April 6th, 2017 Edition

Alderman Megan Ellyia

Yes to public services, no to soccer stadium

Monica Sykes’ life to be celebrated on April 14

Family will ‘continue to seek justice’ in disappearance and death of daughter

By Chris King Of The

St. Louis American

On Friday, April 14, Monica Sykes should have been relaxing after the celebration of her 26th birthday the day before and furthering her plans to take over management of Granny’s Home Daycare, the business operated by her grandmother, Alesia Elam. Instead, her family and loves ones will be celebrating her life, which was cut short on or about October 27 of last year, when she went missing after leaving the home of her sister Dana Sykes in Berkeley. Her remains were found almost exactly five months later in the neighboring town of Kinloch on Tuesday, March 28. The Celebration of Life for Monica Sykes will be held 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 14 at Carr Central Neighborhood Center, 1629 Biddle St. in St. Louis. The family is inviting the public because so many people got involved in the search for their missing loved one.

“We know everybody else is mourning too,” said Regina Sykes, Monica’s mother. Regina said there would be no formal ceremony, just “a matter of fellowshipping,” with notecards provided for mourners to write memories of Monica for the family to read and treasure.

Her immediate survivors are her mother; her father, Leonard Sykes; her sister; and four brothers, Nathan, Cullen, Justin and Brandon Sykes.

In the meantime, and thereafter, Regina said, the family will “continue to fight for justice.”

Charges have been brought against a young man Monica was dating at the time, Ray Ellis, who picked her up from her sister’s home on the day she was last seen alive. But Regina said she believes, even if Berkeley Police has found her daughter’s

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

By Chris King and Rebecca Rivas

The late Monica Sykes

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Bill Cosby case expected to last two weeks with sequestered jury

A judge in Bill Cosby’s criminal sex assault case expects the trial to last about two weeks and hopes to seat a jury before the proceeding opens June 5 in suburban Philadelphia, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

During the pretrial hearing Monday (April 3), Montgomery County Judge Steven O’Neill he hopes to pick jurors in late May, and insisted the jurors’ names will not be made public.

The jurors will come from the Pittsburgh area and be sequestered throughout the trial nearly 300 miles away in Norristown.

Cosby, 79, is accused of drugging and molesting

former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted on felony sex assault charges. Cosby has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $1 million bail. He calls the encounter with Constand consensual.

Rick Ross takes a plea in kidnapping case

Back in June 2015, rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Atlanta for kidnapping and assault after being accused of pistol whipping two of his groundskeepers for allegedly throwing a party on his Atlanta estate.

According to the Atlanta JournalConstitution, Ross cut a deal.

“Nearly two years after two employees accused Rapper Rick Ross and his bodyguard of pistol whipping them at his palatial estate in Fayetteville, the two pleaded no contest Tuesday to misdemeanor kidnapping and assault charges,” AJC.com said.

“Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts and bodyguard Nadrian Lateef James were sentenced

to five years of probation in the June 2015 attack, Fayette County District Attorney Benjamin D. Coker said.”

Mother of his secret child wants to see Pastor Jamal Bryant in jail

Last year, DNA tests proved Baltimore mega-church pastor Jamal Bryant had secretly fathered a child

According to The Jasmine Brand the child’s mother is accusing Bryant of breaking court orders and wants to see him behind bars.

The urban celebrity news and gossip blog says LaToya Odom has filed a motion asking that Bryant be jailed on contempt of court charges because he refuses to hand over his home address for their son’s medical card and is routinely late paying his child support.

She reportedly wants him jailed unless he complies – and also wants her support order amended to stipulate that he must pay on time.

Mary J. keeps it real about Kendu

Mary J. Blige gave radio personality Angie Martinez her unfiltered thoughts about soonto-be-ex husband Kendu Isaacs during a recent

interview when Martinez brought up the Isaacs spousal support demands – which have been lowered from $130K to $110K a month.

“I don’t owe [Kendu] anything. It’s not fair, so this is very mean. This is very mean to just keep sitting on this and demanding this type of money and taking me through all this [expletive].”

I can’t believe you’re trying to stick me up and no disrespect to his family at all but I’m not responsible for you. I don’t have any children with you. I’m not responsible for anything else with you anymore.”

Karrueche hires firm to serve Chris Brown

Last month, actress Karrueche Tran filed a restraining order claiming Chris Brown was stalking her relentlessly and threatening her life. According to reports Tran has been forced to hire a private agency to locate Brown after failing to serve him using law enforcement and his refusal to allow attorneys to accept the service papers on his behalf.

A court hearing set for this week had to be pushed back because Brown still has not been served. Tran’s temporary restraining order remains in place until the issue is resolved.

Sources: Hollywood Reporter, Naughty Gossip, TMZ.com, AJC.com, The Jasmine Brand

Resistance in St. Louis: lessons from the past

What the workers of 1877 can teach the progressives of 2017

By Michael R. Allen

For The St. Louis American

Downtown’s street’s clattered with the footsteps of some 10,000 people, marching with spirited chants, songs and shouts. They recognized that they were part of a national mass movement. The congregated mass moved through the business district’s usually quiet channels, showing the city that they would not stand for injustice. Speakers addressed the mass, encouraging the integration of struggles and the formation of a longterm movement to fight the oligarchy. In the end, their gathering would help change history, although its promised fruits would ripen in time.

Who were these people?

to Facebook to decry the march for its lack of inclusion of certain movements’ goals, the timidity of the organizers and the lack of real goals. Perhaps the march only reinforced the diffusion of political power that many theorists ascribe to social media, where unbridled expressions of identity preclude larger solidarity and participatory mass movement.

These were the laborers who gathered in defiance of local capitalist bosses during the General Strike on July 25, 1877, and whose assembled parade was powerful enough to essentially paralyze the city’s factories and railroads for several days. The assembly arose in the midst of a national labor uprising that had begun when workers on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad went on strike for better wages and a shorter work day. The St. Louis uprising may have been the most successful that any major city saw in the General Strike, effectively forming what some called the “St Louis Commune” of workers handing out orders to factory owners and elected officials alike.

The 10,000 who gathered in January 2017 at the St. Louis Women’s March garnered significant headlines as well, but certainly did not shut down the city or invert economic or political power to the people. The certainty of the 1877 strikers to seize power was replaced by an ambivalence among local activists, some of whom turned

The purpose of the local and national women’s marches, however, was to quantify the mass of people who oppose the announced policies of the new president. These events did not constitute the germination of a careful, deliberate and ideologically pure movement for political change. The ambiguity of the word “progressive” in contemporary American parlance demonstrates the breadth of dissent. Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Tishaura O. Jones, Francis G. Slay and Claire McCaskill have all laid claim to being progressive. Some activists raise the mystifying banner of “real progressive,” as if appending an empirical adjective makes a very openended word’s usage any more clear. Yet mass movements are necessarily diverse and agonistic creates, because people are not born into totalitarian concurrence. Mass actions are not good vehicles for ideologies, but can be effective paths toward achieving certain defined political goals. The demonstrations in favor of open immigration policies lately show what clear, ideologically diverse and radical actions can look like. The ambiguity of the goals of marching against Donald Trump are clear, and the many efforts to state that obvious reality constitute more a retreat from politics as an act than a valiant reconstitution of a radical left. The end of the 1877 demonstration

in St. Louis offers a reminder that radical actions can falter without strong goals.

After successfully instituting a commune of sorts, the movement that claimed over 22,000 members reached a power hold over St. Louis that could have built a new society. Instead, the executive council stumbled over the shape of the political formation (some wanted to build a Workingmen’s Party), the intersection of labor and race (while the masses generally fought for black laborers, some labor leadership was white supremacist) and the formation of trade unions (the leadership wad divided on whether to support unions). The insurrection dissolved after the police captured the movement’s headquarters. No shots were fired, and the order of the city resumed quickly after a daring experiment at communism held St. Louis for a few days.

While reactionary civic forces followed the 1877 events with the creation of the Veiled Prophet parade and ball, which instilled a sense of aristocratic order to the city, the general strike was far from a failure.

The organizers who participated in the general strike led many paths to local trade unionization, which in the long run produced the long-sought eighthour work days, wage increases and safety protections. In some ways, the lack of clarity in 1877 was not as definitive as the participatory radicalization that propelled more focused movements within specific trades. The short-lived revolution in St. Louis provided a show of power, as well as the potential for realizing a new set of relations between capital and workforce. Without the general strike, labor progress may have been far slower. Alternately, with a stronger agenda and more transparent and inclusive structure, the commune may have rewritten urban history. Today’s marchers may take heed from the 1877 strike in St. Louis. A powerful mass can accomplish a lot in a short period, even when its members are not aligned in common mission. A common set of agitating circumstances draw a mass together faster than carefully-debated ideological programs. The resulting strength

may not be a mass that achieves everything under the sun, but a mass whose biggest accomplishment is the instilling of leadership and agency in participants who then go on to lead the longer campaigns. The multitude is a formation of singularities, and never will be a total mass with one character. All participants need to decide what they want to get out of participating, and what they need to do in countless other ways. St. Louis should never forget the days when its civil government and manufacturing economy were under the control of a quickly formed group of aggrieved, passionate and powerful workers.

History urges us to examine the city’s past before making judgments about what is possible today – 140 years later, when we have greater means to watch, shape and know change as it happens.

Michael R. Allen is senior lecturer in Architecture and Landscape Architecture and lecturer in American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis.

Protestors marched in downtown St. Louis on February 17. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Guest Columnist Michael R. Allen

General election shows progressives can win in the city

The April 4 municipal general election provided an interesting snapshot of the current electorate in the city of St. Louis, arguably showing that the new progressive coalition that almost delivered a consensus status quo white candidate a stunning upset in the Democratic primary last month is still a major force to be reckoned with in city politics.

On Tuesday, progressives united to defeat Proposition 2, which would have used millions in new business use tax revenue from Proposition 1 to help subsidize the construction and maintenance of a new professional soccer stadium in downtown St. Louis.

In a city struggling to fund essential services like affordable housing, accessible transit and adequate police staffing, progressives argued, this city cannot afford to give an eventual $60 million to business interests for a luxury like professional sports. Progressives won with 52.8 percent of the vote in a municipal election with an unusually high voter turnout – at 30 percent of registered voters, more than twice as much voter participation as in the April 2013 municipal general election. In fact, more than 3,000 more people voted in the April 4 general election than the March 7 primary election, when an open seat for mayor was effectively decided. While this fact drove some to despair – how can soccer moms drive more voters than an open seat for mayor, many wondered – it should not. In the primary, it looked so difficult for the consensus status quo white candidate, Lyda Krewson, to lose, and so unlikely that any of her three credible black challengers could win that voter turnout on both sides had good reason to be depressed. The fight over Proposition 2 shows that when progressives in the city think they can win an election and are united on how to vote against the status quo, they can win.

opposition that can defeat it and has defeated it, just before Krewson was handed the keys to Room 200.

What’s equally encouraging as the progressives’ proven ability to win when united is city voters continuing belief in the need to fund public services, even if it means paying higher taxes. Proposition 1 – which provides the half-cent sales-tax increase that would have generated the stadium subsidies – won by a huge margin, 60.4 percent to 39.6 percent. The bulk of the new funds, $12 million annually, will go towards building an 8-mile MetroLink extension from North City to South City. The remaining $8 million will go towards public safety, job training, a youth empowerment fund and neighborhood revitalization. City voters overwhelmingly want to fund these vital services. However, they accept the fiscal reality that developers of professional sports stadiums must pay their way.

Republican muddle is an opening for Democrats

Will anyone be left standing when the Republican circular firing squad runs out of ammunition? Or will everybody just reload and keep blasting away, leaving Democrats to clean up the bloody mess?

The political moment we’re living through is truly remarkable, but not in a good way. Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, so we’re basically in their hands. But they have nothing approaching consensus on what they should be doing – and they have failed to show basic competence at doing much of anything.

This absurd situation was illustrated on March 30 when House Speaker Paul Ryan, appearing on “CBS This Morning,” tried to explain why he wants to lead yet another suicide charge up Health Care Hill.

Trump went on Twitter as well, primarily to lash out at the House GOP conservatives who helped scuttle the slapdash American Health Care Act that Ryan tried to ram through last week: “The Freedom Caucus will hurt the entire Republican agenda if they don’t get on the team, & fast. We must fight them, & Dems, in 2018!”

We hope that Krewson and her closest associates, so many of them drawn from soon-tobe-former Mayor Francis G. Slay’s inner circle, are paying attention. The Slay administration’s model of incentivizing macroeconomic development with public subsidy – something which, when negotiated prudently, can be necessary and vital to the city’s growth – has

As for Krewson, she has a lot of hard work to do, going against the grain of her closest associates, in putting progressive campaign rhetoric into executive action. Running against a field of four relative unknowns and the controversial Rev. Larry Rice, she won the general election with just a little more than twothirds of the votes cast. In the previous municipal general election in 2013, the Democratic nominee (then-incumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay) did almost 15 points better than Krewson did on Tuesday, winning 82 percent of the vote. This waning support for the status quo shows if Krewson plans to run the city as a fifth term of the Slay administration, then this will be the first and last term of the Krewson administration. Krewson must develop her own pro-growth progressive voice and forward-thinking policies to govern effectively in a changing St. Louis. This city faces many challenges, but also has some inherent advantages that have not been fully developed. The new mayor has had no chief executive experience and has some political debts to pay. But if she is to be successful, she must demonstrate the political and managerial skills essential to creating a new, inclusive governing coalition necessary for St. Louis to progress.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Community needs say in Ferguson consent decree

By John Chasnoff Guest columnist

Almost a year since the signing of the Ferguson consent decree, it is past time that community voices are given their proper due in the decree’s implementation. Lip service to community is legion, but deference to the community is underwhelming.

On March 22, Judge Catherine Perry held a status hearing on the Ferguson consent decree. She heard from lawyers representing the Department of Justice, the City of Ferguson, and the Monitor, Clark Ervin, tasked with overseeing the consent decree process.

Judge Perry did not hear from community members –those who have been subjected to unconstitutional policing and who will be most affected by the success or failure of the consent decree. The judge had told community members that they would be able to speak, but changed her mind shortly before the hearing.

Judge Perry is allowing community testimony at the June hearing. But the cavalier way that she built up hopes and then dashed them is indicative of the insensitivity with which community involvement has often been handled.

When the court last allowed community input 11 months ago, at a hearing about the adequacy of the consent decree, Judge Perry said explicitly that community voices would have no impact on the language of the decree.

Similarly, the monitor has not lived up to promises about his availability, and has missed

target dates without explanation for months. We have not seen the formal monitoring plan due many months ago. Strong on best-practices and policy work, he has so far inadequately addressed community concerns about proper implementation of those policies. He is still searching, but missing opportunities, for the right variety of formats with which to engage different populations. He sincerely promises to do better.

Two and a half years after the Ferguson uprising, the city is just now beginning to prioritize creating mechanisms to engage with those long disempowered. The consent decree coordinator diligently attends community meetings, but some city officials seem content to rely upon the established power structures that support them. Creation of neighborhood associations in the apartment complexes has been slow, with the result that many lack vehicles through which to learn about and engage with the process. Change-minded council members do not control the council and have not yet fully asserted themselves. Policing at recent Ferguson Market protests ignored consent decree requirements, with officers rushing the crowd, beating a protester unconscious, and failing to show name tags.

Change in Ferguson is not a project solely for lawyers

and police. The consent decree is a huge project that must be tackled by the whole community. To succeed, that community needs regional and national support. It does not have the civic infrastructure to help facilitate meetings, mediate disputes between polarized factions, or provide needed technical expertise.

When the Department of Justice decided it could only tackle Ferguson, one tiny part of our regional policing problems, it created a dynamic where much regional attention went elsewhere to solve regional issues. But Ferguson remains a center of national attention and a potential model for reform. Too many, inside and outside the city limits, have opted out.

With the right support, the people of Ferguson can develop the power to be involved and influential. The consent decree does provide important advisory roles (unfortunately not decision-making power) for community members. They need the organized power to assert that their advice is heard and incorporated early in the process, not as an afterthought when decisions are already made.

Unfortunately, even the well-meaning gatekeepers of that power don’t yet fully “get it.” In the end, some of the assistance needed may well be leadership development and political campaign training so the voice of the people can be heard.

John Chasnoff is a member of the Ferguson Collaborative and Ferguson’s Neighborhood Policing Steering Committee

Ryan said he worries that if Republicans don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act and pass some sort of replacement, then President Trump will “just go work with Democrats to try and change Obamacare and that’s not, that’s hardly a conservative thing. ... If this Republican Congress allows the perfect to be the enemy of the good, I worry we’ll push the president into working with Democrats.”

Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, usually a man of measured words, responded with a barbed tweet: “We have come a long way in our country when the speaker of one party urges a president NOT to work with the other party to solve a problem.”

But which Republican agenda? The House majority wants ideological purity of the kind found in Ayn Rand novels and the writings of obscure Austrian economists. The Senate majority favors traditional conservative policies and seeks selfpreservation. Trump seeks adulation. The House looks hopeless. Republicans hold 241 seats, a massive majority – yet could not come close to mustering the 216 needed last week to approve the ill-fated health care bill. House Republicans passed about 60 measures to repeal all or part of Obamacare while Barack Obama was president – but now, with a Republican in the White House, can’t pass even one. Ryan really is an ideologue. He worries less about whether policies work or not – whether, in this case, more people have health insurance – than whether policies fit his definition of “conservative” or

Letters to the editor

Extreme, partisan agenda

While states around the country – from Arkansas and Ohio to Montana and Michigan – have expanded Medicaid to successfully deliver health care for thousands of their residents, save millions of dollars for their budgets, and tackle the opioid epidemic, the Republicans in Missouri’s House of Representatives remain fixed on putting their extreme, partisan agenda above the needs of our working families. Missourians deserve better.

Stephen Webber, chair Missouri Democratic Party Columbia

Trump’s pro-polluter action

The Trump administration’s attacks on the Clean Power Plan will cost billions of dollars and thousands of lives. The Clean Power Plan protects all Missouri families by curbing dangerous carbon pollution and reducing other toxic pollutants like mercury, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide – but unfortunately Trump would clearly rather pad polluter profits.

The administration’s attack ignores the climate crisis and Missouri’s rapidly growing clean energy economy. At the same time, people all over the country have organized to help push coal to its lowest level in history by retiring nearly 250 plants nationwide, and cities ranging from Salt Lake City, Utah to Georgetown, Texas are committing to 100 percent clean energy.

For all these reasons, many states have plans and are already on track to meet and even exceed the Clean Power Plan’s 2030 emissions targets, and clean energy growth statewide will continue unabated. Sadly, Trump’s aggressive pro-polluter action means residents of heavily polluted states like ours will suffer from dirtier air while missing out on many of the

“not conservative.” Also, he doesn’t seem to be very good at counting votes.

To be fair, he does have the problem of the Freedom Caucus – a group of 30 to 40 House Republicans who are far to Ryan’s right, which puts them beyond the outer fringe. It is hard to imagine any health care bill that is acceptable to both the Freedom Caucus and a majority of Americans. The White House looks hopeless, too. Trump’s inner circle is like the Court of the Borgias, full of intrigue and backstabbing. And there have been plenty of opportunities for rivals to wield their knives: Advisers Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, the “economic nationalists,” came under attack when Trump’s first, amateurish attempt at a Muslim travel ban got blocked by the courts. Chief of Staff Reince Priebus bore much of the blame for the health care debacle. Economic adviser Gary Cohn and his staff are derided by others as “the Democrats.” Jared Kushner is fortunate to have the Teflon coating that comes from being the boss’s son-in-law. That leaves just two viable centers of power – Senate Republicans under Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is nothing if not wily; and House Democrats under Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Trump’s only path forward on health care, a problem he now owns, may indeed be working with the Democrats. When I saw her at the Capitol this week, Pelosi was in a surprisingly good mood.

All letters

benefits of a fair and just clean energy economy.

The Clean Power Plan is on a strong legal footing, and this is just the first stage in an attempt to try and roll it back. Trump can’t reverse the Clean Power Plan or our clean energy progress with the stroke of a pen, and we’ll fight Trump in the courts and at the state and local level right here in Missouri.

John Hickey, Missouri Chapter director Sierra Club St. Louis

Liar and thief in chief

The outcry about Snoop Dog’s video showing him aiming a gun at President Donald Trump and owing him an apology seems outrageously ludicrous to me since President

Donald Trump apologizes to no one. Snoop Dog’s video is no different than President Trumps’ accusation against our past President Obama stating that he wiretapped his phone. He has not come forward with a shred of evidence nor backed down from this accusation. When President Trump first made the accusation, it frightened me because it was if he was putting a bull’s-eye on President Obama’s back. One of my mother’s early teachings was that lying and stealing go hand-in-hand. She always said that if you knew a person who was a pathological liar, then you had better watch out, because 10-to-one they were also a thief. Is this who we have for our president? A liar and a thief?

Dorothy Dempsey St. Louis

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist

John Chasnoff

Photo by Wiley Price

Citizens cast their votes at Nance Elementary School in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 4.

Catching up with a Freedom Rider

A blast from civil rights past: Local CPA and entrepreneur Andre C. Coffer met 1961 Mississippi freedom rider George Blevins near Black Hawk, Colorado. On Tuesday, March 21, the two shared a smile and great conversation spanning five decades about common lessons and life’s fascinations.

Blevins is a cartoonist and is featured in Eric Etheridge’s book, “Breach of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders,” published in 2008.

Open seat on Special School District board

The Special School District Board of Education is seeking applicants for an open seat on the Board representing Subdistrict 1, which includes the Hazelwood and Jennings school districts. Applicants must be citizens of the United States, must have resided in Missouri for at least one year, be at least 24 years old, be a registered voter of the district, and be a resident of the subdistrict in which the application is filed. The vacancy was created when a board member resigned for personal reasons. According to district policy, when a vacancy occurs on the board, the remaining members will select an individual to fill the vacant position until the next board election. Applications will be accepted for the vacant seat until 3 p.m. Friday, April 28. The board then will

interview selected candidates at an open board meeting. Following the interviews, the board will vote to fill the vacancy, and the appointee will serve on the board until March 2018, when the SSD Governing Council will hold an election for the remaining two years of the term. Candidates must pick up an information packet and application form at the SSD Central Administrative Offices, 12110 Clayton Rd. in Town and Country, during regular business hours. Information packets and applications must be picked up and returned to the SSD administrative offices by the candidate. Packets and forms will not be mailed. Those returning completed applications must show proof of identification. For more information, call 314-989-8419.

An immortal life comes to TV

By Jamala Rogers

I knew it was coming, but I still had mixed emotions when I read that the story of Henrietta Lacks had finally become a movie. The HBO movie will premiere on April 22 and is based on the 2015 book by Rebecca Skloot, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

The word “amazing” doesn’t do justice to the story of this poor tobacco farmer who died at the young age of 31 years old. I know what Hollywood does to the lives of real people, so I’m naturally apprehensive about what to expect.

Oprah Winfrey expressed an interest in the story back in 2015. Reportedly, she was so mesmerized by the book, she read it in one sitting. (The book had the same effect on me.)

The Oprah Midas touch made Skloot’s book a New York Times Best Seller – with a little help from her book club. Winfrey quickly co-purchased the rights to the book, and it was speculated that a movie was in the wind. She is also the executive producer of the movie and plays the role of Lack’s daughter, Deborah.

Who is Henrietta Lacks, and why are we talking about her some 65 years after her death?

Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer shortly after the birth of her fifth child. The doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore took cells from Lacks without her knowledge or permission. Her husband was left in the dark as well. Her family didn’t find out what happened until some 20 years later, and it wasn’t due to the honesty of the hospital.

For reasons still unknown, Lack’s cells were the first to live in a test tube outside of the body, and they could multiply and multiply. Her cells were harvested and sold all over the world.

The good thing about the cells is that they have led to medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, chemotherapy and cloning; they have been used to save many lives. The downside is that the Lacks family never received a penny from the sale of their mother’s cells. An attempt to sue Hopkins was unsuccessful, and the medical-industrial complex did not feel the need to voluntarily compensate the family.

It’s sickening to know that medical and biotech companies have made billions of dollars from selling what is called the HeLa cells, taken from the first two letters of Henrietta Lacks’ name. More than 17,000 U.S. patents have been filed involving her cells. The Lacks family has never received a penny of these profits. The family has gone through its own trials and tribulations over the years, including having no health insurance. Lacks didn’t get a headstone for her unmarked grave until Morehouse College donated one in 2010.

How to honor the legacy of Henrietta Lacks is the source of family tensions that apparently have spilled over to the making of the movie. Some members want justice, while others want to move on and embrace the positive that has come from her DNA.

I’d be a family member saying, “Show me the money!” Not just to get the financial justice for my suffering family, but to use the unending profits to support the health and wellbeing of poor communities. This would include legal action against the likes of Hopkins who stole a part of a poor, black woman’s body. The story of Lacks is one of many tragic examples in this country’s racist history of how black bodies get exploited.

I strongly urge that you read the book before the movie comes out so that you know what’s real and what’s fantasy. Always remember, Henrietta Lacks is no made-up Hollywood character. She was a real human being.

Jamala Rogers

election. Krewson, the Democratic nominee running in a Democratic stronghold, received 68 percent of the vote (39,375 votes).

Republican nominee Andrew Jones received 10,088 votes (17.3 percent), and Rice received 6,102 votes (10.5 percent). Three other candidates split just over 2,000 votes between them, and there were 737 write-in votes (with no campaign for a write in candidate, though state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. briefly planned to wage one).

By comparison, in the previous municipal general election in 2013, the Democratic nominee (thenincumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay) did almost 15 points better than Krewson did on Tuesday, winning 82 percent of the vote in a much lower-turnout election.

Thirty percent of registered voters (59,134 people) voted in the city on Tuesday –more than twice as much

VOTERS

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 safety, job training, a youth empowerment fund and neighborhood revitalization. Proposition 2 – which would have directed $4 million new business use tax revenue from the sales tax increase to help fund a new $155-million stadium downtown – was defeated, 30,603 votes (52.8 percent) to 27,363 votes (47.2

voter participation as in the April 2013 municipal general election.

One has to look back to the 2009 municipal general election to see a Democrat challenged the way Krewson was challenged by a field of no-names and a reverend who ran a controversial downtown

n One has to look back to the 2009 municipal general election to see a Democrat challenged the way Krewson was challenged by a field of no-names and a controversial reverend.

homeless shelter until only a few days before the election. In 2009, Slay had a real challenge in a former state senator with widespread name recognition among city voters, Maida Coleman. Coleman took more than one-third of the vote (34.3 percent) from then-incumbent Slay (60.7 percent) with two perennial candidates also in the

percent). The city’s share in building the stadium would have been $60 million.

The fight over Proposition 2 drove voter turnout. Thirty percent of registered voters (59,134 people) voted in the city – more than twice as much voter participation as in the April 2013 municipal general election.

Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia, who represents the 6th Ward, said the $4 million would now most likely be divided among the current

race.

America’s most infamous small-town mayor, James Knowles III of Ferguson, easily won re-election on Tuesday with 57 percent of the vote, running head-to-head against Ella Jones, a recently elected African-American City Council member.

“We had people who came out for us to build some momentum, and we’re going to take this momentum and we’re going to continue to hold James Knowles accountable,” Jones told St. Louis Public Radio.

In Ferguson, the mayor is a council member at large with little operational control over city government, though Knowles became the city’s mouthpiece during the unrest following the police killing of Michael Brown Jr.

Proposition A in Ferguson, which puts a mandate for police body cameras and some protocols for managing them in the city charter, won by a huge margin, with 70.7 percent of the vote, garnering almost 500 votes more than Knowles.

budget needs. Ingrassia sponsored the legislation for both Propositions 1 and 2. However, the sales-tax increase came out of Mayor Francis G. Slay’s office last spring when trying to devise alternative revenues to the city’s earnings tax, said Patrick Brown, the mayor’s chief of staff. The Major League Soccer proposal was latter attached to it.

In the city, the conflict over Proposition 2 resembled the divide in the Democratic mayoral primary, with

progressives outvoting the status quo on Proposition 2. Unlike in the Democratic primary, however, progressives were not a voting majority split between progressive candidates, but rather united on a vote of “no” for public subsidy of a sports stadium –which is becoming a perennial loser on St. Louis ballots.

More unique to the general election on Tuesday was a revival of city versus county antagonism, with city progressives uniting around

the idea of not using their tax money to fund another urban amenity for county day trippers.

Many city residents were left smarting by the sales tax increase, which seemed to leave a sort of voter’s remorse in social media morning-after discussions. The passage of Prop 1 hiked the city’s sales tax from 8.679 percent to 9.179 percent. (Chicago has the highest rate with 10.25 percent, and Seattle sits in sixth place with 9.6 percent, according to the Tax Foundation.) In some parts of St. Louis city – like the Starbucks at 2350 South Grand Blvd. – the sales tax will be as high as 11.68 percent because of specialtaxing districts.

The proposed new NorthSouth MetroLink line funded by the new tax revenue will be a 17-mile stretch costing about $1.2 billion, said Nahuel Fefer, the mayor’s special assistant. The sales tax increase mainly addresses the first phase – a roughly 8-mile stretch which will cost about $700 million.

Fefer said that the $12 million in tax revenue will allow the city to secure about $350 million in bonds. “With a federal match, that translates to roughly $700 million,” Fefer said. “This would allow us to build a roughly 8-mile line.”

The remaining $8 million in revenue will go towards several other areas. For neighborhood revitalization, the plan is to put $2 million into one neighborhood every year and allow a panel of neighborhood residents to have a strong say in how the money is dispersed. The $1 million Youth Empowerment Fund will go towards recreation and afterschool jobs. Public safety will get $2 million, infrastructure will get $2 million, and $1 million will go to the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE).

As for funding a new soccer stadium, a progressive alderwoman who worked hard to defeat Proposition 2 has a simple solution for soccer boosters: pay for it yourselves. Alderman Megan Ellyia Green (15th Ward) noted that members of SC STL, the soccer ownership group, are individually wealthy and could come up with the $60 million without turning to the public. “So fans really need to be putting the pressure on them to come forth with the extra $60 million and say, ‘We do want this,’” Green told St. Louis Public Radio. “We want to see a stadium here. We just don’t want to pay for it off the backs off affordable housing, public safety, and public health.”

Lyda Krewson celebrated her election as St. Louis mayor at the Probstein Golf Course Clubhouse in Forest Park on Tuesday, April 4.

Photo by Carolina Hidalgo / St. Louis Public Radio

SALUTE

mental health professional and case manager on hand. One of Tanter’s favorite places to land is the center’s cozy room meant to relieve stress, she said. Her other favorite part about the SPOT is this: “I like to see the kids come here. They walk in with a mad face but walk out as happy as can be.”

On Friday, April 28, the SPOT will receive the St. Louis American Foundation’s Health Advocacy Organization of the Year at the Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon, an event that raises money for college scholarships through the St. Louis American Foundation.

The SPOT in Jennings opened in 2015, not long after Michael Brown Jr. was shot and killed in nearby Ferguson.

“In our needs assessment, we found some of the kids we were working with were describing high levels of stress,” said Dr. Sarah Garwood, medical director of the SPOT. “Part of the reason why we became interested in working with the school district on a trauma-informed care approach was because of that.” The center is the brainchild of Washington University in St. Louis, and its main location

SYKES

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 killer, that he had accomplices who have not been identified and charged.

Regina said the family is distraught over Berkeley Police’s handling of the investigation. The department claims to have 35 full-time police officers, under the supervision of an interim police chief; Chief Frank McCall resigned a few weeks before Monica’s disappearance. One of those officers,

is located at 4169 Laclede Ave. (first floor) in St. Louis’ Central West End. When staff looked at their data of who is receiving services, one zip code stood out.

“When we looked at the number of visits from different parts of the city and county, the 63136 zip code happened to have the highest number of visits,” said Garwood, who is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at Washington

Robert Howard, dropped Monica off at her sister’s home early on the morning of the day she disappeared. Though Howard was never named as a suspect or person of interest, and he told the Riverfront Times he thought Berkeley Police had arrested the guilty party, the family believes his relationship with their daughter was a conflict that should have been removed by handing the investigation to an outside party.

Berkeley Police did not agree. Neither did the FBI, St. Louis County Police or the St. Louis County prosecutor,

University School of Medicine.

There was also a high number of births to teen mothers in 63136, she said.

The next step was to find a location within that zip code that would remove transportation and other barriers for teens living in 63136 who could use SPOT services. While that zip code overlaps three North St. Louis County school districts (Jennings, Riverview Gardens

whom the family petitioned. A spokesperson for the County Police said the decision was left in the hands of the County prosecutor. A spokesperson for the prosecutor told The American that Berkeley Police “was doing everything they were supposed to be doing” when the Sykes family brought the matter to them.

The family also is angry that a news station that employs a daughter of Berkeley Mayor Ted Hoskins broke the news of the discovery of their daughter’s remains before they had a chance to tell everyone in their family.

Nurse practitioner

Terianne Lindsay talks with Jennings High School junior Destinee Weathers at The Spot, a health center embedded within Jennings High.

and Hazelwood), they decided on Jennings. They approached thenSuperintendent Tiffany Anderson at Jennings School District, who was very supportive of the idea, Garwood said.

The district spent $60,000 converting two classrooms into the health clinic. The clinic’s operations are funded through various grants. It’s open two days a week. The high school

Hoskins told The American he had nothing to do with the news getting out, but that it was appropriate for the news media to report it at that time, as the immediate family had already been notified. Hoskins said he was not aware that his city’s police department had promised the family to wait for their approval to announce the discovery. Both Hoskins and the family accuse the other party of being “hostile” and have not spoken for months. Hoskins has not called the family since Monica’s remains were discovered. “They have been so hostile

has 750 students, and about 460 of them have consent to receive services.

All the students who come to the clinic are screened for depression, substance use, access to dental care and symptoms of trauma, Garwood said.

“Based on results of the screening test, we try to link kids into further care,” Garwood said. “So if we see a teen who screens positive for

to me, I thought it would be appropriate for the police chief to make that call,” Hoskins told The American Regina said the family believes their daughter might have been found earlier with better leads had the investigation been taken away from Berkeley Police.

“Somebody discarded her like trash, but the investigation was a political thing and no one wanted to step in because of political reasons,” she told The American

“So many police departments say a family does not cooperate when someone

depression, we link them into mental health services or access to other services if those are needed.”

Already, the SPOT has improved the students’ academic achievement, said Rhonda Key, principal at Jennings High. Last year, the school’s students earned 91 percent of the total points on the state’s assessment test.

“We are an urban school with 100 percent free or reduced lunch population, so the proof is in the pudding,” Key said. “The SPOT has taken away the excuses and removed the barriers that stop our children from being in the classrooms. And that production is seen in our academic achievement. Last year we had 100 percent graduation. I don’t think that could have happened without the SPOT.”

The most common thing that Key hears from students is that the SPOT is a safe place.

“They say, ‘When I come here, I’m not judged,’” Key said. “That’s powerful.”

Tickets for the 17th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 28 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

is missing, but I know what my family went through. With this type of run-around, you do get discouraged and you are left with no faith in law enforcement. For five months we lived this horrific nightmare. Police are supposed to protect and serve, and when they can’t protect, you expect them to serve.”

The family said that anyone wishing to make a contribution in Monica’s name should contribute to Looking for Angel, www.lookingforanangel. org.

Photo by Wiley Price

Tammika Hubbard wins squeaker in 5th Ward against independent

While most Democratic candidates for aldermen won by large margins on Tuesday, incumbent Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard of the 5th Ward won with only 55.34 percent of the vote. Independent candidate Kausta Moore lost by 164 votes.

In the March primary election, five Democrats went up against incumbent 5th Ward Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard and lost. Although they had their distinct platforms, most of them shared the same goal – thwarting Hubbard.

“I think a lot of people are unsupportive of the Hubbards,” said Darryl “Bob” Ray, who was a 5th Ward primary candidate and a neighborhood organizer. “The lack of representation for so long has had an impact, and that’s why there was six people running in the primary. It’s a reflection of that discontent.”

On Tuesday, three of the primary candidates – Ray, Megan Betts and Reign Harris – worked the polls to support Moore. Moore, 37, works at Ameren where she creates instructional materials for computer-based training. She has also served on the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group Board since 2015 and is currently the group’s real estate chair. She grew up in St. Louis Place and purchased her home in the Old North neighborhood three years ago.

“My heart is in the 5th Ward,” Moore said. “I’m all about change, unity and working together – and especially responsiveness. There are a lot of good people in the 5th Ward, and we deserve our voices to be heard.”

Last night when the absentee voter numbers came in, Hubbard was winning with 72 percent, or about 150 votes. However, Hubbard beat Moore on election day as well, so the absentee margin was not material to her victory.

Recently, the FBI sent out letters to 5th Ward residents who are regular absentee voters, telling them that if they did not receive an absentee ballot application or ballot in August, they should call the FBI. A group called the Concerned Citizens for 5th Ward also sent out letters

reiterating the FBI’s message. However, about five seniors who live in senior centers called the citizens group and not the FBI because they felt more comfortable, said Betts. Three of them told the group’s phone bank that for this municipal election, they went to the front desk at their senior center and told them that they never received their absentee ballots. Betts said they were told that, “You already got it and mailed it back,” even though they hadn’t. Betts said, “We’ve kept notes.”

Hubbard hung up on The St. Louis American in response to an inquiry about how election day was going for her.

No change to Recorder’s office or election dates

St. Louis city will keep its Recorder of Deeds office and its current municipal election schedule, as both Propositions A and B failed on Tuesday.

Both propositions had strong financial backing from conservative activist Rex Sinquefield, who advocates for consolidating and merging city and county governments.

Prop A proposed to eliminate the Office Recorder of Deeds, give those functions to the Assessor’s office and then place the savings from consolidating the offices in a special fund for police body-worn cameras. The measure needed to pass with 60 percent or more of the vote because it is considered a “county office.” It received 51.58 percent of the vote.

Prop A started from a conversation between state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and Sinquefield. Nasheed told The St. Louis American that she couldn’t get state legislators to fund body cameras for police, so she approached Sinquefield, who felt they could kill two birds with one stone. But, it was unclear how much consolidating the two offices would save the city, as the petition presented to city residents last year doesn’t state this number. According to the city’s budget division, expenditures for the Recorder’s office last year were about $2.7 million, and cost estimates for body cameras have ranged from $2 to $5 million. However,

St. Louis would still need employees to handle the land deeds, marriage licenses, birth certificates and all the other recorder’s functions that aren’t going away. Many said the savings would not make a dent in the camera costs.

Proposition B proposed to move the primary municipal election date from March to August and the general municipal election date from April to November. The municipal elections would also be moved from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. It also needed 60 percent of the vote to pass, and it received only 52.91 percent.

City residents get special preference

Proposition C, led by Alderman Frank Williamson of the 26th Ward, passed with 68.75 percent of the vote. The measure proposed to add a paragraph to the city charter that would give St. Louis city residents applying for entrylevel city jobs an advantage over someone who doesn’t

live in the city. (Currently, city employees must live in the city, and outsiders have certain amount of time to move after they land the job.)

When city residents take the civil-service examination for an entry-level city job, Williamson proposed they automatically receive five points added to their score. That way if their scores are close to outside residents’ scores, it will give them a slight advantage. It doesn’t apply to promotions or high-level positions.

“What we are trying to do is make sure that people feel that it’s worth it to live in the city,” Williamson said.

Vacancy bond issue fails

St. Louis residents said they didn’t want to hike their property taxes to take care of city-owned vacant buildings.

Proposition NS (neighborhood stabilization) was a $40 million bond issue to stabilize vacant, city-owned residential properties and make them rehab-ready. Prop NS, which needed two-thirds

approval, received 58.57 percent of the vote.

If it had been approved, the bond would have been repaid through a property-tax increase - which would start with a one-cent annual raise the first year and eventually go up to a seven-cent increase. It would have eventually cost about $11 a year on a $100,000 home.

STLCC

St. Louis Community College now has two new board trustees – Pam Ross and Kevin Martin Martin, a middle school assistant principal in Hazelwood, beat out 11 candidates including the incumbent for the Subdistrict 1 seat, which represents north and central county. Ross, a member of the St. Louis Community College Foundation, won the Subdistrict 2, which represents the city. Martin will serve a threeyear term while Ross will serve a six-year term.

Proposition P

SLPS Board of Education

The 20.4 percent of voters in the April 4 City of St. Louis municipal elections returned one incumbent to the school board and picked two newcomers. The final unofficial results show board president Susan Jones was re-elected with 24.6 percent of the vote. Former SLPS teacher Dorothy Rohde Collins won with 20.7 percent and community progressive volunteer Natalie Vowell won with 17.3 percent of the vote.

HSD Board of Education Voters in the Hazelwood School District re-elected Brenda Youngblood to the Board of Education. The final unofficial results show Youngblood won with 21.2 percent of the vote, former state legislator Margo McNeil won with 21.1 percent of the vote and Mark Behlmann returns to the board after winning 21 percent of the vote.

Police in St. Louis County received a hefty annual budget increase with the passage of Proposition P, a one – half of one-percent sales tax increase. Chief Jon Belmar said Prop P would fund additional police officers, raises, and body and dash cameras and supporting equipment and personnel. Out of the estimated 80 million in new revenue each year, the County would distribute according to population, a portion of the funds to smaller police departments operating in municipalities in the county. St. Louis County’s voter turnout was 23.11 percent and final unofficial results show “Yes” votes at 63.18 percent and “No” votes at 36.82 percent.

Photo by Wiley Price

Citizens cast their votes at Nance Elementary School in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 4.

How a St. Louis American headline inspired an exhibit

Louis’s civil rights story.

#1 in Civil Rights open now at Missouri History Museum

By Jody Sowell

For The St. Louis American

The process for creating the kinds of exhibits we do at the Missouri History Museum is a long one. So many decisions have to be made over the course of their development that by the time we finally open, I often don’t recall the moment that we began. But the idea for #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis was sparked from a conversation I had with curator Gwen Moore in early April 2013. We never expected that it would lead –four years later – to one of the most important exhibits MHM has ever presented, but that’s exactly what happened. And now that the exhibit is open, I couldn’t be more thankful that I dropped by Gwen’s office that afternoon.

Gwen was discussing a number of ideas when she started talking about an article written in 1964 by Judge Nathan B. Young, co-founder of The St. Louis American and a historian in his own right. This very newspaper had put out a special edition commemorating the city’s bicentennial that year, and Young wanted to highlight the contributions African Americans have made to our community. But he did much more than that. In an article headlined “Number One City in Civil Rights History,” Young made the argument that St. Louis was the most important city in this country’s long civil rights struggle.

As soon as Gwen showed me the headline, I knew we had to create an exhibit. She went on to explain Young’s reasoning for his bold claim, as well as her own research into St. Louis’s civil rights history. Young focused on the fact that St. Louis was the site of some of this country’s earliest civil rights protests, largely centered on Missouri’s entrance into the Union as a slave state. He also drew attention to our city’s long history of struggle, from battles over segregated streetcars in the 1870s to disputes over unfair hiring policies throughout the 20th century. The biggest part of his argument focused on the number of St. Louis civil rights cases that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those landmark cases led the country closer to civil

war, helped make for a fairer education system, and ensured equal access to housing.

Young was an impressive writer and historian, but I don’t believe anyone knows more about the long arc of St. Louis’s civil rights history than Gwen Moore. With #1 in Civil Rights she has been able to expand on Young’s arguments and bring the freedom struggle story right up to today. In the exhibit, we don’t argue that St. Louis is the most important city in civil rights history, but we do highlight how important our struggle was and how much of our history has been forgotten.

That’s what I am most proud of in this exhibit – that we were able to resurrect so much forgotten history. Learning about the past isn’t always easy. For example, we explore the moments when racial tensions led to frightening acts of violence during the 1917 East St. Louis race riot and the 1949 Fairground Park riot. But it’s important that we face our local history in all of its complexity. In #1 in Civil Rights, you’ll meet civil rights heroes, learn about moments that will break your heart and make you realize how far we’ve come, and be impressed by what can be accomplished when people of all races come together to fight for equality. It’s a story that is inspiring, emotional, and fascinating.

Our challenge was to create an exhibit that matched the power of that story, and I’m confident #1 in Civil Rights does just that. You will see compelling artifacts and dramatic images; listen to moving oral histories; watch fascinating films; dig deeper into history through digital interactives; and leave your own opinions about the past, present, and future of the St. Louis civil rights movement. You’ll even witness actors portraying local civil rights heroes and view original artwork created by local artists commissioned just for this show—these two features alone are sure to make this an exhibit like none other you’ve seen before.

Since #1 in Civil Rights opened last month, I’ve thought a lot about that spring day in Gwen’s office four years ago and about how one conversation – and one headline in the St. Louis American – led to one of the most important and impactful exhibits we’ve ever created at the Missouri History Museum. We can’t wait for you to see it.

#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis is open until April 8, 2018, at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.

Jody Sowell is director of Exhibitions and Research at the Missouri History Museum.

Daughters establish Rochelle D. Tilghman Scholarship

Scholarship Fund Inception Banquet is April 23

American staff

After the untimely death of their mother Rochelle D. Tilghman last summer, daughters Rashonda Roundtree and Maikieta Brantley wasted no time in preserving their mother’s legacy with the help of two educational institutions that meant so much to Tilghman, Harris-Stowe State University and Fontbonne University.

Collaborating with both universities, the sisters established the Rochelle D. Tilghman Scholarship. HarrisStowe, Tilghman’s long-time employer, will be the first to award a Tilghman scholar.

This month, an undergraduate female student will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship and will be recognized during a scholarship fund inception banquet at St. Peters City Centre – Cultural Arts Centre on Tilghman’s birthday, Sunday, April 23.

“This gift from the Tilghman Family, in honor of one of Harris-Stowe’s most dedicated administrators, will reinforce the university’s mission to provide outstanding educational opportunities for individuals seeking a rich and engaging academic experience and our commitment to the community to be a beacon of light for educational excellence,” said Dwaun Warmack, president of Harris-Stowe State University.

Next year, a graduate student

from Fontbonne University will receive $20,000 due to Fontbonne’s decision to match the daughters with a $10,000 institutional contribution.

n “Her running joke to both my sister and me (proud members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) was that she pledged the library instead of a sorority.”

– Rashonda Roundtree

“Scholarships are investments that change the lives of our students and open worlds of possibility,” said Fontbonne President Michael Pressimone.

“We established the scholarship to honor our mother in tandem with how she honored those around her – by helping others and promoting advanced education,” said Roundtree, the eldest of the daughters. “She would put you on her back to help you succeed, and she valued education as a model for life-long learning, always encouraging others to educate themselves.”

Roundtree and Brantley acknowledge that it takes a lot of support to pursue an education and that it may be even more challenging when you are a single mother. It was the resilience demonstrated by their mother during her own pursuit of higher education that helped them understand the value forging ahead no matter what.

“Our mother was so dynamic that her mere presence would positively shift the atmosphere,” said Roundtree. “A natural scholar and leader, she graduated a year early from high school and knew that her childhood home in Wellston was just the beginning, definitely not her end – especially with education on her side. She loved to research and learn. Her running joke to both my sister and me (proud members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) was that she pledged the library instead of a sorority. It paid off, as she earned terminal degrees and certification in her field of accounting, all while being a single mother having divorced in her early 20s.” For tickets to the Rochelle D. Tilghman Scholarship Fund Inception Banquet or to donate to the fund, visit www. mstscholarship.com.

SUMMER CAMPS ENROLLING NOW!

Adams Park Club – (6/12-8/4)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-15

314-633-7900 | 4317 Vista Ave., 63110

DVN#: 00206871

BE GREAT at Normandy High School – (6/12-8/4)*

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 13-18

314-335-8350 | 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63121 Ferguson Middle School Club – (6/12-7/28)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 12-14

314-335-8330 | 701 January Ave., 63135

Grannemann Elementary School Club – (6/12-7/28)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-12

314-335-8350 | 2324 Redman Rd., 63136

DVN#: 002422597

Herbert Hoover Club – (6/12-8/4)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-15

314-335-8000 | 2901 N. Grand Ave., 63107

DVN#: 002367862

Lee Hamilton Elementary School Club – (6/12-7/28)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-12

314-335-8340 | 401 Powell Ave., 63135

DVN#: 002623469

O’Fallon Park Club – (6/12-8/4)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-15

314-932-1371 | 4343 West Florissant, 63115

Riverview Gardens Club at

Westview Middle School – (6/5-7/14)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 6-12

314-335-8276 | 1950 Nemnich Rd., 63136

Southeast Middle School Club – (6/12-7/28)

7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Ages: 11-15

314-953-7795 | 918 Prigge Rd., 63138

Tuesday, July 4th

The first commissioned artwork you’ll encounter in the exhibit #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis is this mural by Robert Ketchens and William Burton. It’s an overview of key moments and people in St.

The late Rochelle D. Tilghman

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Healthy Kids Kids

RightEatingon a Budget

Nutrition Challenge:

We often hear people talk about how hard it is to eat healthy on a budget. Let’s look at some ways to be successful at this challenge!

> Cook from “scratch” whenever possible. This is the best way to know exactly what ingredients go into a dish. And it is usually cheaper than buying pre-packaged products.

> Use coupons and buy the healthy items in bulk when they’re on sale.

Balloon Juggle!

Auto Safety

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.

> Have each person in your group count off to decide the order you will

When you are riding in a car, there are a number of things you can do to keep you (and other people in the car) safe. Here are just a few:

> Stay seated on the car seat and ALWAYS wear a seatbelt.

> Do not fight, yell or throw things — this could distract the driver.

> Comparison shop — use the grocery ads found in The St. Louis American to compare prices for similar, healthy food choices at different stores.

> Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. These will be the lower-cost options.

> Think about packaging. For example, a head of lettuce will make more salads than a smaller, more expensive bag of lettuce.

> What are other ways that you can save and shop smart?

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

play. Blow up a balloon and take turns hitting the balloon to 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 hitting the

> Keep your arms inside the vehicle at all times.

> Never toss anything out the window — No Littering!

> Can you think of other Car Safety Tips?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5, NH 7, SC 4

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

Sherry Wayne, Registered Nurse

Where do you work? I am the team lead nurse for neurosurgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Northwest High School in St. Louis, Missouri. I earned an Associate Degree of Nursing from Maryville University.

What does a neurosurgery team lead nurse do? As a team lead for the Neuro team, I prepare for surgeries for children who needed operations on their brain, back (spine), or infants to reshape their head.

Why did you choose this career? I am the youngest of 9 children and I grew up having a lot of nieces and nephews around me as infants. I have been around children all of my life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is being a part of surgeries that improve the quality of life of children and supporting their families.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Peanut Butter Banana Mini Rice Cake Sammies

Ingredients: 8 Mini Rice Cakes Peanut Butter Banana Slices

Directions: Spread 4 mini rice cakes with peanut butter; top each with a banana slice and the remaining rice cakes.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

Our Lady of Guadalupe School 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Linda Saunchegraw, uses

The St. Louis American with students Irving Pinacho Torres, Aleah Fields and Ka’Mya Carothers. Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African American Astrochemist William M. Jackson

SCIENCE CORNER

A comet is made out of dust and ice. Many scientists compare them to a dirty snowball. Comets are created in two places- Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Comets can live there for billions of years. However, once they bump into each other, they can change direction. This is what sends them to the Inner Solar System. The Sun’s heat and radiation creates a Solar Wind, which causes an increase in temperature, and the comet begins to melt away. As they

melt, the dust and gas debris forms a tail. At this point, the only solid part of the comet is the nucleus, which is the center of the comet. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the nucleus boils off a cloud of dust and gas, called a coma.

For more information, visit: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/comet/.

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

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

In this experiment, you will make a colorful comet that you can use to play catch.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic Grocery Bag

• Scissors

• Tennis Ball

• String or Ribbon

• Glow-in-the-dark Paint

• Paintbrush

Process:

q Cut the handles off of the plastic bag.

Catch a Comet

e Put the ball in the middle of the plastic, and pull the corners together.

r Tie the string around the plastic, close to the ball, so the plastic won’t slip off.

t Carefully cut slits in the plastic, making 1 or 2-inch strips.

y Paint the comet with glow-in-thedark paint. When the paint dries, you can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, etc.

Reflect: The tennis ball is like the ice and rock chunk in the center of a comet, and the plastic bag makes the coma and tail.

William M. Jackson was born on September 24, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, and attended Immaculata High School and Central High School. Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1956 from Morehouse College, and his doctorate degree in 1961 in chemistry from Catholic University of America. He studied photochemistry, lasers chemistry, and astrochemistry.

Jackson used chemical research to understand comets and led the first research team to use the International Ultraviolet Explorer telescope in a satellite to observe comets. Jackson’s work included many organizations such as the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Martin-Marietta Company, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, and University of California, Davis (UCD). Jackson has taught at UCD since 1985.

The National Science Foundation awarded Jackson a 1.2 million dollar grant to establish the Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Jackson made it a point to recruit and mentor African Americans for the PhD. program in Chemistry. He has published over 165 academic papers, and has one patent in his name. He was also a founder of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

Comet 67P/C-G from March 2016, about 200 miles away. Credit European Space Agency/Rosetta

w Carefully cut down each side of the bag, to make a flat piece of plastic.

Rainy days mean spending more time in the classrooms, so it’s a perfect time to play games to sharpen your math skills!

101 AND OUT:

Materials Needed:

A Sheet of Paper

• Pencil • One Dice

Object of the Game: To score as close to 101 without going over or “out.”

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to make a model of a product.

Rainy Day Math Games

BACK TO BACK:

Materials Needed: A Writing Surface • Writing Utensils • Someone who is quick with their math facts for a “caller.”

Object of the Game: Guess the other player’s number before they guess yours.

Players: 2 players and 1 caller for each round. To give everyone a chance to play, keep playing until you are “out,” and cycle in a new player each round.

Jackson has received a number of awards, including the 1997 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a Distinguished Research and Emeritus Professor, Bennie Trailblazer Award, and an Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. Jackson is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. The Planetary Society also named an asteroid 1081 EE37 as Billjackson, as a tribute to him.

Learning Standards: about an African American who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Players: Can play as individuals, in small teams, boys vs. girls, etc.

Directions: Take turns rolling the dice. Players can take the number as a one or a ten. For example, if a student rolls a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50. Students keep a running record of their total as they play. The player (or group) that first scores as close to 101 as possible without going over wins.

DID YOU KNOW?

Directions: Two students come up to the board and stand back to back. This allows for the students to write on the board, but blocks their view of the other person’s number. The players will write a number between 2 and 9. The caller states “numbers up” as the signal for the players to write their number on the board. The caller then states the sum or product of the two numbers. The students use their understanding of math facts to figure out what the other person’s number is when added or multiplied by their number. The player to say the other person’s number first wins the round. The “loser” gets to choose the next person to come to the board.

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

If a comet comes close enough to Earth, it is bright enough to see during the day.

Many people believe the comet’s tail is traveling behind it. The tail can actually be in back or in front of the comet, depending on the Sun’s solar wind.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities —

Relevant Information:

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

Polygon Perimeters: Locate and circle 4 verbs in a news story. Use a ruler to connect the verbs like a dotto-dot puzzle to form a polygon. Measure and label each side of your polygon with a ruler. Add the lengths of your sides to find the perimeter. Write the perimeter in the center of your polygon. Try it again with nouns or adjectives.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify main idea. I can identify parts of speech.

Open letter to next St. Louis mayor on crime

By Rodrick K. Burton Guest columnist

On March 30, St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay invited community stakeholders to join area law enforcement to hear the Department of Justice present the Diagnostic Analysis for the City of St. Louis, Missouri. I heard information well known to all and a few new things. At the end of the presentation, recommendations were made comprised of evidence-based outcomes (successful in other communities) and a call for leadership and coordination. As the DOJ analysis was

flashed on the screens, the poorest neighborhoods were the sites for the vast majorities of murder. In the past, the luxury of affluence facilitated the lack of concern for the conditions in other neighborhoods. But individuals are no longer containing their actions to just those neighborhoods. Social media and new attitudes find the gun battles and criminal behavior common to underserved areas now spreading to Busch Stadium, downtown, and on or around our university campuses.

Our city leader’s reactions to the consistent reporting of America’s most dangerous city

Radioactive waste in North County requires real political leadership

By Cori Bush Guest columnist

On the morning of Friday, March 31, a band of activists named Earth Defense Coalition shut down Bridgeton and West Lake landfills. Nine activists chained themselves to 500pound, cement-filled oil drums, effectively blockading the driveways to the landfills.

Earth Defense Coalition states in a Facebook video that they are calling attention to Republic Service’s continued mismanagement of radioactive waste illegally dumped at the landfills, which is now dangerously close contacting an underground chemical fire. Around 1942, local firm Mallinckrodt Chemical Company received a secret federal contract to spearhead the processing of raw

uranium for nuclear weapons. Mallinckrodt needed to discretely deal with a large amount of hazardous waste; their cost-saving solution was to illegally dump 50-gallon drums of waste throughout North St. Louis County and St. Charles County.

Grassroots coalitions of neighbors throughout the region repeatedly discovered, exposed and demanded the cleanup of toxic and radioactive waste; the most recent successful example was Weldon Springs, which was remediated in 2001. At Weldon Springs, seven drinking well tests revealed radioactive contamination of the groundwater. In the case of Bridgeton and West Lake landfills, reliable testing has not been conducted. Advocacy by watchdog group Just Moms

is to whine or deny. Now it is time to say to the nation, “Yes, we have a problem, and here’s what we are doing about.”

If the city does address the crime problem in a holistic way, as laid out by the Department of Justice, potential investors will pick other cities and the businesses we have will leave. Lost investment means lost jobs, lost taxes, lost status and decline for everyone.

St. Louis is the economic engine for our state, a regional giant, but an injured behemoth.

STL resulted in additional tests, which confirmed the concern that radioactive waste was not confined to a small corner of West Lake Landfill, as previously alleged by officials. In fact, they found radioactive waste in the contiguous Bridgeton Landfill, much closer to the ongoing underground chemical fire. You can’t sweep radioactive waste under the rug, or into an unlined landfill, and expect the problem to disappear. With time, the harmful material only leaches further into soil, closer to sources of drinking water, and nearer to the underground chemical fire.

Our injuries like most large cities are a combination of globalism, longstanding racial divisions and crime. The fallout of Ferguson put a spotlight on our city and metropolitan area and the perception that our crime problem is growing out of control. For too long, stable, thriving neighborhoods have felt comfortable in ignoring and thereby enabling other neighbors to become failed states. Current history has clearly demonstrated in Somali, Libya, Afghanistan,

Yemen, Iraq and now Syria that failed states affect the security and economy of a region. As the DOJ’s report pointed out, the elements to reduce our violent crime are present. We need strong, honest leadership that utilizes smart strategic policing; coordinated surges of social services to underserved communities with a focus on being trauma-informed; intentional aesthetic improvements; intentional smart reintegration of ex-offenders to the communities; and presence in those communities. What I mean by “presence” is if the mayor shows up in

distressed communities, as well as thriving neighborhoods, it shows the residents they care. Many youths interviewed for the DOJ Analysis expressed that no one cares. It is time to prove to all citizens that St. Louis cares that all should do well.

Rev. Rodrick Burton is the pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, vice president of the Ecumenical Leadership Council, member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, and board member of the St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence.

responsibility to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).

The bill passed in the Senate with little difficulty, but it failed in the House of Representatives due to a Republican’s and a Democrat’s votes in committee.

What does it say about the leadership of Wagner and Clay that they were unable to secure the support they needed from members of their own parties to accomplish a vote on the House floor?

Believing that state politics hindered local officials’ impartiality, Just Moms STL successfully secured bipartisan support from Missouri members of Congress, Senators McCaskill and Blunt, and Representatives Wagner and Clay, to sponsor a bill with a sensible partial solution – to transfer the waste cleanup

When the St. Louis County Emergency Operations Plan leaked to a member of the press, neighboring school districts responded by sending a letter home in every child’s backpack. Put yourself in a parent’s shoes: imagine having to explain to your 7-year-old why you might be barred from picking up them up from school for an indefinite amount of time during a mandatory shelter-in-place decree. Parents were advised to leave a stockpile of children’s

medications at school just in case, for asthma and other chronic ailments are all-toocommon to these families.

Imagine trying to explain the death of family members due to rare cancers that are perturbingly clustered in North County near the landfill and Cold Water Creek. The psychological strain on parents and children in the community is an absolute injustice and a disgrace. No one should have to live in the shadow of calamity or illness simply from breathing the air, drinking the water, and digging in the soil of their community.

Some residents have elected to move away for peace of mind. Others cannot afford to leave. Meanwhile North St. Louis County residents already feel the impact of a slumping housing market that undercuts what is often the only wealth this middle-class community has accumulated. We need a systematic, scientific, Cartesian-gridbased program of soil and water tests in Bridgeton and West Lake landfills, and in a half mile buffer surrounding all known current and past

radioactive dump sites. We need a rigorous public health study of reported cancer and autoimmune disorder clusters in North County. We need a comprehensive study of home value depreciation and loan availability in the footprint of the contaminated area to measure the economic impacts to private citizens already incurred.

And, crucially, we need the landfill’s clean-up to be transferred immediately to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FUSRAP, especially in this national political climate where the very existence of life-saving regulations is threatened by Donald Trump’s corporate agenda to end the EPA. Despite being a political failure, this is not a partisan issue. The negligence displayed here is an international human rights catastrophe. It has been 16 years since political pressure forced the cleanup of the dump site at Weldon Springs, and there has been an utter lack of political leadership ever since. Cori Bush is a nurse, pastor and political activist.

Guest Columnist Rodrick K. Burton

Guest Columnist Cori Bush

Ameren Illinois provides grants to low-income customers

Ameren Illinois partnered with two local agencies recently to help more than 1,100 qualified low-income customers reduce their energy bills. One-time bill payment grants of up to $150 were provided to approximately 650 customers during a customer assistance event at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis. Another 460 customers received grants during an event at the Collinsville Senior Citizens Center. Attendees also met with Ameren Illinois advisors to establish payment plans and discuss strategies for reducing future bills by implementing energy-efficiency strategies.

Ameren Illinois partnered with St. Clair County’s Intergovernmental Grants Department for the event in East St. Louis and with Madison County Community Development for the event in Collinsville.

“We understand that these are challenging times for some of our customers,” said Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark. “We were able

n “We understand that these are challenging times for some of our customers.”

– Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark

to provide customers with immediate financial assistance, as well as energy efficiency recommendations that will help them manage their energy usage and costs.”

Ameren Illinois encourages customers who fall behind on their electric or natural gas bills to call the company’s customer service hotline at 1-800755-5000.

A broad alliance defends consumer watchdog

Democrats, consumer groups and civil rights leaders mobilize behind Richard Cordray

By Michelle Singletary Washington Post

In a pre-emptive move, Democrats, consumer groups and civil rights leaders have been mobilizing to defend the head of the federal consumer watchdog agency should President Trump try to fire him.

From its very inception, Republicans have been critical of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was created under the 2010 Dodd-Frank law. Critics think the bureau is too hostile toward the financial services industry. Republicans have introduced legislation that would change the CFPB’s leadership structure, replacing the one-person directorship with a five-person commission, which could effectively stymie or slow down the agency’s aggressive consumer protection actions in an effort to get a consensus.

The term of the current director, Richard Cordray, isn’t over until July 2018, but detractors of the agency are urging Trump to dismiss him early. Under existing law, the president can only remove Cordray “for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.”

The CFPB was designed to be as independent as possible so that it wouldn’t become a pawn of politicians beholden to campaign contributors from the financial industry. That’s why it’s structured to have a single director who can only be removed for cause and why the Federal Reserve, not Congress, controls its budget.

Last year, critics rejoiced in an opening that could oust Cordray after a three-judge federal

n The CFPB was designed to be as independent as possible so that it wouldn’t become a pawn of politicians beholden to campaign contributors from the financial industry.

appeals court panel ruled that its leadership structure is unconstitutional. But the CFPB appealed the decision and, this month, the full court agreed to revisit the ruling.

So now proponents are concerned that Trump is being urged to fire Cordray because

See WATCHDOG, B2

A&E now offers three tiers of operation grants

Deadline is April 28

Brian Simmons is the new defensive backs coach at the Benedictine College football program in Atchison, Kansas. He is leaving his position at Bishop DuBourg High School as the dean of students, personal finance teacher and head football coach. He also previously coached at Lutheran High School North, Hazelwood East High School, Hazelwood Central High School Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Pattonville High School and Washington University.

Cheryl Christian was recognized as Staff of the Month for March 2017 by the FergusonFlorissant School District. She is a high school science teacher at the Mark Twain Student Support Center. In the past three months, she volunteered to become a buddy mentor to a new elementary teacher, became part of the TILT Positive Behavior Intervention and Support committee, and served on the interview committee.

Joshua D. Peters was appointed as the congressional designee to the executive board of the Missouri Democratic Party by U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay. A Democrat from St. Louis, he is state representative for the 76th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. The Missouri Democratic Party is chaired by newly-elected Stephen Webber from Columbia, Missouri.

Maxine Valdez received a Special Ambassador Award from the Special School District (SSD). She is assistant superintendent for student services in the Hazelwood School District, where she is responsible for the Health Services, School Safety, Residency/Enrollment and School Counselor/Social Worker departments, while also serving as the liaison to SSD. The award recognizes community members who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the students/staff of SSD.

Clarke Shead was recognized by C-SPAN for her StudentCam documentary, “Training the Badge – National Police Reform.” StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. She is the daughter of Bruce and Deirdre Shead, and an honor student and junior at Kirkwood High School.

A&E president and CEO. “This

granting structure will allow A&E to better support the vibrant

community that we have championed in our region for 54 years.” To be eligible, organizations must meet specific criteria and have annual budgets over $500,000. A volunteer grant panel convened by A&E determines grant awards. Applications can be submitted online at KeepArtHappening. org/Apply. For more information, contact Susan Rowe Jennings at 314-289-4004 or Susan-R@ KeepArtHappening.org.

Dennis Dunblin won first place in the Black History Month writing contest in the 9th grade category sponsored by the SIUE East St. Louis Learning Resource Center. He is a student at SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School. “I wanted to convey what really happened as part of our history,” Dunblin said about his rap composition, “Equal Freedom: Darker History.”

Brian Simmons

Clarke Shead

Cheryl Christian

Dennis Dunblin

Joshua D. Peters

Maxine Valdez

Michelle Singletary

By Nathaniel Sillin

Planning for a baby is exciting and sometimes a little frightening for expectant parents, especially firsttime parents. The months will fly by and soon you’ll be at home embarking on an adventure along with the newest member of your family. Welcome to the excitement, exhaustion, fascination, bewilderment and love that is parenthood.

Along with the joy and fulfillment that a new baby brings, you’ll have new financial responsibilities. Some costs are unavoidable, while others may largely depend on your discretion. Sticking to a financial plan could help you provide wonderful opportunities and experiences for your child while keeping your family’s costs under control.

Preparing for the cost of birth. Paying down debt, creating a new budget, building an emergency fund, setting up automated personal finance software and reviewing the beneficiaries on your accounts could all be on your pre-birth checklist. You might not have the time or energy for these tasks once you’re a parent.

Practical financial planning for parents-to-be

You’ll also want to review your health insurance policy and get a clear understanding of your coverage during prenatal care, labor and delivery. Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Medicaid plans always cover pregnancy and birth, but copays, coinsurance, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket amounts can vary. You might not be covered at all if you

WATCHDOG

continued from page B1

of allegations of employment discrimination at the bureau.

In an email, a White House spokesperson declined to comment on the president’s plans regarding Cordray. In 2013, the CFPB identified disparities in employees’ performance ratings by race, age and office location, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. Following the disclosure, the House Financial Services Committee began an investigation.

Over the course of several hearings, five CFPB employees testified about allegations of discrimination. Several others submitted anonymous written testimony.

The GAO was asked to review personnel management and organizational culture issues at the bureau and found “heightened concerns related to fair treatment.”

The agency’s Office of the Inspector General also conducted an audit in response to a congressional request. It identified four areas in which the agency could improve its diversity efforts. But both the GAO and the OIG concluded that Cordray had taken steps to foster a

have a grandfathered plan. You can change to a new Marketplace plan, and add

more diverse and inclusive workforce.

In a letter last month to Trump, the union representing the CFPB employees said it was satisfied with Cordray’s commitment to addressing discrimination claims, writing: “In no way could the director’s actions in these matters constitute a basis for a dismissal for cause.”

The Congressional Black Caucus also wrote to Trump, declaring that Cordray had done “nothing to give the necessary cause for his removal from office.”

Democratic members of the House Committee on Financial Services also commended Cordray’s efforts

your child, after the birth as you’ll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period

to address the employment issues, including providing merit-pay increases and making lump-sum payments to affected employees. And the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP, the National Council of La Raza and the National Urban League released a joint statement in support of the CFPB and Cordray, writing that the director has worked to fix a flawed employee performance system.

“Any effort to weaken the agency or undermine its leadership would risk severe impacts on our communities –including communities of color and low-income families who are most vulnerable to financial

Saving money during the first few years. As you adjust to life as a new parent – sleepless nights, bath times and diapers galore – you’ll likely be tempted by a wide range of childcare products. Some are necessary, but there are many ways to save on everyday infant purchases. Ask at the hospital, research online and check with pediatricians for free childcare samples. They may not last long, but having a stockpile of various samplesize products can come in handy. Also ask about a free breast pump, which you may have a right to with an ACA healthcare plan.

Consumables, such as formula, diapers and wipes, can be bought in bulk at warehouse stores or shipped to you via a subscription from an online retailer. Either option could provide longterm savings compared to buying as you go.

Discuss childcare options. Some families need the income from two working parents, others can choose to stay at their job or become a full-time parent.

Weighing the pros and cons of leaving work can be difficult as you’ll want to consider a variety of ancillary costs and benefits. In the end, the decision may not be entirely financial. You could value extra parent-child time over a second income, even if it means living with a tighter budget. But even if you’re unsure of daycare, you may want to sign-up for local centers’ waitlists now

abuse,” the groups wrote.

One of the main arguments used by the CFPB’s opponents is that it’s not accountable. Yet the director has to report to Congress. The discrimination allegations were scrutinized during congressional hearings.

“Diversity is one of our most fundamental strengths, both as an agency and as a nation, and it contributes directly to our success in delivering results for American consumers,”

Cordray said in a statement.

“We’ve been working hard on these issues since we opened our doors.”

because it can take years to get a spot. Plan for the worst-case scenario. As a parent, you’re responsible for the wellbeing of your child. Now may be the time to prepare or revise a will and consider appointing a guardian. Also, if you don’t have life insurance, this is a good time to start shopping for a policy. If something happens to you, life insurance can help provide financial support for your child in the coming years.

Whole or permanent life insurance policies will cover you for as long as you pay your premium while term life insurance covers you for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years. Premiums on term policies may be lower than on whole life insurance, and this could be the better option if you’re only looking for coverage while you support your child.

Bottom line: A new child will bring great joy to your family, and when wants or needs arise, you will want your finances to be in order. Whether you’re early in the planning process or already expecting, it’s never too early to prepare for the cost of raising a child. After all, a new addition to your family is the best gift and the start of an amazing adventure.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

I find it hypocritical that some politicians might deal the race card to try to get what they want, which essentially is to protect those companies that have discriminatory practices that have harmed minority consumers.

It would be appalling if the employment problems at the CFPB were used to oust Cordray. Doing so could emasculate an agency that has done so much good for all consumers.

Even while dealing with its own issues, the CFPB has levied fines against companies for discriminatory mortgage, auto and credit card lending practices affecting AfricanAmerican and Hispanic consumers.

n “It means that I can check off one of the things that had been a void in my career.”

– Dawn Staley, on leading South Carolina to the national championship

Mannie Jackson elected to Hall

Dawn Staley makes NCAA history as black female coach

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin Jr.

It was a great weekend for trailblazing African Americans in basketball at the Final Four of the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments.

Former Metro East basketball standout Mannie Jackson was elected for enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend. Jackson received the call on March 31.

A former star player at Edwardsville High, Jackson went on to have a standout career at the University of Illinois from 195760, where has the first African American to start for the Illini and earn a varsity letter. He was a two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection. The University of Illinois retired his number.

Jackson enjoyed a brief professional career, which included a stint with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters in the early 1960s. Nearly three decades later, Jackson left the business world and purchased the Globetrotters in 1993 when the organization was floundering in bankruptcy. In doing so, he became the first African-American owner of a major sports corporation. Under Jackson’s leadership, the Globetrotters regained their worldwide popularity and their status as one of the great shows in sports entertainment.

Dawn Staley makes history

That same weekend in Dallas, Dawn Staley was cementing her legacy as an icon of women’s basketball by guiding South Carolina to their first NCAA national championship.

After the Gamecocks defeated Mississippi State last Sunday, Staley became the second AfricanAmerican woman head coach to lead a team to the national championship. The first was Carolyn Peck, who led Purdue to the national title in 1999.

Staley was an All-American guard who led the University of Virginia, where she led the Cavaliers to three Final Four appearances. She played several

No Excuses as Ward, Kovalev agree to rematch

Last November, Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev engaged in one of the most important boxing matchups in recent years. Ward got off to a slow start, highlighted by a second-round knockdown at the heavy hands of the man called “Krusher.” However, the skillful Ward peeled his backside off the canvas and out-boxed his opponent over 12 rounds to win a unanimous, but highly-contested decision. Ward earned the pound-for-pound crown. Kovalev earned the first ‘L’ of his career.

This summer, Kovalev (301-1, 26 KO) will get a chance at his own comeback story. The highly-anticipated rematch is official. ‘Ward vs Kovalev II: No Excuses’ will take place on June 17 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. For true fight fans, it is a welcome announcement. Ward and Kovalev are ranked #1 and #2 on The Ring’s latest

pound for pound list. With all due respect to Roman Gonzalez, Terence Crawford and Gennady Golovkin, these are the best two fighters in the world. Both fighters have something to prove. Kovalev (and his fans) felt he was cheated in the first fight. He felt that his relentless pressure and the knockdown should have given him more than enough points to earn a decision.

Ward (31-0-0, 15 KO) believes the so-called controversy of the first fight has robbed him of the respect he deserves as the world’s top pound for pound pugilist. Ward posted a photo on Instagram, with a message directed to his opponent. “I’m going to keep it short and sweet, you got what you asked for, now you have to see me JUNE 17TH. This time leave the excuses at home. #SO G #EARNED #NOEXCUSES#

Earl Austin Jr.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

Dawn Staley became the second African-American woman head coach to lead a team to the national championship.

Former Metro East basketball standout Mannie Jackson was elected for enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend. A former star player at Edwardsville High, Jackson went on to have a standout career at the University of Illinois from 1957-60, where has the first African American to start for the Illini and earn a varsity letter.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Dexter Fowler makes good in his debut with Cardinals

Let the record show that Dexter Fowler scored the first run of the St. Louis Cardinals season in a 4-3 victory last Sunday night on ESPN.

Randal Grichuk delivered the Cards’ two biggest blows with a two-run home run in the eighth inning and then a walkoff RBI single in the bottom of the ninth. Catcher Yadier Molina received two lengthy ovations after signing a threeyear contract extension before the game.

But fans showered Fowler with cheers throughout the game as his new team – the Cardinals –took on his old team –the Chicago Cubs – in the home opener. Fowler displayed his importance to the Redbirds with that first run of the season. He reached first base on an infield single. Aledmys Diaz slapped a single to right field and Fowler sprinted to third base. He would score on Matt Carpenter’s line-drive sacrifice fly.

Here is the breakdown by position. Outfielders 42; starting pitchers 7; relief pitchers 7; second basemen 7; first base/designated hitter 3; shortstop 3; third base 0; catcher 0. Of the nine positions on the diamond, two of them had no black players on 2016 first-game rosters. This is as damning a fact as any as MLB struggles to increase black participation in the sport.

The hit came on Fowler’s second at-bat of the game, and he had received another long, standing ovation before its first pitch. After reaching first base, he was greeted by close friend Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs.

“Rizzo goes, ‘That was awesome,’” said Fowler. “It was loud. I was thoroughly impressed.” Cardinal Nation should already be impressed with its new centerfielder.

It’s about the outfield

In two weeks, Fowler will field dozens of questions about Jackie Robinson and the lack of African Americans in Major League Baseball. It comes with the territory when you’re the team’s lone black player on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day.

Black skipper double play

Major League Baseball didn’t lose any black managers during the offseason nor were any hired, leaving a grand total of two out of 30 positions. Retuning are Dusty Baker in Washington and Dave Roberts in Los Angeles. Both guided their teams to the postseason, which certainly adds to their job security. Both are also favored to lead their teams to respective division titles in the NL East and NL West. Nothing short of the World Series will do, says Roberts, now in his second season

“We’re equipped to win this thing,” Roberts said. “That’s the only focus that we have. All the boxes are checked. Now it’s just up to us to go out and win baseball games.” Roberts was named the 2016 NL Manager of the Year after displaying his baseball know-how in a challenging season.

n Of the nine positions on the diamond, two of them had no black players on 2016 first-game rosters. This is as damning a fact.

The Dodgers used a franchise record-tying 55 total players and 31 different pitchers last season. Twenty-eight players (three more players than an entire roster) spent time on the disabled list, the most for any team in the last 30 years.

USA TODAY will also release its statistical data on the number of black players on Opening Day rosters leading up to the MLB-wide celebration of the historic date that Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Last year, USA TODAY found that 69 of 862 players on Opening Day rosters were black – just 8 percent.

Only 3.1 percent (14) of the total number of starting and relief pitchers were AfricanAmerican.

Baker is entering his 22nd year as a big-league manager with stints in San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati and now Washington. He is second only to San Francisco’s Bruce Bochy (23rd year) in managerial experience, but a World Series title has eluded him.

The Nationals were a hot mess in 2015, and Baker calmed the calamitous clubhouse and got his team into the playoffs. He only got the chance to take over in

2016 because Bud Black, now in his first year with the Colorado Rockies, could not settle on a contract.

The Nationals did not extend his contract in the offseason, meaning Baker could easily be gone after this year.

“Dusty deserves to get the thing he wants the most,” said All-Star outfielder Jayson Werth

“He’s a good baseball man. But more important, he’s just a genuinely good person. It’s hard to come across people like that. He’s done everything right.” Baker responded, “I told (Jayson), ‘Win it for you (guys), not for me.’” Washington Post columnist Thomas Boswell wrote this week, “Why the Nats don’t extend Baker’s contract past

2017 is beyond me. Don’t the owners know the mood of their team? When a manager costs the same as utility man Stephen Drew, why leave him as a lame duck?” Baker has shared that he wants to be the first AfricanAmerican manager in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He has the victories, he has a World Series appearance, he has turned losers into winners in four cities. The only thing standing between him and certain induction into the Hall is a World Series title.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Nichyria Byrd

SIU-Edwardsville – Women’s Track and Field

Clemons also finished third in the 200 and fourth in the 100 at last weekend’s John Creer Invitational at Lindenwood University. thE St. LouiS AmEricAn ArEA coLLEgiAtE AthLEtES of thE WEEk

The sophomore from Chicago, IL set a new school record in the long jump last weekend at the Joey Haines Invitational in Cape Girardeau. Byrd won the long jump with an effort of 19 feet 8 ½ inches, which potentially could be good enough to qualify for the NCAA Nationals later in the season. Byrd also had a jump of 19 feet 9 inches as a freshman to win the Gateway Classic, but that effort was wind-aided. Last season, she also placed eighth in the long jump at the Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Meet.

Caleb Clemons

Webster University – Men’s Track and Field

The sophomore sprinter from McCluer North set a new school record in the 100-meter dash in a meet to start the outdoor season. Clemons turned in a time of 10.76 seconds in the 100 at the Rhodes Invitational in Memphis, Tennessee, which was the fastest time among NCAA Division III sprinters at the time. He also has one of the nation’s fastest times in the 200 among Division III schools.

Alvin A. Reid

Fans showered Dexter Fowler with cheers throughout the game as his new team – the Cardinals – took on his old team –the Chicago Cubs – in the home opener.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

American Fab Five Boys’ All-Stars

Courtney Ramey, Mark Smith, Javon Pickett, Daniel “Peanut” Farris, Carte’are Gordon

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

The members of the 2017 St. Louis American Fab Five Boys’ All-Star Basketball Team represent a versatile group of talented guards surrounding a talented force of nation in the middle. The trio of Courtney Ramey, Mark Smith and Javon Pickett are all mid-sized performers who excel at all facets of the game. Point guard Daniel “Peanut” Farris was the leader’s leader while Carte’are Gordon of Webster Groves is a big man who can do everything. Here is a closer look at the First Team members of the 2017 St. Louis American Boys’ Fab Five All-Star Team.

Daniel “Peanut” Farris

(Vashon): The stellar 6’0” senior point guard concluded a brilliant career by leading the Wolverines to back-to-back Class 4 state championships. Farris averaged 13 points, four rebounds and four assists a game, but his leadership and clutch

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

Louis rejected a ballot proposal that would’ve allocated $60 million tax dollars towards a new downtown MLS stadium. As much as I’d love to see a MLS team in St. Louis, city voters made the right call. Time and time again, taxpayers are asked to foot the bill for fancy new sports venues despite overwhelming evidence that it makes very little financial sense. This is especially true in St. Louis, as the city has a population of less than 320K. Had the City and County come together for a plan, it might have been a little more fiscally responsible. However, it seems there’s a bigger chance that Stan Kroenke will bring Arsenal from England to St. Louis to play in the The Dome (aka zero chance) than there is of getting the City and County to play nice. Whether or not the vote actually kills St. Louis’ soccer dreams remains to be seen. The MLS released a statement calling the election result “a significant setback for the city’s expansion opportunity.” Surely, the prospective ownership group could raise an additional $60 million in private funding to bring the stadium to live, but at this point it appears unlikely. Even if St. Louis is passed over for an expansion team, soccer fans should not fret.

PREP

Continued from B3 years in the WNBA and she also has three Olympic Gold Medals as a player with the USA Women’s National Team. Staley was bestowed the honor of carrying the American flag to lead the USA delegation into the stadium at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Staley began her collegiate head coaching career at Temple University in her hometown of Philadelphia. She led the Owls to six NCAA Tournament appearances before taking on the challenge at South Carolina in 2008. At the time she took over, South Carolina was at the bottom of the powerful Southeastern Conference. A decade later, South Carolina is not only the top powerhouse of the SEC, but the queens of the entire college basketball scene. Last month, Staley received the top honor a coach could have when she was named the head coach of the

playmaking ability down the stretch made him one of the best in the state. In his four years as a varsity starter, Farris’ teams all advanced to the Final Four of the state tournament.

Carte’are Gordon (Webster Groves): The 6’8” 250-pound junior power forward became eligible in late-January and the Statesmen did not lose a game as they went on to win the Class 5 state championship. A rare combination of power, strength, athleticism and skill, Gordon averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and two blocks a game. In the state championship game against Lee’s Summit West, Gordon had 21 points, seven rebounds and was a perfect eight for eight from the field in a blowout victory. He has already committed to Saint Louis University.

Javon Pickett (Belleville East): The metro east scoring machine concluded his career as the school’s all-time leading

scorer, surpassing former East and Illinois standout Malcolm Hill. The 6’4” senior forward averaged 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals a game. His slashing ability combined with an improved perimeter jumper made him virtually unstoppable on offense. Pickett has signed with the University of Illinois.

Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves): The 2017 St. Louis American Player of the Year, the 6’4” junior guard led the Statesmen to the Class 5 state championship. Ramey dominated in all facets of the game as he averaged 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals a game in leading Webster Groves to a 29-2 record. He also had a knack of producing big-plays at crunch time, including his

last second three-point play, which gave the Statesmen a last-second 58-57 victory over Kickapoo in the state semifinals. Ramey has already committed to the University of Louisville.

Mark Smith (Edwardsville): The 6’4” 225-pound senior guard finished his career as the top senior in the state of Illinois after a huge season. The powerfully built Smith averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals in leading the Tigers to a 30-2 record and a berth in the IHSA Class 4A Supersectionals. Smith had the ability to shoot from out to 30 feet or drive to the basket and dunk on opposing defenders with ease. He is currently one of the top unsigned guards in the nation with offers from many major Division I programs.

Second Team

Jordan Goodwin 6’4”

Althoff (Sr.)

Jericole Hellems 6’7”

Chaminade (Jr.)

E.J. Liddell 6’7”

Belleville West (Soph)

Brandon McKissic 6’3”

SLUH (Sr.)

Torrence Watson 6’5”

Whitfield (Jr.)

Third Team Karrington Davis 6’6”

Chaminade (Jr.)

Javonte Perkins 6’6”

Miller Career Academy (Sr.)

Levi Stockard 6’8”

Vashon (Sr.)

Jeremiah Tillmon 6’10”

East St. Louis (Sr.)

Ryan Warren 5’7”

Northwest Academy (Sr.)

Fourth Team

Antonio Burks 6’2”

St. Mary’s (Jr.)

Deandre Campbell 6’0”

Parkway Central (Jr.)

Kale Catchings 6’5”

CBC (Jr.)

Destan Williams 5’9”

Pattonville (Sr.)

Jamarr Williams 6’6”

Northwest Academy (Jr.)

Austin Achievement Awards

Player of the Year: Courtney Ramey (Webster Groves)

Coach of the Year: Gerald Jones (Northwest Academy)

In a few years, some team’s six-year-old stadium will be determined to be too old and run down and the owners will scour the country for a city desperate enough to pony up the dough to build them a new one. The MLS should keep STL in its rolodex.

Refs ruin National Championship

Maybe NCAA officials are jealous of the amount of coverage that government whistleblowers have gotten in

USA Women’s National Team for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan. Here’s a special salute to these two great African-

recent months. Otherwise, how can anyone explain the poor performance of the officiating crew in Monday’s National Championship game between North Carolina and Gonzaga? The whistle-happy refs called an astounding 27 fouls in the second half of Monday night’s game.

People talked about the sloppiness of the second-half play, but the officials made it impossible for either team to get into rhythm. The four man crew somehow managed to routinely miss obvious calls and yet find phantom

American former athletes who went on to become legendary contributors to the great game of basketball.

Coaches Roy Williams (UNC) and Mark Few (Gonzaga) listen to a referee’s explanation about a terrible call during the NCAA National Championship Game.

took three minutes to review

which Gonzaga’s

Game of the Year: Webster Groves 60 Vashon 59 on Feb. 16

Dual of the Year: Jericole Hellems of Chamiande (47 points) vs. Jordan Goodwin of Althoff (42 points, 18 rebounds) in Belleville East Tournament finals.

Dunk of the Year: Kale Catchings (CBC) vs. St. Mary’s on MLK Day

Freshman of the Year: Jordan Nesbit (Lutheran North); Sam Richardson (Hancock)

Breakthrough Team Award: Wentzville Liberty

Breakthrough Player Award: Leon Perry (Confluence Academy)

Defensive Player of the Year: Cam Potts (Webster Groves)

Hard Hat Award: Arther Green (Parkway Central)

Best Turnaround Season: Hancock

Chairman of the Boards (Best Rebounder): Jamarr Williams (Northwest Academy)

fouled by UNC’s Joel Berry They somehow emerged with a decision that Karnowski, the man who was fouled, deserved a Flagrant 1 foul for making inadvertent contact with the man who fouled him, while falling to the ground. It’s one of the most absurd calls I’ve even seen, especially considering it wasn’t made on-the-fly, but after a lengthy review.

Next season the NCAA should hold a separate Referee’s National Championship so the zebras can have their own outlet to seek attention. Maybe then we’ll get a title game where they focus on getting the calls right instead of trying to shine themselves so they can be selected for Americas Next Top Referee. Dear refs: Please, play your position. It’s in the background. Signed, Everybody.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch @IshmaelSistrunk

Nia Lyles

Webster Groves – Girls Track and Field

The sophomore throwing standout won two events at last weekend’s Charlie Beck Invitational at University City. Lyles won the shot put with a throw of 43 feet and the discus with a throw of 118 feet 9 inches. Her effort in the shot put was a new school record. Lyles’ total of 20 points scored

ones. The biggest show of ineptitude occurred when officials

a play in

Przemek Karnowski was

Trump education budget: good for predatory private schools

By Charlene Crowell Guest columnist

In releasing his first-ever federal budget blueprint, President Donald J. Trump stated that his intent was to “Make the Government lean and accountable to the people.” A review of its proposals, however, might be better characterized as mean. Proposed cuts of $54 billion annually will demand a series of sacrifices from those who have the least to give: low and moderate income families. From disadvantaged youth served by Job Corps centers across the country, to senior citizens trying to cope with financial constraints in what should be their golden years, the Trump budget proposal harms far more Americans than it helps. For example, education has historically been the bridge to a better quality of life. Yet the FY18 budget proposal would widen economic divides for some and deepen societal divisions for others. Overall, the proposed funding reduction represents approximately 13 percent of the department’s current budget.

In response, both the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and a diverse coalition of national and state organizations are standing up and speaking out. Education is proposed to lose $9 billion that includes $3.9 million from Pell Grants revenues that otherwise would have been carried over into FY18. Additionally, the popular Federal Work-Study program would remain but only as a shadow of its former capacity – also due to more severe budget cuts.

On March 22, the 49-member Congressional Black Caucus met with President Trump at the White House. In comments to the Associated Press before the meeting, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, the CBC’s chair said, “His budget is contrary to AfricanAmerican interests in a number of ways, and it’s our role as policymakers to call him out on it.”

The CBC also prepared for the meeting a 128-page document entitled “We Have a Lot to Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century.” Addressing recommendations affecting many departments and agencies, the CBC report terms proposed FY18 funding levels for HBCUs as “an inadequate commitment.”

Only a few before, presidents of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) also had a high-profile White House meeting. It was touted as a new beginning to strengthen federal support for institutions that serve high percentages

of minority students. Instead, the FY18 proposal would only continue – not raise -the current funding of $492 million.

The CBC report called for increased funding for HBCUs, Pell Grants and Title II that provide grants supporting local efforts to recruit and retain quality educators.

On the same day, more than 50 organizations including black and Latino civil rights groups along with consumer advocates, educators, labor, legal and veterans’ organizations united in a letter to Congress that called for better stewardship from the Education Department.

“We believe protections for students and taxpayers should be strengthened, not scaled back,” wrote the diverse coalition. “Veterans, low-income students and students of color have been disproportionately harmed by predatory colleges.”

The Education Department’s budget blueprint would earmark $1.4 billion for “school choice”:

n Advocates pushed for a rule that would end using taxpayer dollars to fund career education that did not deliver what was promised while enriching private firms with taxpayer dollars.

• A $1 billion increase for Title I funding that is hoped to encourage school districts to adopt a system of student-based budgeting and open enrollment that pays financial support for students to attend the public school of his or her choice;

• $250 million for a new private school choice program; and

• $168 million more for charter school funding.

These budget-shifting priorities become financially possible with severe cuts to eliminate:

• $2.4 billion for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program;

• $1.2 billion for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program that supports before and after-school programs as well as summer programs; and

• $732 million for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program.

Beyond the proposed Education Department budget, private, for-profit career colleges have gained a regulatory reprieve, a reversal of a key rule promulgated by the Obama administration.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced an extension for comments to be filed by career colleges on the gainful employment rule. Readers may recall that this rule requires career colleges to provide skills and knowledge that enable students to repay their student loans. Education and consumer advocates pushed for a rule that would end the years of using taxpayer dollars to fund career education studies that did not deliver what was promised while enriching private firms with taxpayer dollars.

“The Department of Education’s decision to extend deadlines under this rule sends a signal to schools with poor performing programs that they may not be held accountable after all,” noted Robin Howarth, a senior researcher with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) who specializes in student lending. “Any weakening or reversal of the gainful employment rule puts students’ financial wellbeing at risk and reverses the progress that has been made in safeguarding taxpayer dollars from funding programs that fail students repeatedly.”

In its letter to Congress, the education coalition also spoke to the importance of the gainful employment rule. “Delaying, weakening, or repealing the gainful employment rule would lead to a new race to the bottom as unscrupulous schools compete to enroll as many students as possible without regard to the quality of training, the student’s preparation, or the job prospects,” wrote the coalition.

Also during the Obama Administration, departmental guidance ended fee collections from defaulted student loan borrowers. In recent days, Secretary DeVos took steps to begin fee collection again that can total up to 16 percent of a borrower’s loans – even if borrowers could fully repay their loans within 60 days.

“The student loan program exists to help students pay for their educations, not to trap them in debt,” said Whitney Barkley, a CRL policy counsel also specializing in student lending.

“Struggling student loan borrowers who enter a rehabilitation program within 60 days of default should be given the chance to make good on their payments, not hit with excessive fees,” Barkley added. “By allowing these fees to be collected, the department has created a perverse incentive for student loan collectors, making borrowers in default more valuable than borrowers who are repaying their loans.”

Charlene Crowell is the communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org.

Financial Focus

By Courtney Bond

People magazine noted. “They are also

about making a difference in their communities. There are infinite opportunities to give back when working at WWT.” People teamed up with Great Place to Work to produce the list, which is based on nearly 370,000 employees’ responses to

Airport seeks bids from local restaurants

Charlene Crowell

Living It

Black & Single

Looking for lonely

A counter point for the ‘no good men’ narrative

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“If I’m going to find a man, I’m going to have to get out of St. Louis,” a woman said in so many words.

A line from the ORIGINAL “Sparkle” came to mind. Remember the scene when Delores packs her bags to run off and she’s met at the door by her mother just before she could make a clean escape? I’m sure you don’t. Well, the mother says, “Whatever trouble you got, you’ve packed it in those bags and you’re taking it right along with you.”

I’m not saying that this single woman has baggage that is keeping her single – well, maybe I am, just not how some might think.

n In other words, if you don’t fix the way you think, wherever you go a good man will be hard to find.

And technically, I’m not the one saying it. Back in the early days of “Black & Single,” I spoke with a man who was formerly one of the region’s most eligible bachelors. He was recently married, and I thought it would be cute to ask him a couple of questions I assumed might be of interest to the single ladies to give us a clue or two.

They were pretty lame in hindsight. “Where are the good single brothers? Why are they so hard to find? What convinced you that your new wife was ‘the one?’ What advice would you give to the single ladies?”

Nearly 10 years later, it sounds so cliché – but I’m certain there are still quite a few ladies wondering the exact same thing.

I know what you’re thinking … what does this have to do with a 1976 urban ‘blackbuster’ starring Irene Cara and Phillip Michael Thomas?”

His response, that’s what.

“If you operate from a place of, ‘oh, there are no good black men out there,’ then you are going to constantly see a manifestation of your thoughts,” he said. “I’m totally subjective, but I believe the ‘no good black men out there’ narrative is false.”

In other words, if you don’t fix the way you think, wherever you go a good man will be hard to find.

According to him, it’s a myth perpetuated by society that we continue to buy into –especially from those who managed to create quite the profitable hustle from our sad and single state.

“First, you have to look at your definition of ‘a good man,’” he said. “Is it too broad? Is

‘Daughters’ gets digital release

Julie Dash’s acclaimed, groundbreaking film comes to DVD and Blu-ray April 11

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

In this current age of Ava

But

it’s

Her film, about a Gullah family from the islands just off of South Carolina preparing to be among the initial wave of participants in The Great Migration, was heralded on the festival circuit to the point that it was deemed worthy to be shared with the masses.

Written, directed and produced by Dash, “Daughters” was hauntingly beautiful, albeit, somewhat abstract. The film should have been to 1991 what Barry Jenkins’ “Moonlight” ultimately became for 2016 – acclaimed for being an enlightening, unique story that offers insight to the vastness of the narratives that fall within the arc of the black experience. Instead, “Daughters” fell between the cracks. Aside from independent art film connoisseurs and critics, Dash’s groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece never got its due. And while she paved the way for Darnell

See DAUGHTERS, C4

A trip ‘Uptown’

COCA pays homage to Harlem Renaissance with captivating original musical

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Uptown” is an experience 30 years in the making. To commemorate their milestone anniversary, the Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA) called upon its theatre, dance and vocal music companies to come together and create a musical theatre presentation that speaks to the power of the organization.

“The meat of the evening is a piece that is choreographed by Matthew Rushing, rehearsal director for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,” said Kirven Douthit-Boyd, co-artistic director of Dance at COCA. “It’s a ballet that celebrates the Harlem Renaissance.” Actors, singers and dancers – accompanied

n “We decided last year that we would put together this evening to highlight the best of what COCA has to offer.”

– Kirven Douthit-Boyd

by musicians from Jazz St. Louis and vocalist

Denise Thimes – work together to nail a nostalgic glimpse of the black excellence,

creativity, opulence and glamour associated with the era from 1918-1937. They carry on with the same pace and precision of the bustling New York City arts hub to which they pay homage.

“I hope when people see it, there will be a new level of understanding of what we do here at COCA,” Douthit-Boyd said. “We decided last year that we would put together this evening to highlight the best of what COCA has to offer.” Mission accomplished. The special presentation will run April 7-9 at COCA’s Founder’s Theatre – and audiences can prepare to be stunned.

“Artistically, I thought it was important to

See COCA, C4

David and Tamela Mann are taking over Tuesday nights with their new reality TV series, “The Manns.” The show airs Tuesdays nights on TV One and fans can expect belly-aching laughter, heartfelt moments, faith-building activities, and real life

Photo by Wiley Price

“Daughters of the Dust” was heralded on the festival circuit to the point that it was deemed worthy to be shared with the masses.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sun., Apr. 9, 6 p.m., The Ambassador presents Sir Charles Jones. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 8699090 or visit www.metrotix. com.

Sat., Apr. 15, MJP welcomes Emily King, The Ready Room. For more information, visit www.thereadyroom.com.

Thurs., Apr. 20, 8 p.m. The Ready Room welcomes Leela James and Daley. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com

Fri., May 5, 8 p.m., Steve Litman presents Trey Songz, The Pageant. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sun., May 14, 7:30 p.m., Mother’s Day Music Festival starring Anthony Hamilton and Joe, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., May 14, 8 p.m., Chance The Rapper, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Wed., May 17, 8 p.m., The Pageant welcomes Travi$ Scott, The Pageant. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Fri., May 19, 8 p.m. doors, T.I.’s ‘The Hustle Gang’ Tour, Pops. For more information, visit www. ticketweb.com.

local gigs

Sun., Apr. 9, 4 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Soulful Sundays with the On Call Band. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Apr. 21 - 22, 8 p.m., Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival. Fri: Tribute to Louis Armstrong. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Apr. 28 – 29, Lumiere Place presents Fabulous Motown Revue. 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 881-7777 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

May 9, 7:15 p.m., The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bach at the Bistro, Ferring Jazz Bistro, 3536 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103. For tickets, or more information, call 314-652- BACH or visit BACHSOCIETY.ORG.

special events

Thur., Apr. 6, 5:30 p.m., United 4 Children invites you to Lighting the Way At The Races. Donations from the gala help us provide children with after school programs, healthy meals and specialized training. Randall Gallery,

Featured Event

Sun., Apr. 16, 7 p.m., The Pageant presents Laughing in the Loop: A Tribute to Red Foxx with Darius Bradford. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

999 North 13th St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 531-1412 or visit www. united4children.org.

Fri., Apr. 7, 7 p.m., Thomas Dunn Learning Center presents All That Jazz: Art. Music. Food. Chill. 3113 Gasconade St., 63118. For more information, call (314) 353-3050 or visit www.tdunn. org.

Apr. 7 – 8, 9 a.m., VA St. Louis Health Care System and Warrior Summit Coalition invite you to Welcome Home/Warrior Summit. St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314)

289-6393 or visit www.stlcc. edu.

Sat., Apr. 8, 5:30 p.m., National Black Marathoners Association presents the 3rd Annual Black Distance Hall of Fame and Achievement Awards Banquet. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 200 N. 4th St., 63102.

Sat., Apr. 8, 6 p.m., The College School invites you to The Journey Gala and Auction. 2319 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (618) 655-0425 or visit www.thecollegeschool.org.

Sun., Apr. 9, 5 p.m., The Made Moguls’ 3rd Annual B.L.A.C.K. T.I.E. Charity

Dinner. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 200 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www.mademoguls.org

Sat., Apr. 8, 11 a.m., Egg Hunt and Eggstravaganza for Children with disABILITIES. Youth Activity Park, 7801 Highway N, 63301. For more information, call (636) 9497535 or visit www.stccmo.org.

Sat., Apr. 8, 3 p.m., Loaves and Fishes invites you to attend Strike Out Hunger and Homelessness. Olivette Lanes, 9520 Olive Blvd., 63132. For more information, call (314) 291-3847.

Sat., Apr. 8, 6 p.m., The College School invites you to The Journey Gala and Auction. 2319 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (618) 655-0425 or visit www.thecollegeschool.org.

Sun., Apr. 9, 11 a.m., Bride to Bride Flea Market. Kirkwood Community Center, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Apr. 9, 5 p.m., The Made Moguls’ 3rd Annual B.L.A.C.K. T.I.E. Charity Dinner. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 200 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www.mademoguls.org.

Sat., Apr. 15, 6:30 a.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Edwardsville Collinsville Chapter presents Kappa 5K Run/Walk. SIUE, North University Dr., 62025. For more information, visit www.ecnupes.com.

Sat., Apr. 15, 11 a.m., The Katherine Dunham Center for Arts & Humanities Easter Egg Hunt. 1005 Pennsylvania Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 15, 6 p.m., A Queen & Her Prince, A King & His Princess: MotherSon, Father-Daughter Gala. Center of Clayton, 50 Gay Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 4800311.

Apr. 21 – 23, Washington University in St. Louis presents Thurtene Carnival. 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (650) 452-4067 or visit www. thurtene.org.

Sat., Apr. 22, 6 p.m., The Center for Women in Transition invites you to Beautiful Transformations Gala and Auction. The Grand Hall on Chouteau, 2319 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (618) 655-0425 or visit www.cwitstl. org.

Sat., Apr. 22, 7 p.m., Opera Tastings at the Omega Center. Get the perfect introduction to opera with this culinary concert experience. 3900 Goodfellow Blvd.,63120. For more information, call (314) 963-4296.

Sun., Apr. 23, 9 a.m., APA’s Fast & the Furriest. It’s time to lace up for our 5K run or 1-mile walk. 777 Casino Center Dr., 63043. For more information, call (314) 6454610 or visit www.raceroster. com.

Mon., Apr. 24, 6 p.m., St. Louis Visionary Awards. The Sun Theater, 3625 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 5846068 or visit www.vizawards. org.

Fri., Apr. 28, 11 a.m., St. Louis American Foundation’s 17th Annual Salute To Excellence in Healthcare, Frontenac Hilton. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com.

April 8 (7 p.m. ) & April 9 (7:30 p.m.), Chris Rock: Total Blackout Tour 2017, Peabody Opera House. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Apr. 16, 7 p.m., The Pageant presents Laughing in the Loop: A Tribute to Red Foxx with Darius Bradford 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Apr. 16, 8 p.m., Helium Comedy Club presents Ryan Davis. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117. For more information, call (314) 7271260 or visit www.st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

Fri., Apr. 21, 8 p.m., Festival of Laughs tour with Mike Epps,Bruce Bruce, Rickey Smiley and Felipe Esparza, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Mother’s Day Music Festival starring Anthony Hamilton and Joe. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Thur., Apr. 6, 5:30 p.m.,

Subterranean Books hosts author DuEwa Frazier, author of Quincy Rules. 6275 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 8626100 or visit www.subbooks. com.

Fri., Apr. 7, 5:30 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Chelsea Clinton, author of It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspire, & Get Going! 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Tues., Apr. 11, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Thomas Shapiro, author of Toxic Inequality: How America’s Wealth Gap Destroys Mobility, Deepens the Racial Divide, & Threatens Our Future! 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Wed., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books and Maryville Talks Books hosts former St. Louis Cardinal Rick Ankiel, author of The Phenomenon Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.leftbank.com.

Mon., Apr. 24, 7 p.m., And the Kitchen Sink Event Series presents author and motivational speaker Jen Sincero, author of You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Tues., Apr. 25, 7 p.m., John Burroughs High School hosts author Julie LythcottHaims, author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success 755 S. Price Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www. laduefoundation.org.

Sun., Apr. 30, 7:30 p.m., Poetic Justice Open Mic feat. Tebe Zalango. 2720 Cherokee St., 63118. For

more information, visit www. facebook.com.

art

Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m., Painting a Wall Mural, $35 fee with supplies included, Art Unleashed, 13379 Olive, Chesterfield. For more information, contact www. artunleashed.org or call (314) 628-1024.

Sat., Apr. 8, 8 p.m. Unifying Through Art with Cbabi Bayoc and Hobo Cane (Javier Mendoza), .Zack, 3224 Locust. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Apr. 10 – May 15, 6 p.m., Painting textures in watercolor, Art Unleashed, 13379 Olive, Chesterfield. For more information, contact www.artunleashed.org or call (314) 628-1024.

Through May 14, COCA presents Harlem Renaissance: Contemporary Response. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7256555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

lectures and workshops

Apr. 7 – 8, 9 a.m., VA St. Louis Health Care System and Warrior Summit Coalition invite you to Welcome Home/Warrior Summit. St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 289-6393 or visit www.stlcc. edu.

Tues., Apr. 11, 6 p.m., UMSL Graduate Business Programs Information Session. Social Sciences & Business Buildings, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information or to register, visit www.

Film Series with guest speaker Jon Else. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 935-5495.

Sat., Apr. 22, 10 a.m., Forum: African/AfricanAmerican Relations in St. Louis. St. Louis University Center for Global Citizenship, 3672 W. Pine Mall Blvd., 63108.

Apr. 22, 12 noon, Public Town Hall Meeting with Representative Steven Roberts, St. Louis Public Library - Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115. For further information, contact Representative Robert’s office at 573-751-1400.

Wednesdays Through Apr. 26, 7 p.m. The Missouri Bar Association invites you to the Spring 2017 Mini Law School for the Public St. Louis County Council Campus, 41 S. Central, 63105. For more information, call (866) 366-0270 or visit www. missourilawyershelp.org/minilaw-school.

eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 13, 9 a.m., COCAbiz: Speak the Speech. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 561-4877 or visit www.cocastl. org.

Tues., Apr. 18, 6 p.m., Small Business Empowerment Center presents Looks Like Me Mentoring Program Meet and Greet. 2700 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., The Happiness & Well-Being Project presents For the Sake of All: Translating Evidence into Health and Well-Being. Il Monastero, SLU, 3050 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-3159 or visit www. happinessandwellbeing.org.

Wed., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Washington University presents the Henry Hampton

theatre

Apr. 7 – 9, COCA presents Uptown. An episodic tour through 1920s Harlem bringing to life the rich artistic activity of the era. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 561-4877 or visit www.cocastl.com.

Sun., Apr. 9, 8 p.m., Todrick Hall presents Straight Outta Oz. With over 20 original songs, watch Hall’s adventures from his small town in Texas, to the big Emerald City lights of “Oz Angeles.” Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www. thesheldon.org.

Apr. 21 – 22, 6:30 p.m., Next Generation Theatre Company presents Night and Day: The Music of Cole

Porter. Florissant Civic Center, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (636) 336-2599 or visit www.nextgenerationtheatre. company.

Through Apr. 23, The Black Rep presents August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, Harris-Stowe State University’s Emerson Performance Center. For tickets or more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Mon., Apr. 10, 8 a.m., Project AWARE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. Behavioral Health Response, 12647 Olive Blvd., Ste. 200, 63141. For more information, call (314) 6286229 or visit www.bhrstl.org.

Sat., Apr. 15, 6:30 a.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Edwardsville Collinsville Chapter presents Kappa 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds will be used to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their Kappa Alpha Psi Guide Right mentoring Program. SIUE, North University Dr., 62025. For more information, visit www.ecnupes.com.

Fri., Apr. 14, 12 noon, The Rev. & Mrs. Spencer LaMar Booker And The Cathedral at St. Paul AME Church present the “The Women View at the Cross,” St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis MO. 63112. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Sat., Apr. 22, 7 p.m., Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis 10th Anniversary Concert. Salem United Methodist Church, 1200 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 329-4242 or visit www. communitygospelchoir.org.

Steve Litman presents Trey Songz. See CONCERTS for additional details.

C4

DAUGHTERS

Continued from C1

Martin to become the first director of major film studio production with 1994’s “I Like it Like That,” Dash would never again enjoy the theatrical release of a feature film. A quarter-century after “Daughters” came and went, DuVernay made history in her own right last year by becoming the first African-American female to direct a film with a $100 million budget. Yet the two are among a miniscule sorority – with Dash as the first and seemingly forgotten.

With the silver anniversary of the release of “Daughters” came renewed interest. The St. Louis International Film Festival was one of many on the festival circuit that included showings.

And as the 25th anniversary commemorative activities for “Daughters” stretch into 2017, film lovers will have the opportunity to purchase a piece of black cinematic history when the digitally restored version of the film is released on DVD and Blu-ray next Tuesday (April 11), thanks to Cohen

SINGLE

Continued from C1

it too narrow?”

He also said that instead of asking where to find the good men, ladies should consider posing the same question to the woman in the mirror.

“If you were ‘a good man,’ would you date the woman you are right now?” he asked. “You have to ask yourself, ‘Am I saying there are no good men so I won’t have to ask myself why I haven’t found one yet?’” Is he saying that the dating game is easy? No. He’s not claiming that finding the

Media Group. At the turn of the twentieth century, the Peazant family is on the cusp of a new horizon. They have enjoyed a unique experience for generations. As members of the Gullah community, they are the exception to the rule for the AfricanAmerican experience in that

n The brilliant cast of unknowns delivers masterful portrayals that give the Peazants grace, elegance and authenticity.

many of the African traditions and cultural practices that became a casualty of slavery have been preserved on their island.

Among the first generations of blacks born free, they are at a crossroads. Two descendants of the Peazant clan had ventured to “the mainland.” Their return compels other members of the family to consider following. Many of them have

right one is a walk in the park either – even if, or as he put it “especially if,” you have your stuff together.

“I often see one of two things from people who complain about being single,” He said. “Either they are whining from their lonely tower – or they have lowered their standards, date men who are beneath them and go through a rotation of men that go from bad to worse just so they don’t have to be alone.”

He’s not saying that there aren’t men out there – even good men – who aren’t ready. And out of immaturity they may lead a woman on or, worst case scenario, try to capitalize on her loneliness.

decided to see what lies beyond the place they call home. But a rich history and legacy and the willfulness of the family matriarch to stay put threaten their mass exodus.

The brilliant cast of unknowns delivers masterful portrayals that give the Peazants grace, elegance and authenticity.

“Daughters” is reminiscent of an August Wilson play in that the film seamlessly weaves in African history to detail the black experience in America. They have their own way of speaking and they beat to their own drum – which is made evident in the music that helps tell their story.

The Peazants are not immune to the evils of the system that brought them to America in the first place, but they are not defined by the oppression and unspeakable ills they suffer at the hands of whites.

Everything is a family affair. And as the Peazants forge ahead, they commit to keeping the legacy of their roots intact for future generations.

Cohen Media Group’s 25th Anniversary restoration of “Daughters of the Dust” will be released on DVD and Bluray on Tuesday, April 11 at

“Dating is difficult. Finding the right man – or woman – is even harder,” he said. “But if you aren’t willing to study yourself and put in the work to do that, you are certainly not ready for the lifetime of nonstop effort of keeping the right man or woman.”

He said as hard as it is to find a good man, keeping one (which is the whole point, right?) is on some next-level type stuff.

“It’s worth it,” He said. “But trust …finding him will pale in comparison to the work that goes into building a life that you both can be happy with.”

I’m assuming that will be the case wherever you go.

COCA

Continued from C1

push the kids,” Douthit-Boyd said. “And if we are going to guide them in the right direction, there is a certain level of effort that we have to put forth.”

The effort exerted is matched by the expectation of the instructors – who carefully worked to iron out the final wrinkles before the show opens on Friday.

The dozens in the cast have gone beyond rising to the occasion.

Even in the Tuesday dress rehearsal, the company of youth artists delivered a performance caliber that many professional organizations desire to attain.

“Uptown” has the feel of the Broadway musical “Bubblin’ Brown Sugar,” but with more flare – and more historical context to frame the performance elements.

“There is so much rich art, literature, music and dance that came out of the era – and it’s all going to be represented here,” Douthit-Boyd said.

“Uptown” kicks off with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The performance of the Negro National Anthem sets the tone for what will be a two-hour celebration of black creative ingenuity. Those who lived and produced during the era certainly gave them plenty to work with.

They dance the Charleston, hop to the music of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller, and stomp at the Savoy. Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle’s production of “Shuffle Along” is highlighted. The 1921 production was the first hit black musical on Broadway and launched the careers of Adelaide Hall, Florence Mills, Fredi Washington, Paul Robeson and St. Louis’ own Josephine Baker. The group also performs a snippet from Angelina Weld Grimke’s 1916 racially charged drama “Rachel.” Words and ideas of W.E.B. DuBois, Langston

by

Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston that reflect the era are shared via monologues.

“Uptown” also pays homage to the visual artists of The Harlem Renaissance. Most strikingly, Archibald Motley’s 1934 painting “The Jazz Singers” comes to life in a dance sequence. Like the entire second act of the show, it is backed by a live band thanks to a partnership with Jazz St. Louis.

There are two sequences that don’t quite fit with the rest of the production – including a classical ballet sequence and an extended hip-hop dance sequence that features the

music of Chris Brown and DJ Khaled. But the pieces are so well executed and enjoyable that they prove their worth within the production.

The actors, singers and dancers step outside of their comfort zones – a few even prove themselves to be triple threats. As a collective, COCA’s young artists shine as bright as the stars to which they pay tribute.

COCA’s presentation of “Uptown” will take place April 7-9 at COCA, 524 Trinity Ave, St. Louis MO, 63130. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.cocastl.org or call (314) 561-4877.

Photo

Wiley Price

Celebrations

Orchestra Honors

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967, if you have not received a letter or e-mail, call 314-533-6087 or Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net with your contact information. Several activities are planned for the week of June 6-11, 2017. Meet & greet on 6-9-17, banquet on 6-10-17, church services 6-11-17 at Greater Mt. Carmel

and a brunch after services. Our scheduled meetings are 4-15-17 and 5-20-17 at the Normandy Library at 1:30 p.m.

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 meetings in preparation for their 50th Class Reunion will be held at STL County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge, St. Louis MO, 63121 on Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. on April 22, May 20 and June 24. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 314 869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1972 is celebrating 45! Calling all classmates to mark your calendar for August 11 -13 2017 and celebrate our 45th class reunion. Activities have been planned for a fun illed weekend you don’t

want to miss. Please direct all inquiries and registration request to Sharon Webb Steele at (314) 757-2799 or Linda Howard at (314) 397-5570. You may also use Facebook , BHS72 Reunion Committee.

Beaumont High School Class of 1977 will celebrate its 40year reunion Sept. 15–17, 2017. For further information, please contact: Karen Handley (314) 330-0129, Audrey Dixon (314) 413-9202, Lois Moore (314) 315-0474, Kelvin Ellison (314) 599-6733.

Beaumont High School, Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296,

Honorary Doctorate

Frankie Muse Freeman will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at its May 2017 commencement. Chancellor Randy Pembrook said, “SIUE is so pleased to recognize Frankie Muse Freeman. Her life is a testament to the difference a passionate, dedicated individual can make in a community and in the world.”

madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Happy 12th Birthday to Timothy

Cleveland High School 1980-84 is planning a reunion for anyone that attended Cleveland High School during the desegregation period on August 5-6, 2017 at the Renaissance St Louis Airport Hotel. For more information, please contact Babette PerkinsAnderson 314-345-0939.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at 314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman)

Holden 314-685-0466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Soldan High School Class of 1977 celebrating its 40-year reunion on Friday June 2-4, 2017 at the Crown Plaza Hotel located at 11228 Lone Eagle Dr. in Bridgeton, MO. For further information, please contact Debbie Marshall at 314-831-8831.

Vashon High School Class of 1972 is planning our 45-year reunion for 2017. Meetings are being held every 1st Tuesday of the month at the new Vashon High School; 3032 Cass Ave., in the library. Please email your info to eufabya@sbcglobal.net, or attend the meetings.

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

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 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

Congratulations to the Normandy 7th-8th Grade Center orchestra who recently earned a Superior/1 rating at the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association Large Group Festival. The orchestra is led by Normandy music teacher Mr. Charles Clements.

Jay Butler on April 6! Love, Jerry, Tiffany and Thomas

Swag Snap of the Week

RIP Monica and DeAndre. By now, everyone knows that the Sykes family didn’t get the ending we hoped for in the case of their missing daughter Monica, but just like everybody else, I’m hoping that justice is served. I want to commend Regina Sykes for keeping us informed with the case for months on end via Facebook Live and I must say that I admire your strength and the entire community is lifting you and your family up in prayer. I was still reeling from the sudden passing of Eyekon Clothing member and St. Louis Dazzling Diamonds coach DeAndre Isom when the news about Monica broke. I want to send the deepest sympathies to his family as well.

Plenty props to the Phenomenal women. I have to take a moment to give Radio One St. Louis some love, taking the time celebrate some amazing women doing wonderful things with their 2nd Annual Phenomenal Women Awards this past Thursday. This year’s festivities were held at the Missouri Athletic Club and I must say that I left feeling inspired by the 2017 honorees. There was rightfully a robust list of honorees – because the ladies are doing big things in “The Lou” and surrounding region – so while I won’t list you all individually out of fear that I may make the mistake of accidently omitting someone, just know that I know you are all worthy of the distinction. The same goes for all of the lovely folks who stopped through to show their support. But I do have to single a few phenomenal women out. Dawn Rice (founder of the Sophia Project), girl … give me that outfit! Those top to bottom black and white stripes were absolutely everything. Allysha Hamber, get well soon … and when you do, give me that cane! The cane was blinged out, y’all! I want to shout out Radio One St. Louis for giving some shine to the women working to make the region a better place. I also want to tell co-host Kim Hudson of Fox 2 that I’m still cackling about how you stuck that “landing.”

Cows gone wild. I know it’s not a party per se, but those cows were turnt on the Northside last Thursday afternoon. When they were trotting past the pawn shop on Grand, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they stopped at the liquor store and got a little drank (yes, I said drank) to celebrate their great escape. I howled for hours as the chase was underway. Never have I been so grateful to Mark Zuckerberg for blessing us with Facebook as I was on Thursday afternoon. The social media reactions were priceless. My favorite of them ALL hands down belongs to the commentary and video provided by Kelli “Alleyezoneme” Jacho and Antinisha Ward. It was absolutely everything! I must let one of you know that cows don’t bark, but I really wish I had the funds to finance turning the two-minute clip into a full-length urban stage play turned film. What? If Tyler Perry can make “Boo: A Madea Halloween,” I know I could make “Cows in the Hood!” The people cut up and cut loose when the cows came. Even with our “Arkanssippi” roots, we clearly have no more ties to down south. Y’all were on some “hide your husbands, hide your wife and your kids…” The way y’all carried on like they were coming to snatch your souls, eat your brains or carry you off to another planet – even though we’ve been eating them our whole entire life. And it was apparent they were in search of freedom, not revenge. I’m so glad it was able to happen for them.

Fair to midland Friday at The Marquee. The week was pretty on the traditional club scene, but as y’all can see, I still had myself a blast. My first stop in the streets was to take a peek at the latest ethnically-ambiguous, doing-the-most member of “Love and Hip-Hop” and a YouTube sensation Friday night at The Marquee. Lovely Mimi showed up first looking like an urban Harajuku girl. Folks were feeling her vibe until she made the fatal mistake of trying to give a sample of what she’s been serving in the studio. One of the passersby summed it up for me as they got a taste of those bars and headed towards the nearest exit. After her friend said “girl, what is that?” She promptly replied, “I don’t know, but it’s a mess. I’m ready whenever you are.” I was shocked that YouTube star King Keraun didn’t draw a bigger crowd. But then again, I should have known better from the reception Kountry Wayne received when he stopped through STL a couple of years back. He had a much bigger crowd that Wayne, but that’s not saying a whole lot. Keraun’s VIP booth was on lean though. April Fool’s funny. You know everybody in St. Louis is a low-key comedian – and the fellas at Next Up found out for sure when they held their April Fool’s Day Comedy Competition at Mandarin Hall Saturday night. It was packed to the gills as 11 rising comics took the stage to battle it out for a stack…or rack…or whatever slang that translates to $1,000 cash. The show, sponsored by Remy Martin and the St. Louis Suit Company, was hosted by Comedian Willie C and Ms. Gwen. After the judges reached a spilt decision, comedians Halarryous Greene and Diverse went head-to-head in an Apollo-amateur-night-style showdown. The crowd went so crazy for both of these class acts that it was declared a tie, and split the winnings. Shout out to Darrius Bradford who stopped through and tore up the crowd, as well as promoters Orlando and Mo Spoon who were spotted checking out the show.

An opening day for the ages. Now normally I’m unbothered by the Opening Day festivities for the Cardinals – not because I’m not a fan. It’s just that baseball is not my beat. But because it was a Sunday and the weather was nice, I thought I would mosey around downtown to see what the fuss was about. It was utterly bananas … in a good way! Cardinal nation was kicking it harder than any club I’ve been to in years down at the Ballpark Village. All walks of St. Louis life came together to celebrate another season of St. Louis baseball and it was so lit, I had to ask if it was always this lit. From what I hear, the crowd and the energy were on another level. The Cards need to keep in mind that Sunday evening is the best thing to happen to opening night!

Sue and Redd took a moment to relax from the dance floor Saturday night @ The Marquee

Tammi, Shay and Valarie hit up HG Saturday night

Brooke, b-day girl Kim and Stacie celebrated Saturday @ The Marquee

Comedian and YouTube personality King Keraun and ML Hunt took over the VIP section of The Marquee Friday night

Mya, Angela, Tomi, Briyana, Kiara and Michelle kicking it @ Lifestyle Saturdays @ Mood

Ebony and Rikki kept it cute and classy Saturday night @ Mood

B and Natalie hung out upstairs in their VIP section Saturday @ The Marquee

Britt and Alex began their weekend Friday night @ The Marquee

Roxy and Keyanna stepped into Lifestyle Saturdays @ Mood

Chuck and Cami @ HG Saturday night

Stage, film and music star Vanessa Williams was all smiles with Kevin C. Johnson and Jeff Small following her performance Saturday night at Lindenwood University.

Photos by John Scott

DRUG ANALYSIS TECHNICIAN

Drug Analysis Technician

vacancy/ies, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/beneits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep. uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2017-04. Equal Opportunity Employer.

BENEFITS COORDINATOR

he Missouri History Museum seeks a Beneits Coordinator. Visit www. mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

HOUSEKEEPER

he Missouri History Museum seeks a Housekeeper. Visit www.mohistory. org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

he Missouri History Museum seeks a Staf Accountant. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

Webster University invites applicants for a 12-month tenure-track faculty at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor in School Psychology. Please apply online at http:// webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2111. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ASSOCIATE NETWORK ANALYST

REJIS is currently seeking an Associate Network Analyst, to provide a wide range of services from installing, maintaining desktop PC’s, switches, routers and irewalls, servers, communication troubleshooting and support.

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

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

he 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.

GROCERY CENTER COORDINATOR / ASSIST. CHEF

Food Outreach, FT Culinary/Nutrition

Degree/ServSafe Cert. Flexible hours, some evenings/weekends. Email resume to marysue@foodoutreach.org

PUBLIC BENEFITS STAFF ATTORNEY

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-proit law irm that provides free civil legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a Staf Attorney to work in its Public Beneits Program. For more information including how to apply, please visit our website at www.lsem.org. his position closes April 9, 2017.

MedStar Home Health Services CDS a Consumer Directed Services company seeking caring individuals that would like to earn up to $11.00 per hour taking care of their loved ones in their homes. To learn more about this opportunity contact us at (314) 782-7311 or via email at info@medstarcds.com.

SOUTH CITY GRAVIOS DETAIL

Several Auto Detailers Needed Call & Ask for Dwight 314-776-6545

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION EDUCATION SPECIALIST

MOSERS is recruiting for a Deined Contribution Education Specialist. he position will be an integral part of a team responsible for the ongoing dissemination of customized retirement and investment education to Missouri State Employees in the form of live seminars and one-on-one consultation pertaining to the State of Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan employee beneit. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree preferably in business, inance, marketing, or similar. Previous inancial planning experience, Certiied Financial Planner or Chartered Financial Consultant designation is strongly preferred. Candidates should possess strong presentation skills, knowledge of investment concepts, retirement and inancial planning, competency in all Microsot Oice products, and the ability to quickly learn web-based applications. his position works mostly of-site, regular day-trips and occasional overnight travel are required. Applicants must have a valid Missouri driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle. Starting salary is $52,000-$57,000, dependent on experience. Apply at www.mosers.org, click “Careers”. Visit www.modeferredcomp. org for more information about the plan. Application deadline is Monday, April 3. EOE:M/F/V/D.

MULTI-MEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

SENIOR TECHNICAL LEAD

DIRECTOR, SMALL

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) Staf Attorney

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-proit law irm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a staf attorney in its Children’s Legal Alliance program. he staf attorney will be responsible for providing representation to children and families relating to all aspects of education law. For more information visit our website at www.lsem.org. Applications are due by March 27, 2017.

Vintech Solutions Inc has openings for a Senior Technical Lead w/ Bachelors degree in Engg (any),Comp Sci, Tech or rltd & 5 yrs of exp. to plan, direct, coordinate, analysis & dsgn of SAP HCM sys that meet spec , rqmnts of projects & overall buss needs. Ensure accurate implementation of SAP apps, sys to supp the environment that will provide up-to-date info to all areas & levels of the company. Review project plans to plan & coordinate project activity & ensure the timely completion of all assigned. Applies extensive SAP conig exp in time (WFM), payroll, across all HCM modules to accomplish projects & the overall buss needs. Consults with buss users, mgmnt, vendors, technicians who request assistance in understanding SAP system problems, assesses computing needs & sys rqmnts.

Work loc: Olivette, MO w/rqur’d travel to client loc throughout the USA. Mail resumes: 9715 Olive Blvd, Floor 2, Olivette, MO 63132 (OR) e-mail: legal@vintech. com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business seeks a Director for its Small Business Development Center. he Center Director will administer three programs within the Illinois Small Business Development Center grant (the International Trade Center and two Small Business Development Centers).

For more information and required qualiications, please see: https://siue.hiretouch.com/jobdetails?jobID=5693&job=director-smallbusiness-development-center-5693

in the bi-state region. For complete position description and information on how to apply, visit KeepArtHappening.org/makeyour-impact/jobs-internships. No phone calls please

UNITED STATES PROBATION OFFICER

United States Probation vacancy/ies, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/beneits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2017-05. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. has an opening for a full-time Legal Administrative Assistant for our St. Louis oice. Our staf focus on teamwork & supporting each other to better balance workloads. herefore, strong teamwork & communication skills are highly desired. Qualiied applicants will type at least 70 wpm & have excellent attention to detail, grammar, proofreading & customer service skills. Law irm exp and/or legal study courses required. Apply online at www. greensfelder.com or at 10 S. Broadway, Ste 2000, St. Louis, MO 63102. EOE PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT

ASSISTANT –LPT OPERATIONS AT SAFETY NATIONAL

Entry level staf position which supports the Loss Portfolio Transfer Department and staf. Works under immediate supervision. Understands basic knowledge of clerical and administrative support. Works within established guidelines. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

PERSONAL/ ACADEMIC COUNSELOR

De Smet Jesuit High School seeks highly qualiied candidates for the full-time position of Personal/Academic Counselor for the 2017–2018 academic year. Candidates should be qualiied to provide personal and academic counseling in both individual and small group settings in an all-boy secondary school environment. Preference will be given to those who hold a master’s degree in counseling and have experience with counseling in a faith context. More information is available at https://www.desmet.org/about/careers. Send a resumé, cover letter, and three references to Carrie Becher, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, at cbecher@ desmet.org. Application materials will be accepted through April 21.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

he Missouri Department of Transportation has a vacancy for a Human Resources Manager at its Central Oice in Jeferson City. his position oversees activities regarding all aspects of Human Resources administration.

Successful candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related ield. Six years of experience in general human resources activities which may include employment, recruitment, employee/labor relations, airmative action/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance, beneits, compensation, or training is required.

To view the entire job description and apply on-line, please visit www.modot. org/jobs. he deadline to apply for this position is April 18, 2017.

MoDOT ofers an excellent beneits package and our Central Oice was recognized as a 2016 Gold Level Recipient of the American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksites Recognition program.

EEO/AA

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Posted: March 31, 2017, 9:30 a.m.

Hearing: hursday, April 20th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Notice is hereby given that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will conduct a public hearing pursuant to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 162.081 relating to the Normandy Schools Collaborative, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on hursday, April 20, at Normandy Schools Collaborative, Lucas Crossing Elementary Complex, Cafetorium, 7837 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri.

he tentative agenda of this hearing includes:

· 6:00 – 6:15 p.m. - Introductions and Welcome · 6:15 – 7:15 p.m. - Superintendent’s Report & Community Forum (Q&A) · 7:15 – 8:00 p.m. - Community Engagement Activity (facilitat ed by Beyond Housing Community Engagement staf)

Anyone attending this public hearing who requires auxiliary aids or services should request such services by contacting the Executive Assistant to the Oice of Quality Schools for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, telephone: 573-751-3469 or Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966, no later than 72 hours before the meeting.

he news media may obtain copies of this notice by contacting: Sarah Potter, Communications Coordinator PO Box 480 Jeferson City, MO 65102 573‐751‐3469 Communications@dese.mo.gov

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on Harlem-Baden Relief Phase IV Contract Letting No. 11770-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

Super Excavators

N59 W14601 Bobolink Ave. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 262/252-3200

Bates Utility Company 841 Westwood Industrial Drive Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636/939-5628

he meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. April 13, 2017 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303 For questions regarding this pre-bid meeting, contact the SITE Improvement Association oice at 314/966-2950

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR DEMOLITION, REMEDIATION, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND RELATED SERVICES

he St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) is soliciting qualiications from experienced irms for demolition, remediation, environmental assessment and related services. his is an “Open RFQ” from which the Partnership may refer during the year, as projects become available.

he Partnership will accept qualiications throughout 2017. Qualiications should include the information indicated in the RFQ, which may be found on the Partnership’s website at www.stlpartnership.com. Qualiications may be sent or delivered to 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2300, St. Louis, MO 63105, Attn: General Counsel, or by e-mail to jmontecillo@stlpartnership.com. DBE, MBE, and WBE irms are encouraged to bid.

his RFQ shall not be construed as an ofer. Submission of qualiications does not obligate the Partnership or any of its ailiated entities to consider a responding irm for any project or contract.

Any questions should be directed to Joe Montecillo, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7663 or jmontecillo@ stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT - ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Snow Removal Services

Bids Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at Lambert St. Louis International Airport - Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. his SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.lystl.com (Click on “Business Opportunities”).

Robert Salarano

Airport Properties Division Manager

BID PROPOSAL

KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from MBE, DBE, WBE, and SDVBE businesses for the Parker Hall Foundation Stabilization & Fiscal Services

Renovation at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO. Plans and speciications are available

• To view electronically at no charge from: American Document Solutions website

• To view at our Camdenton oice

• By a Parker Hall Dropbox Link

Subcontractor bids are due by 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2017. You may email bids to jwalters@kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am May 2, 2017 for Service of: Repaving

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. he bid document will be identiied as 8883 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on May 11th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Ash Hauling Services.

Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8888 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2016 CRS Ultra hin Bonded Wearing Surface, Area A, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1658, will be received at the Oice of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on April 12, 2017 Plans and speciications will be available on March 27, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street until 10:00am, April 17, 2017 for Purchase of: LED Lighting

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. he bid document will be identiied as 8858 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

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

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids to Replace Electrical

m e r s , Guhleman, Hearnes, & Biggs Forensic Complexes, Fulton State Hospital, Fulton, MO, Project N o . M 1 4 1 7 - 0 3 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/27/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Replace Fire Alarm and Suppresion System, Various Buildings, Jefferson City, MO, Project No. O1602-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/11/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropol- itan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on May 4th, 2017 to contract with a company for: POWER TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS.

Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8881 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for New Storage Building, J a c k s o n v i l l e Veterans Cemetery, J a c k s o n v i l l e , Missouri, Project No. U1601-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/11/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Camp Clark Road and Parking Repairs, Highway 71 South, Nevada, Missouri, Project No. T171801 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/4/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on May 2nd, 2017 to contract with a company for: MO RIVER CONCENTRIC TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER REPLACEMENT.

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8875 RFQ. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 10th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Roof Replacement Services for the Trickling Filter Building. Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8841 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for CCC

Restorations, Cuivre River State Park, Lincoln County, Troy, Missouri, Project No. X170501 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/11/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

5670(604), St. Louis, MO. Statements of Qualiications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, April 25, 2017 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, or call Board of Public Service 314622-3535. 12% DBE participation goal.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Roof Replacement, Various, Missouri School for the Deaf, Fulton, Missouri, Project No. E160701 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/11/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

MBE/WBE/SDVBE INVITATION TO BID K&S Associates will be accepting bids for the following projects during the month of April. Audrain County Jail Expansion –April 5th @ 1:30pm Parker Hall Foundation Stabilization –Rolla – April 12th @ 2:00pm Grant Elementary Renovation –Columbia April 18th @ 1:00pm Plans and Specs can be viewed at www.ksgcstlplanroom.com. Submit Bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302 Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions.Tel: 816/241-3335, Fax: 816/231-5762.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: Washington University School of Medicine Mid Campus Center 10th Floor Fit Out.

he project consists of the build out of the 40,000 SF 10th Floor within a 13-story oice building.

A pre-bid walk-through will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM. he meeting will be at 4590 Childrens Place, St. Louis, MO 63110 at the 1st Floor Lobby. Bids for this project are due on April 17, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to ind out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Grant Krueger at 636-561-9571 or gdkrueger@ paric.com.

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

Plans and speciications will be available to view at Paric’s Main oice at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250, St. Louis, MO 63146. PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on Paddock Creek I/I Reduction (Private) Part 2

Contract Letting No. 11696-015.2

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Bates Utility Company 841 Westwood Industrial Drive Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636/939-5628

he meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. April 13, 2017 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this pre-bid meeting, contact the SITE Improvement Association oice at 314/966-2950

2, 2017 until further notice. Applications will be available to the public and accepted each business day when the leasing oice is open at Gateway Accessible Housing II, 6837 Olive Blvd., University City, MO 63130. In addition to the tenant selection criteria, eligibility is based on annual income limits which vary by household size and location. Federal iscal year 2017 Income limits may be found at www.HUD.gov. Gateway Accessible Housing II Apartments shall not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, familial status, disability, handicap, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity in the leasing, rental or other disposition of housing. here is no application fee, picture ID, S.S. card and proof of income required.

If you have any questions, please call the leasing oice at 314-7256694.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AUCTION

If payment is not received, Brown-Kortkamp Moving & Storage, will sell the entire contents of rental spaces to the highest bidder on Saturday August 15th, 2017, starting at 8:30 a.m. he undersigned will sell

OF

LOUIS COUNTY

BIDS Notice to contractors, Special School District is accepting bids for Welding/HVAC labs and Restroom Renovations. For details, please visit the website at www.ssdmo.org/rfps.html

INVITATION TO BID –

MBE SUBCONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that Super Excavators, Inc. is requesting quotes from qualiied MBE Subcontractors & Suppliers for the following project: Harlem-Baden Relief Phase IV (Hebert) (Improvements from Basin to Hamilton Trunk) under Letting No. 11770-015.1, bidding on April 21, 2017 at 2:00PM with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. We are soliciting quotations for all trades including the following segments of work, and any others that may have inadvertently been let of of this list: site work, abandonments, aggregate supply, concrete removal / replacement (curb, sidewalks, driveways), dewatering, pipe supply, sewer inlet work, protection and restoration of site, sodding (bluegrass), AC Paving, environmental protection and control, quality control and testing, ield engineering, near surface utilities, pre/post construction surveying, concrete work, temporary power, hauling & disposal, geotechnical instrumentation & monitoring, traic control, site security, manhole construction, fencing, and other associated works. We will be hosting prebid meeting on hursday, April 13th at 10:00 am, at the SITE Improvement Association Oice at 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303. he purpose of this meeting is to disperse pertinent project details, and provide an opportunity for Certiied MBE subcontractors, suppliers, or manufacturers to meet and discuss speciic opportunities with Super Excavators. We encourage all interested MBEs to attend. Please contact Pete or Jef at (262) 252-3200 or email plans@superexcavators.com for additional information, to request copies of project documents, for assistance with bonding/ insurance, and/or to discuss available opportunities. Complete all negotiations prior to April 19th at 5:00PM. Super Excavators, Inc. N59 W14601 Bobolink Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

BID

Preclarus Mastery Academy located at 620 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103 is requesting bids for IT, Student Transportation, and Food Vendor Services. Bidder’s conference is April 26, at 8:30am (IT), 9:30am (transportation), & 10:30am (food vendor). Final questions are due May 3, 2017 and the inal bid is due May 12 at noon. Please direct all question to our Finance and Operations Specialist, Denise Blanchard at rfpbids@preclarus.org.

Ferguson Pastor F. Willis Johnson discusses healing the community

By Alex Heuer Of St. Louis Public Radio

If the Rev. F. Willis Johnson were to distill the message of his new book, “Holding Up Your Corner: Talking About Race in Your Community,” into a single phrase it would be: acknowledge, affirm and act.

Acknowledge: Become aware that there are things in the community that are not right.

Affirm: Even when you don’t understand or agree, give space to talk.

Act: All of us have a role and responsibility to address what is not right.

Johnson is senior pastor at Wellspring Church in Ferguson. In the weeks, months and years since the shooting death of Michael Brown Jr. in August 2014, Johnson has emerged as a convener who is seeking to help the community heal.

“The divide has deepened,” Johnson told St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh on St. Louis Public Radio. “Maybe in some cases we’ve gotten further entrenched.”

As for healing, he has not seen much.

“The pain and trauma for some is as great as it was then. Overall, as a community,

we are still trying to find out what

relapse,” Johnson said, while acknowledging that some people may be upset with what he has to say. Johnson said his book aims to serve as a practical guide for professional religious practitioners.

“All of us are called into acts of responsibility and community,” he said. “What is a struggle for most practitioners or professionals like myself is that you have an ancient narrative text that you’re trying to make sense out of now.” Citing the history of violence

from biblical times, Johnson notes that violence is nothing new, nor are efforts to resolve deep divides across the United States and other parts of the world.

“We try to help people figure out what they can do,” Johnson said, citing the central tenet of the book of “holding up your corner.”

“We have to acknowledge that while there are some things that have changed, what may have not changed are hearts,” Johnson said. “What has not changed is the system. I don’t care who you put on the council. The system is system.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Blood Pressure Awareness Health Fair

The Public Christian Embassy Church Complex and Park, 13775 Old Jamestown Rd. in Florissant, will host a Blood Pressure Awareness Health Fair and 5k Walk being organized by Color Girls, Inc. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. ) Saturday, May 20. For more information, contact Candace Pitts @ (314) 202-7549

The subject today is sin. Would anyone like to suggest how we master it? What are its consequences?

From a moral perspective, is sin just a set of rules someone put forth back in the day to keep a so called civilized society in check? Isn’t it true that the culture and customs of a particular nation might be just the thing that would make the stomachs of those in a different nation turn inside out?

I believe there are sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. Most of us, however, would generally accept the premise that there is an obvious difference between moral and immoral. Others would suggest, you do yo thang, I’ll do mine. Do what you wanna do. But isn’t morality a barometer for sin? Aren’t there rules for the ages that really are etched in stone and never change?

There have been countless volumes of space and dialogue devoted to Jesus’ blood contract with us that many believe freed us from sin. “…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood…” Revelations 1:5.

Now to those of us who claim Christianity, this shouldn’t be complicated even though it appears that living righteously and morally is a struggle matched only by understanding trying to comprehend the meaning of life itself. This is hard yes, but I ask you, is it worth it? I The struggle to live without sin is a recognized and acknowledged impossibility, regardless of who you are or, how righteous you claim to be. The beauty in all this is our God is a God of another chance. The key to all this is attitude. If it is god centered, if it is truly the result of a sense of humility and vulnerability in relation to God, if remorse is real, then perhaps mercy will be forthcoming.

With the right attitude, developed out of submission to God, sin can be mastered. Start with confession of them to God as scripture tells us. You see this confession is like no other. Lying ain’t happening as far as God is concerned because the truth cannot hide, will not hide from you or the Lord.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John; 8-9.

The outcome is eternal life, not eternal death. It requires a daily practice of choosing against sin in the name of God. If you believe this life is all there is, then I might be able to understand deliberate sinful pursuits. If you believe in more, then sinful mistakes are just that, sinful mistakes made not in the name of the lord. “But anyone who does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense…Jesus Christ.” 1 John 2:1.

Columnist James Washington

Photo by Wiley Price

Rev. F. Willis Johnson led a spirited service at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Ferguson on

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday when he hosted members

Black Caucus on January

He is the author