The St. LouiS AmericAn
SLPS mandates vaccines for teachers
District joins Ferguson-Florissant in taking action
By Sophie Hurwitz
Taking a step that just two have locally, and few have nationally, St. Louis Public Schools on Tuesday instituted a vaccine mandate for all faculty and staff.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District also has a vaccine mandate as students return for the 2021-22 school year. The SLPS mandate was approved a day after the FDA granted the Pfizer vaccine full, non-emergency approval. SLPS staff members must be vaccinated by mid-October or face unpaid leave. Employees may file for religious or medical exemptions.
Superintendent Kelvin Adams said the district lost two teachers who had not been vaccinated in the first week alone, and the first case of an SLPS student contracting
COVID-19 was identified Tuesday.
While there are no other school staff vaccine mandates in St. Louis or St. Louis County, other districts have offered other incentives. Normandy, for example, is offering a $750 bonus to teachers who get inoculated.
St. Louis, along with several large local employers, has already mandated vaccination for all of its employees.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who is in pursuit of the 2022 Republican nomination for Senate, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against every Missouri school district that is currently mandating masks. He filed the lawsuit in Columbia, naming that public school district and its school board and superintendent. All districts with mask mandates are targets, including St. Louis Public Schools, which will
n SLPS staff members must be vaccinated by mid-October or face unpaid leave. Employees may file for religious or medical exemptions.
they began their first day of school on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.
By Sophie Hurwitz
Moji Sidiqi, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Afghanistan 21 years ago, says
Emergency rental assistance clinics serving
St. Louis
Some residents still face eviction
By Sophie Hurwitz The St. Louis American
Last week, two emergency rental assistance clinics opened in St. Louis, and neither is lacking for clients.
Though the federal eviction moratorium was extended until Oct. 3, it only means that sheriffs will not enforce evictions: the legal portion of eviction proceedings can continue unabated. That’s where the emergency rental assistance clinics come in. They can help connect clients with federal relief funds, provided that those clients are able to provide proof of their need and that they were negatively impacted in any way by the COVID-19 pandemic.
n Though the federal eviction moratorium was extended until October 3rd, it only means that sheriffs will not enforce evictions: the legal portion of eviction proceedings can continue unabated.
Shannah Nieweg is the executive director of Horizon Housing Development Company, where one of the two walk-in clinics is housed. She says they’re seeing five to ten walk-in clients per day, along with the “150 or so” clients they work with on a regular basis.
“Housing is the foundation for everything,” Nieweg said.
“It’s your foundation for security, for stability. If you’re worried about losing your house day to day, those worries are often controlling your mind.”
The other housing clinic, at the Wohl Recreation Center on North Kingshighway, has been seeing more walk-in clients than Horizon Housing. Over the week since its opening, it has called in housing specialists from the Urban League to assist with client intake.
The Urban League is also one of several organizations that these walk-in clinics funnel clients towards, depending on need. Those organizations then follow up with clients after their first round of emergency rental assistance has been disbursed.
That’s something that Paula Carey-Moore, the Urban League’s Regional Director of Housing, says can happen in as little as a
Wilkinson Early Childhood Center at Roe Elementary School first grade teacher Teresita Higginbottom directs students as
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
See VACCINES, A6
The St. Louis American
The St. Louis American
Photo by Sophie Hurwitz / St. Louis American
Kanye West publicly shares Drake’s home address
Kanye West sought the ultimate revenge by releasing Drake’s Toronto, Ontario, home address to the public on Instagram, as their longtime feud reignited. West later deleted the post, and Drake doesn’t appear to be bothered by the antics.
Instead of reacting angrily, Drake posted a video of himself laughing at the matter on his Instagram story.
The situation resulted from Drake diss ing West on a song he just dropped with Trippie Redd. Drake addresses their past grievances and calls West “burned out.”
West responded in a group chat that included former Drake rival, which showed a threatening ‘Joker’ text with the message: “I live for this. I’ve been f***ed with by nerd ass jock n***** like you my whole life. You will never recover.
I promise you.”
He also deleted that post, and now the pot continues to stir.
Beyoncé, JAY-Z’s love story shines in Tiffany ad
Beyoncé and JAY-Z take us down lover’s lane in a Tiffany & Co. campaign that launches worldwide Sept. 2.
“Love is the diamond that the jewelry and art decorate,” the couple — whose love was captured in a behind-the-scenes photo shared exclusively with PEOPLE — say in a statement.
The fall 2021 ad entitled “ABOUT LOVE “ showcases Beyonce wearing the iconic Tiffany yellow diamond. She’s the fourth person ever to rock it. JAY-Z is seen sporting Jean Schlumberger’s timeless Bird on a Rock brooch, revamped as unique cufflinks.
Other significant jewels displayed in the campaign include a 22-carat yellow diamond ring, a 15.02-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Botswana and an 18-carat yellow and rose gold
“Beyoncé and JAY-Z are the epitome of the modern love story. As a brand that has always stood for love, strength and self-expression, we could not think of a more iconic couple that better represents Tiffany’s values,” Alexandre Arnault, product and communications EVP, said in a statement. “We are honored to have the Carters as a part of
the Tiffany family.”
A film featuring a Beyoncé’ version of “Moon River,” will be released on Sept. 15. JAY-Z shot it on a Super 8 camera at the Orum House in Los Angeles.
Fans champion Levar Burton as Jeopardy! permanent host
Levar Burton, former Reading Rainbow host, filled in as a guest host of Jeopardy! the last week of July. Even after thousands of fans signed online petitions supporting Burton, it was instead announced on the evening of Aug. 5 that the show’s executive producer Mike Richards was in talks with Sony Pictures Television to replace the late Alex Trebek
A week after Richerds was formally named a Jeopardy! host, some of his controversial past remarks came to light. Details of harassment and discrimination lawsuits against CBS from Richards’ time as an executive producer on The Price Is Right also reemerged. Richards resigned as host before filming a single show.
While other celebrities took to social media to blast Richards, Burton sent out one of his regular “Happy Friday, y’all!” tweets near the same time Richards stepped down.
Meghan McCain responded saying, “Happy Friday to my @Jeopardy host!
Roxanne Gay wrote, “it shouldn’t be this hard for @levarburton to receive serious consideration as @Jeopardy host. He isn’t some random idea people have. He taught genera-
tions of children to read. He has real depth. He is charming and handsome.”
Sanaa Lathan almost played ‘Candy’ in “The Best Man”
Her small role as Robyn in The Best Man is one of Sanaa Lathan’s earliest screen appearances. In an interview with Jemele Hill on the “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” podcast, she said producers were originally interested in her doing a different role.
“It’s funny because they wanted me to come in for Candy, for Regina Hall’s part,” she said.
The classic 1999 film journeys the love and relationships of former college friends played by Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, Terrence Howard, Melissa De Sousa and Harold Perrineau. Lathan plays Taye Diggs’ love interest.
The characters are opposites of one another. Robyn is a chef working toward launching her business, while Candy is a stripper that uses her money to pay for school.
When she was asked about playing Candy, she said, “Well I would have had to…well, I don’t know if I would have gotten that.”
Sources: www.TMZ.com, www.People. com, www.TheShadeRoom.com, www. TheJasmineBrand.com, www.Essence.com,
Webster University holds make-up prom for students who missed theirs
By Sophie Hurwitz
The St. Louis American
Many students for the past few years have missed out on an important coming-of-age ritual: the high school prom.
At Webster University, administrators and student leaders put their heads together to construct a ‘make-up prom’ for their students, complete with loud pop music, bright, sparkly backgrounds, and a dark gymnasium.
Students determined their own outfits, ranging from a t-shirt-fake-nails combination to a floor-length prom dress that the student hadn’t had the chance to wear in the years before.
Student leader Megan Sander spent the summer setting the event up, getting all the decorations prepped, making sure they had a DJ and a photo booth.
“We know they missed out on the prom at their high schools due to COVID, so we really wanted to make Webster their home... and make it the best prom ever,” she said. The prom was part of the university’s first in-person orientation week since COVID hit.
At Webster, college is starting up in a more normal way than it has since the pandemic hit St. Louis in March 2021, thanks to the school’s vaccine mandate. Every student at the dance was masked, and was at least part of the way through their vaccination series.
Associate Dean of Students Dr. Colette Cummings said that the
hardest part about moving back to in-person school was just getting students to upload their vaccination cards on time.
“I think the biggest challenge is making sure that we keep every student safe. And we’re doing that, because we’re requiring everybody to be vaccinated.” Cummings said. And regarding the prom, “I love it. It’s really refreshing to see this many students again.”
Some of the college sophomores putting together the prom had missed their own
n Every student at the dance was masked, and was at least part of the way through their vaccination series.
high school proms, too.
Taylor Friend, a sophomore at Webster, said she loved the chance to see people dancing together in person.
“Starting my first year of college not able to see anyone was sad, scary...we didn’t get to meet a lot of people. Seeing a lot of people in person’s an amazing feeling.”
Many of the freshmen she mentors, Friend said, are still anxious about starting school in-person: a real-life college experience, after multiple years of virtual learning, can be socially overwhelming.
“You get a lot of social anxiety after not seeing people,” Friend said. “So a lot of them are kind of skeptical. But after talking with my mentees this past week, they’re excited and ready for the new experience.”
Webster’s leaders had wanted to hold the prom at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, but were unable to do so due to the lack of vaccine availability.
“The idea behind this came up over a year ago, when we were having conversations with our parents of the new incoming students last year, and listening to the fact that their students didn’t get to have prom,” said Billy Ratz, first-year experience director at Webster.
“But there wasn’t a vaccine yet, so we pushed it off. Then we thought this year hey, we’re coming back, we’re going to be in person. Let’s do it this year, and give these students that experience that they didn’t get to experience in high school. We thought it would mean a lot to them.”
Webster plans to hold the semester entirely in-person, though they are willing to ‘adapt’ to virtual learning again should the pandemic make that necessary, Ratz said.
A pair of students joined many others who finally got a chance to make a grand entrance at prom, thanks to Webster University.
Photo by Sophie Hurwitz/St. Louis American
Editorial
How much longer will they obstruct in Missouri?
After a decade of misinformation, indurate blocking and intentional delays by Missouri Republicans, Medicaid has not been expanded and substantial federal funding over these years has been refused in Missouri. It is history repeating itself. Congress created Medicaid in 1966, but it took 16 years for every state to agree to participate in this government health plan for the poor. In an apparent desire to score points with their core political base who have been led to believe that Medicaid expansion is just another effort to bring more “government overreach,” “socialism” and “a permanent underclass” to this state. This continuing effort to undermine implementing “the dreaded Obamacare policy” ignores the statewide voter referendum nine months ago that was affirmed by the Missouri Supreme Court. Is it too much to ask Missouri elected officials to act in good faith?
Obviously the Missouri Republican party, led by Governor Mike Parson, firmly believes that their reliable voters will not punish them at the polls. This group of loyal Republican voters also includes a disproportionate amount of vaccine skeptics and anti-maskers.
Now state officials tell a number of people of this state to wait until Medicaid is fully expanded in early October. Missouri’s Family Services Director has said that training and computer changes will delay Medicaid verification until October 1. She added that, “while people can start applying now, the application will sit there until we have the eligibility piece in, which will be October 1.” Governor Parson has also said that potential Medicaid clients “may be reimbursed” for the expenses gained between the application date and verification.
But who would want to incur health expenses on the promise that they “may” be repaid sometime in the future? Who would take the chance that they might be denied coverage and be responsible for huge medical costs down the road?
Still, we believe people who think they are eligible for expanded coverage should begin the application process. This would enable the state to begin its preliminary work to give final verification by October 1. Governor Parson owes the public an explanation of why the state has been so unprepared with training and software upgrades since last August, when he initially announced he was prepared to implement the voters’ wishes.
It is still puzzling why so many, who themselves are in need of health insurance and access to health facilities, oppose the expansion. A compelling case for expansion of Medicaid has
been made by both health professionals and the business community. Yet fears of “socialism” and “government interference” seem to resonate with Republican base voters, despite their own basic material needs.
In the meantime, Republican elected officials seem intent on unabashedly exploiting these fears and grievances despite some of the new realities in a changing world to serve their political ambitions. The backward-looking governing political party in red state Missouri seems willing to pursue their current course for political gain. Adhering to their current policies condemns the state to continue to suffer its declining economic status compared to more forwardlooking states in the Midwest. Unfortunately, many poor people and many workers have been denied too long the health insurance that the voters approved because state officials have chosen to ignore the voters’ will. This has led to the ongoing, unnecessary suffering of hundreds of thousands over the last decade, and that obstructive resistance continues, despite clear popular support at the polls for expanding Medicaid coverage.
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
This anthem does not speak for me
By Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our “national anthem,” was a dyed-in-the-wool racist. He opined that “Negroes” were a “distinct and inferior race.” He was a slaveholder from a family of slaveholders who influenced the odious seventh President Andrew Jackson to appoint Judge Roger Taney, the author of the Dred Scott decision (“Blacks have no rights that whites are bound to respect”) to the Supreme Court. Aspects of the “national anthem” are derisive to Black people. Key disagreed that the formerly enslaved who fought with the British in the War of 1812 should receive their freedom due to their service. The British kept their word, settling formerly enslaved Blacks in the British Caribbean on land they provided them. How, then, did the raving of a racist become our nation’s national anthem, taught in every school, played at every athletic event and assembly, and designed to stir patriotic strings when we hear it?
When I hear the words “land of the free, home of the brave,” I think “land of the thief, home of the slave.” As early as 1836, abolitionists were mocking the song, taking that offensive line and recasting it as “the land of the free, home of the oppressed.” When you delve into the lyrics, Key’s utter contempt for Black people, especially those formerly enslaved people
who claimed their freedom by fighting with the Brits, was apparent. But the Daughters of the Confederacy (surprise, surprise) were among those who thought this slave-deriding song should be our national anthem. In doing so, they ensured that generations of schoolchildren would never learn the truth about the hypocrisy of their country, fighting for freedom against the Brits while also fighting for the right to deny others freedom.
When Gwen Berry, an African American athlete who had qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, turned her back on the American flag while the troublesome national anthem was playing, she invited criticism for her actions.
“The anthem doesn’t speak for me,” giving voice to the ambivalence that so many African American people feel about this nation.
She turned her back and covered her face with a T-shirt that said, “activist athlete.” Generations have been taught the Star-Spangled Banner without understanding its author or the meaning of its lyrics.
While many opposed the national anthem, Woodrow Wilson, whose own racial views were questionable, embraced
the anthem. Still, it was not made official until the passage of HR 14 in 1929. Before that, “America the Beautiful” (“Oh beautiful, for gracious skies…”) was considered the national anthem. The Ray Charles rendition, and his struggles to sing it in Georgia, are more impactful emblems of “America” than the lyrics of a slaveholder could ever be.
Berry said the anthem did not speak for her, but it still seems to speak for so many of our fellow citizens who mindlessly sing racist lyrics penned by a slaveholding man. As long as this is our international calling card, so long as this is the music that accompanies our athletic victories, we tell our Black athletes that they are valued for their athleticism, but not for their lives and for the injustices they experience. To force someone to stand up and listen to that nonsense is to shove patriotism down the throats of those who feel somewhat less than patriotic. It is entirely possible to excel in one’s sport and look askance at American hypocrisy.
Berry is one of a long line of activist athletes. She deserves applause, not approbation. She says “The Star-Spangled Banner” doesn’t speak for her. It doesn’t speak for me, either.
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University at Los Angeles.
Commentary
August 28 must remain important to all Black people
By Marc Morial
could vouch for applicants.
We are tired. We are tired of being beaten by policemen. We are tired of seeing our people locked up in jail over and over again. And then you holler, “Be patient.” How long can we be patient? We want our freedom, and we want it now.” –John Lewis, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963 At the time of the 1963 March on Washington, where 23-year-old John Lewis was the youngest speaker, fewer than 20 percent of the Black citizens of his home state of Alabama were registered to vote.
County registration offices were open as seldom as two days a month, usually during a workday. The rare white employer who gave a Black employee time off to register risked economic retaliation from a local White Citizens Council.
Those who managed to make it polls, stood in the long, slowmoving registration lines and were faced with harassment, intimidation, and the possibility of arrest on false charges. The information entered on the application form would be shared with the Citizens Council and Ku Klux Klan.
Under the “voucher system,” applicants needed a registered voter to swear under penalty of perjury that the applicant met the qualifications to vote. In some counties, the few registered Black voters were permitted to vouch for only two or three applicants per year.
Other counties had not a single registered Black voter who
A Black citizen who successfully completed the application and the arduous and nonsensical literacy test, still could be rejected arbitrarily by the all-white Board of Registrars.
So it was throughout the South, until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed these racist tactics, and Black voter participation steadily grew until the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the Act in 2013.
Shelby v. Holder, the Court’s worst decision in a civil rights case since 1896’s Plessy v. Ferguson ushered in the era of Jim Crow, cleared the way for an onslaught of raciallymotivated voter suppression laws that threaten to return the nation to those dark days.
That is why, on August 28—58 years to the day after the historic March on Washington, I’m proud to join
n How long can we be patient? We want our freedom, and we want it now.”
– John Lewis, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28,
Martin Luther King II, the Rev. Al Sharpton and other civil rights leaders to help lead Americans on another march to demand federal voting rights protection.
Marches will take place August 28 in five flagship cities—Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.—as well as in towns and cities across America.
Shelby v. Holder may have opened the floodgates for racially motivated voter suppression laws -- within 24 hours of the ruling, Texas
announced a strict photo ID law, and Mississippi and Alabama began enforcing laws that previously had been struck down. But historically-high Black voter turnout in the 2020 Presidential election and 2021 U.S Senate runoff election in Georgia accelerated and intensified the deluge. Just this year, anti-democracy legislators in 48 states have introduced nearly 400 proposals that would make it harder for Americans to vote, and 18 states have enacted 30 of them.
These laws limit or outright ban the voting methods that led to high turnout: ballot drop boxes and mail-in voting, early voting days and hours, even criminalizing the distribution of water to voters waiting in the long, slow-moving lines that recall the days of John Lewis’ youth. Most of these laws would have been struck down under the preclearance provision of the Voting Rights Act that Shelby v. Holder eliminated. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives earlier this week, reinstates that provision. The For the People Act, which passed the House in March and remains stalled in the Senate, creates a standard of federal voting rights, such as modernizing voter registration processes, as well as ending gerrymandering and enforcing campaign finance laws. It also facilitates information sharing between federal and state governments about threats to state election systems. As John Lewis urged in 1963, “Get in and stay in the streets of every city, every village and hamlet of this nation until true freedom comes, until the revolution of 1776 is complete.”
Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League
Shocked by St. Louis County Council
As a former North County resident, I still keep up with the goings on in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. While I am not surprised by the backward thinking of outstate politicians and voters that support them, I am literally shocked by the conduct of St. Louis County Council members Rita Days and Shalonda Webb. By siding with the anti-vaccine, anti-mask zealots they hopefully have lost all credibility with the citizens they represent. Since they have forgotten the people that put them in office, those same people should forget to vote for them the next time they run.
Z. Collins Northern Va.
Columnist Marc H. Morial
Columnist Dr. Julianne Malveaux
Photo St. Louis American archives
Governor Mike Parson
Check this out
R.A.P.P charity gala on Sunday will help take on gun violence
St. Louis American staff
Rapp Chairs was shot to death while on an East St. Louis Street on Aug. 13, 2012. His sister, LaTon Chairs, vowed to take on gun violence and created the R.A.P.P. Cares foundation in his memory.
Chairs said its mission “is to empower people by letting them know we stand with them against gun violence.”
She will host a fundraising event called “I Will Survive” at 6 p.m. Sunday at The Thaxton-Speakeasy, 1009 Olive St. It will be Chairs’ seventh charity gala. R.A.P.P and Chairs work with organizations including Moms Against Gun Violence and the NACCP. They support local law enforcement in educating people about gun laws and gun security, so firearms do not fall into the hands of children.
“It’s important to talk to your kids about guns,” she said.
A seven-year-old boy was the victim of an apparent accidental shooting involving a 10-year-old on
Wednesday in the city’s Baden neighborhood, according to police. They found a loaded gun in a bedroom.
When tragedy occurs, R.A.P.P also helps families with funeral and burial costs and provides counseling to grieving family members.
The organization also holds an annual youth leadership conference and provides scholarships.
“Loyalty and humility are what keep me at peace on my journey,” said Chairs, an East St. Louis native who remains active with the organization after relocating to Chicago.
“I been told that I give more than I take. That’s because I strongly believe that greatness comes from generosity.”
Joyce Brown, mother of R&B artist Chris Brown, will receive the “Gun Violence Awareness Ambassador” award. Chairs will also be celebrating her birthday.
Chairs will also receive proclamations from East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones.
Self-confidence key to beating ‘imposter syndrome’
By Wendy Gladney L.A. Sentinel
Have you ever felt like you are a fraud and have not lived up to the expectations of your friends and family? Do you think your co-workers have an inflated view of your skills and abilities and one day they will find out you do not know much, and they will expose you as a fake? When you look in the mirror do you see someone who has been lucky rather than good to achieve their level of success?
Do you feel that somehow you have tricked others into liking you and wanting to spend time with you and you are not worthy or deserving of their friendship? If you answered yes to any of these scenarios you are experiencing what is called “Imposter Syndrome,” which is the belief that you are fraudulently claiming to be something you are not, that you are not as good as other people think you are.
It has been estimated that nearly 70% of individuals will experience signs and symptoms of impostor syndrome at least once in their life. While imposter syndrome is still prevalent among women, and specifically women of color, men are also susceptible to developing this mindset.
The imposter syndrome disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. The late great Maya Angelou fell victim to this condition, she once said: “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they are going to find out now. I have run a game on everybody, and they are going to find me out.’”
Despite their outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, many women like Maya Angelou believe that they are not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise. I admit that I have had imposter syndrome symptoms, because I was not able to internalize and own my successes and I had trouble believing that I was worthy. I had what I called intellectual self-doubt.
Once I realized that I suffered from this imposter syndrome condition I knew I had to change my mindset and here are some of the things I did to do that: 1) I had to remind myself of what I did well and focus on my strengths. 2) I reminded myself I was not perfect and I had to stop being so hard on myself when I made a mistake or bad decision. 3) I began to reward myself and celebrate my victories. I worked hard so I was also going to play hard and enjoy the fruits of my hard work and 4) I started to change the way I was thinking about my life which helped me to feel less anxious and fearful all the time. I stopped doubting myself and started to believe more in my talents and skills.
The kryptonite for imposter syndrome is “self-confidence.” Selfconfidence is when you trust your own abilities, capacities, and judgments, and believe you can successfully face day-to-day challenges, circumstances, and conditions. Self-confidence may not be a sure-fire guarantee of success, but it is a pattern of thinking that will improve your likelihood of success and turn your thoughts into action. Selfconfidence is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Most of us will experience moments of doubt, and that is normal, what is not normal is when we let that doubt control our actions. We may still have some impostor moments, but we must not allow it to be a way of life.
Wendy Gladney is a columnist with NNPA member The L.A. Sentinel
Isaiah Pulido moves his queen during the Black Squares Chess Camp at the Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in St. Louis. The student competition was on the last day of the two-week camp and Pulido was crowned champion. The camp was created by Bronx, New York, chess sensation Justus Williams, who became the youngest African American Chess Master in history at age 12.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Wendy Gladney
Clinics
Continued from A1 week — assuming that individuals have their documentation in order prior to coming to the walk-in clinic.
That documentation, though, can often be a stumbling block, according to Taiya Wright, Office Administrator at Horizon Housing. Sometimes, individuals don’t have valid IDs or birth certificates, meaning that case managers at the walk-in clinics have to solve that problem before they can get to the problem of keeping people housed.
“Individuals that don’t have valid IDs or birth certificates, just giving them a generalized resource for where to obtain those, that’s been helpful,” Wright said.
Employers and landlords, too, have to provide documentation, though some are reticent:
“If they work for home health agencies or large corporations, they’re often not willing to provide that documentation.”
“It’s the minor things we take for granted” that become the biggest hurdles, CareyMoore said. What the clinic does is
n What the clinic does is make sure the eviction moratorium is being enforced and that, when it expires, people will already be connected with rental assistance organizations so the eviction process doesn’t move forward then.
make sure the eviction moratorium is being enforced and that, when it expires, people will already be connected with rental assistance organizations so the eviction process doesn’t move forward then.
“You’re not going to get kicked out that minute,” CareyMoore said.
“And hopefully what it’s going to do...it is going to allow us and other nonprofit agencies that are working to process the payments, so they will have that. We’re holistically trying to stabilize the families that are coming.”
It is clear, though, that many families facing eviction do not yet have the information they need in order to access help.
Carey-Moore said that multiple individuals from the coun-
ty came to the city clinic this week, as did one individual with a mortgage rather than a rental. Others, she said, may not have access to the online resources needed to navigate through the assistance application process on their own.
“The reality of people needing help that may not know how to navigate is crucial,” she said. “So we’re here helping. And the reason the walk-in clinics are essential is because everybody just cannot get an email. We still have individuals that are saying they did not know this assistance applied to them.”
Both the Horizon Housing and Wohl Recreation Center clinics are open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday through Saturday, with evening clinics from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For those needing assistance in St. Louis County, several county library branches are offering assistance with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, along with the Salvation Army and St. Patrick Center.
Those requiring assistance in St. Louis County should call the ERAP hotline at 314806-0910, and those in the city of St. Louis should dial 2-1-1, call 800-427-4626 or email 211cares@stl.unitedway.org.
Vaccines
Continued from A1 now be adding a vaccine mandate.
A recent Duke University study showed that masks in schools make a significant dent in the transmission of the coronavirus.
On Aug. 21, AFT Local 420–the union representing SLPS teachers–announced that it would also be supporting a vaccine mandate among teachers.
“We are at a specific point in time in the pandemic with pediatric outbreaks and newly announced federal vaccine approval that the union’s leadership believes it is time for a strong response,” spokesperson Byron Clemens said.
In the latest wave of COVID-19, children represent about 12-15% of cases nationwide, and 3-4% of hospitalizations.
According to George Sells, SLPS director of communications, the district has been moving in the direction of a vaccine
St. Louis American staff
Nineteen Harris-Stowe State University biology majors recently completed the fourweek online STEM Workforce Preparedness Institute. The program’s goals focused on strengthening workforce readiness and student marketability to future employers.
The program was inaugurated by Dr. Freddie E.
mandate for teachers for some time now. A recent survey of staff by the district concluded that 86% of staff was vaccinated. Sells said that the numbers were unreliable because not all staff members responded to the survey.
“The numbers are premature, and not very predictable,” Sells said. “But we’re seeing encouraging signs.”
Adams, the day that the vaccine was fully approved, put an item on the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education agenda in order to ask the board to mandate vaccinations for all teachers.
There are currently significant disparities in vaccination by school building, according to Adams.
“We have [staff populations] that are as high as 90% vaccinated, and some that are as low as 50% vaccinated,” he said.
According to board member Donna Summers, the district is also short 132 teachers. The impact is compounded by the high rate at which people are becoming ill and dying of this virus.
Board member Antoinette Cousins said the vaccine mandate was necessary.
“We are losing people in droves, especially in the city, due to this pandemic. We have to take this seriously,” she said.
“We believe the vaccination policy…will give kids and families assurance that we’re doing everything in our power to protect students,” Adams said. Teens have the lowest vaccination rate of any eligible group in the state, and children under 12 are still ineligible for vaccination. There is no vaccine mandate for SLPS students, most of whom are below the age of eligibility.
The full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine is the first full licensing of a vaccine by the agency, which had given emergency approval to the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines months prior. Unlike an emergency clearance, a full approval lasts indefinitely, unless an unexpected side effect of the vaccine develops. The vaccine remains free to all United States residents.
Wills, Jr, vice president for STEM Initiatives and Research Partnerships, who said the program can enhance the professional identity of underrepresented STEM students.
“I am excited that we were able to offer this program for two consecutive years to rising juniors and seniors at HarrisStowe State University,” Wills said.
“As the University continues to deepen its STEM efforts, workforce training is central to our strategy for diversifying the STEM workforce in Missouri.” The biology majors participated in virtual academic sessions ranging from Career Communication to Leadership and Relationship Building. Also, the students engaged in BioSTL Entrepreneurship Training Sessions.
St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams blows bubbles at Wilkinson Early Childhood Center at Roe Elementary School on Monday Aug. 23, 2021. The school year began with SLPS mandating vaccinations for all teachers and staff members.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Refugees
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and prepared to lead the nation in inviting these Afghan SIV holders to our community.”
SIV is the Special Immigrant Visa program, through which the U.S. Department of Defense will be relocating about 20,000 Afghans to the United States. Jones and Page estimate that up to 1,000 of those refugees will be coming here, as a few families have already arrived this past week.
The International Institute of St. Louis will be handling refugee resettlement in St. Louis. There’s some historical precedent to this effort: St. Louis has the largest Bosnian community in the United States thanks to local resettlement advocacy in the 1990s. There is also a smaller Afghan community here already, many of whom came to St. Louis as refugees earlier in the 20 years of war the country has experienced.
Above all, Sidiqi remembers feeling the humidity when she got off the plane from Afghanistan at the age of nine, she said. The air itself was like nothing she’d felt before, prompting the nervous child to run back into her mother’s arms on the airplane.
“Like, I took a deep breath, and it made me feel stuffy and choked up. And I ran back to my mom! I was like no, we’re going back,” she said.
But she settled here, and established herself as a human rights activist and organizer within the Afghan community.
“There’s a deep cut in the heart and the spirit of the Afghans, both in Afghanistan and outside,” Sidiqi said. The Taliban took over in Afghanistan for the first time in the late 1990s, as the Soviet Union withdrew from the country. Then, the United States engaged in a protracted war with the Taliban, costing thousands of lives and trillions of dollars — only for the Taliban to easily take over this past month.
“For this to happen now? It’s like the wound has been reopened,” Sidiqi said. “But it hurts more now because it’s like, so all that for what? All that for this? And now we’re back to square one or maybe possibly worse.”
So, seeing last week’s photos of cargo planes full of Afghan people—and those who were not able to get on the planes and died in the attempt—weighs heavily on
“I thought...they’re going to open the doors, and they’re going to come somewhere, and they’re going to start a whole new life of struggle in a land where they’ll forever be foreigners, like me.” Regarding the community’s reaction, “Everybody’s very scared,” Sidiqi said. She has been fielding calls from local Afghan people afraid for their families.
“Kind of like a pandemic for the Afghans, again. Especially for the women because now the women, they’re like, hold on. Can we go outside? Can we not go outside?” she said.
Sidiqi added that she doubts the Taliban’s recent statements regarding a more lenient attitude on women’s rights.
“You guys are killing people on the street, brutally. So where does the compassion come from, for women? I’ll believe it
when I see it.”
At Sunday’s prayer vigil, she and others led members of the local Afghan community and allies in gathering outside City Hall. They wrapped themselves in the Afghan flag, and prayed for peace. Imam Ahmad Durrani and Reverend Darryl Gray led the prayer.
Arbila Hatifie, who like Sidiqi came to St. Louis as a refugee from Afghanistan 11 years ago, spoke at the rally. She says she’s lost contact with her family back home, who are being cautious with their communication out of fear of being tracked by the Taliban.
“I could not be more proud of our international community, and the Afghan community, for standing this beautifully united today,” she said. “I came here,
for the same reason my people are fleeing their country today. I left Kabul...because I was a victim of the Taliban, because I had no rights as a woman. I left my country and I left my homeland, because I had no voice.”
Many of the people marching chanted that the UN and United States should “sanction Pakistan,” a call that has gone out online in recent weeks due to Pakistan’s perceived role in funding and training Taliban soldiers. Others simply emphasized that they wanted peace.
President Joe Biden said Monday the United States had airlifted more than 11,000 Afghans to safety. And, as far as those coming through St. Louis go, the community is already mobilizing to help:
the International Institute and Beitumal House of Goods, a charity run by the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, are accepting donations for the new St. Louis families coming now. Lisa Grozdanic, of Beitumal, says that the organization has been ramping up its efforts to provide furniture, dry goods, and — critically — Halal meals to incoming refugees, though they have not worked with the three families who have arrived in St. Louis so far. She says her work serves as both a way of meeting basic needs, and a method of welcoming Afghan refugees to the local Muslim community. They’ve worked with Muslim refugees from all over, Grozdanic said, including Palestine, Syria and Pakistan.
“We show them where the mosque is...we just do a lot of interacting with the families,” she said.
Arrey Obenson, President of the International Institute, said at Sunday’s rally that he will do everything in his power to make St. Louis a welcoming home for these refugees.
“Our hearts are broken for everything that’s happening in Afghanistan now,” he said. “We will do what we can, where we are. We are advocating to provide support to any of the Afghans that make it here to St. Louis. We are hoping that hundreds, and maybe thousands, can get out of harm’s way and make it to this community that is already vibrant with your presence here.”
Sidiqi.
Imam Ahmad Durrani, who heads the congregation at Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddiq, speaks at the rally on Sunday, Aug. 22 in front of St. Louis City Hall. Durrani called for peace and interfaith solidarity in support of Afghan refugees.
Photo by Sophie Hurwitz / St. Louis American
A tragedy in the trillions
The images of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan are both heartbreaking and infuriating.
Heartbreaking because the Afghan people put their trust in the U.S. government, despite its history of plunder and chaos around the globe.
Columnist
Jamala Rogers
Infuriating because it has cost taxpayers $4 trillion dollars, and we have nothing to show for the sacrifice but broken soldiers and empty pockets.
The U.S. role in Afghanistan has been self-serving and complicit with a changing enemy. Let’s look at what we know about the “war” that sent two superpowers packing with no real victory in hand.
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979 to side with Afghans fighting the mujahideen. After 10 brutal years of fighting, at a cost of tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars, the Soviet Union left a shattered country behind, and an opening for the Taliban to seize control.
The Soviet defeat was helped along by the CIA covert operations which secretly sent billions of dollars in military aid to the mujahideen. This was sanctioned by then-President Ronald Reagan, who we later found had his hand in the Iran-
Contra scandal. In these territorial conflicts, the US government sold weapons to all parties involved. Weaponry made in the US is found throughout Afghanistan. Some bought, some seized, some abandoned. The Taliban has now become the most heavily armed “terrorist” group in the world.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attack, the US government paid Pakistan an estimated $20 billion to join its war on terrorism. In return for the money, Pakistan would help identify
n The American people are the ones totally of out the loop.Our Congress is a co-conspirator because its members must approve actions and funding.
terrorist cells and especially make reports on U.S. Terrorist #1—Osama bin Laden. I think we all remember that Osama was killed in his compound. Which was located where? In Pakistan!
Many foreign affairs scholars have blamed the rise of terrorism on the actions of the U.S. government. While Americans were fed narratives of fear, our government was
fueling anti-U.S. sentiment based upon its treachery in the Middle East. With split offs going in many directions with different goals, the U.S. can’t possibly keep up with the little monsters it has created.
I’m painting this grim picture because of the images I described at the beginning of this column. We don’t know the full depth of what this government has done in the name of protecting democracy. The American people are the ones totally of out the loop. Our Congress is a co-conspirator because its members must approve actions and funding.
Powerful lobbyists from the defense industry carry much clout. Everyone is getting their share of tax dollars turned into blood money.
Working class people have a lot going on in their lives, especially with COVID-19 hovering over us. Most of us don’t know the difference between al Qaeda and the Taliban. Most of us can’t find Afghanistan on a map. This is why we can be duped.
It’s time to look deeper into the U.S. defense budget. We must examine why our military ends up in countries creating havoc that leaves people desperately trying to escape their native land by hanging onto the wing of an airplane. We need to make a distinction between ourselves and our government, so that we end up on the side of righteousness and real democracy.
Metro Transit hopes incentives will address employment crisis
System, down at least 120 operators, joins nationwide clamor for labor
By Karen Robinson-Jacobs
The St. Louis American
Facing a deficit of more than 120 workers, the parent company of the Metro Transit system plans to offer financial incentives to entice new drivers and boost compensation for some employees working on their days off to pick up the slack.
The move is further evidence of a nationwide worker shortage that has hit everything from fast food restaurants to fishing trawlers.
“Given where we are in the employment crisis, this is absolutely critical,” Taulby Roach, Bi-State Development president and chief executive said during a virtual special meeting of the board of commissioners Aug. 20. “We are somewhere between 120 and 130 operators down right now.
“Not only is this for retaining new drivers with incentive packages but also rewarding the ones who are currently working double overs, working on their regular day off. Those are the folks who are really still moving St. Louis, and really need to be recognized.”
In a statement to The St. Louis American, Roach said transit operator shortages, “especially in front-line essential positions, are... hampering our ability to provide all scheduled transit service.
Metro Transit system plans to offer financial incentives to entice new drivers and boost compensation for some employees.
“The market for workers is highly competitive, and we need to be flexible in order to quickly implement effective workforce shortage solutions,” he said. “Current board policy limited our ability to respond in a more immediate fashion.”
The board approved a policy change that “will enable us to move more swiftly and respond to this dynamic employment environment,” without having to call a special session to address “every single incentive,” Roach said. Roach also gave a shoutout to their “valuable current employees who have taken up the challenge and often worked overtime to keep St. Louis moving in the face of the pandemic. They are the real heroes here. These are quality jobs with full benefits that perform
a critical function for our community. We need good people who want a strong career and believe in our region.”
The specifics of the incentives were not discussed in the special meeting or in the statement to The American.
ZipRecruiter estimates that as of Aug. 17, the average annual pay for a Metro Transit bus driver was $33,369 or about $16.04 an hour.
Earlier this month, Metro Transit announced plans to cut the frequency of some bus routes soon in response to the shortage of drivers and mechanics, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.
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Students’ dreams fashioned at new North County academy
From 2020 crisis comes beauty
By JoAnn Weaver
The St. Louis American
The Elaine Beauty College closed without notice in May 2020, leaving students unable to complete courses and secure beauty or barber licenses.
The Ultimate Cosmetology and Barber Academy is now open in Elaine’s former location at 10420 W Florissant Ave., and future cosmetologists, barbers and business owners once again have a place to train.
Wydonna Sumpter, Ultimate Cosmetology and Barber Academy director, said, “When Elaine Stevens College closed, it was for beauty and nails. We have four schools in one building.” The school offers cosmetology, barbering,
n “One thing we wanted to do when we opened was to give the students from the former beauty college a big discount so they could come in and do what they needed to do.”
– Wydonna Sumpter, director of the Ultimate Cosmetology and Barbershop Academy
her community.
“When Elaine Stevens closed the doors, all of those students lost their Pell grants and financial aid,” Sumpter said.
“During the pandemic, Eclipse, on the barber’s side, closed as well, which left students without money and a plan.
“One thing we wanted to do when we opened was give those students a big discount so they could come in and do what they need to do.”
Dominique Putnam, an esthetician training instructor, came to the academy from another beauty college to help in her hometown. The school reached out to her and she was excited for the opportunity.
“I grew up off West Florissant and
See ACADEMY, A12
Organization sues Missouri to restore federal unemployment benefits
Gov. Mike Parson withdrew state from programs June 12
By Dana Rieck
n “It’s about being paid fair wages and a lot of jobs that are available are lower paying.”
—Elicia Culton
New president and CEO for SLPS Foundation
Jones
St. Louis Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors announced that Bridget Jones joined the SLPS Foundation as the next president and CEO. Most recently, Jones was the executive director of the Youth and Family Center in St. Louis. During her time with the Youth and Family Center Jones doubled the operating budget. As a consultant with Changing Our World, she helped raise more than $120 million for the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri and worked on several large-scale capital campaigns for other religious institutions and nonprofits across the country.
St. Louis native serves aboard aircraft carrier
Corley, a 2019 Soldan International Studies High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago. According to Corley, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in St. Louis. “Mighty IKE” is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named for Dwight D. Eisenhower (or “IKE”), one of four five-star Generals of the Army and a hero of World War II, and would later serve as the 34th President of the United States of America.
The Saint Louis Art Museum recently named Shaka Myrick as the inaugural twoyear fellow for the 2021-2023 Romare Bearden Fellowship. Myrick received a bachelor’s degree in painting at the University of Missouri in Columbia
Delyn Stephenson
The Saint Louis Art Museum recently named Delyn Stephenson as a one-year fellow for the 2021-2022 Romare Bearden Fellowship. Stephenson received a bachelor’s degree in art history and archaeology at the University of Missouri in Columbia and a master’s degree in history through the Museums, Public History, and Heritage program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. While at UMSL, Stephenson worked with the Griot Museum of Black History to create the exhibition “Still We Thrive: The Neighborhoods of Fountain Park, Lewis Place, and The Ville.”
Stylist Kaegan Johnson has her hands full straightning the hair of Diamine Powell during the Ultimate Beauty College opening in north county where the old Elaine Beauty College use to be Sat. Aug. 21, 2021.
Bridget
Adrien Corley
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
St. Louis
Shaka Myrick
Elicia and Terrence Culton in their north county home in Florissant, Mo., Tuesday, Aug. 24.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Stephenson named Bearden fellow at Art Museum
Academy
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Goodfellow, so it was full circle for me to come back to the old neighborhood and teach,” Putnam said.
Putnam sees potential in her students, and encourages them to become entrepreneurs.
“We need more,” Putnam said. “I’m an entrepreneur myself and I partner with other women to help them build their business; hopefully I can work with my students to help them build their businesses.”
On Saturday, Aug. 21, the academy held the Ultimate Back-To-School event where cosmetologists, braiders and barbers-in-training offered free hairstyles, manicures and facials.
School-aged children also received backpacks and school supplies at the event.
“This was a community event where people could learn about home ownership building credit and receive public health information. In addition, kids received free haircuts, braided styles, and school supplies for the first day of school,” said Freida Williams, the academy’s co-director and community outreach director.
Other vendors included the Healthy Blue-Anthem group, which offered people Medicaid advice, and local small business owners.
The academy is making a positive impact on the community. One student has already graduated and aspires to be a business owner.
Academy graduate Kaegan “Sway-Go” Johnson attended the Elaine Beauty College, but was left a few credit hours away from finishing her cosmetology license when it suddenly closed.
When the academy opened, Putnam enrolled to finish what she started.
“Since I was a child, I had the gift of being artistic [and] expressing it through beauty and hair,” Johnson said. “When the former school
Benefits
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arguing that by doing so it would alleviate workforce shortages by creating a need for people to get back to work.
Worker advocates argued this would simply force Missourians to accept lowwage, no-benefit jobs. A person working full time earning Missouri’s minimum wage brings in $412 a week (pretax), putting a family of three below the poverty line.
Culton said she wants people to understand the unemployed didn’t avoid going back to work because they were collecting the federal unemployment payments.
“I think it’s more than that,” she said. “It’s about being paid fair wages and a lot of jobs that are available are lower paying. And when you are trying to raise a family, when you have people that depend on you, it is not easy to go back to work for 10, 12, 15 bucks an hour and you’re only working 20 hours a week — it’s hard.”
For Culton and her family, all of whom are in the high-risk category for COVID-19 infection, Parson’s decision means it’s been two months of feeling helpless and overwhelmed
closed, it was unfortunate because I was in three different car accidents, which was life-changing for me.”
Johnson went on leave for injuries she suffered, and while she was recovering, Elaine closed.
When Johnson learned online that the academy was going to open, it was her chance to finish her license hours and pursue her dreams.
“God is so good,” Johnson said. “When I went to the school, I thought I would have to do it all over again. I thought
while trying to find employment and get her teenage son back to school. She said she’s getting a few more catering jobs, but they’re small because people really aren’t gathering like they used to.
Earlier this month, Culton stood with Missouri Jobs with Justice (MJWJ) in suing the state and Parson to reinstate the federal programs and retroactively pay the estimated 147,890 Missourians who lost their federal benefits in June.
Caitlyn Adams, executive director with Missouri Jobs with Justice, argues that blocking assistance for workers means the state’s economy and democracy has sided with corporations and not Missouri families.
“The Governor’s action directly violated Missouri law, which requires the state to cooperate with the federal government to maximize support for struggling families,” she said in a statement. “Today, we seek to restore the benefits that were unjustly taken from families and to fight for an economy where all Missouri families are valued and supported.”
At least 25 states have pulled out of federally funded unemployment programs, which includes the $300 weekly payment on top of the state’s unemployment payment. Those
I lost all of my hours, but they told me I had over 1900 credit hours, and I was eligible to graduate.”
Johnson is preparing for her state-board examination to become a licensed cosmetologist. Additionally, the Academy partners with Sleeves Up STL to inform their future beauty salon and barbershop owners about the COVID-19 vaccine and other health information. The academy opened June 22, and has more than 75 students in day and night classes.
programs are set to expire in all states on Sept. 6 While the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell to a 17-month low last week, according to an Aug. 19 Reuters report, uncertainty lies ahead as the delta variant disrupts reopening efforts across the country.
In Missouri, unemployment claims declined from 4.3% in June to 4.2% in July. The Missouri Independent reported that the 0.01% increase resulted in the addition of exactly 15,000 non-farm jobs to the state’s payrolls.
In St. Louis city specifically, there were 1,434 unemployment claims in June (7.4%), compared to May with 1,896 claims (6.7%). In St. Louis County, percentages were a little lower with 3,315 claims (5.3%) in June and 5,915 claims in May (4.7%). City and county data for July was unavailable.
“Our economic recovery is nuanced, and many Missourians haven’t been able to return to work because they still have children home from school, jobs aren’t available in their areas, or they are caring for loved ones who are at greater risk of developing severe reactions if exposed to COVID,” said Amy Blouin, president and CEO of the Missouri Budget Project. “The resurgence of COVID cases resulting from the Delta variant is further evidence Missouri’s decision to end federal unemployment assistance was illtimed.”
For Culton, who recently rebranded her business to Love + Soul by Elicia, her family will keep pushing on for now.
“We just do our best, that’s where we go from here,” she said. “We just do our best and continue to do the best we can like we’ve been doing ever since.”
MJWJ wrote in a statement that given the success of similar lawsuits in Indiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Maryland, they look forward to a court outcome that supports Missouri families “through times of crisis – rather than scoring points with its corporate donors.”
Dominique Putman, the estethics instructor at The Ultiate Cosmetology and Barber Academy gives a facial to Dasha Brew Saturday, Aug. 21, at the academy.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
“Taking Care of You”
Goldfarb partners with Harris-Stowe
Offers affordable nursing education
By JoAnn Weaver The St. Louis American
The Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College and Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 12 that will reserve four spots in the Goldfarb nursing program for Harris-Stowe students. The students also will receive scholarship assistance.
These allocated spaces mean the students can begin their
education during their desired term, rather than being added to a
wait list.
Under the MOU, students accepted into the nursing program will be charged the same tuition rate as they pay at Harris-Stowe. In addition, students who earn one of the four reserved spots will be eligible for Goldfarbsponsored scholarships to assist with tuition costs.
“We are excited to partner with Goldfarb
School of Nursing to provide Harris-Stowe students an affordable opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s and professional degree simultaneously,” said LaTonia Collins Smith, HarrisStowe interim president.
“This agreement not only provides students a defined pathway to a career in nursing but also builds upon Harris-Stowe’s strength in the biological sciences.”
Another benefit of the partnership is that nursing courses taken at Goldfarb are eligible for a reverse transfer to Harris-Stowe. This
By Dr. David Satcher Georgia Health News
Race has long been a key determinant of public health in this country, and as U.S. Surgeon General under President Bill Clinton, I saw those disparities – and worse outcomes for Black Americans – every day.
In 1998, I released the first Surgeon General’s report on “Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups,” detailing how every one of our country’s major racial and ethnic minority groups were using tobacco at alarming rates, impacting their long-term health. At the time, I wrote, “African Americans currently bear the greatest health burden” from cigarette smoking. Unfortunately, African Americans today continue to die at high rates from tobacco-related diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Though there was not as much research in 1998 as there is today on the impact of menthol cigarettes, even then we knew the disparities in the Black community were linked to high rates of smoking menthol cigarettes and predatory targeted marketing of these products.
n “The tobacco industry has systematically targeted Black communities and kids...”
More than 20 years later, as a physician in Atlanta and founder of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, I see how Black communities in America continue to face unacceptable health disparities, with menthol cigarettes as a contributing factor.
That’s why I welcome the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent announcement that the FDA will initiate rulemaking to prohibit menthol cigarettes in the United States. This decision is a historic breakthrough for public health and demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to following science and reducing health disparities.
Opioid crisis grips African American community along with COVID-19
By JoAnn Weaver The St. Louis American
A network of community health centers in North St. Louis County is fighting a different kind of pandemic – a pandemic of opioid abuse.
In its ongoing effort, CareSTL Health will hold the second Project Opioid Awareness Day Walk/Run, at 9 a.m. Saturday in Forest Park. The event will begin in the Upper Muny Parking Lot.
CEO Angela Clabon created the free event after losing three family members who have overdosed on opiates during the pandemic.
“The opioid crisis hit my family,” Clabon said. “Here at the health center, one of the first incidents we had was my niece, [who] overdosed about four years ago.”
“During the time when I was mourning the loss, my brother posed the question to me about what the health center could do to bring aware-
Project Opioid Awareness Day is Saturday
ness about the opioid crisis.”
That conversation led Clabon to take action.
“I wanted to do something about the opioid problem,” Clabon said.
“Three years prior to the walk, we continuously asked our patients what we could do better for them, to which they always replied they wanted more information.”
The event will also include vendors to provide information and resources to the community. Great Rivers Greenway, UnitedHealth Care, and the Father Support Center are included as participating vendors. There is no cost to be a vendor at the event. Additionally, Clabon advocates for different alternatives for patients to manage their pain without risk of addiction. Many patients were prescribed or were using opiates for pain man-
Opioid-related deaths in St. Louis County by race and sex (2012-2019).
Nancy Ridenour, the Maxine Clark and Bob Fox president at Goldfarb School of Nursing, and LaTonia Collins Smith, Harris-Stowe interim president, recently signed a partnership to provide four Harris-Stowe students placement in the Goldfarb nursing program.
Photo courtesy of Goldfarb School of Nursing
Dr. David Satcher
Photo
“Taking
Care of You”
Annie Malone continues its mission by expanding therapeutic academy
Closes residential treatment center
By Andrea Y. Henderson St. Louis Public Radio
Families with children who suffer from severe behavioral challenges can now utilize Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center’s expanded therapeutic academy for more preventive crisis care services.
The expansion of the HW KIA Academy comes months after the Greater Ville organization battled staffing concerns and coronavirus outbreaks.
expansion of the academy allow Annie Malone to provide more services to help prevent children from entering the foster care system, said Sara Lahman, CEO of Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center.
n “It’s been definitely a challenging year, just like everyone else has had with the pandemic.”
In April, the Missouri Department of Social Services suspended intake at Annie Malone’s residential treatment facility at 5355 Page Blvd. DSS cited the center for not being in compliance with licensing guidelines during overnight shifts: It did not comply with the staff-to-student ratio requirements and failed to report critical incidents within the appropriate time.
“It’s been definitely a challenging year, just like everyone else has had with the pandemic,” Lahman said. “And we’re just shifting our ways to meet the community’s needs the best that we can.”
– Sara Lahman, Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center CEO
Lahman said the closure of the residential treatment center was voluntary because the organization could not keep workers fully employed during the pandemic. The quarantine requirements from coronavirus outbreaks limited the center’s pool of staff.
In July, the organization voluntarily decided to permanently stop its 24-hour care services at the center. It will use the treatment center facility to house its academy this school year.
The revamping of the residential center and
The DSS also placed the center on a corrective action plan in March for not having the proper number of staff per student, lacking supervision of staff to student populations and not providing enough safe crisis management training for direct-care staff. “I met with the board; the staffing concerns were continuing. … It just gave us the time to really pause and
evaluate what makes the most sense,” Lahman said. “And we decided it would make the most sense to transition our school into that space.”
The therapeutic academy serves children ages five to 21 years old and who are in kindergarten to 12th grade. Children who attend the academy are referred by school districts and placed on individualized education plans. Children are often referred to the academy because their home school cannot meet the therapeutic and behavioral
Family
needs of the students.
Lahman said it was challenging to serve children with severe behavioral issues during the pandemic. She kept the school open last school year to allow the students to have a safe space to learn because many of them suffer from neglect.
The expansion of the school allows them to comply with COVID-19 guidelines while educating students. The school will require masks. Staff will perform temperature checks at the
door, the school will require social distancing in common areas, and each classroom will have up to five children and one teacher.
The school has also increased its staff and updated the curriculum to include recovering school credits via courses on a computer, as well as learning job and life skills.
“We started this year just really targeting the skills we missed last year or didn’t get enough instruction in, so we’re going to stay with
that for a while and then move on with the curriculum,” said Angela O’Brien, HW Kia Academy superintendent. She said the expanded campus will also allow Annie Malone to bring in more children who are excluded from other classrooms.
“We are there for these kids because we believe in them, and they deserve a second chance,” O’Brien said. “And without our school, they would be sitting at home, they’d be on the streets.”
US News & World Report names Christian Hospital a High Performing Hospital
Christian Hospital has been recognized as a 2021-22 High Performing Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. It is honored in Gastroenterology and GI Surgery Specialty, and five common procedures and
Goldfarb
Continued from A14
conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Kidney Failure.
“This recognition belongs to the North County community and the dedicated employees
will enable students to earn a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree from Harris-Stowe in addition to a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) from Goldfarb. Olivia Hilliard, a biology major at Harris-Stowe, is excited to follow her passion for science and nursing. Her goal is to obtain a dual degree and “make a difference in the lives of others.”
“Growing up, I had a traumatic childhood,” she says.
Satcher
Continued from A14
and physicians of Christian Hospital – together they have made these achievements possible, and we are truly humbled and honored that our accomplishments are being recognized,” says Rick Stevens,
president of Christian Hospital and Northwest HealthCare.
Christian Hospital earned the “High Performing” ratings “in recognition of care that was significantly better than
n “This agreement not only provides students a defined pathway to a career in nursing but also builds upon Harris-Stowe’s strength in the biological sciences.”
– LaTonia Collins Smith, Harris-Stowe interim president
“My whole life, our family has struggled financially. We have encountered many obstacles, but we have persevered and overcome. I always told myself when I was in a position to do so that I would pursue a career that involved helping others.” Nurses are in high demand. Nursing offers a variety of
However, this announcement is only a first step. Now it is critical that the administration quickly turn this commitment into lifesaving action. There is no time to waste in implementing a policy with such enormous potential to drive down tobacco use, save lives and reduce racial health disparities. It has taken far too long to get to this point. The FDA has had the power to prohibit menthol cigarettes since 2009. Both the FDA’s independent Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee in 2011 and the FDA itself in 2013 have issued comprehensive scientific reports concluding that eliminating menthol cigarettes would benefit public health in the United States, especially among Black Americans. However, the FDA did not take action until after it was sued last year by health advocates including the African American Tobacco Control Leadership
Opioid
Continued from A14
agement.
“I reached out to chiropractic services to become one of the first Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to provide that service to patients,” Clabon said. “I also fought for physical therapy for patients in North St. Louis County.” At CareSTL Health, a portion of the organization’s funding is also used for counseling services. There are 70-80 health consultants at the facility. In 2020, they served about
Council, the American Medical Association and the National Medical Association.
Fast action now is especially critical to the health of Black Americans, who have been uniquely harmed by the marketing and health impact of menthol cigarettes. The tobacco industry has systematically targeted Black communities and kids with marketing for menthol cigarettes for over 60 years, and our community has paid a horrific price in health and lives.
The tobacco industry has
150 people who used some form of opiate.
“I saw that many African Americans ignored messages about the opioid crisis because they did not realize they were taking prescribed opiates or other narcotics. This is how I got started,” Clabon said.
hooked generations of Black Americans on menthol cigarettes with targeted marketing campaigns via magazines, sponsorships of concerts and other events, retail ads and discounts, free samples, and more. Menthols are often priced cheaper in Black neighborhoods, making them more appealing to price-conscious youth. This marketing has worked tragically well. Today 85% of Black smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to less than 10% in the 1950s. Studies show that men-
“The event was created to give information and help family members get resources for the people they know who are struggling with the disease.”
the national average,” according to the magazine’s ranking.
U.S. News & World Report creates the hospital rankings by analyzing data that focuses on almost 5,000 hospitals with one goal: where to send patients
career paths in health care, including bedside nursing, community nursing, education, research, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist and administration.
“This exciting collaboration will attract more talented and accomplished students from Harris-Stowe to Goldfarb to help fill the growing need for well-prepared, passionate nurses,”
thol makes it easier to start smoking and harder to quit, thereby increasing the number of people who smoke and become sick and die as a result. Menthol cools and numbs the throat and masks the harshness of tobacco smoke, which makes it easier for kids to try cigarettes and eventually become addicted. Menthol also increases nicotine dependence.
It’s not surprising that Black smokers are more likely than others to try to quit smoking, but less likely to succeed. The impact on Black
when they need care. The publication looks at the procedures hospitals perform, and how often common conditions are treated, the ranking report stated.
said Nancy Ridenour, the Maxine Clark and Bob Fox president at Goldfarb.
“Thanks to generous donors, we’re also able to offer scholarships to the outstanding Harris-Stowe students accepted into our nursing program to make their education more affordable. Our goal is to help all students reach their fullest potential.”
health has been enormous. Tobacco use is the top cause of preventable death for Black Americans, resulting in the deaths of more than 45,000 annually. Lung cancer – most of which is caused by smoking – is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the Black community. David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., was the 16th Surgeon General of the United States and was also Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He writes for Georgia Health News.
CareSTL Health has a location in one of the city’s hottest spots for the use and distribution of the opioids.
According to the Associated Press, the latest Drug Enforcement Administration narcotics threat assessment released in March stated that the availability of drugs such as fentanyl, heroin and cocaine remained high or plateaued last year.
“Even though there is a pandemic, the opioid crisis is taking lives,” Clabon said. “If we save just one life through this event, it’s worth it.”
There were more than 200 participants at the first event in 2019. You can walk or run a mile or take the three mile challenge. Prizes will go to the largest walk and run groups. U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones will serve as walk captains.
Annie Malone Children and
Services Center has expanded its former residential treatment center and renamed it the HW Kia Academy. It will offer more preventive crisis care services.
Photo courtesy of Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center
SLSO opens 142nd season on Art Hill ‘AH!’ TV Network
Classic favorites, first time performances on tap
By Danielle Brown
The St. Louis American
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by music director Stéphane Denève, returns for its 2021-22 season with a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 on Art Hill in Forest Park.
SLSO launched the inaugural park concert more than five decades ago and continues the tradition of community engagement and celebration in 2021. This will be Denève’s third season and the orchestra’s 142nd.
The concert will include timeless classical works from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird Works by Leonard Bernstein, St. Louis native W.C. Handy, and music from movie scores by composer John Williams, including Harry Potter and Raiders of the Lost Ark, will also be
Girl Power
Girls,
Inc. geared to reduce workforce gender disparities
By Danielle Brown The St.
Louis American
St. Louis’ local Girls, Inc., chapter has been awarded $10 million by the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge. The grant will be directed toward its Project Accelerate program.
Project Accelerate’s mission is “to broaden the vigor and impact of women in the United States by 2030.” Girls Inc. of St. Louis is one of seven national affiliates that established Project Accelerate and helped create the application process. There are 78 Girls, Inc., affiliates in the US.
The initiative addresses workplace inequalities, particularly among women of color in influ-
featured.
The Orchestra will perform Florence Price’s Adoration arranged by Akiko Hosoi for the first time. Price made history as the first Black woman recognized worldwide as a symphonic composer. There will also be a performance of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” a traditional African American spiritual, featuring vocalist Nadia Maddex.
Maddex is a St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Scholar and soprano in the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus. The chorus performs music from African and African American traditions.
The celebration concludes with fireworks and John Philip Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever
Early arrival is highly suggested and guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Several food trucks will be on site.
The SLSO will follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 safety procedures and is working with St. Louis City and Forest Park to determine what protocols will be necessary. Information will be shared prior to the concert at slso.org/protocols.
In addition to the concert in Forest Park, Denève leads the orchestra Sept. 25-26 for its first classical concerts of the season. The concerts feature Jessie Montgomery’s Banner and Anna Clyne’s DANCE, performed with cellist Inbal Segev and alongside a cast of dancers from different St. Louis companies, choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd, COCA’s coartistic director of dance.
Visit https://www.slso.org/ for more information about this season.
ential leadership positions, according to Cheryl Jones, president and CEO of Girls, Inc. St. Louis.
“Project Accelerate has been a remarkable collaboration that will change the career trajectory for young women across the country, and especially here in St. Louis,” Jones said in a release.
“This exciting, transformational award will enable future female workforce leaders to learn from top female industry executives whose mentorship will help pave career pathways for young women who have been previously excluded from leadership opportunities.
“By increasing the number of young women who begin their careers with this kind of training and support, we can expect to exponentially grow the next generation of female leadership across the board in St. Louis and the US.” Jones added the program can help young women “through their journey from college into entry level employment opportunities. One of its goals is to eliminate gender pay disparities through collaborating with young women starting in their junior year of high
Andre Holman
Andre Holman launches his own platform
By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American
Years ago, Andre Holman’s late father asked him what his next move would be. Holman had worked with STL TV for quite some time and produced events for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams.
Holman explained how technology was changing, and reassured his father that he would have his own platform. It would feature content that he felt was desperately needed in the Black community. His father said, ‘Okay, that’s good. Well, if that’s what you’re gonna do, then do it.’
While he is not here to experience it, Holman’s promise to his dad is coming true.
Holman launches a new television network, the AH! TV Network, on Sunday, August 29, 2021, on the streaming service apps Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Private ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will be held in correspondence with the network launch and beginning of live streaming.
Holman said people thought the network name is related to his first and last name, but it is derived from ‘ah’ being the first thing people say when they have clarity or better understanding of something. It’s just a coincidence that the phrase matches his initials.
“One of the things I try to focus on with this
Girls, Inc., St. Louis, which carries a mission of educating, empowering, and mentoring the next generation of women leaders, has been awarded $10 million through the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge program. The grant will be used to enhance its Project Accelerate initiative.
school.
A hopeful result will be a higher population of young women who graduate on schedule and create more connections, resources and leadership job opportunities for marginalized groups.
“That’s what this proposal is all about. How do we take the Girls, Inc. experience and shift it to the college experience?” Jones said.
“We can keep in contact with all the young women that have come through the organization, but also impact them through mentoring, coaching, scholarships and leadership. Then we tie them together with mentors in their desired career path so that this isn’t the first time they have a conversation with someone in their field.”
St. Louis’ local Girls, Inc. affiliate offers activities and programming for young women interested in STEM, creative arts, business, and other fields. Its STEM program partners with University of Missouri-St. Louis, Maryville University, Washington University, Fontbonne University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Photo courtesy of slso.org
SLSO launched the inaugural park concert more than five decades ago and continues the tradition of community engagement and celebration to begin the season in 2021.
Photo courtesy of girls inc. Twitter page
Now on view
Oliver Lee Jackson is known for creating complex and layered images in which figurative elements emerge from abstract fields of vibrant color. Now on view, the 12 paintings, drawings, and prints presented in this exhibition were created from the mid-1960s through 2020, demonstrating his significance as a highly experimental artist working across a range of media.
Jackson was associated with the Black Artists Group, which was founded in St. Louis in 1968, and a close friend of comember and jazz saxophonist Julius Hemphill. Many of the works on view are loans from Donald M. Suggs, a local collector and close friend of Jackson’s.
Museums continue to add diversity to field with fellowship program
By Victoria McCraven 2020-2021 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow
For nearly 30 years the Saint Louis Art Museum has welcomed an annual Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow. The cross-departmental fellowship is one of the oldest training programs dedicated to rising museum professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the country who want careers in museums and cultural institutions. This summer the Museum is in for big changes as it transitions from a one-year training program to a two-year training program. Beginning this summer, a new fellow will begin work each year, which will allow first-year fellows to work closely with those completing their second year of the program.
We bid farewell to our 2022-2021 Romare Bearden Graduate Fellow, Victoria McCraven, who is excited to taking a position as the Programs Manager at NXTHVN, an arts incubator located in her home state of Connecticut. Over this past year at the Museum, Victoria worked closely with staff on numerous projects. Perhaps one Victoria’s most significant projects in May 2021. Victoria assisted in organizing the Museum’s first virtual summit, Advancing Change: The Future of Museum Leadership. During the summit, she served as the moderator for the three afternoon panels with Romare Bearden alumni which focused on career paths in the arts. The Museum welcomes Shaka Myrick as the inaugural two-year fellow 2021 - 2023, and Delyn Stephenson as a one-year fellow 2021- 2022. Shaka earned her bachelor of fine arts in painting at University of Missouri,
Columbia. She interned at NYCH Art Gallery in Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Focusing on the African diaspora, Shaka frequently travels abroad to study contemporary art culture. Following her independent research in Brazil, Shaka completed her master’s degree in art history at the University of Missouri, Kansas City concentrating on West African culture and presence in Brazil. As a one-year fellow, Delyn will work closely with the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to implement the Museum’s diversity initiatives as outlined in the Diversity Study Group Report approved by our Board of Directors. Delyn is a 2017 graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in art history & archeology with an emphasis in modern and contemporary art with a multicultural certificate. In 2020, she graduated from the University of Missouri,
St. Louis with a master’s degree in History through the Museums, Public History, and Heritage program. While at UMSL, she worked with The Griot Museum of Black History to create Still We Thrive The Neighborhoods of Fountain Park, Lewis Place, and The Ville. Delyn also completed an internship with the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis. Prior to coming to the Museum, she worked at National Blues Museum. Since its inception, the Romare Bearden Fellowship receives restricted funding from Mr. and Mrs. Schafly that is supplemented by the Museum. In 2020, the Museum received a generous gift from the Frost family to establish a Romare Bearden Graduate Fellowship Endowment. The Frost family is offering an opportunity for donors to double their contribution. Every dollar donated to the Romare Bearden Fellowship through December 31, 2021 will be matched up to $100,000. Please visit slam.org/beardenfund to learn more.
Shaka Myrick Delyn Stephenson
prEp Football prEviEw
By Earl Austin Jr.
Prep season kicks off with showdown
East St. Louis’ visit to CBC on Friday night, will highlight the area prep football’s kickoff weekend. Many of the area’s top programs will square off and see where they stack up among the elite in St. Louis.
East St. Louis at CBC (7 p.m. Friday):
These two powerhouse programs will meet for the first time since 2017, when they staged a classic game in East St. Louis. The game is already sold out.
East St. Louis is loaded with talent and nationally ranked, while CBC will again be a contender for the Missouri’s Class 6 title.
East Side features five-star wide receiver Luther Burden III, sophomore quarterback Robert Battle and outstanding lineman Myles McVay. Burden recently made news by de-committing from Oklahoma. Several programs, including Missouri, are eagerly awaiting his new commitment. McVay, a 6’7” 345pound junior, is rated among the best linemen in the country in the Class of 2023. CBC returns plenty of talented players led by senior quarterback Patrick Heitert.
Edwardsville at DeSmet (7 p.m. Friday): The host Spartans are coming off back-to-back appearances in the Class 6 Show-Me Bowl, while Edwardsville is traditionally one of the top programs in the Metro East area.
MICDS at SLUH (6 p.m. Friday): MICDS appeared in the Class 4 state championship game, while host SLUH is expecting a big year. The Junior Bills’ Division I prospects include seniors Chris Brooks (a Yale commitment) and Isaac Patterson.
MICDS has a potent offense led by senior quarterback Regan Andrew and juniors Steve Hall and Winston Moore.
Lutheran North at St. Mary’s (6 p.m.
Friday): Host St. Mary’s features plenty of speed and one of the area’s most electrifying performers in senior Kevin Coleman. Coleman excels as a wide receiver, ball carrier and kick returner. He’s the No. 1 rated prospect in Missouri.
Lutheran North has been among the area’s top small-school programs for many years.
Battle at Fort Zumwalt North (7 p.m. Friday): These two excellent Class 5 programs have staged some tremendous opening-season contests to open the season. Both teams can put a lot of points on the board.
Other players to watch
Jaylin Carson (Lutheran North) – A senior running back who rushed for 420 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.
Kaian Roberts-Day (Festus): A 6’3” 255pound tight end who has committed to Baylor.
He’s the top prospect in Jefferson County.
Cameron Epps (Chaminade): A talented 6’3” 215-pound defensive back who has committed to Oklahoma State.
Tyson Ford (John Burroughs): A standout 6’6” 270-pound senior defensive end who has committed to Notre Dame.
Marquis Gracial (St. Charles): A 6’5” 295-
pound senior defensive tackle who has committed to the University of Missouri.
Arlen Harris Jr. (Lutheran-St. Charles): A talented senior running back who has committed to Stanford. He has scored 71 touchdowns in his first three varsity seasons.
Mac Markway (DeSmet): A top-flight junior tight end prospect who has committed to Florida. He also excels as a defensive end.
Toriano Pride (East St. Louis): A talented cornerback who transferred to East Side from Lutheran North. A top prospect who has committed to national power Clemson.
Kaleb Purdy (DeSmet): A talented senior defensive back who has committed to Kansas.
SportS EyE
With Alvin A. Reid
All
Jared Rhodes (Ladue): A 5’11” 190-pound senior running back who scored eight touchdowns last season. He’s a big-play performer. Isaac Thompson (SLUH): A senior defensive back who returns to action after missing most of junior season with an injury. He has committed to Missouri.
Ja’Marion Wayne (Parkway West): A talented 6’4” athlete who has committed to the University of Missouri. He has been a standout since his freshman year. Caldra Williford (Lutheran North): A senior defensive back who returns as one of the leaders of the Crusaders’ stout defense.
High school athletes should be vaccinated or sit out season
Playing a sport means being told what to do. If you can’t get with that, your career is going to be short lived.
It’s not insulting. It’s a reality. Therefore, athletic departments, especially at the high school level, should have done a much better job of getting young people vaccinated.
“If you don’t get vaccinated, you don’t play.” This simple mandate would certainly help Black communities throughout the U.S. All the vaccine hesitancy would have been replaced with “where do I go to get my shot?” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Aug. 20 on a local radio station that “any athlete, any coach has to get a first [vaccine] dose by the time they play or practice for the first time.” He,and the city health department are not ordering all students and teachers to be vaccinated.
already contacted their respective attorneys. So what. Damn the COVID-19 torpedoes. Mayor de Blasio is right.
Prep athletes in football, basketball, hockey, volleyball and bowling (yes, bowling) must be vaccinated. Baseball, soccer, tennis, track and gymnastics athletes get a pass, which the mayor should not allow. But beggars can’t be choosers, and I’ve been begging for people to get vaccinated since the middle of last winter.
Alvin A. Reid
“Athletes need to be vaccinated due to their higher risk of contracting the disease,” he said. This obviously would not play out well in many regions of the nation. I’m sure there are New York parents that have
In all, more than 20,000 athletes and their families must decide if principle, fear, conspiracy theories or right-wing antics will cause them to miss their respective upcoming seasons.
“We owe it to our young people to make it possible for them to safely return to the sports they love,” said New York Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter.
“This vaccine mandate will ensure everyone on high-risk teams are protected.” America remains “high risk” because there have not been enough vaccine mandates. This move should have come months ago, and it should be followed by every school district in the nation.
It certainly will not be, and that’s what makes New York’s stand one that should be applauded, not booed.
A cut above
The NFL laid down the law when it came to vaccinations before the heat of summer was upon us. Unvaccinated players must follow all the protocols from last season, including daily testing. Vaccinated play-
ers do not.
The league is now at a reported 75% overall vaccination rate. It jumped up a few percentage points last week after rosters were reduced from 95 to 85 players. Word on the street is that once rosters are reduced to 53 next week, the NFL will surpass the 85% “herd immunity” that the US so desperately needs to reach. No mandate needed.
U.S. National cycling champion Justin Williams will compete in the Gateway Cup events in St. Louis over the Labor Day weekend. Williams, a Belizean American cyclist, has won 11 U.S. national championships. Races will be held in Lafayette Park, Francis Park, The Hill and Benton Park from Sept. 3-6.
Fields” chants. “I really think it’s kind of disrespectful to Andy, them cheering my name out like that,” Fields said after the game... Being unvaccinated could cost Cam Newton his starting quarterback position with the New England Patriots. A “miscommunication” concerning Newton not being tested for COVID-19 at the team facility led to him missing four days of practice. First-round draft pick Mac Jones has the opportunity to seize the starting role.
Earl Austin Jr.
eyes are on East St. Louis receiver Luther Burden III as the 2021 prep football season begins Friday, Aug. 27. Burden is also undecided where he will play college football after decommitting from SEC-bound Oklahoma.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Photo by AP
Study finds that Black Americans are more religious than general U.S. public
Most churchgoers say diversity needed
By Emilee Larkin Courthouse News Service
Black Americans are not only more religious than nonBlack Americans, but they are also more likely to believe that opposing racism is essential to faith, the Pew Research Center concluded in a recent study.
The findings show that 97% of Black adults believe in a higher power, compared with 90% of non-Black adults. Further 75% of Black adults said one must be against racism to be a religious or moral person, compared with only 68% of non-Black adults.
Pew surveyed 8,660 Black adults who are either U.S. born, African born or Caribbean born. It also surveyed 4,574 adults who do not identify as Black.
For Black Americans who go to church, be it a few times a year or every week, 60% of them go to a Black congregation. About one-third say they go to church weekly.
Still, 61% say that historically Black churches should diversify, and 63% say that, when looking for a new congregation, they do not place too much importance on finding one where most people are Black.
“I think the potential for the church to be inclusive is there, but it will be retarded by the
rising of white supremacy and white privilege,” said Rev. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches.
Two-thirds of Black Americans are Protestant (66%), far more than any other affiliation, with Catholic being the next most popular at only 6%.
On the other side of the spectrum, one in five Black Americans said they identify as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.”
Sermons about race relations, voting and criminal justice reform are more likely to be heard in Black Protestant churches than in white Protestant churches.
As compared with Black adults at white Protestant churches, nearly half (47%) of Black Americans heard sermons on race and voting at their Black Protestant church, 35% and 25%, respectively. The atmosphere tends to differ in mostly Black churches as well, with 99% of Black adults saying members of their Protestant churches call out “amen” during service. Further, 76% said there is dancing and jumping as well. Only 37% of Black adults who attend a mostly white Protestant church report jumping and dancing.
About half of all Black
Protestant churchgoers, 52%, say sometimes their church service includes speaking in tongues.
Among Black Americans, those born in the U.S., 63%, are more likely to say homosexuality should be accepted by society, compared with only 38% of those born in Africa.
African-born Black Americans are more religious
The Y is the place where any youth can come to cultivate the skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and lifelong success—and have fun doing it. Don’t worry, our coaches will still put a focus on the fundamentals, too!
We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of all different types of families, so no matter what your background, your financial situation, or your schedule, there’s a place for your kids and teens at the Y.
Basketball
than those who are U.S. and Caribbean-born, with 72% of those born in Africa saying religion is important to them, compared with 59% of U.S. and Caribbean-born.
Though most Black Americans (84%) are Democrats, religion is just as important to them as to the 10% of Republican Black Americans, with about 60% of
Black adults from both parties expressing this.
They do, however, differ on their abortion views: 72% of Black Democrats say it should be legal in most or all cases, compared with 42% of Black Republicans.
Anthea Butler, an African Studies professor at the University of Pennsylvania, said she hopes the research will show a new perspective of the Black church.
“I think that the ways in which we speak about Black church, I hope, changes with this survey,” Butler said. “I hope this survey will help people find the nuisances of the Black church they might not have noticed before.”
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Sixty percent of Black Americans who attend church say they go where there is a predominantly Black congregation, such as Shalom Church in St. Louis.
CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER (CPO)
Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) is a non-for-profit organization that welcomes youth who are runaway, at-risk or experiencing homelessness.
Please contact Ricky Clayton +1 (314)
AUDITOR
St. Louis County is seeking a skilled and service focused Auditor who is a strategic thinker and collaborative project manager to lead St. Louis County’s Internal Auditing program. Reporting to the St. Louis County Council, the Auditor will build on an internal auditing program that evaluates standards, identifies gaps and enhances performance of all departments within St. Louis County. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to the Chair of the Charter Position Search Committee at CharterPositionSearchComments @stlouiscountymo.gov.
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
This is a full time position with the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan and promote the priorities of the Sierra Club through external messaging including strategic media and digital engagement. Fundraising experience and demonstrated commitment to equity, racial justice, and environmental justice required. EOE
Learn more and apply at tinyurl.com/scmojob
CHMO is looking for a dynamic individual to lead our growing program operations as our Chief Program Officer (CPO). We are looking for an individual that can continue to develop, articulate and implement the strategic vision of the agency; oversee a significant portfolio of programs and related services; evaluate the effectiveness of programs to provide ongoing feedback; be a thought partner with other community organizations working in the homeless and youth services space; provide mentoring, guidance, supervision, and professional development to all leadership and program staff; and enhance the structure of the organization by staying abreast of developments in young adult housing and supportive services.
CHMO opportunities can be found on our website: https:// www.covenanthousemo.org/workforchmo
ADVERTISE YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES, PUBLIC NOTICES, BIDS, AUDITS, SUMMARIES WITH US
EMAIL: ANGELITA HOUSTON AT ahouston@ stlamerican.com OR CALL 314-289-5430
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTOR APPRENTICE
Applications for the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local # 3 Joint Apprentice Training Program for St. Louis, Missouri will be accepted from Sept 1, 2021 through Sept 30, 2021. All applications must be completed online by visiting www.neiep. org/careers.aspx and clicking the link for All other Apprenticeship Opportunities. Select the (St. Louis/Missouri) recruitment. Applicants must be 18 years of age to apply, possess and upload an original copy of a H.S. Diploma, or H.S. Transcript, or GED, pass an entrance exam and tool assessment and sit for an interview. For more info email: fwuelling@neiep.org Note: There is a $25 fee for each testing applicant.
The Elevator Industry is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, marital status, arrest record, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
The Elevator Constructors are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Long-Range/Corridor Transportation Planner II position. Please follow the link to view posts at http://www.ewgateway.org/careers/
An Equal Opportunity
EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION –CAREER SPECIALIST POSITION
EOE M/F/D/V
Full Description and Apply for this and other open positions at https://www.employmentstl.org/. Other positions include: Housing Specialist, Behavioral Health Career Specialist, Licensed Counselor. Also hiring for Patient Access and Environmental Services positions at major St. Louis area hospital. LONG-RANGE/ CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER II
Maintenance Worker
Starting salary $30,684 + excellent benefit package
The maintenance worker performs routine, entry-level duties related to the maintenance of the state’s roadways and facilities. Responsibilities are performed under direct supervision.
Minimum/Required Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License (Permit) w/tanker endorsement - no air brake restriction
Locations: St. Louis city and county, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson County BENEFITS
• Medical Plan, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid CDL Class B training
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Voting Leave
• Pension/Retirement
• Vested after 5 years
• Educational Assistance Program
• Cafeteria Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
Increase Pay Market Adjustment for Winter/Emergency Operations!
Apply: www.modot.mo.gov/careers
MoDOT supports equality and advancement for all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Advertisement for RFP
Cure Violence Evaluation
INVITATION TO BID
BID NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
SEALED BIDS
Bids for: State of Missouri, State Public Health
L
n , Jefferson City, MO, Project No. O2115-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 16, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Replace Fire Sprinkler System, Northwest M i s s o u r i P s y c h i a t r i c Rehabilitation Center, Project No. M2005-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, S e p t e m b e r 16, 2021 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
The City of St. Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to evaluate the Cure Violence program. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning August 10, 2021, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ The deadline for submitting proposals is August 31, 2021, by 4:30 P.M. via email to Craig Schmid at schmidc@stlouis-mo. gov and only in standard (8 x11 inch letter-sized) PDF format. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.
INVITATION TO BID ST. LOUIS COUNTY CHILDREN’S SERVICE FUND
The St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) is requesting bid proposals for legal services. The selected firm will act as general counsel for CSF. Seeing firms with a particular emphasis in municipal law. Bid documents available at https://bit.ly/3sfVct8 bid #1383. Bids are due by 11 AM, September 24, 2021
SEALED BIDS
Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: Missouri Teaching Hospital Fitout Space 2W for the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.
This is the renovation of the 2nd floor of the Teaching Hospital. The project consists of approximately 4,500 SF of space and includes but is not limited to demolition, carpentry, architectural woodwork, fire stopping, Doors/frames/hardware, drywall, tile, acoustical ceilings, flooring, painting, fire sprinklers, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work.
This project has a diversity participation goals of 10% MBE, 10% combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE.
Bids for this project are due on August 30, at 3:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact John Davis at 314-704- 6075 or jcdavis@paric.com. All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).
PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: SLU Hospital Surgery Center, St. Louis, MO. PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for SSM Health St Louis University Hospital Surgery Center. This is a new three story structure on campus scheduled for a 10/1/2021 construction start and a completion date of 1/1/2023. PARIC’s pricing to the owner will be for award of a GMP contract, bid what is shown on the documents as your base bid and provide add alternates for work you know will be required to complete the design. Provide a narrative and value for all additional work not shown on drawings. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link, if you have not received a bid invitation send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com.
Bid Package 1 consisting of Site; Civil Drawings, Structural Foundation Drawings; Specifications and Steel Mill Order Structural Framing Drawings; Specifications have been released and are available to download now from this Smartbid link.
Bid Package 2 includes Structural Framing; Detailing, Architectural; Interiors, Engineering (MEP) and Specifications. Another Smartbid invitation will be sent out once these documents are received.
The last day for questions is currently 8/23/21. Send all questions to Terry Turnbeaugh at tlturnbeaugh@paric.com SSM Goals for Construction Business Enterprise
The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for revolving door repair. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on September 7, 2021 in the lobby at the Carnahan Courthouse, located at 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE
BID NOTICE
Great Rivers Greenway is seeking electronic bids for Deer Creek Park Streambank Stabilization in Maplewood, Missouri. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids and submit by September 17, 2021.
AUCTION NOTICE
The following people are in debt to Gateway Storage Mall of Dupo. The contents of their storage unit(s) will be sold at auction to compensate all or part of that debt.
Auction at the Dupo location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on September 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.
119 & 477 - Brian Randle, 123 –Calvin Humphries, 133 & 146 & 204 – Shirley Write, 152 – Heather Walker, 207 – Sarah Johnson
B i d s f o r Constructions S e r v i c e s –Southeast and East Regions, Project Nos. IDIQMCA2001 a n d 2 0 0 2 , r e s p e c t i v e l y, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 9/16/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project i n f o r m a t i o n , go to: https:// oa.mo.gov/
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Upgrade F i r e A l a r m & S e c u r i t y Systems, Center for Behavioral Medicine, Kansas City, MO, Project No. M1903-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30PM, September 9, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
For all rules, regulations and bidding process, please contact www.storageauctions.com
All other questions, please call 618-744-1588 or mail 300 Rueck Road, Columbia, IL 62236.
Great Rivers Greenway is seeking request for qualifications for Marketing Research Services. Go to www. greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids and submit by September 10, 2021.
SEALED BIDS
System,
Rehabilitation Center, Project No. M2001-01 will be received b y F M D C , State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 16, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Roof Replacement, M i s s o u r i Veterans Home, Mount Vernon Missouri, Project No. U2111-01 will be received b y F M D C , State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 14, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities
INVITATION TO BID
The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for replacement of double entry doors. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on September 14, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby at the Carnahan Courthouse, located at 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE
Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657- 7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri Teaching Hospital– Fitout Space 2W (CP210701); Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: asbestos removal, site work, demolition, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, furnishings, specialties, air distribution, temp. control, plumbing, fire suppression, HVAC, electrical, communications, electronic safety. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Joe Seymour or Jacob Petitt to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 8/31/2021 @ 1:30 P. M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:
1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com
2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.
LETTING NO. 8734
LOUISIANA CALM STREET FEDERAL PROJECT NO. TAP-9901 (649)
(636-561-9501).
Bids for REBID: Improve 4-Plex A r e a A c c e s s Bennett Spring S t a t e P a r k , Lebanon, MO, P r o j e c t N o . X2007-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 2, 2021. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301, City Hall, 1200 Market St., St. Louis, MO. Until 1:45 p.m. CST, on September 28, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public website https://www.stl-bps.org (BPS Online BPS Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.
A virtual pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on September 7, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85498157932, or by calling 1.312.626.6799 Meeting ID: 854 9815 7932.
Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies)
All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246. “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within a referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).
Altman-Charter Co., requests subcontractor/supplier proposals for the Renovation of Park Place Senior Apartments in St. Louis, MO. This is the renovation of 242 units and common areas throughout the building. Proposals are due at the office of Altman-Charter Co., 315 Consort Dr., St. Louis, MO 63011 on or before Thur., September 9, 2021 at 3:00 PM (CT). Qualified Minority, Section 3, and Women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Plans can be viewed at FW Dodge, Construct Connect, SIBA, MOKAN, Cross Rhodes Reprographics and the Altman-Charter plan room in St. Louis. Bidders should contact Mr. James Geerling with any questions or to submit a proposal at jamesg@altman-charter.com. Our telephone # is (636)
SOLICITING BID
PJ Hoerr, Inc is Soliciting Bids MBE/WBE/ DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:
University of Missouri Teaching Hospital- Fitout Space 2W Contact: Mike Murray, mikem@reinhardtconstructionllc.com Phone: 573-682-5505
INVITATION TO BID Ferguson-Florissant School District MCCLUER HIGH SCHOOL ROOF REPLACEMENT
Sealed bids for the above project are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST at the Operations and Maintenance Department located at 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.fergflor.K12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq Contact Matt Furfaro (314) 824-2418.
BID NOTICE
Saint Louis MHB is accepting applications August 16 –September 10, 2021 from qualified candidates with experience in executive level administration and grants management. Details available on our website https://stlmhb.com/wp-content/ uploads/MHB-Executive-GrantAdministrator-Position-Posting.pdf
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Sealed Proposals for B22-1203 Employee Benefits Insurance Broker and Consultant will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg, JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 31Aug2021. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/ purchasing/bids
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Paric is seeking proposal for the MEP/FP SCOPE OF WORK ONLY for the project known as “THE BRIDGE” located on 4738 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108
The project consists of two structures, the first structure is a residential wood frame building that will house 200 units, amenity spaces, fitness center, pool area, retail, etc. The 2nd structure will be a Precast Parking Garage that will have approximate 286 Parking Spaces with a Retail component at the first floor. Subcontractors shall provide a breakdown of the Sales Taxes included in their proposal as well as the engineering cost associated with their proposal and the residential and parking garage. Also, subcontractors shall abide by the current major executive order providing MBE/WBE enterprises and workforce as indicated.
Proposals will be due on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 2:00pm CST
Submit all questions no later than September 21, 2021. All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).
PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Invitation for Bids - Re-solicitation of RD21-02A Clinton-Peabody Unit Water Damage Repairs
The St. Louis Housing Authority seeks bids from qualified general contractors for the following:
The project consists of interior renovations, including demolition, mold abatement, drywall, painting, flooring, and carpentry, along with electrical, plumbing and mechanical work for twenty (20) water damaged units.
Bid information will be available August 15, 2021 at https://www.slha.org/for-partners/vendors/.
Pre-Bid Meeting is August 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM (CST)
Sealed proposals are due September 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM (CST)
Krista S. Peyton Contracting Officer
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri – Patient Care Tower – Pharma
cy Renovation, (CP210781) Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: demolition, concrete, metals, rough carpentry, roofing, doors, glazing, painting, drywall, flooring, specialties, furnishings, fire protection, air distribution, control systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, communications, electronic safety. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Jason Brown or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 8/11/2021 @ 1:30 P.M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:
1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com
2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.
2
date 08/18/2021 @ 1:30PM. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of the qualifications received. M/W/DBE/SDVOSB/VOSB CERTIFICATION STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID
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Jones said the organization’s hope is to provide exposure and a glimpse into college. During their fourth and fifth year, students are expected to land internships or externships.
“We meet girls where they are,” Jones said. “We ask them what they want to do, try to get behind them and support them.
Launched last year, The Equality Can’t Wait Challenge focuses on gender equality. It is hosted by Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company founded by philan-
thropist and businesswoman Melinda Gates. “A generation of bold young women stands ready
to lead change in the world. Yet entrenched, inequitable systems prevent them from having the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” Stephanie Hull, Girls, Inc. president and CEO said.
“The investment also supports change in the companies that employ these young leaders. In its insistence on justice and equity for women, Project Accelerate advances equality for all.”
Learn more about Project Accelerate, here: https:// girlsinc.org/equality-cant-waitchallenge-awardee/. See full list of Equality Can’t Wait Challenge winners, here: https://www.equalitycantwaitchallenge.org/news.
ducing content,” Holman said.
network is how I can galvanize people to be a part of something that just started in my mind,” Holman said. “That was really God, because I didn’t want to have a station that was just my name. I wanted to have something people can get a hold of and understand.”
His network brings together St. Louis natives locally and across the country in cities including Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and New York. There is entertainment, sports, fitness, spirituality, fashion and other genres of programming.
Four months ago, Holman reached out to retired Olympic gold medalist and East St. Louis native Jackie JoynerKersee about a show idea. He wanted to examine the pressures and mental health battles she endured as an athlete. Her show will air just as the world saw gymnast Simone Biles and tennis star Naomi Osaka step away from their sports for mental health reasons.
Sylvester Brown Jr., The St. Louis American’s Deaconess Foundation COVID Fellow and former publisher of Take Five Magazine, has transitioned his publication into a live television program, and he is joined by other local personalities in dialogue on different topics.
Tracie Berry-McGhee and Yolanda ‘Lady Yo’ Lankford’s morning inspirational show airs at 8:30 a.m. weekdays CST on Facebook Live and YouTube. It will officially air on the network at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 30.
Pascal Beauboeuf’s late night entertainment show, The Pascal Show, will feature local and national celebrity interviews. Holman’s lineup will also include a late night comedy show with Darius Bradford; Just Cillah, a fashion segment with Cillah Hall, owner and publisher of Gazelle Magazine; Press Play, a sports show with Will Franklin, athletic director and coach at Vashon High High School; a fitness show with Pechaz Clark; a diversity, equity and inclusion segment with Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis representatives; a show with East St. Louis native and comedian Tahir Moore, who now lives in Los Angeles; a show with Carol Daniel of KMOX highlighting women in business; and a spiritual segment with Pastor Aeneas Williams, former St. Louis Rams cornerback where he will discuss helping during difficult times and how to be men of faith.
Local producers and filmmakers will have the opportunity to present short films, documentaries, and feature length films on the network. Short interviews accompany the works so viewers can learn more about their stories.
Holman is in talks with iHeart Radio about partnering to create a show for teens and young adults to perform at the Maryland Heights Dave & Busters.
He also has a concept he plans to present to Ranken Technical College. The show would be a competition where young people would go to a junkyard and find what they need to build a car from scratch. The winner would receive free tuition to Ranken.
“It’s so much more than pro-
“I wanna make something that changes somebody’s life.” Holman has worked with STL TV for 30 years. He got his start as an intern and worked his way up to video production supervisor and now station manager. Under his leadership, he transformed what was once a local government access channel. He rebranded and reformed the station’s identity, brought numerous well-known local media personalities and hosts on board and helped the station earn five regional Emmy Award nominations (winning three.) More than 700 interns have worked for him, with some landing jobs at ESPN and Kevin Hart’s Hart Beat Studios.
“I owe a lot to this place for my development,” Holman said.
“I’m also proud of the fact I’ve had about 700 interns and volunteers during the time that I’ve been leading this place. Having people call me, send me messages or write me on Facebook and tell me about their new opportunities is the biggest reward. From this place, people were given opportunities that they felt they couldn’t get in other places.” He believes he’s accomplished all that he possibly could have with STL TV, and now is the time for him to spread his wings and oversee his own platform.
“I hope that the network can make a difference,” Holman said. “I’m putting my heart and soul into making a difference in the lives of young Black males and females.”
For more information about the AH! TV Network, visit https://www.ahtvnet.com/.
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