August 14th, 2014 Edition

Police killing sparks rage, chaos

Chris Tallie is embraced by his mother, Angela Morgan, on Sunday during a candlelight vigil for his slain cousin, 18-yearold Michael Brown. Brown was shot dead by a Ferguson police officer around noon on Saturday.

See website for more photos! stlamerican.com

Department of Justice investigating murder of Michael Brown

By Bridjes O’Neil

St. Louis American

The

Of

Hundreds gathered Tuesday night at the Greater St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., in Ferguson, Missouri to support the family of Michael Brown. Michael Brown, 18, was unarmed when he was shot multiple times and killed by a Ferguson police officer on Saturday around noon in the 2900 Block of Canfield Drive at the Canfield Green Apartment Complex. He died at the scene, and police left his corpse lying on the street for four hours. St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar held a press conference Sunday morning at the Ferguson Fire Department regarding the tragic incident that has garnered national and international attention. Witnesses and the police

See BROWN, A7

City alderman earns national attention as stellar citizen journalist

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

Early Saturday afternoon an uncaptioned

photo of a then-unknown man holding a crudely made cardboard sign that read “The Ferguson Police Executed My Unarmed Son!!!” exploded on social media. Chaos was underway. With his makeshift protest mechanism, Louis Head tipped the community to the fact that his stepson Michael Brown, a 2014 graduate of Normandy High School, was gunned down in the Canfield Green Apartment Complex by a Ferguson police officer two days before Brown was to start classes at Vatterott College. By weekend’s end, all hell would break loose in Ferguson and surrounding municipalities for all the nation to see. Protests symbolized night one. On night two, peaceful demonstrators would be overshadowed by a small minority who decided to voice their rage and capitalize on the volatile situation by damaging and looting surrounding businesses. Night three was marred by what many deemed excessive force by police and a “peace by any

‘The most kind, gentle and loving teacher’

Estella Rash to receive 2014 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Why do you think there are traffic lights? What do you think would happen to the garden if it doesn’t rain?

After 35 years of teaching three- and four-year-olds, Estella Rash has learned to ask her young “discoverers” lots of questions.

“Whatever answer they give me is correct,” said Rash, a teacher at the University Child Development Center, located at University of Missouri –St. Louis. “They might say, ‘They’re pretty.’ And I say, ‘You’re right, they are pretty. But you know what, those lights are also to keep us safe.’” She never says they are wrong. “Oh God, I never say that,” she said. “That stops them from wanting to think and share information.” On September 12, Rash will receive the 2014 PNC Bank Early Childhood Education Award from the St. Louis American Foundation at its 27th annual

Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, to be held at the America’s Center Ballroom. The gala will begin at 7 p.m., following a reception at 6 p.m.

– Estella Rash

Estella Rash See RASH, A6 n “I never say they are wrong. That stops them from wanting to think and share information.”

“She is probably the most kind, gentle and loving teacher that kids would ever have,” said Lynn Navin, director

of the center, who has worked at the center with Rash since 1991. “She is always respectful of kids and their feelings. She instinctually knows what’s best

Photo by WIley Price

See FRENCH, A6

Photo by Wiley Price

The parents of Michael Brown, Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, flanked the Rev. Al Sharpton at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.

Antonio French

In the wake of the Michael Brown tragedy, several celebrities have used social media as a vehicle to voice their outrage. Instead of the regularly scheduled gossip, we’ve decided to share their thoughts, opinions and suggestions of influencers and tastemakers with international platforms as they’ve watched the events in our area unfold before a national audience.

“White cops do not see the value in young black men. So many people have bought into this Americanized system and America has always tortured, killed and enslaved black people. Cops are paid to protect us. You put your hands up and say you that you don’t have a gun – what else can you do? What America is telling our children is if black people don’t make us feel comfortable then we will kill you. And that’s very sad. . This is what we are being shown.”

- Rapper/actor David Banner

““Michael Brown may you rest with the Angels! #Saveourchildren #StLouisStandUp. We have to stand strong together and let our voices be heard across this nation. We will not tolerate innocent children being slain. I had to see it for myself. The answer is not tearing down our own neighborhoods and communities. The answer is going to the source of the problem in numbers – so many numbers that they know that they don’t have a chance. We want justice, not chaos.

- Rapper Jeezy, who stopped through Ferguson while in town for his performance on the “Under The Influence Of Music” Tour

“The fact that the small town Ferguson police dept. has all this equipment should disturb us all. Apparently the equipment was brought in from other communities. But still…America is number one at war and imprisoning. I wish we were number one at building

infrastructure and healthcare and educating our kids.

-Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend

“Prayers for #STL #Ferguson.

-“Scandal” star Kerry Washington

“Rest in peace Michael Brown. We won’t forget you. #ThisMustStop. You could have been any one of my family members.”

-Hip-hop legend LL Cool J

“God bless Mike Brown’s family and may St. Louis find peace and justice. Let’s not forget #MichaelBrown and the city of #Ferguson folks.

-?uestLove of The Roots

“In the midst of pain, anger and frustration, strategizing for justice, standing up for justice, insisting on justice is the power play. Take all of that fury and register everybody to vote. Organize. Exercise real power.”

-Award-winning actress Alfre Woodard

Better Family Life joins with pastors for PeaceFest 2014

Celebration of peace ‘eerily timed’ in the wake of Michael Brown shooting and resulting unrest

American staff

Better Family Life Inc., in conjunction with Concerned Clergy, is calling for mass participation in PeaceFest 2014. Churches from throughout the area, including E. St. Louis, Illinois, St. Louis city and St. Louis County, will host church picnics on the grounds.

“The addition of the faith

community is key, as we as a community attempt to process the civil disobedience and unrest as a result of the killing of Michael Brown,” said James Clark, vice president of community outreach for Better Family Life, Inc. “Pastors and their congregations will provide an atmosphere of healing as we embrace Tracy Martin, father of Trayvon Martin, and the parents of Michael Brown.”

Back in spring 2012, Clark was asked by a news anchor, “When will we see things get better in our city?” Clark replied, “We are not prepared for the spring and summer of 2014.”

When asked how he could make such a bold prediction, a two-year forecast, he replied, “There is an segment of our community that has been neglected, denied access to resources and shut out. This has resulted in the establishment

of a subculture. The spring and summer of 2014 will be the first glimpse of the power, force and anger of this subculture.”

This spring and summer has been marked by a 35 percent increase in homicides in the city of St. Louis.

“The acts of crime and violence have become more brazen, with many acts taking place in broad daylight and in high-traffic venues such as the University City Loop, Laclede’s Landing and Ball Park Village,” Clark said. “The recent aggressive responsive to the killing of Michael Brown underscores this new era.”

The participants in this groundswell are new players, Clark said. “The players are leaderless, and their passion, anger and frustrations have shaken the City of Ferguson, rocked the St. Louis region and drawn a national spotlight

to the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

In this light, Clark said, Better Family Life’s PeaceFest 2014 is “eerily” on the horizon. It is scheduled for Sunday August 24 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. in Forest Park, Central Field.

The full day of festivities will include the music of the Dirty Muggs, Fat Pockets, Boggie Chyld, Rucka Puff, Aunyea Heart and many more.

Clark said the partnership with pastors hosting picnics is the beginning of an outreach effort.

“Part two of the action plan will involve church participation in the Neighborhood Alliance model,” Clark said. “Through this innovative neighborhood development model, churches are trained to do effective, consistent outreach in the neighborhood in which their church is located.”

From Voting Rights Act to amendment

One of the greatest weeks in progressive political history started on July 30, 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid bills into law. It ended on Aug. 6, when LBJ penned his signature on the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We should take a moment to remember that wonderful week, 49 years ago. Progressive victories like those do not come along very often. Our victories did not start in LBJ’s White House, of course. You could say that we began to walk the freedom road toward the Voting Rights Act on the day that Rosa Parks sat down on the bus in Montgomery, Ala., and refused to give it up.

Or you could point to the day in Greensboro over half a century ago, when four brave North Carolina A&T students sat down at the lunch counter, and refused to move. Or you could give great credit to Dr. King. Those progressive landmarks are now under attack. Conservatives have never liked Medicare or Medicaid. (Conservative icon Ronald Reagan derided Medicare as “socialized medicine” years before he was even elected governor of California.) Nor have right-wingers ever liked the Voting Rights Act. But public sentiment in favor of expanded voting since Dr. King’s death has remained strong enough to withstand most of their attacks. Then came the backlash election of 2010, when Tea Party voters who claimed

to be upset about the deficit — a deficit brought on by President George W. Bush, but ignored until the first African-American president took office — turned out in big numbers and moved the House of Representatives and many state legislatures solidly to the right. This led to an immediate attack on the voting rights gains we made 49 years ago, with a rollback of voting rights in dozens of GOP-controlled statehouses across the nation, including cutbacks on early voting, and increased requirements for voter verification using ID cards that far too many poor and minority voters do not have. On top of that, progressives were hit hard by the most ideological, corporate, activist and conservative Supreme Court in modern times — a court that last year gutted the Voting Rights Act, by only a 5-4 margin. Civil rights groups are working hard right now to try to salvage a compromise that can keep the Voting Rights Act in play, but given the electoral benefits that the GOP reaps from unfair voting laws, our immediate chances to retain a fair, unbiased voting system all across the country are not great. We need a guaranteed right to vote. And to counteract our states’ rights system of voting, with a different set of restrictions in each of the 50 states plus D.C., we need a federal voting system. We need one set of rules for everyone, with a level playing field for all voters everywhere, North and South, urban and rural.

Columnist Rev. Jesse Jaskson Sr.

Members of Concerned Clergy and Better Family Life.

Photo by Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

For the sake of Michael Brown

With deep humility, we admit we did not see this coming, and not where it came – in a ring suburb, rather than in the city – though we can see where it came from.

North St. Louis County and many of its municipalities have suffered decades of economic disinvestment, loss of manufacturing jobs and disruption by highway construction and airport expansion. Those who chose to stay in these ring suburbs, or who had no other options, had to live – or die – with the consequences.

White flight, particularly to St. Charles County, first hit the school districts, then the tax base. Remaining homeowners are heavily taxed in areas with often struggling schools, little industry and dwindling businesses and services. The mortgage bubble really burst in these areas, with rampant home foreclosures. Large retail areas in North County have been abandoned. Small businesses face difficulty establishing a presence due to high prices for retail space and insurance costs. Those who stay charge more, and those who buy from them pay more.

When businesses and retail move, those who remain have to spend their money with establishments elsewhere in the region. That builds up the tax base in other areas, not their own. For those who lack reliable transportation (let alone job skills and education), there are few opportunities to eke out a livelihood locally. There is little escape.

Disillusionment, resentment and tension set in where economic opportunities, recreation and thriving businesses once flourished. The “look at us, we are on our way back” slogans boasted by chambers of commerce say nothing about those who have been treated as invisible or dispensable.

As for our youth, many of them may not be properly educated, but they are not stupid, and it is not difficult for them to hear what they are being told in the cold language of unaccredited districts and transfer students. Michael Brown graduated in the much-discussed Normandy School District, an unaccredited school district that expired not long before he was killed. He and his peers – specifically, those strivers willing to transfer to a better school district – were told they were not wanted by many other districts in the region, once those districts were no longer required to accept them.

It may take a village to raise a child, but many administrators and parents in better-resourced parts of our region had no problem saying quite publicly that Michael Brown and his brothers and sisters did not belong in their village. So it is not difficult to understand the frustration and anger of the sons and daughters of these disinvested ring suburbs. It is even easier to understand why, when their frustration and anger turned to rage at the murder of one of their own by a cop, it was directed at the police. Most obviously, a police officer killed Michael Brown – in cold blood, according to eyewitnesses. But our sons’ and daughters’ rage at the police started long before Michael Brown and his friend were told to get out of the street on Saturday afternoon by a foul-mouthed Ferguson cop.

In many North County municipalities, it seems police run contests to see how many young black men you can pull over, flaunting the officers’ power and the motorists’ powerlessness. Our young men especially are regularly inconvenienced and humiliated while simply trying to get where they are going. The Missouri Attorney General annually releases a report, which no black person needs to read, that documents appalling disparities in how often black drivers are pulled over and searched, compared to white people, all over the state and the region. But Michael Brown was not pulled over while driving. He was told to get out of the street while walking. For offering what was initially, according to an eyewitness, the mildest of resistance to a rude and unnecessary police order, this unarmed teen was shot in the middle of the day, and his bullet-riddled body left by police to lay in the street for hours, as if to provide a grisly example.

That did it. That’s what drove people (not just young people) to act out their pent-up rage.

That’s what drove people to demonstrate (which is within their rights). That’s what drove people to the candlelight vigil on Sunday. And that’s what drove a few who disregarded the greater good to lash out at what was in front of them. The resulting chaos created an opportunity for looters – many of them, according to reported arrests, not from the immediate area – to smash and grab from what businesses remain.

We can’t bring Michael Brown back. But we can insist on a prompt, credible, transparent investigation – under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Justice, we urge – and that his killer be brought to justice. The officer should receive the constitutionally guaranteed due process he did not give to his victim. When his name is finally disclosed – as should have been done immediately – there must be no effort to bring him to the vigilante justice we see too often delivered from behind the authority of a badge.

We also must insist – as a life-or-death matter essential to the peace and functioning of our society – on an immediate and thorough review of police policy, procedure and training throughout the region. There are successful models of police/community cooperation that can be adopted. We must diversify our police departments – the Ferguson Police Department reportedly has three black cops in a staff of 53. We must train police officers who patrol minority neighborhoods in how to better understand the people on their beats and interact with them in a spirit of mutual respect. And we must stop protecting police officers when they use unwarranted force, against black men or anyone.

In the meantime, our angry youth and many supportive citizens remain on the streets, taunting police in riot gear with snipers sprawled on what amount to tanks, training high-powered rifles on unarmed black people with their hands in the air, chanting, “Don’t shoot!” among other things we won’t print.

We commend St. Louis Alderman Antonio French, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and community activist and writer Tef Poe, in particular, for showing leadership on the streets in these tense days. It is clear, now more than ever, that many more of us need to leave our offices, churches and comfort zones and engage more directly with our angry and misdirected youth.

“We as leaders can help redirect their justified anger,” French tweeted in the heat of the battle.

“But we can’t do it from churches or our living rooms. We have to be with them.”

It should also be painfully clear, now more than ever, that this is not a black problem, but a problem for our entire region and others like it across the nation. True, if our community were more organized and voted its strength, then municipalities like Ferguson would not have the utterly inadequate mayors and police chiefs that are making life-or-death decisions today – and making them very badly, with fatal consequences.

But these consequences have regional impact. In countless editorials, we have urged our corporate and political leaders to do more to include African Americans in educational, economic and social opportunities for the greater good of the region. Over and over, we have exhorted, our region cannot thrive when we consign so many of our youth to the oblivion of failing schools and poor job skills. Now, more than ever, it is clear that our region needs to do more to include African Americans from the earliest ages, for our region not only to thrive, but simply to function peaceably.

We believe it is because not nearly enough capable people with resources in this region have heeded our plea that we have reached this crisis point of complete breakdown, when the St. Louis region has entered the world’s spotlight, not as one of its great places to live and work, but as one of its war zones. We need peace. But first, we need justice and equity, so that Michael Brown’s death is not wasted, like so many young black lives before his, and with them the future prospects of this region and nation.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Focus on murder, not looting

By Akbar Muhammad For The St. Louis American

As I sat and listened to the president of the NAACP and some ministers speak Monday night at the Murchison Tabernacle CME Church, I heard a lot of good words – and some that were insensitive and off-track.

The mayor of Berkeley, Ted Hoskins, was on point because the rallies, meetings and speeches should have never just been about the looting and how wrong it was. But this seemed to be the theme of many who spoke. The focus was to be on the killing of a young, unarmed black man who was murdered in cold blood by a white police officer in the suburb of St. Louis, Ferguson. This should have been about the murder of our child by a white police officer.

I was in California when I saw the news stories. From St. Louis and throughout the country, the initial report was that a black teenager tried to take a police officer’s gun and the police officer shot him,

making the assumption that it was in self-defense. This lie, which spread throughout America and the world, would have been left alone and no one would have said anything – if the young did not take to the street.

When young people witnessed this senseless murder and were in pain to know that Michael Brown was on his way to college in a few days, the young people who witnessed this brutal murder of one of their friends lifted up their voice and the community turned into outrage.

This is the story that has to be told. The looting can be seen as collateral damage of oppressed people taking advantage of a set of circumstances. The young man who was killed was our baby, and those looting were our babies. They need to be loved and cared for, as they are a product of us.

They rebelled because of the lack of opportunity, a state of poverty, want and helplessness were stoked by a police officer committing murder – which many people thought was justified – against this young black man under the pretense of so-called self-defense. It was only because young people raised hell that the eye of the

Letters to the editor

In memory of Michael Brown

Because of an overwhelming response to the Michael Brown tragedy from our social media community – Facebook, in particular – we have decided to share some of the comments that appeared with our print community as they expressed a range of emotions in the wake of the senseless killing of an unarmed teen. We encourage those who haven’t done so already to join the conversation on our various social media channels – including Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.

Speak up for justice

Let’s not take away from the real issue at hand, which was the shooting. The actions that took place with the rioting and looting were disgraceful and did not honor Michael Brown in any way. To anyone that has information about the shooting, please speak up. Don’t let the negativity and ignorance stop you from speaking up and getting real justice.

Brittnay N. Powell

Praying for the family

I pray for this family as I prayed for Trayvon Martin’s family – and for all families suffering loss of a young one to police brutality. They are here to serve us and protect us. It is so sad when they abuse their power. It puts the public in a position of mistrust and places the upstanding police and troopers in a position of danger from outrage and hatred. But by no means should we riot. Those shop owners are hardworking blue collar people trying to earn a living and raise a family. I am sure the young man and his family do not want this kind of attention to their suffering and situation. It is hurting them not helping them. I will keep them in my prayers.

Kimberly Brooks Price

Follow footsteps of Dr. King

We as Americans have lost a family member due to a circumstance that no member of our family – black, white or any other ethnicity – should quietly tolerate. The behavior of some members of our American family after the murder of

world is on St. Louis. Instead of spending time condemning the spontaneous reaction of the young people, we need to realize this would have never happened if this non-peaceful act of coldblooded murder of a young black unarmed man had not taken place. Our rallies need to include our youth, not set up parameters that they need to listen to our dialogue on how we handle and manage this senseless murder. It does not take weeks to deal with this. There needs to be a blood test given to the police officer who left Michael’s body in the street for four hours to see whether the officer was on drugs. The murder of Michael Brown should not be taken off the agenda and made into an issue of looting instead of an issue of murder. The issue is the cold-blooded murder by a white policeman, instead of a twisted story about a young black man trying to take the police officer’s gun. Akbar Muhammad is international representative of Minister Louis

yahoo.com or

AkbarsBooks.com.

All letters are edited for length and style.

this young man is not quietly tolerable either. Christians often ask what would Jesus do. Being a self-professed heathen, I honestly don’t know, but I do know what Martin Luther King Jr. would do! He would have been outraged at the murder of a member of our American family, and he would have demanded justice be served. Likewise, he would have been saddened and ashamed of what has happened after this heinous act that took our brother’s life. Please! Let us not have our brother’s death be in vain. This should not be a time to throw up barriers. It can be an opportunity to build a better community for our American family.

Jerome Gaines

Heartbreaking tragedy

It’s a sad story, and what just breaks my heart is that nothing is going to happen to the officer! Let’s be real! It’s terrible that a group of 17-yearolds are all considered the same. Praying for this family!

Celestine Boo

Unjustifiable homicide

Bottom line is that an unarmed teenager was murdered in cold blood. The police’s story doesn’t make sense. There were several eyewitness accounts of what happened. The murder was not justified and the victim blaming is irrational.

Kwame Thompson

A matter of trust

What’s so hard about this is when it comes down to a cop shooting an unarmed person ( child) how are we supposed to trust that they will do the right thing with this investigation? They called those tanks in way before the riot. On top of that they were called monkeys while they were demonstrating peacefully.

Danielle Lola Hawkins

Reaching towards a higher power

It’s time for the body of Christ and the neighborhood to stand and begin to reach out to the families and the community. This is the time to witness and most of all outreach. Praying

for the family.

Tonka Johnson

Knowing the system

Understanding is key. I do not condone rioting or looting but I do understand the frustrations of the African American community. Oppression, Racism, modern day segregation is still alive and well in our social, justice and political systems in America.

William Lowery

Guest Columnist Akbar Muhammad

The family of Michael Brown leave a message on the street where he was gunned down by a Ferguson police oficer on Saturday. Photo by Wiley Price

Anger this time

By Lizz Brown For The St. Louis American

Enough.

I think we finally have had enough. Enough sad, weather-tattered teddy bears strapped to lampposts. Enough teary candlelit vigils that fail to touch the heart of those who caused the pain. Enough indifferent police officers leaving the bullet-ravaged innocent bodies of our babies lying in the streets uncovered. Enough.

And so this time, this time, when another police officer emptied his gun into the back of a fleeing, unarmed African-American teen, the ground in the St. Louis region began to shake. This time there was fire. This time anger took form.

Some in our region have characterized the moment when the ground shook as a night of vandalism and looting.

They are wrong and don’t be distracted.

The chief of police in Ferguson has also weighed in. According to the chief, the fires that were lit in Ferguson on Sunday can best be understood by separating the folks at the Mike Brown vigil into “good” protesters and the bad “outsiders.”

He is wrong and don’t be distracted.

Fact is we simply can no longer afford to waste time engaged in defense or apology about a fire that burned a building. Because every moment we do so is a moment spent looking away from the tinder that feeds the flame and the match that ignited it.

The St. Louis region has never honestly addressed the issue of race, racism and the demonization of African Americans. And now the region is feeling the impact of this color based neglect.

It has been reported that the Ferguson police department has 53 cops and all but three are white. For a city that is over 70 percent AfricanAmerican, a minuscule 5 percent presence on the police force is beyond outrageous. This statistic reveals how little the chief of police is concerned about African-American contributions and African-American presence.

What the chief should already know is how this awful statistic goes a long way in explaining the results of the State of Missouri’s “Driving While Black” report. According to the findings in the report, African Americans in Ferguson are twice as likely to be searched and twice as likely to be arrested as white drivers – tinder for the flame.

If you want to look at the demonization of African-American people in our region, one only need look at the response of the City of St. Charles to the possible transfer of Normandy’s African-American students.

Well over a thousand white citizens gathered and worried out loud about increased crime and decreased property values if the transfers went through. As if a gapped-toothed 2nd grader smelling of cocoa butter and bubble gum could cause a downward spiral of property values.

And yet there was scant regional discussion about the weight and the impact of this unaddressed bigoted world view. It seemed as if our region was in agreement that the presence of African-American children in a public school classroom has a negative social, educational and financial impact – tinder for the flame.

Monday night the national NAACP came to our region and held a forum to discuss the killing of Mike Brown. The coverage of the event was surreal.

At the same time news reporters were showing viewers live video of police-barricaded highways and blocked streets that prevented access to the event, a representative from the Ferguson Police Department spoke on camera claiming there were no efforts by the police to prevent citizens from attending the meeting – tinder for the flame.

Yes, there was a fire in Ferguson, but don’t get lost looking at that flame. The unjustified police killing of Mike Brown was the match, and the unresolved, generationsold issues of race and racism continue to feed the flame. And until we are brave enough and honest enough to tackle these issues, the fires will continue to burn – one way or another.

Lizz Brown is an attorney, award-winning radio talk show host and political commentator. Follow her on Twitter @lizzzbrown.

Lizz Brown

Jessica Williams was one of hundreds who rallied in front of the Ferguson City Hall on Sunday morning in protest of the police shooting of 18-year old Normandy High school graduate Michael Brown on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Wiley Price

Continued from A1

means necessary” approach to maintaining order. Area residents and journalists were victims of collateral damage while caught in the crossfire of tear gas and rubber bullets. While the most dramatic moments played out like scenes from a film inspired by the milder moments of the civil rights era, committed individuals followed Head’s lead in feeding the people with an on-location, direct line of information.

Brittany Noble of KMOVTV, Majic 100.3 FM’s Tammie Holland, Casey Nolen of KSDK-TV, Hot 104.1 FM Programming Director Boogie D (who stopped the music on the hip-hop station so that listeners could call in and voice their frustrations), rapper and Riverfront Times contributor Tef Poe and Patricia Bynes were among them. And though it may run the risk of appearing self-serving, the work of The American’s own Chris King, Bridjes O’Neil, Wiley Price and Lawrence Bryant is worth mention as well. But it would be former PubDef publisher and current St. Louis Alderman Antonio French who would emerge as the go-to citizen journalist using the digital-age approach to capture every waking moment of the aftershock following Brown’s killing.

A retweet of Holland, “@ TammieHolland What the hell is going on in Ferguson,” would start a stream of on-location coverage from French that is still underway at press time. He has never been offline for more than two or three hours once or twice over the course of three days since the community began to react. His cell phone became a portable newsroom as he provided 140-character features, vivid Instagram images and Vine videos that served as a playby-play in real time at a host of locations related to the outcry for justice.

Tweets were often prefaced with ICYMI (in case you missed it) and featured accompanying photos.

“Right now in #Ferguson” served as headlines for most of the Vine videos. From the moment he arrived on the scene, he began sharing first-hand observations:

RASH

Continued from A1 for kids. She provides lots of opportunities to nurture what they love.”

Navin said both of her children had Rash as a teacher. And being at the center since 1981, many of her former students return with their own children and specifically request Rash as a teacher.

Rash decided to enter early childhood education after her daughter, Enrika C. Rash,

“Police from several jurisdictions have formed a line to separate the crowd from the crime scene.”

“People are marching to the #Ferguson Police Dept. Headquarters following the killing of a 17-year-old boy” (Michael Brown’s age was later revealed to be 18).

“Ferguson police have dogs and shotguns. The unarmed crowd is raising their hands.”

“Police cars trampled the rose petals and candles at the memorial for #MikeBrown.”

“People are angry, frustrated but peaceful tonight in Ferguson. The police dept.’s heavy handed approach made things worse. Leaving was good.”

“Lots of people – some prayerful, some sad, some angry – have gathered outside the Ferguson police headquarters.”

People following the killing

turned two years old, she said. She then embarked on earning enough credits at Harris-Stowe State University to earn an associate’s degree in early childhood education. Her personal teaching philosophy is a response to her own childrearing and schooling, she said. As a child, she and her 11 siblings were raised in a loving, spiritual environment in Shaw, Mississippi. However, it was also very strict.

“I didn’t like a lot of the limits,” she said. “I didn’t want to be that type of parent.

and chaos began to take notice of French’s coverage. He garnered thousands of new Twitter followers, including celebrities.

“Your coverage, Spirit, Intention & Attention contributed 2 these moments of Peace,”

Grammy Awardwinning singer Anita Baker said in response to his coverage.

“Grateful 4 your Obedience... #PeaceJustice”

“@Antonio

become a trusted source on the situation by those devouring information through social media and a contributor to major news outlets –including CNN and MSNBC.

n “There is such a disconnect between the community and the police that tensions have been rising for years and years. It’s not exclusive to Ferguson.”

– Antonio French on CNN

French did some heroic reporting tonight #WeAre MichaelBrown,” said bestselling author and Jay Z biographer dream hampton.

By day three, French had

I wanted my daughter to think and challenge me, but with respect. We were raised with respect, but you couldn’t say what you wanted to say.”

On Monday morning, he spent the better part of five minutes (which converts to about two hours in breaking news time) eloquently giving local insight on the situation to CNN.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, the community doesn’t know exactly what happened, but those people that do think they know what happened have been very angry over the past few

n “Stella is a mentor for new teachers and UM-St. Louis early childhood students as well.”

– Jaime Bergfeld

This teaching style seemed to work with her own daughter, she said, so she decided to explore it as a teacher. At the center, she plans the curriculum based on the children’s interests. Whether they are interested in being

doctors, nurses or firefighters, she plans activities to fit those needs, she said. At the same time, she incorporates their developmental needs, such as numbers and reading.

She also creates different levels of learning goals so every child can hit their mark and feel they have achieved, she said.

“I think I’m really good at that,” she said. “Children

days and that anger is very palpable,” French told CNN’s Ashleigh Banfield.

“What happens is there is such a disconnect between the community and the police that tensions have been rising for years and years. It’s not exclusive to Ferguson – or even the surrounding communities. It’s a disconnect around America between the community and the people that police it.”

He didn’t know it at the time, but later than night he would prove his statements true with video of tear gas being unleashed, guns being drawn at peaceful protesters and aggressive, confrontational behavior across the board.

And though Tuesday showed promise of being a busy, yet peaceful day of action and activism, French was back on the scene to

do have different learning styles. You have structured and unstructured children. I’ve learned to observe them and see what their interests are and what their abilities are.”

Karen Taylor, the center’s program coordinator, has worked with Rash for 20 years.

She said Rash has a genuine gift for individualizing the curriculum.

capture what would become yet another evening of unrest.

“Four men on the ground being detained by police on West Florissant and Chambers. Not sure if it is related to protests,” French tweeted. “Crowd forming around arrest. Helicopter now here.”

He would, naturally, use Twitter to explain his motives.

“We as leaders can help redirect their justified anger,” French said. “But we can’t do it from churches or our living rooms. We have to be with them.” His words reflected what he explained to the world Monday on CNN.

“A lot of people from outside of Ferguson have come here because they share the anger and frustration,” French said. “Hopefully this can be a part of a conversation that lasts a long time, and we can rebuild in a better way.”

“That’s why kids have so much fun with her,” Taylor said. “The things she plans motivate the kids because she is such a good observer. She’s so passionate about what she does.”

Taylor said the children always remember Rash, and former students in their 20s are constantly coming back to visit her. She has a lasting impact equally on the parents, said Jaime Bergfeld, who had Rash as a teacher with both of her children.

“She sets the bar high for young children and helps them get there through her constant love and support,” Bergfeld said.

And that support and care extend to the parents in her classroom, she said.

“She always has a nonjudgmental listening ear for parents,” Bergfeld said. “She models behavior-guidance techniques and offers concrete suggestions for parents to support them in their parenting efforts. Stella is a mentor for new teachers and UM-St. Louis early childhood students as well.”

In May, Rash plans to retire with 36 years under her belt at the center. Although she’ll be sad to leave the center, she said she still plans to volunteer.

“I love this place,” she said. “It’s a great environment to work in. Great families. Wonderful children. This is what has kept me here.”

The 2014 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, September 12 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 6 p.m.

Local youth gasped for breath after being hit with tear gas thrown by a SWAT team while walking back from McDonalds on West Florissant Avenue near Ferguson Avenue on Monday.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

BROWN

Continued from A1

department have given sharply conflicting reports of the incident.

According to Belmar, the officer had an encounter on the street with Brown and his friend, 22-year-old Dorian Johnson. Johnson told local news stations that he and the victim were walking along the street when a patrol car approached them. Johnson claimed the officer cursed at them and told them to get on the sidewalk.

“We told the officer that we were not but a minute away from our destination and we were sure to be off the street,” he said.

Police officials claimed the officer – who still had been identified by press time – exited his vehicle and was pushed back into the patrol car where a struggle allegedly ensued over the officer’s weapon.

“There was at least one shot fired inside the car,” Belmar said at Sunday’s press conference.

Police claim no video record of the event was made.

Eyewitness accounts by Johnson and others differ on all points with the official version.

Piaget Crenshaw told local news stations that she witnessed the officer chase after the victim “full-force” and the victim “ran for his life,” she said.

“He put his arms up to let them know that he was compliant,” she said, but was shot twice more. Then, she said, “he fell to the ground and died.”

Although more than a few shell casings were recovered from the scene, Belmar said that he was unsure of the exact amount of times the victim was struck by gunfire. He did acknowledge that it was “more than a couple.”

Witnesses say Brown was shot at least eight times. No police report or autopsy have been released.

Belmar said it took a long time to process the crime scene. Brown’s lifeless body remained in the middle of the street for four hours, according to outraged witnesses.

Photos of his body were widely distributed on social media – some without a white sheet covering the corpse. The victim’s parents, Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, have requested that the photos be removed.

The medical examiner began conducting an investigation Sunday. Autopsy results could take as long as six weeks pending toxicology results, Belmar said. The community has cried foul, demanding that the officer also be given a toxicology test.

The St. Louis County Bureau of Crimes Against Persons Unit will conduct an independent investigation. When the investigation is complete, Belmar said, the facts and circumstances will be turned over to St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert P. McCulloch. McCulloch will determine whether or not charges should be filed.

However, Attorney General Eric Holder has opened what he called “a concurrent, federal inquiry” into the case by the Department of Justice. Cheryl Mimura, a spokeswoman for the FBI’s St. Louis field office, said the agency opened an investigation Monday into possible civil rights violations that led to the victim’s death.

The officer involved in the shooting is a six-year veteran with no prior incidents and is on paid administrative leave, Belmar said. The officer has not been identified due to safety concerns, police officials said. Florida attorney Benjamin L. Crump and local attorney Anthony Gray are representing the family of Michael Brown. Crump represented the family of 17-year-old shooting victim Trayvon Martin.

On the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, Crump addressed local and national media Tuesday afternoon. He was joined by civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton. Gray said he expects a transparent and open investigation into the circumstances surrounding Michael Brown’s death. Not releasing the officer’s name

is not an act of transparency and it certainly doesn’t build the community’s confidence, Crump said. He said the family wants the name of the officer released. A court order would force the department to release the officer’s name, Crump said.

“The local authorities have put themselves in a position where people will not trust anything but an objective investigation,” Rev. Sharpton said.

Gray has asked the public to come forward with any information or evidence that could assist federal investigators.

“His life was taken by the very people that were supposed to protect him,” Crump said Tuesday at Greater St. Mark.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. Email this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com.

Witnesses encouraged to come forward

The Department of Justice encourages anyone with evidence or testimony to call the FBI at 314-589-2500 and ask for the Michael Brown shooting command center.

The Mound City Bar Association encourages witnesses of the shooting or people with evidence about police misconduct in Ferguson to contact them for counsel before approaching federal authorities with evidence. Call Mound City Bar at 314-2833867.

Protesters march peacefully around the Ferguson Police Department with arms raised to protest the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on Saturday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Remembering Mike Brown Community responds to police killing

Lament for Michael Brown

Finding

the way from grief to change

By Rev. Starsky Wilson For The St. Louis American

“I have cried until the tears no longer come. My heart is broken, my spirit poured out, as I see what has happened to my people. Little children and tiny babies are fainting and dying in the streets.” – Lamentations 2:11

I made a big mistake Sunday night. In an effort to assure that people understood the real atrocity committed in Ferguson, I posted a picture of Michael Brown’s body laying in the street on Instagram and Facebook. Thankfully, a friend hit my inbox with a message informing me that Lesley McSpadden, Michael’s mother, asked that we not do so. I immediately responded by removing the post. But as I did, deep conviction and sorrow set in.

by black youth trying to be heard, and the violent expressions of pain and grief manifest in unfortunate looting.

The church folks gathered at Murchison Tabernacle and Christ the King perhaps recognize the sound of the prophet Jeremiah singing the blues, disturbed by his people being devastated and captive to oppression with their children dying in the streets. The events of the last few days have exposed further cause for and expression of lament.

Regret for the cultural distance between police, as an occupying force, and resident black communities. Regret for the disconnect between middle-class black church leaders and disaffected black youth who riot, while we engage in ritual. And, yes, crying out from disenfranchised masses who choose unauthorized means to speak publicly.

connect with his story. While passions are high now, only personal connection to the deeper realities of this narrative will energize the longterm movement necessary to make

of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are involved, anyone with information about Michael Brown’s death must contact them immediately.

Looking again at the picture on my screen, I was reminded of the place on the side of the street where my uncle’s body lay limp with bullet holes in my old neighborhood in Dallas. I was overwhelmed with the image of my brother lying face down after being murdered just around the corner.

The tears began to flow. Tears turned into weeping, then weeping to lament. To lament is to regret within or to cry out with grief.

My lamentations began with silent reflection on the connection between this communal crisis and my personal pain. But, it quickly connected to the church that shaped me, YouTube posts

Don’t

It is no less than Dr. Martin L. King Jr. who reminds us at this hour that “a riot is the language of the unheard.” King also pushes us with the question he asked with the title of his last text, “Where Do We Go From Here?: Chaos or Community.”

First, let’s cry. Take time to lament.

Michael Brown deserves justice.

The loss of his life is also a cause for pause. One of God’s children has been slain too soon. The coming days will be marked by his memorial service and the reading of obituaries.

Let us assess how our stories

shoot! A message from young and concerned African Americans

By Charli A. Cooksey et. al.

For The St. Louis American

We, the undersigned, as young and concerned members of St. Louis’ African-American community, are writing to show our solidarity with the family of the slain Michael “Mike Mike” Brown Jr. and those who oppose and are victims of violence and injustice in the community. The death of another unarmed young man at the hands of a law enforcement officer only illuminates the many dangers that we as African-American youth face daily in our own neighborhoods.

We have reached a critical moment in our region and country, where our young African Americans are not valued, heard or loved. This is the direct result of a complex set of injustices: underperforming school districts, the removal of high-level African-American school district leaders, the decreasing presence of African Americans in elected office, high youth unemployment rates, and blatant police brutality and abuse. Our people are justifiably hurt and angry, yet passionate and ready for action. We do not condone the looting and lawlessness pervading the streets of Ferguson, but we fully empathize with the feeling of powerlessness. We also do not condone the excessive violence exercised against citizens

of Ferguson in recent days by police officers, which includes assaults on pregnant women, unarmed men and families enjoying their own backyard with tear gas, rubber bullets and physical force. We demand justice for Mike Brown and the citizens of Ferguson. We are engaging our region’s youth with a safe and relevant platform to voice their thoughts and ideas and turn them into constructive action and justice. Theirs are the most important voices.

Furthermore, to empower the people of Ferguson, we call for the following:

• By September 30, 2014, a full and impartial investigation will be underway, supervised by the United States Department of Justice; and, pending the outcomes, the swift and transparent prosecution of any and all officers involved in the murder of Michael Brown.

• By January 31, 2015, recruit and hire at least 10 more AfricanAmerican law enforcement officials in Ferguson.

• A significant decrease in racial profiling in Ferguson, which will be indicated in the annual Missouri Attorney General Report.

• To be established by June 31, 2015, a civilian police review board that has oversight powers over police officials (i.e. the power to independently

n Regret for the cultural distance between police, as an occupying force, and resident black communities.

change. Then, let us cooperate –specifically, with the authorities investigating this killing. As the Civil Rights division of the Department

It is also imperative that wellmeaning organizations and activists restrain from creating alternative records by pursuing their own investigations or interviews with witnesses.

Finally, let’s collaborate, not compete. There is much more to say about these matters, but even more work to do. As I write, I am aware of three separate groups hosting three separate gatherings at the same time.

Because there are systemic issues at play – including the fragmentation of local policing, citizen oversight for police boards, cultural competence of public servants and legislative actions that facilitate a highly weaponized and fearful culture in the state of Missouri

– there is enough work to go around.

But, we must coordinate our collective action through structured dialogue about these systems and organized responses.

This can not be the end. Over the coming months, let’s continue to cut the policy issues, map power and frame an advocacy agenda for the way forward.

With appreciation to the NAACP, the Clergy Coalition, the United Church of Christ, and specific acknowledgement to County Executive Charlie Dooley and the Rev. Traci Blackmon for guidance in our immediate responses, we must now commit to stay together for the long haul to address these wicked problems. Rev. Starsky Wilson is president/ CEO of Deaconess Foundation and pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ. Follow @reverendstarsky.

review and constrain decisions that lead to militarization of our tax-funded policing community, and the power to mandate community policing strategies).

Join the #DontShoot Campaign! Your actions are simple:

1. Take a video of yourself saying one of the phrases:

a. I want to go to college #DontShoot

b. When I’m riding down the street #DontShoot

c. When my son is standing at the bus

stop #DontShoot

d. This is my community too #DontShoot

e. If I don’t look like you #DontShoot

f. Make up your own – six seconds or less!

2. Post it to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

3. Tag #DontShoot #MikeBrown #Ferguson 4. Tweet others (especially celebrities and

“Don’t shoot” emerged as a rallying cry in the protests, along with upraised arms, since Michael Brown reportedly was killed by Ferguson police with his arms upraised. Photo by Wiley Price

Columnist Charli A. Cooksey

Andrian Smith, Brenna Whitehurst, Cash Thirdkill, and Rachel McMaham show support for the Michael Brown during Sunday night’s candlelight vigil. Photo by Wiley Price

Columnist Rev. Starksky Wilson

The political negligence of black leadership

We must protect and advance the interest of the people we lead

By Mike Jones For The St. Louis American

I got a call Monday from the Political EYE to discuss the murder of Michael Brown. I know that’s a harsh judgmental description of this tragic event without benefit of all the facts and any official findings, but as a product of the sixties I know you don’t always need a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing.

The basis of our conversation was what did I think about the situation from the perspective of someone who has spent 35 years in public life and who is retiring at the end of this year? More specifically, what would I say to the men and women protesting this tragedy?

and advancing the interest of the people you lead.

A fundamental truth I have learned in these past 30 years is usually people fail because they focus on the wrong thing. We obsess about the tactical, who did it and when did it happen, and we completely ignore the strategic, what are we doing and why? It’s the difference between chess and checkers or the good hustler’s critique of a bad hustler: “he plays for the hundred and misses the grand every time!”

My view is the circumstances that created the events that resulted in the tragedy of Michael Brown’s much too early death can be placed squarely at the feet of black leadership, or I should have said at the failure of black leadership to fulfill the only moral imperative of leadership – protecting

Without

I say this not from the perspective of some uninvolved third party, but as a member of that leadership for the last 30 years. Now there are a lot of African-American suits that will disagree, but that doesn’t stop it from being true. There will be an official report of who did it and what happened, but real questions for us revolve around why? And by “why?” I don’t mean the Ferguson policeman that pulled the trigger, but why could Ferguson, and by inference all of St Louis, be a place where the conditions that produce these outcomes take root and flourish?

The political negligence of black leadership over the last 30 years has produced an existential threat to the black community that calls our very existence into question. While Michael Brown was literally lost to us Saturday afternoon, how many thousands of young black men and women are we figuratively losing every day to poverty, drugs, violence and failing public schools?

There are major organs in the human body that make life possible, but as crucial as they are we can live without some and some can be replaced when they break down. These organs could not function for us without the blood that carries oxygen and other vital nutrients that allow these organs to do what they need to do. When blood no longer reaches the

law, there will be no order

The community immediately sensed the fix is in

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

For The St. Louis American

“Mr. Brown, what are we going to do about this?”

Nadia Epps, 19, one of our Sweet Potato Project teens, called Sunday morning to let me know she was headed out to the City of Ferguson. An 18-yearold teenager, Michael Brown, had been shot and killed by police the day before. Nadia’s sister, who lives in the apartment complex where the boy was gunned down, witnessed the shooting.

“His hands were in the air. They shot him down in cold blood,” Nadia told me.

rights are ever violated. Thankfully, we’ve had high-ranking black officers who’ve come to class, respectfully listened and talked our students through their frustrations.

Columnist Sylvester Brown Jr.

Her question – “what are we going to do?” – both frightened and gave me a measure of pride. We tell our students that they are “urban pioneers” who are responsible for creating better, more holistic communities for their peers and siblings. We talk about the challenges and opportunities to achieve this goal.

In class every morning, we share news stories. Last year, the Trayvon Martin case was a huge topic of discussion. I will never forget the sense of betrayal and injustice students expressed when the verdict came down. It made no sense to them that the shooter of an unarmed teen with a bag of Skittles wasn’t convicted. To them, the acquittal was like declaring open season on anyone who fits Trayvon’s profile. Unlike mainstream media, police brutality directed at youth of their age and hue is a topic that has their attention. Emotions have gotten very intense during our discussions. Several naïve but braggadocios boys in our program have vowed retaliation if their

organs, they fail.

Politics is the art and science of acquiring and using power to make public policies that will benefit you and your community. Don’t ever believe that nonsense that rightwing hucksters and hustlers sell scared working-class white folks that government is your problem and the free market is the rapture. Every successful economic activity requires the support of public policy. If government isn’t important, why do the rich and privileged spend so much money to control it? To protect and advance their wealth and privilege, that’s why. Politics is to the health of a community what blood is to the body: essential.

I want to make an important distinction between government programs and public policy. A program is just that, but public policy defines the rules of the game, and he who makes the rules always wins the game. It’s one of those things you can count on, like the sun coming up in the east. Every major issue facing the

black community has a solution, and implementing that solution begins with a change in public policy. A change in public policy requires control, or at least major influence on government. That requires power – that’s politics!

The reason the Ferguson Police Department looks (97 percent white) and functions the way it does is public policy. If the government of Ferguson looked like the Ferguson community (67 percent African-American), it could have had a different police force. I say “could,” because in St. Louis African-American leaders are no guarantee of better public policy for the black community. It’s what I call the fallacy of the politics of melanin; you can no longer afford to assume that ethnicity equals political allegiance or competence.

Competent public leadership is not showing up in church praying and giving speeches for the benefit of TV cameras. It requires showing up every day, educating and organizing the community to protect and advance its interest. It means when you’re in the

room you represent the interests of the people that sent you, not acquiescing to the wishes of those you are negotiating with.

Why my generation’s failure to provide public leadership is so stunning is because all of us owe whatever we’ve become to the leadership and political activism of those who came before us. We are fruit of their struggle and sacrifice, and unfortunately it’s a bitter fruit. Upon giving up this seat, my advice to the next generation of leaders is: be leaders! The community we leave you is a testament to what happens to a people when leadership fails to perform.

Use my time in the seat as a warning, and not an example. We lost our way long before we lost Michael Brown.

Mike Jones is senior policy advisor for County Executive Charlie Dooley and a member of the State Board of Education.

“Respect” is the operative word as it relates to what has transpired since the Ferguson shooting. I wonder if the “riot” that has now captured national media attention could have been averted if police officials had simply listened, respected and recognized the feelings of young people, their peers, parents and protestors. What would have happened if they respectfully walked them through their fears?

If the region’s daily newspaper, the St. Louis PostDispatch, and other media outlets were less voyeuristic and more humane, they could have validated the crowd’s anger. If it had voiced immediate outrage over the fact that a dead teenager was left lying on the cold concrete street for hours, according to witnesses, police officials may have gotten a clue that they needed to proceed with caution under media scrutiny.

In a KMOX Radio interview this week, host Mark Reardon asked if I was surprised that the shooting had turned into a riot Sunday night. “No,” I answered. I was surprised it didn’t occur hours after the shooting. Imagine the indignity residents must have felt when police immediately arrived on the scene dressed in full riot gear, with M-16s and slathering canines in tow. The arrogant, Apartheid-style response sent a very clear message: “You are the enemy!”

The following day, Sunday, August 10, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar and Ferguson Police Chief

Tom Jackson held a news conference offering a nonsensical explanation of the shooting. Apparently, according to Belmar, two individuals – one of them Mike Brown –physically assaulted the

n The fix was in; the officer will be exonerated and Brown will be tainted as another menacing perpetrator who provoked his own demise.

yet-to-be-named police officer. Brown supposedly pushed the officer into his own vehicle and struggled for the officer’s weapon. If this is true, how did Brown wind up getting shot some 35 feet away from the car, with his hands in the air,

according to witnesses?

The portrayal of Brown doesn’t reflect the profile of the promising Normandy High School graduate given by family and friends. Furthermore, why wasn’t the other suspect arrested? It’s not like he’s been hiding. Dorin Johnson, the young man walking with Brown at the time of the shooting, has been interviewed by several news sources.

Imagine the insult people listening to Belmar felt when he talked about the officer coming back to the force after undergoing two psychological evaluations. Belmar gave people no clue that he gave a damn about their concerns or pursuing justice.

Belmar’s mention of a six-week wait for the dead teen’s toxicology report was a nod that Mike Brown –like Travon Martin – will be portrayed as another out-of-control, young, black druggie. With just a few syllables, relatives, residents and protestors sensed the fix was in; the officer will be exonerated and Brown will be tainted as just another menacing perpetrator who provoked his own

demise.

I’ve spent the past three year years listening and talking with teenagers in my program. Many, like Nadia, endure frequent police insults and harassment based on who they are, where they live and how they look. They’re angry, fed up and frustrated, mostly because they have no voice and no way to navigate the dangerous terrain that’s inherent with being a stereotype.

I’ve watched the wick of this powder keg burn slowly with constant internet footage of mostly black (but also brown, white, male and female) “suspects” choked, beaten and murdered by unrestrained, overreacting police officers. This is not just an indictment of police; it’s an indictment of those who tolerate police misconduct and injustice in America.

Yet, this recent regional travesty does make my student’s question relevant for us all: “What are we going to do about this?”

Brown Jr. is founder of the Sweet Potato Project, writer and public speaker.

Sylvester

Pastor Charles Ewing, the uncle of Michael Brown, asks the youth to refrain from violent actions during Sunday’s candlelight vigil at the Canield Green apartments where the unarmed teen was gunned down Saturday afternoon. Photo by Wiley Price

Protesters march peacefully around the Ferguson Police Department with arms raised to protest the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown, an unarmed black teen gunned down in the street by a Ferguson police oficer on Saturday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Columnist Mike Jones

This time, for once, what it is, it is

The EYE is moving in unchartered waters writing about the police shooting of Michael Brown, the greater St. Louis African-American community’s unprecedented response in protest and the militarized police repression of these protests. The motto of this column is “what it is, it ain’t,” because in St. Louis

politics, and in much of our civic life, the truth seldom comes out plain. Almost always, it’s twisted. In this case, for once, what it is, it is. An unarmed black teen is shot multiple times in broad daylight and killed by a uniformed police officer. Police officials release an implausible story, compared to civilian eyewitness reports, and mention pending toxicology tests, planting the suggestion that the dead man was stoned. Nothing new, tragically, in any of this.

But then the people erupted – that was new in St. Louis – and the police responded literally as the jack-booted thugs typically described by people who fear the police and suffer at their hands. We are talking riot gear, rubber bullets, tear gas, rifles pointed in the faces of civilians, slathering dogs. What it is, for once, it is. Chaos and looting ensued. This let the conversation be shifted, by those uncomfortable with the dead black man and the cry for justice, toward looting, instead of the police shooting.

Police officials have continued to refuse to release the name of the police shooter (who was placed on paid suspension) or a police report. Yet the county prosecutor, Bob McCulloch, made public images of looters. Justice for places to buy things was regarded publicly as more important to the county’s lead prosecutor than justice for a dead black man. What it is, for once, it is.

In social media, white men (they were always, in hundreds of posts, white men) licked their chops – even while posting to a black media site – about having the vigilante privilege to shoot looters. These white men showed no concern about a black teen shot dead by police, but they were very angry that black people were getting away with stealing shoes and hair weaves. They publicly expressed a desire to shoot these black people. What it is, it is.

Conflicts in the black community that are always silently glossed over came out in the raw. A prominent pastor pulling up for the candlelight vigil on Sunday, before it went to hell, saw a Muslim activist radicalizing some public housing youth who also were headed for the vigil.

“What is he saying to those boys?” the pastor asked a bystander he knew.

“Just what you think he is,” the pastor was told.

“O, Lord,” said the pastor.

O, Lord. What it is, it is.

We all know that we have almost completely lost this generation of black youth, though we always disguise this with words like “at-risk” and “under-represented.” Not this time. This time most of the grown folks were in church praying, and most of the youth were on the streets protesting, hurling words at the police you definitely can’t say in church. What it is, it is.

The themes sounded weekly in this newspaper for decades, which are routinely ignored by the local mainstream media, were suddenly national and international news. Majorityblack communities with white officials and white police forces. Stratospheric racial disparities in traffic stops and tickets. Disinvested ring suburbs. Income disparities. Black rage. Jack-booted thug cops. Our peers in the local media like to act as if we make this stuff up, week after week, but suddenly they were competing with the nation’s major metro dailies to tell our stories. What it is, it is.

The United States Department of Justice got involved with a greater St. Louis police shooting. Despite the incredibly cautious language used by President Barack Obama and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the clear implication was that greater St. Louis police officials cannot be trusted to police themselves. What it is, it is.

In St. Louis, many people style themselves as “leaders” who never lead anyone anywhere, and they are allowed to get away with it. But this thing erupted as a largely leaderless protest, and when the protest was met with vicious repression, the typically selfstyled “leaders” were nowhere to be found.

The lame duck County Executive Charlie A. Dooley made some public appearances and gave some strong interviews. Steve Stenger, the white councilman who defeated Dooley, the county’s first black county executive, in the recent Democratic primary, barely lifted a finger to tell The American to get his statement off Twitter. What it is, it is.

Surprisingly, Republican nominee for county executive, Rick Stream, made a much better showing. Stream showed more support for the community than Stenger and many other Democrats who come begging for black votes come election time, such as Attorney General Chris Koster, who wants to be governor. Term-limited Gov. Jay Nixon made a token

n “That young man laid out in the street how long? Four hours? That’s ridiculous. You don’t let a dead dog lay that long.”

– Jeanette Culpepper

appearance at a memorial event after being hounded publicly by state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who with St. Louis Alderman Antonio French were the leaders among elected officials on the ground. U.S. Senator Roy Blunt also stayed in close touch with The American after hell broke loose.

The longtime congressional representative for North County, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, did not come home to protect and strengthen his people in their desperate hour of need. He did write a letter to Holder co-signed by two of his congressional colleagues challenging Holder to expand the DoJ’s investigation into police malpractice. But he did not appear at a local protest or even a press conference. He was absent as a leader. What it is, it is. St. Louis – we know – is a fragmented region, and not all of its municipalities are viewed as equals. Typically, however, this fact is buried in relatively empty claims of working (or even “better”) together. Not this time.

Ferguson Mayor James

Knowles III tried to lay blame on the unrest in his city on residents of neighboring Dellwood. This is the white mayor of a municipality with roughly four times (roughly 21,000 to 5,000) the population of a municipality governed by a black mayor, Reggie Jones That kind of “Goliath insults David” story is seldom made public. This time, it was. What it is, it is. The heated words a black mayor of a tiny municipality might have with the white mayor of a much larger municipality who has insulted him are seldom released to the public. They were this time. Jones said he sent cops to quell Knowles’ city’s unrest and all he got in return was a public insult, and he wasn’t going to stand for it. What it is, it is. Moving from local in-fighting to almost glamorous international digital intrigue, the hacker collective Anonymous got involved. Anonymous threatened the City of Ferguson with targeting its assets if protestors were harmed. Then it went after County Police Chief Jon Belmar, posting his personal information and images online and threatening worse if he did not disclose the name of the police shooter. This was done on behalf of a community that fears how much information the police holds over their heads. This was information about the top cop being held over his head, for a change. What it is, it is. The EYE returns, over and over, to an image from the very beginning of this crisis: the image of an unarmed black teenager with college aspirations, shot dead by a uniformed police officer, left to lie dead on the street in the sun for four hours. The EYE is convinced that if Michael Brown’s corpse had been treated immediately with the routine respect due to a dead human being, none of these horrible truths would have come to brutal light at this time. The people may well have not erupted at last. But this time – the EYE maintains – the police showed the community how it really feels about a dead black man.

Let’s hear it from Jeanette Culpepper, founder of Families Advocating for Safe Streets, who annually hosts a peaceful homicide vigil on New Year’s Eve. “That young man laid out in the street how long?” she called The American to vent and grieve. “Four hours? That’s ridiculous. You don’t let a dead dog lay that long. The dead are gone, but the family is still living, so you have to be sensitive. You have to treat people like you want to be treated. That’s a hurt to his mother, that’s a hurt to his family, that’s a hurt to his community. What does it take to get him up, get him on a stretcher? That’s wrong.” This time, for once, what it is, it is.

Police blocked off West Florissant Avenue on Monday in an effort to contain people protesting the police killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Rev. Jackson calls Michael Brown shooting ‘crime of injustice’

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Rev. Jesse Jackson told The American he hopes that the U.S. Department of Justice sees the Ferguson Police shooting of Michael Brown on Saturday and resulting community violence as “systematic of a national crisis.”

“It was a crime of injustice,” Jackson said.

a non-violent candlelight vigil to commemorate Brown, should be seen in the context of a chronic urban crisis, he said.

n “Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Too many people have no stake in the culture.”

The injustice, he said, was twofold: a police shooting of an unarmed black teen followed by black youth from highunemployment neighborhoods erupting in rage.

“Black men should not be the objects of target practice,” Jackson said of the shooting. “It’s not a unique situation. It’s a prototypical American situation. Police departments do not reflect the population. It’s awful, but it’s not unique.”

The resulting community violence on Sunday, following

“Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction,” Jackson said. “Poverty is in the community, guns are in, drugs are in, jobs are out. Banks are bailed out without meaningful community reinvestment. Too many people have no stake in the culture.”

– Rev. Jesse Jackson

Jackson said that chronic urban problems remain to be addressed after the shooting of Michael Brown and the community’s outrage are resolved.

“These kids need educations, skills, job training, jobs, scholarships to college,” Jackson said. “We need a national forum on urban policy, justice and repression. This is a national crisis that has manifested in Ferguson.”

Asked for advice to organizers on the ground,

Jackson said, “That’s tough. I saw a sign that said we need quietness. Quietness is not

the answer. Quietness is the absence of noise. We need the presence of justice.”

Hundreds rallied Sunday morning in front of the Ferguson Police Department in protest of the police shooting of 18-year old Normandy High school graduate Michael Brown on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Wiley Price

Protest – and then what?

How to proceed after the tensions have calmed

By Chris Krehmeyer For The St.

American

This

before us are both short-term and long-term. In the short term, we must understand that the events around the tragic death of Michael Brown have led to a great deal of conversations about the state of the relationship between the police and the community. The issue for us all is how do we proceed after the tensions have calmed, the celebrities have gone away and we are left to talk to each

The challenges

permeates all of us, and now is this time to move past protest to long-term action that changes the dynamic of how we interact with each other. We must be willing to understand everyone else’s lived experience and try to build relationships with others.

In the long term, we must then become unwavering in addressing the underlying issues that prevent our communities from moving forward: education, housing, health, jobs and economic development.

As we move forward in the days and weeks ahead, we must create the environment and the opportunity for the police to hear from community members, particularly the younger members of our neighborhoods. In turn, community members and our children must understand the incredibly difficult job that police officers have each and every day.

Our work at Beyond Housing for over the last 20 years has taught us that communitybuilding happens at the speed of trust and trust is not given, it is earned.

It is earned through constant conversations and actions that exhibit the respect for one another. It is earned by

listening. It is earned by doing what you say you are going to do. It is earned by showing up over and over again in the places where relationships are built. There is no magic elixir, no silver bullet, and no glorious speech that will propel us forward. What will propel us forward is an unwavering commitment to not let Michael Brown’s life and death be in

n What will propel us forward is an unwavering commitment to not let Michael Brown’s life and death be in vain.

vain. We need to have the collective courage to be in uncomfortable situations to open our eyes to someone else’s reality. We must be willing to say, “I did not understand your perspective, and now can and will interact with you differently.”

Protesters march peacefully around the Ferguson Police Department with arms raised in reaction to 18-year-old Michael Brown an unarmed black teen, being gunned down in the street by a Ferguson police oficer Saturday.

This is no simple task, but it is the only way we are going to move forward. Most police officers are good, decent people trying to serve and protect us. Most community members are good, decent people trying to live their lives. We can find common ground, but we will have to work at it. We must redefine the American Dream for everyone as more than just owning a home. While we all know that home matters, over the years we have learned that a home is more than the house that people live in. Home is about the life that happens in and around the house, as well as the life that fuels and draws the best out of the people with in it. This includes access to quality education, living in safety, being healthy and having access to all of the necessary services. Understanding this will help everyone come together to begin the process of healing. With that said, let’s come together as a community to protest peacefully for justice, and in doing so we will honor Michael Brown. Chris Krehmeyer is president and CEO of Beyond Housing. Follow him @ BeyondHousingMO.

Edward Jones Diversity Career Fair

Network with hiring leaders and discover

When:

Photo by Wiley Price

KWAME honors fallen community leader

Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) celebrated the late Tyrone Thompson’s birthday on July 14 with ‘Project SPROUT, a special Day of Service’ at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. Project SPROUT, which stands for Seeding Peace, Resolution, Outreach & Unity with Teens, was created in honor of Tyrone Thompson to plant seeds of anti-violence and anti-bullying in local teens and communities. 80 children from the Boys & Girls Club joined 10 volunteers from KWAME to plant flowers at the O’ Fallon Park Club.

Tyrone Thompson, brother of KWAME founder Anthony (Tony) Thompson, was a dynamic example of service to others and a fierce advocate for education. Tyrone mentored hundreds of disadvantaged teens, particularly young men. Ironically, when he was shot and killed by two teenagers in an attempted robbery in 2010, he was developing a mentorship program through his alma mater, University City High School, and was president of the St. Louis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Non-Violence Youth

Support Group. “We thank everyone at Kwame for their legacy and inspiration in making St. Louis a

better place,” said

BFL’s Amnesty Project serves thousands for fourth year

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

Unfortunate circumstances brought Brenetta Smith, 55, to St. Louis Community College’s Florissant Valley campus, at 3400 Pershall Rd., on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Like many others, Smith was hoping for an opportunity to clear her record of an outstanding misdemeanor warrant through Better Family Life’s St. Louis Metropolitan Area Amnesty Project. For the fourth year in a row, BFL teamed up with STLCC to offer the program at three of its campuses. The program began Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Meramec campus, 11333 Big Bend Rd., and concluded on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Forest Park campus, 5600 Oakland Ave. Misdemeanor warrants run the gamut – from housing code violations and loitering to lowlevel assaults and failing to properly leash your dog, said BFL Community Outreach Vice President James Clark. Smith is wanted in Hazelwood for a first-degree assault charge on a police officer, she said. “I was not assaulting an officer,” Smith contested. “He was trying to taser me.” She’s a sick woman, and she said her body couldn’t withstand an electric shock. That afternoon, she was overcome by emotion as she recalled the incident.

“I blocked with my cane,” she said. “He proceeded to take that blockage and turned it into something else saying that I tried to assault him when I didn’t.”

Before Smith left, she grabbed a card from Doreatha Murphy – a paralegal with Bosley & Associates Traffic Law Center. Smith said she would follow up with Murphy the following Monday for legal assistance.

“For some of you,” Clark told a small group of people inside Florissant Valley’s gymnasium. “You take the highway everywhere you go.”

Small groups moved in and out of the gymnasium about every 30 minutes. Clark addressed each one, explaining the whole process. Citizens were assessed a $10 processing fee to cover all warrant vouchers. Through this partnership, residents are offered a non-threatening way to re-engage the courts with out the fear of arrest. Citizens are responsible for all fines and court costs. Misdemeanor warrants are “small infractions of the law” that become “mountains” as people try to access resources, Clark said.

Through the Amnesty Project, citizens can re-build more productive futures for themselves and their families. Over 14,000 citizens participated last year; that number was estimated to

increase by 3,000 this year, generating an economic impact of close to $3 million, he said. Economic impact is based upon citizens who are now able to obtain employment, rent property or enroll in higher education institutions without the repercussions of outstanding warrants, he said.

The Amnesty Project was established in 2002 as a oneday event to help citizens clear their records of outstanding traffic-related warrants. The program has been expanded to include all misdemeanor warrants, body attachments and other child support-related infractions that can carry a lengthy jail sentence.

He said, “Once that child support warrant is issued, an individual can face up to six months in jail.”

Through the Amnesty Project, he said, municipalities have an opportunity to close a lot of cases and gain access to a steady revenue stream.

More than 65 St. Louis city and county municipalities are participating this year including Ballwin, Frontenac and St. Charles County.

“Municipalities beyond the urban core are beginning to see the value,” he said of the Amnesty Project.

There are plans to include the Metro East next year, he said. There is also an interest to expand the Amnesty Project model to cities outside of St.

Louis, beginning across the state in Kansas City, Mo. Other possible cities include Detroit, Memphis, and Indianapolis.

“We have done our research,” he said. “No other city does it the way that we do here.”

Clark acknowledged partners STLCC and the Mid-America Transplant Services, a regional organ and tissue procurement organization for eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and northeast Arkansas.

Clark encouraged program participants to check the ‘yes’ box on their vouchers, giving STLCC representatives to follow-up regarding educational opportunities.

MTS representatives assisted interested individuals with on-site organ and tissue donor registration. The MTS partnership is one that makes perfect sense because “they save lives,” he said.

The Amnesty Project is part of BFL’s annual week-long Family Week now in its 29th year.

“We are dedicated to finding internal solutions to the ills, to the obstacles and conditions that plague our neighborhoods,” he said.

For more information, visit www.betterfamilylife.org or call (314) 381-8200.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil. E-mail this reporter: boneil@ stlamerican.com

Louis Sherman Threatt

Louis Sherman Threatt, better known as “BB”, was born on October 31, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee at John Garrison Hospital to the union of Willie and Thelma Farrow Threatt. His father Willie Threatt preceded him in death. Louis was the oldest of three siblings. In 1942 at a very early age, he and his family moved from Memphis, Tennessee to Saint Louis, Missouri. Louis professed to the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Galilee Baptist Church. He received his formal education through the Saint Louis Public Schools where he attended Simmons, Vashon, and Charles Sumner High School. In high school, he was a member of the Charles Sumner High School Marching Band where he played the Trombone. From there, he would attend and graduated from Saint Louis Community College Forest Park with an Associate Degree in Hotel Restaurant Management. BB leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Thelma Paul; two sons, Sherdell Threatt and Louis Threatt Jr.; his grandchildren; two sisters, Jacqueline Paul- Watkins and Vida (Leonard) Perry; two aunts, Mrs. Lela Mae Davis, of Chicago, Illinois, and Mrs. Teresa Cross, of Saint Louis, Mo; nieces and nephews,

Tiffany Paul, Ralph Watkins Jr., Raoul Watkins III, and Brittney Perry and a host of many relatives and dear friends.

Elizabeth “Liz” Strain

Elizabeth “Liz” Strain was one of the most beautiful souls that you could ever encounter. Born in Star City, Arkansas, on November 10, 1941, Elizabeth carried her small-town generosity with her to St. Louis, and throughout the duration of her life. A natural-born nurturer, Liz was, indeed, everybody’s “granny.” Independent and hard-working, Elizabeth’s strength shone through to all who knew her well. The word “friendly” doesn’t even begin to describe Liz; she willingly opened up her home, wallet and life to any person in need. The true example of a God-fearing Christian, Elizabeth instilled a love of God and morality into her children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Liz was well-known for her (almost) famous fried chicken, the recipe of which no one has quite been able to duplicate. After over seven decades of service, Elizabeth was granted her wings on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Her presence will be sorely missed. I will always love you, granny! Love always, Na-na.

“I wouldn’t be going to Africa if Terrence hadn’t cut my house payment.”

“I knew I was giving my money away with a high interest rate, and without Terrence’s help, I’d still be giving it away. He made it very simple to refinance, it just felt comfortable. Now I can afford the trip of a lifetime.”

We’d like to help you save money on your home loan whether it’s a new home or your current home. Give Terrence a call at 314-678-0572 or visit trogers.carrolltonbanking.com

Terrence Rogers and Rae Narcisse-Bryant

Louis Threatt

Elizabeth Strain

Shakira D. Nasiruddin, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis site coordinator for the O›Fallon

Park club. “Project SPROUT will be an annual service project at Boys & Girls Club every July 14th.”

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program reaches more than 7,000 teachers and students throughout the school year.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Walnut Grove Elementary School 3rd grade teacher Ms. Storm helps students Larry Alderson, Janiya Thomas, Angelina Moeller, and Grace Geer work on a science project for their STEM lesson. The school is in the FergusonFlorissant School District.

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is A Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist, (SLP), works with children and adults who have trouble with speech and language. Speech involves the coordination of muscles and movements necessary to speak. Language involves understanding what is seen and heard. People who have hearing impairments, weak muscles around the mouth, a breathing or swallowing disorder, a cleft lip, or autism can benefit from speechlanguage pathologists.

A speech-language pathologist studies speech and language disorders and how to treat them, and are usually certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Many of the speech-language pathologists have master’s degrees. They often work in schools,

http://www. dltk-cards.com/ dominos/index.htm

In this experiment, you will make observations and connections between sound and vibrations.

Materials Needed:

• Tuning Fork • 2-Quart Bowl or Pan

• 3 Cups of Water

• Text Book

• Paper and Pencil

• Ping Pong Ball

• 18 Inches of String

• Tape • Partner

Procedure Part One:

q Add water to the bowl or pan until it is two inches deep.

w Strike the tuning fork against a textbook, and then dip the tuning fork into the water.

e Use the paper and pencil to write your observations. It can also be helpful to draw a picture.

Analyze: What did you feel when you touched the tuning fork after you hit it? What did you observe in the water?

nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals. Speech-language pathologists will create a plan to help their patients. When they spend time with their patients, they often reinforce the skills with games and practice. This is a very important job because they help people communicate with others.

For More Information, Visit: http://www.asha.org/ public/speech/development/ language_speech/.

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

DOMINOS

DLTK Kids has this awesome Custom Dominos Maker where you pick your theme and it will generate a set of dominos that you can then print out, laminate, and use in therapy. You can use the pictures to work on vocabulary, or just use the game as a reinforcer for other language lessons and drills.

Procedure Part Two:

r Tape the ping pong ball to one end of the string.

t Hold the string in one hand and hold the ping pong ball in the other hand, as far as your arms can stretch.

y Have your partner move the tuning fork gently along the string until it touches the ping pong ball.

u Next, strike the tuning fork against a book or shoe and move the fork along the string until it just barely touches the ping pong ball.

i One more time, touch the ping pong ball with the tuning fork.

Analyze: What happened when you touched the ping pong ball with the tuning fork the first time? What happened when you hit the tuning fork on a shoe or book first? What did you notice with your eyes and ears? Do you think you can see sound move?

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and analyze results.

Fun Fact: You can use this information during a storm to calculate the distance of a lightning strike. Count the seconds between a lightning strike and the resulting thunder, and then divide it be five to get the approximate distance in miles.

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

DID YOU KNOW?

SCIENCE STARS

Sara Stinchfield was born in 1885 in Auburn, Maine. In 1909, she received a diploma from Boston’s Curry School of Expression. Five years later, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1920, she received a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. In 1922, she became the first Ph.D in America in the field of speech-pathology. She received her degree from the University of Wisconsin. She married Charles Lyle Hawk.

In 1925, Hawk was one of the founding members of the American Speech and Hearing Association. She later held many leadership roles in this organization, including secretary and president.

In 1953, she received the association’s highest honors.

Hawk was an associate professor in the Psychology Department of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts from 1922 to 1932. Next, she served as a lecturer at the University of Southern California after her move to Los Angeles. Hawk also worked at the Orthopedic Hospital of Los Angeles as the Director of the Speech Clinic. Hawk also published several books about speech therapy for children.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about a person who has contributed to the field of science, technology, engineering, and/or math.

Speech pathologist working with a young client.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to sharpen your skills for the MAP test.

Activity One —

Sequencing In Action:

Locate an article in the sports section that describes the action in a game. Underline or highlight key information as you read. Next, write a paragraph that summarizes the action of the game, using transitional words and phrases that indicate the sequence of events.

Activity Two — The Five Senses:

Use the newspaper to locate items that you can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Create a picture graph that represents the number of items that you found.

Learning Standards: I can effectively use sequence in my writing. I can use data to create a graph.

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

MAP CORNER

Sweet business opportunity

Sweet Sensations uses bees to make entrepreneurialism the buzz in North St. Louis

By Tim Lloyd Of St. Louis Public Radio

This is how the conversation usually goes when Dejah Cox tells her friends she has a job.

“They’re like, ‘oh really, what do you do?’” they’ll ask her.

Dejah: “I’m a beekeeper.”

“They’re like, ‘no!’” Dejah said with a chuckle. “They’re shocked.”

On a recent Saturday morning, the teenager donned full beekeeper regalia and flipped open the top of a hive in a vacant lot in north St. Louis. The honey she harvests will be used for an array of products, from lotions to body butter under the label Honey Masters.

n “I didn’t see them as kids anymore; I saw them as entrepreneurs who have a product.” – Jason Wilson, Chronicle Coffee

At only 15 years old, Dejah is president of Sweet Sensations, an entrepreneurship program run by Northside Community Housing, Inc. Built on top of tried and true hands-on and project-based learning styles, Sweet Sensations plugs into a growing interest to teach business basics in real-world settings.

“The idea was that the youth would learn how to run the business, and that they would actually run it,” said Phil Minden, who helped found the program. “That’s exactly what’s happening.”

The six students in the program, two of whom are part of the STL Youth Jobs Program, are paid $10 an hour and can create matched college savings accounts. That, in turn, makes Sweet Sensations a dual education and employment program.

Youth also get titles and are elected to positions like president, vice president and production manager. Along the way, they polish marketing campaigns, keep inventory and develop new products.

“Eventually, our goal is that the whole business will be selfsustaining,” said Minden. “That they’ll earn enough revenue every year to cover the cost of the program.”

Nationally, African Americans are lagging behind in business ownership.

On top of that, in African-American households, business equity accounted for less than 4 percent of assets on average, a number that went down

Students prepare for future accounting careers

By Marissa Price For The St. Louis American

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) recently held a closing banquet for students who participated in its fourth Annual Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP). The weeklong conference, which targets minority high school students, took place on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University from July 20 to July 25.

“This program was started by NABA to recognize the need to recruit ethnic minorities to the accounting field,” said Arica Harris, ACAP program chair. ACAP is a free summer residency program that aims “to increase the number of high school

Pamela Meanes was installed as the 72nd National President of the National Bar Association. She is a partner in St. Louis’ largest law firm, Thompson Coburn, where she is also the first African American to be elevated from associate to partner. She has served as Vice President of National Bar, President of the Mound City Bar Association and Region IV Director of the National Bar.

Darryl Jones was appointed to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Board of Directors. Its mission is to empower African Americans and others in securing economic selfreliance, social equality and civil rights through advocacy, coalitionbuilding, program services and by promoting communication and understanding among different races and cultures. He is Managing Partner of D&D Concessions, LLC.

Kristy DanielsJackson was hired as the first African American District Coordinator of Gifted Education for the Webster Groves Schools. She is publisher of a curriculum program called the “Captain MAP” testing program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Fontbonne University, Master’s in Teaching (MA.T) and Education Specialist Degree (ED.S) in Leadership and Administration from Webster University St. Louis, MO graduating with Honors.

Steven C. Roberts, JD, LLM, chair of Logan University Board of Trustees, was recently honored by two national organizations, the National Policy Alliance (NPA) and the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC). NPA addresses public policy and issues that serve the interests of the African-American community and MMTC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media, telecommunications and broadband industries.

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants recently held a closing banquet for students who participated in its fourth Annual Accounting Career Awareness Program at HarrisStowe State University.

LaTanya Reeves was appointed to the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center Young Professionals Board. She is the Enterprise Bank & Trust Community Development Relationship Manager. The Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center is a St. Louis-based non-profit whose purpose is to provide a haven for neglected and orphaned children. She received a BA in Public and Business Administration from Talladega College.

Joshua J. Wheeler graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. He completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline. He is a 2013 graduate of McCluer North High School and the son of Nancy and Patrick Smith of Florissant. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com.

Pamela Meanes

Darryl Jones

Kristy DanielsJackson

Steven C. Roberts

LaTanya Reeves

Joshua J. Wheeler

Photo by Patrick Gaydon

Dejah Cox tends to Sweet Sensations bee hives that are located on a vacant lot in North St. Louis.

See BEES, B6

Photo by Tim Lloyd / St. Louis Public Radio

Consumer reporting agencies follow your moves

By Jason Alderman

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Big Three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), which monitor your financial history and issue credit reports and credit scores to potential lenders. But did you know that there are dozens of other specialty consumer reporting agencies that track your history for activities that may not appear on your regular credit reports—things like bounced checks, late utility payments, insurance claims and prescription orders?

Most people never hear about these companies until they’re suddenly turned down for an apartment, checking account, insurance policy or even a job or promotion. But you need to know that potential landlords, banks, insurance companies and employers are very likely ordering specialty reports to help them assess the risk of doing business with you. That’s fine if you’ve got a squeaky-clean track record. But what if their files contain mistakes; or worse, what if someone has hijacked your identity and is poisoning your record with their own bad behavior?

Fortunately, you do have recourse. Under federal law, you can request a copy of your report once a year from each agency, generally for free. You’re also entitled to a free copy whenever an “adverse action” is taken against you because of something in the report. (For example, if you’re turned down for a checking account.)

Unfortunately, there’s no central clearinghouse for these specialty agencies, so you need to contact each individually.

However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken some of the legwork out by compiling a list of the most commonly used agencies, along with instructions and contact information for ordering your reports. (Search “Specialty Consumer Agencies” at www.cfpb.gov.)

Another great resource is the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse’s fact sheet on specialty reports at www.

privacyrights.org. Specialty consumer reporting agencies collect information about you from various sources and share it with creditors and other businesses, including:

• Public records of criminal and civil case

• Credit history

• Bankruptcy filings

• Companies with which you have an existing or prior relationship

• Medical information

• Driving records

Typical inquiries might include:

• Check-writing history –for banks, credit unions and businesses that accept payments by check. They’ll look for things like bounced or returned checks and fraud.

• Medical conditions and prescription drug history –if you’re applying for an individual life, longterm care or disability insurance policy.

(Note: Health insurers can’t deny coverage or charge higher premiums because of preexisting conditions.)

• Residential –landlords checking your tenant history, credit, criminal background, etc.

• Auto or homeowner/renter’s insurance – insurers will screen your records for things like traffic violations, claims and property losses.

• Payday lending – creditors investigating people who don’t use traditional financial services (banking, credit cards, etc.) might evaluate payday loans, check-cashing services, prepaid cards, etc.

• Utilities –If you’re trying to open a new utility, phone, cable or Internet account.

• Employment background –By law, employers must obtain your permission. to run a background check. Unfortunately, they’re generally not required to identify which company

Business Briefs

Rainbow PUSH on the release of eBay’s workforce diversity and inclusion data

eBay joined the growing list of companies that are releasing data on the race and gender make up of their workforce, and posted their EEO-1 workforce data on their website. Their numbers reflect the virtual exclusion of Blacks and Latinos (just 2% in tech jobs; 5% and 7% in non tech jobs); women make up a respectable 42% of eBay’s employee base. There are zero Blacks or Latinos on eBay’s Board of Directors or in their C-suite leadership. Like other tech companies, eBay said it has much work to do and pledged to do better. For more from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, visit rainbowpush.org.

National Black MBA Association to host golf tournament

The National Black MBA Association will host its 15th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, September 5 at the Forest Park Golf Course. Registration includes: 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, on-course beverages, and snacks, awards, and prizes. Individual registration is $90 before August 15 and $100 at regular price. Team registration is $360 before August 15 and $400 at regular price. There will also be sponsorship opportunities. Payments can be made through Paypal at www. stlblackmba.org or mailed to PO Box 5296, St. Louis, MO 63115. For more information, call 314-809-8132 or visit www.stlblackmba.org.

Groundbreaking ceremony held for new Northview High School

Special School District of St. Louis County held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 31 for the new building that will replace the current Northview High School. Located in Florissant, Missouri, the school educates students ages 14 to 21 with a range of disabilities. Students attending Northview live in several nearby school districts: FergusonFlorissant, Hazelwood, Riverview Gardens and Jennings. The school, which will open in fall 2015, will replace an outdated building and the construction is among the repairs, updates and renovation projects made possible by voters’ approval of Proposition S in 2012. Visit www.ssdmo.org/ Prop_S/Prop_S.html to follow the progress of other projects supported by Proposition S.

SBA offers entrepreneurship training course for veterans

Note that when you dispute information in your reports, agencies are legally obligated to investigate and correct any inaccurate or outdated information. Also, they must give you an update on the status of your request to view your report. However, there is no time limit on when your request must be processed.

Bottom line: You might not realize there’s false or potentially damaging information being reported about you, so get in the habit of ordering specialty consumer reports along with your credit reports.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: http:// www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will host an entrepreneurship training course for veterans in 12 U.S. cities beginning July 11. Each two-day event will be led by representatives from SBA’s resource partners and industry experts from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

Participants will learn how to evaluate business concepts, and effective strategies for developing a business plan. Participants will also have the opportunity to take advantage of SBA’s resource partner network. For more information, visit www.boots2businessreboot.org.

SBA announces STEP grant program

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that for the third year, states will be able to apply for grants to support efforts to increase exporting by small businesses. The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Program was appropriated $8 million to award grants by September 30, 2014. The STEP initiative has two objectives: 1) increase the number of small businesses that begin to export and 2) increase the value of exports for small businesses that currently export. The announcement is posted at www.grants.gov

they’re using unless they decide not to hire you–it doesn’t hurt to ask ahead of time, though.

n “I can play in this league.” – Michael Sam

In the C

lutCh

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Walking while black

home on Monday.

Michael Brown, black men and white police officers

I understand.

On point

Parkway North guard Alecia Sutton has stellar summer

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St. Louis American

Parkway North girls’ basketball standout

Alecia Sutton has been recognized as one of the top players in the St. Louis metro area for quite some time.

Parkway North’s Alecia

has established herself as one of the nation’s top point guards in the Class of 2016.

The Summer of 2014 has indeed been a breakthrough season for the talented 5’9” junior point guard on the national level as she has established herself as one of the nation’s top point guards in the Class of 2016. Playing for the Missouri Phenom, Sutton led her team two championships in national tournaments will earning Most Valuable Player honors along the way. The Phenom won both the Super 64 Tournament in Frisco, TX and the Adidas National Tournament in Atlanta in the month of July. Sutton was the MVP in both events. Sutton was also participated in the USA Basketball 17U Trials in Colorado Springs.

racism and prejudice.

n The message was clear. My blackness was seen as a threat, even in my home neighborhoods.

Violence and looting have ripped apart North County since the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. It was disheartening to watch as young children were ushered into stores through broken glass windows to grab free trinkets. It was disappointing to see young black men videotaping themselves looting and eventually burning down the QuikTrip that has become a rallying point for protesters. It was disconcerting to watch our people running out of destroyed buildings with rims, hair weaves, shoes and more. and National Football League player Demetrious Johnson and his foundation. Along with several local high school football coaches, Johnson founded the St. Louis Urban Football Coaches Alliance. With the help of local coaches Reginald Ferguson of Vashon, Jim Collins of Normandy, Johnny Randle of Sumner, DeAndre Campbell of Roosevelt, Jason Dulick of Gateway Tech, Gary Johnson

It was wrong. It was reprehensible. It was also inevitable.

The tension between police officers and young, black men is nothing new. It’s not isolated to Ferguson or North County or even St. Louis. Though slavery ended nearly 150 years ago, young black men have been treated as second-class citizens by politicians and police ever since. You would think the election and re-election of our first black president would’ve signified that the United States has defeated

On the contrary, President Barack Obama’s election has brought racism to the forefront, as many refuse to acknowledge, respect or work with him as commander in chief, as if a black man couldn’t possibly be worthy to lead our nation.

As a lifelong St. Louis resident, I can honestly say that the moment I received my driver’s license is the moment I became a prime target for police officers. Officers in North County and Mid County practiced “Stop and Frisk” well before it was officially enacted in the boroughs of New York. Between the ages of 16 and 25, I’m certain that I was pulled over more than 50 times.

See CLUTCH, B5

n Sutton enjoyed a stellar sophomore season at Parkway North as she led the Vikings to a 2107 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

As Sutton’s game at reputation grows nationally, the offers have come in from colleges from all over the country. At the end of the July evaluation period, Sutton holds nearly 25 collegiate offers. The schools on the list include Baylor, Louisville, Maryland, Kentucky, LSU, Missouri, Saint Louis U., Florida State, Purdue, California, Iowa State and many, many more.

Sutton enjoyed a stellar sophomore season at Parkway North as she led the Vikings to a 2107 record and a berth in the Class 5 state quarterfinals. She averaged 18.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3.0 steals per game. She also shot 53 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line. She was selected to the St. Louis American “Fab Five” Girls All-Star First Team in 2014.

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin Jr.

Prep programs start practice

Demetrious Johnson

Charitable Foundation hosts media day

Last Monday, August 4, marked the first day of official practice for high school football programs around the St. Louis area. The first day of practice is always a special one for those young men as they prepare for an exciting season on the gridiron. For a group of young men who attend city schools, last Monday evening was just as special, thanks to the efforts of former Public High League

Earl Austin Jr.

of Lift for Life, Lee Scott of Carnahan and Rory Seals of Confluence, Johnson put together this organization to help promote these young players through several events and activities. Those eight schools are part of the Alliance.

“All of these men are committed to making a difference in the community,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to make sure these players are positive young men and they get to go to college.”

n “We’re trying to make sure these players are positive young men and they get to go to college.”

Johnson Charitable Foundation/ Eddie Mae Binion Center. These high school standouts had the opportunity to live the life of their collegiate and professional heroes for an evening as they sat at tables and answered questions from media members who were in attendance as this press conference.

– Demetrious Johnson

Last Monday, several top players from these schools were celebrated as Johnson put together a special media day for them at Demetrious

“This was a ground breaking opportunity for these young men,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, they feel like they are forgotten, but this is a reward for their hard work, dedication and commitment to doing the right

See INSIDE, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Sumner running back coach Johnnie Randell shows his players how to run agility drills during the first week of practice at Tuskeegee Airmen Field.

A local man from Canfield Green Apartment Complex had an inadvertent face-off with local police at West Florissant and Ferguson avenues while trying to get

Sutton

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Wiley Price

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Opportunities for youth is what it’s all about

Mike Claiborne

This will be not be a column about the Rams’ first meaningless game, nor the continuing destruction of the NCAA as they continue to face a future that will be unlike anything we could imagine. Nor is this about a high-school athlete, but rather a former high-school student who made the news this week for unfortunate reasons. I did not know Michael Brown, nor did many who have taken up causes in his name, and that is where the questions lie. It did not take a CSI analyst to verify that Michael Brown was killed by a police officer on Saturday, but it may take one to find and document the actual description and account of what happened. I am willing to wait for the truth. With that said, let’s talk about the causes at hand.

The most troubling element of this situation is how some have elected to use this tragedy as the starting point for a race for their 15 minutes of fame. This is a large race that includes both blacks and whites, rich and poor, even smart and stupid.

Let’s start with the stupid. How is the death of a teenager grounds for destroying and looting businesses in their own community? While the official numbers are not in yet, anyone want to wager how many of those arrested were actually from the community of Ferguson? Clearly, an opportunity for someone to take advantage of the situation

for all the wrong reasons. While Black America is trying to be heard, to destroy your own community has never worked. The large corporations will just move to another neighborhood, and the local mom-and-pop store owners are flat out of luck, as the insurance never covers the

whole mess and the desire to reinvest decreases immensely. There are several ways to get the attention desired – looting and destroying someone else’s property falls under the category of felonious stupidity. The other question that comes into play is leadership. As for the clergy and

representatives of civil rights organizations, it’s time to make room onstage for others. Prayer is needed, for sure, but it is time for business leaders, especially those of color, to take the stage, as they have something at stake here, too. This is no time to hunker down at the private clubs,

nor to try and get in another round of golf. St. Louis has more owners, CEOs senior vice presidents and differencemakers in more businesses than at any other time. It has more doctors and lawyers of color, not to mention other professions on the sidelines. These individuals have impact – and yet not a word.

I guess there are no elections on the agenda, as few elected officials have come forward to be heard other than with a tweet or Facebook post. I am not questioning when these people will take the microphone and give a toothless speech, as we have had enough of them, but what about a plan of action on how these situations can be avoided or addressed in a civil, professional manner?

In some cases, media exposure leads to overkill of the wrong subjects. It creates a fear that Ferguson residents will be invading surrounding communities as if they were the Ebola virus. Civil unrest and what comes with it is a difficult story for anyone to cover, and for many who have been assigned this story, it is new territory. My only hope is that they take into account what the real story is and not become part of the story.

For the “community activist,” it’s time to have a real plan. Some methods of getting attention will soon fall on deaf ears, and then what? If you want the microphone, have a clue, get the message out, and let’s move forward, as we can see what is in our rear-view mirror.

The biggest question here

is: what can we do with our unemployed and at times under-educated youth who have nothing to do? Idle time has always been the devil’s workshop. Opportunities for the youth in our community to grow into something they and we can be proud of is what the real mission should be, aside from dealing with the death of Michael Brown. How we as a community deal with that death will hinge on what happens for our future youth. Leaders and role models need to step forward and be seen and heard.

How can we get the ones who are most in need to the table? The looters – the criminals who have taken it upon themselves to take full advantage of a volatile situation – are certainly the ones who need direction most. Churches and rallies are full of those who want to do right. They are not the problem here. How do we get the other difference-makers in the room? That is a question that has to be addressed before we have any civil coexistence. There has to be a meaningful dialogue here that involves the real players in the game. Feelings may get hurt if you don’t get an invite, but this is serious business that should be conducted by serious people. Front-runners, rabble-rousers, etc., need not apply. Perhaps our clergy, activists, politicians and all others with alleged good intentions can work on that a bit while we mourn the loss of a young man who had a bright future.

A young resident of Canfield Green Apartment Complex protested with his father at the torched QuikTrip on West Florissant and Canfield avenues on Monday.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

There were a handful of legitimate stops, such as speeding, failure to come to a complete stop or expired plates, but the vast majority were nonsense. The reasons given for the bogus stops were numerous. Driving While Black (DWB) is real. For Brown, so was Walking While Black.

I understand.

During my teen and young adult years, I recall being pulled over for a having a nonworking license plate light, despite the fact that it was shining brightly. I was pulled over for having a license plate partially obstructed by snow while it was snowing. I was stopped for having a small crack in my windshield, as if the officer could see that from 50 yards away. Far too often after their bogus reasons (sometimes they gave none at all), the officers would ask the same questions. Where was I coming from? Where was I going? What was I doing in the area?

The message was clear. My blackness was seen as a threat, even in my home neighborhoods. One officer swore that I was high and threatened me with arrest on my way home from work because he said my tongue was green and that meant “cannabis sativa.” My tongue was actually blue from the Powerade sitting in the cup

holder. Luckily for me, after I passed all his sobriety tests with flying colors he was kind enough to let me off with a stern warning. Since I moved away from North County, I vowed never to return as a resident. I grew tired of looking over my

shoulder for police officers or the feeling of being nervous when an officer was around, rather than safe and protected. Like many black mothers, mine felt compelled to teach me how to respond to police officers. She knew that I could’ve easily ended up like Brown for having

a higher standard.

The tension between police officers and young, black men is nothing new. It’s not isolated to Ferguson or North County or even St. Louis.

the wrong reason, speaking in the wrong tone or making the wrong movement. I understand. Not all police officers are bad. I know and respect some good ones. But people with the power to take away your life or your freedom should be held to

How many black bodies must we see laying in cold blood at the hands of police before we get serious about civilian review? How long will we allow the fraternity of officers to decide the guilt or punishment of their own brothers and sisters?

The inherent danger of their jobs means officers must form a tight knit bond and stick together. That bond impacts situations like this where, despite the apparent rogue actions by an officer, his department would rather protect him from prosecution and afford him all of his rights. They protect him, despite the fact that he denied Brown the most basic right of all: the right to live.

As black men, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves.

First and foremost, we must stop perpetuating the negative, dangerous image of black men that the world is so comfortable viewing. While looting and destruction got the world’s attention, it also reinforced the popular idea that young black Americans are all violent criminals.

Nearly every rap song on the radio glorifies “the trap,” guns and drugs, despite the fact that many of the artists recording those songs are far away from the ‘hood and that lifestyle. If I hear another rapper glorify the thug life and still mention the name of Trayvon Martin, I’m going to lose my mind. Nearly every reality TV show features black women cussing, fighting

and plotting against each other.

The first step to saving young, black lives is to clean up our image. The second is to clean up our neighborhoods. The fact that someone took the time to spray paint “snitches get stitches” on the Ferguson QuikTrip highlights the fact that we can’t expect the police to protect us when we’re not willing to participate in that protection. We can’t turn a blind eye to black-on-black crime, then riot and rally when an officer kills one of our young in cold blood. We also can’t afford to be too friendly with or fearful of those committing violent crimes in our community. Sound familiar? In the end, the entire St. Louis community (and nation, by extension) will have to come together to solve this issue. It’s been no secret in the black community that black lives aren’t valued by the authorities. But with every tragic, televised killing, it’s become more evident to those who don’t have the same experiences as you and I. Those who feel comforted, instead of intimidated, by police presence are getting a glimpse into what it’s like to be black. Therefore, now is the time to be unified, to come together to find solutions of inclusion, diversity and building better relationships. Now that the world is watching, we must have a message worthy to share.

Follow this reporter @ IshmaelSistrunk.

Mathews-Dickey Finest finishes as National Runner-Up

INSIDE

Continued from B3 thing.” It was a very nice affair and a great opportunity for these youngsters to shine in the spotlight. Each of the eight schools in the Alliance had three or four players represented. Some showed up in suits, others in shirts and ties and others in their football jerseys. The room was set up with tables with name tags for each player placed upon them where they sat. Each coach got the chance to talk for a few minutes about his players. After that, it was all about the players as we media members rotated from table to table to conduct interviews. Frank Cusumano of KSDK-TV, Andre Holman and his staff at STL-TV and yours truly were among the media members present. The kids really enjoyed being interviewed by Mr. Gary for the local show, Them Yo People, which airs on Saturday

nights on KDNL. Mr. Gary has his camera crew in tow for event to speak with the kids and coaches.

I got a kick out of seeing the smiles on the faces of the players as the interview sessions went on. You could tell they were a little nervous at first because this was something new to them. But, once they loosened up, everyone had a great time.

“This was a blessing to be a part of an event like this,” said Confluence Academy standout Marvin Williams. “This was a

great experience for all of the players who were here.” Sumner High standout Demondre Cooper added, “It makes you feel very special to

The Mathews-Dickey Finest boys’ fourthgrade basketball team advanced to the championship game at the AAU National Tournament in Lexington, KY, finishing in second place. They won several tournaments during the season, including the Kansas City Keys Invitational, Coach T Classic, King James Classic and Ozark Regional title. The team members are (front row, left to right) Luther Burden III, Amir Turner-Petty, Jaden McClain, Traveon Brand, Isaiah Payne, Nick Kramer (back row, left to right) Coach Charles Woods, Carter

be a part of something like this. I can’t wait to get our season started.” Kudos to Demetrious Johnson for created this special

media day event for a group of deserving young men as they prepare for an exciting season of high school football.

Harrell, Aaron Coffey, Mark Jones, Jr.; Andre Gillespie, Bryan Marshall, Coach Vernon Hemphill

Photo by Wiley Price

BEES

Continued from B1

between 1983 and 2010, according to a Pew Research report. To chip away at those statistics, Sweet Sensations was designed to help develop entrepreneurial skills in African-American teens living in the Ville and Greater Ville neighborhoods.

Youth are put through a curriculum based on one developed by Junior Achievement, a nonprofit that teaches students business basics. And at 4:30 p.m. Friday, they’ll open a new shop at 4067 Lincoln Ave. in the Greater Ville neighborhood.

Though the space for the shop is donated, not all business services provided to the program are free. For instance, when students meet with an accountant they have to work the expense for the service into their budget. Youth also have to be light on their feet when navigating the logistical snags that come with bringing their product to market.

Take adding nutrition facts and bar codes to bottles of honey, for example. Dejah brushes it off as just part of the job.

“There aren’t that many nutrition facts,” Dejah said. “It’s all pure, urban honey.”

Then, there are the hives themselves. Some residents

MITCHELL

Continued from B1

students from underrepresented ethnic groups that attend college and major in accounting and finance,” Harris said.

Harris said that over the course of the week, students learned that accounting is a multifaceted industry, contrary to what people may think.

“Accounting is a little more than math; it’s not as boring as it sounds,” she said jokingly.

aren’t keen on hundreds of bees living in their neighborhood. And even before writing the grant, Minden had

The program also prepares students for college by increasing their understanding of student loans and strengthening their public speaking skills.

“Through ACAP’s efforts, students receive educational enrichment experiences and practical help needed for college preparation and careers in accounting,” said Harris. At the closing banquet, community leaders praised the program for its efforts and emphasized the importance of financial literacy.

to craft his pitch to members of Northside Community Housing, Inc.’s board of directors who were leery of the idea. “There were a lot of concerns about insurance and things like that,” Minden said.

“We’re thankful to have had the opportunity to host ACAP for the last four years,” said President of HarrisStowe Dwaun Warmack. He said the program encourages “the holistic development of students.”

n “I learned how important my brand is.”

– Tony Scott, student

Tishaura Jones, treasurer for the City of St. Louis, echoed Warmack’s sentiments and added, “By investing in students’ financial knowledge,

we’re investing in our future.”

The 31 student participants also presented what they gained from the seminars and workshops they attended.

“I learned that every business needs an accountant,” said participant Ibrahim Shabazz. Toward the end of the evening, 13 corporate sponsors were also recognized for their involvement in the program.

“But we were able to convince them that we had procedures in place where the kids would be fully protected. And that

“Thanks to Ernst & Young, we learned the ins and outs of résumé writing,” said participant Judah Tate. ACAP St. Louis started in 2011. Since then, over 100 students have gone through the program, Harris said.

Students Judah Nixon, Christen Davis and Tony Scott learned how critical networking and branding are in the business world.

“We learned about the importance of networking,” said Nixon.

“It’s not what or who you

we would act in a responsible manner so that they could be successful in this business and not be harmed at all.” Minden, an avid beekeeper, guides students through hands on lessons.

“Selfishly, I helped write the grant for this program so I could take care of more hives,” he joked.

La’Jazia Elijah, the 16-yearold vice president of Sweet Sensations, was antsy when she first peered into a hive teeming with honey bees.

“Two bees landed on me and I got scared,” La’Jazia said. “But nothing bad happened. It was cool.”

Jason Wilson, who owns Chronicle Coffee, said he wasn’t sure what to expect when he scheduled a meeting with a handful of teenagers from Sweet Sensations.

“I was impressed,” Wilson said. “Because they’re young and the amount of knowledge they had.”

Wilson has had his ear bent by many a salesperson. But he said the secret to Sweet Sensations was that it didn’t really feel like he was getting a pitch at all.

“There was this spiel they gave me, but it was natural and authentic, rather than contrived and forced,” Wilson said. “I like that about them. I didn’t see them as kids anymore; I saw them as entrepreneurs who have a product.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

know but who knows you,” said Davis.

“I learned how important my brand is,” said Scott. Participant Kai Carlock said listening to ACAP mentor Dwan LaMar Prude’s seminar called “Defining Your Passion” had a huge impact on her future career plans. Carlock said, “You have to have a passion for your career and do what you love.”

For more information, visit http://naba-stl.org/students/ acap/.

Production Manager Byron Owens works on mixing a fresh batch of scented lotion in Sweet Sensations ofices.

Photo by Tim Lloyd / St. Louis Public Radio

Hip-hop show honors Michael Brown

The positive energy cranked up a notch when Jeezy spoke about Brown while an image of him lingered in the background.

Rap stars pay tribute during STL stop of national tour

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“I want to dedicate this next song to a big dreamer,” rapper Jeezy said several songs deep into his performance at the “Under The Influence Of Music Tour” Tuesday

n “He was from St. Louis and his dreams was taken away from him. We’re gonna dream for Michael.”

- Jeezy on Michael Brown

night at The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. “He was from St. Louis and his dreams was taken away from him. We’re gonna dream for Michael.”

A picture of Brown came across the mega screen and the crowd

erupted with applause – and quickly followed his instruction to put their cell phones in the air in honor of the 18-year-old who was killed at the hands of a Ferguson police officer just four days before. It was a touching, yet somber

In her ‘O-Zone’

Tasha Allen-O’Hara loses 100 pounds for first fitness competition

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

St. Louis American

What I’ve

what puts me to sleep – when I walk out for prejudging.”

Two Saturdays ago AllenO’Hara competed in the DFAC Evolution Natural Bodybuilding Championships at the Maplewood Richmond-Heights High School

Theatre – steps in a journey that was 100 pounds in the making.

“I said, ‘I want to give myself another long term goal that I don’t think that I can achieve,” AllenO’Hara said. “I don’t want you to think I lacked the confidence, but I knew just how far away from it I really was.”

Even though she had lost a considerable amount of weight already, she was still technically obese when she attended her first information session – and the See FITNESS, C5

moment amongst an evening of music that catered to Brown’s age group.

Fans already figured Jeezy would speak out.

He had done so on social media and when he graced the stage, he was wearing a t-shirt honoring Michael Brown’s memory. Jeezy wore another t-shirt with Brown’s photo during the pre-show meet and greet.

He even stopped by the site of the Ferguson Quick Trip and shared an image of the fire-ravaged building with his social media followers –nearly 10 million between Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The show featured an entire revue

By Jami Ballentine Dolby For The St.

American

was an “old head” while a few of us were talking about attending the

Tasha Allen-O’Hara See RAP, C4

See SUITE, C4

Jami Ballentine Dolby

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sat., Aug. 30, Sky Promotions presents Eco Music Festival feat. Spyro Gyra & Mindi Abair. Chesterield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Dr., 63017. For more information, visit www. ecomusicfestivals.org.

Sat., Sept. 6, 2 p.m., Forest Park host LouFest 2014. OutKast, Arctic Monkeys and more. 5595 Grand Dr.,63112 For more information, call (314) 367-7275.

Sun., Aug. 31, 7 p.m., Back Spin presents The R&B Rendition starring Joe with Keke Wyatt, Donnell Jones, and Kelly Price. Chaifetz Arena, One S. Compton Ave., 63103.

Sat., Sept. 6 – 7, Forest Park host LouFest 2014. OutKast, Arctic Monkeys and more. 5595 Grand Dr.,63112 For more information, call (314) 367-7275 or visit www.loufest. com.

local gigs

Fri., Aug. 22, 8 p.m., Cobblestone Concept presents Do For Self with special guest Project Pat. Also performing is Gotta Be Karim, Family Affair, Indiana Rome, and Tef Poe. Tech Supreme on the music. Plush, 3224 Locust Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5352686.

Sun., Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Ivory Perry Park host Free Live Concert Featuring The Uncensored Band. This is a unique and special event that brings people from all walks of life, race, and class together for an enjoyable family

experience. 800 N. Belt, 63112. For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com.

Sat., Aug. 30, 8 p.m., Just Like Music: Live feat. Antonique Smith with Nikko Smith & Cocosoul. Antonique Smith Antonique is now most famous for her role as Faith Evans in Notorious, based on the life of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Plush – 4th Floor Penthouse, 3224 Locust Blvd., 63103.

special events

Through Aug. 15, 8 a.m., Shark Week at the Saint Louis Zoo. All land sharks are welcome to join in the fun as the Saint Louis Zoo celebrates Shark Week. Come to the Zoo dressed as a shark Aug. 9-15, 2014, and get into Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by Mercy Kids for free. On Aug. 9-10, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., there will be shark-themed games and activities for kids and live steel drum music. 1 Government Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. stlzoo.org.

Fri., Aug. 15, 7 p.m., The Annie Malone Soiree, The theme for this event is Soiree Fantasty 2.5 (wear your sundress, grass skirt, and short dress to have fun). Featuring The Coleman Hughes Project, Rhoda G, Press Play Quartet, and DJ Nune as entertainment. Majic 100.3’s very own Tammie Holland will be hosting and emceeing. Pricing is as follows: $100 per ticket and $600 per table. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit the Transitional Living Program (TLP) which helps to decrease youth homelessness. 2612 Annie Malone Drive. For

Calendar

more information, visit http:// www.anniemalone.com/.

Sat., Aug. 16, 11 a.m., The Ball’s in Your Court: Ball Up “Search for the Next.” The Ball Up All-Stars are coming to St. Louis in search of the best streetballers in the area. The family-friendly summer tour will begin with open run tryouts. There will also be a live game that evening at 7 p.m. at the Mark Twain Arena – University of Missouri. Fairground Park, N. Grand Blvd. and Natural Bridge Ave., 63107.

Sat., Aug. 16, 12 p.m., Vatterott Educational Centers, Inc. will provide Complimentary Backto-School Haircuts. The faculty and students at Salon Cosmetique offer one day of complimentary haircuts for those ages 8 to 18, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Salon Cosmetique, Vatterott College, 8580 Evans Ave., 63134. For more information, call (314) 264-1100.

Sat., Aug. 16, 3 p.m., Cleveland’s Tasting present Taste of Summer. Come out and enjoy a nice summer evening with good food paired up with wines. Come experience good service with a taste. Menu Grill Tuna Steaks and Chicken lollipops just to name a few. This is an event you don’t want to miss.1952 Vinita Dr., 63114. Contact Robert Cleveland for registration or more

Back Spin presents The R&B Rendition starring Joe with Keke Wyatt, Donnell Jones, and Kelly Price. See CONCERTS for details.

information at, (314) 954-8661 or Robert30Cleveland@gmail. com.

Sat., Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m., Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., presents 2014 Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Stepshow. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 56-2260 or visit www.marchdown. ah1942.com.

Through Aug. 17, Missouri History Museum presents American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Spanning from the dawn of the temperance movement, through the Roaring ’20s, to the unprecedented repeal of a constitutional amendment, this world-premiere exhibition brings the whole story of Prohibition vividly to life. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www. mohistory.org.

Sat., Aug. 16, 8 a.m., Young Friends Development Board of St. Patrick Center hosts Walk A Mile in Our Shoes. The second annual family- and pet-friendly event. With a 5K race, 1 Mile Fun Run and Kid’s Dash, there’s something for everyone. Then celebrate your accomplishment with food and refreshments and an awards ceremony. All proceeds raised will directly beneit St. Patrick Center clients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in our community. Main Dr

and S Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www. stpatrickcenter.org.

Sat., Aug. 16, 11 a.m., The Katara Scholarship Foundation is having its irst annual “Barbeque Festival.” The event will include food, face painting, potato sack races, horseshoes, volleyball and more. There will be prizes for the winners of each game. 3311 Ashby Rd., 63074. For more information or advance tickets, please contact Tamara Walker at (314) 537-0785 or Keilah Evans at (314) 6833188.

Sat., Aug. 16, 3 p.m., Cleveland’s Tasting present Taste of Summer. Come out and enjoy a nice summer evening with good food paired up with wines. Come experience good service with a taste. Menu Grill Tuna Steaks and Chicken lollipops just to name a few. This is an event you don’t want to miss.1952 Vinita Dr., 63114. Contact Robert Cleveland for registration or more information at, (314) 954-8661 or Robert30Cleveland@gmail. com.

Sat., Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Happy Days 30th Annual Beneit Auction. This event will beneit United Services for Children. Our theme is “Happy Days,” so wear your 50s style clothes! The evening includes dinner, cocktails, entertainment and a live auction. Ameristar Casino, 1260 S. Main St., 63301. For more information, call (636) 926-2700 or visit www.happydays.us.

Sat., Aug. 16, 7 p.m., Core Fashion Show. Core Fashion Show will display boutiques and designers that are upcoming and fresh in the fashion industry as well as including the basics of fashion design throughout their merchandise. With our skills and knowledge of the fashion industry, we are creating a show to enlighten on what goes into creating the art of fashion. 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112.

Sun., Aug. 17, 12 p.m., ShockTop presents ALIVE’s 6th Annual Top Chef. You’ll be amazed at the flavors 6 local chefs can fit between 2 buns as they compete for the title of Top Chef in the Ultimate Burger Challenge. Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Chestnut St. and N. 15th St., 63115.

Wed., Aug. 20, 11 a.m., St. Louis Diversity Job Fair.

Participating companies include: Edward Jones, GC Services, Macys Credit & Customer Service, Visionworks, New York Life, Finish Line, Cintas Corporation, World Financial Group, U.S. Army, and more. Spazio Westport, 12031 Lackland Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 2520306.

Wed., Aug. 20, 5 p.m., Real Men Wear Pink – The 2nd Event. A Rooftop Party with a purpose. Come help support our goal of helping women who are battling breast cancer in our community. BJ The DJ will be the host. Entertainment by Saxophonist Rhoda G and DJ Marc Edwards. Light appetizers will also be provided. There is a $10.00 donation at the door without a ticket. Please join us. Mandarin Lounge, 44 Maryland Plaza, 63119.

Aug. 21 – 24, The Doctorate Group presents 3rd Annual St. Louis Greek Picnic Weekend. The Most Anticipated Greek Picnic Weekend in the region. Aug. 21, 7 p.m., African American Awareness Night – The objective of this event is to bring the St. Louis community together to inform, motivate and celebrate African American history, culture and heritage. Aug. 22, 10 p.m., Meet and Greet Kickoff Party – The objective of this event is to bring members and friends of the “Divine 9” Historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations together for an evening of socializing and fun. Aug. 23, 10 a.m., Greek Weekend “Boot Camp” – A fun illed morning exercise program for all adults looking to sweat! Aug. 23, 10 p.m., “Mount Olympus” Alumni Party – The objective of this event is to bring members and friends of the “Divine 9” BGLOs together for a time of networking, socializing and fun. Aug. 24, St. Louis Greek Picnic – The objective of this culminating event is to bring members and friends of the “Divine 9” BGLOs together to celebrate the legacy and impact of its member organizations while enjoying food, strolling competitions and the additional festivities of the Better Family Life organization’s Peacefest weekend. Additionally, scholarships that have been generated for high school seniors who will be attending a Historically Black College or University will be publicly awarded at this time. Furthermore, the Greek

Picnic team will be conducting simultaneously a canned food drive beneitting the St. Louis Area Food Bank. 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. Regular updates on these events can be found at www.facebook.com/ stlgreekweekend.

comedy

Sun., Aug. 17, 6 p.m., STL Gospel Comedy: Laughter is Good for the Soul. The Voice @ Maurizio’s Pizza, 220 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102.

Fri., Aug. 22, 8 p.m., Comedy Club Connection of St. Louis presents Huggy Lowdown & Chris Paul. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

literary

Wed., Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Focal Point presents The St. Louis Poetry Slam. Since 1997 and before...Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month One lucky Poet wins a $50 Cash prize, Audience Judged. Open to all. 2720 Sutton Blvd., 63143.For more information, call (314) 776-7370.

Wed., Aug. 20, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Carl Weber, author of The Choir Director 2: Runaway Bride. Schlaly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63018. For more information, call (314) 367-4120.

Sat., Aug. 23, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Vanessa Davis author of Ray of Hope Motivational speaker and Essence bestselling novelist Vanessa Davis Griggs presents her latest inspirational novel. Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Fri., Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist. In these funny and insightful essays, Roxane Gay takes you through the journey

of her evolution as a woman (Sweet Valley High) of color (The Help) while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years (Girls, Django in Chains) and commenting on the state of feminism today (abortion, Chris Brown). 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit ww.leftbank.com.

theatre

Sept. 6 (7 p.m.) and Sept. 7 (3 p.m.) 3 Purple Coats Productions and Leah Jo Becoat present an original stage play, UnDeniably Blue Alton High Auditorium. 4200 Humbert Road. Alton, Il. Adults $15. Students 17 and under $8. For more info email: threepurplecoats@yahoo.com.

arts

Aug. 22 – 23, Koken Art Factory presents Venus Envy Annual Showcase Celebrating Women in the Arts. Preview Party for Aug 22nd: Early Bird Special includes Open Bar and canapés Friday night, and include entry

into Saturday night. Showcase for Aug 23rd: Early Bird Special Includes: Awesome art, performances and culinary demos. 2500 Ohio Ave., 63158. For more information, visit www.venusenvy.org.

Sept. 5 – 7, Saint Louis Brewry Taproom host Art Outside. Now in its 11th year, Schlaly Art Outside is a threeday-long juried alternative art fair featuring art from over 50 artists based here in the St. Louis area. Come and show your support for local art and local beer. Art Outside is not an ordinary fair, but one that features quality art, music, and plenty of tasty food and drink from Schlaly Beer. 2100 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit schlaly.com.

Aug. 29 – 31, Labor Day Art Fair. More than 130 juried artists represent the gamut of genres. From ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, digital art, mixed media and iber for the walls, to much more. Rounding out the fun of discovering the perfect art “ind” is the festive environment of wine tasting, live music, a food café, plus children’s and adult’s art

Forest Park hosts LouFest 2014 with OutKast. For more information, see CONCERTS.

activities throughout the run of the show. Fair starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. on Sunday. Greensfelder Recreation Complex, 550 Weidman Rd., 63011. For more information, call (314) 997-1181.

Sun., Sept. 7, 12 p.m.,

PXStl Site presents Pop-Up Museum: STL Style. Pop-Up Museum features a temporary exhibit “curated” by visitors, who will share their objects and stories that represent St. Louis approaches to music, fashion, architecture, and food. These objects and stories will come together to create a uniquely local experience — imagine StoryCorps meets Antiques Roadshow, St. Louis style. 3713 & 3719 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

lectures

Through Aug. 14, 8:30 a.m., Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy Baseball Camp. This camp is for players age 4-16, Groups are divided by age and ability. Campers learn hitting, pitching, infield &

outfield play, base running, run-downs, cut-offs, and sliding. Bring your own gloves, bat, cleats or tennis shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and snack. Mini-Hitters, ages 4-5: 8:30-10 a.m. Cost: $78. Sluggers, ages 6-16: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $149. Brentwood Park, 9100 Russell Ave., 63144. For more information, call (314) 9638689.

Wed., Aug. 20, 11 a.m., St. Louis Diversity Job Fair. Participating companies include: Edward Jones, GC Services, Macys Credit & Customer Service, Visionworks, New York Life, Finish Line, Cintas Corporation, World Financial Group, U.S. Army, and more. Spazio Westport, 12031 Lackland Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 2520306.

health

Aug. 14 – Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m., Living with the Loss of a Parent: A Special Program for Young Adults. This 6-week bereavement group, facilitated by Kathy Bearman, LCSW, includes education, information sharing, and an opportunity to connect with other young adults who have lost a parent to cancer. Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis, 1058 Old Des Peres Rd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 2382000.

Sat., Aug. 16, 7 a.m., 7th

Annual Strides for SIDS 5K & 1-mile Run/Walk. Help increase awareness & raise funds for the fight against sudden infant death. We will have a 5K & 1-mile run/walk & activities for kids. We will also have a commemorative dove release in memory of all of the babies lost too soon to SIDS. SIDS Resources is a not for profit organization that provides family support to those who have experienced the tragedy of sudden infant death, as well as public education on how to reduce

the risk. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave., 63146. For more information, call (314) 8222323.

Sun., Aug. 17, 9 a.m., Greater St. Louis Congenital Heart Walk. Grab your sneakers and join others in the area for a family friendly 1 or 3 mile walk through to help raise awareness and funds for congenital heart disease (CHD), the #1 birth defect in the U.S. Forest Park Upper Muny Parking Lot, Macklind Dr. and Union Dr., 63110. For more information, call (855) 243-9255.

Fri., Aug. 21, 8 p.m., Paraquad’s Rock the Warehouse Dance party featuring FatPocket and DJ JE, PQ Warehouse at 5200 Berthhold. Proceeds to support the Paraquad Health and Wellness Program. Tickets can be purchased on line at www. paraquad.org. Call 314-2894233 for more information.

Sat., Aug. 30, 5 p.m., The Throne Room Worship Center presents Unspeakable. Unspeakable is an original stage play written by Pamela Wilson of Agape Time Ministries. Launching under her ministry Revelation Word Ministries. 9635 Lewis and Clark Blvd., 63136.

Wed., Aug. 27, 7 p.m., Webster Groves High School Little Theater presents Girlfriends & God: The Retreat. “The Retreat” centers around a collage of stories of women who use the Girlfriends and God devotionals to work through life issues. The production is not just for women, but for anyone who enjoys original music, touching monologues, and humor that will allow people from all walks of life to connect to the importance of sharing their story. 100 Selma Ave., 63119. For more information, visit girlfriendsandgod.weebly.com.

Black hair basics SUITE

Renowned dermatologist gives healthy hair habits for women of color

Special to the American

African-American woman have had a complex history with our hair. Our legacy within the beauty industry has been the extremes we can take to achieve certain looks and/ or meet a standard of beauty to which the average black woman’s hair texture doesn’t naturally comply with.

Because of the natural coarseness and density, plenty assume that our hair can withstand just about anything. What we tend to lose sight of is that plenty of the standard practices and techniques are bad for its health.

“Over the years, this damage can build up, leading to unhealthy and unattractive hair. To prevent this, it’s important to develop healthy hair habits and stick to them,” said board-certified dermatologist Yolanda M. Lenzy, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Dr. Lenzy says nothing is further from the truth with respect to our belief in our hair’s durability in the wake of the trauma we can sometimes regularly inflict.

“Unique in appearance and structure, African-American hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage,” Dr. Lenzy said. “More than half of African-American women will cite thinning hair or hair loss as their top hair concern. Fortunately, there are a lot of things African Americans can do to help minimize damage and keep their hair beautiful.”

To help African Americans keep their hair healthy, Dr. Lenzy has compiled a list of healthy hair habits for women of color:

1. Wash hair once a week or every other week: This will help prevent buildup of hair care products, which can be drying to the hair.

2. Use conditioner:

Use conditioner every time you wash your hair. Be sure to coat the ends of the hair with conditioner, as the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.

3. Use a hot oil treatment twice a month: This adds additional moisture and elasticity to your hair.

4. Use a heat protecting product before styling: Adding this to wet hair before styling will help minimize heat damage.

5. Use caution with relaxers: To minimize hair damage, always go to a professional hair stylist to ensure that the relaxer is applied safely. Touch-ups

n “Unique in appearance and structure, African-American hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage,” Dr. Lenzy said.

should only be done every two to three months and only to newly grown hair. Never apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed.

6. Use ceramic combs or irons to press hair: If you would like to press or thermally straighten your hair,

talking about attending the inaugural gala nearly a decade ago. Great seeing my fellow old heads, Timon Edwards, Tiffany Hayes Charles, and Nate Johnson – who served as the Master of Ceremonies. They really out did themselves this year. My table mates were great, even executive chef Dominick Hayman, even despite having a stern talking to and lots of laughs with over a piece of bread (don’t ask). Once I found out he was an executive personal chef I calmed it down in the hopes he would give me a deal for my next dinner party. The best dressed couple of the night award goes to Adewale & Patti Soluade. Ms. Patti worked that white dress with a solid matte red lip and Adewale was looking dapper those loafers. As for the two glittered vests and other misguided fashions, the only advice I have is don’t even try it for the FORMAL Salute to Excellence in Education Gala next month at America’s Center.

A “Big Easy” 4-0

use a ceramic comb or iron and only do so once a week. Use a straightening device with a dial to ensure the device is not too hot. Use the lowest possible temperature setting that gives you the style you want. A higher temperature may be necessary for thicker, coarser hair.

7. Make sure braids, cornrows or weaves are not too tight: If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop and redo it. Pain equals damage. “See a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes in the texture or appearance of your hair,” said Dr. Lenzy. “Even the slightest bit of noticeable thinning can be the start of hair loss. The earlier hair loss is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.”

Dr. Lenzy shares additional tips and tools via video in a short tutorial entitled “African-American Hair: Everyday Care, Processing and Styling.” The video appears on the American Academy of Dermatology website as part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. Visit http://www.aad. org/dermatology-a-to-z/ health-and-beauty/hair-care/ african-american-hair-tipsfor-everyday-care.

celebration. Twinette Johnson, Law Professor and Director and Academic Support at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale took turning forty to a new level last weekend. The New Orleans native had her entire family in town to celebrate her birthday along with her friends. She kicked things off with a pre-game tailgate party at downtown in a fabulous hotel suite. I knew when I met her mother that this party would be like no other – her mom and aunts showed St. Louis how to party for sure. Saturday was all about celebration and seeing the city with a party bus as the backdrop. The grand finale was an upscale Women’s Brunch hosted by her Alpha Kappa Alpha soror Nzinga Hill, held on the SLU campus in Dubourg Hall. Johnson and her girls looked fabulous in hats as they celebrated her life with true class. It was great being invited to such a empowering event and I look to seeing more people in our city

RAP

Continued from C1

of rising rap stars – including Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla $ and several crew members of headliner Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor

celebrate with such class. For more photos, check for us on Facebook at “The STL Suite.” BRAVO! To Crisis Nursery. I had a chance to represent The St. Louis American during the Celebrity Waiters night at BRAVO in West County Mall on Thursday to help raise money for Crisis Nursery and we had a blast. Thank You Val Joyner for getting us involved because it’s such a great organization, and (of course) the food was on point as well. Alexia Anderson & Darryl Frierson, Naretha Hopson, Lawrence Hopkins, Stan Williams and Paul & Midge Mckee were just a few who joined us for to support a great cause.

100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis President Joe Anderson Former NFL player, Bernard Whittington and KMOV’s newest stars Sharon Reed, Brittany Noble and Meghan Danahey were my celebrity waiter colleagues. Based on how cool and collected she is on air, I should have known Ms. Noble would keep a calm smile all night long despite the fact that her wedding is less than three weeks away. If you don’t know who she is just yet, you will soon. She was featured on CNN over the past couple of days and has been all over the media based on what should be award winning coverage of the Michael Brown tragedy.

Gang syndicate. It was hosted by DJ Drama, who also engaged the audience in a moment of silence on behalf of Brown. And while audiences were all the way live for most of the show, the positive energy cranked up a notch when Jeezy

spoke about Brown while an image of him lingered in the background. There seemed to be a new level of connection.

It eventually continued with the show’s headliner.

“I hear you. I’m with you,” Khalifa said towards the end of his set.

Heads scrambled as he emerged at the back of the venue to give the audience seated at or near the lawn area a chance to see him up close and personal.

He had changed into a shirt that said “Don’t Shoot” on the front with the letter “H” fashioned into a black figure with hands in the air. When he turned around audiences caught the #RIPMikeBrown hashtag written across his back and exploded all over again. There were no soapboxes. Attempts to incite or stir up were avoided. But the acknowledgement seemed hit just the right note as they continued with their regularly scheduled programming.

Unique to the typical format of the standard hip-hop show – even the acts that preceded them on the lineup – Jeezy and Khalifa performed with a full band, adding a polish and rock star edge to their rap hits.

And with the exchange of energy the two shared with audience by made the experience even more memorable.

Both were promoting new albums. Jeezy’s “Seen it All” is set to drop September 2nd, while Khalifa’s Blacc Hollywood is gearing up for release next week (Aug. 19).

But they also seemed to be endorsing awareness and acknowledgement for the crowd to peacefully engage in the plight for justice on Brown’s behalf.

‘STL Suite’ columnist Jami Ballentine Dolby with KMOVTV reporter Brittany Noble at Crisis Nursery’s Celebrity Waiters Fundraiser Thursday night at Bravo inside West County Mall

heaviest woman in the room by far.

“I got in there and it was only the second time in my life where I wouldn’t take my coat off,” Allen-O’Hara admitted. “There were all of these itty bitty women who had either competed before or were getting ready for their first competition. I felt like they were half the size of me. I sat there and took it all in, but I really felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb. It was embarrassing.”

She stayed until it was time for the women to break into groups and start posing.

“I darted out of there, but I didn’t give up,” Allen-O’Hara said. “I saw what I needed to do. It didn’t stop me; it showed me what I needed to work for.”

With one week to go before her bodybuilding debut, she had reached her then ultimate goal of losing 100 pounds.

Bodybuilder in the making

“Some do 8 weeks, some do 16 – I did 25,” Allen-O’Hara said. Six months of strict diet and training sounds short term –until the task is embarked upon.

“I can do anything in 16 weeks,” Allen-O’Hara posted on her O-Zone O’Hara Facebook page – which tracks her fitness journey through photos and status updates. She makes no secret about the hard days – or the setbacks. She honestly confessed when she had fallen off the wagon during one holiday season. She asked for encouragement when she announced her plans of embarking on preparing for Saturday’s show.

The page caught on. She now has nearly 1000 fans that motivate her and use her journey to encourage themselves.

“A lot of people set a goal, they reach that goal and become successful at whatever it is – but you never really know about that road in between,” Allen-O’Hara said.

“I wanted to be transparent because there are people out there with fitness goals and I wanted them to know that the struggle is real – but it is attainable – you’ve just got to keep at it.” Whenever I’m tired and really beat, I think about all of the people who are watching and looking to me for encouragement. I’ll think ‘I have to do this for them – I don’t want them giving up –what kind of example would

I be?’ It became something bigger than me.”

Her own trophy

“I Am My Own Trophy,” sat bolded atop the flyer that Allen-O’Hara posted announcing her participation the show – just above her astonishing before and after photos.

“I feel free,” AllenO’Hara said about the most enjoyable aspect of her physical transformation. “I can move around again. I was an athlete growing up. I could do handstands, flips and all kind of little things. [But at my biggest] I felt like I had a person riding on my back. I felt heavy and awful – and it affected my attitude. I wasn’t pleasant because I literally had a weight on me all the time and I couldn’t move like I wanted to.”

She credits a support system for being able to balance the demands of training with stresses – and pitfalls – that may come throughout the course of the day.

“My husband cooks and takes care of so many things,” Allen-O’Hara said. “My children are my accountability partners.”

But the most essential element for her continued

fitness success is a daily regimented routine.

“You have to plan if you want to succeed.”

Every snack and every meal are prepared the day before.

“Otherwise you get hungry when you’re on the go and you’ll stop wherever you can and get whatever you can,”

Allen-O’Hara said. “I keep my cooler with everything already in there.”

Each visit to the gym has a to-do list and she doesn’t leave until all the items are completed.

“Don’t.Give.Up,” AllenO’Hara said. “Take it day by day. Don’t always look all the way down the road. Put on your blinders and follow what’s right in front of you. Do it so you can feel victorious at the end of the day.”

When it was time for her to make her debut, the entire auditorium seemed to rumble with applause for the entire duration of her routine of poses, flexes and struts in heels and a “monokini” that left no margin for error – or body fat.

“O’Zone,” they yelled.

Allen-O’Hara was thrilled to take home second place in her category, and she’s already claiming long-term fitness victory as she prepares for another competition in the fall.

““I’m not going to stop here. This is only the beginning.”

Tasha Allen-O’Hara

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

~ Celebrations ~

Birthdays

August 11, 2014 was Beatrice Davis Day in the city of St. Louis, on what would have been her 94th birthday. Beatrice passed away in April, but her family and friends still celebrated her life as if she was here.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Jason Julius Holman on August 19!

From your grandmother, Robin Conners

Lula Mae Williams turns a beautiful 90 years young on August 14!

We love you, Byron, Betty, Arnold, Kim, Ladonna, Leah and Ivan

Reunions

Beaumont High School class of 1969 will host its 45 year reunion on Sept. 19-20, 2014 at the Renaissance Hotel Airport and alumni picnic August 16 at Hudson Park. For more info contact LaDonne at 314-277-5095 or Pat at 314517-9632.

I would like to wish my three lovely children a happy birthday. Katia Dunn will be 19 and twins Tory and Toron Mitchell will be 10. All three were born on August 17!

Beaumont Class of 1979 will be celebrating their 35th Class Reunion September 5-7, 2014. For additional information, please contact Scarlett McWell at 314-458-7782 or send email to msscarletto@yahoo.com or Sandra Hooker at ayaina612@ sbcglobal.net.

Central High School Class of 1979 is planning its 35 year reunion for August 29-31, 2014. Please check out our Facebook page, “Central High School Redwings class of 1979” for class updates or call 314-374-8523 or 314-541-5645 for more information.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri District 3 would like to invite you to an Alumni

Event. We are looking for anyone who worked in or was a member of Girl Scouts in St. Louis City. If you would like to participate, please contact Essie Harrison at essie. harrison@att.net or call (314) 400-4602 with your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Lincoln Sr. High School (East St. Louis, IL) Class of 1964 50th Class Reunion, 6 pm, Friday, September 26; 6:30 pm, Saturday, September 27, St. Louis Airport Marriott, 10700 Pear Tree Lane, St. Louis, MO 63134; 10 am, Sunday church service at Southern Mission M.B. Church, 2801 State Street, East St. Louis, IL, 62205.

Engaged

Williams and Felicia Hayes are engaged! They are planning a November wedding.

Contact persons: Carolyn Leggs Curry at 314.385.6305 or Ruby McSwain Akins at lottie840@yahoo.com.

Looking for all former HDC/ Head Start people to plan a reunion for fall. Please contact Denise Weatherford-Bell at msdenise38@yahoo.com. Please pass this information to others. Need all names and addresses as soon as possible.

Normandy Class of 1979 is looking forward to its 35th Class Reunion in the Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The committee realizes that not everyone can attend, so please come out and bring your family to the Normandy Class of 1979 picnic: Sunday, August 3, 1—6 pm at Jackson Park in Pine Lawn, Mo.

Northwest High School Class of 1979 reunion dates are set for August 23-24, 2014. Please contact Duane Daniels at 314568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 to purchase tickets and any needed further information.

The 4th Annual Riddick School and Evans Reunion will be held Sat., Aug. 30 at the corner of Evans and Whittier from 10 am—8 pm. Spread the word and remember to bring your own picnic baskets and beverages. For info call Cot at 314-389-0956 or Kelly at 314-805-1134.

Riverview Gardens Class

of 1994 is planning its 20th reunion for August 22-24, 2014. Please join us via Facebook: Riverview Gardens Senior High Class of 1994. You may provide your contact information via survey monkey: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/ XRKC975. You may also contact the planning committee Shannon Tuggle, Leslie Norwood, Scott Wolosyk, and/or Mark Grzechowiak via email at rgclassof1994@gmail. com.

Soldan Class of 1974 40th All Star Weekend is August 15, 16 and 17, 2014. For more information call Betty: 314771-3096 or Karen 314-2101651.

Sumner High School Classes of 1954 is planning its 60-year reunion, August 15-17, 2014 at the Sheraton Westport Hotel, Plaza Tower. For information contact: Audrey Poindexter at (314) 383-7174; e-mail: ajpoin@charter.net or Marlene May at (314) 567-9629; e-mail: onelene@att.net.

Sumner A Capella Choir Reunion September 12 - 14, 2014. All former A’Capella choir members are welcome; songs from Mr. Billups years will be sung. The Reunion Concert is Sunday, September 14 at Antioch Baptist Church, 2401 Annie Malone, Saint Louis, MO 63113 at 4 p.m. The rehearsals are on Mondays at West Side Missionary

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

notices are free of charge and

We

be

that

by

2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Baptist Church 2677 Dunn Road at 7 p.m. Contact Elaine Smith, Chairperson at 314-4563838 for more information. Vashon High School Class of 1979 has planned our 35th Class Reunion weekend for August 15-17, 2014. For more information or to provide your contact information call 314-371-9653 or email vashonclassof1979@gmail. com. Visit our Facebook group: Vashon High Class of 1979 35th Class Reunion, for upcoming activities and updates.

Kevin

Congrats to the happy couple!

Beatrice Davis Jason Julius Holman Lula Mae Williams

Spreading the gospel

Apostle Barbara McClain teaches Christianity throughout the

world

By Erica R. Van Buren

For The St. Louis American

Apostle Barbara J. McClain

is founder of Barbara McClain Ministries, where the motto is “Training and Equipping Kingdom People for the EndTime.” She spends her time traveling around the country emphasizing the power of Christ and tending to her international ministry in Africa. A strong advocate of prayer, she said she specializes in teaching that “prayer is a two way street; it consists of us talking and then awaiting a response from God. We are spirit beings living a human existence. God desires to communicate with us,” she said. Aside from teaching the importance of prayer, she also trains people to lead “victorious” lives. She conducts six workshops: Altar EtiquetteEstablishing an Effective Altar Ministry; Called, Now What?- Instruction for Women in Ministry; Growing in the Prophetic- Training for Those Called to Prophetic Ministry; I Have a Testimony- Testimony Procedure for Public Worship; True Worship- Worship that God Accepts; and The Making of a Leader.

She said she willingly takes on the charge of training the next Christian leaders in the hope that they will follow suit. “They have to be trained quickly so the knowledge can be passed on,” she said. She was prophesized in 1986 by Bishop Richard Burroughs of Transformation Christian Center. She was then told that she would be visiting Africa. After that initial call, she said, everything fell into place. In 1990, she was joined in Africa by her close friend, Apostle

Derek Hubbard. Now, some 28 years since she first visited Africa, she now has a farm, a boy’s home and a church in her beloved Kenya. “I’m in love with Kenya,” she said. She personally funds the home and the church and said she feels very close to the people there.

Having traveled around the globe teaching Christianity,

n “I love every minute of it, the good, the bad and the ugly.”

– Apostle Barbara J. McClain

she said, “Getting out of the country is recommended for everyone to see how blessed we are in the United States. We oftentimes take advantage of life’s simple pleasures that others have to live without.”

Of her experience preaching to those who don’t understand English, she said, “I’m always provided with good interpreters. When I’m preaching and getting loud they’re right there with me.”

“At home alone listening to sermons, praying or when I’m in Africa is when I am happiest,” she said. She said she feels a strong connection with the people of Africa, so she makes an effort to visit at least once a year.

She said she believes everyone has the capacity to receive the power of Christ, no matter their location on the map.

“Some people just go to church because of what’s ingrained in them. We [all] have the authority in Jesus to have a victorious life,” she said.

Regarding her passion for missionary work, she said, “I love every minute of it, the good, the bad and the ugly.”

For dates, upcoming events and information regarding her prayer lines, visit http:// bmministries.com/about-bmm/.

By Alisa Cromwell Guest Columnist

Beloved as this year comes to a close you may have some unmet goals, some plans that didn’t work out, some dreams that haven’t come to pass – even the financial favor you were expecting may not be a reality for you – YET. But the Lord says through this passage of scripture –don’t be discouraged! It’s not over. God will save the best for last in your life! Just when the enemy tried to tell you to give up on your children, don’t apply for that job, quit seeking the house you desire – God says that His grace is sufficient for you – He has given you enough love,

“Now it happened, the day after that He went to a city called Nain. (The word Nain means beauty) and many of his disciples went with Him and a large crowd. When He came near the gate of the city a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her He had compassion on her and said to her Do not weep then He came and touched the coffin and those who carried him stood still. And he said “Young man, I say to you arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And he presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all and they glorified God.” Luke 7:11-15 This woman had already lost her husband – now she was attending the funeral of her only son. Just when she thought it was over. Just when the devil thought he would steal years from her – the Lord SAW her and released compassion on her and restored the years the enemy wanted to steal by giving hope and life to her son and herself. You might say well that was her situation but the Lord says to you – His compassion fails not and his mercies are new EVERY morning! Just as He did for the widow He will do for you. Remember that you are the apple of His eye and not only is He able to bring beauty out of your ashes but your dreams shall come to pass!

Alisa Cromwell

Apostle Barbara J. McClain is founder of Barbara McClain Ministries.

Marching and protesting for Michael Brown

All parties aside. Okay, so here’s the deal. I love providing the rundown of who went where and why with some strategically placed tea and shade as much as I hope y’all enjoy reading it.

But we’ve all heard the wise saying “there’s a time and a place for everything.”

So, I figure it’s only right to go in another direction this week in light of the senseless tragedy in Ferguson that snuffed the life from 18-year-old Michael Brown on Saturday.

What do I look like saying, “meanwhile, did you see so and so up in the club…?” No ma’am and no sir. The nightlife scene is a non-factor.

I’ve decided to fall back for the sake of featuring more images from our gifted photojournalists Wiley Price and Lawrence Bryant.

They’ve been working hard to capture what has transpired in North County in the days since. Anything else would be a misuse of this platform – especially since this week’s edition provides such comprehensive and keenly intentional content that will certainly promote an exchange of dialogue with the community regarding what’s currently underway.

There is also plenty of insight as to why it’s so critical that we don’t let Michael Brown’s death be in vain and that justice is served.

I want to commend the community for being steadfast with respect to demanding answers. I also want to show love to those who have been in the trenches for days chronicling a side of the story that wouldn’t otherwise be heard.

There are a host of individuals (from politicians to the press) as we speak out right now working to hold the Ferguson Police Department accountable for the tragedy that took place in the Canfield Green Apartments.

And the hope is that by seeing such efforts, there will be a concerted effort on all fronts towards establishing a healthy relationship between African-American communities and law enforcement nationwide. What happened to Mike Brown is the result of a national crisis – that far too often results in casualties at the hands of the people who have been assigned (trained and paid) to protect.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, both immediate and extended (my heart aches for his parents), as well as all who knew this young man.

And want to especially speak to his fellow members of Normandy’s graduating class of 2014. Another way to honor the legacy of “Mike Mike” is to carry on what he started as far as pursuing higher education.

I would also like to give a shout out to the hardworking staff (from editorial to design and administrative) who made magic happen this week. They ripped the paper to shreds and started from scratch on a day’s notice.

They’ve been grinding like you wouldn’t believe via print, online and social media.

And it’s all in the spirit of providing resources, late-breaking information and dialogue to move the community into a place of not only healing – but laying the foundation for a springboard that will hopefully result in a collective leap towards justice for all the Mike Browns across America.

Peace … for real, this time.

– Delores Shante

A peaceful moment during the candlelight vigil for Michael Brown. Photo by Wiley Price

The militarization of the police response became a new subject of protest. Photo by Wiley Price Left: Police have used militarized tactics and tear gas to disrupt protests.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

The candlelight vigil for Michael Brown was well-attended –and initially peaceful. Photo by Wiley Price

A protestor peacefully registers her complaint with police tactics.

Photo by Wiley Price

Snarl of cars during a protest. Photo by Wiley Price

The memory of Cary Ball Jr., St. Louis police shooting victim, was on the march. Photo by Wiley Price

The protests have drawn a diverse range of St. Louis-area residents.

Photo by Wiley Price

A protestor speaks up for equality. Photo by Wiley Price

A teddy bear memorial in honor of Michael Brown was built. Photo by Wiley Price

Protestors peacefully resist police efforts to silence them. Photo by Wiley Price

DIRECTOR

D2

SEALED BIDS for WaterSystem Connection, Cuivre River State Park, Lincoln County, Missouri, Project No. X1314-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/4/2014. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to http:// www.oa.mo. gov/fmdc/dc/ list.htm

SEALED BIDS for MISCEL LANEOUS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS, Rolla, Missouri, Project No. T1424-02 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/4/2014. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to http:// www.oa.mo. gov/fmdc/dc/ list.htm.

SEALED BIDS

forTrail of Tears State Park, Water System Improvements, Jackson, Missouri, Project No. X1408-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/21/2014. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to http:// www.oa.mo. gov/fmdc/dc/ list.htm

LETTING NO. 8554

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING PHASE II ARLINGTON to KINGSHIGHWAY FEDERAL PROJECT NO STP-5401(705)

Sealed proposals

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater- Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2015) Contract E under Letting No. 11924-015.1 , at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Thursday, August 21, 2014 . All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILLBE PUBLICLYOPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELYAFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT2350 MARKETSTREET, ATA PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done underthis contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 55,113 lineal feet of sewers, varying in size from 8-inch to 24-inch diameter, using cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Ballwin, Ellisville, Kirkwood and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Sewer Construction category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

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

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order11246. Requirements forbidders and contractors underthis order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. 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. NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) (FY2015) Contract A under Letting No. 11708-015.1 , at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, September03, 2014. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLYOPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELYAFTER THE BID DUE DATE/ TIME AT2350 MARKETSTREET, ATAPLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done underthis contract consists of the rehabiltation of approximately 129,044 lineal feet of sewers, varying in size from 6" to 42" diameter, utilizing CIPP methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of various municipalities in St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites. All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid. This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund , established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of

OFFINDING OFNO SIGNFICANTIMPACTAND NOTICE OFINTENTTO REQUESTRELEASE OFFUNDS

Date of Publication: 8/14/2014

City of St. Louis 1200 Market Street, Room 200 St. Louis, Missouri 63101 (314) 622-3201

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements foractivities to be undertaken by the City of St. Louis.

REQUESTFOR RELEASE OFFUNDS

On or after 9/1/2014 the City of St. Louis will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) forthe release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds underTitle 1 of the Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq, to undertake the following project, comprising part of the City’s Year2014 Action Plan:

Project Title: North Sarah Phase 2 Public Infrastructure Purpose: Proposed public infrastructure improvements for eight separate areas of the North Sarah Phase 2 Development, including new street construction, creation of a new city park, and improvements to the existing city-owned TurnerPark.

Location: Proposed in eight separate areas of the North Sarah Phase 2 Development, within the VandeventerNeighborhood of the City of St. Louis. These areas are located within the 3900 and 4000 blocks of Finney Avenue and C.D. Banks Avenue, within the 4100 block of C.D. Banks Avenue and West Belle Place, and including the existing city-owned TurnerPark at 4101 West Belle Place, St. Louis, Missouri 63108.

Estimated Cost: Total project cost is approx.

$2,927,429.00, of which $787,000.00 is funded from City of St. Louis’Year2014 CDBG Award.

FINDING OFNO SIGNIFICANTIMPACT

The City of St. Louis has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement underthe National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA), 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 and may be examined orcopied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, oragency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mark Jefferies, Environmental Review Officer, PDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 8/29/2014 will be considered by the City of St. Louis prior to authorizing submission of a request forrelease of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OFFUNDS

The City of St. Louis certifies to HUD that Francis G. Slay, in his 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 underNEPAand related laws and authorities and allows the City of St. Louis to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of St. Louis’ certification fora period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date orits actual receipt of the request (whicheveris later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officerof the City of St. Louis; (b) the City of St. Louis has omitted a step orfailed to make a decision orfinding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient orotherparticipants 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; or(d) anotherFederal 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, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD, at 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, attn: Dee Ann Ducote, Director of Community Planning & Development. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Francis G. Slay, Mayor City of St. Louis

per set of plans and specifications and bidding documents. All checks should be made out to the St. Louis County Library. Contact Hampton Printing Services to order a set of documents. (314/633-9623 phone, keith.tegeler@smwilson.com e-mail, or 314/644-0390 fax.) Contractors must request plans at least 24 Hours in advance of pick up.

The deposit for these documents will be returned to each bidder submitting a regular bid in accordance with the provisions set forth herein and/or who returns the documents in good condition within ten (10) days after the opening of bids.

St. Louis County Library is a TAX EXEMPTentity. All bids are to be submitted without tax.

St. Louis County Library reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive informalities therein to determine the lowest and best

Co. The Senior Estimator is Mrs. Debra Sheahan, email debra.sheahan@smwilson.com, phone 314-645-9595, or fax 314-645-1700, Pre-Construction Director is Mr. Brian Nuehring, e-mail

MBE/WBE/DBE

Phase II. If interested contact The Harlan Company at 314-890-2351 Ext. 16.

MBE/WBE/SDVE Subcontractors and Supplier who are interested in bidding on “Miscellaneous Interior & Exterior Repairs, Rolla Readiness Center, Rolla, MO, Project No. T1424-02” should contact the Estimating Department of United HRB General Contractors, Inc., PO Box 104444, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4444; Telephone: (573) 635-9155; Fax: (573)636-6748. United HRB is an EEOE.

Bids are required by: September4, 2014 priorto 12:30 p.m.

MBE/WBE OUTREACH EVENT

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Clayco will be hosting a MBE/WBE outreach event for 12th floor renovations to Stifel Financial to provide an opportunity for the MBE/WBE community to learn more about the project. The date of the event is Tuesday, August 19th from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm at Clayco’s main office. Our office is located at 2199 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis MO 63114 (near I-170 & Page).

For questions reading this event please contact Craig Lamping at 314.592.2246. Please RSVPto lampingc@claycorp.com

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on September 9th, 2014 to contract with a company for: Bagged Cement, Cold Patch Asphalt & Rip Rap. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 5553 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict

NOTICE TO SMALLBUSINESSES

Gateway Branch forEconomic Empowerment

Purpose: Demolition of vacant bank building and construction of credit union facility

Location: 3412 (3406-16) Union Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63115

Estimated Cost: Total project cost is approx. $1,052,272.00, of which $500,000.00 is funded from City of St. Louis’Year2014 CDBG Award.

FINDING OFNO SIGNIFICANTIMPACT

The City of St. Louis has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement underthe National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City of St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA), 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 and may be examined orcopied weekdays 8 A.M to 5 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, oragency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mark Jefferies, Environmental Review Officer, PDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 8/29/2014 will be considered by the City of St. Louis priorto authorizing submission of a request forrelease of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OFFUNDS

The City of St. Louis certifies to HUD that Francis G. Slay, in his 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 underNEPAand related laws and authorities and allows the City of St. Louis to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OFFUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the City of St. Louis’ certification foraperiod of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date orits actual receipt of the request (whicheveris later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officerof the City of St. Louis; (b) the City of St. Louis has omitted a step orfailed to make a decision orfinding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or otherparticipants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part58 beforeapproval of a release of funds by HUD; or(d) anotherFederal 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, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD, at 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, attn: Dee Ann Ducote, Directorof Community Planning &Development. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Francis G. Slay, Mayor City of St. Louis