August 11th, 2011 edition

Marshall enters Hall

Friend and agent

Rocky Arceneaux presents jacket

By Mike Claiborne For The St.Louis American

CANTON, OHIO – After being on hand for the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies for the class that included St. Louis’

Marshall Faulk, a lot of things ran through my mind on what it all really means. Faulk and Deion Sanders were the headliners of the evening. The night was filled with anticipation.

Anticipation of what the Father of NFLFilms Ed Sabol, who will be 95 years young in a couple of weeks, had to say; he and

See FAULK, A8

Snow cone duo

Jabari Whitt,age 3, and Adrian Leveritt, age 2,beat the heat with snow cones recently at the Keeping Our Children Safe National Night Out event hosted by People’s Health Centers at its Delmar location.

Marshall Faulk was presented his Hall of Fame jacket by his agent and longtime friend Rocky Arceneaux. In the history of the Hall, only three agents have ever presented a jacket to a player.

AMNESTYPROGRAM

Better Family Life helps community clear bench warrants

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

“If I got locked up, I’m the only one who works, so we would have no income.”

– Michael Dees Jr.

Three-year-old Ma’kaiyah Dees playfully slid down the gym bleacher steps at St. Louis Community College–Meramec on Saturday, Aug. 6. At the bottom step, her mother Cherie Kurtz, age 21, was filling out vouchers that would potentially set her family free of bench warrants and fear of jail time.

Kurtz’s husband Michael Dees Jr., age 23, cradled their infant son as he slept.

“This is all I worry about when I drive to work,” Dees said. “If I got locked up, I’m the only one who works, so we would have no income.”

Dees said he was blessed to find out about Better Family Life St. Louis Metropolitan’s Amnesty

“He is a person that is clearly anchored in his beliefs and what he stands for.”

– Benjamin Akande

Giving

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

When Willie Love, a recent graduate from Carnahan High School of the Future, lost his father last year, he said Tony Thompson helped him keep his life on track.

“He always been there for me,” Love said of Thompson, president/CEO of the Kwame Building Group. “He always tells me to follow my dreams and don’t give up on what I’ve been fighting for.”

Love is a part of the Gentlemen’s Club, a mentoring group sponsored by the Kwame Foundation. In the fall, this highachieving student and athlete will attend Missouri Western State University to study pre-law. For the past four years, every senior in the club has graduated from high school, and 98 percent of them have gone on to college.

“There’s nothing more important in our society right now than getting our public education system back on track.”

– Tony Thompson

“Our concept is working,” Thompson said. “There’s something about this group of men that enjoy being mentored by another group of men. If we can replicate that in the general public, then we’d be on to something.”

From the looks of it, Thompson won’t stop until he finds a way to do it. This year through the Kwame Foundation, Thompson established the Tyrone Thompson Institute for Nonviolence to help students with behavioral problems stay on track in school. For years, the foundation has also endowed scholarships for minority youth at several area colleges and universities.

Aside from the foundation, Thompson sits on several boards, including those for Teach for America, KIPPInspire Academy, the St. Louis Public Schools’Herzog Elementary School, Webster University’s Board of Trustees and the Regional Business Council’s K-12 board.

“There’s nothing more important in our society right now than getting our public education system back on track,” Thompson said. On September 16, Thompson will receive

Photo by Wiley Price

Rihanna Jonesing for Joe Jonas, $3K hair days

Singer Rihanna is reportedly pursuing squeaky clean pop star Joe Jonas,21,– famed for wearing a purity ring – by sending him suggestive messages.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper:

“They met when Joe did a song with Rihanna’s ex Chris Brown and recently she’s been bombarding him with raunchy text messages. She keeps laughing to her mates that she wants to take him one the wildest ride of his life.”

The singer is also said to be is splashing out an incredible $21,000 a week on one of Hol lywood’s leading hair stylists.

Ursula Stephen reportedly charges $3,000 a day to help ensure she looks her best.

“Rihanna likes to pioneer new styles but it’s costing her a fortune,’ one of her entourage said. “‘She makes several public appearances a week, and the cost soon stacks up.”

Court docks shady agency

$700K for phony Nelly show

A Taiwanese production company has won a $724,000 lawsuit against a U.S. talent agency failed to deliver a concert featuring St. Louis rap star Nelly.

The Loop production filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. based company, Capitol Connections Agency (CCA).

The original lawsuit, which was filed in April of 2010, accused CCA of taking over $40,000 to book Nelly for a New Year’s Eve gig in Taiwan.

Alisha E. Harris, to pay up to $724,000 dollars in total accumulative damages.

public notoriety which contributed to a hostile work environment.”

The lawsuit accused the company of being a criminal enterprise which fraudulently represented a number of celebrities, including Tiger Woods, Bill Gates, Ja Rule and even the

“After months of investigation and negotiation with CCA in the hope of receiving a complete refund, the LOOP eventually found out from Nelly’s business manager, who denied to have ever heard of CCA,” a rep for the LOOP Production said in a statement.

“Even with the official denial from Nelly’s real management, CCA still refused to refund the deposit.”

A federal judge has ordered CCA and all other defendants including Escobar Entertainment, Inc., Durbert O’Neal Brandon Jr., Melvin Breeden, and

Big Chill crowd heated with Kanye Kanye West headlined The Big Chill Music Festival in the U.K. on Saturday and sources say the performance was a mess. The show started nearly an hour late, Kanye lost his voice halfway through his set and after a band member messed up during ‘Monster’, Kanye stopped the show and went on one of his famous rants about how [expletive] up the music industry is and how he’s so misunderstood telling the crowd, “I walk through the hotel, and I walk down the street, and people look at me like I’m insane, like I’m Hitler.”

The crowd reacted with a barrage of boos.

Ms. Hill sued for back pay and backstage abuse

Guitar player Jay Gore has filed new legal docs in his war with Lauryn Hill – in which he claims she stiffed him out of thousands of dollars after playing Hill’s tour.

In the docs, Gore also says Hill was a total monster backstage – claiming she “exhibited the type of behavior for which she had gained

Gore says, “After shows, Hill would demand that the musicians and road support personnel attend meetings where she would engage in a person-by-person critique and berating.”

He continues, “At one point, Hill made a statement in front of the tour personnel to the effect that ‘I can’t believe I am paying you fools, you should be paying me.”

Big Boi’s boat bust

Grammy Award-winning rapper Big Boi was released from the Miami–Dade County jail Monday (August 8th) after being taken into custody on drug possession charges. U.S. Customs and Border agents they allegedly found Viagra and the drug known as MDMA in his luggage after a cruise.

A lawyer for Big Boi released a statement stating that the rapper would be “exonerated” of the charges.

According to his attorney, the drugs were found in the “collective luggage” of the group of people he was traveling with.

Big Boi himself seemed to find a bit of humor in the arrest. He took to his Twitter page earlier today where he addressed the arrest. “Fresh Out Baby! [expletive] they said it was the Love Boat.”

Sources: Allhiphop.com, The UK Daily Star, YouTube.com, The Daily Mail

STL Drug Court wins national award

St. Louis Circuit Court’s Drug Court program was honored with the irst-ever Cultural Proiciency Courage Award on July 20 during the National Association of Drug Court Professionals annual conference in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes efforts of diverse staff serving diverse populations.

Commissioner Michael Noble accepted the award on behalf of the St. Louis Drug Courts. “This award is a relection of the collective efforts of dedicated team members that include the judges of the 22nd

Judicial Circuit, Circuit Attorney’s Ofice, defense counsel, treatment providers, diversion managers, administration plus the hard-working program participants striving to break the chains of addiction,” Noble said. St. Louis Drug Court was created in 1997 as a diversion program for felony pre-plea cases. Since that time the Adult Drug Court program has expanded to include post-plea felony cases with an emphasis on Moral Reconation Therapy to address issues of criminal thinking.

Today, St. Louis Drug

Court operates a Family Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court and Misdemeanor Marijuana Drug Court. In 2010, the Veterans Treatment Court was launched to address the needs of those who served in the military and are now faced with serving time due to drug addiction.

Under the current leadership of Commissioners James E. Sullivan and Michael Noble the St. Louis Drug Courts have approximately 1,600 program graduates.

By James T. Ingram

For years I have listened to rumors, received anonymous and off-the-record comments about an alleged “pay-to-play” culture in East St. Louis School District 189.

The general complaints stem from allegations that, in East Boogie, it has been common practice for teachers, administrators and consultants to pay for their positions, promotions, “hook-ups” or consultant contracts either directly or indirectly (through kickbacks, etc.) and that many competent and credentialed individuals don’t even receive courtesy

State to investigate ESL Schools

interviews if they aren’t willing to grease the palms of those in decision-making positions. So I was ecstatic to learn that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has launched a probe into all aspects of the ESL School District’s operations.

James Ingram

After consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s ofice, the ISBE has retained the law irm of Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard to conduct

an in-depth investigation of all contracts for goods and services, personnel iles, credentials, consultant agreements, all income and expenditures, an inventory of all property owned, as well as all grants and interviews with current and former employees. The investigation will be led by A. Courtney Cox, a former U.S. attorney and partner at Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard. This should cause a few sleeplessness nights, for certain ESL School Board members, given that Cox is no stranger to prosecuting and incarcerating ESL’s high proile politicians.

Youth video game creators

Students and parents try out the creative video games that Youth Learning Center’s students produced at this year’s Summer Discovery Academy. During the summer session, students created computer animations of short stories they wrote, created their own video games and built their own robotic creations. This year, 100 children attended the summer academy. The Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth recently accredited all of YLC’s educational programs.

St. Louis Drug Court Commissioner Michael Noble accepts an award at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals annual conference in Washington, D.C.

EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY

One step towards a safer North Side

We agree strongly with Tony Thompson, the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Stellar Performer in Education, that there is no higher priority for this country, and especially for the African-American community, than getting public education back on track. In the city of St. Louis, a very close second priority would be getting public safety back on track. With this in mind, we commend Alderman Antonio D. French for the leadership he has shown in dedicating $400,000 in capital improvement funds (disbursed by the city’s Board of Public Service) to install 14 security cameras along some of the most dangerous streets in his 21st Ward.

“Last year, there were 14 murders in our ward and three or four dozen shootings,” French told The American. “Why not bring the same technology that is currently being used in safe areas, like Busch Stadium or shopping malls, and bring it to the areas that really need it?”

French led a press conference about his security camera program on Tuesday, standing alongside Police Chief Daniel Isom and Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce. But when we spoke with him several weeks ago, he already was seeing improved public safety on his North City streets.

“The presence of the cameras changes behavior,” French said. “Already, we have seen crime die down where the cameras are up. The biggest, most frustrating problem for the police and prosecutors is that when crime occurs – even violent crime, in broad daylight, with people around – no one wants to be a witness. So these crimes are never prosecuted, and that’s why criminals get off. So let’s let the cameras be the witness, and

maybe we will be able to put the people away who do bad things.” For there is a growing number of young people – most unemployed, and many unemployable – who are living in a dangerous underground economy, outside any societal norms, expectations or obligations.

French, who is emerging as an important leader in his community, has been inspired by Newark’s gutsy young Mayor Cory Booker and Geoffrey Canada, mastermind of the Harlem Children’s Zone. The comparison to Booker makes it clear why cities like Newark and St. Louis need to nurture speciically AfricanAmerican male public oficials, who are willing to live in our most embattled neighborhoods and embrace constituents as their people, as opposed to those people. And like Canada, French knows that a program like this may mostly move crime elsewhere, rather than stop it altogether, but even that would be a victory for North St. Louis.

The Post-Dispatch, giving a black alderman a rare piece of positive press, reported on French’s program. This report quotes Terrell Johnson, a 17-year-old who works across the street from the new police substation where the cameras are monitored. “People don’t like to be watched on camera,” the youth told the Post. “They are not going to be hanging around outside now.”

Exactly. Geoffrey Canada found that getting drug dealers off the street corner was a major step toward improving public safety in Harlem. We expect that Alderman French will ind the same to be true of his beloved 21st Ward. We applaud his efforts and encourage other public oficials to emulate them.

The St. Louis region faces many socio-economic challenges that aflict our low- to moderate-income residents. Some of these challenges are new, others have persisted for decades. The availability of basic banking services in some of our poorest neighborhoods is among the challenges that hold our region back. According to a 2009 FDIC survey, there are 88,000 households in the St. Louis region that do not use or have access to basic bank services. Thankfully, a group of area bankers, community activists, non-proit agencies and government oficials are working together to meet this challenge and correct this inequity.

The St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force, of which I am the honorary chairperson, was formed this year to identify and address systemic and individual barriers that prohibit unbanked and underbanked households from utilizing the traditional banking products and services many of us take for granted. The St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force is dedicated to analyzing and implementing best practices to improve banking products and

services for the unbanked and underbanked in the St. Louis region. Many throughout our communities do not have a saving or checking account. They have no credit history to pay for purchases over time or get a bank loan. Thousands of people are caught in the cycle of having to use payday lenders, title loans and other expensive, highinterest means in order to make ends meet. The task force wants to break this cycle by educating people and introducing them to banking services designed speciically for their needs. Over time, this will allow them to establish a credit history, learn the value of saving and teach them how to become inancially astute.

Our irst educational outreach was held in June at the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation. The “Passport to Savings” event provided inancial education and information to more than 100 youth and adults. In July, the task force hosted the Fifth Third Bank Community Discussion Forum on the impact of payday lending at St. Louis Community College. The discussion forum kicked-off a full week of activities where Fifth Third Bank and many community partners focused on inancial and physical wellness in low to moderate income neighborhoods.

These events proved to be so successful at explaining a variety of banking practices and

products to help the unbanked meet their inancial needs, a goal has been set to reach out to many more households that need access to this valuable information.

To meet this challenge, the task force created the irst Financial Opportunities Pavilion at the upcoming Missouri Black Expo with the goal of reaching a minimum of 10,000 people. This year’s Expo is Saturday and Sunday, August 20 and 21, at America’s Center.

Task force member organizations will be on hand with information, education and resources to help those in need improve their inancial stability. Our pavilion will feature inancial institutions and non-proit organizations that represent the task force mission. St. Louis Community Credit Union will provide exciting inancial literacy workshops on Saturday. Other partners include Commerce Bank; Fifth Third Bank; First Bank; Midwest Bank Centre; Montgomery Bank; Regions Bank; and Vantage Credit Union. I fully support this mission and thank all our member organizations for their continued efforts and support.

If you want more information about the task force’s upcoming events, or your organization wants to join our team, contact stlunbanked@gmail.com. Together, we can and will make a difference in people’s lives and give them the tools they need to succeed inancially.

COMMENTARY

Solving the wrong problem

The debt-ceiling ight generated enough hyperventilation and heartburn to replace a coalired power plant. The resulting product? It’s starting to look kind of puny and irrelevant. The political outcome was awful. But leaving politics aside for a moment, I’m conident that budget cuts totaling less than $1 trillion over 10 years will not meaningfully alter life as we know it. And since the legislation produces absolutely no new revenue, the impact on the national debt is minimal.

About $1.5 trillion in additional cuts would be imposed if the “super-committee,” a bipartisan congressional panel charged with reshaping our future through entitlement and tax reform, should reach an impasse. Hey, when has that ever happened? Still, with the exception of Pentagon spending, sacred cows are pretty much exempt from the automatic cuts. The impact on the debt would barely rise to underwhelming. We’ve just spent months of bitter struggle to accomplish remarkably little. Meanwhile, most of the world’s advanced economies, including ours, are mired in an economic “recovery” that is proceeding so slowly it feels as if we’re moving backward.

Earth to Washington: Unemployment is stuck around 9 percent. Businesses aren’t hiring because consumer demand,

normally the great engine of the U.S. economy, is feeble. Americans are saving rather than spending because their most valuable assets – their homes – have not begun to regain the value they lost when the housing bubble went splat. Housing prices can’t begin to recover until the glut of foreclosures is digested by what’s left of the real estate market. Those foreclosed homes can’t be bought by the unemployed.

Our elected oficials could and should be talking about ways to break this vicious cycle before it drags us back into recession. Instead, they have focused on debt reduction – a laudable goal that is being pursued in the wrong way at the wrong moment.

Yes, we do have to reduce the debt. But the time to do that is when the economy is strong enough to withstand the blows of an austerity program.

Healthy economic growth would shrink the debt problem over time, even without draconian belt-tightening. Producing this kind of growth should be the nation’s top priority.

All the brinkmanship over a possible default did essentially nothing to discourage investors from buying Treasury bills; interest rates remain low, and many economists now say there would be no impact even if the ratings agencies were to downgrade the United States as an investment, as Standard & Poor now has done.

Our debt “crisis” is a pifle compared to what’s happening in Europe, where dire concern about possible default has spread to Spain and Italy. Unlike Greece, these economic

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wary eye on Congress

Missouri retirees are relieved – at least for now – that Social Security and Medicare were not cut in the debt ceiling agreement in Washington. But retirees cannot sit back and think that this crisis is over. The new law creates a so-called SuperCommittee on Capitol Hill that could, by the end of the year, recommend sweeping cuts in Social Security and Medicare. Missouri retirees need to keep a close, wary eye on this new congressional panel. We cannot allow those who have never liked Social Security or Medicare to use this budget climate as political cover for ideological attacks on programs that have kept generations of seniors healthy and out of poverty.

This week’s debt agreement failed to address the root causes of our deicit, our fundamentally – lawed tax and spending and policies. Social Security has not added one dime to our deicit – it is fully funded by worker and employer payroll taxes. Our deicits were not created by Social Security checks that average just over $1,000 per month, nor do we have a national debt because of retirees who simply want to see a doctor or ill a prescription.

David Meinell, president MO Alliance for Retired Americans Retirement Fund

Michael Owens, president MO Alliance for Retired Americans

Giffords and debt debacle

The debt ceiling debacle brought to the limelight the inane, asinine antics of our congressional elected oficials as they went about the business of political brinkmanship. During this sort of infantile behavior in Washington, it’s often dificult to identify one bit of political theatrics as being any more egregious than others, but one stood-out.

On Monday, August 1, Democrats, anticipating a close vote within their party on the debt ceiling compromise legis-

giants might be too big to bail out. Russian strongman Vladimir Putin keeps demanding a replacement for the dollar as the world’s leading reserve currency. At the moment, I wouldn’t place much of a bet on the euro. In Washington, our leaders seem to have barely noticed this turmoil in one of the world’s most important economic zones. They were busy in a philosophical debate over the difference between eliminating a “tax expenditure” and raising a tax. Hint: To the taxpayer, there’s not really a difference at all.

Congress and the president should have been extending unemployment beneits and the payroll tax holiday – two measures that would help keep the economy moving forward, however slowly. And they should at least try to do more than crane their necks at the ongoing disaster in real estate.

President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner spent weeks trying – and failing – to come up with a package of budget cuts and revenue “enhancements” that would reduce the national debt by $4 trillion over the next decade. I’m waiting for the Bush tax cuts to expire at the end of next year. If we just let all income tax rates revert to what they were during the era that should be called the Clinton Prosperity, a debt problem that now may seem overwhelming suddenly looks quite manageable. A little growth, a little tinkering with entitlements, and we’re set for another quartercentury or so. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

lation, brought congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) to the loor of the House to cast her vote. Giffords was shot in the head in an assassination attempt in January. The exquisite medical care she received allowed her to be transported not long thereafter to a stateof-the-art rehabilitation center in Houston. She was released from the Houston facility in June and went home to continue her miraculous recovery. While at home, she has enjoyed the beneits of 24-hour medical attention, according to news reports.

Trotting-out the not yet recovered Giffords to cast her vote as she did is the equivalent of a hard slap in the face to all Americans outside The Beltway! While Giffords received, and continues to receive, the inest of medical care, she cast her vote in favor of reducing medical beneits for millions of Americans.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Keeping me connected

From the depths of my heart, I thank you. I thank you for being my voice, for keeping me connected to the things that matter to me, for enlightening me and others of what’s right and not right in the community; and lastly I thank you for enriching our St. Louis community with excellent journalism that is remarkably so personable. Keep up the outstanding work.

Archilla Buford ED Union Communion Ministries

Deinite beneit to the community

Thank you so much for running the PSA in Your Health Matters notifying readers about registration for the free breast/cervical screening offered by BJC . With the economic conditions we are dealing with today, we all need all the assistance we can get. The services rendered by The

American and BJC were a deinite beneit to the community. Some of the ladies who came indicated they saw the PSA in The St. Louis American Tina Minor, St. Louis

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Alderman Antonio D. French led a press conference Tuesday at the 21st Ward’s new police substation to describe his new security camera program. Photo by Wiley Price

City of Olivette recognizes domestic partnerships

The City of Olivette recently began the process of amending its Municipal Code relating to Public Health, Safety and Welfare by enacting a Domestic Partnership Registry Ordinance (Chapter 245) which is scheduled to become effective on September 1.

The City of Olivette will now recognize domestic partnerships as valid, legal relationships not recognized by the State of Missouri. Specifically, a domestic partnership, as defined by this new ordinance, is between two unmarried adults who share a common residence and are responsible for each other’s welfare. In order to qualify, neither individual can be married or involved in an existing domestic partnership, and each individual must be 18 years of age or older.

“The City of Olivette has always valued diversity,” said Jean Antoine, mayor of Olivette. “As a result, we believe relationships of mutual support, care and commitment are essential to future economic growth and stability.”

The Declaration of Domestic Partnership will serve as public record, and may qualify as proof of a relationship for purposes of acquiring any domestic partnership benefits. Additionally, employees of the City of Olivette who register for a domestic partnership will allow their domestic partner to become eligible for such benefits – including health insurance, paid sick leave and family medical leave.

Those wishing to become domestic partners must complete and file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Office of the City Clerk. For more information, please contact Mike McDowell, city manager, at 314-993-0444 ext. 5200 or mmcdowell@olivettemo.com or go to http://olivettemo.com.

AKA hosts health fair

Members of the three metropolitan chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.held their 5th Annual Health Fair,“Living Healthy Today for a Better tomorrow,”on August 6 at the Monsanto YMCA,5555 Page Blvd.

City school recognized forhealthiermeals

Monroe eMINTS Academy has received the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program Bronze Award, a national recognition, by making significant changes in the areas of healthy eating, physical activity and staff wellness to combat childhood obesity and foster healthier communities.

The school, in the St. Louis Public School District,revamped its meal service program and physical activity programs to meet or exceed stringent standards set for by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, which provides expert advice and free resources to help reverse the national trend in childhood obesity.

Founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to reduce the nationwide prevalence of childhood obesity by 2015, and empower kids nationwide to make healthy lifestyle choices.

The turtlenecks of life

By Leslie T.Broadnax Guest Columnist

God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son – John 3:16 I couldn’t image having to give my children to anyone, let alone this world. However, God knew best.

On the other spectrum, I often wonder how or why God saw fit to give me the children that I have. Simply put, He gave us Christ to learn from and to lean on. And I am beginning to believe he gave me my children and you your children for that same reason.

Early mornings are busy in my house. There is a lot to be done, with so little time. Breakfast, getting ready for school, packing lunches, and the list goes on and on.

I have to admit, I often leave my 5-year-old to her own devices in getting dressed. And most times, it is a success.

However, this particular morning, Madison was having a hard time pulling her turtleneck sweater over her head. After a few moments of frustration, she began to yell, “Mom!”

When I was slow to answer, she began to yell even louder and with fear: “I can’t see!”

“This is too hard!” “I don’t know if I can do this!” “I need help!”

Busy with other tasks, I simply yelled back, “Madison, I know you can do it, just have faith and keep on trying”

You have to know my Madison to know she wasn’t satisfied with that answer. In the middle of putting on her turtleneck, she yelled out of the room, “Mom, what is faith?”

Open auditions fortwo local plays

St. Louis Shakespeare will host auditions for The Arabian Nights on August 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre’s It’s a Wonderful Life: Live! on August 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar (across from The Pageant). For more information, visit www.stlshakespeare.org or call 314-361-5664.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). I went on to explain that in this moment she was hoping to get through the difficulty of putting her turtleneck on, and while it seemed difficult and impossible, and while she couldn’t see her way out, all she had to do was ask for help and to keep on trying. What is your “turtleneck” in life? Ajob, a wayward child, health, a marriage? I would encourage you to have faith, believe in the best outcome and ask of God’s help. Know that even if you can’t see your way out, even if it seems too hard, even if it seems impossible, keep asking for His help and keep believing.

Leslie T. Broadnax

THOMPSON

Continued from A1

the 2011 Stellar Performer in Education Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala. The dinner and gala will be held at the America’s Center.

‘You will finish school’

When Thompson was in junior high, he remembers skipping school one day.

“My father gave me a nice beat down,” he said. “I didn’t know why he was so mad about it. He told me, ‘You will finish school.’I had never thought about not finishing.”

Thompson went on to earn four degrees, including a B.A. in environmental design and a B.S. in architectural engineering both from the University of Kansas, an M.S. in civil engineering from Washington University, and an MBAin finance from Webster University.

Supporting minority students

Benjamin Akande, dean of the school of business and technology at Webster University, said he has always looked at Thompson as a force of nature.

“He is a person that is clearly anchored in his beliefs and what he stands for,” Akande said. “Whether you are talking to Tony about family, or his passion for education and lifting up others, or whether you’re talking to Tony about business, what radiates is that passion. It represents the best of what is St. Louis.”

“You will never find the guy to say no when children are involved.”

Webster is just one college of many that receive support from the Kwame Foundation for minority student scholarships.

– Scott Baier, Teach for America St.Louis

It wasn’t until he graduated with his masters from Wash. U. that he would find out his father never went to college as a young man, but had been taking courses and earned his degree at the same time Thompson earned his masters.

“I didn’t know my entire life that he didn’t have a degree,” Thompson said. “I know now as a parent why he was so angry. He wanted something better for us.”

His mother Betty Thompson, the legendary former state representative, consistently involved him in volunteering as a kid.

“My father stressed the importance of education, my mother was stressing importance of giving back,” he said. “That was the balance that the two of them brought to my

“By having a variety of institutions that I fund, I want to make sure that wherever a youth wants to go to college, they can go,” he said.

If students have perfect SATscores, he wants to make sure there are scholarships to Washington University. If they want to start at a community college, Kwame has scholarships at several. The foundation funds $60,000 to $70,000 in scholarships every year.

‘Creative yet achievable’

As an alum, Thompson helped Wash. U. to improve its student diversity, said Ralph Quatrano, dean of the school of engineering and applied sciences.

“He comes across with ideas that are creative but are yet achievable, and those are the greatest ideas to come up with,” Quatrano said of Thompson. Thompson’s idea was to encourage underrepresented

by Wiley

Winning essayist’s shopping spree

Patricia Young helped her daughter,13-year-old Erin Hent, pick out school supplies at the Maplewood Walmart last week.Erin’s love for writing paid off when she was one of 100 area middle school students who won a

$100 shopping spree.This was the Westminster Christian Academy eighth grader’s third time in a row winning the retailer’s Back-to-School Shopping Spree essay contest.She wrote about how her school,which already recycles,needs to encourage its surrounding communities to recycle,use less water and to buy LED lights instead of incandescent ones.Walmart matched each winning student’s $100 gift with a donation to KidSmart, a local non-profit that provides school supplies for children in need.

minorities at small liberal arts colleges to attend Wash. U. after they had three years of college under their belt. Then in two additional years, they would get an engineering degree at the higher institution, he said.

“Within a matter of minutes, Tony came up with a solution. He said he would help do it and would contribute scholarship support for this opportunity,” Quatrano said.

Thompson has also been on the regional St. Louis Teach for America board for more than six years.

“He believes in the genius of all of our students, regardless of where they come from, and he aligns his work, his time and his generosity towards those ends, to ensuring that they have an excellent education,” said Scott Baier, executive director of Teach for America St. Louis.

“You will never find the guy to say no when children are involved.”

One of Thompson’s efforts that most impresses Baier is the Gentlemen’s Club.

Love said that ever since he got into the Gentlemen’s Club, Thompson has helped him see “a whole new aspect of life.”

The other members agreed.

“Not only does he tell us to do the right things, he makes us believe that we can succeed in life also,” said Wendell Dorsey, a member of the Gentlemen’s Club and graduat-

ed senior at Carnahan.

Remembering Tyrone

With the Institute of Nonviolence, Thompson intends to teach young men skills to avoid violence.

Instead of suspended students staying at home for days, the institute will work with the St. Louis Public Schools to place these students in a suspension room at the school, where an African-American male tutor would tell them about the importance of education and tutor them on the work they are missing by being out of regular class.

Students will also learn about history of African Americans who were not able to get education in this country and nonviolent communication.

The institute honors Tyrone Thompson, Tony’s brother, a nonviolent advocate and youth mentor, who was shot and

killed by a teenager last year.

“When you hear Tony talk about Tyrone, he doesn’t talk about him in the past tense, he talks about him in the present tense and the fact that Tyrone will be with him for the rest of his life,” Akande said.

The love he has for his family and for his community represents the totality of Tony Thompson, Akande said. Akande said, “It’s a capture of a remarkable man, who is grounded and who understands that he has an obligation to leave this place better than he found it and who is working passionately every since day to ensure that happens.”

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala will be held Friday, September 16, at the America’s Center, with the reception starting at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m. For information and tickets, please call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

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AMNESTY

Continued from A1

Program, which offers area residents court forgiveness for misdemeanor warrants.

Dees recently married Kurtz and started taking online courses for music production. He feels like his life is getting on track, except for having about $1,200 in traffic fines.

In the past, he’d been thrown in jail every year for for a week at a time for outstanding traffic warrants. Sometimes his employers would fire him. Now with his family depending on the income from his two jobs, he can’t afford that risk, he said. But he also can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars in fines up front.

Residents have one more chance to participate in Amnesty Week this year. Between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday, August 13, residents can go to the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in the gymnasium, located at 5600 Oakland Ave.

“In our workforce, meaningful jobs are going to ask for a police record check.”

– James Clark,BFL’s vice president of Community Outreach

Last year, James Clark, BFL’s vice president of Community Outreach, said they distributed over 14,000 vouchers. To receive the vouchers, participants go through a 10minute workshop where they receive information about civil responsibility and basic respect for the law. They take a copy to the municipality where they have a warrant and give it to the court clerk, along with $100. The court clerk will then lift the warrant and give them another court date.

by

society –

“This event helps bring families and communities closer together,” Dees said. “You don’t get people trying to help other people out like this very often. It truly is a blessing.”

About 3,000 people came to the community college on Aug. 6 to receive vouchers for warrants.

FAULK

Continued from A1

his company have meant so much to the NFLand its image.

Anticipation of what Faulk and Sanders were going to say.

And, yes, afterparty anticipation.

Ah, yes, the afterparty. More on that later.

The speeches by Faulk and Sanders were poignant and well thought out. They thanked a lot of people – family, friends, teammates, coaches –

“The beauty is the $100 is applied to the fine or the court cost,” Clark said. “They don’t lose it, it is applied.”

Many people who came out on Aug. 6 said they were caught by traffic cameras.

“It’s going to help a lot,” she said. “I really don’t want to go to jail.”

Most people found out about the amnesty opportunity

Tasha Welsh, age 26, has seven warrants in St. Louis city for traffic violations, each $100 a piece. She said she was skeptical about participating in Amnesty Week at first, but she was happy she took the advice of a friend who went through the program last year.

and God. Cool. The coolest thing was that so many people who played with Faulk showed up to be part of his big moment. Future Hall of Famers Kurt Warner, Orlando Pace and Isaac Bruce were in the house, as well as Mike Jones, who is now coaching at Lincoln University. Throw in another 15-20 former teammates and coaches Dick Vermeil, Mike Martz and Jim Hanifan, and all we needed were the Tennessee Titans to try and stop them, as if it were 1999 all over again. Acollection, for sure – a collection that may not ever be in the same room at the same time again. As for the other inductees –Richard Dent, Chris Hanburger, Shannon Sharpe and Les Richter – big congrats. The honor is well deserved. This weekend is all about the Hall of Famers. On Friday, they joined a members-only

through friends or family, they said. Terrell Sanders, age 26, said his mother told him the program would help him with his outstanding MetroLink violation.

The most reoccurring theme that Clark heard from people was, “I’m tired of working for temp companies and landscape jobs. I want to be able to get a

Throw in another 15 former teammates and three former coaches, and all we needed were the Titans to try and stop them, as if it were 1999 all over again.

luncheon. At a lavish dinner that night, current Hall of Famers came out one by one to welcome the new class into the Hall. Then the presentation of the Hall of Fame jacket to the new members by their respective presenters. In Faulk’s case, it was his agent and longtime friend

meaningful job,” he said. “And in our workforce, meaningful jobs are going to ask for a police record check.”

Clark said the amnesty program is a creative way for municipalities to deal with misdemeanor warrants, and it supports Better Family Life’s mission of preserving the most important unit that makes up

Rocky Arceneaux. In the history of the Hall, only three agents have ever presented a jacket to a player, and Rocky was the second of three.

Luminary afterparty

Faulk and Sanders held an afterparty that was securitytight because of the luminaries in attendance. It featured a majority of the current Hall of Famers who stuck around for the event, as well as many former teammates, family and friends, such as Kyle and Dale Blackmon, Frank Blackmon, Les Bond, Chuck Jackson,

“They

Scott Rosenblum and other “crew members.”

One of the highlights of the evening was an impromptu performance that featured Nelly, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. At that point, it was on ... well into the night, as well. It was a memorable weekend for Marshall Faulk and all that were in attendance, as you only enter the Hall of Fame once. Faulk is the first St. Louis Ram to enter the Hall, and in my opinion the best pro football player to ever play in St. Louis. To be part of history in that manner is something all of St. Louis should relish.

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Willey Price

the family. Police chiefs of both St. Louis city and county encourage citizens to participate for this very reason, Clark said.

don’t want to arrest a mother with a warrant,” Clark said. “They would rather spend their time arresting criminals.”

James Clark,Better Family Life’s vice president of Community Outreach,explained BFL’s Amnesty Programto people seeking relief from bench warrants for misdemeanor violations Saturday at St.Louis Community College–Meramec.

OBITUARIES

Mother Oda Lee Bryant

Sunrise: August 12, 1911

Sunset: March 23, 2011

Oda L. Bryant is still sorely missed on what would have been her 100th birthday. She was dearly loved. Left to cherish sweet memories are her devoted granddaughters, Wanda Lewis (Donald), Andrea Ballard (James); one grandson, Johnnie Koonce (Charlene); 16 great -grandchildren, 47 great-great-grandchildren, 46 great-great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Bethesda Temple Church family.

Phyllis Yvette Grifin

Passed away Sunday June 26, 2011; loving and proud mother to Kwame and Jabari Turner; married to Leroy Turner some twenty-three years; faithful member of Mt Zion of St. Charles MO; 1979 graduate of University City High; world traveler and successful business person; born on April 9, 1961 to mother Deloice Grifin and father the late Benjamin Womack.

Wauzella Davis

Wauzella Davis

Wauzella Davis was born on August 11, 1926 in Egypt, Mississippi. She was the irst child born to Arthur and Victoria James. Her parents, sister, husband, daughter and great-grandson preceded her in death. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Joe Henry Davis, June 11, 1945; to this union ive children were born. She was a faithful member of the Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, joining under the leadership of the late Reverend Henry Williams. She worked diligently as Vice President of the Usher Board, Captain of Group 1, Supervisor of Junior Ushers, and a Nurse with the Health Unit. She loved to participate in the Ushers & Health Units march during their Annual Day. She was a faithful member until her health began

to fail. She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Lorthia Clark (John), and Rosalind Collins (Terrance); two sons, Henry A. Davis (Rosie), and James E. Davis (Karen); eleven grandchildren, eleven greatgrandchildren, three sisters-inlaw, one brother-in-law; one goddaughter, Giselle Rucker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and the entire membership of Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Maeola Ann Rucker

Maeola Ann Rucker, age 86, died in St. Louis, Missouri on July 23, 2011 of hyperthermia. Ms. Rucker was born February 5, 1925 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Samuel Wilson and Ola Mae Wilson. She studied for a time at a Catholic Boarding High School in Baltimore where she remembered learning how to play the saxophone. Ms. Rucker graduated from St. Joseph’s high school in St. Louis, MO. She married her late husband, William B. Rucker, Sr. in 1943 and she had 4 children. She went on to become a single mother and a hard working and dedicated Nurse’s Aide at St. Louis State Hospital for 22 years before she retired. Ms. Rucker had a thirst for knowledge and she maintained a strong memory throughout life. She loved reading newspapers and magazine and listening to radio broadcasts to keep abreast of the latest news and current events. She was also quite the ixit-woman around the house. Ms. Maeola Rucker’s survivors include her children, Antoinette Rucker, William Rucker, Jr., Loretta Rucker and Michael Rucker. Ms. Rucker also had numerous grandchildren and a great- granddaughter.

Attention St. Louis American Readers As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel@stlamerican.com.

Prelim MAP data shows SLPS improving

Preliminary results of the 2010 Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Grade Level and End Of Course exams show St. Louis Public School District students improved in 14 of 16 categories measured. This marks the fourth consecutive year SLPS has shown positive improvement. In addition, based on the preliminary results, seven St. Louis Public Schools earned Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status. Missouri students are required to take the MAP tests in Communication Arts and Mathematics in grades 3-8. High school students take End Of Course (EOC) exams upon completing Algebra 1, English II, Biology and American Government.

A comparison of MAP scores from the 2009-10 school year to 2010-11 school year shows growth in the percentage of St. Louis Public School District students scoring in the top two categories – Proicient and Advanced –in 11 of 12 categories measured.

Of the 54 SLPS elementary and middle schools taking the MAP tests (high school students take EOC exams), 32 schools showed improvement in MAP scores in Communication Arts, 34 schools showed improvement in Mathematics, and 24 schools showed improvement in both Communication Arts and Mathematics.

At the high school level, St. Louis Public School students showed improvement in three of four content areas measured in ‘09-‘10 and ‘10-‘11. Final MAP data will be released by the state in late September.

Mother Oda Lee Bryant

Maeola Rucker

An early test can save a life

Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk on Aug. 20

Special to The American

So many things were going right for Ben Edwards in 2003. He was six years into retirement and enjoying every moment by spending quality time with his family and grandson, traveling on occasion and doing various things he’d put off while working for more than 30 years at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

During a check up at the doctor’s office, the last thing Edwards expected was to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Prior to the visit, he didn’t have symptoms and wasn’t having any health problems. While talking to his doctor he inquired about the disease, and for no particular reason decided to take a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

“To this day, I just think it was divine intervention,” he said. “I believe my relationship with God allowed me to ask for that PSA test. I didn’t really know to ask; I wasn’t aware of any physical problems.”

When the results came back, Edwards couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“One of the first things that went through my mind was, ‘They must have the wrong patient; they had me mixed up with someone else,’” he said.

Helping him through the process was Alberta Edwards, his wife of more than 40 years, who is a registered nurse. Additionally, he relied on the support of family and friends, and his strong faith in God.

When it was time for surgery a few months later, Edwards was confident he’d beat the disease. Like yesterday, he still recalls the date of his surgery

– May 21, 2003. He said it’s a day he’ll never forget. In many ways, it marks a new appreciation for life.

Now eight years later, Edwards, age 64, is a proud survivor. He is sharing his story in support of this year’s Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk. As a result of his experience, Edwards is hopeful that men will talk more about the disease, participate in this year’s walk and get tested.

The walk is organized by the Empowerment Network Inc.,

n “I believe my relationship with God allowed me to ask for that PSA test.”

– Ben Edwards

a local support organization that aims to increase awareness about prostate cancer and testing/screening among AfricanAmerican men, and100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. It starts Saturday, Aug. 20 at 9 a.m. at Kiener Plaza and follows a two-mile route, ending at the America’s Center, where participants will receive free admission to the Missouri Black Expo. Walkers will interact with

prostate cancer survivors, attend educational workshops and receive more information about prostate cancer. Males 35 and older can take advantage of a free and confidential PSA test administered by Siteman Cancer Center.

Edwards, who is a past president of St. Louis’ 100 Black Men, knows the importance of a PSA test. Being diagnosed early often allows for more treatment options and a better chance of survival.

“Whenever I talk to men about prostate cancer, I tell them to take the test; the sooner, the better,” Edwards said. “No one should ever die from prostate cancer if they get their test done early enough.” Edwards also points out that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, no matter race or ethnicity; the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic men; and more common in African-American men compared to white men. Edwards is once again enjoying retirement by spending time with family and friends and occasionally traveling. However, because of his diagnosis, he has a different appreciation for life.

“There’s something about the word ‘cancer’ that puts things in perspective and makes you look at life totally different,” he said. To register for the 9th Annual Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk: visit www.100blackmenstl. org or www.pcswstl.org. Mail a completed registration form and fee of $20 to: 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, 4631 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63108 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or, contact the Empowerment Network, Inc., at 314-385-0998. The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 17. The first 1,000 people to register will receive a free Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk tote bag.

‘Congenial corruption’ and the end of the republic

Former state Sen. Jeff Smith has left St. Louis to teach at the New School in New York. At a farewell lunch with old friends and adversaries, he told a story about seeing former U.S. Senator (and former Missouri Senator) Jim Talent at the airport. Jeff shared something Talent shared with him.

“People say the U.S. Senate is the world’s greatest deliberative body,” Talent reportedly said. “It’s not. The Missouri Senate is the world’s greatest deliberative body.” Mike Wolff is leaving the Missouri Supreme Court. He is not leaving it for the U.S. Supreme Court – if only – but to teach full-time, rather than parttime (as he had been doing), at the Saint Louis University School of Law. Wolff’s former pupils at SLU Law include a mayor and a former mayor of St. Louis – Francis G. Slay and Freeman Bosley Jr. – so maybe Mike wants to go back to influencing justice and policy by other means.

On his way out of Jefferson City, Judge Wolff wrote a separate but concurring opinion that is deeply imbued with a foreboding sense of the future of Missouri politics and policy. In fact, Wolff writes, at points, self-conscious of the future historians who will review the court’s judgment – in which he concurred, but with an asterisk that takes the form of a protest howl. This veteran progressive battler howls, in protest, that the majority ruling is cutting Missouri taxpayers off at the knees and foolishly placing the public’s trust in the often dubious operators who pass laws in Jefferson City.

The court was asked to consider an appeal. The Cole County Circuit Court had rejected a petition filed by two Missouri taxpayers (and St. Louis city residents), Barbara Manzara and Keith Marquard. They claimed that the $28 million in tax credits awarded to Paul McKee Jr.’s Northside Regeneration project – utilizing the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit Act passed by the Missouri Legislature – was an unconstitutional grant of public money to private persons (primarily, one private person, the much-demonized McKee). The lower court ruled that the taxpayers did not have legal standing to challenge the statute because issuing a tax credit is not a direct expenditure of public funds. The Missouri Supreme Court’s majority opinion concurred with the lower court. Wolff howled in protest in his separate, but ultimately concurring, opinion.

“If it looks like money and acts like money, it is money,” Wolff writes. “And because it comes from the state of Missouri, it is public money. And because it is public money, the taxpayers here, Manzara and Marquard, have standing to bring this lawsuit.”

To make his point, Wolff sets forth a brief course on Transferable Tax Credits 101. He explains that these tax credits can be sold and typically are sold. McKee already has received his credits and sold them. So the beneficiary of the tax credit –McKee, in this case, since his project is the only project in the state that thus far has qualified for this credit – gets cash in hand. Since the sale goes

through a financial institution that takes a cut, he stands to gain about $25 million (which must, according to binding agreement, be used to develop the project that received the credits). The institution that transfers the credits then sells them at less than face value to individuals or entities that owe money to the state. When those third parties have redeemed all the credits originally issued for the Northside project, $28 million in taxes that had been owed to the State of Missouri will not have been received by the state. By this logic, Wolff argues, the $28 million in tax credits is a “cash alternative.” It looks like money and acts like money. And since it it public money, taxpayers have standing to challenge whether or not that money is being used in a way that is consistent with the constitution and laws of the state.

That sounds like good, common sense. Why did the majority of Wolff’s colleagues decide otherwise?

Much to his scorn – and there are fighting words in both the majority and Wolff’s concurring opinions – the majority opened two dictionaries, like a mediocre undergraduate college student stumped for a lead to his freshman comp essay. Relying on Webster’s and Black’s rather than the crystaline logic employed by Wolff, the majority arrives at a very narrowly jacketed Frankenstein definition of “direct expenditure.” An expenditure, the majority decides, is “a sum paid out,” not a sum that was supposed to be paid in but was instead credited. Though the majority would not want to do direct battle with Wolff in a contest for folksy use of English, it does trot out a homey metaphor: “A tax credit

is not a drain on the state’s coffers; it closes the faucet that money flows through into the state treasury rather than opening the drain.”

So the majority opinion leaves taxpayers who want to challenge the use of tax credits standing at the courthouse steps. You don’t like that? the court asks. Then go elect some legislators who will pass the tax credits you think are legal and valid. This is what tweaks Wolff’s sense of foreboding. At this point, he gets almost apocalyptic.

“The denial of standing to taxpayers who challenge tax credit spending rests on a flawed economic and legal analysis – an analysis sure to be noted by future historians tracing the origins of the congenial corruption that led to widespread distrust of government and ultimately led to its demise,” Wolff writes. “It may not be the end of our republic, but perhaps we may be able to see the end from here.”

Perhaps ironically – and this brings us back to what Jim Talent told Jeff Smith at the airport – Wolff thinks the majority arrived at its doomdealing decision by becoming “distracted” by a federal ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court while the Missouri Supreme Court was deliberating on this appeal. Wolff makes a persuasive case that the U.S. Supreme court has a different, lesser and ultimately “irrelevant” body of case law related to taxpayer standing than does the Missouri Supreme Court.

Wolff writes, “The principal opinion in this case, I am sad to say, follows the irrelevant lead of the U.S. Supreme Court and, in so doing, may lead the Court in future cases to forsake its duty under the Missouri Constitution.” Judge Wolff should win some new admirers in the normally hostile states’ rights camp with this eloquent defense of the independence and superiority (in this instance) of the state court.

This is the point where Wolff

tips his hand as to why he is leaving Jefferson City and coming home. His opinion of our state legislators seems very dim. He argues that by removing the courts as an avenue for taxpayer complaint about the use of tax credits, the state’s highest court has thrown our citizenry to the wolves of the Legislature.

“Thereby relieved of constitutional accountability by the principal opinion in this case, elected officials can feel free to use state government as an ATM for dispensing public money through tax credits for special projects and to special pleaders,” Wolff writes, venom dripping from his pen.

“Without judicial review, an important purpose of our state constitution – to safeguard the public’s resources for the benefit of future generations – will be entirely dependent on elected officials who may depend on the beneficiaries of tax credits for the financial support their campaigns need. Are these elected officials cognizant of the needs of future generations? Yes, of course, as they often express devotion if not actual money to those needs. Are they dependent on the well-being of future generations? Not so much.”

Wow.

So, do we class Mike Wolff as a McKee hater, along with Rex Sinquefield and (arguably) Governor Jay Nixon and Judge Robert Dierker? No. Wolff argues that Manzara and Marquard have legal standing, but their case lacks merit. Why? Because, as currently defined, Northside Regeneration serves a public, rather than private, purpose. It is an entirely legal and legitimate expenditure of public money. If Wolff had his way, McKee would be breaking ground in North City – and the taxpayer would be empowered to challenge it, or any, tax-credited project in the future. A future that now, according to Mike Wolff, is that much dimmer.

Judge Mike Wolff (third from right) wrote a spirited separate (but concurring) opinion to his colleagues on the Mis-

souri Supreme Court’s recent ruling on an appeal. Two taxpayers appealed a lower court’s rejection of a petition that challenged the legality of state tax credits issued to Paul McKee Jr.’s Northside Regeneration project.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Supreme Court

BUSINESS

‘Paradigm shift’ at Missouri Black EXPO

20th anniversary MBE shifts focus to health care and economics

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

When Tom Bailey founded the Missouri Black Expo 20 years ago, George H.W. Bush was president of the United States. Barack Obama was preparing to graduate from Harvard Law School. The World Trade Towers were still standing in New York City. And the people were thinking Afrocentric when they were thinking about a black expo.

“When we first started, people were inter-

ested in Afrocentric ideas,” Bailey said.

“When black expos began to pop up, they were cultural celebrations. People were looking for Afrocentric wear.” In 2011, as he prepares for the 20th anniversary of the MBE, there is a black man with an African father in the White House, but black household wealth is at an historic modern low and black unemployment hovers near a catastrophic 16 percent. The black expo has evolved to reflect that.

“As times have changed, we have come to

focus more on economic impact and jobs and their impact on the African-American community,” Bailey said.

“Since I am African-American and I have a family, it’s in my own interest to provide the best opportunities. We’ve come to an age where we need help and advice on how to build to wealth and how not to lose our homes to foreclosure.”

This historic first black U.S. president, as

GOP DEFAULT THREATRESULTSIN U.S. CREDITDOWNGRADE

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

YWCAMetro St. Louis recently announced the election of officers and new members to its board of directors.Among those newly elected to a threeyear term on the board are: Rhonda Brandon, vice president, human resources operations, BJC Health Care; Erica Freeman, partner, Thompson Coburn LLP; Lina Young, senior vice president of IT, Peabody Energy. Tammy Burton, managing director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Debbie Hankin, account manager, GFI Digital, Inc.; Nancy Santana, vice president and general counsel, Moran Foods; and Becky Spurgeon, vice president and CFO, Interface Construction Company, also were elected.

Ruth Johnson was appointed to represent the Committee on Administration volunteer organization on the board.

New officers are Nicole Ringenberg, vice president & controller, Monsanto Company (vice chairwoman); Angela Adler, vice president, supply chain pricing, Express Scripts, Inc. (vice chairwoman); Ann Prenatt, vice chancellor of human resources, Washington University (secretary); and Jackie Dippel, partner, KPMG, LLP(treasurer).

Kimberly L. Smith, business unit executive, west region business partners for IBM Corporation, continues as board chairwoman in a second year of a two-year term. gave ya pic

PastorB.T. Rice has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Missouri KidsFirst, a statewide child advocacy organization located in Jefferson City. Rice is currently serving as pastor of the New Horizon Christian Church in St. Louis. Rice is an active leader with the St. Louis NAACPand is the immediate past president of Missouri KidsFirst, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to preventing child maltreatment and limiting the negative impact of the trauma when it occurs.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Harris-Stowe dedicates new residence/dining facility to Bosley

Harris-Stowe State University will open its second residence hall and new student dining space Friday, August 12. The recently completed 65,000square-foot facility will be named in honor of attorney Freeman R. Bosley Jr., the first AfricanAmerican mayor of the City of St. Louis.

During his tenure as mayor, Bosley played a critical role in the university’s acquisition of 18 acres of prime land adjacent to its campus, valued at $12 million, for only $10.

“Harris-Stowe’s tremendous campus expansion during the past 15 years simply would not have been possible, if not for this historic land acquisition approved by Mayor Bosley,” said Dr. Henry Givens Jr., president of Harris-Stowe University. The $15 million construction project was managed by Kwame Building Group. Architectural services were provided by Grice Group Architects and Trivers Associates Architects. K&S Construction is the general contractor.

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

The so-called analysts at Standard & Poor’s may not be the most reliable bunch, but there was one very good reason for them to downgrade U.S. debt: Republicans in Congress made a credible threat to force a default on our obligations. This isn’t the rationale that S&Pgave, but it’s the only one that makes sense. Like a lucky college student who partied the night before an exam, the ratings agency used flawed logic and faulty arithmetic to somehow come up with the right answer. And no, I can’t join the “we’re all at fault” chorus. Absent the threat of willful default, a downgrade would be unjustified and absurd. And history will note that it was House Republicans who issued that threat. There is no plausible scenario under which the United States would be unable to

service its debt. If political gridlock were to persist, our government would be able to pay bondholders with a combination of tax revenues and funds raised by selling more Treasury bills. And in the final analysis, as Alan Greenspan noted Sunday on Meet the Press, the United States “can pay any debt it has because we can always print money to do that.” I know this kind of talk is horrifying to Ron Paul and others who believe we should be walking around with our pockets full of doubloons, but most of us find paper money more convenient. What happened this summer is that Republicans in the House, using the tea party freshmen as a battering ram, threatened to compel a default. More accurately, they demanded big budget

Clay writes about unemployment, debt ceiling on HuffPost

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D–MO) contributed a piece on jobs to the inaugural edition of HuffPost Black Voices on the popular Huffington Post news aggregator site.

“While the overall unemployment rate hovers around 9 percent, more than 16 percent of AfricanAmericans are looking for work,” Clay wrote.

“Much pain is behind those numbers, including a failed system of urban education, too little investment in worker retraining, a tax policy that still rewards corporations who outsource good American jobs overseas, and the very real legacy of inequality and exclusion that perpetuates a lack of diversity in the economic life of our nation.” Clay also called out In Congress “the Republican Tea Party” and its brinksmanship over the debt ceiling.

“Instead of approving a clean debt ceiling increase and focusing on jobs, which is exactly what the Congressional Black Caucus advocated for, and what a majority of the American people actually supported, the Republican leadership in the House allowed a small group of extremists to hijack the legislative process and take our nation to the brink of default,” Clay wrote.

Rhonda Brandon

Pastor B.T.Rice

Tom Bailey,founder of the Missouri Black Expo,and MBE sponsors at the 2010 Kick-Off Reception.

See MBE, B6 See ROBINSON, B2

Erica Freeman

Lina Young

Photo courtesy of Missouri Black Expo

What investment risks should I know about?

Taken by itself, the word "risk" sounds negative. But broken down into what it really stands for in terms of investing, it begins to be a little more manageable. By understanding the different types of risk and keeping an eye on your investments, you may be able to manage your money more effectively. Remember, strategic investing doesn’t mean "taking chances" so much as "making decisions." Long-term investing and diversification may be some of the most effective strategies you can use tohelp manage investment risk; neither guarantees against investment loss.

HARRIS

Continued from B1

of St. Louis requires at least 25 percent MBE participation on all construction projects within the city limits.E.M. Harris Construction has doubled those percentages on several of its recent projects in the city.

On its Dick Gregory project, comprising the renovation of 17 dilapidated historic structures in the Ville neighborhood into 40 apartment units, the company awarded 66 percent of contracts to

ROBINSON

Continued from B1

Senate and President Obama did not comply, the Treasury’s access to capital through borrowing would have been cut off.

The government’s cash flow would have been slashed by 40 percent, leaving not nearly enough to fund essential operations, pay entitlements and also service the debt.

Inflation Risk

The main risk from inflation is the danger that it will reduce your purchasing power and the returns from your investments. If your savings and investments are failing to outpace inflation, you may wish to consider investing in growth-oriented alternatives such as stocks, stock mutual funds, variable annuities, or other vehicles.

Interest Rate Risk Bonds and other fixedincome investments tend to be

MBE contractors.

“We want local residents to work on projects in these distressed neighborhoods, because jobs change lives,” said Mike Harris, E.M. Harris Construction founder and CEO. “By putting residents to work, it pays bills and helps stimulate the local economy.”

Bryant Scaife Sr., owner of MBE contracting company B.E. Scaife Plumbing Company, attended the awards dinner and praised Harris as instrumental in helping minority contractors.

“Mike Harris was a mentor to me when I was new to the business 10 years ago,” said

Somebody was going to get stiffed. Paying interest to bondholders could have been given priority over competing obligations such as salaries for our people in the service and Social Security checks for retirees. But for how long? Ultimately, the GOPgot its spending cuts – some of them, at least – and the debt ceiling was raised. But the possibility of default, never before more than a fantasy, had been made real. There’s no way to un-ring that bell. This new uncertainty,

By Charles Ross PERSONAL

sensitive to changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the value of these investments falls. After all, why would someone pay full price for your bond at 6 percent when new bonds are being issued at 8 percent? The opposite is also true. When interest rates fall, existing bonds increase in value.

FINANCE

Charles Ross

Scaife.“He treated me with respect and helped guide me along.”

Established in 1989, E.M. Harris Construction is a fullservice general contracting and construction management firm. The company has completed over 150 commercial and residential projects, including new construction, historic renovation and moderate rehabilitation.

“Inclusion of minorities and women shouldn’t even be an issue,” said Harris.“It should happen naturally.It’s what’s fair, and it’s how we’ve always done business.”

it seems to me, is enough to justify lowering the credit rating of our long-term debt from AAAto AA-plus. S&P, however, gave a host of largely bogus reasons for its action. Why am I not surprised? This is a firm that aided and abetted the subprime crisis – and the devastating financial meltdown that ensued – by giving no-risk ratings to dodgy securities based on mortgages that should never have been written. The firm’s credibility is spent, as is that of

Economic Risk

When the economy experiences a downturn, the earnings capabilities of most firms are threatened. While some industries and companies adjust to downturns in the economy very well, others — particularly large industrial firms — take longer to react.

Market Risk

When a market experiences a downturn, it tends to pull most of its securities down with it. Afterward, the affected securities will recover at rates more closely related to their fundamental strength. Market risk affects almost all types of investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and others. Historically, long-term investing has been a way to minimize the effects of market risk.

Specific Risk Events may occur that only

affect a specific company or industry. For example, the death of a young company’s president may cause the value of the company’s stock to drop. It’s almost impossible to pinpoint all these influences, but diversifying your investmentscould help manage the effects of specific risks.

Charles Ross is host of the syndicated radio program “Your Personal Finance.”

Contact him at P.O. Box 870928; Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087; or email to charles@ charlesross.com.

the other ratings agencies, Moody’s and Fitch.

Initially, S&Ppinned the downgrade on the sheer size and weight of the mounting federal debt. Treasury officials noticed that S&Phad made an error in its calculations, overstating the debt burden by a whopping $2 trillion. This discovery negated the ratings firm’s rationale – so it simply invented another.

Instead of basing its argument on economics, S&Pmade an ill-advised foray into politi-

cal analysis. In its “revised base case scenario,” the firm assumed that all the Bush tax cuts will remain in place past their scheduled expiration at the end of next year – even for households making more than $250,000 a year. But Obama vows not to let this happen, and S&Papparently fails to understand that after the election he will be in the strongest possible position to stand firm.

“Anew political consensus might (or might not) emerge after the 2012 elections,” S&P noted. Gee, that’s helpful.

The ratings agency should have focused instead on the one development that has direct bearing on our creditworthiness: the GOPthreat to

force a default. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor should never have planned to use the debt ceiling vote as “leverage.” Obama should have made clear from the start that if necessary he would take unilateral action, based on the 14th Amendment, to ensure there could never be a default. And yes, progressive Democrats who voted against the final debt-ceiling bill should be ashamed. It’s pretty simple: If you threaten not to pay your bills, people will – and should – take you seriously.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Jeff White,Town & Country Masonry; Thomas Nellums, MOKAN board chairman;Yaphett El-Amin,MOKAN executive director; Mike Harris,E.M. Harris Construction founder and CEO; and Robert “Bobby”Guy, MOKAN board member

“I expect to be great.I expect to do what hadn’t been done.I expect to provoke change.”

– Deion Sanders, NFL Hall of Famer

Friday Night Fights comes to St. Louis

By Glenn McBrady

Ameristar Casino hosts prized ESPN prizefighting show

For The St.Louis American

Ardent boxing fans have made it a practice since the fall of 1998 to catch or record ESPN’s Friday Night Fights each week to watch exciting bouts and listen to expert analysis by the commentators. For the first time in the show’s history, the national telecast will beam locally tomorrow (Friday, August 12) as Rumble Time Promotions presents a thrilling card at the Ameristar Casino featuring local lightweight product Dannie Williams, as well as former IBF world champion Kermit Cintron.

Regular readers of this column will be familiar with the name Stephon Young, who will make his professional debut tomorrow night.

“Dangerous” Dannie Williams had a spectacular amateur career before turning pro and amassing a record of 18-1 with an impressive seventy-four percent knockout rate. He will appear in the co-main event and will face a stern test in the form of Antonio “El Bazooka” Cervantes (16-5-5). “El Bazooka” is a tough customer from Baja, California who will look to upset the hard-charging hometown man in front of his following.

Kermit “The Killer” Cintron (32-4-1) is a Puerto Rican product who has made quite a name for himself since his pro debut eleven years ago. With 28 wins coming by stoppage, it’s clear that when “The Killer” steps through the ropes there is always an expectation of fireworks.

Cintron will be looking to right the ship after a pair of decision losses to Paul Williams and Carlos Molina.

Challenging him will be Antwone “The Truth” Smith (202-1), a rising prospect from

career.

Miami looking to build on a five year career that has taken him from Florida to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Regular readers of this column will be familiar with the name Stephon Young, the highly decorated amateur mentioned many times over the years.

He will make his professional debut tomorrow night, where those in attendance can watch him take the first steps in his next

Dangerous”Dannie Williams,left,and Antwone “The Truth”Smith,above,are two bruisers on Rumble Time Promotions card at the Ameristar Casino tomorrow,which will be broadcast on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

Keandre Gibson is another athlete we’ve watched grow from tournament to tournament. The welterweight will look to continue his momentum after a knockout win in April as he puts his undefeated 3-0 record on the line against Dean McBaine.

In addition to an exciting lineup, there will also be cruiserweight and heavyweight tussles included to raise the temperature.

Tomorrow night the eyes of the boxing world will be focused on St. Louis as hot local and national prospects look to showcase their skills and make new fans from coast to coast.

Tickets for Friday Night Fights at Ameristar are priced at $35, $55 and $100 and are available at the Ameristar Casino gift shop or by calling (314)6622000.

Gateway to JuniorOlympics

STLathletes excel at Amateur Athletic Union events in New Orleans

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St.Louis American

Earl Austin Jr.

The St. Louis area was well represented at last week’s Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in New Orleans. Area track and field athletes brought home 13 national championships, several All-American medals and a few national records from the Crescent City. One of the top individual

Area track and field athletes brought home 13 national championships, several AllAmerican medals and a few national records.

by Shawn Conway, Stephen Hickman and Marcus Davis. Former Ladue High star

Samantha Levin of the Gateway City Track Club closed out her prep career in grand style by winning the 800-meter run in the Young Women’s division with a national record time of 2:07.06. John Burroughs junior Ezekiel Elliott (St. Louis Express) won the national championship in the 400meter hurdles in the boys intermediate division. Ashley Gaston of East St. Louis won the national title in the Young Women’s discus with a winning throw of 149 feet 3 inches. Gaston was an AAU national champion in the shot put

last summer. Brandon Miller of the St. Louis Express was a two-time national champion in the boys Sub-Bantam division. Miller won the 800 and set a new national record with a time of 2:25.43. Miller also won the 1,500 in a time of 4:58.95. Hannah Pierson of the Kirkwood Track Club won the national title in 3,000-meter run in the Girls Youth division. Jamerson Williams of the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club also brought home two national championship medals in the boys Bantam division. Williams won the 400-meter dash and joined Hasani Gardnerbarr, Isaiah Williams and Larry Williams on the first-place

With Maurice Scott

Floyd “Money”Mayweather recently told fighthype.com that if St.Louis boxer Devon Alexander is free from his contractual obligations to Don King Productions,“I want to sign him.”

Mayweather may show Devon the money

As Don King contract expires, Alexander

Devon Alexander “The Great” is free. We’re talking free, as in completing all contractual obligations with Don King Productions. Alexander had a nice run with the greatest promoter of all time, having spent seven years with King. Now, it may be onto the greatest pound-forpound boxer of all time. Floyd “Money” Mayweather recently told fighthype.com, “If he (Devon Alexander) is free, I want to sign him.”

OOOWEEE! Devon Alexander signing with Mayweather Promotions would be very interesting for Team Alexander. There were no disagreements between Team Alexander and Don King Productions, as some of you might think. It’s as simple as Lebron James, Albert Pujols, Peyton Manning, or any other professional athlete making a choice after contracts and terms of agreements have been fulfilled.

I’m sure an Alexander vs. Mayweather fight would be in the cards if both men take care of business in the ring.

Mayweather has told those close to the situation that if Devon signs with Mayweather Promotions, he will “show Devon the Money.” With manager/trainer Kevin “KC” Cunningham, who was a sound negotiator for Team Alexander, in the mix again, I’m sure an Alexander vs. Mayweather fight would be in the cards if both men take care of business in the ring.

“I want to sign him,” said Mayweather in a recent interview. “If Devon Alexander is free, Mayweather Promotions wants him,” he reiterated to fighthype.com before an evening workout. Mayweather is preparing for his upcoming fight on September 17 against Victor Ortiz, the current WBC Welterweight Champion.

And for all you people who think Floyd Mayweather isn’t the King of Boxing today, just wait till those pay-per-view numbers to come in for the Ortiz fight.

The opportunities for Alexander with Mayweather’s Promotions, both in and out of the ring, are excellent – fighting on undercards of Mayweather fights, relationships with other net-

See EAST SIDE, B5

Maurice Scott

CLAIB’S CALL

By Mike Claiborne

Dude, you are a caddie

Tiger Haters fall for Stevie Williams’delusions

In case you have not heard, a few weeks ago Tiger Woods parted ways with his caddie Stevie Williams after 12 years on the tour.

Firings are never pleasant and this one fits the statement. The reason has not been explained officially, but there were enough items floating around that would lead you to think it may have been time for a change. It happens.

Woods returned to the tour last week, as did Williams, who was the caddie for Adam Scott. Scott played extremely

well at the Bridgestone, so well that he won the tournament and Tiger finished in a tie for 37th. That was not the story. Or was it?

It seemed that the Tiger Haters wanted to make a story out of Woods’former caddie being on the bag for the winning golfer this week. Here is where the haters showed their stupidity. The main culprit was Williams himself. When asked about the win, Williams replied, “This was the greatest win for me in my life.”

Excuse me? Is Williams so dumb and emotionally hurt that he forgot about the 12 years of winning with Tiger? Did Williams have a brain cramp that limited his

memory, where he does not recall being on the bag for 14 Majors wins and the money that came with it? So much money that he can live the life he enjoys thanks to Tiger Woods? Is Stevie Williams that much of a moron to take the bait of those who have it in for Tiger and become part of that circus?

Hey, Stevie Williams, know your role. You are a freakin’ caddie! That’s it. You have not made one shot to win a tournament, you have never been the person in the winner’s circle receiving a check for your ability to pull a sand wedge out of the bag. You are a caddie! Know your role. Some of the “challenged”

media found it convenient to point out that Stevie Williams won more money over the weekend at the tournament than Tiger did. The many who thought that was interesting won’t make in a year what Tiger made on a bad Sunday. Wait a minute. These idiots are now comparing money

TRACK

Continued from B3

4x400-meter relay team. Zuri Reid of the Ultimate Speed Academy won the 1,500 in the girls bantam division while Corey Hunn of the St. Louis Storm won the shot put in the boys Primary division. Here is a list of all of the medalist from the St. Louis area from the AAU Junior Olympics: Young Women: Tianna

between a man who was the first athlete to earn a billion with a caddie for one weekend? Whether you like Tiger Woods or not is not the issue here. For those who enjoy the struggles of an athlete to compound it with this whole

Valentine (Blues Track Club), third in 200 and sixth in 100;Blues Track Club, seventh in 4x400-meter relay; Blues Track Club, fourth in 4x100; Ashley Gaston (East St. Louis) third in shot put; Tierra Snow (East St. Louis) eighth in shot put; Markita Rush (East St. Louis) seventh in 400-meter hurdles; Young Men: Michael Hester (STLExpress), sixth in 400; Nicholas Stewart (STL Express) second in 3,000 and fourth in 1,500; Drew Mueller (STLExpress) fourth in 3,000;

and

days

Girls Intermediate: Ashley Henderson (St. Louis Storm), fifth in 200 and fourth in 100; Whitney Adams (unattached), sixth in 400; Courtney Rogers (St. Charles Cyclones) sixth in 3,000; Ashley Gaston (East St. Louis) eighth in javelin; Claudette Day (East St. Louis Dashers) fifth in 100-meter high hurdles; Kristen Dowell (Cahokia TC) seventh in triple jump; Boys Intermediate: Marvis Harvey (St. Louis Stingers), fourth in javelin; St. Louis Express, fourth in 4x400; Michael Wells (STLPAL), fourth in 200 and sixth in 100; Ezekiel Elliott (STLExpress) second in 110-meter high hurdles; Devin Herndon (East St. Louis Dashers) sixth in 110meter high hurdles; Marcus Davis (STLExpress) seventh in 800; Girls Youth: Hannah Pierson (Kirkwood TC) second in 1,500; Herbert Hoover, fifth in 4x800; Jaanna Williams (Herbert Hoover) fourth in 800; Alexis Kelly (St. Louis Storm) second in 3,000 race walk; Boys Youth: Robert Brown (Herbert Hoover) seventh in shot put; Richard James (Webster Rockets) sixth in high jump; Breon Murray (Gateway City) sixth in 100meter hurdles and sixth in 200meter hurdles; Jerrick Powell (St. Louis Storm) sixth in triple jump and third in outdoor pentathlon; Girls Sub-Youth: Andrea Kuehnlein (Gateway City), eighth in 400, sixth in high jump and second in outdoor pentathlon; Carolyn Ross (STL PAL) sixth in triple jump; Girls Midget: Jazzmine Poole (East St. Louis), sixth in shot put; Zionn Pearson (Blues Track Club) fourth in long jump and seventh in outdoor pentathlon; Nia Montgomery (STLExpress) seventh in long jump; Girls Sub-Midget: Shaila Jones (Herbert Hoover) eighth in 80-meter hurdles; Jamie Tabron (STLPAL) eighth in shot put and third in discus; Boys Sub-Midget: Jalen Head (U City Xplosion) fifth in shot put; Girls Bantam: Alona Williams (Herbert Hoover), seventh in 100; Zuri Reid (Ultimate Speed) second in 800; Nia Lyles (U City Xplosion) second in shot put; Teryn Battle (U City Xplosion) fourth in shot put; Boys Bantam: St. Louis Express, fifth in 4x400; Herbert Hoover, fourth in 4x100; Joshua Wallace (Blues TC) fourth in triathlon; Boys Sub-Bantam: Keshon Campbell (STLExpress) eighth in 400; Girls Primary: Eve Shelton (Blues Track Club), sixth in 200 and fifth in 400; Boys Primary: Kameron Barnes (Webster Rockets) second in shot put;

Tiger Woods

his former caddie Stevie Williams,in better

Mike Claiborne

Team Ramey places 7th at Nationals

Team Rameybasketball’s 11U boys team concluded a great summer by finishing seventh at the recent Amateur Athletic Union Division I National Tournament in Cocoa Beach,Florida.Rameybasketball finished the season with a 96-13 record and 15 tournament championships. The team members are:(front row)Kameron Bowdry,Mario Rowland,Brenden Boyd,Deante Graham,Carteare Gordon.(Second Row)Larrion Heard,Terrell Ramey,head coach,Courtney Ramey,Rickey Guinn,McKyan James, Elijah Dudley,Caleb Brooks,Deandre Campbell.Not pictured,assistant coaches Brent Segree,Charlie Bean.

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

works and people in the boxing business. In addition to Floyd

Mayweather Promotions being interested in Devon, Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy CEO Eric Schaefer also stated in a recent interview that he plans on reaching out to Devon.

“I think Devon is very marketable,” Schaefer said. “I

haven’t had any conversations with Devon or his manager Kevin Cunningham. But I definitely will, over the coming weeks, to see if there is some interest in working together.” Alexander has earned the opportunity to make one of the

most important decisions in his life when he chooses his next promoter. I wouldn’t count my man Don King out, but when Pretty Boy and Floyd Mayweather Promotions say, “We want Devon Alexander,” you have to listen.

Encouraging wealth-building in minority communities

By Camille M.Busette For The St.Louis American

The Pew Charitable Trust released a new report confirming that blacks and Latinos fared worse in the Great Recession than whites from the perspective of median wealth, or household net worth at the median. Few who have been following shifts in wealth in the United States over the last 20 years will be surprised with these findings.

The report is important, however, not because it confirms what has been a fairly consistent trend but because it raises the question of how we can slow the erosion of wealth and reestablish financial opportunities in lowincome communities of all hues.

Many American families have experienced a significant and palpable deterioration of wealth since the Great Recession began in 2007. This trend has occurred in all low-income communities, but for communities of color the trend on aggregate is more profound because of particular financial and economic profiles of these communities. Historically, these communities have been characterized by low savings, little inherited wealth and shallow asset pools. Nevertheless, wealth

deterioration is now an American problem and that means it requires a comprehensive approach that provides equal opportunities to build wealth for all low-income American families.

So what would such an approach look like?

First, tax reform is an important opportunity to reformulate how a variety of credits and deductions could enable low-income families to accumulate savings of all types. For instance, in President Barack Obama’s past budgets, he proposed that the existing Savers’Tax Credit be made refundable and qualify for federal benefits those who meet certain savings and income requirements.

Second, the ongoing discussion about how to reform the government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also provides an important avenue to explore how low-income families can also partake of the significant federal benefits that now accrue exclusively to homeowners. Many of these families may not own homes as early in their financial lifecycles as middle- and higherincome families. So, for example, there may be ways to enable renters to get credits and deductions for qualified savings toward a home.

Finally, for low-income families to prosper, they need to be well enmeshed in the mainstream financial system,

including mobile payments and prepaid cards. But that system has to be restructured to provide a broad array of responsibly marketed and serviced products that are specifically oriented to the low-income consumer.

Current mainstream offerings of checking and savings accounts or prepaid cards such as those from Visa or MasterCard typically do not have fees that are appropriate for the low-income consumer. As we rethink what consumer financial products should look like and how they should be marketed responsibly, it is worth engaging in a dialogue with all market participants about how to offer low-income consumers financial services that allow them to make and receive payments and deposits and save money for various lengths of time conveniently and at fee levels appropriate for them.

Policies that encourage low-income families to build wealth now will ultimately cushion us all from the negative trends that accompany future recessions. When families have more resources to draw upon, they can reengage in discretionary spending more quickly in a recessionary cycle and begin to provide the type of spending momentum necessary to float all boats.

Camille Busette is a senior fellow at American Progress.

MBE

Continued from B1 we all know, risked most of his political capital on a fight to reform health care and how it is insured. The 20th anniversary edition of the MBE certainly reflects the new spotlight on health care in this country.

“We know a lot of people who attend the black expo may have no health insurance or be underinsured,” Bailey said.

“Knowing that, 20 years ago we didn’t have a health fair, but this year we have health fair. The top health institutions in the area are coming together to serve a health fair, and the community will be able to make serious health benefits.”

Serious, as in $2,300 serious – that’s the total value Bailey computes for every free health screening and service that will be provided at the 2011 MBE,

all for the $6 price of admission.

“That’s a paradigm shift from where we were 20 years ago,” Bailey said.

The MBE Health Fair will focus on the major chronic illnesses that adversely affect African Americans, like diabetes and heart disease. Gospel Legend Yolanda Adams will make the MBE Health Fair a stop on her Health & Lifestyle Tour. She will speak on August 21 about the importance of preventive care and making healthy personal choices and encourage attendees to utilize the Novartis Blood Pressure Exhibit for hypertension education.

Adams’appearance is evidence of another enduring strength of the MBE: top-shelf musical artists for a very cheap ticket price. This year, Johnny Gill will headline the MBE Music Fest. This relates to one of Bailey’s professional strengths. He owns and operates Bailey Promotion and Marketing, providing bookings for musical acts, comics and speakers.

“We’ve tried to infuse an entertainment component, but it’s more entertainment with a purpose,” Bailey said. “So we have Yolanda Adams, but she’s speaking about health and lifestyle. And then we have Johnny Gill. We hope people hear their names and recognize the value of seeing these people for only $6 – and then they learn some things and get some benefits while they are here.”

“Here” is America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, where the MBE will be hosted Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday, August 21, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bailey said, “We continue to look at the expo as a cultural celebration, but it’s very important we stay current as to what are the needs of the community and see they are reflected at the expo.” For information about the MBE, visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Tom Bailey with his family at the 2011 MBE Black Party:Shannon Bailey, daughter;Tom Bailey;Sydney Bailey,daughter;Graham Bailey,son;Kathleen Bailey,sister;and Rose Blair,cousin.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Black Expo

WITH DANA GRACE

Hanging with Sade and Latifah

STL talent succeeding on the inter/national fronts

Everybody’s abuzz about Queen Latifah’s new series Single Ladies airing weekly on VH1. St. Louis native Millicent Shelton directed two recent episodes, Can’t Hide Love and Lost Without You. Millicent, a Princeton grad is making big waves in L.A. as a TV and ilm director. She received the award for Outstanding Director in a Dramatic Series for Men of A Certain Age at the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards in March. She has also directed episodes of Everybody Hates Chris, Zeke and Luther, My Name is Earl, Girlfriends, 90210 and Lincoln Heights, to name a few. Prior to her ilm and TV career, Millicent was a successful music video director for popular artists including Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah and Heavy D. Proud to see your name when the credits roll, Millicent!

I think everyone will agree the Sade concert held at the Scottrade Center on July 28 was amazing. Abesi Manyando (Abesi Public Relations) and STL TV producer Sande Stevens enjoyed the evening while seated with the band’s family and Sade’s 15-yearold daughter Ila. Sade guitarist Ryan Waters is a friend of Abesi’s. Ila, a blossoming songbird, sings background for her Mother on the song “Babyfather.” Abesi says Sade, Ila and the band enjoyed their time in St. Louis. Ila was most excited about her visit to the Black Cultural Museum here. Abesi is writing a feature on Sade’s world tour for F.A.B. Magazine, an African-centered lifestyle and

‘Help’is wanting

be heard.

tales woven into Malena Amusa’s new concert of dance and music.

Drama about civil rights and maids fails to tell the

Even before the end of the opening credits, the distracting legacy of a ictional messiah-like white character continues thanks to The Help

black story

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

As the irst term of the nation’s irst black president winds down, The Help had the capacity to remind audiences that America is just two generations removed from some of the most unjust race relations since slavery.

The movie, based on Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling novel of the same name, is an attempt to expose racial injustices via the relationship between whites and their black housekeepers.

Sadly, writer/director Tate Taylor’s ilm never gains control of its own power because the focus is not on the help at all. Instead, the storyline is essentially devoted to the great white hope that rallies in front of them, urging for the domestics to stand up and

The ilm kicks off at the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement in Jackson, Miss. Black women are invited into the homes of Jackson society women (through the back doors) to raise and nurture their little white children, but not allowed to use the restrooms where they work.

Main character Skeeter returns from college to use her gift for writing to lend a voice to the poor black maids of Jackson– and as a vehicle to usher them into the promised land.

“What if we write a book about the help?” the progressive Skeeter asks her prospective publisher.

She is compelled to do so after observing the efforts to pass a law mandating separate restroom facilities in homes where blacks work as domestics because of health concerns.

Skeeter is scolded by family and

See HELP, C5

Love, guns and basketball

Local ilmmaker showcase features movies on hearts and games

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

For the half-dozen ilms featuring or directed by African Americans included in the lineup of Cinema St. Louis’ 11th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis Filmmaker’s Showcase, the subject matter manages to create an instant connection with the audiences.

Shorts that offer interesting perspectives –both heavy and humorous – on relationships and a full-length feature that highlights the drive to create a top-notch sports program are sure to engage and inspire.

Robert Herrera’s The Gray Seasons is a touching and emotional inside look at SLU

Women’s Basketball Head Coach Shimmy Gray-Miller as she joins the program with big dreams of taking her team to the top of national rankings.

The ilm follows the tradition of great sports docs that take viewers on a journey with the range of emotions from thrilling victory to crushing defeat and back again over the course of the entire collegiate sports career of the young women she brought in as freshmen.

Gray-Miller comes in with something to prove and assurance in the ability to deliver the expectations of the athletic program. Her arrival during the 2005 season is a pivotal moment for SLU sports. The school has just broken ground on the multi-million dollar Chaifetz Arena and major staff changes shake the university to its core. There is little room for error, and the team is under intense scrutiny as they work to raise the reputation of her lady ballers.

As Gray-Miller experiences highs and

See FILMS, C4

American staff

The tales of legendary women being brought to life this Saturday at Immortal Passion! A Fiery Concert of African Dance & Music are “inspiring beyond belief,” says the globe-trotting dancer and producer of the show, Malena Amusa, founder of AddLife! Studio. There’s the story of Sharifa, an African-American woman who boldly provokes her Baptist church to champion her African roots.

There’s the story of a Japanese woman, so beautiful that state law bans men from seeing her, until one day, she snags the heart of Japan’s president.

There’s the story of India’s Hindu goddess, Radha, whose heart burns with so much passion, she inspires an entire nation to believe in love.

“Through mesmerizing African dance and music, the stories of these global women will gain legs and

See POTPOURRI, C4 See DANCE, C4

Dana Grace

The story of India’s Hindu goddess, Radha, is one of many multi-cultural

Photo by Wiley Price

Abesi Manyando (with male friend) is writing a feature on Sade’s world tour for F.A.B. Magazine, an African-centered lifestyle and fashion magazine.

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer in a scene from the new ilm “The Help.”

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR 2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

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

concerts

Sat., Aug. 20, 7 p.m. doors, The Heart of a Champion, this live concert will raise money to benefit local students through the Vatterott College Scholarship Fund and will include performances from by Nelly and Monica. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd. To purchase individual tickets and/or to learn more about package opportunities please visit: www.vatterott.edu/nelly.asp

Sun., Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Hot 104.1 presents SuperJam 5 with the return of the I Am Still Music Tourwith Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, FarEast Movement and Lloyd, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Tickets available at livenation.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the Verizon Wireless box office.

Sat., Sept. 17, (Tickets on sale Mon., Jun. 6 at 10 a.m.), Yo Gabba Gabba, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com

local gigs

Fri., Aug. 12 – Sat., Aug. 13, 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ,TIM CUNNINGHAM at JAZZ ON BROADWAYGrand

Opening, Fri., 554 East Broadway, Alton, IL. Call (618) 465-5299 for tickets.

Aug. 14, 2 p.m., Pand R Events presents Soulful Second Sunday, The Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. St. Louis, MO 63106.

Aug. 28, A-List Band SummerNights Concert Series featuring Live Music R&B, Motown, and Jazz, Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, 149 N. Main St., St. Charles MO 63301.

special events

Through Aug. 12, Best Dance & Talent CenterDance & Activity Camp, (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.- Fri.) Best Dance and Talent Center, 105 Northwest Plaza. For more information, call (314) 739BEST(2378).

Sat., Aug. 13, 6 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Eta Chapter presents 30th Annual Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Step Show 2011, Saturday, August 13, 2011, The Pageant In The Loop, 6161 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO. For more information, call (314) 565-2260

Sat., Aug. 13, 8 p.m. , “Immortal Passion! AFiery Concert of African Dance, Music, & Legendary Tales of Women from Africa, America, India &Japan!” Produced by Malena Amusa & AddLife! Studio, this enchanting concert of super dancers, songsters, and musical magicians aims to awaken every powerful and creative bone in your body! At Legacy Books & Cafe, 5249 Delmar Blvd. $15/ at the door. For more info, visit www.addlifestudio.com or call (314) 458- 4282.

Sun., Aug. 14, 10 a.m., Better Family Life’s Peacefest, (12 noon, St. Louis Metro Car Show and Display, 2 p.m. Peacefest Concert, 5 p.m. Who’s Who in Black St. Louis Celebrity Softball Classic), St. Vincent Park, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, 63133.

Sun., Aug. 14, 2 p.m., Craig Blac’s 10 Annual Community Cuts ForKids will be held at the following locations:Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, 2901 N Grand Blvd, St Louis; The Monsanto YMCA, 5555 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112;-The Mary

CALENDAR

Brown Center, 606 South 15th Street, East St Louis, Il 62207 (10a-6p at this Location). Barbers and stylists interested in volunteering can visit www.craigblac.com or e-mail craigblac@gmail.com.

Sun., Aug. 14, 4 p.m., Alpha Omega Theta Christian Fraternity, Inc. Inaugural Annual Community Outreach Day, Heman Park in Pavilion N/O at the intersection of Midland Avenue and Shaftesbury. During this event, they will provide music, food, and refreshments as we offer prayer and words of encouragement to people from the community. For more info please contact Keven Webb II at (314) 323-4531.

Sun., Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), J.R.L.W. presents ASpecial All-Star Explosion Body Blast 2011 Club Illusion, 526 E. Broadway, East St. Louis, IL. Call (314) 868-9564.

Thurs., Aug. 18, 6 p.m., Insight to Incite Magazine presents What’s Your Desire Girl’s Night, Your Pot’s Desire, 7700 Delmar Blvd.

Tues., Aug. 23, 7 p.m., The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, the Midwest’s premier a cappella choir, is seeking experienced singers. While auditions are being scheduled for all voice parts, the ChamberChorus is especially seeking basses.

Openings are available for the ChamberChorus’s 20112012 Tributes season: Oct 2, Nov 20, Dec 18, Feb 19, Apr 22 and May 27. Holy Communion Episcopal Church in University City. For more information and to schedule an audition, call 636-458-4343 or visit the Saint Louis ChamberChorus website at www.chamberchorus.org

Sat. August 27, 7a.m. - 7p.m., Neighborhood Flea Market, Saint Louis ConnectCare. Proceeds benefit uninsured/underinsured patients at Saint Louis ConnectCare. Space will be available to residents on the northeast parking lot at Delmar & Belt. Call Judi at (314)8796494 for details.

Sat., Aug. 27, 9 a.m. (8 a.m. registration) HIDDEN TREASURES MINISTRIES presents their1st Annual 5K Walk forthe Homeless, 8944 St. Charles Rock Rd. (directly behind St. John Municipal Center). For more information, visit www.agapefellowshipcenter.com or call 314-497-9145 OR 314-537-0687.

Saturdays through Aug. 27, Ms. Bridget’s 2011-2012 Dance YearRegistration & Open House, 11726 St. Charles Rock Rd., Ste J. For more info, call (314)291-1660 or visit http://www.msbridgets.com/ Sun., Aug. 28, 5 p.m.,

Independence Centerpresents Fusion 2011, Soulinfused Americana with a modern Motown twist compliments of Fresh Heir and Brothers Lazaroff Enjoy a Fusion Dinner by SqWires, Harvest, Cravings, Duffs, and The Scottish Arms and cocktails by Purus Vodka,Have the opportunity to score amazing Raffle Prizes including tickets and green room passes to Jimmy Kimmel Live. Independence Center Rooftop. For more information, visit www.independencecenter.org.

Sat., Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m. (7 a.m. registration) The Little Sisters of the Poorare hosting their2nd Annual 5K Competitive Run/ 1-Mile Fun Run-Walk, Carondelet Park. All proceeds to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor residence in north St. Louis city for the care of our needy elderly in the St. Louis metro area. Registration and info at 314421-6022 or online at www.getmeregistered.com/littlesistersofthepoor

Mon., Aug. 29, 11:30 a.m. & 6:15 p.m., Regional Arts Commission presents a free information session about Patron Manager, affordable software forsmall to medium sized arts organization, RAC, 6128 Delmar. RSVPto diane@stlrac.org.

Sat., Sept. 3, 9 a.m., AAA Education is the Key to You Success PrayerBreakfast and Awards Program, All Faith Banquet Hall, 4301 State Street East St. Louis, IL 62205. $500 Scholarships awarded to two 2011 from East St. Louis Senior High,School Dist. #189. Special Awards will be presented to two Outstanding Citizens of East St. Louis, IL. Deadline for nominations August 20, 2011 ( limit 1 page and to East St. Louis Citizens only). For more information, call 314243-3188 or 618-271-2190.

Sat., Sept. 24, 11 a.m., U City Jazz Festival, Heman Park, For more information, visit www.ucityjazzfestival.com

Sun., September11, 2 - 5 p.m., more than 3,000 people are needed to volunteerfor the 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance. United Way of Greater St. Louis has organized dozens of projects throughout the community for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 to pay tribute to those who were lost and those who rose in service. To find out about available projects and sign up, please contact United Way at www.stlremembers.orgor 314539-4296.

Thurs., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Episcopal City Mission Gala

Fundraiser“Moment in Time,” Crowne Plaza Hotel, Clayton, MO. For more information, call (314) 436-3545.

Sat., Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors), Darius Bradford and Friends presents Faithfully Funny Clean Comedy Show, Starlight Room, 8350 N. Broadway. For more information, call (314) 575-3066.

Sat., Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m., Urban Vibe Entertainment presents THE COMEDY EXPLOSION featuring Earthquake, Adele Givens, Nephew Tommy, J. Anthony Brown, Tony Rock. The Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Fox Concerts presents Chris Tucker, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Thurs., Aug. 11, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Subterranean Books are pleased to present award-winning St. Louis suspense writer Scott Phillips for a discussion and signing of “The Adjustment.” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Fri., Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Natural Nights will highlight the community’s overwhelming support of the Millions March forLibya, Not Just a Book Store, 4501 Manchester Ave. (Manchester and Taylor). For more information, call (314) 725-0040.

Fri., Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m., SIGMA(Sistas In God Mirroring Abba) presents Trapped in the System, a powerful book discussion by author and Minister Larita S. Rice.Overland Community Center,9225 Lackland Rd., St. Louis, MO 63114.For more information, call (314) 4522088.

Wed., Sept. 14, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Foundation presents Suspense Night 2011, The free event brings together seven suspense authors from across the country. St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The event is in partnership with the 2011 Bouchercon Convention which will be held from September 15-18 at the Renaissance

Heart of a Champion,benefit show for Vatterott College Scholarship Fund featuring performances by Nelly and Monica (insert).See CONCERTS for details.

Grand Hotel. Bouchercon is an annual national convention of mystery writers and readers (www.bouchercon2011.com).

theatre

Through Aug. 21, Stages St. Louis presents The Secret Garden, the Robert G. Reim Theatre, Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314-821-2407 or visit www.stagesstlouis.org

Fri., Aug. 26, 8 p.m., Spoonful of Honey Theatre Company presents Pearl Bailey…By Request starring Roz White – Vincent, Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information, call 314-598-6075, e-mail lrharris@aspoonfulohoney.com or visit www.aspoonfulohoney.com.

SIUE’s SummerShowbiz

2011 season closer, Meredith Willson’s all-time American musical classic, The Music Man. The Fine Arts Box Office phone number is 618-6502774. Tickets are on sale now! The Fine Arts Box Office at SIUE is located in the Dunham Hall Building, room 1042B, justeast of parking lot E. Check us out at www.siue.edu/summerarts.

Mon., Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Hawthorne Players auditions forHerb Gardner’s Tony Award winning play “I’m Not Rappaport,” Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive 63033. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Parts for five men and two women, including an 80year-old African-American superintendent of an apartment building. For more information visit: www.hawthorneplayers. com or e-mail: hawthorneplayers@att.net

Sept. 1 – Sept. 11, Mustard Seed Theatre’s 5th season opens with Falling, written by Artistic Director Deanna Jent,

Black Box Theatre at Fontbonne University. For more information, or to make a reservation please visit www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

Sep. 9 – Sept. 25, Gitana Productions presents the original play Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor To 911 Regional Arts Commission in the University City Loop. A panel discussion will follow the matinee performance at 4:30 p.m. on Sun., September 11, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

arts

Through August 14, Cryptic: The Use of Allegory inContemporary Art with a Master Class from Goya.This exhibition will feature the work of six contemporary artists – Folkert de Jong, Hiraki Sawa, Allison Schulnik, Dana Schutz, Javier Tellez, and Erika Wanenmacher –paired with works by Spanish master Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis,3750 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Through Aug. 21, Jacoby Arts Center7th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, Opening Reception, Friday, July 15, 5 –8 pm, The Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.jacobyartscenter.org

Through August 28 PPRC

Photography Project: BarnesJewish Hospital Center for Diversity & Cultural Competence, an exhibit at two locations. LOCATION 1: Through Aug. 28 at PPRC Photography Project Gallery, 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63121.

Through September4, The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents Critical Mass Creative Stimulus 2011 featuring the art of Emily

Hemeyer, Sarah Paulsen, Alex Petrowsky & Lyndsey

Scott Curated by Sarah Colby, Opening Reception: Friday,August 5: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Gallery Talk Thursday, August 186 p.m. (reception 5:30 p.m.) The Gallery at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd.

Sept. 16- Sept. 18, the17th Annual MOSAICS Missouri Festival forthe Arts, more than 110 juried and invited artists from across the state, region and country will exhibit, discuss, and sell artwork. Main Street in St. Charles. For more information on the MOSAICS Missouri Festival for the Arts, call 314-482-5476 or visit www.stcharlesmosaics.org

lectures

Sun., Aug. 14, 3 p.m., Gitana

Productions presents Conversations from World St.Louis featuring Dan Rugomba. Born and raised in the Congo, Dan tells a powerful story of his escape from

JAZZ ON BROADWAY Grand Opening featuring Tim Cunningham. For more information, see LOCAL GIGS.

certain death and journey to St. Louis. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For reservations call 314-7216556 or visit www.gitanainc.org.

Through Aug. 18, Along with the National Black MBA Association-St. Louis Chapterand Marks & Associates, ITEnterprises at the University of MissouriSt. Louis will sponsorthe Entrepreneurial Boot Camp The boot camp is a comprehensive three-part program designed to help participants understand the market for starting a business, determine the type of business that best suits them and how to navigate a path to ensure success. Industry experts will facilitate the workshops. Email stlblackmba@charter.net to RSVPor for more information.

Through Aug. 26, Application Deadline for University of Missouri-St. Louis Bridge Program FREE Saturday Academy Program. For more information, visit 2011www.umsl.edu/~precolle-

giate to register. (314) 5165196 or precollegiate@umsl. edu for more info..

health

Sat., Aug. 13, 9 a.m., The Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Annual Health Fair, Olivet M.B. Church, 12200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033. Call (314) 837-8418.

Aug. 18, Dining Out With Diabetes, The Saint Louis Diabetes Coalition is hosting a dining out educational event to keep diabetes patients up to speed on how to best manage their diabetes when they go out on the town. Sweet Tomatoes 9846 Watson Rd. Call (314) 338-3460 or e-mail stldiabetes@gmail.com

Sat. Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m., St. Louis Free to Breathe 5K Walk benefitting the National Lung Cancer Partnership in Creve Coeur Park - Tremayne Shelter,2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd. in Maryland Heights, Mo. Registration is $20 -adults & $10 -kids, until Aug. 15. More info at ww.FreeToBreathe.org.

Sat. Aug. 20, 9 a.m. - 9th Annual 100 Black Men Prostate CancerSurvivors &Awareness Walk, Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis. Warmup is 7:30-8:00. For more information, call 314367-7778 or visit http://100blackmenstl.org.

Sat., Aug. 20 – Sun., Aug. 21, The Missouri Black Expo 2011 ‘A20 YearCelebration of Hope! MBE Health Fair featuring Yolanda Adam’s Health Camp, Lifestyle Tour and Giant Blood Vessel, America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101.

Wed., Aug. 24, 1:30 p.m., Fourth Wednesday Lecture Series presents Programs Offered At NAMI St. Louis by Joyce A. Johnston, Directorof Programs, Place: Grace Hill Murphy O’Fallon Clinic, 1717 Biddle, St. Louis,

MO 63106.Call (314) 9624670.

Sat., Sept. 3, Trinity Mt. Carmel Baptist Church will host a health fairwith free health screenings, 11755 Mehl Avenue, Florissant MO 63033. Safety helmets for kids, raffles and free food. For information call 314-837-7878.

Tues. Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – St. Louis Regional Health Commission 10th Anniversary Summit, The Chase Park Plaza HotelKhorassan Room. 12 Noon key note address and lunch. Free registration at http://stlouis-regional-healthcommi.ettend.com or call 314446-6454x1101.

Tues. Sept. 13, 2nd Annual Health Missouri Health Literacy Summit, “Health Literacy Tools forBuilding a Patient-Centered Health Home, Hilton Garden Inn, Columbia, Mo. Keynote speaker is Dr. Howard K. Koh, 14th assistant secretary for Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. Registration $150 ($175 after August 15). For more information, go to http://www.healthliteracymissouri.org.

Sat., Aug. 13, 7 a.m., Lay Ministry of Coleman-Wright C.M.E. Church Tailgate Sale, Coleman-Wright C.M.E. Church, 9777 Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO63136. For more information, call (314) 315-2803.

Sun., Aug. 14, 9 a.m. Celebrating ourLegacy, Embracing ourDiversity Women’s Day Service, St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Aug. 6 – Aug. 20, 7 p.m., New Horizon Church presents an Old Fashion Tent Revival, 206 Emerling Drive, St Louis MO. 63121. For more information, call 314.524.1244.

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fashion magazine published in the U.K. and Africa. F.A.B. is available in the U.S. at Barnes and Noble.

Native St. Louisan Vicki Washington (Associate Vice President for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the University of Wisconsin System) also enjoyed the memorable concert that night. Vicki says she is happy brother Kevin Washington (Monster Worldwide) invited her to come home for the weekend. St. Louisan Dr. Byron Kelly (Atlanta) and nephew Rodney Kelly (St. Louis) had a grand time at the Omega Psi Phi Centennial Celebration held in Washington, D.C. July 27 –July 30. The celebration of 100 years was held at the Washington Convention Center. Thousands of Omega Men traveled there to honor the prestigious African-American fraternity’s founding fathers and to renew the fraternity’s commitment to philanthropy and fund-raising within their respective communities. The resounding theme: save our youth by continuing to support and uplift through mentoring, scholarships and networking. A few high-proile Honorary Omega role models in attendance were Shaquille O’Neal Dr. Bill Cosby and Michael Jordan Post-convention, Byron traveled with daughter Lauren Kelly, a rising senior at Prep Academy in Atlanta, to visit colleges. Bryn Mawr, Dartmouth, Harvard and Wesleyan were Lauren’s irst-round choices. Truly enjoyed Glenda Rae Harmon’s birthday celebration

NAACP Image Awards March 4 in Los Angeles.

at the popular Four Seasons Cielo Restaurant and Bar on July 22. Ran into KMJM’s Tammy Holland at Tani Sushi Bistro a couple of weeks ago, and she was excited about hosting Starpower Marketing’s semiinals for their STL Dreamcatchers competition held in the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill July 23 and 24. Finals date to be determined. It will be interesting to see which Midwest artists made the cut! Tani is trending this summer and we just love the atmosphere. Also met Notii Records CEO Ira Dewitt and spotted CAA’s Tom Condon in the crowd. Anita and Les Bond Sr traveled to Cincinnati for the July 16 wedding of Cousin Alicia Bond, Esq. Alicia married Dr. Christopher Lewis, a family practitioner in Cincinnati, in a beautiful ceremony at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. Alicia is the daughter of Howard and Ruby Bond of Cincinna-

ti. Anita and Les had a great time and enjoyed a weekend that evolved into a mini family reunion.

James Hill and Jody Squires are pumped about their 9th Annual School Supply Drive and Happy Hour on August 12. This event with a purpose will beneit the City of St. Louis’ 4-H Youth Development Program and Urban Opportunities. James and Jody will collect school supplies and monetary donations that will support disadvantaged area youth. Funds will also assist high school juniors and seniors with ACT prep classes, fees and college application expenses. J. Bucks in Clayton is the event venue. James is boasting an A-list fun-loving crowd. He hopes to see everyone there from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Friday! Happy Birthday (August 11) to my girls Gwen Key and Jane Miller! Many blessings and happy returns. Enjoy your weekend! dgrandolph@live.com

Back to school giveaways at YOURS Market

Ten families will each win a $250 value prize, including school supplies and other items, during a back-to-school event next weekend at YOURS Market, 8005 North Broadway in the Baden neighborhood of North St. Louis. A total

of $2,500 in school supplies, Yours Market gift cards and grocery items will be given away. Drawings will be held to select ive winners on Saturday, August 13, at 5:45 p.m. and another ive winners on

FILMS

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lows of building a powerhouse, she is confronted with the reality that her expectations of overnight success for her team were an illusion. The process of building the foundation for her goals would be would be done one block at a time-illed with setbacks of injuries, emotional exits, stagnancy and frustrations.

Herrera brings the viewer along for the ride in a way that will build a new fan base for the Lady Billikens and their leader. As the cameras capture the team in action, one can’t help but passionately root for them with pride and throw up their arms in frustration when they fail to follow through with the promises made to become winners.

No emotion is spared and the ilm’s candid spirit captured from behind the scenes is refreshing.

The nagging regrets, selfcriticism, self-relection, frustration and brutal honesty collectively shared between Gray-Miller and her team offer insight on the heart of a sportsman and their quest to become champions.

The ilm rivals the classic Hoop Dreams with respect to the heart and determination that Herrera captures through the

DANCE

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wings,” Amusa says. “As they ly, you will want to ly with them.”

And then there’s the story of Malena Amusa, age 27, who is starring in her own concert that she designed speciically to excite the creative imagination of her hometown, St. Louis.

“From the moment you walk into the theater, you will be totally engaged,” says Amusa.

Sunday, August 14, 2:45 p.m. Tickets for the drawings are limited to one per family and they must be present to win. For more information, call 314-553-9270 or visit www. yoursmarket.org.

“Dancers will lunge out at you. Singers will grab your hands. This is the most daring, cuttingedge concert experience I have produced.”

Immortal Passion! is Amusa’s third concert of dance, drama, and music in St. Louis.

“Like Tyler Perry, I want to

players and Gray-Miller, but with the added bonus of transparent vulnerability and the complex emotions that naturally come with the combination of womanhood and sportsmanship.

Relationship shorts

This year’s festival also saw St. Louis ilmmaker’s capturing their hearts on ilm. With Lies We Tell Ourselves, Mariah Richardson bravely exposes her personal truths with respect to her life’s recurring theme of love lost – and never gained. She opens up about past experiences, her own sexuality and

n Love, Guns and Amy gives Martisse Roosevelt Hill an opportunity to illustrate the tragic casualty of a love war.

dealing with the never-ending desire of a love connection and the painful process of being still and purposeful during the downtime until love inds her.

Lynelle White takes a much more humorous approach to love woes through But It Was Going So Well. A blind date couldn’t get any better as a

put up productions that make us holler and celebrate. Like Oprah, I want to promote a whole generation of brilliant people,” Amusa says.

As she explains her mission, Amusa talks at rapid speed, lails her arms in the air, and smiles from ear-to-ear. Her eyes are lit up with energy.

“I don’t sleep at night many times,” she says. “I’m always thinking, ‘what more can I do to inspire the world?’ I want to lead a movement of artists obsessed with this question.”

Anneliese Hubbard, a dancer and costume designer for Immortal Passion! is happy to be among the concert’s cast of artists.

“Malena is bringing so many dynamic performers together,” Hubbard says. “And she takes risks, combining dances from Mali, Senegal and Guinea. It’s

prospective couple chats the night away and make plans to spend more time together –until baseball suddenly creates a crash and burn.

Love, Guns and Amy gives Martisse Roosevelt Hill an opportunity to illustrate the tragic casualty of a love war. The silent ilm speaks volumes as Hill captures the consequences of a love triangle that leads to a duel with an unlikely loss. Hill, who is studying ilm at New York University in Singapore, ilmed his short movie on location in Singapore with a local cast. His sense of space, ability to frame a variety of dificult images, and singular skill at capturing and editing sound set him apart among local ilmmakers. Hill premiered his ilm locally at a recent showcase of short ilms about dreams screened at The

explosive.”

For one of the pieces in which Hubbard plays a Japanese geisha, Hubbard has carefully designed a costume which fuses the best of African and Japanese aesthetics.

“Art is my fountain of youth,” says Hubbard, founder of Hazel Wear fashion and jewelry line. “I feel liberated to be able to express my art.” Immortal Passion! A Fiery Concert of African Dance, Music, & Legendary Tales of Women from Africa, America, India, and Japan will take place Saturday, August 13, at 8 p.m. at Legacy Books & Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd. Tickets are $15 at the door. Call (314) 458 -4282 to reserve. For more information, visit www.AddLifeStudio. com.

St. Louis native director Millicent Shelton (right) with actors Rebecca Crews and Terry Crews at the 42nd

August 13

This Week in Black History

1881 – The first African American nursing school opens at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

1892 – The Afro-American newspaper is founded. The first edition is published in Baltimore, Maryland by John H. Murphy, Sr. At its height, the newspaper chain would publish papers in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia and Newark, New Jersey. It continues to publish today in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

August 14

1862 – President Abraham Lincoln (for the first time) meets with a group of prominent Blacks to discuss the Civil War and public policy. But before the meeting was over, he would anger those gathered. Although an outspoken opponent of the expansion of slavery, Lincoln suggested that it would be best for America and Blacks if African Americans were to emigrate to Africa or Central America. Nevertheless, a little over a month later on September 22nd he would issue the Emancipa-

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friends for being sympathetic to the colored women. As her book becomes a sensation, she is forced to face the repercussions of being a martyr for the maids. The performances in The Help fare much better than the storyline – more so from the supporting cast than the two leading ladies.

tion Proclamation technically freeing all slaves in the rebellious Southern states. 1959 – Modern basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson is born on this day in Lansing, Michigan.

August 15

1975 – In another of those highly publicized “trials of century” which frequently grip national attention, 20-year-old Joann Little is found not guilty of murder after she stabbed a white jailer who had entered her cell in Beaufort County, North Carolina to sexually assault her. The trial had been moved to Raleigh because of widespread racial prejudice in the Eastern North Carolina area where the incident actually took place.

August 16

1922 – Author and investigative reporter Louis E. Lomax is born in Valdosta, Georgia. Little known today but in the 1960s Lomax was one of the most prominent Black journalists in America. He was renowned for his coverage of the Civil Rights Movement and his investigative reporting. He died mysteriously in an automobile accident

near Santa Rosa, New Mexico on July 30, 1970. Lomax’ best known books are Negro Revolt and To Kill a Black Man.

August 17

1887 – Black separatist and Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey is born on this day in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Garvey advocated Black pride and the building of Black institutions. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 and with amazingly rapid speed built it into the largest independent Black organization in history with 1,100 branches in over 40 countries. He came to the U.S. in 1916 and the FBI began keeping a file on him in 1919. By 1923 he was indicted on what many considered trumped up mail fraud charges and eventually deported from his U.S. base in 1927. Garvey would die in England on June 10, 1940. But years before his death, he predicted his return, writing, “Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm, look for me all around you, with God’s grace, I shall come and bring with me countless millions … to aid you in the fight for liberty, freedom and life.”

But Octavia Spencer’s portrayal as Aibleen’s sassy best friend Minny lights up the screen. Bryce Dallas Howard’s performance as the heartless Hilly Holbrook – catalyst for the “separate but equal” bathroom quarters in the homes where the maids work – is another highlight of the ensemble. Sissy Spacek’s scene stealing cameos as Hilly Holbrook also offer plenty of comic relief.

Audiences are offered an idea of the struggles of black women of the Jim Crow South in the early 1960s, but any in-depth insight is reserved for Skeeter’s personal dilemmas and sacrifices. Several melodramatic

With the weight of the film on her shoulders, Emma Stone’s Skeeter manages to come across as both convincing and sincere. Viola Davis is a bit disconnected and inauthentic as Aibleen, the maid who inspires Skeeter’s bright idea.

sidebars within Skeeter’s circle of family, friends and associates are even thrown in for good measure.

Whether it’s guilt, shame, delusion – or a combination of the three – the story focuses more on Skeeter’s will for these women than the entire community’s laws and actions. The film also fails to recognize the personal sacrifices that “the help” endured for the sake of their family and future generations, just before the crumbling of centuries-old Southern segregation.

The Help opened in theatres nationwide on August 10. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 137 minutes.

Anniversary Andersons celebrate 12 years

“I would truly like to thank mysoul mate, Wendy L. Anderson, for all the love, for all the belief, for all the sweets, for making me a better man through time and making a better us in the hearts and mind. Happy Anniversary! I love you!”

– Antoine D. Anderson

Reunions

Birthday Katie Mae turns 90

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthday Beatrice is 91

Katie Mae Dunn-Lewis will celebrate her 90th birthdayon Sun., August 14at the Heart ofSt. Charles with family and friends. She is a 35-year member of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She is the mother of 10 children, grandmother of 30, great-grandmother of 66, great-great-grandmother of 30, and great-great-great grandmother of 1.

bhs1976@swbell.net or visit our website at http://desyco.tripod.com

Beaumont High School Class of 1976 will have its 35-year reunionAugust 19-21, 2011.

Fri. Aug. 19: meet & greet hospitality suite St. Louis AirportRenaissance Hotel, Sat. Aug. 20: a DinnerDance

St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel Penthouse & Sunday August 21st worship & picnic. For more detailed information pleaseemail

Harris-Stowe State University is calling on the classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011, with the class of 1961 being the “Golden Class,” for its 50-year reunion at the annual Gold Gala in October.If you or anyone you know is a member of any of these graduating classes and would like to participate, please contact the HarrisStowe Office of Alumni Affairs at (314) 340-3390 or alumni@hssu.edu

Northwest Class of 1981 30year reunion; Oct. 7th - 9th, 2011 at the Doubletree Hotel at Westport, 1973 Craigshire,

Beatrice Davis will celebrate her 91st birthday on August 11, 2011. “Grateful to God for another birthday!”

Birthdays!

Jessie Mae Shaw (75) — August 11

Matthew Williams — August 14

Pat Clardy — August 14

St. Louis, MO 63146. $75 per person, $140 couples. Meet and Greet 6-10 pm, Friday the 7th (at Doubletree); Dinner Dance; 6-12 pm Saturday the 8th (at Doubletree); Church to be announced Sunday the 9th

Contact Donna McRae 314369-2748, Karen Neal 314477-5435, Danette Sanders 314-805-7271 & Sharon Watson-Scott 314-484-7067 for more details.

Soldan High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 50 year Golden Anniversary High School Reunion, September 9, 10, 11, 2011. Events: Fri., Sept. 9—meet and greet; Sat., Sept. 10–Picnic and evening Dinner/Dance and Sunday morning breakfast. The picnic will be held at Irv Zeid Park in Olivette; all other events will be at the Embassy Suites St.

Awarded $40,000 scholarship for future OB

Khala Frances McDonald has received a four-year, $40,000 scholarship from the NSF Biology Scholars Program, Div. of Biological Sciences. She is a 2011 graduate of Hazelwood Central High and the daughter of Charles & Patsy G. McDonald III of Florissant. Khala will attend the University of MO–Columbia. Her goal is to become an Obstetrician.

Louis-Airport Hotel, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., St. Louis, MO 63044. Please contact Ronald E. Jackson 314-992-0533 or email Lynn Steele – steelelynn@aol.com

Soldan is having it’s 7th AllClass Alumni Picnic on August 13, 2011 at Blachette Park in St. Charles, MO, from 10 am-6 pm.Open to all alumni of Soldan High School and guests.Their will be food, prizes, giveaways, live entertainment, music and dance.$10 Adults, $5, children 4-12 years of age, 3 yrs & under free. T-Shirts with the year on the sleeve are $13. For information call: (314) 869-8283, or (314) 524-4060. The deadline isAugust 30, 2011.

SumnerHigh School Class of

1987 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 25-year reunion. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Please emailyour information to:sumnerco1987@gmail.com

Vashon High School classes of 1961 are finalizing their 50 year reunion activities to be held Aug. 19-21, 2011. For more information on fees and location, contact first Ella M. Jones at 314-355-4094, Constance S. Strawbridge at 314-724-6954 or John LaGrone at 314-382-1529.

Washington School Reunion August 4th to 7th 2011 at the Devine Holiness Church in Carthersville, MO for more details please call(314) 3554798.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday.

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

RELIGION

SCLC President Howard Creecy Jr. dies

Isaac Newton Farris Jr., MLK’s nephew, is interim president

Special to The NNPA

The Rev. Dr. Howard Creecy Jr., who led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as president for just seven months, died July 28 of an apparent heart attack. He was 57. Creecy, a longtime civilrights activist and father of two, died in the early morning hours at his home in Atlanta. While the cause of his death was not immediately clear, his family suspected he suffered a heart attack. An autopsy has been

commissioned, the SCLC said in a statement.

“We thank the community for the outpouring of compassion and condolences during this dificult time,” Creecy’s wife, Yolanda Grier Creecy, and his family said in a statement.

According to The New York Times, Creecy was elected president of the civil rights group in January after Bernice King, daughter of the organization’s founder Dr. Martin Luther King, declined the position. He had previously served as interim president of the conference, which was founded in 1957.

Isaac Newton Farris Jr., the nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will now assume the role of interim president.

“We are shocked,” Farris stated.

“As far as I knew, Howard was in great health. He has been my lifelong friend; this news hits me at my core. Howard has

been a prophetic leader who deeply inspired me along with countless others across this great nation and world. From his inspired leadership, which revitalized the SCLC, we will work to continue on the path that he and leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. lay before us.”

According to his biography on the Olivet Church website, Creecy, a native of Mobile, Ala., was a third-generation preacher who shared pastor duties at Olivet with his father, the Rev. Howard Creecy Sr., from 2002 until his father died in 2008. Creecy was a graduate of Morehouse College and received a doctor of divinity degree from Abotra Bible Institute and Seminary.

Creecy was senior pastor of Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta for 26 years before going to Olivet.

Faithfully Funny

Darius Bradford & Friends will present Faithfully Funny: Clean Comedy Show (“No Smoking, Drinking, or Potty Mouth!”) Saturday, August 13 at The Starlight Room, 8350 N. Broadway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 314575-3066. If your church or organization would like to receive a portion of the proceeds from this event, e-mail info to alljokes@msn.com.

86th Church Anniversary

On Sunday, August 14, the Southern Mission Baptist Church (SMBC) will celebrate its 86th Church Anniversary and Minister Licensing. The event is open to the public will take place at 8 a.m. at 8171 Wesley Ave. in Kinloch. The senior pastor of SMBC is Bishop John Mitchell Jr. Special guests of the service will include Pastor Wallace Riddle and Jesus Is the Way Church. At 4 pm, SMBC will host its 86th Church Anniversary Praise and Worship Service.

SMBC also will host Voices Crying in the Wilderness featuring Minister Rachel Carson and Deacon Larry Sneed at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 21. For more information regarding either celebration or SMBC, call 314-521-3951.

Community Tent Revival

Solomon’s Temple Church (5569 Page Blvd.) will host its Community Tent Revival at 7 p.m. nightly August 21-September 4. Bishop James E Holloway Sr. is founder and pastor and 1st Lady Linda D.Holloway is co-pastor. Visit www.solomonstemplechurch.org or email solomons@i1.net.

I was on overload! My body was exhausted, my mind’s capacity felt as if it were completely full, and my emotions were run amuck. Having never experienced an anxiety attack, I was certain this must have been what it felt like. What was wrong with me?

The answer to that question seemed simple, yet it is a truth that is seemingly hard to grasp: holding on to “stuff” and not letting it go will destroy you! Translation: YOU MUST LEARN TO FORGIVE!

Can one really identify with Christ and be called “Christian” if they’re not willing to forgive? True love demands it. Appreciation for Christ forgiving us should prompt it – in fact, freedom from resentment and anger result from it. Therefore, if it’s true that “whom the Son sets free is free indeed”; your spiritual freedom can never be complete without a forgiving heart.

God’s intention for mankind is that we be made whole, healthy and always in a state of growth, mind, body, and spirit. Christ did not come merely to be an example: His life, death, and resurrection prepared the way for us to be redeemed back to the Father. Yet His life demonstrated the true beauty of what we can be if we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in us.

I was recently asked why I would love someone who

doesn’t love me. I remember Stevie Wonder singing, “True love asks for nothing; her acceptance is the way we pay.” Love is not given with conditions; it is initiated because of the need for it: we all need love. The same can be said about forgiveness: it shouldn’t be given in response to an apology; it should be initiated because there’s a need for it. Funny thing is … the person who beneits from it the most could be you!

God wants us to be free. A heart shackled by anger, resentment, and hate will have a stunted growth. Holding on to situations and “beefs” give you a false sense of responsibility to repay. “I refuse to let them off the hook because they don’t deserve it!” Yet God tells us that vengeance belongs to Him (Romans 12:19).What God does tell us to do is love our neighbor as we would love ourselves, and not hold grudges (Leviticus 19:18). However, our greatest example lies in the fact that Christ forgave us when we did not deserve it. When I let go and forgave, I was set free. A burden was lifted, the capacity of my heart increased, and God illed it with love. I’ll take that over a grudge any day! My friends: let go, let God, and be free.

Rollyn Moore is the pastor of New Hope Church, 1211 S. Newstead St. I

Send your Message column (no more than 500 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Rollyn Moore

The Rev. Dr. Howard Creecy Jr., who led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as president for just seven months, died July 28 of an apparent heart attack. He was 57.

Celebrity

Swagger

Snap of the Week

Budweiser Superfest soul appetizers. A hard crinkle curl was deinitely in order to beat the heat at this year’s Budweiser Superfest at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater last Thursday. When I heard that my boys Mint Condition, Anthony Hamilton, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Doug E. Fresh were rolling through with Jilly from Philly, I had a smile as hard as Nicki Minaj’s exposed Raisinets for weeks. I arrived early to see my homegirl and winner of this year’s opening act competition, Theresa Payne, wail the masses into their seats. Unfortunately, most were still in line trying to see if they sell jumbo turkey legs as my dearest was put on stage in front of mostly chairs that were still in its fold up position. Too bad most missed the hometown diva rock it in her best giddy up which apparently was a moving tribute to an elaborate loral arrangement. Once she cleared the stage, Will Smith’s Kelly Rowland DJ Jazzy Jeff rolled in on a DJ booth and went straight into playing all of your favorite old school hip hop and R&B. As my one good hip swayed to the beat, I noticed a sister girl following suit. Rockin’a sheer dashiki jump-in, I quickly became offended by lack of undergarment. Who goes to an outdoor concert and don’t bother to throw on your best Spankx? She could have at least jumped into a slip while she was making the effort. To further this torrid tale, another of one of my sisters decided to take cue and throw on a white cami and nothing else. Perhaps in your shape’s better days you could have gotten away with such crimes, but at best it was servin’ me Crouching Mid-section, Sleeping Cleavage. Luckily such devastation was soon overshadowed by the ensuing groove that Mint Condition handed out during their set. Decorated in their best white summer sets, the guys sent me swingin’on such classics like “Nothing Left to Say” and “Pretty Brown Eyes.” Stokley was clearly feeling his Christina Aguilera tease as he belted out high pitched runs galore. Doug E. Fresh then made his irst appearance of the night in a blue windbreaker that even gave me a heat stroke from just lookin’at it. He kept things goin’with help from Jazzy Jeff-Rowland by rousing the crowd and keepin’ the folks on their feet. Anthony Hamilton then shimmied his way on stage in his usual son-of-a-preacher-man fanfare. “Cool,” “Coming From Where I’m From,” “Can’t Let Go,” “Point of It All”, and “Charlene.”All I needed was an Eddie Kaing serenade to send me in when he decided to throw out Five Heartbeat’s “A Heart is a House of Love.”

The Adventures of the alleged vanishing shape. With band in place and background vocalists doing every Temptations choreography known to man, I didn’t know whether Jill Scott was coming out or Gladys Knight. Once I saw Scott sashaying on stage, all was settled. One problem though. Now call me EricWilliams’ ex-wife and douse me with water lavored Ciroc, but didn’t Jill say she lost weight? Now mind you, I didn’t say my girl came on stage lookin’ like a quarter pounder with cheese but I wouldn’t be the self-proclaimed High Priestess of Shade if I didn’t call out this ishery. I didn’t see any real changes since she was here last year with Maxwell, did you? Perhaps that mesh top and liquid legging number she refuses to retire didn’t really do her justice or she thought she would fool the girls and her actual weight loss was from her pregnancy, not from doin’ sit-ups. Her bra-line entered into a never ending jiggle as she went into “Shame,” “Gimmie,” and “Hate On Me” while even squeezing in “La-di-da-di” with help from Doug E. Fresh on the beat box. Unfortunately for Jill, once she went heavy into some new unknown material, the masses went into a collective diabetic coma. Considering we live in the land of bandwagon musical tastes ( i.e. if it ain’t that Alabaster Creole known as Drake or asthmatic Weezy) we would need more than a couple of months to get into a new CD. I’m sure Scott will repay us for our deeds when she joins Beyonce-ville and shades us the next tour outing. Still, Scott managed to give rousing performances from staples like “The Way,” “A Long Walk,” and the closing “Golden.” All in all, my girl gave a healthy showing that deinitely provided me with a good ole block party vibe. Mission accomplished! Scantily attended 1st Fridays. Maybe I got to the gig a bit too early but it didn’t seem like much was goin’ on at this month’s installment of 1st Fridays. Held at the Over/Under Bar, DJ Reminisce did his best to incite some party movement with his alternative soul groove, but the ladies that were there seemed too preoccupied orderin’ a tower of onion rings than gettin’ it in on the dance loor. Others decided to amuse themselves while bein’ their own paparazzi in taking pictures painted in their smoky eye and nude lip beat. Things seemed to pick up after a few more attendees decided to come from what seemed to be a very early homecoming dance. Silk pink pants suits and thickness overstuffed in party dresses galore prompted me to do a Jay-Z “onto-the-next-one” exit.

An alternative summer inale. The season inale to FreeTime’s Alternative Fridays was all the rage at Lola last week. The band, Elements of Soul featuring lady Coco Soul gave a performance that would make one think the rapture is soon to come after all. Goodies like Trey Songz’s “Say Ahh,” Usher’s “Bad Girl”, and Cee-Lo censor free version of “Forget You” was all dispersed in high octane fashion. Coco, who appeared regal in her all white dress and bouffant, dazzled during Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary,” Erykah Badu’s “Danger,” Bel Biv Devoe’s “Poison” the latter of which I feared her topplin’ off the stage as she attempted to do the choreography in heels. Alternative Fridays was deinitely in party mode as they will go down as a highlight of this year’s summer in the Lou.

After the screening is the afterparty! Full old school hip-hop mayhem was goin’ down at the Old Rock House in celebration of A Tribe Called Quest’s documentary Beats Rhymes & Life. Nappy DJ Needles and DJ A.I. provided the party atmosphere that lowed from the entrance to the stage with joints like Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy,” Fugees’ “Killing Me Softly,” SWV’s “Right Here,” and T.L.C’s “Creep.” Ladies showed up in their best b-boy motif and guys followed suit. Big hoop earrings and large framed eye wear, lipped lid itted caps, loud colored track suits, dookie gold chains sprinkled throughout. From the looks of her enlarged silhouette and multicolored ensemble, even Evilene from The Wiz couldn’t sit this one out. Black Spade was also on hand for festivities. In the midst of booty bouncin’in leopard and loud colored leotard pants, break dancin’, and a few hoisted

shapes on the stage, Phife Dog inally broke away from his chicken plate to spin on the decks a little and jump on the mic as the crowd delighted in their backwards caps and denim overalls and Jodeci boots.

Chontel @ 1st Fridays @ Over Under Bar and Grill

Jacob and Tiffany gear up for good music @ Jill Scott’s Block Party Thursday night @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Erica, Justin and Monique celebrate the 90’s Friday night @ The Old Rock House

Ascia Lashay and Vanessa lookin’ lovely Friday night @ Lola

and Andrea get it in for the grand inale of the Friday Alternative @ Lola

Jermaine and Amber @ 1st

Over Under Bar and Grill

Josh and Erica step out for 1st Fridays @ The Over Under Bar and Grill

Duana Thomas and Birthday girl Angela Austin celebrate Friday night @ Lola

Lindsey, Tenicia, DeAndrea, Sherita, and Crystalle spend their girls night out @ 1st Fridays @ Over Under Bar

Joe and Theresa are ready for some soul Thursday night @ The Budweiser Superfest

Misha and Jamel @ Budweiser Superfest

night @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Eddie Holman of SYGU and frat brothers Halisa and Kelsey bid farewell to the The Friday Alternative @ Lola

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Harris-Stowe hosts Accounting CareerAwareness Program

University partners with National Association of Black Accountants

Special to The American

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) recently concluded its Accounting Career Awareness Program at Harris-Stowe State University, during which 25 local minority high school students resided on campus for a week to increase their understanding of accounting and business career opportunities.

From July 24-29, students attended accounting classes, while working on personal development and college preparation. Students were trained in resume writing, business etiquette, public speaking, networking, entrepreneurship and financial liter-

acy. Additionally, they toured local companies and Certified Public Accountant firms. Now that the program is completed, NABAwill maintain ongoing contact with partici-

pants through its mentorship and alumni programs and continue to monitor participants’ academic progress. Student sponsors included Deloitte, Monsanto, Rubin Brown,

KMPG, Ernst & Young and Sigma Aldrich, to name a few. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in

the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Mathematics, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Education.

SIUE to partner on STEM study

The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has selected Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among five universities across the nation as a research partner to participate in collecting information about how students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are prepared through master’s programs.

SIUE will join Loyola University in Chicago, Purdue University, Texas A&M University and Wright State University in collecting vital data about students seeking master’s degrees in STEM disciplines. The awardees will collect data on completion and attrition in STEM master’s degree programs; administer surveys to students, graduates and those who do not complete degrees, and conduct student focus groups. Additionally, awardees will survey graduate program directors.

Data collected will allow stakeholders to better understand reasons for enrollment, factors that contribute to student success and promising practices to improve completion. Insight gained from these activities can help ensure that U.S. graduate schools are preparing the necessary talent at the master’s level in STEM fields to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Research Partners in the CGS project on Completion

The National Association of Black Accountants recently concluded its Accounting Career Awareness Program at Harris-Stowe State University.

and Attrition in STEM Master’s Programs will receive $30,000 to participate. CGS, an organization of more than 500 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada, engages in graduate education, research and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. Among U.S. institutions, CGS members award 93 percent of doctoral degrees and 76 percent of master’s degrees. The organization’s mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which is accomplished through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research and the development and dissemination of best practices.

“Amaster’s degree in a STEM field often offers a clear pathway to professional employment and career success. In this economy, more than ever, we need to better understand the factors affecting completion and attrition at the master’s level,” said Debra Stewart, CGS president.

“This will be the first study of its kind in the United States and we are delighted to work with these innovative graduate schools on this unique project. The results of this study will be information essential to graduate deans as they foster student achievement in graduate education.”

Additional institutions will be invited to join in the research effort as unfunded Project Partners. The study’s findings will be released in a monograph in 2013. Adecision will be made on whether an indepth follow-up project on master’s completion and attrition is necessary. It is envisioned that a follow-up project would engage a much larger number of CGS member institutions to provide completion and attrition data, conduct surveys of entering students, graduates, and non-completers, and implement interventions that are designed to improve outcomes in master’s programs.