August 15th, 2013 edition

Gently bringing change

Bishop Luther James Blackwell advances Gospel at San Francisco Temple

By Wendy Todd For The St.Louis American

“Twitter, Instagram and all these things can be tools that can advance the Gospel.”

– Bishop Luther James Blackwell

Bishop Luther James Blackwell, pastor of the San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly in North St. Louis County, was led to his vocation by a powerful dream.

“I felt an angelic call to the ministry and ran to my grandmother to ask her what I should do,” said Blackwell, an Ohio native who has been in ministry for 47 years. “She took me to the pastor, who made space for me to preach at the House of Prayer United Holy Church in the city of Warren, Ohio.”

From that moment, Blackwell set out on a journey that led him to found his own church in 1991, Mega Church in Cleveland, with his wife Pastor Lois Blackwell. The church now has about 1,200 members. Lois Blackwell grew up as a pastor’s daughter in St. Louis, where her father, Bishop Dwight Daniels, was the leader of San Francisco Temple

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Teachers at Vogt Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District say they would choose to educate their own children at their school.

“That’s the ultimate testimony that I can give,” said Doug Ahlers, a fifthgrade teacher at school, “if I’m sending my own children here.” Ahlers’two children are Vogt alumni.

Two buses will depart for D.C.from North St.Louis County on Friday,August 23. Page A3

On Daddy’s shoulders

Treven Lawrence,2,takes in the view at the Missouri Black Expo on Saturday during the expo’s first year at the Chaifetz Arena.

On Friday, September 13, Vogt Elementary will receive the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2013 Monsanto School of Excellence Award at the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, held at the America’s Center Ballroom. Ferguson-Florissant superintendent Art McCoy Jr., Ph.D., highly recommended the school for the award.

“Under the leadership of Principal Leslie Thomas-Washington, Vogt stu-

dents, staff and stakeholders exhibit excellence and equity in education every day,” said McCoy, who will receive the 2013 Stellar Performer in Education award at the Salute to Excellence in Education gala. Thomas-Washington oversees roughly 40 teachers and staff members who she considers to be like extended family.

See VOGT, A6

(NIE) program. The award coincides with this week’s launch of the second academic year of TheAmerican’s NIE program, which will be expanded dramatically to include a new page, more schools, more classrooms and additional districts. The American’s award was part of the National Newspaper Association’s (NNA’s) annual Newspaper And Education con-

‘Win-win’on amnesty project

BFLhelps 14,000 nonviolent offenders clear warrants, municipalities collect fines

By Andrew Fowler For The St.Louis American

Better Family Life estimates that about 14,000 people participated in this year’s amnesty project for misdemeanor warrants, including – for the first time – warrants for child support violations. The event was held three days at three different St. Louis

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Dawn speaks on Kelly’s negative portrayal on R&B Divas LA

In a recent interview with 4UMF, R&B Divas LA co-star Dawn Robinson spoke on how her co-star Kelly Price is dealing with how viewers see on the show

Robinson said:

“I’ve just been praying with Kelly because her heart is broken over what she’s sees of herself [on the show]. You build up a career to a certain point, you fought and battled through that career to be heard and seen. People talked about her weight and all the different things, and now to have a reality show tear you down? Uh uh, no, uh uh, no way! I’ll be damned. Because these people go on to get different jobs, when we have only one career. I always tell people that all the time. You guys can get six other women in our place; each season, a new group of six women. We

only have one career. I only have one Dawn Robinson, and I’ll be damned if somebody’s going to come in and take it all because of some reality show. That is not what I signed up for! I signed up for positivity.”

B. Scott speaks to MSNBC about BET lawsuit

Earlier this month transgender media personality B. Scott filed a discrimination lawsuit against BET for forcing him to tone down his makeup and change into more masculine clothing in the middle of hosting a fashion segment for the BET Awards.

He appeared on MSNBC earlier this week, where spoke out for the first time publicly about the suit.

“It’s really sad that people have to go through something like this in 2013 when we’ve seen all different types of personalities,” Scott said. “I’m not the first of my kind. There has been Michael Jackson, Prince, Grace Jones and the list goes on. So this is really shocking to me.”

Although BET maintains it was a case of miscommunication, Scott feels he was the victim of discrimination, hence the reason for filing suit.

Scott said his reputation

was damaged and is asking for $2.5 million in damages, according to TMZ.

Chris Brown being sued for Frank Ocean scuffle

Sha’keir Duarte, who is said to be the cousin of singer Frank Ocean, filed suit against Chris Brown for unspecified damages in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming he suffered a concussion as well as humiliation and mental anguish as a result of the attack.

Brown’s attorney Mark Geragos called the case frivolous and said it amounted to an attempted shakedown.

“This is what gives lawyers and lawsuits a bad name is garbage like this,” Geragos said, adding that he will seek to have the lawsuit dismissed and will countersue Duarte. Duarte claims he was beaten by a member of Brown’s entourage identified in the suit only as “Hood” during a fight over a parking spot.

Charges were never pursued after Ocean, who said his finger was injured in the fight, stated online that he wouldn’t seek criminal or civil penalties.

The fight reportedly started after Brown parked in Ocean’s spot at the studio.

Kanye wants North West to cover Vogue

According to RadarOnline, Kanye West is busy trying to convince Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to put Kim Kardashian and their daughter North West on the cover of the magazine.

Frank Ocean

“It’s no secret that Kanye is a huge fan of fashion Vogue and especially Anna Wintour,” a source close to the musician told RadarOnline. “But it’s also pretty well-known that Anna is NO fan of Kim or any reality star appearing in the pages of the magazine.”

He’s reportedly turned down as much as $3 million dollars for first photo rights from other publications.

“Kanye is determined to make sure baby North isn’t photographed by paparazzi then splashed across the world,” the source told RadarOnline. “He knows what he wants — a professional photographer and the cover of Vogue – nothing else. But clearly, trying to persuade Anna is going to be an uphill battle.”

Sources: 4UMF.com, RadarOnline, Star Magazine, MSNBC, TMZ

Dawn Robinson

Rally in D.C. for anniversary of March on Washington

Two busses will depart from North County

on Friday, August 23

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

The Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network (NAN), and Martin Luther King III, eldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., are mobilizing the 50th Anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream Rally and March.

On Saturday, August 24, a rally will be held at the Lincoln Memorial (where Dr. King gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963), followed by a march to the King Memorial. Across the country, busloads of people will travel to Washington, D.C. for the occasion. Two buses from St. Louis are being organized by Leslie Broadnax and Nikia Gist. They plan to take 100 people. Broadnax believes that another March on Washington is still relevant, citing the transfer of students from unaccredited Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts to neighboring districts in St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and the striking down of Section 4 of the Voting

Rights Act by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Race is still a problem in the United States of America,” Broadnax said, “and if anyone tells you anything different then they’re lying.”

Rev. Sharpton said via Twitter that “this march is not a commemoration, but a continuation and a call 2 action.”

As stated on the NAN website, the rally and march will raise awareness about unemployment, poverty, gun violence, immigration, LGBT rights and other critical issues affecting our nation. It is also a call to action against racial profiling and the “Stand Your Ground” law.

Rev. Sharpton and King will be joined by the families of Emmett Till and Trayvon Martin.

Broadnax and Gist aren’t strangers to organizing events

of this magnitude. After George Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges in the death of Trayvon Martin, they coordinated a local rally on Saturday, July 20 on the steps of the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Federal Courthouse. St. Louis was one of 100 cities nationwide that rallied (again, under the direction of Rev. Sharpton) for the cause of bringing federal civil rights charges against Zimmerman.

Gist said Trayvon’s death hits close to home.

She also said the “senseless crime” against someone she considered like “a nephew,” Leon Watkins Jr., 19, inspired her to address the issue of black-on-black crime. Watkins was home from college when he was shot on July 4; he now suffers from traumatic brain injuries.

According to Broadnax and Gist, the buses will depart from the Buzz Westfall

Nikia Gist and Leslie Broadnax are organizing two busses from St. Louis to attend a rally to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.

Shopping Center at 8021

W. Florissant at the corner of Lucas and Hunt and W. Florissant at 6 a.m. on Friday, August 23. The buses will arrive in Washington, D.C. approximately 12 hours later.

The buses will depart D.C. at 8 p.m. on August 24, returning to St. Louis the following morning. The cost for the trip ($195 per person for double/$175 per person for quad occupancy rooms) includes transportation and hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza.

“I don’t believe that anything is happenstance,” Broadnax said. “We’re out there now, so all we can do is keep going with it.”

For information contact Leslie Broadnax at 314546-9573, Nikia Gist 314-412-1027 or visit the National Action Network at nationalactionnetwork.net.

School is not for fools

By Devese Ursery For The

St. Louis American Schools and school programs are being closed and dismantled, but the bigger picture is that too few young people care about getting an education anymore. I fail to discover how a race of people who were once kings and queens can find harmony in being deaf, dumb and blind.

Some 1.1 million American students drop out of school every year, according to Editorial Projects in Education Research Center (EPE). For African-American and Hispanic students across the country, dropout rates are close to 40 percent, compared to the national average of 27 percent.

According to the U.S. Department of Education and National Center for Education Statistics, AfricanAmerican high school students trail their white counterparts in graduation rates, literacy rates and college preparedness. In 2005, only 55 percent of all black students graduated from high school on time, compared to 78 percent of whites.

The propaganda of ignorance – “school is for fools” – keeps young minorities underachieving. To be dumb is the new cool. On urban street corners, you can find a group of girls and boys congregating. The boys are often dressed in oversized white T-shirts with their pants hanging to their thighs and the females

wear anything tight and revealing. Mind you, this often transpires during school hours. The disrespect factor also comes into play. This generation of youngsters does not have respect for authority, their elders, their parents or themselves. They don’t feel the need to learn or be taught because they are convinced that they know everything there is to know about life. Urban education is rapidly spiraling downward into the proverbial toilet. Schools in impoverished areas, where they are most needed, are closing, while prisons are being built. The schools that are still in service are filled with faculty and staff that often are unqualified to handle the stress that comes with teaching this generation of teens. Many of these youth have a sense of entitlement that rivals that of the royal family.

A number of factors contribute to this trend, like budget cuts leading to overcrowded classrooms, but the blame is shared by the students themselves and their parents. Your first lessons are learned in the home. It doesn’t matter what school you go to, the situation you come from, whether you have one or two parents in the home or how much money your family has, if you have character and want to make something of yourself, you will put forth the effort. Ursery is a St. Louis Community College student and St. Louis American intern.

Photo by Wiley Price

Devese Ursery

Editorial /CommEntary

Newspapers in service to education

In an Igbo proverb immortalized by the great Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, there was a lizard who climbed to the top of the Iroko tree. When no one seemed to notice his accomplishment, the lizard said, “If no one will praise me, I must praise myself.” Our editorial and sales teams at The St. Louis American and the St. Louis American Foundation appreciate this proverbial West African wisdom.

Recently, The St. Louis American received first place for its Newspaper in Education (NIE) program among non-daily newspapers by the National Newspaper Association, which is the country’s largest newspaper association with 2,200 member newspapers. We took top honors in what was only our first year of presenting the program.

Every week, in our NIE program last year, 5,200 students in the Normandy and St. Louis Public Schools received a free newspaper, making it the largest free, print NIE program in the entire state of Missouri. One page of our paper was completely dedicated to giving teachers a tool they can use in their classrooms, and it included exercises and articles on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) literacy.

That was last year. This school year, we’re expanding the program to also include Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood and East St. Louis school districts, and we’re adding another page called “Healthy Kids” that focuses on heroes in the health-care field, along with tips on wellness and safety. We do not intend to stop our expansion there. Every so often in our small, dedicated newsroom, we throw around the story about the ambitious lizard and the proud loneliness of his accomplishment. On an annual basis, we are recognized as a state and national leader among weekly community newspapers, and we share this news with our peers, who seem to file this news in the trash can. We leave it to our readers to ponder

why the secret of our successes is so well kept among our peers in local media. Of course, many of our counterparts in the daily print and broadcast media don’t specialize in reporting positive local news about anyone.

For us, the NIE recognition is special because this program accords deeply with our core values of empowering public educators and reaching our children when they are young to encourage them to become lifelong learners. As many know, the St. Louis American Foundation has been awarding educators and providing college scholarships to students for 26 years, through the Salute to Excellence program, which has fostered $2.5 million in scholarships. And we are far from finished with this important work in enabling the next generation of learners and leaders.

The American’s NIE award was part of the National Newspaper Association’s annual Newspaper And Education contest, which highlights newspaper/school partnerships that focus on developing fully informed citizens, and the category was centered around “traditional newspaper in education stories and curriculum.” In the judges’ comments, they stated, “This newspaper set a very high standard and attained it, and used it as a baseline for not only keeping the program, but fully supporting it with a full-time coordinator.”

Beyond the fact that The American won a national first-place award in its first year administering an NIE program, the award also speaks to our focus on sustainability. In a time when many newspapers are failing, we are looking for ways to revitalize dormant parts of the industry and apply it to our model of positive community journalism.

As the lizard in the proverb knows, it’s a good view from the top of the Iroko tree. If nothing else, we have a better view of the dangers and opportunities ahead.

Commentary

What NSA reforms?

President Obama’s message about the government’s massive electronic surveillance programs came through loud and clear: Get over it.

The president used more soothing words in his news conference Friday, but that was the gist. The snooping will continue. Unless, of course, we demand that it end.

The modest reforms Obama proposed do not begin to address the fundamental question of whether we want the National Security Agency to log all of our phone calls and read at least some of our emails, relying on secret judicial orders from a secret court for permission. The president indicated he is willing to discuss how all this is done –but not whether.

“It’s not enough for me, as president, to have confidence in these programs. The American people need to have confidence in them as well,” Obama said. But if this is truly what he believes, he should have kicked off this confidence-building debate years ago, long before former NSA analyst Edward Snowden blew the whistle. Snowden’s disclosures do look increasingly like whistleblowing, by the way, rather than espionage or treason. If administration officials really welcome the discussion we are now having, shouldn’t they thank Snowden rather than label him an enemy of the state?

As part of its public relations campaign, the administration released a 22-page white paper outlining its legal rationale for collecting and keeping a detailed log of all our domestic phone calls. The document depends on novel definitions of words whose meaning, I always thought, was fairly clear.

Section 215 of the Patriot Act gives the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court the authority to order businesses to hand over “any tangible things” needed for an investigation into international terrorism. “Metadata” about our phone calls is classified as a tangible thing. In the digital age, I suppose that’s an understandable stretch. But those tangible things must be “relevant to an authorized investigation” to obtain foreign intelligence or protect against terrorism. The administration – with the secret intelligence court’s blessing – essentially argues that “relevant” can be construed to mean its exact opposite. Only an infinitesimal fraction of the billions of phone call records being stored in the NSA’s computers will actually have anything to do with terrorism or espionage. The government argues that it must have the entire haystack to find these few needles. Therefore, every piece of hay is relevant to an investigation. Which investigation might that be? On this question, the administration argues there is no need to be specific. “An investigation” is taken to mean, roughly, any investigation designed to prevent terrorist attacks.

Obviously, we all share this aim. But we also share

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Have we really overcome?

Guest Columnist Michael McMillan

In recent months there have been several setbacks that have impacted the Civil Rights Movement in America. From the disappointment of the Trayvon Martin case to the U.S. Supreme Court decision to repeal parts of the Voting Rights Act, the hands of time are slowly turning back on civil rights. As we embark upon the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, the question comes to mind: Have we as African Americans finally arrived?

In 2013, we have an AfricanAmerican president, 44 black Congressional members, a 27.4 percent poverty rate and a highschool education attainment rate of 84.2 percent. If you compare this to the landscape of the early 1960s, when only five members of Congress were black, 20.1 percent of African Americans had a high school diploma and 35 percent of blacks lived in poverty, it

seems as if we have come a long way.

While this appears to be progress on first glance, we must look at the underlying inequality that still persists in our society.

African Americans currently have a slightly lower poverty rate than in 1965, but whites still possess 20 times more wealth than blacks, according to a 2011 Pew Research Center study. The AfricanAmerican unemployment rate is often three times the rate of whites despite the fact that the educational attainment gap has

n It seems that when African Americans begin to make gains in American society, measures are put into place to hold us back.

closed exponentially between whites and blacks.

In 2012, African-American voter participation in the presidential election exceeded that of whites for the first time in history, according to the

Letters to the editor

Racist and distasteful

Yet again the Show-Me State disappoints! From the state Legislature’s refusal to expand Medicaid for many of Missouri’s under-insured and uninsured to the racist, ignorant and distasteful entertainment at the 2013 Missouri State Fair.

As a tax-paying citizen of this state, I was absolutely mortified by the display of blatant disrespect and racism shown toward President Obama. I do not expect my tax dollars to support such actions.

U.S. Census Bureau. And this is where the conflicts arise. It seems that when African Americans begin to make gains in American society, measures are put into place to hold us back.

Case in point: the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to repeal portions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a measure that is meant to diminish the voting rights of minorities. Chief Justice John Roberts went on record to say “our country has changed” and that the Voting Rights Act “employed extraordinary measures meant to address an extraordinary problem.” The fact that our country has changed to some extent points to the effectiveness of the Voting Rights Act. However, to take the heart out of the law enables our country to regress back to the days of voting discrimination.

As we look back upon the gains and losses that we, as African Americans, have endured over our years of citizenship in this country, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our fight for civil rights and an equal society for all.

McMillan is president / CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

an appreciation of the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits searches without suspicion. Without informing us, the judges of the secret intelligence court have construed the amendment to permit the collection of vast, unprecedented amounts of private information about individuals who are not, the government admits, under any suspicion.

The administration white paper says we shouldn’t worry because this reasoning would not apply, say, to medical records or library records. But we have no way of knowing what other encroachments on the Bill of Rights the intelligence court might have blessed because the court’s rulings are classified.

Proceedings before the court are not adversarial; only the government side is presented. Obama acknowledged that this “may tilt it too far in favor of security, may not pay enough attention to liberty.” He proposed changing the law so that “privacy advocates” could argue the other side in some cases. What real difference would that make, though, if we are still denied the right to know about secret court rulings that redefine and abridge our constitutional rights? I’ll believe Obama is serious about reforming the intelligence court when he calls for all its interpretations of the law to be made public. And I’ll believe Congress is serious when it clarifies the Patriot Act and other laws to spell out that the Constitution still applies.

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

This is a free country and people are entitled to disagree with the policies of the Obama administration, but the rodeo show was not a display of disagreement with policy. I demand a public apology from the state Legislature and from the State Fair Planning Committee.

This horrific act has made the state a national and international embarrassment. Right now, I am ashamed to call myself a Missourian.

Bridget R. Russell St. Louis

Needed: black leaders

All the inner-city elementary schools around our neighborhoods are closed. Rows of vacant lots and dilapidated houses all over our communities and no (black) politicians are willing to plan a strategy to restore these schools in our neighborhoods.

Where are the lottery and our property tax dollars for the inner-city communities to rebuild the wards back up? All the politicians know how to do is talk, but no action is being done.

Politicians give little care about politics in their wards, but they can march about Trayvon Martin? The inner-city community is in disarray and I don’t blame the inner-city youths feeling discouraged and neglected, as I do.

The (black) politicians need to learn how to become leaders on their own instead of following the white man’s dollar and need to fight for their wards to be improved.

Mary Wright St. Louis

Message is clear

Thank you for conveying

the message in my commentary “Walking While Black.” I feel very humbled. I feel that anything that happens is in God’s plan. We must pursue justice but also know that the healing must come and that we must forgive each other. It is God’s plan for us in order for us to enter the gates of heaven. If you decide to print this, I hope that the message is clear to all who read it.

Dorothy Dempsey, St. Louis Editor’s note: The St. Louis American welcomes commentaries from our readers. Please submit your commentaries for consideration, along with a head shot, to cking@ stlamerican.com. Note that we reserve the right to edit all commentaries for length and style. A good length for publication is 450-750 words.

Accredit schools, not districts

To consider individual schools rather than entire districts when determining accreditation will not only address the current logistical concerns being voiced by accredited districts which are affected by accreditation decisions, but it will give families much more accurate information to use when making choices regarding the education of their children.

As it is now, with districts as a whole being labeled as unaccredited, individual schools within that district which are achieving see their good results ignored and families are unaware that they even exist.

Given that most families would prefer to educate their children in the best possible environment that is closest to their home, the switch to accrediting schools rather than districts will give families better information and will also relieve concerns from neighboring districts that they will have to accept influxes of students with little warning or time to prepare.

Katherine Wessling, member SLPS Board of Education St. Louis

Setting execution dates

Last month, we renewed our request that the Missouri Supreme Court set execution dates for convicted murderers

Joseph Franklin and Allen Nicklasson. We are pleased that the Court has reexamined the issue and granted the motions. The death penalty remains a legal punishment in our state. By setting these execution dates, the Court has taken an important step to see that justice is finally done for the victims and their families.

Attorney General Chris Koster, Jefferson City

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Marcus Garvey Celebration

August 17

The Universal African Peoples Organization will host its annual program commemorating the life and legacy of civil rights activist Marcus “Mosiah” Garvey at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 17 at the St. Louis Gateway Sports Foundation. The theme for this year’s program is “Blueprint For Youth Empowerment In The 21st Century.” The program’s special guests will be Ebrahim Rasool and James Peterson. Rasool is the South African Ambassador to the United States. Peterson is the director of Africana Studies at Lehigh University in Ohio and a contributor to MSNBC and CNN news.

Along with their presentations, there will be a natural hair contest, an audience African Fashion Walk, cultural entertainment and attendance prize giveaways.

Tickets are available at Afro World and Napp Salon. For more information call 314-477-4629.

Great Rivers Greenway Grants

Great Rivers Greenway is currently extending an open invitation to organizations across the St. Louis area to submit grant requests for planned community events and programs being held at any of the district’s trails and greenways in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.

Funds are available for 2014 programs and events that will improve awareness and use of the more than 106 miles of completed trails that are a part of Great Rivers Greenway’s planned River Ring, a 600-mile interconnected web of trails, greenways and on-street bicycle routes. Grants will be awarded to programs that connect communities and neighborhoods, preserve nature, improve economic vitality, promote good health and/or provide transportation options.

Applications for 2014 event and programming grant funds will be accepted through noon Sept. 13. Grant applications can be found at www.GreatRiversGreenway.org. Only applications submitted electronically will be considered.

County Library spurs summer reading

Greyling Tobias,superintendant of the Hazelwood School District,visited with kids who participated in Sweet Reads,one of St.Louis County Library’s summer programs.Colleen Hall (in blue t-shirt) is the manager of outreach for the library.She oversaw the program which used two vans to deliver reading material to four apartment complexes in North County.In seven visits,the vans issued 3,344 items to 849 kids,teens and adults.To learn more about St.Louis County Library’s outreach programs,call 314-994-3300 ext.2330 or visit www.slcl.org.

College planning in Pattonville

The Pattonville School District will hold several events between this month and next month to help juniors and seniors in high school prepare for applying. All events are free and open to the public.

The Senior College Planning Meeting will be August 28 at 7 p.m. in the Pattonville High School auditorium. Topics of discussion include the timeline for what each senior should be doing at what time of the year students need to plan to apply to college.

The A+ Schools Information Night will be September 17 at 7 p.m. in the Pattonville High School auditorium. At this event students and parent can find out how your child can earn two years of paid tuition to Missouri community colleges and career technical schools. Acollege fair will be September 26 at 1:15 p.m. in the Pattonville High School main gym. Representatives from colleges and universities will be on campus to talk with families about the scholarships and majors they offer.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Edward Jones Diversity CareerFair

Financial-services firm Edward Jones will host its fourth annual diversity career fair from 4:30 to 7 :30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the firm’s headquarters, 12555 Manchester Road in Des Peres.

Edward Jones offers broad range of opportunities for talented professionals in areas such as finance, internal audit, service, information systems, marketing, operations, human resources, training and development and compliance.

Representatives also will be available to discuss the financial advisor and branch office administrator roles in St. Louis and around the country.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters and leaders from every division of the firm.At 5 p.m. that evening, Anthony McBride, the firm’s chief human resources officer, will welcome attendees and share a few words about careers at Edward Jones.a

Jobseekers unable to attend the event, may submit a resume to STLCareers@edwardjones.com.

Back-to-School Bash

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is having its Back-to-School Bash, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 24. Bring your kids to any of three locations, Herbert Hoover Club (2901 N. Grand Avenue), Adams Park Club (4317 Vista Avenue) or Spanish Cove apartments (1708 San Remo Court) to receive free backpacks, school supplies, beauty and barber haircuts sponsored by the Gamma Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma. To join the club, volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities, contact 314-335-8000 or visit bgcstl.org.

Lane Tabernacle CME Church concert

Get ready for an afternoon of inspirational sacred music when Lane Tabernacle CME Church hosts “The Circle of Stars.” The concert takes place on Sunday, August 25 at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 910 N. Newstead at Enright. It will feature performances by Sylvia Wright Quigless, Erna French and Ruth Latchison Nichols. Tickets are $10. For more information, call Lane Tabernacle at 314-533-0534.

SLATE hosts Construction Information Session

SLATE Missouri Careers Center will host a Construction Information Session with Local 513 Heavy Equipment Operators on Tuesday, August 27 at 9 a.m. in the Forest Park Conference Room at 1520 Market St., 3rdFloor. Attendees should bring a résumé and dress appropriately. Registration onsite is required. For information, contact sfowler@stlworks.com.

Stop, frisk and swab

By Gloria J.Browne-Marshall Guest Columnist

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that law enforcement could take DNAsamples from people who have been arrested but not convicted of a crime, in a 5-4 ruling.

The five justices in the majority ruled that DNA sampling from arrestees does not violate the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition of unreasonable searches. However, complex consequences await communities of color already reeling from police abuse of stop and frisk practices.

Not simply about DNAbeing a better way to catch criminals, Justice Samuel Alito said this case, Maryland v. King, is the “most important criminal procedure case the Supreme Court has heard in decades.” The 5-4 decision had conservative Justice Antonin Scalia in heated opposition to taking DNAfrom arrestees.

Alonzo King was arrested in Wicomico County, Maryland, in 2009, for menacing with a shotgun. He was fingerprinted and a cotton swab, like a Q-Tip, was used to take saliva and cells containing DNAfrom inside of his mouth. DNAcontains identifying medical information, genetic material, and heredity.

King’s DNAmatched the DNAtaken from a rape victim in 2003. With that evidence, King was convicted of rape and sentenced to life. He argued, on appeal, that without this 2009 DNAevidence he would not have been convicted.

Justice Scalia wrote of a possible national DNA database where all people will be listed, not just arrestees, and convicted criminals. DNAbrought justice to that rape victim. However, this court’s decision allows DNAfrom today’s arrestees to be taken to solve past crimes.

DNAwas once only taken from convicted persons. Now, King’s depraved act means millions of innocent arrestees, those who have been released, or tried and found not guilty, will be added to state and federal DNAdatabases.

DNAcan improve the criminal justice system and police investigative practices, says the court. However, social justice advocates fear motivation to fill DNAdatabases could also heighten racial profiling practices leading to stop, frisk, and swab.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is associate professor of constitutional law at John Jay College, author of “Race, Law, and American Society: 1607 to Present” and a legal correspondent covering the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gloria J. BrowneMarshall

Continued from A1

Community College campuses, each event lasting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. BFLVice President James Clark said the program helps non-violent offenders avoid jail time and removes barriers that prevent people from getting jobs, while assisting municipalities to collect revenue due to them by law.

“Amnesty is a win-win all the way around,” Clark said.

“The citizens win, the municipalities win because they are able to clear up a lot of cases and they have access to a revenue stream that comes in almost a lump sum, then the St. Louis economy wins because you now have people who can enter the workforce.” Adrian Robinson, BFL amnesty project volunteer, helped to make participants feel comfortable.

“You help people get peace of mind,” Robinson said. “Not having to look over your shoulder to your rearview mirror, it’s a breath of fresh air.”

Robinson knows from personal experience. Several years ago, he was pulled over while there was traffic warrant out for his arrest.

“I got arrested, was locked up for a week and I lost my job,” Robinson said. Robinson now helps other people to avoid the experience he had.

“The St.Louis economy wins because you now have people who can enter the workforce.”

– Better Family Life Vice President James Clark

People with misdemeanor warrants received a voucher to take to the local municipality holding the warrant against them. Citizens will then pay a $100 fee for the warrant to be lifted and to set a new court date. This process also helps save participating citizens’money by consolidating outstanding fees, given the fragmented nature of the region’s governance structure.

“Hey, everyone, welcome to the warrant party, where you need a warrant to get in,” Robinson greeted people.

“I get to keep the people mellow,” he explained. “I come out here and crack some jokes and give people some information before they get in.” At noon on Saturday on the Forest Park campus, there was a growing line of participants waiting for the program to resume after BFLvolunteers took a short lunch break. Robinson remained and stood outside with them.

He explained why this is his third year volunteering with the amnesty project.

“If a person has warrants in three municipalities you would be looking at a $300 bond in each municipality, and in each municipality you could easily spend three nights in jail,” Clark said. “So you’re looking at, on the minimal end, $900 and nine nights in jail. Through amnesty, it would be $100 and no jail time.”

While the 2013 amnesty project for misdemeanor warrants is concluded, a new addition to the annual event this year applies to child support warrants, which continues through August. Child support amnesty will be offered at the new BFLCultural Center, 5415 Page Blvd., on Saturday, August 17; Wednesday, August 21; and Saturday, August 31.

Clark said the program is intended for parents who fell behind on child support and “want to do the right thing.”

“Their lives are derailed because they have an outstanding child support warrant, which usually results in extended jail stay, which

results in loss of employment and in some cases loss of transportation and loss of housing,” Clark said.

The process for child support amnesty is similar to the process for misdemeanor warrants. Participants must show up to the BFLCultural Center

to receive a voucher to take to court. Once at court, the participant will need to pay a $500 fee and set a new court date.

This year, 54 local municipalities participated in the amnesty project. Clark said BFLis always looking for ways to expand, including pos-

VOGT

Continued from A1

Vogt is a K-6 elementary school with a large, diverse student population. Last year, Vogt educated 280 students, of whom 75 percent received free or reduced lunches, 56 percent were African American and 80 percent were children of color.

Thomas-Washington has the served the district for almost eight years, starting as a reading coordinator at Walnut Grove Elementary School. Since she began her teaching career in the Webster Groves School District, she has always admired the Ferguson-Florissant School District, but even more so after serving as a leader in the district.

“There are no hidden agendas,” Thomas-Washington said of Ferguson-Florissant. “They are truly about helping students become life-long learners.”

Thomas-Washington goes out of her way to keep parents and teachers informed and engaged, stating that parents and teachers are allies working toward a common goal: student success. She meets with all teachers regularly for data team meetings, called “Vogt’s Pathway to Proficiency.”

“Data drives our instruction,” Thomas-Washington said. “We discuss where students are and where they need to be. We look at our behaviors as educators.”

She uses the progress monitoring component of the Star Benchmark Assessment to compile data. The Star Benchmark Assessment is also a useful indicator on how well students will perform on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test, she said.

When Thomas-Washington became head principal at Vogt Elementary in 2009, she said the school’s MAPscores in math, communication arts, and science were below state standards. Gradually, Vogt has achieved tremendous gains on the state assessment and achieved significant levels of proficiency in 2012.

Gains in student performance in MAPscores include: 45.9 percent increase for fifthgrade mathematics, 35.9 percent for fifth-grade communication arts and 30.7 percent

sibly having municipalities in Kansas City participate in years to come.

“While we look to expand,” Clark said, “we don’t want growth to break down the core focus: the thousands of people in the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

“Data drives our instruction.We discuss where students are and where they need to be.We look at our behaviors as educators.”

– Principal Leslie Thomas-Washington

for fifth-grade science. Last year, Carla Baranowski’s fifthgrade class was ranked first in the district for communication arts, math and science.

“In addition to good teaching,” Thomas-Washington said, “I attribute that to STEM.” Thomas-Washington insists that Vogt students have a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). She said STEM education helps students evolve into critical thinkers and future competitors in the global workforce. Last summer, teacher representatives in grades three to six enrolled in a two-week intensive STEM Teacher Quality pilot program at Washington University. Baranowski and Chris Gardner, then fifth- and sixthgrade teachers at Vogt, were two of teachers who participated.

Gardner’s passion for science education was evident as he described a past school project. His students used solar energy, a 5-gallon bucket and an accordion sun screen to cook chicken outside.

“One of the main things the sessions focused on,” Gardner said of his STEM training, “was working cooperatively and collaboratively with other educators in order to enhance what you’re doing in the classroom.”

The 2013 Salute to Excellence in Education will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, September 13 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/Corporate tickets are $1,500

Citizens listened to Better Family Life Vice President James Clark explain how BFL’s amnesty project works on Saturday at St.Louis Community College’s Forest Park campus.

Photo by Wiley Price

NIE

Continued from A1

test, which highlights newspaper/school partnerships that focus on developing fully informed citizens, and the category was centered around “traditional newspaper in education stories and curriculum.”

NNAis the largest newspaper association in the country, with more than 2,200 member newspapers nationwide.

The American’s NIE program began last year, providing newspapers free to more than 5,000 elementary school students in the Normandy and Saint Louis Public Schools districts. Akey component of the program in its first year was the kids page specifically focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) literacy. The STEM page was designed as a classroom tool for students and teachers. Children were encouraged to take the paper home to share with their parents, along with the entire newspaper.

According to the judges, The American’s NIE program is “a well-though-out, wellarticulated program that reaped big benefits … for the community it serves. It embodies a ‘go big or go home’(approach) that can be unusual for any new endeavor.”

Judges also stated, “This newspaper set a very high standard and attained it, and used it as a baseline for not only keeping the program, but fully supporting it with a fulltime coordinator. Well done.”

The judges were seconded by one of the first executive administrators to embrace the program.

“Providing students with a 21st Century education requires a focus on the STEM subject areas,” said Dr. Kelvin Adams, superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools.

“The commitment of The St. Louis American to create the STEM pages for the young people of St. Louis is to be commended. The St. Louis American STEM pages gave students in Saint Louis Public Schools a real hands-on approach to studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Seeing their faces light up when The St. Louis American newspapers were delivered to their classrooms was priceless.”

The program is funded, inpart, through corporate sponsors: Ameren, Centene, Emerson, Monsanto and World Wide Technology, as well as the St. Louis American Foundation.

According to David Steward, chairman of participating sponsor World Wide Technology, “It is imperative for kids to learn STEM education at a young age, for St. Louis, for the economy and quite frankly for our business.” Steward added, “This program has been a great return on our investment.”

St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs stated the staff was thrilled with the award and that the entire team was excited about not only a successful first year, but about the future of its unique, targeted NIE program.

“This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and true dedication to educating our youth of everyone involved in our NIE program,” Suggs stated.

Suggs cited the American’s NIE team members: Dawn Kitchell, Beth Sharpe, Jennifer Wirthwein, Kevin Jones, Cathy Sewell and photographer Wiley Price, as well as the strong support from participating teachers and principals.

“We want to help open the minds of these young people to their great potential,” Suggs said. “We are excited about growing the program, starting this week, and want to touch and positively affect as many young lives as well as assist as many area teachers and parents as we can.”

Expansion of the program

Because of the widespread acceptance and extremely positive response to the first year of the program, The St. Louis American is expanding its NIE program in several ways: Immediately including other school districts, including Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood

“This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and true dedication to educating our youth of everyone involved in our NIE program.”

– Donald M.Suggs

Increasing the number of students and classrooms.

During the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 6,000 students in more than 250 classrooms will receive a free newspaper each week, making TheAmerican’s program the largest free, print NIE program in the entire state of Missouri.

Adding a “Healthy Kids” page, which will focus on wellness, nutrition, exercise and safety for elementary school children. The page will also feature a profile of a local African-American health care provider (in various functions) each and every week. (BJC Health Care and Ascension Health Care are partnering on this page).

Solidifying community partnerships with the Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden (including their providing NIE content, field trips, as well as professional development for select participating teachers).

“For true enlightenment, transformative empowerment and total engagement of students, there is no better

Newspaper in Education pro-

gram around,” stated Dr. Art McCoy, Superintendent of Ferguson-Florissant School District, which is joining the program this week.

“Ferguson-Florissant School District is proud to partner with the St. Louis American’s NIE program. We

salute you for this award and excellent educational program.”

To coordinate the expansion as well as manage the entire Newspaper In Education program, in June The St. Louis American hired Cathy Sewell as its full-time NIE Manager. Sewell has more than 20 years in NIE programming, including most recently at the PostDispatch for eight years, and at the Belleville NewsDemocrat for more than 12 years. She has previously been honored for excellence by the NNAas well as the World Association of Newspapers.

Her many speaking engage-

St.Louis Public School

Superintendent Kelvin Adams greets Melvin Jones,6,and his mother,Ashley Jones,on Aug.12, the first day of school.Melvin is starting first grade at Hodgen College Bound Academy Elementary School, 1616 California Ave.The district said 20,055 students attended classes on opening day,compared to a first day attendance mark of 20,283 last year. Adams said the district continues to enroll new students.Monday’s attendance figures do not include more than 2,000 preschool children, who start school on Monday, August 19.

ments include a conference in Prague, Czech Republic, where she spoke to other industry experts about the importance of using the newspaper in the classroom to increase literacy skills.

For more information about The St. Louis American’s Newspaper In Education program, visit stlamerican.com and click on ‘Newspaper In Education’or email nie@stlamerican.com. All kids’pages as well as an EEdition of the entire newspaper are also completely complimentary online at stlamerican.com.

Continued from A1

Christian Assembly, 10191 Halls Ferry Rd.

Before Bishop Daniels passed away in 2010, he appointed his son-in-law, Bishop Luther J. Blackwell, as his successor. Bishop Blackwell took over leadership in 2011, and the transition has been both challenging and rewarding.

The challenges stemmed from some congregants who were initially resistant to the change in leadership, he said. However, the opposition didn’t faze Blackwell. After nearly three years under his leadership, he has kept many allies in the congregation.

“Many great supporters have walked with me through the process and have been very encouraging,” he said. “So it balances out.”

With Bishop Daniel’s blessing, Blackwell is trying to maintain San Francisco Temple’s original traditions while incorporating his own vision to bring the church forward.

When speaking of his obligation to maintain Bishop Dwight’s traditions, Blackwell cites a higher authority. “The

obligation is to Christ and not to him, though he’s done a good job of laying down the principles on Christian life,” Blackwell said. “My obligation is to build on that and reach a broader spectrum.”

Some of Blackwell’s innovations include getting the church’s Bible classes accredited.

“We have many students who are now being trained in

“We must make the kingdom practical and put it on every level.It has to impact every area of human need.”

– Bishop Luther James Blackwell

the Bible, and it was not happening to this level before I came,” he said.

Blackwell is also working to introduce social media into worship in order to attract and maintain the younger generation of church goers. “My father-in-law was very traditional, but in order to reach the now generation we have to embrace all of that,” he said. “Twitter, Instagram and all these things can be tools that can advance the Gospel.”

The new bishop is putting a focus on media ministry and believes youth can bring the church into the 21st century.

“Now we can give young people the opportunity to give it a new face,” he said. “The audience today is not going to accept the presentation that the older generation of 40 years ago would.”

Despite his focus on new ideas, Blackwell emphatically recognizes Bishop Daniels’ achievements.

“He’s left a tremendous foundation at the church,” Blackwell said. “The church is stable economically because he wasn’t just a pastor, he was a businessman. He’s done a phenomenal job here in the city. This place is here because of him, not because of me.”

Regarding his own personal perspective on ministry, Blackwell keeps it simple.

“The kingdom of God must be embraced by humanity,” he said. “We must make the kingdom practical and put it on every level. It has to impact every area of human need.”

San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly, located at 10191 Halls Ferry Rd., holds services on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 388-3300.

Photo by Wiley Price

Personal Touches by Jeanetta celebrates 25th Anniversary

Jeanetta Hill, Owner of Personal Touches by Jeanetta, Inc., her four children and staff celebrated their 25th Anniversary and Open House for their new downtown facility. Kate Daniel and Robin Britt from The St. Louis American,Barbara Bowmen from The Urban League, LaTonja Thomas from The St. Louis Business Journal and Michael McDeviitt from Levy Restaurants were all honored.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Missouri state minstrel show clowns on Obama

“Bring in the clowns” is a wisecrack not unknown to the political area, but this Saturday at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia they really did bring in the clowns – and one of the clowns was wearing a false face that caricatured President Barack Obama. According to many reports from press and citizens in attendance, the crowd was whipped into something of a frenzy over the prospect of the President Obama rodeo clown getting trampled to death by livestock.

It’s not farfetched to describe this event as a public simulation or parody of a presidential assassination by stampede. Many in the crowd, whether we want to admit it or not, enjoyed the spectacle immensely. Others left the fair in disgust. Some expressed deep distress with the people of Missouri and its state government. This was, after all, the Missouri State Fair, a taxpayer-supported public event branded with and administered by the executive branch of Missouri state government, led by Governor Jay Nixon

a white Democrat who often has been wary of President Obama, a black Democrat who always polls poorly in Missouri and has never won the state (although he came close back in 2008).

African Americans, or anyone who knows anything about the history of public lynching as spectacle in American history, immediately rose in rage at the image of a vastly white audience getting pleasure out of the scenario of a white rodeo cowboy, wearing

the rubber mask equivalent of blackface, getting trampled by an animal in public. And this wasn’t just any blackface, it was the blackface of the President of the United States, who could never run for governor of Missouri and win but who has twice won election to the highest office in the land by a landslide. It is not happenstance that this spectacle took place in Missouri where many have not shed their pro-rebel, Civil-War attitudes.

Presidents have been parodied before and will be parodied again, regardless of their race. But the state fair rodeo clown act made a specific reference to race.

Even Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, who carefully did not use the word “racist,” told the EYE that when another clown thumbed the protruding lips of the President Obama clown’s mask, that was a racial reference. The EYE understands that white presidents also have lips, but as the Lieutenant Governor – a white man from southeastern Missouri – recognizes, lips are a racial signifier in this country. That clearly was a public race joke at the expense of the sitting President that your Missouri state government paid for.

Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones responds

“The fact that public dollars went towards an event that openly encouraged the President of the United States to be trampled by a bull is

troubling,” St. Louis City

Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones writes. Shortly after learning about this event, I went on Twitter to voice my displeasure with the unprecedented level of disrespect leveled against the President, noting that, ‘Since November of 2008, racism has been masked under the guise of anti-Obama sentiment.’”

That stirred up the Twitter trolls.

“To be clear, I don’t think everyone who opposes President Obama is a racist,” Jones writes. “However, I cannot help but notice the Missouri State Fair incident is a part of an unprecedented level of disrespect directed at a President who happens to be African-American.”

Jones knows there are policy agendas with powerful economic support that benefit from this hooliganism. She knows there are powerful economic interests that want lower taxes, less regulation, reduced pensions and increased states rights. But she wants to see these interests advanced without resorting to race-hate tactics.

“In 2013 we should be able to have a principled debate about the size and scope of government without disrespecting the President or relying on tired racial stereotypes,” Jones writes. “Until the time in which our

One of the rodeo clowns who worked the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association show on Saturday at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia wore a false face that caricatured President Barack Obama – and was threatened with a stampede by bulls as a joke at this taxpayer-funded public event produced by state government.

society can disagree without being disagreeable, I will continue to call out racism when it is used to divide our great country.”

State Rep. Kim Gardner responds

“The Missouri State Fair should be an environment void of political demonstrations, especially those that are racially charged,” state Rep. Kim Gardner writes.

“The taxpayer-funded event should be welcoming for all Missourians without regard to race, political affiliation, gender, religion or socioeconomic status. There is a fine but distinct line between satire and acts of bigotry.”

Gardner reads the spectacle in Sedalia in terms of history and symbolism. She sees evidence of the minstrel tradition of white people laughing at white people who are acting like fools in blackface – and the race/lips thing.

“As the portrayal, which could be equated to a minstrel show, progressed, the visual of the clown physically playing with the enlarged lips of his mask reeks of a stereotyped caricature of people of African ancestry,” Gardner writes. “At no time, is it acceptable for such deplorable behavior to be

tolerated.”

The story moved fast across social and traditional media, no doubt amusing likeminded bigots in other states and making elected officials like Gardner fly flags of shame and disavowal.

“The events of the past weekend, which have catapulted Missouri into the nation’s headline news, are by no means are representative of the people of Missouri,” Gardner writes.

Gardner then reminds everyone listening, very much including Gov. Nixon, that she has a seat at the table where state money is diverted to this public spectacle.

“As a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, and particularly the Appropriations – Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, I assure you, the events that occurred in Sedalia do not reflect the Fair’s founding principle –to recognize and showcase Missouri’s agriculture industry – on which my support is predicated,” Gardner writes. “It is within this capacity in which I have been entrusted, that I will examine various legislative courses of actions to the full extent of authority to ensure that the culture and climate of the State Fair is one that is inclusive and not divisive, tolerant and not intolerant, and ultimately welcoming for all Missourians.”

Gardner also calls for the governor’s appointees to look deeper into how this happened and why the people who perpetrated it thought it was acceptable: “I also request that the Missouri State Fair Commission investigate the events that occurred during the rodeo Saturday.”

One clown down

The Missouri State Fair Commission met Monday morning in what must be thought of as an emergency session. Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe reported on the event and on actions

taken as a result of it, the commission said in a release that included “an apology for the unconscionable stunt.”

“The Commission said the terms of the MRCA’s contract to facilitate the rodeo at the Missouri State Fair are currently under review to determine additional actions that may be taken,” the release continued.

The MRCA is the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association. At press time, its website was blank on the pages where officers are said to be listed. There also is no contact information other than the email address mrca. secretary@gmail.com. So far, the President Obama clown is taking the fall. The commission unanimously ratified the fair director’s decision “to permanently ban this rodeo clown from ever participating or performing at the Missouri State Fair again.”

Probably sensing that a light hand-slap “bad clown!” wasn’t going to suffice as a full and fair accounting of what went wrong in that bull ring, the commission also said, “The MRCA must hold all those responsible for this offensive stunt accountable.”

The MRCA will also be required to jump through a diversity hoop before being allowed back into the fair grounds on the taxpayer nickel. “Before the Missouri State Fair considers contracting with this association again for future rodeos,” the commission reported, “they must provide evidence to the director of the Missouri State Fair that they have proof that all officials and subcontractors of the MRCA have successfully participated in sensitivity training.” So there is one clown down, and “sensitivity training” required for all future clowns and their handlers. But is that the end of the matter? We have not heard much from Gov. Nixon, the state’s top elected official. As Nixon’s nemesis Peter Kinder points out, the state fair and its commission are functions of the executive branch of state government.

oBituaries

William Speed

William Speed walked into the arms of Jesus on August 1, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. He leaves to mourn him: Bernette Speed, wife (St. Louis, Mo), Natasha N. Speed, daughter (St. Louis, Mo), relatives, Renee, Zina, Ruth and Darryl Mayham. In 2010, he was honored on AM Buffalo for his hard work, and years of devotion to Meals on Wheels of WNY. A memorial service will be held, 10 am, Monday, Aug.19, 2013 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 26 Brunswick Blvd., Buffalo, NY. Arrangements: Thomas Edward Funeral Home, Inc. Interment: Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Erma Jean Simpson Garrett

Erma Jean Simpson Garrett passed away on Aug. 1, 2013, in St. Louis due to complications associated with a re-occurrence of cancer. She was 76. Known by friends as Jean, Mrs. Garrett was born on Feb. 3, 1937, in Hot Springs, Ark., to Todd Earl Simpson and Earlene Simpson. She attended Langston High School, of Hot Springs and graduated in 1955. In 1959, Jean received a bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education from Lincoln University in Jefferson

City, Mo., where she also minored in music. She later attended Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo., where she received a master’s degree in music education. While at Lincoln University, Jean met Silas Grifton Garrett, and the couple were married on June 10, 1961 in Wichita, Kan. Jean and Silas had two daughters, Celeste Garrett, of Chicago, Ill., and Dionne Garrett-Castor, of Honolulu, Hawaii. The couple also briely lived in Centerville, Ill., before settling in Ferguson, Mo.

Jean began her teaching career in Kansas, and in 1964 launched a lengthy career with East St. Louis School District No. 189 as a teacher. She retired from the district as a music supervisor in 1994. Mrs. Garrett was an ardent supporter of her daughters’ activities, including their educational pursuits as well as their participation in the arts, athletics and various other endeavors. In her later years, she maintained a similar focus on her grandchildren.

A member of Zion Lutheran Church, of Ferguson, Mo., since 1971, Jean was an active participant in the community, supporting various social causes. She was a member of the St. Louis chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Inc., a humanitarian organization whose founding was prompted by a White House luncheon hosted by then-First Lady Ladybird Johnson. Jean served as TLOD president from 1995 to 1999 and chaired its Anniversary Scholarship Committee. She also was a recipient of the TLOD Top Lady of the Year award and under her leadership the chapter won several national irst place awards. Mrs. Garrett also was a member of the St. Louis chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Garrett was preceded

in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold Simpson and Donald Simpson. In addition to her husband and daughters, Mrs. Garrett is survived by two brothers, Todd Simpson, and Ralph Simpson, both of Dallas, Texas. She also is survived by five grandchildren, Martin Garrett-Currie and Elizabeth Garrett-Currie, of Chicago, and Holland Castor, Mia Castor and Ferris Castor, all of Honolulu, Hawaii; two sons-in-law, Bennie Currie, of Chicago and Todd Castor, of Honolulu, Hawaii; as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Antonio (Tony) Cardell Woods

Born November 8, 1975 at St. Luke’s Hospital West in Chesterfield and made his transition August 8, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital West. Tony was a faithful employee at DePaul Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital West. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1994. Tony, you were a very special son and friend. We will miss you.

Tony’s services will be at The Morning Star M.B. Church, 2614 James “Cool Papa Bell” Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106. Viewing: Friday, Aug. 16, 4-6 pm and Memorial Tribute 6-8 pm. Life Celebration: Saturday, Aug. 17 at 10 am. Interment will follow at Lake Charles Cemetery.

Silas B. Lewis

There will be a funeral service to celebrate the life of Rev. Silas B. Lewis, Ordained Minister and Founder of the Silas B. Lewis Evangelistic Association and retired

store manager/co-manager for Schnucks Markets. The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 11755 Mehl Avenue, Florissant, MO 63033. Burial will follow the funeral service at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 2101 Lucas and Hunt Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. There will be a celebratory repast at the church, Trinity Mount Carmel, directly following the burial.

Rev. Lewis, 69, died of cancer at Mercy Hospital on Saturday, August 10.

Rev. Lewis, of St. Louis, served as store manager and also as co-manager for Schnucks Supermarket over a career in the grocery industry that spanned 50 years. He began his career in 1963 at the age of 19. First working for IGA Supermarket, and then –as each business transitionedhe continued with Kroger and National Supermarkets before concluding his successful career as manager and co-manager during 18-years with the Schnucks Markets, Inc. organization. Rev. Lewis also served as Community Engagement Officer with the Office of Public Affairs for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and on multiple boards in service to the local and regional community.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Geraldine; two sons: Ra Chelni Marna (Leslie) (of St. Louis), and James Lewis; five daughters: Vonna Weir Heaton (Ed) (of Rockville, MD), (Dr.)Valri Bieniek (Ronald) (of Huntington, WV), Veta Jeffery (Tony), Valeste Spence (Andre) and Venoa Ross (Calvin), all of St. Louis. A third son, Da Rand Shariah, preceded his father in death.

ACLU warns districts they can’t refuse students

The American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri sent letters last week to the superintendents of both Mehlville and Kirkwood School Districts detailing why it is unconstitutional to refuse to accept students from students from unaccredited school districts.

“School districts cannot arbitrarily refuse to accept students, as Kirkwood and Mehlville have done,” says Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU-EM.

“The ACLU’s mandate is to keep government entities from

U.

improperly limiting or restricting the constitutional rights of students and their parents. We are available to help people enforce the law and look forward to hearing from families who want to see this happen.”

Copies of the letters to the superintendents of Kirkwood and Mehlville school districts, which were shared with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, can be found on the ACLU-EM website, www.acluem.org.

City Schools inducts 11 into Hall of Fame

What do a Nevada Supreme Court Justice, NASA scientist, Navy chaplain and women’s advocate all have in common?

They are all proud products of the School District of University City and among 11 new inductees to the University City High School Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame celebration and banquet will be held 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel, 7730 Bonhomme Ave. Alumni to be honored are: James Ronnie Burrage, Class of 1978, musician/educator; Michael A. Cherry, Class of 1962, Nevada Supreme Court justice; Gerald Fishman, Class of 1961, NASA scientist; Kenneth Foxworth, Class of 1976, educator/minority advocate; William C.

Harris Jr., Class of 1983, funeral director /CEO; David Hunsicker, Class of 1952, Navy chaplain; Sandford “Sandy” J. Kornberg, Class of 1960, international consultant /advertising; Raymond J. Morgenstern, Class of 1951, attorney; Sheldon Roodman Class of 1959, attorney; the late Susan Schechter, Class of 1964, social worker/author/ women’s advocate (awarded posthumously) and David T. Senay, Class of 1974, public relations/CEO.

The event is open to the public. Tickets for the 7 p.m. dinner include a reception at 6 p.m. and cost $60 per person by Aug. 26, or $75 by Sept. 16. For more information, visit www.ucityschools.org/vnews/ display.v/ART/48db9167a5c27.

William Speed

Erma Garrett

Antonio Woods

Silas B. Lewis

Sorority awards scholarships

Three students receive $1K each from Sigma Gamma Rho

American staff

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Sigma Chapter presented $1,000 scholarships to three high school graduates in the metropolitan area. The awardees are

• Latriana Boone, a graduating senior from Hazelwood Central High School. She plans to attend Tennessee State University and major in Biology.

• Lafayette Gatewood IV is graduating from University City High School. He will attend the University of Missouri, Columbus Campus and major in Computer Engineering.

• and Princess Hollins, a Metro High School Graduate will attend Jackson State University and major in Psychology. The scholarship committee received several outstanding application

packages from graduating seniors.

One of the focal points of the selection process was Community Service which embraces the Sorority’s Motto of Greater Service; Greater Progress. Each recipient provided extensive community service to schools and or organizations.

The Scholarship Chairperson was Gloria Shelton and the Basileus was Dorothy SmithTurner.

Street performers do not need license

Street performers do not need to audition or purchase a license to perform in St. Louis City.

Intersection of art and race

News of the Black Rep’s eviction from Grandel Theater traveled fast. The Black Rep has known for months that Grand Center was interested in selling the building, but the actual git-yo-stuff-out-in-two-weeks-or-else notice came as a real shocker. Tenants received the notice by email.

As usual, white power brokers missed the opportunity to change the racist narrative so pervasive in St . Louis. Instead of a headline that reads “Black Rep evicted from mainly white Grand Center,” it could have read “City leaders rally to find permanent home for premier black theater company.” There seems to be no care that our racist underpants are showing once again.

The Black Rep was founded by Ron Himes in 1976 while still an idealistic business student at Washington University. Nearly 37 years later, the Black Rep is now one of the country’s oldest and largest black theater companies.

I remember back in the day when the Black Rep performed at the theater on 25th and St. Louis Avenue. Those were the days of rentfree operations, thanks to the Greeley Community Center.

Richard Gaddes, then board president of Grand Center, was heading up the newly established arts district that he envisioned would be vibrant and diverse. Gaddes recruited the Black Rep with a commitment of financial support, and the theater became one of the original tenants in 1992 when the historic Grandel Theater opened its doors.

black community swept him into office in 1981, it was downhill from there.

Now, selling the theater building right out from under its black tenant was seen as a typical “Shame-mehl” tactic.

Last week a beleaguered Himes made his media rounds to talk about Schoemehl’s latest blow to a black institution. Himes scrambled behind the scenes to identify potential venues for the upcoming season, to meet with key supporters, and to cobble together the 2013-14 schedule for company.

Most people in the black community weren’t thrilled when former St. Louis Mayor Vince Schoemehl took over the helm at Grand Center. The relationship between Schoemehl and our community soured when Schoemehl reneged on his campaign promise to re-open Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Although the

On top of all of this, Himes also had the pressing task of getting all of the Black Rep’s property out of Grandel Square this week before it gets sold by the liquidation company hired by Grand Center. It is no secret that the Black Rep was been struggling financially for the last few years, but being a part of the Grand Center arts community is supposed to have its advantages. When Circus Flora was having similar issues, Schoemehl joined its board, added some heavyweights to it, raised monies, etc. Circus Flora now appears to be a stable arts institution. The arts are highly respected in most European countries and thereby generously subsidized with public dollars. The U.S. has yet to adopt the policy, practices and attitudes towards the individuals and institutions who contribute to restoring and promoting culture and history through the creative lens of the arts. At press time, the Black Rep is still homeless but in negotiations with the Edison Theater, New Jewish Theater, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis community College (Mildred Bastian Theater) and others. The Black Rep is not rolling over, but it will need lots community support on several levels. I ask you to join me in expressing our collective outrage to Schoemehl and the Board of Directors at the disrespect Grand Center has shown towards the Black Rep. It needs be held accountable.

Recently U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry granted an injunction in the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri’s case, Pence v. City of St. Louis. The injunction also prevents the enforcement of geographic limits, so street performers are now free to appear at any public location. The court ordered the parties to attempt to resolve this case in mediation.

Tony Rothert, ACLU-EM legal director. “Besides detracting from a creative, vibrant and diverse city, the challenged ordinances are constitutionally defective. Artistic expression at public places is protected by the First Amendment.”

“St. Louis’ busking ordinances are as unwise as they are unconstitutional,” says

Latriana Boone, Lafayette Gatewood IV and Princess Hollins

Jamala Rogers

Family, friends celebrate Rahn Ramey

Trayvon in Skittles

Youth attending a summer camp hosted by the

Louis made a portrait of

a

for his life though Martin was carrying nothing more deadly than Skittles and iced tea.

Comedian called home to ‘headline in heaven,’ says brother

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.

Louis American Family and friends of comedian Rahn Ramey gathered at the St. Louis Funny Bone in Westport on Sunday afternoon to celebrate his life.

St. Louis native Francis Ronald “Rahn” Ramey passed away on June 9 in New Orleans at age 56 from colon cancer.

He was a product of St. Louis Public Schools, a Roosevelt High graduate who earned his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He soon left the legal field to pursue what he loved: making other people laugh.

Ramey delighted his fans laugh in comedy clubs, casinos and in concert venues all over the country. Ramey wrote

comic routines for actors and made numerous television appearances, including on HBO Comedy Relief, Evening at the Improv, the Comedy Club Network and BET Comic View Mistresses of ceremony were St. Louis radio personalities Sheila Reed and Robin Boyce.

“Rahn didn’t speak to the hearts of ordinary people,” Boyce said. “Exceptional people are the kinds of people that he encouraged, that he was a great example for, that he made laugh. He did that for me and for many of you here tonight.”

His oldest brother Charles Ramey Sr., daughter Leslie Ramey and several other family members, friends and stand-up comedians who worked with Ramey shared their gratitude, thoughts and memories.

“He was supportive and considerate,” said Freddie DeMarco, owner of a comedy club in Columbia, Mo. “He always wanted to have fun and put on a show.”

Welcome to the new Healthy Kids series! This program will run each week throughout the school year.

Ask theseyourselfquestions:

> Do I feel good most of the time?

> Do I have energy (or does your energy go up and down during the day)?

> Can I keep up with my friends?

Everyone attested to his impeccable dress, talkative nature and quick wit.

“As a comedian, no one was better than him,” said comedian Joe Marlotti. “He would get on stage, he would bring the crowd to their knees – and he did it at his will and he did it every time he got on stage.”

“He was the headliner here, but God called him home to be a bigger headliner,” his brother Charles Ramey Sr. said.

Charles Sr. then imagined what the local comedy bill in heaven might look like.

“Up there, if you’re from St. Louis, you will know, the MC is Dr. Jockenstein, ‘operating on your mind,’” Ramey said.

“And then the first act is Zack and Mack, and coming behind Zack and Mack is my friend, everybody knows him, Rodney Winfield. But God needed a headliner, and when he needed a headliner, he called the best – so he called Rahn.”

Report: MO’s juvenile justice system in crisis

By Jessica Martin Washington University

Missouri has been held out as a model for juvenile corrections programs, but the court system that puts young people into these programs is in crisis, finds a recent report by the National Juvenile Defender Center (NJDC).

“Many young people in Missouri wind up having to defend themselves in our juvenile courts – and sometimes from behind bars,” says Mae C. Quinn, JD, professor of law and co-director of the Civil Justice Clinic at Washington University in St. Louis.

“These young people deserve counsel to assist them throughout the juvenile court

Think Before You Eat!

If you answered “no” to one or more of these questions, it might be time to look at the kinds of food you eat. Food choices are important because the foods you eat are what keep your body strong and moving.

Exercise

In addition to eating healthy, one of the best ways to be a Healthy Kid is to add daily exercise to your new lifestyle. Before you start— remember to:

> Check with your family doctor. Find out the right kinds of exercise for you.

> Start slowly. Let your body adjust before you gradually

Challenge: Keep a food diary for one week. In a notebook, write down every single thing you

Get Moving!

increase time, distance, speed, etc.

> Always stay safe. Exercise in areas that are well-lit and filled with others who are exercising.

> Warm up and cool down. To get the most benefit out of exercise, spend at least a few minutes stretching, walking and

Health includes more than just nutrition and exercise. Smart choices, safety and happiness all affect our health. Every single day is filled with opportunities to make smart choices. Look in the newspaper

process, but due to inadequate funding and the problematic – potentially unconstitutional – structure of Missouri’s juvenile court system, this is not happening.”

“In fact, our juvenile court system often fails to account for modern due process norms,” she said.

The NJDC report found that:

• Youth are systemically discouraged from accessing, and denied, counsel throughout the state;

• Their basic rights are not adequately protected and often ignored; and

• The structure of Missouri’s juvenile court system, by its very nature, presents constitutional

Healthy Kids

eat and drink for seven days. At the end of the week, take a look at your diary. How many fruits and vegetables are in there? How many glasses of water? How much soda? Candy? As the Healthy Kids series continues, you’ll

learn some very practical, easy changes you can make to your diet that will put you on the road to feeling happier and healthier!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH1

finish the sentence. It could be “I will be walking the neighborhood with my mom at least four nights a week.”

bending before and after you exercise.

Want to Learn How to Challenge Yourself? Set an exercise goal for your first week. On a piece of lined paper write the words “In one week I will be…” and

for an example of someone who made a smart choice. Summarize the article and explain why you think it was the right thing to do.

Learning Standards: HPE2, NH2, NH5, CA3

After you have completed your weekly goal, go ahead and write out a monthly goal and an exercise goal for the end of the school year. Challenge yourself to increase your exercise level over the next several months.

Learning Standards: HPE2, NH6

issues, inherent conflicts and a great deal of confusion about official stakeholder roles.

Students in Washington University School of Law’s Civil Justice Clinic are representing juveniles in Missouri. Their work is highlighted in the NJDC as best practices on behalf of young people charged with crimes.

“Our students represent children in Missouri’s courts to raise the bar, to say that business as usual is not good enough,” says Quinn. “We are pairing quality juvenile representation with system reform.”

To read the full NJDC report visit: www.njdc.info/ missouri.php.

Where do you work? I currently work at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital in St. Charles County, MO.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Parkway West High School, earned an associate degree in nursing at St. Louis Community College and a bachelor of science in nursing from University of Missouri – St. Louis. I recently completed a master of science in nursing in health systems management from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. I have recently been accepted into the University of Virginia’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. All nurses go to school for at least 2-4 years. What does a registered nurse do? Registered nurses work closely with doctors to provide patient care. A nurse can give medications, do medical tests and provide care to someone who is sick or injured. Nurses also help comfort family members of their patients. Why did you choose a career in nursing? ? I grew up in a family of health care workers. My aunt is a nurse and I knew from the time I was in grade school that I wanted a job where I could help others feel better.

What is your favorite part about being a Registered Nurse? I leave for work every day knowing that I will make a difference in the life of someone who needs my help.

Learning Standards:

Haney, MSN, RN

Daughter Leslie Ramey, along with other family and friends of comedian Rahn Ramey, gathered at the Funny Bone in Westport Plaza on Sunday to pay tribute to his life and legacy. The St. Louis-born entertainer who made people laugh throughout the U.S. died June 9 in New Orleans of colon cancer. Photo by Wiley Price

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St.

Trayvon Martin out of Skittles. The youth also performed

musical drama called Justice: A Tribute to Trayvon Martin. Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Florida by George Zimmerman, who claimed to fear

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

Vogt Elementary

INVENTORS & INVENTIONS

What Is A Comet?

Comets are made of gas, ice, and dust that are leftovers of a star exploding. 70-80% of a comet is made up of gas and water. The 20-30% left over is made of chunks of metal and other rocky material. Comets have a head and tail. The head is the cloud-like mass we see in front. The tail is the trailing part, which is made up of small dust particles and ice.

Comets travel around the sun in oval shaped paths, which take anywhere from 7 years to millions of years. Each time they pass through the inner regions of the Solar

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

System, a comet will warm up and lose mass as the outer layer of ice begins to melt. Comets are usually named after the person who discovered them. Some famous comets are Halley’s Comet, The Hale-Bopp Comet, and the Shoemaker Levy 9 Comet.

For More Information, Visit: www.kidsastronomy.com/comets.htm

Learning Standards: : I can read nonfiction text to gain background information about comets.

Make a comet!

In this experiment, you will follow the path of a comet as it makes its way through space.

Materials Needed:

• Mixing Bowl • Plastic Wrap, such as Saran Wrap

• Dry Ice • Garbarge Bags • Hammer • Gloves

• Dry Ice • Popsicle Sticks • Sand or Dirt • Ammonia • Corn Syrup

• Spoon Procedure:

q Use plastic wrap to line the mixing bowl.

w Add equal parts sand, ammonia, and corn syrup to fill bowl half full.

e Place 3 garbage bags inside each other to create a thick barrier and add dry ice to the inside of the garbage bag.

r Crush dry ice by pounding it with a hammer.

t Add the dry ice to the ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir vigorously, until the mixture is almost frozen.

MATH CONNECTION

In the science experiment, you were able to see a comet changing from a solid to a gas. Water is an object that we can easily observe as a solid (ice), a liquid, and a gas (vapor). When water is boiled, it begins to release steam and you can observe water as a gas. The boiling point of water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Use that number as a guide to answer the following questions.

y Use the plastic liner to lift the comet out of the bowl and shape it as you would a snowball.

u Unwrap the comet as soon as it is frozen enough to hold its shape.

i Simulate movement of the comet through the solar system by carrying the comet as you walk around a bright bulb (the sun) in a darkened room.

Observations: The comet will melt and begin to change from a solid to a gas. Allow students to examine the comet using ice-cream sticks for safety. They will be able to see small jets of gas coming from the comet.

Learning Standards: I can follow step by step procedures to complete an experiment. I can use my observations to make deductions.

Boiling Point

to increase in order to boil? _________________ If the water is heating at a rate of 13 degrees per minute, how many minutes will you need to wait for this kettle of water to boil?

INvENToR CHEMIST AND CoMET ExPLoRER: William. M. Jackson

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

Jackson’s work included many organizations such as: National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Martin-Marietta Company, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, and University of California, Davis. Jackson used chemical research to understand comets and led the first research team to use the International Ultraviolet Explorer telescope in a satellite to observe comets. The National Science Foundation awarded Jackson a 1.2 million dollar grant to establish the Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Jackson made it a point to recruit and mentor African Americans for the Ph.D. program in Chemistry, published over 165 academic papers, and has one patent in his name.

Jackson has received a number of awards, including the 1997 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, and an Alexander vonHumboldt Research Award. Jackson is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. The Planetary Society even named an asteroid after him!

Discussion: What was the most interesting thing you learned about Dr. Jackson? Dr. Jackson attended a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Are there any HBCUs near you?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about an African American who has made strides in the field of math, science, and/or technology.

Use the newspaper to find a story about a scientific advance or discovery that will improve the quality of life for you or someone else. Write brief summary about the breakthrough will better. Remember to include a main idea and supporting details.

q You measure the temperature of water, which is heating in a tea kettle on the stove. The water is currently at 160 degrees. How many degrees does the water need

w If your tap water is 60 degrees, how many degrees will it need to be raised to reach the boiling point? _______________ If your water is heating at a rate of 19 degrees per minute, how many minutes would it take for the water to boil? _____________

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

Records of humans observing Halley’s Comet go back thousands of years, with appearances noted by Babylonian, Chinese and European stargazers.

Halley’s Comet is named after English astronomer Edmond Halley who first determined its period of orbit.

Use the newspaper to find a story about a problem caused by technology. Write a letter to the editor outlining your thoughts about the problem and whether its benefits outweigh the side effects, risks, and costs involved.

Dear Editor, I am concerned about “fracking” as a source for fuel in the United States. Scientists believe we need more information about the impact of “fracking” upon our natural resources. There have been many discussions about this, but not enough data has been

Learning Standards: I can summarize a news article. I can write for a variety of audiences and purposes.

School

Students Deawunqez Nichols, Salina Draper, Darleen Garcia, and Devin Davis work on a STEM project with science teacher Christopher Gardner and principal Leslie Thomas-Washington. Photo by Wiley Price Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to

Special Master reports on Clemons case

Rules evidence was suppressed, but innocence not proven

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

During the September 2012 evidentiary hearings ordered by the Missouri Supreme Court, Judge Michael Manners warned death row inmate Reginald Clemons if he pled the Fifth Amendment and refused to testify about his role in the 1991 Chain of Rocks murders that the court would draw a “negative inference.”

Manners kept this word.

Last week, Manners – appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court in 2009 as Special Master to gather new evidence and review the Clemons case – issued his report. He found that Clemons failed to prove his innocence in the 1991 murders of Robin and Julie Kerry, for which he had been

convicted as an accomplice and sentenced to death.

The court is considering Clemons’ writ of habeas corpus, a civil complaint that he initiated. Though of course Clemons could not be compelled to testify in the criminal trial against him, and did not, “we are way past that point now,” Manners writes in a report that often contains a colloquial touch.

Despite warnings issued in chambers and from the bench, Clemons proceeded to plead the Fifth Amendment 29 times in the evidentiary hearing, on grounds that his answer might incriminate him. Though Clemons answered a few questions to deny that he murdered the Kerry sisters or directly aided in their murders, he refused to answer a string

Missouri death row inmate

Reginald Clemons pled the Fifth Amendment 29 times in cross-examination during the September 2012 evidentiary hearings ordered by the Missouri Supreme Court.

of questions relating to their rapes and other incidents on the bridge.

Manners also sided with the State of Missouri when it argued that Clemons presented no new evidence at the hearing that would justify a new trial.

A rape kit that was withheld from Clemons by prosecutor Nels Moss,

Manners decided, would not have yielded any relevant evidence given the degraded nature of the corpse when it was discovered.

Also, Manners decided that Thomas Cummins’ settlement with the City of St. Louis for police brutality claims similar to those alleged by Clemons was available to Clemons at earlier points in the lengthy adjudication of his various appeals, and thus is not new evidence.

However, Manners ruled that the state did suppress evidence from a parole officer who noted that Clemons had an injury consistent with a police beating after his interrogation.

Manners ends his opinion on a dramatic note where he explicitly states reasonable doubt as to whether or not Clemons’ confession to rape was coerced by St. Louis police, as Clemons claims. Had the trial court ruled that the confession was coerced, his confession would not have been entered into evidence and heard by the jury that convicted Clemons and sentenced him to death.

However, Manners decided that it is “dubious” that excluding the confession would have altered the jury’s verdict, given the other evidence against Clemons. Most telling, he shows that co-defendant Daniel Winfrey’s accounts of the crimes matches up on the main points

with the account provided by Thomas Cummins, the girls’ cousin who was with them on the bridge. Winfrey, a white boy who was 15 at the time, confessed with his parents present.

“Clemons has claimed at times that Winfrey was trying to save his own hide by testifying against Clemons,” Manners writes. “Save his own hide from what? Why would he cut a deal requiring him to plead guilty to murder and rape, knowing that he was going to serve at least part of a 30-year sentence – 16 years as it turned out – if he had nothing to do with killing the Kerry sisters ...?”

Winfrey, who was not eligible for the death penalty because of his age, was released from prison in 2007. Co-defendant Marlin Gray was sentenced to death and executed in 2005. Co-defendant Antonio Richardson was sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The state and Clemons both now have 30 days to file exceptions to the master’s report. Once exceptions are filed, then the master rules on the exceptions or, if he issues no ruling within 30 days, the exceptions are deemed overruled. Once that part of the process is finished, then it moves to a process of getting docketed in the Supreme Court.

Pool photo provided by the Post-Dispatch

BUSINESS

AUGUST15 – 21, 2013

Science Center exposes youth to careers

43

area

professionals meet with about 100 teens in YES program

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

Teens involved with the Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) program recently had an opportunity to network with St. Louis area professionals in a variety of career fields.

Professionals and teens mingled at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center, 4900 Manchester Ave., and dined on a buffet-style breakfast during a pre-event mixer. They next moved into the Jolly North and South conference room where 43 professionals met one-on-one with about 100 teens.

St. Louis Community College reports on workforce

Area employers looking to increase hiring in coming years

By Andrew Fowler For

The St.Louis American

St. Louis Community College in connection Workforce Solutions Group has released the fifth annual State of the St. Louis Workforce Report, about the current local economy and job market in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The report focuses on unemployment, job growth and future projections for growth and opportunities for those working in the area. Researchers surveyed 1,200 employers to better understand what the job market might look like a few years down the road. One hundred and eighty St. Louis Community College graduates were also surveyed to understand

See FOWLER, B6

“They need the exposure of knowing what careers are actually out there.”

– Siinya Williams, Saint Louis Science Center

See story video at www.stlamerican.com

“They need the exposure of knowing what careers are actually out there,” said Siinya Williams, senior director of educational outreach at the Saint Louis Science Center. “This is an opportunity for them to say, ‘What were your trials and triumphs?’”

Like at a speed dating event, every 15 minutes the teens rotated between tables where they engaged in roundtable discussions. Among the professionals who volunteered their time were Aaron Grimes, licensed funeral director and embalmer at

See CAREERS, B2

U.S. needs to incentivize black education

Rethinking higher education funding and low-income students

By Lezli Baskerville Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights

At 5 a.m.and, careful not to wake her daughter and two sleeping grandsons, Helen gets dressed for the morning shift at a D.C. hotel kitchen.

“My supervisor is a kid. I hate it, but this job is all that’s keeping us from moving back to the shelter,” Helen told me, adding that, if they get lucky, her daughter Erika might earn a little extra, braiding hair in between caring for the boys and applying for work.

Helen once had high hopes that Erika, her youngest child, would become the first college graduate in the family.

But with the burden of more than $20,000 in defaulted student loan debt and fees, the prospects that her daughter will ever return to finish her degree are bleak. The constricting economic burdens created by excessive student loan debt, not only prevents young people from building wealth, it spirals outward in concentric circles ensnaring parents, children, grandchil-

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Pamela J. Meanes

dren, strangling the economic growth of entire communities. Student loan debt now exceeds $1 trillion, and not surprisingly, African Americans and other underserved minority students are disproportionately affected.

According to the Center for American Progress, 81 percent of African Americans borrow money at higher interest rates than their peers, which creates greater financial vulnerability. More than 13 percent of students whose loans came due in 2009 defaulted within three years for non-payment, a situation exacerbated by high unemployment, a struggling economy and the Great Recession. We need to shift the paradigm in a way that fundamentally uproots the assumptions underlying low-income students and public higher education funding.

What if institutions which serve disproportionate percentages of low-income, first generation traditionally underrepresented students were funded based upon the

See EDUCATION, B2

Pamela J. Meanes is president elect of the National Bar Association. Previously she served as vice president, chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, Region VIII regional director, deputy general counsel and editor-in-chief of the NBA magazine. She began her career at Thompson Coburn and was elected partner in 2005. She is the first African American to be elevated to partner at the firm.

Aaron Phillips, formerly chief of staff of the License Collector’s Office under Michael McMillan, has assumed the interim role as License Collector. McMillan recently resigned to assume the position of President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Phillips will oversee the management of the office’s licensing compliance, staff responsibilities and to maintain continuity until the position is filled.

Judge Jimmie Edwards will receive the 2013 William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence from the National Center for State Courts. He is the first Missouri judge to be given the award, which is presented to judges taking bold steps to address issues affecting their communities. In 2009, Judge Edwards founded the Innovative Concept Academy, a school oflast resort for juvenile delinquents.

Jovita Foster, a partner in Armstrong Teasdale’s Litigation practice group, has been named chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. Foster will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s diversity and inclusion programs and progress. One of the few AfricanAmerican women law partners in St. Louis, she is the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected to an equity partner position at Armstrong Teasdale.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Current and formerNBA players buy 30 Wendy’s in STL

BB St. Louis LLC, an entity controlled by former NBAplayer Junior Bridgeman and Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups, has acquired 30 Wendys restaurants in the St. Louis area from the Ohio-based Wendy’s Co. Bridgeman has an ownership interest in 196 Wendy’s restaurants, though this is Billups’first purchase of a restaurant, according to Wendy’s. Wendy’s, which has more than 6,500 franchise and company-operated restaurants, plans to sell 425 company-owned locations to franchisees by the second quarter of 2014.

HUD grants St. Louis $1M to fight homelessness

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the City of St. Louis another $1 million for the BEACH Project, “The Beginning of the End: Abolishing Chronic Homelessness.”This brings the total 2012 Continuum of Care application funding level to $11,004,954.

To date, of the 177 clients in the BEACH Project, 96 people have already received their own housing, and another 21 people have been assessed and are currently conducting housing searches.For information, contact the Homeless Services Division of the Department of Human Services at 314-612-5900.

St. Louis schools named top colleges forreturn on investment

Six St. Louis area colleges and universities have been ranked a top college in Missouri for return on investment by Affordable Colleges Online. Of the 222 Missouri colleges analyzed, only 27 were identified as “High ROI Colleges,” or those that offer degrees that pay off the most.

The area school ranked were Washington University, Saint Louis University, Webster University, Lindenwood University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Fontbonne University. According to the Affordable Colleges Online, students who graduate from these colleges earn more over their lifetimes, on average, than graduates from other institutions.

Aaron Phillips

Jovita Foster

Judge Jimmie Edwards

Aaron Grimes,licensed funeral director and embalmer at Wade Funeral Home,teaches a career lesson to youth from the

Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) program at a recent networking event.

Lezli Baskerville

Photo by Wiley Price

Coping with expensive kids’activities

By Jason Alderman

When budgeting for backto-school expenses, parents generally include routine fare like clothes, school supplies and maybe a new backpack. But if your kids participate in extracurricular activities, whether it’s sports, music lessons or art classes, you could be on the hook for hundreds –or even thousands – of dollars in additional expenses throughout the year if you’re not careful. As parents, we hesitate to stifle our children’s athletic and creative urges, especially when it can be so difficult to drag them away from their iPods and Xboxes. But sometimes you’ve just got to step back, weigh the different

CAREERS

Continued from B1

Wade Funeral Home, and Gibran Burchett, urban farmer and CEO of Hosco Farms. Unlike the Science Center’s annual Minority Scientists Showcase, the networking event also showcased professionals outside of Science, Technology, Math and Engineering (STEM) careers. The networking event featured HOT104.1 media personality and spoken word artist Sharee Galvin (Mocha Latte) and Adrianne Martin, director of social services at Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center. Martin is responsible for overseeing and managing Annie Malone’s Crisis Intervention and Respite Care Program as well as its Transitional Living Program.

EDUCATION

Continued from B1

socio-economic and demographic profile of the students and size of the institution’s endowment? The higher the percentage of lower-income students enrolled and persisting in an institution, the higher its federal funding level. The national goal is, after all, moving more of the growing populations to college completion. What if conflicting public policies were eliminated? For

options available and decide what you can afford without upsetting your other financial goals and responsibilities. You’ll face tough questions like, “Is it better for my child’s future to spend $500 on a soccer day camp he’ll really enjoy or to invest the money in a 529 College Savings Plan?”

My wife and I commonly wrestle with these types of questions. For example, last fall our son had outgrown his baseball equipment and was begging us for a new bat that cost $125. Ayear later, it sits on the sidelines because he prefers to use a friend’s bat. (We’re not complete pushovers, however: When he recently obsessed over a $200 pair of high-tech gym shoes, we said no.)

She said social work was not a career path she wanted to pursue initially, but after some personal reflection, a slew of volunteer opportunities and six years in the social services field, she realized she always had been one.

“When I look back on my life,” she said as she addressed the audience, “I’ve been a social worker my entire life.”

She encouraged the teens to “never say never.” As the teens embark on their own personal roads of self-discovery, she urged them to be open to all career possibilities.

Borrowing some advice from Walt Disney, Mocha Latte urged the teens to “keep moving forward.”

Ramauda Green, a 16-yearold University City High School student, listened intently to these words of wisdom. Green said she learned the importance of setting goals and that it’s acceptable to wear

example, the cost of incarceration is $26,000 yearly per inmate. The tuition rates at the historically Black Morgan State University are $17,000 and $25,000 respectively for in-state and out-of-state students, and represent positive cash flow to the state. Across the spectrum, the cost of attaining a degree at a public HBCU is $2,500 less per year than at a public HWCU, and $10,000 less per year at a private HBCU than a private HWCU, according to The College Board. If we are to meet President

Among the best advice I’ve received from other parents is, when your kids are exploring new activities, don’t overcommit your time or money until you know whether they’ll stick with it or quickly move on to the next thing.

For example, before you sink a small fortune into private swimming lessons, start small with a summer class at your local Yor recreation center. If your kid shows a genuine aptitude and doesn’t balk at long hours of practice, then you can explore more costly alternatives. Just remember who’ll be driving to practice and out-of-town swim meets; in other words, make sure you can honor the time commitment before

many professional hats as long you’re passionate about whatever you pursue.

Networking bridges the gap between mentor and mentee, Williams said. Without industry role models, she said, teens develop misconceptions that certain careers are unattainable for them. Williams added that this is one of the reasons why these showcases are so valuable.

The YES program promotes the Science Center’s mission “to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning throughout the community.” The program targets 250 underserved teens throughout the course of their high school career providing them with an inquiry-learning environment focusing on STEM education.

For more information on the YES program, visit youthexploringscience.com.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

Obama’s national goal of graduating 60 percent of Americans with a two- or four-year degree by 2020, an estimated two million additional AfricanAmerican students must be educated. Historically Black Colleges and Universities will need to increase the number of graduates per year from 35,000

signing on.

Here are a few tips for prioritizing extracurricular events and keeping your costs down:

ï Focus on one sport or activity per kid, per season, especially if they involve multiple practice sessions or games per week.

ï Form carpools with other parents. You’ll save gas money and time, especially if your kids are practicing at different locations.

ï Learn how much equipment and instruction the sport requires. Some, like soccer and basketball can be relatively inexpensive; while others, like horseback riding, golf and ice skating involve expensive

equipment or facility rental time.

ï Rent or buy used sporting eq uipment (or musical instruments) until you’re sure they’ll stick with the activity. Visit Play It Again Sports stores, online ad sites like Craigslist and yard sales.

ï Seek out or form a sports equipment exchange in your community where families can donate outgrown or cast-off equipment and uniforms for others to use.

ï It’s probably better to invest in new safety gear, like helmets and masks, than to buy it used – and potentially damaged. The same goes for items like shoes or baseball gloves that become molded to a child’s body – unless they were hardly used.

Sometimes the cost of an elective program is worth making sacrifices elsewhere in your budget. Our daughter loves theater arts, so we decided it was worth shaving our vacation budget to send her to theater camp. She’ll make new friends and hone her dramatic and social skills in an environment that public school just can’t duplicate.

Jennifer Simms was one of the winners of Vantage Credit Union’s Triskaidekaphobic summer loan promotion.“Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13,”said Kathy Palmer,VP of Marketing.“Being that it’s 2013,we thought it would be fun to use such a unique word to let our members know there’s no ‘fear’in borrowing money from Vantage.”

We need to shift the paradigm in a way that fundamentally uproots the assumptions underlying lowincome students and public higher education funding.

to more than 57,000.

This will not happen without a major overhaul of the student financial aid system. We must reform the Pell Grant program to require notification of likely Pell Grant eligibility to middle school student families participating in needs-based federal programs e.g., free/reduced lunch. This will incentivize low-income students to believe that college is possible.

We must devise an automatic income-based repayment plan for student loans by which borrowers can make payments through employer withholding. If a student were unemployed, there would be

no obligation to pay. If a student loan borrower must file for bankruptcy the code should be changed back to permitting privately issued student loans to be dischargeable in bankruptcy like nearly all other forms of private debt.

We must cap student and parent loan interest rates on subsidized Stafford Student Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and other government education loans at no more than 2 or 3 percent to remove the twin obstacles of high interest rates and prohibitive student debt. This will assist 7.4 million student and parent borrowers.

We must incentivize governors, state legislatures, and municipalities to establish Promise Communities in which endowments would be established and funded by a percentage of the regular expenditures of residents e.g., utility and grocery bills. The endowment would fund the

cost of a four-year public education for qualifying lowincome students. This concept has achieved successful outcomes in several states. If the lessons of the 1960s teach us anything, it is that real progress is not built on cautious compromises. We must begin a movement on behalf of black and brown, low-income, first generation students. That’s the kind of movement that the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education is ready to lead. That’s the bold agenda that Helen’s family and other families in America desperately need now.

Lezli Baskerville, Esq. is president/CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.

“I want to be among the greatest of all time and be discussed as someone great such as Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Pele.”

– Usain Bolt

INSIDE SPORTS

– 21, 2013

Rockets in Russia

Local sprinters compete with world’s fastest

Former Berkeley High and Lindenwood University track star Mike Rodgers was on the track with the fastest men in the world last weekend at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, Russia. Rodgers advanced all the way to the finals of the 100meter dash, where he finished in sixth place. The winner of the race was two-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt of Jamaica. Rodgers will also be competing for the USA’s 4x100-meter relay this weekend. Former East St. Louis star Dawn Harper will be competing in the women’s 110-meter high hurdles on Friday. Harper is a two-time Olympic medalist, having won the gold in 2008 and silver in 2012. Harper was a bronze medalist at the 2011 World Championships. She enters this week’s competition having won her last six races on the Grand Prix circuit.

Former Festus High standout Brittany Borman will be competing in the javelin in Russia. Borman won the 2012 USAchampionship to earn a spot on the Olympic team in London.

On the recruiting front

Cahokia High basketball standout Darius Austin has given a verbal commitment to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The 6’6” Austin averaged 11 points and five rebounds as a junior in helping the Comanches to a schoolrecord 33 victories and a berth in the Illinois Class 3Astate-championship game in 2013. Austin also considered Indiana State and DePaul.

Edwardsville High’s Armon Fletcher gave a commitment to Southern Illinois University. The 6’5” Fletcher averaged 10 points and seven rebounds a game in helping the Tigers to a thirdplace finish in the Illinois Class 4Astate tournament a year ago.

Standout defensive lineman Armon Watts of CBC just gave a commitment to the University of Arkansas. The 6’5” 275-pound Watts had 57 tackles and four sacks for the Cadets, who finished 11-1 last season. Watts’ teammate at CBC, defensive back Zach Muniz gave a verbal commitment to Duke.

Kirkwood High soccerstandout Eric McWoods is headed to Xavier of the Big East Conference. McWoods has been the leading scorer for the Pioneers for the past two seasons with a combined 37 goals as a sophomore and junior. He helped lead his Lou Fusz U17 Geerling team to the championship of the US

IN THE CLUTCH

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Once upon a time, as a naive, all-trusting sports fan I was shocked whenever a highprofile sports star was caught doping. When the news came out about Ben Johnson, Marion Jones, Jose Canseco and Alex Rodriguez (the first time), my jaw dropped like I was Big Sean and Drake at a Kendrick Lamar listening party. I simply could not believe what I was hearing. I didn’t want to believe these huge stars cheated their way to glory, fortune and fame. These days the script has changed. My inner sports optimist fled in frustration long ago and left me with a pessimistic point of view. The seemingly endless line of lying athletes caught up in doping scandals has changed my reac-

tion into a proverbial shrug with each announcement.

Lance Armstrong, Shane Mosley, Asafa Powell, Tyson Gay, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Ryan Braun, Shaun Merriman and others have all shamed themselves and their respective sports with their fruit-free juicing. While the cheating players must assume most of the blame, the collective sports bodies should also be considered as accomplices in these crimes against fair play. To be honest I’m surprised that some

While the cheating players must assume most of the blame, the collective sports bodies should also be considered as accomplices in these crimes against fair play.

kid and his powerful attorney father hasn’t sued Major League Baseball for fraud for selling jerseys of these lab-created All-Stars. While the MLB has been the punching bag of the steroids storyline for allowing its most hallowed records to be broken by obvious PED

See CLUTCH, B4

~ See ‘Claib’s Call’ page B4 ~

It’s the preseason, silly

The St. Louis Rams lost its preseason opener to the host Cleveland Browns last Thursday 27-19.

I know the loss does not really count and it was not a big deal because it was a preseason game. I’m sure the Rams wanted to win the game. But what is more important is what the Rams are trying to accomplish, which is to have this team ready to go come September.

However, no sooner than when this preseason game started, my phone exploded with text message after text message. They were stacked up on my poor Samsung phone like traffic on Highway 40 going westbound near Hampton and Skinker.

There were messages that read, “Get Pead out of here!”

“We’re gonna be awful!”

“Why is Tavon Austin not getting the ball?!”

“Tell Sam Bradford to move out of the Pocket!” I laughed as I turned my ringer down, thinking: why are people falling to pieces as if the sky has fallen”

We’ve seen this happen before. The Rams flirt with .500 and even the playoffs, only to be upended like Charlie Brown trying to make a clutch field goal kick.

This is what the preseason is for.That’s the message I had for the lunatics who thought the season is over.

Did I see some things in the game that caused some alarm? No. Did I see some things that are fixable? Sure. The dropped passes for sure stood out, and that’s because it put the defense right back on the field after already being on the field for 10-plus plays. I noticed the slow start of the offense and the early fumble of Isaiah Pead. The one thing that stood out in particular was right tackle Roger Saffold, who injured his shoulder in the Rams first offensive series. And this hasn’t been his first trip to the sideline because of injury. He’s only played in 19 of 32 football contests for which he was eligible, so his durability has to be questioned. However, there was plenty of good as well. Once Sam Bradford got warmed up he connected with Chris Givens on a long pass play. After a Daryl Richardson run close to the goal line, Bradford zipped a pass into

Alex Rodriguez was recently suspended

games for using performance enhancing drugs.The

Former Berkeley High and Lindenwood University track star Mike Rodgers advanced all the way to the finals of the 100-meter dash at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow,Russia last weekend

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

With Earl Austin Jr.

See RAMS, B5

Palmer L. Alexander

See INSIDE, B5

Earl Austin Jr.

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

O’Bannon suit could slam-dunk NCAA

There have been times when I have watched the national news to see corrupt, greedy, immoral and downright bad regimes toppled by citizens or sometimes a military coup. When I watch, I only wonder when someone will get around to the NCAA?

Other than the International Olympic Committee, the NCAAharbors the biggest group of pirates that do not reside on Wall Street.

Over the years this outfit has amassed hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars through TVrevenue, merchandise and any other way they can extract a dollar. In exchange, they allow the so-called “student athlete” to trot out and display their skills with the promise of getting a “free” college education.

As the proverbial quote “nothing in life is free” would apply here, the NCAAhas exploited college athletes for years. Whenever an athlete raises his hand to question or to buck the system they get slapped with a suspension or, even worse, they stand to lose their eligibility. Perhaps those days are numbered. There is a lawsuit underway in California that was filed by former UCLAbasketball player Ed O’Bannon.

Many legal experts who are familiar with the case seem to think that if this case is heard as a class action, it could spell the end of the NCAA as we know it.

O’Bannon claims that the NCAAused his likeness to gain a profit, starting with a jersey with his name on it. The NCAAuses players likenesses on video games like EAS

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

users, it’s not the only sports league that has chosen to try to protect its own image instead of truly trying to rid its product from cheaters.

On the surface, the NFL

Sports, which has made a large fortune over the years. Neither O’Bannon nor the other athletes who have now joined in the suit have received one red cent from these sales. The NCAAhas hidden behind a variety of excuses over the years, and none really seem to fit. It is almost as elusive on why there has been no college football playoff for all these years. Then again, this is the NCAAwe are talking about, and they have made a living at avoiding the big questions. Both sides are waiting on a ruling from a California judge on whether this case will be heard as a class action suit where former and current athletes will come from far and near to join in. Many legal experts who are familiar with the case seem to think that if this case is heard as a class action, it could spell the end of the NCAAas we know it. If that should be the case, then I am all for it. This organization needs to start over. Their leadership is currently under fire from all directions including some of the biggest and most influential conferences in the country. Truth be told, the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, PAC 10, ACC and a couple of other conferences really do not need the NCAA. The rules that they currently live by are antiquated, to say the least, and one-sided. The conferences realize there is more money to be made if the NCAAwere to step aside. Is there a place for the

seems to have a solid drugtesting policy intact. For the first offense, players are suspended for four games without pay. Four games may not sound like much, but for a league with with only 16 regular-season games, it adds up to one quarter of the season. On the second violation, players are suspended for an entire

NCAAas a governing body?

Yes. Is new leadership needed? No question. If the NCAA loses this lawsuit, college sports will change forever. The word “anarchy” would certain-

season. Third strike? Adios forever.

However, players are only generally only tested via urine samples, which in the world of doping is akin to using a dialup modem or sending a telegram. Sure you can do it, but it’s not very effective or efficient.

The NBAand NHLalso use

ly be used, but it would give college sports the fresh start that is needed. This has gone on too long, where the athlete has not had a real voice, though they are the ones

urine analysis for their drug testing procedures. The NBA has a paltry suspension process of five, 10 and 25 games for the first three offenses. On the fourth, a small hammer finally drops with a two-year suspension.

The NHLhits players with bans of 20 and 60 games before imposing the lifetime

a portion of the money the league has earned selling products that use his name and image.

responsible for the billions that the league has made from their skills and images. Even if the NCAAdodges this bullet, it is the wake up call that is needed. There is a

ban after the third offense.

Let’s not even talk about boxing. The lack of a national commission makes uniformity in the sport all but impossible. Guys like Mosley, Roy Jones Jr. and most recently Andre Berto have been popped for PEDs without making much of a ripple in the national media or their fight schedules.

How strange is it to see the MLB, where Canseco once alleged that 85 percent of major leaguers were raging on the ‘roids, is now taking the lead against PEDs amongst American sports leagues? Bud Selig recently sent Alex Rodriguez home (which hasn’t yet taken place due to a pending appeal) for 211 games and Ryan Braun for 65 games for violating the league’s drug policy. The MLB has finally relented and began blood testing as well.

While baseball has certainly taken the biggest PR hits regarding performance enhancing drugs, it’s finally rehabbing its image. The NBA, NFL, NHLand others should take heed and get serious about eliminated PEDs from sports instead of just trying to keeping it out of the public eye.

The International Olympic Committee has had its fair share of shockers but has proven the most vigilant in at least trying to rid doping from its contests. The IOC tests athletes randomly 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. They also test the top five finishers of each Olympic event. If an ath-

lot of fixing to do here, and now is a good time to start as this will take a while. Suggestions, you ask? See you next week for that.

lete ‘drops dirty’they eat a two year suspension on the first offense and a lifetime ban on the second. That’s the type of punishment needed to dissuade athletes from seeking to cheat the system. Additionally, sponsors and teams should include doping clauses that allow them to immediately terminate contracts should one of their endorsers be disciplined for using PEDs. No, that may not stop Armstrong from crying into his millions at being busted well after his career was already over, but it might convince the next Braun from inserting a syringe into his buttocks in hopes of cashing in on a multimillion dollar contract. Will cheaters ever be eliminated from sports completely? Absolutely not. Still, as a sports fan, I’d feel much more comfortable forking over my $60 for a ticket, jersey or payper-view event with a reasonable belief that the athletes I’m watching are products of hard work and natural talent instead of walking, talking, labenhanced chemistry experiments. If I wanted phony drama, brawn and oversized, unnatural giants, I’d just tune in to “professional” wrestling. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk and Google+. Also tune in to his weekly boxing Hangout In The Clench, Sunday nights at 7 on YouTube.com/stlamericanvideo.

Former UCLA star Ed O’Bannon has filed suit against the NCAA to recoup

Mike Claiborne

W.I.T.T.S. wins title

Congratulations to the W.I.T.T.S.Elite 14U Boys on winning the national championship at the Mid America Youth Basketball National Tournament in Wichita,KS. W.I.T.T.S.finished 9-0 in three days to win the tournament. They have won five tournament championships this year and finished with a record of 42-8.Front row,left to right:Reyondous Estes,Kerrion Chairs,Joshua Nunn,Ryan Lacefield,Spencer Taylor, head coach.Back row,left to right:Arthur Carter,Richard Henderson,Alan “BJ” Wilson,Eric Krus.

RAMS

Continued from B3

Givens for a touchdown.

Brian Quick and Stedman Bailey also played well, with Quick getting a lot of reps in the second half of the game against the Browns. Running backs Benjamin Cunningham and Zac Stacy ran hard and moved the football forward.

Continued from B3

Soccer National Cup in Colorado last month.

Primus finishes second

Congratulations to Team Primus, a quartet of girls from the Show-Me State, who recently finished second at the USABasketball Girls 18U 3x3 National Tournament, which was held in Colorado Springs last weekend. St. Louisans Napheesa Collier (Incarnate Word) and Alesia Sutton (Parkway North) joined Columbia Rock Bridge teammates Sophie Cunningham and Cierra Porter to form a great team that advanced to the championship game. Collier was the St. Louis American Player of the Year in 2013 after leading Incarnate Word to the Class 4 state championship. Sutton was the Freshman of the Year after leading Parkway North to a 24-2 record.

Eighth grade golf champ

Congratulations to North County resident Dallas Craddieth, who recently par-

On the offensive line, Joe Barksdale stepped in for the injured Roger Saffold and was solid. Last season Barksdale and fellow lineman Shelley Smith did more than they were asked including starting a modest game streak of two of not allowing a sack. Left tackle Jake Long and veteran Harvey Dahl left the game unscathed. On defense, there was some missed tackles, a missed inter-

ticipated in the Tennessee Kickoff Classic in Knoxville, TN and led his team to the championship. He was one of the top players at the event. Dallas is an eighth-grader at Hazelwood Middle School. He was also selected to the Eastbay Eighth Grade Youth All-American Team, which will play in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio in January. Dallas is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society

ception and a couple of blown coverages. But this is what the preseason is for. That’s the message I had for the few lunatics who thought the season is over from the loss to the Browns. The reaction wasn’t this bad after Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts beat them 38-3 last season. I’m not worried. Now if this was October I would be worried. Then my ringer will be off

and a member of his school’s band as a trumpet player.

Open house

Miller Career Academy will be holding an open house on Friday, Sept. 6 at its school location (1000 N. Grand). The open house will take place between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call the school at (314) 371-0394.

Sam Bradford found a reliable receiver in the Rams' preseason opener in Chris Givens.

Photo by Newman Lowrance/St.Louis Rams

Financial Focus

By Roger Macon, AAMS

ï Knowing your own investment personality Everyone has different investment personalities — some people can accept more risk in the hopes of greater rewards, while others are not comfortable with risk at all. It’s essential that you know your investment personality when you begin investing, and throughout your years as an investor.

It’s essential that you know your investment personality when you begin investing.

ï Investing is a long-term process —It generally takes decades of patience, perseverance and good decisions for investors to accumulate the substantial financial resources they’ll need for their long-tem goals.

By keeping these concepts in mind as your begin your journey through the investment world, you’ll be better prepared for the twists and turns you’ll encounter along the way as you pursue your financial goals.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Forfurtherinformation contact RogerMacon at (314) 481-3962 or1-800EDJONES

Continued from B1

new worker expectations and skills.

Much of the findings align with the slow and steady economic recovery that is taking place nationally. The study did provide insights into the industries that may be expanding in years to come in St. Louis and what skills employers are looking for in the people they hire.

Alan Spell of the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) presented the results of the study at the Missouri Botanical Garden last week. Spell started with local unemployment.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for St. Louis in June 2013 was 7.6 percent. That matched the nationwide unemployment rate, but was higher than the statewide unemployment rate of 6.9 percent.

The report breaks down the effects of unemployment along age and gender.

“Young males were affected more so than the rest of the population,” Spell said.

The report did not compare

the different rates of unemployment for different minority groups. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) expects that minority unemployment rates will remain higher than white unemployment through the end of the year. In Missouri, black unemployment was at 12.2 percent in 2012, 5.4 percent higher than the statewide aver-

Economic Policy Institute projects black unemployment in Missouri will be at 12 percent by the end of 2013, 4.9 percent higher than the projected statewide average.

age. EPI projects black unemployment will be at 12 percent by the end of 2013, 4.9 percent higher than the projected statewide average.

The good news is that area employers are looking to increase hiring in coming years, Spell said. While hiring practices have remained the same, 53 percent of employers surveyed said employment levels had not changed in the last 12 months, but more employ-

ers plan to increase hiring in the next year compared to the past two years.

“We’re expecting moderate growth at about 5 percent,” said Brian Ashworth, Human Resources principal at Edward Jones.

“In the next six months we’ll be increasing our labor force by 10 to 12 percent,” said Keith Darling, AEPRiver Operations president. It’s no surprise that, of the employers surveyed, economic conditions was most often cited as a barrier preventing expanding employment. Second to that was the need for more skilled or knowledgeable workers.

The survey showed that employers have a need for what Spell called soft skills. Communication skills and improved work ethic topped the list for needed skills. The need for skilled workers coupled with economic pressures might explain a current trend in workforce demographics.

“We’re all facing this workforce that is aging in place,” Spell said. Of the surveyed employers, nearly half (48 percent) said they favor an experienced applicant over a recent graduate with the latest skills, while only 11 percent said they favor the recent graduate. But it’s not all bad news for new graduates. The report shows that overall employers are increasing their educational requirements, with 55 percent of employers responding that a bachelor’s degree was needed for jobs at their businesses.

The survey of students who completed coursework at St. Louis Community College shed light from the student perspective. Compared to last year, 10 percent fewer students had the perception that completion of their program would provide more stable employment. That being said, most of those who completed their programs do not regret their decision.

“Eighty-two percent of completers said they would do it again, which suggests that they felt it was a good investment,” Spell said.

‘The

Butler’ needs help

Contrived melodrama, infused history drown out compelling truths

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

The story of a black man who worked diligently as a part of the White House wait staff for eight presidents has fascinating dramatic potential. When Wil Haygood wrote “A Butler Well Served by This Election” for The Washington Post as then-Senator Barack Obama stood a chance of becoming the nation’s first black president, the story became an instant sensation.

Obama became president and Haygood’s feature about Eugene Allen evolved into the best-selling book The Butler: A Witness to History. But Allen’s life was clearly not enough for Lee Daniels when he adapted the book for the screen. In Daniels’ film The Butler, audiences are introduced to Cecil Gaines, a character inspired by Allen.

“Inspired” is the operative word. Daniels presents a historical journey that puts the central character a few degrees of separation from major events in the Civil Rights Movement. The concept worked for Forrest Gump, because it was purely fictional, but by the final scene in The Butler it’s hard to know what to

MODELS: Liyah Johnson, Kevin Bigham, Jr., Aaron Royster, Rhonni Rose Mantilla

StyLiSt: Danie Rae, Style WardrobeBrokerProvided By:

Dillard’s (St. Louis Galleria location)

Photography: Lawrence Bryant

First day fresh

shopping

By Danie Rae, Style Broker

For The St. Louis American

This time of the year feels somewhat like Christmas – mainly because kids get a chance to re-up on their gear and reinvent themselves from head to toe. Now, I know the focus is supposed to be on the books;

but like so many adults when we were school age, kids like to express themselves through their appearance. I can remember being that adolescent age (which was only a couple of years ago, mind you) where I had to have the latest trend. We can all relate to the need to be SWAGGED OUT on the first day of school.

I know that completely equipping the student for the school year can seem like rocket science. Not only are they constantly growing, but they also like to keep up with the ever-changing trends of what’s hot. So this season, we partnered up with Dillard’s (St. Louis Galleria) to highlight some of the freshest fits

Uhuru hosts hair competition at The Four Seasons on Sunday Style basics for back-to-school

By Kenya Vaughn

to start the school year off right. We were able to offer style options that are both chic and tasteful, from pre-K to senior year, that are filled with color, patterns and denim essentials and echo the freedom of the ‘80s-inspired “anything goes as long as it looks

Buckhead Hotel Thursday night’s weekend opener “Smooth Blues & Soulful Foods” was held in the grand foyer of the Morehouse School of Medicine. Old-school live entertainment, soul food and Southern desserts set the pace for a fabulous weekend. Native St. Louisan Brenda Lyons Kennedy chaired the Friday night dinner dance “Sistas & Brothas...Swingin “with Swagger.” Potpourri correspondent says the dance floor was at capacity all night long. “Southern Belles with Southern Flair” was the theme for the organization’s business meeting and luncheon Saturday. Members were greeted by the Atlanta Carrousels who sported beautiful white hats, lace gloves and Scarlett O’Hara fans. Staci Garrett Clayborne conducted the annual National

Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” opens in theatres on Friday, August 16

Adrienne Jenkins Patel has work in Framations Gallery’s juried exhibition, “Fluid: Exploring Watercolor” in St. Charles.

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

Fri., Aug. 16, 7 p.m., My Testimony Tourstarring Marvin Sapp & James Fortune with FIYAand guests Daughters of Zion and 1 Praise Community Choir, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m., The Demo presents Afroman OutdoorShow. 4144 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Tues., Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Bone Thugs & Harmony, The Mad Magician,5625 Manchester Ave. St. Louis MO, 63110 Fri., Sep. 13, 8 p.m. Fox Concerts presents Fantasia with special guest Musiq Soulchild, Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.MetroTix.com, by calling 314-534-1111.

Sept. 19, Fox Concerts presents What Dreams May Come Tour starring J. Cole and Wale, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com

Sept. 25 – Sept. 28, Jazz St. Louis presents The Yellowjackets, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit

www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Oct. 8, Live Nation presents the “So You Want ATour?” tour starring Drake with special guest Miguel. Tickets on sale Friday, June 28. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.

local gigs

Fri., Aug. 23, 9 p.m., Hammerstone’s presents Roland Johnson & The Soul Endeavors. 2028 S. Ninth St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 773-5565.

Wednesday Nights, 7:30 p.m., Live in Concert every Wednesday night is St. Louis Jazz Artist Delano Redmond’s Jazz Quintet Don’t miss this special concert series featuring some of the best Jazz in St. Louis. Premier Lounge, 5969 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112

www.facebook.com/delanoredmondmusic www.reverbnation.com/delanor edmondmusic www.twitter.com/delanoredmond

Fridays (4 p.m.) and Sundays (12 noon) , Ms. Piggies Smokehouse presents StarCity Recording artist Fred Walkerand his Saxy Jazz , 10612 Page Ave. For more information, call (314) 428-7776.

CALENDAR

special events

Thurs., Aug. 15, 4 p.m., 23RD Annual Celebrity Waitresses & Waiters’Night, Plaza Frontenac, 1701 South Lindbergh Blvd., 63131, Brio’s Tuscan Grille (314) 432-4410, Canyon Café (314) 872-3443, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse (314) 567-7610. Proceeds benefit Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

Sat., Aug. 17, 7:30 a.m., Young Friends Development Board presents Walk a Mile in OurShoes. Family and pet friendly 5K walk/run to raise awareness about the homeless issues affecting so many people in St. Louis and beyond. Proceeds will benefit St. Patrick Center. Tower Grove Park – Son of Rest Shelter, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 802-5489.

Sat., Aug. 17, 2 p.m., St. Louis Symphony InUnison

Chorus Auditions, For more information, call (314) 2864108 or visit www.stlsymphony.org/inunisonchorus/auditions

Sat., Aug. 17, 7a.m.-7 p.m., St. Louis ConnectCare Auxiliary will conduct its 4th Neighborhood Flea Market fundraiser at Belt & Delmar. Proceeds are donated to ConnectCare’s patient equipment fund. Call (314) 8796494 for more information.

Sat., Aug. 17, 5 p.m., Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club presents The 24th Annual Clifton Davis “Say Amen” Gala starring R&B Vocalist Uvee Hayes and Actor, Singer and Songwriter the Rev. Clifton Davis, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, One S. Broadway. For more information, please call Washington or Bill Fronczak at (314) 3825952, ext. 234.

Sat., Aug. 17, 11:45 p.m., The 50th Annual UMSLJubilee Moonlight Ramble, the world’s original nighttime bike ride, the Moonlight Ramble includes a leisurely bike ride under the light of the moon through the streets of St. Louis, a vendor area, entertainment, a glow-in-the-dark commemorative event t-shirt, and a family-friendly after-ride party with snacks and drinks.The starting point this year is located just south of Busch Stadium at the corner of 8th & Cerre Street.To register, log onto www.moonlightramble.com or call 314-613-7966.

Sat., Aug. 17, 2 p.m., African Pride HairCare in conjunction with Sunshine’s Natural & Loving It! Present Ultimate Beauty Social National Tourin St. Louis, Nico Restaurant, 6525 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130.

Sun., Aug. 18, 12 p.m., Miller Lite presents Top Chef: The Ultimate BurgerChallenge. Join Sauce Magazine and ALIVE for the most intense grill off St. Louis has ever known. The competition pits six local chefs against one another to amaze your taste buds. With your ticket you’ll enjoy six mini burgers prepared by the top chefs, two complimentary sponsored beverages (one beer and one cocktail) and live entertainment. Circa Properties: DeBaliviere Place, 5501 Pershing Ave., 63112.

Sun., Aug. 18, 3 p.m., Missouri History Museum hosts Addressing the Delmar Divide: An Afternoon of Idea Proposals & On-site Funding. Franz Strasser, a reporter for BBC World in Washington was researching background information on St. Louis for a news report. He found himself filming a second news report based on what his research uncovered; a city still segregated. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599.

Sun. Aug. 18, 5 p.m., St Louis Got Talent Show, Hosted By Louis Conphliction, Legacy Books & Café 5249, Delmar Blvd. For more information, call

(314) 537-0785.

Aug. 18 – Aug. 19, The Jack Buck Golf Classic, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the exclusive Country Club of St. Albans. The Golf Classic is the longest-running charity golf tournament west of the Mississippi. More information and tickets to both events are available online at http://gateway.cff.org/jackbuck or by calling the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 314.733.1241.

Fri., Aug. 23, 7 p.m., Annie Malone Children and Family Services Centerpresents TheirAnnual Fundraising Soiree, An after-party is set to kick-off at 10 p.m. 2612 Annie Malone Drive, St. Louis, MO 63113. RSVPand for tickets, call Niecy Davis at 314.531.0120 or at ndavis@anniemalone.com

Fri., Aug 23, 8 p.m. Meeting In The Ladies Room Presents...Candid Conversations. Open, honest and no holds barred dialogue amongst women pertaining to men and relationships. St. Louis Room inside the Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar Blvd, 63130. Only 13 seats per session and tickets will not be sold at the door. For $10 ticket purchase visit www.mitlr.net or (618) 670-9648.

Sat., Aug. 24, 10 a.m., The 26th Annual Equality Day Brunch, which celebrates the 93rd anniversary of women getting the vote, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 7750 Carondelet, Clayton, MO. For more information, contact Diane Ludwig, at 573.642.464 or DBLudwig22@aol.com, for details.

Sat., Aug. 24 – Sun. Aug. 25, 10 a.m., Festival of Nations, Amultiethnic celebration featuring dance, music, food, cultural and educational exhibits, folk art demonstrations, and craft market. Presented by the International Institute and 125 community organizations, Tower Grove Park on the City’s South Side. The event will take place nearest S. Grand and Arsenal. A free shuttle service will be available throughout the Park.

Sat., Aug. 24, 10 a.m., St. Louis Reconciliation Newtwork hosts MLK50. Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Listeners will reflect on Dr. King’s original speech, music, and comments from local dignitaries. Then we’ll march 7

Southern Mission Baptist Church presents Praise & Worship with Shedrick Mitchell & Manifest.See SPIRITUAL for details.

blocks over to Christ Church Cathedral –where Dr. King once preached – for a festive time of fellowship, food, and more music. Kiener Plaza, 600 Market St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 4097123.

Sun., Aug. 25, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., BetterFamily Life presents the 27th Annual Peacefest starring Chante Moore, Michael Jai White and Ray, Goodman and Brown, Forest Park Central Field.For more information, visit www.betterfamilylife.org or call (314) 367-3440.

Sun., Aug. 25, 4 p.m.(show begins at 7 p.m.), Maatology Productions presents the 5th Annual Mista Couture Charity Style Contest, LaPerla Dining Hall, 312 N 8th Street St Louis, Mo 63106. For more information, call 314.243.9728 or e-mail snaphoney2011@gmail.com.

Sat., Aug. 31, 8 a.m., The Alzheimer’s Association presents Walk to End Alheimer’s. The nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants can learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause. Together, we can reclaim the future for millions. Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, call (800) 272-3900 or (314) 801-0465.

Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., STL Night Riders Corvette Club presents 4th Annual All Corvette Show & All Cars, Bikes and Trucks Show. Forest Park Upper Muny Parking Lot, Macklind Dr. and Union Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 8987448 or visit www.stlnightriders.com.

Sun., Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Jokes and Jazz. A night of neo-soul R&B and jazz with songstress Vivian Green known for hits like “Emotional Roller Coaster” and opening for her will be world famous comedian Earthquake and a host of others. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, 1 Ameristar Blvd., 63301. For more information, call (314) 289-8180.

Sun., Sept. 1, 8:30 p.m., Net

Work Inc. Presents All White And Denim Party 2 starring The Dirty Muggs and hosted by Rock Obama, Harry’s , 2144 Market. For more information, call (314) 726-1785.

Through Sept. 3, Missouri History Museum presents Gridiron Glory; The Best of

the Pro Football of Fame Exhibit. The exhibit will also include spectacular footage from NFLFilms’unparalleled archives. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Thur., Sept. 5, 3 p.m., Columbia College hosts 2nd Annual Job Fair. This is an opportunity to discover employment opportunities and network. Be prepared when meeting with employers by providing a current resume, information to complete job applications and be in appropriate dress. 4411 Woodson Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 429-5500.

Sept. 6 – 8, FairU City 2013. Ten carnival rides. Music throughout. Saturday will be the University City Jazz Festival and Doggy Pool Party. Food. Beer from Urban Chestnut. Community vendors - local artists & organizations. Classic car show on Sunday. Fair U City is designed to bring people together from throughout the St. Louis area to build a greater sense of community. Heman Park, 7000 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 5058696.

literary

Sat., Aug. 17, 1 p.m., Barnes and Noble hosts author I. Alan Appt, author of The Strength in Knowing: The Truth Beyond our Belief Systems and a Fresh Path to Finding Love, Peace and Joy. Apowerful and personal narrative of one’s journey to achieve true happiness and near ultimate awareness. Barnes & Noble, 1600 Clarkson Rd., 63017. For more information, call (636) 5369636.

Thurs., Sept. 19,7 p.m., As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness month, authorDr. Roberts will be reading from his new book, “Mama Is Still Here!” Dr. Roberts will be discussing the book and signing copies. University City Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd., University City, MO 63130.

comedy

Aug. 20, 8 p.m. Comedy at Cuetopia II hosted by Frank L, 11824 W. Florissant Ave Florissant, MO 63033(314)482-7564.

Sun., Aug. 18, 4 p.m., Comedy 4ACause: “ANight to Remember.” AFUN-raiser

of laughter, music, and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy the sizzling clean stand-up comedy of national comedian David Graham. Then as David closes out the comedy portion, revel in the sound of the mighty “Retro-Spect” band! Spazio Westport, 12031 Lackland Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 576-04002.

theatre

Aug. 31, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors), Kingdom Vision Ministries presents The gospel stage play How Did I Get Here? Written/Directed By Kanoi Clark AStory about a church girl was always a good girl until she gets distracted by men and success! Ivory Theater, 7620 Michigan Ave. Tickets available at Transformation Christian Book Store, 4071 Page. For more information, call 314-535-0555

Sep. 19-Sep. 21, 8 p.m. Shakespeare in the Streets, Shopkeepers and artists are just a few of the Grove and Forest Park Southeast residents who will appear alongside professional actors in a play artfully adapted from William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, as part of the second annual, wildly popular event.

arts

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) and Gateway Foundation are pleased to announce a call to artists for the sixth edition of

Better Family Life presents The 27th Annual Peacefest featuring a performance by ‘R&B Divas: LA’star Chante Moore.See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.

health

Aug. 17, 9 a.m., The Just Lose It Weight Loss Challenge, A12-week weight loss challenge where participants take charge of their health and make those lifestyle changes. The challenge is limited to the first 450 people, so make sure to call early. No walk-ins will be accepted. CH Atrium. Bring $10 for your registration fee in cash or a check made out to Christian Hospital. Call 314-747-WELL (9355) or 1-877-747-WELLto get registered for the kick off on Aug. 17.

with a blood cancer like leukemia. It can happen to anyone at any time. But so can a cure – a marrow transplant. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park – Tremayne Shelter, 63146. For more information, visit www.bethematchwalkrun.org.

Sep. 7, 9 a.m., Cancer Treatment Centers of America Free CancerLay Ministry Training “Our Journey of Hope” outreach ministry, Emmanuel Temple Church of God Health Ministry, 4935 N. Union Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63115. For registration, contact, 314-6064131.

Great Rivers Biennial. To be eligible for participation, artists must reside in the metro area, including St. Louis City and the counties of St. Louis, Jefferson, and St. Charles in Missouri or St. Clair, Madison, and Monroe counties in Illinois, for at least one year prior to the application deadline of August 26, 2013. Artists meeting the eligibility requirements are invited to apply. For more information, visit camstl.org/grb

lectures

Sat., Aug. 17, 9 a.m., Plus FactorToastmasters Club open house, The group will also meet every Saturday 9am to 10:30am at the Normandy Methodist Church 8000 Natural Bridge. Across from UMSL. Their mission isto provide a helpful and friendly environment in which all members have the opportunity to improve their communication and leadership skills. For more information, e-mail recvre@yahoo.com or call (314) 423-5864

Sat., Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m., Woman’s Place will offer a free workshop for all women entitled ANGER: THE FIRE WITHIN. This uplifting and empowering workshop addresses the heated energy of anger, exploring the potential to transform this ‘fire within’ into a source for creative solutions. Open to all women. Preregistration is required, space is limited. Call by August 14. 314-645-4848.

Sun., Aug. 18, 10 a.m., Loyola Academy presents Free Back to School Health Fair. Children who are 18 and younger can receive free physical exams and vaccinations. The services will be provided by Saint Louis University’s Health Resource Center (HRC), a free clinic operated by medical school students under the guidance of SLU doctors. SLU medical students also will offer tips on healthy eating and free gifts to children. Appointments are not accepted so arrive early. 3851 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 389-0008.

Sat., Aug. 24, 10 a.m., Operation Food Search and Faith Communities Joined forHealth present a Free Culinary Workshop, Calvary MB Church, 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. For more information or to RSVP, all (314) 286-0095 or e-mail fcjh2013@gmail.com.

Sat., Aug. 31, The Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Start or join a team today, at alz.org/stl or by calling 800.272.3900.

Every 2nd Saturday through December, 9 a.m., Create a New You! “Changing Your Mind to Change YourLife” Workshop, Each goal requires its own set of tools. You’ve tried several diets and gyms but you didn’t get the results you wanted. You’re not a failure. You just didn’t BELIEVE you had what it took to be successful. Lewis and Clark Branch Library,9909 LewisClark Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63136 Reserve your seat at www.eventbrite.com/org/3262 273172.

Sat., Sept. 7, 7:30 a.m., St. Louis Be the Match Walk + Run. You have the power to cure blood cancer. Every four minutes someone is diagnosed

Saturdays through Oct. 2, 10 a.m., North City Farmers Market, they grow community health in North St. Louis by offering affordable fresh produce, free health screenings, free kids activities, and healthy cooking demonstrations! Located across from Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis at the intersection of St. Louis Ave. and N. 14th Street (two blocks east of Florissant). For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-CityFarmersMarket/129815293783

Sat., Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. Metro East Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, a one-day fundraising walk benefiting the American Diabetes Association.SIU Edwardsville Parking Lot A. Registration is available now at www.diabetes.org/stepoutmetroeast. Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m., Sounds Of Unlimited Love Ministry PresentsFrom “Bach to Gospel” RECITALBENEFIT Fundraiser To Stop Diabetes, Emerson Performance Center, Harris-Stowe University.

spiritual

Sun., Aug. 18, 10:30 am., True Light Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate Its 1st Family Reverend Jerry & PaulaHodges 7th Pastoral Anniversary, 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., St. Louis, MO63106.For more info, please call the church at 314.531.1801.

Sat., Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m., Southern Mission Baptist Church presents Praise & Worship with Shedrick Mitchell & Manifest. McCluer South Berkeley High School, 201 Brotherton Ln., 63135. For more information, call (314) 323-5760 or (314) 521-3951.

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good” trend that we’ve seen return this fall in mainstream fashion.

Listed below are some tips to keep in mind while shopping for students’ fall and winter wardrobe essentials.

Don’t be afraid to accessorize Kids are just like adults! They like to look good from head to toe. So, don’t be afraid of buying the same amount of scarves, hats, shoes and bags that might be purchased for a grownup. Also, these accessories can add a different twist to the same outfit or even jazzy up the “hum-drum” school uniform.

One trend at a time

Sometimes kids can go overboard on the trends. They want to have the new popular sneaker with the matching hat, scarf, bracelet, necklace and lunchbox and wear it all on the same day. That’s a BIG

NO GO! Try wearing no more than two trends at a time. Not only does it give the kid a chance to form his/her own style identity without relying on what they see everyone else doing, but it also gives them a breather from wearing the same type of style all the time.

Boys can wear color too!

I can’t stand to see a parent limit their child especially a boy to just wearing one specific type of style and/or color. Boys should be able to

express themselves as much as girls do. We have become so limited by societal norms, that we program the kids in to thinking they have to be a certain way. But boy’s style shouldn’t be confined to just black and blue. They can rock neon colors, pinks, and patterns and be the freshest dude in the class.

Uniforms aren’t all bad. I know most parents are glad they don’t have to deal with the madness of back to school clothing shopping, because their child wears uniforms. But the kids will find a way to individualize their mundane day to day look. At most schools students are still allowed to wear some unique garments, like sweaters, socks, sneakers, back packs, and hair accessories. This still allows the student to feel like they can be an individual and showcase their ability to swag out the boring blue and khaki. For more information on merchandise, please visit www.dillards.com, Dillard’s at the St. Louis Galleria, or email danieraestylebroker@ gmail.com.

BUTLER

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believe.

Some will naively assume that a butler had the capacity to influence international policy as he poured coffee for presidents. Others will declare the entire story false and negate the grace and integrity Allen displayed over more than 30 years of service to the most powerful men in the world. Happily, the performances in the film are for the most part better than the story.

In just a few scenes, relatively unknown actor Coleman Domingo rose to the top of an A-list ensemble cast to leave a lasting impression as head

POTPOURRI

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events.” Styles will be judged by Akassi of Easley Done Hair Gallery, barber Rance John, American photojournalist Wiley Price, Hot 104.1 radio personality Staci Static and JoAnne Cornwell, inventor of the Sisterlock technique.

In addition to the show and competition, Natural Hair Revolution honors icons and standout stylists and innovators on the local and national scene.

Uhuru will recognize Cornwell, who is also an associate professor of Africana Studies and French

at San Diego State University. She is also a third-generation entrepreneur and beauty specialist. She has researched African Diaspora cultures worldwide and understands how deeply hair issues relate to cultural identity. The event will also recognize natural hair care trailblazer Jeannine Vaughn, owner of Jeannine’s. She is a licensed cosmetologist who has been in the industry for more than 20 years and focused on natural hair and locs, including latch and Sisterlocks, for 15 years.

“I hope that they walk away feeling like St. Louis is really a beautiful city for natural hair,” Bennett said. For nearly 20 years Bennett, appropriately nicknamed “Natural,” has

been on the front end of the natural hair scene and is thrilled to see it making its way to the mainstream.

She sees the commercialization of natural hair styles and products as a good thing for her work and for building healthy self-images among people of color.

“Everybody can’t come to the salon every two weeks, but if you give them the tools then they can do it on their own.”

Uhuru Salon’s presentation of the 2nd Annual Natural Hair Revolution will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 18 at The Four Seasons Hotel. For more info about the show or to purchase tickets, call (314) 771-8487 or e-mail Uhuru.salon@yahoo.

Memorial Service. Ruth Lewis was recognized for her leadership as National Auditor. Sandra Murdock was presented, along with past National Presidents.

“Southern Lights, Starry Nights” was the theme of the formal dinner dance Saturday night. “La Carrousel” hospitality suite was party central during the entire convention.

“Sweet Bye-Bye” served the Sunday farewell breakfast, a scrumptious end to a wonderful weekend.

St. Louis Carrousels & Carrafellas in A-town were Andrea Johnson- Lee (chapter president) and Gregory Lee, Staci Garrett Clayborne, James Oliver Cheryl and John Jones, Frances and Charles Gooden Gwen and Michael Key Ruth and Floyd Lewis, Sandra and Nathaniel

White House butler Freddie Fallows. James Mardsen nails his brief appearance as president John F. Kennedy. Cuba Gooding Jr. as another White House butler and David Oyelowo as Cecil’s defiant son Louis round out the performance highlights.

Forest Whitaker is adequate in the lead role, but guests will be left desiring his ability to capture the essence of real-life characters, as he did in his portrayal of Charlie Parker in Bird and his Academy Awardwinning portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland

The weakest link in the cast was Oprah Winfrey as Cecil’s wife Gloria. Although she’s proven herself to be an commendable actress in films such as The Color Purple and Women of Brewster Place

Murdock, Diane and John Nathan, Joyce and David Price Peggy and James Proctor, Dianne W. Powell, Cheryl Young, Bettye and Jonathan Reed Karen and Gary Watkins and Frances “Cookie” and Harold Whitfield.

The 26th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education salutes Art J. McCoy, Ph.D., superintendent of the FergusonFlorissant School District. McCoy will receive the prestigious Stellar Performer in Education award. The 2013 Excellence in Education Awardees include Wanda P. LeFlore, Ed.D., principal, Kennard Classical Jr. Academy, SLPS; and Wilma L. Slaughter, M.S., mathematics educator, Hixon Middle School, Webster Groves. Friday, September 13 is the date for this annual Scholarship and Awards Gala. Please call Robin Britt or Kate Daniel to reserve your table now at 314-5338000. It will be a grand affair! St. Louis Girl Friends honored charter member and

there was something contrived about her performance in The Butler. It’s hard to emotionally connect with her turmoil as she surrenders to the heartache of losing her husband to his daily (and, in some cases, nightly) duties. Her performance is further hampered by the complete absence of on-screen chemistry with Whitaker. Eugene Allen handled the pressure of serving eight presidents of the United Stated with grace, courage and dignity. Daniels’ sensational fictionalization of his life does a disservice to the man’s legacy by constricting the truth between farfetched historical accounts and irrelevant melodrama. Lee Daniels’ “The Butler” opens in theatres on Friday, August 16. The film is Rated PG-13 with a running time of 113 minutes.

founder Anita Lyons Bond with a delightful luncheon in the Magnolia Room on July 20. Girl Friends listened to jazz and interesting stories describing the origin of the St. Louis Girl Friends chapter founded by Anita. Girl Friend Joyce Price coordinated a game for guests to answer questions about Anita. There were so many interesting facts and stories; everyone received a prize/gift from the guest of honor. Girl Friend Anita was dressed to the nines in a fabulous powder blue St. John Joining in the fun were members Linda Wilson (manager, Anheuser Busch InBev) and National Chatterbox editor for the organization, Mary Riley Douglas Jerda Marie Riley, M.D. Shirley Kayira Sandra Murdock, Dr. Mary Ellen Anderson Janet Williams Lynn Kennedy, Adrienne Glore, Bettye Reed, Billie Jean Randolph and me The group had an opportunity to welcome transfer member Leisha Gordon (director and bank officer – TIAA-CREF). Leisha transferred from the Buffalo chapter. She is looking forward to getting to know her St. Louis Girl Friends. Also transferring to the St. Louis chapter from Columbus is newly appointed VP – Diversity BJC Katrina Farmer. Welcome to St. Louis, ladies. Kudos to artist Adrienne Jenkins Patel for her participation in Framations Gallery Juried Exhibition, “Fluid: Exploring Watercolor” in St. Charles, June through July of this year. The exhibition was a great success. Adrienne’s work was well received as the People’s Choice Winner. Her Free Spirit will remain on display in the gallery through August 29. Adrienne’s works will also be featured at Art St. Louis, “Under the Influence” Juried Exhibition, St. Louis, MO, August 17-October 10. Interested in additional information? Check out Adrienne’s website http:// www.adriennepatelfineart.com/ home Have a great week. Blessings! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.

By Melanie Adams

Commemoration of the demonstrations

History Museum marks 50th Jefferson Bank anniversary

It seems that 2013 is the year for anniversaries.

Nationally we have the March on Washington, while locally we commemorate the Jefferson Bank demonstrations, each anniversary marking 50 years since the event. These commemorations help to show how far the country has come –and how far we still need go.

The Missouri History Museum is proud to serve as the host for the three-day commemoration sponsored by the Commemoration Committee of the Jefferson Bank Demonstrations. This committee is made up of civil and human rights leaders from a variety of organizations in the region who have spent the last year planning programs designed to educate and inform the community. As someone who didn’t know much about the demonstrations, I was interested in learning more about this important moment in St. Louis Civil Rights history. In last week’s column, I wrote about why history matters. I made connections with school desegregation and the current transfer issues. I also noted why Trayvon Martin was just continuing a pattern of violence against African American men. In other words, I tried to take historical events and give them meaning in today’s world.

As I continue to study history, I always have to remind myself that part of the role of a historian is to take historical events and make them relevant in today’s world. If it were up to me, I would just study history for history’s sake. While that may satisfy my curiosity, it does not help to

educate others about why they should care about history.

As I read accounts of the demonstration by William Clay Sr. and spoke with activists such as Percy Green, I began to put together the pieces of why the demonstrations mattered in 1963 and why they matter even more today. Even though African Americans now have access to jobs in the banking industry, they continue to be hurt by the industry through predatory lending practices. Being able to work at a bank provides an income. Being able to get a house loan from a bank creates opportunities for generational stability and wealth. There is a difference, and it is this difference that drives civil rights organizations to continue the work started fifty years ago.

Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Jefferson Bank demonstrations, one of the most important chapters in St. Louis civil rights history, with those who lived the experience and those who continue the work today. Join us for the programs below, plus view historical displays courtesy of Hands On Black History Museum. All events are free.

A Report Card to the Community: A Look at Banking Practices, Then and

Now Wednesday, August 28, 7:00pm AT&T Foundation

Multipurpose Room

Civil Disobedience Training Thursday, August 29, 2:00pm to 4:00pm AT&T Foundation

Multipurpose Room

Jefferson Bank Protests: Looking Bank, Looking Forward Friday, August 30, 7:00pm Lee Auditorium

Because we understand that entertainment events also strengthen community, join us for music and fun at our popular Twilight Tuesdays beginning at 6:00pm.

Fall Twilight Tuesday Schedule

September 3: Reggae with DJ Ranx

September 10: Top 40 with Star Lifters

September 17: Memories of Elvis with Steve Davis

September 24: Celebrating the Women of Motown with Satin featuring Marsha Evans

October 1: A Tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire

October 8: Disco and 70’s music with Dr. Zhivegas

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

40th anniversary

Kim and Jerry Blue of St. Louis celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 13, 2013. To God be the glory!

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Classes of 1965, 1966 and 1967 join us for dinner and dancing at the Embassy Suites Hotel (St. Louis Airport) on October 12,

Brown Jr.

2013 from 7:30pm to 12:30am. Hosted by Beaumont Class of 1966. For further information contact: Jacque’Hughes-Hayes 314-971-7012 orJosh Beeks 314-303-0791.

Beaumont Class of 1979 will be meeting to discuss our 35th reunion plans. Please join us at 1pm on at the St. Louis County Library below level auditorium room, 195 New Florissant Road, 63031: on August 24. For additional information, please contact Scarlett McWell at 314-4587782 or send email to msscarletto@yahoo.com or Sandra

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned.

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to:

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave

Birthdays

St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

On August 11, Beatrice Blackshear celebrated her 80th birthday! Her children Juanita, Charlotte, Danny, Sandra, Michael, Percy, Lillian, John and Kevin would like to say Happy Birthday and we love you.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Jason Holman on August 19! From your grandmother Robin Conners, your sister Julianna Brooks and mother Julia Brooks.

Richard Brown Jr. “Jr. Bug” celebrates his birthday on August 19. I’m glad to be alive and my motto is, “God can and God will.”

Hooker at ayaina612@sbcglobal.net

Beaumont High School Class of 1983, Save the Date!

Please prepare for our 30 year Class Reunionon October 4, 5, and 6.Please send emails with home address to bhsco1983@gmail

East St. Louis High School calling all members of the ‘74‘85 Eastside High XC teams! AXC Reunion of runners will be held September 6-8, 2013 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville,IL.Several activi-

Nuptials

Alove like ours happens once in a lifetime. Marjorie Barksdale and Darryl Wea are uniting as one in Marriage atSan Francisco Temple C. A. 10191 Halls Ferry Rd. St. Louis,MOon August 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. Photo by Verdis Ellis.

Birthdays

Latosha Gray— August 12

Erica Johnson— August 12

Darmine Cavelle— August 14

ties are scheduled. If you have not contacted Coach Wilson please do so ASAP, and spread the word to other runners. The deadline to register and make payment is Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. For more information or to register call Coach Wilson 618-467-1486 or email: roewilson@charter.net

East St. Louis SeniorHigh Class of 1974:The Steering Committee is diligently planning our special 40-year reunion in June 2014.Contact dyj54@yahoo.com to be added to the class Facebook page to stay informed.For additional information, contact:314-4065354 or 618-580-2006.

Kinloch All Schools Picnic, Saturday August 17, 2013, Noon at Norman Myers Park, 8700 Midland Blvd. For more information, Please contact Lester Wilson at 863-2180, MC McKinnnies at 524-0126, Reuben Melton at 239-5202, or Arlene (Owens) Davis at 792-0659.

3rd Annual Riddick School and Evans reunion will be held on Saturday, September 7,

9 am-9 pm at the corner of Evans and Whittier. Grab your family, friends, picnic baskets, chairs, water, etc and come on out for a great time. For more info call 314-389-0956.

Soldan High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary High School Class Reunion, September 6-8, 2013. To register or obtain additional information, please contact Ellen Vernor, 314-3611535 or e-mail Lynn Steele, steelelynn@aol.com.

SumnerClass of 1974, planning has started for our 40th class reunion. We are looking for our classmates. Monthly meetings 3rd Saturday of month at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church 4055 Edmundson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63134. Please contact Marsha D. Roberts-Moore 314-367-3159, email sumnerclassof1974@outlook.com, or Joyce Bush-Cruesoe 314-4841552, email cruesoe2195@att.net

SumnerClass of 1978 will host its 35th reunion on October 18-20, 2013 at the

Whalen (10)— August 16

Kevin Harwell Jr.— August 19

Celia Watkin— August 19

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday.

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

Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis. Please pass the word on to others who are out of town. Contact our Class of ’78 voicemail at 314-735-1083 for more information and someone will get back to you.

Nizarah

Beatrice Blackshear

Jason Holman

Richard

“Jr.Bug”

Antioch Baptist Church honors seniors

Plus, Washington

Tabernacle commemorates March on Washington

American staff

July 2015.

“This campus houses not only a church but St. Augustine’s provides assistance to many,” said Michele Brown, co-chair of the “By God’s Grace, All Will Be Well” fundraising committee. “This fundraising campaign will allow those in need of help to come to a safe place for assistance.”

Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief, but it really is much more than the obviously stated.

Conviction includes your values, your commitments and your motivations.

soul has an eternal place it will reside.

Mr. Houston Gay was also honored for reaching 102 years, born May 1, 1911. Mr. Gay was a member of the Southern Mission Church before joining The Antioch Baptist Church. Mr. Gay joined the Deacon Board. A letter from Governor Nixon was presented to each of the two honorees. Because of their special honor, they were brought to the church in a limo.

Church launches fundraising campaign

The congregation of St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 1371 Hamilton Ave., under the pastorship of Father Robert J. “Father Bob” Gettinger, has launched a major fund raising campaign aimed at making needed repairs to the 100-plus year

For 38 years, the Antioch Baptist Church has celebrated “Christmas In July” with seniors. This year’s event took place on July 28 at the church, located at 2401 Annie Malone Drive. The event started three decades ago by accident because the church had a tradition of honoring seniors in December. However, for two years the weather wouldn’t permit the event. The chair person for the event, Mattie Spearman, had an idea, why not have the dinner in July? So Antioch’s Christmas In July was born. You have to be 60 years old to participate and 90 years old to be honored. The seniors loved the idea of sitting on Santa Claus lap for a photo and each person gets a gift. Each person in attendance receives a gift with the event and date. This year the gifts ranged from a $50 gas gift card, coffee maker, toaster, and they vary from year to year. This year, two honorees reached the greatest milestone of them all. Mrs. Adele Henderson reached 103 years, born January 15, 1910. She was a member of the Metro AME Church before joining The Antioch Baptist Church. Mrs. Henderson became a Sunday school teacher, joined the choir and became a member of the Missionary. She has been a member for 70 years.

old campus of buildings. Due to years of wear and tear and major storm damage from over a year ago, part of the buildings’ infrastructure has eroded causing leakage, loose bricks and safety concerns for parishioners and visitors.

“While we have made tremendous progress in addressing needed repairs to our buildings, we still have a long way to go,” said Father Bob, who has served as pastor of the church for over 20 years. “St. Augustine is a driving force in the community. Through our health, education, emergency assistance and other services, our congregation serves over 6,000 individuals annually.”

The church’s fundraising committee has set a fundraising goal of $125,000 to help finance needed improvements. The church’s steeple, parking lot and kitchen renovations are just some of the projects to be funded with money raised. The committee projects all work will be completed by

Church commemorates 50th Anniversary of March on Washington Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd., will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington by dedicating their annual Dillie Slaughter & Foster Tripp Church and Society Lecture Series to the event.

The lecture series will be held each Sunday morning during the month of August from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd. The series is free and open to the public.

On August 18, Evan Krauss, president of the Urban League Young Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis, will speak on “Contributions of Non-African Americans.”

On August 25, Rev. Lerone Martin, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Danforth Center on Religion & Politics at Washington University, will speak on “Contributions of Labor Union. For more information please contact Washington Tabernacle Church at 533-8763 or email washtabernacle@att.net.

Someone once said that belief is something you will argue about, but conviction is something you will die for. Our convictions determine how we behave or take a stand on issues based on what is presented before us. For those of us who are faced with serious decisions, I say, “Listen to conviction!”

It is a silent whisper that will steer you in the right direction or raise a flag in your psyche to let you know that something is amiss and is important for spiritual growth and maturity.

But, in the world and within the body of Christ, we have become tone deaf.

People often display strong convictions about minor issues, such as outward appearances, denominations and traditions.

We display weak convictions towards issues detrimental to our walk with Christ, such as forgiveness, sanctification and living according to God’s word, which also affects where we spend eternity.

Let no one mislead you, there is a place we all must go for eternity. Death is a beginning! When you die the physical death, your body goes back to the dust, your spirit goes back to God and your

I’m reminded of the story of Adam and Eve in the book of Genesis. They were in the place of perfect peace with the Creator until they decided to override their convictions and eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. When the woman was approached by the serpent, she decided to override her convictions; when she presented the fruit to Adam, he decided to override his conviction. Both went against God’s instructions and they suffered dire consequences.

When you were a child, your parents gave you instructions on what you could and could not do and they meant it. If you made a decision to go against those instructions, there were consequences you paid for going against their instructions, yet you knew your parents still loved you. It is the same with God, there are instructions that were handed down from the beginning of time of what we can and cannot do. If we make decisions that go against his instructions, there are consequences we must pay. When confronted with issues, don’t look at the masses or go along with the flow because everybody else is jumping onboard. If conviction is speaking, listen!

Cynthia Bennett

Mr. Houston Gay

Mrs. Adele Henderson

STLCC launches online job search engine

Plus, Professional Organization of Women offer $5,000 scholarships

American staff

On Aug. 7, St. Louis Community College officially launched STLCC Career Coach, an online tool to help job seekers answer these questions and more.

The tool helps St. Louisans access real-time information about local employment, including how much jobs will pay, which industries have job openings and which jobs will be needed in the future. STLCC Career Coach is a free, easy-to-use online resource that allows both STLCC students and local residents to explore career opportunities and industry trends far beyond what’s currently available on existing job search websites. The STLCC Career Coach online portal – available at stlcc.emsicareercoach.com –went live at an Aug. 7 event on the college’s Forest Park campus. Many other notable guests joined in the STLCC Career Coach kickoff, including Michael Holmes, executive director of St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE); Daryl Cothran, acting director of Saint Louis County’s Division of Workforce Development; JoAnn Shaw, vice president & chief learning officer at the BJC Learning Institute; Nia Ray, director of Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC); and Betsy Cohen, director of Mosaic Project. In addition to the online portal, STLCC unveiled a traveling version of the tool – a 36-foot computer- and Wi-Fiequipped trailer. Beginning in August, the aptly named STLCC Career “Coach” will visit local events and schools, bringing this technology directly to job seekers and stu-

dents. On Aug. 10, the STLCC Career Coach traveled to Sedalia, Mo., for the Science Street Fair at the Missouri State Fair, and will next visit the STLCC-Meramec campus on Aug. 26 for the Passport to

Success event.

“There’s no shortage of open jobs in St. Louis. The challenge is that people either don’t know about them, or they are unsure how to go about learning the right skills to get hired,” said Donna Dare, STLCC’s vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.

“The STLCC Career Coach helps people across the St.

Louis region find, train for and fill the available jobs in our area. As one of the largest providers of education and workforce training opportunities in the area, we are delighted STLCC can offer a free tool to help people make informed decisions about their career plans.”

Visitors to the real-life

STLCC Career Coach or

online portal need only perform a simple search to learn about employment prospects in their chosen career field. The information is customized to the St. Louis region. STLCC Career Coach also includes a resume builder to help students and job seekers create or refresh a resume quickly and efficiently. For more updates, search for #findyourfuture on Twitter.

STLCC alumna Debbie Zamora was on hand to give STLCC Career Coach a test drive. With a degree in speech communications and diverse work experience, Zamora showed how the new tool can help her take the next step with a possible career change. She used STLCC Career Coach to search for available human resources and training and development jobs, and to identify the training she needs to earn a master’s degree in her field. Job searches were also conducted with Kamie Davis, a student in STLCC’s Plus 50 Initiative, and Rondae Brown, a recent high school graduate.

STLCC to Host Career Exploration Sessions in fall

St. Louis Community College is hosting New You Career Exploration Sessions on Sept. 19, Oct. 16, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 that are designed to help you identify your interests, discover your passion and point you toward the career that’s right for you. The sessions will be conducted 6-7 p.m. at the Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood campuses. Participants can learn about career advice as well as financial aid and enrollment instructions. Sessions are scheduled as follows:

-Thursday, Sept. 19, in Training Center Rooms 105107 at Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road

-Thursday, Sept. 19, in Room 102B at Wildwood, 2645 Generations Drive

-Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Business Administration Room 105 at Meramec,11333 Big Bend Road

-Thursday, Oct. 24, in Café West in the Student Center at Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave.

-Thursday, Nov. 7, in Training Center Rooms 105107 at Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road

-Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room 102 at Wildwood, 2645 Generations Drive

Sessions are free; however, registration is required. Register now at www.stlcc.edu/visit. For more information, call 314-5395002.

Scholarships to honor Attorney Frankie Freeman

The Professional Organization of Women (P.O.W.) is accepting applications for the Professional Organization of Women Scholarship in honor of Frankie Muse Freeman. The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $5,000.00 beginning January 2014. Scholarship funds will be provided directly to the school in four installments and can be used for tuition and applicable fees associated with your school expenses. Each recipient must maintain a grade point average at minimum of 2.5 and provide transcripts to P.O.W. upon the completion of each semester. Recipients must allow P.O.W. to use your name and image as a scholarship recipient. Applications must be received by Friday, September 13, 2013. Scholarship applications can be accessed at www.powincstl.org. For additional information please email www.empower@powinc.org or call 314-963-5287.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

R&B singer Joe with Missouri Black Expo president Tom Bailey and stage manager Tiffani Stanfield Saturday night after Joe headlined the Music Super Stage for the 22nd Annual Missouri Black Expo at Chaifetz Arena.

Super Jam’s most wanted. Super Jam 2013 gave me joy as they hosted Lil Wayne and company’s America’s Most Wanted tour Sunday night at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater – even though the evening began with me standing in the longest line I’ve suffered through since my brush with Pine Lawn traffic court. I got in just as 2 Chainz was taking the stage. I was both fixated and confused by the mesh muscle shirt on top of his t-shirt, but was quickly bored by him. The folks seem to get life from his trap music nursery rhymes, but to me he’s the pits as a performer. And he lived down to my expectations at Super Jam. T.I. was up next and while I got my life, I privately offered my condolences to the folks in the lawn seats because there was no jumbotron viewing to speak of until Weezy took to the stage. They might as well have watched the first two-thirds of the show from their cars. Okay, okay… I’ll get back to my review. T.I. went from thug, drug and alcohol ministry deacon to Rock Steady crew member all in one show with his wardrobe changes while his dance moves were quietly giving me a cross between Tips’ namesake Cliff Huxtable and George Jefferson. And I savored every second of it – especially his body roll scoots during “Blurred Lines.” Am I the only one that finds it sexy that his little frame doesn’t have a single tattoo on it? Of course not. The man of the hour followed. I don’t know how he did it, but Lil Wayne broke into my house, found my college memory trunk and stole my freshman finals uniform and wore it as his headlining outfit for Super Jam. He tried to be slick and write “Smile God is Judging You Right Now” on the front, but I know that tattered tank top and pajama pants anywhere! But he still put on a nice little show while jacking my finest in dorm room sleepwear swag. His show focused on all 900 hundred of his guest features and left some of my favorite classic Weezy in the dust, but I was still quite entertained and amused. Even though he has some of the most vulgar verses in music, I was still quietly raunched out by his background dancers and their King Of Diamonds inspired dance routines. And I kept thinking “dang, Wayne…get out of my business,” about the third time he asked “can I ask a personal question?” But I had a ball between him and TI.

A Harry’s Sunday double-header. You might as well say I spent the night at the Harry’s on Sunday. In hindsight I should’ve rented a room across the street at the Drury Inn and ordered a BUCKET of wings from Syberg’s. First off The Day Party brought out the young, black and fabulous scene. It was really cute and got me in party mode – serving as the perfect pre-Super Jam festivity. I made my way back there in the middle of the night for The LooseCannon Liquid Assets official 2 Chainz after party – which brought out EVERYBODY ELSE. I mean, you had the barely legals and the borderline elderly like 2 Chainz tearing the club up side by side. I’m telling you that it looked like they had implemented a mandatory graveyard shift at Wells Fargo, or Jefferson Bank had a midnight mortgage refinancing special. Because cars were lined up and down – and all around – Market, as folks waited to get up close and personal with 2 Chainz. And they were _______ (insert new slang for turned up) for hours in the process. I waited for as long as I could until our paths crossed like ships passing in the night. I was headed back to the house and almost got caught up in his entourage as he arrived promptly at 2:15 a.m. (peep the irony). Word on the curb is that he made it worth everyone’s while, but knowing that he pulled at least five figures for perching somewhere for 45 minutes should inspire us all to work even harder at building our respective brands so we can follow suit.

A goat in heat. I made my way to kick it with Cornell Boone and the crew for their little ditty Friday night at The Rustic Goat. The crowd and the vibe were cute enough. They should be thrilled with the turnout! But the heat index up in there…not so much. “Is the a/c broken?” was the phrase that pays. And I couldn’t be mad, because it felt like I had crawled up into the pizza oven before I had even made one full lap around the place to get my mingle on. But the heat and humidity didn’t stop the folks from tearing the club up – well, not exactly tearing up…because we know that the Rustic Goat crowd only gets so turned up…and that’s a GOOD thing.

Empty Black Expo. I thought the Missouri Black Expo relocating to Chaifetz was a fantastic change of pace. I didn’t have to drive around downtown for twenty minutes looking for a parking space. I didn’t have to use half of my spending money to park in a lot because I couldn’t find one. And while I have twice the earrings and body oil than usual, I’m surprised that the turnout was so low. They had wonderful vendors and a good entertainment lineup via Joe and Kelly Price and several local groups including Nikko Smith and The Dirty Muggs. So why didn’t y’all come out? Seriously, send me an email to dshante@stlamerican.com and give me the tea on why so many folks didn’t bother, because y’all would have enjoyed it. Anyway...on with the show. I stayed around to see what Joe would be serving up on the music main stage. Here’s where I encountered my only negative note. The floor vendors obstructed the seated audience from the stage, so perhaps MBE organizers should swap spots for the boxing and the concert. Oh and the fact that the microphones were tripping for most of the show. Poor Glenn Lewis did half of his two-song set with the volume on his microphone set to whisper. Joe was up next and he needs to keep some facial hair because he was serving a petite T.O. (as in Terrell Owens). He must have felt wonderful seeing that woman who had iron-on patches of Joe photos from different stages in his career FROM. HEAD.TO.TOE…including on the seat of her white capri pants. Girl…for Joe? Anyway, he made it worth her while because he put on a nice little show from what I could hear. I will say this to conclude my MBE 2013 remarks: it needs your support. Don’t walk around mad if it they decide to shut it down if

didn’t bother showing up like you should.

y’all

Cornell of Ciroc partnered with Niddy of Privileged Society to present the Ciroc Nation Party Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Mr. and Mrs. Murray enjoy the grown and sexy scene of the Ciroc Nation party Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Brittanie Skye relied on friends like Rashondre to help her party like it was her birthday (because it was) Friday night @ The Goods Party @ Soho

Staci Static, Mz Janee and A-Plus held it down in the broadcast booth Sunday during Super Jam 2013 @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

Actor Sean Blakemore stopped through as Hella Fly and Ethno teamed up to make the Lights Camera Action Party all the way live Friday night @ EXO

Keisha of Aumunique Photography was thrilled to get some face time with Cash Money CEO Brian “Birdman” Williams Sunday @ SuperJam 2013 Photo by Aumunique Photography

Soul singer Glen Lewis met with lucky fan Shay just before he graced the Music stage Saturday @ The 22nd Annual Missouri Black Expo @ Chaifetz Arena

Misha Bankhead backstage with vocal powerhouse Kelly Price Sunday @ Missouri Black Expo@ Chaifetz Arena

Shammara and b-day girl Angela celebrate Lights Camera Action style Friday night @ EXO

Angela McHaybers and Leon Clay represented for vendor Vantage Bank @ Missouri Black Expo 2013 Saturday @ Chaifetz Arena

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

By Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Every year when I return from the Annual Scientific Assembly of the National Medical Association, I often find myself spending a lot of time doing self-reflection. Is my career impacting others? Are my medical contributions worthwhile? Am I making a difference into the lives of our future African American physicians? After you meet dynamic women like Dr. Vivian Pinn, the first permanent director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the future CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine and the first African American female to lead an independent medical school, how could you not feel slightly inadequate in the presence of such legends?

This year’s conference was in Toronto, Canada, home of the famous CN Tower and the beautiful Niagara Falls. The scientific sessions provided five days of jam-packed lectures, discussions, and panels. Many of our best and brightest in medicine were in attendance including Dr. David Satcher, former Surgeon General, Dr. James Gavin, renowned diabetes expert, and past med-

Leaving a legacy

ical accuracy editor of the St. Louis American, Dr. Consuelo Wilkins.There was even a panel that included Amy Dubois Barnett, Editor of Ebony and daughter of our beloved Marguerite Ross Barnett, former Chancellor and Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

NMAconferences allow junior faculty like me to meet a lot of “firsts,” doctors who were the first African Americans to graduate medical school or complete their residencies. I even attended a session where the first African American female to complete a residency in orthopedic surgery was in attendance, Dr. Claudia L. Thomas. I was simply in awe to hear her speak.I remember having a tough time in my family medicine residency program as the first minority ever in the late nineties but I dare to fathom what it was like to complete an ortho residency as the sole minority! So if you are having problems visualizing this just imagine a room filled with all white, sports-loving men sitting around drinking beer and discussing golf and hunting! The tenacity

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

and inner strength that this woman must have possessed to accomplish that goal! Out of a necessity to advocate for patients and physicians of color, the NMAwas founded in 1895. Its mission: “To advance the art and science of medicine for people of African descent through education, advocacy, and health policy to promote health and wellness, eliminate health disparities, and sustain physician viability.” During the 19th and a large portion of the 20th century, the American Medical Association refused to allow blacks as members. This was significant because hospitals would refuse to allow admitting privileges to the black doctors if they did not belong to the AMA. As a result, black patients were reluctantly cared for by white physicians. This care, to say the least was at times substandard, as many St. Louis residents so vividly remember. After President Obama was elected, there were many articles, commentaries and discussions on the “post racial” era. Many individuals truly believed that the United States had escaped its horrible past by electing a black president. Those individuals are probably the same people who believed that groups such as the NMAand historically black colleges and medical schools were no longer rele-

vant. However, as someone who has been involved on admissions committees and who is now faculty let me enthusiastically proclaim there is still work to be done.

For example, black men are significantly underrepresented in medical school classes. In 2011, only 2.5% of the students were African American men according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Blacks make up 13% of the US population, but only 4% of the physician workforce was black. The racial and ethnic composition of faculty is also not representative of society. Having health care providers who represent the communities in which they serve is important in regards to reducing health disparities.

So when asked if the NMAis still relevant, I again respond: “absolutely!” Having received my marching orders at the conference, I feel like I now have a renewed sense of purpose. The foundation has already been paved for me years ago by the Drs. Whittico, Murdock, Tillman and countless others. Upon their shoulders I stand and hope to one day impact society and my community in some meaningful way.

Yours in service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American August 15, 2013

YourHealth Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

New warnings foran old painkiller

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

Acetaminophen, the over-the-counter and prescription drug for fever and pain relief an pain for adults and children alike received new warning guidelines this month from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acetaminophen may cause three rare and potentially lethal allergic skin reactions; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, known as TEN, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, or AGEP.

Looking at its Adverse Event Reporting System data, the FDAfound 107 cases of adverse skin reactions from 1969 to 2012, resulting in 67 hospitalizations and 12 deaths. Most cases involved single-ingredient acetaminophen products and the cases were categorized as either probable or possible cases associated with acetaminophen.

“This new information is not intended to worry consumers or health care professionals, nor is it meant to encourage them to choose other medications,” said Sharon Hertz, M.D., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Addiction. “However, it is extremely important that people recognize and react

quickly to the initial symptoms of these rare but serious, side effects, which are potentially fatal.”

Matthew Pitlick, PharmD, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, said persons taking acetaminophen need to know the signs and symptoms of these very severe skin conditions.

“What does happen when these reactions pop up is that the skin becomes

very, very red; very inflamed; blisters form and there can be severe peeling of the skin as well,” Pitlick described.

The FDAreports the reactions can occur at any time.

“It can happen in the first doses or it can happen after subsequent doses after you’ve been taking it, “Pitlick added.

“If you’ve been taking the drug for years, it’s likely that nothing is going to happen now. For the most part, when

these skin conditions do pop up – it can happen with other drugs as well, not just acetaminophen – it usually happens within the first few doses.”

Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in the popular Tylenol brand and generic equivalents.

Other drugs used to treat fever and pain, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen, already carry warnings about the risk of serious skin reactions. FDAis requiring an added warning about these skin reactions on the labels of all prescription medicines containing acetaminophen.

Moreover, it considers the benefits of acetaminophen to outweigh the risks.

“FDA’s actions should be viewed within the context of the millions who, over generations, have benefited from acetaminophen,” Hertz said.

“Nonetheless, given the severity of the risk, it is important for patients and health care providers to be aware of it.”

Pitlick concluded, “As far as me and my practice and what I’m going to do, I’m still going to recommend acetaminophen to my patients and my family for the majority of times when they have mild pain.”

Chipotle Turkey Burgerwith Nectarine Basil Salsa

Serves:4

Ingredients:

1 lb extra lean ground turkey

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons canned chipotles in adobo sauce (pureed)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

One-half teaspoon pepper

4 whole grain buns

1 Avocado

Lettuce, tomato and onion for garnish

For the salsa:

1 ripe, juicy nectarine

1-and-a-half tablespoons diced red onion

1-and-a-half teaspoons minced jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed)

One-half teaspoon lime juice

One-half teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

4 fresh basil leaves

Preparation:

For the burgers, mix first six together

until well incorporated. Add extra chipotle sauce or chili powder for more heat. Let sit for several hours or overnight. Form into 4 patties. Make a dent with your thumb in the bottom side of each burger. Dent side down, grill on medium high heat. Don’t press on the burgers. Flip after a few minutes and cook through until no longer pink. Serve on a bun with smeared avocado, garnishes and nectarine salsa!

For the salsa- Dice the nectarine. Add sugar if the nectarine isn’t very juicy and let sit for a few minutes. Add red onion and minced jalapeno. Stir in honey and lime juice. Just before serving, cut basil into ribbons and sprinkle over the top.

Nutritient Information (per serving)

Calories 305

Fat 13 g

Saturated fat 3.3 g

Cholesterol 90 mg

Carbohydrate 23 g

Fiber 3 g

Protein 24 g

Sodium 240 mg

by Wiley Price

Photo

HEALTH BRIEFS

U.S. breastfeeding rates continue to rise

Breastfeeding rates have continued to rise over the past decade, according to data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The percentage of babies who are breastfeeding at age 6 months increased from 35 percent in 2000 to 49 percent in 2010. The percentage of babies who are breastfeeding at 12 months also increased from 16 percent to 27 percent during that same period. Data shows that babies who started breastfeeding increased from 71 percent in 2000 to 77 percent in 2010.

“This is great news for the health of our nation because babies who are breastfed have lower risks of ear and gastrointestinal infections, diabetes and obesity, and mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers,” said CDC Director, Tom Frieden, M.D. M.P.H. “Also, breastfeed-

Breastfeeding duration appears associated with intelligence

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for an infant’s first six months, followed by breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary foods during the first year and continuing of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

ing lowers health care costs. Researchers have calculated that $2.2 billion in yearly medical costs could be saved if breastfeeding recommendations were met. It is critical that we continue working to improve hospital, community and workplace support for breastfeeding mothers and babies and realize these cost savings.”

Health officials emphasize that hospi-

Breastfeeding longer is associated with better receptive language at 3 years of age and verbal and nonverbal intelligence at age 7 years, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Evidence supports the relationship between breastfeeding and health benefits in infancy, but the extent to which breastfeeding leads to better cognitive development is less certain, according to the study background.

Mandy B. Belfort, M.D., M.P.H., of Boston Children’s Hospital, and colleagues examined the relationships of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity with child cognition at ages 3 and 7 years. They also studied the extent to which maternal fish intake during lactation affected associations of infant feeding and later cognition. Researchers used assessment tests to measure cognition.

“Longer breastfeeding duration was associated with higher Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test score at age 3 years and with higher intelligence on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test at age 7,” according to the study results. However, the study also noted that breastfeeding duration was not associated with Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning scores.

As for fish intake (less than 2 servings per week vs. greater than or equal to 2 servings), the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities at 3 years of age appeared to be stronger in children of women with higher fish intake, although this finding was not statistically significant, the results also indicate.

“In summary, our results support a causal relationship of breastfeeding in infancy with receptive language at age 3 and with verbal and nonverbal IQ at school age. These findings support national and international recommendations to promote exclusive breastfeeding through age 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding through at least age 1 year,” the authors conclude.

tals are an important setting for supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies. The CDC reports that more hospitals are implementing key maternity practices that keep mothers and babies together after birth. The percentage of hospitals reporting that newborns ‘room in’with their mother at least 23 hours per day increased from about 30 percent in 2007 to 37 percent in 2011. The percentage of

hospitals where most newborns were skin-to-skin with their mother after birth climbed from about 41 percent in 2007 to over 54 percent in 2011.

“The period right after a baby is born is a critical time for establishing breastfeeding,” said Janet L. Collins, Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. “Rooming in and skin-to-skin contact helps ensure that mothers and babies stay together and are able to start and continue breastfeeding. These are meaningful steps hospitals can take to support mothers and families and help improve breastfeeding rates.”

The 2013 Breastfeeding Report Card is available at http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/r eportcard.htm.

Age-related fertility decline linked to worn out DNA repairsystems

Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health have a new theory as to why a woman’s fertility declines after her mid-30s. They also suggest an approach that might help slow the process, enhancing and prolonging fertility.

They found that, as women age, their egg cells become riddled with DNAdamage and die off because their DNArepair systems wear out. Defects in one of the DNArepair genes –BRCA1 – have long been linked with breast cancer and now also appear to cause early menopause.

“We all know that a woman’s fertility declines in her 40s. This study provides a molecular explanation for why that happens,” said Dr. Susan Taymans, Ph.D., of the Fertility and Infertility Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

“Eventually, such insights might help us find ways to improve and extend a woman’s reproductive life.”

The scientists suggest that finding ways to bolster DNArepair systems in the ovaries might lead to treatments that can improve or prolong fertility. The findings appeared recently in Science Translational Medicine.

HEALTHY Q&A

Should mothers who smoke breastfeed?

Mothers who smoke are encouraged to quit, however, breast milk remains the ideal food for a baby even if the mother is a smoker. Although nicotine may be present in breast milk, adverse effects on the infant during breastfeeding have not been reported. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes pregnancy and lactation as two ideal times to promote smoking cessation, but does not indicate that mothers who smoke should not breastfeed.

Source: Women’s health.gov

Women with chronic physical disabilities are no less likely to bearchildren

Like the general public, health care professionals may hold certain stereotypes regarding sexual activity and childbearing among women with disabilities. Arecent study finds that women with chronic physical disabilities are about as likely as nondisabled women to say they are currently pregnant, after age and other sociodemographic factors are taken into account. The findings were reported a recent issue of Medical Care

Health care professionals can expect–and should prepare for–an increase in the number of physically disabled women requiring care during pregnancy, according to the study by Dr. Lisa I. Iezzoni of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and colleagues. They believe their findings “refute long-held stereotypes about the reproductive choices and activities of women with chronic physical disabilities.”

The researchers analyzed nationally representative survey data on 48,000 U.S. women of childbearing age (18 to 49 years). Women were asked about various forms of chronic physical disability and whether they were currently pregnant. The study focused on physical

health conditions causing difficulties doing certain activities; it did not address disability caused by mental or emotional problems, vision or hearing loss, or pregnancy.

Overall, 12.7 percent of women surveyed had some type of chronic physical disability. Compared to nondisabled women, those with physical disabilities were older, more likely to be black, more likely to divorced or separated, and less likely to have a high-school education. Women with disabilities were also less likely to be employed and had lower incomes.

Current pregnancy was reported by 3.5 percent of the women surveyed. The pregnancy rate for women with chronic physical disabilities was 2.0 percent, compared to 3.8 percent for nondisabled women. After adjustment for demographic and social factors, the pregnancy rate among physically disabled women was only 17 percent lower than that in nondisabled women–the difference was not statistically significant.

Women with more severe physical disabilities did have lower reported pregnancy rates. However, even in the most

severe disability category, 1.5 percent of women said they were currently pregnant.

Extrapolated to the entire country, the results suggest that nearly 164,000 U.S. women with chronic physical disabilities are pregnant at any given time–including 44,000 women with severe disabilities. The researchers wrote. “These figures are sufficiently large to merit serious attention, especially since the number of women of reproductive age with chronic physical disabilities will rise in coming decades,” as part of a general trend toward increased numbers of people living with disabilities.

“Women with chronic physical disabilities do become pregnant, and their numbers will likely grow.” Iezzoni and coauthors conclude. “Whether obstetricians, nurse midwives, and other clinicians who care for pregnant women–and clinicians who provide preconception services and postpartum care–have sufficient training to serve women with chronic physical disabilities is unknown and requires additional research to explore.”

Good nutrition means betterschool performance

Back to school season can be a daily struggle for parents who pack lunches and make sure their kids have had something to eat before they dash out the door, but it will pay off if you make the effort, said a University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator.

“Although any breakfast is better than no breakfast, making the extra effort to make it healthy might help your kids do better in school. Studies show that kids who eat a balanced breakfast have higher test scores and can concentrate better and solve problems more easily in class,” Leia Kedem said. Children with healthier diets may also have fewer behavioral problems. Hunger itself can cause discomfort, crankiness, and outbursts in even the best-behaved kids, she noted.

“Although any breakfast is better than no breakfast, making the extra effort to make it healthy might help your kids do better in school.

“The nutritional value of meals can also make a difference. Abreakfast low in fiber and protein, like sugary toaster pastries, can lead to a midmorning energy crash. This is because the carbohydrates are digested and absorbed quickly, causing blood sugar levels to dive after an initial spike. Other than sudden fatigue, kids may also experience headaches and irritability,” she said.

In contrast, a high-protein, high-fiber meal of scrambled eggs on a wholewheat English muffin will digest more slowly, preventing hunger and keeping blood sugar levels on an even keel, Kedem said.

“Of course, this extends to lunch, dinner, and snacks as well. Eating right throughout the day will improve behavior both at home and at school. Kids will concentrate better both in the classroom at the kitchen table when it’s time for homework,” she added.

The question is, how do you get kids used to eating healthier? According to Kedem, the key is to get them involved, whether it’s picking out fruit at the supermarket or packing lunch together the night before.

“When kids make their own choices, they feel empowered and it can make

eating right less of a struggle. Whether it’s at a meal or at snack time, have a variety of healthy options to choose from. For example, have kids choose from carrots, celery, or broccoli for a snack and ask whether they’d like ranch or Italian dressing for dipping,” she advised.

Kids will also be more likely to eat healthy when food is made fun. Make a rotating breakfast bar with oatmeal and toppings one day and yogurt with cut-up fruits, sliced nuts, and granola the next, she suggested.

“Think outside the box when it comes

to the lunchbox. For younger kids, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of fruits like apples and melon or even make standard peanut butter and jelly sandwiches more exciting. For kids of all ages, deconstruct typical favorites into finger food,” she said.

For example, pack whole-grain crackers, tuna, grape tomatoes, and cheese cubes in a divided plastic container instead of a tuna and cheese sandwich, she advised.

“When it comes to dinner, let kids be involved in the planning. Make it a family activity to find new healthy meal ideas

on recipe sites. If your child is more visual, scroll through pictures of healthy recipes on social media websites like Pinterest. Brainstorm new ways of preparing old favorites or pick an exotic vegetable to try each week,” she said. Getting kids into the habit of cooking and eating well will set them up for success at school as well as later in life, she said. “Make good nutrition part of the back-to-school routine this year to kick off the academic year on the right foot and to have a healthier and happier family all year round.”

Position/Where:

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Phil Atkins

Surgical Service Team Leader, Supply Chain Management at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center

CareerHighlights:

31 years with SSM; SSM DePaul Health Center for 25 years and at SSM St. Mary’s for six years

Served previously as Logistic Manager, Material Management, Supervisor Central Distribution, Material Management

Awards:

Recognition for Leadership SAPEntity Core Team 2001

Education:

MAin Procurement and Acquisition Management, Webster University BS, BABusiness Administration, University of St. Louis Missouri AABusiness Administration, St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley

Personal:

Hazelwood resident

Married to wife, Sonja, for 24 years

Two adult children

Attends Christ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis

St. Louis Connection: Visual and Performing Arts High School

Journey to success:

I wasn’t interested in healthcare when I first started working at DePaul 30 years ago. I actually wanted a parttime job and since my mom was working there in healthcare as a biller, she said ‘Maybe you can get a part-time job at DePaul where I work.’It started off as a part-time job and that’s all it was. I was in dietary; I was the storeroom clerk and my focus was music at the time… music and being an entrepreneur. And that’s all I used to think about and after working in the hospital, and actually being able to help others take care of patients, I think that’s what kind of helped me to stay there to pursue different positions.

One thing I guess I kind of learned is you have to treat people that go into the hospital like if they were your own, like it was your mother or your father, brother or sister, because you would want your family member to be treated well, and having things that they need. So, I was in a position to indirectly provide stuff for people that they need, so I just kind of got into it and wanted to help from that direction.

When I first started, I was just getting out of high school. I always wanted an education. I didn’t go to college right after high school. I actually wanted to go study business so if I pursued being an entrepreneur, I’d have a business background. I wasn’t looking to get an education to actually pursue a position; I was looking for my education just for myself. I wanted to learn about business; I wanted to learn about science and then once I finished with my bachelor’s degree and since I was working in the supply-chain management field, I said I would get my master’s in procurement and acquisition management, since that’s what I do all day.

We supported clinical nursing; supported the clinical floors to make sure they had what they needed to take care of patients, so it just became what I wanted to do – to make sure I provide the service to support our nurses, so that they can support the patients.

And the one thing is, being in surgery, all doctors want what they want, so we have to kind of manage what their preference is against our contracts and bring that in for surgeons to make sure they take care of patients and make sure they have what they need to do surgery. Needing to buy these implants and certain things they need for surgery, they teach you about how they are going to use this and what they are going to do. They talk to you and tell you what they need and you learn about this stuff. Surgery is one of the most interesting places on the planet.

Sat. Aug. 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Nurses forNewborns Friend-Raiser, Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, 9870 Manchester Rd., Rock Hill, Mo. 63119. For more information, call 314-544-3433 ext. 317 or email janet.leigh@nfnf.org.

Sat. Aug. 17, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Just Lose It Weight Loss Challenge, Christian Hospital. Mandatory kickoff attendance event begins 12-week challenge, with tips, classes, incentives and weekly weigh-ins to keep you accountable and motivated. Participants must be 18 or older; bring in $10 registration –cash/check payable to Christian Hospital. No walk-ins – must register by calling 314-747-WELL(9355) or 1-877-747WELL(9355).

Sun. Aug. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Back to School Health Fair, Loyola Academy, 3851 Washington Ave. Free clinic for youth and children age 18 and younger operated by Saint Louis University Medical School students under the guidance of school doctors. For more information, call 314-389-0008u or email sluhrc@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

Sun. Aug. 31, 8 a.m., Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave., St. Louis. The Walk begins at 9. For more information, call 800-272-3900, email stlwalkssupport@alz.org or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Thurs. Sept. 12, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Men’s Healthy Happy Hour& Health Screenings, Detrick Bldg. Atrium, Christian Hospital

Thurs. Sept. 14, 7:30 a.m., CHIPS 13th Annual Community Health Festival 5K Run/Walk, 2431 N. Grand Blvd. Walk begins at 8:30; health screenings at 10; entertainment, kid’s activities. Fee for adults, $20 ($25 after Sept. 1) and children under 18, $10. For information, call 652-9231 or visit www.chipsstl.org.

Tues. Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., American Red Cross Blood Drive, Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. (63136). Register by email at slm9123@bjc.org or use the sponsor code “christianhospital” when you register online at www.red-

crossblood.org

Sat. Sept. 28, 8:30 a.m., Free to Breathe St. Louis 4th Annual Lung Cancer5K and 1-Mile Walk, benefitting the National Lung Cancer Partnership; Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave., Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043. For more information, call 312-558-1770 or visit www.FreetoBreathe.org/stlouis.

Sun. Oct. 6, 9 a.m., Walk to Cure Diabetes, Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park 314-729-1846 www.walk.jdrf.org

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP

initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401.For information, call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-9624670.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.

Physicians group urges vaccinations

No one likes getting shots. It especially can be uncomfortable for small children and their parents who bring them to the doctor – at least for a few minutes. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) reminds adults that getting a child properly immunized is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for the safety and welfare of his or her child.

“Vaccinations are essential to decreasing the risks of serious diseases and infections,” said Dr. Andrew Sama, president of ACEP. “These vaccines not only help keep children safer and healthier, but they also help stop the spread of deadly, preventable diseases.”

ACEPsaid that vaccine-preventable infectious diseases have an effect on the health of adults and children.

ACEPwants all parents and guardians to work with their primary care physicians, including pediatricians, to make sure everyone in their family is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and to set up a vaccination schedule.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children younger than 2 years of age can be protected from 14 potentially serious diseases with vaccines. One of the first shots a child will get is for hepatitis B, a virus that causes liver damage over time. Each year 3,000 to 5,000 people in the United States die from a liver disease caused by hepatitis B.

By the time a child is 2 years old, they should have been vaccinated for chickenpox, measles, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, flu as well as others. For a complete immunization schedule, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/.

Both children and adults should also receive an annual flu shot. This can eliminate or dramatically decrease the threat of getting influenza, which can be life threatening.

ACEPsuggests printing and completing a Personal Medical History form for every family member and keeping it in a safe place. Download a form at http://www.emergencycareforyou.org/EmergencyManual/MedicalForms/Default.aspx.

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HEALTH RESOURCES

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627).

Health Partnerships

The CenterforCommunity Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health

needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The CancerCenterof The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail

Pharmacy – offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-879-6208.

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Whooping cough can be lethal to infants

Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are on the rise in the U.S., recently reaching their highest level in 50 years. The disease can be serious or even fatal to newborns who have not yet received vaccinations.

Effective vaccines against pertussis have been available for many decades, but that vaccine protection can wear off over time. Anew University of Michigan poll shows that 61 percent of adults say they don’t know when they were last vaccinated against pertussis, which could mean they might be unwittingly exposing vulnerable babies to the disease.

Only 20 percent of adults reported that they received the pertussis vaccine less than 10 years ago (the recommended time frame) and 19 percent said they were vaccinated more than 10 years ago.

“Pertussis is a very preventable disease,” said Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., director of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. “But many adults may think their childhood vaccinations still are protecting them against pertussis.

Findings from this poll show that few adults have received a booster shot within the recommended 10-year time frame and in fact, two-thirds told us they were not aware of their vaccination status.”

Pertussis easily spreads within households, day care facilities, schools and neighborhoods and is most often serious in infants and young children. In fact, the majority of deaths from pertussis occur in children less than 3 months old.

The poll found, however, broad support for parents to insist their newborns aren’t exposed to those who might not be current on their pertussis vaccine.

“Welcoming a baby to the family is a wonderful time, and no one would want to put an infant at risk. So the results of this poll are encouraging because they indicate some awareness that visitors need to be protected against this disease,” Davis said.

“Teens and adults who have received the Tdap vaccine are less likely to get whooping cough themselves, and therefore less likely to spread whooping cough to other people – including infants who have not yet been protected by the recommended pertussis vaccinations.”

Davis said he hopes the awareness among parents will increase the numbers of people seeking a booster vaccine. “Expectant parents should have a conversation about pertussis vaccine with their family and close friends BEFORE the baby is born, to allow time for them to get their pertussis vaccine up to date,” Davis said.