August 29th, 2013 edition

teams to watch

Earl picks the most promising squads by class,on both sides of the river.

President Barack Obama, the first black U.S.president, spoke to thousands at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on Wednesday to commemorate Dr.Martin Luther King's landmark 1963 address.

Sabrina Fulton,U.S.

Rep.Nancy Pelosi, Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, Rev.Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, were among the civil rights leaders who led a march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Obama speaks to King’s ‘elusive’ dream

President commemorates 50th anniversary of historic MLK speech

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech “Let Freedom Ring” exactly 50 years ago on August 28, 1963.

About 100,000 people stood in drizzling rain as the president spoke of unmet promises that led 250,000 people to the same place 50 years ago, in a program that also included former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton and members of the King family. Americans were promised that all men are created equal and with unalienable

St. Louis takes bus to D.C. march

Locals join thousands on National Mall to commemorate anniversary

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

“Don’t you ever think that men like Medgar Evers died to give you the right to be a hoodlum.”

– Rev.Al Sharpton

In the early morning hours on Friday, 55 St. Louis passengers boarded a bus en route to Washington, D.C. to participate in the historic 50th anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, Martin Luther King III and the NAACPmobilized the march held August 24. Among other civil rights luminaries, they were joined by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga, the last living convener of the original 1963 March on Washington. Over the weekend, thousands gathered at the National Mall (where Dr. King gave his “I Have a

Lottie Thompson from Baltimore, Md.expressed her sentiments at the march.

rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Yet in 1963, almost 200 years after those words were set to paper, he said, “those truths remained unmet.”

“So they came by the thousands from every corner of our country, men and women, young and old, blacks who longed for freedom and whites who could no longer accept freedom for themselves while witnessing the subjugation of others,” Obama said. With their meager earnings, some bought tickets and boarded buses, he said,

Schools struggle with state standards

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Several St. Louis school districts struggled with the state’s new accreditation standards, according to the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) 5 results released Friday. Out of 140 possible points, St. Louis Public Schools garnered 24.6 percent of the points, Normandy Schools 11.1 percent and Riverview Gardens Schools 28.6 percent. These districts –all which have majority African-American student populations – scored among the lowest in the

Helping babies want to learn

Deborah Thomas honored for early childhood education at Salute

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Deborah Thomas, lead infant teacher at the William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Center at Harris-Stowe State University, described her teaching style as caring and compassionate.

“Sometimes, they may not mind being here,” Thomas said of the infants, “but they may need you to hold them a little bit longer. They may need you to spend a little bit more time

Administrators assess poor performances in new MSIP5 results See THOMAS, A6

Photos by Wiley Price

Deborah Thomas

Diddy and J. Cole shove it out at VMA after party

Sean “Diddy” Combs ended up in the middle of a scuffle with J. Cole at his and Jay Z’s star-studded MTV Video Music Awards after-party.

In a room packed with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Leo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake, tensions boiled over between the rappers . A witness at the PH-D rooftop lounge at the Dream Downtown told The New York Daily News, “J. Cole was saying inappropriate things to Sean Combs and his girlfriend, Cassie. Sean immediately pounced. Some pushing and shoving happened. No punches were thrown, but it was a visible disturbance. A few bottles splashed to the floor and some partygoers were knocked over, falling on top of Renee Graziano from ‘Mob Wives.’” Beyoncé reportedly

tried to play mediator during the scuffle. She was said to be screaming her head off and attempting to get the two rappers to calm down.

Meanwhile Jay Z was said to be separating people and getting the masses away from her.

Anthony Hamilton busted for DUI

According to TMZ, soul singer Anthony Hamilton was arrested for a DUI yesterday morning in his home state of North Carolina.

from their record label, Island Def Jam.

“Mariah threw a temper tantrum and accused execs at Island Def Jam of not making the same investment in her as they do in Kanye,” an industry insider told Star Magazine.

“She blew up in a meeting and called Kanye a ‘self-centered crybaby’ and said his music is angry and misogynistic. She kept going, ‘Yeezus! Who calls themselves Yeezus?

The source said when word got back to Kanye that Mariah was trash-talking him, he was furious.

“He called her several times, but Mariah never returned the calls.”

After the interview went viral R. apologized to K. Michelle via Twitter. “I respect K. Michelle as an artist,” Kelly tweeted. “And I apologize if anything I said offended her.”

Did crack come between Lamar and Khloe?

The site said that Hamilton was pulled over Early Sunday morning Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He was stopped for speeding, but he was soon suspected of being under the

Mr. Hamilton was subsequently arrested for driving while impaired.

TMZ said Hamilton has already been released from jail.

Ego battle between Yeezy and MiMi

Mariah Carey and Kanye West are said to be engaged in an epic battle of egos over who gets the most time and attention

R. Kelly backtracks after K. Michelle kiss and tell

During an interview with 94.5’s “Morning Grind Show” R. Kelly was asked if he’d heard K. Michelle’s new album and R. told a story that made it sound like the two had an up close and personal encounter while they toured together.

“We’ve listened to some music and had a lot of fun. When I tell her to do something she does it,” Kelly said. “Well, we did have a couple of drinks after a show during the ‘Single Ladies’ Tour and she said she was single. And then I got drunk and I don’t know what happened after that. I woke up and she told me I had a good time – and I had to trust her.”

Multiple sources familiar with the situation say Khloe Kardashian “effectively” declared separation when she threw Lamar Odom out of the house Wednesday, after he refused her attempt at an intervention. Things boiled over when Odom “went missing” over the weekend and was said to be on a drug binge. According to TMZ, Odom has had a crack addiction problem for at least 2 years and Kardashian simply couldn’t take it anymore. She reportedly it clear if Lamar did not get help she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. Radar Online is reporting that Kardashian was spotted outside the office of high powered divorce attorney Laura Wasser

Sources: New York Daily News, Straight From The A, Star Magazine, Radar Online

Anthony Hamilton

Lamar Odom

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

J. Cole

Pastor Clark, Spence appointed to police board

Dooley fills vacancies left by resignations in wake of subcontract scandal

By Jason Rosenbaum

Of The Beacon

On Thursday St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley announced two new appointments to the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners, Freddy J. Clark, founding pastor of Shalom Church (City of Peace), and businessman and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence. Clark, a Democrat, takes the slot left vacant after Floyd Warmann’s resignation. Spence takes the spot of Gregory Sansone, who resigned from the board on August 21. Sansone has come under fire for a potential conflict of interest in the awarding of a contract.

The St. Louis County’s charter states that no more than three members of the fivemember board shall belong to the same political party. If the County Council confirms them both, the board will have two independents, two Republicans and one Democrat.

The police board has been under intense scrutiny since the Post-Dispatch published a

series of articles examining a subcontract for heating and air conditioning construction for St. Louis County’s new crime lab. The paper reported that the county awarded a contract to ICS Construction Service, which then awarded a subcontract to SM Mechanical LLC for $3.7 million worth of heating and air conditioning work. Sansone, a member of the county police board, is an owner of SM Mechanical LLC. Earlier this week, Burkett, D-Overland, said that Sansone should “probably” resign from the commission. She told reporters, “It’s reached a point where, in my opinion, he’s embarrassing the county executive.”

In a letter given to reporters, Sansone wrote that his company received the subcontract “because we were the lowest bidder by far.” He also wrote that “the contract was independently cleared by the county counselor’s office without any request or discussion by me.” St. Louis County Counselor Pat Redington said the subcontract was allowed because ICS Construction Service – not the

county – issued the contract.

But Sansone went on to write that Dooley’s proposal to include subcontractors in the county’s conflict of interest policy prompted him to step down from the board.

Questions about the contract prompted St. Louis County

whether St. Louis County chief operating officer Garry Earls had improperly inquired about the FBI investigation. Dooley and Earls strongly denied those charges.

The council passed a resolution on August 20 declaring their support for

n If the County Council conirms them both, the board will have two independents, two Republicans and one Democrat.

Police Chief Tim Fitch to call for a FBI investigation. Since then, he’s had some high-profile disagreements with Dooley, including issuing a terse letter questioning

Fitch, with four “yea” votes and two members abstaining.

Both the Post-Dispatch and KMOX reported that subpoenas had been issued in relation to the investigation, which Dooley

confirmed.

Spence told reporters that he volunteered for the post after reading news accounts of the controversy. “I’ve never backed away from any tough situations in my life,” he said. “I’m excited about it.”

While Spence had returned to the private sector since his failed bid for governor, he appeared at the Missouri Republican Party’s Lincoln Days and has penned columns for the Missouri Times Clark is the pastor and founder of Shalom Church (City of Peace), which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Among other civic commitments, he serves on the Christian Hospital Board of Directors and chairs its Community Relations Committee.

On Tuesday, County

Council members decided on a 4-2 vote to hold off on the nominations of Spence and Clark. Councilman Steve Stenger, D-Affton, said he wanted to proceed slowly, especially since the council was considering legislation requiring background checks of appointees.

Ray Wagner, an executive at Enterprise Holdings, also resigned from the County Police Board on Tuesday, shortly after taking over as the interim chairman.

“We have had in the last 45 days three members of our police board resign under different circumstances,” Stenger said. “Under those circumstances, I would urge that we proceed with caution.” Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley (center) announced two nominations to the county police board on Thursday: Pastor Freddy J. Clark (right) and Dave Spence (left), businessman and former Republican gubernatorial candidate. Photo by Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

Local control must be inclusive

Even those of us who have heard his speeches on the subject more than once find it difficult not to get excited when St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson talks about St. Louis having the very rare opportunity, in a governmental structure fraught with inertia and tarnished with a blemished legacy, to remap its police department. A vital city department, whose chief executive has reported to a board of commissioners appointed by the governor since the Civil War, will now be a city department that reports to the Mayor’s Office. This change in governance opens a brief window of opportunity to make other changes in how the police department is organized. Dotson is a son of the city who evidently loves this place, a career police administrator who knows how the machine works and where the bodies are buried, and an intelligent and energetic person. He is right to be excited about this unprecedented opportunity, and we share his excitement. We even feel that just possibly there is reason for optimism.

The early suggestions for change emerging from Dotson and a transitional board that the mayor appointed are sensible. There is a movement toward streamlining services and reducing costs by bringing police-like personnel – city marshals, city park rangers, emergency managers – into the police department. These are good ideas. We would like to offer Dotson a specific early test of his political courage and suggest that he start making moves in an effort to absorb the Sheriff’s Office into the police department as well. Sheriffs, who currently report to a county office that operates independently of the city, perform duties that most closely resemble police work: they guard and transport criminals and guard officers of the court. They also serve process on civil matters, a function the city could efficiently outsource once sheriffs were brought into the police department. While offering advice to Dotson and his fellow transitional board members (among them a former editorial writer, Eddie Roth), we must remind them of their responsibility to establish a meaningful civilian review process. Local control may be effective and official as of September 1, but to many people in our community –including the activists who were pushing hard for local control back when the current mayor was still dodging or outright resisting it – local control without civilian review amounts to, at best, a minor administrative change and, at worst, a sham.

Dotson’s candor on this point is commendable. He told us that community activists want civilian review that operates “something like the Spanish Inquisition,” while police officers, he said, want a civilian review process that is “meaningless.” There is inconvenient truth in both characterizations that must be addressed. A community that often feels wronged by police work seeks meaningful input – that means input with teeth – in a

police conduct review process that has been pathetic under the outgoing police board (a governing body, mind you, that has included Mayor Francis G. Slay for the past 12 years). And police officers want community input to be “meaningless” if there is going to be any community input at all.

Dotson, Roth and Slay will be hearing more from this community about civilian review. Slay has proven that he can get elected as mayor –repeatedly – without significant support from black voters, but his administration has also showed that you can’t govern the city very effectively without an inclusive leadership approach. This new, unprecedented change that enables a revamping of the police department is an opportunity to demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with our community in executing this vital public service. Granted, there is a level of crime in some areas of the city that requires aggressive policing. That combustible situation makes the community’s consent in police work even more important. And that is why this transition to local control must be dealt with in an inclusive, respectful, creative and transparent way.

Commentary

GOP in Fantasyland

The make-believe crusade by publicity hound Republicans to somehow stop Obamacare is one of the most cynical political exercises we’ve seen in many years. And that, my friends, is saying something.

Charlatans are peddling the fantasy that somehow they can prevent the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from becoming what it already is: the law of the land. Congress passed it, President Obama signed it, the Supreme Court upheld it, and many of its provisions are already in force and others will soon take effect. No matter how contemptuous they may be about Obamacare, opponents have only two viable options: Repeal it or get over it.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the Canadian-American who appears to be running for president, has grabbed headlines and airtime by being the loudest advocate of an alleged third option: Congress could refuse to fund Obamacare, thereby starving it and effectively killing it. This is a ridiculous fantasy, as Cruz, who has brains beneath all that bombast, surely knows.

Congress needs to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year.

The idea, if you can call it one, is that Republicans can refuse to pass any funding bill that contains money for

implementing Obamacare.

Theoretically, Republicans could pull this off in the House, where they hold the majority. But the chance that a bill stripped of money for the Affordable Care Act could make it through the Senate, where Democrats hold power, is precisely zero. The chance that a House-Senate conference would starve Obamacare to death, while Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., remains the majority leader, is also zero. And if by some miracle such a bill were to make it to Obama’s desk, the chance he would sign it is way less than zero. So with the bill vetoed and no authorization to spend money, much of the government would have to shut down.

This gambit damaged the Republican Party back when Newt Gingrich tried it. In today’s toxic political climate, with approval ratings for Congress sinking toward the single digits, it could be catastrophic. As things stand, Democrats have an uphill struggle next year to win the 17 House seats they need to regain the majority. If the GOP forces a shutdown, however, Democrats’ chances might get better.

The basic elements of Obamacare – including the mandate that compels individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine –originated in conservative think tanks, including the Heritage Foundation. So it is beyond ironic that Heritage – under its new leader, former Sen. Jim DeMint – is pushing hard for the defund-Obamacare suicide leap. DeMint has gone so far

Why I am marching in 2013

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place in 1963, five years before I was born. I grew up in a very small, racist town (Shelbyville, Kentucky), so I take civil rights to heart.

Being an AfricanAmerican female, the 1963 March on Washington left a bittersweet feeling. We still have to realize the dream. Some of the same issues and racism civil rights leaders marched for in 1963 still exist today.

This year, I was racially profiled and harassed at a reputable Central West End hotel. I was a guest using the public restroom when I was racially profiled and harassed by a white attendant. The white attendant asked me why I was using the restroom, who I was and how long I would be using the restroom. None of the white women using the restroom was questioned.

That experience took me back to the years of 18761965 when Jim Crow laws existed with separate restrooms for whites and blacks. It left me feeling humiliated. I felt stripped of all my dignity and rights as a citizen. I suffered from post-traumatic stress.

The hotel conducted a

thorough investigation. They determined that I was racially profiled and harassed. The hotel apologized to me and made a commitment to provide more diversity training within the company.

In 1985 at age 17, I participated in the Upward Bound program in Kentucky. The program took a group of teenagers on a summer trip to visit different colleges and universities. We visited Berea College, and I will never forgot that day.

A group of AfricanAmerican teenagers got off the bus to visit the college. It was like a little old country town with antique stores, candy shops and restaurants. It was around noon, and we were hungry. We begin to walk from the college to the stores in search of food and to shop.

As we approached each store, the white people fled and we were told the store was closed as the OPEN sign on the door was suddenly flipped to Sorry We Are CLOSED. Soon, all the stores were closed.

We were instructed to get back on the bus by our chaperones and instructors. I was so angry. That incident let me know I was not wanted there because of the color of my skin, which was one of many reasons why I left Kentucky at the age of 18 and never moved back.

In 1963 Dr. King told the crowd to go and continue to work with the faith

Letters to the editor

Sustain the veto

Missouri Public School Advocates is urging state lawmakers to sustain Governor Nixon’s veto of House Bill 253 and to abandon any future plans to reduce Missouri’s income tax rates.

If low taxes were the major criterion for attracting corporations and new jobs to Missouri, businesses would be falling all over themselves to locate in our state. Missouri already has one of the lower composite tax rates for business in the nation.

as to make a campaign swing through the South and the Midwest, whipping up support among the GOP base.

Painting Obamacare as the end of America as we know it is an effective way for DeMint to rebrand Heritage, moving it away from mainstream Republican orthodoxy into tea party la-la land. Noisemaking and fundraising go hand in hand; this crazy exercise promises to be very bad for the GOP, but it might end up being very good for the Heritage Foundation’s coffers.

Similarly, Cruz gets to preen before a national audience and demonstrate the fervor of his opposition to Obama and all that he stands for. “If you have an impasse, you know, one side or the other has to blink,” he said recently. “How do we win this fight? Don’t blink.”

The GOP establishment is blinking like crazy. Trying to defund Obamacare has little support among Republicans in the Senate. “I’m for stopping Obamacare, but shutting down the government will not stop Obamacare,” Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said recently.

The Republican majority in the House, though, is ... what’s the word? Unpredictable? Uncontrollable? Unhinged? They pay little attention to wise political advice and less attention to their leader, Speaker John Boehner of Ohio. And while they can’t lay a glove on Obamacare, they’re fully capable of knocking themselves out.

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

People like taxes to be kept reasonably low, but not to the extent that vital services like quality schooling cannot be provided. If HB 253 becomes law, continuing the high quality performance of Missouri Public Schools will be imperiled.

Gary Sharpe, president Missouri Public School Advocates

Protect public safety

By immediately removing hundreds of criminals from sexual offender notification websites, without regard to the seriousness of their offense, House Bill 301 would undermine public safety and weaken victims’ rights. This legislation would also deny local prosecutors and victims of these horrible crimes the opportunity to be heard before an offender is removed.

The leadership of the House may be ready to help violent sex offenders hide from the public and law enforcement, but their victims, and the millions of Missourians who use these websites to help keep their families safe, are not.

As legislators return for the annual veto session this September, I ask that they protect public safety and defend crime victims by sustaining my veto of House Bill 301. We owe it to the crime victims and their families to ensure this dangerous bill does not become law.

Gov. Jay Nixon, Jefferson City

Difficulty watching Tavis

Thanks so much for James Ingram’s recent article on Tavis Smiley and President Obama. You hit the nail on the

that unearned suffering is redemptive. He said go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go to the slums and ghettos of our Northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. I hope this march inspires others like myself to go back to St. Louis after the march and work together as a community to make St. Louis a better place to live for all citizens.

I am marching because I am not satisfied after 50 years of the continuation of racism, police brutality, racial profiling, lack of jobs, poverty, women making less than men, the Supreme Court dismantling the Voting Rights Act, environmental challenges, rising student loan rates and the school system failing our children.

I am marching to put an end to all the senseless killings, from black on black crime to police brutality, such as the case of Cary Ball, who was shot 25 times and killed by the St. Louis police in 2013. I am marching for the justice of Trayvon Martin, the unconstitutional stop and frisk law in New York, the Stand Your Ground law in Florida. I concur with Dr. King that an injustice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere, and that is why I am

by

head! For some time now, I have sensed a real dislike for President Obama by Tavis Smiley. I have tried to watch his show and have difficulty because it seems that, at every opportunity, he finds it easier to bash the president than to compliment him on anything.

Barbara Bell Via email

Super on Twitter

SLPS Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams started the new school year by joining the world of Twitter. District stakeholders and others interested in what’s going on with Saint Louis Public Schools are invited to follow Dr. Adams on Twitter. His account is @ SLPS_SUPT.

Patrick Wallace Saint Louis Public Schools

Proud pastor/dean

Thank you so much for the write-up in your newspaper, “Pastor as medical diversity dean.” Your meticulous, concise, but insightful editing yielded an article that makes me proud.

Wesley McNeese, M.D. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Celebrate your job on Labor Day

As our country celebrates Labor Day – the day we recognize the contributions of American workers – many workers will relect on their own jobs. Do their jobs provide a sense of personal accomplishment and inancial rewards? Do their jobs offer opportunities for advancement? Work/life balance?

If not, perhaps the long weekend is a good time to consider how to achieve a more rewarding career. One way is through additional education. Many options exist for those who work. One is careerfocused schools that offer short-term programs focused on high-demand professions, like medical assisting and massage therapy. They even offer convenient evening and

weekend classes. Although changing careers may seem daunting, countless people have done so successfully, and say it was the best decision they ever made. Labor Day should be a relection and celebration of your job.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Chad Freeman president Everest College-St. Louis

Guest Columnist Stefanie Williams

St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson

Warning for home gardeners

“Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) is issuing an urgent advisory: Missouri fruit crops are at risk due to a confirmed invasion of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD). SWD infestation has already caused extreme injury to crops in many counties throughout the state during the last few days. The best way to protect crops now is to spray an effective insecticide right away.

For home gardeners, insecticide recommendations include Ferti-Lome Borer, Bagworm, Tent caterpillar and Leafminer spray (spinosad 0.5 percent), and Green Light (spinosad 0.5 percent).

For certified organic farmers, Entrust is the only OMRI-approved product that is both effective and provides good residual activity (5-7 days control).

AZERA(Azadirachtin + pyrethrins), Aza-Direct (Azadirachtin) and Pyganic can also provide some control.

The above products are not a complete list of all available options. Not all products are labeled for all fruits. Read the pesticide label and follow its directions exactly including Pre-Harvest Interval. You may only use the pesticide on sites or crops listed on the label.

For more information on SWD visit http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programsand-projects/ipm or contact LUCE’s Integrated Pest Management at PineroJ@LincolnU.edu, 573-6815522 or WilsonJ@LincolnU.edu, 573681-5591.

Crisis Nursery outfits kids for school

Crisis Nursery recently hosted two family events on both sides of the river to celebrate the end of summer break and welcome the new school year.More than 400 children received book bags full of supplies, food and clothing. Crisis Nursery provides respite care for children,birth through age 12,at five locations throughout St.Louis City and County and St.Charles County. Parents in need of crisis care for their children can call Crisis Nursery 24hours a day at 314-768-3201.

AKAto host domestic violence forum

The Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated will host Saving Our Sisters (SOS): ACommunity Forum on Domestic Violence 6-9 p.m. Thursday, September 5 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. This event is free and open to the public.

The SOS Forum will feature a resource fair and panel discussion with Sylvia Jackson, Executive Director of Women’s Safe House; Halbert Sullivan, President/CEO of Father’s Support Center; state Representative Gina Mitten; Associate Circuit Judge Paula Bryant; Captain Amanda Snipes, Special Victims Counsel at Scott Air Force Base; and Pamela Dorsey, Scott Air Force Base Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator.

Middle schools awarded technology grants

Each of the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s three middle schools have been awarded Technology & Engineering

Grants from the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE). Berkeley Middle School will receive $12,518; Cross Keys Middle School will receive $18,846; and Ferguson Middle School will receive $12,919.

The one-year grant will help fund classroom equipment, curriculum and software for each school’s “Gateway to Technology” Project Lead the Way classes.

“These funds will further expand our ability to provide innovative educational opportunities which lead directly to college and career readiness to middle school students,” said Art McCoy, superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

Props for single dads

By Carmen Hense For The St.Louis American

We have watched and read about Usher gaining custody of his two kids. As the spotlight is on single parents who are now changing roles of being sole caretaker of their children, I ask you, the community, can the dads get some respect too?

Women as single parents are doing a fine job of taking care of their households and carrying the responsibility of being both mother and father. However, studies have shown that approximately 16 percent of custodial parents are fathers. So why is there little talk or light given to the group of men who are also upholding their households as single parents?

It is those dads who are combing their daughter’s hair before school. It is those fathers you will see at the grocery store buying food for their families. It is that group of daddies that is supporting their children during extra-curricular activities. They are the pops who come home and cook a hot dinner for their children each and every evening.

It is time that we pay homage to the many single fathers who are sole caretakers of their children. They are the backbone of their households and our communities. With so many men turning their backs on their seed, you have many men who will work two jobs and provide for their own like a man is supposed to.

I am not saying that they don’t struggle with keeping the family a unit. However, the men who refuse to give in to the temptation of letting go should be recognized for a job well done.

It is very easy to point the finger in the opposite direction and make note of everything that is wrong. Let’s bring out the fact that there are many dads who did not leave their families. There are even dads who do a better job of parenting than some moms.

Light should be shed upon dads who are the sole caretaker, especially when the children of these households are excelling and doing the right thing, growing up and becoming a pillar of society and not a product of their environment.

We all know that a child has a better advantage of doing well and prospering when there is a stable twoparent household. However, when things happen to prevent a household from being a stable environment, then it becomes necessary for the parents to do what is necessary for the well-being of their children.

To the men who have taken the stand to rear their children alone as fine single parents, hats off to you. To the men who go through the court system fighting for their rights and winning, congratulations. Keep your head up and continue doing what is best for you and your children.

Carmen Hense

The East St.Louis Chapter of the NAACP marched in Washington, D.C.on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

by Wiley Price

Continued from A1

while others with less money hitchhiked or walked.

“Then, on a hot summer day, they assembled here, in our nation’s capital, under the shadow of the Great Emancipator – to offer testimony of injustice, to petition their government for redress, and to awaken America’s longslumbering conscience,” Obama said. Because they marched, civil rights and voting rights laws were passed, and doors of

opportunity for education were swung open.

“Congress changed, and eventually the White House changed,” he said, receiving applause and cries from the audience.

“On the battlefield of justice, men and women without rank or wealth or title or fame would liberate us all in ways that our children now take for granted,” he said. “To dismiss the magnitude of this progress – to suggest, as some sometimes do, that little has changed – that dishonors the courage and the sacrifice of those who paid the price to march in those years.”

Obama said that King’s vision for African Americans was the same goal for all people – for their families to be able to earn decent wages, under fair-working conditions, have access to quality health care and education, so they can grow in their communities.

“The goals have fallen short,” he said. “There have been examples of success within black America that would have been unimaginable a half century ago. But, black unemployment has remained almost twice as high as white unemployment, Latino unemployment close behind.”

The gap in wealth between

races has grown, he said. The position of all working Americans has eroded, he said, “making the dream Dr. King described even more elusive.”

America’s great unfinished business is to build an economic system that doesn’t just support a few, but provides for the many, he said.

“We shouldn’t fool ourselves, the task will not be easy,” he said.

Currently, the nation’s politics suffer, and many are entrenched in their own personal interests rather than the interests of all people, he said. They claim the growing economic inequality is the price

we pay for a growing economy, he said. They say greed is good, and “those without jobs or health care had only themselves to blame,” he said.

All the while, many families are stuck in “fortresses” of substandard education and inadequate health care.

“As we mark this anniversary, we must remind ourselves that the measure of progress for those who marched 50 years ago was not merely how many blacks could join the ranks of millionaires,” he said.“It was whether this country would admit all people who are willing to work hard regardless of race into the

THOMAS

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with them.” She enjoys reading and singing to the infants, ranging in age from six weeks to one year. Upon request, she animatedly sang her own rendition of the nursery rhyme “I’m a Little Teapot.”

“They get so excited, and their little eyes get so big, because you have to kind of play the part,” Thomas said. “I really want our babies to form a desire for learning.”

Thomas is the recipient of the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2013 PNC Early Childhood Education Award.

On Friday, September 13, she will be honored at the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, held at the America’s Center Ballroom, along with 2013 Lifetime Achiever Lynn Beckwith Jr., 2013 Stellar Performer Art McCoy and others.

ranks of a middle-class life.” He also reminded the audience that during the course of 50 years, there were times when some lost their way, inciting “self-defeating riots” and allowing legitimate grievances against police brutality to excuse criminal behavior.

However, Americans can “keep marching” in their everyday lives. For example, teachers who go the extra mile and parents who raise their children right are marching, he said.

“In the face of impossible odds,” Obama said, “people who love their country can change it.”

However, she stressed that she isn’t trying to take the parents’place. “What we really try to do is assist the parents in the growth of their child,” she said.

Thomas insists on having an open-door policy with the parents, who might be apprehensive about leaving their young child in the care of strangers.

“We tell them, ‘Stop in anytime you like,’” she said. “We try to make them feel as comfortable as possible.”

Thomas began working for the center in April 2010 as an infant teacher assistant. Her son, Jonathan, suggested she apply for the position. At the time, her son was a business student at Harris-Stowe State University and employed at the center.

Thomas’workday begins promptly at 6 a.m. She greets each infant every morning and encourages them to do the same with each other, in an effort to teach them good manners. She wants to help the infants develop respect for people, particularly their parents, and to instill in them an appreciation for the people who support them. She knows the best way to accomplish her goal is to lead by example.

“With infants, they do what they see you do,” she said. “They learn by example.”

Patricia Johnson, director of the center, said Thomas never misses a day of work and has to be reminded to take a vacation.

Thomas is dedicated to her infants – the “Wonderful Watermelons,” as they are referred to at the center. In her classroom, she affectionately grasped 10-month-old Caydence’s hands as she tried to walk in her hard-bottomed white shoes.

“They’re like your own,” she said. “We grow to really love them.”

After only one year, she was promoted to lead infant teacher. She said working at the center influenced her decision to pursue a career in early childhood education.

“I wanted to learn more about the children I came in contact with on a daily basis,” she said.

She is currently enrolled at Harris-Stowe, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She has an associate’s degree in human services from St. Louis Community College.

Although she has had a number of jobs over the course of her life, she has found her niche in early childhood education.

“The more I interacted with the children,” she said, “I found there was a great reward in training a child and seeing them grow.”

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

Photo

MARCH

Continued from A1

Dream” speech on August 28, 1963), and later marched from the Lincoln Memorial to The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Leslie Broadnax and Nikia Gist organized the bus trip, with behind-the-scenes help from Stefanie Williams. Broadnax led the group in prayer before the bus departed from the Buzz Westfall Shopping Center.

Karim Saleem drove overnight from Oklahoma City to St. Louis to make the trip. Saleem said he wanted to share the experience of riding a bus with people united by a common cause. He was anxious to get away from people in his hometown.

“It’s pitiful,” he said. “They’re not involved in anything but chaos and madness.”

Billie Morrison, a St. Louisan who attended the 1963 march when only 14 years old, was among the crowd of well wishers who greeted the bus at its departure and upon its return.

“I was so happy to see so

SCHOOLS

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state. Some charter schools also landed in the bottom tier, including Construction Careers Center (16.1 percent) and Confluence Academies (28.3 percent).

School districts must earn at least 50 percent of the points to be provisionally accredited, under the new Annual Performance Report (APR) accreditation levels. For full accreditation, districts must earn at least 70 percent.

“We came in knowing that this would not be an easy task,” said Ty McNichols, the new superintendent of Normandy School District, which scored the lowest in the state. “It just reaffirmed what we knew we had to do.”

The 24-point score is a big blow for St. Louis Public Schools – a district that just earned its provisional status last year after being unaccredited since 2007.

The new standards show that SLPS is far from meeting the provisional accreditation mark, but the state will not be yanking away its classification this year. The state will look at three years of data under MSIP5 before making a decision on any district’s accreditation. And this is the first year Missouri’s school districts have been assessed under MSIP5.

What and who we teach

What does it mean when a school district scores an 11 percent on the Annual Performance Report? Like a student’s GPA, school districts are assessed on different subjects, and the total makes up a district’s APR score.

Those subjects include attendance, graduation rate, the state’s standardized test scores, college readiness and subgroup achievement (for example, minority students, children who receive free/reduced price lunch, English language learners and students with disabilities). However, unlike a GPA, an APR score also calculates how much the districts have progressed – not just how well they scored on the standardized tests. The new standards are more rigorous than ever, said Art

many young people fired up, not only to go just as a remembrance, but to continue to carry that fight on,” Morrison said.

The original march, organized by A. Phillip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, focused on “Jobs and Freedom.” Morrison said St. Louis still has people who are in need of good-paying jobs. She supports fastfood workers’strike for higher wages.

“We definitely need to improve our schools and training programs,” Morrison said, “because you’re not going to get a better employee if you don’t get people who are better educated.”

The spirit of fellowship was clearly evident during the 18hour bus ride to D.C. Passengers were more than willing to share food, blankets or whatever else they had that others lacked.

At the rally, Williams said her poster garnered attention from hundreds of people.

“My two-sided poster told a story,” Williams said. “And, in fact, it was everything that Rev. Al Sharpton addressed in his speech.”

On one side of her poster, two young African-American men are depicted next to the

McCoy, superintendent of Ferguson-Florissant School District. One big difference this year is how the subgroup category is graded. Minority students’academic growth carries more weight than it did before – 14 points out of 140, he said.

“I was thrilled to see the subgroup achievement become a larger part,” said McCoy, who sat on the committee for MSIP5. “That makes it more important for every school district to provide an equitable education service.”

However, for school districts such as Normandy, the entire district’s population falls in one or more subgroups. That means Normandy and other districts with majority lowincome, minority students are graded more heavily on these 14 points than Brentwood, for instance, that has about a 30 percent subgroup population. Brentwood earned all 14 points. In FergusonFlorissant’s case, over 90 percent of the district falls into a subgroup, and it earned five subgroup points.

“For minority districts, it becomes even more pressing to meet that mark,” McCoy said. “We are judged not just on how we teach but who we teach.”

Top and bottom 10

Last week, Chris Nicastro, commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), said the results show that the achievement gap is widening for minorities, particularly African-American students.

However, McCoy disagrees. He believes that African Americans’performance remained at the same level, but the standards got higher. DESE changed its standards because it wants Missouri to be among the top 10 states for student achievement by 2020.

However, Missouri remains in the Top 10 list of states that have the lowest funding for public education.

“To have the goal of being in the Top 10 while being in the bottom 10 for funding is really a difficult charge,” McCoy said. “But I believe we can succeed.”

Like many districts, Ferguson-Florissant only receives 92 percent of the state’s funding formula. The district has to raise funds from

words, “Respect! You’re not cool, if you dress like a fool!”

One man is shown wearing a backwards cap, wife-beater Tshirt and saggin’pants, while the other is dressed in more conventional, less stereotypical attire.

“We owe a debt to those that believed in us when we did not believe in ourselves,” Sharpton said in his speech at

businesses to defer costs away from students, such as activity fees, he said.

Currently FergusonFlorissant and University City school districts are fully accredited; however, their recent scores fell just below the accreditation level. Ferguson-Florissant scored 69.3 percent and University City 66.8 percent. Jennings School District is currently provisionally accredited, and its score remains at that level with 65.7 percent. These districts all have majority African-American student populations.

Hazelwood School District was only seven points away from being classified as a district “accredited with distinction,” scoring 85.4 percent. Hazelwood has a 72 percent African-American population, and 52 percent of its students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

“What it says to me is that if we can do it, others can do it,” said Grayling Tobias, superintendent of Hazelwood schools. “If our students are succeeding, then it’s possible.”

Still, even Hazelwood struggled with earning its subgroup points. It garnered nine out of the 14 points. And those five points they missed could have helped bump the district to pass districts with lower subgroup populations, such as St. Charles.

New mandatory tests

Many of these districts also took a hard hit on their social studies scores. Previously, social studies and science were considered bonus points on the APR score, not mandatory categories as they are now. Also, the state did not pay for these MAPtests. School districts had to pay for the bonus tests themselves, if they could afford them.

Hazelwood scored 94 percent on English, and 100 percent in both mathematics and science. However, the district scored 18.8 percent on social studies. Again, this score is based on how much students grew in each subject.

St. Louis Public Schools failed to progress in any of the academic categories, but performed worst in social studies.

School by school

SLPS Superintendent

the rally. “We need to conduct ourselves in a way that respects that. Don’t you ever think that men like Medgar Evers died to give you the right to be a hoodlum.”

Williams’poster also displayed side-by-side images of President Barack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the words, “Two men, One vision” printed beneath

Kelvin Adams said he was disappointed and concerned at the district’s 24.6 percent overall APR score.

“The scores from a district perspective look bleak,” he said. “However, there’s overall growth, and some schools are very close to being accredited.”

This is the first time DESE provided information on each building’s accreditation status.

Looking at individuals schools, seven SLPS schools –Metro,McKinley, Bryan Hill, Buder, Kennard, Mallinckrodt and WilkinsonEarly Childhood Center – earned enough points to be accredited with distinction, which means earning at least 90 percent of the total possible points. However, about five

Joyce Brown and Stephanie Williams were among 55 people from St.Louis who took a bus to Washington,D.C.on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

them. Sharton spoke about Dr. King’s courage to dream.

“He said in the face of those that wanted him dead, ‘No matter what you do, I can dream above what you do,’”

Sharpton said of Dr. King.

“King saw the possibility of an Obama 50 years ago.”

Broadnax reflected on the trip, stating that it was a “twofold experience.”

schools scored less than 10 percent, including Vashon High School, which scored zero points. Adams cautioned that this does not mean every student scored a zero on the standardized test.

Vashon had made substantial progress under the previous state requirements, which only looked at Algebra 1, he said. And previously, the state did not pay for high school MAPtests in U.S. History, Algebra II and Geometry because they were bonus points. Now they are mandatory, and that’s one area where Vashon ran into trouble.

“It was inspiring to see so many people there for the same purpose,” Broadnax said. “But, at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of urgency with the movement to include more of our youth, families and more of the everyday person in order to make a bigger impact, faster.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @BridjesONeil.

“Mind you, this is a school that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan visited two years ago for the growth they’ve had in MSIP4,” he said. “The standards are different from then.” Of course, the scores are unacceptable, Adams said. And that’s why Adams decided to personally take on the responsibility of leading the 18 most struggling schools himself. Previously, these schools’ principals reported to an associate superintendent regarding progress and requests for support. Now those principals will report directly to Adams.

“You have to look at the whole piece, not just a score on paper,” Adams said. “It’s easier to jump to a score and see 24 and say, ‘Wow, the district is failing.’In this assessment, we have struggled with MSIP5. The district will not struggle next year with MSIP5.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Annie Malone Soiree Celebrating 125 years

Rubye Johnson Hatchett

December 3, 1932 –April 7, 2013

Rubye Hachett

Rubye was a graduate of Sumner High School and worked many years as a civil servant. Her husband, Morris M. Hatchett, preceded her in death in 1987. A previous marriage to William Dyson produced two children, Karen and Karl. She is survived by her children, Karen Dyson and Karl Dyson; sisters, Augusta Souder (Hugh) of San Diego, CA, Evelyn Bryant of Denver, CO; grandsons Karl Dyson Jr., Michael (LaTasha) Dyson; granddaughter, Devin Jones; great-grandsons, Jeremiah Dyson, David Dyson, greatgranddaughters, Peyton Dyson, Michaela Dyson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Constance Jane Thompson

Constance J. Thompson was born June 24, 1925 as the fourth child to the union of Benjamin and Josephine Elazer in Webster Groves, Mo.

She graduated from Douglass High School in 1943, attended Webster College (1944) and Tucker Business School (1945) before marrying and having a daughter. She was employed at Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis for several years. She later married Kenneth G. Thompson and moved to Minneapolis, Minn. where she completed her career at First Bank. Upon her husband’s passing, she returned to St. Louis.

Mrs. Thompson served as a

Constance Thompson

volunteer in her golden years and was an active member at Cote Brilliant Presbyterian Church. There she served in the Women’s Circle until her illness. Connie was known for having a beautiful soprano voice, being an exquisite home decorator, an elegant dresser fueled by her passion for shopping, with an ever revolving collection of shoes to prove it. She went to sleep in Jesus on Monday, July 1, 2013. She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving daughter, Carol Wallace; brother, Claude Elazer (Erma); three grandchildren, Maria, Reggie Jr. (Karyn) and Rodney (Debra) Wallace; three greatgrandchildren, Brianna, Kindra and Rodney Jr.; two nieces, Linda Davis and Bonita White, one nephew, Craig Elazer; along with a host of other relatives and beloved friends.

In memory

Happy Birthday to my angels, Theresa Anderson (September 19) and Duane Anderson (August 27). May you rest in peace. I miss and love you two deeply!

Love always, Your daughter and your niece, “Shantel”

Attention St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a spaceavailable basis and online at stlamerican.com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.

Randolph and Rustin

Visionary and maestro of 1963 March

By Dwight Kirk For The St. Louis American

The 1963 March on Washington, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, was the vision of A. Philip Randolph, the renowned black labor leader who originally conceived the 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom. Most people mistakenly believe the march was called by civil rights groups. It had been a dream of Randolph’s since 1941 when he organized the March on Washington Movement, which pressured President Franklin D. Roosevelt into issuing an executive order banning the exclusion of black Americans from jobs in the booming defense industry.

To help Randolph turn his dream into reality in the turbulent summer of ’63, he chose Bayard Rustin, his close associate and organizer of the first Freedom March in 1947, to orchestrate the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rustin fully justified Randolph’s unshakable confidence in his organizing prowess. He rose to the gargantuan task of pulling together the largest mass protest in American history (up to that time). Incredibly, this master organizer mobilized more than 250,000 peaceful protesters to come to Washington – in just eight weeks!

Fittingly, Rustin was just named by President Obama as one of the 16 recipients this year of the Presidential

Same old Slay

I usually don’t physically hold onto old newspapers when you can access archives on the internet. But there are a few that warrant being a keepsake.

Like when the City of St. Louis elected Freeman Bosley Jr. as its first AfricanAmerican mayor in 1993. The headline read, “You got the right one, baby!”

Like the March 22, 2001

A. Philip RandolphBayard Rustin

Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Rustin, who died in 1987, joins his steadfast ally, A. Philip Randolph, who received the same honor from President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

President Obama said Rustin “fought tirelessly for marginalized communities at home and abroad. As an openly gay African American, Mr. Rustin stood at the intersection of several of the fights for equal rights.”

St. Louis American with the headline, “Mayoral favorite says he’ll prove himself.”

That mayoral fave was Francis G. Slay. “Just because people voted for Freeman doesn’t mean that they don’t like me,” fantasized Slay after the primary. Yes, it does – you’re no Freeman Bosley Jr.

The 2001 Democratic primary included Bosley

And so the buses, trains and car caravans have rolled into Washington to once again awaken the nation’s conscience and to affirm the pulse of a social media-driven 21st century movement for jobs, justice and freedom. But the fact that the historic 1963 march was the brainchild of a legendary labor leader and the masterpiece of a brilliant organizer, deserves much wider recognition and admiration.

as the biggest contender, incumbent mayor Clarence Harmon and perennial candidate William “Bill” Haas. In 2001, 85 percent of black voters voted for Bosley; about the same percentage voted for mayoral hopeful Lewis Reed in 2013. There has been virtually no change in the numbers over the last 12 years that represent any new black converts to Slay. There also has been little change in the low voter turnout for mayoral races under Slay. Back to that St. Louis American front page article. The subtitle read, “Democratic nominee maintains he will ‘build trust’ with the black community.” Slay claimed he wanted to be judged by his actions. The article goes on to say that the mayor-elect’s first, most difficult and important task is “bridging the racial divide.”

It’s plain to see that Slay was not put much effort to into building that bridge to fairness and racial equality that he talked about in the wake of his primary victory. His actions and those of his administration have helped to widen the social, political and economic gulf in the city.

For most black folks, life under Slay’s antebellum regime has been tortuous and disenfranchising. We had no choice but to come to the rude awakening that Slay’s commitment to diversity and to the “need to create equal access to opportunity” was a hollow promise.

Every aspect of black life

Dwight Kirk is president of D’flat communications and advisor to numerous labor organizations, including the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the United Steelworkers and the AFL-CIO.

touched by Slay has been negative, from our school system to public safety (who can forget the unjust firing of the city’s first black fire chief?) to neighborhood (de) stabilization. In most cases, when the mayor gets an opportunity to show inclusion and unity in his leadership, he is either clueless in recognizing the opportunity or inclusion and unity are incompatible with his autocratic style.

Take local control of the police, for example. The effort to return the St. Louis Police Metropolitan Department to its citizens succeeded, in part, because of the laborious work of the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression (CAPCR). Slay was against local control until the organizing work of CAPCR began to yield fruit. In 2006, Slay vetoed civilian review board legislation – a critical companion piece to local control – passed by the Board of Aldermen.

Now Slay, made aware by CAPCR of flaws in his local control ballot initiative last November, is trying to use an executive order to shove through the last phase of local control. This is a continuation of his disengaging practice of circumventing democratic and transparent processes. And it certainly isn’t building trust.

There are large swaths of this city that have been isolated and marginalized by Slay, but that doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be mayor for all the people. Unless. Unless, that is, state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed was accurate when she suggested during the last mayoral election that the mayor is ignoring the black community because we don’t vote for him.

Jamala Rogers

Nutrition Challenge:

Think about how colorful your meals are. Is your plate usually filled with a lot of white and brown (e.g., breaded chicken strips, mashed potatoes and a roll)? Or do you have a rainbow of fresh, healthy vegetables? Imagine a plate with grilled

Exercise

Healthy Kids Kids

red salmon, roasted red peppers and steamed green broccoli. In general, the more colorful… the better it is for you!

Exercise Challenge:

According to some statistics, the average American child spends as much as 4 hours a day watching TV and another 2 hours playing video games and having fun on a computer. That’s 6 hours each day!

Instead of spending so much time in front of screens… why not go outside and get some

Try this

Make it a goal to have at least three different colors on your plate each meal.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 5

exercise? Try reducing your TV watching by one hour each day, and spend that hour throwing a football, riding a bike, playing kickball or some other fun outdoor activity with your friends. That one hour can make a big difference in how you look and feel.

Where do you work? I work in the Child Health Advocacy & Outreach Department at Children’s Hospital, St. Louis.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from WashingtonMarion Magnet High School in Louisiana. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, spent a semester abroad at Lancaster University in Lancaster, England and earned a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine. Someone looking to become a dentist will need a degree from a four-year accredited college or university and competitive scores on the DAT (Dental Admissions Exam).

Students interested in becoming a dentist should focus on science classes such as anatomy and biochemistry.

What does a dentist do? I meet interesting kids and use an iPad to teach them about oral health and treating teeth to remove tooth decay. When a child falls and breaks his or her front teeth, dentists like me use tooth-colored material to reshape the broken tooth to create a new smile for patients. I take x-rays to look at the health of teeth from the inside out.

Go to http://www. stlamerican.com/newspaper_ in_education/ and download our Fitness Challenge Journal page.

Why did you choose this career? I chose dentistry because I enjoy medicine, helping people, and the art of restoring beautiful smiles.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I truly enjoy helping patients face their fears about visiting the dentist: being there when they have a positive experience and seeing them come back for 6-month checkups with new confidence and healthier teeth.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

Ms. Brown’s 4th Grade Class Cool Valley Elementary SLPS

Cool Valley School fourth graders Jada Holly 9, and Cornell Jackson 10, work with their teacher Ms. Brown on a color experiment for their STEM project.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is A Pixel?

The term “pixel” is actually short for “Picture Element.” Images on computers monitors are made up of these small little dots, called pixels. The computer screen is divided into a matrix of thousands of pixels. You cannot see pixels because they are so small, but if you set your monitor to a low resolution, and look closely, you might be able to see individual pixels. An example of a low resolution is 640x480. This means the picture is created by a matrix of 640 by 480

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

pixels. Therefore, there are 307,200 little dots that create the image on the monitor. Although pixels can only be one color at a time, they often blend together and form various shades and blends of colors because they are so small. If you want to see pixels in action, play Pixel This!: www.spaceplace.nasa.gov/pixel-this.

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

Color by Numbers!

Computer screens are divided into a grid of small dots called pixels. You will be using graph paper to create a pixel image.

Materials Needed:

• Graph Paper • Pencils or Crayons • Marker Procedure:

q This image has a resolution of 6X5, which means it is created by 30 pixels. On your graph paper, use a marker to block off a square that is 6x5. Your square will be six rows, with five squares in each row.

w In the first row, leave the first square blank, color the next three squares, and leave the last square blank. The code for this is (1, 3, 1)

e In the second row, leave the first four squares blank and color the last square. The code for this is (4,1).

r In the third row, leave the first square blank and color the last four squares. The code for this is (1,4).

t In the fourth row, color the first square, leave the next three squares blank, and color the last square. The code for this is (1,3,1).

y In the fifth row, repeat the same pattern you completed in the fourth row.

u In the last row, leave the first square blank, and color the last four squares. The code for this is (1,4).

Discussion Questions: Look at your pixilated image. What letter of the alphabet did you create? If you followed directions, you created the letter “a.” Write directions, or code, for a new pixel image and trade directions with a classmate.

Learning Standards: I can follow step by step directions to complete a task and observe the results. I can apply what I have learned to a new task.

MATH CONNECTION

Discovering the Checksum in ISBN codes

Barcodes seem to be everywhere. Computers use them to read information. Published books have a ten-digit code on the back cover called an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). If you order a book, the publisher will use the checksum to verify that they are sending the correct book. In order to calculate a checksum, you multiply the first digit of the ISBN code by 10, the second digit by nine, the third digit by eight, and so on down to the ninth digit multiplied by two. Then, you will add each of these values together. For example, this ISBN code 0-13-911991-4, gives the following value:

Next, divide your answer by eleven. What is the remainder? 172 divided by 11= 15 remainder 7. If the remainder is zero, then the checksum is zero, otherwise subtract the remainder from 11 to get the checksum. 11-7=4. Look at the ISBN code. Is the last digit 4? Yes! The checksums match. Use an ISBN code from a book in your classroom to calculate the checksum. Be sure to show your work!

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

SCIENCE STARS

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND COMPUTER SCIENTIST: Marc Hannah

Marc Hannah was born on October 13, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois. He received a scholarship from Bell Laboratories and attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1977. He received a master’s degree in 1978 and a doctorate degree in 1985 from Stanford University.

Hannah co-founded Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI) with Jim Clark and five others in 1982. Although this company’s technology was used in engineering, research, and military applications, SGI was famous for its computer graphics technology, used to create effects for movies like Jurassic Park, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunt for Red October, Field of Dreams, and Terminator 2. In addition to movies, Hannah’s programs have been used to create television commercials and the opening introduction for Monday Night Football. Hannah is also a partial owner of Rondeau Bay, which is a construction company located in Oakland, California.

In฀1988,฀a฀small฀team฀using฀SGI฀ workstations฀created฀the฀irst฀digital฀ character฀in฀movie฀history.฀It฀was฀a฀ shimmering,฀snake-like฀igure฀that฀ appeared฀to฀be฀made฀of฀water.฀It฀was฀the฀ “pseudopod”฀in฀the฀1989฀ilm฀“The฀Abyss.”

Hannah has appeared in Ebony magazine, Electronics magazine, Forbes , and PC฀Magazine. He has also received the Professional Achievement Award from the Illinois Institute of Technology and the National Technical Association.

Discussion Questions: What goes into making special effects in movies? How have special effects in movies changed since the early 1990s? How has Dr. Hannah’s work inspired that change? What makes computers so useful in creating special effects? How would they be created without the use of modern computers?

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

Newspaper Road Map:

With a friend, choose a news story to be your make believe road map. Both of you cut the story from two separate newspapers. Your starting point will be the first word. Your partner will give you cardinal directions (ex: two words east, 4 lines south, 1 word west, etc.), while he also navigates the route. When he says “stop” compare your maps. Choose another article so you can give your partner directions.

Evaluating Layout:

Newspapers must have an enticing layout and meet space constraints. Choose a page of the newspaper to evaluate. Measure the square area of text, advertisements, and photographs. Place the measurements from least to greatest and write the percentage of space that each type of category used.

Learning Standards: I can use cardinal directions. I can measure and order numbers.

Photo by Wiley Price

The first computer mouse, designed by Doug Engelbert in 1964, was made of wood.

Local city control – and county out of control

Just as St. Louis city is about to regain control of its police force – thanks to the will of the people, expressed in a ballot initiative, and enabling legislation passed by the Board of Aldermen – St. Louis County has almost completely lost control of its.

As of September, the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners appointed by the governor, with the mayor serving as ex officio member, will be out of business, delegated merely to wrapping up some pending litigation with which the department remains ensnared (though the state is off the hook for paying for part of any damages the STLPD incurs in court). Now, Mayor Francis G. Slay is in de facto charge of the city coppers.

Technically, St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson will now report to a Slay appointee, Director of Public Safety Charlene Deeken. A career bureaucrat who goes all the way back to the administration of Mayor Vince Schoemehl, Deeken has no experience with police work. Since she took over the city’s largest department in January, she has been running a regular “Director’s Spotlight” column on such gritty, street-tough topics as Back to School Preparation, Swimming Pool Safety Tips and Distracted Driving. No one, not even her direct report Dotson, seems to be pretending she is going to directly oversee the police department.

Dotson says his putative boss will be the “liaison into

city government,” by which he means Mayor Slay and ultimately his Chief of Staff Jeff Rainford. In the Slayfriendly reporting on the transition to local control being done by the PostDispatch, Rainford is taking the questions.

“Fighting crime is a team sport,” Rainford told The Post. “For a very long time, the star of the team wasn’t on our team.” Neither Rainford nor the Post explains who is meant to be “the star” of the crime-fighting team.

Presumably it’s the police chief, who since the Civil War has reported to the governor’s appointees on the police board. But with Rainford’s notoriously high self-regard and micromanagerial style, it’s difficult not to imagine him licking his chops at the chance to manage a major metropolitan police department. Dotson – who worked side by side with Slay and Rainford as the city’s director of operations before being promoted to police chief – isn’t worried and assures the public that we should not be worried that the Jeff Rainford police state is coming into power.

“If there is an incident of concern, the mayor and Rainford ask questions, but they have never once told me how to do the job,” Dotson told The American. And if you didn’t think Slay and Rainford already had a lot of access to police operations and records, Dotson said, “then you aren’t very well-informed.”

No civilian review yet

The community activists who pushed for local control for many decades, however, feel left off the crime-fighting team. Activists in the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression (CAPCR) always saw civilian review as integral to local control. When Slay suddenly got behind local control in recent years, activists were leery; after all, this same mayor had vetoed civilian review when it was passed by the Board of Aldermen. Now, local control is here – and civilian review isn’t.

“It’s coming,” Dotson said. “The problem is getting it right so that the process is fair to the community and to police officers.” The activists, Dotson said, want “something like the Spanish Inquisition,” while the officers, he said, want a civilian review process that is “meaningless.” Dotson offered no solutions for how to bridge that yawning gap. He did note that a transitional board is collecting ideas for how to revamp the police department and that civilian review is on the table, but at a recent meeting John Chasnoff of CAPCR and Adolphus Pruitt of the NAACP were in the audience but did not offer their suggestions.

In fact, CAPCR and the NAACP were not withholding

of their suggestions back when they actually had at least a semblance of a seat at the table. Now, it’s Mayor Slay and Jeff Rainford’s deal table – and the activists are faces in the crowd.

Fitch hunt

Meanwhile, out in St. Louis County, all proverbial hell has broken loose with Police Chief Tim Fitch. Fitch does not name the forces of darkness arrayed against him, calling them only “those who feel threatened by this whole situation” – namely, his blowing the whistle on what the Post’s relentless reporting insinuates is widespread wrongdoing in county government contracting.

On Monday, Fitch posted a blog commentary that is more haunted by conspiracies than the nightmares of Slay haters who now fear Jeff Rainford will be personally piloting a police drone to spy on them. Fitch claims to be speaking from experience. Last September he stuck a stick in the spokes of the county’s speed camera program and, he claims, was hit with a smear campaign that focused on some promotions he had made. An unnamed “political researcher” was used against him, Fitch claimed.

“The political researcher wrote his own news story about the lawsuit and promotions and anonymously

St. Louis County Police Chief Tim Fitch and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Sam Dotson recently did a media event to announce the merging the two departments’ bomb and arson units.

Photo by Wiley Price

mailed it to the Post-Dispatch along with a ‘rumor’ that I was contemplating running for county executive,” Fitch writes on his blog. “The political consultant is a former Post-Dispatch reporter and is known for his skill in research. Somebody was paying him good money to find dirt on me. He paid $250 just for my travel records.”

That’s juicy! Who is that “former Post-Dispatch reporter” descended to the mire of political consulting (smearjobbing)? Jake Wagman fits the bill, but in this economy, with the Post’s newsroom shedding staff at the rate it has been, no doubt other former scribes have migrated to the dark side of sniffing out Richard Callow subcontracts to pay the bills.

Fitch says the witch hunt is on again.

“So, here we go again. More requests last week for my travel records, expenses, etc.,” he writes. “Here’s some news for them: we are not perfect, but neither are they. We can withstand the scrutiny. This is a dirty game, but it’s the only way they know how to play it. They go after those who are disloyal or threaten the status quo.”

That Bill McClellan!

The EYE hopes that Fitch

pardons the rhyme with “witch.” He was not very forgiving when Post columnist Bill McClellan punned on Fitch’s name by substituting it for a similar-sounding word that begins with a “b” and also means “female dog.”

The EYE faults McClellan, instead, for recycling yet another offensive ethnic stereotype. From the Post’s aging Archie Bunker opinionator who recently brought us lazy, drunken Mexicans and Asians who are good at math, we now have: the Italian-American who is a mobster!

This joke is told at the expense of John Temporiti who is to County Executive Charlie A. Dooley as Jeff Rainford is to Mayor Slay.

“Speaking of Temporiti,” McClellan writes in his column on Monday, directly addressing Dooley, “you’ve got to put a muzzle on him, Charlie. Tell him to stop watching Godfather movies. What’s he going to do next, put a horse’s head in somebody’s bed?” Temporiti, you might have guessed, is Italian-American. So is Gregory Sansone, the former county police board chair who resigned over the subcontracting scandal. (Sansone is a partner in a business that got a subcontract on a county police contract. County government has a history of interpreting its charter to exempt board members from conflict-ofinterest charges when they receive a subcontract from a contractor on a county contract. County boards award contracts, but the contractors award the subcontracts.)

The EYE doesn’t find ethnic humor very funny, not even white ethnic humor. But this is funny: former Post columnist Sylvester Brown Jr. was dumped by the paper soon after he said the Slay administration uses “thuggery” to get its way. Now another Post columnist has smeared the Dooley administration with using mobster tactics, without a whiff of scandal or reprimand. Isn’t that funny?

BUSINESS

Their time to give back

Denà and Savoy Brummer serve and network through United Way

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Nicole Roach, director of Webster University’s Downtown Campus at the Old Post Office, has been named the university’s first associate vice president for diversity and inclusion and senior director for community engagement. She will work to advance diversity and inclusion as core values of the university and central to its education mission and develop strategic partnerships with local communities, community government entities and community agencies.

Dedric A. Carter has been named associate dean for international education and research and professor of the practice in the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University. He will serve as ambassador-at-large for the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and develop international research partnerships; develop graduate, professional certificate and summer programs for international students; and work with corporate partners.

T.

Mesfin T. Mitike, M.D., is the new medical director for sleep disorders at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center and SSM St. Clare Health Center. He treats sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder, hypersomnia and parasomnias. He received his medical degree from Jimma University in Ethiopia and completed his neurology residency and his sleep medicine fellowship at Washington University and Barnes Jewish Hospital.

Carol Singfield Daley, RN a native of St. Louis residing in Washington D.C. recently received the Presidential Award of Service from President Barack Obama for her dedicated service to veterans at the VAHospital in Washington, D.C. The program was established to honor the volunteer works of individuals, families and organizations throughout the United States.

American staff

“If we don’t invest in our future, who will?” Savoy Brummer said when asked why he gives to United Way.

Denà and Savoy Brummer moved to St. Louis just a little more than a year ago, and are enjoying their time here.

“What I like best of all is the size,” said Denà. “It’s the type of city that you will always run into someone you know at the playground, the post office and the farmers’ market. Overall, it is just a great city to raise a family.”

One of the first events they attended in St. Louis was United Way’s African

Preserving low down payment options

Civil Rights groups call for homeownership to remain available, affordable

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

In the midst of varying proposals for housing reform, civil rights leaders are publicly calling for lawmakers to keep mortgage lending affordable and accessible.

Arecent letter jointly signed by the NAACP, National Urban League, National Council of LaRaza, National Fair Housing Alliance, the Haas Institute’s John Powell, and the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), reminded Capitol Hill lawmakers how low down payment mortgages enabled many low-wealth borrowers to become successful homeowners.

“For decades, low down payment loans have been used with great success to promote sustainable homeownership, particularly for low-to-moderate income families and people

See CROWELL, B2

“You start out volunteering, and you might run out of time the busier life gets, so you start donating money.”

– Denà Brummer

American Leadership/Charmaine Chapman Society kickoff.

“We’d met Orvin [Kimbrough] at a fraternity program,” said Savoy, referring to the United Way of Greater St, Louis’new presi-

dent and CEO. “And Orvin invited us to the kickoff. He said United Way was the way to get involved in St. Louis.” Upon getting involved with the Leadership Society, Savoy noted, “The Society is a combination of people from St. Louis, and not. It tells the story of St. Louis, and there’s a lot of talent in the group.”

In the 10 years they’ve been married, Denà and Savoy have lived in Atlanta and Pasadena, Calif. and are now settled in St. Louis along with their 6-year-old daughter, Azza. Upon arriving in St. Louis, Denà founded

See BRUMMER, B2

On being ‘an AfricanAmerican communicator’

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

Adella D. Jones is the director of marketing and community outreach for Home State Health Plan, the Missouri subsidiary of Centene Corporation based in Clayton. The American spoke to her about her current position, the role of diversity in health care and some of her previous work experiences in politics and government.

St. Louis American: We like to explain to our readers how the world works. What exactly do you do in your current position?

Adella D. Jones: Every day, and in many ways, I communicate the value, existence and benefits of Home State Health Plan. Key audiences for me include our 60,000 health plan members, the healthcare professionals and advocates we work, with and those members of the general public who work with our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Of course, there are the standard tools of the marketing trade, advertising (we run

radio and place transit ads) and traditional public relations (website/newsletters), but none of these tools are able to deliver better than word of mouth: actual one-on-one contact with the public. So, I spend a lot of time meeting with individuals and groups who have daily contact with Missouri families who are enrolled in MO HealthNet, the state Medicaid program. You can find me in church on Sundays; health fairs, block parties and community events on Saturdays; meetings during the week with healthcare professionals, community health advocates, youth organizations, teachers and just about anyone who can help connect our health plan to the people who need our services. I am responsible for reaching out in 54 Missouri counties, in the west, central and eastern corridors of the state.

St. Louis American: Home State is a managed care organization. Please state in the simplest terms what such an organization is and what it does.

See JONES, B6

BUSINESS BRIEFS

City to hold community meetings on disparity study

TheCity of St. Louiswill host a series of meetings September 4-5 to inform the local business community about the city’s disparity study.

The disparity study is being conducted by Mason Tillman to determine whether public contracts are equitably being awarded to eligible M/WBE contractors. It will also identify the number of M/WBEs that have participated on the city’s contracts fromJuly 1, 2007toJanuary 31, 2012. Hiring goals for the city’s construction contracts will also be discussed.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday, September 4 at noon and Thursday, September 5 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the William J. Harrison Education Center, located at 3140 Cass Avenue. RSVPat 314-584-5040 or CityofStLouisDisparityStudy@mtaltd.com.

Incentive program drives up employee participation in United Way campaign

Last year the United Way of Greater St. Louis and Maritz implemented an incentive program that drove an increase in employee participation and boosted the average corporate gift by 29 percent among hundreds of St. Louis companies. By offering a “5 days, 5 prizes” raffle, for example, Wells Fargo Advisors raised $2.2 million in the first five days of its pledge cycle.

The program also boosted the number of individual givers at local companies. In 2012, participating companies saw a 15 percent increase in employee participation.

For more information, visit http://www.maritz .com/United-Way-Merchandise-Incentive-Packages.

Stakeholdermeeting forMBEs on CityArchRiver2015 projects

Great Rivers Greenway District will host a stakeholder meeting for disadvantaged and minorityowned business enterprises 10 a.m. Friday, September 6 at the St. Louis Municipal Court building, 1520 Market St. in the first floor conference room. Attendees will gain information on upcoming projects and bidding opportunities related to CityArchRiver 2015 construction and the upcoming Central Riverfront project bid process. Afuture prebid meeting and mixer will be held in late September or early October and announced here. For more information, visit www.cityarchriver.org.

Nicole Roach

Dedric A. Carter

Carol Singfield Daley

Mesfin

Mitike

Denà and Savoy Brummer,transplants to St.Louis,are active in the United Way of Greater St.Louis’African American Leadership/Charmaine Chapman Society.

Adella D. Jones

Honoring grandparents who raise grandkids

By Jason Alderman

In 1978, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. Presidents since Jimmy Carter have issued proclamations urging citizens to, in the words of President Barack Obama, “honor those who have helped shape the character of our nation, and thank these role models for their immeasurable acts of love, care and understanding.” At a stage in life when many people are already comfortably retired, some 2.7 million grandparents have taken on the responsibility of providing basic needs for their grandchildren, according to data compiled by Generations United. An alarming 21 percent of these

BRUMMER

Continued from B1 her own company called Yellow Brick Creative Studio where her collaborative team works on digital branding and marketing campaigns for various public and private organizations. Savoy is the medical director at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill. He is also a vice president of Practice Development of CEP America, an organization that provides management to emergency departments across the country.

Savoy’s position with CEP is what brought them to St. Louis, as his territory was expanded to include the Midwest.

vital caregivers live below the poverty line, even though 60 percent are still in the workforce.

All told, an estimated 7.8 million children under 18 live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives, including those whose parents are absent due to death, substance abuse, military deployment or other reasons. Ironically, even though many of these “grandfamilies” barely scrape by, they save taxpayers more than $6.5 billion each year by keeping children out of the foster care system. So it only seems fair that many federal, state and local aid programs are available to help these guardian angels provide financial and emotional safety nets for their grandchildren.

“It seems to be a natural progression,” Denà said of giving. “You start out volunteering, and you might run out of time the busier life gets, so you start donating money.”

Fortunately, Denà and Savoy are still involved on giving of their time and resources. Just this summer Denà had three interns in her company through a youth job leadership program with Mers/Goodwill, a United Way-funded agency.

“As a kid, I remember my dad being involved with The Salvation Army,” said Savoy of his time in Louisville, Kentucky. “It wasn’t just a holiday thing.”

Growing up as a military child meant moving around a lot for Denà, but she still managed to get involved wherever she landed. “In high school I was involved with a teen newspaper called VOX in Atlanta,” she said. “This gave me my foundation for life as I majored in journalism.”

Service is also part of her foundation.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if someone hadn’t

Among the many difficulties these families sometimes face:

ï If you become your grandchild’s foster parent, you’re responsible for day-today decisions and care, although the state retains legal custody and pays for the child’s care.

ï Unless you establish some form of legal relationship (custody, guardianship or adoption), the parent may be able to take your grandchild from your home at any time.

ï In some states, it’s difficult to enroll the child in school or get medical care without some form of legal relationship.

ï Most senior-only housing complexes don’t allow child residents – which is legal – so some grandfamilies are forced to move.

given, hadn’t volunteered,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to give to the next generation, whether that’s monetarily or with time. Every generation should give – it can really change someone’s world.”

Savoy echoed Dena’s sentiments: “It could have been me … it was me. At various times in life everyone is in need of something. This is my time to give back.”

United Way’s African American Leadership Society is one way the Brummers have chosen to give back.

ALeadership giver to United Way of Greater St. Louis is anyone who annually gives $1,000 or more to United Way. For more information about this or the kickoff for United Way of Greater St. Louis’African American/Charmaine Chapman Society on September 17, please contact: Jeri Sinskey at 314-539-4125.

However, grandfamilies may be eligible for several federal tax credits:

ï AChild Tax Credit of up to $1,000 for each qualified grandchild, provided they lived with you for more than half the filing year and are under 17 at year’s end.

ï If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, you may be eligible for an additional amount for grandchildren you support.

ï AChild and Dependent Care Credit for childcare expenses incurred so you can work or seek employment.

ï If you adopt your grandchildren, you may be eligible for a nonrefundable Federal Adoption Credit of up to $12,970 per child.

In addition, depending on your income and the health/disability status of your

grandchildren, you may also be eligible for benefits from Medicaid, your state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and numerous other federal, state and local aid programs.

Helpful resources for grandfamilies include:

ï Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a governmentsponsored site at. www.usa.gov, that provides links to various subject-matter experts.

ï AARP’s comprehensive GrandFamilies Guide (at www.aarp.org).

ï Benefits QuickLINK, an AARPtool to find out whether you or your grandchildren qualify for 15 different public benefits.

ï GrandFacts, a searchable database at www.aarp.org,

where you can locate key state and local resources, foster care policies and services, public benefits, financial and education assistance, and relevant state laws.

ï Generations United, whose “Grandfamilies” website highlights challenges often faced by these households (www.gu.org/OURWORK/Gra ndfamilies.aspx).

Do something to honor your own grandparents this Grandparents Day. And if you know others who are raising their grandkids, make sure they know about the many available resources.

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

“We’d met Orvin [Kimbrough] at a fraternity program,”referring to the United Way of Greater St, Louis’new president and CEO.“And Orvin invited us to the kickoff.He said United Way was the way to get involved in St.Louis.”

– Savoy Brummer

“You cannot be this stupid.Stop putting your body on the line like that.”

– NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin’s message to quarterback Michael Vick, who continues to take hits in the preseason

Sports

INSIDE SPORTS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Top teams to watch

Most promising by class, both sides of the river

In last week’s American, we highlighted some of the top players to watch this season in high school football. This week, it is time to take a look at some of the top teams to watch as the action begins this weekend.

Earl Austin Jr.

Class 6: CBC, DeSmet, Eureka, Francis Howell, Hazelwood Central, Lafayette, Ritenour, SLUH

Class 5: Hazelwood East, Kirkwood, McCluer North, Parkway Central, Webster Groves, Vianney

Class 4: Clayton, Gateway Tech, Ladue, Miller Career Academy, Priory, St. Charles West, St. Dominic, Westminster Class 3: Duchesne, Cardinal Ritter, Living Word, John Burroughs, McCluer South-

Berkeley, Soldan

Class 2: Brentwood, Herculaneum, Lutheran North, Maplewood

Illinois (Large): East St. Louis, Edwardsville, O’Fallon, Belleville East, Belleville West Illinois (Small): Althoff, Alton Marquette, Columbia, Highland, Mater Dei,

Ronnie Suggs to Mizzou

Washington High basketball standout

Ronnie Suggs has given a verbal commitment to attend the University of Missouri. The 6’6” Suggs will enroll in a prep school in 2014-15, then become of member of Mizzou’s 2015 recruiting class. As a junior, Suggs averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists to lead the Bluejays to a 19-10 record and a Class 5

IN THE CLUTCH

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Wild NFC West

district championship. Suggs is the younger brother of former Washington High star Scott Suggs, who was Mr. Show-Me Basketball in 2008. He just finished his collegiate career at the University of Washington.

Cheaney to coach at SLU

Saint Louis University men’s basketball coach Jim Crews tabbed Calbert Cheaney as his new assistant coach. Cheaney was a former star player at Indiana and a 13-year NBAveteran. He spent the past two seasons at his alma mater as the Director of Basketball Operations. Cheaney was one of the all-time greats during his career at Indiana. He was the National

See INSIDE, B5

Top games to watch

Where to look on Week 1 of prep football Title

It wasn’t long ago that the NFC West was the laughingstock of the NFL. Who can forget the 2010 season when the Seattle Seahawks limped past the St. Louis Rams via tiebreaker and into the playoffs with a lousy 7-9 record? To make matters worse, the nationally televised

The Rams are the real Xfactor in the NFC West.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

standing in 2013. Along with the influx of coaches over the past three seasons, the NFC West has also seen an influx of young talent, which has vaulted every team’s stock from laughing- to rising. Whichever team escapes the loaded field will have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl.

Arizona Cardinals

In another division, the Arizona Cardinals might be poised for a breakout year. The post-Kurt Warner QB era in Arizona has been atrocious,

but they finally have a live body behind center. Carson Palmer, who passed for more than 4,000 yards with the Oakland Raiders last season, will take the reins this season. While Palmer is entering the twilight of his NFLcareer, the two-time Pro Bowler still has enough juice to get the ball into the hands of the great Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals’defense is led by “Mr. All-Pro Everything” Patrick Peterson and rookie “Mr. I Smoke Everything” Tyrann Mathieu. The strong unit should once again finish in the top half of defenses in the NFL, giving them the opportunity to stick with big boys on any given Sunday. Sadly for the Cards, their

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The

Friday,August 30

Kansas City Rockhurst at East St. Louis, 7 p.m. – Abattle between traditional powers from Missouri and Illinois. East Side figures to be one of the top teams in Illinois Class 7Awhile Rockhurst will be a Missouri Class 6 contender.

Rock Bridge at DeSmet, 7 p.m. – MidMissouri power Rock Bridge pays to visit to the Spartans, who were a Class 6 state semifinalist last season.

Ladue at Parkway Central, 7 p.m. –Non-conference tilt between a talented Ladue team and a Parkway Central team that was a Class 5 semifinalist.

Lafayette at Eureka, 7 p.m. – Battle of Rockwood school district rivals in which both schools have high aspirations and good senior quarterbacks.

CBC at Fort Zumwalt West, 7 p.m. –These two teams have hooked up for some very entertaining opening night affairs in recent years.

Priory at Alton Marquette, 7 p.m. – An early Missouri vs. Illinois showdown of excellent small school programs.

SLUH at Parkway North, 7 p.m. – Nonconference battle between two very competitive programs.

Saturday,August 31

WebsterGroves at Hazelwood Central, 10 a.m. – Prime-time matchup between two veteran teams who will contend for postseason honors.

Jefferson City at McCluerNorth, 10 p.m. – Perennial power from Jefferson City will make the trip to North County to face the Stars.

champion San Francisco 49ers, seemingly has all the tools to become one of the greats in 49ers QB folklore:a rocket arm, dynamic speed and scrambling ability and heady play.

The Kirkwood Pioneers celebrated their first state championship in football last season at the Edward Jones Dome.Kirkwood will be one of the teams to watch in 2013 as another season of high school football opens this weekend.

Photo by Wiley Price

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

The playing field and Dr. King’s dream

It was 50 years ago yesterday when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his “I have a dream” speech in Washington, D.C. Many things have changed in our world since then, some good, some bad.

In the world of sports, there has always been the feeling that things change more quickly, be it integration in sports or people of color becoming famous firsts in a variety of things. The sports world has been more inclusive than the larger society. African Americans have excelled at every level of sports when it comes to success. Color seems to take a back seat when a celebration breaks out in a locker room.

involved by those who stand to lose something from their activism. They either look the other way, claim it’s not their fight, have a golf tournament for their foundation, or present a check and move on to the next party.

With that said, it has not been easy and it’s still often difficult. Black athletes no longer endure anything like Jackie Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball, but certainly there are enough stories even today that will make you shake your head in 2013. Yes, the game has changed, yet the quest for racial equality continues. But you have to wonder: do enough people care? Once African-American athletes were united when a wrong was done. In many cases, it was rectified in the manner of Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence. Unity was stressed, and problems were approached together. Today, it is another story. Seldom do athletes come together on anything involving social or racial issues, as they have been advised not to get

CLUTCH

As a kid growing up in North St. Louis, it was not uncommon to see Curt Flood, Lou Brock, Ted Savage or Bob Gibson stop by Handy Park and talk to kids and maybe even give instruction. Today, most athletes could not find Handy Park or any other facility in the city because they no longer make that part of their community. If they did happen upon a park like that, they might be surprised to find no one playing there. Yes, things have changed a great deal since Dr. King’s speech.

What has not changed is how athletes are covered via the media. If you are looking for a double standard in how coverage works, consider the Johnny Manziel situation.

Today, most athletes could not find Handy Park or any other facility in the city because they no longer make that part of their community.

Manziel, who won the Heisman Trophy last year, has been accused of selling his autograph. There has been some damning evidence that supports the claim. Normally the NCAAfalls on the wrongdoer like a ton of bricks, starting with a suspension. Then the media pile on and say, “Shame on the athlete” since he knew the rules. There have been similar cases recently at other universities where African-American players have been handed

San Francisco 49ers

Continued from B3 offensive line is about as stout as paper mache and it’s very likely that Palmer will spend a fair amount of time on his butt or on the sidelines due to injury. If that happens, the Cards’chances to compete in the West will dry up faster than the desert heat in Arizona.

The defending NFC Champions return to action with their roster still nearly intact from their incredible run a season ago. Furthermore, standout quarterback Colin Kaepernick has now gone through his first full offseason as the starter. Kaepernick seemingly has all the tools to become one of the greats in 49ers QB folklore: a rocket

Black athletes no longer endure anything like Jackie Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball,but there are enough stories even today that will make you shake your head.

harsh punishment. In the Manziel case, the blame is being passed around to everyone but him. There is now a call for the NCAAto make changes in policy. One national columnist even insisted that the autograph money

arm, dynamic speed and scrambling ability and heady play. He will undoubtedly miss WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles) but Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis are wellsuited to pick up the slack. Additionally the debilitating rushing attack behind Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and Kaepernick will surely open up passing lanes in San Fran. Defensively, the 49ers are just as impressive. Justin and Aldon Smith form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in

should go to a trust fund.

Funny, I never heard these excuses and suggestions when the players from Ohio State took the fall. While it is not always a racial issue, in the the eyes of some (just turn on local talk radio) it has

the NFL. Meanwhile, linebackers Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman will give running backs bad dreams. All things considered, the 49ers have one of the best defenses in the NFL and must be considered the favorites to win the division, and maybe the Super Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks

While the 49ers defense is considered to be one of the best in the league, many consider the Seahawks’to be the

NEVER been one. Things are better since Dr. King’s speech. How much better is another story. There are some who will never get used to integration and what it stands for: namely, that everyone is in this together.

best. The unit allowed the least amount of points during the 2012 season, yielding just 15.3 ppg. Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner and Antoine Winfield is a shutdown defensive backfield. In a pass-happy league, the Seahawks have the tools to give opposing quarterbacks the blues. Second-year standout middle linebacker Bobby Wagner will be a monster in the middle and this defense should be firing on all cylinders.

Offensively, QB Russell Wilson and RB Marshawn

Perhaps the people who make decisions are approaching the age where they finally have a clue at to what Dr. King and his most famous speech were all about.

Lynch will be a problem for opposing defenses. Like Kaepernick, Wilson is a remarkable dual threat who is just as adept at finding receivers downfield as he is scrambling for big runs. Lynch punishes defenses, plain and simple. The injury to explosive but injury-prone wideout Percy Harvin will hurt the offense. The WR crew is solid, but unremarkable without Harvin. His hip injury could cost the team the conference crown, or the outstanding defense could make his absence a moot point.

Rams

St.Louis

The Rams are the real Xfactor in the NFC West. Second-year coach Jeff Fisher’s team make remarkable improvements last season. This season, all eyes will be on QB Sam Bradford, but the play of his young skill players will determine if the team continues its rise. WR Chris Givens and TE Jared Cook look to be the goods. However, only time will tell if Tavon Austin and Brian Quick will develop as quickly as the team needs them to in order to contend for the playoffs immediately.

Defensively, the Rams are strong. There’s little doubt that Chris Long and Robert Quinn will get to opposing QBs. James Laurinaitis and Cortland Finnegan could reach the Pro Bowl. The rest of the defense is young, exciting and explosive. If they can be consistent, they could shock a lot of people. The biggest asset of the defense is its ability to contain dual threat quarterbacks like Wilson, Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III. Last season, the unit performed admirably against the trio. With the Seahawks and 49ers on the schedule twice, the team’s greatest strength could help it pull off the greatest surprise - a division title.

Mike Claiborne

Two hot recruits from ESL

Scouts watch as Kyron Watson and Gregory Taylor start senior seasons

By Devese Ursery

For The St.Louis American

Year after year, East St. Louis Senior High School churns out topnotch football talent, making East St. Louis, Ill. one of the primary stops for big name programs of NCAA Division I football. This year, Kyron Watson (OLB) and Gregory Taylor (DB/RB/WR) are two standouts on a Flyer football team that has a bevy of talent. Both players reside in the Southend section of East St.

Louis, where they use football as an escape from the perils of the city. Both are motivated to succeed and make a better way themselves and their families.

“My favorite part about playing on the defensive side of the ball is hitting.”

– Kyron Watson

Kyron Watson, who acquired AllState and All-Metro honors and is ranked the No. 4 linebacker in the country by ESPN.com, verbally committed to the University of Kansas on May 14, joining head coach Charlie Weis and his program.

“I want to be under that umbrella of coaches.” Watson said. “They are trying to turn

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

the program around, and I want to be a part of that.”

Kyron

Watson is a 17-year-old hard-hitting outside linebacker. The 6’2”, 225pound beast, who cites Ray Lewis as his favorite player, patrols his area with a ferocious fervor. In his junior season, when he was Metro East Player of the Year, he racked up 142 tackles, 20 of those for loss, five sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

“My favorite part about

Thank goodness it’s

still preseason

Rams 0-3 in games that don’t count after loss to Broncos

As the 2013 season opening game gets closer to becoming a reality, the St. Louis Rams tried helping their cause in the third preseason game, only to be handed a 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos offense led by Peyton Manning moved the ball up and down the field against the Rams defense. Yet the Broncos trailed going into halftime 20-10, thanks largely to plays made by rookie linebacker Alec Ogletree. The first-year starter displayed some great athleticism with a touchdown-saving pass deflection and then showed off his range when he intercepted Manning and made it into the end zone with a touchdown on his own.

Fellow rookies Tavon Austin and T.J. McDonald also made key plays in the first half against the Broncos.

Austin finally got a chance to show off his skills as a punt returner with an 81-yard punt return. He would have scored if Ogletree had been able to

INSIDE

Continued from B3

Player of the Year in 1993. He is still the all-time leading scorer in the Big Ten Conference. He will be an excellent addition to the Billikens’coaching staff. NBA preseason game

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming National Basketball Association preseason game between the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are expected to be contenders in the 2013-14 season. The two teams will meet on Monday, Oct. 7 at the Scottrade Center. The Grizzlies advanced to the Western Conference finals last season while the Bulls welcome back former NBAMost Valuable Player Derrick Rose, who sat out last season with a knee injury. For ticket information, you can visit the website www.scottradecenter.com.

Still spots available

There are spots still available for the Rameybasketball.com Fall Basketball League, which will be held on Saturdays and

throw one more block. It was a thing of beauty watching him cut from one side of the field to the other with the ball cradled in his arm as the turf moved quickly underneath his cleats.

McDonald also chipped in on specials teams with a blocked field goal.

Second-year kicker Greg Zuerlein blasted a 58-yard field goal that looked like it

The Broncos had more first downs, 2711, outrushed the Rams 133-50, held the ball nearly 10 minutes longer, and executed its no-huddle offense well against the Rams defense.

would have been good at 65 yards, and punter Johnny Hekker kicked very well outdoors in Denver last Saturday night.

Sam Bradford wasn’t bad, going nine for 16 for 110 yards and one touchdown pass to tight end Jared Cook. That’s about it when it comes to what the Rams did

Sundays at the Wohl Recreation Center. The league will run from September 7 through October 8 in three age group divisions. The first 40 players will be taken for the 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade divisions and the first 80 players will be taken in the high school division. The cost is $65 per player. For more information, visit the website www.rameybasketball.com.

good in the loss to Denver. The Broncos had more first downs, 27-11, outrushed the Rams 133-50, held the ball nearly 10 minutes longer, and executed its no-huddle offense well against the Rams defense.

Manning had 234 passing yards in the first half. In one half, he threw for more yards than all three Rams quarterbacks combined for the entire game.

Thank goodness this is still the preseason. The Rams offense hasn’t quite yet clicked. Newly named starter Daryl Richardson gained only 10 yards on five carries and didn’t look good while trying to pass-protect. Isaiah Pead did a little better, gaining 22 yards against the second and third string of the Denver Broncos.

But the ugliest number of the night: the Rams were two for 13 on third-down conversions. That’s something to be concerned about with this squad. I haven’t seen this team move the ball consistently at all in the first three games, and maybe that’s why they are 0-3.

Then again, it’s still August, the month of vanilla football. Come September, that vanilla football had better have added more flavor for the sweet taste of victory.

Silver in Russia

Former Berkeley High track and field star Mike Rodgers came home with a silver medal from the recent IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia. Rodgers was a member of the USA’s 4x100-meter relay team that finished second behind Jamaica. Rodgers also finished sixth in the 100-meter dash.

playing on the defensive side of the ball is hitting,” he said.

Watson is a vocal leader on the field, but in the classroom he is a quiet 3.4

GPAstudent whose favorite subject is English and wants to get a degree in engineering in case his NFLaspirations don’t pan out.

Gregory Taylor is a 5’11”, 180-pound ball hawk who runs a 4.3 40 and mirrors his style of play after retired All-Pro

Safety Brian Dawkins. He also has no qualms about sitting in the box and stuffing the run. He is a versatile athlete who is utilized at a variety of positions and excels at all of them.

He will be taking his athleticism to Mizzou, where he verbally committed on April 11.

“I chose Mizzou because I could connect with the coaches,” Taylor said. “I went to the team meeting and talked to a couple of the players. I just liked what I saw down there, and I can see myself being a part of that family.”

Taylor, 17, is a very serious, quiet, and reserved player who steps on the field and handles his business in a very deliber-

ate fashion. He is also a hardworking student. “I have a daughter, so I use her to motivate me,” said Taylor. He says the best piece of advice that he has ever received is to always give it your all, go all out, and always strive for success, which was given to him by his high school coach, Coach Darren Sunkett.

“I believe that everyone in this profession should feel pressure to be successful, to want to win ball games,” Sunkett said. “This is how I look at it year in and year out. I’m out here to win ball games and develop these boys into young men.”

Watson Gregory Taylor

On August 24,Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal hosted a free basketball clinic at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St.Louis.More than 100 middle school and high school students participated.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Beal hosts free clinic

Palmer L. Alexander

JONES

Continued from B1

Adella D. Jones: Managed Care exists in 54 of Missouri’s 114 counties.And Managed Care comes down to one goal: better health outcomes.How do we get there?Through education, engagement and great programs (like our Start Smart for Your Baby; Smokey Yuck Pack; Enhanced Transportation; Member Connections).

For example, let’s say a mom has taken her son to the emergency room four times in one month due to asthma complications. Home State will reach out to that mom through our Member Connections or Medical Management teams, and together they will work to identify solutions that can keep that child healthy and away from the ER. We cut through the challenges people face (like transportation and education) and work to remove the obstacles that are often blocking the way to quality health care.

able. Being an African American with an understanding for the world in which our members may live and work –that’s valuable. Having respect for the families we work with is critical.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Illinois, my mother and I received benefits from the state Medicaid program while I was child.I know what the benefit means to a mom who is trying to do the best for her child.

St. Louis American: More generally, in the managed care industry, what are the benefits of a diverse workforce and diverse management?

Diversity of experience, culture, economics, and history can only strengthen the workforce, and particularly a workforce that is specializing in the health care of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Home State works closely with community health centers throughout the state (like Family Care Health Center, People’s Health Center, Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Center). We all want to reach families and make sure they are connected to primary health care and dental services.

St. Louis American: What are the benefits to Home State Health Plan of having an African American in your position?

Adella D. Jones: Being African-American alone means very little. Being an AfricanAmerican communicator who has a sense of the challenges that our members face is valu-

CROWELL

Continued from B1 of color,” wrote the leaders. “Furthermore, low down payment loans did not cause the current foreclosure crisis –irresponsible underwriting and toxic loan terms did.”

Nikitra Bailey, executive vice-president with CRL added, “While families and communities struggle to recover from their tremendous lost wealth, no community should be left behind. All Americans deserve to be part of the nation’s financial recovery. Without that access, the nation’s wealth gap will only grow wider.” Government-mandated down payments of 10 percent or five percent are currently under consideration in Washington. CRL’s research shows that for the average family, it would take 22 years to amass a 10 percent down payment.But for AfricanAmerican families, 34 years of saving would be needed, and 21 years for the typical Latino family. Even if government would mandate a five percent down payment, the typical AfricanAmerican family would wait 28 years to become homeowners and 17 years for the average Latino family. Overall, America’s average family would need to save 14 years for a home. These savings fail to take into account the closing costs, which typically are an added three percent of the cost of the mortgage. Further, there seems to be no wisdom in requiring these homeownership delays when so many families have sustained their low down payment mortgages. For example, Federal Housing Administration mortgages typically require a minimum of 3.5 percent of the purchase price and can include most of the closing costs and fees in the mortgage payment.

According to FHA, 78 percent of 784,000 mortgages made in

Adella D. Jones: Health care is very personal.In many cases, Home State employees are engaged with members on a very intimate level. When the work is that personal, being able to understand the member’s challenges, community, fears and culture can make all the difference. Diversity of experience, culture, economics, and history can only strengthen the workforce, and particularly a workforce that is specializing in the health care of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

St. Louis American: You previously coordinated successful efforts by Metro to pass transit-related legislation in the Missouri General Assembly. Do you do any legislative work in your current position?

Adella D. Jones: Not directly.What I do provide are materials that tell our story in a way that the Legislature can best understand how managed care can benefit their constituents. I enjoy bringing the “regular citizen” perspective to the table, and it helps shape the messages that are used to educate our elected officials.

2012 were to first-time homebuyers. Similarly in 2012, 86 percent of 88,000 Veterans Administration (VA) mortgage loans went to first-time homebuyers and were acquired with no down payment costs. Arecent joint study by CRL

From 2004-2008, 60 percent of successful black mortgage borrowers would have been excluded if a 10 percent down payment had been required.A five percent down payment would have excluded 33 percent of successful black borrowers.

and the Center for Community Capital at the University of North Carolina found that among borrowers who took out a mortgage from 2004-2008 and were current through February of 2011, 60 percent of successful black mortgage

St. Louis American: You previously served as St. Louis press secretary for Congressman Richard Gephardt and as director of communications and chief spokesperson for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Do you miss anything about politics or working with a police department?

Adella D. Jones: I can’t say that I miss the politics. Even then, I have always enjoyed the “policy” aspects of the work.Politics served as a vehicle by which we were able

borrowers would have been excluded if a 10 percent down payment had been required. A five percent down payment would have excluded 33 percent of successful black borrowers.

These data points become even more disturbing when the nation’s growing diversity is considered. By 2010, an estimated 70 percent of new households are expected to be comprised of people of color.

The irony of these proposals is that government broadened access to homeownership through its post -World War II policies. As homeownership grew, so did family wealth.

“What began as a mortgage became the bedrock for family wealth,” observed Bailey. “That is the American Dream we must fight to preserve in 2013. We must wage strategic and focused efforts to force policymakers to enact reforms that benefit low wealth families, not just the wealthy.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

to deliver the benefits of good public policy. I do miss the people, the teams at those various places, I miss some of them very much. Those were some very consuming positions, and it seems like I was always there at times when high-profile events were taking place.I joined Richard Gephardt’s staff two weeks after 9-11. He was minority leader in the House, and the entire world changed.

In fact, the attack on America took place during my last week at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department – everything changed, on every level. The nation grew closer, part of a common response. It was not just St. Louis city law enforcement anymore, the SLMPD became part of a larger group of first responders. Working for the representative from Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District became

part of a larger effort that included the nation’s safety and security.This was big stuff.I was in a constant state of learning, working and stretching myself both personally and professionally. It’s still the case. I’m learning so much about health care, and it’s at a time when the entire landscape is changing with the Affordable Care Act and discussions about how we care for our citizens.

Hazelwood Schools Superintendent Grayling Tobias gave an emotional speech recently during the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St.Louis’“Great Futures”reception with club donors and board members.He stated how positively impacted he was as a boy being a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St.Louis (then known as the Herbert Hoover Boys Club).Afterwards he visited with attorney Frankie Muse Freeman,a Life Trustee of the club.

Jazz St. Louis readies new season

Familiar faves mixed with novel pairings and innovative collaborations

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The new Jazz St. Louis season, which kicks off on September 25 with the Yellowjackets at Jazz at the

Bistro, mixes in some new acts, new combinations, long-awaited returns and innovative collaborations along with familiar favorites from here, near and far.

Alto saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa will makes his Jazz at the Bistro debut with his new project Gamak on March 19-22.

“We saw his group in New York in January at Winter Jazzfest and were just blown away,” said Gene Dobbs Bradford, executive director of Jazz

St. Louis. “It’s really fresh stuff, creative.”

Jazz St. Louis also has “wonderful pairings this year,” Bradford said, such as father/

Hip-hop legends host ‘Black Crown’ Party

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“This is a formal event, but people can expect to loosen their bowties, take off their shoes and party,” said DJ Kut, who will be tearing up the ones and twos at the 26th Annual St. Louis American Foundation Salute To Excellence in Education Budweiser Black Crown After Party on Friday, September 13.

MC Lyte and DJ Kut team up for Budweiser Salute after set See PARTY, C4

“I’m pulling every trick out the bag,” Kut said. “My goal is to get everybody in that place rockin’. I want to see Dr. Suggs on the dance

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

“A lot of times people talk about the ‘baby daddies’ and ‘deadbeat dads,’” said Aja Owens, poet, author and event producer. ‘And I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, I know quite a few guys who take care of their kids.’”

To offset these negative stereotypes and assumptions, she began with a photo essay about everything that is right with black fatherhood.

But when George Zimmerman was

acquitted in the murder of Trayvon Martin last month, she felt like she had to do something tangible –something to express how the black community values its men, not just fathers.

“I know so many guys who are doing all types of work in the community,” Owens said. “Educators, coaches – all types of things.”

She partnered with Nikia Gist of L.A.C.E. (Ladies After Community Enrichment) to create an event that sheds light on positive black male

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 26th Annual Salute

Miller earlier this month. An indoor-outdoor picnic styled event was perfectly festive. Guests enjoyed a yummy spirited menu prepared by the birthday girl, and a selection of international tunes kept conversations going for hours.

On hand to wish the birthday girl best included; Aunt and Uncle Winston and Jackie Miller, Carol Bryant Anthony Bryant Jeff and Vivi Costello Wolf, Dawne Massey Kathy Kuper and Billy Foster (Big O Liquor proprietors), Judge Nanette Baker, Stephen

images and redefines their reputation. “What About Us?: A Celebration of Black Manhood” will take place Saturday afternoon at the Regional Arts Commission in the Delmar Loop. Vendors (books,

son guitar duo John & Bucky Pizzarelli performing together

Dana G. Randolph

Yellow Jackets

How to place a calendar listing

CALENDAR

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR 2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis. Jokes and Jazz presents Earthquake and Friends. See COMEDY or more information.

concerts

Sun., Sept. 1, 8 p.m., VNBBM Productions presents Funkfest 2013 feat. Confunk-shun and the Dazz Band. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 869-9090 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Sept. 6, 8 p.m., Arianna String Quartet: Out of Africa. The season kicks off with an evening featuring works the quartet specifically chose to perform on its recent South African tour. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121.

Fri., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Smokey Robinson. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Fri., Sep. 13, 8 p.m. Fox Concerts presents Fantasia with special guest Musiq Soulchild, Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.MetroTix.com, by calling 314-534-1111.

Sat., Sept. 14, The Pageant presents Will Downing The SilverTour. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www.thepageant.com.

Thur., Sept. 19, Fox Concerts

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

Sat., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., CMC Productions presents Mel Waiters and Shirley Brown The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 8699090 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Sept. 22, 5 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents ABenefit forKim Massie. An all-star line-up including Denise Thimes, Eric “Guitar” Davis, Anita Jackson, Roland Johnson, Cheryl Brown and Adrienne Felton appear on this special benefit for St. Louis favorite, Kim Massie. All proceeds will go to Kim’s medical and personal expenses during her recovery from a thyroidectomy. Additional donations can be made at any Regions Bank. Please notify the teller that you are donating to the Kim Massie Benefit and use “Kim Massie” as your verification code. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Sept. 25 – Sept. 28, Jazz St. Louis presents The Yellowjackets, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

local gigs

Sat., Aug. 31, 9 p.m., Kirkwood Station Restaurant & Brewing Co. presents Ralph Butler. 105 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, call (314) 966-2739.

special events

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

mation, call (800) 272-3900 or (314) 801-0465.

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

Sat., Aug. 31, 9 a.m., Selena J presents Rich Healthy Hot: How to Radically Energize YourFinances, Relationships, & Physical Attraction. Nutritionist Shawn Stevenson will speak on topics such as steps to getting rid of unwanted body fat, healthy food shopping on a budget, and improving sleep quality. Embassy Suites St. Louis Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information, visit www.selenaj.com.

Sat., Aug. 31, 1 p.m., What About Us: ASalute to Black Men. The purpose is to spotlight the positive contributions of black men and celebrate them. Event will feature visual artists, poets, musicians, small business owners, etc. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 863-5811.

Sat., Aug. 31, 9 p.m., SoHo’s All White Affairwith Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’s DJ Traci Steele. Soho Lounge, 4229 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Sun., Sept. 1, 6 p.m., 13

Black Katz presents Thick Chicks Roc with DJ Marc Edwards. Top of the Met at Kemolls, 211 N. Broadway, 63102. For more information, call (314) 477-4249 or visit www.13blackkatz.com.

Sun., Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Jokes and Jazz. A

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

Sun., Sept. 1, 8:30 p.m., Net Work Inc. presents All White and Denim Party 2 starring The Dirty Muggs and hosted by Rock Obama. Harry’s Restaurant & Bar, 2144 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 7261785.

Sun., Sept. 1, 9 p.m., Urbane STLand Three Sixty present Vanilla Sky – An All White Affair. Designed specifically for the trendy, young professionals of St. Louis.Come witness nightlife 400 feet above ground level with the city’s movers, shakers and tastemakers. Tickets to the event are pre-sale only. Three Sixty, One S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.urbaneworldwide.com/va nillasky.

Through Sept. 3, Missouri History Museum presents Gridiron Glory; The Best of the Pro Football of Fame Exhibit. The exhibit will also include spectacular footage from NFLFilms’unparalleled archives. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

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

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

Sat., Sept. 7, 8 a.m., UniGroup hosts 11th Annual United Way 5K + 10K. There will be $1,000 in prize money awarded to the 10k’s top male and female finishers ($250 for first, $150 for second and $100 for third). Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women overall in the 5k. Register by Aug. 16 to receive a free T-shirt on race day. 5k participants receive a cotton Tshirt and 10k participants receive a cooling performance race shirt. Children’s activities will also be available. UniGroup, One Premier Dr., 63026. For more information, call (636) 3005-5000.

Sat., Sept. 7, 2 p.m., Be Back to School Cool with Macy’s and Radio Disney! Meet and get autographs from celebrity guests! Plus find out how to enter for the chance to win a trip for 4 to L.A. to visit the Radio Disney Studios and experience a “take over” with a Radio Disney star. St. Louis Galleria, 1155 St. Louis Galleria, 63117. For more information, visit www.macys.com/events.

Sat., Sept. 7, 6 p.m., 2nd Annual Hope forYoung Adults with CancerTrivia Night. Events include 7 rounds of trivia questions, silent auction, live entertainment, and more. Maryland Heights Community Center, 2344 McKelvey Rd., 63043

comedy

Sun., Sept. 1, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Jokes and Jazz presents Earthquake and Friends with soul singerVivian Green, Ameristar Casino’s Discovery Ballroom. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., The Peabody Opera House presents Kevin James. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 4997600

literary

Thurs., Aug. 29, 7 p.m., St. Louis author Scott Phillips will read from and discuss his newest novel, Rake. Mr. Phillips’first novel, The Ice Harvest, was shortlisted for the Edgar and Anthony Awards and the Hammett Prize, and was selected as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd. For more information, call (314)727-3150 or visit www.ucitylibrary.org

Sat., Aug. 31, 11 a.m., Lydia Douglas will sign and discuss herbook OurYoung People Are OurFuture, Barnes & Noble Book Store, 13995 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033.

Sat., Aug. 31, 2 p.m., John and Sylvia Wright discuss their new book Extraordinary Black Missourians. This book describes more than 100 athletes, attorneys, authors, civil rights activists, educators, entertainers, journalists, pioneers, scientists, soldiers, and others who have lived in Missouri for part or all of their lives. Julia Davis Library Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 383-3021.

theatre

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

Sept. 5 – 15, The Black Rep presents the St. Louis premier of Daniel Beaty’s one-man show, Emergency starring Ron Connor. Washington University, A.E. Hotchner Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 534-3810.

Sept. 6 & 7, 7 p.m., TLT Productions presents Tangled (theatrical production). Harris Stowe State University, Emerson Performance Arts Center, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 479-6737.

Sat., Sept. 7, 1 p.m., Harriet Tubman Visit Ulysses S. Grant’s Home. Come experience the words and thoughts of

Harriet Tubman brought to life by Kathryn Harris.In a fictional visit to St. Louis, Tubman will share the experiences of freeing her parents and other enslaved people. Reservations are required. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd., 63123. For more information, call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 or visit www.nps.gov/ulsg

arts

Through Sept. 30, The Griot Museum of Black History presents, Crowning Glory, This exhibitexplores four main themes with more than 50 hats and head-coverings and other artifacts from The Griot’s collections and private citizens. The exhibit is curated by Lois D. Conley, Founding Executive Director and James A.Vincent, historian.The Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, call (314) 241-7057 or visit http://www.thegriotmuseum. com

lectures

Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., Dr. Marvin L. Byrd presents How to Help YourTeen Graduate with Purpose. Dr. Byrd equips parents with tools they can use to assist students as they strive for success in high school. Lewis & Clark Library, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 482-7618 or visit www.marvinbyrd.com.

Dress Circle Entertainm entin association withJPEK Creative Works presents Kingdom Building Arts Benefit Concert starring Tamela Mann.See SPIRITUAL for details.

health

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

Sat., Sept. 7, 7:30 a.m., St. Louis Be the Match Walk + Run. You have the power to cure blood cancer. Every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia. It can happen to anyone at any time. But so can a cure – a marrow transplant. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park – Tremayne Shelter, 63146. For more information, visit www.bethematchwalkrun.org.

Thur., Sept. 5, 6 p.m., The Gamma Omega Chapterof Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host Saving Our Sisters (SOS): ACommunity Forum on Domestic Violence. The SOS Forum will feature a resource fair and panel discussion. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63108.

Fri., Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m., The City Across the Bridge. Workshop composed of prominent Americans from East St. Louis. The primary goal of the workshop is to inform and empower the youth of East St. Louis to know there’s another life waiting for them after high school through hard-work, perseverance, and continued education. Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101.

Sat., Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m., Create a New You: Changing YourMind to Change Your Life Workshop with Sharonda Ellis. YES, you can lose the weight! Each goal requires its own set of tools. Lewis & Clark Library, 9909 Lewis and Clark Blvd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 732-3232.

Sat., Sept. 14, 1 p.m., Write to Win: Writing Tips from a Contest Judge. Frequent contest judge and first place winner of the 2012 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Writing Competition, Donna Volkenannt, will share tips she’s learned over years of judging writing competitions. UMSLJC Penney Building, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-6590.

Sat., Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m., American Diabetes Association Friends and Family: Diabetes 101 Workshop. Acourse in basic diabetes management for anyone who cares for children with diabetes. Special breakout sessions, providing an overview of diabetes with regard to pumps, syringes/pens/insulin, carbohydrate counting, and more. Mercy Hospital St. Louis, 615 S. New Ballas Rd., 63141. Fore more information, call (314) 822-5490.

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

Tues., Sept. 10, 3 p.m., SSM Weight-Loss Institute hosts Eating Behavior Modification Support Group Therapeutic support in small group setting, for those struggling with issues during their weight-loss journey. Topics include emotional eating, identifying triggers, changing unwanted behavior, and relapse prevention. SSM Weight Loss Institute DePaul, 12266 DePaul Dr., 63044. For more information, call 314SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or visit www.ssmhealth.com/classservicesearch/.

Thur., Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m., SSM DePaul presents ANight with the Girls. Join Drs. Pamela Bunting, DO, breast surgeon; Saima Ghazal, MD, ob/gyn; and Minh-Ha Hoang, DO, family and sports medicine, for a girls night out -

SSM style! Enjoy dinner, wine, chair massages and more, all while having your most intimate medical questions answered by experts. Mammograms will be offered before the event. This program is free to attend, but seating is limited. The May Center, SSM DePaul Health Center, 12303 DePaul Dr., 63044. For more information or to register, call 314-SSM-DOCS (776-3627) or visit www.ssmhealth.com/classservicesearch/.

Saturdays through Oct. 2, 10 a.m., North City Farmers Market, free health screenings, free kids activities, and healthy cooking demonstrations while encouraging community participation in the community – and an array of diverse musical guests each week! Located across from Crown Candy Kitchen in Old North St. Louis at the intersection of St. Louis Ave. and N. 14th Street (two blocks east of Florissant). For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-CityFarmersMarket/129815293783

Sat., Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Daughters of Zion release party forRevelation Revealed. Live performances by Corey Barrett, Toya Wilson, & Rio “KuntryBoyy.”It’s going to be a good time in the Lord! Tickets are only $ 20.00, which includes their new CD. Friendly Temple M.B. Church, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King, 63112.For more information, visit www.ftmbc.org

Sun., Sept. 8, 3:00 p.m., New Sunny Mount M. B. Church Male Chorus 7th Annual Concert: Men Giving Consecrated Praise. 4700 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 389-4544 or visit www.newsunnymountmbc.org.

Thur., Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., Dress Circle Entertainment in association withJPEK CreativeWorks presents Kingdom Building Arts Benefit Concert. Celebrating St. Louis independent artists. Headlining ispowerhouse international songstress, Tamela Mann along with JPEK Real Life cast, Levi King & Me Too Music, God’s Chosen, Amos Isaac and Rapture, introducing Brian McKee and some surprise guests.Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King, 63112. For more information, visit www.jpek-thearts.com.

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Laffoon N’Goundo and Miguel Magassa, Gregory Smith (Chicago) and Barry Smith. It was an enjoyable party with a great home-made peach birthday cake by S.L. It was a pleasure to receive the Black Rep’s Linda Kennedy’s email announcing their September 5-15 production of the one-man show “Emergency” featuring Ron Conner. The play will be presented in Washington University’s A.E. Hotchner Theatre. Performances will be Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 ($10 for Student Rush 15 minutes before curtain). Please call The Black Rep box office at 314-534-3807.

An official Rent Party for The Black Rep was hosted recently by Centene Corporation’s Michael Niedorrf and World Wide Technology’s power couple David and Thelma Steward at the St. Louis Club in Clayton, another successful Ida G. Woolfolk production. Black Rep Box Office Manager Jamie Larson was pleased as punch at the end of the evening. The guests were many of the Black Rep’s most loyal supporters. The music and food was top-drawer with the Bosman Twins Anita Jackson and Charles Creath in the house. Black Rep Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes was overwhelmed and appreciative of the response and support of community and board members in attendance.

A few theatre lovers enjoying the scenic view of the city skyline included St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs, Lisa Gates Norwood Honorable Mike McMillan, Rita McMillan

(SLU), Keith Williamson, Esq. (Centene), Agnes Hughes, Irene Chaudry, Irene Graham, Yvonne and Farrell Chatwell Carla Lewis Longley DDS., Denise Thomas (AT&T), Mary L. Hayes Bettye and Jonathan Reed MD., Judge Judy Draper and Dave and Joyce Price Dwain Little and Marion Williams hosted a great summer pool party and bar-b-que last month at their well-appointed North County home. They were celebrating Christmas in July and belated happy birthdays to Derwin Johnson (Johnson Communication Group) and Linda Williams Clark (Urban Strategies, Silpada Jewelry). Denise Casey Althea Landrum and Brady Colvin enjoyed the pool while the host and other guests played a few rounds of bid whist. Brennan Casey was the old-school virtual DJ. The search is on for local talented Christian musicians. Pilgrim Congregational Church (UCC) is looking for a new Minister of Music Gospel, Contemporary Christian and Traditional Hymnal. Please contact Rev. Allen Grothe 314 367-8173 or write Pilgrim Church, 826 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis MO 63108. Happy 50th Anniversary to Sandra and Nathaniel Murdock, M.D.! Happy Labor Day!

Community Brief

Downtown YMCAYouth of the Year

The YMCA of Greater St. Louis recognized Amira Mellion of Conluence Preparatory Academy as the Downtown YMCA’s Youth of the Year. The branch awards are presented to youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteer their time to the Y and the community.

Mellion is involved with the YMCA Leaders Club and Youth in Government. At school, she is the class president and a member of Student Council. She is a manager for the girls’ basketball team, a teacher’s aide and helps her peers during study hall. She also works part-time at an area restaurant.

As a branch winner, she received a scholarship to Lindenwood University in St. Charles for approximately $33,000.

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hopes by presenting this event she will also provide a channel for black men to reach the younger generation.

“We hope that some of these older men can start mentoring the young guys who may come out for the event,” Owens said.

“I’m all about networking and connecting people to resources, because a lot of times people don’t know what’s out there to help them or the types of opportunities that are out there. I want them to see a man who spent 20 years in jail and now he owns his own company. By them seeing that, it will give them that hope.”

There will also be a panel discussion framed around the question, ““How do we

PARTY

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coordinator for the top-rated Ed Lover and Dr. Dre morning show, which aired on New York’s Power 105.

He’s been home for the past two years and is excited to get the Salute gig.

“I feel honored,” Kut said.

“I think about the heritage of the newspaper in our city. And finally, being able to do it like I want to do it – and to do it with MC Lyte, who is a friend of mine – we are going to have some fun.”

Lyte, a hip-hop icon and pioneer among female MCs, is

redefine the image of black men in our society?”

“I want us black women to see this,” Owens said.

“Because think about how many black women think, ‘Oh, well, I’m an independent woman. I don’t need a man.’

Imagine what that does to the black man.”

She hopes to start a conversation about black men’s presence within the community.

“My hope is that people walk away with a different perspective on black men and let go of these negative stigmas,” she said. “The black community is such a unique and powerful community, and I feel like other people recognize our power and influence before we recognize it in ourselves.”

She hopes that the event becomes a recurring one – and that black men ultimately carry the torch for “What About Us?” She wants them to

equally thrilled.

“It’s going to be lovely,” Lyte said. “I love Kut. I’ve known him for years now, so it only makes sense that if I’m in St. Louis that I hook up with Kut. Kut is the best at what he does, so I’m looking forward to it. They can expect a good time. We’re just going to have one big party and a walk down memory lane.”

Neither would spill the beans on what partygoers can expect.

“It’s a couple of topsecret things that are going to happen,” Kut said. “I can’t let the cat out of the bag, but I guarantee that nobody is going to walk out of that party disappointed.”

They have 50 years of hiphop experience between them. Now they are both popular

provide first-hand experiences to illustrate their struggles and create healthy dialogue that is true to their everyday struggles –and victories – as black men in America.

“I thought, ‘Let us come together as a community and encourage these men and let the community see these things,’” Owens said. “I hope that this event will cause a shift in people’s conversations – and will start to celebrate our men, instead of just bringing them down. These men work hard to uplift a positive image of men in the black community so please come out and support their efforts.”

“What About Us?: A Celebration of Black Manhood will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 1 – 5 p.m. at The Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd. For more information, call (314) 2813968.

radio personalities. Kut is in the 6 p.m. slot on Old School and is known for heating up some of the most anticipated shows in the area – most recently The Kings of the Mic Tour starring LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Public Enemy at Scottrade Center and The Kinfolks’ Soul Food Festival starring Gladys Knight. Lyte has enjoyed status as trailblazer since she burst on the scene as a 16-year-old raptress back in 1986. She went on to enjoy a run as one of the most respected MCs (male or female) thanks to hits like “Cha Cha Cha,” “Cram to Understand,” “Georgie Porgie,” “Ruff Neck,” “Lyte As A Rock” and countless guest features. In addition to a successful career as an actress, voice over talent and DJ, Lyte forayed into radio three years ago with “Café Mocha,” and her show is now syndicated in 30 markets.

“When I do a party I’m on a mission. It’s about rocking the crowd,” Kut said. “So St. Louis, if you want to party grown-folks style – if you want to party with class – this is your opportunity.”

Previous Salute after party celebrations have been hosted by the likes of Dougie Fresh, Biz Markie and Spinderella. And Lyte and Kut are thrilled to join the ranks of the major names who have set the party off.

“If you live in this city and you’ve never been to a St. Louis American Foundation Salute To Excellence in Education …. yo … move,” Kut said. “You lose your St. Louis card for that. But seriously, this event is going to be better than a New Year’s Eve celebration. Come on out. You have no excuse. Just come prepared to party.”

The Budweiser Black Crown after party will kick off immediately after the 26th Annual St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education (around 10 p.m.) on Friday, September 13.

Linda Williams Clark celebrated her belated happy birthday recently (along with Derwin Johnson) in a summer pool party hosted by Dwain Little and Marion Williams.

Amira Mellion (center), a senior at Conluence Preparatory Academy, is the Downtown YMCA Youth of the Year. She is pictured with Gary Schlansker, YMCA president/CEO, and James Evans, president, Lindenwood University.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

In search of tomatoes

Fun at St. Louis farmers markets

By Suzanne Corbett STL Convention & Visitors Contributor

Locavores and foodies rejoice. Tomato season is in full swing, and the search is on to find and stock up on summer’s signature garden specialty. Luckily, St. Louis’ farm markets make that search easy.

No matter if you’re searching for Big Boys, Pink Ladies, Mortgage Lifters or multi-colored heirloom varieties, St Louis’ area farmers have the tomatoes you crave, and the best place to find them is at farm markets. Among the farm markets dotting the greater St Louis area, Soulard Market, the oldest continually operating community farm market west of the Mississippi, is considered a destination, not to mention the epicenter for homegrown tomatoes

Since St Louis’ colonial beginnings, farmers and artisans have come to Soulard to sell their produce along with a unique assortment of products, including artisan cheeses, smoked meats, farm fresh eggs and on occasion, live chickens. Today Soulard Market is open yearround (Wednesday through Saturday); however, summertime, especially July through Labor Day, is when tomatoes are in season.

To get the pick of the crop and to immerse oneself in the total market experience, plan to shop on Saturday, the day the market booms with activity. Street musicians entertain while the sounds of vendors hawking their goods ring out over the crowds who stroll through the market’s four wings that converge into the Grand Hall.

The Grand Hall houses a bakery, spice shop,

florist, snack concessions and Frandeka’s Meat Market, which has operated at Soulard since the early 1900s. The Grand Hall is the place to grab a cup of joe with a donut or a beer and a brat, before or after shopping.

Market tips: Arrive early. And don’t forget to bring an extra shopping bag or basket to help carry home the bevy of tomatoes along with the other great market buys you’ll find.

Other markets

With several markets throughout St. Louis, St. Louisans and visitors alike have lots of choices if they’re looking for organic, fruit and veggies, or locally baked bread to stock up on. Here’s a guide to the city’s farmers markets.

Clayton Farmers Market Through November 2, 2013 8282 Forsyth Boulevard

Ferguson Farmers Market Through October 26, 2013 20 S Florissant Rd, Ferguson, MO 63135

The Cheshire Farmers Market. The Market at The Cheshire 7036 Clayton Ave.

Tower Grove Farmers Market

Through November 2, 2013 4256 Magnolia Ave

Schlafly Farmers Market

Through October 2013 7260 Southwest Avenue

For more information about St. Louis, log onto www.explorestlouis.com.

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(December 18-21), the Matt Wilson Quartet featuring John Medeski of Medeski Martin & Wood (January 22-25), pianist Bill Charlap with saxophonist Houston Person (February 5-8) and pianist Cyrus Chestnut with guitarist Russell Malone.

With this doubling up of headliners on the same bills, Bradford said, “you’re getting even more artists for your money this season.”

In the category of longawaited returns, Bradford said, “I’m always happy to see Regina Carter back in St. Louis” (she plays November 20-23). “She’s the first artist I ever booked when I started here.”

Bradford also is “happy to have Joe Levano back. We haven’t had him in quite some time.” The tenor saxophonist returns to Jazz St. Louis for the first time in 15 years with his group Us Five (April 30 –May 3).

In the sphere of innovative collaborations, Jazz St. Louis has some beauties this season.

Jazz St. Louis will step away from its Grand Center digs on October 18 to stage Abyssinian: A Gospel Celebration at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. Celebrating the gospel in St. Louis will be the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Chorale le Chateau, a pioneering vocal musical group directed by Damien Sneed. (This unique concert is sponsored by World Wide Technology, Inc.)

On the other end of the musical spectrum from gospel,

Jazz St. Louis will mix it up with funk in “A Night in Treme: The Musical Majesty of New Orleans” featuring The Donald Harrison Quintet (October 23-26). “With the popularity of Treme on HBO, this should be a really fun show of New Orleans funk,” Bradford said.

Other genre-benders: a collaborative effort with the St. Louis Symphony for a free community concert featuring “On Sacred Ground: Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring” arranged and performed by The Bad Plus (October 3) and conga king Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band (April 16-19). Other jazz shows: saxophonist Lou Donaldson (October 9-12), vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway, guitarist Pat Martino (December 4-7), The Bad Plus (January 8-11),

bassist Christian McBride (February 19-22), trumpeter Sean Jones (March 5-8), vocalist Jane Monheit (May 14-17) and pianist Joe Sample closing the season May 28-31. Special events: the annual Thanksgiving performance by St. Louis native trumpeter Jeremy Davenport (November 28-29); an all-star quartet of Jazz at Lincoln Orchestra veterans featuring Vincent Gardner with Walter Blanding, Kenny Rampton, and Herlin Riley (January 31-February 1); and Valentine’s Day with vocalist Erin Bode (February 14-15).

Local acts get a taste, too: pianist Dave Venn (October 19), woodwind artists the Bosman Twins (November 1-2), trumpeter Jim Manley’s Mad Brass & Rhythm (November 15-16), salsa band Musica SLESA (December 13-14), funk/jazz outfit Good 4 the Soul (December 27-28), and a New Orleans New Year with the Funky Butt Brass Band (January 3-4). Wells Fargo Advisors is the presenting sponsor of the 2013-14 Jazz at the Bistro Season, and World Wide Technology, Inc. is the presenting sponsor of the Jazz St. Louis at the Touhill Series. All shows at Jazz at the Bistro feature two sets nightly starting at 7:30 & 9:30 pm. For tickets, call the Jazz St. Louis box office 314-289-4030 or MetroTix at 314-5341111, visit www.metrotix. com or www.jazzstl.org or go in person to any MetroTix outlet or the Jazz St. Louis administrative offices at 3547 Olive Street – Suite 260. For tickets to the Touhill, call 314-516-4949, visit www.touhill.org, or go to the Touhill box office.

Regina Carter

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

50 years of family reunions

This Labor Day weekend marks the 50th annual family reunion celebration for the descendents of Minnie and Bill Boyd (formerly of Cold Water, Miss.) This year’s festivities and fun will be celebrated in Memphis, Tenn.

Birthdays

Nine years of marriage

Mamie Z.Dear celebrates her 100th birthday on August 29. Mrs. Dear enjoyed a long career as highly sought after piano player and singer. Mrs. Dear was married to Laurence Dear until he passed, and they had three children. She has been a member of Lane Tabernacle for over 60 years. Awoman of God, Georgia Austin is celebrating 100 years young and strong on September 3. May God continue to bless you richly. With love from the Austin, Thompson and Turner families.

Happy Birthday to Cynthia M. Brown on September 1. I had breast cancer and the Lord healed my body. I’m thanking God for that!

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

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

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

Beaumont High School Class of 1969 is preparing for its 45th reunion in 2014. Please join us Saturday, September 21 from Noon-3 pm at the Vagabond Mansion, 4315 Westminister Pl. for a planning meeting. Contact info: LaDonne Felton at beaumontclassof1969@yahoo.com

Beaumont High School Class

of 1983, Save the Date!

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

East St. Louis High School calling all members of the ‘74‘85 Eastside High XC teams!

AXC Reunion of runners will be held September 6-8, 2013 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville,IL.Several activities are scheduled. If you have not contacted Coach Wilson please do so ASAP, and spread the word to other runners. The

9th Wedding Anniversary to Morris and Claudette Carson on August 25!

More birthdays

Vera Spears (85) — August 25

Octavia Jeanise Riley (16) — August 31

deadline to register and make payment is Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013. For more information or to register call Coach Wilson 618-467-1486 or email: roewilson@charter.net

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

FairU-City is Sept. 6-8 in Heman Park, University City. Food Tickets: $1.25/ticket, Ride Tickets: $3.00/ticket. For more information including hours and events: info@fairucity.com or 314505-8696. Want to be a Fair U City vendor? Contact: info@fairucity.com

Old Neighborhood Reunion, Inc. will host it’s 12th Annual Street Festival on Saturday, September 21 from Noon-6 pm, 2700 Block of Howard St. (between Leffingwell and Howard St.). Music, food,

games, raffle, attendace prizes.

3rd Annual Riddick School and Evans reunion will be held on Saturday, September 7, 9 am-9 pm at the corner of Evans and Whittier. Grab your family, friends, picnic baskets, chairs, water, etc and come on out for a great time. For more info call 314-389-0956.

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

(CORRECTION) Sumner Class Of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each third Saturday of the month at 2-4 p.m. AtNew Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, 4055 Edmundson Rd., 63134. Please contact Marsha D. Roberts-Moore at sumnerclassof1974@yahoo.com, 314367-3159 or Joyce BushCruesoe at cruesoe2195@ att.net, 314-484-1552.

FREE OF CHARGE

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

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108

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

Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

SumnerClass of 1978 will host its 35th reunion on October 18-20, 2013 at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis. Contact our Class of ’78 voicemail at 314-735-1083 for more information and someone will get back to you.

Mamie Z.Dear

Georgia Austin

Cynthia M.Brown

Taking worship to the club

Equation Church holds services at The Ambassador

American staff

Mindless Behavior, Jagged Edge and Yo Gotti are a few celebrities who have recently graced The Ambassador stage, a North St. Louis County club. Unconventional in his approach, Pastor Antwain Jackson encourages people to visit the club … each Sunday for church.

Jackson, Lead Pastor of Equation Church (9800 Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63136), understands that visiting a new church can be somewhat intimidating. Questions like “What should I wear?” often arise and have a large impact on a person feeling welcome.

“We want people to feel comfortable,” Jackson said.

“We are focused on helping people experience a real God and develop a relationship with him, not on what people wear. At Equation, the majority of people wear casual attire, but your ‘Sunday’s best’ is welcome as well. Whatever you decide to wear, you will fit in at Equation Church.”

While Equation’s culture is non-denominational, cool and casual, Jackson’s preaching style and values are traditional in many respects.

“I’m just a young man who got sick of church. I’m definitely still learning,

and growing, but instead of preaching the ‘what’ alone, I preach the ‘how,’” Jackson said. “My goal is to marry the practical with the power and to teach solution-based messages.”

Or, as he wrote in a blogpost about his ministry, “Being a Christian is not just being a church member.”

fewer than 4,500 people himself.

“What attracted me to Equation Church was their untraditional approach to ministry,” Equation member Andre Thomas said. “Rather than finding out about them through conventional methods, I found them having church right at my job! Being the church without walls isn’t just

n “Being a Christian is not just being a church member.”

– Pastor Antwain Jackson

According to The Barna Group, seven out of ten young adults are leaving institutional church because church culture doesn’t alight with the society they live in, church is boring or something was lacking in their experience of church.

Equation, on the other hand, strives to attract and retain young adults as a primary constituency. He works social media to this end. Jackson has attracted more than 26,000 Twitter followers, while following

a cliché phrase at Equation, it’s truly what people live. I’m proud to be a part of this church.”

Jackson preaches that the world suffers from one big problem: unfulfilled purpose. Equation Church serves its community by helping to solve this problem with a simple equation: “Rulership + Relationship.”

Known for their $3,000 gas giveaway last year, and this year’s McDonald’s meal giveaway, Equation Church

Pastor Antwain Jackson is Lead Pastor of Equation Church, which meets on Sunday mornings at a nightclub, The Ambassador.

continuously reaches outside of their “four walls,” with the mission to love God, help people, and change the world.

“It’s just nice to be nice,” Jackson said. “We want to be a blessing to our community, show tangible love, and to let people know that someone cares about them.”

On his blog, though, Jackson keeps it real. A busy pastor can neglect his own flock at home, and Jackson admits in a brief “Confession”: “I was horrible husband and father in 2012. I was so busy that I didn’t spend the time I needed to with my family. Thank God for a wonderful family who sacrifices me to others, but I carried a tremendous guilt on my shoulders because of that in 2012.”

This taught the teacher a lesson: “I learned that after everyone that says they will be with you forever actually leave, the only people you are left with is your family.”

To learn more about the innovative Equation Church, visit equationchurch.com or call 314-599-5021.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:13-14 esv

God always has something new in store for you! Everything else in life can seem so mundane. We wake up, go to work or class, then meetings, go home, sleep, and repeat. It is easy to feel like you are just drifting through life; especially when life seems so repetitive.

But Christ always has something new for you!

Our lives are to be living sacrifices to the Lord Jesus Christ. The more we yield ourselves to Him, the more we can experience ALL He has in store for us! There is something new in store, but you must let go of the past. Something new, something greater from Christ, then you must leave the past alone. It is time for new ways of thinking. It is time for a new attitude. There is a high calling from God. Move forward in Christ and never look back!

If you want something new from God, then you must do something new. No one reaches new levels in life simply by doing the same old things.

When children want more responsibility they must prove they are ready for it. A promotion usually comes after a positive performance evaluation. And so it is with God. Only a fool would expect more from Him without putting forth any more effort.

Are you ready to experience Christ more than you ever have before? Then it’s time to study like you never have before. It is time to worship like you never have before. It is time to seek Him more diligently and more fervently.

Do you seek the Lord? Anybody can claim that they want more from God. Anybody can go on about how they want to blessed, but receiving God’s best takes work! God rewards those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Not just seek Him, but persistently go after God with a fervent passion. There is always more in store for you from God. But you have to seek God to receive His blessings. There is so much more Christ wants do in and through, but you have to be willing to seek His plans and His desires. God loves you. If you seek Him diligently, then He will always reveal more and more and more of Himself to you. Seek the Lord. Move forward in Christ with

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Better Family Life’s Malik and Deborah Ahmed with sultry soul songstress Chante Moore after she tore the stage down at the 4th Annual Peacefest Sunday night at Forest Park’s Central Field. Thousands attended the full day of activities that served as the culminating event for BFL’s family – and Moore’s headlining performance was among the highlights.

S- 2 (weeks that is). The Salute To Excellence in Education Gala is just over two weeks away and if you are anything like me, you’re taking apple cider vinegar to the head and have three seaweed body wrap appointments between now and then so you can fit in your dress. Oh, it’s just me? Well, I will be the bell of the ball for year 26 even if I have to leave the back unzipped. I have a feeling that this Salute will be one that will have people talking the rest of the year. Why?...because the Salutes have people talking about the epic good time for months after the fact EVERY YEAR. And 2013 is going to continue the legacy of LIFE thanks to the Budweiser Black Crown After Party starring MC Lyte and DJ Kut. For those of you that missed that hip-hop show at the Scottrade a few years back, this is your chance at redemption. For those of you who were in the building and wanted a second dose of Lyte’s lyrical musings…here’s your chance. And do I even need to tell y’all how Kut gets down…? Of course not. The party goes down on Friday, September 13 – yes, we’re aware that there is a lot going on that night. But can you go anywhere else and get to showcase your formalwear swag, enjoy a five star meal, take part in applauding our area’s brightest rising and legendary educators and be in the mix of an after party that will tear the roof off the suck at the same doggone time? I didn’t think so. This will sell out, so I’m encouraging all of you to call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com to get on the last lick of tickets.

An on-point Peacefest. I must give a super shout out to the folks at Better Family Life for the 4th Annual Peacefest at Forest Park. I caught the tail end of it, but I really had a ball – and I know I’m not the only one. I heard thousands came through to fellowship and enjoy the fun and sports that BFL had set up for all ages. And the thing that I loved most about Sunday is that there was complete peace for all the doubters who assume that we can’t come together and have fun without something popping off. I think it speaks to the possibilities of when you claim peace on the front end and let the community know that you think of them as respectful peace-loving people and anything else is the exception to the rule. So I’m going to give BFL two scoops of props for that. And I loved what Tracy Martin, father of Trayvon, had to say to the crowd, too. But I know y’all are waiting to hear what I made of Chante Moore’s headlining performance – so I might as well get to it. She gave me life and a basket of grits! Her Minnie Ripperton-inspired high notes and fullfledged show had me ready to ride over to Vintage Vinyl and purchase a copy of her latest CD. Y’all know plenty of times the folks come to these outdoor festivals and community events and mail it in with three songs, a medley and a swift bow right off the stage. But Chante sprinkled her heart and soul across Central Field….do you hear me? I can’t say that I lived for her half-shaved head, but the rest of her swag had me in forgiveness mode –especially the way she kept her six-inch heels on the whole show. And just when I was about to read her for a misplaced high-note, she took a sip of tea…or something and gave me seven octaves for almost seven minutes straight. And I caught such life when someone yelled out “sing ‘Stranger in My House,” and she checked them on site with a ‘baby, that’s Tamia.” Yes! I had the best time in Forest Park since Foxy Fest was still poppin’ and I can’t wait to see who BFL brings for Peacefest 5.

Dining and star gazing at the Goat. Rustic Goat had the celebrity action on round two as the restaurant teamed up with DELUX Magazine for the return of their collaborative “Dining with The Stars” event. Michael Jai White who was also a special guest at Peacefest – was the designated celebrity of the evening. But I will tell you what, if the folks had waited on him to arrive before they ate, it would have been “Breakfast with the Stars.” Chante Moore and her camp beat him to the place and they weren’t even on the bill. So did Tracy Martin. Help. It was still a nice, chill event. JPEK Creative Works turned it into a Negro Spiritual Dinner for a hot minute. Folks were a bit confused, but Ms. Moore couldn’t help but give a nod of approval when Olivia Neal was getting her solo on. I was headed out the door – as in calling it a night – when I almost bumped into the glorious, “pec-tacular” (get it) chest muscles of Michael Jai White. And he had his blouse on the second button too…seeing that man cleavage was almost worth the wait…almost. But for real, I had a good little time watching Black Dynamite mix and mingle – and enjoyed myself over all.

Natural instinct kicking it at the Blank Space. Before it was said and done, my Sunday was feeling like a Saturday after I ran around ALL day and kicked it ALL night. After dining with the stars I made my way over to the Blank Space to kick it with the black to the basics. And I really love mingling with them because they are in the building to have a good time. And with a few dance combinations they let you know in no uncertain terms that you can take all that posing and standing against the wall back north – because they have a party do exactly that.

Labor Day lineup. Speaking of kicking it on a Sunday, y’all have been counting down this three day weekend since Memorial Day, so I might as well let y’all know the places to be and people to see – from Friday through Sunday night. And there is something cracking – two or three things to be exact – every night. By now y’all know that I’m sending you over to the web for it, so visit stlamerican.com for listings that range from Jokes and Jazz with Earthquake and Vivian Green, The Eye Candy Party (at EXO for this month),

and more.

13 Black Katz, The Day Party

Stan was among the family and friends who helped b-day girl Carletta celebrate her big day with a bang Friday night @ EXO

Sasha and Tia came through for the NBA Invasion party Saturday night @ The Coliseum

Chauncia Boyd Rogers and Keith Griffin of DELUX Magazine with Tracy Martin, father of Trayvon, Sunday night @ Dining With the Stars Sunday night @ The Rustic Goat

Ariel and Kendra were lucky enough to rub elbows with film and television star Michael Jai White during DELUX’s Dining With the Stars Sunday night @ The Rustic Goat

Gena, Mercedez, Stacey and Donnita kicked their weekend off with Hella Fly’s Relax and Breathe Friday night @ EXO

Chef Ceaira and hostess Monaysia of Soho took a moment to unwind before resuming their duties Friday night

Newly signed Houston Rocket BJ Young was just one of the ballers Cee brought out as a part of his NBA Invasion Party Saturday night @ The Coliseum

Hakeem The Dream, Fresco Kane and Kyjuan came through to celebrate the life of Domonique a.k.a Stage Thursday night @ Soho

Joia Alli and Danielle Sherie couldn’t help but groove as DJ Sno blazed the tables Saturday night @ Lola

Models Savannah, Marlon and Hope had West One Promotions looking good as they kept the Remy Martin V samples flowing to the crowd Saturday night @ EXO

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Mizzou student diversity increases

American staff

On the first day of classes, the University of Missouri welcomed the most diverse student body in its history.

With 34,111 students enrolled, diversity in the student body increased 3.4 percent compared to this time last year. In spite of declining high school graduates, Mizzou’s freshman class of 6,227 is the second largest in MU’s history, second only to last year’s class of 6,560. International and outof-state students increased as well.

“We are pleased to once again welcome another very large class of students to MU,” said Ann Korschgen, vice provost for enrollment management.

“This year, we’re experiencing significant increases in our international student population and diversity on campus. This is very important as we prepare our students for a globally positioned job market because they will have the opportunity to interact with globally diverse students during their time at MU.”

The number of international students enrolled this year is currently 2,109 compared to 2,041 last year, a 3.3 percent increase. The number of minority students enrolled also rose 3.6 percent to 5,116 compared to 4,940 last year.

This year’s mean ACT score of incoming freshmen remained steady at 25.7. In comparison, students across the state of Missouri averaged 21.6 on their ACTscores, and students throughout the nation had an average score of 21.1.

“Mizzou continues to attract a large number of Bright Flight and Curators Scholars from across the state,” Korschgen said. “These high-quality students know we continue to be an institution that can prepare them for their chosen career fields and provide opportunities to enrich their educational experiences.”

Mizzou’s six-year graduation rate increased to an alltime high of 70.8 this year, indicating that as enrollments have grown, more students are staying at MU and graduating.

all traditional, non-profit U.S. higher education institutions, according to recently released survey published in Diverse Issues in Higher Education (DIHE).

The “Top 100 Degree Producers” survey for 2013 is the only national report of graduate degrees earned by African American, Hispanic, Asian American and American Indian students by U.S. colleges and universities.

ï Twelfth in Hispanic master’s degrees, all disciplines combined.

In the category of African American master’s degrees, all disciplines combined, Webster’s enrollment jumped from 1,502 last year to 1,643 this year, an increase of 9 percent. Currently, African Americans represent 30 percent of the University’s graduate student population.

$10K nursing scholarships

The University of Missouri in Columbia’s Sinclair School of Nursing will award $10,000 scholarships to 10 students admitted to the 2014-2015 accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The school is looking for traditionally underrepresented persons in the field of nursing. Qualified scholarship applicants include racial/ethnic minorities, men and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program is for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in non-nursing fields. The 15-month accelerated BSN program begins in May and ends in July the following year. Scholarship recipients also receive leadership and mentorship opportunities through its funder, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program, including a pre-entry immersion program.

Deadline for the Accelerated BSN application is October 11, 2013 and the deadline for the NCIN scholarship application is December 13, 2013.

* indicates record figure

“It is significant that our graduation rate is the highest in our history,” Korschgen said.

“This indicates that not only are large numbers of students from all over the world continuing to choose MU, they are

staying here to graduate in unprecedented numbers. This tells us that our students recognize the wonderful, diverse learning environment at MU that well prepares them for the future.”

Webster recognized for diverse graduates

Webster University’s graduate degree-seeking student population represents the largest number of individuals of diverse backgrounds among

Webster has consistently achieved top rankings since DIHE began publishing the survey in 1991.

This year, Webster’s national rankings include:

ï First among traditional non-profit universities in Total Minority and African American master’s degrees, all disciplines combined.

The NCIN program enables schools of nursing to expand student capacity in accelerated programs and build a more diverse workforce ready to serve the needs of the changing patient population. For more information, visit http://nursing.missouri.edu/aca demics/acceleratedbsn/index.php.

Delyssa Allen of Biloxi,Miss.meets