August 10th, 2023 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Ninth anniversary of Michael Brown’s death

Commitment for change continues

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Louis American

It was a reunion of sorts.

On August 9, 2014, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. That incident sparked the hashtag “Black Lives Matter” and led to nationwide demonstrations against police use of deadly force.

This year, as in every one since 2014, mourners, sympathizers, activists, clergy and many others gathered early Wednesday on the site of the shooting, Canfield Drive in Ferguson. Some said they gathered to remember Brown’s life, support his family and voice their commitment to ongoing efforts for change.

Brown (right) stands in solidarity with other supporters during the recognition of the 9th anniversary of his son Michael Brown Jr.’s shooting death by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson Aug. 9, 2014.

Festival of opportunities

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis SLPS Back to School Empowerment Festival offered a chance for job seekers to apply for positions throughout the district, including bus drivers. More than 20,000 people attended the festival on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at America’s Center in preparation for the SLPS opening day of school on Monday, August 21, 2023. The two-day festival included the Urban League Career Expo, school supply giveaways, free haircuts, a Gospel concert and boxing exhibition.

Bush meets with community, energy secretary on Coldwater Creek

‘An inflection point’

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

While Congresswoman Cori Bush of St. Louis and Sen. Josh Hawley will not agree on much socially or politically, they recently partnered to introduce the Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023, The legislation requires the

cleanup of Jana Elementary School in Florissant, Missouri located in Bush’s 1st Congressional District. In October 2022, the Hazelwood Board of Education closed the school after a private study found high levels of radioactive waste inside the building and its playground area.

The school is located near Coldwater Creek, which was contaminated with uranium and other radioactive waste from a World War II nuclear weapons program, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The Bush-Hawley legislation also establishes a Radioactive School Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that have been financially impacted by

Stephen Mills named Spire Missouri president

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Spire Inc. has named Stephen Mills as senior vice president and president of Spire Missouri, which places an African American in charge of the state’s largest natural gas utility.

His responsibilities include directing field operations in eastern and western Missouri, regulatory affairs and business and economic development. He has served as vice president and general manager of Spire Missouri’s operations in the western part of the state, including the greater Kansas City area, Joplin, and St. Joseph since 2020.

“Spire plays a key role in fueling energy for nearly 1.2 million homes and businesses across Missouri and I am humbled and excited to have this opportunity,” Mills said in a release.

“I look forward to working with our dedicated employees across the state as we continue to deliver the energy our customers rely on and be a positive presence in the communities where we live and work.” Mills joined Spire in 2014, beginning his tenure in human resources, earning increased responsibilities including managing director of employee relations and

See MILLS, A7

Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher, and Hughes Van Ellis, Sr., the last three known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, have continued their pursuit of justice.

They have appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, urging a swift reversal of Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall’s controversial dismissal of their lawsuit.

At a Monday press conference held at the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the legal team representing the survivor expressed confidence in the likelihood of the Oklahoma Supreme Court overturning Judge Wall’s ruling.

“The facts of this case align with the long-standing property-based limitations of Oklahoma’s public nuisance statute,” said Damario Solomon-Simmons, the lead attorney for the survivors and founder of Justice for Greenwood.

“The District Court’s imposition of a heightened pleading standard on the survivors is unprecedented in Oklahoma’s See LAWSUIT, A7

NNPA Newswire

St.

Michael

Stephen Mills

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

‘I am humbled’

Cori Bush

Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence trial delayed

Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence trial has been delayed to September. Majors came to court on Thursday for what was scheduled to be the first day of the trial, but prosecution said they were unprepared and still gathering evidence.

Majors entered the courtroom joined by Meagan Good. He held a Bible and a notebook in his hand as he walked toward the bench with his criminal defense lawyer Priya Chaudhry at 9:42 a.m. Chaudhry states that the delay is from prosecutors not being “timely” in confiscating clues. A new trial date is scheduled for Sept. 6.

Majors was detained in Manhattan March 25 and charged with accounts of assault and aggravated harassment after an alleged domestic dispute with his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari

During his arrest, Jabbari informed law enforcement she was attacked and was transported to the hospital with “minor injuries to her head and neck.”

Majors pleaded not guilty to four charges brought against him. A charge of strangulation was dropped. If he gets convicted of misdemeanor charges of harassment and assault, he could serve up to one year in prison.

Chaudhry claims Jabbari assaulted Majors, versus the other way around. Majors’ team suggests “racial bias” has played a part in the investigation and calls the case a “witch hunt” against Majors.

Moneybagg Yo cancels some shows due to low ticket sales

Will Moneybagg Yo perform Aug. 25 at Chaifetz Arena?

The rapper has canceled some of the shows on his “Larger Than Life Tour”.

In June, Moneybagg announced his joint tour with Fines se2Tymes, St. Louis’ own Sexyy Red, Luh Tyler Big Boogie and YTB Fatt

The tour was sched uled to start Aug. 3 in Orlando, FL and have its last stop in Moneybagg’s

hometown Memphis, TN on Sept. 30.

Some of the tour stops have been axed including the opening show and a show in Philadelphia, PA next week.

Moneybagg hasn’t released an official statement, but Ticketmaster has started issuing cancellation emails with details on how to receive a refund.

It’s unknown if more of Moneybagg’s show will be axed.

Cardi B off the hook for tossed microphone that hit a fan in the crowd

will not be penalized for launching a microphone into the audience during a concert in Las Vegas last weekend.

“After a thorough review of this case and with the consultation from the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, this case has been closed as having insufficient evidence. No charges will be filed in relation to this case,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police told CNN in a statement on Thursday.

“On behalf of Cardi, we

appreciate the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Dept’s diligent and prompt resolution of this matter,” Drew Findling, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, the attorneys representing Cardi B, said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

A fan filed a report with the LVMPD on Monday after being hit by a microphone thrown off the stage.

Law enforcement say Cardi’s name wasn’t mentioned in the statement but the location on the incident report fit the same location where Cardi performed when the victim was hit.

Earlier news reports Cardi was shown on video performing at Drai’s Beach Club in Las Vegas when a fan threw a drink facing the stage.

The clip displays a beverage from a cup being splashed on her during a performance of “Bodak Yellow.” Cardi then quickly reacted by tossing her microphone into the crowd as security guards ran to the stage and into the crowd.

Another video surfaced showing Cardi and her DJ asking the crowd to pour water on her because of the heat. It’s unknown if this situation happened before or after the microphone incident.

Sources: CNN.com, Today.com, TheJasmineBrand.com, Variety.com

“[Supreme Court Justice]

Clarence Thomas is illegitimate and has no basis in the job that he’s in.”

-

Minnesota

Attorney General Keith Ellison

William Stanford Davis salutes SLPS teachers, staff

He awaits first day of ‘Abbott Elementary’

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Actor William Stanford Davis fondly recalled his days as a St. Louis Public Schools student and was among the first to welcome new SLPS Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett during an August 4 rally at the Enterprise Center for teachers, staff, administrators.

“It was so very kind and gracious of [SLPS] to invite me,” said Davis, a featured player in the Emmy Award winning ABC television series, “Abbott Elementary.”

“It was a great event. A lot of teachers were there, a lot of essential workers, everything from the school bus drivers to the nurses to the school lunch aides. Everyone there had something to do with making sure that the kids get a quality education. It was a lot of fun, very meaningful and impactful.”

Davis is a graduate of SLPS’ historic Northwest High School. As a product of the district he notices a distinct difference between how school was for him compared to now.

“The biggest difference between when I was in school and now is technology,” he said. “Everyone has a phone so they can get information. We had to go to the library. We had to get encyclopedias and things to find information.

“Right now you can get information at the drop of a hat just instantaneously, which is good. But sometimes I think that part of studying is going out and exploring trying to find information instead of ‘Okay I can just

Google it right now.’” Davis said Scarlett’s hire could help create more leadership opportunities for African American women.

“I think it’s important because we’re in the 21st Century. Women should be included in every major leadership role from top to bottom. Whether it’s a school district, Congress, or the presidency [women] should be a part of not only making change but establishing the rules also.” Davis believes teachers make the world a better place and are what keep youth inspired.

“Your child is around a teacher one-third of their day. That’s more time that they may spend with their parents,” he said.

“Teachers make a great impact on their life not only on their academic life, but who they become as a person. I know that’s the way it was for me. Teachers changed my life. They insisted, they persisted, and sometimes they used other tactics to get to me, but they made sure I got the point.”

Davis shared his Aunt Helen Flagg, who was his third grade teacher at Cote Brilliante Elementary, and other teachers were his favorites.

“She let me do what I wanted to do but it was no favoritism,” he said. “I had to work extra hard. My 7th grade teacher Mr. Mays insisted I do the science fair. I hated that, I didn’t wanna be in the science fair. But he insisted and I got in and my teammates and I won first place. I had another teacher encourage me to learn poetry and I started writing poetry on my own. There have been several other teachers who not only inspired me but challenged me along the way. That’s what I think the teachers have to do today to not only challenge but inspire.”

But when the bell rings, Davis will be ready. Just as his real-life teachers and staff were when he was attending school in St. Louis.

The fictional school year in “Abbott Elementary” remains on summer break because of the ongoing Writer’s Guild strike. Davis’ role as school janitor “Mr. Johnson” is on hold as a result.

“Today’s youth is confronted with so many things from misinformation on the internet to gun violence and an array of other problems,” said Davis.

“[Teachers] not only lead, they have to protect, they have to nurture, they have to be a psychologist, they have to do so many things they didn’t have to do when I was young “My hats off to them. We had hand-me-down books and supplies, but we didn’t have hand-me- down teachers. I think teachers need to make the same kind of living that doctors make because they save lives and change lives.”

Photo courtesy of ABC

William Stanford Davis, who plays janitor Mr. Johnson in “Abbott Elementary,” cheered in support of St. Louis Public Schools staff and administrators during a rally at Enterprise Center on August 4, 2023.

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

We are fighting a war of words, propaganda, and false indoctrination campaigns waged by some leaders who seem hell-bent on destroying democracy rather than protecting it.

Will you stand up for democracy with nation in peril?

By Janice Ellis

Amid the political dysfunction, and historic indictments of a former president, the very survival and future of our democracy hangs in the balance.

What are we willing to do to save democracy, to save America?

You may be asking: “What can I do to help save our democracy?”

A lot.

But far too often, we treat politics as a spectator sport.

To many of us, politics is like a passing parade — a moving panorama of faces and personalities that we cheer on or come to fear, often with passion but only rarely with action.

We are content to leave the critical operations of our government to others as we pay intermittent attention and abdicate the responsibility of holding them accountable.

As citizens of a democracy, we have a critical role to play and responsibilities to carry out. More so now than ever.

We, the people, cannot afford to remain on the sideline.

We can easily become overwhelmed, discouraged, and fearful of how our nation and our way of life might change.

Take heart. Take courage. Take a stand. We all have a personal and collective decision to make.

Yet, we have stood. America has not only survived but thrived.

Today, the test is different. The enemies are different.

We are fighting a war of words, propaganda, and false indoctrination campaigns waged by some leaders who seem hellbent on destroying democracy rather than protecting it.

We have been confronted with social movements and cultural wars before. The difference is that they were not born and fueled by lies, misrepresentations, and conspiracy theories.

As much as we may have grown weary, we cannot afford to ignore what is going on at the national level and right around us. It is not up to “them.” It is up to “us” to make sure that they do not prevail.

What is your list of things for which you are willing to stand?

In the coming months, with a very divided America, when truth is being drowned out by lies, misrepresentations, cowardice, selfish interests, personal agendas, and waning or no love for America, we all have a personal and collective decision to make.

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis

First, and foremost, are you willing to stand for truth and integrity? If you do, will you demand it from your elected officials who represent you — across all levels of government?

Will you stand and support the rule of law that protects our citizens and institutions? Will you insist that those who represent you do the same? If they don’t, are you willing to vote them out of office?

History has many examples of how one person decides to take a stand for the greater good and inspires many others to join in the effort.

Now is our time to take a stand.

America is facing its greatest test in contemporary history.

We have been tested before, beginning with the American Revolution and our formation as a nation. Through the Civil War, World War I and II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts.

There have been many defining moments in recent history that have changed the course of America.

It will not be enough to continue to just go along to get along irrespective of the detrimental consequences. It will require open minds that demands truth and facts, no matter how difficult they may be to face. It will not be enough to continue to just go along to get along irrespective of the detrimental consequences. It will require open minds that demands truth and facts, no matter how difficult they may be to face.

Who are you standing with? Why? What is there to gain personally, societally - short term, more importantly long term?

The overriding question: While the constant misinformation and disinformation campaigns continue, will there be enough of us left who will be willing to cut through it all and make the best decisions for democracy, and America?

Democracy, nor America, will survive if there isn’t.

We, the people, are the only hope to save our democracy, our republic.

Are we willing, and do we have the courage, to stand?

Missouri Independent columnist Janice Ellis analyzes educational, political, social, and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Labels, as all consumers discover, are just packaging. And truth in packaging is almost a contradiction in terms. The purpose of packaging is to make a sale, not admit the truth.

The political group that calls itself “No Labels” is a perfect example. Its name, game, and claim all are poll-driven and message-centered. The billionaire-funded group praises bipartisanship as an end in itself.

Now it is toying with running a third-party candidate for president — peddling West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin as a “centrist,” running on a manifesto entitled, inevitably, “Common Sense.”

The manifesto offers up a series of poll-driven, carefully crafted policy positions, wrapped in pretty paper and designed to sell.

If there were truth in packaging, “No Labels” would call itself “No Clue.” It seems perversely blind to the reality we face.

America faces severe, simultaneous challenges — what academics call a “polycrisis.”

care for all. Systemic racism or even the Supreme Court’s assault on civil rights goes unmentioned.

They embrace the impossible mission of policing the world, calling for even more money for the military while demanding deficit reductions. That puts Social Security and Medicare on the chopping block, which they imply but don’t admit, promising not to cut the benefits of those already or near retirement. Fifty-five and under look out.

They are pressing and apparent. Climate change threatens existence itself, with severe weather already savaging lives and communities.

Extreme inequality corrupts elections and subverts decent government.

The million plus lives lost to COVID have exposed our broken public health system. Our infrastructure is dangerously decrepit. Our health care system is simply unaffordable.

Systemic racism continues to mock the promise of equal justice under the law.

On extreme inequality, they say nothing. On infrastructure, they praise Joe Biden’s infrastructure act (while preposterously trying to take credit for it), without talking about how it is but a first step to what is needed. On health care, they offer traditional nostrums that won’t offend insurance companies and Big Pharma — and won’t take us any closer to affordable and comprehensive health

‘No Labels’ another political con job In defense of DEI programs

By Donna Brazille

Republicans in Congress, state governments and on the presidential campaign trail are denouncing and demonizing efforts to promote DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in workplaces, schools and other institutions as a major threat to American society.

Hyperbolic GOP attacks on DEI make it sound like some sinister plot to destroy the ideal of meritocracy and give people of color, women, LGBTQ Americans, people with disabilities and other historically marginalized groups unfair advantages at the expense of straight white men.

White men don’t have a monopoly on brainpower and talent. It makes sense for America to take advantage of the brainpower and talents of the rest of us. After all, no one is asking white men to leave the room — just scoot over and help to make room for others.

It also makes sense for everyone to learn exactly what the component parts of diversity, equity, and inclusion actually are and how they benefit everyone in society. The benefits of diversity are well-attested.

Their remedy is not new ideas, but “bipartisanship.” Bipartisanship polls well, but consider dealing with a Republican Party that overwhelmingly believes that the election in 2020 was stolen, that Donald Trump is innocent, that “wokeness” is the greatest threat to America, that taxes should never be raised, that we spend too much on education and too little on the military, that voter suppression and political gerrymandering is an imperative, that guns should be free and women’s bodies should be regulated. Their prospective presidential candidate offers not new leadership but business as usual.

Joe Manchin, who grew rich in the coal business, primarily uses his Senate seat to protect subsidies to coal and big oil, and to impede investment in renewable energy. He embraced the filibuster to block electoral reform to limit big money in politics.

“Common sense”? No, just more political nonsense. “No Labels”? No, just no clue and no way out.

Billionaires have the money to create a party. Pollsters and message gurus can figure out how to package it. Venal politicians can test to see how they can profit from it. But don’t fall for it. This is just another beltway bandit con job that the country can’t afford.

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is founder and president emeritus of the Rainbow Push Coalition

For example, selective colleges should understand that low-income students (who are disproportionately Black) often go to high schools that don’t offer many advanced placement courses. Such students often can’t participate in extracurricular activities because they have to hold after-school jobs. Their families can’t afford tutors, test preparation services and expensive academic enrichment programs. Instead of being penalized for their low-income status, these students should be recognized for succeeding despite the challenges they face.

Eager to show he is just as opposed as Trump to DEI, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — Trump’s leading challenger for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination — signed a bill into law in May banning public colleges in his state from spending money on DEI programs.

Multiple studies also show that companies benefit — earning bigger profits, being more innovative, and reducing employee turnover — when they adopt policies to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Equity offers benefits just as rich based on a very simple premise. It simply requires that everyone be treated fairly and be given the chance to succeed. It sometimes prompts reimagining qualifications for college admissions and jobs, along with investments in training, mentoring and networking for marginalized groups.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law in June banning DEI in state colleges and universities. Fortunately, many corporations in America and around the world are continuing to embrace DEI policies because they recognize that DEI is good business, helping them attract and retain top-notch employees and increase earnings.

We need more DEI in workplaces and in education, not less. We should all work to counter Republican efforts to further weaken valuable DEI programs and to encourage corporations that expand their DEI efforts. Make sure your elected representatives know how you feel about the importance of DEI. And come election time, vote accordingly.

Donna Brazile is a veteran political strategist and former interim chair of the Democratic National Committee

Guest Columnist Donna Brazille

Columnist Jesse Jackson

Gearing up!

Jennings Back to School Celebration August 20

St. Louis American staff

As summer vacation draws to a close and the new school year approaches, Hibbett City Gear and Jordan Brand will host a Back to School celebration in Jennings.

Cutz 4 Kids will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20, 2023 at City Gear, 8005 W. Florissant Ave, in Jennings.

“We are grateful for our partners at Jordan for helping us host this year’s Cutz 4 Kids Back to School celebration for the Jennings community,” said Perry Wade, City Gear, District Manager.

“It’s a great way to kick off the new semester and get the little ones excited about going back to class.”

Each year, City Gear hosts special back

to school events across the country to show appreciation to local families in their communities, who may be stretched with back-toschool expenses.

The company hires professional barbers and brings them onsite to provide free professional children’s haircuts for attendees.

There is a “party atmosphere” to get kids pumped up about the new school year with their fresh new cuts and free school supplies, according to Wade.

Throughout the day there is music, special promotions, giveaways, light refreshments and much more. Children of all ages are welcome to get free haircuts and school supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last.

Remember the real missing Black women

By ReShonda Tate

Well, folks asked for it, so they got it. Authorities in Alabama have filed criminal charges against Carlee Russell, the woman who confessed to fabricating a story that she was kidnapped after stopping to check on a toddler she saw walking on the side of an interstate highway.

Russell was charged with false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident, both misdemeanors that carry up to a year in jail.

“Her decisions that night created panic and alarm for citizens of our city and even across the nation as concern grew that a kidnapper was on the loose using a small child as bait,” said Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzi.

“Numerous law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, began working tirelessly not only to bring Carlee home to her family but locate a kidnapper that we now know never existed. Many private citizens volunteered their time and energy in looking for a potential kidnapping victim that we know now was never in any danger.”

Police – and half of America – wanted to charge Russell with more serious charges because of the disruption she caused, but the “law did not allow for enhanced charges.”

Like thousands of people following this story, I was heartbroken to learn it was a hoax. While I’m not one of those “I want my prayer back” folks, I am disappointed because we finally got the world to pay attention to a missing Black woman… and it was a hoax done to get back at a cheating boyfriend.

As a former young woman, and the mother of two young women, I understand that young people make dumb mistakes. Carlee’s just happened to go viral. So, yeah, I’m upset about it, but I don’t have time to wallow in that fake story when there are more than 15,000 missing Black women and girls in the world, according to the Black and Missing Foundation, a Maryland-based nonprofit group that works to bring awareness to missing people of color.

Does Carlee owe the world an explanation? Some folks feel like she does. I don’t. She lied. Her telling us why and explaining her actions on TikTok isn’t going to change that. But I’m not going to apologize for believing a Black girl.

For some reason, when white people make a mistake, it’s on that one individual. When a Black person makes it, it’s a stain on the whole race. Why is that? How do we change that? There are THOUSANDS of Black women and girls who come up missing every year. We cannot afford to discount them all because one of them was bogus.

It’s bad enough that others paint us with a broad brush. It’s imperative that we don’t follow suit. Black women must prove to people that we’re worthy of empathy, worthy of protection, worthy of being believed. We cannot let the outcome of Russell’s case derail us from the task of finding Black women who go missing. We can never give up in spreading awareness and searching for our sisters.

Now that we know the truth, let’s not give this case any more of our energy. Carlee made her bed. Let her lie in it. And let the rest of us move on and give our attention to the Black women who are still missing.

ReShonda Tate is an author and columnist. This commentary was published on the Houston Defender website

The Hibbett City Gear and Jordan Brand Back to School celebration in Jennings will include Cutz 4 Kids haircuts from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20, 2023, at City Gear, 8005 W. Florissant Ave.

ReShonda Tate

Continued from A1

Light drizzle peppered the crowd of more than 100. Like previous years, there were stuffed animal memorials; one stacked against a dull gray lamppost, another under a “Black Lives Matter” poster flapping in the early morning wind.

A woman wearing a “Ferguson is Everywhere” T-shirt squatted, scribbling “Mike Brown Means we have to fight Back” in pink chalk on damp pavement.

When a speaker asked the crowd how many were at that location on Canfield Drive the day of-or the day after-Mike Brown’s murder, at least half raised their hands.

Faces familiar to the annual commemoration-some high-profile, most not-greeted each other with energetic fullbody hugs and warm pats on the back. Many were adorned in colorful, Afrocentric T-shirts that, combined, contributed to a

Bush

Continued from A1

the presence of radioactive contaminants stemming from U.S. atomic energy activities.

powerful narrative: “Never Forget…Mike Brown… I am the storm and War on Injustice,” some read.

Even T-shirts that did not honor Brown, like “Stranger Things” and Nike’s “Just Do it” somehow spoke to the sentiments of those gathered.

Like a movie score, chants shouted by the crowd, added lyrical relevance to the day:

“When I say ‘Mike Brown’ you say (it) means…” someone shouted to the group who responded: “Fight Back, Fight Back…we got to fight back!”

Others shouted: “It is our duty to fight for our freedom; It is our duty to win; We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but ourselves!”

The Rev. Darryl Gray, Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones, Congresswoman Cori Bush, former State Rep, Bruce Franks, and activist Anthony Shahid were also in the crowd. Both Bush and Frankswho once was a street rapper- have credited Mike

On Monday evening, Bush met with community leaders, advocates, and other area residents to discuss the radioactive waste impact on health and safety and ask what actions they want taken by the Department of Energy. Bush then met with Department of Energy

Secretary Jennifer Granholm at the Weldon Spring Site Interpretative Center on Tuesday to

Cong. Cori Bush makes remarks during the 9th anniversary recognition of Michael Brown Jr.’s shooting by Ferguson Police officer Darren Wilson Aug. 9, 2014.

Brown as the impetus for their political careers.

On the 8th anniversary of Brown’s Death, last year, Bush wrote:

“The police killing of Michael Brown is what propelled me and many others into lives dedicated

discuss radioactive waste across St. Louis left decades ago by the Manhattan Project.

“I am grateful for our community leaders and advocates for coming together [on Monday] to share feedback and solutions on how we clean up the radioactive waste in our community,” Bush

to building a world where Mike would not have been taken from us.”

Speakers, some in town for the 62nd Progressive National Baptist Convention, spoke to the power of the day. Rev. Willie Dwayne Francois

said in a release.

“I appreciate Secretary Granholm [hearing] our concerns and requests laid out by the community. This conversation marks an inflection point in a positive partnership. I believe that, together, we will work with the community to ensure the federal government cleans

III of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Pleasantville NJ, put the location of Mike Brown’s killing in historical perspective:

“The movement of liberation was sparked by this man’s life,” the pastor stated, adding: “The same way we say Montgomery (Alabama) was ground zero for the civil rights movement, this is ground zero for the Black Lives Matter movement.”

Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, Director of Religious Affairs for Al Sharpton’s National Action Networks’ (NAN) congratulated young people for their sustained resilience.

“I was excited and proud that you would not be silenced and would not conform to what is acceptable,” Rivers said.

“If police can do that then acceptability has to change, and you helped change it.”

The morning event was a precursor to an evening gala for “The Chosen For Change” organization founded in late 2014 by Mike Brown’s father, Michael Brown Sr. and his wife Cal Brown. The

up its waste, restores trust, and ensures our neighborhoods are safer and healthier.”

In July, The Missouri Independent, MuckRock, and The Associated Press, released a series of articles that detailed a six-month study which found that private companies and the federal government repeatedly downplayed or failed to fully investigate the extent of the contamination from the development of the first atomic bomb.

“This is nothing short of a miracle,” said Dawn Chapman, co-founder of Just Moms STL, told St. Louis Public Radio. The organization has advocated for cleanup of nuclear waste for a decade.

St. Louis County Council member Kelli Dunaway announced she will propose a bill requiring the county’s Department of Emergency Management and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review new construction and utility projects near Coldwater Creek.

Her concern is that new building projects could release radioactive waste that was found in the contaminated creek bed and property

“I think there are probably a lot of people that live around Coldwater Creek, they don’t have any idea that they are living near this radioactive waste that is decades old at this point,” she told St. Louis Public Radio.

Dunaway said the cur-

ambitious goal of the gala is to raise $500,000 towards the establishment of a community Center and an annual retreat, according to a press statement. Brown Sr. stood stoically behind speakers wearing a T-shirt with a drawing of his son’s face on it. He answered sorrowfully yet wistfully when asked what the day meant to him:

“It means a lot that people are still coming out and showing love for what they believe in,” Brown answered. “The biggest thing for me is the unity of it all…just seeing Black folk and people from all types of cultures in one little space well, it means a lot.”

Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation, stood on the outskirts of the crowd with fingers pressed hard against her cheek. When asked how long she thinks people will continue showing up in the name of ‘Mike Brown, Talve responded affirmatively: “Until it changes. Until it changes.”

rent draft would apply to new building, utility and construction permits within ZIP codes 63134, 63042, 63031, 63033, 63034 and 63138.

“It would pull in the right officials and the right expertise and professionals to be able to analyze and maybe even pay for some of the cleanup, if there is any radioactive waste,” said Dunaway, who would like legislative meetings scheduled by early fall. Also, in the wake of the investigation, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade requested that Gov. Mike Parson call a special session of the Missouri legislature to assist impacted communities.

“The problems related with this waste have festered for nearly 80 years,” Quade said in a letter to Gov. Mike Parson.

“It is well past time for us to begin the long process of finally resolving them for the sake of all Missourians.” Quade, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, chastised the government’s “unacceptable management” as the radiation festered over past decades.

She said the special session is needed for legislators to approve resources for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to investigate areas of radioactive waste under a law passed in 2018. As of Wednesday, Parson had not responded to the request.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

legal history,” SolomonSimmons continued.

“Our clients have sufficiently pleaded a public nuisance claim, as defined by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in its landmark decision on Johnson & Johnson in November 2021.”

Randle, 107, Fletcher, 108, and Van Ellis, 102, are the remaining survivors of the horrific massacre, which destroyed the thriving Greenwood District in Tulsa and caused the loss of countless lives and property, has long been overlooked, and the survivors have been denied justice.

Their legal team contends that Judge Wall’s ruling imposes an unjust and burdensome requirement on parties alleging public nuisance claims.

The court mandated that the survivors provide a specific abate-

Mills

Continued from A1

inclusion.

On its website, Spire says “We embrace diversity and inclusion to positively impact our culture by improving collaboration, enhancing engagement and productivity, and inspiring greater creativity and innovation among all employees for the benefit of all stakeholders.

It’s commitment to diversity is guided by:

• Building upon core values of diversity and inclusion to create a competitive advantage as we grow

• Developing diversity in thought and talent through recruitment, retention, and development

• Holding all employees, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders accountable for Spire commitment.

• Celebrating its diversity and inclusion successes Spire is also active as a philanthropic leader in the St. Louis area.

In April, Spire employees helped construct a greenhouse for the Jennings School District,

ment remedy to address the issue before any discovery, trial, or liability determination occurs.

The survivor’s co-counsel Randall Adams, a

rebuilt raised beds, and prepared beds for soil and planting. The volunteer effort was part of Spire’s annual Day for Good initiative, giving employees eight hours annually to support an organization or cause of their choice.

In 2022, Spire recently opened an in-school resource market that offers fresh and non-perishable foods, clothing, hygiene supplies and toiletry items at no cost to students and their families.

In May 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic raged, Spire donated $250,000 to food pantries and meal programs in Missouri and other states the utility serves.

During that time, the company also suspended late fees and disconnections and announced a commitment of $500,000 in DollarHelp gifts to help active customers pay their natural gas bills.

As Spire Missouri president, Mills will oversee similar efforts in the future.

“Steve has proved himself as a strong leader and I am confident that he will continue to advance our efforts for our customers and the communities we serve across Missouri,” said Steve Lindsey, Spire

or prior case law.

executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Mills earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Illinois State University, where he currently serves on the Advisory Council in the College of Business (Management), and a Master of Business Administration from the University of IllinoisSpringfield.

Before joining Spire, Mills had finance and human resources roles at Monsanto and Solutia. He is involved in the Kansas City community as a board member of Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Area Development Council, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and Ronald McDonald House Kansas City.

court, promising not to file new motions to dismiss the survivors’ unjust enrichment claims.

Despite the agreement, the defendants filed a second motion to dismiss the unjust enrichment claims, and to the dismay of the survivors’ legal team, the District Court granted these baseless motions.

“It is imperative to recognize that allowing Judge Wall’s decision to stand will have severe implications for individuals and businesses across Oklahoma seeking to uphold their legal rights,” Solomon-Simmons emphasized.

He claimed that a favorable decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court would “uphold the values of justice and fairness for all state residents and resolve the complaints of those who had suffered because of the Tulsa Race Massacre.”

Tulsa Race Massacre survivors (from left) Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher and Hughes Van Ellis during a commemoration of the event in June 2021.

Photo courtesy of NNPA

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP litigation partner, said this unusual pleading standard lacks any foundation in Oklahoma’s notice pleading code

Further, he said the District Court allowed the

defendants to violate an agreement made in open

Mayor Jones signs bills to strengthen city gun laws

By American staff

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced last week that she has signed BB29 and BB82, which strengthen St. Louis’ gun laws and police accountability provisions, respectively. Both were passed out of the Board of Aldermen and sent to the mayor’s desk following feedback from SLMPD Chief Robert J. Tracy and the City Counselor to strengthen the bills.

“Gun violence takes a devastating toll on our communities. We need to use every tool in our toolbox to make our communities, no matter the scale,” said Jones.

“I appreciate Alderpersons Cara Spencer and Rasheen Aldridge for working with Chief Robert Tracy and the City Counselor’s office to improve these bills, bringing them into compliance with state laws and addressing operational concerns. My office has been preparing further commonsense gun safety legislation, and we look forward to partnering with the Board on their return to help protect St. Louis families.”

BB29 regulates open carry in the City of St. Louis, prohibiting persons from openly carrying or displaying firearms unless they have a valid concealed carry permit on their person. Individuals who violate can be charged with “unlawful display of a weapon.”

Those 18 and older are subject to a fine and up to 30 days incarceration or community service,

or a fine and community service for juveniles. The Board removed a firearm confiscation provision from the bill via amendment.

BB82 strengthens police accountability in regards to consent searches and transparency, codifying existing SLMPD policy into ordinance. Unless it impairs criminal investigations or places the public or officer in danger, officers during consent searches will identify themselves with their name and badge number and explain the reason for said search. The new law will require SLMPD to publish quarterly reports detailing the number of search consents, refusals, and revocations while making policies available online. New York City and Syracuse, New York have implemented similar legislation.

“The passage of BB 82, also known as the ‘Right to Know’ legislation, plays a crucial role in ensuring that our law enforcement respects the rights of citizens during their interactions,” said bill sponsor Ald. Aldridge (14).

“By equipping our police with the necessary tools for effective enforcement and maintaining citywide safety, can further build trust between law enforcement and all communities. I firmly believe that with the passage of this legislation, we can accomplish both objectives successfully.”

Legislative records for BB29 and BB82 can be found on the City’s website. The Board of Aldermen returns to session on September 15.

A job Well done

Wellston Trojan Day an homage to historic community

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Wellston is welcoming celebrants from throughout the region to its second annual Wellston Trojan Day from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 12 at Trojan Park.

Carl Davis, a Wellston High School graduate who founded the event and serves as its coordinator, says this year’s theme is ‘Keeping Our History Alive’.

“The community of Wellston has supported me since the beginning when Wellston Day was just an idea,” said Davis.

“This year the Wellston community can enjoy Bar-B-Que, live music, food trucks, and a variety of vendors. For children, we will have a clown and magic show. It’s going to be an awesome event.

The retired FergusonFlorissant School District athletic coach says Wellston has a rich and strong history that many area residents aren’t aware of - including people who have lived in Wellston their entire lives. They have never learned that Wellston was once a music and entertainment hub with a vibrant shopping district.

Last year’s event drew more than 3,000 people,

Wellston coach Carl Davis

which prompted Mayor Nathaniel Griffin and city officials to declare every second Saturday in August as Wellston Trojan Day.

“This is our day, this is our holiday,” said Davis.

The idea to create Trojan Day began during an drive in the community.

Davis noticed Wellston High School had been torn down. It was alarming. His former high school hosted the dances, athletic teams, and fun times that were etched in his memory. It had been reduced to rubble.

“Now all that stuff is gone. I never had the opportunity to get the memorabilia out of the school. It could be on display somewhere. That’s why I started Wellston Trojan Day, to keep our history alive,” said Davis.

The event has attracted so much attention that residents who never attend Wellston High School and people from throughout the area are volunteering to help.

Davis hopes to change the narrative of the Wellston community, he says it’s more than drugs and gangs, and low test scores. Wellston is about family, love, and being there for one another. He wants to rebuild the reputation of the once-thriving community.

“I want to see my community come from what is now and be successful, this is for us”

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

Special Enrollment Period Provides Relief for Locals

At this point in the year some Medicare beneficiaries have decided their health plan benefits don’t meet their needs. They could feel stuck with this choice until the Annual Enrollment Period in October. However, there is an option to switch to a 5-star plan right now.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) created the 5-star Special Enrollment Period for Medicare beneficiaries to experience the exceptional service and benefits of a 5-star plan by joining a 5-star Medicare Advantage (MA) plan for the first time or switching from another health plan to a 5-star MA plan.

The Essence Healthcare 5-Star Difference

Essence is the only 5-star plan in the St. Louis area.* They’re a long-standing leader in healthcare—created by doctors for patients. Essence provides:

• Benefits designed for every stage of life.

• Care team with trusted doctors.

• Plans that help members save money while staying healthy.

• Customer service team that’s easily accessible and thoroughly trained.

Essence plans include low or no monthly premiums, comprehensive hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage in addition to extras

like dental, vision and allowances for over-the-counter items, hearing aids and more. Fitness/Gym membership is provided at no additional cost to members. Transportation assistance to the pharmacy or other health-related locations is another extra benefit included for members.

Essence covers the Original Medicare Part B deductible to allow members to start enjoying the plan benefits immediately and they put a limit on the annual out-of-pocket cost for covered medical expenses.

For local Medicare beneficiaries that need help with over-thecounter expenses or other extra benefits, Essence offers a preloaded Flex Card. The card is ready for members to use from day one at over 10,000 retailers. Allowances are applied to the Flex Card in quarterly increments, making it convenient for members to plan throughout the year.

A 5-star plan, like Essence, has positive survey responses from members, fewer complaints and they’re likely to keep members year after year. The level of care provided leaves members satisfied with their experience. For older adults not satisfied with their current health plan benefits, the Special Enrollment Period may be the answer with the opportunity to enroll in a 5-star Essence plan today. Visit EssenceHealthcare.com to learn more about Essence Medicare Advantage plans.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings may vary by contract or market. For plan year 2023, plans under Essence Healthcare’s H2610 contract achieved a 5-star Overall Plan Rating. PPO plans are too new to be measured. Essence Healthcare includes HMO, HMO-POS and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Essence Healthcare also includes an HMO D-SNP plan with a contract with Medicare and the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Essence Healthcare depends on contract renewal. Y0027_23-1129_M

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

at Trojan Park in front of the Wellston Alum “Keeping Our History Alive” Day In The Park.”

South City Hospital’s sudden closure shakes St. Louis

Job Fair for employees August 11

Workers remove the South City Hospital sign from the entrance on S. Broadway in Dutchtown. The owner of the financially troubled facility announced last Thursday that the 154-year-old hospital would be closing, leaving hundreds of workers unemployed.

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

The city of St. Louis has lost an important facility in the quest for access to equitable health care services, especially for uninsured and low-income patients.

On Thursday, August 3, the owner of South City Hospital announced it would soon be closing its doors. The shutdown began on Friday and its signage has already been removed.

“South City Hospital was a healthcare safety net, supporting many uninsured St. Louisans, and our city must

n “Our city must grapple with losing this longstanding healthcare anchor.”

– Mayor Tishaura Jones

grapple with losing this longstanding healthcare anchor,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said in a release.

Jones said she has met with representatives of regional hospital systems, City Health Director Dr. Mati

Hlatshwayo Davis, and her staff to address the closure.

Patients hospitalized at South City Hospital have been routed to those hospitals and will continue to receive excellent care.

The hospital, which was formerly called St. Alexius, is located on S. Broadway in Dutchtown. It has dealt with financial challenges under several ownership groups in recent years. The hospital had served the St. Louis community for over 150 years.

Dr. Bart Andrews, Behavioral

For your health –The A to Zzzzz of healthy

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

Dr. Graham A.

It’s that time of year when it can be pretty easy to lose a couple hours of good sleep. Even if we’re usually pretty good about keeping up with our regular bedtime routines, there can be a lot going on that can get in the way. Evening trips to the park or a late summer concert can keep us up later than usual. Uncomfortably warm bedrooms can make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep. And the kids in our lives may feel summer coming to a close, bringing some extra energy and disrupted sleep in anticipation of a new school year. Occasionally missing out on a healthy night’s sleep is fine. But, when it happens regularly, it can be more of a concern and have a real impact on our health.

n “Sleep also plays an important role in brain health, such as learning and memory.”

– Yikyung Park

“Sleep is essential in maintaining good physical and mental health, as well as well-being,” said Yikyung Park, professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Getting too little sleep or too much sleep disrupts the circadian rhythm – our natural ‘body clock’ – which leads to many unfavorable responses in the body.” Poor quality sleep and short sleep

Redlining linked to heart failure in Blacks

By Aswad Walker Houston Defender

Housing bias can lead to deaths

According to research published August 3, 2023, in the American Heart Association publication, Circulation, the risk of heart failure in the present day was higher among Black adults who lived in U.S. zip codes historically impacted by redlining.

The analysis, published as part of the journal’s “Disparities in Cardiovascular Medicine Special Issue,” included more than 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 who lived in U.S. communities with varying degrees of redlining, which began in the mid1930s.

Previous research has found that communities exposed to redlining had higher rates of stroke, as well as increased risk of hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and early mortality due to heart disease.

n “The study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of structural racism and emphasizes the urgent need for restorative actions and targeted investments to promote health equity.”

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body either due to the heart muscle stiffening or from it losing pumping strength.

According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 Statistical Update, heart failure affects 6.7 million people in the U.S. and disproportionately impacts Black adults.

“Although discriminatory housing policies were effectively outlawed nearly a half-century ago, the relationship between historic redlining practices and people’s health today gives us unique insight into how historical policies may still be exerting their effects on the health of many communities,” said study co-senior author Shreya Rao, M.D., M.P.H., a cardiologist, and assistant professor in the department of internal medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

The researchers identified nearly 2.4 million adults in the Medicare Beneficiary Summary Files between 2014 and 2019 with linked residential zip codes. Study participants were 55.4% female and had a mean age of 71 years: 801,452 of participants self-identified as Black adults, and

See REDLINING, A13

Photo courtesy of KSDK

Illustration by Nadira Jamerson / Word In Black

Colditz

‘Taking

Care of You’

Homicide boosts state’s rising new mom death rate

By Sarah Fentem St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri saw more deaths during or after pregnancy per capita between 2018 and 2020 than in the previous three-year period that ended in 2019, according to a report published this week by the state Department of Health and Senior Services.

The report from the Pregnancy MortalityAssociated Review Board found 32 people died per 100,000 live births, up from about 25 per 100,000 from 2017 to 2019.

About one-third of the 210 deaths were attributed to

Redlining

Continued from A12

nearly 1.6 million participants self-identified as non-Hispanic white adults. Individuals of other races were excluded due to the low numbers available within the Medicare data. Participants were excluded from the analysis if they had a history of heart failure or heart attack in the preceding two years, had fewer than two years of Medicare coverage before the study start date or were younger than the age of 40.

The researchers mapped historical redlining maps onto modern-day maps of 1,044 zip codes in the U.S. and sorted them into four groups ranging from zip codes that had the least amount of area impacted by redlining to zip codes with the most areas exposed to redlining.

“Ultimately, we were most interested in assess-

Hospital

Continued from A12

Health Response chief clinical officer, told KSDK.com “I’m sad to see it go.”

“It became an expert in geriatric psychiatry, so serving an older population. There aren’t a lot of hospital options in that part of St. Louis City. That’s going to be a blow, they built a safety net niche in that region,” Dr. Andrews said.

Along with losing a city health facility, scores of people now find themselves unemployed.

Following the sudden closure to South City Hospital, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) will hold a healthcare job

Colditz

Continued from A12 (less than 7 hours a night) – have been linked to accidents, weight gain, weakened immune function, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and some cancers.

“Sleep also plays an important role in brain health, such as learning and memory. Poor or short sleep is associated with cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” Park added.

As important as healthy sleep is, 35% of adults in the U.S. don’t get the generally recommended 7 or more hours each night.

hypertension, cardiac issues, or other pregnancyrelated health problems, said Ashlie Otto, who oversees maternal health at the department.

The report found Black women, older women and those with lower education levels were more likely to die during or after pregnancy.

Many people think of hemorrhaging and other birthing-related health issues when they think of maternal mortality, Otto said. But overdoses, suicides and other mental health problems were the leading causes of death in Missouri’s pregnant and postpartum women.

“We should be alarmed as a state,” Otto said. “It

ing the difference in risk of heart failure between individuals from communities with the highest level of exposure to redlining and individuals from other communities,” said first author Amgad Mentias, M.D., M.S., an interventional cardiology fellow at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Analysis Found:

1. Black adults living in zip codes with the highest proportion of redlining had an 8% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to Black adults living in communities with low levels of redlining.

2. In contrast, white adults living in zip codes with the highest proportion of redlining did not have an increased risk of heart failure.

3. About half of the excess risk of heart failure among Black adults living in redlined communities was explained by higher levels of socioeconomic

fair from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, August 11, 2023, to assist in finding new career opportunities for former hospital workers.

The job fair will take place in the 1st Floor Conference Room of 1520 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.

“When South City Hospital closed, our city didn’t just lose a healthcare option; hundreds of employees lost their jobs, hurting working families across St. Louis,” said SLATE Executive Director Fredrecka McGlown.

“Our hearts go out to those who worked hard to care for South City Hospital patients, and SLATE, in partnership with the Department of Health, is ready to help connect healthcare workers to new opportunities.”

And around 15% of adults have trouble falling asleep, with women much more likely to have this issue than men, people with lower incomes more likely than those with higher incomes, and those in rural communities more likely than those in larger metro areas. Sleep quality also varies significantly by race and ethnicity, Park said. African Americans, multiracial non-Hispanics, American Indians/ Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders are more likely to experience short sleep than other groups. Such differences in sleep quality can be caused by a number of

takes a village to raise children. And when we don’t support our moms, then that’s when things can happen. I think that we really need to pay attention to this and put in supports and make sure our communities are coming together to support our moms and our families.”

During the three-year period, 12 people died in suicides, double the number from the last report.

Homicide was the thirdleading cause of death for new mothers, the report found.

The number of homicides increased during the period that included the first year of the coronavirus pandemic,

said Dr. Karen Florio, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist at the University of Missouri and chair of the board that released the report.

“In Missouri, we have a very high prevalence of gun violence,” she said.

“And with all of the stresses of COVID, we saw a rise because people were contained within their homes of domestic violence. And whenever a person is pregnant, they will experience a higher rate of domestic violence, and it tends to escalate.”

Most new mothers died between 43 days and one year after they gave birth, which indicates a need for continuing health coverage, Otto said. The

The map shows that concentrations of counties with the highest heart disease death rates for Blacks from 2018 through 2020 were located primarily in Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Redlining plays a role according to an American Heart Association study.

distress (determined by Social Deprivation Index scores) in those redlined communities.

4. The risk of heart failure was highest in Black adults living in redlined communities that had

high scores on the Social Deprivation Index.

“These findings show us the harm that discriminatory and racist housing policies have had on generations of Black adults and suggest the long-term

Confirmed employers in attendance include Care STL; People’s Healthcare Centers; Washington University; BJC; Mercy Medical Centers; Affinia Healthcare; SSM; Family

factors – from stress and discrimination, to demands of family and jobs, to building and neighborhood conditions that can make it harder to get to sleep and stay asleep.

While we can’t control everything that might impact the quality and amount of our sleep, there are steps we can take to try to get as good a night’s sleep as possible. Park recommends:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

• Going to bed only when you feel sleepy.

• Putting away electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. If you need to have your phone, put it in

highest rate of mortality was among women who had a Medicaid-covered pregnancy.

In the years included in the report, Missouri only offered Medicaid to new mothers for 60 days after they gave birth.

Cutting off insurance after two months made it more likely mothers would suffer from untreated and potentially fatal health issues, Otto said.

“If an individual has cardiac issues during pregnancy or even in the postpartum period, it may not be completely resolved at 60 days,” she said. “If they don’t have insurance, it’s really hard to follow up

impact of such policies on cardiovascular health disparities,” said senior author Ambarish Pandey, M.D., M.S., a cardiologist, and assistant professor in the department of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

“A reparative approach may be needed on the part of federal, state and local governments to intervene and drive investment in redlined communities.”

The findings also highlight the pivotal role housing plays as a social determinant of health, Pandey noted.

“Aggressive enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in housing, and support for and pathways to homeownership for Black families are needed in order to begin to achieve equity in health,” he said.

The study’s limitations include that redlining is just one facet of the impact of discrimination in the U.S. Redlining does not, alone, capture the full

all jobseekers interested in entering the healthcare industry are invited to participate.

with cardiologists or other specialists … and [get] those prescriptions refilled if you don’t have insurance coverage.”

The state legislature earlier this year voted to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers for a year after birth. Doctors hope that will mean fewer women die after giving birth. In addition to recommending that the state extend Medicaid coverage, the board called for Missouri to create a state-sponsored telehealth program similar to one launched in Massachusetts that would connect new moms to mental health and addiction treatment.

contribution of systemic racism on health today, the authors noted.

“Decades of discriminatory housing policies have left a lasting imprint on the cardiovascular health of Black communities,” said AMA Chief Clinical Science Officer Mitchell Elkind, M.D., M.S.

“This careful and systematic analysis underscores the higher heart failure risk faced by Black adults residing in historically redlined areas, and provides evidence that social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and access to healthy food, drive this risk

“The study serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of structural racism and emphasizes the urgent need for restorative actions and targeted investments to promote health equity.”

Care Health Centers; Bethesda, V.A. Hospital; the City of St. Louis; and At Home Care. While the event is welcoming former South City Hospital employees,

silent mode if possible.

• Avoiding large meals, caffeine, and alcohol within a couple hours of bedtime.

• Getting regular physical activity, but not too close to when you want to get to sleep.

• Limiting exposure to bright light in the evenings.

• Keeping the bedroom at a comfortable temperature.

• Using eye masks or a white noise machine or app if light or noise are issues in your home or neighborhood.

“Finally, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of heart disease or stroke, and

In 2021, the job vacancy rate in Missouri hospitals was over 20%, Dave Dillon, a spokesperson for the Missouri Hospital Association recently told the Missouri Independent. Meter parking is available along Market Street as well as Kiel Center Garage, situated behind our building, at the corner of Clark & 16th. Interested participants should complete their profile at https://jobs. mo.gov before the event. Call SLATE at (314) 5898000 with any questions. Additionally, SLATE offers job search workshops, assessments, and training opportunities to those looking for a new job or career. The SLATE

snore, gasp, choke or have silent pauses in breathing during sleep, or have excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, you may consider getting obstructive sleep apnea screening,” Park added. In sleep apnea, you stop and start breathing many times during the night, and it can increase the risk of a number of serious conditions. Fortunately, it is also treatable. So, reach out to a healthcare professional if you have questions about sleep apnea or other sleep issues. Taking steps to improve the amount and quality of sleep can be pretty simple. But it can

Missouri Job Center is at 1520 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3050, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays when the office opens at 9 a.m.

“To the employees affected, my heart goes out to you as this is painful and unexpected news. I also thank you for your tireless efforts to care for the patients of South City Hospital,” Jones said.

“This is a tremendous loss for our community, and we will continue working together with local healthcare providers to deliver resources to those most impacted.” For more information about SLATE’s services for unemployed St. Louisans, please visit us at www.stlworks.com or via Facebook or Twitter/X at @slatemcc

take some time to put them into practice regularly. Start with one or two - and build slowly from there. Even small changes can have a big impact on sleep health, which can help us feel better, and improve our overall health and wellness. It’s your health. Take control.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the free prevention tool, Your Disease Risk

Graphic courtesy of CDC

SA Hospital Acquisition purchased St. Alexian Hospital in 2021 out of bankruptcy for about $17 million. After purchasing the 190-bed hospital, the facility’s name was changed to South City Hospital. It was announced on August 3, 2023, that the hospital will close.

Graphic courtesy of KSDK

Four St. Louis arts organizations will use $250,000 in grants to build audiences

By Jeremy D. Goodwin

Public Radio

St. Louis

High school students creating drawings inspired by dance. Teenagers learning the ins and outs of the professional art world. ASL interpreters making short operas by composers of color more accessible.

These are some of the programs supported by a $250,000 grant from the PNC Foundation.

The charitable arm of PNC Bank awarded $75,000 each to the Black Rep and St. Louis ArtWorks, and $50,000 each to Dance St. Louis and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. The money will help the nonprofits make programming more inclusive and to develop new audiences.

“It comes at a time when many corporations have been pulling away from the arts. So it’s a breath of fresh air, and I hope other corporations will see the benefit of it,” said Michael Uthoff, artistic director of Dance St. Louis.

Uthoff’s organization will direct its grant toward a performance by Ailey II, one of the dance companies that are part of

the New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The nonprofit will also add new educational programming related to the prestigious dance company’s appearance.

Students at six St. Louis high schools will work with art teachers to create responses to Ailey’s work. This will augment existing dance programs Dance St. Louis offers at those schools. Students will also receive free tickets to the March performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.

A 2020 appearance by the predominantly Black dance troupe drew a larger number of African American audience members than Dance St. Louis events typically attract, Uthoff said. He’d like to see this year’s event inspire some more-diverse audiences in the future.

Uthoff and Executive Director Richard Dee are white men.

The Black Rep will continue its Phoenix Rising performance series, which began in June with events at the Pulitzer Arts Center and National Blues Museum. The series included several dance performanc-

An instructor from the Dance Theatre of Harlem works with high school students as part of an arts residency provided by Dance St. Louis. A grant from the PNC Foundation will help Dance St. Louis augment its residencies with additional programming for students.

es exploring elements of African American life and culture, and a salute to Bessie Smith by vocal-

ist Denise Thimes at the museum.

One three-part dance event included perfor-

mances inside the Pulitzer; at Park-Like, the foundation’s outdoor location across the street; and finally in the open-air Spring Church nearby.

“It’s about doing unconventional work in unconventional spaces,” said Black Rep founder and artistic director Ron Himes. This weekend, he’ll be saluted with the Visionary Leader Award by the Association for Theatre in Public Education at its annual conference in Austin,

Texas. The Phoenix Rising series will continue in September, Himes said, with more performances away from the theater’s home base at Washington University.

“What we hope is that it will help us to expose our work to new audiences and hopefully be able to, like a Pied Piper, bring those audiences back to the main stage,” he said.

St. Louis ArtWorks will use its grant money to fund a yearlong apprenticeship program for local teenagers. The apprenticeships include art instruction plus practical lessons about working as a professional artist.

Participating students learn how to make art in different disciplines, work on assorted job skills and practice life skills like obtaining financial literacy and methods for maintaining good mental health.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis will improve accessibility over the next two years for performances in its existing New Works Collective series. An outside panel of creative professionals appointed by Opera Theatre leaders, mostly artists of color who primarily work outside the field of opera, commission three short operas for the program per year.

PNC Foundation grant money will go toward ASL interpretation of the New Works Collective performances, audio descriptions and online streaming for people unable to make it to the theater.

Photo courtesy of Dance St. Louis

McDonnell Foundation awards

$2.4 million grant to help St. Louis Anchor

Action Network continues its work and expands its impact

By Steve Walentik UMSL

A group of leading St. Louis institutions and employers came together in 2021 to establish the St. Louis Anchor Action Network (STLAAN) with a shared commitment to try to address longstanding economic and spatial inequities in the region. Its members have set a focus on increasing employment opportunities for residents and expanding contracts with local business owners in 22 ZIP codes that have suffered from decades of disinvestment.

Over the past two years, the STLAAN – co-led by the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Edward Jones – has engaged with community members to develop an action plan, held career and hiring expos to assist dozens of applicants in getting jobs and has helped connect small businesses with network members to bid on contracts, including through the creation of a searchable community business tool.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is making an investment that will allow the STLAAN to build on those early successes and widen its impact. The foundation has awarded the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the STLAAN a $2.4 million grant over the next three years that will allow for additional staffing and programming to support network members.

This investment comes on the heels of the James S. McDonnell Foundation’s announcement that it will be focusing on shared prosperity and quality of life in St. Louis.

“The St. Louis Anchor Action Network exemplifies the critical collaborative work needed for shared prosperity to be realized in our region,” said Jason Purnell, president of the James S. McDonnell Foundation. “The institutions and partners that have come together in this effort have laid an important foundation that needs to be built upon to tackle the deep racial and economic inequities in our region that affect us all.” Before beginning his tenure as president of the foundation earlier this year, Purnell led the establishment of BJC HealthCare’s Community Health Improvement strategy and launched health equity efforts to address

the physical, emotional and financial health of those most impacted by unequal access to life-sustaining resources and opportunities. He also helped guide BJC’s involvement in the St. Louis Anchor Action Network.

“It is very heartening to see that we have enough of proof of concept over these last few years to move it forward,” STLAAN Director Stefani Weeden-Smith said. “We’re at a place that many of our network members are talking about moving the St. Louis Anchor Action Network toward the 2.0 version, and we’re excited that this funding can help us get to the next iteration of this work, being able to support and help more residents and businesses within the focus geography.”

Edward Jones recently helped Weeden-Smith engage PriceWaterHouseCoopers to conduct an analysis of the St. Louis Anchor Action Network. PriceWaterHouseCoopers worked pro bono on the project, which among other things revealed the network’s need for greater independence.

UMSL and Edward Jones have been providing leadership and staffing for the STLAAN, whose members also include Ameren, BJC HealthCare, Equifax, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway, Harris-Stowe State University, Mercy Health, the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, the Saint Louis Zoo, SSM Health, Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University.

Initiation and development of the STLAAN was supported by UMSL’s Office of Research and Economic and Community Development, and this new grant from the McDonnell Foundation will allow the network to strategize and move into a sustainable position for the future.

Funding implementation will allow the STLAAN to increase personnel, expand data analysis, build out real-time dashboards on member progress, support additional programming, including career readiness events and additional hiring expos, and, on the purchasing side, expand business events that facilitate interaction between network members and local business owners.

“The University of Mis-

St. Louis Anchor Action Network Director Stefani Weeden-Smith (second from right) and UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik (at right) lead a strategy meeting for the St. Louis Anchor Action Network at Delmar DivINe in April. The James S. McDonnell has awarded the network a $2.4 million grant over the the next three years to support its continued work.

souri–St. Louis remains committed to playing a leading role in the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, and we are excited to see additional resources being directed to support this important work,” UMSL Chancel-

lor Kristin Sobolik said.

“We are grateful to the McDonnell Foundation for recognizing how critical it is for our region to address longstanding inequities, and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with other

distinguished institutions and organizations in this collective effort. We will all be stronger when everyone in our region can contribute to its growth and share in its prosperity.”

Edward Jones will also continue its leadership of

the STLAAN as it continues to grow.

“We deeply appreciate the generous support of the James S. McDonnell Foundation in helping to advance the work of the St. Louis Anchor Action Network,” said Laura Ellenhorn, an Edward Jones principal responsible for the firm’s community impact efforts. “Edward Jones, UMSL and all of our network members are committed to driving sustained investment in St. Louis communities to remove longstanding barriers to economic opportunity and help more area residents and small businesses thrive. This grant will enable us to make strategic investments and build capacity so we can achieve impact faster for our community and our members. The McDonnell Foundation’s unprecedented commitment to our mission will help enhance our collective impact and create a stronger and more equitable future for more people in St. Louis.”

Healthy Food Access, Education Play Key Role in Reducing Diabetes

Food insecurity, or a lack of consistent access to nutritious and affordable food, is a pervasive issue that affects communities across the country. In St. Louis, this problem is prevalent, with a significant portion of the population facing challenges in getting the right kinds of food. Often, this is because grocery stores or other fresh food options are limited or simply because many can’t afford to buy nutritious food.

According to Feeding America’s 2021 data, 8.9% of the overall population of St. Louis County and 14% of the population of the city of St. Louis is food insecure. Food insecurity often occurs in underresourced communities. In many cases, those communities are predominately Black. In the county, 23% of Black residents are food insecure compared with 7% of white residents. In the city, that number jumps to 30% of Black residents compared with 11% of white residents.

The numbers are sobering, but organizations throughout the region are working together to try to change them.

“We’re working with community-based organizations to make more food available in non-traditional outlets like farmers markets,” said Kara Hughes, a partnership specialist with BJC HealthCare. BJC is focused on holistically improving community health in the region through various initiatives. One of its focuses is food insecurity.

The Link Between Food Insecurity and Diabetes

The consequences of food insecurity extend far beyond hunger and malnutrition. Studies like The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study: Rationale, Findings, and Future Directions and the TODAY study have shown a direct correlation between limited access to healthy food and the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes. In the St. Louis area, the impact of food insecurity on diabetes rates is concerning. It’s estimated that 12% of adults in St. Louis County have diabetes. That’s three points higher than the state’s percentage.

But perhaps even more disturbing is the rise of type 2 diabetes in children.

“Before the mid-1990s, type 2 diabetes would almost never be diagnosed in adolescents,” said Dr. Jennifer Sprague, a Washington University pediatric endocrinology specialist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Now we’re diagnosing about one adolescent weekly.”

Adolescent type 2 diabetes is more aggressive than adult type 2 diabetes, Sprague said. The disease is associated with multiple other problems including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, among others. And complications like eye disease and kidney disease develop faster in adolescents than in adults.

Sprague says there are many factors involved in the uptick of the disease in younger people, but food is a key factor — both from an access and an education perspective. And while overhauls in lifestyle can help stop the disease, the goal is always prevention. And that starts with education about food choices and exercise.

Photography by Doneisha Bohannon

Sprague said mixed messages about certain food groups also can be harmful, like when people mistake processed meats like sausage, bacon and hot dogs for suitable protein, or believing that high-sugar juice drinks are better than soda.

“We need more holistic food education throughout our communities, at every level,” said Marilyn Tanner, a dietitian in the department of pediatric endocrinology at Washington University School of Medicine. “This doesn’t just impact children — it impacts their families. There is a lifestyle aspect to this as well, along with cultural and multigenerational factors. We need everyone in the house to eat healthily.” Another factor is simply the fast-paced lifestyles of many people today. “People gravitate toward quick and easy food because meal prep takes time,” said Melissa Sicard, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Washington University School of Medicine. “This type of eating is more prevalent in all populations.”

Enhancing the Local Food Ecosystem

Still, the lack of access to affordable and nutritious food disproportionately affects low-income and Black communities that have endured generations of intentional disinvestment, which created areas with limited grocery stores commonly referred to as “food deserts.”

Addressing this issue requires collaboration — which is where BJC HealthCare comes in. The team brings together resources and organizations that can work together to make more sweeping improvements.

BJC is focused on a variety of efforts to help improve access to healthy foods and address diabetes disparities. This includes collaboration with community organizations to provide diabetes education and nutritional counseling, as well as delivering medicallytailored and culturally-appropriate foods to select patients and their families who have expressed food insecurity. BJC also provides nutrition education in schools, libraries and community recreation centers and supports the creation of new healthy food access points through local, state, and national advocacy in communities experiencing low food access.

“We work with community-based organizations to connect and identify resources that can enhance the overall food ecosystem,” said Hughes.

An example of this is BJC’s collaboration with Fatimah Muhammad to make healthy food accessible through the Be Well Farmers’ Market. The market brings together urban farmers and growers, artisans, health providers and food trucks in the Hyde Park neighborhood of North St. Louis. It began as a farmers market in 2020, and last year

BJC worked with Muhammad to include access to free exercise demonstrations and health screenings, which will continue in 2023.

“It’s more than just a market. It’s a holistic meet-up place,” said Muhammad, who is chair of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association and the founder of Be Well Café, Apiary at the Park and the Be Well Farmers’ Market.

In the three years since the market opened, its popularity has steadily increased. “People like that it offers an alternative-style menu, and they like finding different types of food to try,” she said. The market offers gluten-free, low-sugar, vegan and vegetarian options.

And in the spirit of education, Be Well Farmers’ Market offers food demos onsite to showcase produce and products some market-goers might deem unusual, like Swiss chard.

“We’re changing mindsets and opening up new opportunities and new tastebuds,” Muhammad said. The market also accepts SNAP and EBT payments, which makes a huge difference in accessibility, she said. Both Muhammad and Hughes hope that by showing up and meeting people where they are, it will continue to make a difference in the health and lives of the community.

“Everything we’re doing with BJC and with other organizations locally is creating the needed synergies so we can start to work on healthful food, healthful living and healthful minds to build an entire healthy community,” said Muhammad.

Photo by Derik Holtmann

Sad sack claims reverse discrimination

If a white job applicant is passed over for a position that ultimately is awarded to another white candidate, is there a basis to claim racial discrimination?

That is the very pestiferous question that federal Magistrate Judge Rodney H. Holmes now has to answer, as former interim St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department chief and Michael Sack, a white man, filed a lawsuit against the City of St. Louis, alleging that he experienced racial discrimination when the city chose another white man, Robert Tracy, another white man, as Chief of Police for SLMPD.

In a petition filed in the U.S. District Court of Eastern Missouri, Sack alleged that he was passed over for the position of police chief specifically because he is white. Sack and his attorney have presented an unsupported set of facts to a federal court, painting an absurdly unbelievable tale of what Sack claims to be “reverse discrimination”that simply because Sack is a white man, he was passed over as the highest ranking officer in the SLMPD.

In Sack’s world, he wasn’t given the job because there were equally qualified or superior candidates - or even outside candidates who didn’t come with the same baggage

as a 25+-year career with SLMPD usually does. His lawsuit alleges that after two Black police chief candidates were offered the job and declined, Tracy (who, again, is white) was offered the job.

Sack was at the bottom of the prospect list - and he can’t seem to accept that there were simply better choices for the city than to continue his leadership of the SLMPD. He’s even woven a bizarre media narrative that he was a “front runner” for the permanent police chief role. We guess it’s easier for him to believe that his whiteness was the reason – and for that alone, we are pleased that he is not our current police chief.

While Sack’s lawsuit is quick to cite criticism of Tracy by some members of the Wilmington, Delaware city council, there is no mention of Sack’s apparent inability to address his own racial biases, including his blaming the Ferguson Uprising for SLMPD’s failure to solve murders and possibly misrepresenting his own involvement in former circuit attorney Kimberly Gardner’s infamous “blacklist” of SLMPD officers.

Unlike the other job candidates, Sack enjoyed a six-month trial period during which he served the city as interim police chief. He essentially had the job,

but his performance apparently was not convincing enough to keep him in that position. To his credit, Sack led SLMPD during the Central Visual and Performing Arts High School mass shooting last fall and police officers were duly credited for their exceptionally speedy response to the tragedy. But murder clearance rates did not improve under Sack’s leadership. Gun violence has not decreased and instead has become

ty owners to “freeze” their real estate property taxes until they die, deferring those payments to the next family who lives at that residence. Citing a lack of a “means test” - which would have allowed even wealthy seniors to defer property taxes - and the financial penalty for public schools, all four Democrats on the Council voted no on the proposed bill. Such a major reduction in property taxes would have also impacted the fire department and other public funded services.

•

more widespread. Vehicle thefts increased, along with property crimes like vandalism and arson.

“White mediocrity” has been defined by author Ijeoma Oluo as “this idea that white men deserve political power and wealth and safety and security just because they’re white men.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

•

The St. Louis County Council has rejected a legislative measure that would have enabled tens of thousands of senior proper-

Our readers may remember our July column, where we named charter school proponent and Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8) as the sponsor for the city’s tax deferment counterpart. Setting aside this peculiar alignment with St. Louis County Republicans, Spencer’s bill has not yet received a fiscal note from city officials to determine the financial impact her bill would have on the city. The Republican-backed bill in St. Louis County was estimated to decrease county tax revenue by $34 million over four years - a potentially devastating loss that thankfully their public schools will not have to suffer.

After all of the budget committee hearings where Spencer decried decreased tax revenue caused by the global COVID-19 pandem-

ic, we would expect to see the seasoned alderwoman more proactive about raising more money for the city - not reducing it away. The political pandering, the alignment with the extremist Republicans of St. Louis County – we don’t like what we see in Board Bill 81. We expect Spencer to pull out all of the stops when this bill is brought before the Budget and Public Employees Committee – the only committee she chairs at the Board of Aldermen.

Considering the new conflict-of-interest rules that voters passed overwhelmingly in April 2022, we wonder how many alderpersons will be disclosing interests for themselves and their immediate family members.

Finally, we would like to congratulate the voters of Glen Echo Park and Normandy for merging their municipalities and further consolidating St. Louis County. Glen Echo Park included two roads and 120 people and was originally incorporated in 1937 at the start of “white flight” from St. Louis City into the county. With a voter turnout of only 29 individuals, all but one voted to merge with Normandy. St. Louis County now has 87 municipalities instead of 98. Forward movement is still progress. This is some welcome progress, regardless of how slow.

Michael Sack

PATIENTS!

Urban League, SLPS Back to School Festival brought community together

Thousands attend family event at America’s Center

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

For many families across the St. Louis region, the new school year is just around the corner, to help communities in need gear up for the new school year, the Urban League and St. Louis Public Schools held their annual ‘Back To School Expo and Community Empowerment Festival on August 5 at the America’s Center.

The annual back-toschool event serves over 27,000 residents of the metropolitan area at America’s Center in Downtown St. Louis.

From 10 am to 6 pm, families with kids had the opportunity to get free book bags, school supplies, free haircuts, health screenings, vaccinations, and school enrollment. Other amenities included utility assistance programs, financial literacy informa-

tion, rental and mortgage assistance, and homebuyer programs all provided by the Urban League.

SLPS officials assisted with transportation, school enrollment, and other school-related questions and concerns.

America’s Center was filled with thousands of families enjoying games, rides, gifts, prizes, and live entertainment from the Coleman Hughes Project band. Over 200 vendors were in attendance–Schnucks, US Bank, BJC, and Missouri Central School Bus company booth provided applications for those interested in becoming a school bus driver.

St. Louis Urban League President and CEO Michael McMillan described this year’s event as historic.

“The Urban League, SLPS, donors, and the city of St. Louis as a whole have come together to

SLPS Superintendent

poses for a photo with parents and volunteers during the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis SLPS Back to School Empowerment Festival on August 5, 2023, at America’s Center.

“I have visited a lot of back-to-school events in this country, and I don’t know if I have ever seen anything like this,” she said.

create the largest back-toschool community empowerment festival in the state of Missouri,” he said.

“Folks can get school supplies, groceries, utility assistance for people that

are in economic hardship. We are here to have fun and take away every barrier that can prevent any child from having a successful school year.” McMillian expressed his

excitement about the Fred Hammond concert and the chance for festival participants to win a brand-new car. Starbucks had a small cafe for attendees to get

drinks and snacks, as well as meet SLPS’s new

Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett.

A dozen volunteers from the international coffee chain packed bookbags with school supplies and passed out refreshments.

Starbucks district managers Meredith Chasten and Joni Lombardo partnered with SLPS to help support students and families of 62 schools across the SLPS school district.

According to the district managers, 26% of those in the SLPS school district are homeless and they want to make sure the Starbucks community in St. Louis is doing what they can to support those in need.

Superintendent Keisha Scarlett shared her gratitude to the crowd saying there was an electric buzz at the expo seeing the kids with their new book bags and fresh haircuts.

“I have visited a lot of back-to-school events in this country and I don’t know if I have ever seen anything like this,” said the superintendent She says partnerships with the various com-

Photo By William Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Keisha Scarlett

American staff

The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis Back to School Store did booming business on August 6, 2023, during its annual one-day event.

The organization provided underserved elementary school children from throughout the region with supplies and other essentials they need to start the school year with confidence and self- esteem.

Since the first Back to School Store in 2000, NCJWSTL has served more than 25,000 children in our community, including more than 2,000 students served this year at a cost of

SLPS

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munities in the region make things like the expo possible, keeping quality education for all children at the forefront.

“Our children and families in need deserve to see everyone being all in for them.”

Ariona McConnell says the Expo helped her enroll her 5-year-old into school.

“This is my first time enrolling my child into school, and it’s kind of

$250,000 raised by NCJW.

NCJWSTL partners with more than 60 local social service agencies, churches, synagogues, and community service organizations that refer and register 2,000 qualifying children entering kindergarten through 5th grade to participate in the BTSS. To participate, parents/ students must be referred by a partner agency. The agencies select children whose school supply needs are not being met by other social service agencies.

100% of the BTSS families and children participating receive food assistance.

Children receive a new

hard,” said the mother of three. This was an easier process for her because she didn’t know where to start.

“This is good for those who need help like me, I have the opportunity to get resources I’m not used to getting and it’s free.

Schnucks was handing out free produce including bananas, apples, and sweet potatoes.

Cheron Jackson, director of community engagement and customer care, said Schnucks has been in partnership with The Urban League for almost 40 years. She says people don’t want a handout, they

backpack, school supplies, books, personal care items, a coat, hat, gloves. and other items. The items provided at the BTSS are either in-kind donations or purchased through the generosity of donors, sponsors, and grantors.

NCJWSTL volunteers plan and implement the Back to School Store, ensuring that every child receives back-to-school items whether through our traditional in-person store or through a Contactless Back to School Store Delivery Event that was put in place in 2020 in response to the pandemic.

want a hand-up.

“This is important to us, we believe in helping people out,” said Jackson

“We are here to let the community know that we care about them” Jackson says they had enough produce to serve more than 10,000 people, and people expressed their thanks and gratitude.

“These are our families and we are here to let people know we are giving you a hand up,” said Jackson.

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

Looking forward to getting that back-to-school supply list? Here are some ways you can save some money on back-to-school supplies!

If you are on a tight budget or have multiple children, you can quickly feel that sting in your pocketbook, and suddenly the luster and freshness of brand-new school supplies seem to dim. Even if you are not very frugal, you will need to find ways to save money on back-toschool shopping!

According to the National Retail Foundation (NRF), parents in 2020 expected to pay an average of $790 for grade school or high school students and over $1,000 on average for college students. That is a lot of money!

9 Moneysaving Tips

Make a Budget and Stick To It

If you have older kids, let them know in advance how much they have to spend. This way, they can pick which items they want to “splurge” on and which ones they don’t. They may want to spend a lot on a nice notebook but stick to the cheaper pencils and pens.

Shop Early

Many stores have backto-school deals on certain items already. Quickly glance through some deal

sites and store ads to see which items are on sale and stock up on the basicspens, notebooks, glue sticks, etc.

Shop Around

Different stores- physical and online have different things on sale at different times. Usually, office supply stores are the most expensive place to get the supplies on your school supplies checklist, and big box stores, dollar stores, or online stores are cheaper. Shop in those places first and save the expensive stores for those specialty items- like the big glue sticks or specific black ballpoint pens that your child’s middle school teacher insists on.

Coupon and Cashback

Look online for coupons and take advantage of cashback apps. These little savings can add up in a big way! Use Ibotta, Rakuten, or Top Cash Back to apply coupon codes and get some savings on your big purchases of loose-leaf paper!

See What You Can Reuse

Not everything needs to be new every year. Go through last year’s supplies and see what can be used, passed down, and what needs to be replaced. I have a container of unused or highly used school supplies from previous years that we go through each new school year to see

what we can use again!

Plan Before You Shop

Make sure you have your school supply lists along with an idea of what items you already have so you don’t end up overbuying. If you have multiple kids who need the same items, you may be able to split value packs and make sure to have an idea of what each child needs BEFORE you shop.

Stock up on Basics

Are crayons, pens, or paper on major sale? Do you think you may need to buy more throughout the year? If you have the resources, buy some extra basic supplies that are on sale so you don’t have to buy them at full price later in the year. For example,

most probably and

Don’t Take All Your Kids at Once

If you have more than one child, don’t try to take all of the kids shopping at once. That is just asking for trouble. When the pressure of numerous kids gets to you, you are more likely to make snap decisions that make it harder to stick to your budget. Take one kid at a time, even though it may mean more time. You will probably spend less money and have an altogether more positive experience. If you can, do some of your shopping by yourself. Taking your kids to the store with you usually means spending more money and increases your stress level!

Decide What’s Important Together

Kids spend all day in school using their school supplies. Certain supplies will be more important to a specific kid than to another. Discuss with each child which supplies are the most important and agree on which you will spend more money on and which items you will buy store-brand or cheaper quality. If your budget allows, agree on how much and how many “special” school supplies you will buy. This may be one or two “fun” notebooks or “fancy” markers, while the rest are generic. When you include your child in the decision-making, they are usually more willing to play along.

We can help you build a plan to get there. From building credit to saving for a down payment, we’ll help you navigate the steps to get from where you are to where you want to be.

This article was provided by A Dime Saved

Photo courtesy of Save a Dime

One way to save on back-to-school shopping is making a budget and sticking to it. Also, shop early and be on the lookout for sales.

Full circle of empowerment

Urban League Career Fair draws hundreds

County Police recruiter Micah Shelton

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

St. Louis American

talks with Floyd

the Urban League Job Fair and Business Conference

The 2023 Urban Expo & Career Fair at the America’s Center provided a full circle of empowerment.

Organized and hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) August 4-5, 2023, the event addressed all criteria necessary in preparing for, applying, getting, and showing up ready for a new job.

There was a “Save Our Sisters, Women’s Empowerment Summit,” and a hiring fair held during Friday’s Expo. More than 70 employers were on hand taking applications, conducting interviews, and even hiring candidates on the spot.

After serving more than 300 people Friday, Tydrell Stevens, 42, Urban League “Save Our Sons (SOS)” regional director wore a tired smile on his face. The SOS team held its “Urban

Closet” at the fair to accommodate anyone needing attire for interviews.

“When people come into the door for the jobs fair and we see they’re not dressed properly, we’ll direct them here,” Stevens said, pointing to a room filled with suits, dresses, shoes, and accessories including ties, cufflinks and jewelry.

“They go right to the interview and quite a few have come back with a job on

See CAREER FAIR, B2

Taking your small business to the next level

After a long period of planning and hard work, you’ve finally turned your dream of starting a small business into reality. As many business owners soon recognize, however, the launch is just the beginning of their entrepreneurship journey. Once you’re open for business, it’s time to start thinking about how to grow and scale your company for longer-term success.

Many small businesses are very young -- over half are less than 10 years old and nearly half of small businesses exit within the first five years. The smallest businesses have relatively diverse ownership, and the smaller the business, the more likely it is to be owned by a woman or minority. Consider these steps to begin taking your small business to the next level:

• Secure additional financing. Future financing plans could include applying for more loans, grants or investor funding. It’s helpful to build a strong relationship with a bank you trust, which will play a critical role in supporting your small business’ See BUSINESS, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Sterling named VP of development

Brandon Sterling has joined the United Way of Greater St. Louis as vice president of development. In this role, Sterling will help expand United Way’s major gift and planned giving programs. Over the course of Sterling’s career he’s held several positions in fundraising and nonprofit management, including organizations that are partners of United Way. He served as a staff member at Wyman Center, Chief Development Officer for Employment Connection, and Development Director for Guardian Angel Settlement Association.

Arica Harris named to Missouri Baptist board

Arica Harris a principal, banking and payment operations at Edward Jones, recently joined the board of Missouri Baptist Hospital. She has been with Edward Jones for nearly 10 years including positions of project leader and group leader/advisory operations, and also serves as a junior board member of YWCA. She has a BBA in accounting information systems from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from Lawrence Technical University. Harris volunteers for many local

Dwight Carter named to Fashion Fund board

Dwight Carter has been named to the board of St. Louis Fashion Fund. Carter is the founder and creative director of Brainchild Productions in St. Louis. For the past 20 years, he has successfully planned, produced, and managed special events services for regional fashion shows, small business launches, charitable and corporate events. In addition, he is an adjunct professor and advisor for fashion promotion and production at StevensInstitute of Business & Art as well as a soccer coach for Carshield Futbol Club and St. Louis City Soccer Club Futures program. Carter received a BA in music business and communications and public relations from Fontbonne University.

Muhammed joins Diaper Bank board

Dr. Leonora Muhammad is the SVP, associate chief nursing officer for YesCare, and current founder/ owner of the SiiN Institute, LLC. She is a past adjunct clinical professor at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Dr. Muhammad obtained her LPN diploma from Sanford Brown College, ASN from Chamberlain University, BSN from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and a doctor of nursing practice degree from Brandman University in Irvine California.

St. Louis

(center)

Hampton and Causie Robinson Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 at

at the America’s Center.

Brandon Sterling

Dwight Carter

Dr.

Dr. Leonora Muhammad

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Ohio State University

Arica Harris

Business

Continued from B1

growth, as well as connect you to other resources. For instance, JPMorgan Chase’s Special Purpose Credit Program helps expand credit access in majority Black, Hispanic and Latino communities for business owners who otherwise might not be approved or receive it on less favorable terms. Through the Global Supplier Diversity Grant Initiative qualified and certified diverse businesses have access to affordable growth capital to cover costs including technology, cyber or networking remediation; operational control enhancements, among other costs.

• Streamline operations. Investing now in operations processes could pay off in the long run, such as using digital tools to simplify and automate processes like invoicing,

approvals and payments. You can move money faster with real-time payments, which can improve your cash flow while minimizing the risk of fraud.

• Build your team. While many small businesses are solo operations, adding team members to manage the workload can help make your business run more smoothly. If you already have an accountant or bookkeeper, build from there and add other employees who have the industry expertise to help put your business on the path for lasting success.

• Expand your network. You’ll need advisors, consultants and experts who have seen it all, or who know someone who has. Spend time identifying events, like trade shows and expos, informational sessions, and networking receptions with buyers and potential suppliers, as well as programs you may qualify for that offer additional support.

Making these connections can also open your business to new customers. JPMorgan Chase offers a free one-on-one coaching program across 21 U.S. cities, featuring 45 trained Senior Business Consultants to mentor and coach small business owners so they can better run their business. Since 2020, the program has helped more than 2,800 minority owned businesses grow.

The operations and methods you used to get your business started may not be the same ones you need to scale it. Focusing on your future and investing in your facilities, teams and processes can get your organization oriented toward growth and help minimize business interruptions down the road.

For more tips and resources to help you grow your small business, visit chase.com/business and chase.com/businessconsultant

Career Fair

Continued from B1 the spot.”

The clothing and accessories, Stevens said, are donated by clothiers including Brooks Brothers, Men’s Wearhouse, Joseph A. Bank and others. It’s not rare, he added, for an individual to walk out of the Urban Closet wearing a $500 suit.

The clothes are so nice, many of the recipients come back after their interviews thinking they have to return them. “We tell them, ‘It’s yours,’” Stevens chuckled.

The clothing gives applicants confidence, the SOS director explained.

“It’s all about how a person feels. Imagine walking into a room full of employers, seeing others dressed nicely and ready to get a job and you’re thinking ‘what about me?’ Clothes give you the confidence to go up and shake a person’s hand without feeling prejudged.”

SOS’ work doesn’t end at the Expo. With a staff of 30, SOS offices are stationed at various Urban League locations, including north and south St. Louis, St. Louis County and East St. Louis.

The program is designed to help economically disadvantaged African American men in the region find jobs and earn a livable wage. However, it also assists in obtaining post-secondary education and job training. The four-week curriculum includes How to Find a Job; How to Keep a Job; How to Get Promoted; and How to Remain Marketable in the

Workplace. Learning how to be successfully employed and being properly attired are just a couple of the challenges some urban youth face when trying to secure a job. For some, the mere thought of filling out an application can induce tremors because of what might show up in that search, like warrants.

That concern, too, was addressed at the Expo through the “Warrant Recall Initiative.” With 60 different municipalities participating, the Urban League offered its pro-

n “Clothes give you the confidence to go up and shake a person’s hand without feeling prejudged.”

– Tydrell Stevens, Regional Director of the Urban League’s “Save Our Sons” program

gram at the Expo aimed at helping individuals with outstanding warrants for misdemeanors get them recalled.

James Clark, Urban League vice president of public safety, explained the process in an interview with KMOX News radio.

“These are everything from traffic, to not having your grass cut. Just things that prevent you from getting employment, prevent you from signing a lease with a reputable landlord, if you have an outstanding warrant you can’t enroll your child in a daycare center,” Clark said.

According to Clark, applicants attend a 20-minute program to learn

about the process; receive a warrant recall voucher that they can fill out at the America Center, then take to a participating municipality “who will lift their warrant and give them another court date.”

The program doesn’t clear people’s charges, Clark explained. They are still responsible for fines and court costs, but it does provide relief from the booking and bonding and, Clark added, provides “a non-threatening way” to re-engage with the courts.

Like SOS, the Warrant Recall initiative is not a temporary Expo event, Steven emphasized. The programs are just two of 55 others offered at the Urban League’s multiple locations.

“That’s the beauty of being a part of the Urban League under the leadership of Michael McMillan (President and CEO of ULSTL). It’s the wraparound-services….jobs, education, utility and housing assistance and much more, Stevens emphasized. “He’s strategically put programs together to make sure nobody will be left out.”

Though obviously tired Friday evening, Stevens, a father of six, who was raised and still lives in the City of St. Louis said he finds his job more than fulfilling.

“I love it. I wake up every day looking forward to what I do. The harder I work; the more people get help. It’s about putting smiles on people’s faces,” Stevens said.

“Because here at the Urban League, we’re not selling widgets; we’re saving people.”

Letima Fingers job hunts Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 at the Urban League Back to School Festival where a job fair and business forum were held at America’s Center.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

n “He’s a legend in this game and we trust everything he feels about it.’’

– Denver quarterback Russell Wilson on coach Sean Payton

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

International flair

Team USA preparing for FIBA World Cup competition

The USA Basketball Men’s National Team is preparing for the FIBA World Cup, which takes place from August 25 to September 10 in Manila, Philippines.

The tournament features teams from 32 countries and features many NBA and international team stars. It’s a big stage that leads up to the 2024 Summer Olympics throughout France.

Team USA spent last week in Las Vegas for its training camp, which included a series of scrimmages against a USA Select Team.

The 12-man USA team consists of several young NBA standouts.

The roster includes NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic), Mikal Bridges (Brooklyn Nets) Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Josh Hart (New York Knicks), Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans), NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers).

Team USA will compete in five games in the USA Basketball Showcase before traveling to Spain

for respective games against Slovenia and Spain on August 12-13. The final two games of the showcase will be in Abu Dhabi, UAE against Greece, and Germany, respectively, on August 18 and 20. Canada also has a team loaded with NBA players including Jamal Murray of the world champion Denver Nuggets, First Team All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, R.J. Barrett of the New

York Knicks, and Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets.

Slovenia is led by star guard Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, who led his national team to a berth in the semifinals at the Tokyo Summer Olympics - the first in that nation’s history.

Greece features superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks while veterans Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota

Timberwolves and Nicolas Batum of the Los Angeles Clippers lead France.

France won the silver medal in Tokyo, losing to the USA in the gold medal game. The USA will begin play in the World Cup against New Zealand on Saturday, August 26.

Collier’s Dream season

St. Louisan Napheesa Collier has continued her

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson embarrassed himself, his team, and me on Saturday, August 5, after instigating a fight with José Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians.

His questionable behavior continued in a series of semi-psychotic posts on X Sunday.

After Ramirez slid into second base with a double, the men traded words. As Ramirez stood up, Anderson threw down his glove and began a pathetic Muhammad Ali imitation. After Anderson began bobbing and weaving, the players traded swings. Ramirez connected with a solid right to Anderson’s jaw. Anderson hit the ground with more force than he has hit most baseballs this season.

line. A three-time All-Star, Collier is currently third in the WNBA in scoring, sixth in steals and 10th in rebounding. One of her best performances came on July 18 when she had 35 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a pair of 3-pointers against the Atlanta Dream. The following week, she had 24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four steals in a 97-92 victory over the Washington Mystics.

Spring in Vashon’s step

The Vashon Wolverines have received an invitation to play in the 2024 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions, one of the top high school basketball events in the country. The event will be held from January 11-13, 2024, at the Great Southern Bank Arena on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield.

dominant play in her fifth season in the WNBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Incarnate Word Academy AllAmerican has put together her best overall season since joining the professional ranks in 2019. Through 25 games, Collier is averaging 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 48 percent from the field and 84 percent from the free throw

Tim Anderson’s image suffers embarrassing TKO

for radio sports broadcasting in 2024.

Once back on his feet, Anderson tried to rejoin the fracas that now involved both teams. He was restrained, which was best for his health.

Please note the three-letter word hiding within the word embarrassing because Anderson was that on Saturday. Not satisfied, Anderson took to X with a profanity laced series of posts.

Lance Lynn and Kendall Graveman for their participation in the World Baseball Classic. Anderson also missed most of spring training while he played for Team USA in the WBC.

“If you’re trying to create culture, you need your big dogs,” Middleton said.

“The guys who played in the WBC were our big dogs, and those are the guys I feel like can police the things that are happening.”

The Wolverines will join a national field that includes Cardinal Hayes (New York), Edmond North (OK), McEachern (GA), Paul VI (Virginia), St. John Bosco (CA) and local Springfield area schools Glendale and Central. Vashon enters the season as the three-time Class 4 state champions. The Wolverines will return a very talented team led by Division I prospects in Nicholas Randall. Christian Williams and Trey Williams.

Since Anderson went the boxing route, Guardians radio broadcaster Tom Hamilton found his inner Howard Cosell and shouted into his microphone, “Down goes Anderson. Down goes Anderson.” The man deserves a Marconi Award

The two-time All-Star’s first utterance was “you know all this is happening for a reason.” He shared he was still “focused” and that he has “been going through this [stuff] for a minute.” He then let a few f-bombs go in since-deleted posts in which he sounded like he was still woozy from Ramirez’ punch.

I am an Anderson fan, which makes his behavior personally insulting. I am a White Sox fan, which makes me cringe in horror with my fellow followers of the Southsiders. Anderson has been

a great spokesperson for Black Major League Baseball players, and I applaud his effort to introduce more Black people to baseball as players and fans. He has donated to and supports the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Until Saturday, I had no problem with the guy. This column has been devoted to him several times. Hopefully, this was just a blip on the radar of what has been a respectable career on and off the field.

But I’m worried something else is up with Anderson. Former White Sox reliever Kenyan Middleton, who is Black, was traded to the New York Yankees last week. He ripped his former team, telling ESPN that there were “no rules,” players were “sleeping in the bullpen” during games, and players missed meetings and practices without repercussions.

Middleton called out White Sox pitchers

Lynn was traded to the L.A. Dodgers and Graveman was dealt to the Houston Astros. Anderson was rumored to be traded too, but he remains with the White Sox. Not only has Anderson failed as a team leader in the clubhouse in 2023, but he is also having a dreadful season on the field.

He is hitting .244 with one home run and 19 RBIs. Injuries have plagued him, and the result is his playing in just 87 of the White Sox’ 113 games as of Monday. Barring an appeal, Anderson will miss six games because of a suspension handed down on Monday. Ramirez got three games.

Anderson can resurrect his image and career during the close of this year’s season. I still respect him as player and man. But his two disastrous days have shaken my confidence in him to the core.

The Reid Roundup

Coco Gauff, 19, is headed to the U.S. Open with a full head of steam. Gauff won the Washington D.C. Open last Sunday and became the first teenager to win four World Tennis Association tournaments before turning 20 years old…Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud will start his team’s first preseason game on Thursday night against the New England Patriots…The Athletic is reporting the Patriots remain “highly interested” in signing St. louis native and former Dallas Cowboy running back Ezekiel Elliott Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a three-year, $186 million contract extension, a record average of $62 million a season. Bad move, Lakers.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Jose Ramirez dropped Tim Anderson with a solid right to the head. Anderson hit the ground and when he finally got back on his feet he had wobbly legs.

Photo courtesy of NBA.com/Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, who was voted ‘Best Player’ at training camp, drives to the basket during a Team USA practice in Las Vegas.

Photo by Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports

Tatum to join celebrity campaign promoting St. Louis

The next homegrown national celebrity to join Explore St. Louis for its award-winning “In the Know” marketing campaign will be NBA star Jayson Tatum. While in town for Jayson Tatum Night at Busch Stadium, Tatum filmed television ads to share his favorite things to do and places to visit in St. Louis.

Tatum’s ads will air in September throughout the Midwest including Chicago, which is St. Louis’s largest feeder market.

As a token of gratitude for Tatum’s participation in the ad campaign, Explore St. Louis will make a donation to the Jayson Tatum Foundation, whose mission is to positively impact and inspire children, teens and their families through education, athletics and support, and to encourage them to strive to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

The “In the Know” marketing campaign debuted in 2017 with a series of spots featuring Sterling K. Brown and has since featured several celebrities including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jenifer Lewis, and Ozzie Smith.

O’Neal named one of the Most Powerful Women in Banking

American Banker Magazine has named Ashley O’Neal, senior vice president-retail banking at Midwest BankCentre, one of The Most Powerful Women in Banking.

American Banker ‘s 2023 NEXT Award recognizes

15 high-achieving women in banking who are on the path to becoming C-suite leaders of tomorrow and who are under 40 years of age. This award comes directly on top of another national award six months ago, when

BankBeat named O’Neal one of the 2022 Outstanding Women in Banking. She oversees all 16 of Midwest BankCentre’s branches and

more than 80 retail employees, or nearly 30% of the Bank’s staff. The award also recognizes O’Neal’s contributions to the St. Louis community. A lifelong

St. Louis resident, she is active in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She served as chapter president during COVID and sat on the board of the group’s local foundation, which funds economic security, financial literacy, health

care, and children’s programs in the area. She also enjoys mentoring young people.

American Banker will recognize this year’s honorees in New York City at the NEXT Awards dinner on October 3, 2023.

Ashley O’Neal

NBA star Jayson Tatum will join Explore St. Louis for its award-winning “In the Know” marketing campaign.

A concerted commitment

‘Salute to Fathers and Mentors’ will feature Gerald Albright

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

With Grammy Award-nominated smooth jazz staple Gerald Albright as the headlining musical entertainment for the Eta Boule Foundation’s Salute to Fathers and Mentors on August 19th at The Sheldon, it goes without saying that guests can expect a good time.

“We wanted something sophisticated,” event chair Vito Bracy said of the musical portion – which also features the talents of St. Louis’ own Phil Graves. “Something really, really smooth.”

Albright headlined the event in 2017. The response was so overwhelming that it was a no-brainer for him to return. But as the event’s name suggests, the night of music and fellowship is much more than just a musical experience. The concert with a purpose will not only raise funds for the Eta Boule Foundation to continue strengthening the region by pouring into young Black men and Black families, it will also celebrate the life and work of St. Louis American Publisher and Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs.

Furr said that the work of Suggs – particularly through The St. Louis American Foundation – served as an inspiration for the Eta Boule Foundation.

The nonprofit arm of the Black fraternal organization has donated $115,000 to youth and family and health organizations, provided 60 college scholarships to African American young men and donated 100k in COVID relief funding. And since 2009, fraternity members have mentored more than 300 Jennings Middle School students by way of a special lecture series.

Founded on May 15, 1904, in Philadelphia, PA., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, also known as the Boule,

Dana Christian sees STL through unique lens

His ‘Blood Brothers’ to debut on Tubi

Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

is the oldest Black Greek-Lettered Fraternity.

“Over the years it has evolved to become a progressive organization that not only serves as an organization for brotherhood and fellowship, but also one that harnesses the talents, influences and resources of its members to help the community – particularly Black men,” Furr said.

Having always been non-collegiate, the organization was designed for professionals at mid-career or older.

“Boule is not your typical fraternity

like in college,” Bracy said. “It is a fraternity [for you to join] when you become an adult. Based on your track record of success, someone taps you on the shoulder and says,’ “Would you be part of a group.”

When Sigma Pi Phi was founded, Black professionals were not permitted in professional and cultural associations organized by the white community. The St. Louis chapter was established in

Black masterpiece owned by SLAM recognized by Wall Street Journal

Horace Pippin’s ‘Sunday Morning Breakfast’ highlighted in famed publication

By American Staff

Regular visitors to the Saint Louis Art Museum with a special interest in Black art would have been pleasantly surprised to notice a familiar work had they paid a visit to WSJ.com, the website for the famed Wall Street Journal, on July 21, 2023, or at some point since then.

Horace Pippin’s 1943 painting Sunday Morning Breakfast, which hangs in Gallery 333 of the Saint Louis Art Museum, was featured as part of the outlet’s Masterpiece Series.

A recurring column that points out selected contributions across creative platforms – including film, music, visual arts and more – the Masterpiece Series makes space for critics and subject matter experts to illustrate the work’s significance within the canon of its respective medium.

‘A Tense Sunday Morning’ is the title of Judith H. Dobrzynski’s take on Pippin’s timeless classic that details a slice of Black life through his interpretation of a family gathered at the table to share a meal.

“The painting can be read in numerous ways,” said Min Jung Kim, The Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint

Louis Art Museum. “What initially seems heartwarming or even nostalgic becomes more complicated after close looking. There is scarcity—a family of four shares a single plate of food—and the walls of the kitchen are falling apart. It might be Sunday, but the father figure appears to be either returning from or headed to work.”

With his meticulous detail to the most

minute of nuances, the painting speaks volumes with respect to the experience of African Americans because of generations of systemic racism and oppression.

“Quietly, and with great acuity, Pippin telegraphs the family’s impoverished state,” Dobrzynski wrote in her commentary. “And, perhaps because of that,

“I don’t have to leave home to go to Hollywood; I want to bring Hollywood to my home.” Dana Christian, a local filmmaker, editor, producer, director and all-around self-made “creative” made that comment during a 2015 interview. Today, almost 10 years later, he still stands by those words.

“I understand that I’m in a position to change the lives of people,” Christian said. “Whether it’s giving an aspiring actor a part in a commercial, giving a lighting guy a job on a music video or filming a scene for a reality show at a local eatery.”

His new film, “Blood Brothers” is scheduled to debut on Tubi, a content platform and ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox Corporation.

n “St. Louis has a lot of unique textures, people and talent. I want to make an economic difference as well as a creative difference in my community.”

- Dana Christian

Christian, 48, likes the idea of exploring new terrain. In a way, it’s been the mantra of his life and one of the keys to his success. He’s managed to keep himself employed in the film/ tv/video production business for almost 25 years having not worked a regular 9-to-5 since his college days. He’s produced video or film content for companies such as Universal Records, Capitol Records, Pepsi, Red Bull, Jack Daniels and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation. Christian is a casting director, sizzle reel and music video producer. Not only has he created original content for tv shows, he’s done music videos for the likes of Murphy Lee, Chingy, Potzee-Dat Girl, Jus Bleezy feat. Trey Songz, Jus Bleezy feat. Yo Gotti and Gorilla Zoe-Bosses. Christian attended Bishop DuBourg High School where he said he “made history” as the first African American student, at the time, elected as senior class president. He recalled that Jack Dorsey, co-creator of Twitter and CEO of Square, was a fellow DuBourg student, who was a year behind him.

His sister, Dr. Margena Christian, who started off as an entertainment writer for a local monthly, Take Five Magazine, went on to work as a features editor for Jet Magazine before being promoted to a senior writer and editor for its sister publication, Ebony. Christian remembers fondly those early days when he tagged along with his sister as she interviewed visiting celeb-

Photo courtesy of Live Nation

Gerald Albright’s performance during the Eta Boule Foundation Salute to Fathers and Mentors will help raise resources for college scholarships.

Horace Pippin’s famed painting ‘Sunday Morning Breakfast,’ which hangs in Gallery 333 of the Saint Louis Art Museum, was highlighted in the Wall Street Journal’s Masterpiece Series column on July 21, 2023.

Photo courtesy of Dana Christian Filmmaker, editor, producer, director and all-around self-made “creative” Dana Christian’s new film, “Blood Brothers” is scheduled to debut on Tubi.

The RBC Regional Business Council - Career Fair, in collaboration with the Urban League Save Our Sons initiative, kick-started the highly anticipated Urban Expo on Friday, August 4th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The event garnered tremendous success, with active participation from esteemed partners such as STL.Works and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The RBC Career Fair, a key highlight of the Urban Expo, brought together a diverse array of over 70 employers eager to engage with potential candidates. The event offered a platform for job seekers to connect with employers and undergo on-site interviews, fostering direct interactions that hold the potential to shape successful careers.

What set this event apart was it featured a fully-stocked clothes closet on-site, offering complete professional attire for attendees who required it. This initiative aimed to eliminate barriers that could hinder individuals from presenting their best selves during interviews and networking opportunities. In addition to the apparel support, the event also provided comprehensive services designed to bolster participants’ chances of success. Résumé building workshops, interview preparation sessions, and various other supportive services were available on-site. These offerings underscored the commitment of the organizers to not only create opportunities, but also to equip job seekers with the tools they need to seize them.

The RBC Career Fair exemplified the spirit of collaboration, bringing together partners from the business community, education sector, and workforce development agencies. By pooling resources and expertise, the event demonstrated the potential for creating positive change on a large scale.

The Urban League’s Save Our Sisters Women’s Empowerment Summit concluded with a resounding success, having united diverse women in impactful discussions and practical learning. It was held on August 6, aiming to empower women with knowledge, inspiration, and strategies for community impact. The event had featured influential speakers and sessions that addressed key facets of women’s empowerment. Guiding attendees through insightful discussions was Mistress of Ceremonies Denise Sneed Williams. The keynote speaker, Tina E. Grimes, had emphasized resilience and determination. In addition, the Special Honorees, namely Karen Freeman, Theodia Gillespie, Stephanie Hightower, and Sorraya Sampson, were duly recognized for their invaluable community contributions.

Linda Robinson, Director of Save Our Sisters, had opened the summit by providing an overview of the one-day, power-packed conference focused on professional and personal development. The Urban League’s Save Our Sisters Women’s Empowerment Summit had been presented by Thrivent, along with other sponsors such as Emerson, US Bank, and Boeing. Sessions included “Elevating Your Business,” “Holistic Well-being,” and “Change makers: Community Impact.” These sessions ignited inspiration and celebrated women as catalysts for positive change. The sessions were expertly guided by a diverse and accomplished group of individuals, including Kristy Jackson, LaTonya AnNoor, Porscha Anderson, Aleta Grimes Mitchell, Amy Yan, Marcell Williams, Candice Cox, Nico Marie, Shaune Scott, Kim Ward, Ebbi Nicole, Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, Jennifer Bardot, Cheri D. Tillis, and Paula-Breonne Vickers.

STL Sites and Sounds

St. Louis American Calendar

Concerts

Aug. 10, 8 pm: Cory Henry - Live At The Piano Tour, Simply put Cory Henry is a Grammy Award Winning Artist, Composer, Producer, Multiinstrumentalist, all around keyboard master, and is the future of music!In 2021, Cory’s album Something to Say was City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158.

$42.00 - $48.00

Aug. 11 - Aug. 12, 5:15-8 pm: Blues at the Arch Festival, Hosted by Gateway Arch Park Foundation as part of its mission to bring exciting, accessible community events to the national park, this popular end-of-summer celebration pays tribute to St.Gateway Arch Park Foundation, 11 North Street. Free

Aug. 13, 4 pm: Alexia Simone at The Dark Room, Rising St. Louis singer and songwriter Alexia Simone makes her Dark Room debut.The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq.

$20.00

Aug. 13, 10 am-2 pm: Blues Brunch, Blues history enthusiasts will be serenaded by the Robert Nelson Band in the site of a former jazz speakeasy. 612 North Event Space + Catering, 612 North Second Street.

$65.00 - $80.00

Aug. 15, 7:30 pm: Dont’ miss the Summer Block Party featuring Jodeci and SWV, with special guests Dru Hill next Tuesday. Parking is included in the ticket price, just drive and park! Premier Parking is also available. Act todayYou’ll be able to arrive late and park close at the concert! Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO, 14141 Riverport Dr. Tickets: $39.50 - $179.50. 4 select tickets for $89 + fees while supplies last.

Aug. 17, 7 pm: Lil Baby - It’s Only Us Tour, There is a delivery delay in place until approximately 2 days prior to the event. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave. $46.50 - $276.50

Aug. 18, 8 pm: Legacy Institute’s Award Ceremony Fundraiser, Reserved Seated Event. All Ages Allowed Please note: All tickets carry fees. Tickets purchased in person at The Pageant Box Office with cash will be discounted to face value. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. $60.00 - $80.00

Aug. 18, 7 pm: Lil Durk - Sorry For The Drought Tour, Parking is included in the ticket price, just drive and park! Premier Parking is also available. Act todayYou’ll be able to arrive late and park close at the concert! Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO, 14141 Riverport Dr. $35.00 - $149.50

Aug. 18, 6:30 pm: The Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land, Join Us For The Smooth Jazz Cruise On Land In St. Louis Ⅲ Jazz Cruises, the Gold Standard for Jazz at Sea Since 2001. AUGUST 18 –The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Road. $63.00 - $113.00

Comedy

Aug. 12, 1-3 pm: 2024 COCA Improv Troupe Auditions, COCA, 524 Trinity Ave. Free

Poetry

Aug. 11, 8 pm: Church Presents “Lyricism 3” Live From The Dark Room, Church Presents “Lyricism 3” Live From The Dark Room....Jamar ‘Church’ Pinkston, photographer/videographer

Aug. 15, 7:30 pm: Summer Block Party Presents Jodeci at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

owner of Church Productions, and barber is also a spoken word artist he’s unveiling his third installment of Lyricism 3.The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq..

$20.00

Theater

Aug. 18, 8-11 pm: “Ragtime” at Union Avenue Opera, *It’s the dawn of a new century and America has never been more alive with change and opportunity.Scored with the syncopated rhythms of a hopeful new age, Ragtime* effectively weaves together Union Avenue Opera, 733 N Union Blvd.

$32.00 - $165.00

Visual Arts

Aug. 10 - Aug. 18, First Friday, Start the first Friday of the month with art, music, and culture in the Grand Center Arts District. This First Friday celebrates the last looks at our Spring/Summer exhibition season. […]Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd. Free

Talks & Lectures

Aug. 17, 7-8:30 pm: Rap & Hip Hop: Made in St. Louis, Travel through time

with DJ G. Whiz and DJ LadyJock of KDHX 88.1 radio! Learn about the history and importance of rap and hip hop music in St. Louis through a multimedia presentation. Registration required. Florissant Valley Branch-St. Louis County Library, 195 New Florissant Rd., S.. Travel through time with DJ G. Whiz and DJ LadyJock of KDHX 88.1 radio! Free

Health & Wellness

Aug. 12 - Aug. 15, 8 am-12:30 pm: Tower Grove Farmers’ Market The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (April through October) and Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. (May through September).Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive. Free

Civic Benefit

Aug. 13, 12-6 pm: ForTheCultureSTL Presents... The 5th Annual Culture Kickback, The Culture Kicback is BACK but BIGGER!!!! THE 5TH ANNUAL CULTURE KICKBACK FEST is the BIGGEST AND BLACKEST, family reunion styled kickback in St. Louis. Loretta Hall Park, 1451 Cole St. Free

Religion

Charles Ogletree, attorney civil rights advocate, passes at age 70

‘An instrument of social and political change’

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Charles J. Ogletree Jr., a distinguished Harvard Law School professor, celebrated attorney, and leading civil rights advocate, has died at 70.

Ogletree, who had battled Alzheimer’s disease since 2015, reportedly died at his home in Maryland.

“Charles was a tireless advocate for civil rights, equality, human dignity, and social justice,” Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning said, according to the Associated Press.

“He changed the world in so many ways, and he will be sorely missed in a world that very much needs him.

Dorothy Roberts, a writer, social advocate, and professor at Penn Law, praised Ogletree’s impact at Harvard Law School. She admired his role in inspiring confidence, promoting learning, and encouraging activism among Black students and future generations.

“When I started at Harvard Law School in 1977, Tree was a third-year student and president of the Black Law Students Association,” Roberts recalled in a tweet.

“Thank goodness he was there. He set a tone for me and

the other Black students — then, and for generations to come — to be confident learners, lawyers, and activists. Rest in love and power.”

Affectionately known as “Tree,” Ogletree was born in California and graduated with a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1978.

He became an influential legal theorist and a prominent figure in the legal community.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ogletree actively contributed to the National Bar Association (NBA) and its affiliate, the Washington Bar Association (WBA).

In 2001, he received the Charles Hamilton Houston Medallion of Merit from the Washington Bar Association.

Then, in 2010, he was inducted into the WBA Hall of Fame.

In a news release, the NBA remarked that Ogletree was known for his mentorship and service, in which he emphasized the need to use the law as “an instrument of social and political change” and “a tool to empower the dispossessed and disenfranchised.”

“Professor Ogletree was an invaluable member of our Association,” said NBA President Dominique D. Calhoun.

“His contributions toward the profession and efforts to advance

reparations for our people left an indelible mark on the conscience of America for generations to come.”

Calhoun called Ogletree a visionary leader and vowed that the Bar Association would continue strides toward justice and equality.”

Ogletree’s work mainly centered around race, class, and criminal justice.

He served as the lead counsel to Anita Hill during her sexual harassment allegations against Clarence Thomas, then a U.S. Supreme Court nominee.

His involvement provided legal counsel and helped Hill devise a media strategy, including a news conference to announce her successful lie detector test.

Ogletree credited much of his professional success to the opportunities afforded him due to the Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, which found segregated public schools unconstitutional.

He organized Harvard’s Criminal Justice Institute, establishing the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice

and co-chairing the Reparations Coordinating Committee.

Many recounted how strongly he believed in using the law as a catalyst for social and political change, advocating for the empowerment of marginalized communities.

He led efforts to improve clinical training in public and indigent defense.

By establishing Harvard’s Criminal Justice Institute, Ogletree paved the way for students to gain valuable experience in Boston’s juvenile and district courts.

Additionally, he created the Saturday School program, supporting Black students on Harvard’s predominantly white campus.

The program featured several influential speakers, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, philosopher and now presidential candidate Cornel West, and actor Danny Glover.

One notable attendee of the Saturday School was Barack Obama, who considered Ogletree a mentor and sought his advice frequently, even during his pres-

idency.

“Michelle and I are heartbroken to hear about the passing of our friend Charles Ogletree.,” Obama said in a statement.

“He took time on weekends to run something called ‘Saturday School” for Black students who didn’t necessarily have the support systems at home to get them through the difficult first years of law school,” Obama recalled.

The former president noted that the school had become so popular that students from every background began showing up to hear Ogletree explain subjects in a way they all could understand.

“It was an example of the kind of person Charles has always been unfailingly helpful, and driven by a genuine concern for others,” Obama asserted.

“He was an advocate for social justice, an incredible professor, and a mentor to many – including us.” Ogletree is survived by his wife, Pamela Barnes, and his children, Charles Ogletree III and Rashida Ogletree.

Photo courtesy of Harvard Law School

Charles J. Ogletree, a renowned Harvard Law School professor and civil rights advocate, has passed away at age 70 after battling Alzheimer’s Disease since 2015. Among his stu-

dents was future U.S. President Barack Obama.

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NOTICE OF REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS (RFPS)

2024 CDBG Funding Cycle RFP

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program provides funds to municipalities and other units of government around the country to develop viable urban communities. This is accomplished by providing affordable, decent housing, a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

Issued by: City of St. Louis CDA

Issuance Date: August 7, 2023

Proposal Due: September 7, 2023

Market Value Analysis (MVA) Services RFP

Issued by: City of St. Louis CDA

Issuance Date: August 7, 2023

Proposal Due: September 7, 2023

CDBG DR Services RFP

Issued by: City of St. Louis CDA

Issuance Date: August 7, 2023

Proposal Due: September 7, 2023

Consolidated Plan Development Services RFP

Issued by: City of St. Louis CDA

Issuance Date: August 7, 2023

Proposal Due: September 7, 2023

Grants Management System Services (GMS) RFP

Issued by: City of St. Louis CDA

Issuance Date: August 7, 2023

Proposal Due: September 7, 2023

Documents Available for Review: current RFPs are available for review by any interested citizen at CDA, located at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000.

RFPs may be downloaded from the City of St. LouisCDA website “Procurement” section at www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roof, Howerton State Office Building, Project No. O2015-02 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/31/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Electronically sealed bids for the hereinafter mentioned project will be received online by the Board of Public Service through Bid Express at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true Proposals must be submitted before 1:45 PM, St. Louis Time, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The proposals will then be publicly opened and read.

The Bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express Service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Job Title: Renovations To Comfort Station At Saint Louis Place Park

Letting No.: 8762____________________________________________

Authorizing Ordinance: 71656___________________________________

Contract Time: 90 working days__________________________________

Schedule Related Liquidated Damages Per Day: $100.00

Project Contact Person, Email: Shannon Davis, Program Specialist I, davissh@stlouis-mo.gov

Estimated Cost: $179,352.25_____________________________________

Bid Deposit: $4,708.81__________________________________________

Bid Opening Location: Via Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83445052494?pwd= eHZvQIRESxmxBREhJWjZFLzVBcitSUT09

(Passcode: 621348)

The proposed Work includes: The project consists of renovating the existing comfort station building to accommodate new men’s and women’s restrooms with ADA-compliant entrance door and fixtures. The roof will be replaced and the masonry tuckpointed.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

An optional pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held at the existing Comfort Station at Saint Louis Place Park located at 2600-2798 Rauschenbach Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63106 on August 22nd 2023 at 10:00 AM.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for HVAC

Modifications at Joseph P. Teasdale State Office Building, Raytown, Project No. O2020-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, August 31, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

To Advertise your Bids or Job Opportunity in the newspaper ad online please email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

THE

METROPOLITAN

ST.

LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT (DISTRICT)

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) (2024) Contract A under Letting No. 13020-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The rehabilitation of approximately 108,599 lineal feet of sanitary sewers varying in size from 6-inch to 30-inch in diameter, utilizing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city of St. Louis and various municipalities in St. Louis County and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave St Louis, MO 63118. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of bids from Disadvantaged, Women and Minority Business Enterprises.

This project is being financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, by the Water and Wastewater Loan Revolving Fund and federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri.

All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting. Attendance at the pre-bid meeting is considered an important element of a Contractor’s Good Faith Effort to maximize the utilization of M/WBE if M/WBE participation goals cannot be met.

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

The right of the Board of Public Service to reject any or all bids is expressly reserved.

NOTICE REGARDING FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY (Family / Juvenile, Division 63) TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, announces that it is soliciting candidates for the position of Family Court Commissioner of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County.

Pursuant to section 487.080, RSMo., the Family Court has exclusive original jurisdiction to hear the following matters including but not limited to proceedings governed by Chapter 452, Chapter 453, Chapter 455, Chapter 210 and Chapter 211. Applicants must be willing to serve in a domestic relations assignment and/or a juvenile court assignment.

The Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges en banc will make the appointment for a term of (4) years at an annual salary of an associate circuit judge, payable by the State of Missouri.

Missouri law requires the Family Court Commissioner(s) to possess the same qualifications as a circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state for the three years preceding their selection, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri for at least one year, at least thirty years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See Chapter 487 R S Mo.)

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Family Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Family Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before August 31, 2023. The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Court en banc on or about September 13, 2023. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

OFFICIAL NOTICE BY THE CITY OF PAGEDALE OF CONDEMNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7110 ROBBINS AVENUE, CITY OF PAGEDALE, MISSOURI 63133

ADDRESS #: 7110 ROBBINS AVENUE, CITY OF PAGEDALE, MISSOURI 63133

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Real property located at 7110 Robbins Avenue, in the City of Pagedale, Missouri, is hereby declared to be unfit for habitation and is dangerous and detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the community and constitutes a nuisance as described in Section 505.020, 505.030 and 505.040 of the Pagedale municipal code book because the property is collapsing in on itself and abandoned. It is unfit for occupancy and poses a serious risk to the residents of the City of Pagedale, Missouri. If YOU are an interested party, YOU will have 15 days from the last day of publication of this notice to remedy the situation. Specifically, pursuant to section 505.060 of the Pagedale City Code, please be advised:

(1) The owner must vacate, vacate and repair, or vacate and demolish said building and clean up the lot or property on which the building is located in accordance with the terms of the notice and this Chapter.

(2) The occupant or lessee must vacate said building or have it repaired in accordance with the notice and remain in possession; and/or

(3) The mortgagee, agent or other persons having an interest in said building as shown by the land records of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Louis County may, at his/her own risk, repair, vacate or demolish the building and clean up the property or have such work done.

A copy of the Building Inspectors full report and notice may be obtained at the City of Pagedale City Hall located at 1420 Ferguson Avenue, Pagedale, Missouri 63133.

If you do not comply, the City of Pagedale will proceed with the condemnation/ demolition process. After 15 from the last day of publication of this notice, a placard will be placed on the structure which states that the structure is herby declared condemned.

If anyone has any questions regarding this property and/or the condemnation/ demolition process please contact the City of Pagedale City Clerk at 314-7261200 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PARIC Corporation is requesting proposals for the Geothermal wellfields on Missouri University of Science and Technology’s new Protoplex Research Facility located in Rolla, Missouri. The scope of work we are seeking proposals for include well drilling of 200 plus wells, piping, header work and stub up into the main building, with minor site prep work including SWPPP plan. You can find additional design guidelines on UM system website here: https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/fa/facilities/ guidelines/ (Click on Section 3 Design Guidelines and then click on Division Guidelines hyperlink). If you have questions or would like further information on this project, please contact Chris Lucas (clucas@paric.com) at 816-534-4678.

Construction is slated to start October 2023 and be substantially complete by June 18, 2025.

Bids are due 8-25-23 at 10:00am

PreBid meeting will be held on 8-11-23 at 10:00am

The project is tax exempt, and has MBE and WBE goals according to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 11.4% Minority participation and 6.9% Female participation in each trade.

The Project will be subject to prevailing wages per Missouri Division of Labor Standards Annual Wage Order for Phelps County.

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADVISORY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Manchester, MO., [August 3, 2023] – Aging Ahead will hold elections to fill three seats for the Board of Directors: one representing St. Louis County, one representing Jefferson County and one representing Franklin County. There are two seats to fill for the Advisory Council representing Franklin County and one seat representing Jefferson County.

Elections will be held at select Agency senior centers located in St. Louis, Jefferson and Franklin counties on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, with early online voting available starting Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 at www. agingahead.org. See website for specific in-person voting locations and more information.

If interested, reach out to your local senior center, call 636-207-0847, or email lfranklin@agingahead.org for an Application for Candidacy and more information. The application is also available to download at www.agingahead.org. Completed applications are due to senior centers or at Aging Ahead’s central office, 14535 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011 by Monday, August 14, 2023 no later than 12pm via mail, email or in person.

In addition to operating 19 senior centers in its four-county service area of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties, Aging Ahead provides supportive services to persons 60 and over, family caregivers and adults with disabilities. Candidates are encouraged to contact their local senior center for more information.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

> Doing Business With Us

> View Bid Opportunities

St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

The St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works is requesting the services of a highly-qualified consulting engineering firm to perform both project management and professional engineering services for the fol lowing bundle of five (5) projects: Chambers RoadBellefontaine Road to STL City Limits, Howdershell Road -Utz to Lynn Haven, Lucas-Hunt Road Bridge No. 157, Schuetz RoadGandy to Lindbergh, and Vernon Avenue - Midland to Westgate, STBG-5527(603) (St. Louis County project numbers AR-1871, AR-1874, AR-1856, AR-1659 and AR-1737).

Full details for this project, including submittal requirements and deadline, will be available on August 9, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site https://stlouiscountymo.gov/

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES AND CONTINUUM OF CARE HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM OF CARE FY23 NOTICE OF FUNDING OPORTUNITY

The St. Louis County Continuum of Care is seeking proposals for the Housing Urban Development Continuum of Care FY23 Grant. The total funding available is approximately $5,857,198.00 Proposals are due August 29, 2023 by 11:00 a.m. and are to be submitted to Christeena Curtner @ ccurtner@misi.org A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on August 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom. us/j/82309876309 Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Continuum of Care web site @ https://www.stlcountycoc.com/

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace FreezersCentral Services Building, Tipton Correctional Center, Project No. C2008-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/12/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\ status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican. com to place your ads today!

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC System at Scott Joplin House State Historic Site - Rosebud Cafe, Project No. X2201-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, August 31, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Cork Flooring Replacement at the Circuit Court in the Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101;

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

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on September 19, 2023.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Kehrs Mill Road Retaining Wall Replacement project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1836 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on September 6, 2023.

Plans and specifications will be available on August 7, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

• Bid Package – Concrete Foundations / Slab on Grade Clayco, Inc. is seeking proposals for the STLCC –Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. The project consists of the construction of two new buildings and site work: Center for Emerging Technology (CET) and Financial Services and Enrollment Center (FSEC). Please contact John Sabo, saboj@claycorp.com to request a set of plans and specifications and/or more information about this project.

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON AUGUST 25th, 2023 @ 10:00 AM St. Louis time. CLAYCO INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

PARIC Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: BADEN SCHOOL APARTMENTS located at 8724 Halls Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO

The project consists of the renovation of the historic building into 50 Apartments. We are currently soliciting bids for the following scopes: DEMOLITION, CONCRETE, CEMENTITIOUS FILL, MASONRY RESTORATION, STONE, STRUCTURAL STEEL, WATERPROOFING, ROOFING, SHINGLES, FIRESTOPPING, SHEET METAL FLASHING AND TRIM, LATH AND PLASTER, INTERIOR FINISHES, EARTHWORK, PAVING, FENCES AND GATES, PLANTS / LANDSCAPING, SITE UTILITIES. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexander@paric.com.

A PREBID meeting will be held on 8/8/23 at 1:00pm at the project site

Questions / RFI’s are due to Paric by August 25th, 2023

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON September 6th, 2023 @ 11:00am

Send all questions to Andrew Kalicak (AKalicak@paric.com) or Michael Skalski (MSkalski@paric.com)

Job will have prevailing wage requirements

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

.5 2%

Goals for Workforce (field) participation

of

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Fields Creek Reclamation Project, Project No. Y2301-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/31/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the J. S. McDonnell Bridge No. 164 Replacement, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1518, Federal Project No. STP-4900(640) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on September 6, 2023.

Plans and specifications will be available on August 7, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

suggests tension in the domestic dynamic just beneath the surface.”

Sunday Morning Breakfast becomes even more extraordinary when one learns about its creator. He possessed an artistic will so strong an injury that would have diminished the creative pursuits of many painters only strengthened

his resolve. For Pippin, art was a literal healing practice that became a mirror that reflected the complexities of what it meant to be Black in America during the early decades of the 20th century. Their existence in “the land of the free and the home of the brave” was a contradictory experience to the American Dream. For them, liberties proclaimed for its citizens by the nation’s founding fathers simply did not apply.

A native of West Chester,

“Since that time, we have been consistently and quietly helping young men in our region – and this year will mark our 111th year,” Furr said. “We have a tremendous obligation to ensure that the next generation of African American men have an opportunity to succeed. We know that we are standing on the shoulders of giants – like Dr. Suggs.”

Pennsylvania born in 1888, Pippin started painting as a therapeutic outlet after returning from the frontline of World War I. He served in the 369th Infantry Regiment. His unit was assigned to the French Army because most white American soldiers refused to perform combat duty with their Black compatriots. Pippin’s battalion was one of four Black regiments to see combat – where he was shot in the right shoulder. Due to his injury, Pippin painted by using his left

arm to brace his right arm while he clasped his brush in his right hand. In addition to focusing on Black life, he used his paintings to detail the atrocities of his experience in the war. Some of his other notable works include, The Ending of the War, Starting Home, Study for “Barracks,” and The Park Bench – which he completed two years before his death in 1948. The Museum acquired Sunday Morning Breakfast in 2015 for $1.5

million. “The acquisition represented a significant investment in the collection, and the continuation of our longstanding practice to strengthen our holdings of works by African American artists,” said Min Jung Kim, The Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum.” Their collection also includes Edward Mitchell Bannister, Elizabeth Catlett, David Drake, Robert S. Duncanson, Norman Lewis, Kerry James Marshall,

Faith Ringgold, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley to name a few.

“While diversifying the collection has long been our practice, with the adoption of the Diversity Study Group Report in 2020 it became an institutional priority,” Kim said. “In redoubling our longstanding efforts, the Museum has ensured that it will continue to collect more masterpieces by a diverse range of artists.”

Those who attend next Saturday’s event will have the opportunity to celebrate Suggs and hear good music – but more importantly, they can pay the efforts of the Eta Boule Foundation forward with each ticket purchased. Proceeds will be used to fund programming that will enrich the lives of young Black men and Black families throughout the region.

“There were folks who opened up doors and created opportunities and provided access to a lot of things that allowed us to be successful – whether its scholarships, mentoring, coaching or whatever,”

Furr said. “The men of Eta Boule are saying that it is our time to continue to uplift the next generation. That is what the Eta Boule Foundation is all about.”

The Eta Boule Foundation’s Salute to Fathers and Mentors will take place on Saturday, August 19th at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets or additional information, call 314.534.1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

rities.

Christian enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in Texas but left in his junior year, came back home and enrolled at Webster University. The filming seed was planted at Prairie View when he filmed the Universities’ Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity beach party. The seed started to flourish while, still a student at Webster. He volunteered for a local television station that produced “Phat Clips,” which featured

local and national, new and underground hip-hop talent.

“I contacted the show’s producer at the time to see if he needed help,” Christian recalled.

“Luckily, he did. There I was, getting on-the-job training in a real world environment. I was like a sponge, spending over 20 to 30 hours a week at the studio, while studying for my bachelor’s degree in media communications.”

Within a couple months, Christian said he’d gained enough experience to produce the entire show while making valuable contacts.

“Phat Clips had a huge following to the point where almost every

major artist that came to St. Louis had to be on the show. I’m talking about Public Enemy, Nas, Outkast, Eminem, The Black Eyed Peas, Lil Kim, etc.”

As a producer of the show, Christian said he was able to decide “who was worthy to be featured on the show.” Through a segment called, “Local Clip of the Week,” he met big St. Louis acts like Nelly, the St. Lunatics and Chingy.

Christian seems to also have a knack for turning casual conversations into business opportunities.

For example, his encounter with famed music video director, Marc

Klasfeld. Before they met while filming a documentary for the St. Lunatics, Christian was well aware of Klasfeld’s techniques; how he filmed rappers like Juvenile, Jay-Z and Ludacris in unique and creative settings. During the video Klasfeld directed, Christian talked in length about the director’s skills.

Not long after that shoot, Christian got a call from Klasfeld’s “people,” who told him the director wanted him to shoot one of his upcoming videos. That opportunity, Christian said, led to his work on at least 20 major music videos and productions.

His first big video break came after he filmed Chingy’s “Balla Baby” Remix video in the mid-2000s. The single wound up hitting No.1 on BET’s “106 and Park Countdown.”

His “Aha moment,” came when he was shooting behind-the-scenes footage for Nelly and the St. Lunatics. Christian said he

knew he’d make it in the business.

Again, he was casually talking with representatives from the artist’s record about how a video focusing on the artist’s charisma, should be packaged with their upcoming album.

“The label reps loved the idea and had me write it all out and submit an invoice,” Christian remembered, adding: “When they cut my deposit check and flew me out to L.A. a month later, I knew that was it.”

Christian has worked on several documentaries such as the critically acclaimed “Word Warriors”, a powerful historical and social commentary film that explored the concept of using words as a weapon of peace vs. guns and violence. Stepping into the world of moviemaking was a natural progression for the filmmaker.

Christian described his upcoming production, “The Blood Brothers, as a suspense/thriller. “It’s

about five school friends who wound up killing a young boy. The men thought they’d covered their tracks, but 15 years later the killing comes back to haunt them.”

The trailer for the film which alternates between black & white, sepia and color is stylish and gripping. What’s most exciting for Christian, however, is that the film, shot in St. Louis, will bring attention to his hometown.

Like directors Spike Lee and Woody Allen, who’ve made successful films that centered around New York, Christian wants his films and music videos to highlight St. Louis and its unique qualities.

“I love capturing textures, the culture and the realism of the city,” Christian explained. “St. Louis has a lot of unique textures, people and talent. I want to be able to make an economic difference as well as a creative difference in my community.”