August 18th, 2022 edition

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion special section

will run in next week’s newspaper

SThet. LouiS AmericAn

School year opens with optimism, anxiety

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Kem Smith, an English teacher in the Ferguson/Florissant School District, has been busily preparing for the return of students on August 22nd.

There’s been much to do. She has been in teacher training sessions, professional development meetings, setting up her classroom and preparing the year’s curriculum for students. She knows the year will include English lessons and electives where students will read and discuss creative works of suspense, fiction, and African American literature. On top of that. she must also help seniors focus on college and career courses.

Kem

an

has been preparing her room for the upcoming school year. She says she is looking forward to a year where COVID-19 is not a dominant issue.

SLPS forced to take alternate bus route plan Can steer past driver shortage

By Alvin A. Reid

Retiring SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams was minutes before taping an appearance on the Nine PBS broadcast “Donnybrook Next Up” on August 11, 2022, but he was on a telephone call. It was obviously important. During the show, Adams explained that he was speaking with a Missouri Central representative concerning bus transportation for the upcoming school year.

On Monday, Adams announced a rerouting of bus services, which entails suspending

routes to eight schools for the first few weeks of school because of a severe bus driver shortage.

SLPS is removing eight schools, 3,450 students, from its routing schedule. These students will be provided alternative transportation. There are 16,500 students that rely on daily bus transportation.

“Despite our best efforts and those of our transportation partner Missouri Central, the company has been unable to hire, train and certify enough drivers to handle all students eligible for transportation in our District,” Adams said during a Monday press conference.

“Our transportation teams have been working around-the-clock to ensure coverage for as many students as possible, but we recognize time is running out.”

Parental support is needed as SLPS begins its rerouting schedule.

Six of the larger high schools and two elementary schools are losing bus transportation at the beginning of the year, and administrators are collaborating with parents to arrange for alternate transportation.

“At least for the first few weeks of school, we are providing Metro Link bus passes or gas

Paul McKee’s planned ‘regeneration’ of north St. Louis has yet to yield much fruit, residents say

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

For The St. Louis American

This story was reported in partnership with Type Investigations, where Karen Robinson-Jacobs is an Alfred Knobler fellow.

The Gateway City has a vacancy problem, one that has unfolded over decades.

As St. Louis prepares to spend millions in COVID relief funds to attempt to address the thousands of crumbling buildings and overgrown lots, change may finally be at hand. The American and Type Investigations took a look at the roots of the problem and at some of the key players. As of July, St. Louis was home to 24,923 vacant parcels, according to an estimate from the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative, a coalition of community members, private and nonprofit organizations, and city agencies working to reduce the negative impact of vacant property in the city.

The highest concentration of vacancies is in the city’s northern stretches — occupied largely by low-income people of color

That citywide tally includes an estimated 10,579 vacant buildings and 14,344 vacant lots, according to the Collaborative, which draws its data from the

n “The city wants everyone to succeed, regardless of their past.”

– Newton McCoy

WARRANT, A6

The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The St. Louis American

Gabriel Dyson, 4, admires her new look after getting her face painted during the For The Culture STL Festival Saturday, Aug. 13, in Loretta Hall Park.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Smith,

English teacher in the FergusonFlorissant School District,

Mirror image

Comedian Teddy Ray featured in All Def Digital, Wild N’ Out dies at 32

The world feels less funny when it loses a beloved comic. Teddy Ray, a Los Angeles-born-and-raised comedian, died Friday, Aug. 12, at 32.

According to a Riverside County, California coroner’s statement to E! News, Ray, born Theadore Brown, died at a private residence in Rancho Mirage, California.

Ray is most known for his standup comedy appearances on television and online, including performances on Comedy Central HBO’s “All Def Comedy,” and All Def Digital. He was also a MTV’s “Wild N’ Out” cast member. His first gig was on BET’s “Comic View.”

but we know he will have Heaven laughing,” All Def Digital wrote. “Our deepest condolences and prayers to his immediate family and friends. #RIP #TeddyRay.”

“Teddy Ray was one of the funniest people to walk this earth. @TeamTeddyRay,” Kev Onstage wrote.

His most recent role was on the Sam Jay HBO series “Pause With Sam Jay.”

Ray’s peers, colleagues, and friends, including several comedians, shared their condolences on social media.

“All Def Family, we’re heartbroken and still can’t believe that our brother Teddy Ray has passed away. We will miss him everyday

“Rest well, Teddy. The kindest and funniest. We’re all going to miss you far too much,” wrote Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” creator. Ray was born on July 30, 1990, in Los Angeles. He got his start in LA’s local comedy scene by performing at Improv and the Laugh Factory, all while acting in All Def Digital’s YouTube series’ and television gigs. Ray‘s final post was dedicated to his birthday a little over two weeks ago. “Pulling up on 32 like…..Lord I thank you for another lap around this hot…sun,” Ray wrote on Ins tagram.

Angela Yee from “The Breakfast Club” announces departure from show

Longtime media mogul Angela Yee recently announced she will soon end her run as a cohost

on Power 105.1’s

“The Breakfast Club,” and launch a new show, “Way Up with Angela Yee.”

“The breakfast club as you know it is officially over,” Yee tweeted with a heart hands emoji.

Yee also shared on a recent Breakfast Club, a syndicated show based in New York, that she has always wanted to start her show, even before the pandemic.

“The Breakfast Club” will continue with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God as its original hosts. It’s unclear, however, who will replace Yee once she exits.

firearm.

The shooting happened on Nov. 6, 2021, after an alleged argument between two associates on the blocks of Selma and Argyle avenues.

A$AP Rocky charged in connection with 2021 shooting was charged in connection to a 2021 shooting in Hollywood. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Rocky, born Rakim Myers, faces two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and a charge of personally using a

The heated exchange allegedly ended when Rocky fired a semiautomatic handgun at the former acquaintance.

Myers and two other people reportedly fled after the shooting. He was arrested earlier this year while on vacation in Barbados with Rihanna. They just had their first child together.

“Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a news release. “My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”

The rapper was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The case remains under investigation by the LAPD’s elite Robbery Homicide division.

Myers was found guilty of assault in Sweden in 2019. His sentence did not include jail time.

Sources: NBC News, E! News, Twitter, Hypebeast, KTLA

Deadline nears for plaintiffs in Normandy lawsuit settlement

Must file claim by August 26

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Over 22,000 people who a court ruled had their rights violated by the City of Normandy between 2013 and 2021 have less than two weeks to file a claim to receive money from a $1.3 million class action settlement.

“It feels really good to get some of the money back into the pockets of people who were jailed by the city of Normandy because they couldn’t afford their bond,” said John “Jack” Waldon, Arch City Defenders civil litigation managing attorney.

receive up to $20.

“Change doesn’t occur by accident, and unfortunately municipalities have had to be forced into some accountability,” said Umi Okoli, a plaintiff in the suit.

“People want to breathe easy when their children and grandchildren walk out the door and drive through places like Normandy. While this has been a long time coming, I’m hopeful that this is an example of change happening in St. Louis.”

n “It feels really good to get some of the money back into the pockets of people who were jailed by the city of Normandy because they couldn’t afford their bond.”

In March 2022, attorneys with ArchCity Defenders reached a preliminary settlement in a $1.3 million lawsuit against Normandy on behalf of thousands of potential class members. The deadline to file a claim is August 26, 2022. Any funds that are unclaimed go back to the City of Normandy.

- John “Jack”

Waldon,

Managing Attorney,

Civil Litigation for Arch City Defenders

Between September 10, 2013, and May 12, 2021, individuals who were jailed by Normandy could receive up to $675 per three days in jail. Those who were fined by Normandy could receive up to $60, and those who had a warrant issued by Normandy could

In the year the suit was filed, 2013, Normandy issued 10,390 tickets, a 472% increase from 2008. According to the Office of the State Courts Administrator’s Table 94 on Municipal Division data, Normandy’s municipal court generated over $1.7 million that year. Edmundson, a smaller municipality near the airport, face a similar civil court action.

Individuals who were jailed between December 2013 and July 2021 could file a claim against the small town under the federal lawsuit Quinton Thomas v. City of Edmundson.

The settlement class includes 10,000 people and monetary damages close to $370,000.

“Normandy is just one of many

municipalities to write tickets to generate money for the city,” said Waldon.

According to the lawsuit, “Edmundson had a pattern and practice of exploiting primarily poor and Black individuals through an unlawful and perverse system of criminalizing, arresting, and jailing people who could not afford to pay court fines and fees which stemmed from over-policing, excessive ticketing, and a revenuegenerating municipal court.”

The small town generated $2.2

million in revenue from its municipal court between 2012 and 2016. It made national headlines in 2014, when Mayor John Gwaltney sent a memo to the City’s police department stating, “I wish to take this opportunity to remind you that the tickets that you write do add to the revenue on which the P. D. budget is established and will directly affect pay adjustments at budget time.”

Quinton Thomas, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, said, “We are getting tired of getting mistreated, as citizens,

Action St. Louis team members have been canvassing throughout Normandy and neighboring communities informing residents that they might be eligible to file a claim regarding a $1.3 million settlement of a classaction lawsuit against the city of Normandy. The deadline to file a claim is August 26, 2022.

and as taxpayers. I think it has been a vital opportunity to be a part of this and to bring these wrongdoings to light around Missouri and also, how it’s happening around the country.”

Action St. Louis has led a canvassing effort to spread the word about the settlements, and recently 105 claims were made, totaling more than $15,000.

Since 2014, ArchCity Defenders has filed seven debtors’ prison lawsuits on behalf of thousands of individuals whose rights were allegedly violated by local governments.

A class action suit against the city of Jennings, which neighbors Ferguson, was settled in July 2016 for a landmark $4.75 million, and had 2,000 class members.

Within the past three months, Davis v. Normandy and Thomas v. Edmundson have both been approved for preliminary settlement, which means that impacted individuals can file a claim. If eligible, they can receive compensation.

Similar cases against Ferguson and Florissant have a ruling on class certification pending. Litigation against St. Ann will reach the settlement stage later this year.

To find out if you are a class member in the Normandy case: Go online to: NORMANDYCLASSACTION.COM

Call: (888) 205-0036

E-mail: NormandyClassAction@ AtticusAdmin.com

Photo by Angelo Vidal, courtesy of ArchCity Defenders

Guest Editorial

“The young Black generation, particularly college students who are in a more apt position to demand change, must eradicate systemic oppression and root out white supremacy everywhere.”

Black students must lead fight against systemic racism

By Tammia Jacobs

We are truly experiencing a pivotal moment in American history. As we continue to recover from the residual impacts of a deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected minority groups and led to an economic downfall on a scale equivalent to that of the Great Depression, we have also been witnessing mass protests racially motivated hate crimes throughout the country. These protests have been held for the unjust lynchings of innocent Black victims, such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

These tragedies happen repeatedly, because the system of racial domineering that puts people of color at a constant disadvantage, while placing particular races in a place of privilege, has not been hindered. This country dismisses the subjugation, exploitation and violence that disproportionately affect people of color, because of the unrestricted power it yields, and the unfair wealth distribution that further marginalizes people of color.

After centuries of state-sponsored violence against Black bodies, and after so many calls for systemic reform have fallen on deaf ears, we’ve decided enough is enough. The young Black generation, particularly college students who are in a more apt position to demand change, must eradicate systemic oppression and root out white supremacy everywhere.

historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the South, and its involvement in social justice issues since its inception.

ABC News confirmed that the wave of bomb threats on the campuses of HBCUs during this past Black history month reawakened concerns about the increase of domestic terrorism in the United States, and its roots in white supremacy. Certain campuses, such as Howard University, received several bomb threats. Nearly two dozen HBCUs were targeted, prompting campus evacuations and several probes by the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Many of us HBCU students and our allies seek to find out what we can do at this moment. Obviously, with a deeply entrenched and complex issue such as systemic racism, there is no simple, straightforward solution. However, education and action lead to transformation, and while the process of creating a fairer and more just America will never cease, there are a few places we can begin.

Dillard University, Shaw University, and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) have all formalized their respective institutions’ fight for civil rights. ABC11, the ABC affiliate in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, reported that at Shaw University, the Center for Racial and Social Justice would host lectures, research, and provide academic programs to combat racism and injustice. It would be in the best interest of other universities to follow suit and curate programs of their own that aid in dismantling the oppressive system.

“The rioting that occurred in Raleigh, around our state, and all over America, is a symptom of an illness that has gone untreated for far too long. Racism and injustice are the diseases, and if we look only at the symptoms, nothing will ever change,” said Shaw President Dr. Paulette Dillard in a statement about protests that broke out across the country after Floyd’s murder. In addition, Dillard noted the university’s standing as the oldest

Students can begin to act by becoming a member and supporter of social activist groups like Color of Change, which has over 7 million members. The organization’s mission is to effectively address injustices in the world and fight against police brutality, while championing civil rights and advocating for racial justice on a global scale. Allies of the movement can start by believing in Black people and promoting their agendas. For allies to truly engage in anti-racist work in their organizations, they must first begin internally. Engagement in both learning and unlearning is a constant. For those who believe they have already done work to understand their White privilege, remember that this work is never done. We must view ourselves as constant works in progress with learning mindsets committed to understanding how racism shows up, evolves, and hides in our societies. Listen to the concerns and demands of Black activists in the community and use your privilege to echo their calls for action and push their agendas to public officials.

Tammia Jacobs is a junior broadcast journalism major at Alabama State University. This commentary was originally published in The Atlanta Voice

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Diversifying American media ownership must become a national priority

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Jim Winston

2022 thus far has been a year of multiple socioeconomic and political challenges for all Americans across the nation. Yet for AfricanAmericans and other communities of color, this year represents both challenges and opportunities from a business ownership perspective. In particular, for Black-owned media businesses there is a growing sense of resilience even in the face of continued profound racial disparities and societal inequities.

The communications and media industry in America especially should be one of the leading industries that adopts the “good business” sense to embrace the values and benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This is not about charity or benevolence. Diversity is objectively good for business.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) are working together to encourage the media and advertising industries to become more proactive and committed to diversity from the C-suites to the decisionmaking managers. But more needs to be done to increase and to enhance the ownership of media businesses by African-Americans and other minorities.

exploring new partnership models to get diverse viewpoints and perspectives on the air and to make sure people have the resources to do it.”

We agree with this sentiment as multiracial ownership of American media businesses will continue to be viewed as a strategic forecast for the future economic wellbeing of the nation. We intend to raise our voices in support of the positive economic and social-equity consequences of diversifying American media.

Economic equity in media requires equal access to investment capital, technical advances in communications infrastructure, and inclusion in other industry innovations. As increased changes in the racial demographics of the nation continue to accelerate in the United States, American media must be more representative of the growing diversity of the nation.

It is noteworthy, therefore, that one of the recently announced major media mergers has Standard General, a minority-owned firm, pending regulatory reviews and approvals by the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission, acquiring TEGNA, a company owning 64 television stations around the country. Soo Kim, a successful Asian American business leader, who serves as Standard General’s founding and managing partner, emphasized “We’re open to

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has pointed out, “Access to the media by the broadest sector of society is crucial to ensuring that diverse viewpoints are presented to the American people, but racial and gender disparities in media ownership dating back to the beginning of the civil rights era continue to persist.” Again, overcoming these disparities should be a national media industry priority.

“At a time when more people, particularly Black people, are distrustful of the media, diversity in media ownership,” the Leadership Conference argues, “has become more important than ever for the functioning of our democracy. Diversity in ownership is part of that solution.” We agree with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ position on this issue.

Lastly, as our nation today prepares for the upcoming Midterm Elections in November, there are many who are predicating low overall voter turnout. Millions of dollars will be spent on Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) campaigns. Those who desire to increase GOTV among African- Americans and other communities of color will have to engage Black owned media as the “Trusted Voice” of Black America in order to increase voter turnout.

Jim Winston is President and CEO of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) headquartered in Washington, DC.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) headquartered in Washington, DC.

Out of this madness, Uhura appeared

Dear St. Louis American Readers,

Unfortunately our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion special edition, slated for today’s edition, had to be pushed back to next week August 25th due to last minute, unexpected delays from our newsprint provider.

We receive our physical newsprint from Mississippi and were informed that the mill had shut down temporarily early in the week, which has caused delays and logistics nightmares. In 2022, there have been major unanticipated supply chain issues for many newspapers.

We apologize, and appreciate your patience, and look forward to bringing you the largest edition in our 94-year history next week August 25th. Thank you so much for your patience and support.

The St. Louis American Management

By Marc Morial

Black lady on television and she ain’t no maid!” -- Whoopi Goldberg Fed up with racist insults on set and longing to make her way as a Broadway musical star, Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols already had given showrunner Gene Roddenberry her letter of resignation when she met Martin Luther King, Jr., at a Beverly Hills fundraiser.

He implored her not to quit, telling her that Star Trek was the only television show he and his wife allowed their three young children to stay up and watch. “For the first time on television, we will be seen as we should be seen every day, as intelligent, quality, beautiful, people who can sing dance, and can go to space, who are professors, lawyers. If you leave, that door can be closed because your role is not a Black role, and is not a female role; he can fill it with anybody -- even an alien.”

Nichols retrieved her resignation letter – Roddenberry had torn it into pieces, and went on to inspire not only a generation of entertainers and artists but reallife astronauts as well. Before launching into history aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, called Nichols to thank her for the inspiration.

Representation for people of color in the entertainment industry is a founding principle of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary this week. The National Urban League continues to be an active participant in the festival, hosting and participating in panels and discussions, including a conversation with filmmaker Andre Gaines, whose film, After Jackie, tells the story of the second wave of Black baseball players after Jackie Robinson – Bill White, Curt Flood and Bob Gibson – “who put their lives on the line to integrate baseball and demand a fairer, more inclusive America for African American athletes around the world.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a Supreme Court ruling known as the Curt Flood decision that opened the door for free agency in Major League Baseball. The film has re-ignited the push to induct Flood into the Hall of Fame.

Nichols, who passed away last month, portrayed a character who exuded intelligence, glamor, competence, and an authority that was respected by men and women of all backgrounds at a time when such roles were rare not just on television, but in American life.

“Black people of all abilities and professions were still being relegated to the corners of restaurants, hotels and offices,” journalist Stacy China wrote in the New York Times. “Black women, if ever mentioned in the larger media, were portrayed as either loud, undignified troublemakers or genial, overweight maids and nannies who supposedly delighted in doting on white folk’s children.

“Out of this madness, Uhura appeared.”

Visibility for Black history, for the diversity and richness of Black experiences, are essential in breaking down Black stereotypes and shattering the myth of white supremacy.

“There is still a very long way to go in the representation of Black women and femmes on modern-day screens and stages, but Nichelle played a pivotal role in shifting our stories out of the lives of servants and sidekicks.” wrote actress Celia Rose Gooding, who reprises the role of Uhura in a Paramount+ series. “She taught us we all deserved to have our dreams come true because our dreams mattered, whether we were officers with a hand in protecting the future, space explorers, dancers who bring smiles to their spectators, or those of us with songs in our hearts we must set free.

“And she taught us we deserved representation and the preservation of our futures not only because of what we could do for the world, but simply because it was our God-given right.”

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League

Guest Columnist Tammia Jacobs

KidSmart

STL, D.A.D.S. of STL and Krissy’s Kids Books are collecting 200 backpacks and filling them with school supplies for students in need. Since 2001, KidSmart has donated $70 million in free school supplies to more than 200,000 students within the St. Louis area.

KidSmart, partners packing backpacks for students

Drop off supplies on August 27

St. Louis American staff

The first bells of the school year will soon be ringing, and KidSmart STL, D.A.D.S. of STL and Krissy’s Kids Books have an assignment for the community.

The organizations are hosting a supply drive with a goal of filling 200 backpacks with needed supplies for children as the school year enters its first week.

According to KidSmart, 90,000 children in the St. Louis area attend school without basic school supplies, including pencils, paper, and folders to organize work. KidSmart’s mission is to empower children by providing free essential tools for learning.

Since 2001 with the help of the St. Louis community, it has donated $70 million in free school supplies to more than 200,000 students within the St. Louis area.

The company has less than 10 employees, but volunteers donate time, talent, and supplies.

KidSmart serves 12 school districts, including St. Louis Public Schools, Ferguson/Florissant, Jennings, Ritenour, Riverview Gardens, University City, Hazelwood, Parkway, Special School District, Normandy, Confluence Charter schools, Lift for Life Academies, and additional charter schools.

“Statistics show a 75% increase in self-esteem when

children are given the school supplies necessary to learn. The kids served have a desire to learn, they have big hopes and dreams for the future. They simply lack the resources they need to be successful in school,” Shaun Swearengen, CEO of D.A.D.S of STL and Kristin Mosley, Krissy’s Kids Book Club CEO, said in a joint release.

“By hosting this supply drive, D.A.D.S of STL and Krissy’s Kids Book Club believe this will help give teachers supplies for their classrooms and eliminate them having to use their own funds to do so. It will also give kids the confidence to show up to school prepared and equipped to learn without the worry of not having the proper tools to start their school year.”

Shopping is available online at an Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3FAS15KPEANI7?ref_=wl_share

Supplies can be brought in person to KidSmart, 180 Progressive Park way in Maryland Heights 63043, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022. Supplies needed include pencils, 24 count crayons, one subject notebooks, 10-12 colored pencils, blue/ black pens, broad pip markers, filler paper, erasers, child scissors, pocket folders, highlighters, pencil boxes or pouches, glue bottles (8oz), and glue sticks.

Black women and freedom of choice

By LaNail R. Plummer

In 2004, I gave birth to my first child. I was 23 years old, a recent college graduate, an officer in the United States Army, and a graduate student earning my master’s degree from Howard University. I was common and uncommon. Where I come from, it’s normal to have a child in our early 20s and even younger. But, amongst my friends from college, my professors, and mentors, I was quite uncommon in choosing to bring forth life without having fully lived. However, it was my decision, and I was ready. Again, it was my decision.

Since that time, I’ve had two miscarriages and a live birth with my son. I also elected to have an abortion too– all, my decisions.

For Black women, our historical and generational trauma includes being forced to have children that we did not plan, did not want, or could not care for but had to keep because someone said so. Historically, that “someone” was the slave master that owned our bodies or the government that owned our economy, or our religion that claimed to own our souls. We were told that our purpose was to give birth and work. Nothing more. No dreams, aspirations, goals, hope, or even a sense of self. Just a baby-making machine that took precedence over our real (or additional purpose).

And then the 60s came and we began to fight in new ways for an outcome that included acknowledgement and legal support of our civil rights. And then the 70s came, and women’s liberation was at an all-time high. And then the 80s came, and our very own, Alice Walker, began calling us Womanists instead of Feminists and we had an established term that matched our identity as Black women that fight for Black women. And our mothers and grandmothers started teaching us new things, things they once dreamt of for themselves but were still confined by the systems, ideology, and mindset that raised them and kept them imprisoned. They taught us from the incarceration of their imposed limitations and told us that we have a choice. We can choose. We can make decisions. We can live life. We can be.

And then the overture of Roe vs. Wade occurred. The mere fact that it occurred reminded us, as women, that our bodies are pawns in a political game of chess with our uteruses, wombs, and birthing minds as vessels to be controlled.

Ah, and as Black women, it triggers our generational trauma, and memories that don’t belong to us, but to those elders, ancestors, and spiritual guides, whose bodies and minds were once physically and psychologically controlled by a slave master. Our ancestors cry out the shame of the overture, in fear of who we may be forced to come and worry about who our future daughters and sons will be.

So, while we sit and encourage girls to participate in STEM programs, create hobbies, learn skills, and be independent, let us acknowledge the contradiction by also telling them that they have no choices, no decisions, and no control over their own bodies. Let us acknowledge that Black women have always been treated as a contradiction– except for that brief period, when we had a choice. Let us acknowledge that the shift in access to our own personal decisions is a mental health question. It creates triggers of generational trauma, the onset of anxiety-based symptoms, the confusion that can lead to depression, split in thought that can lead to cognitive distortions, and the uncertainty that leads to a paralysis of feeling, thought, and action. In short, the reversal of Roe vs. Wade, can and will lead to mental health implications that will be felt and experienced by women and men, alike. And this awareness, acknowledgement, and acceptance can lead to prevention…or destruction. We will have to choose.

LaNail R. Plummer writes for The AFRO and is founder/CEO of Onyx Therapy Group

Photo courtesy of KidSmart

LaNail R. Plummer

Continued from A1

cards for students at Central Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), Collegiate School of Medical and Bioscience (CSMB), Gateway STEM, Roosevelt, Sumner and Vashon,” Adams announced.

“School leaders will help

Warrant

Continued from A1

Coordinating Council executive director, assures that there is no risk of on-the-spot incarceration for people seeking to have warrants cleared.

“People who come to this

School

Continued from A1

When Smith spoke with the St. Louis American in January, during the omicron variant’s surge that increased hospitalization rates in Missouri and throughout the world, the conversation centered around a survey that found that teachers were “stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed.”

About half of those surveyed said they were considering leaving the profession altogether. Smith is back, and ready for a challenge.

In May, she completed her doctorate in higher education administration. A month later, she contracted COVID while visiting her grandson in Kansas City. Smith, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, summarized the ordeal with a dash of humor:

“It was terrible, but I didn’t die,” she said.

That upbeat attitude is also evident in her thoughts about teachers returning for the 2022’23 school year after over two years of COVID-related uncertainty and disruption.

“It feels different this year,”

familiarize them with their routes. We plan to speak directly with parents of elementary students at Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy and Mallinckrodt to ensure transport in various ways, up to and including mileage reimbursements of $75 per week (gas cards) for one family car to handle pick up and drop off.

“The rate is the same per family no matter how many stu-

event to reset their warrants do not have to worry about being arrested,” she said. “The city wants everyone to succeed, regardless of their past. I hope everyone who needs this support takes advantage of it as well as the job fair and other resources going to be there.”

The Warrant Reset Day

Smith explained.

“Starting with not having to wear masks and not having to do hybrid classrooms. Those anxieties are gone but they’ve been replaced by other anxieties.”

Those include a teacher and substitute teacher shortage, which is not just a state-wide problem. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 600,000 teachers left the profession between 2020 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smith said the shortage hasn’t affected her immediate educational environment.

“Maybe we’re in a bubble, but at my school building teachers are in place and those who are not, we’ve been able to cover them [with substitutes],” Smith said.

“So, I think we’re in a unique place when you look at the nationwide struggle.”

Smith’s school may be in a positive space but the consequences of COVID has wreaked havoc throughout the region. For example, nearly 3,500 students across St. Louis cannot take the bus to school for at least two weeks because of a driver shortage. Additionally, some parents

dents are involved. The reimbursements will be issued each Friday.”

Adams made it clear that perfect attendance is required for any elementary or high school student’s family to receive a gas card.

While parents had previously been notified by email of student routes and bus numbers, those numbers will likely change even if the route does not.

event and Second Chance Job Fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2022, at 1520

Market. The St. Louis Department of Personnel will be on-site to help connect residents to open city positions, and free background checks

“We are asking parents to look for a new communication that will confirm the new bus numbers,” Adams explained.

Adams said most bus riders will ride yellow buses including all special education students. Some students will receive a combination of bus and alternative transport.

“The difference is that this year, we are able to assign

Nicolle Barton

are having difficulty enrolling their children in school because they have not been able to get routine vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, and chicken pox vaccines.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccinations have plummeted worldwide with some 25 million children missing vaccination in 2021, 5.9 million more than in 2019 and the highest number since 2009.

The global problem is more pronounced in Missouri, according to the St. Louis PostDispatch. In an August 8, 2022, article, the newspaper presented the latest data from the 2021-22 school year which showed that 91% of kindergarteners were caught up on routine shots, which was down from 94% two years prior.

Dr. Kendra Holmes, incoming president and CEO of Affinia Healthcare, addressed the issue:

“Basically, we’ve been playing catch-up for two years now,” Holmes said.

“There are many children who have missed their checkups and their recommended vaccinations over the past two years as a result of the pandem-

will be available.

“This annual dismissal helps the court do its job more efficiently in the months ahead,” McCoy explained, adding that this is the fifth consecutive year for the program

“City Court is also pleased to support our

ic.”

Still, Smith maintains that things are looking hopeful as the school year begins. Part of her optimism is related to recent COVID-related recommendations from the Center of Disease Control (CDC). Earlier this month, the nation’s top public health agency relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines and dropped recommendations that Americans quarantine themselves if they come into close contact with an infected person. The decisions were motivated by the recognition that an estimated 95% of Americans 16 and older have acquired some level of immunity, either from being vaccinated or infected.

Most St. Louis City and county public schools have adopted the CDC’s recommendations with plans to offer fulltime in-person learning for all students this year with health and safety mitigation efforts.

Face coverings are recommended but not mandated. COVID-19 vaccination or proof of vaccination is not a requirement for students or staff, although vaccinating children ages 5 and older is still recommended.

Most students will welcome the relaxed recommendations

students to a particular mode of transportation providing stability that was lacking before.

The transports and cabs will pick up and drop off students at their front doors and students and parents will recognize their drivers,” Adams said.

SLPS provides transportation to students one mile or more for their schools, and Adams called the rerouting process

public safety mission by offering our Warrant Reset Day program for the fifth consecutive year.”

Last year, 3,155 warrants in municipal court were reset.

“challenging.

“But we have gotten creative in our efforts to provide the very best service possible in our current climate. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that all parents are integral to the process,” he said.

Information on bus routes and transportation will be continually updated at SLPS.org/ transportation.

Outstanding warrants for nonviolent offenses create barriers for individuals that inhibit their ability to take advantage of opportunities, get jobs and participate in everyday life. Hundreds of low-level felony and misdemeanor warrants are up for consideration for reset by the Circuit Court. Most Municipal Court warrants are eligible. Individuals can check if they have a warrant on the Municipal Courts’ webpage, which can be found at www. stlouis-mo.gov/government.

and updated COVID-related policies, but not all Smith added.

“The kids got tired of social distancing, but they embraced the masks,” she said.

“It became a form of anonymity for them. You saw them walking around with the hoodies and masks. There were a few who were happy when they dropped the masks requirements but there were some who felt no one’s going to look at my face, no one is going to insult me or call me ugly because all they could see is my eyes.

“It was a split with some who wanted to keep wearing masks and we were super surprised by that.”

The phrase “semi-normal state” regarding the new school year has become a somewhat standard definition. Smith, however, paused when the phrase was mentioned. She defines it differently with multiple complicated levels.

“I wouldn’t call it that because what we’re looking at is a new normal and it’s up to us to establish what that normal is.”

By “us” Smith was referring to teachers. Although “change” has been ushered in by adminis-

trators, she worries that teachers who’ve been in survival mode these past two years, aren’t necessarily a part of the decisions to make necessary change.

“There’s this drive to do school differently but then there are two problems with that,” Smith said. “Number one: we don’t necessarily have the tools to do it differently nor do we have enough people willing to move from the way things have been done.”

In the post-COVID world, Smith said change shouldn’t just come from “up above.” It must include the real-life experiences and recommendations from teachers if said change is to be effectively implemented. Be it “semi-normal” or “new normal,” Smith remains cautiously optimistic:

“In relationship to COVID, I feel positive. Yes, there’s the monkeypox scare out there now and I’m concerned about what this ‘new normal’ will be; how we will establish it and what will it mean to be a teacher in 2022.

“But I’m ready to push pass all that and just teach again.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Grand plan

Continued from A1

St. Louis Building Division, the Assessor’s Office, the Division of Forestry, and the Citizens’ Service Bureau

When looking at “concentrated” vacancies, such as those found on the north side of the city, St. Louis is one of the most vacancy-plagued cities in the nation, according to the Vacancy Collaborative.

California-based ATTOM

Data publishes a quarterly vacant property report. Of the 100 U.S. zipcodes with the highest percentage of vacant properties this winter, five of them were in St. Louis, more than in almost any other U.S. city.

Blame for the city’s gaptoothed visage lies with many of the usual suspects: lackluster regional growth, racism, and chronic disinvestment, according to residents and the countless news articles that have been written on the vacancy problem.

St. Louis city has seen a significant drop in population — down 6% from 2010 to 301,578, according to the 2020 Census

At the same time, the number of Black and mixed-race Black city residents dropped by 15% to 137,059, according to data from Census.gov. Many left north St. Louis for the suburbs in north St. Louis County, while some moved into the city’s revitalized central corridor and near south side neighborhoods, according to Glenn Burleigh, community engagement specialist for St. Louis’ Equal Housing & Opportunity Council.

In some cases, Burleigh said, that left behind vacant homes, including in six neighborhoods near the under-construction $1.7 billion western headquarters of the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency.

Those neighborhoods are targeted for focused aid from the city under a program called Project Connect.

Of the 10 city neighborhoods with the most vacant

lots and buildings, according to the Collaborative, three are in the Project Connect area — JeffVanderLou, St. Louis Place and Hyde Park. The other Project Connect neighborhoods are Old North St. Louis, Carr Square and Columbus Square.

Beyond population drops, Burleigh sees another culprit behind the bumper crop of vacancies: redlining. That federal government-backed value-killer dates back decades, and has pummeled many major urban areas including St. Louis

“You’ve got to remember that … what society has done, has essentially made it virtually impossible for homeowners in majority-Black neighborhoods to keep up their homes,” Burleigh said, noting the inability of homeowners in those areas to tap into home equity loans at the same rate as homeowners in white areas.

“If you’re not able to access the mainstream banking and finance things, [as] the majority white areas are, you can’t do things that are just considered normal as far as using equity to finance repairs and maintenance and stuff on your home.”

St. Louis suffered from the same pernicious policies, in effect at the federal level from the 1930 to the 1960s, that blocked the Federal Housing Administration and later the Veterans Administration from insuring loans in predominantly Black areas, according to Next City, which covers solutions to urban issues.

Insufficient funds for upkeep, titles with expensive

liens, and owners who die without a will have forced some families to walk away from properties that otherwise could have been used to provide generational wealth.

For some developers, it represented the perfect buying opportunity.

Among the first and largest to step in was NorthSide Regeneration, which began buying property in the area as early as the early 2000s and eventually amassed 1,999 properties, according to St. Louis Public Radio.

Ultimately, it produced a plan for north St. Louis that attracted the attention of the city.

The company, owned by developer Paul McKee, would spend $8 billion over 23 years to replace a decaying city core with a brand spanking new one complete with 10,000 homes, parks, schools and churches. Also on the drawing board was 3 million square feet of office space, 2 million square feet for retail, 1 million square feet for tech, a primary care hospital and three major employment centers, according to the NorthSide website NextSTL a website that covers St. Louis development issues, noted plans for 240 hotel rooms, a $35 million recycling center along with thousands of market-rate residences.

“Today, the area is on the cusp of a remarkable and comprehensive regeneration that would mean jobs, opportunity, economic self-sustenance and minority wealth creation,”

The $1.7 billion western headquarters of the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency, called Next NGA West, is taking shape in North St. Louis. Six neighborhoods around the campus are in line to receive stepped up investment, in part through federal COVID relief funds.

according to the NorthSide Regeneration website.

Buying into the vision, and with a dearth of competing ideas on how to revitalize the area, St. Louis agreed in 2009 to let the company develop the area through a $390 million tax increment financing district, according to a 2018 letter from the city. In the TIF district, taxes on future gains in property values would be used to help pay for improvements in the area.

NorthSide also received $43 million in tax credits, according to the city letter. The credits were offered through a law that a member of McKee’s legal team helped write Darryl Piggee, McKee’s attorney, said “nearly a decade before Mr. McKee got involved,” a report on the city’s 5th Ward, which is on the north side, noted that the area could not expect meaningful progress without the incentives ultimately awarded to Mr. McKee and the large scale site control and planning he proposed.”

A 2018 letter from NorthSide to the city called McKee’s plan for the neglected area “unprecedented risk taking.” It cites a brief submitted by the Board of Aldermen’s attorneys stating that by the fall of 2009, “Northside had borrowed $27.6 million which was invested in the redevelopment effort, all of which was guaranteed by McKee personally.”

McKee sold the city more than 330 parcels, needed to make room for the Defense Department’s NGA project,

according to a settlement statement. Piggee described it as 56 of the nearly 100 acres the city needed for the NGA.

In time, though, the city became concerned.

Despite the grand promises, lots remained vacant and untended. Property taxes went unpaid. No major developments opened before 2019 –nearly 10 years after the initial pact was signed. So the city terminated the agreement.

In the city’s 2018 letter, signed by then-City Counselor Julian L. Bush, the city declared that NorthSide was in default on the development agreement adding, “It is time to face facts. After a decade, the promised redevelopment has not come, nor is there any indication that it will … Land lies fallow … Vacant buildings remain dangerous and unsecured.”

As of 2018, the city said in its letter, NorthSide owned at least 205 buildings that had been cited for building code violations.

In its rebuttal to the city, NorthSide accused the city of getting in the way of development in the area stating: “The City Parties have failed to cooperate — and, in fact, have actively worked to undermine — NSR’s development of projects in the vicinity of the NGA Site.”

“Mr. McKee invested even though he faced inexplicable interference by the City, and a series of legal challenges, all of which unnecessarily delayed progress and required the use of valuable resources to litigate and negotiate with the City and third parties,” said Piggee.

And he disputed that progress was slow, adding, “We had satisfied all of our development obligations under our redevelopment agreement when the City terminated our development rights. … We believe that the termination was completely unwarranted and unlawful.”

Bank of Washington, a major lender for the NorthSide project, filed suit in 2018 against the city’s Land Clearance For Redevelopment Authority — which oversees

many aspects of public and private real estate development in St. Louis — accusing the city, in part, of unfairly pulling out of the project. A June entry in the court file noted that both sides reported that attempts at mediation were “unsuccessful,” The case is headed to a jury trial next year, according to the file.

The city’s withdrawal came even as NorthSide moved forward on plans for the first two major projects in the area: a ZOOM gas station and a 20,000-square-foot grocery store called GreenLeaf in Columbus Square, both of which opened in 2019.

McKee has acknowledged that some citizens, as well as city officials, have expressed concern.

“Usually when we get complaints, we beg the people to call us direct, but they call the city because they think they’re getting us in trouble,” McKee told St. Louis Public Radio in 2018. “No matter how hard we work to get them to call us direct,” people keep calling inspectors and the Citizens’ Service Bureau, he said.

Patricia Dees, chair of the St. Louis Place Community Association, said she and her neighbors have reached out to NorthSide, adding, “we were not always met with the best responses.”

Standing in a vacant lot listed as being owned by Northside, she said now residents keep detailed records on all attempts to get something done, and pass that information on to the city via a Neighborhood Improvement Specialist for Ward 5. Many residents found it easier to take action themselves and were actually mowing and cleaning the NorthSide lots, she said.

And, increasingly, residents began to turn to the courts.

This story was produced with support from Report for America. Research assistance by Paco Alvarez and Nina Zweig. Logo by Kyle Alcott.

• Next: How residents use the courts to fight blight

Photo courtesy of NGA

Proposition R a model for needed, powerful change

By LaShana M. Lewis and Benjamin D. Singer

In the federal indictment of former St. Louis City Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed, there is an explanation of the difference between legal and illegal corruption.

Some politicians shake down donors, then help them later.

It’s legal if they don’t explicitly state a quid pro quo “If you give me that, then I’ll give you this.” Reed asked a donor for $20,000.

The donor, wearing a wire for the FBI, asked for a tax abatement. Reed said, “Let’s have a break between this conversation and that conversation... legally I can’t put them together in one meeting. So, let’s finish this one, and then...talk about that.”

of values and, if any powerful group joined the coalition to influence the policy, their considerations would be vetted against these values. Elected officials provided input, but did not have a vote on the policy, since the goal was to hold them accountable.

It’s no surprise that voters had enough. On April 5, 2022, nearly 70% of St. Louis voters approved Proposition R to address corruption and increase accountability, transparency, and ethics in city government.

The campaign achieved historic success, as it helped pass the first city charter amendment by citizen initiative in 80 years. In taking long-overdue conflictof-interest reforms to voters, the campaign is a model for powerful, effective, grassroots change.

In response to widespread concerns about conflicts of interest at the Board of Alderpersons, the public, civic organizations like the League of Women Voters, and leaders were invited to help shape the policy. Polls were taken to better understand what the public wanted, and there was “oversampling” to ensure Black residents a representative voice. The coalition agreed on a set

National experts wrote memos recommending best practices from other American cities. Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia worked with the Brennan Center for Justice on the redistricting portion. The Campaign Legal Center recommended anti-corruption recusal rules from San Francisco and Chicago where alderpersons are prohibited from participating in votes that conflict with a direct, personal, or financial, interest.

Kansas City extended the recusal policy it uses to avoid conflicts, including family, labor contracts, and boards or commissions the official serves on as a private citizen.

tended outcomes may arise.

As part of our commitment to being community-driven, we are willing to take a second look at specific provisions if the community raises concerns.

Democracy is an ongoing process and at some point, certain policies could be sent back to voters for adjustments. We can support any changes that ensure the City Charter produces accountable, transparent, and equitable government for the people of St. Louis.

Both Chicago and Sacramento require all conflict-of-interest filings to be uploaded onto their city websites for public disclosure. We followed these recommendations.

The top attorneys in Missouri wrote these into a charter amendment, which was then vetted by other local and national attorneys. Finally, propelled by a $100,000 crowdfunding campaign and 30,000 signatures, Prop R was truly of, by, and for the people.

Like any policy that experts have written, vetted, or implemented, it’s possible that unin-

Jasmine Johnson set for Peace Corps adventure

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis resident Jasmine Johnson will be among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s global evacuation in March 2020.

The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Peace Corps will give me the opportunity to share my passion of bilingual education with others and integrate in a community abroad for two years. I firmly believe that through crosscultural experiences, we can continue to dismantle systems of disparity and oppression by understanding that diversity is a strength,” said Johnson, who will be serving in Colombia as an educator.

the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” said Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn.

“Peace Corps volunteers returning to Colombia will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.”

“Learning the culture and language of others gives us the opportunity to create a world that is more accepting, where we work together to grow spiritually as human beings. I encourage others to apply to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer. As Americans, the most important thing that we can do is break barriers by crossing borders.

Jasmine Johnson

Johnson graduated from University of Missouri in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and linguistics and has also received a master’s degree in language teaching and education.

“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway while other widespread health, social, political, and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in

The volunteer cohorts are made up of both first-time volunteers and volunteers who were evacuated in early 2020. Upon finishing a three-month training, volunteers will collaborate with their host communities on locally prioritized projects in one of Peace Corps’ six sectors – agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health, or youth in development – and all will engage in COVID-19 response and recovery work. Currently, the agency is recruiting volunteers to serve in 48 countries around the world at the request of host country governments, to connect through the Peace Corps’ grassroots approach across communities and cultures. Volunteers have already returned to a total of 23 countries around the world. The Peace Corps continues to monitor COVID-19 trends in all its host countries and will send volunteers to serve as conditions permit. Americans interested in transformative service and lifelong connections should apply to Peace Corps service at www.peacecorps.gov/apply.

The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship.

What we do not support, however, are frivolous lawsuits by status quo politicians trying to block the implementation of Prop R. The citizens of St. Louis spoke loud and clear when they voted overwhelmingly for the measure: we do not want conflicts of interest at the Board of Alderpersons. A lawsuit filed by four Alderpersons, including one who resigned after being charged with bribery, is nothing more than a desperate attempt by politicians to intimidate citizens into not holding them accountable. These actions to subvert the will of the people are unacceptable.

Proposition R’s community-driven policymaking process launched a powerful, focused, grassroots movement for change. It was built on the idea that working together, openly, and transparently, with honest, best-practice recommendations, builds trust, ownership, and enthusiasm from the community.

LaShana Lewis is a software engineer, CEO of L.M. Lewis Consulting, and Board Chair of Show Me Integrity Education Fund. Benjamin D. Singer is the CEO of Show Me Integrity.

Guest Columnist

LaShana M. Lewis

Guest Columnist Benjamin D. Singer

‘Unlock the Vote’ initiative could open ballot access

A sentencing project program

NNPA Newswire

According to a report from The Sentencing Project, current jail-based voter programs that rely on absentee voting often experience various logistical challenges.

Increasingly, advocates and officials recognize that establishing a polling location will improve voter access and turnout far better than jail-based absentee voting initiatives.

Sentencing Project researchers pointed to when after the Cook County jail in Illinois was turned into a polling location, approximately 2,200 people were able to cast their ballot.

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of eligible incarcerated voters are unable to cast their ballot due to misinformation, institutional bureaucracy, and de-prioritization among government officials,” said Durrel Douglas, author of the report, and Jail-based Voting Initiative Organizer with The Sentencing Project.

“This [report] provides many case studies that can help advocates increase ballot access for incarcerated voters and help jail officials and lawmakers expand ballot access in jails,” Douglas stated.

phone or email with election officials to monitor their voter registration or ballot applications.

The authors insisted that voter education for justice-impacted citizens is often limited and varies across states, resulting in too many Americans being left behind each election season.

They said recent reforms and a growing civic infrastructure offer opportunities to strengthen voting access and ensure the franchise for every individual, regardless of incarceration status.

“We, as an organization, would hope that every jail would either support a polling location in their facility in partnership with the local Board of Elections and or enable and support absentee voting systems,” Kristen Powers, executive director of the Benevolence Farm.

This rural North Carolina nonprofit supports formerly incarcerated women by providing housing, employment, and wraparound services.

“Our democracy works best when everyone eligible to vote can make their voice heard.” Researchers observed that the vast majority of those incarcerated are eligible to vote because they are not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction but are incarcerated pretrial or sentenced to a misdemeanor offense.

However, incarcerated voters often experience significant barriers to voting because of misinformation, the institutional bureaucracy that varies from one county or city to another, and de-prioritization among government officials, the researchers concluded.

They said most states have underdeveloped practices for people incarcerated in prisons and jails to register or access absentee ballots or polling locations.

Further, the report noted that many incarcerated residents could not freely communicate via

Benevolence Farm also co-operates a Bail Fund that serves individuals incarcerated in the local detention center on low-level bonds of up to $2,000.

“Elected officials and the policies they implement affect incarcerated people every day. Incarcerated people are most proximate to the problem and, thus, should have input on the solution,” Powers wrote in an email. “Furthermore, they are taxpayers, and we firmly believe there should be no taxation without representation for all people in our country.”

The Sentencing Project researchers said lawmakers and citizens could work with political candidates to host candidate forums at local jails.

“Yet even when the law permits certain individuals to vote while incarcerated, many remain unable to vote because of obstacles to electoral participation, including lack of polling places and an inability to register to vote,” researchers wrote.

They noted that individuals in jail are also often reluctant to exercise the franchise due to fear and lack of awareness.

“With the end of felony disenfranchisement in Washington, DC, and the introduction of similar measures to expand voting to all persons with felony convictions in other states, building the infrastructure for democratic participation in local jails not only expands voter access to strengthen our democracy, it can also help guarantee ballot access for all incarcerated citizens in the United States,” the researchers asserted.

Durrel Douglas

“Taking Care of You”

‘Give the gift of life’

Minority Donor Awareness Month vital to Black community

is

Planning for a healthier school year

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz

It’s not what many kids want to hear right now, but the new school year is just around the corner. Even while the long days remain filled with summer activities, families are starting to make plans for the first day of school and the coming year.

While it’s hard to know what might happen with the ongoing pandemic, hopefully this school year will feel more “normal” than the last two.

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

Local organizations and health professionals are encouraging the Black community to consider donating organs in August, which is Minority Donor Awareness Month.

Among African Americans, there is a great deal of hesitancy when it comes to donating organs for those in need, according to LaKeisha Coleman, manager of community engagement at Mid-America Transplant.

“It’s a life-changing decision and it’s one that I think when people think about it, we don’t really understand the depth and importance of the decision because a lot of decisions made day to day, we don’t like to talk about it,” she said.

a

and that equitable

n “We want our community members to really give this decision in terms of signing up on the organ donor registry or another way of signing up to really give the gift of life to someone in need.”

– LaKeisha Coleman, manager of community engagement at Mid-America Transplant

The national numbers on organ donation tell a somber story about the number of people waiting for an organ.

“What we know is that over 100,000 people are currently listed for a transplant in this country and just about 90,000 of them are

waiting on kidney transplants,” she said.

“Of this 90,000 people waiting on a transplant, I would venture to say 60-70% of this group are people of color.”

n It’s likely to take some effort to help the youth in our lives continue to get back to their pre-pandemic levels of activity.

With this return to school comes the chance to help our school-aged children to get back to more normal health routines. Some recent research highlights two areas families could focus on, including physical activity and youth vaccinations. One paper, appearing this July in JAMA Pediatrics, put specific numbers to something many of us have suspected: that children and teens were less physically active during the pandemic compared to before. Overall, the study’s authors found that the daily level of activity in youth ages 3 to 18 dropped by 20%. That is a large amount, particularly for something that has such important health benefits for children. Regular physical activity can help with healthy weight, bone health, and provide a boost in mood – among other benefits. Plus, youth who are regularly active are also more likely to become regularly active adults, where such health benefits continue to build. With most of our regular routines so upended during the pandemic, it’s likely to take some effort to help the youth in our lives continue to get back to their pre-pandemic levels of activity. Family walks and regular visits to the park, playground and recreation centers are great approaches. Slowly cutting back on screen time is also likely an important part of helping kids re-build their overall activity level. Kids’ screen time, including online games and video streaming, increased during the pandemic. Helping them cut back can open more opportunities for them

Health officials urge families to get kids vaccinated

All ages eligible now

By Kate Grumke St. Louis Public Radio

School districts across the St. Louis region are sending back-to-school letters this week outlining how health guidelines are changing this year. Many are describing a more relaxed environment than students have navigated in previous pandemic years. Along with those messages, some schools are encouraging families to get students vaccinated against COVID-19. Local public health officials say now is the time to make sure kids are protected against the coronavirus and other diseases. This is the first school year that will start with all ages eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s too late for students to be fully vaccinated before school begins if they start the doses now, but even some immunity

is important at this point, said Amanda Brzozowski, senior epidemiologist for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

n So far, COVID-19 vaccination totals have been lower for younger age groups.

“You should get your vaccines,” Brzozowski said. “If you’re a little bit late, get them now. Get the process started, especially if it’s something that might require more than one dose,” such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

So far, COVID-19 vaccination totals have been lower for younger age groups.

“If people are hesitant, they’re on the fence, or they just need a little bit more knowledge, please reach out and talk to your pediatrician or look at the CDC’s website and you may be able to get some of the information that you›re seeking,” Brzozowski said.

Most school districts in the region will have optional mask policies at the start of

As the school year nears, public health officials throughout the region are imploring families to have their children vaccinated for coronavirus and other diseases. Most school districts will have optional mask policies and there will be a more relaxed environment

school buildings.

within

Dr. Will Ross, who became Washington University’s inaugural Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine last November,

associate dean at the WashU Medical School and a Mid-America Transplant board member. He says taking

“culturally-sensitive approach” could lead to the recruitment of more minority organ donors,

access to healthcare would reduce the number of patients needing a transplant.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Women’s Health

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

“Taking Care of You”

After two years of virtual celebration, the Mid-America Transplant Celebrate Life 5K will return to an in-person event later this year.

St. Louis area transplant community to walk and run in honor of organ and tissue donors, celebrate new life with recipients,

and inspire others to say, “Yes” to donation.

Donor

Continued from A14

According to Coleman, the hope is to take this opportunity to educate and bring awareness to the community through National Minority Donor Awareness Month.

Coleman addressed many misconceptions about organ donation, including tales of people who are designated as organ donors on a driver’s license or state-issue ID not receiving life-saving healthcare treatment.

“I think what we have learned in health care is that there are a lot of reasons for these myths exist in communities of color and most of time it

Vaccinated

Continued from A14

is because they have not been treated fairly when it comes to equal access to healthcare,” Coleman said.

“We are responsible for building up the trust of those who have been disenfranchised over the years.

Coleman explained it is a simple process to become a registered organ donor. When you renew or apply for your driver’s license you will be asked if you would like to donate your organs.

“It’s a simple yes, this donor designation is reflected on the license or state-issued identification card,” Coleman said.

“We want our community members to really give this decision in terms of signing up on the organ donor registry or another way of signing up to

really give the gift of life to someone in need.”

You can also sign up on the donor and tissue registry on the Mid-America Transplant website.

“People of color have the highest need, so we want to take this month and really collaborate with the community and partners to talk about how important it is to save and heal lives,” she said.

Dr. Will Ross, associate dean at WashU Medical School and board member for Mid-America Transplant, oversees organ and tissue donation in our area.

Ross, who specializes in kidney care, provided perspective about how Black individuals are almost four times more likely to develop kidney

failure, due to higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

“The major cause of heart disease is diabetes, and both are two times more prevalent in the Black community than in other groups,” Ross said.

“With diabetes, it’s easy to point the finger and say there is an issue with lifestyle, but the bigger issue may be with proper medication, access to affordable fresh produce, and access to health care professionals.”

28% of people currently on the national transplant waiting list are Black – but only 15% of donors were Black in 2021, according to statistics from the Mid-America Transplant organization. Ross added his thoughts on ways to provide

solutions to the organ shortage.

“If we are sincere about providing health equity to this group, on one hand we should have more access to organs, which is a problem because there aren’t enough organs available for transplants to the population in need,” he said.

“We need to take a more upstream approach and start looking at the root causes of these diseases among African Americans.”

Access to healthcare is one of the factors, or social determinants, which lead to greater health outcomes and life expectancy. Ross said one way to be proactive in fighting diseases is improving access to healthcare.

“We fortunately now have the Medicaid expansion which is going to increase access for

a certain population and, it is moving slow, but it’s still moving and getting more African Americans signed up for insurance,” Ross said. As for organ donation, taking a “culturally-sensitive approach” could lead to the recruitment of more minority organ donors.

“We need to have a culturally-sensitive approach that understands the actual needs of African American patients and interactions with their family members, and we have to increase awareness,” Ross said. “These steps are ongoing of the benefits of organ transplantation; we must make sure that organs that are available are used.”

“We know COVID’s still present in our communities, we know we’re still going to have some mitigation layers within our schools, but hopefully they won’t be as onerous as what we’ve seen in the past,” Ziegler said. One exception is the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District,

Colditz

Continued from A14 this year, and school leaders are hoping for a more normal start to class, said Paul Ziegler, CEO of Education Plus, a nonprofit that works with many of the school districts and charter schools in the region.

which sent a letter to families this week saying masks will be required for the first two weeks of school because of the high level of community transmission in St. Louis County.

As of Thursday evening, in Illinois, the CDC said COVID19 risk is high in Madison and St. Clair counties. In Missouri, it is medium in St. Louis and St. Louis County and low in St. Charles County. The CDC relaxed its COVID19 guidelines for schools on Thursday, saying students no longer need to test to stay in class after being exposed to someone with the virus.

Schools are also doing away with other pandemic routines. The Parkway School District

will no longer have a COVID19 dashboard on its website reporting cases in schools and positivity rates. In a letter to families, Superintendent Keith Marty said that masks will no longer be required and that a building case threshold will not be used to reinstate mask requirements.

“We will now apply our standard communicable disease policy in response to COVID,” Marty said. “This means we will treat COVID cases similarly to other infectious diseases in school.”

During the pandemic, public health officials said there was a decrease in other vaccinations. Seven are required by the state to attend school. Parents should check

to engage in physical activity. On top of the decrease in physical activity, studies have also found that the pandemic has had an important impact on rates of youth vaccination. One paper published this spring in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report looked specifically at vaccine coverage in kindergarteners and found lower rates of vaccination in the 2020-21 school year than the previous school year, which began before the pandemic. The disruptions in health care and well child visits during the pandemic make it understandable that rates of vaccinations would drop. Skipped vaccine doses, though, can make children more vulnerable to preventable diseases. This includes vaccines that are most required to enroll in school, as well as the HPV vaccine, which protects against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection can increase the risk of several cancers later in life. If you haven’t done so in the past year, schedule a well child visit with your health

with their pediatrician to make sure their child is on track for the different required vaccines, said Jenelle Leighton, clinical quality administrator with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

“Now is the time for everyone to recognize that immunizations are extremely important and to look at the vaccination schedule and what requirements are needed for the return to the school year,” Leighton said.

Schools are also starting to prepare to respond to monkeypox, though there have not been many cases recorded in the area. Education officials are using skills learned in the pandemic to be proactive, Ziegler said.

care provider to make sure your school-aged children are up to date on all recommended vaccines. With the pandemic ongoing and new COVID-19 variants developing, getting kids vaccinated against COVID-19 remains important as well. It’s recommended that children 6 months and up get the COVID-19 vaccine, which not only helps protect their health

“We’re much better equipped to make quick decisions on how to deal with the infectious disease than we were three years ago,” he said. “While there is no silver lining to a pandemic, certainly our understanding and our ability to deal with a pandemic is much different.”

St. Louis Public Schools is planning to release information about monkeypox for families soon, along with other health information. The district plans to publish monkeypox information on its COVID-19 dashboard and will, as always, ask families to keep kids home from school if they are sick.

“I think schools really need to be careful to make sure that if they do have cases in their students that those cases are not stigmatized,” Brzozowski said. “We need to protect the identities of patients and we need to make sure that there is no stigma attached to something like becoming infected with monkeypox.”

St. Louis County is coordinating distribution of the limited number of monkeypox vaccines available in the region.

Nationally, the virus is mainly spreading through adult intimate contact. But anyone could contract monkeypox, as it is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact or contact with clothing or bedding that was used by a person who is infected.

but also the health of friends and family members. Though it may not always feel like it to our school-aged kids, the beginning of the school year is something to celebrate. It helps mark how far they’ve come and the promise of the new year. That also makes it a great time to help them get back on track with routines that help improve their health – now and into the future. It’s your family’s health. Take control.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz is associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The Celebrate Life 5K brings together the

support those waiting for a lifesaving transplant,

Photo courtesy of Mid-America Transplant

The Missouri GOP and this sinister, very bad recreational marijuana bill

The Missouri Secretary of State announced on Tuesday last week that it had certified the signatures collected for a constitutional amendment as submitted by an organization called “legal Missouri.” After competing with two other ballot initiative signature collecting drives all summer, Legal Missouri pulled through and submitted nearly 215,000 names of Missouri residents who support their petition. Despite an insufficient number of signatures for certain congressional districts submitted to the Republican Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft (of that Ashcroft family), certified Amendment 3 is going to appear on the November general election ballot.

Amendment 3 is perhaps one of the worst recreational cannabis laws that our state could possibly pass. While there is clearly no shortage of interest or support in legalization recreational use of cannabis, the EYE will focus on all of the ways that Amendment 3 will cause further harm to Missouri citizens while allowing out-ofstate cannabis corporations to exploit us.

First and foremost, Legal Missouri has touted that Amendment 3 was based on the 2018 medical cannabis ballot petition that was passed. Huge problems were created by the passage of that bill, including racist scoring for cultivation and dispensary licenses and a “capped” number of licenses, which contributed to inequalities within the cannabis industry. By setting the predetermined limit of 192 marijuana-related licenses that could be issued, the State of Missouri has engaged in market interference by causing artificial scarcity and higher prices, shutting out minority- and women-owned businesses, and encouraging monopolies.

If Amendment 3 is passed, there will be more of the same: medical marijuana licenseholders would receive priority for recreational licenses; many of these licenseholders are whiteowned, monopolistic corporations originating from other states. In other words, Amendment 3 was not drafted to benefit consumers or to add to Missouri’s tax base, but to further line the pockets for mega-corporations who have capitalized on the unfair market created by Missouri Republicans who see an opportunity for a grift.

Truly, should we have expected any legalization bill drafted by swamp lobbyist Steve Tilley and disgraced former state house speaker John Diehl to be fair, equitable, and without exploitation?

Shame on us, if we did.

Second, proponents of Amendment 3 point to the “expungements” allowed under the recreational legalization bill, but that provision also falls far from being helpful to most individuals. Amendment 3 expungements are only automatic for certain misdemeanor possessions - not for A, B, C, and D felonies, which make up a large number of drugrelated offenses charged each year. For reference, current state law states that the possession of more than 35 grams (1.2 ounces) a Class D felony. Expungements in Missouri cost thousands to obtain, including $400-500 for court filing fees and even more to hire an attorney to navigate the alreadycomplex system. Expungements also are not guaranteed, and a judge can prevent an expungement with “good cause for denial” -- which is not defined or explained in Amendment 3. The proposed constitutional amendment would further require individuals who are currently serving sentences for non-violent marijuana possessions to complete the remainder of those sentences,

specifying that expungements are “for any person who is no longer incarcerated or under the supervision of the department of corrections.”

Public consumption of cannabis is still barred under Amendment 3 and there are still no employment protections for persons who medically or recreationally use cannabis outside of work and on their own time. Possessing more than three ounces is still a jailable offense. Persons under 21 are prohibited from any cannabis use, regardless of their medical status, and public consumption (including both smoking and eating edibles) remains a Class A Misdemeanor.

ment 3. Dozens of out-of-state corporations have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into Amendment 3, including at least $300,000 by Washington DC-based New Approach Advocacy Fund, $250,000 by California-based company BD Health Ventures LLC, $430,000 by Arkansas-originating company Good Day Farms LLC, and $55,000 by Chicagobased Grassroots OpCo MO, LLC.

gal Missouri has raised nearly $3 million since launching in September 2020.

Amendment 3 establishes the new, specific crimes embedded within the State Constitution of “cultivat[ing] marijuana plants that are visible by normal, unaided vision from a public place” and “cultivat[ing] marijuana plants that are not kept in a locked space.” Simply put, Amendment 3 does not decriminalize marijuana or its use. But as with everything else in Missouri politics: follow the money.

Legal Missouri’s MEC records paint a clear picture of the driving forces behind Amend-

Missouri-based companies have also dropped massive donations into Legal Missouri’s coffers, such as Proper Cannabis’ New Growth Horizon Fund ($347,500) and BeLeaf Medical LLC ($100,000). There’s of course nearly $30,000 in contributions to Amendment A by Relax PAC, founded and led by Bradford Goette, a former executive for Dirt Cheap and MillerCoors. Relax PAC previously was associated with secret, potentially illegal donations made by embattled lobbyist Travis Brown, currently in exile after very public break-ups with both his ex-wife and Rex Sinquefield, and by dark money funders connected to former governor and sexual-chargesplagued Eric Greitens In total and on the books, Le-

Each of the companies we specifically mentioned above (with the exception of the DC lobbying firm) already holds a medical marijuana license with the State of Missouri, meaning that these companies would receive a “priority” status in applying for recreational marijuana licenses. In other words, by paying for their support of Amendment 3, the existing cannabis mega-corporations are all but guaranteeing the issuance of their recreational cultivation and dispensary licenses and essentially shutting out the possibility for any smaller farms or businesses.

“This initiative eliminates nearly all competition through constitutionally protected license caps,” Christina Thompson of ShowMe CannaFreedom stated earlier this year during a legislative public safety committee meeting. “Recreational licenses created under the initiative will go straight to established businesses as well, meaning instead of opening up more business opportunities for others, money only goes to those who are already profiting.”

Although the 2018 medical marijuana amendment was presented to voters as having “equity” provisions to ensure representation by African Americans, women, and other minority business owners, the grim reality is that most of the licenses issued by the state were given to white men. So, here’s the deal: recreational marijuana is going to pass in the State of Missouri. Voters overwhelmingly supported the passage of medical marijuana in 2018, and having three ballot petitions competing for a place on the November ballot further underscores that support. More than 60% of Missourians support the legalization of adult-use cannabis. There is no doubt that these efforts would be backed by voters.

But this also means that voters who support the legalization of cannabis use have a choice, and we do not have to settle for bad constitutional amendments that don’t fix previous harm caused and stand to cause more damage to marginalized communities.

A “better” legalization bill would include provisions for the automatic expungement of all marijuana-related offenses and the immediate release of

all persons presently serving sentences for possession and trafficking crimes. All persons currently serving sentences for crimes related to cannabis would be immediately released and restored of all of their civil rights. An amendment worthy of your vote would decriminalize all marijuana-related crimes, not repackage them as civil penalties or fines. Licenses would be distributed to businesses who haven’t already had a chance to enter the market, and priority of those licenses should be to minority-owned entities. Employers would be barred from requiring drug testing for marijuana use as a condition for work. There would be true equity and justice for communities historically impacted by aggressive criminal codes and the War on Drugs. An informed electorate knows that since constitutional amendments are difficult to rescind, it is very important to reject Amendment 3. Missouri voters have waited a long time to weigh in on recreational marijuana legislation but they should also remember that there can be an opportunity for better, more equitable recreational marijuana legislation in the future if Amendment 3 is stopped.

In Your Community

Get Together with the Brunch Bunch

Join AARP volunteers on September 17 for a morning of exploration – starting with a ride on MetroLink to the Central Library in downtown St. Louis. As one of the Citizens for Modern Transit’s Ten Toe Express walks, you’ll enjoy a tour of one of the best history-filled locales in our region while making new friends and enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. Ready for an adventure? It’s just a few steps away.

Brunch Bunch

Saturday, September 17 | 8:50 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit aarp.org/stlouis.

*Please note that event dates, locations, times and format are subject to change due to AARP Covid-19 protocols with little to no notice. By registering for this event or program you agree to assume all Covid-19 risk.

/aarpmissouri @aarpmissouri

John R. Ascroft

Steve Tilley

Webster U to address ‘postsecondary gap’

There is national success divide

A goal of Webster University’s Resilience Inspires Student Excellence [RISE] program is increasing career success for undergraduate BILPOC [Black, Indigenous, LatinX, and People of Color] students by increasing interactions with faculty, staff, and support systems. Webster has also received a $30,000 grant to help narrow a ‘postsecondary completion gap’ between white and BILPOC students.

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

There is a divide between the number of white high school graduates that move on to secondary education and students of color.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], in 2020 the college enrollment rate for white students was 62.9%, Hispanic students 56.2%, and Black students 56.6%.

There is also ‘postsecondary completion gap’ between white students and students who identify either as a person of color or who come from a low-income household.

Through a $30,000 grant, Webster University is working to close the wedge that exists on

campus and after college graduation.

Career advising is now a part of admissions, orientation, and first year and beyond activities. A concentrated effort will help students better understand the types of jobs and majors best suited to their interests.

Webster will expand training for faculty members who serve as student advisors and incorporate both academic and career advising throughout a student’s time at the university before graduation.

The Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN) and Complete College America (CCA) awarded the grant, which is funded by the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation. Webster will receive $10,000 per year for the next three years to invest in ways to

improve graduation rates.

“This grant will enable us to integrate our academic advising with early and ongoing career advising to ensure that students understand how their academic efforts will support their post-graduation goals,” said George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology Dean Simone Cummings.

Obtaining a degree once in college also statistically shows students of color not finding as much success as their counterparts.

The NCES reports that in 2019, approximately 64% of all undergraduates will earn a bachelor’s degree, with white graduates matching that number.

See WEBSTER, B2

President Biden signs ‘Inflation Reduction’ legislation

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

A. Reid

President

“I

“This

PeoPle on the Move

Marr named to board at Cass Information

Ann Marr has become a member of board of directors at Cass Information Systems, Inc. Marr is executive vice president of global human resources at World Wide Technology (WWT) where she oversees all global human resources functions and serves as a member of the executive team and board of directors. Marr also manages WWT’s Corporate Development Program, which includes diversity and inclusion, supplier diversity and small business enterprise and is president of the WWT Charitable Foundation.

Baker named VP of student affairs

Dr. Shawn Baker

Harris-Stowe State University has promoted Dr. Shawn Baker to vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. As the chief of student affairs and enrollment, Baker will oversee several areas, including admissions, financial aid, student engagement, health services, residential life, counseling services, student government association, student conduct, bookstore, dining services, and athletics. Baker is an experienced leader, he joined Harris-Stowe in 2007 as the associate dean of student affairs and director of residential life and was promoted to VP of student affairs in 2019.

Culberson returns to St. Louis Science Centrer

Chastity Culberson has been named community science manager at The St. Louis Science Center. She returns to SLSC to lead the aerospace component and youth development curriculum for SLSC’s Youth Exploring Science program; a program that employs teens to teach hands-on science throughout the St. Louis community. She brings over thirteen years of classroom teaching and leadership experience, serving in Ferguson Florissant School District and Metro Nashville Public School District. Culberson has a M.S.Ed degree in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee State University.

Smith promoted to principal at Crowe

Shameka Smith was recently promoted to principal at Crowe LLP, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm with offices around the world. She has been with the firm for over 13 years. Smith serves as the practice leader for regulatory and compliance risk services for the healthcare industry. She specializes in internal audit and consulting services. Smith has more than 20 years of experience providing services related to healthcare audits, supply chain management, and shared service operations.

Photo courtesy of Webster University

Chastity Culberson

Shameka Smith

Ann Marr

Speaker Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi of California was surrounded by House members after passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last week. President Biden signed the bill into law on Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

Photo courtesy of The AP

Congresswoman Cori Bush said there are items in the Inflation Reduction Act she does not support, and others she feels should have been included. She voted in favor of the bill, though, saying, “This legislation will bring us closer to a more livable and equitable future for all.”

Bill

Continued from B1

pricing, closing corporate tax loopholes to ensure billionaire corporations pay their fair share, and lowering energy and health care costs for people all across our country.”

While not included in the landmark bill, Bush said she will continue to press for universal preschool, affordable childcare, national paid leave, investments in housing and transportation, immigration and disability justice, maternal health, Medicare expansion, and a permanent expanded Child Tax Credit.

“This life-changing legislation increases the leverage of the people’s interest over the special interest,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared.

Senate Democrats passed the measure along party lines with a 51-50 vote last week. Vice President Kamala Harris casting the deciding ballot.

Democrats said the bill locks in savings on health insurance premiums and reduces the cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices.

President Joe Biden has said the measure should also lead to creating family-sustaining jobs and cutting energy costs by making the most significant investment in history in combating climate change.

The country will pay the bill’s

Webster

Continued from B1

For Indigenous students, the rate is about 55%; for Hispanic students, the rate is about 53%; for Black students, the rate is 46%; and for Pell Grant recipients, the rate is about 25%.

“We anticipate that these efforts will result in increased student retention and graduation rates, which not only benefit students, but employers and our general community as well,” said Cummings.

Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vincent C. Flewellen said the grant will benefit all students but will provide the great-

$739-plus billion price tag by making corporations pay their fair share. However, those earning less than $400,000 annually won’t experience a tax hike.

“I’m thrilled we were finally able to pass this historic, once-in-a-generation investment in our country’s future, create clean energy jobs and reduce the deficit all at the same time,” said Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said.

Florida Democratic Rep. Val Demings said “Senate Republicans tried and failed to block this legislation because it takes on their biggest backers: prescription drug companies, fossil fuel companies, and billionaire tax cheats.”

Senate Republicans lashed out.

“This is not about inflation reduction. This is all about Democrats spending on things they want to spend money on,” moderate Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said.

“It’s another taxing and spending bill,” he insisted.

Data from the Congressional Budget Office and Congressional Research Reports as cited by CNN suggested that those cuts counted as the ninth time in just two and a half years where proposed legislation to help women and families had been removed.

Paid family leave alone has been trimmed down or dropped five different times since March 2020, CNN reported.

According to a 2021 UNICEF report on national childcare policies, “The United States is the only rich country without

est benefit to Black, Indigenous, Latinx and other people of color [BILPOC].”

“Nationally, BILPOC students tend to graduate at rates that are 20% to 50% lower than white students. And when you look at income, the numbers become more dire, as Pell Grant recipients are significantly more likely to drop out of college than earn a degree.”

At Webster, 49% of graduate and undergraduate students are BIPOC, with Black students comprising 32.7% of that figure during the 2019-2020 school year.

Rise Up

nationwide, statutory, paid maternity leave, paternity leave or parental leave.”

Still, Biden and Democrats savored the legislative victory. The president said he ran for office promising to make government work for working families again, and that is what this bill does.

“This bill caps seniors’ out-ofpocket spending for prescription drugs at $2000 per year – no matter what their drug bills would otherwise be, seniors will not have to spend more than $2,000,” Biden stated

“Additionally, 13 million Americans, covered under the Affordable Care Act, will see their health insurance premiums reduced by $800.”

Biden continued:

“This bill tackles inflation by lowering the deficit and lowering costs for regular families. This bill also makes the largest investment ever in combatting the existential crisis of climate change.

“It addresses the climate crisis and strengthens our energy security, creating jobs manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles in America with American workers. In addition, it lowers families’ energy costs by hundreds of dollars each year.

“Finally, it pays for all this by establishing a minimum corporate tax so that our richest corporations start to pay their fair share. It does not raise taxes on those making under $400,000 a year – not one cent.”

Webster University’s effort to help minority students and those from low-income families find success during after their studies at Webster is ongoing.

Launched two years ago, the Resilience Inspires Student Excellence [RISE program was launched to improve educational access and career success for undergraduate diverse, local students. Its goals include increasing GPAs among BILPOC students, provide increased interactions, and develop a greater sense of community for these students, on and off campus.

RISE program participants are introduced to available resources and monitoring component, which can benefit them academically and socially. The students must also do their part to achieve success for themselves and the program.

Participating students are selected each fall, and they must maintain 3.0 GPA each semester. They are also required to participate in a variety of activities that are integral to achieving the desired program outcomes.

These include meeting with a RISE tutor liaison, the RISE coordinator, and as a group with the RISE team of faculty and staff at the Monthly Community Sunday Dinners.

Webster University and Edward Jones launch program to boost diversity in financial services industry.

See The St. Louis American Diversity Special Section in today’s print edition and online at www.stlamercan. com.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

n “I have no excuse for my error…I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love.”

– Fernando Tatis Jr., on his 80-game suspension for inadvertent steroid use

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

I’ll put my ‘All Title IX

Team’

against any group in the nation

The year 1972 was groundbreaking for women’s sports with the passage of Title IX, a federal gender equity law that increased participation of girls and women in athletics.

During the 50-year anniversary of this game-changing legislation, the St. Louis American has been celebrating the talent and achievement of women in sports from several generations.

In my final installment of the summer, I’ve assembled a St. Louis metro area girls’ basketball team from 1980, the year I first moved to the area, to the present. Here is my team, listed in alphabetical order.

Rita Adams (East St. Louis, 2000): Adams was a star point guard at East St. Louis Lincoln and East St. Louis in the late 1990s. As a junior in 1999, Adams led Lincoln to a berth in the Illinois Class AA state championship year. She went on to have a stellar fouryear collegiate career at the University of Kentucky.

LaShonda Albert (Wellston, 1994): A 6’1” guard who was one of the most talented players ever to lace them up in the St. Louis area. She scored 69 points in a district championship game against Orchard Farm in her senior year, when she led Wellston to the Class 2A state championship. She averaged 29 points a game as a senior. She went on to play collegiate ball at Central Missouri, where she was a NCAA Division II All-American.

Angelina Bonner (Southwest, 1981): The first true star player from the Public High League, she was Ms. Show-Me Basketball as a senior. She averaged 30 points in the state tournament, including 40 in the state championship game. She went on to enjoy a stellar collegiate career at Kansas State.

Felicia Chester (Incarnate Word Academy, 2006): The versatile 6’2” forward led IWA to the Class 5 state championship in 2006. She went on to have a stellar collegiate career at DePaul, where she made the All-Big East Team. She was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA in 2011.

Napheesa Collier (Incarnate Word Academy, 2015): The 6’2” Collier is the most decorated player ever from the St. Louis metro area. After leading Incarnate Word to three consecutive state championships, Collier was selected to the McDonald’s All-American game in 2015. She went on to have a stellar four-year collegiate career at national powerhouse UConn, where she helped the Huskies win two NCAA national championships. She was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, where she was the Rookie of the Year in 2019. She was also a member of the USA’s gold-medal winning team at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Kristin Folkl (St. Joseph’s 1994): The 6’2” Folkl had the most dominant high school prep career in the history of St. Louis sports, male or female. From 1991 to 1994, she led St.

Joseph’s to four consecutive state championships in both basketball and volleyball. Folkl led the Angels on a 71-game winning streak in basketball. She went on to play both sports in college at Stanford, where she was an AllAmerican in both. She also helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA Tournament Final Four in basketball twice.

Tara “Peaches” Harris (Gateway Tech, 2000): A 5’9” point guard, Harris was a fouryear starter for the Jaguars during their dominant run during the late 1990s. She was the floor general of the Jaguars’ two state championship teams in 1997 and 1999. She went on to play at UNC-Charlotte where she set records for 3-point shooting.

Tina Hutchinson (East St. Louis Lincoln, 1983): The 6’3” Hutchinson was one of the most talented players we’ve ever seen in this area. She was a tremendous athlete who could play all five positions. She was the Parade Magazine National Player of the Year in 1983.

Sug Sutton was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2016 for her play at Parkway North, and she had a stellar four-year career at Texas. She made the All-Big 12 First Team and was a member of Big 12 All-Tournament Team in 2019.

After leading Cor Jesu to a Class 4 state championship and undefeated season in 1995, Niele Ivey led Notre Dame to the NCAA national championship in 2001 and now serves as her alma mater’s head coach.

As a freshman at San Diego State, she averaged 30 points and six steals a game. If not for a knee injury, she would probably still be the NCAA career leader in scoring.

Niele Ivey (Cor Jesu, 1996): The 5’7” point guard led Cor Jesu to the Class 4 state championship and an undefeated season in 1995. She went on to have a great college career at Notre Dame, where she led the Fighting Irish to the NCAA national championship in 2001. She played in the WNBA and is currently the head coach at her alma mater, Notre Dame.

Petra Jackson (University City, 1981): The 5’9” Jackson was a star shooting guard for U. City who went on to set collegiate records at Southern Illinois University. She was inducted into the SIU Hall of Fame. She is currently the head coach of the St. Louis Surge.

Theresa Lisch (Althoff, 2004): Lisch

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

enjoyed a great career at Althoff, where she led the Crusaders to a berth in the IHSA state championship game as a senior. She went on to have a record-setting collegiate career at Saint Louis University. She is a part of the very talented Lisch basketball family.

Sug Sutton (Parkway North, 2016): The talented point guard was a McDonald’s All-American selection in 2016. She led the Vikings to the Final Four of the state tournament in 2015. She had an excellent four-year college career at Texas. She was drafted by the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

Tammy Wilson (Hazelwood Central, 1985):

Another one of the great stars from the 80’s, Wilson was an athletic 5’11” forward who could do it all. She led the Hawks to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 1984 and 1985. She was an All-American player at Central Missouri State. I’ll put this high school team against any in the nation, dating back to 1980.

NBA passes hiring exams with flying colors

League lands an ‘A’

It is not surprising that the National Basketball Association is valedictorian of America’s major sports leagues when grading fairness in hiring and diversity practices.

The NBA received an A+ for racial hiring practices and a B+ for gender hiring practices, scoring an overall A, according to an annual study by the University of Central Florida Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport [TIDES].

While the NBA annually tops the NFL, MLB, NHL, and Major League Soccer [MLS], the league improved its overall grade in 2022 because of head

coaching hires. People of color now hold 50% [15] of NBA head coaching positions because seven of eight head coaching vacancies during this past off-season were filled by Black or African American men.

The percentage of people of color among general managers increased from 40% in the 2020-21 season to 50% this past season. As of the beginning of 2021 season, there were 12 general managers of color. Last season, 82.4% of players were people of color, the most in any professional sports league in the U.S. The NBA also excels in front office diversity by race and gender.

Women hold 43.4% of the NBA’s professional staff roles,

and team vice president and team senior management categories saw respective increases, reaching 30% and 39%.

Four African Americans hold the role of chief executive officer and/ or a president for NBA teams. Fred Whitfield (president, vice chairman, Charlotte Hornets), Cynthia Marshall (CEO, Dallas Mavericks), Koby Altman (president of basketball operations, Cleveland Cavaliers) and Masai Ujiri (president and vice chairman, Toronto Raptors).

Alvin A. Reid

And there were six women in one of these positions: Matina Kolokotronis (chief operating officer, Sacramento

Kings), Jeanie Buss (CEO, Los Angeles Lakers), Gillian Zucker (president of business operations, LA Clippers), Marshall (Dallas), Mel Raines (executive vice president of corporate communications, community engagement and facility operations, Indiana Pacers), and Gretchen Sheirr (president of business operations, Houston Rockets). Michael Jordan is the only Black majority governor/chair of an NBA franchise, the Charlotte Hornets. Vivek Ranadive, who is from India, is chair, CEO, and governor of the Sacramento Kings. Joe Tsai, who was born in Taiwan, is the major-

ity governor and chairman of the Brooklyn Nets. Marc Lasry, who was born in Morocco, is a team governor for the Milwaukee Bucks There are three women who are primary team governors. Jeanie Buss is the controlling team governor and CEO of the Lakers. Gayle Benson is the principal governor of the New Orleans Pelicans. Jody Allen is the majority team governor of the Portland Trail Blazers Richard Lapchick, TIDES director and the study’s main author, said the NBA’s grade improvement and overall score were earned “in spite of the fact that we used a higher standard of measurement for race because we switched to reflect the 2020 census. “TIDES recognizes that

teams are now worth billions of dollars and that the percentage of the population of that fits into the billionaire category is not the same as the racial groups represented in the U.S. Census. Nonetheless, that is the criteria we are using in the racial and gender report cards.

“In spite of these areas where there is room to grow, I congratulate the NBA on its marked improvements on an already great record for hiring women and people of color in leadership positions. The NBA stands above the other men’s professional sports leagues,” Lapchick wrote. Richard E. Lapchick is the director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida.

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo courtesy University of Notre Dame

Photo courtesy of the University of Texas

Cortex’s Square One program accelerating inclusive economic growth

Cortex and the Center for Emerging Technologies’ (CET) Square One program is providing the tools for entrepreneurial success. For participants of the Cortex and CET Square One program, a typical Monday evening consists of a meeting of the early-stage entrepreneurs in the showroom at CIC@CET to listen to and learn the best practices to grow their business. What is not typical is how they begin to coalesce as a community and build the foundation for their start of the journey to help make their business dreams come true.

The innovation center’s flagship business development model, the Square One program, offers hands-on training and support to first-time entrepreneurs actively engaged in developing bioscience, information technology, or advanced manufacturing commercial enterprise.

Square One Ignite is a 4-week program to assist founders to quick-start their business model

Square One Bootcamp is an in-depth 10-week, 50-hour program that combines formal instruction with hands-on learning, networking, and mentoring. Bootcamp participants are instructed to connect with a mentor or professional advisor to work on specific deliverables such as a business model canvas, business financial statements, pitch deck, 2-minute elevator pitch, and a planning

validation process. Ignite prioritizes the business model canvas that helps them test assumptions in a visual way. This process introduces entrepreneurs to the local support ecosystem and challenges them to form and test assumptions about their business ideas. As with Bootcamp, the Ignite program connects entrepreneurs with mentors and helps them identify the crucial next steps in launching their business.

“Being in business can be scary and that’s why it is so important for us to build trust and understand the needs of the entrepreneur as well as the small business in the process. By redefining small business development as talent development, we are preparing individuals for success in small business, in the workplace, and in life.”

Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, Executive Director of the Center for Emerging Technologies and Director of Entrepreneurship at Cortex.

The second

checklist.

The program’s structured curriculum seeks to instill in entrepreneurs the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high-growth industries. In an essential learning process step, each entrepreneur engages with sector experts in bioscience, information technology, and advanced manufacturing tracks, respectively. During the program, the

For participants of the Cortex and CET Square One program, a typical Monday evening consists of a meeting of the early-stage entrepreneurs in the showroom at CIC@ CET to listen to and learn the best practices to grow their business.

phase – Square One Bootcamp

team works to streamline the business plan and formalize the creation of their business idea.

Rikki Henry, Ph.D., and CET’s program manager guides the entrepreneur during and after the program to ensure the business continues to grow according to their business plan.

“I take pride in providing each entrepreneur that I meet

either through the Square One program or in general with tools and resources to catapult their ideas to the next level. This engagement helps the community and promotes economic development. The Square One program has assisted many entrepreneurs to connect to the ecosystem along with providing technical assistance. Two entrepreneurs that come to mind are Jane Molina and Joy William,

Congresswoman Bush, Mayor Jones announce $19

Congresswoman Cori Bush and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones recently announced a $19,093,333 million award to the City of St. Louis to reconstruct the runway infrastructure at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. This

grant will fund the reconstruction of 3,600 feet of airplane runway to help maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.

“St. Louis Lambert International Airport proudly

serves as a hub for travelers looking to explore and do business in the City of St. Louis and the Midwest,” said Congresswoman Bush. “I am excited to announce this funding for our St. Louis Region and am proud to have helped

founders of Ninni Co, a pacifier designed for breastfeeding babies. Square One helped advance their business with mentoring and technical assistance, as a result, Ninni Co has a nationwide online purchasing platform. The Cortex board of directors approved the new strategic plan in spring of 2022; the next phase of Cortex emphasizes the need to create

million

secure this funding through the Congressional appropriations process as well as by working with President Biden to help pass the American Rescue Plan last March. This infusion of resources into our airport will help ensure that our region has

opportunities and prepare the workforce of the future.. These entrepreneurs represent diverse identities and business sectors. Graduates reflect the diversity of the St. Louis region both in terms of race and geographic distribution. More than 50% of Square One program participants are people of color and go on to participate in other accelerators and grant programs.

grant to Lambert Airport

the proper infrastructure in place to improve travel access and safety. ”

“From our first flight to continental Europe in decades to a positive bump in credit rating, exciting things are happening at St. Louis Lambert International

Airport,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “St. Louis appreciates Congresswoman Cori Bush’s work to deliver resources to help make our airport an even better destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Living It

Batter up!

Frank Anthony brushes up on Jackie Robinson cleats

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Major League Baseball commissioned East St. Louis native Frank Anthony, to design and paint cleats celebrating the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

During a live session on the Capital One PLAY BALL PARK website, the artist painted the Sole Power Activation cleat, honoring Robinson.

“I’m not much of a baseball fan myself, but I admire the people and the amount of work they do to provide people with a sport to watch,” Anthony said.

“Doing anything athletic takes constant hard work, and [Jackie Robinson] is an example. I’m mainly a fan of his.”

Anthony’s work was offered to bidders during an MLB auction, alongside other pieces that featured artist interpretations of Robinson’s impact and legacy. Proceeds were donated to

the Boys and Girls Club of America, which has several area locations.

“I was honored to receive the opportunity because of everything [Jackie Robinson] stood

n “I was honored to receive the opportunity because of everything [Jackie Robinson] stood for on and off the field.”

- Frank Anthony

for on and off the field, and the things he did to change the direction of baseball, provided opportunities and chances for Black people in baseball that weren’t there before,” Anthony

said.

Growing up in East St. Louis with two siblings wasn’t a walk in the park, Anthony said, sharing that he was surrounded by poverty, high crime rate, and constant bullying in school.

He discovered art at a young age, completing projects as early as three years old. Teasing and criticism from his peers for his shoes inspired him to get into sneaker art, which is one of his art forms.

“My siblings saw I was dealing with hard times in school because people talked about my sneakers,” Anthony said. “My brother gave me an old pair of sneakers. We cleaned them up and restored them to make them look wearable. That made me say ‘I can do art on sneakers and many other clothing items.’ I thought it was cool to wear artwork out and about. It’s about being expressive outwardly in different ways.”

Using artistic skills on tennis shoes and

Relishing a new business

Dog Gone It Hot Dogs open in The Grove

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American Mother, and son duo Sheryl and James Myers are taking the hot dog business by storm.

Dog Gone It Gourmet Hot Dogs brings an oldschool hot dog stand vibe to The Grove neighborhood, and it stands less than 10 feet from Sheryl Myers’ boutique

You walk up to the window, place your order, and within minutes your food is ready. Most customers enjoy their “dog” sitting at the restaurant’s outdoor patio, while others walk around the neighborhood enjoying the scenery.

Dog Gone It offers fun, whimsical, sweet, and savory hot dogs, uniquely carved french fries, and deep fried onion rings. All meals come with a side and drink, and most meals cost under $12.

“St. Louis needs a little bit of this [ hot dog stand]. Sometimes we are so behind when it comes to bringing new ideas to our area,” said Sheryl Myers.

Myers says her inspiration came when she and her husband traveled to New York to buy clothes for her boutique. They would always stop at a stand and get a hot dog.

“I mean they are the best tasting hot dogs, and I got to thinking, ‘how come we don’t have something like this at home,’” she said.

The timing couldn’t have been better. James Myers was finishing up college at Missouri State University where he received his degree in economics.

“We were in the process of trying to groom him into a position to help out with the boutique,” said Sheryl Myers.

She wanted him to be the bookkeeper of her clothing store.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” through a different lens

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Black artist and creative Tre G, is certainly not your typical Shakespearean experience.

The production wheels you in from start to finish with its contemporary approach and relatable Black culture inclusion of African American Vernacular English [AAVE], modern dance, and afrofuturistic costumes designed and styled by fashion designer Brandin Vaughn. Tre G also wrote the original music, which infuses gospel, house, R&B, and pop. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is staged at the corner of 14th Avenue and 14th Street in the heart of the Old North neighborhood. The location is among the 24 parks or gathering spots

n “ I want the Grove to see Black excellence, I want our people to know we are here.”

- Sheryl Myers

However, her son had other plans. Instead of doing auditing work, he wanted to be an entrepreneur like his mom - and wanted her to be his business partner.

“I’ve experienced so many different jobs and none of them were a good fit for me,” he said. “I’ve wanted to have my own business for a while.”

The recent grad says working for Amazon and local bank branches didn’t allow him to creatively express himself. He said he “needs to be in a space where I can freely think outside the box, put those ideas into and on his own terms.”

“I’m not the type of person that can work for someone, I have too many ideas in my head,” he said.

His mom says, “James is a natural, he fell right into the role of a businessman, and rightfully so.”

James Myers has watched his mom become the owner and boss of her business, City Boutique.

It is one of the many pots that Sheryl Myers helps stir. She owns the lower level of the retail space where her boutique and hot dog stand are located. She also owns trucking and construction companies, and has rental property in The Grove. Moreover, her son is good at promoting and marketing their business in the community. But Dog Gone It speaks for itself. A St. Louis favorite is the Riplet Dog, which pays homage to locally produced Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets. The steamed beef frank is covered in crushed red hot riplets, with melted cheese sauce, and sweet barbe-

“Most people know us for Shakespeare in the Park in Forest Park, it’s

See Play, C8

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The St. Louis Shakespeare Fesival performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream Written by William Shakespeare and Directed by Tre’von Griffith in the Etzel Heights Subdivision of Wellston, Mo.

See Anthony, C8

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Dog-On-It Hot Dogs and more owner James Myers outside his Grove neighborhood stand on Tower Grove Ave. at Manchester Ave.

Major League Baseball commissioned East St. Louis native Frank Anthony, celebrity designer and artist in July, to paint special cleats celebrating the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson shifting the color barrier in baseball.

Photo courtesy of Frank Anthony

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Stephanie Monroe

Explore St. Louis

St. Louis offers tons of fun places to discover and explore, especially during the long Labor Day weekend. Make this the year you become a tourist in your own town and join the 25 million guests that visit St. Louis annually in discovering the Gateway City’s treasure trove of attractions.

When you are creating the weekend’s itinerary, make sure to add these ideas to your bucket list: Cards vs. Cubs, you say? Take in this legendary rivalry from September 2 through 4 at Busch Stadium. Sold out? Secure tickets for the Cardinals’ series against the Washington Nationals September 5 through 8. Gates open two hours before the game starts, which gives you plenty of time to see the Cardinals warm up and to peruse the range of fare available in every corner of the ballpark, from classic hot dogs to nachos covered with pulled pork. You will not go hungry at a Cards game.

If you are looking for something exciting for the whole family, the sea lion show at Saint Louis Zoo’s Sea Lion Arena is an ocean of fun! Watch the California sea lions execute acrobatic and mind-blowing feats, such as Olympic-style high dives, flipper walks, frisbee tosses, and other surprises. The trainers from the Zoo

explain sea lion behavior and positive reinforcement training when they’re on stage with the animals. They also stress the value of protecting the sea lions’ ocean home. “Go Greek” at the St. Nicholas Greek Festival this holiday weekend. This beloved culinary celebration of Greek culture is a St. Louis tradition, with delicious classic Greek food being just one of the attractions. There is a sizable menu with dozens of choices plus live music, multiple daily performances by Greek dance troupes, a gift shop with jewelry and artwork, and even a raffle with the opportunity to win a brand-new car!

If circus life is more your style, grab the kids and go see Under the Big Top at the Butterfly House in Faust Park, which wraps up on September 5. Under the Big Top is an all-new summer exhibit where guests are awed by arthropod acrobats. Little ones marvel at circus-inspired bug antics, and the daily schedule includes story time, animal encounters and even butterfly releases. Visitors are also able to walk through the Tropical Conservatory which houses more than a thousand free-flight

60 species of tropical butterflies from around the world.

The Missouri Botanical Garden will host the Japanese Festival once again this Labor Day weekend. Since 1977, the Missouri Botanical Garden, home of one of the biggest Japanese gardens in North America, has hosted this distinctive event. Thousands of visitors enjoy traditional Japanese art, cuisine, dance, entertainment, and music. The festival features Bon Odori dancing, a Bonsai and Ikebana display, a beautiful candlelight walk in the Japanese Garden and even martial arts demonstrations Don’t miss out on this jam-packed, culturally enriching event. Take in four days of bicycle racing in four of the city’s amazing urban neighborhoods during the Gateway Cup. The annual bike extravaganza includes the Tour de Lafayette, the Tour de Francis Park, the Giro Della Montagna, and the Benton Park Classic. Beyond the featured races, The Gateway Cup offers recreational rides, runs, and events for people of all ages and athletic abilities, so it’s perfect for the entire family. With all there is to explore right here in St. Louis, you will have a blast this Labor Day weekend. And of course, if you are planning a staycation, you need somewhere to stay! Visit explorestlouis.com for hotel ideas, plus more information on upcoming events for you to discover.

June’s Voice

By Mark Loehrer, Missouri Historical Society

June Bosley Dabney-Gray jokes that when the doctor delivered her on April 13, 1935, she was almost taken for deceased. The doctor slapped her three times but got no reaction. She laughs, “But he decided to hit me one more time, and my mother said, ‘You haven’t shut up since.’”

Her parents, Preston T. and Alma Jean Bosley, encouraged her love of music as well as civic engagement. Her father modeled that, working as a railway clerk for the Missouri Pacific Railroad for over 50 years and as a community leader through the Yeatman Community Development Corporation. Later in life, Dabney-Gray would also embrace dual roles, serving as a committeewoman for St. Louis’s Ward 1 while also maintaining a career outside of politics.

The youngest of eight children, Dabney-Gray grew up in a household that embraced music. Her father encouraged the children to form a choir, and in an oral history, she recounts her siblings’ musical talent: “Marian could play the piano, Emily was a wonderful alto, Morty a soprano, and Preston was a bass.” Yet her voice couldn’t be contained within the confines of the family home. Soon she was performing in the church choir and later the choir at Cole School, where she was encouraged to become a professional singer. It was the kind of inspiration that Dabney-Gray welcomed. She admits that growing up, she always wanted to be a star, with her name in lights.

At Sumner High School, Dabney-Gray continued her ascent as an accomplished singer under the tutelage of the leg-

endary Kenneth Billups, one of the Midwest’s most prominent Black music program directors. She won contests and plaudits for her standout soprano voice, and her talent and hard work were recognized by classmates like Ron Townson and Grace Bumbry, who elected her school choir president.

While many of her friends and classmates pursued pop or folk music, Dabney-Gray opted to use her talents in an operatic setting. She received an “A” rating in a University of Missouri–sponsored competition for high school students and won the attention of Lincoln University, where she and her friend, Felicia Weathers, were granted scholarships.

At Lincoln University, Dabney-Gray studied music with esteemed instructor Dr. Oscar Anderson (O. A.) Fuller, garnering praise for her soloist abilities. In 1955 she and Weathers auditioned for the Horace Heidt Show, which was visiting Jefferson City. DabneyGray went on to compete nationally against other young singers, ultimately placing second.

Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education, she joined a traveling group, the Vocal Aires. According to Dabney-Gray, the group was created when another Lincoln student, Roland Wyatt, asked her to be a soprano in his new quartet. He also needed a tenor, so she reached out to a longtime family friend, Robert Williams, later known as Robert Guillaume. The quartet traveled the country performing folk songs such as “Jimmy Crack Corn,” which she recalls electrified young audiences at schools, church groups, and local festivals.

Dabney-Gray continued to accrue awards and recogni-

tion for her talent as a soprano, winning the first round on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour in 1966. That same year, she won the top spot at the Metropolitan Opera auditions. She was later offered roles with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Dr. Billups’s famed Legend Singers Chorale Ensemble. She was also committed to giving back to the community, working as a music teacher at Simmons, Baden, and Central Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) public schools. In 1977 she established an honors choir at Central VPA, bringing together a new generation of young, talented musicians to learn, compete, and realize their passion. Rounding out her own education, she acquired her master’s degree in education from National Louis University–Chicago. Not content to simply remain an accomplished singer and music teacher, Dabney-Gray joined family members in the realm of St. Louis politics. Throughout her career in civic affairs, she worked with the Missouri Senate on a bill allowing pregnant women to work until their due date without suffering workplace penalties. She also collaborated with Missouri senator Jet Banks to pass legislation preventing utility companies from shutting off power to customers with sick or disabled children and worked as a commissioner for the 22nd Circuit Court of Missouri. Beyond politics, DabneyGray has maintained strong ties to the community and provides leadership through groups such as the St. Louis Public Schools teachers’ union, Local 420. She also participates in neighborhood organizations including the Skinker-Page-UnionDelmar and Ivory Perry Park associations.

June Bosley Dabney-gray teaching an elementary-age class at Simmons school, December 14, 1966. Missouri Historical Society Collections.

The sea lion show at Saint Louis Zoo’s Sea Lion Arena is an ocean of fun!

Guest Columnist Stephanie Monroe

Photo courtesy of stlzoo.org

St. Louis American staff

Along with an important showdown featuring the host St. Louis Cardinals and defending world champion Atlanta Brave, fans can celebrate Gospel Day at Busch Stadium beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022.

The Butler Group and Gospel Music Hall of Fame Missouri are partnering with the St. Cardinals, the spirited day will kick off with a televised pre-game concert featur-

ing international recording gospel artists which will take place at the Pavilion Patio, 320 S. Eight Street, St. Louis, Mo, 63102.

The Inspired Lives Foundation is also using the game between National League rivals and the pre-game concert to bring awareness to the future Gospel Music Hall of FameMissouri.

The St. Louis-based international cultural arts destination will be giving “long overdue recognition to gospel legends

through the performance of gospel music as a tribute to the beloved genre woven into this nation’s musical fabric,” said Monica Butler, Gospel Music Hall of Fame Missouri founder.

“International gospel recording artists will deliver a myriad of gospel styles, from traditional and contemporary, to

with visions. Vision establishes godly priorities and breaks the spirit of lack. Vision is prophetic and boldly declares God’s will. Vision relies on God.

contemporary Christian, praise, and worship, and quartet-style gospel music and then the St. Louis Cardinals are cheered on to victory.”

The historic Second Baptist Church, which was founded in 1817, is housed at 500 N. Kingshighway in a structure built in 1957. It is the selected

redevelopment site for the Gospel Music Hall of FameMissouri.

“It will educate and showcase the historical impact gospel music has had on this country. Visitors will celebrate the genre while learning the roots of this American art form and its influence on modern music,” said Butler.

The 40,000 square-foot space will house a museum, event space, state-of-the-art soundstage, film theater, and

cultural and performing arts center will be centrally located in the Central West End’s Holy Corners historic district. The interactive facility will be an anchor for the neighborhood, helping to bridge the “Delmar Divide” and bringing needed jobs and tourism to the city of St. Louis.

“I’m

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18

Having a God-given vision for your life is critical. Vision is a powerful asset that we must learn how to tap into and deploy. God has a specific vision for your life. It’s a vision that God designed in eternity and birthed with your entry into the physical realm. It’s a powerful vision, one God is committed to achieving through you. A vision board is a physical collection of items such as

pictures, magazine clippings, words and quotes that visually affirm your goals and dreams. Vision is defined as “the faculty or state of being able to see, ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom, and the act or power of seeing.”

A vision is a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation. Visions are known to emerge from spiritual traditions and could provide a lens into human nature and reality. Prophecy is often associated

The Pulpit Commentary provides an awesome illumination on Proverbs 29:18. It states: “Where there is no vision, the people perish; rather, cast off restraint, become ungovernable, and cannot be reined in. ‘Vision’ (chazon), prophecy in its widest sense, denotes the revelation of God’s will made through agents, which directed the course of events, and was intended to be coordinated with the supreme secular authority.”

The Pulpit Commentary goes on to say: “The prophets were

the instructors of the people in Divine things, standing witnesses of the truth and power of religion, teaching a higher than mere human morality. The fatal effect of the absence of such revelation of God’s will is stated to be confusion, disorder, and rebellion; the people, uncontrolled, fall into grievous excesses, which nothing but high principles can restrain.” There are two points I want to leave you with as it relates to the power of vision and an excellent way to answer the question: “What’s On Your Vision Board?” These two points are revelation and restraint. First, let’s explore revelation.

The revelation (vision) in mind here is not the spontaneous word from a purported prophet. It is God’s great revelation, God’s revealed word through God’s Hebrew prophets and later the apostles and prophets who gave us the New Testament. No vision equals no instruction in God’s truths, which was by the prophets, through visions. Finally, it should be easier to see why no vision leads to no restraint, our second point of exploration. When God’s word is unavailable or rejected, the people (we) cast off restraint. We no longer have a standard greater than our own feelings or current opinions. In essence, the people (we) are deprived of moral restraints. And when we are deprived of moral restraints or have no vision for our lives beyond mere existence or depravity, we have the tendency to move aimlessly and ultimately, we run amok. So, what’s on your vision board? What revelations have you received from God concerning your life and how to live up to your fullest Godgiven potential? What dreams (visions) are you deferring, waiting for the right moment to happen or all the proverbial stars to line up? God is speaking right now. The question is are you listening? And if so, what’s on your vision board?

Dr. Preston T. Adams III is senior pastor at Amazing Grace Christian Church in Indianapolis.

GUARDIAN AD LITEM –FAMILY COURTJUVENILE DIVISION

Family Court (Juvenile Division) of St. Louis County is seeking an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem (GAL) in the Family Court to handle juvenile matters/parent attorney. A GAL who serves the Court must commit to serve on various Family Court (Juvenile) cases on an as needed basis for a monthly retainer to be paid by public funds. The current retainer is in the amount of $2,300.00 per month. Payments for time expended in adoption, guardianship of minor, and termination of parental rights matters may be made over and above the retainer fee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, up to three (3) years of trial experience preferred; preferably in juvenile or family law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding. To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by August 22, 2022): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

FOOD OUTREACH MANAGER

Guardian Angel Settlement Association is seeking a Food Outreach Manager to manage our Client-Choice Food Pantry. Job duties include: Outreach in the community; intake, case management, and resource referrals; and day-to-day operation of the Food Pantry including receiving donations and assisting clients. The scheduled hours for the position are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Starting Salary: $16$19/hour. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Strong communication skills, counseling/case management experience, proficient computer skills and the ability to work with diverse populations also required. Physical requirements include the ability to climb ladders, and lift and carry fifty (50) pounds. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus. Background check required. Resumes can be sent to hr@gasastl.org EOE.

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeks applicants for a Chief Communications Officer.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in journalism, English, communications, modern journalism, marketing, public relations, strategic communications, or a closely related area, and three years in the public relations or marketing fields, including experience communicating with the media and public and experience in modern journalism. Salary range is $85,410-$136,040. Please email resumes to: stlca. resumes@courts.mo.gov See www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com and click on Employment Opportunities for complete job description. EOE.

PRINCIPAL

Are you a strong, faith-driven leader prepared to lead a premier Jesuit high school in its third century of excellence? St. Louis University High is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Principal, one who will lead our academic and formational programs that challenge students to think critically, lead courageously, and transform the world as Men for Others. To learn more and apply, visit sluh.org/principal.

COORDINATOR –ACCOUNT SERVICES – PREMIUM AUDIT (2 OPENINGS)

Responsible for analyzing and processing excess workers’ compensation Standalone audits.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

MANAGING DIRECTOR CLAIMS

Responsible for handling assigned Excess Workers’ Compensation claims from initial assignment to closure as well as supervising Claims Managers and Analysts within region. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

FULL-TIME FACILITIES MANAGER

St. LouiS american Career Center St. LouiS

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT TECHNICAL ANALYST

Responsible for supporting and executing Client Engagement technical initiatives. Responsible for planning, organizing, documenting, communicating and training end users of all supported departmental systems and technical projects while continually aiding in the assessment and improvement of system support.

To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

SPECIALIST –ACCOUNT SERVICES – INSURANCE OPERATIONS

Senior level staff position responsible for providing customer/ underwriter support for operational functions. Provides servicing expertise in our Large Casualty (Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, General Liability) line of business, and in the rating, quoting and issuance of our policies. Work performed adheres to established process procedures, guidelines and customer standards.

To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

SPECIALIST – CLAIMS – TPA MAINTENANCE

Responsible for the investigation, analysis, reporting and communication of various technical operations tasks related to Third Party Administrators’ (TPA) Maintenance and tracking, including regulatory compliance reporting with respect to coverage and class codes, and analysis/payment of TPA Fees per MSA’s.

To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

COORDINATOR –ACCOUNT SERVICES – QUALITY CONTROL

Responsible for performing thorough inspections of Insurance Operations issued policies and policy transactions. Includes policies, endorsements, and any other transactions for all lines of business. Work performed adheres to established process procedures, guidelines and customer standards.

To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

COORDINATOR –ACCOUNT SERVICES – TECHNICAL SERVICES

Mid-level non-exempt position responsible for providing technical assistance, user acceptance testing, and documenting end users processes for the policy administration systems and supporting software applications. Work performed adheres to established process procedures, guidelines and customer standards set by the organization.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

ASSISTANT –LEGAL

This position is responsible for administrative support of the Senior Vice President – Operations and General Counsel (SVPO & GC). Position will work closely with the SVPO & GC to participate on varied and complex tasks requiring aptitude, initiative, critical thinking and discretion.

To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

PUBLIC NOTICE

2022 DESIGN SERVICE RFQ THE NEW EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks Statements of Qualifications from A/E firms and Interpretive Designers for the design of a “New Experience for Children and Families” on the site of the existing Children’s Zoo. Documents describing the submittal requirements are available as of 8/17/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

> Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/ DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP220981 Virginia Ave. Parking

Structure- Relocate C- Store from Pershing Hall

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REHAB CONTRACTORS NEEDED IN DECATUR

Multi-million-dollar rehabilitation projects available for contractors in Decatur, IL. City of Decatur seeks pre-qualified, qualified, and lead-abatement contractors to help meet this demand. The goal is to rehab 150-300 homes over the next two years. Bids will require prevailing wage, excluding any lead-abatement work. A Contractor’s Loan Fund is available to provide additional cash flow if needed. Visit www.decaturil.gov/ contractors-manual to view the Contractor’s Manual and be added to our list, or contact Connie Hamilton at 217-4502350, cfarrar@decaturil.gov

PUBLIC NOTICE

Nadeynne Washington is Deyna Mazique

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace E m e r g e n c y G e n e r a t o r , Infrastructure, St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center - South, Project No. M1908-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/15/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

VIRTUAL OUTREACH EVENT

The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park and Alberici Construction invite St. Louis metropolitan area vendors in the construction fields to come to a Virtual Outreach Event at 10:00 AM on August 26, 2022. Diversified vendors are strongly encouraged to attend. Visit stlzoo.org/vendor for more details. www.adsplanroom.net

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/ DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP222221 4230 Phillips Farm Road- Discovery Park Dermatology Build Out

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> Proposal for City Block 177 Geotechnical Services

> Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM 8/23/2022

> For specific project information, go to > https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

St. Louis County Department of Human Services Housing Urban Development Continuum of Care FY22 Notice of Fund Opportunity

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Program is seeking proposals for the Housing Urban Development Continuum of Care FY22 Grant. The Preliminary Pro Rata Need amount is $4,611.680.00. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on August 30, 2022 central time. Please email completed proposals to Christeena Curtner @ ccurtner@ stlouiscountymo.gov

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on August 15, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom @ https://us06web.zoom. us/j/84382093314?pwd=bFo1MlhYNzRFYlk0TmtJNTI3d3RGZz09 Meeting

ID: 843 8209 3314 Passcode: 004639

Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Continuum of Care webpage located at http://www.stlcountycoc.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of furnishing and installing 10 agricultural style barns. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

NOTICE REGARDING TRAFFIC COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

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

The Circuit Judges and Associate Judges will make the appointment for a term of (4) years, at an annual salary of (1/3) of an associate circuit judge and (1/3) the approximate time commitment, payable by the State of Missouri, pursuant to RSMo §479.500

Missouri law requires the Traffic Court Commissioner(s) to possess the same qualifications as an associate circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri, at least twenty-five years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See RSMo §479.500).

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov

Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before August 31, 2022

The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Court en Banc on or about September 7, 2022 or at such time as announced by the Presiding Judge. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR BIDS

IMPACT Strategies, Inc., as the selected Construction Manager, is requesting Subcontractor proposals for the SIHF/TRH Urgent Care - East St. Louis project, Bid Package #2 - Site & Building Trades. This is a tax-exempt project.

Scope of work on the new SIHF/TRH Urgent Care project includes site work, building construction, and interior finishes required to complete the 5,000 SF addition to the existing Health Center located at 2001 State Street, East St. Louis, IL 62205. The listing of subcontractor bid packages is included within the Instructions to Bidders document provided with the full set of bidding documents.

Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation and IMPACT Strategies encourage participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) for their construction projects. A goal of 24% diverse (MBE/WBE/VBE/DBE) business utilization has been set for this project. Participation from vendors/subcontractors that are certified with the Illinois Business Program is highly encouraged, as is participation from additional local certifying agencies including, but not limited to: Missouri State Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, City of St. Louis M/WBE Programs, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Authority, St. Louis Development Corporation, IDOT, MODOT, St. Louis Minority Business Council, and Missouri Regional Certification Committee among others.

There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting held on August 23rd at 8:00 AM to provide all subcontractors access to the space and to discuss details of the project and bid submittal process. Please meet representatives of IMPACT at the project location for the start of the meeting. Please confirm pre-bid attendance, along with any questions regarding this walk-through, with Emily Yost. EYost@buildwithimpact.com

Project Documents, as well as samples of IMPACT’s subcontract documents and insurance requirements have been posted to Building Connected, and the following direct link. Documents are also available through SIBA’s online plan room, MOKAN online plan room, McGraw Hill Dodge and Cross Rhodes Reprographics.

https://buildwithimpact.exavault.com/share/view/33bxb-gjt43g0r

Subcontractor proposals are due to IMPACT Strategies, Inc. by August 30, 2022, at 9:00 AM and should be emailed to Emily Yost. eyost@buildwithimpact.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> Proposal for Repair & Preventative Maintenance of Parking Garages & Parking Lot Repairs

> Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM 9/2/2022

> For specific project information, go to > https://www.stltreasurer.org/Request for Proposals/

$100/dep

City of

a play. With TourCo we want to take Shakespeare out into the neighborhood, in our communities where people are hanging out,” Tom Ridgley, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival production director told HEC Happening Now. A cast of six, including women and nonbinary actors, joins in the performance which trails three storylines. The show details relationships between two couples. The characters celebrate the Duke’s marriage to the Amazonian Queen, and the King and Queen’s romantic quarrel.

Tre G told Jeremy Goodwin of St. Louis Public Radio that

he chose the actors portraying the characters to be perceived “in an androgynous sort of way.”

“What if we took gender and gender norms out of the equation, and we just saw these people as humans and just the beings that they are? How would we experience love in a new way? How would we experience relationships in a new way?” he said.

Tielere Cheatem, Rae Davis, Ricki Franklin, Asha Futterman, Mel McCray, and Christina Yancy bring their own flavor to the performance, which is hilarious, magical, full of life, and chaotic.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” reinterpretation offers a unique twist on a vintage tale, which highlights what might have been if Shakespeare utilized the voices of Black and

queer characters in his works.

“A lot of the time, we’re hired, and we still have to follow the rules,” Tre G told Goodwin in an interview.

“A lot of the times you approach this differently because you think it’s this Eurocentric kind of thing. I’m excited just to bring our youthful version of this to the community. I’m hoping that maybe some young Black actor, or some young, Black, queer actor, gets a chance to see themselves represented in a new light.”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” continues its tour through August 27, 2022. All performances are free. Each performance begins at 6:30 p.m. with a pre-show guide. The show begins at 6:45 p.m.

Visit www.stlshakes.org for more information.

Dog Gone

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cue sauce. If your mouth is not watering it should be, because it is so good. If that’s not enough to get you over there, try the West Coast Dog, with tomatoes, onions, pickles, thyme and mustard. And you can’t forget the Philly Dog. It was what it

says: a Philly Cheese Steak and hot dog.

Not everyone is into hot dogs, but who doesn’t like gourmet fries? The Bar-B-Que Ranch fries are topped with Ranch dressing, bacon, and barbecue sauce.

“It’s comfort food, it’s quick and good for when you’re leaving ‘the club,’” said Sheryl Myers. “I mean it’s really, really good.”

The hot dog stand also has chicken franks, vegan and veg-

Anthony has resided in Los Angeles for three months, calling his relocation “a leap of faith.”

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other apparel “gives a lot more avenues for creatives having a difficult time with their appearance,” Anthony said.

“I know I’m not the only bullied person because my shoes were busted. I didn’t have a name-brand shirt, and my shirt wasn’t always clean. Creatives don’t have to be limited with how they deal with situations of being teased.”

Anthony said many East St. Louis artists feel they must leave the area to find recognition.

“I feel like if there were more awareness of the talent in East St. Louis, that would help more. I can do my part by spreading more awareness on the talent and art in East St. Louis,” he said.

“The transition has its ups and downs because being in an area I’m unfamiliar with has its challenges,” Anthony said.

“I’m still adapting to the driving distances, the weather, and familiarization with the city. Back home, I knew where everything was, and it didn’t take 45-50 minutes to get from Point A to Point B. Here I have to use my navigation system to go everywhere.”

His advice for Black youths is “stay true to themselves.”

“Express yourself in whatever creative way you see,” Anthony said.

“It will effect you because you’ll grow from constantly creating and always have that inspiration to tap into. It can be a long journey, things will happen along the way, but that’s the most beautiful part about it.”

etarian options. The mom-prenuer says she knows the area, with her boutique operating on Manchester Boulevard for 13 years. The Grove does not have a hot dog stand nearby, so it was a no brainer. Plus they have been getting support from neighborhood restaurants.

“ I want the Grove to see Black excellence, I want our people to know we are here,” said Sheryl Myers.

Anthony said he is crafting an art show which will debut later this year, and plans to incorporate his art on phone cases, sneakers, clothing, and more. He specializes in fine art. Patrons should look for his signature staple, a wood-grain hand-painted technique intertwined with a checkered-board aesthetic.

Along with his work for MLB, his pieces have been featured at the 2021 Paris Art Exhibition, Viacom/MTV’s Converse Create At Home Campaign 2020, Overtime Paint Wars 2020, and other venues.

Frank Anthony’s artwork is available on his website, https://frankanthonyart.com/.

Follow Anthony on Instagram, https://www.instagram. com/kingdom_made

Anthony

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American City Boutique owner Sheryl Myers in her Grove business district business at the intersections of Manchester Ave. and Tower Grove.