mental health and substance abuse crisis, with the highest mortality rate from substance abuse being in North St. Louis County. Currently, the clinic serves over 700 active patients within a two-mile radius of the Dellwood clinic.

Williams said the partnership is something

North St. Louis County deserves.

“Creating that access and no barriers to where folks can not only get access to healthcare but also get treatment, remove the stigma that is impacted, in my opinion, in the Black community and a lot of people when it comes to mental health and behavior,” he said.

Menzies says the staffs of the RX Outreach and ARCA clinic “are people who were born and raised within the Dellwood community.” This includes Dr. Jordyn Norde, who works

as lead pharmacist at RX Outreach.

The community pharmacy and clinic are open six days a week, Tuesday through Saturday. Patients don’t need to make an appointment, and insurance isn’t required. The pharmacy is available for clinic patients and everyone in the St. Louis community.

“Life moves at the speed of relationships,” said Sen. Williams about the partnership that has brought a needed pharmacy and health care facility to Dellwood.

Rights

Continued from A8

cohort, is the community partnership director at Renaissance Financial.

“I have a chance and a voice to make a difference in communities, and that’s extremely powerful,” she said.

During a one-onone with The St. Louis American she said,“Women should have autonomy over their bodies.”

Her advice is for

Vilakazi

Continued from A8 and youth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that Black women have the highest rates of obesity or being overweight than any other group– with about 4 out of 5 women reportedly overweight or obese.

Local dietitian Charmaine Jones is founder and CEO of the Northeast D.C.based Food Jonezi, a nutrition consulting service. Jones works to align District residents in underserved communities with balanced dietary and nutritional guidelines to promote healthy lifestyles.

women to rally together and be supportive of one another. Leonard believes it’s time for women to lean on their allies. “Vocalize our rights as women in the spaces we have,” she said.

She hopes the St. Louis region can figure out how to activate communities to get past the talking phase and step into putting action behind the words. Moore said, “We’ve got to take off our blinders and realize what is going on in this state, in this country, is an exocen-

Based on her experience, many residents struggle to maintain proper nutrition due to a lack of knowledge and access to resources within close reach.

“Honestly, a lot of people just don’t know what to eat. If you don’t know, you’re going to continuously eat the same way. [People] are eating out of habit or they try these fad diets that don’t work, [which is also] called ‘yo-yo dieting,’” Jones told The Informer. “These quick fixes mess up the body’s metabolism which causes them to gain weight and ultimately brings more harm to the body than good.” While diet is key in health and maintaining a healthy weight, exercise is

tric threat to women. The right to be a full citizen.”

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights on June 24, 2022, Missouri began enforcing its trigger ban, which bans all abortions except to save the life of the pregnant person. This immediately followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. Missouri GOP officials triggered a near-total ban on the procedure — with

also important.

According to the Office of Minority Health, in 2018, African Americans were reported to be “20% less likely to engage in physical activity as compared to non-Hispanic whites.”

Jones correlated the lack of exercise and poor diet among African American women to a variety of lifestyle challenges that interfere with prioritizing healthy habits.

“A lot of Black women are not exercising as much as they should, anymore. Before COVID, people were a little more active. COVID made us a bit more relaxed. [But also], a lot of Black women have a lot on their plate. They’re working a lot of jobs,

no exceptions for rape or incest, only some medical emergencies.

“Women have the right to determine their lives and to live as equal citizens in this country,” Moore said, adding that Black women are not invested in, or investigated enough [in health care] from postpartum to menopause to sexuality.

Andrea Cox, the wellness lead at Rung for Women, advises women to take advantage of a self-care day. She suggests going for a walk,

they’re breadwinners. Some of them are single mothers and are trying to make ends meet,” Jones explained. “Sometimes when you take care of everyone else, you forget about yourself. Weight gain comes when you neglect self-care and you are living for convenience. Convenience has a lot to do with lifestyle.” While the 2024 theme “Beyond the Table,” examines food production and safety, naturopathic practitioners like Dr. Andrea Sullivan, of the Center for Natural Healing in Silver Spring, Maryland, examines the impact of life experiences when talking about nutrition. Sullivan looks at systemic

making a cup of your favorite tea–and participating in a yoga or fitness class.

“Wellness is more than your physical body. It’s also your mental health and social health,” she said.

Rung for Women offers free access to family health care, behavioral health care, gardening, and yoga.

St. Louis Diaper Bank Executive Director, Muriel Smith says it’s time to talk about the benefits of women being in healthy environments.

racism, sexism, and socioeconomic challenges, as it relates to food choices and helps educate people on the importance of nutrition in overall health and wellness.

In her new book “The Sacrifices of Super Women: Natural Remedies to Restore Balance,” Sullivan navigates the landscape of homeopathic/naturopathic medicine, the cornerstone of her practice. She also discusses how to achieve adequate levels of nutrition using holistic practices versus allopathic medicine. Sullivan underscores the countless factors in our food that create disease, and the plethora of things that can also create wellness. “Food is medicine.

“Women being healthy mentally and physically benefits everyone else,” she said.

Smith points out that in most cases women are heads of the house, professionally some women are heads of major companies.

“We do a lot,” she said. “And when we’re healthy everyone is healthy.”

Ashley

Thomas Edison said years ago that the doctor of the future will ultimately teach their patients about taking care of the frame of their bodies through food,” Sullivan shared. Sullivan urges that while many people are consumed with life’s stress factors, just a few small steps can help many achieve better nutritional intake and overall health. Baking instead of frying foods, decreasing the usage of salt, combating sugar cravings by means of exercise, and even meditation are a few beginning steps that will produce quality health.

By Lindiwe Vilakazi is a reporter and columnist for The Washington Informer

Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones

FOCUS St. Louis President & CEO Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch shares the stage with Ruth Kim, General Counsel, Senior VP & Senior Partner and Shalia Ford, Director of Leadership Programs, FOCUS St. Louis at the Annual Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 13, 2024. At the Missouri Athletic Club – Downtown Clubhouse. This inspiring event brings together women leaders from across sectors and industries.

Courtesy photo

Photo courtesy of FOCUS St. Louis

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.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students Arell Harris, Martise Grandelious, and Anthony Troupe, in Ms. Stovall’s fourth-grade

Did you know rockets are faster and more powerful than airplanes or helicopters? In fact, enough power to travel through atmosphere into outer space. When travel at speeds of 28,000 km/h, they orbit.

The shape of rockets continues change and evolve to improve effectiveness. The shape of the fins on the bottom of the rocket have become wider to help the rocket stay on course. Fuel is burned with oxygen in a chamber. As the gases heat up, they expand and stream backwards. This creates a thrust, which launches the rocket forward. Rockets require a lot of fuel to travel. That is why they

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

In this experiment, you’ll create a thrust of energy that will propel a balloon forward.

Materials Needed:

• Balloon

• 3 Meters Length of Kite String • Plastic Straw

• Tape

Process:

q Thread one end of the string through the straw.

w Tie each end of the string between two solid supports such as a chair, table leg or door knob, making sure it is strung tightly. This creates your string track.

e Blow up the balloon but do not tie it.

MATH CONNECTION

Use your math skills to answer these questions.

z The gravity of the Moon is 17% of Earth’s gravity. To calculate your weight on the Moon, multiply your weight by 0.17. What is your weight on the Moon? ______

x Using the same formula (multiply weight by .17), if a dog weighs 35 pounds on Earth, what would it weigh on the Moon? ______

c How much would a 5 pound bag of sugar weigh on the Moon? ______

DID YOU KNOW?

African-American Mechanical Engineer & Inventor Jerry Shelby

are so big—to give them plenty of room for all of the needed fuel.

For more advanced information on rockets, visit: http:// sciencelearn.org.nz/ Contexts/Rockets/ Science-Ideas-andConcepts/Rocketaerodynamics.

Learning Standards:

I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-world connections.

r Hold the opening of the balloon closed with your fingers, tape one side of the balloon to the straw so that it hangs horizontally below the string.

t Countdown to launch and let the balloon go.

y Observe as your balloon rocket travels across the string track.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can observe, analyze, and draw conclusions.

v If you weighed 25.5 pounds on mars, what would you weigh on the Moon? ________

For some math activities from NASA, visit: http://spaceplace.nasa. gov/math-activities/en/.

To find your weight in different worlds, visit: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/weight/.

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

NASA became operational on October 1, 1958 — one year after the Soviets launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite.

The United Nations declared October 4-10, 1999, as World Space Week. These dates commemorate the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

Jerry Shelby was born in New Orleans on June 23, 1950. When he was 18, he dropped out of high school to join the Marines and fight in the Vietnam War. During a mission, Shelby lost his left leg and suffered serious harm to his right arm: muscle loss, thick scarring, and tissue damage. Shelby says, “At 19, I was home in New Orleans. I couldn’t walk very well with my new wooden leg and I couldn’t write very well because of the injuries to my right arm.”

To learn to reuse his arm, he took drafting classes while earning his GED. Next, he enrolled in Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, to earn his mechanical engineering degree. He later earned his master’s degrees in management and business administration. After earning his degree, he worked for IBM in Texas, and then for General Dynamics, in California, before heading back to New Orleans to work at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

On July 12, 1994, he received U.S. patent #5,328,132 for his engine protection system for a recoverable rocket booster invention. When rockets are propelled in to space, they will lose their boosters. Shelby’s invention allows these boosters to have extra protection so that they can be reused. This reusable device features an inflatable air bag hinged at opposite sides, with springs that force the bag open. This bag is in a “stowed” position during launch. Pressurized gas forces it open. As the bag inflates, it creates a seal. This seal prevents water from entering the engine as the booster becomes submerged in water.

Shelby was one of seven Purple Heart recipients inducted into the honor roll of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, George A. Rauh Chapter 2201.

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One —

Context Clues: Find 10 unfamiliar words in the newspaper. First, use your context clues to guess what the word means. Next, use the dictionary to write the official definition. Finally, think of a synonym and antonym for the word.

Activity Two —

Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of first consonant sounds in words close to each other. For example, “The Sweet Smell of Success” Find 3 examples of alliteration in the newspaper. What is the purpose of alliteration? Choose a consonant and use it to create an alliterated headline.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can apply context clues and use dictionary skills. I can evaluate the purpose and use of alliteration. I can create alliteration.

class at Gateway MST Elementary School, are using the engineering design process to construct a pyramid out of plastic cups without using their hands.

Photo by Ms. Stovall

Young Business Professionals talk growth, networking

By Devored Horton The St. Louis American

Christopher C. Miller knows it takes more than talent and determination for young entrepreneurs to succeed in this competitive world: it also takes connections.

That’s why Miller was eager to bring local entrepreneurs together for the networking social at Calypso Spirits Bar in St. Louis. This was the first event for 2024 for Miller and his Young Business Professional co-founders Darrius Harris, Terron White, and Raven Whitener.

viduals throughout the community.”

The networking social featured a distinguished former entrepreneur, Mayor Tishaura Jones, who presented YBP with a proclamation honoring the work they do and the positive community impact that they have.

Several participants were on hand to hear the strong messages delivered by Mayor Jones and other supportive leaders.

Tumblin-Rucker honored by Missouri S&T

Dr. Ramona Tumblin-Rucker, who earned a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 1988 and is director of construction management at M Property Services in O’Fallon, Missouri, she was recently honored during the school’s 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Awards. The Hall of Fame recognition has been awarded since 2005 to graduates, faculty and staff who are selected because of their success, influence, and ability to inspire others.

Henderson honored for word in community health

DeAnthony Henderson, a Family Care Health Community health worker and substance use specialist, has been named 2024 Urban Community Health Worker of the Year.

“We used to get together to network, to meet new people to talk about what is important to us,” said Mayor Jones. “I do not think there was ever a time when the mayor stopped by one of our events.” Organizations like YBP are needed because they help create spaces where young people with drive and passion can meet to build friendships, exchange ideas and make sure the city of St. Louis is more of a destination and not just a stepping stone to a bigger city.

Byron Strong has a network called “2 Day’s Special,” which is a platform that allows people to find deals at restaurants and be able to share the food with homeless shelters. He said this event will only expand his network.

“This gave me an opportunity to let people know what my endeavors are and find out what their endeavors are and find out how we can both intermingle and help each other,” Strong said.

“I want the event to really connect individuals and businesses, but also to expand St. Louis economic growth,” said Miller. “Our goal is to really enhance the economy, to connect indi- See

Carl Grimmett III, another entrepreneur, is a landscape, portrait, and event photographer who had some inspi-

Millennials master ways to conquer student debt

Aggressive approaches work best

By Laura Onyeneho

Joanne Pierre-Louis dreamed of pursuing higher education and building a successful career, but like many young Americans, she faced the daunting reality of student loan debt. Armed with ambition and determination, she embarked on a journey to tackle her financial burden head-on, determined to free herself from debt.

For Pierre-Louis,38, the road to financial freedom was paved with discipline and sacrifice. After graduating from Ohio State University with over $100,000 in student loan debt in 2011, she knew that paying off her loans would require a strategic approach and unwavering discipline. Over 13 years, Pierre-Louis diligently chipped away at her debt, making consistent payments and prioritizing her financial goals.

“I graduated with a degree in sociology, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I graduated. I got a job in finance working as a mortgage loan officer for JP Morgan in Dallas for a $45,000 salary,” she said.

“I had to pay rent, insurance, buy food, and soon realized

Joanne Pierre-Louis graduated from Ohio State University with a sociology degree and more than $100,000 in debt. Over 13 years, she has reduced her debt to less than $10,000 but it took dedication and sacrifice.

A Cahokia High School graduate, Henderson went to Langston University in Oklahoma where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2015.

Henderson works with several organizations that are focused on a healthcare and treatment system that ends punitive and coercive approaches that disproportionately harm Black people.

LeFlore honored for outstanding volunteerism

Eric LeFlore

Eric LeFlore, a commercial lender at the First Mid St. Peters banking center, was named one of the company’s five top volunteers. Each volunteer chose a local organization to receive $500 from First Mid on their behalf. LeFlore chose to donate to Legacy Sports Foundation, whose mission is to champion the youth of the community by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Through athletic programs, mentorship, and community engagement, they strive to foster confidence, resilience, and a sense of personal responsibility.

Left to right: Young Business Professionals (YBP) founders Christopher C. Miller, Darrius Harris, Raven Whitener, Terron White, receive proclamations from Mayor Tishaura Jones at Calypso Spirits Bar in St. Louis, Missouri, Mar. 26, 2024.

Lauren Wesley WIlson

Photo by Devored Horton / St. Louis American

Ramona TumblinRucker

Photo courtesy of Joanne Pierre-Louis

DeAnthony Henderson

Debt

Continued from B1

that this salary was nothing, especially when my student loan payment was $800 [a month].”

Repayment challenges

Her journey was not without its challenges. She faced setbacks and obstacles along the way, navigating a job layoff, packing her bags, and moving back home with her family to figure out how to tackle her debt.

“My federal loans were about $5,000; the rest were private. There were

no refinance options, and interest rates were at 8.9% and growing every day, so I had to pay them, even during COVID,” she said. “I eventually hired a career coach to find ways to make more money, and I got an almost $40,000 pay increase.”

She took on a full-time job, a part-time job at Macy’s, and her makeup service as a side business.

She aggressively paid between $1800-$2,400 a month, not including other expenses. Now, she is $10,000 away from being debt-free.

Many Black millennials have taken proactive steps to tackle their student loan debt and achieve

financial stability in recent years. From budgeting and saving to strategic debt repayment strategies, these individuals leverage their resources and ingenuity to overcome financial obstacles and build brighter futures.

During President Joe Biden’s recent State of the Union address, he noted that four million people received federal student loan forgiveness since he took office and is working on a new plan that could expand relief even more.

Unfortunately, many people, like elementary school educator Daniel Kemper, have private student loan payments, which aren’t eligible for income-based

repayment plans.

Borrowers collectively shoulder $128 billion in private student loans, which make up 7.3% of the $1.76 trillion student loan market. Private student loans are rarely forgiven. That only happens when you are permanently disabled or dead.

Kemper graduated from New York University in 2009 as a theatre major with $75,000 in student loan debt. He wanted to be an actor, but he soon realized how difficult achieving that goal would be. He didn’t have any jobs lined up, and even though his parents supported his dream, they couldn’t help him financially. So he applied to multiple temp jobs and stomped the pavements, handing resume copies to employers.

“I worked about three part-time jobs. I was under a graduate repayment program paying $350, but as soon as it ended, it blew up to $800 a month, and I just didn’t have it,” he said. “I ended up consoli-

Networking

Continued from B1

rational advice to offer upcoming entrepreneurs who may still be working

dating my loans to give me a lower interest rate and payment.”

He has made progress.

He owes about $30,000 on his debt and predicts it will take him nine more years to become debt-free.

Here are action steps to consider when paying off student debt:

Pay more than minimum Due

Interest and fees make up most of the minimum payment for student loans. That implies that the total amount you borrowed will only receive a small portion of your funds.

Furthermore, interest and fees will accrue over an extended period if the principle is unpaid. Without significantly reducing your actual debt, you can end up paying hundreds of dollars in interest over time.

Keep expenses as low as possible

Continue living on a budget, even if you have an increase in income.

on building up their confidence.

It takes faith and courage to pursue your dreams, Grimmett III said as he encouraged people to take the leap because the out-

Lifestyle inflation can have significant impacts on your finances and expenses over time. It might lead you to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term financial security. If you lose income, such as from a layoff, you might find yourself without savings to fall back on.

Get a ‘side hustle’

Getting a second job to supplement your income can help if you’re having trouble paying off debt or want to pay off your balances more quickly.

Make bi-weekly payments

Change the payment schedule from automatic monthly to automatic biweekly. Paying every two weeks results in 13 payments annually as opposed to 12. This makes it easier to pay down your student loan burden quickly without realizing it.

come could be a blessing. “If you are not sure about becoming an entrepreneur, still try. “ It is better to try it than it is to never have tried at all.”

n “It’s just another way of expression.”

– Quarterback Caleb Williams, presumptive top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, on his pink nail polish and pink phone

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

St. Louis American Girls ‘Fab Five’ All-Stars

As we bring the basketball season to a close, it is time to present the 2024 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Team. The team represents a combination of the talented young players in the area along with some seasoned veterans who have enjoyed stellar careers.

Seniors Chantrel Clayton and Zoe Best of Incarnate Word Academy had fantastic seasons to close their careers. Neveah Caffey of Incarnate Word is a special talent while youngsters Zha’Viara Harris and Dasia Scott are emerging young players who enjoyed tremendous seasons. Here is a closer look at the members of the St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star Basketball First Team.

Neveah Caffey (Incarnate Word Academy): The 5’10” junior point guard is the St. Louis American Player of the Year. She was the linchpin of the Red Knights team that rolled to another Class 6 state championship and increased its state-record winning streak to 131 games. She is a dominant two-way player who averaged 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals a game while shooting 49 percent from 3-point range. She has already given a commitment to Indiana University.

Zoe Best (Incarnate

Word Academy): The 5’10” senior forward was the engine that kept the Red Knights dominant basketball machine running to another Class 6 state championship. She was a tremendous performer with her high motor and constant activity. She averaged 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 steals while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range in helping the Red Knights increase their state-record winning streak to 131 games. She will be playing collegiate basketball at SEMO next season.

Chantrel Clayton (Vashon): After leading the Wolverines to the Class 4 state championship as a junior, the 5’8” guard followed up with an even bigger season as a senior. She was named the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 4 Player of the Year. She stuffed the stat sheet as she averaged 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals a game while making 59 3-pointers.

Zha’Viara Harris (Lift for Life): The 5’6” sophomore guard was a tremendous two-way performer in helping lead the Hawks to the Class 4 state

De

Athletes

Neveah

championship. She is an electric performer with her speed and quickness and ability to impact the game at both ends of the court. Harris averaged 16 points and three rebounds while making 44 3-pointers. She also led the team with 138 assists and 181 steals.

Dasia Scott (Principia): The 6’2” freshman forward had one of the most dominant high school debut seasons in recent memory. She averaged 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead the

St. Louis metro area in both categories while leading the Panthers to a berth in the Class 2 state championship game. She is a versatile talent who can operate in the low post or handle the ball as a playmaker on the perimeter.

Second Team

Amaya Manuel 5’7” Lift for Life (Fr.)

With Alvin A. Reid

Kyoko Proctor 5’6”

Alton (Jr.)

Evelyn Shane 5’11”

Ursuline (Soph.)

Ai’Naya Williams 6’1”

Cardinal Ritter (Sr.)

Monet Witherspoon 5’8”

John Burroughs (Sr.)

Third Team

D’Myjah Bolds 6’3”

O’Fallon (Sr.)

Talesha Gilmore 6’1”

Collinsville (Jr.)

Peyton Hill 5’10”

Incarnate Word (Jr.)

Zoe Newland 5’7”

Pattonville (Sr.)

Jarius Powers 6’0”

Alton (Jr.)

Kennedy Stowers 6’2” John Burroughs (Soph)

All Freshmen Team

Jayce Green 5’9”

University

Aziza Hendricks 5’11” Parkway Central Amaya Manuel 5’7”

Lift for Life

Dasia Scott 6’2”

Principia

Leighana Shelton 5’9” Wentzville Liberty

La Cruz’ linguistic double play is fantastic SportS EyE

around the globe play in the NBA, many of them are stars. Before their respective careers began, they had spent little or no time in America, yet they can speak English and do not need an interpreter for interviews.

If you want proof that demographics in the United States are changing, consider the fact that in 1980, 1 in 10 Americans spoke a second language in the home.

an interpreter. His longtime friend and former interpreter has Ohtani knee-deep in a gambling scandal and under investigation. I’m sure Ohtani is now learning many new words.

According to the 2020 Census, that number is now up to 1 in 5, with the second language often being English and the first being Spanish.

Most Latino baseball stars speak multiple languages. Some, including Tampa Bay star and former St. Louis Cardinal, Randy Arozarena, use an interpreter for interviews.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB’s highest paid player in history, knows some English but must rely on

I don’t think speaking English should be necessary for athletes in American professional sports leagues. However, when an athlete puts forth the effort to learn, he or she should be applauded. Which brings me to Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz. During the offseason, De La Cruz dedicated himself to not only baseball but also learning to speak English. He completed his first full press conference without an interpreter last week and he eloquently explained the rationale for his endeavor. “It’s so important to me because now you guys understand what I say, and it’s important to understand me, and me

understand the fans,” De La Cruz said. “I put a lot of work on my English to talk with you guys [reporters], and I think I’m doing a good job.” OK, I must admit I was moved by his words and the innocent smile he wore while speaking to them. I wasn’t alone.

When he completed that first answer, there were a few seconds of silence from reporters. It wasn’t shock. It was respect and adulation.

They, like me, wanted to give the kid a hug. Again, this is not about learning English. This is a congratulatory message to De La Cruz for taking the

time and effort to better communicate with teammates and fans.

“The way he listens and learns; it’s amazing. I can’t relate to that, the courage that that takes,” Reds manager David Bell said of De La Cruz’ dedication to self-improvement by mastering a new language. “It’s just beyond anything I’ve had to deal with. It’s impressive.”

The Reid Roundup

The Iowa vs. LSU NCAA Women’s Tournament East Regional Final featuring Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drew a record 12.3

from

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Elly De La Cruz during his first press conference speaking English.

Image courtesy of WCPO.com

Caffey of Incarnate Word Academy is the St. Louis American Player of the Year. She helped the Red Knights to the Class 6 state championship and increased its state-record winning streak to 131 games.

Photo courtesy of Incarnate Word Academy

Schnucks, MSMSD spring into action for business accelerator

Schnucks Markets, Inc., in partnership with MidStates Minority Supplier Development Council, is launching Schnucks Springboard, a diverseowned business accelerator to provide education, resources and access to local diverse-owned businesses.

To apply, business owners should visit schnucks.com/springboard prior to May 12, 2024. Those accepted into the accelerator program will receive an in-store product trial at select Schnucks stores, $5,000 of equity-free funding and business development classes at Schnucks’ St. Louis headquarters.

“Schnucks Springboard is our effort to reflect the

The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital has awarded a $50,000 grant to Operation Food Search (OFS) to support the launch of the nonprofit’s Fresh Rx: Community Nutrition Program.

communities we serve, to promote opportunity and innovation and to stimulate our economy,” said Adrian Moore, Schnucks senior director of merchandising enablement and supplier diversity.

“We are not only strengthening both our business and our communities, we are also enhancing product offerings for our customers and bolstering our ability to do business in an ever-changing environment.”

Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council cultivates relationships between Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and corporations across eastern Missouri, central Illinois and Indiana. The accelerator programming provides

Schnucks is partnering with the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council to launch the Schnucks Springboard. From left are Daryle L. Johnson, Mid-States MSDC vice president of strategy; Adrian Moore, Schnuck Markets, Inc., senior director of merchandising enablement and supplier diversity; and Demetrius Glover, Mid-States MSDC president and CEO.

education opportunities, mentorship and empowers emerging leaders to grow and scale their established businesses.

“Minority-owned enti-

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation partners with OFS

The boxes of food will be distributed throughout Greater Health Pharmacy’s St. Louis City and North County service area to people (typically aged 60+) receiving diabetes or hypertension medication. Contents will be determined by OFS’ nutritional specialist in conjunction with pharmacy staff and will also contain educational information and recipes.

GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness will offer key distribution points for the program within its St. Louis City and North County services areas. GreaterHealth’s pharmacists collaborate with OFS’s nutrition specialists to tailor the food boxes to effectively address the specific dietary needs of their patients managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

ties within the Mid-States MSDC network support over 26,000 jobs throughout eastern Missouri. Our partnership with Schnucks will not only create economic opportunities but also build a legacy of success that extends beyond business transactions,” said Demetrius Glover, Mid-States MSDC president and CEO.

In 2020, Schnucks launched a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion plan, Unity Is Power, which describes efforts to increase focused, community support for organizations that promote racial equity including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

OFS allows us to address food insecurity head-on, empowering our older patients to take control of their health and wellbeing,” said GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness Founder Marcus Howard, Ph.D. Brian Williams

“At GreaterHealth, we believe access to nutritious food is just as crucial as access to medication for managing chronic health conditions. This partnership with

STLCC receives funding to enhance geospatial technology program

St. Louis Community College has been awarded more than $1.75 million respective funding from Congress and the state of Missouri to enhance its geospatial technology program. Of that total, $1 million comes from the U.S.

Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration

The college also received funds totaling $754,750 from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

STLCC will focus on three new certificate programs:

• Commercial drone pilot training. Students will receive a certificate and be eligible to take the FAA 107 licensing exam for commercial drone pilot

upon program completion.

• A survey technician program will include field training using state-of-the art equipment and result in a Certificate of Specialization.

• A geographical information systems (GIS) Cer-

tificate of Specialization is under development. The programs will be offered at the Florissant Valley and Wildwood campuses. A targeted recruitment campaign will prioritize female and Black

participants. Women represent only 6.7% of drone commercial pilots (FAA, 2019) and are underrepresented in all STEM careers (27%). Black workers represent only 9% of the STEM workforce (U.S. Census 2021).

Photo courtesy of Schnucks Markets Inc.

From East St. Louis to Carnegie Hall

Damon Davis teams with Alarm Will Sound for space opera rooted in Black music

By Jeremy D. Goodwin St. Louis Public Radio

n “So many people I look up to played there.

Carnegie Hall was it. So, to be able to stand on the stage where those people played, it’s kind of hard for me to process at this point.”

- Damon Davis

(St. Louis Public Radio) – East St. Louis native Damon Davis describes himself as a post-disciplinary artist. The St. Louis-based creator founded the FarFetched record label, co-directed a documentary film about the Ferguson uprising and has exhibited photographs and sculpture at the Saint Louis Art Museum. His latest project is a collaboration with the experimental classical ensemble Alarm Will Sound “Ligeia Mare,” a science-fiction opera based in African American musical forms. Davis worked with arranger Ted Hearne and Alarm Will Sound Artistic Director Alan Pierson to create the piece. Davis will release the opera as a radioplay podcast later this year. Audiences heard a 20-minute excerpt on Friday, March 22 at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center as part of “Heard,” Alarm Will Sound’s program of new music by eight composers. Davis joined the ensemble again this past Tuesday for the same program at Carnegie Hall in New York. “So many people I look up to played there. Carnegie Hall was it. So, to be able to stand on the stage where those people played, it’s kind of hard for me to process at this point,” Davis said.

His piece employs elements from European classical music but is firmly rooted in Black music and the Black experience.

“Ligeia Mare” is about a boy in St. Louis who travels the universe in his sleep, seeking a cure for his father’s terminal illness. Isaiah Taylor sings the role of Cosmo, the boy; Aloha Mischeaux appeared as his mother, Joyce; and Rockwell J. Knuckles was his father, Cassius. Ron Himes, Founder and Producing Director of the Black Rep, directed the opera. Inversion Vocal Ensemble also helped bring the Afrofuturist-inspired story to life. Davis served as the narrator.

St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy D. Goodwin spoke with Davis about his inspirations for “Ligeia Mare” and the

‘sassy and classy’

Martha Reeves honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Motown singer Martha Reeves received the 2,776th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, March 27. Motown stars Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder were on hand for the ceremony, which took place at 7008 Hollywood Blvd. Reeves is renowned for her string of Motown songs with Martha and the Vandellas in the 1960s and 1970s such as “Dancing in the Street,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Come and Get These Memories,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Heatwave,” and Jimmy Mack.” “I’m just here by the grace of God,” Reeves said in an acceptance speech topped by an enthusiastic shoutout to

ways science fiction can speak to the African American experience.

Jeremy D. Goodwin: So, what does this sound like?

Damon Davis: It’s Black, American music from over the last 200 years. I’m soldering it to classical music, to a degree, and bringing classical instruments into rap, trap, soul, funk, gospel, house, jazz. It’s a Black, rap, space opera. Some people think opera has to be classical music. That’s not a thing. The genre doesn’t matter. Classical music is a genre, but opera is a container for storytelling. It’s storytelling to music. Now I know people who have been doing opera their whole lives, and it’s even hard for them to define it.

One thing that I love about classical music and classical instruments is strings and brass and what they can do emotion-

ally. You could be smiling and the right set of chords can have somebody crying within milliseconds.

In the end, there’s something about people playing instruments in unison that I feel has a relationship to Black gospel choirs.

Goodwin: How did Alarm Will Sound get into the picture here?

Davis: About 10 years ago, my friend Ryan McNeely told me he just met these guys and they were looking for new composers. I was like, “Bro, I’m not a composer. I make beats.” But his push gave me a vote of confidence.

Back then, I didn’t see anybody that looked like me or sounded like me doing opera. So it was uncharted ground, and I wanted to do it. That was one of the

See Opera, C8

STL Cardinals to celebrate chart-topping producer, music artist

By American Staff

n “If I trust anyone, it’s the St. Louis Cardinals.”

- Metro Boomin

The wins keep coming for St. Louis native super producer and musical artist Metro Boomin. He all but broke the internet when “We Don’t Trust You,” his joint album with rap star Future that features some of the biggest names in music, was released on Friday, March 22. As soon as it dropped, the album became Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day for 2024. “We Don’t Trust You” is currently at the top of the Billboard 200 album charts – and its first two singles “Like That” and “Type Sh*t” currently occupy the number one and number two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Three days after “We Don’t Trust You” dropped, The St. Louis Cardinals announced that they will welcome him home to Busch Stadium on Monday, May 20, for a special Metro Boomin Theme Night at the ballpark. “Young Metro trusts us,” The Cardinals said via X (formerly Twitter) upon making the announcement on Monday, March

Detroit. Reeves, whose family moved north from Alabama when she was an infant, counted herself among the poor Black Southerners who migrated to Detroit to “find their place in history.”

It was a Hollywood event that often felt like a grassroots family affair: The 82-year-old singer was saluted at the

podium by Motown colleagues Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Mickey Stevenson and company founder Berry Gordy — all of them bantering with the chatty Reeves as she chimed in during their speeches.

Photo by Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio Rockwell J. Knuckles performing the role as Cassius on Thursday during a rehearsal of Damon Davis’ ‘Ligeia Mare.’

Photo by @imagerybyoscar/HCC Stevie Wonder speaks during a ceremony honoring Martha Reeves (R) with the 2,776th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 27, 2024 in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of X (formerly Twitter) Multiple Grammy Awardnominated producer and music artist Metro Boomin is the latest superstar with St. Louis ties to be celebrated with a St. Louis Cardinals bobblehead that bears his likeness. Guests who purchase a special Theme Ticket for the game, taking place on May 20, will take home the exclusive keepsake.

CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS

The Brad “Scarface” Jordan

Behind the Desk Experience

4/04/2024 8pm

The Hawthorn 2231 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO

$59.50 to $649.70

R.E.M. Explored and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

4/5/2024 7:30pm

Stifel Theatre 1400 Market Street St. Louis, MO

$45.00 - $115.00

Jonathan McReynolds“My Truth” (Gospel) 4/6/2024 8pm The Pageant 6161 Delmar St. Louis, MO

$25.00 - $35.00

Finally! Regina Belle in Concert with Special Guest

Tim Cunningham 4/7/2024 7:00pm HSSU Givens Auditorium St. Louis, MO 3026 Laclede Ave

www.HSSU.EDU/Tickets

$57.50 - $67.50

Tour de Dance 4/11/2024 5:00pm

A progressive dining and dance showcase event, featuring intimate dance vignettes from the 23/24 Becoming Season’s repertoire throughout the Grand Center arts district. Each performance is paired with curated eats and cocktails by David Kirkland Catering, giving each audience

STL Sites & Sounds

member an incredibly immersive experience and the chance to see the Walls off Washington mural exhibit, curated by Kranzberg Arts Foundation.

Grand Center Arts District 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr St. Louis, MO $80.00 - $100.00

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

Teen Takeover: Revival 4/5/245–8:30 pm

Hosted by SLAM’s Teen Arts Council, solve the mystery of the lost pharaoh with customized escape rooms by Roaming Riddle Mobile Escape Games. Free snacks, puzzles, and art-making activities inspired by ancient Egypt St. Louis Art Museum, Gallery 313. Free

SciFest: The Great Outdoors 4/6/2024 9:30am-4:30 p.m.

The Science Center’s free SciFest program will feature opportunities to interact with local scientists and a variety of outdoor-related STEM experts and enjoy hands-on activities to better understand what’s happening on the ground and in the skies above around our region. Eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed to attendees while supplies last.

Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO Free

Kahlil Robert Irving:

Archaeology of the Present

4/5/2024 11:00am

4/6/2024 11:00am 4/7/2024 11:00am 4/8/2024 11:00am 4/10/2024 11:00am 4/11/2024 11:00am

St. Louis–based artist Kahlil Robert Irving creates assemblages made of layered images and sculptures composed of replicas of everyday objects. Mainly working in ceramics, Irving critically engages with the history of the medium and challenges constructs around identity and culture in the Western world.

Kemper Art Museum

1 Brookings Dr St. Louis, MO Free

FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND MARKETS

CWE Back in Bloom 4/6/2024 12:00pm

Live music, street performers, face painting and more.

Complimentary cotton candy and gourmet popcorn

Off Broadway 3509 Lemp Ave St. Louis, MO

COMMUNITY

Brownpreneurs Entrepreneurship Academy (BEA) 4/6/2024 11:00am

Networking, and learning Interactive workshops, hear from successful entrepreneurs, and hands-on activities

St. Louis Community CollegeForest Park 5600 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO Free

2024 Visionary Gala: Visions in Black & White 4/6/2024 5:30pm

St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired - 2024 Visionary Gala: Visions in Black & White Algonquin Golf Club 340 N Berry Rd St. Louis, MO $250.00

City Council Meeting 4/8/2024 6:30pm

City Hall University City, MO 6801 Delmar Blvd City Council Meeting 4/9/2024 7:00pm Ferguson City Hall 110 Church Street Ferguson, MO

Young Professionals Happy Hour to Benefit Midtown Community Services 4/11/2024 5:00pm

Networking, giveaways, 50/50 raffle, and more! Plus, 10% of beverage and pizza sales benefit Midtown Community Services’ Afterschool, Teen Club, and Summer Academy Day Camp programs for kids at risk.

Pie Guy Pizza 4189 Manchester Ave. St. Louis, MO Free

Regina Belle’s “Finally” concert with special guest

Tim Cunningham will be at Harris-Stowe State University’s Henry Given’s Auditorium Hall on Sunday, April 7, at 7:00 p.m.

Boomin

Continued from C1

albums and visionary collaborations with some of the world’s biggest artists including Future, The Weeknd, Travis Scott and 21 Savage, he has left an indelible mark on the music scene.” His success also led him to lend his talents to the film industry – where he recently served as executive producer for the highly anticipated Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack.

Next month, Metro will join Jayson Tatum (2023), Kurt Warner (2018), Bob Costas (2018), John Goodman (2016), Jon Hamm (2014), Chuck Berry (2014), Nelly (2013), and Andy Cohen (2013) as the latest superstar with St. Louis ties to have their own Theme Night at Busch Stadium. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Rung for Women, which offers comprehensive support services for women in St. Louis. Metro is also a philanthropist who has spear-

headed such initiatives as the “Single Moms are Superheroes” campaign.

Based on his chart-topping success and love from the St. Louis Cardinals, 2024 is shaping up to be quite a year – and on par with 2023, which saw his hard work and commitment to his industry and his community pay off in major ways. His album “Heroes & Villains” received a Grammy nomination for “Best Rap Album.” He was also nominated for a “Producer of the Year, Non-Classical” Grammy. In December, Metro

was given the key to the city of his hometown by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. She also proclaimed Dec. 14, 2023, to be both Leland “Metro Boomin” Wayne Day and Leslie Joanne Single Mothers and Caregivers Appreciation Day, in memory of his mother.

“I don’t get this opportunity too often – to give someone a key to the city,” Jones said during the ceremony at St. Louis City Hall. “It is our highest and most prestigious honor. It represents the culmination of lifetime achievement and, at 30 years old, Metro has done what a lot of people can only dream of. … Metro, you’ve made St. Louis so proud.”

Photo courtesy of X (formerly Twitter)

Grammy Award-nominee and St. Louis native Metro Boomin shows love to the St. Louis Cardinals, who announced March 25 that they were honoring him with a special Metro Boomin Theme Night at the ballpark, which takes place May 20.

Theme Tickets for Metro Boomin Night at Busch Stadium – which takes place on Monday, May 20 – are on sale now at cardinals.com/metroboomin.

Religion

Rev. Thomas Bowen named a White House senior adviser

By Hamil R. Harris Washington Informer

The Rev. Thomas Bowen has been named as a senior adviser in the White House Office of Public Engagement.

An ordained Baptist minister, Bowen is the Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice at the District’s Shiloh Baptist Church, where he has served since 2002.

He previously served as the director of African American Strategic Engagement under Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, where he held dual roles as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs. Often seen offering a prayer, words of wisdom and encouragement at events, residents and city officials alike coined Bowen ‘D.C.’s Pastor.’

Bowen “will add value to that office’s mission. I know that because he has served in a myriad of capacities at Shiloh Baptist Church.”

Smith noted Bowen isn’t the only person associated with the historic Northwest, D.C. church, who has worked at The White House.

“He follows other Shiloh members who have served in the White House, including Lorraine Miller, Jocelyn Frye, and Willa Hall Smith. We expect great things from him,” said Smith.

n “He will help to close the communications gap between the Black faith community and the White House.”

“I am deeply honored to serve in the BidenHarris administration and grateful for the trust vested in me,” said Bowen, who will be leading the faith engagement effort in the White House.

“In our shared commitment to safeguard democracy and uphold our nation’s moral foundation, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of faith leaders and believers.”

Charles Smith, a member of the Deacon Leadership Team at Shiloh Baptist Church, said

Bowen is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he was a Ford Foundation Scholar and president of the NAACP. He studied for the ministry at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

A native of Lorain County, Ohio, Bowen embraced Washington, D.C., as his home more than two decades ago. He currently lives in Northeast, D.C.’s historic Trinidad neighborhood.

Bowen’s extensive experience in ministry, justice advocacy and leadership includes working in a number of roles, such as senior religious advocate for the Children’s Defense Fund and senior field organizer for the organization’s Black Community Crusade for Children.

on the White House faith outreach team to help the administration frame public policy into the moral context. He will help to close the communications gap between the Black faith community and the White House.”

Rev. Barber blasts

Trump Bible racket

As Donald Trump sells Bibles through a God Bless the USA website, Rev. William J. Barber II has a warning for him.

“The prophet Ezekiel named it in his day: Greedy politicians make an unholy alliance with false religion that says God is on their side when God has said no such thing!” Barber told The Nation.

“No other person can engage such a diversity. We need people who are morally rooted who can speak the language of the activist, the civic bureaucrat, the educator, and the union leader.”

“Thomas Bowen is one of the most gifted community leaders, who has a wealth of experience with a diverse group of people that include Christians, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists,” said Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III.

Dr. Barabara WilliamsSkinner, CEO and co-founder of the Skinner Leadership Institute, said Bowen’s background makes him the perfect addition to the White House Office of Public Engagement, and emphasized his skills will be put to effective use.

“Rev. Thomas Bowen has a long history of faith in action in the teachings and practice of Jesus,” said Williams-Skinner.

“We are blessed to have him

“We need to read the Bible Trump is using as a prop.” Barber, the longtime pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro, N.C., a professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Public Policy. Founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, said the Bible calls out pharisees and hypocrites who pervert religion for personal and political gain.

“The Bible exposes grifters who try to exploit it,” he said.

Rev. Thomas Bowen

INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER

Forest Park Forever has a position open for an Individual Giving Manager. The position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors to secure financial support to advance the mission and objectives of Forest Park Forever. Please visit https://www. forestparkforever.org/jobs for full details and to apply online.

SR.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for RE-BID CIPP Lining and Replacement of Storm Sewer Piping, Western Missouri Correctional Center, Project No. C2223-03 RE-BID, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 18, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction is seeking proposals for Parkview Apartments First Floor Renovation. Scope of work will consist of, but not limited to, interior demolition, new partitions, new acoustical ceiling tile and gypsum board ceilings, new lighting and electrical devices, new security desk, relocation of existing doors and hardware, painting, and new floor finishes. This project is tax exempt and Davis Bacon wages prevailing wages. Please send all bids to: bids@ hankinsmidwest.com Project plans and specifications are available for viewing online through invite to bid. Bid is due 4/4/2024 at 2:00PM. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 314-426-7030. Thank you!

soliciting MBE/ WBE/SDVE/DBE/ VBE for the following project for the Month of April 2024 – UMSL Welcome and Alumni Center Plans and specs can be viewed by visiting www.ksgcstl. com or please call us at 314-647-3535 for more details. Please submit bids to estimating@ ksgcstl.com

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the 2023 Accessible Ramp Improvements (2023PW-02) will be received by the City of Chesterfield Department of Public Works, 690 Chesterfield Parkway W, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-0760, until 10:00 a.m. (prevailing central time) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 and will thereafter be publicly opened and read aloud. This activity is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. Plans and specifications for this project will be available after 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 on the City of Chesterfield’s website: https://www. chesterfield.mo.us/ request-for-proposals.html.

A virtual public meeting for the Howdershell Road - I-270 to Utz project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1854, Federal Project No. STBG-9901(682) will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The goal of this meeting is to inform the public and local stakeholders of St. Louis County’s plans to resurface Howdershell Road and repair and replace curb ramps, existing sidewalk, and traffic signals, ensuring they are ADA compliant. You can dial into this meeting by phone at 1-408-418-9388. Enter the meeting number 26322849257#, then enter the numeric password 1234#.

The following QR code can be used to link to the meeting. You will need to enter the webinar password 1234 to access the meeting.

INVITATION TO BID

PARIC Corporation - [the GC/CM] - is requesting bids for Delmar Devine: Phase-3 on select packages.

The project consists of a renovation of the historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Presbyterian Hospital Building located at 5535 Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis, MO. Existing Building will be converted into 81 residential apartments. Converting the Gymnasium Wing will also consist of offices and an event space.

Bids are being requested for the following:

• Elevators

• Design/Build Fire Protection

• Design/Build Electrical

Proposals are due on April 25th, 2024, at 12:00pm cst on the Bid Form Provided, by email to Mskalski@paric.com or bids@paric.com

A Pre-Bid Meeting and walk-through is scheduled for April 4th at 10:00am at 5535 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112. Bidders are encouraged to confirm attendance if possible.

Diversity requirements for this project will comply with business participation as mandated under the St. Louis City Ordinance No. 70767 and 71094.

All questions regarding this Invitation to Bid shall be directed to: Michael Skalski –MSKALSKI@PARIC.COM 636-561-9740

INVITATION TO BID NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Little Dixie Construction (LDC) is accepting sealed proposals for Voluntary Action Center’s new Opportunity Campus located at 1300 Bowling St, Columbia, MO 65201. This project consists of approximately 30,174 SF of shelter space and

Bids are due by Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 3pm CST. You may hand deliver your proposal to LDC’s office or you can submit the proposal electrically via email (Bidding@LDConst.com) or by fax (573-449-7300).

Bid documents can be obtained by calling LDC’s office at 573-449-7200 or by visiting American Document Solution’s plan room (ADSPlanroom.net). If you purchase printed plans from this location, the cost is non-refundable.

Required bid form and other bidding information can be found under “Construction Manager Specifications”.

Email your Bid to ahouston@stlamerican.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

St. Louis Language Immersion School is accepting proposals for contracting out the Food Service Program with a Fixed Price contract for the 2024-2025 school year.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 9:00 am.

Proposals are due by April 15, 2024.

For questions and bid specifications, please contact St. Louis Language Immersion School at 1881 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, 314-533-0975.

St. Louis Language Immersion School reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org

> Doing Business With Us

> View Bid Opportunities

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

SEALED BIDS

Sealed Bids for Food Service Contract are being requested from Saving Our Children for the preparation & delivery of meals for 10 locations. Bids will be obtained, received & publicly opened on Friday April 15, 2024 @ 11am @ 222 South Meramac Ave, Suite 201, Clayton, Mo, 63105. Contact Kwilliams@ savingourchildren.com For bid package & questions.What would be the cost for an ad like this.

Sealed bids for CUSTODIAL DUST MOPS are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, April 19th 2024 @ 10:00am CST at the Operation and Maintenance dept. located at 8855 Dunn Rd. (REAR) Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Shawn Everett at (314) 824-2415 for further information/questions.

ADVERTISEMENT/ NOTICE

Bids for New Laboratory Campus Multi-Agency, Project No. O2301-01 will be received by McCownGordon Construction at the office of OA/FMDC, State of MO UNTIL 2:00PM, May 1, 2024.

Project location is 135 N Chestnut St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Bid Package 01 Scopes of work including: Earthwork, Site Utilities, Concrete, and Caissons. Bid Package information available at: https://app. buildingconnected.com/public/565cdb606895000f004164f2

MBE participation goal of 10% and WBE participation Goals of 10% and SDVE participation goal of 3% are included.

OA/FMDC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities in bids. McCownGordon Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals to replace the existing fencing at the Juvenile Annex at 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63108 under the direction of the Circuit Court; The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on May 14, 2024.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

McCownGordon Construction is requesting bid proposals for the University of Missouri, Kansas City Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building (UMKC – HDIB) Project Number KC652901 located at 2451 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

. Proposals are due to McCownGordon by 2:00pm, April 26, 2024. For Plans, Specifications, Bid Packages, and Pre-bid Meeting information contact Doug Bell at dbell@mccowngordon.com or 816.960.1111.

The project consists of a new 6-story, +/210,000 SF healthcare facility in Kansas City, MO.

The following scopes of work are being solicited for bids: final cleaning, earthwork, utilities, asphalt, site concrete, landscaping, drilled piers, masonry, structural concrete, structural steel, fireproofing, waterproofing, roofing, casework, doors/frames/hardware, interior glass & glazing, drywall, tile, flooring, painting, specialties, window shades, elevators, fire sprinklers, plumbing, hvac, and electrical. 25% MBE, 3% SDVE, and 10% WBE/Veteran/DBE as certified by the State of Missouri diversity goals apply. Prevailing wages are required.

ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION-PROJECT CONNECT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSULTANT

Issued: April 2, 2024

Responses Due: April 22, 2024

This RFP and required Response Form are available online at: (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement/index.cfm#rfp)

The Project Connect Team has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Urban Planning and Design Consultant to support a resident-led neighborhood planning initiative for Six North St. Louis neighborhoods surrounding the new National Geospatial Agency (NGA) campus.

The successful respondent will be qualified in the following:: planning, urban design, and community outreach & engagement for federally funded economic development agencies in urban areas with similarity to the City of St. Louis. For more information, contact: The Project Connect Team, at ourplansldc@ stlouis-mo.gov

The Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) allocated to St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration (CDA), have provided funding for this project.

SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

www.stlamerican.com

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Garage Door and Moving Gate Service under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; and Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108;

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt. com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on May 21, 2024.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Door Maintenance under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

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“I am so thrilled to be here today to honor someone very special to Motown and me,” Gordy said. “She’s raw and she’s real. She may be sassy — but always classy.”

Wonder, who met Reeves when he was an 11-year-old prodigy, said she “has continually spread the message of love and said her Walk of Fame star is long overdue.”

“Martha would listen to the songs that were halfway written, keep me from eating too much candy from the candy machine and encourage me to continue to write and study. “She would motivate me in singing and to just be kind to people.” Motown colleague Mickey Stevenson, who cowrote 1964’s “Dancing in the Street” with Marvin Gaye and Ivy Jo Hunter, called Reeves a tireless worker. “What’s really amazing about Martha is she never stopped,” Stevenson said.

“She was insisting on being with Motown no matter what I said or thought. I loved the voice. The problem was, we had so many girl singers — I’m saying, ‘Not another one.’ She said: ‘I’m not another one. I’m special.’”

Also attending the ceremony were Motown alumni including Janie Bradford, Scherrie Payne and Claudette Robinson, along with retired Detroit Judge Craig Strong, singer Freda Payne and Reeves’ son, Eric Graham.

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Opera

Continued from C1

things that pushed me to say: This is not a concept album. It’s an opera. And I’m going to figure out the rules to this game and not infiltrate them but pull them over to where I’m at.

I asked Alarm Will Sound, if I got a grant, would this be the orchestra to play it? And they said yes. For the past three years we’ve been recording the podcast.

Goodwin: Could you talk about what it is in science fiction that can work as a metaphor for the experience of being Black in America?

Davis: That’s maybe a loaded question. We could have a whole episode just on that.

White Americans can’t see what they are doing to people. But all you have to do is turn them blue and then you get it. You have “Avatar,” and now you understand the Native American struggle. “Planet of the Apes” is white peo-

ple’s fear of Black people taking over. It’s so clear.

Changing the idea of the “other” is the thing science fiction allows you to do and crack through things that in normal life, people have learned to train themselves to ignore or say that this is just the way things are. Science fiction and horror allow you to speak to social ills, political ideology and just basic human nature in a way that we have trained ourselves to not see in normal society.

So the Black struggle is one that’s constantly used as a springboard for writers to either examine themselves or examine how the world treats them, if they’re Black people.

Goodwin: I think one of the problems when this is coming from white creators is that the story becomes a substitute for dealing with it in reality, right? It’s like you’re resolving it in the fictional story and then just putting it aside.

Davis: Yeah. And not only that, you get rewarded for it. So you never have to address any of that

stuff in real life, unless you are the victim of it.

Goodwin: How has Sun Ra influenced this project?

Davis: One of the biggest things Sun Ra said that resonates with me is that Black people are a myth. The construct of race is a myth. If you don’t have any power in society, if they don’t see you, if you’re the invisible man like Ralph Ellison wrote, you are just a story being told.

When we hear the word myth, we think that it doesn’t exist. But myths are very real. If you believe in something, it’s real. It just isn’t a tangible thing you can touch. One of the paramount principles in all of my work is mythology, and how it can be used to change people’s perception of the world.

This article was published with permission from https://www.stlpr. org/ as part of a content sharing partnership between The St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Radio.

Photo by Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio

‘Ligeia Mare’ creator Damon Davis, left, converses with Director Ron Himes, to his right, on Thursday during a rehearsal at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center in Kirkwood.