The St. LouiS AmericAn
Community gathers on 7th anniversary of Michael Brown’s killing
Brown’s father said ‘it’s almost like it just happened’
By Dana Rieck
Monday marked seven years since Michael Brown Jr. was shot and killed in Ferguson by former police officer Darren Wilson, sparking days of civil unrest in the city and around the country. A small crowd gathered Monday morning at the place in the Canfield Green Apartments where Brown’s life ended, and the Black Lives Matter movement began.
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, was one of many speakers who took to the mic during the rally. She said that the while the number eight represents new beginnings, the number seven represents completion.
“I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that every single time our feet hit the ground, every single time we watched somebody beaten with batons, every time the tear gas came at us, every single time we ran from the rubber bullets, every time they ambushed us from behind the trees, every time the white supremacists shot at us from up over those hills — every time that we stood, we know we saved lives,” she said.
Brown’s family and well-known activists sat in front of the spot where Brown’s body was left for four and a half hours after he was killed — marked by a rectangle painted on the road covered with flowers,
Urban League breaks ground on new senior center
Sophie Hurwitz
The St. Louis American
Seven years ago, people across the nation watched a section of West Florissant burn during the Ferguson uprising. Afterwards, many of the street’s buildings were left empty, perpetually underused. At 9947 West Florissant, in Dellwood, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is continuing its multi-year attempt to change the street’s reputation. On Monday, the organization held a ground-breaking ceremony
Board gives final approval to pandemic aid bill
Mayor
still believes plan doesn’t follow federal law
By Dana Rieck
n “Coming to this space right here, the energy is just like — it’s like the energy bounces off all the walls out here, it’s almost like it just happened.”
— Michael Brown Sr.
n “These funds will be subject to immense federal scrutiny and when auditors find that we’ve allocated funds for development incentives we will be required to pay it back.”
– St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Wednesday finally passed its $168 million pandemic aid bill after weeks of contentious debate raged on over whether a portion of the bill meets federal guidelines. This vote came after the Board of Estimate and Apportionment voted Friday to approve the bill, even though St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and Comptroller Darlene Green still believe some of the spending, particularly when it comes to funds for development in North St. Louis, won’t meet federal guidelines. Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, the third member of the three-member Board of Estimate and Apportionment, remains adamant that the bill meets legal requirements.
“These funds will be subject to immense federal scrutiny and when auditors find that we’ve allocated funds for development incentives we will be required to pay it back,” Jones said during that Friday meeting.
“This makes St. Louis vulnerable — unless we can unwind these redevelopment agreements, the cost will ultimately be borne
Bringing
‘disconnected’ SLPS families back to school
School year begins 100% in-person Aug. 23rd
By Sophie Hurwitz The St. Louis American
For weeks, members of the St. Louis Public Schools teachers union have been calling families that “slipped through the cracks” last year, re-engaging them one-onone with the district; with school. According to AFT Local 420 union spokesman Byron Clemens, families were glad to hear from teachers, and generally excited to send their children back to in-person school when classes begin Aug. 23. But what many of those students were more interested in was the back-to-school fair, held Aug. 6. Students received bookbags, got health screenings, played games, received free books — and anyone over the age of 12 was able to receive a free vaccination. The fair was funded by a grant from the national American Federation of Teachers, as part of a nationwide back-to-school push that has provided grant money to 65 districts so far. Clemens said that in the third school year of the pandemic’s impact on education, famSee SLPS, A6
Protesters rally in front of the Ferguson Police department late Monday evening Aug. 9, on the seventh anniversary of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown Jr. in by former Ferguson Police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 2014.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
See BROWN, A6
The St. Louis American
Dellwood Mayor, Reggie Jones, spoke on Monday, Aug. 9, at the Urban League’s ground-breaking ceremony for a senior apartment complex and community center. Jones noted that the municipality provides discounted or free municipal services like cutting grass and trash collection for its aging residents.
Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American
Diddy and Yung Miami of the City Girls rumored couple
Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Yung Miami of the rap duo City Girls are rumored to be dating. They were seen holding hands in June at Miami’s boss and Quality Control Music CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas’ birthday party.
A source told Page Six, Diddy is notorious for dating beautiful, younger women and the City Girls’ motto is to only date wealthy men.
“She has her own money, but she wants someone to ‘match her fly’ and treat her to the lifestyle that she has become accustomed to. So a boss like Diddy is a perfect fit,” said the unnamed source.
Miami posted a photo of the pair, showing her kissing a bottle of tequila while sit ting on Diddy’s lap.
In a recent cover interview with Vanity Fair, Diddy opened up about his past
relationships with Jennifer Lopez and the late Kim Porter. He stated that Porter would’ve wanted him to settle down.
“And so, you know, I had to start to deal with it when I lost Kim. ’Cause I was like, man, you had it,” Diddy said. “I’m not saying I would do any of it differently. God willing — I would have had more time. I look at my life as if I got a second chance.— I’m on my second mountain.”
The late Porter and he share three children Christian, 23, and 14-year-old twins Jessie James and D’Lila Star
“I am the happiest I’ve ever been in life, I laugh the most, I smile the most, I breathe the most,” Diddy said.
Rihanna a billionaire
Rihanna, an internationally known pop star and entrepreneur, now has a networth of $1.7 billion, thanks to her Fenty Beauty empire, FORBES.
She launched the company in 2017 as an inclusive cosmetics line for all demographics. She owns 50% of the company and has accumulated $1.4 billion in less than five years. She has since added Savage x Fenty, a lingerie line; Fenty Skin, a skin care company; and a fragrance called Fenty Parfum. Savage x Fenty accounts for most of Rihanna’s earnings, according to Forbes
“I’ve been slowly evolv-
ing throughout the fashion world,” Rihanna said. She is the world’s wealthiest musician and the second highest-earning woman in entertainment after Oprah Winfrey
Bad Boy producer, Chucky Thompson, dies at 53
Chucky Thompson, one of Diddy’s inhouse producers for Bad Boy Records, has died at age 53.
Producer Young Guru made the announcement on Instagram calling him his mentor, big brother and “the man who changed his life forever.”
Bad Boys’ team of producers were often called “Hitmen,” and Thompson lived up to the title. His production credits include Notorious B.I.G.’s “Big Poppa,” Faith Evans’ “You Used To Love Me,” and Mary J. Blige’s breakthrough second album “My Life.” In 1996, the album was nominated for Best R&B album at the Grammy Awards.
“Chucky and I was and will always be a musical match made in heaven,” Blige said in an Instagram post. “He was an angel sent to help me weather my storm.”
Thomas, a native of Washington D.C. first got his start in music playing with legendary go-go musician Chuck Brown
“Chuck taught me about music, money and people early on with his band,” Thompson said in an interview with the Recording Academy earlier this year.
Prior to his death, Thompson had more
music in the works. His last Instagram post teased his first contribution to Diddy’s new record label Love, set to release on Sept. 24, 2021.
Aaliyah’s music on streaming platforms starting this month
Prayers by Aaliyah fans have finally been answered, her music will soon be available on all digital streaming platforms.
Background Records, who owns the late singer’s rights and is now rebranding as Blackground Records 2.0, is partnering with the independent record label EMPIRE to release her music to streaming services. Music she collaborated on with Timbaland & Magoo, Tank, Toni Braxton and JoJo will also be available.
The music will drop in chronological order, beginning with her “One in a Million” album on August 20. Vinyl, CD pre-orders, digital pre-orders and pre-saves are currently available on Blackground’s website.
Next month, her self-titled album will be released to streaming, followed by “I Care 4 U” and the “Ultimate Aaliyah” compilation albums in October.
Aaliyah’s music, except for her 1994 album ”Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,’’ has never been downloadable or streamable. Now, 20 years after her tragic death in a plane crash fans will be able to enjoy her music.
Sources: www.pagesix.com, www.essence. com, www.tmz.com, www.npr.org
Watkins-Moore takes helm of YWCA with eye on service, inclusion
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore brings a proven record of corporate success to her role as YWCA Metro St. Louis president and CEO.
A dedication to diversity and inclusion also comes with her managerial package.
“We best serve our community when our employees reflect that community,” she said.
“At YWCA, we build a strong, effective workforce by selecting staff that represent people of all genders, race, age, experience and abilities. We also create inclusion and equitable opportunities for our staff while providing essential programming for clients we serve.”
region. She served as a board member from 2012-2014.
A physician by training, Watkins-Moore also holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
n A physician by training, Watkins-Moore also holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Watkins-Moore said a member of her team “embodies this intentional focus.”
“[The employee] provides services to people of various abilities while she herself is a person with a disability. Another example of diversity modeled in our organization is keenly reflected in YWCA’s Head Start staff. Because our Head Start families are diverse, our team that serves them represents the same diversity,” she said.
Watkins-Moore is familiar with the YWCA’s role in the
She was a co-founder and chief marketing officer of Accelerated Rehabilitation Technologies, LLC, a technology development company in the rehabilitation market. She also served as the director of bioscience entrepreneurial inclusion for BioSTL, where she strove to increase the contributions of underrepresented populations in the regional bioscience sector. She led BioSTL’s STEM Entrepreneurial Inclusion Initiative which supports women, people of color and immigrant entrepreneurs in launching STEM ventures. In that role, she worked with corporations, non-profits, government offices and educational institutions.
Ruth Saphian, YWCA board chair, calls Watkins-Moore “a proven leader with a distinguished professional record of innovation, talent development and entrepreneurship.”
“Dr. Watkins-Moore’s appointment is a clear reflection of YWCA’s motivation, [which is] to serve and [be]
ready to take on the future after a year of unprecedented service to women and families within the St. Louis community. Our next leader needs to thrive in a highly dynamic environment, to be capable of accelerating what is working well for YWCA
and disrupting what needs to change.”
She added that WatkinsMoore “has a deep commitment to empowering women, and her innovative approach will position YWCA to be the leader in providing safety, security
and economic opportunities to women and families within the St. Louis area and beyond.”
“We have selected a very strong leader at a time when YWCA is positioned to continue its 117-year legacy of service, especially when the pace
Dr. Cheryl Watkins-Moore, YWCA president and CEO, says her organization “will have a seat at the table and be a voice for the underserved in our region.”
of change is exponential.”
Watkins-Moore said focus and a solid plan of action will be part of her work.
“I believe it is important to be purposeful about everything we do at YWCA. As a legacy organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women, we have to work to ensure that all people, all gender types, and all races have equitable outcomes, both on our internal team and in the community,” she said.
“As we focus on the near future, we plan to serve more people in our region by expanding and increasing YWCA programming and collaborating with more community partners. You can expect to see YWCA at the table and in the community to address and resolve issues related to women’s rights and racial equity. We will be a voice for the underserved in our region.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Editorial
Where is the outrage?
“It is highly unfortunate, and potentially dangerous, that local public health policies enacted in recent days have come under criticism and attack. We call upon our community leaders and elected officials to yield to the medical opinions of our public health experts that are intended to keep us safe.”
—St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society
While the variant of the COVID virus disproportionately ravages North County, we see little expression of outrage at what is a classic example of a political hack-directed action at the St. Louis County Council. Where are the Black leaders in St. Louis County who are entrusted with championing the public welfare?
Where are the Black elected officials who are not a part of the repugnant political cabal on the council that has shown no real concern about the spread of the delta variant that is more intense in North County? Where are the Black physicians, cler gy, activists, civil rights leaders, social service agency lead ers and other community leaders who we trust to advocate on behalf of the Black community? Why have we not heard more from them about the shenanigans going on at St. Louis County Council meetings?
The two Black Democratic members on the council have shown that they are willing to continue to align themselves with their Republican colleagues who spew their reprehensible, self-serving political views that ignore the plight of the people most impacted—the residents of North County.
levels of 2020. Still, it does make one wonder if these St. Louis County Republican partisan hacks, who are part of a political apparatus, have intentions that are more aligned to gaining political power than their personal convictions.
Why are these two Black council members so anxious to mouth the talking points of these mask opponents? Republican state legislators across the country, including Missouri, have banned local governments from implementing mask requirements. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order prohibiting mask mandates—while his state, like Missouri, sees its rates of hospitalizations surge past the high
Let’s ignore the moral bankruptcy of these reprehensible politicians. They have shown that they have little or no interest in protecting Black lives. But we do wonder—what leads Council Chair (1st District) Rita Heard Days and Councilwoman (4th District) Shalonda D. Webb to join them in a policy that exacerbates the suffering of their constituents? Neither of these women is a medical professional and it would be reassuring if they would speak about who they rely on among health care and medical experts to reach their conclusions about how to best address the surge in coronavirus cases caused by the delta variant. There is no dispute about the preference for vaccination, but until more people are vaccinated, mask mandates have been shown to have value in limiting the spread of this highly contagious virus.
The public needs to know why they act and vote as they do about these antimask edicts. Why do they pander to their Republican colleagues and that group’s lifethreatening antics and political agenda?
There is a difference between the behavior of a Black elected official and a politician who is Black. Black leaders in North County St. Louis should demand accountability from these Black elected officials for their actions that seem anathema to the best interests of the people in North County. They should be asked to help us understand
Commentary
There was only one Dick Gregory, and he is missed
“I chose to be an agitator. The next time you put your underwear in the washing machine, take the agitator out, and all you’re going to end up with are some dirty, wet drawers.”
– Dick Gregory
In the four years since we lost St. Louis native, Sumner High School graduate, comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, his powerful voice has been missed amid the recent broadening and intensifying movement for racial justice and equity.
As the nation marked the 56th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act this week, few remembered Gregory as someone who put not only his career but his very life on the line in support of voting rights. He was among the thousands arrested during the iconic Birmingham Campaign of 1963 that flooded America’s newspapers and televisions with violent images of protestors being attacked with firehoses and police dogs. That fall, he spoke for hours in Selma, rallying hundreds of Black residents to line up at the voter registration office on “Freedom Day.”
The following summer, when voting activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Mickey Schwerner went missing, a $25,000 reward for information, raised by Gregory, led to the discovery of their bodies.
A new documentary, The One and Only Dick Gregory, sets the record straight on
Gregory’s legacy. I’m honored to be involved in several events surrounding the film’s screening at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The festival included a panel discussion on Critical Race Theory, The Intersection of Race, Culture & Creativity, along with the Rev. Dante R. Quick, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, and Adrianne C. Smith, senior partner and chief diversity and inclusion officer at St. Louis based FleishmanHillard.
“As an advocate and activist, my forward-focused DE&I journey has been one of creating opportunities and providing access for those who have been historically left out of the advertising and marketing profession,” Smith said when hired in April. “This journey has also included educating the industry on the value of diverse human capital.”
The release of the documentary and the discussions around it are especially meaningful to me. Gregory was both a personal friend and a strong supporter of the Urban League Movement. He was a guest at my wedding and spent two weeks campaigning for me in New Orleans neighbor-
The shameful GOP right-wing response to Capitol attack Commentary
By Ben Jealous
hoods during my 1994 runoff campaign for Mayor. He was a frequent speaker at Urban League events.
The film recounts how Gregory’s stand-up comedy career took off after a bravura performance before an audience of white southerners at the Chicago Playboy Club … and how he sacrificed it all to dedicate himself to the Civil Rights Movement.
My predecessor at the National Urban League, Whitney M. Young, Jr., felt that Gregory, with his biting satire mocking racism and segregation, could accomplish more for the cause of racial justice onstage than in the streets.
Gregory’s response: “When America goes to war, she don’t send her comedians.”
He was arrested dozens of times, often beaten, and shot at least once. His body became an instrument for protest, as he endured hunger strikes over the Vietnam War, the Equal Rights Amendment, police brutality, apartheid, nuclear power, prison reform, drug abuse and Native American rights.
The One and Only Dick Gregory comes at a moment when the rights for which Gregory fought and bled face a threat more serious than any in more than half a century. Gregory sacrificed fame, fortune and physical safety to secure these rights. We honor his legacy by defending them.
Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League
The Jan. 6 attack on Congress and the U.S. Capitol was an assault on our democracy. So is the effort by congressional Republicans and their right-wing media allies to keep Americans from learning the truth about the insurrection. They are desperate to protect the people responsible for that deadly attack. We can’t let them.
The U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol held its first hearing July 27. It was hard to watch, but important for Americans to witness.
Four officers testified, two from the Capitol Police and two from the Washington, D.C. police department. They described the physical attacks they endured and the moments in which they feared for their lives. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn described being surrounded by an angry mob taunting him with the n-word, something he said he had never been called while protecting the Capitol.
The power of the first hearing, and the impact of the officers’ stories, testified to the importance of the select committee created by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi after Republican congressional leaders refused to join in creating a bipartisan commission to investigate the insurrection.
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, even tried to tank the select committee by appointing people who were intent on disrupting its work.
Thank goodness Pelosi wasn’t going to let that happen. When she refused to play
McCarthy’s game, he tried to stop any Republicans from joining the panel.
To their credit, two conservative Republicans, Reps. Lynn Cheney of Wisconsin, and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, decided to put country over party. They have refused to be bullied by former President Donald Trump into promoting his lies about the election. They have refused to be intimidated by threats from McCarthy and other Republicans who are downplaying the fact that a violent mob incited by Trump tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to President Joe Biden.
I was disgusted to see right-wing activists and media figures like Charlie Kirk and Laura Ingraham mocking and
n Some Republican members of Congress dismissed the mob that hung a noose and hunted members of Congress as “tourists.”
belittling the police officers who were traumatized by the attack. And I am even more disgusted by the members of Congress who have betrayed and abandoned the officers who put their lives on the line to protect them.
Some Republican members of Congress dismissed the mob that hung a noose and hunted members of Congress as “tourists.” Some Republican members of Congress are calling insurrectionists “political prisoners.”
Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonnell testified that such distortions are deeply demoralizing. I believe it is possible that kind of betrayal may have contributed to the suicides of four officers who were defending the Capitol that
Letters to the editor
day. All the lies that Trump and his team can spew could not stand up to the actual experience of those officers. And that was just the beginning. There are a lot of dark corners that need some light thrown on them. We need to learn more about what Trump was doing Jan. 6. We need to know which members of Congress he talked to and what he said. We need to know which members of Congress or congressional staff might have helped insurrectionists plan and carry out the attack. We need a fuller understanding of how all the different groups promoting Trump’s stolen election lies fueled the rage of his supporters and built the momentum behind the violent mob that swarmed the Capitol. We also need to get a better handle on some bigger picture questions, like problems of racism and authoritarianism in law enforcement. At least 17 law enforcement officers that we know about took part in the attack on the Capitol. The military needs to get a handle on the existence of white supremacy and other extremist ideologies in the ranks. We cannot forget just how deadly and dangerous the insurrection was—and is. Trump continues to rile his supporters with the big lie that he won the election and had it stolen from him. Some Right-wing politicians, media personalities and pastors continue to spread those lies. Some still say Biden will be removed and Trump returned to power. Some talk openly of civil war. This is all discouraging. But remember this, as loud, and mean, and violent as Trump’s supporters can be, they are still a minority. They may have the power to intimidate cowardly Republican officials. But they cannot prevent us from learning the truth about Jan. 6. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.
Columnist Marc H. Morial
Columnist Ben Jealous
Annie Malone wins $2.7 million
SAMHSA grant
St. Louis American staff
Annie Malone Children & Family Services was recently awarded a $2.7 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
“This grant will fund a substance abuse intensive outpatient program for local youth and their families. This is important work, and we’re ready to provide the community with yet another critical service,” said Sara Lahman, Annie Malone CEO.
The Annie Malone grant is part of $13.3 million in first-year funding between two grant programs that support direct treatment services for people with substance use disorders and wraparound supports for their loved ones.
“[Our agency] understands a person’s substance use disorder often affects their family, and that person’s recovery effort does not occur in a vacuum,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, SAMHSA assistant secretary for mental health and substance use.
“These two grant programs fund treatment services for people grappling with substance use and provide needed wraparound supports in areas that, if left unaddressed, can impede attempts at recovery.”
The Pregnant and Postpartum Women program supports family-based services for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders, emphasizing treatment of opioid use disorders. It will help state substance abuse agencies provide services in nonresidential-based settings.
The Youth and Family Tree program supports comprehensive treatment, early intervention and recovery support services for adolescents (12 to 18 years old) and transitional-aged young people (16 to 25) who have substance use disorders and/ or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders, and their families/primary caregivers.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is charged with improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services in order to reduce illness, death, disability and the cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses.
Seven years later
Cathy “Momma Cat” Daniels, activist and PotBangerz founder, takes a moment for reflection at a teddy bear memorial for the late Michael Brown Jr. on Aug. 9 near the former Canfield Green Apartments. It was the seventh anniversary of Brown’s shooting death at the hand of former Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. A service was held in Brown’s honor at the site, which is now called Pleasant View Gardens.
The power of us can prevail
By Sonny Messiah Jiles Special to The St. Louis American
We stand at a pivotal time in history, where the “Power of Us,” the collective energy and wisdom of our community, can be the difference between a step back in time or a step into the future. We are confronted with a nation in denial, that has cast a willful blind eye to reality.
The list of denials plaguing America is exhausting:
The denial that voting is a right given by the Constitution of the United States of America, despite Republican legislative attacks across the country
The denial that our educational system is stuck in a time warp, where school is dismissed two hours before most parents get off work.
The denial that climate change exists, even as natural disasters threaten America in the form of hurricanes, wild fires and biblical flooding.
The denial that we must compensate teachers adequately so they can nurture and grow our future workforce and leaders.
The denial that America was not built by white people but by a multitude of races and ethnicities from our inventions to our slave labor.
The denial that crumbling infrastructure is hobbling America, whether it is roads and bridges or the need for nationwide internet access/broadband.
The denial that healthcare, like education, is a fundamental right and there should be access to blanket affordable healthcare for all.
The denial that COVID-19 vaccinations should be mandated the same way we mandate driver’s licenses and kids’ vaccinations to keep our nation protected.
We are a nation in denial. Why? Because self-centeredness has trumped the importance of the greater good.
The question is: Do you want others to make the decisions that impact your life, your job, your health, your children, your money and your existence?
Silence is unacceptable. Sitting on the sidelines claiming “that does not impact me” is unacceptable.
Yes, I’m preaching because American history has shown that it can go either way. Just look at Reconstruction, the period immediately after the Civil War, when the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments, known as the Civil War Amendments, were passed to ensure equality for recently emancipated slaves, only to be later dismantled by state laws and federal court decisions making voting difficult.
Today, we are at a similar crossroads. There are those who would like to return to an unequal past; when there was no talk about the browning of America, which is rapidly taking place.
Legislation has been used before to stop the empowerment of people of color. Today there are those who are trying those same techniques again. They have worked hard to appoint and install judges to local, state and federal benches, who they think will stymie future legislation. One of the only recourses is to ask Congress and President Joe Biden to protect the rights of the people and pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act
This is a time for courage, demonstrated by Texas’ State Democratic legislators who stepped up despite being labeled as underdogs and confronted with what many said was a daunting challenge to defeat the voter suppression bill on the floor of the Texas Legislature. They walked out demonstrating their collective power, or the “Power of Us.”
The strength of the “Power of Us” has been utilized for centuries as an effective strategy for change from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement. It’s time we recognize and exercise the “Power of Us,” taking action to participate in the political process. Be a part of the solution – whether that is joining a march or protest, contacting your legislators (state and national), donating to an organization in the fight, running for office or working to get someone you believe in elected. There are two Americas in the United States and only one will be the victor. We are the change we are waiting on. Sonny Messiah Jiles is CEO and publisher of the Houston Defender Network.
Sonny Messiah Jiles
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
stuffed animals, candles and chalk art. As they’ve done in the past, the event included four and a half minutes of silence in Brown’s honor — one minute to represent every hour his body remained in the street after he was shot dead. His family also released a box of butterflies as a tribute to the 18-year-old.
His father, Michael Brown Sr., spoke towards the end of the event. He said that while some may call it completion, he calls it “Mike’s still not home.” He said through the foundation set up in his son’s name he helps ease the pain of other families, but he is still hurting himself. He believes he’ll live with the pain until he dies.
“Coming to this space right here, the energy is just like — it’s like the energy bounces off all the walls out here, it’s almost like it just happened. I can feel it in the energy of what was out here Aug. 9, 2014,” Brown said.
His wife and Brown Jr.’s stepmother, Cal Brown, spoke as well. She said the couple has served 1,156 families through the Michael Brown Foundation and reminisced that only eight days before he died, Brown had graduated high school and declared the world would know his name.
SLPS
Continued from A1
ilies were glad to get the invitation to come and get prepared
“That was the longest and the hardest four and a half hours for our family,” she said of the day he was shot. “And it’s even harder to come out here every year to the same place where so much hurt and pain came from. But the bigger reason that we do it is that we come out here and try to be here for the community that stood up for us, because I know whether we’re here or not they’re going to come so we want to make sure we’re here to support them.”
Several other people spoke, including Cephus “Uncle Bobby X” Johnson, civil rights activist Tamika D. Mallory; and Ferguson Councilwoman Fran Griffin.
Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones spoke as well. She was elected as the first Black mayor of Ferguson on June 2, 2020.
Jones said the city’s consent decree agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in March 2016 is working. The agreement is a proactive and robust mandate for reform of the policies, training, and practices of the Ferguson Police Department with specific agreed-upon corrective actions and time frames for implementation.
“We have not arrived, we are just getting started,” Jones said. “But we cannot do this work until everyone decides that they’re going to work together. It’s not about me, it’s about how we can work together and only when we
for the school year. “Some asked if we could call them back and give them a reminder, and we did that. People were thankful that we checked in on them,” he said. At 10 a.m. the line for vac-
work together and put people in those seats who want to make a change and not for their personal agenda … but the agenda of the people.”
People in the crowd on Monday morning said they felt like little progress has been made in the last seven years when it came to the community’s relationship with police. Ferguson resident Steve Martin said he served four
cines winded around the back of the Gateway Complex and into the gymnasium. Children too young to be vaccinated played in the bubble machine outside or waited in the observation area as their parents got
years in prison for second degree burglary in connection with days of unrest in Ferguson following Brown’s death. He feels like there has been little change since Brown was gunned down. In fact, he said it feels like lethal police shootings of Black people around the country began to happen more frequently after Brown’s death.
the shot inside.
“Not only is the turnout big, but it’s the right population,” Superintendent Kelvin Adams said. “We targeted the families that were not necessarily connected last year. So, making over 3,000 phone calls to that targeted 950 or so families, was critical and important. When people talk about equity, it’s about getting people what they need. So this was an equity kind of deal.”
He estimated that about 300 families out of those 950 were interested in getting vaccinated at the back-to-school event.
Erica Earl brought her daughters, Ayanah and Evan, both high school students, for the vaccines. They were reluctant to get the vaccines.
“I don’t like shots, period,” Evan said. “She dragged us here,” Ayanah said.
“I did not! They wanted to come, I’m just dragging them for the vaccination!” said Earl. “Because I want to make sure they come home safely. I’ve been hearing a lot of kids, teenagers ending up in the hospital lately.”
With the rise of the highly-transmissible Delta variant, many parents are more anxious to get their eligible children and teenagers vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the percentage of nationwide COVID-19 cases that were children was up 84% in the last week of July compared to the week prior.
“I feel like as a people, we’re trying to make a change by standing up for him and speaking out, but it seems like things haven’t changed,” Martin said. Sharon Clark was also at the rally Monday. She’s a retired Jennings resident who photographed the unrest following Brown’s killing. She said Brown’s death hit hard because her grandson
So, while SLPS still plans on a fully in-person fall semester, it is taking precautions: mask mandates are still in place and students will be kept in small cohorts, for example. While Adams does not know how many teachers and staff members are vaccinated yet, he noted that “out of 100 principals, we only have about 6 who are not vaccinated. That’s the indicator we have.”
As was true a month ago, interest in the virtual schooling option SLPS offers remains low, though Adams said there’s been “a small uptick.”
And students are eager to go back to school: “I want to go back to normal,” Ayanah said.
The American Federation of Teachers’ national president, Randi Weingarten, spoke at a press conference before Saturday’s event. On Sunday, Weingarten announced on “Meet The Press” that she is backing vaccine mandates for all educators nationwide. No local district has yet announced any such mandate.
“These Saturday fairs are wonderful, because it’s a way for the district to partner with our union, and welcome families back, and make sure they get what they need,” Weingarten said. What I like about this one in particular, though, is that it also stands as a vaccination clinic.”
Adams noted that, while SLPS has not mandated vaccinations for staff, staffers who have been vaccinated are being
Aug.
attended school with him. She also agreed with Martin’s sentiments.
“I’m not seeing a whole lot of progress here,” she said. “Some things have got to change, and we have to keep standing up …. And eventually, hopefully, something will change. But right now, I’m not seeing a whole lot of change, that’s why we’re here. We’ve got to keep at it.”
asked to upload their vaccination cards to a database.
“If they have to quarantine, and they’ve been vaccinated, we’ll pay them for the 10 days they’re out,” Adams said. “If not, we won’t pay them for those 10 days.”
Mayor Tishaura Jones planned to speak at the event. However, she was unable to do so as she and her staff were quarantining after a COVID-19 exposure.
“Making sure all of us get vaccinated is key to ensuring healthy and safe school environments for our children this year,” Jones said in her prepared remarks, which were delivered on her behalf by Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed. “I commend the organizers of this event for making vaccination a key focus, and encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and talk to their families about doing the same.” And in order to do as Jones said and get as many people as possible vaccinated before school starts up in two weeks, said children’s behavioral health therapist Shaina Smith at the event, it’s important to meet people where they are— even in places like a back-toschool fair.
“We’ve had a couple people that were apprehensive, but they made it. I told them...we all had to get it, and we’re still standing, aren’t we?,” Smith said.
Michael Brown Jr.’s family and well-known activists sat in front of the spot where he was killed to mark the seventh anniversary of his death
9, 2021. From left to right: activist Anthony Shaheed, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis; Michael Brown Sr.; and Michael Brown Jr.’s stepmother, Cal Brown.
Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American
by our general fund which is already stretched thin by our city’s operational commitments.”
Jones said that after failing to persuade Reed to amend the bill to fall in line with federal law, she voted to pass the bill out of the board in the interest of getting money to city residents.
Reed responded by saying he’s simply trying to cut through the politics to get aid to city residents.
“I’m just thankful that we are going to move Board Bill 2, I think the more important thing is that we work to get these funds out to people,” Reed said. “It’s obvious that every section within the board bill is legal and compliant.”
The bill outlines how the city will spend a portion of the first installment of $249 million out of the $498 million in federal money the city will receive in the next two years through the American Rescue Plan Act.
It includes most of Jones’ original plan to spend the first $80 million in federal relief money in addition to several other addons from various aldermen — including $5 million for police overtime pay, essentially undoing Jones’ decision to cut 98 vacant police positions to reallocate $4 million in the city’s budget for
Center
Continued from A1 is the first such senior center project ever undertaken by the Urban League.
Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, thanked ULSTL’s 350 staffers for their work on the project, and noted that the decision to build a senior center was based on community input as the population of St. Louis County ages. “We want to be leaders in the form of living out what the community has in mind,”
those positions to other departments.
This spending plan also includes money to help residents cover rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and home repairs while also funding things such as vaccination efforts, neighborhood violence prevention programs and outreach work with the unhoused population. In addition to that aid, there is money allocated for $500 one-time cash payments to approximately 10,000 residents affected by the pandemic.
The approval of both the Board of Aldermen and Board of Estimate and Apportionment were required for the measure to become law and for the funds to be used by the city.
In mid-July, the Board of Aldermen held a record-breaking 12-hour meeting to hammer out the details, ultimately giving preliminary approval to the bill. They gave it preliminary approval by a vote of 27-1. Shortly after, Green and Jones refused to approve it in the Board of Estimate and Apportionment.
Since then, Reed and Jones remained in a stalemate as Reed refused to amend the bill per Jones’ request.
On Wednesday, several aldermen spoke about the bill before the vote.
“I’m glad we’re moving this forward, I’m disappointed that a lot of the first ward is not in this bill, but I intend for us to be included, I hope anybody didn’t leave us out on purpose,
McMillan said. He also thanked County Executive Sam Page, who, he said, used his “political capital” to push for this to happen. Page himself said that the development along West Florissant was “a response to the inequities highlighted by Michael Brown’s death...but we have a long way to go.”
Say ‘cheese’
Patty’s Cheesecakes’ owner, Pat Upchurch, and Marsha Staples behind the case during the opening event for The Food Hall at City Foundry on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Pat started by making cheesecakes for friends and family using her grandmother’s recipe and has now turned it into a business.
but I am going to vote for this bill, but I still have some questions,” Alderwoman Sharon Tyus said.
Tyus represents Ward 1, which covers portions of Wells/Goodfellow, Kingsway West, Kingsway East,
“Thanks again to Michael McMillan and the Urban League for your continued commitment to the region... so let’s keep the momentum going,” Page added. “Let’s show the rest of the country how we’ve taken a tragic event, galvanized a community, and committed to leaving no one behind.”
The older adult population (those over 65) represent 14.4% of St. Louis County. Councilwoman Rita Heard Days at the event said that “the citizenry is getting older, and we need to provide for the seniors whose shoulders we stand on to be where we are today.” And Reggie Jones, mayor of Dellwood, noted that the municipality provides discounted or free municipal services like cutting grass and trash collection for its aging residents.
“Dellwood is a very senior-friendly community,” he said. “You might want to
Penrose, Mark Twain and Walnut Park East.
“I just wanted to thank all of our colleagues for the hard work that was put into this bill,” said Alderwoman Marlene Davis, Ward 19.
“It is a bill that I saw evolve
move to Dellwood if you’re a senior!”
The center, which will serve low-income senior citizens, is to be constructed with KAI Design Build and Gardner Capital. It will include 44 units, as well as a community space on the first floor.
McMillan noted that while the building is to be constructed in Dellwood, it is in many ways connected to Ferguson and the uprisings there.
“Ferguson and Dellwood are inextricably tied together,” he said. “Many of the businesses that were sadly destroyed were actually in Dellwood, not Ferguson.”
to what I consider to be the greatest effort put forward since I’ve been here in 14 years.”
The bill passed Wednesday with 21 votes in favor and four present votes (meaning they neither voted for or
against the bill). Those came from alderwomen Megan Green, Tina Pihl, Annie Rice and Christine Ingrassia. Four aldermen did not vote: Dwinderlin Evans, Carol Howard, Heather Navarro and Tom Oldenburg.
Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American
Lessons from expert educators
Tips from
experienced
teachers for new, aspiring educators
Each school year offers exciting opportunities for little learners to discover and explore new topics, make friends and master new skills. While much of the focus is on families during the back-to-school season, it’s also an important time for educators, especially those who are working with young children or are just starting their careers.
These tips from award-winning and long-term educators at KinderCare can help new and aspiring teachers prepare for a successful start to the school year and their careers.
Communication is key
Making time to connect with families gives teachers opportunities to build bonds, which is essential for success. Communicating and understanding their unique needs shows you have their children’s best interests at heart.
By regularly sharing stories and observations about each child’s progress, teachers can also provide families with a sense of reassurance their children are being recognized and cared for as the unique people they are.
Never give up on a child
Each child faces unique hurdles as he or she climbs the educational ladder, with some facing more challenges than others. While at times it can be frustrating to tailor lesson plans to meet each child’s individual needs, Joan Coberg, a teacher of 40 years, recommends one important trait: patience.
“The best advice I would give is to never give up on a child,” Coberg said. “Have lots of patience. Always lead with love and kindness; be respectful. When I first started my career at KinderCare 40 years ago, I
was learning, too. As teachers, we also learn from the children.”
Set boundaries for success
Similar to open lines of communication with families, getting to know your students individually can help build relationships necessary for a successful school year. Jami Vandegrift, a prekindergarten teacher and 2018
KinderCare Teacher of the Year, said this helps build mutual respect between teacher and student.
“As you build relationships, you will start to establish boundaries and routines,” Vandegrift said. “Once you feel comfortable with the kids and the room, you can start bringing in the curriculum. Starting as a new teacher, I always thought I had to do it all at once. I’ve learned over time to start small and build each week on something new.”
Be willing to change
Consistency and structure within the classroom setting are important for establishing routines, but it’s also helpful to have an open mind and to stop an activity when children lose interest. Be observant, flexible and willing to rethink schedules, classroom arrangements, transitions and more.
Stopping to observe and ensure students are engaged can help promote success as many children learn best when fueled by personal interests.
Let children choose their paths
School days often include activity time when students can explore interests like art, music, physical activity and more. When it’s time for activities, try letting children choose what they’d like to do first. This can help foster independence while easing transitions, according to Hattie Mae Covington, a toddler teacher of 45 years. It also opens the door for teachers to cheer on their students for succeeding in activities of their choosing.
“Kids, especially young children, love to be recognized and rewarded for doing good work,” Covington said. “High fives and smiley face stickers go a long way toward encouraging them and helping them be successful. Celebrating students for their accomplishments can be a meaningful way to create bonds that support their ongoing interest in learning.”
This article is courtesy of Family Features
Better Family Life, Inc. READY4Life Project
College Bound to expand services to Ranken Tech
Grant from Enterprise Holdings to assist first-time college students
Based on the success of a partnership with St. Louis Community College to help more students complete their associate’s degrees, College Bound is expanding its oncampus embedded services model to Ranken Technical College to provide first-time college students the support and resources they need to successfully advance their educations, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Made possible by a generous three-year grant from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, College Bound’s new program with Ranken, CB@Ranken, will marshal the experience and resources of College Bound’s successful embedded services program at St. Louis Community College to
deliver a holistic and hyperindividualized support services program to students at Ranken, an institution with a long history of leadership in technical career training and preparation. The program’s ultimate goal is to increase overall graduation rates by removing some of the barriers experienced on students’ path to a degree.
“We’re honored to have this opportunity to partner with an institution that shares our motivation to provide increased access to career paths with family-sustaining wages,” said College Bound President and CEO Scott Baier. “The team at Ranken has been collaborative and transparent about challenges and opportunities alike, and we are eager to share the results of this program with the St. Louis
on people’s lives in this community.”
WGU Missouri offering $50,000 in scholarships
It’s back-to-school time across the St. Louis region, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late for busy working adults to realize their dreams of a college education this fall. To help make going back to school and earning a college degree a reality for those interested in furthering their education, Western Governors University (WGU) Missouri has announced it will award $50,000 in scholarships to aspiring students who apply by Sept. 30, 2021.
The “Back to School” scholarships are valued at $2,500
each and will be applied at the rate of $625 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. While multiple scholarships will be awarded, this is a competitive program, and scholarships will be granted based on a candidate’s academic record, financial need, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations. Students can apply online at www.wgu. edu/B2S.
“The thought of going back to school can be a challenging prospect for busy, working
adults” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “WGU offers an affordable, flexible degree path for students who are working fulltime and raising families. We are proud to also be able to offer this scholarship to help ease the financial burden for those making the leap to go back to school.”
WGU Missouri offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the areas of business, information technology, education and health professions, including nursing. The
university’s competency-based model enables students to leverage previous education, training and work experience – instead of time spent in a classroom –
WGU Missouri offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the areas of business, information technology, education and health professions, including nursing.
to earn their degrees faster. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrated they’ve mas-
tered the subject matter. The non-traditional programs are perfect for students who need a flexible, affordable option in higher education. The competency-based model, coupled with WGU’s flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term, means
its degree programs and scholarship opportunities, visit wgu.edu.
Better Family Life brings READY4Life to area high schools
Provided by Better Family Life
Better Family Life’s mission is to provide opportunities for hope for the community. Our hope is often attacked as we face and navigate today’s challenges and barriers, leaving little time to prepare for the world of tomorrow. Our new program, The READY4Life Project, focuses on preparing young people to take their place in society, community, parents, and family members who want a better family life. The READY4Life Project stands for Relationships, Education, Advancement and Development for Youth, for Life. The program will: promote or sustain healthy marriage and relationships, improve parenting and co-parenting skills, as appropriate, encourage progress toward greater economic stability for low-income participants, and encourage job and career advancement for youth.
READY4Life is a five year project supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The READY4Life Project serves high school youth (10th12th grades) in St. Louis City and County, East St. Louis, and Cahokia, Illinois, through evidence-based-informed curricula paired with targeted case management and a variety of employment, educational, and support services. The long-term outcomes of the program are to improve family functioning, improve adult and child well-
Mizzou study: Online education put Black parents in ‘sink or swim’ situation
By Roger McKinney Columbia Daily Tribune
The pivot to online education for schoolchildren during the pandemic resulted in stress for Black families with inadequate internet service and unfamiliarity with technology, a new University of Missouri study found.
“What we found was parents felt disempowered to engage in their children’s education,” said the study’s lead author, Adaobi Anakwe, an MU post-doctoral fellow.
Wilson Majee, an associate professor in the MU School of Health Professions, was a coauthor.
Columbia Public Schools was online a large part of the 2020-21 school year and most of the last half of the 201920 school year. Students are scheduled to return in-person on Aug. 24.
The MU study was conducted in an unnamed rural area in the Midwest.
The “Sink or Swim: Virtual Life Challenges among African-American Families during COVID-19 Lockdown” was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The phrase “sink or swim” in the study title was one used by a study participant in describing how she felt, Anakwe said.
The coronavirus pandemic revealed an existing digital divide, she said.
“The pandemic exposed some of the disparities that existed and increased it,” Anakwe said. “Everyone was forced to migrate over to digital technology.”
The study introduction notes that similar disparities exist in all areas of society, including COVID-19 deaths.
African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by underlying root causes such as structural racism and economic inequalities which contribute to gaps in health insurance coverage, uneven access to services (schools, housing, transportation, healthy food, green spaces, recreational facilities, etc.),” the study introduction states.
future studies should research, Anakwe said.
“This is really to have a feel of what parents were going through when going rapidly online,” Anakwe said. “Future research should look at the educational outcomes that we see and disparities across racial groups.”
Society may or may not face pandemic lockdowns that require online education, but people will rely more and more on digital technology in the future, Anakwe said. Eleven families were interviewed for the study. Although a small sample, the study highlighted what families need in terms of resources, Anakwe said. A majority of the participants were single mothers.
being, increase economic stability and mobility, and reduce poverty through access to the various wraparound services offered by Better Family Life. We believe that thriving
families are the foundation of stable and healthy communities. We are getting youth READY4Life. The question is: Are you READY?
“Part of the challenge was fighting over digital resources in the home,” Anakwe said. “Many didn’t have access to adequate internet service.”
The study also revealed some parents were concerned about their children’s mental health.
on
Start earning your degree online with WGU Missouri. Choose a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, IT, education, or healthcare (including nursing).
“Over time, these social determinants of health have resulted in higher rates of chronic medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease — all of which are risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19 among African Americans.”
This study didn’t examine the educational outcomes of the students, but it’s something that
“(The study) suggests that the U.S. needs to aggressively address the Black/White digital divide, especially to ensure equitable access to academic resources and opportunities for African American communities,” the conclusion states. “In a rapidly digitalizing world, reduced access to these resources can have irreversible long-term consequences for academic, social, and health outcomes.”
The READY4Life Project serves high school youth (10th-12th grades) in St. Louis City and County, East St. Louis, and Cahokia, Illinois.
Wilson Majee
Adaobi Anakwe
By Terri McIntosh-Williams Marian Middle School
When Ro’Niyah Harris enrolled at Marian Middle School in the eighth grade, she was unaware of her potential. At her previous school, she had trouble focusing and was struggling academically.
By the end of her first year at Marian, Harris excelled in her coursework and mastering high school curriculum. She will be a junior at Fontbonne University this fall, and she participated in a summer internship at Bayer. She serves as a residential assistant to 39 students, is president of the Black Student Union and holds two part-time jobs.
“Ms. Tamara Harris, Marian’s graduate support director, knew I was looking for an internship. She connected me with Bayer and the rest is history. I know if I need help with scholarships, internship opportunities, or general life advice, Marian is there.” Marian is expanding its Graduate Support Program in order to provide students with internships at leading STEM organizations, including Bayer and Ascension.
Marian Middle School is educating girls for life
Harris will be a junior at Fontbonne University and credits Marian Middle School for guiding her to suc
Founded in 1999 to help break the cycle of poverty through education, Marian is the only all-girls private Catholic middle school in St. Louis serving girls with limited means. Most families pay $10 to $40 per month for tuition, and the school pays the balance through its fundraising efforts. Uniforms are provided, as well as many wrap-around services (like vision and dental care), healthy meals and transportation when needed. Through the Graduate Support Program, students can receive scholarships to high performing high schools, as well as access to ACT/SAT prep courses and career exploration programs. To encourage career interest in STEM and other viable occupations, Marian hosts Women’s
cess. “When I was younger, I didn’t know I had potential. When I graduated from Marian, I began to realize I have potential to be great. I was taught self-love and learned how to appreciate myself and who I am; not only as a young lady but as a Black woman.”
Professional Networking luncheons to pair 8th graders with female professionals. Students met virtually with neurologists, Boeing engineers, entrepreneurs and other professionals during the past school year.
President Mary Elizabeth
Grimes and Principal Sarah Walker reinforce Marian’s holistic educational curriculum and its Graduate Support Program.
“Marian girls come to us two or three grades behind. By the time they graduate middle school, they are performing one
to two grades ahead. We don’t stop there. This is a 12-year, life-altering journey, with constant support that starts at 5th grade and continues through high school, college and their first career placement,” said Grimes.
“Our goal is for Marian
alums to graduate post-secondary education equipped to secure a sustainable career. It allows our students to break the cycle of poverty by affording opportunities to purchase homes and make other financial investments to close the wealth gap.”
For over 20 years, Marian has provided high quality education and support to 300 girls and counting. COVID-19 has not deterred Marian’s successes. Marian recently celebrated 19 eighth graders at an in-person graduation ceremony.
Students are heading to rigorous high schools including Bishop DuBourg High School, Cor Jesu Academy, Rosati-Kain High School and Visitation Academy through scholarships. In addition, five Marian alumnae secured college degrees, including Ronnesha Wingo who graduated from Dillard University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
This fall, she will attend Emporia State University to pursue her master’s degree in Forensic Science.
“I’m excited for my younger sister to become a Marian girl. Marian is a sisterhood that has helped me achieve my greatest potential,” said Harris. To her and hundreds of others, Marian is more than a middle school; it’s a safe-harbor and an educational support system that is truly “Educating Girls for Life!” Marian is currently enrolling fifth and sixth grade students for the 2021-2022 school year. To enroll, contact Candice Pinkins at enrollment@mmsstl.org or call 314.771.7674 ext. 25. To learn more about Marian Middle School please visit marianmiddleschool.org.
Photo courtesy of Marian Middle School
Ro’Niyah
-
“Taking Care of You”
for Medicaid expansion. A Cole County judge ruled Tuesday that newly eligible residents must be allowed to enroll “with no greater restrictions on them.”
Medicaid ruling rejects final stall attempt on expansion
Rep. Aldridge demands special session
By Tessa Weinberg
Independent By Alvin A. Reid
funding to nearly 300,000 Missourians who are now covered under Medicaid. Aldridge’s plea came in a letter to the governor following Cole County Circuit Court Judge Jon Beetem’s decision Tuesday that the Missouri Department of Social Services must
allow newly eligible residents that qualify for benefits under voter-approved Medicaid expansion to enroll and cannot impose greater restrictions on them.
“We have already put expansion off for too long, even before the drama of the last year. Medicaid expansion would have helped our state during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially benefitting people of color and Missourians who live in high poverty communities, by providing greater access to much needed medical care,” Aldridge wrote.
“You have the authority to ensure the General Assembly does not let this essential
By JoAnn Weaver The St. Louis American
A significant challenge in developing therapy and care for Alzheimer’s disease that work for people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds is recruitment and retention of traditionally underrepresented groups in clinical trials. At the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2021, in Denver and virtually, researchers shared new evidence-based insight into why people of color often do not choose to participate in clinical trials.
“There is a well-recognized need for diversity in clinical trial populations to ensure diagnostics and treatments are safe and effective for everyone,” said Carl V. Hill, MPH, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.
“It’s imperative that the Alzheimer’s community is aware of the impact of historical racism, and the current racial discrimination
n “Minority populations are underrepresented and disproportionately affected by the disease in clinical trials.”
– Traci Carter, director of community programs of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter
in health care that presents obstacles for inclusive participation in Alzheimer’s trials. And, just as important, it is critical that we evaluate strategies that have been shown to be effective when recruiting historically underrepresented individuals and communities in these vital Alzheimer’s research studies.” The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 Facts
program go unfunded. I encourage you to use it.”
In his ruling, Beetem rejected the state’s request that it be allowed to make its case for why it needs two more months to begin accepting newly eligible residents.
State Sen. Karla May (D, 4th District) chastised Parson and the state for “numerous delays in implementing the will of the voters.”
“I am thankful the courts have finally put an end to these efforts once and for all. With this ruling, it is clear that now is time for the
By Rev. Karla Renee Garcia
In assessing the controversy over COVID19 and vaccination, my mind was drawn to this very famous Shakespearian quote from the play “Hamlet”: “To be, or not to be.”
The idea of whether it is better to live or to die seems to be the question when discussing vaccination.
People of color, primarily African American people, have higher mortality rates along with lower vaccination rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African American, Hispanic and Native American people are about four times more likely to be hospitalized and nearly three times more likely to die of COVID-19 than white people. Yet African Americans have nearly the lowest rates of vaccination among any ethnic group. So, the question “To be, or not to be” — to live or to die — becomes paramount.
Black Americans have the lowest vaccination rates of any racial or ethnic group, according to data from the CDC. The share of Black people who are vaccinated is about six to seven percentage points lower than that of white or Hispanic people and 10 percentage points lower than that of Asians.
n Black Americans have the lowest vaccination rates of any racial or ethnic group, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The history involving African Americans and the lack of trust created and established from unethical health care experiments (the Tuskegee syphilis study) and scandals involving no informed consent (Henrietta Lacks) and the many other horrible atrocities committed against African Americans have contributed to the avoidance in seeking health care. These historical events have contributed to the health care disparities today. In addition, we are living in a climate where COVID-19 and vaccination have been used as political pawns.
In an article last year, researcher Christos Makridis of Arizona State University and
See GARCIA, A13
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 Facts & Figures special report found nearly two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is biased against people of color.
State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge is calling on Gov. Parson to call a special session to address funding
Photo image courtesy of stlapproves.org
Rev. Karla Renee Garcia
“Taking Care of You”
World is learning the immense mental pressure athletes perform under
By JoAnn Weaver
The St. Louis American
At the Tokyo Olympics, viewers witnessed Olympians prioritize their mental health.
Seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles withdrew from the women’s team final for mental health reasons in addition to having the “twisties,” which is when one loses control of their body in the air while performing an acrobat move. Her withdrawal was highly criticized online.
Biles also didn’t compete in four individual finals: the all-around individual competition, vault, uneven bars and floor exercise at the Tokyo Olympics.
their sports,” Biles said.
Biles overcame many hurdles during the Olympics and re-entered the games, including the balance beam finals where she won a bronze medal. She now has seven medals in total, tying her with Shannon Miller to hold the most Olympic medals as a U.S. gymnast.
n “[T]here’s a culture where (athletes) feel that they cannot explore their feelings.”
– Dr. Cammie Connor, HarrisStowe State University director of Counseling and Prevention Services
During a press conference last week, Biles revealed she suffered a loss in her family.
“Two days ago, my aunt unexpectedly passed, and that was something I wasn’t expecting to happen at the Olympic Games either, so at the end of the day, you have to be a little bit more mindful of what you say online, because you have no idea of what these athletes are going through as well as \
Medicaid
Continued from A12
state to act and start allowing eligible Missourians to access the health care guaranteed to them under the Missouri Constitution.”
Attorney Chuck Hatfield, who represented plaintiffs challenging the state, said it’s time to stop talking about implementing Medicaid expansion and start doing it.
“It’s great that the courts have — today on the 200th anniversary of Missouri — enforced that will, and said, ‘Yeah, you actually have to do
Alzheimer’s
Continued from A12
& Figures special report found nearly two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is biased against people of color — a view shared by substantial numbers of Asian Americans (45%), Native Americans (40%) and Hispanic Americans (36%).
“If we know that this bias exists, it’s our job in the health community to make sure that we show up in a way that is more inclusive of minority representation,” said Traci Carter, director of community programs of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter.
A University of Wisconsin survey of 406 residents found that Black, Latino and Native
Continued from A12
economist Jonathan Rothwell of Gallup contend the pandemic could have been instrumental in bringing the country together. Instead, it has caused the country to experience extreme and Garcia
“Definitely bringing a light to the conversation of mental health, it’s something that people go through a lot that is kind of pushed under the rug,” Biles said.
Dr. Cammie Connor, licensed clinical therapist and director of Counseling and Prevention Services at Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), talked about the pressures athletes feel to show up for their team but how in recent times, they choose to focus on themselves.
“One of the things that needs to be known to the world, which Simone Biles talked about in an interview, is mental health,” Connor said.
“I want people to know that mental health is a state of well-being, where people tap into their coping skills, practice
what the people voted for,’” Hatfield said. “That’s how this is supposed to work and it’s a good day.”
A spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt declined to comment on Tuesday’s ruling. The governor’s office and DSS did not immediately respond to requests for comment nor to Aldridge’s call for a special session.
“I haven’t seen the entire ruling but let me say this: I’m going to follow the law. I’ve always done that and always will continue to do that,” Gov. Mike Parson said Tuesday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
American respondents are significantly more likely to volunteer for clinical trials if asked by a person of the same race.
“Minority populations are underrepresented and disproportionately affected by the disease in clinical trials,” Carter said.
“Not only have minorities been historically left out of clinical research for Alzheimer’s, but these populations are also at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.”
People of color face barriers that prevent them from more easily participating in Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Research showed African Americans are more concerned than white people about disruption of work and family responsibilities, transportation and childcare.
“The diversity of the U.S. population heightens the need for representative populations
mindfulness, while working productively, not mental illness which is a different conversation.”
Connor also talked about how grief can have compounded effects on athletes who are everyday people working under the pressures of their sport
Last month, the Missouri Supreme Court overturned Beetem’s earlier ruling, unanimously ordering Missouri to expand Medicaid to the approximately 275,000 residents who became eligible when it would have gone into effect July 1.
By allocating funds for the Medicaid program, the state must allow all who are eligible to access those benefits — and cannot differentiate between eligible populations, like those who previously qualified versus those newly eligible.
Under the constitutional amendment passed last year, 19 to 64-year-old adults whose household incomes are 138%
while the world is watching.
“For athletes, death can be avoided, ignored or denied in order to suppress the pain to finish the sport. As Simone Biles goes through her grief it’s likely to be expressed physically, emotionally and psychologically, it is very important to
of the federal poverty guideline or less would qualify for benefits under Missouri’s Medicaid program.
That ends up being $17,774 a year for a single person, or $36,570 for a family of four.
Despite passing with 53.3% of the vote, lawmakers refused to appropriate the $1.9 billion in state and federal funds needed to finance Medicaid expansion. In May, Parson ultimately withdrew a plan that had been submitted to federal regulators as a result.
Part of plaintiffs’ request was that Beetem order the state to submit a new state plan amendment — which attorneys for the state indicated DSS
n “Not only have minorities been historically left out of clinical research for Alzheimer’s, but these populations are also at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s.”
– Traci Carter, director of community programs of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter
in clinical research to ensure new therapies work for people in all stages of the disease and from all communities,” Carter said.
“We also must look at this from a health equity, social determinant of health standpoint in making sure that we assist in accommodations for minority populations to participate by offering childcare, transportation vouchers after work trials; if we know the barriers we must accommodate.”
growing political divisions. Our political parties and affiliations have been instrumental in predicting our attitudes on COVID-19 and vaccination. I cannot understand how matters of public health — and life and death — have created such a division in our society. Health care disparities, systematic racism, atrocities of the past and present have resulted in the deaths of the least of these: primarily African Americans. How do we move forward? Common sense must prevail. COVID-19 does not care about what happened in the past. As horrible as the injustices, crimes, unethical behavior and lies were — and still are — COVID-19 does not care.
While this disparity exists, there are African American trial participants who seek to further the research in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Stephanie Griffin, an Alzheimer’s clinical trials participant, has been participating in clinical trials for several years.
“Since there are not a lot of African Americans participating in the research part of it, I felt it was important for me to find out if I would have it,” Griffin said.
COVID-19 does not care about your political party. The fact that you are a Democrat or Republican is irrelevant. COVID-19 simply does not care. The only thing that matters is recognizing the fact that we are all at risk, especially African Americans. COVID-19 seeks to kill, steal and destroy our lives. One proven and effective
allow yourself to express these feelings, even though it seems best to separate yourself from the pain, but eventually it can’t be ignored,” Connor said.
“It appears Simone Biles has a very good support system, which is also good advice for others to surround yourself
plans to do and have apply retroactively to July 1, the date Medicaid expansion would have gone into effect.
Parson said his administration is making plans to move forward, in addition to preparing to resubmit a state plan amendment to the federal government — “but we really cannot until we find out: do we have the ability to do that,” Parson told St. Louis Public Radio’s “Politically Speaking” last week.
by loved ones.” Connor, who has 15 years of counseling experience, has overseen counseling and prevention services at HSSU since 2019. Since this time, she has seen countless Harris-Stowe State University campus members including student athletes.
“When I look at sports programs, I think one of the biggest things with our athletic atmosphere, even here at HSSU: there’s a culture where (athletes) feel that they cannot explore their feelings,” Connor said. “They cannot be sensitive because it will be perceived as soft, or they will be seen as weak.”
Connor went on to commend Biles and other Olympic athletes for prioritizing their mental health, explaining the pressure athletes feel when competing in a group sport.
“Many times, we find out that players are injured, yet they don’t tell anyone because they don’t want to let anyone down or they continue playing because they don’t want to abandon their team,” Connor said. “I’m going to be stepping up more to provide more resources to our athletes since there has been so much attention on the Olympics where our young people have the strong voice to speak on their mental health.”
“What I really don’t want is some judge deciding for us how we’re going to implement this from an area he has no experience in,” Parson said. “And the other thing, if we do have to implement — if we do — I don’t want to be in a position where we lose the 90% match from the federal government. And that’s a reality.” Under the Affordable Care Act, states pay 10% of the costs of newly eligible Medicaid participants, with the federal government matching the remaining 90%. Shortly after Tuesday’s order was released, Missouri Jobs With Justice, an advocacy organization that was part of the coalition that campaigned for expansion’s passage, urged residents with questions on whether they qualify for coverage to call a hotline to get answers
Her father, who passed from dementia, started participating right around the time of his diagnosis, which led Griffin to participate in the trials.
“My father first participated in the Alzheimer’s clinical trials,” Griffin said. “Just because a relative has it does not necessarily mean I will get it, but I was curious to find out more.”
Griffin noted that she thinks it’s hard to get more minority participation in clinical trials because people don’t have faith in them.
“As a trial participant, I think there is a lack of trust,” Griffin said. “I think we are really seeing this illustrated in the vaccinated and unvaccinated for the COVID vaccine.”
According to Griffin, her participation in the trials has been non-invasive. She said she feels safer participating in this research as opposed to research like the Tuskegee Study where participants were injected with syphilis, then later denied treatment.
way to protect yourself is to choose to be vaccinated. Vaccination against COVID-19 saves lives. If no action is taken, African Americans will continue to be disproportionately affected by this virus.
“I would like for people to consider participating and when I say that, if they could do research and look at the statistics, look at their family history, I think it would be helpful to participate so we could have the information we need to make sound decisions,” Griffin said. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association is advancing public policies to address health inequities and disparities in Alzheimer’s clinical research, including the bipartisan Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act which would increase the participation of underrepresented populations in dementia clinical trials.
“To be, or not to be” — the choice is yours. Do not be a statistic. Discuss with your doctor or health care provider about getting vaccinated today. Rev. Karla Renee Garcia is pastor of S.S. Morris Community AME Church in Madison, Wisconsin, a Rockford, Illinois School of Nursing graduate and holds a Master’s of Business Administration in health services management.
Photo courtesy of Houston Texans
Simone Biles was in a much better place mentally following the Tokyo Olympics when she met her fiance former CBC player and Houston Texans defensive back Jonathan Owens following a practice in Houston last weekend.
Committed to public safety pathways of success
Paul Peoples with the Robertson Fire Protection District and St. Louis County Police officer Brandon McCray talk with students
Jada Smith and Dillon Barkley at the Beaumont Recreation Center in High Ridge, Mo. Wed., Aug. 11.
By Art McCoy STL.works Leader and Champion
Public safety and excellent first responders are essential for our communities, corporations, citizens and country to thrive. Yet, with 36.1 million plus Coronavirus cases and more than 616,500 deaths in the U.S. as of this month, according to the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard, public safety has many new dimensions.
Amid increasingly dangerous variants and worker shortages, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, rescue units and police have responded to increasing numbers of suicide attempts, abuse cases, fires, COVID-19 cases, deaths and more.
To enhance St. Louis public safety workforce support, the Regional Business Council established a STL.works public safety subcommittee comprised of a dozen regional and state first responder leaders. The subcommittee has met biweekly since January to increase positive
n To enhance St. Louis public safety workforce support, the Regional Business Council established a STL. works Public Safety subcommittee comprised of a dozen regional and state first responder leaders.
engagement with youth and public safety workforce diversity, inclusion and equity. Its leaders created the St. Louis Region First Responders’ Career Pathways Initiative, including Careers and Pathways in Law Enforcement (CAPLE).
“CAPLE provides us a modern method to attract our youth towards careers in public safety. Traditional methods of recruiting, such as job postings and attending career fairs, fall short
Program’s largest-ever grant will allow for tuition waivers, cash investments
By Karen Robinson-Jacobs
PeoPle on the Move
Jackson named talent management leader
Lorie Jackson is the new talent management practice leader for Experience on Demand – St. Louis. Jackson is a seasoned HR professional with over 30 years of experience in human resources management and operations with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She is a visionary leader with the ability to flex between a wide range of strategic duties and tactical responsibilities, including, but not limited to driving people strategy, workforce planning, talent management, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, payroll, benefits and compensation and training and development.
Manyara new head of PMO and cybersecurity
announced that
has joined the technology and management consulting firm as the Head of PMO and Cybersecurity service offerings. He is a proven leader in digital strategy, information technology, security and has operational experience, with a track record of aligning results to business goals, implementation of successful digital transformation efforts and building high performing teams. He currently also serves as an adjunct professor at St. Louis University and is passionate about IT research. He holds an MBA from St. Louis University and a doctorate from Logan University.
benefits through 2024, according to officials with the accelerator, which is designed to aid racially, ethnically and gender diverse entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. The program is accepting applications for up to 10 businesses to participate in its Fall 2021 cohort, which begins Sept. 8 and meets every Wednesday morning See GRANT, B2
of reaching younger generations who are more hands-on and visual learners,” explained Capt. Norman Mann, with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Community Engagement.
“CAPLE gives future leaders the opportunity to ‘kick the tires’ and experience these professions through non-hazardous but educational activities.
“Public safety agencies will greatly benefit from applicants who have taken the initiative to complete job readiness programs such as this.
The St. Louis County Police Department is proud to be a partner of this First Responders’ Career Pathways Initiative of STL.works, as we value community engagement to welcome people to our work family.”
Subsequently, 10 St. Louis area school districts partnered with the initiative, sharing information with educators and students. In June and July, more than 50 high schoolers were selected from Hazelwood, Jennings, Pattonville, University
Nicole Robinson has been named vice president of public policy and community solutions for McCormack Baron Cos. Dr. Robinson has more than 13 years of leadership and management experience. As vice president of public policy and community solutions, she will actively drive public policy, and outreach efforts through the collection and dissemination of historic outcomes, development of white papers and briefs,
Valerie Patton, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc., says a Kauffman Foundation grant can create access to capital for small business owners of color and women.
Watson named human resources manager
Mahagani Watson has been promoted to human resources manager at USI. She will manage the growing HR department. She has created processes for HR systems, developed an onboarding program and provided support to staff throughout the country. USI is a national nonprofit leader with extensive experience in developing and implementing equitable people-centered strategies in communities that are undergoing comprehensive physical revitalization. www.urbanstrategiesinc.org.
Leigh Consulting
Ralph B. Manyara
Lorie Jackson
Ralph B. Manyara
Mahagani Watson
Nicole Robinson
McCormack Baron
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Nicole Robinson
Photo by Harlan Hodge
Bayer Fund backs UM-St. Louis Summer Institute with $50,000 grant
St. Louis American staff
College Bound has received a $50,000 grant from Bayer Fund, to support the University of Missouri-St. Louis Bayer Fund College Bound Summer Institute (CBSI). The fund provides students with opportunities to earn college credit while in high school without a fee.
Since 2006, 440 students from 35 area high schools have participated in the program.
“One of the things that we saw with the percentage of our students who took college-credit bearing class in high school was how many finished college either on time or early and with significantly less debt,” College Bound President and CEO Scott Baier said.
“The benefits of early
college credit are academic, financial and social.”
In 2020, CB students earned 81 transferrable credit hours through the Bayer Fund CBSI. Currently, 32 College Bound students are enrolled in online coursework at UMSL.
In addition, the Bayer Fund CBSI helps bridge summer learning loss, increases reading competency, reinforces positive study habits, increases confidence in test-taking abilities and exposes students to numerous major and career options.
“Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president.
“We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs that help combat challenges such as food insecurity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and support services to patients and families managing an illness or disease.”
In 2020, Bayer Fund awarded more than $17 million to more than 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in food and nutrition, STEM education and community development. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $80 million.
To learn more about College Bound, visit collegeboundstl. org. To learn more about Bayer Fund visit www.fund.bayer.us
Schnucks delivery, curbside pickup orders now accept EBT, SNAP payment
St. Louis American staff
Schnucks Delivers and Curbside Pickup orders are now eligible for EBT SNAP payment.
Participants can now use their benefits for online purchases for delivery or pickup at one of Schnucks’ 110 locations in four states.
“One of our community pillars at Schnucks is to help the communities that we serve fight food insecurity and hunger,” said Bob Hardester, Schnucks chief information and supply chain officer.
“Extending EBT SNAP eligibility to Schnucks Delivers and Curbside Pickup orders increases accessibility to nutritious food and sustenance to those most in need in the areas we serve.”
To help subsidize costs for EBT SNAP participants, Schnucks partner Instacart will waive delivery or pickup fees through September 16, on the first three EBT SNAP orders for each customer with a valid
Grant
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for three hours through Nov. 17.
The Kauffman grants also allow the program to waive the normal $1,000 tuition through 2024.
Fall marks the seventh cohort for the interactive program that gives entrepreneurs instruction in how to develop realistic business expansion goals, market and communicate their services, make meaningful business connections, and identify the capital and resources they need to support growth, according to a news release.
The inaugural class was in winter 2019. Since then, 30 businesses have been enrolled, and all but three have graduated.
Starting this fall, a capital access pool will provide $5,000 each to entrepreneurs who
EBT card associated with their Instacart account.
“Providing people access to the food they love is at the core of Instacart’s mission. We’re
n “One of our community pillars at Schnucks is to help the communities that we serve fight food insecurity and hunger.”
– Bob Hardester, Schnucks chief information and supply chain officer
proud to partner with Schnucks to provide more families with a convenient and accessible way to get their fresh food and pantry staples,” said Instacart’s David Healy.
“Expanding EBT SNAP to reach same-day online grocery delivery and pickup is important to help Americans access the food they need, and we look forward to introducing this payment integration across four states with Schnucks.” Curbside Pickup remains free on orders of $35 or more. Once a customer profile is created on the Instacart website or mobile app, Schnucks customers can enter their EBT food card information as a form of payment in their profile. Customers will need a secondary form of payment for non-food items such as taxes, tips and fees per federal SNAP guidelines. Customers can then enter their ZIP code to determine if they are near a participating retailer and begin shopping from retailers’ EBTeligible products. Once items are added to their cart, customers will be able to select how much of their benefits they would like to allocate to the order. Orders for delivery and pickup can be placed by customers for receipt in as fast as an hour or scheduled several days in advance. Visit Instacart at www.instacart.com for more information.
n The Fall 2021 cohort will conclude with a final pitch, in which participants present their business growth and development ideas to a panel of regional potential investors for the opportunity to win $25,000 in equity-free capital, made possible in part by the Kauffman funds.
complete the program and provide up to $15,000 in follow-on capital in 2022 to all Diverse Business Accelerator companies that present a viable plan for “how well they will use the funds to elevate their business,” a spokeswoman said.
“Access to capital is
often a barrier to growth for many small business owners of color and women,” said Valerie Patton, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. and president of the Greater St. Louis Foundation.
The Kauffman Foundation’s recent $300,000 grant marks an expansion of the foundation’s initial one-year DBA grants, awarded in July 2020. The extension allows DBA officials to add more coaches and experts in the law, marketing and accounting, and to accept more applicants.
“The foundation’s support is a testament to the quality of our program,” Patton wrote in a statement.
The Fall 2021 cohort will conclude with a final pitch, in which participants present their business growth and development ideas to a panel of regional potential investors for the opportunity to win $25,000 in equity-free capital, made possible in part by the Kauffman funds.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. is accepting applications through Aug. 27 at https://www. greaterstlinc.com/diverse-business-accelerator-application/
To be considered, applicants must have annual revenue of $500,000 or more, be headquartered in the 15-county, bi-state region and have a growth plan that demonstrates the business’ capacity to increase revenue by 10%, and add at least three employees within 18 months after graduating. For more information, contact DBA Director Lakesha Mathis at 314-444-1165 or Lakesha@GreaterSTLinc.com
Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.
Sports
InSIdE SportS
By Earl Austin Jr.
Tatum backs up big-game image as USA wins gold medal
He’s been doing it since high school
As I sat down with my popcorn to watch Team USA take on France in the Olympic gold medal game for men’s basketball on Friday night, Aug. 6, I was confident that the USA would win.
I was equally confident that St. Louisan Jayson Tatum would have a big hand in Team USA’s victory with an outstanding performance on the biggest stage that international basketball has to offer.
And Mr. Tatum did not disappoint. He came through with 19 points and seven rebounds on eight of 14 shooting from the floor and added three 3-pointers in the USA’s 87-82 victory. He accomplished all this in just 21 minutes of action.
It was a magnificent performance by Tatum, but it should not be surprising if you have followed his career. If there is a really, really big game, Tatum is usually going to deliver a really, really big performance. His track record for stepping up in big moments is well documented. It began during his senior year at Chaminade College Prep in the Class 5 state championship game in 2016. He scored 40 points in a victory over Springfield Kickapoo in the final game of his spectacular prep career.
Tatum averaged 16.8 points a game as a freshman at Duke University, but in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, he averaged 22 points in four games to lead the Blue Devils to the championship.
In his first four professional seasons with the Boston Celtics, Tatum has already played in three postseason Game 7s. In those win-or-go home games, he averaged 24 points and eight rebounds. The Celtics won two of those three games.
As a rookie in 2018, he had 20 points and six rebounds in a Game 7 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals that same year, Tatum had 24 points and seven rebounds in a loss to the Lebron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum’s famous dunk over James happened in the fourth quarter. Two seasons later, Tatum and the Celtics faced the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. He came up with his biggest performance yet with 29 points, 12
rebounds and seven assists in a victory over the defending champions.
At 23, Tatum made his debut for the USA Olympic Men’s Basketball team, but he has been a veteran of the USA Basketball system since he was in high school. In helping the USA to the gold medal, he also made history in USA Basketball.
Tatum is the first male basketball player to earn gold medals at the Olympics, FIBA U19 World Championships, FIBA 17U World Championships and FIBA Americas U16 World Championships. He was an integral part of those
Former St. Louis Rams receiver enters Hall of Fame
The St. Louis Rams’ first game in 1995 after departing Los Angeles was at Green Bay. They beat the Packers. 17-14. A thin, talented second-year player blocked the first punt in St. Louis Rams history and, on the ensuing drive, caught its first touchdown pass. It was Isaac Bruce. During that inaugural season in St. Louis, Bruce was targeted 199 times, caught 119 passes for 1,781 yards and scored 13 touchdowns – including a punt return for a TD against the Atlanta Falcons. Bruce made those plays and hundreds more with the Rams. His 2020 celebration was postponed because of the pandemic, but he officially became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 7. He used part of his acceptance speech to ridicule a person who was probably just doing his job. But hey, Bruce had waited a long time for vindication.
Alvin A. Reid
that the NFL wasn’t checking for me. They didn’t like me,” he said. “They liked more of NFL legends Bert Emanuel and Ryan Yarborough. I know you’re alive. I know you’re listening. I prayed for God would keep you alive for this day. So, my message to you is — rap legend Kool Moe Dee wanted me to ask you: “How ya like me now?” By the way, the Los Angeles Rams drafted Bruce in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft. Emmanuel and Yarborough were drafted after Bruce.
Bruce thanked St. Louis fans during his speech and shared true appreciation for his years here. He told Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he would like to see an expansion team in St. Louis, and that he wants to be part of the ownership group.
“To the nameless voice that called me two weeks before the draft in 1994 to let me know
“I have visions of being an owner in the NFL. I do have visions of that. So, I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said. Steve Atwater enters Hall
Jayson Tatum tossed in 19 points, including a trio of three-pointers, and added seven rebounds in the USA’s 87-82 victory over France in the men’s basketball gold medal game of the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
championship teams. He should continue to be a mainstay for the men’s national team for years to come.
Napheesa Collier brings home gold
Congratulations to former Incarnate Word Academy basketball star Napheesa Collier on earning a gold medal as a member of the powerful USA Women’s Olympic basketball team. Team USA defeated host Japan to win its seventh consecutive gold medal. Collier has experienced success at every level
SportS EyE
With Alvin A. Reid
Former Lutheran North star
Steve Atwater was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as member of the 2020 class and, during his acceptance speech, thanked his late mom, Jesse, and his father, Jeff, for all they did for him and his budding football career.
“To my mom, thank you for the sacrifices you made, for always loving me and for showing me how to never give up on those you love,” Atwater said.
“To my dad, you always loved me unconditionally and I
know how much you sacrificed to send me to Lutheran North High School, and that laid the foundation for everything that followed. Thank you for believing in me,” he said. Atwater played at Arkansas before being selected in the first round of the 1989 draft by the Denver Broncos. He was voted to eight Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro recognition in 1991 and 1992. In 1997, he was an integral part of the Broncos’ championship season that was capped by the franchise’s first Super
during her stellar basketball career. She led IWA to three state championships and was a key player in two NCAA national championships during her collegiate career at UConn. She was also the Rookie of the Year in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx in 2019. Collier, 24, is the youngest member of the USA team and has been a major part of the USA Basketball program since high school. She has won gold medals at the 2019 FIBA AmeriCup, 2015 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2014 Youth Olympic Games and FIBA Americas Championships.
Isaac Bruce delivers his speech during his NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday, Aug. 7.
Bowl title. Atwater played his final season with the Broncos in 1998 and he helped lead them to a second straight Super Bowl victory.
The Reid Roundup
The St. Louis Cardinals donated 800 tickets to the St. Louis County Department of Public Health as part of the department’s COVID-19 com-
a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 14: John C. Murphy Health Center Back to School Event, 6121 N. Hanley Rd, 63134 and Saturday, Aug. 21: Ultimate Cosmetology & Barber Academy Back to School event, 10420 West Florissant Ave, 63136. Both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be administered, and no appointments are necessary…After missing almost three months with an oblique muscle injury, Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty vowed that he would pitch Wednesday night, Aug. 11, in Pittsburgh. His last rehab assignment was last Friday in Memphis. He threw 75 pitches over five innings but was also touched up for three runs…Duke Slater, who is recognized as the NFL’s first Black lineman, was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2020 class. Slater would earn a law degree and started a practice in Chicago. He would become the first African American judge to serve on the Superior Court of Chicago. He died in 1966.
Earl Austin Jr.
Photo courtesy of MassLive.com
Photo by Scott Heckel / Canton Repository
Pathways
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City and beyond to join with first responders and cadets for three half-days of job shadowing, training activities and career exposure as firefighters, EMTs, inspectors, and law enforcement officers at the St. Louis County Fire and Police Academy.
During August, a select group of over 35 youth participated in a 5-day First Responders Camp at the BSA Beaumont Reservation, providing firsthand public safety pre-cadet experiences to a diverse population of potential leaders (age 14 to18). Year-long mentors have been assigned to youth to maintain positive engagement, promote great relationships and recruit potential new cadets (18+) and public safety professionals. STL.works public safety subcommittee members, Robertson Fire Protection District (RFPD) Captain Paul Peebles and St. Louis County Police Department Community Outreach Officer Brandon McCrary explained that such opportunities helped them become first responders.
“As a young kid growing up in Kinloch, I loved seeing that red fire truck driving through the community with dedicated firefighters keeping the community safe and strong,” recalled Peebles.
“As a young adult, I wanted to be a firefighter. But I did not know how to get into the profession. So, in 2004, I got a phone book and started calling each fire department from Affton to University City.”
After many rejections and failed attempts, University City Fire Chief Steve Olshwanger answered Peebles’ cold call to the department and invited him to the station.
“I did the interview and passed the civil service test. I was willing to take a pay cut and leave my [six-year] Union Pacific Railroad engineer position to become a firefighter. They thought I was crazy for taking a pay cut when I accept-
ed the role as a fire cadet, began my two-year journey of paramedic and fire training, and became a firefighter in 2006.”
Peebles credits good leaders in the field with showing him the pathway to success. In 2008, he joined RFPD, served as an HR union leader, completed a master’s in homeland security management by 2012 and was promoted to captain in 2016.
Capt. Peebles oversees the RFPD Community Outreach Program and brings his love for Kinloch and people everywhere he serves.
Officer Brandon McCrary had a similar desire to serve as a firefighter as a kid from north St. Louis County. After completing his bachelor’s in construction management and design at Southeast Missouri
State in 2009, “I served as a Kinloch Fire District Volunteer Firefighter for five months while working at SAM’s Club,” McCrary explained.
“I gained connections in public safety that helped me find my calling in law enforcement.”
From 2010 to 2013, McCrary served as a substance abuse counselor and corrections officer, then went to the St. Louis County Police Academy. In 2014, McCrary was sworn in as a St. Louis County Police Department officer.
In 2017, he became a North St. Louis County School Resource Officer and excelled, establishing mentorship programs, tutoring programs, and service-learning projects.
In 2020, McCrary was promoted to his current role as Community Outreach Officer.
Learn from my lack of knowledge
By Orvin Kimbrough President and CEO Midwest BankCentre
When it comes to financing your car, do as I say and not as I did—-I offer this advice with great humility. Why?
“It is so essential to be excellent in all that you do. You gain more opportunities in life, the resilience to face challenges, and the ability to help others in a greater way,” he said.
As the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, nears, STL.works recognizes the remarkable resilience, heroism and service of such first responders of excellence. STL.works thanks the Steward Family Foundation for funding the STL.works First Responders Career and Pathway Initiative to add workforce diversity, inclusive youth engagement, and enhance our region’s safety, equity, and opportunities. Good leaders are still committed to showing individuals the pathway to success.
Anyone interested in learning more about fire and EMTs, please email RFPD Captain Paul Peebles at ppeebles@ rfpd.org. Individuals interested in law enforcement with the St. Louis County Police Department can contact the Recruitment Office at 314-6153942 or recruitment@stlouiscountymo.gov. Always feel free to contact us at www.STL. works.
Because, when I bought my first car in 1995, I thought a 20% interest rate on a car loan was a good deal. As a young man earning low wages with a limited credit history and no co-signer, I thought I was lucky to be able to secure a car loan so I could get to school and work every day on time. An accountant, who later became my wife, opened my eyes to the extra money I could save by refinancing my loan. She knew that the money we would save each month could go toward our dreams of someday owning a home and educating our children. So why do I bring this up some 26 years later? Because I and Midwest BankCentre, where I serve as Chairman and CEO, believe that access to reasonably priced capital is a right we all deserve. We know that traditional credit scores can at times leave people behind.
capture up to $20 billion of that annual market, money that goes directly back into the hands of the borrowers. What does this mean to borrowers, particularly those who may have less than ideal credit? It means that by refinancing, they can often save up to 15% on their car payment, or $75 per month.
Many people simply do not realize they can refinance their car loans. While 62% of auto lenders offer refinancing, less than half of buyers know refinancing is an option. Only 12% of car buyers have ever refinanced an auto loan. For many consumers, particularly those who have challenges accessing reasonably priced credit, the money saved can have a REAL impact on their lives. Each year, approximately $400 billion in auto loans are originated, contributing to a total market of $1 trillion in such loans. Refinancing could
This is all part of the firmly held believe that we can all RISE TOGETHER and that a democratized approach to access to capital and opportunity will help us achieve shared prosperity. I believe that we can close the wealth gap by providing a place at the starting line for everyone. I believe that one’s agency should determine how fast and far they will go—not their zip code, not the color of their skin, not their credit score. By providing access to reasonably priced capital, Midwest BankCentre is living up to its purpose to help our regional communities thrive. For many, the purchase of a car is their first major purchase and is one of their biggest monthly expenditures. Please learn from my mistakes. If you suspect you might be overpaying for your car loan, one of my associates would be happy to help. Our new program is particularly helpful to customers whose credit scores have improved since a car or truck was purchased, those who were put in a loan by a selling dealer at a rate that is higher than the rate for which they may qualify and those who want to lower their monthly costs by extending the length of the loan. You check your rate in minutes without impacting your credit score at www.midwestbankcentre.com/auto.
Orvin Kimbrough
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Paul Peoples with the Robertson Fire Protection District and St. Louis County Police officer Brandon McCray talk with students Jada Smith and Dillon Barkley at the Beaumont Recreation Center in High Ridge, Mo. Wednesday, Aug. 11.
Living It
Respectfully yours Chelsea Haynes hits airwaves in new show
New film tells the entertaining story of Aretha Franklin
By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Film Critic
“They want to hear you sing,” the Rev. C.L. Franklin (Forest Whitaker) said to his 10-yearold daughter Aretha (Skye Dakota Turner). And she did. Eventually singing herself into 25 Grammys, a posthumously awarded Pulitzer Prize Special Citation and history books.
How Franklin became the ‘Queen of Soul’ and loved by millions is the subject of this detailed and very entertaining biofilm that charts her rise from childhood to 1972, and her making the classic, live-recorded album, Amazing Grace.
The project stars Jennifer Hudson, the singer who was handpicked by Franklin to play her in a movie. Like a queen anointing a princess, the late Franklin had deemed: “I’ve made my decision, and it is you, young lady, who I want to play me.”
n “Respect” stars Jennifer Hudson, the singer who was handpicked by Aretha Franklin to play her in a movie.
That endorsement makes this Respect the quintessential Franklin biodrama and any others, not so much.
In 1952 Detroit, 10-year-old Aretha is a precocious musical prodigy lauded by her dad C.L., loved by her grandmother (Kimberly Scott, The Abyss) and envied by her siblings. Years later as a young adult in the 1960s, Franklin tours churches with her father who watches her like a hawk, warding off suitors. C.L. helps his daughter land a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1960 and Franklin releases jazz/ pop-orientated albums to little success.
When she hooks up with hustler turned manager Ted White (Marlon Wayans), C.L. is upset.
“You are not leaving this family for that piece of trash!” he screams.
Yet, this is when Aretha finds her stride. She develops her own brand of Soul music, which starts with the Gospel/Blues tinged “I Never Loved a Man,” recorded with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Band on Atlantic records in 1967. The rest is Soul music history.
Director Liesl Tommy and the film’s producers made a smart decision when they had the entire cast sing live. It’s a strategy that worked wonders for Les Misérables, and that directive gives the performances and recreated recording sessions an authenticity that enhances the artistry. Whitaker, Hudson, Turner and Audra
‘St. Louis Sound’
Exhibit to feature Murphy Lee, hundreds of historic artifacts
By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American
While St. Louis is sometimes absent from lists naming America’s major music cities, the roots of Blues, Ragtime, Jazz and Country trace back to St. Louis. On Saturday, Aug. 28, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park will host the grand opening of St. Louis Sound, a free 6,000-square foot exhibit that explores the city’s iconic music history. More than 100 historical artifacts from national musicians, local legends and important venues will be displayed. A 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony with Grammy Award-winning rapper Murphy Lee of the platinum-selling group St. Lunatics and Dr. Francis Levine, president of Missouri Historical Society, will start the day’s events.
Murphy Lee, one of many local and national musicians to be featured in St. Louis Sound, a free 6,000-square-foot exhibit organized by the Missouri History Museum to explore the city’s iconic music history.
Photo courtesy of Murphy Lee’s Instagream
Haynes will provide viewers with a new set of eyes with her lifestyle show, Studio STL, which premieres on Fox 2 this fall.
Studio STL premieres Sept. 7 on Fox 2
By Danielle Brown
The St. Louis American
People who relocate to a new city are often called “transplants,” and they bring varied outlooks on their new surroundings. Ones that are different from natives and longtime residents. Chelsea Haynes, a Houston native who arrived in St. Louis in May, says she has already fallen in love with her new home. She’s been enjoying the cuisine, the city’s diversity and its beautiful landscapes.
Haynes is viewing St. Louis with a new set of eyes, and she will share her experiences on her lifestyle show, Studio STL, which premieres on Fox 2 on Sept. 7.
“I get to experience all of what the Gateway City has to offer through a new perspective and I can’t wait to share it with the greater St. Louis area,” Haynes said. Haynes’ description of Studio STL sounds like a cross between Tamron Hall and Wendy Williams’ shows, but with a younger, fresher flair. She describes it as “fresh, funky and fashionable.”
n “I get to experience all of what the Gateway City has to offer through a new perspective and I can’t wait to share it with the Greater St. Louis area.”
“I’d like to think I’m fabulous so I’ll be bringing in a little of my fabulousness and Texas girl swag to the TV screens in St. Louis,” Haynes said. In addition to a “shoe cam” and fashion talk, Haynes said the show will serve as a lunchtime getaway for viewers to take a breather and relax from work.
“I just want to encourage people as well. It’s gonna be a place where people can come and get a little bit of encouragement,” Haynes said.
- Chelsea Haynes
“Get a breather away from everything that’s going on in their work life and sit down and tune in to get a good laugh.” For a midweek pick me up, Haynes’ “Wind Down Wednesday” segment will feature trending topics and offer a time to relax at the middle of the business week.
Haynes, a self-proclaimed foodie, will also have a segment called “Chow with Chelsea,” where viewers can email her recommendations about their favorite restaurants or suggestions on places she should feature. All inquiries can be sent to Chelsea.Haynes@tvstl.com.
The options seem endless when it comes to great local restaurants, and Haynes, while still fairly new to the region, has already crowned her favorite place.
“The exhibit may be called St. Louis Sound, but it’s really the sound of America,” said Andrew Wanko, public historian and content lead on the exhibit.
“We are the last eastern city, the gateway to the west, equal parts north and south — for decades St. Louis artists have absorbed all of the greatest parts of our country’s music and created something new.
Live performances on indoor and outdoor stages featuring Lee, the Red & Black Brass Band, Funky Butt Brass Band, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and other groups will go on through the day.
“Scott Joplin, Josephine Baker, Chuck Berry, Albert King, Ike and Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Clark Terry, Nelly, and more weren’t just music legends known worldwide, they were formative influences on the rest of the country’s music. Few cities anywhere apart from Los Angeles or New York can claim so many leading lights in different genres.”
Broadway Oyster Bar is one of her favorite food spots “because again I’m from Houston and I love seafood.” She also noted that she has family in Louisiana.
Hosting a lifestyle show comes easy for Haynes, who had worked at WATE-TV, a Nexstar affiliate television station in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a reporter and alternate co-host of Living East Tennessee. While at WATE, she reported on a variety
See Haynes, C8
Photo by Lance Tilford
Chelsea
SNEAK PREVIEW AUGUST 12
JOIN US OPENING WEEKEND AT THE 24:1 CINEMA IN PAGEDALE, AN INDEPENDENT THEATER WITH FOUR MOVIE SCREENS.
Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa closes at Art Museum August 22
The long and glorious past of the great kingdoms that inhabited the Nile River valley in today’s Sudan is the subject of the exhibit Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa. For more than three months, visitors to the Saint Louis Art Museum have gained insights and celebrated the magnificent contributions by the Black people of ancient Nubia, also referred to as Kush. Through a majestic display of art and objects, Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa offers new ways of understanding Nubia’s history and contemporary relevance. Using magnificent jewelry, pottery, sculpture, metalwork and more, the exhibition examines concepts of power, representation, and cultural bias as relevant in the ancient world as they are today.
The ancient Nubians established vast trade networks that reached across the Mediterranean into Greece and Rome and far into central Africa.
At the time that Nubian kings conquered neighboring Egypt in the 8th century B.C., they controlled one of the largest empires of the ancient world.
All objects in the exhibition are drawn from the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), which also organized the exhibition. The core of this collection of ancient Nubian art was formed between 1913 and 1932, when the museum partnered with Harvard University on the first scientific excavations of Nubian sites.
The journey of these and many other artifacts outside of Africa begins like far too many stories of Africa. It was the British government officials, not Sudanese, who granted excavation rights to remove the artifacts from the continent. Although no one condones the way that the artifacts were collected and often misinterpreted, we celebrate the African civilizations, talent, skills of the makers. As a way of reclaiming the history and helping to redefine the narrative, the Art Museum
Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
“Hathor-headed crystal pendant” (front view); Nubian, Napatan Period, reign of Piankhy (Piye), 743–712 BC; gold, rock crystal; Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 21.321;
partnered with Dr. Larry Ross, a Nubian scholar. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in anthropology at the University of Missouri in Columbia and taught for many years at both there and at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Dr. Ross and Museum staff led a series of free community conversations with many local organizations, including the African Heritage
Association, Links St. Louis Chapter, Sankofa Culture and Art Wellness Village Communiversity, and Webster University - Jackson and Thomas Society to offer a more complete history of Nubian culture. We urge you to visit the Saint Louis Art Museum to experience Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa, now on view through August 22.
Are you looking for quality child care or struggling due to COVID -19?
Enroll your child, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, in the Childcare Center at Guardian Angel Settlement Association and allow us to assist you and your child today!
Our center is State Licensed and Missouri Accredited.
All of our teachers have a Bachelors Degree and/or Early Childhood Certification.
We have implemented changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Our classrooms are inclusive of children with disabilities.
Our center is accessible by local public transit services.
Superheroes Wanted
We are seeking passionate and creative candidates for the following positions: • Head Start Teacher (ages 3-5) • Early Head Start Teacher (ages birth-3) • Head Start Teacher Assistant
Part-Time Teacher Aide
The YWCA St. Louis Head Start Program provides early childhood education to children of low-income families and help parents and guardians get the services they
Religion
Faith leaders becoming growing force in reparations movement
By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service
A pastor in Evanston, Illinois, the first U.S. city to adopt a municipal initiative on reparations, told a gathering of faith leaders July 22 that they can play a key role in moving a community toward action on the long-debated issue, even if it takes a while.
The Rev. Michael C.R. Nabors, pastor of Second Baptist Church and president of Evanston’s NAACP chapter, said it took more than two decades for his city to provide reparations.
“Faith leaders have been involved from the beginning,” he told Religion News Service after addressing a webinar hosted by Religions for Peace USA on “Reparations: A Moral and Spiritual Responsibility.”
The webinar, which was attended by about 100 representatives of faiths including Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism, followed a news conference on Capitol Hill where religious leaders from a range of faiths urged congressional passage of
H.R. 40, a bill that would create a commission to study reparations for African Americans for inequities dating to the time of slavery.
The Washington event included Bishop Eugene Sutton, whose Episcopal Diocese of Maryland approved a $1 million “seed fund for reparations” in September 2020, and leaders of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the Washington Interfaith Staff Community and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference.
In March, the Evanston City Council approved reparations that initially will provide mortgage and other housing assistance to local Black residents to make amends for racially discriminatory housing practices.
Nabors said the council’s equity subcommittee was led by a pastor; a town hall meeting featuring actor Danny Glover, a reparations advocate, was held at a church; and an interfaith clergy group wrote letters supporting the initiative.
“I believe that it is a matter of justice, it’s a matter of equality, it’s a
matter of doing the right thing,” Nabors told the webinar audience.
“And reparations, it seems to me, lies at the core of every single major faith in the world. It is all about how we can repair the damage to those
first must acknowledge that you’ve put limits on Him. Not by a lack of faith but by having a narrow faith and low expectations.
There have been times in my life when I found myself proudly proclaiming freedom as a Christian while living with low expectations of God. Lately, I’ve had conversations with friends who have the same problem.
among us who have been hurt because of past practices, generally because of discrimination.”
Evanston’s reparations money will come from a 3% tax on gross sales of cannabis.
“I thought it was an ingenious idea, because so many African Americans have been incarcerated because of cannabis and marijuana,” Nabors told the webinar audience. “We’re talking about a $10 million reparations program for 10 years.”
The Rev. Aundreia Alexander, associate general secretary of the National Council of Churches, said her organization has developed a list of resources to support H.R. 40, including scholarly articles, Bible verses about justice and counterarguments to the objections.
Imam Khalid Griggs, director of the Council for Social Justice of the Islamic Circle of North America, expressed support for reparations for Native American populations as well as people of African descent.
“It is past time for us to deny acknowledging what is owed to those
By Shewanda Riley
“I’m not a man, I cannot lie. I know the plans for your life, I’m asking you to dream again, believe again and take the limits off of me.”
– Israel Houghton
These words from Houghton’s song
“Take the Limits Off” point to an aspect of living a Christian life that can be difficult. As Christians, we believe God is a miracle-worker but find it hard to take the limits off Him to do [things] “exceedingly and abundantly” as Ephesians 3:20 reads. How do you take the limits off God, who is beyond space or time? You
For example, a friend shared how excited she is to start a business. She knew that she had exercised great faith by starting the business. However, now that she has made such a big step of faith, she found herself dealing with the fears and uncertainty of what to expect in the future. She was happy that the business was doing well but also scared because
We
she felt pulled to dream even bigger.
Even though she’d dreamed big by starting the business, she was making excuses and uncomfortable with following the even bigger vision that God was showing her. I knew how she felt. I’d been there before myself many times.
When I was looking to purchase a home a few years ago, I started looking at homes that were 5 years old or less. After not having much luck, I spoke with my real estate agent about the difference in price in building a home or purchasing a somewhat new one. I was surprised to learn that it was cheaper to have the house built. In the end, I had the home built just as I wanted it. I learned to trust God in a totally new way.
whose backs and whose property, the accumulated wealth of this nation, was built upon,” he said. Bruce Knotts, the representative of the Unitarian Universalist Association to the United Nations, said he hopes reparations will not be restricted to financial approaches.
“I think reparations needs to be comprehensive,” he said. “It has to do with education. It has to do with money. It has to do with changing our paradigm on how we view racist attitudes that we have in this country.”
Alexander said the collective sense of purpose on reparations is still evolving.
“What’s happening right now is that we are so accustomed to where we are and how we have been, it’s difficult to even imagine what our world would be like if we actually did not feel like someone had to be higher or lower or better than or less than,” said Alexander. “What would the world be if we actually saw each other as fully human and made in the image of God?”
Taking the limits off God is not about being greedy but about realizing that the same God who blessed you with $10 also can bless you with $1,000. We must have faith to boldly go to Him and ask for the greater blessing.
I’ve often struggled with asking God for more in certain areas of my life because I felt like I was being selfish. However, God had to remind me that he had been waiting to give me the greater blessings. God is waiting to bless us and won’t force us to take the “limitless” blessing if we don’t ask for it. But He would rather give us that limitless blessing!
Shewanda Riley is a Dallas Weekly columnist and the Dallas based author of “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.”
Rev. Michael C.R. Nabors, pastor of Second Baptist Church, Evanston, Illinois
Guest Columnist
Shewanda Riley
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT DETENTION
Full time position at the St. Louis City Family Court Juvenile Division includes full benefit package, plus no cost retirement plan detailed info at www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click employment opportunities.
JOIN SIERRA CLUB’S ORGANIZING FOR CLEAN ENERGY IN MISSOURI!
The Sierra Club is hiring an experienced community organizer to build grassroots power with communities to stop dirty, unhealthy energy production and create a just and equitable clean energy economy. The organizer will help to lead our work in Missouri on building partnerships, supporting leadership development, and expanding the grassroots base.
Location: St. Louis, MO. Salary: $59,000 Full job description for the Organizing Representative position and application details and can be found at sierraclub.org/careers
ACCOUNTING CLERK
The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Clerk . To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from August 1, 2021 through August 14, 2021.
ASSET BUILDING COUNSELOR (SPRINGFIELD, IL) & BUSINESS ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE (STL, MO)
Justine PETERSEN, a Non-Profit focused on credit building, homeownership, and micro-enterprise lending and training is accepting applications for an Asset Building Counselor in the Springfield, IL area and a Business Assistant Associate in St Louis, MO. To apply go to justinepetersen.org/get-involved/ job-opportunities/
POLICE OFFICER, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ PURCHASING COORDINATOR, PERMIT TECHNICIAN & MAINTENANCE WORKER I
The City of Webster Groves is accepting applications for Police Officer, Accounts Payable/ Purchasing Coordinator, Permit Technician, and Maintenance Worker I. If interested please apply at www.WebsterGroves.org
BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST
Mid-level professional position, which contributes to the accomplishment of Business Analysis practices and objectives that will achieve business goals and objectives. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/
Maintenance Worker
Starting salary $30,684 + excellent benefit package
The maintenance worker performs routine, entry-level duties related to the maintenance of the state’s roadways and facilities. Responsibilities are performed under direct supervision.
Minimum/Required Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License (Permit) w/tanker endorsement - no air brake restriction
Locations: St. Louis city and county, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson County
BENEFITS
• Medical Plan, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid CDL Class B training
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Voting Leave
Planner II - Facilities Management - JR60456
Plans, analyzes, estimates and completes conceptual and detailed work products in support of the strategic efforts for facilities projects ensuring efficiency within designated budget. Serves as an ambassador of OFMD. Consults and communicates with WUSM departments regarding planning and project advancement. The successful candidate would meet the following required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Urban Planning or Engineering (electrical, mechanical or civil) or equivalent. Eight years of experience in physical planning.
DEI Education Specialist - Associate VC Diversity & Inclusion - JR52177
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Washington University School of Medicine is responsible for providing leadership, expertise and advocacy on all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Washington University School of Medicine. The Education Specialist will provide and support education and professional development for all faculty, staff, and trainees that enhances the culture and climate of the institution. The person in this role must have expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion content and education. They need to be creative, flexible, strategic and a strong communicator who can work well with people from all backgrounds as well as departments of different sizes and focuses across the institution. Required qualifications: Bachelor ’s degree in education, instructional design, public health, social work, sociology, or other related field; five years of experience providing dynamic group facilitation and training curriculum for adult learners in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Division Administrator - Radiology/Research Imaging – JR52036
This leadership provides managerial and leadership direction and support for the Research Imaging Facilities Division including financial, operational, compliance, business development and human resources management. This position cultivates a culture of operational excellence and efficiency to enhance the success of the Division in providing products and services which continually further the research mission of the Department and School while maintaining the financial integrity of the operations guided by sound business decision making. Required qualifications include an equivalent of BA in business or related field.
Quality Assurance Specialist - Human Research Protection OfficeJR50608
The Washington University IRB reviews all research involving human subjects conducted by WU faculty/staff and all research conducted at any WU affiliated institution. The Human Research Protection Office is tasked with supporting the IRB’s mission to protect the rights and welfare of research participants. The Quality Assurance Specialist will collaborate with HRPO leadership in the development and implementation of HRPO’s internal quality improvement and assurance program. The Quality Assurance Specialist will conduct reviews as required by the office’s internal QA/QI program to ensure compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and other agency requirements governing human subject research. Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, three to five years of relevant experience in administration of IRB and/or clinical trials or research administration, successful applicant will be expected to obtain CIP upon meeting eligibility requirements.
For a full description of these positions and other career opportunities, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/ to apply. Click search jobs and enter the job ID number.
We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion and creativity. EO/AA/VET/Disability Employer
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hiring an Executive Director for Cultural Leadership. Please go to www.culturalleadership.org/ employment/ for application.
Hiring a Development Manager for Cultural Leadership. Please go to www.culturalleadership.org/ employment/ for application.
• Pension/Retirement
• Vested after 5 years
• Educational Assistance Program
• Cafeteria Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
Increase Pay Market Adjustment for Winter/Emergency Operations!
Apply: www.modot.mo.gov/careers
MoDOT supports equality and advancement for all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V
LETTING NO. 8733
WINDOW REPLACEMENT WEST
CLIMATE CONTROL PLANT
At St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, in Room 301, City Hall 1200 Market St., St. Louis, MO. Until 1:45 p.m., on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, then publicly opened read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website: https://www.stl-bps.org (BPS online plan room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.
Bidders shall comply with applicable City, State, and Federal laws, (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., in the Ozark Conference Room, 4th Floor of the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.
All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (announcements).
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFP
B0004104 for Routine Furniture Purchases will be received until 3:00 PM (CST) on August 26, 2021. Go to https://stlcc.bonfirehub.com for bid document and submission.
SEA LION SOUND BOILER REPLACEMENT RFP 2021
The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to submit proposals for Sea Lion Sound Boiler Replacement RFP 2021. Bid documents are available as of 8/11/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Replace Salt Creek Bridge, Katy Trail State Park, Project No. X2102-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/2/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities
PORT AUTHORITY
WAREHOUSE LEASE
4300 S. 1ST STREET
AUGUST 18, 2021
PRE-BID WALK THROUGH AT 10AM
AUGUST 26, 2021
PROPOSALS DUE
Details at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/sldc/ procurement/index.cfm
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Fishpot Trunk West and Ed Lou Lane I/I Reduction (Smith Dr and Vlasis Dr) under Letting No. 12173-015.1,
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Northwest Industrial Ct 186 Manhole Replacement (IR) under Letting No. 13571-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Sewer Construction Bridgeton Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership requests proposals for a qualified firm specializing in commercial real estate to provide brokerage and marketing services related to its offices, located in Clayton, Missouri, at 7733 Forsyth Boulevard, Suite 2200 (approximately 15,000 RSF) and 120 S. Central Avenue, Suite 1200 (approximately 12,000 RSF).
A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the complete RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/
To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, September 9, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed BIDS for Bid 20-146 – Centennial Greenway Phase 4, Federal Project No. TAP 7305 (618) will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, Friday, September 3, 2021 and then opened and read aloud. Contract Documents will be available on Thursday, August 12, 2021 and are on file at the office of Drexel Technologies at http://planroom.drexeltech.com and are open for public inspection. Copies of documents may be obtained from Drexel Technologies for the fee listed online.
All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 20-146 – Centennial Greenway Phase 4, Federal Project No. TAP-7305 (618) or by mail to City of St. Peters Purchasing Department, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, MO 63376 before noon local time, Friday, August 27, 2021.
Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 20-146 – Centennial Greenway Phase 4, Federal Project No. TAP-7305 (618), or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 636.477.6600, extension 1277, at least five (5) working days prior to the bid opening you plan to attend.
All labor used in the construction of this public improvement shall be paid a wage no less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages of work of a similar character in this locality as established by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Federal Wage Rate), or state wage rate, whichever is higher.
The City of St. Peters hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. A DBE goal of ten percent (10%) has been established for this project. Only the work performed by approved DBE subcontractors at the time of the bid opening will be applied towards calculating the DBE goal.
All prospective bidders are required to complete the DBE Submittal Form, made part of Section U of this document, and submit it with the bid proposal or within three working days after the bid opening date. Failure to deliver the completed and executed DBE Submittal Form showing DBE participation by 4:00 p.m. on the third working day after the bid opening date may be cause for rejection of the low bid and the proposed guaranty will become the property of the City of St. Peters. If any DBE’s shown on the DBE Submittal Form are not shown on the approved listings, then that DBE’s work will not be counted as DBE participation work and may be cause for rejection of the bid.
All bidders must be on MoDOT’s Qualified Contractor List per Section 102.2 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2021 Edition including all revisions. The contractor questionnaire must be on file 7 days prior to bid opening. Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.
A bid bond in the amount of 5% (five percent) shall be submitted with each proposal.
An On the Job Training Goal of 0 trainees at 0 hours has been established for this project.
The City of St. Peters reserves the right to reject any or all bids. No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed on this project. This project will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.
The St. Louis County Port Authority (the “Port”) requests proposals from qualified firms to provide a complete, market analysis and feasibility study of all potential redevelopment opportunities for the former Jamestown Mall site, an approximately 140-acre property located at 175 Jamestown Mall in north St. Louis County, Missouri 63034. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the complete RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/ rfp-rfq/. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Monday, September 13, 2021.
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer
COMBINED NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of First Publication: 8/05/21
City of St. Louis: Department of Human Services (DHS) 1520 Market Street, Suite 4062 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related requirements for an activitiy to be undertaken by the City of St. Louis, Missouri
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or after 8/20/21, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Corona virus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act ( Cares Act) Public Law 116-136 (2020) Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following Public Improvement, within the City:
Public Improvement: Capacity Building for homeless youths
Purpose: The interior renovation of the existing facility to involve no ground disturbance consisting of the main building
Location: Site 1. 2727 N Kingshighway, 63113
Estimated Cost: Total development cost of this project is approximately $599,713, with $599,713 of funding coming from St. Louis City’s Year 2020 Federal ESG Program Funds— Grant # E-20-MW-29-0006.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The activity proposed is categorically excluded subject to under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s DHS, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Donata Patrick, DHS, Program Manager I, at (314) 657-1702.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Donata Patrick, DHS, Program Manager I, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Valerie Russell, DHS, Director, at the address listed above. All comments received by 8/19/21 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing. Visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/environmental-reviewrecords to review HUD ERR.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.
OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Mayor Tishaura Jones, Mayor of the City of St. Louis, Missouri City Hall-Room 200, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis Missouri
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSAL
Sealed Requests for Proposal regarding 21-162 Transportation Assistance Services to provide transportation assistance services to low and moderate income households (80% AMI) in St. Peters, Missouri are being solicited by the St. Peters Office of Community Services. The organization should have the capacity to provide round-trip transportation within St. Charles County and outside the County for medical purposes. Transportation should be provided to any person without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
Proposals will be received by the City of St. Peters, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd., P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, Thursday, August 26, 2021. This will be a non-public opening.
Proposal documents will be available on Thursday, August 12, 2021 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, St. Peters, MO 63376 or requested in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “RFP 21-162; Transportation Assistance Services”.
All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “RFP 21-162; Transportation Assistance Services” or by mail to City of St. Peters Purchasing Department, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, MO 63376 before noon local time, Thursday, August 19, 2021.
The City reserves the right to waive any informality, and to accept the proposal most advantageous to the City.
SEALED BIDS
Systems, Center for Behavioral Medicine, Kansas City, MO, Project No. M1903-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30PM, September 9, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
Certified Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking M/W/DBE/SDVOSB/VOSB Certified Businesses for the Patient Care Tower Pharmacy Renovation Project in
Missouri, (Project Number CP210781) for contracting opportunities in
general works, flooring, painting, drywall, ceilings, finishes. All interested and M/W/DBE/SDVOSB/VOSB Certified businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Martha Leahy (mleahy@rccllc.com); or Kelly Hequembourg (khequembourg@rccllc.com) to discuss the contracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the proposal opening date 08/18/2021 @ 1:30PM. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of the qualifications received. M/W/DBE/SDVOSB/VOSB CERTIFICATION STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:
1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com
2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our Smart BidNet system.
3) Use this link to access files directly: https://securecc.smartinsight.co/#/PublicBid Project/595387
Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri – Patient Care Tower – Pharmacy Renovation, (CP210781) Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: demolition, concrete, metals, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, specialties, furnishings, fire protection, air distribution, control systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, communications, electronic safety. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Jason Brown or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 8/11/2021 @ 1:30 P.M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:
1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com
2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:
Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
Haynes
Continued from C1
of stories ranging from lung cancer and sickle cell disease survivors to untold gems about the African American community. Each of the stories, she said, “were near and dear to my heart.”
Her passion for reporting on subjects that make people happy will play a role in how she approaches Studio STL.
“I’m ready to be here in St. Louis,” Haynes said.
“I’m ready to continue to grow in St. Louis and to not just grow in St. Louis but to grow with St. Louis.”
Haynes graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia journalism school where she majored in broadcast journalism and Spanish. She also studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, for six months.
She recalls flying out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport to travel home for the holidays. Although she’s somewhat familiar with the city from those trips, she’s eager to immerse herself in the local scene as a resident.
“I’m just excited to see where my career will take me,” Haynes said.
“I’m really excited to be here in St. Louis. It feels like I have had a homecoming kind of in a sense in a way since I went to school in Columbia. It feels
good to be back in the state that trained me for sure.”
Studio STL will air noon-1 p.m. weekdays on Fox 2, www. FOX2Now.com and on the FOX 2 St. Louis App starting Sept. 7.
“We are excited to bring this fast-paced, festive hour to St. Louis viewers on both sides of the river,” Kurt Krueger, vice president and general manager of KTVI FOX 2 and KPLR 11, said.
Follow @insidestudiostl on Facebook and Instagram for updates about the show.
Viewers interested in learning more about Haynes before the show debutsw can check her out from 5:45-9:30 a.m. Fridays in August on Fox with Tim Ezell.
• The piano of Henry Townsend, the St. Louis Blues Legend whose recordings span nine consecutive decades
• Outfits from gospel stars David Peaston and Willie Mae Ford Smith
Artifacts that will be on display will include:
• Costumes from Treemonisha, ragtime legend Scott Joplin’s ill-fated opera
• A dress and original theatre artifact of entertainer, French resistance agent, and civil rights activist Josephine Baker
• Dress worn by Tina Turner on the Tonight Show
• Artifacts from the Club Imperial, which hosted Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm and televised dance shows.
• Guitars belonging to Chuck Berry Jay Farrar Jeff Tweedy Albert King, and Mel Bay (who has taught millions to play the guitar)
• Trumpets of Miles Davis and Clark Terry
• Stage clothing of legendary artists like Little Milton, Luther Ingram, and the 5th Dimension
• Fontella Bass’s gold record and Grammy nomination for “Rescue Me”
• Artifacts from Mississippi Nights, including the stage floor that was played on by everyone from Kenny G to Nirvana
The full schedule of weekend events:
Saturday, Aug. 28
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. - Live concert with Marko Polo and FIRE DOG.
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Children’s activities including coloring giant 2-D guitars and painting St. Louis Sound-inspired rocks to add to the STL ROCKS rock garden.
• 2 – 6 p.m. - St. Louis restaurant food trucks.
• 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. - The Red & Black Brass Band.
• 3:45 – 5 p.m. - Murphy Lee and Friends.
• 5 – 9 p.m. - KDHX broadcasts live in the MacDermott Grand Hall. Music My Way with DJ LadyJock.
• 5 – 7 p.m. - Traveling at the Speed of Sound with The Time Traveler
• 7 – 9 p.m. - G. Wiz
Sunday, Aug. 29
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. - St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Children’s activities
• 1 – 4 p.m. - Bobby Norfolk performs as Scott Joplin with pianist Brad Ellebrecht.
• 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. - National champion Gentlemen of Vision St. Louis step team performs.
• 3 – 4:30 p.m. - “Love that St. Louis Sound” keynote featuring the Funky Butt Brass Band and local authors Amanda Doyle and Steve Pick.
Respect
Continued from B1
MacDonald, who plays Franklin’s mother, belt out songs. Titus Burgess as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland, Franklin’s musical mentor, Saycon Sengbloh, as the adult sister Erma, Hailey Kilgore as sister Carolyn and Brenda Nicole Moorer as Brenda harmonize well.
Their voices are heavenly, making the songs feel richer. Classics like “Dr. Feelgood,” “Think,” “Ain’t No Way,” “Chain of Fools” and “Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You’ve Been Gone)” resonate so much the music carries the film over any rough spots.
The script by playwrightturned-screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson doesn’t miss much in the star’s formative years. Franklin’s often strained relationship with her domineering dad, tween and teenage pregnancies, White’s notorious spousal abuse and the singer’s bouts with alcoholism are examined. The latter two plot points provide some of the film’s highest drama, moments when Aretha was scarred for her life, humiliated in public and facing inner demons that put her on a path of self-destruction.
That human frailty is balanced by the exhilarating moments (recording her first hit), shows of courage (civil rights activism with MLK and supporting Angela Davis) and creative breakthroughs (watching the scenes where she arranges songs with the band is magic).
The characters, large and small, are well drawn with depth and dimension. The dialogue floats safely above a soap opera-ish feel. Mom to her daughter: “Your daddy does not own your voice.”
For two hours and 25 minutes, tight editing (Avril Beukes, Queen Sugar), a constant influx of historic moments, rousing concert performances, interactions with famous people (Dinah Washington played by Mary J, Blige, Clara Ward by Heather Headley and Smokey Robinson by Lodric D. Collins) and Franklin’s life journey will keep you entranced.
The production design (Ina Mayhew, Queen Sugar) aptly recreates the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The eye-catching clothes (Clint Ramos, Lingua Franca) suit the characters and the times; their only imperfection is that they often look too new, not lived in.
Most of the ensemble performances are strong, with Hudson as the anchor and her singing as her strongest asset. While her acting cannot match that of a trained thespian (Viola Davis, Angela Basset) and her accent seems to waver at times, she does convey the emotional trauma the star experienced in some very impressive scenes. Her interpretation of Franklin, when she sings, mimics her walk and gestures and displays that badass attitude captures the aura just right. Scenes in which Hudson wears an Afro wig and revels in her militant Young Gifted and Black phase are the ones when she looks most like Franklin.
Whitaker, as the overbearing father who tests his daughter, is
appropriately irascible. Everyone who plays the sisters, young and old, sings and acts well. Marc Maron as the legendary record producer Jerry Wexler is sufficiently animated while Burgess as the musical director Rev. Cleveland shows just the right sensibility as Franklin’s emotional foundation. If there is a weak link it is Wayans as the troubled and abusive husband. His performance is tepid and shallow. A real pro, like the late Chadwick Boseman, would have taken this opportunity to turn White, a pivotal character, into a memorable, menacing persona. Wayans does not.
What’s on view is so fascinating and the storyline so involving and consequential that when the film ends at Franklin’s famous church concert, you wish there was more. This is where a traditional theatrical film format is lacking. The Queen of Soul had a life so rich and long it could fill a miniseries and still not touch all the breakthroughs, influential moments and endearing times that made her such an icon. Still, her legacy has been captured in her records, a bio book Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin and now in a film that captures her essence and dispenses it through the vocal pipes and the acting prowess of the lone woman Franklin herself deemed worthy of telling her story. The entire production is reverential, but Hudson should be particularly proud. She has done her job. She should take a bow. The Queen of Soul knew what she was doing.
Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Brenda Nicole Moorer and Jennifer Hudson in a scene from “Respect.”