April 5th, 2018 Edition

‘I

Protestors disrupt CWE in solidarity with Stephon Clark demonstrations

By Rebecca Rivas

Robyne O’Mara, a white retired nurse, was driving to the solidarity march for Stephon Clark on Friday, March 30 when news about Clark’s autopsy came on the radio.

“They revealed that Mr. Clark had been shot in the back seven times,” O’Mara said as tears started running down her petite face. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I am outraged.”

Health Salute

Focus on the vulnerable

Renee CunninghamWilliams saluted for excellence in mental health

By Rebecca Rivas

n

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Clark, a 22-year-old father of two, was shot and killed by Sacramento police officers in his grandma’s backyard on the evening of March

Growing up, Renee M. CunninghamWilliams, PhD, associate professor of social work and associate dean for doctoral education at the Brown School at Washington University, said she had a front-row seat to observe how at-risk youth can get thrown offcourse in life.

n “I’m proud to be at the forefront of understanding risk and protections for vulnerable youth, especially AfricanAmerican youth.” – Renee CunninghamWilliams

She grew up in the Arthur Blumeyer Housing Project in midtown St. Louis, one of the last remaining public-housing projects in the city before being demolished in 2006.

“I didn’t know Blumeyer was considered impoverished until I went to Howard University, as a first generation college student, where I saw great variations in social class,” CunninghamWilliams said. Blumeyer was a community where

See WILLIAMS, A6

By LaShana (Shän) Lewis

during an Easter egg hunt at Trinity

East neighborhood on Sunday.

‘It can’t be ignored anymore’

‘Me Too’ movement founder brings anti-sexual violence message to St. Louis

By Jessica Karins

For The St. Louis American

Whenever sexual harassment, sexual assault and sexual violence are in the news, you will likely find Tarana Burke’s voice there too.

When Ryan Seacrest hosted the Academy Awards red carpet show on March 4 despite sexual harassment allegations, Burke was the person reporters turned to for a condemnation of the decision. She was chosen as one of Time Magazine’s “silence breakers,” a group of women speaking out about the issue who received the 2017 Person of the Year honor. She has also been invited to college campuses across the country to speak about a phrase she coined, the “Me Too” rallying cry of sexual violence survivors. One of those college campus events was hosted recently at Webster University.

“I’ve been crisscrossing the country having conservations on college campuses and in communities to talk about what the Me Too movement is actually about, and really to do the work of shifting the narrative of what mainstream media and corporate America and other people are saying that is,” Burke said. “I’m really hoping to deputize people to also be messengers, to go out and talk about what this work is actually about. And we have so much work to do that it can’t be done by one person.”

“Me Too” was popularized on social media in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano began using it as

Seed to STEM at SLPS

n

Of The St. Louis American

See BURKE, A7

Yolonda Burguss walks her daughter, Yafarrie Whitherspoon, 3, across the grass

Christian Fellowship Church in the Tower Grove

Photo by Wiley Price

Of The St. Louis American

18. He was unarmed and police said they thought the cellphone in his hand was a gun. On March 30, an independent autopsy commissioned by Clark’s family shows that police shot Clark eight times; six of those wounds were

Tarana Burke

Fabolous accused of violently assaulting Emily B.

Rapper Fabolous was arrested in Englewood, NJ over the weekend for assaulting his girlfriend, reality star Emily B. According to reports, Fabolous turned himself in after Emily called 911 to report the rapper hit her.

Fab was booked on felony aggravated assault and making terrorist threats charges and released with a notice to appear in court.

Several sources claim that Fabolous knocked out two of Emily’s teeth during the assault.

More R. Kelly rumors from alleged harem member

Last year, former Dallas DJ Kitti Jones came forward claiming she had once been part of R. Kelly’s infamous harem and confirmed long standing rumors that the popular R&B singer engages in sex with minors.

In the new BBC3 documentary entitled, “R Kelly: Sex, Girls and Video Tape,” Kitti explains how she and the other pets were groomed.

“I was introduced to one of the girls, that he told me he ‘trained’ since she was 14, those were his words,” Kitti told the interviewer in a clip that was shared online. “I saw that she was dressed like me, that she was saying the things I’d say, and her mannerisms were like mine. That’s when it clicked in my head that he had been grooming me to become one of his pets. He calls them his pets.”

Are Kanye and Travis Scott being managed by Kris Jenner?

Last week, Kanye West and his longtime manager Izzy Zivkovic ended their relationship. This week, insiders are alleging that both Kanye West and Travis Scott are being managed by Kris Jenner.

“Sources tell us that the Kardashian clan momager is behind her son-in-law West parting ways with his longtime manager Izvor

“Izzy” Zivkovic, as well as Scott leaving his own management team,” New York Post’s Page Six reported.

“They’ve been off and on for years. But Kris is in [West’s] ears. Kanye’s been making changes and [he and Zivkovic] have grown apart — but Kris definitely gives her opinion and Kanye’s all ears. She’s about brand building and is gangster at it. She also told Travis Scott [father of Kris’ new granddaughter, Stormi, with Kylie Jenner] to Mark Gillespie. They are 100 percent part of that Kardashian-Jenner brand.” Scott left Gillespie’s Three Six Zero management last month, weeks before West parted ways with Zivkovic.

Blac Chyna brawls at Magic Mountain over baby, reportedly loses endorsement deal

Over the weekend, footage of a brawl reportedly initiated by reality star Blac Chyna at Six Flags Magic Mountain surfaced on YouTube.

Chyna defended her actions, though a teen said to be involved in the brawl claims it stemmed from her harmlessly

touching the hand of Chyna’s daughter, Dream Kardashian. The alleged victim used social media to claim that she didn’t know who the baby was – and was just paying the child a compliment.

Footage shows Chyna attempting to fling a stroller in the direction of an individual while being held back by members of her entourage. According to TMZ, the stunt has cost Chyna an endorsement deal with the stroller company after she is seen attempting to use their product as a weapon.

“Sources involved in the deal with the stroller co., Momiie, tell us ... it’s pulled the plug on its collab with Chyna in wake of her stroller-swinging skirmish Sunday at Six Flags,” TMZ.com said. “We’re told the incident was not the sole reason for Momiie’s decision. Honchos had already grown uneasy with Chyna’s behavioral issues -- not to mention a leaked sex tape -- and the impact it might have on their brand. The fight video was definitely the final nail in the coffin.”

A rep for Momiie told the celebrity gossip and news site that Chyna’s latest actions made it impossible to move forward with their business relationship.

“[We] cannot excuse that sort of reaction and behavior particularly in a family resort around children,” the source told TMZ.

Sources: Page Six, Twitter.com, YouTube.com, TMZ.com

Empowering boys at Pierre Laclede

Principal at SLPS Junior Career Academy tries creativity club to inspire boys

By Chris King

Of The St. Louis American

For Tony Thompson, president and CEO of Kwame Building Group, every day is black history day. The members of the new creativity club for boys at Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy in North St. Louis learned this when he visited the club on Thursday, March 15.

“Who knows anything about slavery?” Thompson quizzed the youth, who had been expecting a presentation on recording music from him. Thompson also is a professional musician and producer at his own TBeats Studios.

One youth raised his hand; they are all either fifth or sixth graders. “In slavery, they separated families and beat people up,” the boy said. Thompson said, “Yes, and now some of us break up our own families and beat each other up.”

In fact, Laclede Principal DaMaris White formed the club hoping that consistent male attention and encouragement would settle down the older boys in the school and, among other goals, get them to stop fighting so often. The building has almost no male staff.

Another youth raised his hand. “In slavery, black people could not get an education,” the boy said. Thompson said, “Yes, and now some of you don’t even respect your access to an education.”

That’s why they were getting this lecture, instead of

the expected presentation on recording music. Thompson found the boys had difficulty paying attention when he started his presentation on music in the school library, where the club has been meeting. The impromptu black history lecture was taking place under a tree on the school playground, since they moved the boys outside on a beautiful sunny day to let the more restless boys play, rather than be forced to listen. The tree lent an accidental air of an African elder speaking to youth out in the open.

The intention of Thompson’s question was not merely to chastise. Rather, he made the unusual and inspired move to use slavery as a motivational tool.

“Who do you think they hunted for slaves?” Thompson challenged the youth. “Do you think it was the weak? No! Who would want a weak slave? They hunted the strongest. You are descended from the strongest people in Africa. Why do I have an engineering degree and run a business and recording studio? It’s not because I am great. It’s because I am descended from greatness.”

The boys, who had been so restless in the library while being told about recording music, were very attentive under the tree while listening to a successful black man talk about the greatness of their African heritage. This was only the club’s third meeting. At the two previous meetings, the boys

n “I want them to know that it’s more to life than gangs and negative rap music. I want to empower them.”

– Principal DaMaris

White,

Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy

American whom White asked to form the club, and Wiley “Chip” Price IV, a former rapper and music promoter now running for state representative in District 84, where the school is located.

has met at Pierre Laclede every Thursday all school year. White asked an editor from The American to start that club to improve her students’ reading and writing skills. While that club has gone very well, all

but one boy who has attended meetings dropped out. White explained the boys ended up fighting with other boys and losing their club privileges, or lost interest through male peer influence. That’s why she commissioned the new club for boys.

Even after the inspiring speech on slavery, two of the boys squared off for a fight until one of the club organizers got between them and prevented them from coming to blows. One of those boys, in fact, had dropped out of Academy Journalism over fighting, so this was a real test of the new club’s mission.

“Why are you fighting?” that boy was asked by the club co-organizer, who also had taught him briefly in Academy Journalism. The boy said he

was retaliating over a personal insult based on his appearance. He was told that was no reason to fight, which only makes things worse, and the other boy was told not to insult people. At least on this day, these two descendants of the greatest people from Africa went back into their school building without fighting.

“My concern is not so much fighting, but being motivated to achieve and perform above grade level,” White said. “I want them to know that it’s more to life than gangs and negative rap music. I want to empower them to want to become whatever their dream allows them to explore.”

Next up: boys club organizers plan the school’s inaugural Boys week with club members.

heard from former St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George, an editor from The St. Louis

The boys’ club, as yet unnamed, evolved from Academy Journalism, which

Anthony Thompson, president and CEO of Kwame Building Group and producer at TBeats Studios, spoke to members of the new creativity club for boys at Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy in North St. Louis on Thursday, March 15.

Photo by Chris King

Editorial /CommEntary

The national disgrace of police killings demands action

The killing of Michael Brown and resulting Ferguson unrest came and went; the Jason Stockley verdict and resulting unrest came and went. Police officers continue to shoot and kill unarmed black men with impunity.

Along the way, the United States elected Donald Trump as president and he publicly encouraged police officers to inflict unprovoked harm on suspects, which is an unconstitutional act. The police officers present for these remarks cheered him, though some with apparent unease. After the Stockley unrest settled down, young people rose in Florida to protest lax gun laws that persist – or are made even more permissive – through wave and wave of school mass killings.

Police officers continue to use guns to shoot and kill unarmed black men with impunity.

Stephon Clark is the latest unarmed black police victim to become a household name, at least among those of us who mourn such victims and seek justice for them. A young father of two, he was shot eight times (six of them through his back), according to an independent autopsy, for the crime of wielding a cell phone in his grandmother’s back yard.

The police officers who killed him – one black, one white, according to identifications by the Sacramento Bee – are being investigated by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and (independently) by the California Department of Justice. Of course, both agencies pledge a fair and transparent pursuit of justice, wherever the facts may lead. However, we side with Charles M. Blow – the New York Times columnist, who has emerged as an articlulate conscience of his generation – in understanding that the justice system is stacked heavily against victims like Clark and in favor of the police officers who kill them.

Blow points to the 1989 case of Graham v. Connor, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment’s “objective reasonableness” standard overrides the amendment’s protections “against unreasonable searches and seizures” – and even overrides the Fifth Amendment’s protection against being deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” This ruling, Blow argues, “laid the groundwork for the extrajudicial killings by police officers that we keep seeing.”

Blow points to an essay that 27-year police veteran Mark Clark wrote in Police Magazine in October 2014, while Ferguson was still in turmoil. In fact, Clark explicitly connects his piece to the case of then-Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, whose killing of Michael Brown was being considered by a St. Louis County grand jury as Clark wrote.

Clark cites Chief Justice William Rehnquist writing in the Graham v. Connor decision: “The reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight. The calculus

of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments – in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving –about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.”

Blow quotes Clark’s aside that this ruling “has become part of law enforcement DNA” and shows how it also has become part of the DNA of judges, prosecutors, and juries reviewing these cases. The problem, Blow argues, is that so little of lived American experience –particularly where law enforcement is concerned – is either objective or reasonable. “What is ‘objectively reasonable’ is clearly a subjective determination, and when the assessment interacts with race, class, gender and the stereotypical perception of criminality and propensity for violence surrounding those classifications, the ‘objectively reasonable’ standard can easily become corrupted and used more as a badge of permission and a shield against liability,” Blow writes.

We agree with him that this is, in effect, what has happened. Judges, prosecutors, and juries consistently stretch the boundaries of what is reasonable when a police officer perceives a mortal threat and, say, shoots a suspect six times in the back, regardless of the objective facts of the case – say, that the suspect’s only weapon was a cell phone and he was situated in what anyone would have to judge to be a safe space: the back yard of his grandmother.

As Blow argues with moral force, the killing of Stephon Clark is not a “local matter,” as the White House suggested, “but a national disgrace.” And here is the dark heart of that disgrace, in Blow’s words: “These shootings keep happening because, on some level, America finds them acceptable, finds them unfortunate but unavoidable. We regard the dead as collateral damage in a quest for safety and civility, not registering that the countenancing of such killings exposes in us a predisposition for racially skewed cruelty and brutality.”

If you wonder why people get out in the streets after a police killing of an unarmed civilian, raise chants, and disrupt traffic and entertainment events, it’s because they refuse to accept this national disgrace sitting down. Indeed, none of us should. Ferguson came and went; the Stockley verdict came and went. A national disgrace remains – and demands action. Excusing police abuse is tolerated because it reflects implicit acceptance by policymakers and by extension, the public that elects them. Blow concludes that Stephon Clark is not only a casualty of this particular shooting, but he is also a casualty of American moral paucity, racehostile policies and corrosive jurisprudence. The statistics for police shootings of Hispanics are similarly grim. This is a disturbing omen for a country that is expected to be majority non-white by 2040.

Commentary

Parkland students join relay race for liberation

By Jamala Rogers Columnist

“So my bet is on the young people who are in motion based upon the latest mass shooting. The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have lit a prairie fire.”

This was part of the opening paragraph in my March 5 column, ”Guns, youth and this bettin’ woman.” And the young people didn’t disappoint. The March for our Lives was the convergence of one of the largest marches on record in Washington, D.C. The youthled march of nearly 800,000 was larger than Trump’s inaugural ceremony as the 45th U.S. president.

The youth from Douglas High in Parkland, Florida did not start anything. Theirs is a cry for justice that is blended with many cries for justice over time. They should understand the soil of this country is soaked with the blood, sweat and tears of many before them, fighting for their own righteous causes. In the relay race for human liberation, these students have accepted the justice baton for this next leg. Their voices and actions have intensified the public conversation on gun violence. They have helped to accelerate a change in the hard-core narrative around gun control. The unapologetic stand of youth has loosened up the chokehold of the National Rifle Association (NRA) on the gun control debate.

There have been visible and measurable signs of change regarding gun attitudes, policies and laws since the Valentine Day massacre in Parkland. In the days after the shooting, Citigroup, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kroger, LL Bean and REI announced changes in their policies, from ending the sales of guns and ammunition to raising the age of gun sales to terminating relationships with those in the gun business. Delta and United Airlines, along with Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, National and Avis-Budget, all ended their discount programs for NRA members. The same for MetLife, Paramount RX, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Symantec. No more insurance plans from Lockton Affinity and Chubb Ltd. No more NRA credit cards from Republic Bank or the First Bank of Omaha. Neither Allied Van Line nor North American Van Lines will be moving NRA folks any time, any more. The Florida Legislature passed a comprehensive school safety bill. The bill must still be signed into law by Republican Governor Rick Scott. Seven other states have tightened up existing gun laws or passed new legislation aimed at improving school safety. We

Has the black community progressed since the murder of MLK? Commentary

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

April 4 was the 50th anniversary of the assassination of MLK. It’s appropriate that we take time to assess what has changed about race in America over the last 50 years.

The most influential woman in America is a billionaire sista, Oprah Winfrey, and in 2008 America elected a brotha, Barak Obama, as POTUS. Both of these we would been have unimaginable 50 years ago.

But we shouldn’t confuse change with progress. Change is something becoming or being made different, but progress is movement toward an improved or more developed state.

Focusing on progress is the key to our well being. Change is about the individual; progress is about the community. The question is not whether America has changed, but whether America has made progress. What do we use as a baseline to measure how much or how little progress we’ve made during the last half-century?

The Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, aka the Kerner Commission, was released on February 29, 1968, a little more than a month before King’s assassination.

Commissioned by President Lyndon Johnson to determine the causes of the violent urban rebellions of the mid-sixties, the Kerner Commission was a unique moment in American history. It’s the only time white America (only two of its 11 members were black) has ever looked in the mirror and had an honest conversation with itself about race. And here’s what it concluded: “Our nation is moving toward two societies,

one black, one white – separate and unequal.”

But it went much further.

A major finding of the Kerner Commission was that black frustration at the lack of economic opportunities was a root cause of the violence of the mid-sixties. It connected that denial of opportunity to white racism and said that white America bore much of the responsibility for black rioting and rebellion.

The report berated federal and state governments for failed housing, education, and socialservice policies and also called for more diverse and culturally sensitive police forces. Any of this sound familiar? Dr. King said the report was a “physician’s warning of approaching death, with a prescription for life.”

The commission also documented the disparities

n The question is not whether America has changed, but whether America has made progress.

between black and white Americans in major qualityof-life indicators. One of its most compelling chapters deals with the macroeconomic and political factors that made the 20th century black American experience so different than the 20th century European immigrant experience.

Here’s how the Kerner Commission summarized America’s options in 1968: “To pursue our present course will involve the continuing polarization of the American community and, ultimately, the destruction of basic democratic values.”

Let’s see how America has done using the lens of the Kerner Commission.

The typical black family had almost no wealth in

Letters to the editor

can’t count Trump’s ban on the bump stock because he’s such a two-faced liar.

These results are a good start, but it’s hardly a chink in the armor of the nearly 150-year-old NRA that boasts of 5 million members. With a half-billion-dollar budget, the NRA has the political teeth to eat politicians up and spit ‘em out. It has influenced legislation and launched lawsuits to protects its self-interests, ran candidates and defeated candidates.

I am encouraged by the tactic to target the NRA and any elected official or candidate who accepts its blood money. The young people are registering their peers to vote, making the November elections a litmus test of their endurance and strength.

The new activists who mobilized the March for Our Lives don’t have a full strategy figured out yet, but I can tell they have been paying attention to the moments around them, like Black Lives Matter. They must be open to constructive criticism about how to move their agenda forward and build an inclusive leadership for their budding crusade.

The chant to call out BS must be fortified with strategic actions. The NRA will not be brought to its knees with chants. These young fighters will need the guidance and support of experienced soldiers in the relentless battle for justice, racial equity and peace.

Failure to care for the vulnerable

It is in the low thirties today, and the wind chill is at 26 degrees right now. Snow and rain and sleet are fighting for the day. My friends are outside, cold and wet.

Our mayor and the director of Human Services for St. Louis city say to call 211 to get help. So I did. I asked if there were any warming centers open today. I gave a city zip code that would be applicable to our unhoused fam.

“There are several, but they are only open Monday to Friday. But it gets cold on Saturday and Sunday too,” she said, perplexed. “Is it very cold where you are?” she asked. She looked some more. She found Biddle House and gave me the number.

But then, wait! With hope in her voice, she tells me about AmeriCorps. They are open on Sundays when it’s extremely cold. “I don’t think it’s cold enough,” I said. She looked up our temperature and reread her information quietly. “No. There are no warming centers available today.”

I thanked her for her help and her time. She was very sorry. I could also hear in her voice she was rattled, surprised, frustrated.

I recognized the pain of first realizing that in St Louis, there is a failure to take care of the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. This despite the hand waving and promises of those

1968 ($2,467); today, that figure is $17,409 (still zero, for all practical purposes).

Median wealth for a white family is $171,000. Black households that own their own home remained virtually unchanged between 1968 (41 percent) and today (42 percent). The disparity in the black unemployment rate has remained unchanged for 50 years; it was twice the white rate in 1968, and it’s twice the white rate today.

Today, high school graduation rates for blacks is the same as the rates for whites. Even though the percentage of younger African Americans with a college degree has more than doubled, today we are still only about half as likely to have a college degree as whites of the same age.

Life expectancy for African Americans has improved dramatically, but an African American born today is expected to live 3.5 fewer years than a white person born on the same day. And 50 years later, Donald Trump is POTUS, which speaks volumes about the direction of America’s moral compass. So how will the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s death be memorialized? White America and its AfricanAmerican sycophants will refer to the improvised ending of his 1963 speech and point to Oprah, Obama, Beyoncé, and Tiger and laude the change in America. But the black truth is we’ve made little to no progress.

Using the King standard, the great moral failing of contemporary black leadership is it’s been too grateful to America for far too little.

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

in charge and holding the purse strings.

What will it take for our brothers and sisters here in the city to demand we do better?

What must happen for Mayor Krewson to be disturbed that some of our seniors, veterans, pregnant women, even, are

outside, cold, wet, with only a mockery of a promise that a phone call will bring some respite?

Nicole Warrington

St. Louis

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Columnist

Mike Jones

Zu-’Lou’ reveling for scholarships

Zulu Style Second Line revelers came out in full force on Saturday, March 10 in support of the annual scholarship gala hosted by the Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Inc. Attendees were all smiles as Fundisha performers led the procession dressed as South African villagers, while dancers clad in feathers shook into a frenzy to mesmerize the crowd. Costumed party-goers joined in to dance the night away to the funky rhythms and creative brass accompaniments of Lamar Harris, aka DJ Nune. Zu – “Lou” 2018 was a big hit.

April 6 deadline for U. City public art project

Friday, April 6 is the deadline for artists to apply to submit designs for six wood benches that will be painted for Olive Boulevard bus stops without a bus shelter in University City. The theme for the art work is ethnic diversity, since these benches will be located in the heart of the Olive Link, a diverse and vibrant melting pot that is home to hundreds of international businesses. Artists must submit their names, work samples, photos or website information, and a statement describing their design and how it relates to ethnic diversity to Adam Brown, abrown@ucitymo.org. Artists are welcome to submit up to 12 applications and designs, but all must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 6. For more information, or to receive a design template of the benches, contact Adam Brown at 314-505-8522 or abrown@ucitymo.org. For the full list of regulations regarding design submissions, visit ucitymo.org/documentcenter/view/12509

Recycling Extravaganza on April 8

The 8th Annual St. Louis Earth Day Recycling Extravaganza will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 8 at St. Louis Community College – Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave. This collection event gives St. Louis-area residents the opportunity to safely recycle items that are considered hard-to-recycle, because they cannot be placed in their blue bins, such as old prescription medications, compact fluorescent bulbs, building materials, carpets, bikes, teacher supplies, yoga mats, clothing, tools and electronics. Only those items listed on stlouisearthday.org will be accepted at this event. Arrive by 1:30 pm to ensure drop off of items. For more information, visit stlouisearthday. org or call 314-282-7533.

‘Black Panther’ and White America

By Christi Griffin For The St. Louis American

In four short weeks, the movie Black Panther exceeded the billion dollar box office mark worldwide. Even before its debut, there were rave reviews and a public frenzy previously unseen. Movie theaters were bought out, organizations took groups of children, people proudly adorned themselves in traditional African dress. The movie boasts of a cast of 133 mostly African-American actors. The theme heralds blacks as heroes and women who wield both power and technological grit. To say the least, Black Panther has been a phenomenal cinematic and cultural success.

It is that very frenzy, however, that is cause for concern. Nearly 50 years after Essence Magazine entered the scene and engulfed the attention of millions of young black women who were starving for a fashion magazine about them, we are witnessing an even greater thirst for a movie that does the same. We are, rightfully, pleased to see the unfettered strength of black men exhibited on larger than life screens, enthralled by the magnificence of black women, whose beauty often goes uncelebrated on film, and we are elated that Hollywood has finally granted permission to display black colonization that has existed almost from the beginning of time. Yes, we have waited years for Hollywood to grant permission for our beauty, strength, and brilliance to be displayed; and now grab at it like my classmates and I did in the ‘60s tackling nickels, dimes, and pennies tossed to us by white high school students from classroom windows above. We are thrilled by this offering because Hollywood has finally given us our props – yet ignore that they simultaneously simulate black men pummeling each other just as they did as enslaved black men for the entertainment of their masters and guests.

Although we’ve been largely silent since music moguls like Sony infiltrated the rap industry and asserted First Amendment rights, there was a time when Black America decried the violence perpetuated by much of the rap music they promoted. We clamored about its influence on the minds of our children. Indeed, the glorification of drugs, proliferation of guns, disrespect for women, and increased violence in the black community all coincided with the takeover of the black music industry, the sudden availability of drugs and guns, and the massive, disproportionately black, increase in incarcerations – by more than 500 percent since private prisons began in 1984.

On one hand, the imagery of beautiful, strong black men and women on the screen is accepted as a panacea for years of degradation, yet the violence is discounted as fictional. It can’t be both ways. The violence that we denounce when perpetrated on the street is no less damaging because it’s served on a silver platter and offered with a spoonful of sugar.

The enthusiasm for Black Panther has been exceeded only by strong, visceral responses to anyone who dared say anything short of praise for the effort. Those emotional attacks reveal our painful truth: By waiting on White America to deem us approved, rather than exercising our own worth, we created reservoirs of pain that gush forth dare anyone come close.

No matter how painful, however, we can’t afford to be assuaged by this offering that will certainly be repeated, not so much to appease the demand, nor to glorify our Blackness, but because the $1.1 billion that goes into the hands of its three white investors is the only incentive they need. Lest we free ourselves of the messaging provided at the hands of others and embrace our authentic power, #Wakandaforever is all it will ever be.

Christi Griffin, is the founder of The Ethics Project, a non-profit organization addressing the impact of crime, injustice and incarcerations. She is the author of “Incarcerations in Black and White: The Subjugation of Black America.”

Christi Griffin

Photo by Douglas Valentine

“Who all remembers what we did last week?” Speed asked. “Earthworms!” one child shouted.

Speed asked the children questions, based on three of the five primary senses: touch, sight, and feel. He discussed with them the different colors of worms that they thought existed and the kind they saw. He finished the activity by reading a book, “The Earth, the Alphabet, and Me” by Christine Pesout.

“I like to read them a story first, and then get into the arts and crafts,” Speed said.

Nestled down at their tables and chairs after story time, the kids anxiously awaited their next activity: making their own earthworms. Speed pulled out

WILLIAMS

Continued from A1

risk for young people was clearly evident, but also a community where many individuals, institutions, and situations facilitated growth and opportunity, she said.

“I consider them all positive ‘change makers,’” Cunningham-Williams said. “I was blessed to be influenced by many change makers such as being nurtured in a loving home and being exposed to supportive community and church members and teachers.”

For more than two decades, Cunningham-Williams’ work has focused on the healthy transitions into and out of young adulthood, as well as leading social work doctoral and post-doctoral education. Her work has led to better screenings and interventions for gambling disorders among vulnerable populations, as well as to the training and development of future scholars in social work and public health.

“I’m proud to be at the

colored pipe cleaners and asked each child to choose two. Using paper cups, green tissue paper, and glue sticks, he showed each of the students how to create a scene of pipe cleaner worms wiggling through grass. Their teacher, Lauren Hollis, helped along the way.

Once the activity was finished, “Mr. Nick” gathered all the glue sticks and packed up. As he headed out toward the end of an hour, the students ran up to him, giving him a hug.

“I was going to call off because I didn’t feel well,” he said. “But then, I powered through and came in anyway. Moments like that are what keep me going.”

The 5th grade class, taught by Laura Erickson, had a slightly different plan. Three groups of five or six students were asked to assemble in the classroom to continue work

forefront of understanding risk and protections for vulnerable youth, especially African-American youth,” said Cunningham-Williams, who is also the director of the Brown School’s doctoral program in social work. “Primarily my work has been to understand what that risk trajectory looks like and what change makers have been able to interrupt the course.”

On Friday, April 27, Cunningham-Williams will receive the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Award. She will be honored at the 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton. Net proceeds from the event support the St. Louis American Foundation, which fostered more than $750,000 in community grants and scholarships for area youth in 2017.

One of the country’s foremost experts on problem gambling, CunninghamWilliams has devoted her career to studying risk behaviors and protective

Nick Speed, youth educator for Gateway Greening, reading “The Earth, the Alphabet, and Me” to Pre-K students at Clay Academy of Exploration and Civics in the St. Louis Public School District.

on their capstone project for the garden. It’s something the students will design to leave as a legacy for the next class.

“We’re going to repaint the mural,” said one young

factors associated with emerging adulthood, including addictions. Her research has been disseminated nationally and internationally, appeared in high-impact academic journals, and been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Her newest line of research focused on the college/ university setting as both a particular risk for substance abuse and mental health disorders, as well as an opportunity for prevention and health promotion among college students, particularly students of color.

Before age 30, she had earned four academic degrees: a bachelor’s degree with honors, two master’s degrees (in social work and psychiatric epidemiology), a doctorate, and completed post-doctoral training.

It was at Howard University, which she attended after graduating from Cardinal Ritter College Prep High in St. Louis in the mid 1980s, that Cunningham-Williams first became involved in a National Institutes of Health program called Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC).

lady who is part of a group called the Garden Stars, “and it’s really tall.” The mural is about 40 feet by 10 feet, and the students want to refresh it while leaving their names.

The career-training program aims to increase the number of under-represented minorities in research.

It was also where Cunningham-Williams met the first of what she calls her “academic mentor moms,” Fariyal Ross-Sheriff, PhD, who administered the program at Howard. That was a key first step for her: finding a supportive mentor to help shepherd her studies.

“I think I was Howard’s first MARC trainee in social work,” she said. “It allowed me to get a taste of the life of a researcher and, potentially, a professor.”

She was seeking a top graduate social work program; there just happened to be one in her hometown.

Cunningham-Williams completed her doctoral studies at the Brown School under the tutelage of Arlene R. Stiffman, PhD, professor emeritus, a woman she came to call her second “academic mentor mom.”

After earning her doctorate, Cunningham-Williams took another uncommon path for a social worker: post-doctoral

Another group of girls decided to build bird houses and feeders. And a group of boys said they wanted to repaint the garden bench, plant blue and white flowers after the school colors, and paint a large cougar – the school’s mascot –somewhere in the middle.

“We need a lot of equipment,” Erickson said, “and we put up a fundraiser on our Facebook page to help with getting supplies.”

The day’s activities concluded with a video from Sir David Attenborough, the famous naturalist and BBC broadcaster, on a giant earthworm in Australia.

The worm, called the Giant Gippsland Earthworm, is almost 8 inches long when born, and can grow up to 6 feet long. The kids squirmed in wonder as the scientist explained the worms have been rumored to live for about 20

training at WashU’s School of Medicine in psychiatric epidemiology and biostatistics. There, she began a research project on epidemiology and comorbidity of problem and pathological gambling just as the issue was coming to the forefront.

“There’s the saying about ‘catching the wave’ in research and looking for an area where there’s a great need,” she said. “Where there are needs, there is also much research to be done – and problem gambling fit the criteria for me.”

After two-years as a postdoc, Cunningham-Williams was hired as a research faculty member at the School of Medicine (Psychiatry) — at a time such hires were rare.

After nearly 12 years in psychiatry, she returned fullcircle to the Brown School.

With her psychiatry colleague Kathleen K. Bucholz, PhD, she now heads a NIH postdoctoral research training program in addictions called TranSTAR that began in 2002 by Stiffman — one of only a handful nationally in a school of social work.

“My joy has been in

years. The kids begged for one more video, featuring a red leech devouring a giant earthworm, which they saw from the thumbnails that appeared. Speed gave in to the crowd, allowing them two minutes to watch the video, and gave the kids a little fun while the grown-ups gaped in amazement. Erickson quipped, “We’ll have one week where something weird doesn’t happen!”

To help the 5th graders finish their capstone project, visit https://www.slps.org/clay. To learn more about Gateway Greening’s Seed to STEM program, visit http:// www.gatewaygreening.org/ seed-to-stem/.

supporting the research training of the future generation of emerging scholars in addiction research in TranSTAR – most of whom are women and African-American scholars,” Cunningham-Williams said. “As associate dean, I have also worked to increase racial and ethnic diversity and improve quality in doctoral education. I’m pretty proud of that.” Her work’s impact on the field has been recognized with numerous research, career and community service awards. As the lead author, her article was named among the “Top 10 Most Influential Papers on Gambling Disorders published from 1965-2010.” In 2014, Cunningham-Williams was recognized in an article published in the Research on Social Work Practice as one of the “Top African-American Faculty in Schools of Social Work” based on the impact of her work.

“Walking into our school and realizing that I have the privilege of working with students who are hungry to make a difference,” she said, “that gets me excited and motivated.”

Photo by LaShana (Shän) Lewis

CLARK

Continued from A1

the action, said that going to Jefferson City does not get people’s attention when it comes to saving black lives, but disrupting their economic centers does.

“When we start getting in their comfort zone, they listen,” Gray said. “We are doing everything else that we are supposed to do. It’s not moving the needle. When we show up here, folks begin to listen.”

Pastor Cori Bush, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 1st District, spoke and helped lead the protest.

“Someone may say, ‘Oh, you’re doing wrong for standing in the street,’” Bush said. “If you care more about that and don’t care enough about the people who are doing wrong by killing black lives, killing brown lives, then you are the problem. So jump in the street with us.”

Daanish Qalbani and his wife, Wendy, did just that. They were visiting St. Louis from out of town and were going to dinner in the West End.

At 6 p.m. on March 30, about 100 to 150 protestors marched through the streets in the Central West End and shut down two intersections, shouting, “Cell up, don’t shoot!”

cell phone near his body, CNN reported.

Last week, an unarmed black man was shot dead by a black Texas police officer. In the footage from the dashboard camera, 34-year-old Danny Ray Thomas can be seen walking in the middle of a Houston road with his pants around his ankles before he was killed.

“St. Louis is one of the most frustrating places, but it’s one of the most inspiring places to live,” said Qalbani, who used to live in St. Louis. “I learn so much about what’s going on at these protests.”

BURKE

Continued from A1

a hashtag to discuss the abuse allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein. Milano and many others in Hollywood and beyond used the hashtag to tell their own stories. The hashtag brought renewed attention to Burke, a longtime activist who had been using the phrase since 2006.

Burke said the movement as she envisions it is both about healing and creating plans to fight sexual violence. She

The action lasted about an hour and crowd seemed to swell as time went on. Some drivers honked and yelled angrily as the protestors shut down the intersection at Euclid and Lindell.

Sarah Turecamo, who works at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, was meeting a friend for dinner, and they both stood nearby the intersection and listened.

said many important factors in the conversation around that subject have been left out, including sex trafficking, child sexual abuse, and the specific problems faced by marginalized people. While working with young children with behavioral problems, Burke noticed that many of their difficulties stemmed from experiencing sexual abuse at an early age. One of those experiences led to the first use of the “me too” catchphrase in relationship to sexual violence. Burke told the story of meeting a young girl who confessed that she had

“I think it’s important what they’re doing,” Turecamo said. “They’re disrupting our day, making us think about these important issues. It’s really easy to forget when you’re in a place of privilege. So I think a protest like this, disrupting people and making them think of it, is important.”

been sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend. While she didn’t know how to respond at the time, Burke said she later wished she had told the girl, “Me, too.”

That experience was one of the catalysts that inspired Burke to found her first nonprofit, Just Be Inc., in 2006.

“I started it because I was in a community where I saw rampant sexual violence,” Burke said. “I saw that it was not just the violence that was an issue, it was the aftereffects of it.”

At the organization, “Me Too” became part of the

Turecamo said she knew a “fair amount” about the cases the protestors were discussing. Sacramento police officers fired 20 shots at Clark on the evening of March 18, when they responded to a 911 call about a man who was breaking car windows, according to CNN. Police said they pursued a man – later identified as Clark – who hopped a fence into his grandmother’s property.

narrative Burke used to raise awareness around sexual violence and to assure young victims that they were not alone.

“I believe that survivors of sexual violence are not victims,” Burke said. “We are people who have the wherewithal to develop strategies and solutions on how to end sexual violence in our communities.”

Burke is now the senior director of Girls For Gender Equality, a Brooklyn, New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping increase the self-esteem

As officers followed Clark into the yard, he “turned and advanced toward the officers while holding an object” extended in front of him, according to police

The officers said they shot Clark because they believed he was pointing a gun at them, but investigators only found a

and self-determination of young girls of color.

Though the phrase “Me Too” has often been seen as a statement about the high rates of sexual assault and harassment faced by women, Burke said she wants to dispel the myth that the solidarity it offers is for women only.

Though she noted that most survivors are women, she said the movement is for anyone who has experienced sexual violence.

“You will always see women at the forefront and you will always see us doing the work, because that’s what we

On March 27, Louisiana state authorities announced that two white police officers in Baton Rouge, La., will not be prosecuted in the fatal shooting of Alton B. Sterling almost two years ago. The news comes almost 11 months after federal officials declined to bring criminal charges against the officers. However on March 30, one of the officers was fired and the other was suspended for three days after the department released a video showing excessive force O’Mara said she started joining protests in September, after former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted in the 2011 fatal shooting of black driver Anthony Lamar Smith. She is “ashamed” that she didn’t join after Ferguson, she said.

“I’m here because of the epidemic of police shooting black people when they are unarmed and always, always getting away with it,” O’Mara said. “It hurts me physically thinking that could happen in my country.”

do,” Burke said. “But we need all kinds of people to do this work, because we can’t do it alone.”

Burke said she hoped people would walk away from her talk hopeful that the country was ready to have a prolonged conversation about sexual violence.

“The level of pain and trauma around this cannot be tied up in a nice bow,” Burke said. “It can’t be ignored anymore. The cat is out of the bag, and now we have to really move forward to come up with solutions.”

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Marielle Franco assassinated 50 years after MLK

Brazilian activist was inspired by Ferguson, compared to Dr. King

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Henrique Gomes Batista, a correspondent for the Brazilian newspaper el Globo, was in St. Louis last week, researching an article about the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

Yet in his own country, thousands were taking to the streets to protest the suspected

assassination of one of Brazil’s main black human-rights leaders, Marielle Franco, and a Rio de Janeiro councilwoman. Franco, 38, was arguably as beloved in Brazil as Martin Luther King Jr. was in the United States.

“For Brazil, it’s a very, very big issue,” Batista said. Batista contacted The St. Louis American to learn more about Ferguson and

the Black Lives Matter movement. Franco, herself, was a prominent critic of police killings in Rio’s shanty towns, or favelas.

On March 14, Franco and

Marielle Franco, one of Brazil’s main black humanrights leaders and a Rio de Janeiro councilwoman, was assassinated on March 14, in Rio’s Estacio neighborhood.

her driver Anderson Pedro Gomes were killed in Rio’s Estacio neighborhood when a car pulled up beside them and someone inside shot at them, CNN reported. A press secretary who worked for Franco was sitting the back seat and was injured.

Ten minutes before she was killed, Franco had been laughing with young black

women leaders and strategizing on ways to get more women elected into office at an event called “Black Women Moving Structures.”

Batista said Franco was inspired by Ferguson.

“This movement and other movements in Brazil is very inspired by Black Lives Matter,” Batista said. “Black Lives Matter is very famous in Brazil. The violence in Brazil against black people is so hard.”

In Brazil, racism is less apparent in some ways, Batista said. It’s more common to have interracial couples than in the United States, he said, but Brazil is more segregated.

“The poor people are black,” he said. “The worst opportunities are for blacks. The worst schools are in the black neighborhoods or in favelas.”

Unlike King, Franco was at the start of her career.

Franco was born in one of the poorest favelas in Brazil, Batista said, the Mare community complex, which is home to approximately 140,000 residents. At 18, she became a single mother, Batista said, but she still went onto college and earned a master’s degree in public administration.

When she was elected as councilwoman in 2016, she received the one of the highest vote counts among council

members in that election. A member of the Socialism and Liberty Party, Franco was in her first term in office. As a gay black woman, she was an ardent fighter for equal rights.

The day before she was murdered, Franco questioned the military’s policing tactics related to the death of a young man, in a post on her personal Twitter. “How many more will have to die for this war to end?” she wrote.

A few weeks ago, the federal government ordered that Brazil’s military would take over policing Rio’s streets to address the rise in violence.

About 3,200 soldiers now patrol public streets in predominantly poor, working class neighborhoods, local news outlets reported.

Batista said Franco was against this move and she had just been appointed to a special commission to monitor the federal intervention.

“We must speak loudly so that everybody knows what is happening in Acari right now,” she wrote on Twitter. “The 41st Military Police Battalion of Rio de Janeiro is terrorizing and violating Acari residents. This week two youths were killed and tossed in a ditch. Today, the police walked the streets threatening residents. This has always happened and with the military intervention things have gotten worse.”

Celebrating #1 in Civil Rights

Merlin Bell and Peggy Harris and fellow ACTivists will perform at the Missouri Historical Museum 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14 as part of a week-long Celebration of Civil Rights

Fourth most attended special exhibit in museum’s 150-year history

By Shakia Gullette For The St. Louis American

After an exciting run, one of the Missouri Historical Society’s most powerful exhibitions will come to a close later this month. #1 in Civil

Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis focuses on the city’s leading role in the civil rights movement and the activists who helped to advance the cause of racial justice on local and national scales. Since its opening on March 11, 2017, #1 in Civil Rights has welcomed more than 243,000 visitors, making it the fourth most attended special exhibit in the institution’s 150-year history.

To commemorate this important milestone, MHS is hosting a weeklong celebration beginning on April 8 and concluding on April 15, the exhibit’s closing day. The Missouri History Museum will be open until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday of that week. Read on to learn more about the special events taking place as part of A Celebration of Civil Rights. All programs are free of charge.

Sunday, April 8, at 3 p.m.: Faith and Action

This awe-inspiring program facilitated by Rev. Traci Blackmon, the St. Louis American’s 2017 Person of the Year and the Christ the King United Church of Christ choir will examine the relationship between the black church and civil rights activism.

Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m.: Music and Racial Segregation in Twentieth-Century St. Louis

Patrick Burke, associate professor of music and head of musicology at Washington University in St. Louis, will introduce the online research exhibit Music and Racial Segregation in Twentieth-Century St. Louis: Uncovering the Source

Wednesday, April 11, at 7 p.m.: Songs of the Civil Rights Movement LIVE Back by popular demand, the musicians of the Freedom Arts & Education Center will take you on a musical discovery of the underlying pulse of the Civil Rights Movement.

Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m.: At the Elbows of My Elders Book Signing and Presentation

Gail Milissa Grant returns to her hometown from Rome, Italy, to discuss her award-winning memoir, At the Elbows of My Elders: One Family’s Journey Toward Civil Rights. Grant strives to fill an historical void by illuminating seminal civil rights movements partook by St. Louisans. During the presentation, Grant will discuss how black activists created a local unit of the March on Washington Movement and an earlier 1930s campaign that shifted “colored” voters toward the Democratic Party.

Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m.: A Celebration of GratiTUDE

In an effort to thank local civil rights activists both past and present, this fun-filled event will feature live music from DJ Nune, refreshments, and a chance to meet and engage with local activists. This evening is presented in collaboration with the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Saturday, April 14, at 12 p.m.: Celebrate the Artists and ACTivists of #1 in Civil Rights

The arts played an integral role in the #1 in Civil Rights exhibit, bringing the content to life through visual art and performances.

From 12 to 3 p.m. visit with the exhibit’s four commissioned visual artists: Robert Ketchens, Dail Chambers, Darnell Chambers, and William Burton. At 3 p.m., join the Missouri Historical Society’s troupe of ACTivist performers to see them portray all of their historical characters in succession.

Sunday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: What’s Next? From Exhibition to Action

Inspired by activists past and present, the day will feature activities and presentations that will empower visitors to take action in their own lives.

Shakia Gullette is manager of Local History Initiatives at the Missouri Historical Society.

Rallies must lead to ballot box to bring change

By Tiffany Dena Loftin Guest columnist

Who would have thought that in less than 15 days I would have to coordinate and manage 1,000 young, black student leaders from over 24 cities on 17 buses in the name of gun reform and safety? I started my new job one day before the mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We’ve got over 650 active and registered NAACP chapters on high school and college campuses across the country. Since February 14, the day of the Parkland shooting, I have followed these students who have built a national discussion on the safety of young people at school in less than a month. It’s a movement that inspires and recruits people from across the country to an issue that black folks have been talking about for decades. When gun violence happens in white communities, it’s reported on as a mental issue or because they were racist. When gun violence happens in the black community, it is because of poverty, underfunded schools, police brutality or gangs. This is necessary to understand, because the solution we are fighting for can’t just be regulations against automatic military style weapons. It has to be a holistic solution.

The March for Our Lives is only a march for our lives if people meet at the intersection of mass school shootings, community violence, poverty, the War on Drugs, police brutality, and white supremacy. From Trayvon Martin to Stephon Clark, this is not the first time we’ve raised the issues of gun violence, but for many reasons, this moment is where we find ourselves with the most leverage. When the opportunity presented itself for us to be involved and bring our members, I spoke with my boss and told him I would only sign up to help build for the March if we got to do two things. First, I wanted to make sure

n If we want real gun reform, if we want better public schools, if we want community policing, then we must show up to the ballot box.

that we weren’t just being used as representation at the march, but that we challenged the mainstream media, march organizers, and organizational partners to think about gun violence when it comes to the black community.

Second, it was important that this moment not turn into just another rally, but real opportunity for us to educate

and engage future members about the organization. Because a rally won’t end gun violence, I want my peers and young adults to make the clear connection from this issue to who should be held accountable for systemic and legislative change at the ballot box. That way, we know we showed up in numbers not just for a great rally, but for the start of a great revolution.

It is my belief that if all of the young folks from this march, the women’s march, the immigration movement, and Black Lives Matter joined together for a strategic effort, we could change this country. We must use this as a moment to help young black folks see that if we want real gun reform, if we want better public schools, if we want community policing, then we must show up to the ballot box. This demonstration, for the NAACP Youth and College Division, was not a free trip to a rally. It is the moment that we are using to build real power that will impact the political navigation of this country. Cheers to the strong and fearless students from every community who have ever stood up to violence in their communities. The march was a celebration of your leadership and a call to action for those looking to change the world.

Tiffany Dena Loftin is director of the NAACP Youth and College Division, which serves more than 700 youth councils, high school chapters and college chapters across the United States. You can follow Tiffany on Twitter at @ TiffanyDLoftin.

WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Great Rivers Greenway and partners are holding a design competition for the CHOUTEAU GREENWAY – a transformational project to connect Forest Park to the Arch, with spurs north and south to connect our city’s vibrant neighborhoods, parks, business and arts districts, employment centers, transit and dozens of cultural and educational institutions.

Guest Columnist

Tiffany Dena Loftin

Staffers James Walls and Darryl Jones pulled off signage with the name

Centers as the organization revealed its new name, CareSTL Health.

New name for Myrtle Hilliard Davis

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Whether you knew the health center as the “Florence Hill” site, the “St. Louis Comp” site, or the “Homer G” site – it is official: all locations of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers now have one new, simple name and focus: CareSTL Health. The rebranding was about three years in the making, first initiated to clear up confusion as the organization made acquisitions over the years.

“It was really about rebranding so that our patients and our community would know that we are one organization,” said Angela

n “Our slogan is: ‘We care.’ We care about our patients, our communities and our partnerships.”

– Angela Clabon, CEO of CareSTL Health

Clabon, CEO of CareSTL Health. “In 2005, we acquired Florence Hill and Homer G. Phillips, which were free clinics from the City of St. Louis, and once we acquired them, people really had a confusion

about Myrtle Hilliard. They really thought Florence Hill was a different entity, Homer G. Phillips Health Center was definitely not part of our organization, and Myrtle Hilliard was called ‘Myrtle Hilliard Davis’ or they’d call us ‘St. Louis Comp.’”

Clabon said the one identity as CareSTL Health is a true representation of who they are and what they do as they work to re-engage patients and the community.

She said their feedback from surveys was “Myrtle Hilliard really cared – their employees go above and beyond.”

CareSTL Health marks a new chapter in the 48-year history of the federally qualified

By Malik Ahmed For The St. Louis American

In 1966 as a youth activist in Harlem, New York, I became aware of and committed to join the battle against drug addiction and distribution. Becoming dedicated to this battle was both personal and immediate.

Many of my childhood friends and idols – the real cool ones and some of the real smart ones – began using drugs. Over a short period of time, their addiction grew and they became hooked. Many of them lost out on life’s limited opportunities. They ended up dropping out of high school, became unemployable, hung out on nefarious street corners, were incarcerated, or died from a drug overdose. A number of other youth were recruited into drug-selling – or “hustling,” as they called it. Most of these new young hustlers became horrible statistics of the prison-industrial complex and, upon release, they were stigmatized, unable to get government assistance, maintain a family or find work. Consequently, they recycled in and out of prison, returned to the mean streets to live among the winos and derelicts, and often met untimely deaths.

n The same sense of governmental emergency, concern, safety, and action isn’t being carried out in the AfricanAmerican community.

Now, 52 years later, a new wave of drug abuse is looming. No longer confined to the burned-out hovels and streets of the forgotten inner-city urban ghetto areas, the drug epidemic has crisscrossed the entire country. It is devastating the so-called pristine safe havens of lily-white suburban cities, towns and hamlets. Its vicious tentacles of destruction have even reached into small farming and rural areas. School teachers, business owners, moms and dads, and high school teenagers who are academically bright, socially active and athletically gifted are overdosing and dying in record numbers. We are told the main culprit in this

Hopewell honors behavioral health advocate

Dedicates an educational center to Catherine Mahan George, former board member

American staff

The Amanda Luckett Murphy Hopewell Center recently dedicated an educational center located in the People’s Family of Corporations Gateway Classic Building in honor of Catherine Mahan George. Dwayne Butler, CEO and president of People’s Family of Corporations, designated the educational center to be named after Catherine Mahan George, a volunteer in Hopewell’s Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center Program (PSRC) for seven years.

The center is a section of the Gateway Classic building that has computers and televisions for the clients use.

n George is a former board member of the center and believes in Hopewell’s mission to improve the quality of life for the mentally challenged.

The PSRC program provides services for adults who have behavioral health challenges. The client-focused program is approved by the Missouri Department of Mental Health

See HOPEWELL, A13

Catherine Mahan George reacts during the opening of the business center named in her honor at the Gateway Classic Community Center on February 22. Enjoying her response is Dwayne A. Butler, president and CEO People’s Family of Corporations.

Malik Ahmed

Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

CARESTL

Continued from A12 health center (FQHC). Its previous name honored a retiring chief executive officer, the late Myrtle Hilliard Davis, affectionately known as “Ms. D.” The health center was founded under the name of “St. Louis Comprehensive Neighborhood Health Center,” which started as a training facility for healthcare professionals in the AfricanAmerican community.

Clabon said she is excited about the opportunity to re-engage patients and the community, to reshape perceptions and to attract new patients – including expansion into school-based health clinics and telehealth services.

“We spread into school-based health services; we acquired Jennings and we have a contract to move out to Hazelwood and Riverview [Gardens], and we definitely wanted to have our brand standards established before we take over that endeavor,” she said. “Our slogan is: ‘We care.’ We care about our patients, our communities and our partnerships.”

CareSTL Health also created a foundation to raise funds for facilities improvements, including a new administration building on Martin Luther King Drive and two stateof-the-art CareSTL Health facilities on Riverview Boulevard and Whittier Avenue.

“The goal of the foundation is to raise money to help us replace our antiquated facilities – Homer G. Phillips and Florence Hill,” Clabon said, adding that the organization plans to collaborate with some of its partners to help revitalize blighted communities in the area.

“Housing is a huge issue,” Clabon said –as is making sure there are small businesses surrounding its health centers. She said they expect to roll out something about the foundation in the next few months. It will be run by Clabon and Jason Ware, CareSTL Health’s program director.

Christian Hospital Foundation golf fundraiser May 21

Christian Hospital Foundation will host a golf fundraiser on Monday, May 21 at Norwood Hills Country Club. The day includes lunch, 18 holes with shotgun start, on-course refreshments/snacks and games, auction with mobile bidding, and an awards reception with cocktails and dinner immediately after play.

Proceeds will help the foundation continue in its mission to provide service, compassionate care and clinical excellence to directly improve the health and wellness of our community. The foundation supports efforts such as patient care, advanced medicine and technology, community benefit programs, community health access and staff education.

Sponsorships are still available and cost for a foursome is $1,000; individual play is $250; or cocktail/dinner only is $80.

For more information, visit http://www.christianhospital.org/golf or contact Mindy Copp at 314-653-4410 or Mindy.Copp@bjc.org.

Trump budget is an attack on America’s health

By Doris Browne National Medical Association

The Trump Administration recently released its 2019 budget proposal. The proposed budget is an attack on many government-funded programs and resources that millions of American citizens depend on for their health and well-being. A close look at the fiscal 2019 budget reveals that the plan proposes cutting:

• $1.7 trillion in funding from Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) programs, over the next 10 years. These cuts would directly affect Medicare patients by overhauling the current system. The plan calls for a new system of capped federal payments that free states from federal eligibility and benefits rules, along with enforcing unfair work requirements for underprivileged people to be able to receive federal assistance.

Continued from A12

“I felt that community health centers took a beating during the election period – we struggled and we really had to minimize access to care,” Clabon said. “But I really want the community to know that we do care and we are here and we will always be here.” new drug wave is opioid abuse. These drugs are being distributed by a criminal empire consisting of medical doctors who are over-prescribing a variety of legal opioids to their patients and pharmacists who are more than willing to fill these orders. Patients who are seeking relief of chronic pain are getting hooked instead of getting relief, and opioids are also being sold on the street. There is an increased effort underway to tackle this new threat. However, it is mostly being directed in the white community. Government on all levels is funding antidrug initiatives in suburban and rural towns, and police departments have equipped themselves with the antioverdose drug Naloxone or Narcan, which can prevent overdose deaths. A broad-based media campaign is underway to expose the damaging effects

n The proposed budget is an attack on many governmentfunded programs and resources.

• $17.2 billion in funding for the food stamp program, known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2019 and $213.5 billion over the next 10 years. Under the proposed plan, a boxed food

of drug addiction. Clinics are being set up to distribute clean needles, syringes and other paraphernalia to safeguard the health and welfare of chronic drug users.

This same sense of emergency, concern, safety, and action isn’t being carried out in the AfricanAmerican community. In our communities, most people are unaware that a major drug addiction crisis is on the horizon, if not already in fullbloom. In our neighborhoods, heroin distribution and addiction are once again ravishing our people. This heroin is three to four times more potent and also cheaper than in the 1960s. It is often mixed with the synthetic drug Fentanyl, which medical authorities say is 50 times more potent than heroin. On our streets, heroin is not the only drug of choice. There is still an abundance of crack cocaine and painkiller opioids: oxycodone, Percocet, and morphine. In our neighborhoods, we also

delivery program would be implemented, a system that could limit access to fresh quality food and hinder access to food for individuals with special diets.

• $2.5 billion from the annual budget of the Environmental Protection Agency, an overall reduction of more than 23 percent. Under the proposed plan, several dozen EPA programs would be eliminated. These cuts show a lack of concern from the current administration to ensure clean air and clean water for

have an over-supply of liquor stores and bars that help to feed the drug crisis and destabilize families.

In North St. Louis, the drug crisis is spawning a whole new generation of players – teenage prostitutes, vicious drug gangs, carjackers, burglars, and home invaders. Neighborhood gun violence is taking on a new level of devastation when bullets fly in residential blocks. Casualties are piling up. Victims are mostly young teenagers (mainly males, but increasingly females), young mothers and fathers, and even innocent children and babies.

To the best of our ability, Better Family Life is answering this urgent call to action. Our Community Outreach department is committed 24/7 to helping to eliminate this latest threat to our community. We have brought together progressive pastors of neighborhood churches, along with public and community-based agencies and concerned citizens to battle the spread of drug addiction and

all Americans. Many of the communities, affected by lack of clean water and clean air are AfricanAmerican and underserved communities.

This is just a portion of the programs that could potentially be affected if this budget is allowed to pass. The National Medical Association urges Congress not to approve this proposed budget and fight to continue funding these programs.

Doris Browne, MD, MPH, is president of the National Medical Association.

distribution. We are targeting neighborhoods and public areas where the problem is most acute and visible.

To be successful, we need more pastors, volunteers and concerned citizens to join this battle. We need more public and private resources. We need police departments working more empathetically to build bridges of understanding and cooperation with victims of drug addiction and working more effectively with community groups.

We also need the corporate community to step up and provide financial and technical resources to those organizations that are on the front lines. We want them to provide appropriate job training and placement opportunities to those in the community who are seeking employment and skill-based development as a pathway to career employment and sustainable futures.

Malik Ahmed is CEO of Better Family Life, Inc.

Speech-language clinic comes to North County

The Missouri Foundation for Health is funding a project that will bring Walker Scottish Rite Clinic’s licensed professional speech-language pathologists and graduate students from Maryville’s Speech-Language Pathology program to YWCA Head Start North County Center, 10725 Vorhof Dr. It opened on Friday, March 23.

This brings important therapy to an area of St. Louis where it has been largely inaccessible. The geographical barrier is a very real problem for parents juggling work schedules or dependent on mass transit. In addition, many children have problems that fall just shy of the thresholds for state-funded programs or cannot afford insurance for private therapy. These factors have deprived those children of

HOPEWELL

needed services.

Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, a fully integrated program of Maryville University, teaches children ages 2 to 6 with speech and language disorders the communication skills necessary to succeed in school and life through early identification, long-term therapy and parental training. The services will be available to any child, but children in YWCA Head Start centers will receive preference. According to the National Institutes of Health, speech and language delays and deficits may lead to impairments in social interaction, behavior, and academic achievement with life-long implications. Identifying and addressing these problems early can mitigate the impact.

Continued from A12 and accredited by CARF, provides a supportive, stable and structured environment utilizing a community approach to residential rehabilitation. George supports its clients by encouraging personal development and individual growth. George is a former board member of the center and believes in Hopewell’s mission to improve the quality of life for the mentally challenged. She interacts with the clients of this program on a weekly basis by conversations, having lunch, and sometimes dancing with the clients.

The dedication and naming ceremony of the Catherine Mahan George Education Center took place on February 22. African dancers preceded the George family into the event. Catherine and her husband, retired St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George, were escorted by clients of Hopewell’s PSRC Program. Speakers included Akyenaa Boadi, PSRC program director, and Raquel Green, lead case worker of the PSRC program.

Kurt Englander, retired; Kelvin Westbrook, BJC HealthCare chairman of the board; Rick Stevens, Christian Hospital president; and Lee Fetter, BJC group president, played in a foursome at a past Christian Hospital Foundation Golf Outing.

As spring approaches, fruits and vegetables will begin to come into season. What are your favorites? First make a list of 10 vegetables that you like the most, and then do the same with fruits.

Healthy Kids Kids

and try to eat at least one of these each day.

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

Dr. Melaney Littleton-Phillips, Chiropractor, Clinic Owner

Balloon Juggle!

Conduct your own research to find out which of these fruits and vegetables provide the most nutritional benefit. Some things you could watch for are lower sugar content, high fiber, vitamins, etc. Pick your top four fruits and vegetables based on your findings

A fun way to stay active and burn calories indoors is as simple as blowing up a few balloons. Here are a couple of balloon challenges to try.

Listen!

> Have each person in your group count off to decide the order you will play. Blow up a balloon and take turns hitting the balloon to

Two kinds of listening are passive and active. An example of passive listening is when you are doing your homework and you have a TV show on in the background. You probably don’t even know what they’re saying on the TV, but you certainly can hear it.

Active listening requires you to pay attention to the person that is speaking. You can improve your active listening by asking questions, taking notes and

see how long you can keep it in the air. If it falls to the floor on your turn, you get a point. The first to reach 10 points loses.

Set up a kind of volleyball “net” between a couple of chairs. Sit across from a friend and take turns

reacting physically (like nodding).

Effective listening will improve your grades at school and it can also make a difference in your relationships with family and friends.

As a class, discuss what it feels like when someone isn’t really listening to you. How can you show that you’re actively listening while your friend is speaking?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4

hitting the balloon one time to make it go to your friend’s side of the net. See how many times you can both hit it (counting as you go) before it hits the ground.

> Create your own balloon game and share your idea with your classmates.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

Carrot Chips

Ingredients:

2 Large Carrots

1 Tbsp Oil

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions: Peel the carrots. Use a vegetable peeler to cut the carrots into wide strips. Lightly grease a cookie sheet with the oil. Put carrot strips into the pan and toss to coat with oil. Spread into a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 for 15-25 minutes, until crispy.

Where do you work? Littleton Chiropractic Clinic. Where did you go to school? I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mississippi Valley State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic. I was the first African American to receive the Student Doctorate Award.

What does a chiropractor do? I perform sports physicals for those students who participate in basketball, football, cheerleading and other sport activities. We also treat musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries related to acute personal injuries and chronic ailments such as knee, shoulder, neck, back, sciatica, whiplash, disc, scoliosis and torticollis diagnosis.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I wanted to help people! After being involved in a near fatal car accident, I was referred to a female chiropractor who was a graduate of Logan. After seeing numerous other physicians and healthcare providers, she was the only one who completely healed me of my sciatic nerve injury and pain. I was so impressed with her results! This is when I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

My favorite part of the job is when a patient becomes pain free from a chronic ailment, as a result of their treatment, and then they refer loved ones and friends to our office..

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Ms. Vasquez’s 5th Grade Class at Glasgow Elementary School

In Ms. Vasquez’s 5th grade class at Glasgow Elementary School in the Riverview Garden School District, students Sara Compton, Johnny Tolan, Damon White and Destiny Evans use the newspaper’s NIE page to find different STEM lessons. Photo by Wiley Price

SCIENCE CORNER

SCIENCE STARS

FAMOUS MATHEMATICIAN

Meredith Charles “Flash” Gourdine

HPhysics is the study of matter and energy, motion and behavior. All around you things are moving. A trip to the playground or amusement park will show you physics in action: potential energy, kinetic energy, inertia, momentum. Physicists study these patterns and perform experiments to learn the laws of nature. They learn what things are made of and how energy changes from one form to another. Some physicists work in labs testing theories and completing research; some work in federal government or teach at universities. Physicists need a strong background in science, math, and surprisingly, speaking and writing. Physicists use

What Is Physics?

ave you ever seen an advertisement for a product that promises to reduce allergens (dust, pet dander, etc.)? Scientific studies have led to the creation of these devices that clear the air in homes and offices, creating cleaner, healthier air. Read on to learn more about a famous scientist who held more than 30 patents for inventions, several of which support clean and clear air.

Do you think air takes up space? In this experiment, you will find the answer to that question. Gather a large bowl of water, an empty glass or jar, and a large handkerchief. Directions: After you have gathered your materials, you are ready to begin.

STEP 1. Stuff the handkerchief into the glass.

STEP 2. Turn the glass upside down to make sure the handkerchief will not fall out.

STEP 3. Fill the bowl with water.

STEP 4. Place the glass deep in the water, with the mouth of the glass facing downward.

STEP 5. Hold the glass there for one minute.

STEP 6. Remove the glass and handkerchief.

these skills to write research papers and proposals. A strong reading background is a must, as well. If you are interested in learning more about physics and developing your skills, check out the following website to learn about physics on your playground: https://lifestyle. howstuffworks.com/crafts/ seasonal/summer/fun-physicsactivities-for-kids.htm

Discuss: What is physics? What does a physicist do? Why is the study of physics important? Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction text to find main idea. I can make connections between the text and my world.

Does Air Take Up Space?

Use the newspaper to find single digit numbers. Cut these numbers and place them in a cup. Shake the cup and choose two numbers. Multiply these two numbers to practice your facts.

DID YOU KNOW?

Observe: Is the handkerchief wet or dry? A wet handkerchief indicates that water entered the jar. A dry handkerchief indicates that water could not enter the jar because the jar was already filled with air.

Discuss: Does air take up space Why? Learning Standards: I can follow the procedure to complete an experiment. I can make observations and answer questions with supporting details.

On Sept. 26, 1929, Meredith Charles Gourdine was born in Newark, NJ. While growing up, Gourdine assisted his father, who worked as a painter and janitor. His father told him, “If you don’t want to be a laborer all your life, stay in school.” His advice inspired Gourdine, who excelled in athletics as well as academics. His performance in swimming, track and field earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan, which he turned down to attend Cornell University. While there, Gourdine earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1953. Athletics, however, were more than just a hobby. In 1952, Gourdine earned a silver medal in the broad jump in the Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. A mere inch and a half came between Gourdine and the gold medal. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Gourdine became a U.S. Navy Officer and earned a doctorate degree in engineering science from the California Institute of Science, in 1960. In 1964, he opened Gourdine Laboratories in Livingston, NJ, and was named to the President’s Panel on Energy that same year. He created the Incineraid system that cleared smoke and fog from airport runways. This process led to allergen filtration devices that are used in homes and offices today. Gourdine held over 30 patents and worked in prestigious positions at Ramo-Woolridge Corporation, Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Plasmodyne Corporation, and CurtissWright Corporation, where he was chief scientist. Gourdine was inducted into the Engineering and Science Hall of Fame in 1994. Gourdine continued to work and study despite complications with diabetes which caused him to lose a leg and go blind. In December 1998, Gourdine died due to multiple strokes. His intelligence and creativity continue to live on today through his inventions.

Parents and Teachers: Would you like MORE physics experiments? Check out Teaching Physics with Toys: Hands-On Investigations for grades 3-9; produced by Terrific Science Press.

By the Numbers

Find a weather forecast for your area. What is the difference between the predicted high and low temperature for the day’s forecast? What is the average of the weekly temperatures?

Want to learn more? Read about Meredith Gourdine in “The Entrepreneurial Spirit of African American Inventors,” by Patricia Carter Sluby.

Discuss: What was unique about Gourdine? What did you find most inspirational? Why?

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

Can you find a number that is written as a decimal in the newspaper?

Rewrite this decimal as a fraction.

New inventions:

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve math problems.

Creative minds are often thinking of ways to improve our lifestyles. Think of all the technological advances in the past year. Use the newspaper to locate a new technology item. Maybe you will see this item in an advertisement or a news article. Write a prediction for how this item will improve your future.

Where in the world was that discovered?

We use technology developed by people all over the world on a daily basis. Locate and cut out pictures of technological inventions in the newspaper. Research to find out where each was invented or discovered. Paste the pictures on a world map, identifying the location of each discovery.

Canvassing while black in Clayton

A black candidate for the Clayton Public Schools District school board was stopped by the local police while canvassing for his campaign — twice.

Jason Wilson is an AfricanAmerican parent in the Clayton district who owns an artisan coffee roasting company, Northwest Coffee. Wilson was inspired to run for the school board by his mother, who was an educator in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) for 41 years.

“She has a commitment to making sure the kids in SLPS, and kids in general, had a voice,” Wilson said. Another reason for his run was his oldest son, who first encountered racism from a Clayton classmate in the early years of elementary school. Wilson said making sure students were educated about diversity and cultural sensitivity was one of the important issues to his campaign.

police on March 31, he decided to film it and post it to Facebook. The video shows two Clayton police officers approaching Wilson while he speaks to a Clayton resident, a fellow parent at his children’s school, at his door. The first officer to arrive said he had received reports of someone soliciting in the neighborhood, and Wilson explained that he is running for school board and another man is in the neighborhood collecting signatures on a petition. Another officer then approached the door, jokingly referencing the rainy weather by saying, “I hope someone’s selling umbrellas.”

However, when Wilson started going door-todoor canvassing for his campaign, he discovered quickly that children may not be the only Clayton residents who need more education.

Approximately three weeks ago, Wilson said he was stopped in the street while canvassing to talk to a pedestrian, a woman he had met previously. He then stopped at a previous board member’s house, where he went inside to talk for about 25 minutes.

When Wilson left the house, he found that police had been called and were waiting for him. They assumed he was a door-to-door solicitor and told him that was not allowed.

“I was like, ‘I’m allowed to do this, I’m out here canvassing for the Board of Education in Clayton,’” Wilson said. “It’s those types of assumptions that frustrate me, right?”

When Wilson had another encounter with the Clayton

After Wilson told the officers he is canvassing for his campaign, they explained that they were called because “the other guy” in the neighborhood seemed to be asking residents if he could come into their houses by doing things like offering to help with groceries. After asking Wilson if he knows what direction the signature collector went, the officers left. Wilson said he interpreted the assumption that he and the petition signature collector were selling something as racial stereotyping: “I’m selling votes, I’m selling you on this information,” Wilson said.

After posting the video to Facebook, Wilson received hundreds of shares and positive comments, as well as people offering to volunteer on his campaign. Several referenced the apparent racial stereotyping using the hashtag #CanvassingWhileBlack. Wilson said the Clayton police should not have approached him while he was at a voter’s door or jumped to conclusions about why he was there. “It’s just the assumptions,” Wilson said. “They assume that

has worked hard to earn this vote of confidence and, true to our promise, we are looking forward to doing great things for our district and community.”

The predominately AfricanAmerican school district serves more than 5,700 pre-K-12 students in the surrounding areas of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Castle Point, Dellwood, Glasgow Village, Moline Acres, Riverview and portions of Ferguson, Jennings and unincorporated St. Louis County. With Prop R passing, the schools will receive upgrades to their heating and air conditioning systems, wireless network, security and various other things. In December 2016, the district earned its provisional accreditation status, ending a decade of being unaccredited as well as the district’s obligation to pay for students tuition and transportation at other accredited schools. The district is now in its fourth consecutive year of making academic gains, Spurgeon said.

I shouldn’t even be here.”

Though he is glad his experience raised awareness about racial profiling, something he said he has experienced many times before, Wilson said he does not want to be known as a single-issue candidate. As a school board member, he said, he would also focus on ensuring that teachers have the resources to adequately serve all of their students and are not forced to teach to a test.

Wilson is running against two incumbents on the Clayton school board, Amy Rubin and Jenaro Centeno, who were running for reelection. Candidates serve three-year terms with no salary. Wilson

said he felt cautiously optimistic about his chances in the school board election on April 3. He said 98 percent of the responses to his Facebook video were positive.

“I would consider that a viral victory,” Wilson said.

The Clayton Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than ‘viral victory’ for Jason Wilson

In the end, Jason Wilson scored more than a “viral victory” in his quest for a seat on the Clayton School District school board. Wilson secured 38 percent of the vote in a three-way race against two opponents for two open seats. Incumbent Amy Rubin, who received 42.8 percent of the vote, will retain her seat. A total of 4452 votes were cast, with residents able to vote for two candidates. The incumbent Wilson defeated handily was Jenaro Centeno

Confederate loses in Parkway

Results from Parkway School District’s school board race April 3 show selfdescribed “Confederate” candidate Jeanie Ames has lost her race. Ames drew considerable negative attention after her history of controversial, racially charged tweets was uncovered by Jessica Karins, then transitioning from intern at The American to freelance reporter. Ames emerged with only 12.2 percent of votes in the five-way race for two open school board seats. Her opponents who triumphed are Kevin Seltzer with 27.2 percent of the vote, and Matthew Schindler, with 30.3 percent.

Seltzer and Schindler were both endorsed by several groups of progressive Parkway parents opposed to Ames. Candidate Amy Bonnett came in third with 18 percent of the vote, with Jonathan Taylor trailing Ames with 12.1 percent. A total of 36,249 votes were cast in the race; voters could choose up to two candidates.

Kristine Hendrix prevails in UCity

In University City, School Board Director Kristine Hendrix held onto her seat, earning 34.54 percent of the vote and Joanne Soudah retained her seat as well with 38.92 percent. Patricia Washington trailed the two with 18.72 percent of the vote.

Last May, Hendrix, a mother of three boys, filed a lawsuit against three St. Louis police officers and the City of St. Louis for assault, excessive force/battery, false arrest and imprisonment, and malicious prosecution that stemmed from her arrest during a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Prop R wins big in Riverview

The Riverview Gardens School District can expect some much needed repairs and upgrades after voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition R, a bond issue that is expected to generate $11.7 million. The measure needed 57.13 percent of the vote to pass, and it got 79.89 percent.

“We are extremely honored by the support our community showed for our scholars today,” said Scott Spurgeon, superintendent of Riverview Gardens Schools. “Our team

Incumbents voted off Hazelwood Board of Education

Voters in the Hazelwood School District booted out both school board incumbents in the April 3 election. Longtime board member Desiree D. Whitlock served as board president and Richard A. Roberts served as its vice president. Whitlock received 21.80 percent and Roberts garnered 15.60 percent of the vote. Replacing them will be retired HSD math teacher and former HNEA teacher’s union president, Diane Livingston, who received 31.76 percent of the vote; and outspoken parent Elizabeth (Betsy) Rachel who received 30.42 of the vote. Rachel cofounded the Parent Action Committee a couple of years ago, which pushed for a state audit of the district after its leadership announced budget cuts to field trips, elementary orchestra and band programs, physical education instruction and custodial services. Whitlock received 21.80 percent and Roberts garnered 15.60 percent of the vote.

Doris Graham stays on STLCC board

Doris Graham held onto her seat on the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees, beating out Marsha Bonds, Theodis Brown Sr., Joy Elliott and Lonetta Oliver. She was first elected to the seat in 2012, and she will now serve another six year term. Graham represents Subdistrict 1, which includes Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens, Jennings, Pattonville, Ritenour, University City, Normandy, Clayton and Ladue school districts.

Photo by Wiley Price

Jason Wilson canvassed for his University City school board race on Election Day. Despite being stopped by Clayton Police twice for canvassing while black, he easily beat an incumbent and won a seat on the board.

Keeping River City Casino secure

Kimberly Young is daytime security manager at River City Casino.

Kim Young: ‘In hospitality, they go according to your work ethic’

By Tashan Reed For The St. Louis American

Kimberly Young was feeling good. She had just finished a nearly 90-minute interview with then Lumiere Place director of security Robert Oldani and thought it had went great. Young was then working as a hiring manager as The President, but was seeking a security supervisor position at the new casino. Unfortunately, Oldani gave her some bad news.

“I’m just gonna go ahead and tell you that I’m not going to hire you for the supervisor position,” he said.

The St. Louis native was confused and disappointed, but both of those emotions were quickly replaced with excitement and surprise.

“I’m not gonna hire you for that position,” Oldani continued, “because I want to hire you

n “In hospitality they go according to your work ethic, your knowledge, on-the-job training, how well you do with that.”

– Kimberly Young

for the manager’s position.”

Even with 12 years in the hospitality industry under her belt, Young thought she was too inexperienced to fill the position.

“He actually saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Young said. “That

just really inspired me to continue to learn and continue to grow – to do whatever it took, within reason, to make sure that I would succeed.”

She did just that, excelling in her new role and going on to become the daytime security manager at River City Casino. Young’s relentless pursuit of being the best, however, goes back much further than her interview with Oldani.

Young grew up in the 1970s and 1980s in Walnut Park, which is an almost entirely black neighborhood. Her household included two working-class parents and two older siblings.

“Growing up in Walnut Park really taught me how to survive,” Young said. “It made me want to do better. It made me want to succeed in life because of everything that was going on around

See AKA, B2

LaunchCode offers free coding classes at public libraries

Help sessions planned at Central Library and Julia Davis branch

American staff

Anyone with access to one of the 16 St. Louis Public Library locations now can learn computer coding — for free.

LaunchCode is now offering a customized computer coding and digital literacy program titled “Discovery” to anyone interested in a career in technology. In partnership with Facebook’s Community Boost Initiative, Discovery was designed to give individuals the skills needed to start on that career path. According to a study by CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association that issues professional information technology certifications, the St. Louis metropolitan area had 70,700 tech occupations in 2017.

The Discovery course, which is now available

See CODING, B6

Lin Wang, director of Candidate Engagement, demonstrating the Discovery learning program.

Benjamin Akande was appointed as senior adviser to the chancellor and director of the Africa initiative at Washington University. Among the Africa initiatives already in place at Washington University is the McDonnell International Scholars Academy partnership with the University of Ghana, the new Department of African and AfricanAmerican Studies, and various health efforts. Akande most recently served as president of Westminster College.

The Rev. Traci Blackmon will receive the Spirituality Leadership Award from the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability. She is acting executive minister of justice and witness ministries of the United Church of Christ and senior pastor of Christ The King United Church of Christ in Florissant. The award reflects the center’s mission to “promote humanity’s sacred connection to the Earth and each other.”

Travis Brown was presented the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s highest honor, the Irwin Keller Award. Among his connections with Saint Louis Public Schools, Brown played for and graduated from Sumner High School, was principal of Beaumont High School, served as the Public High League’s athletic director and currently is on special assignment for SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams.

Ashley Lisenby joined St. Louis Public Radio as race, identity and culture reporter and to work on Sharing America. Most recently, she was a general assignment reporter at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where she covered county municipal government issues. She also covered Illinois government for The Associated Press and neighborhood goings-on at a weekly newspaper in a Chicago suburb.

Marco Gillispie received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. A senior at University City High School, he is one of only 20 Missouri cadets selected and one of 1,200 nationally. He said he has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Mark Gillispie, a retired United States Air Force major.

Bria Hathorn was honored as student of the month by the Northwest Chamber of Commerce. She maintains a 4.0-grade point as a senior at North County Christian School, which she has attended since sixth grade. She is president of the Student Council, captain of the varsity women’s basketball team and a member of the National Honor’s Society.

and a

Benjamin Akande

Travis Brown

Bria Hathorn

Marco Gillispie

Traci Blackmon

Ashley Lisenby

Photo by Wiley Price

By Charlene Crowell Columnist

Mick Mulvaney, the illegally appointed acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has radically changed the Bureau. Central to these changes is his perspective that there is no need for the CFPB to carry out its mission to serve as the consumers’ financial cop on the beat –defending and protecting against deceptive, unfair and illegal practices in the financial marketplace.

For six years, America’s consumers had a Bureau that won significant victories in the name of financial justice. CFPB was so effective that 29 million consumers received nearly $12 billion. In the aftermath of the housing crisis that devolved into a deep recession, a federal law assigned authority to accept complaints, investigate and when warranted, take enforcement actions against bad financial actors. Rules affecting financial transactions as large as mortgages and as small as payday loans were finalized after extensive public hearings where lenders and borrowers alike were afforded the opportunity to share their respective views before any decisions were reached.

Trump appointee helps companies, not consumers

was to seek restitution for the victims of predatory and illegal practices.

n It’s almost as if CFPB now stands for Companies’ Financial Protection Bureau.

The bottom line for CFPB was to act on the law’s requirement to implement financial rules of the road to protect both consumers and lenders. Additionally, CFPB

Now as CFPB’s Acting Director, Mulvaney has systematically implemented a series of changes that so far have weakened the Bureau’s mission statement and taken steps to handicap the Bureau’s Office of Fair Lending that is charged with countering financial discrimination. He has also begun steps to rewrite the long-awaited payday lending rule that requires lenders to ensure that borrowers can afford to repay these small-dollar loans that come with big costs. Even worse: he’s not yet done with rolling back consumer protections, particularly when it comes to payday and other small dollar loans. A series of CFPB investigations conducted before Mulvaney’s appointment are now in jeopardy. Instead of holding businesses accountable for debt trap loans and harassing debt collection practices, Mulvaney has reportedly dropped an investigation against National Credit Adjustors and may do the same with respect to Cash Express LLC, Security Finance, and Triton Management Group. If allowed to proceed, these investigations could together return an estimated $60 million to harmed consumers. It’s almost as if CFPB now stands for Companies’ Financial Protection Bureau. Companies are being asked

President Trump and Mick Mulvaney, the illegally appointed acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

to advise Mulvaney of what they think financial regulation should look like. Instead of investigations and enforcements, Mulvaney wants to emphasize information and education while predatory lenders pick the pockets of unsuspecting consumers.

“The CFPB is supposed to create a level playing field for consumers,” said Joanna Pearl, a former enforcement attorney in a recent article by Reuters. “I’m not sure Mulvaney sees it like that.”

Some Members of Congress are even joining Mulvaney in trying to turn CFPB into a toothless tiger.

On March 22, South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham introduced a resolution that would deny consumers the protections in CFPB’s payday rule that has yet to take effect. Graham’s actions follow a similar resolution offered in

Auto finance has been an area of consumer lending that has led to more than $218 million in fines and restitution through multiple and joint enforcement actions taken by the Department of Justice and the CFPB. In a series of cases from 2011-2017, consumers of color -- Asian, Black, Latino, and Pacific Islanders – were all found to be charged higher interest and/or markups than were similarly-situated White borrowers.

Corporations involved in these settlements included: Ally Bank, Honda Finance Corporation, Toyota Motor Credit, and Santander, a firm specializing in subprime auto loans.

Nationwide, auto loans represent the third highest category of consumer debt.

the House of Representatives.

Should both chambers vote down the payday rule on a simple majority vote, 300 percent interest lenders would emerge as winners and consumers as losers.

“The consumer bureau’s rule would help free people from this suffocating debt trap, and its efforts are supported by people across this country including veterans’ groups, faith leaders, civil rights organizations, consumer advocates, and many more,” said Scott Astrada, the Center for Responsible Lending’s Federal Advocacy Director.

A day later, on March 23, Kansas Senator Jerry Moran introduced another resolution that would put an end to CFPB’s auto lending guidance aimed at preventing racial discrimination. Fifteen Senate colleagues joined Moran as cosponsors.

YOUNG

continued from page B1

me. I wanted to succeed and make sure that I got out of that environment.”

Despite adverse conditions, Young thoroughly enjoyed her childhood.

“The only thing that I didn’t like about growing up was that they wouldn’t allow me to go to public school,” she joked. “I had to go to private school.”

Young’s first job was in retail, but she quickly found out that it just wasn’t in her. In 1995 she turned to hospitality when she became a cage cashier at Stations Casino because she knew that it was a field that would see growth in the future.

Today, travel and tourism ranks among the top six industries in St. Louis city and county, providing jobs for 88,000 people who earn $3.17 billion in labor income annually. It’s safe to say that Young was right.

It only helped that she thoroughly enjoyed what she was doing.

“It was always something new,” Young said. “I was always learning something, I was always meeting different people, and I just really liked that environment. It was just always something going on.”

While enamored, Young didn’t lose sight of her goal. She was always working

CODING

continued from page B1 on computers at all St. Louis Public Library locations, as well as online – is designed to be completed within one to two months. The course is designed to be self-paced, with those completing it by June 15 receiving priority consideration for applying to LaunchCode’s full 20-week course, LC101, in the summer. Training at the

discriminatory pricing in the auto financing market and should have the ability to use the full range of its regulatory tools and authority to address it.”

If these developments make people feel like they must become involved, there are multiple ways to productively oppose these developments: Federal lawmakers are currently on recess. During such times, many schedule district forums. If a town hall or public meeting is held in your area, attend and let your representatives know how you feel.

And as a recent report by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) found, the color of your skin has a lot to do with how much debt is incurred.

Discrimination in Auto Lending, the NFHA report, found that despite federal laws banning credit discrimination by race or ethnicity, race remains a key factor in the cost of financing auto loans.

According to the report, “This discrimination has undoubtedly played a part in creating the racial and ethnic wealth gaps and credit access disparities that exist in the U.S. today, and it will ensure that they persist if allowed to continue unchecked.”

“Years of data make clear that racially discriminatory treatment of consumers is a significant problem in the auto lending industry,” said Rebecca Borne, a CRL Senior Policy Counsel. “The CFPB has found

and trying to expand her knowledge. She tried to learn about how every department worked and picked the brains of various individuals all over the casino.

Rising through the ranks became easy, thanks to her work ethic, which she attributed to her parents. Just like anyone else, though, Young had obstacles to overcome.

Whether as individuals or as local organizations, call and and/or write both Senators and Members of Congress to directly advise opposition to these actions; While the CFPB is asking for public input on a series of topics and concerns, weigh in with your perspective of what financial protection should be pursued by the Bureau. A list of the specific requests with links to their due date and how to respond are available on CFPB’s web.

The framers of our Constitution made our country a participatory democracy. If you or your family, neighbors or colleagues believe that government should serve the people instead of companies, register your concerns with those entrusted to represent and lead.

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

n Young grew up in the 1970s and 1980s in Walnut Park, which is an almost entirely black neighborhood. Her household included two working-class parents and two older siblings.

She worked graveyard shifts as a single mother from 1993 until 2009. Young slept during the day before waking up when her daughter got home from school to help her with her homework, make her dinner and get her to bed.

Young would then sneak in a little more sleep before heading to work; her mother watched Alexzandria whenever she was gone.

Ironically, Young being a black woman didn’t play a factor in her career until she had reached a managerial position, and the conflicts stemmed from people who looked just like her.

“They would expect me to be a certain way just because I was African-American,” Young

LaunchCode Mentor Center, located at the corner of Delmar and Euclid, is also free. After completing the 20-week course, candidates are prepared to become web developers who have a chance to apprentice at one of the over 500 LaunchCode employer partners. Apprenticeship is paid, and can often led to full-time placement at a rate of 4 out of 5 apprentice opportunities, according to LaunchCode. LaunchCode is hosting

said. “I got a lot of resistance. I got more resistance from African Americans than I did from anyone because they felt I should allow them to do things that they weren’t supposed to do. The rules didn’t apply to them because they thought that I should be on their side and see how they thought things should be.” The issue was an inevitable one due to the sheer volume of black people attracted to hospitality positions. Young said that she believes this interest comes from the amount of entry-level positions available and the absence of education as a necessity for many positions.

“In hospitality they go according to your work ethic, your knowledge, on-the-job training, how well you do with that,” Young said. “I think that’s why it’s more African Americans in the hospitality field.” Young shined in each of those areas, which is why she is where she is today. The unpredictable nature of her job keeps her on her toes.

“The only thing that doesn’t change is my interaction with my team members on a daily basis,” Young said. “As far as things running the same way on a day-to-day basis, it never does, ever.”

This is the first in a series of profiles of hospitality professionals that Tashan Reed is reporting for The American.

weekly on-site meetups at two branches for anyone who needs an extra hand: Wednesdays from 6-8:30pm at the Central Library location, 1301 Olive St., from April 4 to June 6, and Tuesdays at the Julia Davis branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., from 6-8:30 p.m. from April 17 to June 5. For additional information and to access the Discovery program online, visit http:// www.launchcode.org/ discovery.

n “Trust me, I want to be a pro. I just feel like there’s a lot of things more important than just basketball.”

— Villanova basketball star Jalen Brunson, on staying in college for three years

Sports

STL American Girls Fab Five

Incarnate Word’s Sonya Morris is Player of the Year

The members of the 2018 St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star First Team represent a group of talented players with a diverse set of skills. Senior Jayla Everett of Kirkwood is a smooth wing player while junior Aijha Blackwell of Whitfield can play virtually every position on the floor. Senior guards Sonya Morris of Incarnate Word and Amaya Stovall of Parkway North are tremendous performers who will be future collegiate teammates at DePaul. In the middle of it all is center Brooke Flowers of Metro, who has more blocked shots than any girl who has ever played high school basketball in the state of Missouri.

Here is a capsule look at the St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls’ First-Team of 2018:

Aijha Blackwell (Whitfield): A multi-talented 6’0” junior, Blackwell led the Warriors to the Final Four of the Class 3 state tournament for the second consecutive year. Blackwell averaged 24.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals in leading Whitfield to a third-place finish in the state tournament. Her combination of size and skills make a threat to score anywhere on the floor. She will return for her senior year as one of the top prospects in the state in the Class of 2019.

Jayla Everett (Kirkwood): The talented 5’10” guard is a repeat performer on the Fab Five First Team after leading the Pioneers to the Class 5 state championship for the second consecutive year. The versatile Everett averaged 16.9 points, four rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.2 steals a game. She could handle the ball, pass and shoot the 3-pointer with equal effectiveness. She is headed to the University of New Mexico.

Brooke Flowers (Metro): The 6’5” senior has been an imposing presence in the city throughout her entire four-year career. As a senior, Flowers averaged 20.2 points, 14.4 rebounds and 6.5 blocks a game while

Rams go Hollywood

Los Angeles Rams sign four Pro Bowl players during crazy NFL offseason

The final few seasons the NFL franchise formerly known as the St. Louis Rams spent in Missouri, GM Les Snead didn’t make many big splashes in free agency. Instead, there were a few drips of talent crossing over the muddy Mississippi. St. Louisans got excited over the free-agent signings of guys like Cortland Finnegan and Jared Cook However, during that time, most of the Rams exciting and talented players were acquired through the draft instead of free agency or trades. The ho-hum moves may have been a byproduct of the team’s owner working feverishly behind the scenes for relocation. Nevertheless, the marginal upgrades coupled with ‘the mustached coach that couldn’t’ helped the team excel at being mediocre. Now that the Los Angeles

Rams have gotten settled on the West Coast, it appears that the coffers have opened up and Stan Kroenke has allowed Les to become more Hollywood. Yes, folks, Snead has become the NFL’s new finesse god.

The Rams made a splashy showing in the offseason by acquiring four Pro Bowl players including Brandin Cooks (WR, Patriots), Ndamukong Suh (DT, Dolphins), Marcus Peters (CB, Chiefs) and Aquib Talib (CB, Broncos).

Pairing Suh with Aaron Donald on the defensive line will be a nightmare for opponents. They will have the ability to shut down running attacks and help add constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks. That should help Peters, Talib and the rest of the Rams secondary feast on errant passes. A team that finished the

with an

Earl Austin Jr.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Cards make flamethrower Hicks their pick; Gibson honored King in ‘68

When the St. Louis Cardinals are introduced before their first home game on Thursday, they will introduce a young pitcher of color with a rocket for an arm.

St. Louis, meet Jordan Hicks

On Monday, Hicks helped spoil the Milwaukee Brewers home opener by tossing 1 1/3 innings of shutout ball and he had allowed only two baserunners in 3 1/3 innings while adding three strikeouts.

Hicks was destined for Double-A Springfield before he forced his way on to the Cardinals 25-man roster with a dazzling Spring Training. He compiled an impressive 2.53 ERA while striking out eight batters and walking just one in 7.2 innings. He made a start against a Washington Nationals lineup that featured many of its stars, including Bryce Harper, and recorded four scoreless innings.

– and he has made good on the opportunity.

In the Cardinals first win of the season last Sunday, a 5-1 victory over the New York Mets, Hicks threw a hitless eighth inning and did not allow a hit. He struck out Todd Frazier with a 99.3 mph sinker, and a fastball was zipping at 101 mph.

He struck out Jay Bruce of the Mets last Thursday to record his first Major League out.

Since a statistic for fastest pitches was developed, New York Yankees reliever

Aroldis Chapman has led the league in fastball velocity. In 2017, he owned the fastest 23 pitches.

He is suddenly being challenged by the 21-year-old Hicks. Through Monday’s game, Hicks had thrown the four fastest pitches and six of the top eight. Chapman owns those other two.

After that outing, pitching coach Mike Maddux told mlb. com, “Boy howdy, he showed that he can compete at the top level on the big stage.”

“And we loved what we saw. It was outstanding. A lot of firepower. He throws velocity, but it’s easy velocity and he commands the baseball, a lot of movement, so the kid’s got a bright future.”

That was probably the day he made the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster. The team also signed closer Greg Holland to a one-year contract as the season opened, but Alex Reyes was moved to the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from elbow surgery.

That meant there was still a sport for Hicks on the roster

Last year, Hicks combined 8-3 record and a 2.74 ERA in 22 games (19 starts) between Palm Beach and Peoria. The Cardinals sent him to the Arizona Fall League where things didn’t go so well. He pitched 15.2 innings in the AFL and closed with a 0-2 record, and a 6.32 ERA. Several of his pitches did top 102.6 mph and he was named to play in the league’s all-star game.

After to committing to pitch at Tulane, Hicks decided to begin his pro career with the Cardinals, telling the Houston Chronicle in 2016, “I can make that dream come true now.”

A star in football and soccer, Hicks let those sports go to concentrate on baseball.

“I think I would have been

a great football player. It was hard but I loved the game - I loved (baseball) too much to let anything interfere with it.”

When the Cardinals and other teams began scouting him, Hicks had to overcome the jitters.

“I was really nervous pitching in front of them at first. But as more scouts starting coming,

it starting becoming more natural. They were going to be there and I was going to pitch in front of them.

“This is going to be my job in a couple weeks now, so I just had to make it through that.”

Two years later, Hicks is a Major Leaguer and the buzz of the Cardinals’ young season. Hicks’ season actually began with an immediate demotion, as he was the first player cut from camp.

Joe Trezza of mlb.com wrote “few reasons were given when the club reassigned the 21-year-old right-hander to Minor League camp less than a week into Grapefruit League play, an oddly early dismissal.”

“Club officials only spoke of Hicks’ demotion – for multiple lateness to mandatory team functions – in hints and whispers. But they considered his return more a matter of “when” than “if.”

Said manager Mike Matheny to the Post-Dispatch, “Trying to be consistent with what we talk a lot about here.”

“If we don’t follow through with it, it’s a bunch of lip service, and it has zero value to anybody. I truly believe in trying to help these guys develop as people as well as players.”

Hicks’ meteoric rise to the Majors had already captured this black Cardinals fans’ attention. But his story got even better when I read that he and I share the same birthday of Sept. 6.

You go boy!

Opening Day, 1968

The Major League Baseball season was scheduled to open

on April 8, 1968. It didn’t happen, and we can thank Roberto Clemente Bob Gibson, Orlando Cepeda and other players of color.

Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis and his funeral and burial was scheduled for April 9.

MLB commissioner William Eckert left it up to individual franchises to do what they thought was best –and many owners wanted to begin the season as planned. They also wanted to suspend any player that refused to play.

In a riveting article by Washington Post columnist Kevin B. Blackistone, the story of how superstar Roberto Clemente was the first to tell his team he would not play on April 8 or April 9 is retold.

Some teams, including the Washington Senators, had postponed games on those days because of civil unrest in their respective cities. But the Houston Astros planned to host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Clemente met King in February 1962 after a speech in Puerto Rico during one of King’s visits to the star’s native country.

Clemente was quoted by author David Mariness in “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero,” saying ‘[King] put the people, the ghetto people, the people who didn’t have nothing to say in those days, they started saying what they would have liked to say for many years that nobody listened to. Now with this man, these people come down to the place where they were supposed to be but people didn’t want

When the St. Louis Cardinals are introduced before their first home game on Thursday, they will introduce, Jordan Hicks, a young pitcher of color with a rocket for an arm.

them, and sit down there as if they were white and call attention to the whole world.

“Now that wasn’t only the black people but the minority people. The people who didn’t have anything, and they had nothing to say in those days because they didn’t have any power, they started saying things and they started picketing, and that’s the reason I say he changed the whole world.” Clemente told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “When Martin Luther King died, they come and ask the Negro players if we should play I say, ‘If you have to ask Negro players, then we do not have a great country.’ ” The Pirates had 10 black players on the 1968 roster, the most of any MLB team, and several Latinos. They refused to play on April 8. In the book “One Nation Under Baseball: How the 1960s Collided with the National Pastime,” authors John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro wrote that Clemente and a white pitcher asked the Pirates front office to cancel the April 9 game because of King’s funeral. The players wrote a statement on behalf of the club that included, “We are doing this because we white and black players respect what Dr. King has done for mankind.” Bob Gibson and black players in St. Louis were also considering a boycott of the opening days of the season in respect to King. In his book, “Stranger to the Game,” Gibson wrote he and some of his teammates gathered in the apartment of first baseman Orlando Cepeda and reached the same conclusion as the Pirates. They wouldn’t play as scheduled on Opening Day and informed Cardinals management. By this time, Eckert had decided to postpone all games until April 10. Gibson told the Associated Press “We’ve been waiting seven weeks (during Spring Training.) A day won’t matter,” Gibson told the Associated Press.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

from The eAST Side

With Maurice Scott Jr.

Former Cor Jesu Academy star Ivey get’s another ring

St. Louisan Niele Ivey’s basketball career has been remarkable, to say the least.

The former Cor Jesu Academy and Notre Dame star will be fitted for another national championship ring, this time as associate head coach of the Fighting Irish.

Ivey led her Cor Jesu team to a 31-0 record and the school’s first Class 4A State Championship for Gary Glasscock during her junior year in 1995. As a senior at Notre Dame, she averaged 12 points a game as the starting point guard on a team that won the national championship right here in her home town.

Ivey was a second round pick of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and the former AllAmerican point guard played a total of five seasons with the Fever (2001-04), the Detroit Shock and the Phoenix Mercury (2005).

Niele Ivey is now one of the rising stars in college coaching. In her role as associate head coach, Ivey has propelled the Fighting Irish to six Final Fours in the last eight years,

Continued from B3

world on fire by knocking out UConn and Mississippi State with last-second shots in backto-back games.

First, Ogunbowale scored 27 points and hit a tough stepback jumper with one second left to upset the undefeated, tournament-favorite Huskies.

Two days later, Ogunbowale dropped 18 points, including an amazing three-pointer, with a hand in her grill, that splashed through the net with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock.

In two nights, Ogunbowale cemented her status as a NCAA legend and national champion. The replays of those two shots will be shown forever during future NCAA tournaments. More importantly, little girls around the globe will go out into the parks, driveways and local gyms and emulate her game-winning shots.

PREP

Continued from B3 leading Metro to a Class 3 District 5 championship. Flowers finished her career as the all-time leading scorer and shot blocker in the state of Missouri. She is headed to Saint Louis University.

Sonya Morris (Incarnate Word): The 5’8” combo guard is the St. Louis American Player of the Year after leading the Red Knights to their second consecutive Class 4 state championship. A four-year starter for IWA, the smooth operator averaged 13.7 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals. Morris can score going to the basket or knock down 3-pointers while creating turnovers and scoring in transition. She will leave as a three-time state champion. Morris is headed to DePaul University.

Amaya Stovall (Parkway North): The talented point guard led the Vikings to a 22-6 record while leading the team in nearly every category. Stovall averaged 20.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.6 steals a game. She had some big games against the best competition. Stovall had 21 points in a victory over Class 5 state champion Kirkwood and followed up with 30 points in a victory over Class 4 state champion Incarnate Word Academy. Stovall has signed with DePaul University.

St. Louis American Girls Fab Five All-Star Teams

First Team Aijha Blackwell 6’0” (Jr.) Whitfield

including last weekend’s national championship. In March of 2016, Ivey was named the inaugural recipient of the Women’s Basketball Association (WBCA) Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year. During her introduction ceremony in 2016, Niele gives all the credit to head coach Muffitt McGraw. “I couldn’t even be considered if not for the opportunity given to me by my boss and mentor,” Ivey said. “Coach McGraw. I am so grateful to her for teaching me the game, believing in me and giving me the opportunity to coach at Notre Dame. I feel truly blessed and so appreciative for all the support from my family, friends, and all the players I’ve worked with.”

Lindsay Allen, Erin Boley, and Jackie Young. It was Ivey last weekend in Columbus, Ohio who helped set the tone with her scouting game plan against Mississippi State that helped coach McGraw and the Lady Fighting Irish to capture another national championship.

Maurice Scott

Known as one of the top recruiters and player development coaches in the country, Ivey has helped mentor and develop WNBA first round picks Skylar Diggins, Jewell Loyd, and Notre Dame greats

On the men’s side, the star of the show was Villanova’s sixth-man Donte DiVincenzo

The 6-foot-5 sophomore guard proved unstoppable as he poured in 31 points in the national championship game against Michigan. DiVincenzo went 10-15 from the field and 5-7 from three-point land as the Wildcats easily waltzed by the Wolverines 79-62. Though he was unstoppable on the offensive side of the basketball, DiVincenzo’s signature moment was a two-handed block of Charles Matthews’ dunk attempt during the second half. No, no, no. Not today!

Like Ogunbowale, DiVincenzo was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Together, their performances cemented the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments as some of the most-exciting spectacles in recent history.

Jayla Everett 5’10” (Sr.) Kirkwood

Brooke Flowers 6’5” (Sr.)

Metro

Sonya Morris 5’8” (Sr.)

Incarnate Word

Amaya Stovall 5’6” (Sr.)

Parkway North

Second Team

Madison Buford 5’9” (Jr.)

Lutheran North

K.K. Rodriguez 5’7” (Sr.)

Webster Groves

Jaidah Stewart 5’9” (Sr.)

Webster Groves

Kelsie Williams 5’10” (Sr.)

Hazelwood Central

Daisha Seltzer 5’9” (Jr.)

Miller Career Academy

Young female coaches across the country should take a long look at the success of African American female coaches who are doing quite well.

Ivey, along with Mississippi State assistant coach Dionnah JacksonDurrett (a former Parkway West standout) and Penn State University head coach Coquese Washington are all doing well at the collegiate level giving hope that diversity will grow among black female coaches in the near future.

As for Niele Ivey, St. Louis should be very proud of her continued success at Notre Dame.

In addition, diversity con-

Boxing comes back-to-Earth

The sport of boxing had been riding high for some time with good matchups and new, talented stars on the horizon. However, anybody who knows boxing understood that it couldn’t last for too long – not without some major hiccups anyway.

The first swing of the pendulum came when it was announced that Canelo Alvarez had failed two drug tests during his training for the highly-anticipated rematch with Gennady Golovkin. Alvarez and his promoters blamed tainted meat and hoped for the best. However, it appears that the Nevada State Athletic Commission will refuse to give Alvarez a pass, therefore the May Day fight with ‘GGG’ has been canceled.

The other big disappointment in the boxing world was the fight between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker

Third Team

Jessica Brooks 5’9” (Soph.)

MICDS

Jordyn Brooks 5’8” (Sr.)

MICDS

Mariah Noodel-Haywood 5’11” (Sr.) Edwardsville

Marissa Warren 5’8” (Jr.)

Incarnate Word

Kourtney White 5’6” (Sr.)

Hazelwood Central

Fourth Team

Makayla Wallace 5’6” (Sr.)

Kirkwood

Tyra Brown 5’6” (Sr.)

Pattonville

Yani Curry 5’9” (Jr.)

Francis Howell Central

Mya Glanton 6’0” (Jr.) East

Rasheed Ricketts Cardinal Ritter – Boys Track and Field

The junior standout won two events at last weekend’s Charlie Beck Invitational at University City. Ricketts swept both jumping events as he won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet and the triple jump with an effort of 45 feet 3 inches. Ricketts is a transfer

tinues to grow among minority coaches in collegiate sports. Niele Ivey’s success at Notre Dame should land her a head coaching job in the near future. However, only time will tell....

Scott’s notes

• The prestigious Jackie Joyner Kersee / Al Joyner Classic will be held Saturday morning at Clyde C. Jordan Memorial Stadium in East St. Louis.

Elementary starts at 9 a.m. with the high school preliminaries starting at 9:30 a.m. Missouri powers Hazelwood Central, McCluer South-Berkley, will be on display a long with Illinois powers Chicago Morgan Park, Chicago De La Salle, Springfield Southeast, Proviso East, Proviso West, Thornton Factional North , and Rockford East. In addition, Indiana power Gary West Side will be in the house. A total of 40 teams will compete in this year’s Classic. Tickets are $5 for the day.

Though I certainly can appreciate the subtle skills of technical boxers, I don’t want to see guys pecking and pawing in the heavyweight division. Both Joshua and Parker appeared timid and afraid to engage throughout the 12-round fight. Joshua earned a unanimous decision victory and added Parker’s WBO title to his championship collection. The real winner of the fight was WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Wilder declined an invitation from Sky Sports to attend the fight live saving himself the hassle of taking a 10+ hour flight just to witness a snoozefest. He also saw his own stock rise as a result of Joshua’s boring performance.

A unification fight between Joshua and Wilder is still the biggest fight that can be made in the sport. However, Saturday’s fight did not live up to the hype or expectations. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

St. Louis

Olivia Stephens 5’8” (Jr.)

Parkway Central

Tionne Taylor 5’5” (Sr.)

Francis Howell

Austin Achievement Awards

Player of the Year: Sonya Morris (Incarnate Word)

Freshman of the Year: Marchaun Bostic (Gateway STEM)

Team of the Year: Kirkwood/Incarnate Word

The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS of The Week Eka Jose

Washington University – Women’s Track & Field

The freshman jumper from Kansas City won a couple of individual events to start the season. Jose finished first in the long jump at Washington U.’s spring opening meet with a jump of 17 feet 1 ¼ inches. She followed up by winning the triple jump at the Washington University Invitational with an effort of

37 feet 3 inches. Jose was an All-University Athletic Association performer in the long jump after finishing third in the league indoor meet in February. She was a two-time AllState performer in high school at Liberty North and a state champion in the long jump.

Akintunde Akinyemi

Lindenwood University – Men’s Track & Field

The standout senior won the high jump at the John Creer Invitational at Lindenwood last weekend.

Akinyemi has been one of the most consistent high jumpers in the Midwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) throughout his

career. As a junior, he finished third at the MIAA Indoor meet and the MIAA Outdoor meet to qualify for the NCAA Division II championships. As a sophomore, Akinyemi was third in the MIAA Indoor meet and fourth and the MIAA Outdoor meet.

Afrom McKinley Classical Leadership where he was a twotime All-State performer at last year’s Class 2 state championships as a sophomore. He finished second in the long jump and third in the triple jump at the state meet.

Niele Ivey, the former Cor Jesu Academy and Notre Dame star will be fitted for another national championship ring, this time as associate head coach of the Fighting Irish.

Investing in affordable housing is also investing in students

By Deidra Thomas Murray

For The St. Louis American

Every day, over 5,000 students in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) wake up in an unstable housing situation. That is more than one in five SLPS students. Some are sleeping on relatives’ couches, in emergency shelters or on the streets. Others are just days away from eviction. The effects of housing insecurity on the children of SLPS are immense. Many students arrive too tired to learn after having spent nights unable to sleep well in shelter beds. Others are forced to move in with relatives, where overcrowded housing situations make concentrating on homework assignments next to impossible for some kids.

Eviction-related trauma follows the kids long after they are kicked out of their homes. The stress on struggling parents who want nothing more than a good life for their children takes its toll on both the adults and the children.

Financial Focus

As the city works on this year’s upcoming budget, I have been excited to meet and work with advocates from over 30 different organizations that are all joining efforts to push for increased funding to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust

n Investments in affordable housing don’t just pay dividends in new housing units and community development. They provide housing security and peace of mind to students.

Fund (AHTF). The AHTF is our city’s biggest local source of funding for a range of programs that help SLPS families.

A large percentage of the funding goes to services for our city’s unhoused families, providing a crucial – but underfunded – safety net for our city’s residents. Other projects supported by the AHTF include providing financing for quality new rental construction for low- and moderate-income families.

In a city with affordable housing stock that is older and often contaminated with lead, these new affordable housing units provide healthy and energy-efficient alternatives to the overpriced and substandard housing so many low- and moderate-income families are forced to accept. Still other

In my position as the homeless coordinator and foster care liaison for the district’s Students In Transition program, I see this issue’s impact on our students’ performance on a daily basis. The city’s growing affordable housing crisis isn’t just driving up eviction rates and denying families any realistic way to build savings. It is hurting the academic performance of our children. If we believe that education is vital and we want our children to succeed, then they need support, consistency and the ability to get the proper rest necessary to be able to learn when they arrive at school.

funds from the AHTF provide home repair funding and utility assistance.

The AHTF really is an important part of our city’s social services infrastructure –an important part that deserves increased investment. I write today to echo the calls of the Community Builders Network, the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, Peter & Paul Community Services and over two dozen other organizations: Half of the money that was originally slated for the failed soccer stadium plan should be invested in the AHTF.

As the city’s budget decision-making is now in process, I’d urge all of the members of both the Board of Estimate and Apportionment and the Board of Aldermen to consider how investments in the AHTF don’t just pay dividends in new housing units and community development. These investments impact families’ ability to save for their children’s futures, provide housing security and peace of mind to students (and their parents), and allow our schools’ students and staff a better opportunity to spend class time focusing on educational attainment. That means better test scores, and higher test scores will help us retain families in a city facing continued population loss. Investing in affordable housing isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do for our kids.

Deidra Thomas-Murray works as an administrator/ liaison at St. Louis Public Schools overseeing homeless and foster care services.

By Courtney Bond

Here’s your retirement countdown

Deidra Thomas Murray

A phenomenal run for “#1 Civil Rights”

Hugely successful Missouri History Museum exhibit to close next week

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“I’m overwhelmed. I didn’t expect this kind of reaction,” said curator Gwen Moore as she reflected on the Missouri History Museum’s 13-month run of “#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis.”

Nearly 250,000 people have taken in the exhibit that uses several mediums to convey the city’s rich history of protest – making the exhibit the fourth most visited ever at the History Museum.

“It’s been really gratifying that people have embraced this the way that they have,” said Moore, “I just wanted to St. Louis to know that we have a rich civil rights history and to make people aware of our contributions to the national

movement.”

The massive exhibit includes original visual art, theatrical performances, recorded oral history, videos and more are woven into the exhibit that gives comprehensive insight that stretches two centuries.

On April 15, the exhibit will close with a robust week of culminating programming that includes a visit from Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and author Eugene Robinson, a talk by Rev. Traci Blackmon, musical performances and more that begin on April 8.

“It’s bittersweet,” Moore said. “We knew going in that it was going to be a temporary exhibit – and a lot of people have said that it should be a permanent exhibit, which was wonderful to hear – but we hate to see it go.”

Many believed that the conversation of activism in the region began with Ferguson, but “#1 In Civil Rights” shows Ferguson unrest as the latest chapter in a continuum of fighting for justice, equality and freedom.

In 1819, even before Missouri was received statehood, protestors took to the steps of the old courthouse of our city to rally against the territory entering the union as a slave state.

“I wanted people know about our civil rights history, because so many people told me when I was doing this research for this that we didn’t have one – and I knew that what they were saying wasn’t true,” Moore said. “If they can just take away that we do have this rich history of

An unlikely path to purpose

Marty K. Casey finds artistic passion through pain, debuts one-woman show

By Sharee Silerio For The St. Louis American

As a child, Marty K. Casey didn’t know that her way of coping with family dysfunction would lay the foundation for her career as an entertainer.

“My father was an alcoholic and he was very mentally and physically abusive to my mother. I remember going into my closet, playing with my little baby dolls, my Barbies. I would be in there for hours doing little skits,” the St. Louis, Mo. born and raised actress, singer, writer, direc-

tor, and producer said. “I enjoy theater so much, and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s all that pretending I was doing.’”

A daddy’s girl, Casey loved her father, which made things difficult to manage. Using play, fictional characters, and stories to escape her surroundings set her up for what would be a successful career in theater, film and production.

Behind her talents and decision to do something with them was her great grandmother, who encouraged her to start singing at church when she was 12 years old.

“She promised me some Red Lobster if I did

activism in this city – which is not how we tend to think about St. Louis – that was one of my major points to make. It’s an important part of our history.”

Upon entering “#1 In Civil Rights,” which was inspired by a 1964 St. Louis American editorial of the same name by then publisher Judge Nathan Young, there is video of a marching demonstration to give visitors the sense that they are active participants in a direct action.

“Our team wanted to be faithful to the history,” Moore said. “And we were always actively engaged in the pursuit of equal rights.”

As the exhibit details, the history of Civil Rights activism in St. Louis is robust – and with major national impact. In addition to the marches and direct actions, there were legal battles with St. Louis connections that con-

See IN

a solo. And I love me some Red Lobster,” she said, laughing. “I heard the applause coming from the congregation, and I was like, ‘Oh, wait a minute.’ I liked that feeling. I’ve been singing ever since.”

From that moment on, performing was not

Personal tragedy fuels crusade against

Fighting H.A.R.D. Gala to honor victims, features Kierra Sheard and Brian Owens

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

On April 12, 2016 Jameca Stanfield was casually walking to her car, just as she had done countless times. But this on this night, the simple act resulted in a tragedy that ended her life and turned her family dynamic upside down. While in the crosswalk, a car sped through and fatally hit Stanfield. She was 39 years old. She died on her mother’s birthday. Two weeks later, her only son had to walk across the stage to receive his diploma without her.

It’s still painful for her sister Tiffanie Stanfield to talk about.

Jameca Stanfield

“I grieve every time I say my sister’s name,” Tiffanie admitted. “Each time I tell her story, it’s as painful as the first time.”

On the two-year anniversary of her sister’s passing, Tiffanie will be reclaiming that tragic day with a cherished memory when she holds the Fighting H.A.R.D. Gala next Thursday at River City Event Center.

“Our April will never be the same,” Tiffanie said. “Which is why I decided to do the event on the 12th, to uplift this month.”

The gala will feature Grammy nominated gospel singer Kierra Sheard, Ferguson soul sensation Brian Owens and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s international dancer John Swapshire IV. “We are so glad that these talented artists were willing to use their gifts to support the cause, but we want to make sure that people know that the evening will be all about the families.”

At the gala, 12 families will see the life of their loved ones - lost tragically to hit and runs

See H.A.R.D., C4

only a way for Casey to tap into her natural abilities, but also a way for her to heal.

In 2014, sparked by the unrest in Ferguson, she launched the Show Me Arts Academy, a nonprofit organization where trained professionals provide artistic development for underserved youth ages 5-18. Since then, SMAA has exposed over 2,000 children to dance, theater, DJ engineering, and more, for free.

In 2016, SMAA’s Spreading The Love Youth Singers were recognized by Beyoncé and #BeyGOOD during her St. Louis stop of “The Formation World Tour.” Members of SMAA met with the band, dancers, and touring team and the group was highlighted in an article on Beyonce. com, which is still there today.

This was a major win for SMAA, an echo of Casey’s many successes throughout her 20-plus career in entertainment.

There was the time in high school, when someone sent a video tape of her choir performance to Missouri Baptist University, who offered her a full-ride scholarship for music, making her the first black female to do so. From 1988 to 2000, she toured with the Golden Gospel Singers in Germany and France, and for two years, she toured as an actress in the national play “Be Careful What You Pray For.” Then there was 2004, when Tyler Perry brought his play, “Madea’s Class Reunion”

C4

See CASEY,

Missouri History Museum’s ‘#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis,’ will close April 15 with weeklong culmination programming.

Marty K. Casey

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Through April 5, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Ken Page. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103.

Fri., Apr. 6, 8 p.m., Old Rock House presents Anthony Gomes. 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.anthonygomes.com.

Fri., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., St. Louis Blues Festival. With Calvin Richardson, Lattimore, Bobby Rush, Willie Clayton, and more. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., April 7, 8 p.m., The Cabaret Project of St. Louis presents Broadway veteran Norm Lewis. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Apr. 11, 7 p.m., The Firebird presents Ravyn Lenae: Crush Tour. 2706 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www. firebirdstl.com.

local gigs

Sun., Apr. 8, 4 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Soulful Sundays with Little Dylan. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Fri., Apr. 20, 7 p.m., Center Stage Showcase 5: Peace, Love and Sauce feat. Murphy Lee. The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

special events

Fri., Apr. 6, 8 p.m., Alpha

Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invites you to A Night in ParadICE. Polish Heritage Center, 1413 N. 20th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Apr. 6, 9 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter presents Diamonds & Pearls: The Pink Party. The Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 10 a.m., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Nu Zeta Chapter presents Finer Boutique – Free Prom Dresses. Each high school student will be assigned a personal shopper to help put together their look. 6707 W. Florissant Ave., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m., The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery presents the Razzle Dazzle Ball: A Garden of Hope Raising funds to prevent child abuse. Westport Sheraton Lakeside Chalet, 191 W Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. crisisnurserykids.org/events.

Sat., Apr. 7, 5 p.m., Now and Then: A Concert Celebration of Music. Featuring performances by Fontbonne’s new jazz ensemble, choir and other guest performers. Fontbonne University Fine Arts Building, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. mustardseedtheatre.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 9:30 p.m., The Katara Scholarship Foundation invites you to their 80s & 90s Skate Party All proceeds go toward helping a college student succeed. Saint Louis Skatium, 120 E. Catalan, 63111. For more information, call (314) 683-3188.

Fri., Apr. 13, 5 p.m., National Blues Museum

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Variety Children’s Charity presents their 22nd Annual Dinner With The Stars featuring John Legend. For more information, see SPECIAL EVENTS.

Honors: Kim Massie & Jim McClaren. Performances by Marsha Evans & The Coalition. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Apr. 8 – 15, Missouri History Museum presents A Celebration of Civil Rights Commemorate the closing of the #1 in Civil Rights Exhibit with a weeklong celebration including special events and performances. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Apr. 13, 5 p.m., National Blues Museum Honors: Kim Massie & Jim McClaren. Performances by Marsha Evans & The Coalition. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Apr. 13 – 15, Washington University presents ThurtenE Carnival. Enjoy a weekend filled with rides, games, student booths, food, and more. 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.thurtene.org.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8 a.m., MakeA-Wish Foundation invites you to their Walk for Wishes. Help raise money to grant

wishes for children with critical illnesses, and enjoy bounce houses, music and more. Forest Park- Upper Muny Lot, 63021. For more information, visit www. walkforwishesstl.com.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8:30 a.m., A Run for Hope. A 5K race/1 mile walk to generates funds to support Annie’s Hope. Health screenings, child ID cards, and more. Route 66 State Park, 97 N. Outer Rd., 63025. For more information, visit www.register.chronotrack. com/r/37196.

Sat., Apr. 14, 9 a.m., St. Louis Alumnae, St. Louis Metropolitan, and Alpha Omega Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., present Community Forum IMPACT Day. JC Penney Building, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121.

Sat., Apr. 14, 9 a.m., Third Annual Walk the Cause for Needy Paws. Compete in a 5K or 1-mile fun run, compete in a pet costume contest, visit vendors, and more. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Couer Park, 13725 Marine Ave., 63146. For more information, visit www.needypaws.org.

Sat., Apr. 14, 3 p.m., Dancing Still in the Twilight Years Senior Prom. Calling all

senior citizens 65 and older for dancing, fun, and crowning the king and queen. Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, IL 62207. For more information, visit www.truelight-estl.com.

Sat., Apr. 14, 6 p.m., Dignity Period Spring Gala. The mission is to keep adolescent Ethiopian girls in school by ensuring that they have access to quality menstrual hygiene products. Marriott St. Louis West, 660 Maryville Centre Dr., 63141. For more information visit www. dignityperiod.org.

Sun., Apr. 15, 2 p.m., Swap til you Drop Spring Event. Enjoy networking, swap out old fashion pieces and shop trendy items for less, win givea-ways, and more. CIC@CET, 20 S. Sarah St., 63108. For more information, visit www. thebrowncloset.com.

Sun., Apr. 15, 5 p.m., Made Moguls 4th Annual Black Tie Charity Dinner. Highlighting individuals and organizations that are helping to uplift and empower the community. Holiday Inn-Downtown, 811 N 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www. mmblacktiedinner.com.

Tues., Apr. 17, 7 p.m., A Public Event In Recognition Of The 50th Anniversary Of The Death Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Graham Chapel, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.rap.wustl.edu.

Wed., Apr. 19, 5:30 p.m., United 4 Children invites you to the Lighting the Way At The Races Gala Donations support safe after school places, healthy meals, and more. Windows on Washington, 1601 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. united4children.org.

Fri., Apr. 20, 6 p.m., Voices for Children St. Louis presents the 2018 Foster the Future Annual Gala Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.voices-stl.ejoinme.org.

Fri., Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m., Rainbow Village’s 22nd Annual Somewhere Over the Rainbow Gala. Help raise funds to provide safe, quality homes for individuals with disabilities. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 North 2nd St., 63102. For more information,

visit www.rbvstl.org.

Apr. 20 – 22, Consuming Kinetics Dance Company presents The Scenic Route The Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Apr. 22, 2 p.m., Food Outreach presents the 30th Annual A Tasteful Affair Chefs from more than 25+ local kitchens will have tastes and treats ready to sample plus live and silent auctions. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 N 2nd St., 63102. For more information, visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Sun., Apr. 22, 5 p.m., O’Fallon Tech Class of ‘83 Alumni Committee presents a Comedy, Spoken Word, and Jazz Explosion. II Bar & Restaurant, 10466 W. Florissant Ave., 63136. For more information, call (314) 307-9114.

Sat., Apr. 28, 8 p.m., Variety Children’s Charity presents their 22nd Annual Dinner With The Stars with John Legend. The Peabody Opera House. For more information, For more information, visit https://varietystl.org/ charity-events-st-louis/dinnerwith-the-stars.

Fri., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books host author Junot Diaz, author of Islandborn Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

Tues., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books host author Natalie Hopkinson, author of A Mouth Is Always Muzzled: Six Dissidents, Five Continents, and the Art of Resistance. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8 p.m., The Monocle presents Dani Skye. St. Louis native, spokenword artist and author. 4510 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys. Jerome is shot by an officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that’s been unleashed on his family and community. 399 N. Euclid

Ave., 63108.

Sat Apr. 21, 4 p.m., The Emerging Artists Showcase. An open mic showcase for Normandy Senior High School’s graduating Poetry and Drama Club members and other artists. Legacy Books, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63106. For more information, call (314) 261-6365.

Wed., Apr. 26, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Richard Rothstein, author of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Julia Davis Branch, St. Louis Public Library, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115.

comedy

Apr. 5 – 8, Funny Bone presents Luenell. 614 W. Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. stlouisfunnybone.com.

Fri., Apr. 13, Kevin Hart

Irresponsible Tour, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit livenation.com.

Sat., Apr. 14, 6 p.m., St. Louis Love Hour + Comedy Show. Love & Laugh Hour Live and Real Comedians of Social Media. The Equation Church, 4032 N. 22nd St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Apr. 19 – 22, Funny Bone presents Jordan Rock 614 W. Port Plaza Dr., 63146.

Thurs., May 3, The Lit AF Tour starring Martin Lawrence and featuring Rickey Smiley, JB Smoove, DeRay Davis and Benji Brown. Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com

theatre

Fri., Apr. 13- Apr. 29, The Black Rep closes its 41st season with the world premiere of Nikkole Salter’s

Torn Asunder. Washington University’s Edison Theater. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

Sun., Apr. 15, 3 p.m., Je’Caryous Johnson presents Set It Off. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Apr. 12, 3 p.m., Gitana Productions will present We the People of the Planet at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival The performance will be held on the grounds of the Muny in Forest Park at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival’s Peace Garden. For more information, visit www.gitana-inc.org or contact Gitana Productions at (314) 721-6556. org.

art

Through Apr. 21, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries presents School Focus: Cardinal Ritter College Prep Student Exhibit. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thesheldon.org/ upcomingexhibits.

Through June 24, From Caricature to Celebration: A Brief History of AfricanAmerican Dolls. From the early days of African through the years of assimilation and early acceptance. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.fieldhousemuseum. org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Apr. 5, 6 p.m., Money Smart – Wills, Beneficiary Deeds and Estate Planning. Topics include starting the estate planning process, avoiding probate, and more. Habitat for Humanity, 3763

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Forest Park Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 5, 7 p.m., Financial Series with Prudential: Roadmap to Retirement. Topics include longevity risks, rollover IRA’s, long term healthcare costs, and more. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Sun., Apr. 8, 2 p.m., The Made Moguls presents Dress, Style & Etiquette Youth Workshop. This workshop for ages 11-17 will cover table manners, proper dress attire, and more. Holiday Inn Convention Center, 811

is Fake News?: Information Literacy in a World of Viral News. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Tues., Apr. 17, 11:30 a.m., Coin a Better Future: Reaching Out to Financially Vulnerable Families. Brown Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Apr. 18, 7:30 p.m., Whitaker Jazz Speaks Series hosts Harlem’s Renaissance feat. speaker Dr. Gerald Early. There will be a lecture followed by a performance. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.tickets.jazzstl.org.

Sat., Apr. 21, 10 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents Career Readiness Extravaganza. William J. Harrison Educational Center, 3140 Cass Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www. dst-sla.org.

N. 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Apr. 8, 3 p.m., Mindset of a Millionaire Hair Tour. Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 1 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. miraclehairwholesale.com.

Thur., Apr. 12, 5:30 p.m., Eighteenth Annual Atlas Week Signature Symposium – Sons of Lwala: Honoring the Dreams of Our Parents feat. Drs. Milton and Fred Ochieng’. Busch Student Center, SLU, 20 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Apr. 15, 2 p.m., What

Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Through Apr. 25, The Missouri Bar Association invites you to the Spring 2018 Mini Law School for the Public. Six-week series covering various legal topics. St. Louis County Council Campus, 41 S. Central, 63105. For more information, call (866) 366-0270 or visit www.missourilawyershelp. org/mini-law-school.

health

Thur., Apr. 5, 5 p.m., Toward Healing and Health – Advancing Equity in Healthcare. With keynote speaker Louis W. Sullivan, MD. Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com

Tues., Apr. 10, 6 p.m., The Gateway Health Fest. Dr. Neal Barnard and Dr. Rosa Kincaid will discuss adapting a healthy, vegan lifestyle. Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.pcrm.org/ kickstartstlouis.

Thur., Apr. 12, 12 p.m., Think Well: Healthcare Out Loud. The event will focus on cutting-edge ideas in health, wellness and medicine. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. tedxgatewayarch.org.

Sat., Apr. 21, 10 a.m., Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church Campus Friendly Village, 5545 Wells Ave., 63112. For more information, call 314-4395799

Fri., Apr. 27, 11 a.m., The St. Louis American Foundation’s 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon, Frontenac Hilton. To order tickets, call 314533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com

Fri., Apr. 13, 6 p.m., Unfinished Business: The Great Migration to Black Lives Matter. A musical documenting oral histories of African American elders from historic Black churches. Brown School, WashU, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 2 p.m., Praise is What We Do Scholarship Benefit. The Men’s Chorus of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, Phillip Graves and other guest artists will perform. Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. cbpcstl.org.

The Firebird presents Ravyn Lenae: Crush Tour.. See CONCERTS for details.

H.A.R.D.

– celebrated and honored in the most special way. “For many of these families, this will not only be the first time that they talk about their loved ones –they will see them honored,” Tiffanie said. “It gives them an opportunity to have other families in the room that are just like them.”

Tiffanie said that of the 1,700 individuals lost to hit and runs each year across the nation, most of the cases get tagged a simple statistic.

“Not a person, not even a name,” Tiffanie said. “When Montez Horton got hit, do you know how they reported him? He was, ‘homeless man hit and killed.’ That was it. Their stories are much more than what happened to them. When you hear their stories, you are connecting to the human being and the families. That’s what we plan to provide next Thursday.”

Tiffanie knows firsthand.

Suffering through the tragic loss of her sister was the driving force behind creating the nonprofit organization Fighting H.A.R.D. (Hit and Run Driving), which provides support through resources and services as well as campaigns for tougher legislation against drivers who commit fatal hit and runs.

“There were just the moments of me looking at the ceiling at night saying, ‘What more can I do?’” Tiffanie said. “I was going to honor my sister regardless, but as I started to realize that there were so many more families out there going through the same thing. I wanted them to know that, ‘we love you, and we love your loved ones – and your loved ones are not forgotten.’”

CASEY

Continued from C1

to the Fox Theatre at the same time Casey’s “A House Divided” was running at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Perry ended up canceling his performance due to a lack of ticket sales, while Casey’s sold out.

“My city has always supported me. I can honestly say, ‘to much is given, much is required.’ I try to give as much as I can, and I believe that I’m blessed as much [as I am] because I have given as much.”

Over the past three years, the decade-plus union actress has appeared in local independent films such as “Four-Way Stop,” “Retribution,” “The First Pick,” “Gonzo,” and “Parallel Chords.”

If her body of work and philanthropy does not express what is most important to her, then her next project, a one woman show titled, “It’s Not a Man’s World” will.

“The whole purpose of this show is to demonstrate the strength of a village,” Casey said. “My village happened to be strong black women. They made mistakes. They did and

HISTORY

Continued from C1

tributed to major gains in the efforts towards equal rights.

said some things that hurt me, but overall, they loved me enough to do and say the things that they thought were best at that time.”

Growing up in a Penrose Park area home with family members from different generations greatly impacted Casey.

“We’re talking about five generations, from my great grandmother down to my daughter, and if you include my grandson, that’s six generations. Where are we the same? Where do we cross lines? Where are we different? Where’s that connecting point?”

In the production, she shares her life story while playing the roles of her great grandmother, grandmother, mom, brother, daughter and a special character. By the end of the dramedy, Casey wants audiences to be transformed; to think; and to act.

“We often allow our past to be a hindrance to where we’re trying to go. Through the arts, I’ve learned to push past that. I’ve learned to tear those mountains down or go around them,” she said.

Casey wants others to know how they can do it too.

“There are four elements that

“I was prepared in my remarks to give reverence to people who had a major role in the activism that helped shape the exhibit, but could not attend the opening,” Moore said.

I’ve learned from the phenomenal women in my life. My great grandmother taught me forgiveness. My grandmother taught me confidence. My mother taught me love, and my daughter taught me acceptance. I believe that anyone who comes to bear witness to this show – if they can apply these four things to their life – they will also find success.” The National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment presents “It’s Not a Man’s World” featuring Marty K. Casey, on Friday, April 6 at 8 p.m. at the Mahler Ballroom. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.com. For updates on Marty’s upcoming events, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer, Film and TV writer-producer and blogger. When she isn’t creating content for The Root or Curly Nikki, she enjoys watching drama/sci-fi/comedy movies and TV shows, writing faith and self-love posts for SincerelySharee.com, relaxing with a cup of chai tea, crafting chic DIY event décor, and traveling. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

opened, but the validation for “#1 in Civil Rights” continued by way of the public for its entire run.

Her sister will be among those honored and some of the families will be sharing their stories – including rising local fashion designer Shawn Williams of Eyekon Clothing, who was killed in 2008 just days before his line was featured as a part of Saint Louis Fashion Week. “Shawn’s sister Deerra hadn’t talked about his passing publicly before sharing with us, and he passed 10 years ago,” Tiffanie said.

“It makes me feel like my sister’s death wasn’t in vain. It helps me answer the why –why did I have to lose my only sister?”

It’s a bittersweet joy, but Tiffanie is happy that through Fighting H.A.R.D. she provides a therapeutic outlet and guiding light for those grappling with tragedies like her own.

The Fighting H.A.R.D Gala will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 12 at River City Event Center, 777 River City Blvd. For more information or tickets, visit www.fightinghard.org.

The Dred Scott case was one of many “Freedom Suits” where the enslaved argued for the liberation that should have been granted by law. The case was one of four U.S. Supreme Court Cases with roots in St. Louis that tackled racism and toppled discriminatory practices.

One of the giants who used her brilliant legal career to improve the conditions of African Americans in this country was longtime St. Louis resident Frankie Muse Freeman.

Having Freeman attend the opening reception for the exhibit was one of the most treasured experiences for Moore.

n “I enjoy theater so much, and I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s all that pretending I was doing.’”

- Marty Casey

As she entered the auditorium, Ms. Freeman was one of the first people Moore laid eyes upon. “She was there – at 100 years old,” Moore said. “That was emotional moment for me – it was all the validation I needed.”

Ms. Freeman passed away several months after the exhibit

“I wanted people to come out with a sense of pride. We have a lot to be proud of,” Moore said. “We have a problematic, troubled history in this city – and in this country. But we also have a history that we can be proud of –because we fought against this racism and discrimination.”

The Missouri History Museum Exhibit #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis continues through April 15, 2018 at The Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis MO, 63112. The exhibit will close with a week of culminating activities from April 8 – April 15. For more information and related programming, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

Kierra Sheard

Brian Owens

Celebrations

Birth Announcement

Pastoral Anniversary

The Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church (2941 Greer Avenue, 63107) will be celebrating Pastor Rev. Dr. Haymond Fortenberry’s 50th year of Pastoral Service on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 3:00pm. Come and help us appreciate him and our first lady, Mrs. Christell Fortenberry. God has been so good, and we give him all the glory, and all the praise.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located 7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m.. Dates are (Saturdays) February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 869-8312 or email bhsco1968@att.net. Pass the

word and lets celebrate!

Beaumont Class of 1973 will celebrate its 45th reunion, Aug-10-12, 2018! Banquet is Aug. 10 at Orlando’s, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza, picnic at January Wabash Park. $100 per person includes entire weekend. Deadline is June 15! To register, contact Dr. Liz Franklin at mychoice2succeed@yahoo. com or (636)293-9553. Also, checkout BHS Class of 73 Facebook page.

Homer G. Phillips and St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing is planning an all class reunion in June 2018. Please send your name, address and telephone number to: Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., P.O. Box 8033 St. Louis, Missouri 63156. McKinley Class of 1978

will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey, Barbara_Lindsey@icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next year. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us. Date to sail is July 20, 2019. Contact Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further

Birthdays

Happy 13th Birthday to Timothy Jay Butler on April 6! Love Jerry, Tiffany and Thomas Butler.

FREE OF CHARGE

Happy 83rd Birthday to Bob White on April 7!

information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Soldan Class of 1978 is planning their 40th class reunion. The dates are June 1, 2 and 3. For more information: call (314) 413-9088.

Sumner Alumni Association hosts its 15th Annual Membership Round-Up Sunday, February 25, 2018, 1-4 pm at Sumner High School with Theme “Showcase Your Talent”. Contact B. Louis at (314) 385-9843 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo. com or to Showcase Your Talent (provide contact info and your talent). J. House, Chairperson (314) 420-3442.

Sumner High School Class of 1973 will have its 45th year class reunion the weekend of June 7-June 9, 2018. More info to follow

outlining the details. If you did not receive a newsletter in January, please contact Marsha Joseph-Williams (314-6068701) or Dorris SimmonsMcGhaw(314-541-2462) or you can inbox Sid S. Shurn or Dorris on Facebook.

University City Class of 1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

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

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Vashon Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976 present: Three Classes Under One Roof! Saturday, April 7, 2018, 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. at the Polish Heritage Center, 1413 North 20th St., St. Louis, MO 63106. For tickets or additional information, call: Jordan Perry ‘74 (314) 724-4563, Elvis Hopson ‘75 (314) 660-1784 or Anthony Arnold ‘76 (314) 677-5667.

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

Savannah Wiggins was born on March 20, 2018, 4 lbs. and 5 oz., at St. Mary’s Health Center to proud parents Dominic Lovejoy and Thomas Wiggins.

Timothy Jay Butler

Bob White

Deaconess Center for Well-Being receives sacred dedication

‘We are committed to creating just communities for children’

American staff

In a sacred dedication

Thursday, March 1, clergy and members of the United Church of Christ (UCC), Deaconess Foundation Trustees and staff and Deaconess Center Board members gathered to bless the grounds of the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being. The dedication celebration served as the Opening Worship for the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) of the United Church of Christ’s Annual Gathering, which convened in St. Louis from March 1-3.

“As all things have aligned, it is fitting that the consecration of the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being occurred during CHHSM’s Annual Gathering in St. Louis,” said Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.

“Deaconess and its various forms of ministry have been affiliated with CHHSM and its predecessor bodies for as long as they have existed; as partners in ministry, we are called by our faith to be in service to others and are committed to creating just communities for children, youth, and families.”

The consecration service centered children and uplifted and affirmed their voices as Rev. Toni DiPina, pastor of Rockdale

reflections on the church’s “Three Great Loves” – one of which is the Love of Children.

“The United Church of Christ has declared that our vision is to build a just world for all,” said Rev. Dorhauer. “We have called ourselves into mission to embody and incarnate those commitments through the Three Great Loves – Love of Neighbor, Love of Creation and Love of Children – in partnership with those well beyond the household of the United Church of Christ.”

Today is truly a day that the

more complicated the

Congregational Church UCC in Northbridge, Massachusetts, delivered a hope-filled message while sharing her personal connection of having been abandoned at nine months old on the very grounds that the Deaconess Center now stands.

“It feels surreal to return to the very spot where I was abandoned to bless the work that God has ordained for his beautiful children, who will be blessed by the work of this ministry,” said Rev. DiPina. “I am so honored to be given the chance to bless the spot where my life changed forever.”

Rev. DiPina’s story was a continued source of inspiration throughout the construction of the Deaconess Center.

“We’re cultivating a movement for child well-being in St. Louis,” said. Rev. Wilson. “And upon learning of Rev.

DiPina’s story it became clear to me that in the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, God was reclaiming ground made sacred for the anchoring of the movement.”

The physical location has other implications.

“Due north of the St. Louis City Family Courts and Juvenile Justice Center, Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being is situated as a physical critique of the ways the region has chosen to engage challenges related to children and youth,” said Rev. Wilson. “The center encourages collaborative, systems-focused civic engagement for youth flourishing over isolated, program-oriented interventions or punitive approaches.”

Rev. John Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, brought greetings from the UCC and

Established by Deaconess Foundation, Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being is a community action tank. Deaconess’ mission is to build power to advance child wellbeing in the St. Louis region by strengthening alliances for child-friendly public policy, increasing citizen contact with policy makers, positioning youth and organizers to move systems and engaging faith communities in child advocacy.

Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being will house offices for Deaconess Foundation, Vision for Children at Risk and Unleashing Potential (formerly Neighborhood Houses). The $8.8 million, 21,000 square foot facility is expected to host more than 6,000 child advocates, civic leaders and community organizers per year in more than 350 gatherings focused on children’s policy. Meeting space will be granted at no cost to groups and convenings focused on shifting public policy for children aligned with Deaconess’ vision and values.

The center will host an opening event on Thursday, April 19. For more information, visit http://www.deaconess.org/aboutdeaconess/deaconess-centerchild-well-being.

and

the simpler the Word of God is to understand. Often, and do I mean often, I get reminded of the power and seductive nature of ego, pride and the need to control. Or, should I say the need to be in control?

We all know people who can quote scripture backwards and forwards yet have no faith. We know Christian control freaks who must have the last say and who must be right all the time. I sometimes get caught up in constantly trying to rationalize circumstances in order to explain the events of the day, any day, as if by some miracle of intelligence, I am the authority. It is more often than not at these times that if I’m blessed and open to receiving the Holy Spirit, that I then get a chance to see the miracles, the nuances, the essence of my life. I am not in control, never have been, never will be and, it’s okay. Giving your life to Christ requires a constant vigil against taking credit or assessing blame.

When you focus on service in the name of the Lord, you really do get a chance to see things from a different perspective. The service I’m referring to is the selfless kind that neither seeks nor expects reward. The mere act speaks for itself. How much more simple does it have to be?

James Washington

Christ even suggests that God can see into your heart and know your intention. Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself. It’s so simple, it’s incredible. It’s so simple that if you’re not careful, you’ll miss it altogether. I know I have.

Let’s take this simple concept and apply it to a very complex world. Behavior should have parameters. Actions should have purpose. We know they have consequences. Intent should always be uppermost in your mind.

Let’s look back over your yesterday. See how easy it is from the time you got up until the time you laid down to succumb to jealousy, pettiness, cruelty, envy? It takes work to be humble, loving, giving and a source of truth all day every day.

I’m fortunate to have known people I believe were truly angels walking. I believe there are saints among us and we ignore them all the time because we’re too busy pursuing the world rather than pursuing God. However, from these living breathing angels, I’ve learned that the battle is not over until you know you’ve already won. The quest is not over until you are born, born again, die and ultimately live forever.

It’s kind of nice to know that Jesus already took care of that eternity thing. All I have to do is get through this life thing. I think I’ve got the easy part.

Columnist

Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation, led a sacred dedication of the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being on Thursday, March 1.

BUILDING CUSTODIAN

REJIS is currently seeking a Building Custodian: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds to clean office building with five floors. Regular duties include emptying trash, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning surfaces, restroom cleaning, replenishing bathroom supplies, etc.

To see our benefits or apply for this or other jobs, please visit:www.rejis.org

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/ Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

The REJIS Commission has developed an EEOP Utilization Report as required by the United States Department of Justice. It is available for review on our website at rejis.org/employment.

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel: Responsible for overall Company corporate regulatory compliance coordination for all lines of business, including responsibility for implementation of procedural and/or policy form changes resulting from regulatory, legislative or judicial action, and oversight of regulatory and legislative actions impacting Company’s underwriting, actuarial, claims, finance, loss control and general business practices. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

letter and resume to skemp@sja1840.org.

VBA DEVELOPER

Responsible for the design, development, implementation and maintenance of VBA within actuarial models. Also responsible for general maintenance and enhancements to excel-based models. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

DRUG ANALYSIS TECHNICIAN

Drug Analysis Technicians, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/benefits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2018-11. Equal Opportunity Employer. US PROBATION

RECEPTIONIST

U.S. Probation Receptionist, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/benefits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2018-12. Equal Opportunity Employer.

St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a part-time psychology teacher for the 2018-19 school year. Qualified applicants should have Missouri teacher certification and a Master’s

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 604, Renovation of Communications North Building, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday, April 12, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

VOLUNTARY WALK-THROUGH:

April 2, 2018 (10:00 a.m.)

Meet in Communications North Building

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

LETTING #8663

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE O’FALLON BOATHOUSE

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on May 8, 2018, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/ planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on April 17, 2018 onsite at the O’Fallon Park Boathouse at 3:00 p.m.

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

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

NOTICE:

Regarding: NSR ER Hospital

Dear Qualified MBE/WBE Contracting Firms, KAI Design & Build is seeking qualified minority and female owned businesses for subcontracting opportunities on the NSR ER Hospital project located within the City of St. Louis. KAI will be holding an MBE/ WBE/DBE outreach meeting to review the scope of the project, necessary prequalification requirements, and the documentation required by the City of St. Louis to meet the established diversity goals. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, promptly at 4:00 PM CST at KAI Design & Build Headquarters, 2060 Craigshire Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63146. We strongly encourage interested parties to attend the outreach meeting to learn more about the project and the diversity goals set forth. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Adam Jones at ajones@kai-db.com or 314.754.5584. We appreciate your interest in this project!

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for the IMPROVEMENTS OF ATWATER AVENUE, NORTH DELLWOOD AVENUE, AND NORTH FLORIDALE AVENUE will be received by the CITY OF DELLWOOD, St. Louis County Missouri, at the office of the City Clerk, City of Dellwood, 1415 Chambers Road, Dellwood, MO 63135 until 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received after said time will be returned unopened. All bids shall be submitted in TRIPLICATE in an envelope marked “CITY OF DELLWOOD – IMPROVEMENTS OF ATWATER AVENUE, NORTH DELLWOOD AVENUE, NORTH FLORIDALE AVENUE”.

The proposed work includes the furnishing of materials, tools, equipment and labor necessary for the reconstruction of approximately 1.0 miles of asphaltic overlay, replacing the carriage walks, curbing, driveway aprons and storm sewer improvements in accordance with the plans and specifications and other items identified in the contract documents. The contractor is responsible for all items of work necessary to complete the project.

Copies (Printed and/or Digital) of the plans and specifications may be obtained starting on Friday, April 6, 2018 from WEIS DESIGN GROUP upon completion of a Bid Document Request Form and a non-refundable fee of Seventy- Five Dollars ($75.00) per set (payable to Weis Design Group). Contact Weis Design Group as follows:

Weis Design Group Phone: 636-207-0832 16296 Westwoods Business Park Drive Email: wdg@weisdesigngroup.com Ellisville, MO 63021

Each bid must be accompanied by a cashier’s check or certified check, or a Bid Bond executed by the BIDDER and an approved surety company and payable to the CITY, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the sum total of the base bid.

Not less than the prevailing hourly rates of wages that the higher of State or Federal Wage Rates shall prevail, or determined by court on appeal, shall be paid to all workers performing work under this Contract.

The DBE goal for this letting is a minimum 15% of the total contract amount. All BIDDERS must meet the MoDOT requirements as a CONTRACTOR prior to bid opening in accordance with the Missouri Standard Specification Book for Highway Construction.

A Performance Bond and Payment and Materials Bond are required.

No trainee hours are required under this contract.

The City of Dellwood hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award.” color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

In accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, and the Missouri Prevailing Wage Law, the Contractor will be required to comply with the wage and labor requirements and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the United States Department of Labor and the Missouri Division of Labor Standards, respectively. The highest rate between the two (Federal and State) for each job classification shall be considered the prevailing wage.

No bid may be withdrawn within thirty (30) days after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. The City will only concur with awarding the contract to the “lowest, responsive, responsible bidder”.

The bidder, having examined and being familiar with the local conditions affecting the work, and with the contract, contract documents, including the current version of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission’s “Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction,” and “Missouri Standard Plans for Highway Construction”, their revisions, and “Standard Construction Specifications for Sewers and Drainage Facilities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, 2009” for all storm water control and the request for bid, including appendices, the special provisions and plans, hereby proposes to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, services, etc., required for the performance and completion of the work. All references are to the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, as revised, unless otherwise noted. Bidders are informed that pursuant to Section 285.530, RSMo, as a condition of the award of any contract in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the successful bidder shall, by sworn affidavit and provision of documentation, affirm its enrollment and participation in a federal work authorization program with respect to the employees working in connection to the contracted services. Successful bidders shall also sign an affidavit affirming that it does not knowingly employ any person who is an unauthorized alien in connection to the contracted services (E-Verify).

Missouri law, 292.675 RSMo, requires the Contractor and its subcontractor(s) to provide a ten-hour occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) construction safety program (or a similar program approved by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as a qualified substitute) for their on-site employees (laborers, workmen, drivers, equipment operators and craftsmen) who have not previously completed such a program and are directly engaged in actual construction of the improvement (or working at a nearby or adjacent facility used for construction of the improvement). The Contractor and its subcontractor(s) shall require all such employees to complete this ten-hour program, pursuant to 292.675 RSMo, unless they hold documentation on their prior completion of said program. Penalties for non-compliance include Contractor forfeiture to the City of Dellwood in the amount of $2,500, plus $100 per contractor and subcontractor employee for each calendar

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The St. Louis Community College is requesting submittals of experience and qualifications from architectural, engineering firms and technical consultants for Architectural, Engineering and Technical Consulting Services for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) with the option to renew. Submittals of the Consultant’s qualifications will be received by St. Louis Community College, in the Engineering & Design Department until 2:00 p.m. April 27, 2018 at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway. The scope of architectural, engineering and technical services and consulting agreement procedures may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314- 539-5015). EOE/Affirmative Action Employer

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for RETRO-COMMISSIONING ASSESSMENT STUDIES AND DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURE PROJECTS AT FOUR CITY BUILDINGS, ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org under On Line Plan Room, Professional Services, or call Helen Bryant at 314-589-6600. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

St. Louis Public Schools - Ext. Door Replacement RFP# 072-1718, Due April 11, 2018, 10 am Demien Const. Co.

636.332.5500 / Fax 636.332.5465 / Call for Email

NEED TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICES THAT YOU PROVIDE Email Angelita at ajackson@stlamerican.com

http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PROJECT: Saint Louis Zoo Peabody Hall Attic Remediation: raccoon latrine cleanup RFP

Scope: The work to be completed under this contract will consist of furnishing all tools, materials, labor, and equipment necessary to safely access and work in the Peabody Hall attic space, remediating the space by disposing of all insulation material, including the vapor barrier, within the attic space. Bid Documents will be available on 4/4/2018 at: https://www.stlzoo.org/ about/contact/vendoropportunities/ MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING & SITE INSPECTION: On 4/9/2018 at 9:00AM in The

on

World

BIDS

Advertised

SALE

Swag Snap of the Week

Blessed by The Baylor Project. Look, I know y’all don’t check for jazz, but I must hip y’all to what is in the running for my favorite concert of 2018. Ferguson native Marcus Baylor and his wife, Jean Baylor, were nominated for two Grammy Awards thanks to their album “The Journey” – and if the Academy voters had seen them in action at The Bistro last weekend, they would have won by a landslide. I feel like out of full transparency that I should let y’all know that I was so obsessed with Jean’s former group Zhane, that I wore finger waves and sang along to the cassette single of “Hey Mr. DJ” as it bumped through my Sony Walkman until it was mysteriously vandalized by a heartless soul who ripped the tape out and stomped it. However, my adoration of The Baylor Project is on the strength of their current album and that glorious live show that effortlessly blended R&B, jazz and gospel too! I heard it was packed all four nights – as it should have been. I love to see the chemistry between Marcus and Jean! Oh, and that “Laugh and Move On” duet between Jean and the saxophone player took my breath away. And that tapered natural she was rocking, was everything – but how could her hair game be anything but cutting edge when she rocked a big chop back in ‘96?

A phenomenal night for the ladies. Thursday night, I made my way to the Radio One St. Louis Phenomenal Women Awards Ceremony at the Missouri Athletic Club. This was my third year in a row attending, and each time, I feel more empowered and inspired than the year before. Shout out to all 30 of the 2018 Awardees! Among them was jazz diva Denise Thimes – who played Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC and relocated to Chicago. I’m sad she said farewell to STL. However, I can’t be anything but thrilled to see her already getting great ink by way of the Chicago Sun-Times’ recap of her first major gig in the Windy City. In addition to the honorees, there were also plenty of top-notch woman power in the audience as support. Considering the element of the crowd, do I have to say how snatched they were as far as the hair, face, fashion and shoes? I’ll give you a taste. Heather Himes (congrats on your St. Louis Theatre Critics Circle Award, btw) was killing in her lemon drop dress and floral shoe game. I guess she said, ‘Nevermind this icky climate, I’m dressing for the season – and it’s Easter color time! And since I’ve spoken on big chops, let me say her look was set all the way off by her new shadow fade. I experienced serious fashion envy from keynote speaker Dr. Maya Warren’s flowy print dress that looked it could be hung on the wall as art when it isn’t being worn. And I just loved the flared peplum peacoat worn by honoree Lee Haynes. I was almost glad the weather can’t get right, because otherwise I wouldn’t have seen that Olivia Pope-esque outerwear. So much for seeing Safaree. To the folks of TBT, as Queen Bey put it, “Where yo’ boss at?” Because now y’all are gonna have to learn the hard way what happens when someone tries to give you some press and you essentially tell them to keep it pushin.’ How are you gonna ask me to cough up some credentials or pay at a club I’m at almost as much as my house? Y’all should have been offering me $5 to stay and make it look full, just so Safaree wouldn’t be ready to slap somebody after being brought to St. Louis only to step up in the Marquee only to stare at the walls of an empty club. I saw Big Tah, Corey and Marquee owner Dre as I was passing the parking lot and decided to walk in to get a peek of what it was looking like. I quietly already knew what it was when the door folks were asking for $30 and tried to explain the cost with “We got Safaree.” The standard response was “who the [Partyline Edit] is Safaree?” I get in there and one of the dudes from the front is now in he back. He sees me and says loudly to another TBT, “I’mma stay here to keep people from trying come in the back door without paying.” Wait, I came in with the owner, sir. And if he wants to bring an entourage the size of those rappers that turn his club out on Fridays, he can. At this point, I decide that like just about everyone else in the city I don’t even want to see Safaree. I was so irritated that I probably wouldn’t have stayed if I heard him and Nicki Minaj had reunited and were doing their own Dollar Tree version of “On The Run” up in there.

Attitudes at Mood. Things went from bad to just as bad when I stopped by Mood, another place I normally have no problem getting in. On Thursday, they had some neophyte promoters who responded with a “So what that mean?” when I told them I was from the paper. Here’s what it means: you missed out on having the selling point of having the folks who booked parties with y’all getting a shout out in print. Hopefully the veterans will hip you to the game for next time.

Easter with After 7. Some of y’all didn’t bother taking your Easter suits off before heading on over to the Ambassador to catch some throwback R&B Sunday night. And by some of y’all, I mean After 7. Those white suits with pink, purple and blue blouses underneath were the reason for the season. Now the last three times I have seen After 7, I have been impressed with their stage show, but Sunday night was just alright. Maybe it was because they tried to incorporate some new music snippets and the old school was not checking for it in the least. Can somebody pass along to them that when they got into that bit that had them singing Bruno Mars,” “The Weeknd” and “Childish Gambino” that I heard two folks arguing about whether it was really After 7. They pulled me in to be the tiebreaker as I was walking over to greet an old friend. I told them that two of the three are original members. I told them the non-original member is the son of the original member, and he has his daddy’s voice. They weren’t having it. Speaking of voices, Kevon Edmonds’ never fails does it? Also speaking of voices, I can see why that other one always sang background after he tried to lead a few notes the other night.

Josh and Akil made Saturday @ Dos Salas

Girls night was in full effect for Dee Dee, Tyasia and Donshea Friday @ The Marquee

Anieset and Pam enjoyed the concert and awaited their chance to meet After 7 Sunday @The Ambassador

Necia, Resse, Torie and Mz Dee were all laughs as they kept things light after they closed out a busy work week by celebrating @ MOOD

Dawayne and Lakecia attempted to nudge their way on to the dance floor @ Dos Salas Saturday

Whittney and Jermaine enjoyed a casual night out as they celebrated his birthday Friday @MOOD

Tay and Dawayne showcased their style Saturday @ Dos Salas

Mike and Chris were in the cut checking the UPPER ECHELON scene just as things got jam packed @ Dos Salas Saturday

Icyy Diamond and Alexis Skyy went from chill to lit as the party kicked off Friday @ The Marquee

Crystal was excited to snag a pic and a personal serenade from R&B veterans After 7 during their concert Easter Sunday at The Ambassador.

Photos by V. Lang

Divinity Fest Host Sierra, Simone and JacQ stayed busy all night, but stole a moment for a quick pose Friday @ Divinity Fest @ 2720

Experts recommend checking your credit report at each of the national credit reporting agencies (CRAs) several times annually.

Don’t forget to spring-clean your credit report

Spring is in the air and it’s time for the annual ritual of deep cleaning, dusting, mopping, organizing -- and checking your credit report.

Experts recommend checking your credit report at each of the national credit reporting agencies (CRAs) several times annually. Why?

When you apply for a new credit card or car loan, for example, a lender pulls a credit report from one or all of the CRAs to check your credit history and determine if you’re a good candidate for a loan. Lenders want to extend loans or credit to people with strong credit reports, so it’s important that the information in your report is accurate.

What to look for

Besides verifying the accuracy of your personal information, check that the financial accounts listed belong to you. Also, make sure that paid-off debt shows as paid and that closed accounts are not listed as open. Other information to look

for and possibly correct includes:

• A bankruptcy older than 10 years.

• A late payment more than seven years old.

• Inquiries from unfamiliar companies that pulled your credit report.

How to fix it

If you feel there’s incorrect information in your credit report, you have the right to file a dispute. Accurate credit reports are good for lenders and consumers, because they contribute to informed lending decisions and disputes are part of the CRA’s compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in credit reports.

Luckily for consumers, steps are being taken to make this process easier. For example, Experian, one of the national credit reporting agencies, recently

enhanced and simplified its online dispute process to reflect consumers’ increasing preference for conducting business online. New features include:

• A mobile-optimized platform, allowing you to submit a dispute from your smartphone.

• The ability to submit supporting documents via a smartphone by taking a photo or selecting the image from the camera roll and uploading it.

• The option of receiving notification alerts that update you on the status of your dispute, including confirmation of the submission and when results are available.

• The ability to dispute directly from membership accounts, when members of Experian’s free and paid products are logged in.

“We’re very excited to provide a new

dispute experience that recognizes the millions of people who manage their daily activities with smart devices,” said Michelle Felice-Steele, senior director of Product Management at Experian. “We also made several enhancements so the process is more user-friendly and keeps consumers informed about the progress of their disputes. We believe everyone deserves access to quality credit and one of the ways to achieve that is to have an accurate credit report.”

The fastest way to submit a dispute is online through the center, but consumers can also do so with Experian via phone or mail. Experian product members can access the online dispute center from their accounts. For more information on credit reports and filing a dispute, visit experian.com/disputes.

Thanks to new technologies and consumer services, staying on top of your credit report is easier than ever. This spring cleaning season, don’t neglect to review your credit reports.

Getting organized can be overwhelming. We often find ourselves forgetting things, running out of time in the day, and having less energy to do things. One of the top stresses among people is our finances. The vast growth of technology in our society helps ease some of the stress we bear from financial struggles. A fresh component of that is the emergence of personal finance applications on our mobile and electronic devices. These apps were created to help us organize our finances and make managing finances automatic

Personal finance apps

and ultimately easier.

Personal finance apps are handy tools to have if you use them to their full capacity. You can connect them to your Credit Union account and allow the app to track your spending as you use your debit card and make withdrawals and deposits on your account. Some apps categorize your spending by where you use your debit card. If you say, “I only want to spend $60 per month on fast food,” the app will alert you when you’re close to your budget limit. And some apps can even pull your credit. I personally like to

use personal finance apps because some have a feature that remembers certain transactions as a reoccurring monthly expense, and if seen enough, it’ll start to remind you when that specific bill is coming up.

There are many personal finance apps to choose from. As consumers, we have to take that extra step and research them to determine which ones are best for us and our current situation. From personal experience, I’ve noticed that you have to be proactive if you choose to use an app to assist with finances. If you’re not

actively checking and updating information on your transactions, it won’t provide much assistance. If you’re interested in learning more, come see a financial coach at Prosperity Connection!

Robert Nelson V Financial Education Coach Prosperity Connection I 2828 Gravois Ave. I St. Louis, MO 63118 P: (314) 304-5690 I rnelson@prosperityconnection.org

3 smart ways to spend your tax refund

(SPM Wire) Are you expecting a refund this year on your tax filings? Here are three smart ways to use that cash influx.

• Save it: Whether you funnel the money into a retirement fund, a college savings account or set it aside for a rainy

day, it is always smart to turn your tax refund into savings.

• Pay down debt: Before you dream of taking your tax refund on your next shopping spree, review the balance on your credit cards, your student loans or other outstanding debt commitments and con-

sider using the boon to pay down some of these I.O.Us.

• Invest it: Use your refund as an opportunity to save money down the line, with a home upgrade like an energy-efficient washing machine or a programmable thermostat.

This year, don’t squander your tax refund. Instead, use this money to improve your financial circumstances in the long-run.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

FINANCIAL BASICS

East St. Louis Housing Authority

Roosevelt Homes

1328 N 44th St., East St. Louis, IL 62204

Money Smart Calendar

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

FINANCIAL BASICS

MONDAY, APRIL 9

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MONEY MONDAY

Thomas Dunn Learning Center 3113 Gasconade, St. Louis, MO 63118

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

TAXES & THE IRS

St. Louis County Library - Rock Road Branch 10267 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Ann, MO 63074

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

BETH KOBLINER, “MAKE YOUR KID A MONEY GENIUS”

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

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CREDIT BUILDING

Grace Hill Water Tower Hub 2125 Bissell St., St. Louis, MO 63107

RSVP Required: wbcinfo@gracehillsettlement.org

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

WE ARE HIRING! CAREER FAIR FOR EX-OFFENDERS Chaifetz Arena

One South Compton Avenue, St Louis, MO 63103

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

RAISING MONEY SMART KIDS

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch

427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

Illinois Events Missouri Events

East St. Louis Housing Authority

Roosevelt Homes 1328 N 44th St., East St. Louis, IL 62204

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM MONEY SMART KIDS READ

Northwest Library

5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049

RSVP Required: 636-677-8243

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Saints Meeting Hall

650 Maryville Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE MARKETING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Microsoft Store - Galleria Mall

St. Louis Galleria Mall, St. Louis, MO 63117

RSVP Required: events.stlouisbusinesscoach.com or 636-203-5420

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

BUDGETING, SAVING & CREDIT

Al Chappelle Community Center 1401 LaSalle Lane, St. Louis, MO 63104

RSVP Required: Montina Hollins

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

BUILD OR REPAIR YOUR CREDIT

Peoples Community Action Corporation 6827 South Broadway, St Louis, MO 63111

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

TAXES AND THE IRS

St. Charles City-County

Corporate Parkway Branch

1200 Corporate Pkwy, Wentzville, MO 63385

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

YOUR MONEYYOUR GOALS

De Soto Public Library

712 South Main St., De Soto, MO 63028

RSVP Required: 636-586-3858

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

MEDICARE

Old North Excel Center

2707 North 14th St., St Louis, MO 63106

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

COVERAGE TO CARE: HEALTH INSURANCE BASICS

St. Charles City-County

Kathryn Linnemann Branch 2323 Elm St, St Charles, MO 63301

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

BETH KOBLINER, “MAKE YOUR KID A MONEY GENIUS”

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch 427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Thomas Dunn Learning Center 3116 Gasconade St., St Louis, MO 63118

RSVP Required: ThomasDunn@stlouistap.org

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

NEGOCIO EXITOSO: EL SECRETO PARA OBTENER CAPITAL Webinar

RSVP Required: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/9jmiytrih123&eom

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

HOME BUYING SEMINAR

Holiday Inn - South County 6921 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63125

RSVP Required: www.events.ameaglecu.org

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

RETIREMENT 101

St. Charles City-County - Kisker Road Branch 1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles, MO 63304

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

MONEY SMART KIDS READ Festus Library

400 W Main St., Festus, MO 63028 RSVP Required: 636-937-2017

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

BUDGETING TO SAVE Lindenwood Library

209 S Kingshighway, St Charles, MO 63301 jkeye@lindenwood.edu

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM TO YOUR CREDIT Midwest BankCentre - Pagedale 6810 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63133

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

RAINY DAY SAVINGS

South City Excel Center

2828 Gravois Avenue, St Louis, MO 63118

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

SOCIAL SECURITY – OPTIMIZE YOUR OPTIONS AND TAXATION

St. Charles City-County - McClay Branch 2760 McClay Rd, St Charles, MO 63303

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

IDENTITY THEFT

St. Louis County Library Florissant Valley Branch 195 New Florissant Rd. Florissant, MO 63031

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM MISSOURI’S 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch 427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MAKING HEALTHY & SPIRITUAL END OF LIFE CARE DECISIONS

William J. Harrison Education Center 3140 Cass Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63106

RSVP Required: Lorraine Hall 314-682-3400

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

IDEA SPOT: IS YOUR BUSINESS VIABLE? 24:1 Community Excel Center 6724 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63133

RSVP Required: wbcinfo@gracehillsettlement.org

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Better Family Life, Inc. 5415 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

RSVP Required: Najwa Taylor (314) 367-1843 ext. 304

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM HOMEOWNERSHIP

Al Chappelle Community Center 1401 LaSalle Lane, St. Louis, MO 63104

RSVP Required: 314-588-7854

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

SMART WOMEN, SMART MONEY

YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center 2711 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103

RSVP Required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-women-smart-money-tickets41847293381?aff=es2

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

MONEY SMART KIDS READ

Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch 1701 Missouri State Rd., Arnold, MO 63010

RSVP Required: 636-296-2204

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF ESTATE PLANNING

St. Charles City-County - Deer Run Branch 1300 N Main St, O’Fallon, MO 63366

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

Are common myths holding you back from buying a home?

Aspirations of home ownership is strong for America’s families, yet findings from the fifth annual America at Home survey from NeighborWorks America indicate several perceived barriers to homeownership among the majority of consumers.

Findings from the survey, which consisted of 1,000 U.S. adults and 500 millennials include many misconceptions about what it takes to buy a home:

• The average millennial mistakenly thinks the minimum required down payment is 21.6 percent.

• Approximately 73 percent of all consumers and 62 percent of millennials said they were not aware of or are unsure about down payment assistance programs in their communities for middle-income homebuyers.

• Seventy percent of adults feel they don’t have enough money saved for a down payment.

Experts believe that confusion about down payment requirements and lack of awareness about assistance programs are holding back many people from pursuing homeownership. “Before deciding if owning a home is right for you, take time to understand your down payment options, and separate myths from facts,”

For example, the average down payment among first-time homebuyers in 2016 was just 6 percent and, for repeat buyers, just 14 percent. What’s more, mortgage options, such as Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Mortgages, make it pos-

sible for qualified borrowers to put down as little as 3 percent.

If your down payment is less than 20 percent with a conventional loan, you’ll have to pay private mortgage insurance, an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. However, mortgage rates -despite their rise in recent years -- remain at historic lows, providing you with a significant advantage.

There are also millions of dollars available for down payment assistance. A great place to start is right where you live. Many state, county, and city governments provide financial assistance for people in their communities who are well qualified and ready for homeownership.

To help demystify down payments and the homebuying process, free tools and resources are available at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back from pursuing homeownership. Check out the facts to learn how much home you can afford.

says Freddie Mac Vice President, Danny Gardner.

Fake tax preparers are on the hunt for your private information

By Justin Lavelle

Once again, the tax season is upon us. Many taxpayers are scrambling to get the correct paperwork together, figure out which boxes to check off on various forms, and wait with anticipation for the letter stating that their tax returns have been approved or declined. Tax preparers offer services to relieve some of the stress by calculating, filling out, and signing tax incomes on the behalf of taxpayers. Most are helpful and well worth the investment, but some are on the hunt for uninformed taxpayers who are quick to trust. Not only are “Ghost” or fake tax preparers out for your private information, but they also wish to make as much money off of your tax returns with little care about submitting false information, leaving you to deal with the IRS and a world of headaches.

There are a number of red flags to look out for when hunting for a tax preparer.

Red Flag 1: Avoids showing you credentials

Many phony tax preparers will have little to no professional credentials. Some will even go out of their way to create fake documents from just as fake institutes to persuade tax consumers into believing their credibility. Do not fall into this trap, and do a bit of researching before giving a stranger your private information.

Red Flag 2: Does not have a PTIN

A preparer without a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN, is not legally allowed to do your taxes. If you come across a tax preparer who refuses to give you his or her PTIN or claims that he or she does not need one, chances are the person is a fake.

Red Flag 3: Fee is based on a percentage of your return.

Another warning sign is a tax preparer’s fees fluctuating based on the size of your return. This gives phony tax preparers the incentive to mark down false information, thus wrongly increasing your return for a larger paycheck. Always ask a tax preparer’s about payment options before you agree to let him or her do your taxes.

Red Flag 4: Boasts a larger size refund

If your tax preparer tells you that they can get you a much larger refund that anyone else, this can be a red flag that your tax preparer is not on the up and up. Typically, every preparer is dealing with the same information in terms of income and expenses and there should not be much fluctuation with regard to the size

of your potential refund.

One of the best ways to prevent becoming a victim to this type of scam is by searching the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications on irs.gov. If a tax preparer’s name appears, they are legitimate. However, if his or her name is not listed, it may be safer to find someone else. Furthermore, never sign a blank return and double check that your preparer has signed all necessary documents as you are ultimately held accountable.

Justin Lavelle is the chief communications officer for BeenVerified, a leading source of online background checks and contact information. It allows individuals to find more information about people, phone numbers, email addresses, property records, and criminal records in a way that is fast, easy, and affordable. The company helps people discover, understand, and use public data in their everyday lives. https://www.beenverified.com.